In a groundbreaking initiative, Antigua and Barbuda has announced the launch of Tourism Charity Day 2025, a dedicated event aimed at supporting the most vulnerable populations across the twin-island nation. Scheduled for early 2025, this event will leverage the country’s thriving tourism industry to raise funds and awareness for those in need. The initiative is a collaborative effort between the government, local businesses, and international partners, reflecting a shared commitment to social responsibility and community development. Activities will include charity walks, fundraising galas, and special tourism packages, with proceeds directed towards healthcare, education, and housing projects for disadvantaged groups. This initiative not only highlights the islands’ philanthropic spirit but also underscores the potential of tourism as a force for positive societal change.
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Indotel and ABA launch financial education campaign for Dominican diaspora in the U.S.
The Dominican Telecommunications Institute (Indotel) and the Association of Multiple Banks of the Dominican Republic (ABA) have unveiled a groundbreaking financial education initiative targeting Dominican expatriates in the United States. The campaign, set to commence on November 1, aims to educate individuals on the benefits of digital bank transfers as a more efficient, secure, and cost-effective method for sending remittances to their homeland. Training sessions will be conducted at Dominican consulates in major U.S. cities, including New York, New Jersey, Philadelphia, Boston, and Miami, to facilitate the adoption of digital financial tools. During the campaign’s launch at the Dominican House of Culture in New York, Indotel chairman Guido Gómez Mazara and ABA executive president Rosanna Ruiz highlighted the program’s dual objectives: advancing financial inclusion and reducing dependency on cash-based remittance systems. Gómez Mazara pointed out that while 80% of remittances originate from the U.S., a significant portion is still sent in cash. Despite 40% of senders possessing bank accounts, only 14% utilize digital transfer services. The initiative seeks to bridge this gap through collaborative public-private sector efforts, emphasizing security, efficiency, and traceability in remittance transactions.
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92-jarige Biya blijft aan de macht na verkiezingen in Kameroen
Paul Biya, the 92-year-old President of Cameroon, has been re-elected for an eighth term, extending his rule that began in 1982. The electoral commission announced that Biya secured a significant majority of votes in the preliminary results, solidifying his position as one of the world’s longest-serving leaders. While his supporters hailed the outcome as a testament to stability, the election has drawn international criticism. Opposition parties have alleged irregularities, voter intimidation, and restricted media and campaign freedoms. Observers also reported that the electoral process was disrupted in parts of the country due to security tensions, particularly in the English-speaking regions, which have been plagued by armed conflicts for years. In a brief statement, Biya pledged to continue his commitment to peace, national unity, and economic progress. However, opposition leaders have indicated they may pursue legal challenges. The final results are expected later this week, but political analysts suggest Biya’s grip on power remains unchallenged for now.
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CNG refuelling project promises cheaper, cleaner energy for motorists
Barbados is poised to revolutionize its energy landscape with the launch of a pioneering project aimed at providing discounted compressed natural gas (CNG) to motorists. Spearheaded by Dr. Legena Henry, founder of Rum and Sargassum Inc., the initiative is set to debut in March 2026, offering significant fuel savings to taxi drivers and the general public while promoting cleaner energy alternatives. The project will feature mobile refuelling units strategically positioned across key locations, including the ABC Highway and Bridgetown. Initially targeting 100 taxi operators, the service will later expand to the wider public. Vehicles will be retrofitted with dual-fuel kits, enabling them to run on both petrol and biogas. Dr. Henry, a clean energy researcher at the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill, revealed that the CNG will initially be sourced from the state-owned natural gas supplier, with plans to transition to biogas derived from sargassum seaweed and agricultural waste. Taxi drivers will benefit from a 40% discount on CNG, with further reductions anticipated once sargassum biogas becomes available. The project has already garnered significant interest, with 35 customers signed up and a waiting list in place. Dr. Henry emphasized the project’s scalability, noting the potential to serve thousands of customers. The mobile refuelling stations, equipped with fast-fuelling technology, will allow vehicles to refuel in just three minutes. Customers will receive a swipe card for seamless transactions, with billing handled monthly. The initiative also aligns with broader efforts to address the sargassum seaweed problem through a $186 million bioenergy project, set to produce renewable natural gas (RNG) by April 2025. This public-private partnership aims to generate revenue, create jobs, and reduce foreign exchange expenditures, marking a significant step toward sustainable energy in Barbados.
