作者: admin

  • Firearm, suspected marijuana found

    Firearm, suspected marijuana found

    In a significant law enforcement operation, authorities in Guyana uncovered a cache of illegal items during a raid at a residence in Cromarty Farm, Corentyne, East Berbice. The Guyana Police Force reported the discovery of a .32 caliber firearm, ammunition, and suspected marijuana on Tuesday, November 18, 2025. The search, conducted by senior officers, led to the arrest of two individuals: a 43-year-old farmer and his 55-year-old partner, who works part-time. The firearm and one round of ammunition were found concealed under a mattress in a bedroom. Additionally, two more rounds of ammunition and small transparent Ziplock bags containing eight grams of leaves, seeds, and stems believed to be cannabis were discovered in another part of the house. Ballistic experts are set to examine the firearm to confirm its specifications. This operation highlights ongoing efforts by law enforcement to combat illegal activities in the region.

  • Dominica celebrates World Fisheries Day 2025 this week

    Dominica celebrates World Fisheries Day 2025 this week

    The Fisheries Department under the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Blue and Green Economy has unveiled its comprehensive plans for World Fisheries Day 2025, observed globally on November 21. This year’s theme, “Small-Scale Fisheries: Building Blue Economies,” highlights the pivotal role of coastal communities and the urgent need for sustainable marine resource management. Honorable Jullan Defoe, Minister for Fisheries and the Blue Economy, will deliver the keynote address, broadcast live on Dominica Broadcasting Station (DBS). The event, scheduled for November 21 at the Roseau Fisheries Complex, will commence at 9:30 AM and feature a recognition ceremony, panel discussions, and award presentations for competitions such as the poster contest and biggest catch contest. The proceedings will be streamed live via Government Information Services (GIS) and Emo News, ensuring nationwide participation. A significant highlight of the ceremony will be the handover of fishing equipment and safety gear to local fisher groups by the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), as part of the BIOSPACE Project supported by the European Union. The panel discussion, moderated by Chief Fisheries Officer Mr. Derrick Theophille, will include experts Mr. Norman Norris, Mr. Harold Guiste, and Mr. Simon Walsh, addressing critical topics such as marine protected areas, small-scale fisheries, and coral conservation. Preceding the main event, students from Massacre, Roseau, and Goodwill Primary Schools will attend an educational Marine Awareness Session in Soufriere on November 19, where they will explore the Soufriere-Scott’s Head Marine Reserve (SSMR) and visit the Coral Rescue Centre. The Fisheries Division encourages public participation in the celebrations, urging citizens to support local fisheries and contribute to marine conservation efforts.

  • Reflecting on passage of PISLM CSIDS Bill 2025

    Reflecting on passage of PISLM CSIDS Bill 2025

    On November 4, 2025, Grenada’s Parliament made a historic move by enacting the Partnership Initiative for Sustainable Land Management (PISLM) Bill for Caribbean Small Island Developing States (CSIDS). This legislation formalizes two critical agreements: the Agreement Establishing PISLM and the Headquarters Agreement between PISLM and the Government of Grenada. With this, Grenada becomes the official host of PISLM, an intergovernmental organization tasked with advancing the Caribbean’s commitments under the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) and related global frameworks on sustainable land and soil management. This decision places Grenada at the forefront of regional efforts to protect and sustainably manage its most vital natural resources. The bill arrives at a crucial time, as land degradation in Grenada and across the Caribbean accelerates due to deforestation, poor agricultural practices, overgrazing, and sand mining, exacerbated by extreme climate events. These practices undermine the land’s ability to provide essential ecosystem services, threatening food and water security, biodiversity, and community welfare. The legislation establishes a robust framework to combat land degradation, enhance climate resilience, and promote sustainable livelihoods, particularly in rural areas. It also aligns with Grenada’s National Sustainable Development Plan and Vision 75, reinforcing the nation’s commitment to environmental stewardship. Hosting PISLM’s headquarters offers Grenada significant advantages, including enhanced capacity in sustainable land management, opportunities for scientific research, and knowledge sharing. This positions Grenada as a regional leader in evidence-based environmental policies. The progress of PISLM, under the leadership of Dr. Ronen Francis and the Regional Council, marks a transformative step toward resilient development and underscores the importance of sustainable land management in achieving long-term environmental and socio-economic goals.

