The BBC has been thrust into turmoil as its Director-General, Tim Davie, and CEO of BBC News, Deborah Turness, resigned following allegations of deceptive editing in a documentary featuring former U.S. President Donald Trump. The controversy erupted over a documentary aired just before the 2024 U.S. election, which spliced segments of Trump’s speech to imply he incited violence against lawmakers. Specifically, the BBC combined two separate statements: ‘We’re going to walk down to the Capitol, and we’re going to cheer our brave senators and congressmen and women,’ and ‘I’ll be with you. And we fight. Fight like hell.’ The edited version made it appear as though Trump was urging violence. Trump praised the resignations, labeling the executives as ‘very dishonest people’ and accusing the BBC of attempting to influence the election. Despite the upheaval, the BBC maintains its reputation as a trusted news source globally. Both Davie and Turness defended the corporation, with Davie emphasizing its ‘gold standard’ status and Turness rejecting claims of institutional bias as ‘wrong.’
作者： admin
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Shanghai: een bruisende mix van geschiedenis, innovatie en cultuur
Shanghai, China’s largest city, stands as a global powerhouse in economics, trade, and culture. Nestled at the mouth of the Yangtze River, it serves as a vital port and financial hub, attracting international investments and businesses. The city is renowned for its dynamic blend of modernity and tradition, where towering skyscrapers coexist with historic neighborhoods and cultural landmarks. Shanghai plays a pivotal role in China’s rapid economic growth and global integration, making it a city of immense significance.
During a visit by participants of the China International Press Communication Center 2025 Program, the city’s cultural melting pot and thriving innovation were immediately evident. Shanghai’s substantial investments in infrastructure, technology, and sustainable development have positioned it as one of the world’s most progressive cities. Its strategic location, diverse economy, and rich history make it not only an economic powerhouse but also a cultural icon shaping China’s future.
The Bund: A Historical Waterfront
Our first stop was The Bund, an iconic waterfront along the western bank of the Huangpu River. Bustling with activity, The Bund is famed for its row of historic buildings that reflect Shanghai’s colonial and trading history. As the sun sets, the waterfront is bathed in a golden glow, enhancing its charm. Developed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, The Bund became the financial and commercial heart of Shanghai, influenced by Western powers. Architecturally, it offers an eclectic mix of styles, including neoclassical, art deco, and gothic, with notable structures like the Peace Hotel and the Custom House. Today, The Bund symbolizes Shanghai’s openness and modernization, serving as a popular tourist attraction and cultural emblem.Shanghai Tower: A Modern Marvel
Next, we visited the Shanghai Tower, a hypermodern skyscraper in the Lujiazui financial district. Standing at 632 meters, it is China’s tallest building and the second tallest in the world, after Dubai’s Burj Khalifa. The tower’s observation deck offers breathtaking views of the city, reached via a high-speed elevator that ascends at 18 meters per second. Despite the crowds, the experience is worth the 190 yuan (approximately $27) ticket price. The Shanghai Tower is a testament to China’s technological advancement, economic strength, and sustainable architecture, featuring energy-efficient systems and innovative construction techniques.A Magical Boat Ride on the Huangpu River
Our journey concluded with a boat ride on the Huangpu River, offering a unique perspective of The Bund and the Shanghai Tower. Despite the chilly weather, the experience was unforgettable. The illuminated waterfront, with its ever-changing colors, created a fairy-tale-like atmosphere. The boat trip provided a different view of the Shanghai Tower, highlighting its sleek, spiraling design that reduces wind load. The tower, completed in 2015, houses offices, hotels, shopping centers, and observation decks, symbolizing Shanghai’s rapid growth and modernization.The Bund, viewed from the river, resembles an open-air museum of Western architectural styles from the early 20th century. Each building, originally housing foreign banks, trading firms, or consulates, reflects the identity and prestige of its owners. After approximately half an hour, the boat returned to the dock, leaving us with magical memories of a city that seems straight out of a storybook.
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CDB and RevUP Caribbean unveil ongoing support platform for entrepreneurs across the Caribbean
The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) has partnered with RevUP Caribbean to unveil the RevUP Founders Growth and Community Support Network, a groundbreaking digital platform designed to provide continuous support to entrepreneurs across the Caribbean. This initiative, backed by a USD 250,000 technical assistance grant from CDB, marks a significant advancement in regional entrepreneurial development. The announcement was made at a recent RevUP Caribbean event, where Lisa Harding, CDB’s Division Chief for Private Sector, highlighted the Bank’s commitment to innovation-driven growth. ‘Our future competitiveness hinges on leveraging new technologies, nurturing creativity, and financing enterprises that can transform our economies,’ Harding stated. The RevUP Community is a multi-tiered membership platform offering tailored resources, mentorship, investor connections, and regional collaboration. It features four participation levels, providing access to a verified digital network, business tools, and expert-led events such as coaching, governance sessions, pitch training, and investor access via FirstAngels Caribbean. The platform, hosted on Zoho, connects founders with mentors, board members, investors, and service providers across the Caribbean, Europe, and Latin America. Sandra Glasgow, Managing Director of RevUP Caribbean, described the initiative as a ‘lifelong ecosystem’ designed to support entrepreneurs at every stage of their journey. Harding also emphasized the importance of strategic partnerships in driving business expansion, noting CDB’s role as both a financier and a partner in fostering innovation and global competitiveness. Building on the success of RevUP’s incubator program, which has supported 145 founders, generated over USD 1 million in additional revenue, and created 131 new jobs in women-led enterprises, CDB is now funding Phase II of the initiative. This phase focuses on entrepreneurship, innovation, and investment readiness as key pillars of sustainable growth, ensuring the Caribbean remains competitive and resilient in a rapidly changing global market.
