The fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas has shattered as Israel initiated a series of airstrikes on Gaza following Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s directive for “immediate, powerful” military action. Both sides have accused each other of breaching the US-mediated truce, escalating tensions in the region. Netanyahu’s office asserted that Hamas had violated the ceasefire agreement by returning remains that did not belong to any of the 13 hostages held in Gaza. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz vowed that Hamas would face a “heavy price” and emphasized that Israel would retaliate “with great force.” The sound of fighter jets over Jerusalem and renewed strikes near Gaza City have plunged residents into fear and uncertainty. Hamas-run civil defence officials reported at least two fatalities and four injuries in the latest attack. Hamas condemned Israel’s escalation, claiming it would obstruct ongoing efforts to retrieve bodies and postponed the handover of another deceased hostage. The conflict traces back to the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, which resulted in the abduction of 251 people and the deaths of approximately 1,200 Israelis. Since then, Israel’s military campaign has reportedly claimed over 68,500 Palestinian lives, according to the Hamas-run health ministry.
作者： admin
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President stelt werkgroep in voor versnelling toerismesector
President Jennifer Simons has officially launched the Presidential Task Force on Tourism Development, marking a significant step toward revitalizing Suriname’s tourism sector. The task force, composed primarily of private sector representatives, has been granted a six-month mandate to identify key priorities and propose solutions to longstanding challenges in the industry. The initiative aims not only to attract more visitors to Suriname but also to generate employment opportunities and stimulate economic growth.
During the inauguration, President Simons emphasized the importance of collaboration between the government and the private sector. “The government is committed to working hand-in-hand with businesses to drive sustainable tourism development,” she stated. Rachel Pinas, the task force chairperson, highlighted the urgency of the mission, noting that extensive research has already been conducted. “Our focus now is on analysis, prioritization, and execution. We will start with the ‘low-hanging fruits,’” Pinas explained.
Among the top priorities is the operationalization of the Suriname Tourism Authority (STA), which will be responsible for coordination, regulation, and certification within the sector. Additionally, the task force will advise on the establishment of a national tourism school to enhance workforce development. Karin Refos, a representative from the Suriname Trade and Industry Association (VSB) and a member of the task force, underscored the significance of private sector involvement. She stressed the need for actionable plans to be presented within two months, addressing critical issues such as high airfare costs, visa procedures from French Guiana, the absence of the STA, and the lack of management at key tourist destinations like the Waterkant.
The task force, led by Rachel Pinas, includes notable members such as Daniella Sumter (Vice-Chairperson from the President’s Office), Germaine Oostwijk (SHATA), Michael Noordzee (TCT), Riaz Mohamedjoesoef (ASRA), Dinesh Ramlal, Don Zacharie Ajako, and Dave Boucke. This diverse team is poised to drive impactful changes in Suriname’s tourism landscape.
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Caribbean Development Bank collabs w/Inter-American Development Bank for regional resilience debt solutions
In a landmark initiative to address the pressing issue of sovereign debt in the Caribbean, the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) convened a high-level gathering of regional and international financial experts. The event, held in Barbados from October 28 to 30, coincided with the annual meeting of the Latin America and Caribbean (LAC) Debt Group. Attendees included representatives from Debt Management Offices (DMOs), finance ministries, central banks, Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs), and private sector stakeholders. The primary objective was to explore innovative financing mechanisms and strategies to enhance debt management, foster resilience, and promote sustainable development across the region.
Dr. Isaac Solomon, Vice President (Operations) at CDB, underscored the critical role of effective debt management in ensuring long-term economic stability during his opening remarks. ‘The Caribbean has made commendable strides in fiscal discipline, modernizing debt frameworks, and restoring macroeconomic stability,’ he noted. ‘However, elevated debt levels and unfavorable debt dynamics persist, posing significant challenges to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and adapting to emerging demands.’
Mr. Anton Edmunds, General Manager of the IDB’s Regional Country Department Caribbean, emphasized the need for enhanced coordination among MDBs. He highlighted the IDB’s commitment to fostering partnerships and developing innovative, solution-oriented debt transactions tailored to the unique needs of Small Island Developing States (SIDS).
Barbados’ Minister of Finance, Economic Affairs, and Investment, Hon. Ryan Straughn, called for greater collaboration among MDBs to better support Caribbean governments. He stressed that such cooperation is essential, particularly given the resource constraints faced by SIDS, which must balance development goals with debt management and fiscal stability. Minister Straughn reaffirmed the region’s unity and collective commitment to addressing critical issues like debt, which are vital to long-term development.
