As Suriname marks its 50th anniversary of independence in 2025, the nation reflects on its rich cultural heritage, symbolized by its flag and the unifying power of football. The Surinamese flag, with its five horizontal stripes and a central yellow star, represents progress, freedom, justice, fertility, and unity among diverse ethnic groups. The star, with its five points, signifies the major population groups and a golden future. This symbolism extends beyond the flag, permeating Surinamese society and its diaspora. Football has played a pivotal role in fostering unity and pride. Historical matches, such as the 1976 friendly between Ajax and Robinhood, highlight the sport’s ability to bring people together. The diaspora, particularly in the Netherlands, has remained deeply connected to Suriname, with notable figures like Errol Emanuelson and Kenneth Kluivert contributing to this bond. The ‘Natio’ bus, painted in the colors of the Surinamese flag, symbolizes this enduring connection, traveling through Suriname and beyond, carrying the spirit of unity and resilience. As Suriname looks to the future, the diaspora continues to play a crucial role in shaping the nation’s identity, ensuring that the legacy of independence and unity endures for generations to come.
作者： admin
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Palestine condemns Israeli violations and calls for international aid
In a strongly worded statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates accused a neighboring nation of perpetrating severe crimes and conducting a campaign of extermination against a densely populated coastal enclave, home to over two million people. The ministry condemned a recent surge in violent attacks that resulted in the deaths of 22 Palestinians, labeling these actions as blatant violations of international and humanitarian laws. The statement emphasized that the ongoing aggressive policies of the far-right government in the occupying state are clear indicators of its intent to sabotage any prospects for peace. Furthermore, the ministry criticized the occupying state for enforcing oppressive measures that blatantly disregard fundamental human rights and international legal principles. In light of these developments, the Foreign Ministry urged the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) and key ceasefire guarantor nations, particularly the United States, to take immediate and decisive action to address the situation and uphold their responsibilities.
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Switzerland advocates for inclusive talks for peace in Ukraine
Switzerland has reaffirmed its commitment to facilitating diplomatic negotiations by maintaining open channels with all involved parties in the ongoing conflict. The Swiss Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized its readiness to host talks on its neutral territory, aiming to broker a fair and lasting peace. This announcement came in response to inquiries about the potential for negotiations in Geneva, a city historically known for hosting pivotal diplomatic discussions. The Ministry underscored its support for any initiatives that promote stability and fairness in resolving the crisis. Concurrently, political analysts have highlighted the growing urgency for a negotiated solution, particularly in light of unilateral proposals from the United States that have strained relations among European allies. Earlier this week, reports from U.S. media suggested that Russia and the United States have been engaged in secret consultations, reportedly drafting a 28-point plan to address the conflict between Kiev and Moscow. Switzerland’s proactive stance underscores its role as a neutral mediator in international disputes, offering a platform for dialogue amidst escalating tensions.
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Bradshaw’s service recognised with renaming of resource centre
The St Michael South East community gathered in jubilation on Friday evening to celebrate the renaming of the Parkinson Resource Centre to the Delisle Bradshaw Resource Centre, paying tribute to the former government minister and long-standing constituency representative. The event, marked by heartfelt speeches and cultural performances, underscored Bradshaw’s enduring legacy of service and mentorship.
Delisle Bradshaw, accompanied by his daughter and Deputy Prime Minister Santia Bradshaw, was greeted with warmth and admiration. Santia, the current parliamentary representative for the area, described the occasion as profoundly meaningful, emphasizing that the honor was particularly special as it originated from the community. She expressed gratitude to former politician Hamilton Lashley and cultural practitioner Rodney Grant for organizing the event, highlighting her father’s values of equality and compassion.
Santia reflected on her father’s teachings, stating, “He always taught us to treat people equally, regardless of their political affiliations, and to focus on helping others.” She credited his influence for her own commitment to public service, acknowledging, “I would not be where I am today without the lessons he imparted.”
Prime Minister Mia Mottley also lauded Bradshaw’s unwavering dedication, noting his continued contributions to the community long after his active political career. She praised his resilience, stating, “You have known what it is to give and persist despite the odds.” Mottley further credited his mentorship as instrumental in shaping her political journey and decision-making.
