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  • Dominica’s Girl Guides set to celebrate centennial World Thinking Day with week of festivities

    Dominica’s Girl Guides set to celebrate centennial World Thinking Day with week of festivities

    The Girl Guides Association of Dominica (GGAD) has unveiled an extensive week-long program to commemorate the 100th anniversary of World Thinking Day, signaling a century of commitment to female empowerment and community service. The celebrations, scheduled from February 22-27, 2026, will engage current members across all age groups—Rainbows through Rangers—alongside alumni and the broader Dominican community.

    Under the theme “100 Years of Friendship,” the association has curated a dynamic series of events that blend tradition with contemporary engagement. The festivities will commence with an official opening ceremony and mass at Roseau Cathedral on February 22nd, featuring Her Excellency Sylvanie Burton, Chief Guide, alongside representatives from the Dominica National Scouts Organization. This will be followed by a ceremonial procession through the capital city.

    A highlight of the centennial observance includes a panel discussion titled “A Bond That Time Couldn’t Break” at the UWI Auditorium on February 23rd. This forum will examine the transformative impact of Guiding principles on Dominican society and will be broadcast live via Facebook to ensure widespread accessibility.

    Additional activities comprise National Pride Day on February 26th, where participants will proudly wear their Guide uniforms in a demonstration of collective identity, culminating in a Centenary Talent Show at St. Martin Secondary School on February 27th featuring youth performances.

    Merkwan Pacquette, Public Relations Officer of GGAD, emphasized the profound significance of this milestone: “This celebration transcends organizational recognition—it honors the countless Dominican women whose character development has been fundamentally shaped by Guiding values throughout the past century.”

    The association extends an open invitation to media representatives and the public to participate in recognizing this historic achievement, offering arranged interviews with key officials and youth ambassadors upon request.

  • 17 februari nationale vrije dag: Jaar van de Vuurslang

    17 februari nationale vrije dag: Jaar van de Vuurslang

    The Surinamese Ministry of Internal Affairs has formally declared Tuesday, February 17th as an official public holiday in recognition of Chinese New Year celebrations. Government offices will remain closed throughout the day, with the date carrying equivalent status to Sunday operational hours.

    This lunar new year marks the commencement of the Year of the Fire Snake according to the Chinese zodiac calendar. Within Chinese astrological traditions, the snake embodies wisdom, strategic acumen, intellectual precision, and profound inner resilience. The additional fire element infuses these qualities with heightened passion, transformative energy, determined action, and exceptional perseverance.

    Astrological interpretations suggest 2026 will favor deliberate decision-making over impulsive actions. The Fire Snake symbolizes calculated transformation emerging from thorough analysis, insightful planning, and impeccable timing. This period appears particularly conducive to structural reforms, strategic revisions, and institutional strengthening across personal, societal, and economic dimensions.

    However, astrologers concurrently caution that the fire element could potentially intensify tensions during conflicts of interest or emotionally charged situations. Success throughout the Fire Snake year may consequently demand heightened self-discipline, diplomatic communication, and sustained patience.

    Traditional Chinese New Year observances typically feature family reunions, temple visits, prosperity rituals, and ceremonies aimed at dispelling negative energies. For Suriname’s Chinese community and diaspora populations worldwide, these celebrations represent renewed beginnings filled with aspirations for improved health, stability, and economic prosperity.

  • Cabinet Talks Islands, Roads, and Rights

    Cabinet Talks Islands, Roads, and Rights

    In a significant session on Tuesday, the Belizean Cabinet greenlit multiple strategic initiatives spanning tourism development, human rights advancement, and transportation safety. The meeting produced concrete policy directives addressing both immediate concerns and long-term national development goals.

    Tourism infrastructure on the key island destinations of Ambergris Caye, Caye Caulker, and San Pedro received prioritized attention. Cabinet members reviewed a comprehensive assessment identifying critical challenges impacting visitor experiences. Concluding that strategic intervention is essential for sustaining the islands’ tourism viability, ministers authorized the creation of a detailed action plan with dedicated budgetary allocations for what officials termed ‘priority improvements’.