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Black River Hospital Suffers Devastating Damage from Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica
In the wake of Hurricane Melissa’s relentless assault on Jamaica, the Black River Hospital in St. Elizabeth has suffered catastrophic damage, leaving the critical healthcare facility inoperable. The Category 5 hurricane, with its record-breaking winds and storm surges, tore apart the hospital’s roof, collapsed multiple walls, and submerged the compound under floodwaters littered with debris. As conditions rapidly worsened, medical staff and patients were forced to evacuate, facing perilous rising water levels and hazardous flying debris. Authorities confirmed that the hospital, a lifeline for thousands in Jamaica’s southwest region, is now non-functional. Emergency teams are scrambling to relocate patients to nearby facilities, despite ongoing challenges such as widespread power outages and impassable roads. Hurricane Melissa continues to batter the island, unleashing destructive winds and torrential rainfall, which have caused widespread devastation. Rescue and recovery efforts are severely hindered by blocked roadways, downed power lines, and extensive flooding, leaving communities in dire need of assistance.
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Jamaican residents asked to seek refuge in shelters
As Hurricane Melissa, an extremely dangerous and life-threatening storm, approaches Jamaica, authorities are urging vulnerable residents to seek safety in the 42 emergency shelters activated across the St Thomas parish. Kevin McIndoe, CEO of the St Thomas Municipal Corporation, emphasized that while these shelters may not offer the comfort of home, they are essential for survival during the catastrophic storm. The latest advisory, issued at 11:00 a.m. EDT on October 28, warns of widespread infrastructure failure, catastrophic flash flooding, landslides, and destructive winds expected to persist across the island. As of 4:00 p.m. on October 27, approximately 600 people had sought refuge in shelters, with numbers anticipated to rise as hurricane-force winds intensify. However, some residents are refusing to relocate, citing poor conditions in the shelters. One resident stated, ‘We’re not leaving here, the conditions are terrible at the shelter, there’s nothing to eat and nowhere to sleep,’ choosing instead to brave the storm at home. Shelly-Ann McCalla, shelter manager at Morant Bay Primary School, acknowledged the challenges, noting that her facility had 60 occupants as of October 28, compared to 86 during Hurricane Beryl last year. McIndoe urged those seeking refuge to bring their own linen and at least two days’ supply of food, as resources are limited. He also requested that charitable donations be coordinated through the St Thomas Municipal Corporation to ensure equitable distribution. Meanwhile, the National Hurricane Center has issued warnings for Haiti, the Dominican Republic, Eastern Cuba, and the Bahamas, predicting catastrophic flash flooding, landslides, and life-threatening storm surges in these regions.
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Gordon Henderson: Retire daybreak custom, and outsiders headlining WCMF
Gordon Henderson, a renowned figure in Cadence music, has ignited a spirited discussion about the future direction of the World Creole Music Festival (WCMF). During a media interview following his performance on October 25, Henderson questioned the sustainability of the festival’s traditional “sunset to sunrise” format, suggesting it may be time for a reevaluation. He emphasized the need for diversity in the event’s programming, arguing that the current structure limits opportunities for local nightlife businesses and may not align with tourism promotion goals. Henderson also advocated for a stronger focus on French-lexicon Creole music, proposing that other genres be featured as special guests rather than headliners. He drew parallels between the enduring legacy of Rockabilly music and the potential longevity of Cadence-Lypso, expressing confidence in its continued relevance. The WCMF, established in 1997, is a cornerstone of Caribbean culture, celebrating Creole music genres such as zouk, bouyon, kompa, and reggae while fostering regional unity and artistic innovation.
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Gov’t removes VAT on 8 items
In a significant move to alleviate financial pressures on consumers, the government has announced the removal of Value Added Tax (VAT) on eight essential food items. Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves made the declaration during his Independence Address on Monday, confirming that the changes will take effect from November 3. The exempted items include chicken parts, processed cheddar cheese, canned tuna, canned sardines, chicken sausages, cereals, lentils, and health drinks like Ensure and Suppligen. These products will now join other food items already exempt from VAT, such as chicken and turkey wings, back, and neck. The Prime Minister emphasized that this targeted approach aims to provide tangible relief to consumers while ensuring the government can monitor the impact effectively. He projected that the exemption would cost the Treasury approximately EC$8 million annually but assured that the country’s expected economic growth would offset this loss. Gonsalves criticized calls for a blanket VAT reduction, arguing that such measures would cost the government EC$60 million annually and necessitate cuts to essential services or increased taxes elsewhere. He also addressed calls to reduce VAT on domestic electricity, noting that nearly 90% of households already fall below the consumption threshold for VAT. The Prime Minister reiterated his commitment to responsible governance, emphasizing that the government’s approach prioritizes the people’s welfare while maintaining fiscal stability.