The Prime Minister emphasized the importance of community centers, stating, “This vocational centre remains a vital asset to the community, and it is fitting that it now bears your name.” The evening featured performances by the Pinelands Creative Workshop and reggae band Rite Side of Red, adding a vibrant cultural touch to the celebration.
The renaming ceremony not only honored Delisle Bradshaw’s legacy but also reinforced the significance of community-driven initiatives and the enduring impact of dedicated public service.
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Saint Lucians make their mark at West Indies women’s camp
As the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in England looms on the horizon, the West Indies women’s cricket team is leaving no stone unturned in their preparations. Twenty senior players are currently engaged in an intensive eight-week training camp in Antigua and Barbuda, with three Saint Lucians playing pivotal roles—players Qiana Joseph and Zaida James, and coach Dalton Polius. The camp, which commenced on October 20, has been marked by rigorous practice sessions and a renewed focus on technical improvements. Polius, who has been working closely with the team’s batters under head coach Shane Deitz, expressed his satisfaction with the progress made so far. He highlighted the players’ dedication to refining their skills, particularly in batting, bowling, and fielding. Polius also praised the rapid development of Zaida James, noting her increased confidence and technical prowess. Similarly, Qiana Joseph, who has emerged as a dynamic opening batter, has set ambitious goals for the upcoming year, driven by personal motivation and a desire to honor the memory of a close friend. The West Indies women’s team faces a packed schedule in 2026, including six international tours and their first Test match in decades, making this camp a crucial step in their journey toward global success.
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Over 8 000 names flagged for removal from voters’ register
The Electoral and Boundaries Commission (EBC) of Barbados has initiated a significant overhaul of the national voter register, targeting the removal of 8,291 names following the country’s first comprehensive enumeration exercise in over three decades. Chairman Ramon Alleyne, a King’s Counsel, announced the initiative during a press briefing at Warrens Towers, St Michael, emphasizing the commission’s commitment to creating the most accurate and up-to-date electoral list in decades.
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Table tennis supergirl Shatal Charles off to Chinese camp
At just 15 years old, Shatal Charles, a table tennis prodigy from Saint Lucia, is making waves in the international sports arena. Originally from Vieux Fort and now residing in Anse La Raye, Charles is set to take a monumental step toward her dream of becoming an Olympian. From December 3 to 11, she will participate in the prestigious ITTF Global Youth Training Camp in Chengdu, China, as one of only nine athletes selected from the Americas and the sole representative from the Caribbean among 42 participants. This opportunity follows her recent accolade as Saint Lucia’s Female Student Athlete of the Year for 2024. Charles’ journey to this point has been nothing short of remarkable. She recently dominated the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) championships in Grenada, where she remained unbeaten in the team competition and secured a silver medal in women’s singles. Her stellar performance also earned her the MVP title. Earlier this year, Charles clinched multiple victories, including three categories at the Independence Day Classic Table Tennis Championships and titles in both the Under-15 and Under-19 divisions at the LQ Classic Junior Table Tennis Tournament in Grenada. Her partnership with Leshon Francis has also been fruitful, as the duo claimed a mixed doubles bronze at the Caribbean Youth Championships in Barbados. Charles’ rapid ascent in the sport is a testament to her dedication and resilience. Introduced to table tennis just four years ago by her physical education teacher, Cuthbert Popo, she has since honed her skills under the guidance of coach Chris Wells. Despite her young age, Charles has already achieved significant milestones, including Caribbean and OECS titles. Beyond her athletic prowess, Charles is a determined individual with aspirations of becoming a lawyer. She balances her rigorous training schedule with her academic pursuits and personal interests, such as watching superhero movies. Reflecting on her journey, Charles shared, ‘Table tennis is what keeps me calm. It makes me happy. I really love it. Trying to reach my goal, you know, setting a goal that I want to reach.’ Her unwavering mentality and commitment to constant improvement have set her apart, even when competing against world-ranked players. As she prepares for the ITTF camp, Charles remains focused on her ultimate goal: representing Saint Lucia on the Olympic stage before her 20th birthday. Her story is still unfolding, but it is clear that Shatal Charles is destined for greatness.