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Column: We kopen tijd – maar gebruiken we die ook verstandig?
Suriname is grappling with a severe financial crisis as it faces the daunting task of repaying over USD 400 million starting in 2026. With no immediate solutions in sight, the government has opted to restructure its debts, a move deemed necessary by experts like VES Chairman Steven Debipersad. The strategy aims to buy time until 2028, when oil revenues are expected to flow in. However, the pressing question remains: how will this time be utilized? While the Ministry of Finance & Planning is engaged in complex negotiations with the Bank of America, other government departments continue to operate as usual, indulging in lavish spending and ceremonial activities. This stark contrast has eroded public and international trust. The lack of clear communication has led to misconceptions, with many believing Suriname is ‘buying off’ its debts. In reality, the country is merely deferring payments, incurring higher interest rates (7.95%) and extending the repayment period to 2033. The real challenge lies in whether this borrowed time will be used wisely to implement rational investments and clear policies, or if it will be squandered on short-term measures and loss-making enterprises. The world is watching closely, as the potential oil revenues could either save or destroy Suriname, depending on how the funds are managed. Time is not a solution; it is an opportunity to finally get things right after 50 years of independence.
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Dominican Embassy holds Third EMBAJADOM-HN 2025 in Honduras
The Dominican Embassy in Honduras successfully organized the Third Business Meeting EMBAJADOM-HN 2025, themed ‘Export, Import, Investment, and Tourism.’ The event convened government officials, business leaders, academics, students, and entrepreneurs from both nations to enhance bilateral economic collaboration and explore investment prospects. Ambassador Luis García underscored the remarkable growth in trade between the Dominican Republic and Honduras, which surged to nearly US$937.7 million by May 2025, marking a 9.3% year-over-year increase. Additionally, Dominican direct investment in Honduras amounted to US$6.7 million, reflecting growing economic confidence. Significant progress was also noted in trade agreements facilitating Honduran exports, particularly citrus and pork products. The event featured high-level panels, business roundtables, and product exhibitions, focusing on technology transfer, public-private partnerships, and best practices. Key discussion topics included export diversification, AI integration in customs, foreign investment policies, MSME participation in international markets, business sustainability, tourism, and e-commerce opportunities. Notable attendees included Honduran and Dominican customs and economic officials, alongside representatives from business chambers and development organizations. Honduras’ Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Javier Bu Soto, and Fedecámara president Manuel Hernández commended the embassy’s efforts in fostering economic synergy. Coordinated with the Dominican Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Prodominicana, and the General Directorate of Customs, the meeting reinforced both nations’ commitment to economic cooperation, innovation, talent development, and sustainable growth, paving the way for strengthened bilateral relations.
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News : Zapping…
Haiti is grappling with the dual impact of Tropical Storm Melissa, which has disrupted daily life and posed significant threats to the nation’s agricultural sector. Sunrise Airways announced the cancellation of all flights to and from Haiti on October 28 and 29, affecting key destinations such as Miami, Port-au-Prince, Les Cayes, Cap-Haïtien, and Providenciales. The airline has pledged to update passengers on the resumption of services once conditions improve. Meanwhile, the storm’s potential to devastate crops has raised alarms, with over 330,000 farm households at risk. Given that more than half of Haiti’s population faces acute food insecurity, safeguarding national food production is critical. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and Haiti’s Ministry of Agriculture are closely monitoring the situation and preparing to assist affected families. In addition to these challenges, projections indicate that 720,000 people in southern Haiti will be impacted by Melissa. The World Food Programme (WFP), in collaboration with the government and partners, has already provided advance payments to 47,000 vulnerable individuals and plans to expand food and financial aid. The international community has also expressed concern, with the Organization of American States (OAS) and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) offering solidarity and support to Haiti and other affected nations. Amid these crises, a glimmer of hope emerges as Shelenchie Jeanty, a Haitian woman, becomes the first to pass the bar exam in Chile, a milestone celebrated by the Ministry of Haitians Living Abroad (MHAVE) as a source of pride for the diaspora.
