Pakistan and Afghanistan’s Taliban government have reached a temporary 48-hour ceasefire following intense border clashes and reported Pakistani air strikes on Kabul and Kandahar. The ceasefire, effective from 13:00 GMT on Wednesday, was announced amidst conflicting claims from both sides regarding its initiation. Earlier, a Taliban spokesperson reported that 12 civilians had been killed and over 100 injured due to Pakistani firing, though these figures remain unverified. Both parties also claimed significant casualties on the opposing side. The recent violence erupted after explosions in Afghanistan last week, which Kabul attributed to Islamabad. The Taliban has denied allegations of harboring militants targeting Pakistan. On Wednesday, Pakistan’s military stated it had killed 15-20 Afghan Taliban fighters and injured several others in the Spin Boldak border district. In response, the Taliban government claimed numerous Pakistani soldiers had been killed. Later in the day, explosions in Kabul and Kandahar further escalated tensions, prompting Pakistan to announce the ceasefire. Pakistan’s Foreign Office emphasized that both sides would engage in constructive dialogue to resolve the conflict. The Taliban government instructed its forces to respect the ceasefire unless provoked. Pakistani state media reported air strikes in Kandahar and Kabul, though the military has not publicly acknowledged these actions. Taliban sources confirmed to the BBC that Kabul had been hit by two air strikes, with black smoke visible over the capital and streets sealed off. Kabul’s emergency surgical center reported receiving 40 casualties, including five fatalities, following the explosions.
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VIDEO: Those Who Profited in Vehicle Scandal Will Return Money to the State, PM Says
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Parmessar gekozen tot vicepresident van Grulac tijdens IPU-top in Genève
In a significant development for Suriname’s political representation on the global stage, Assembly Member Rabin Parmessar, leader of the National Democratic Party (NDP), has been elected Vice President of the Group of Latin America and the Caribbean (Grulac). The election took place on Saturday in Geneva, ahead of the 151st General Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU). Parmessar’s election underscores Suriname’s growing influence within the regional bloc, which coordinates parliamentary strategies and represents Latin American and Caribbean nations in international forums.
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Downpour temporarily disrupts UWI Cave Hill graduation ceremony
The University of the West Indies (UWI) Cave Hill Campus experienced an unexpected twist during its evening graduation ceremony on Saturday when heavy rain disrupted the proceedings. The event, initially held under a tented area, was interrupted midway through the presentation of higher degrees and postgraduate certificates as torrential showers soaked sections of the venue. Organizers were compelled to pause the ceremony temporarily. Demonstrating remarkable adaptability, university officials quickly moved the event to the Roy Marshall Complex, a more sheltered location. There, the conferral of the remaining awards was successfully completed, ensuring that the evening concluded on a celebratory note despite the weather’s interference. The swift response and seamless relocation underscored the university’s commitment to honoring its graduates’ achievements, turning a potential setback into a memorable and triumphant occasion.
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VIDEO: ABLP Suspends Campaign Donations from Car Dealers Linked to Vehicle Scandal
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Tributes pour in for late West Indian Anglican Archbishop Drexel Gomez
The Caribbean and the global Anglican community are united in grief following the passing of Archbishop Drexel Gomez, a revered figure in the Anglican Church, who died at the age of 88. Born in the Bahamas, Gomez made history as the first Caribbean-born Bishop of Barbados in 1972, a role he held for two decades. His leadership extended further when he became Archbishop of the Province of the West Indies in 1998, leaving an indelible mark on the church and its followers.
Prime Minister Mia Mottley of Barbados remembered Gomez as a ‘soft-spoken gentleman’ whose warmth and dignity bridged generations. She highlighted his unique ability to connect with people, from his distinctive voice to his ever-present smile, which masked a firm resolve and moral courage. Mottley recounted his fearless engagement with social and political issues, even during turbulent times in Barbadian politics, and his unwavering commitment to his faith and community.
Bishop Michael Maxwell of Barbados also paid tribute, expressing gratitude for Gomez’s life and ministry. He emphasized Gomez’s contributions not only to the Diocese of Barbados but also to the Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands, as well as his broader impact within the Anglican Communion. Maxwell extended condolences to Gomez’s family and the Diocese of the Bahamas, praying for his soul to rest in peace.