    International cooperation efforts featured prominently in the deliberations, with Cabinet receiving briefings from Belize’s International Cooperation Council. The discussions centered on outcomes from the recent Partners’ Conference, where primary focus was placed on transforming Belize’s green transition framework into bankable investment projects attractive to international partners.

    On the human rights front, Cabinet acknowledged progress by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade toward establishing Belize’s first National Human Rights Institution. An upcoming project titled ‘Advancing Human Rights in Belize: Establishing a National Human Rights Institution’ received official endorsement and will launch imminently.

    Addressing public safety concerns, Cabinet confirmed new legislative measures would be introduced during the current House sitting to empower traffic officers with enhanced enforcement capabilities. These proposed bills specifically target reckless driving behaviors and aim to significantly improve road safety nationwide through strengthened regulatory mechanisms.

  • Mohameds allowed to establish political motivation behind processing US extradition request

    Mohameds allowed to establish political motivation behind processing US extradition request

    In a significant development within Guyana’s legal landscape, Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman has authorized defense attorneys for billionaire gold dealers Azruddin Mohamed and his father Nazar “Shell” Mohamed to question a senior government official regarding alleged political motivations behind their US extradition proceedings.

    Defense counsel Siand Dhurjon presented claims that the Guyanese government engaged a US lobbying firm at a cost exceeding US$700,000 specifically to advocate for the “vilification” of the Mohameds and their subsequent extradition. The defendants face US charges including wire fraud, mail fraud, and money laundering related to their gold trading operations.

    Dhurjon asserted in court that “the US government has acted as agent of the Guyana government towards an improper political motive,” a claim that Magistrate Latchman allowed to be formally recorded despite objections from US Prosecutor Herbert McKenzie regarding relevance.

    The defense’s questioning focused on Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Sharon Roopchand-Edwards, seeking to establish connections between her governmental appointments, her relationship with President Irfaan Ali, and the handling of extradition documents. Dhurjon argued these inquiries were relevant to demonstrate “collaboration between the American and Guyanese governments as part of a plot to go after the Mohameds for political reasons.”

    Under oath, Roopchand-Edwards acknowledged knowing President Ali for several years and holding multiple government positions, including membership on the Guyana Gold Board where she participated in approving the Mohameds’ gold export licenses between 2020-2025. However, she claimed inability to recall specific negative statements made by government officials about the defendants prior to October 2025.

    The case has gained political significance since Azruddin Mohamed formed the We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) party, which secured 16 opposition seats, resulting in his appointment as Guyana’s Opposition Leader.

  • New Orleans residents tired of water issues

    New Orleans residents tired of water issues

    A persistent water infrastructure crisis is creating severe hardship for residents of New Orleans and its surrounding communities, with recurring pipe bursts and stagnant water pools becoming a distressing norm. During an onsite visit by Barbados TODAY last Friday, crews from the Barbados Water Authority were actively engaged in repairing yet another ruptured connection, highlighting the frequency of such emergencies.

    Local inhabitants report that the situation at Murphy’s Pasture entrance is particularly dire, with one male resident stating that leaks reappear constantly despite repeated municipal repairs. ‘It just reverts to this state continuously,’ he lamented. The problems extend along Sixth Avenue, where disruptions in the main supply line frequently leave households in Emmerton Pasture without running water, causing significant daily inconvenience.

    Beyond service interruptions, the accumulating stagnant water has created public health hazards. The resident described areas where rainfall collects in depressions, creating ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes. This infestation has become so severe that protective clothing is necessary indoors during evenings. Additionally, residents are questioning the justification for sewerage charges on their utility bills, arguing that many properties aren’t connected to sewage systems despite these fees.

    Another Marshall Gap resident confirmed these issues have persisted for four to five years, describing ankle-deep water accumulations that restrict mobility and create safety hazards. She shared a concerning incident where her daughter, who has pre-existing back problems, nearly fell due to slippery conditions from accumulated water and moss. The community suspects aging pipeline infrastructure is the root cause and expresses frustration over the prolonged neglect of what they consider essential public utility maintenance.