  • Men in Maroon keep eyes on 2027 World Cup

    Men in Maroon keep eyes on 2027 World Cup

    Despite trailing in their three-match ODI series against New Zealand, the West Indies cricket team remains steadfast in their pursuit of an automatic qualification spot for the 2027 ICC 50-over World Cup. Assistant coach Floyd Reifer emphasized the team’s mission to secure their place in the prestigious tournament, scheduled to be hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia. The top eight teams in the ICC ODI rankings as of March 31, 2027, will join the host nations in securing automatic berths, leaving the remaining four spots to be contested in qualifying tournaments—a scenario the West Indies are determined to avoid. Currently, the Men in Maroon hold the ninth position in the rankings, just two rating points ahead of Bangladesh, making every match in the ongoing series against New Zealand crucial. Reifer highlighted the team’s progress since missing the 2023 World Cup, noting significant improvements in their batting and recent series victories that have boosted their ranking. ‘We’re trying to work on our consistency in all three departments,’ Reifer stated, expressing optimism about the team’s development. The West Indies’ immediate goal is to recover from their first-game defeat and level the series in the second ODI on Tuesday in Napier. Their broader objective remains clear: win matches, accumulate ranking points, and secure their place in the 2027 World Cup.

  • Saint Lucia beaten again in Concacaf Series football

    Saint Lucia beaten again in Concacaf Series football

    The Saint Lucia national men’s football team, known as the Piton Boyz, find themselves at the bottom of Group A in the Concacaf Friendly Series following consecutive defeats. Their latest setback came on November 15, when they suffered a 3-1 loss to St Vincent & the Grenadines (SVG) at Estadio Cibao in Santiago, Dominican Republic. This result compounded their earlier 3-0 defeat to Cuba, leaving the team with significant challenges to address ahead of their next matches in March 2024. SVG, on the other hand, managed to split their two away games, showcasing a more resilient performance. The match saw Vincentian captain Oalex Anderson open the scoring in the 12th minute, followed by a quick second goal from Diel Spring. Saint Lucia’s captain, Caniggia Elva, pulled one back before halftime, but Azhino Solomon’s 62nd-minute strike sealed the win for SVG. The series, designed to keep teams eliminated from 2026 World Cup qualifying engaged during FIFA international windows, also saw Cuba secure a 2-0 victory over Martinique in another Group A fixture. SVG’s head coach, Ezra Hendrickson, praised his team’s development and dominance in the match against Saint Lucia, highlighting their ability to control the game from the outset.

  • Nieuw informatiesysteem versterkt Surinames bewaking van diergezondheid

    Nieuw informatiesysteem versterkt Surinames bewaking van diergezondheid

    Suriname has taken a significant leap forward in animal disease monitoring and control with the development of a state-of-the-art Information System on Animal Health. This initiative, supported by Chilean expert José Ignacio Gomez, a specialist in surveillance systems, aims to significantly enhance the nation’s ability to track and manage animal diseases. A dedicated team from the Directorate of Livestock has recently completed training in data analysis, epidemiological assessment, and disease management, equipping them with the necessary expertise to operate the new system effectively. Dr. Gomez highlighted the team’s transformation from novices to experts, stating, ‘The surveillance team had no prior experience but is now fully proficient.’

    A robust surveillance program is critical for any country, not only facilitating cross-border trade in animal products but also safeguarding the economy. The outbreak of animal diseases can lead to skyrocketing food prices and substantial economic losses, making early detection and expert intervention essential. The urgency to remain vigilant has grown as exotic animal diseases edge closer to Suriname. Three severe diseases—Avian Influenza in poultry, African Swine Fever in pigs, and Foot and Mouth Disease in cattle—are already present in various Caribbean, South, and Central American countries. In response, Dr. Gomez and the surveillance team have developed a national emergency plan to address potential outbreaks swiftly.

    Additionally, the team has crafted a comprehensive preparedness plan for critical animal diseases. The implementation of the new animal health and disease surveillance information system marks a significant milestone, with Dr. Gomez noting that only a few well-developed countries possess similar systems. ‘The system is implemented, operational, and user-friendly,’ he emphasized. The platform can be updated anytime, from any location, and is accessible exclusively to authorized users.