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PM says he’s not trying to give Wace Canouan land lease
Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves of St. Vincent and the Grenadines has refuted allegations of attempting to transfer the Canouan land lease to investor Ian Wace, who reportedly contributed $25 million to recovery efforts following Hurricane Beryl in July 2025. The dispute centers on the leaseholder, Andrea Pignataro, a billionaire with whom the government has been at odds since 2023 due to stalled land sales since 2017, depriving the government of revenue. Gonsalves accused the Opposition New Democratic Party (NDP) of siding with Pignataro, framing the issue as a key point in the upcoming November 27 general election. On October 24, Gonsalves sent a letter to Pignataro offering EC$36.5 million for the remaining leased land and proposed a meeting to discuss the offer. He assured that the government would cover employee salaries if the developers took adverse actions. Gonsalves emphasized that the government does not intend to manage the resort but seeks a resolution in the public interest. The prime minister framed the election as a choice between his administration, which prioritizes the people, and the NDP, which he claims supports the developers. Gonsalves also highlighted historical criticisms of the 99-year lease signed by the NDP in 1990, which granted investors control over two-thirds of Canouan. Despite initial cordial relations with investors, Gonsalves has recently voiced concerns over limited revenue and access issues for locals. The Canouan Jetport, closed for night flights, remains a contentious issue, with the government facing calls to invest $40 million in its rehabilitation.
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Belize Becomes ‘Safe Third Country’: Here’s What You Need to Know
Belize has officially become a ‘safe third country’ following a contentious Senate vote on November 12, 2025. The agreement, signed on October 20, 2025, allows the United States to send asylum seekers to Belize while their refugee claims are processed. The motion passed narrowly with an 8–5 vote, reflecting deep divisions within the Senate. Government supporters, including Church Senator Louis Wade and Business Senator Kevin Herrera, argued that the deal balances humanitarian concerns with national sovereignty. However, opposition and social partner senators criticized the agreement as rushed and lacking transparency, accusing the government of compromising Belize’s independence for diplomatic favor. UDP Senator Patrick Faber revealed that the government failed to consult the Senate before signing the deal, learning about it through the U.S. Embassy instead. Union Senator Glenfield Dennison questioned the true motives behind the agreement, emphasizing that criticism does not equate to rejecting human rights. Business Senator Kevin Herrera argued that the Senate’s briefing was merely a presentation, not a consultation, and called for a referendum to let Belizeans decide. PUP Senator Hector Guerra defended the agreement as an exercise of sovereignty, emphasizing control, compassion, and human rights. Leader of Government Business Anthony Sylvestre outlined safeguards, including a two-year limit, eligibility restrictions, and a cap of 10 refugees per year. Despite the controversy, Belize now stands as a ‘safe’ destination for asylum seekers.
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Three Years Later, State to Compensate Families of Crash Victims
In a landmark ruling three years after a devastating highway accident, the High Court of Belize has determined that the government holds primary liability for the tragic collision that claimed the lives of two young students. The incident occurred on October 11, 2022, near Ranchito Village, when a taxi van carrying students from Centro Escolar Mexico Junior College collided head-on with an ambulance. The crash resulted in eleven injuries and the immediate death of 21-year-old Jorge Vargas. Seventeen-year-old Jaheem Williams succumbed to his injuries two months later.
Justice Lisa Shoman Nabi, presiding over the case, concluded that while all three drivers involved shared some responsibility, the ambulance driver and the state bore the majority of the blame. The court noted that the ambulance’s emergency lights and sirens were not activated at the time of the accident. The ambulance, driven by Louis Canelo, was reportedly attempting to overtake a truck en route to the Northern Regional Hospital when the collision occurred.
In the aftermath of the tragedy, the school honored Vargas by erecting a memorial altar and planned to award his family an honorary associate degree. The court’s ruling now mandates the Belizean government to provide compensation to the families of the victims, marking a significant step toward accountability and justice for the affected families.