  • Trump shares racist video depicting Obamas as apes, then removes it after bipartisan outrage

    Trump shares racist video depicting Obamas as apes, then removes it after bipartisan outrage

    The White House entered crisis management mode Thursday after a video containing racially offensive imagery of Barack and Michelle Obama circulated on President Trump’s Truth Social account for nearly 12 hours. The controversial post, which superimposed the former first couple’s faces onto ape-like bodies while playing a snippet of “The Lion Sleeps Tonight,” drew immediate condemnation from both sides of the political aisle.

    Initially defending the content as “fake outrage,” the administration reversed course around noon when a White House official informed CNN that “a staffer erroneously made the post” and confirmed its removal. This explanation marked a stark contrast to the earlier stance taken by press secretary Karoline Leavitt, who had characterized the video as an innocent internet meme depicting Trump as “King of the Jungle.”

    The response from Republican leadership proved particularly significant. Senator Tim Scott (R-SC), the chamber’s sole Black Republican, labeled the content “the most racist thing I’ve seen out of this White House” and publicly urged its deletion. His sentiment was echoed by vulnerable House Republicans including Representatives Mike Lawler and Nick LaLota of New York, who called for an immediate apology from the president.

    As criticism snowballed, prominent Senate allies including Armed Services Committee Chair Roger Wicker (R-MS) and Nebraska Senator Pete Ricketts joined the chorus of disapproval, describing the post as “totally unacceptable.” Behind the scenes, sources revealed that Republican lawmakers had directly contacted Trump to discuss the incident, while White House advisers and allies engaged in frantic outreach to distance the president from the controversy.

    This incident represents the latest in a series of racially charged controversies surrounding Trump’s social media activity. The administration has yet to issue any formal apology, maintaining that the president was unaware of the video’s posting and was “very let down” by the responsible staffer.

  • Ramadan: NDP start landelijke voedselondersteuning voor moskeeën

    Ramadan: NDP start landelijke voedselondersteuning voor moskeeën

    In preparation for the holy month of Ramadan, Suriname’s National Democratic Party (NDP) will commence nationwide distribution of food supplies to 285 mosques starting February 17th. This initiative aims to support the organization of iftar meals, enabling Muslim communities to break their fast with dignity and communal spirit.

    The party stated that this program aligns with its core principles of solidarity, social justice, and respect for religious diversity. Ramadan is recognized as a period of reflection, discipline, and compassion for others. By supporting mosques during this significant time, the NDP seeks to foster social cohesion and strengthen community bonds.

    Emphasizing Suriname’s multicultural fabric, the party highlighted that religious and cultural differences serve as foundations for mutual understanding and national unity. The Ramadan assistance program reflects NDP’s commitment to actively engaging all communities in building a just and harmonious society.

    Through this annual support initiative, the NDP reinforces its connection with the community and maintains visible presence during moments of importance to large segments of the population.

    The food distribution will be coordinated through the party’s regional structures across various districts. NDP members have been tasked with organizing and implementing the program to ensure efficient, orderly, and equitable distribution of food packages to all recipient mosques.

  • Stewart named businessman/philanthropist of the year

    Stewart named businessman/philanthropist of the year

    Adam Stewart, Executive Chairman of Sandals Resorts International, has received the distinguished Businessman/Philanthropist of the Year award for 2025 from Caribbean National Weekly (CNW), recognizing his exceptional leadership and humanitarian contributions during a period of both remarkable achievements and significant regional challenges.

    The regional publication highlighted Stewart’s multifaceted accomplishments throughout the year, including his strategic guidance of the luxury hospitality empire, substantial investments in Caribbean tourism infrastructure, and exemplary crisis management capabilities. His invitation to join the prestigious Wall Street Journal CEO Council further underscored his standing as a globally respected business leader.