    With these advancements, Suriname is leading the Caribbean region in modern animal disease surveillance, bolstering its readiness to combat potential outbreaks effectively.

  • Een leven vol natuur en fotografie

    Een leven vol natuur en fotografie

    Luo Hong, a celebrated Chinese photographer and entrepreneur, has dedicated his life to capturing the breathtaking beauty of nature and wildlife through his lens. His journey, deeply influenced by his parents’ advice to ‘always stay true to yourself and bring joy to others,’ has shaped both his personal and professional life. Renowned for his masterful nature photography, Luo Hong’s work reflects a profound respect for the natural world.

  • Teen Talent, Over-21 stars crowned in Richard Stoute competitions

    Teen Talent, Over-21 stars crowned in Richard Stoute competitions

    The Richard Stoute Teen Talent and Over 21 competitions recently concluded, showcasing remarkable performances and awarding over $30,000 in cash prizes. In the Teen Talent category, Dacia Moore claimed victory with an impressive 1,253 points, securing the grand prize of $10,000. Crayshanda St Hill followed in second place with 1,162 points, earning $5,000, while Joshua Osbourne took third place with 1,142 points and $3,500. Kymani Devonish and Chelsea Cadogan-Goddard rounded out the top five, receiving $2,000 and $1,000, respectively. In the Over 21 category, Kyrique Alleyne dominated with 1,283 points, winning the top prize of $3,000. Dave Cumberbatch and Lisa Hackett secured second and third places, earning $2,000 and $1,500, respectively. Zadora Griffith and Benoni Blackett completed the top five, receiving $1,000 and $750. Special awards included the Richard Stoute Award, recognizing team spirit and deportment, which went to ZZ Cumberbatch (Teen Talent) and Kyrique Alleyne (Over 21). The Best Spouge Performance Award, worth $500, was awarded to Teen Talent Damario Foster. The National Cultural Foundation praised all participants for their dedication and thanked the public for their unwavering support.

  • NTI at 5, toasts lifelong learners

    NTI at 5, toasts lifelong learners

    Barbados marked a significant milestone in its journey toward digital empowerment as the National Transformation Initiative (NTI) celebrated its fifth anniversary with a grand awards ceremony at Ilaro Court. The event, titled ‘A Night with the STARRS,’ honored individuals who have embraced lifelong learning through the NTI, showcasing achievements in inclusion, innovation, and personal growth.

  • Community leader named one of world’s most influential Muslims

    Community leader named one of world’s most influential Muslims

    Suleiman Bulbulia, a prominent community activist from Barbados, has been honored as one of the world’s 500 most influential Muslims in the 2026 edition of *The Muslim 500*. This prestigious recognition underscores Barbados’ growing influence in global faith and leadership spheres. Bulbulia expressed profound humility and gratitude for the accolade, emphasizing that it reflects not only his personal achievements but also the collective pride of Barbados. He joins Guyana’s President Mohamed Irfaan Ali as one of two new Caribbean entrants in this year’s list.

    Produced by the Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Centre, *The Muslim 500* annually highlights individuals who have made significant contributions to the Islamic community worldwide. Bulbulia, a seasoned business and community leader with over three decades of experience in international relations and business management, has been instrumental in advancing Barbados’ socio-economic interests globally. His expertise in fostering cross-cultural cooperation and addressing global political and social issues has earned him widespread respect.

    Bulbulia, who is fluent in English and has a working knowledge of Arabic, has held key roles in various organizations, including serving as secretary of the Barbados Muslim Association and chairing the National NCD Commission. His dedication to promoting inclusivity, mutual respect, and bridging societal divides in underprivileged communities earned him the Silver Trident of Excellence award in 2021.

    In his remarks, Bulbulia stressed that this recognition reinforces his commitment to serving his community and contributing to national development. He expressed gratitude to his family, friends, colleagues, and faith community for their unwavering support. Bulbulia’s inclusion in *The Muslim 500* not only celebrates his impactful work but also shines a spotlight on Barbados’ role in global faith and leadership.