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Politie administratie wordt volledig digitaal
The police force is preparing for a significant transformation as it transitions to a fully digital administrative system starting next year. During a presentation at the headquarters on Duisburglaan, leaders and staff were introduced to the plans for a paperless workflow. The session involved intensive brainstorming on practical implementation, including how secretariats will process, manage, and archive documents digitally, the technical requirements needed, and how employees will be supported during this transition. Automation aims not only to drastically reduce paper usage but also to enhance the accessibility, processing speed, and reliability of information. Participants were briefed on the benefits of digital processes, ranging from more efficient workflows to improved security and fewer administrative errors. The Public Relations department explained how the new methods will be gradually implemented and how the ICT department will provide support. A pilot project will commence in January 2026, involving all secretariats in the new paperless system. The results will be used to refine the system before its full rollout across the organization. This move towards a paperless administration marks a significant step in modernizing the police force’s internal processes and strengthening its professional operations.
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Doctors urge early cancer screening to save lives
The Barbados Association of Medical Practitioners (BAMP) convened its annual conference this Saturday, focusing on the critical theme ‘A Holistic Approach to Cancer Care.’ The two-day event gathered prominent medical experts who underscored the alarming trend of Barbadians presenting with cancer at advanced stages. Consultant urologist Dr. Paul Rouse delivered a compelling presentation, revealing that Barbados continues to experience disproportionately high prostate cancer mortality rates. He emphasized that relying solely on symptoms is insufficient, stating, ‘Some patients have symptoms; some don’t. The absence of symptoms does not mean the absence of disease.’ Dr. Rouse advocated for Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) testing, noting that early detection significantly enhances treatment outcomes. ‘Detecting the disease at an asymptomatic stage is crucial. Implementing lifestyle changes, medical management, or surgical interventions can dramatically improve prognosis,’ he explained. While PSA testing is not flawless, advancements in diagnostic tools have significantly improved accuracy. Dr. Rouse also highlighted the availability of advanced urological care in Barbados, reducing the need for patients to seek treatment abroad. Consultant gastroenterologist Dr. Avenello Maynard echoed the urgency of early detection, citing global and local statistics. ‘In 2022, over 1.9 million people were diagnosed with colorectal cancer, making it the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally. Barbados faces a high incidence and mortality rate, particularly among males,’ he said. Dr. Maynard stressed that early diagnosis is life-saving, as colorectal cancer typically develops over 10 to 20 years, allowing for less invasive treatment options. General surgeon Dr. Ian Lewis addressed breast cancer, the most common cancer among Barbadian women, emphasizing the importance of early detection. He discussed how digital mammography, combined with proper breast compression and skilled interpretation, has improved detection rates. ‘Screening is secondary prevention, aimed at identifying disease before symptoms appear,’ he stated. Dr. Lewis also highlighted the evolution of mammography technology and the importance of understanding breast density for accurate detection. He urged women to adhere to recommended screening schedules, noting that mammography remains the most effective tool for reducing breast cancer mortality. ‘The earlier we detect it, the better the outcome,’ he concluded.
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Antigua and Barbuda Climate Ambassador Says COP30 Deal Lacks Ambition but Offers “Platform to Build On”
Antigua and Barbuda’s Climate Change Ambassador, Ruleta Camacho-Thomas, has expressed deep disappointment with the outcomes of COP30, stating that the final agreement lacks the necessary ambition to safeguard the world’s most vulnerable nations. Speaking to BBC News from Belém, Brazil, Camacho-Thomas highlighted the limited progress made at the summit, particularly in areas of mitigation, adaptation, and climate finance. She criticized the exclusion of fossil fuels from the final text and the minimal attention given to deforestation, describing these omissions as significant setbacks. Despite these shortcomings, she acknowledged that negotiators managed to prevent any regression from previous agreements, maintaining a fragile equilibrium. Camacho-Thomas pointed to the inclusion of language on tripling adaptation finance as a hard-won achievement, though she emphasized that this pledge remains insufficient. She stressed the urgent need for implementation of both current and past COP agreements, warning that small island states cannot afford to wait for future summits to address their pressing climate challenges. The ambassador expressed cautious optimism that Brazil, which holds the COP presidency until next year, will push for greater ambition in the coming months. However, she underscored the necessity for immediate action, particularly in discussions on fossil fuels and adaptation. Despite her frustrations with the slow pace of negotiations, Camacho-Thomas defended the COP process as a critical platform for developing countries and small island states to voice their concerns and secure binding decisions. With Antigua and Barbuda facing escalating climate impacts, including intensifying storms and rising sea levels, she called for urgent international assistance to bolster resilience and mitigate future losses.