    A pivotal moment in Stewart’s leadership emerged during late October’s Hurricane Melissa, which inflicted severe damage on Jamaica’s tourism infrastructure. Stewart orchestrated a comprehensive response strategy featuring transparent communication with international travel partners and a groundbreaking commitment to employee welfare. He guaranteed full payroll continuity and Christmas bonuses for all Sandals and Beaches employees, including those at temporarily closed resorts undergoing restoration. The company additionally allocated over US$3 million in direct staff recovery assistance for storm-affected families.

    Under Stewart’s stewardship, the Sandals Foundation achieved record levels of community engagement, delivering targeted disaster-recovery support across healthcare systems, livelihood restoration, and environmental conservation initiatives throughout the Caribbean region.

    In accepting the honor, Stewart expressed profound humility, emphasizing the collective nature of the achievement. “This award reflects far more than any one individual. It is a direct result of people showing up every day for their communities and believing business is a force for good,” he stated. He dedicated the recognition to the organization’s teams and the Sandals Foundation for their ongoing work in education, healthcare, disaster relief, and environmental stewardship.

  • How Will a Telecommunications Monopoly Affect Students?

    How Will a Telecommunications Monopoly Affect Students?

    The National Students’ Union of Belize (NSUB) has launched a vigorous campaign against Belize Telemedia Limited’s proposed acquisition of Speednet/SMART, characterizing the potential merger as a threat to educational equity and youth development. The student organization issued an official declaration on February 6, 2026, asserting that the consolidation would establish a telecommunications monopoly with detrimental consequences for Belize’s younger generation.

    The union’s position paper outlines multiple areas of concern, emphasizing that the proposed market consolidation would likely result in increased service costs, diminished innovation incentives, and reduced consumer options. The statement particularly highlights how these market changes would adversely affect educational accessibility, noting that reliable and affordable internet connectivity has become indispensable for academic research, digital learning platforms, and career development opportunities.

    Beyond economic considerations, the NSUB criticized the decision-making process itself, noting the conspicuous absence of youth representation during consultation phases. The union characterized this oversight as particularly troubling given that young people constitute one of the most affected demographics. Their declaration emphasized: ‘It is deeply concerning that this proposal has advanced without meaningful consultation with key stakeholders, including the youth and student communities whose lives it will impact most profoundly.’

    The student body has formally petitioned the Government of Belize, the Public Utilities Commission, and relevant regulatory authorities to outright reject the acquisition proposal. They demand robust protection of market competition and insist on comprehensive public consultations, specifically including youth representation, before any regulatory decisions are finalized. The NSUB’s statement concluded with a firm commitment to oppose any proceedings that ‘subvert the democratic nature of our country, bypassing public input and transparency in favour of concentrated corporate control.’

  • U.S. issues statement condemning participation in Cuban medical mission program across the board

    U.S. issues statement condemning participation in Cuban medical mission program across the board

    The United States has escalated its diplomatic offensive against Cuba’s international medical mission programs, issuing a formal condemnation of foreign governments that participate in these initiatives. In a strongly worded statement, U.S. officials characterized these medical deployments as systematic human rights violations, accusing partner nations of becoming accomplices in what they described as exploitative labor practices.

    The American position maintains that Cuba’s medical system operates through coercive mechanisms that violate fundamental worker rights, and that countries engaging with these programs directly enable the Cuban government’s alleged exploitation of medical professionals. The statement emphasized that financial arrangements between Cuba and participating nations effectively subsidize these questionable practices while undermining ethical international labor standards.

    U.S. officials presented alternative pathways for Caribbean nations seeking medical personnel, suggesting ethical recruitment channels exist that don’t involve partnering with Cuba’s controversial program. The statement specifically urged the international community to reject what it termed ‘forced labor schemes’ and demand greater accountability from the Cuban government regarding its treatment of medical workers.

    The declaration concluded with a call for collective action, emphasizing that genuine progress in human rights protection requires unified international adherence to ethical standards. The U.S. government reaffirmed its commitment to holding accountable those entities and nations that facilitate or participate in forced labor practices, positioning this stance as part of broader human rights advocacy.