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Caribbean Centre for Child Neurodevelopment launches fatherhood programme
A groundbreaking initiative in Grenada, titled ‘Coaching4Dads,’ is set to tackle the root causes of crime and violence by focusing on the emotional development of young fathers. Spearheaded by the Caribbean Centre for Child Neurodevelopment (CCCN) and funded by the Government of Canada through the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI), this 16-week pilot project will conduct workshops and group sessions in St. David and St. George’s. Unlike traditional parenting programs that predominantly target mothers, Coaching4Dads shifts the spotlight to fathers, a group often overlooked in early childhood development discussions. The program will engage 24 men who are fathers of young children (ages 0–3), equipping them with the knowledge, skills, and coaching support needed to parent with empathy, confidence, and non-violence. Modeled after the successful Saving Brains Grenada (SBG) framework, this initiative aims to foster physically and emotionally healthy children while breaking generational cycles of violence. Jerry Bascombe, a seasoned Conscious Discipline Coach in Grenada, leads the program, which arrives at a crucial time as the nation grapples with rising violence among young males and increasing father absence in families. Stephanie Sprott, Political Counsellor at the High Commission of Canada to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, emphasized Canada’s commitment to supporting fathers as a cornerstone for safer societies. ‘Investing in strong households is investing in national security,’ she stated. ‘When men are supported to be present, emotionally healthy caregivers, we expect stronger households, more resilient communities, and fewer young people drawn into cycles of crime and violence.’ The workshops will cover emotion regulation, mental health, positive discipline strategies, child development, and creating safe, nurturing environments. The long-term goals of Coaching4Dads are ambitious yet essential, aiming to improve fathers’ mental health and parenting confidence, reduce corporal punishment and intimate partner violence, strengthen emotional bonds between fathers and children, and shift cultural perceptions of fatherhood and masculinity in Grenada. The project is part of a broader effort to reduce family-based violence and enhance developmental outcomes for young children in the region.
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Who stands to lose?
The 2025 election in St. Vincent is not just another political event; it is a historic moment that lays bare the stark inequalities within the nation. For 25 years, a significant portion of the population has struggled to make ends meet, with opportunities flowing disproportionately to a privileged few. This select group, comfortably ensconced in their green pastures, has reaped the benefits of multiple jobs, real estate advantages, and exclusive opportunities, while the majority has been left to survive on the scraps tossed their way. The prospect of change threatens the lifestyle these elites have enjoyed for decades, and they are prepared to take extreme measures to preserve it. However, the tide is turning. Vincentians are awakening, no longer blinded by propaganda or fear. They are thinking collectively, not just individually. On election day, it will be clear who stands to lose: not the struggling single mother, the young graduate, the farmer, or the nurse, but the fattened cows on the green pasture who refuse to share the field. The people of St. Vincent are done groveling for scraps; they are ready to rise, eat well, and prosper. The battle is not against flesh and blood but against the principalities and powers in high places. The question echoing across the nation is: who, exactly, stands to lose? The answer is clear: it will not be the people.
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Open letter to National Bank of Dominica: Recommendations on ways to improve the MoBanking experience
In a recent social media post on June 8th, 2024, Grayson J. Stedman Jr., a Business Technology Solutions Consultant at Eclypse Technologies, shared a series of recommendations aimed at improving the MoBanking experience offered by the National Bank of Dominica Ltd (NBD). The post garnered significant attention, receiving over 200 reactions, 100 comments, and 70 shares, though NBD has yet to respond. Stedman’s suggestions focus on streamlining user interactions and expanding the app’s functionality, particularly for businesses and individual users. Key recommendations include enabling QR code generation and scanning for peer and merchant additions, eliminating redundant Mobile ID entries during peer transactions, and enhancing transaction details to include sender account numbers and names. Additionally, Stedman proposed integrating real-time notifications for account activities and developing a Point-of-Sale (POS) feature to facilitate faster and more secure transactions. He emphasized the potential for NBD to collaborate with local IT experts or existing POS providers to implement these features, leveraging the bank’s technical expertise while addressing its resource constraints. These improvements, if adopted, could significantly enhance MoBanking’s usability and appeal, particularly for small businesses and self-employed individuals who rely on the platform for financial transactions.
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Independent Stanley Felix outlines plans to revive Castries Central
Stanley Felix, former President of the Senate and independent candidate, officially kicked off his campaign season with a public meeting in New Village on Tuesday night. Under the banner ‘Serving People, Stirring Change,’ Felix unveiled his comprehensive plans to address key social issues in Castries Central, including improved housing access, support for single mothers, and government-sponsored bus passes for schoolchildren. Felix, who announced his independent candidacy on October 13 via DBS Television, is making a political comeback after narrowly losing the Castries Central seat in 2011. This time, he will face Richard Frederick, now representing the Labour Party, and Rosh Clarke of the United Workers Party (UWP), both running as independents. Felix emphasized that his decision to re-enter politics stems from a commitment to directly serve the people and tackle long-standing challenges in the constituency. He pledged to make land more accessible for young families, enabling them to build stable lives. Additionally, Felix proposed a government-funded bus pass program for schoolchildren, addressing the financial burden on parents. He also highlighted the struggles of single mothers, promising to introduce social programs and after-school workshops to empower them. Reflecting on Castries Central’s past as a thriving hub of sports, culture, and talent, Felix vowed to restore its vitality and urged residents to join his ‘Orange Movement’ for transformative change.