Bahamian Prime Minister Philip Davis honored Gomez as a ‘shepherd, scholar, and servant’ of the Bahamian people. He fondly recalled Gomez’s spiritual guidance, particularly during his own transition into the role of Prime Minister, and expressed hope that Gomez’s legacy of faith, moral clarity, and quiet courage would continue to inspire future generations.
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Pers blijft rapporteren, maar buiten de muren van Pentagon
A significant portion of the American press corps has withdrawn from the Pentagon after journalists refused to comply with the Department of Defense’s new media regulations. The tightened rules prohibit journalists from publishing any information not officially pre-released by the department—even if it is not classified. Those who declined to sign the agreement lost their access passes as of October 15. Nearly all major U.S. news organizations, including CNN, ABC, The New York Times, Reuters, Associated Press, and even the typically conservative Fox News, have turned their backs on the Pentagon. Only a small minority, including some new right-wing media outlets, have formally agreed to the new terms. The rest have vacated their offices, cleared out TV studios, and surrendered their press passes. Despite the exodus, journalists emphasize that their departure does not mean an end to defense reporting. They will continue their work from editorial offices or external sources outside the Pentagon. Many reporters left the building in a symbolic procession, handing in their press passes and leaving behind empty desks. Media organizations have criticized the new rules as a ‘historically dangerous precedent,’ arguing that they bring the U.S. closer to controlled state communication. Critics warn that this makes the work of investigative journalists—who are tasked with exposing abuse of power and misconduct—nearly impossible. Trust in the transparency of the U.S. government and military accountability is under severe pressure. The Pentagon, however, maintains that the measures are necessary ‘for the safety of the troops and the national interest.’
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Work remains to reduce human trafficking in Saint Lucia
The United States Department of State has placed Saint Lucia on the Tier 2 Watch List in its 2025 Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report, citing insufficient enforcement, inadequate victim protection, and a lack of measurable progress in combating human trafficking compared to previous years. This downgrade underscores the US government’s concerns about the island nation’s efforts to address this critical issue. While Saint Lucia has implemented initiatives such as public awareness campaigns and drafted a national action plan for 2023–2026, the US State Department concluded that the country failed to meet the minimum standards for eliminating trafficking or demonstrate significant improvements. Local officials, including Dr. Mashama Sealy of the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force (RSLPF), acknowledged the challenges but emphasized ongoing efforts to strengthen anti-trafficking measures. These include specialized training for officers, repatriation programs, and enhanced border patrols. However, the report highlighted weak enforcement, limited prosecutions, and gaps in victim services as key areas needing improvement. The downgrade has sparked concern among tourism and service sector workers, who fear it could tarnish Saint Lucia’s reputation. Industry representatives called for increased government resources and updated action plans to address trafficking effectively. Meanwhile, regional comparisons revealed mixed results for Caribbean nations, with The Bahamas, Guyana, and Suriname achieving Tier 1 status, while Barbados joined Saint Lucia on the Tier 2 Watch List. Countries like Haiti and Cuba were placed in Tier 3 or designated as special cases. Moving forward, Saint Lucia aims to enhance cross-border intelligence sharing, update operational strategies, and improve prosecutorial outcomes to regain credibility and address trafficking more effectively.
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Phone with videos in Cjea Weekes case ‘disabled’ after handover to PM’s security
A coroner’s inquest into the death of 18-year-old motorcyclist Cjea Weekes, who died in February 2022 following a police chase, has concluded with a verdict of death by misadventure, sparking outrage and allegations of a cover-up. The incident, which occurred in Twenty Hill, South Leeward, left Weekes paralyzed from the chest down before he succumbed to his injuries four days later. Witnesses claim that Weekes was run over by a police vehicle during the pursuit, though the inquest absolved the officers of criminal responsibility.
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Guide Stars Lessons: What we do with the fire
In an era marked by tension and uncertainty, the government of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) has launched a transformative initiative: distributing laptops to hundreds of young Vincentians. This initiative, while brimming with potential, demands more than mere access to technology—it calls for accountability, discipline, and a shared vision for progress.