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Credit union league backs new deposit insurance law
The Barbados Co-operative and Credit Union League Limited has firmly defended the upcoming Deposit Insurance Bill, asserting that it will provide essential protections for over 240,000 credit union members. The legislation, which has been in development for over a decade, aims to safeguard members’ deposits in the event of institutional failure. General Manager Tracia Pounder emphasized that the bill offers insurance coverage of up to $25,000 per member, ensuring financial security for savers. Despite the League’s strong endorsement, concerns have emerged from smaller credit unions, which argue that the new requirements could impose significant challenges. A board member from a smaller credit union, speaking anonymously, revealed that many institutions were caught off guard by the Financial Services Commission’s (FSC) communication of the pending legislation, leading to confusion and fear. These smaller entities, often operating on thin margins, face difficulties meeting the bill’s profitability and equity criteria. Pounder acknowledged these concerns but highlighted the FSC’s ongoing remediation efforts to assist credit unions in achieving compliance. She stressed that the bill is designed to protect members, not burden institutions. Following the League’s annual general meeting, President Kemar Cumberbatch described the bill as a milestone in ensuring parity with commercial banks’ deposit protections. He emphasized that the legislation aims to build trust and responsibility within the credit union sector, safeguarding members’ life savings. While the debate continues, the League remains committed to advocating for member protection and encouraging public awareness of deposit insurance benefits.
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Rats force closure of Deacons Primary
The Barbados Union of Teachers (BUT) has issued a stark warning following a rat infestation at Deacons Primary School in St. Michael, which forced an abrupt closure on Monday. The incident has reignited calls for routine inspections and industrial-level deep cleaning across all public schools to ensure a safe learning environment. Parents were reportedly notified via WhatsApp messages around 10 a.m. to collect their children, though the reason for the early dismissal was not immediately disclosed. Later, officials from the Ministry of Health’s Vector Control Unit, the Ministry of Educational Transformation, and the BUT confirmed the closure was due to rodent sightings on campus. Julian Pierre, first vice-president of the BUT and head of its health and safety committee, revealed that the school had been grappling with environmental issues for over a week. Last week, concerns were raised about the school’s hall, prompting an inspection by the Vector Control Unit and the Ministry of Health. Industrial cleaning was subsequently conducted in the affected areas, but problems persisted. On Monday, another rodent sighting led teachers to evacuate students from the compromised area. Pierre emphasized that teachers have long been concerned about the general cleaning standards in public schools. He argued that schools should not wait for infestations or environmental incidents to justify deep cleaning, noting that while households undergo regular spring cleaning, schools often lack such proactive measures. He called for a structured maintenance regime, including scheduled inspections, regular cleaning, and water quality testing, in collaboration between the Ministries of Educational Transformation and Health. Deputy Chief Education Officer Julia Beckles confirmed that rodent droppings were identified at the school, prompting industrial cleaning. She assured that the school had been sanitized and would reopen on Tuesday. Pierre highlighted that rodent issues are not unique to Deacons Primary, urging a national focus on school hygiene and surrounding environments. He also stressed the importance of rodent-proofing measures, such as meshing and door sweeps, to prevent future infestations. The BUT has been advocating for systemic changes to ensure schools maintain a clean and safe environment for students and staff.
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VES-voorzitter Debipersad: Nieuwe schuldendeal biedt ademruimte; duidelijkheid nodig
Steven Debipersad, Chairman of the Association of Economists in Suriname (VES), has described the government’s attempt to restructure its foreign debt as ‘a timely and positive step.’ However, he cautioned that the government’s communication regarding this operation has been insufficient and confusing. ‘The idea is sound, but the government must clarify the specifics of the agreement, how it fits into the budget, and its long-term implications,’ Debipersad stated in an interview with Starnieuws.