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CAUGHT: Suspected gas station bomber arrested
In a significant breakthrough, law enforcement authorities have apprehended Daniel Alexander Ramirez Peodomo, the prime suspect in the devastating bombing of a Mobil gas station in East Bank Essequibo, Guyana. The arrest followed a swift manhunt initiated after the suspect was identified as the individual responsible for the deadly explosion on Sunday night. The police had earlier offered a GY$5 million reward for information leading to his capture.
According to investigators, Peodomo was arrested at Vergenoegen Side Line Dam, East Bank Essequibo, on Tuesday afternoon. The arrest was made possible through actionable intelligence gathered by the police. A team led by a Superintendent swiftly moved in to detain the suspect, who is now in custody and assisting with ongoing investigations.
The bombing, which occurred on Sunday night, resulted in the tragic death of a six-year-old girl and left four others injured. Surveillance footage and eyewitness accounts revealed that Peodomo had attempted to place a bulky plastic bag in a waste disposal bin near a gasoline pump. When the gas station attendant intervened, he relocated the bag near a cooking gas depot and a parked car. Moments later, the bag exploded, causing widespread destruction and loss of life.
Earlier on Tuesday, police also recovered the clothing Peodomo was wearing during the incident, further strengthening the case against him. The arrest marks a critical step in the investigation, as authorities continue to piece together the events leading up to the attack and determine the suspect’s motives.
The community remains in shock over the incident, with many expressing relief at the swift arrest. Authorities have assured the public that they are committed to ensuring justice for the victims and their families.
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Roofs Torn Off as Super Hurricane Melissa Hits Jamaica
Super Hurricane Melissa, a catastrophic Category 5 storm, struck near New Hope, St Elizabeth, on Tuesday, unleashing ferocious winds reaching up to 185 mph (295 km/h). The storm caused extensive devastation across the region, with videos capturing roofs torn from buildings, including St Elizabeth Technical High School, and debris scattered everywhere. Residents in St Elizabeth, Westmoreland, Hanover, and St James were advised to stay indoors, even during the brief calm of the storm’s eye. The U.S. National Hurricane Center reported that Melissa’s central pressure of 892 millibars ties it with Hurricane Dorian (2019) and the 1935 Labor Day Hurricane as the strongest Atlantic landfalls ever recorded. The Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management highlighted widespread structural damage, blocked roads, and downed power lines. Emergency teams are prepared to initiate rescue and recovery operations as soon as conditions permit. Melissa is projected to move off Jamaica’s north coast later Tuesday, maintaining its extreme danger as it heads toward the Cayman Islands and southern Bahamas.
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Shallow’s vision: building a stronger, more united North Leeward
North Leeward, spanning from Fitz Hughes to Gordon Yard, is poised for transformation as communities seek sustainable growth, renewed energy, and a stronger voice in national development. At the forefront of this pivotal moment is Dr. Kishore Shallow, a leader whose dedication to service, strategic vision, and passion for people-centered progress make him uniquely suited to drive meaningful change. With a proven track record in sports administration and management, Dr. Shallow brings discipline, effective execution, and tangible results—qualities essential for the region’s future. His leadership promises a North Leeward that is more connected, empowered, and resilient. Dr. Shallow’s vision extends beyond immediate needs, focusing on youth and sports development as pathways to discipline, teamwork, and opportunity. He plans to upgrade facilities, expand training programs, and provide mentorship to young people, ensuring they have the tools to build successful futures. Economically, Dr. Shallow emphasizes agriculture, tourism, and small business creation, aiming to unlock the region’s full potential. Improved infrastructure, community-based projects, and support for local entrepreneurs are central to his strategy for sustainable growth. Education also remains a cornerstone of his vision, with a focus on modern classrooms, mentorship, and lifelong learning opportunities for all residents. Dr. Shallow’s leadership philosophy is rooted in collaboration, unity, and progress, ensuring that North Leeward moves forward as a stronger, more cohesive community. His approach is not about division or empty promises but about delivering real, lasting progress. With Dr. Shallow at the helm, North Leeward is set to become a model of sustainable development and opportunity.