A generous donation of $80,000 from Staatsolie Maatschappij Suriname N.V. has brought much-needed relief to the residents of Huize Prinses Margriet, a senior living facility in Suriname. The funds were used to completely renovate the leaking roofs of the high-rise flats, addressing a long-standing issue that had plagued the residents for years. The project, executed by TCF N.V. under the supervision of the facility’s management, has not only provided dry living spaces but also restored a sense of dignity and peace to the elderly residents. Marjon Ferrier-Dilweg, the chairperson of the board, emphasized that Staatsolie’s contribution went beyond mere repairs: “It has given our residents their peace of mind back.” The official opening ceremony was led by Staatsolie’s director, Annand Jagesar, alongside a resident and the facility’s management team. Jagesar highlighted that the initiative aligns with Staatsolie’s commitment to social responsibility, stating, “Our seniors have contributed to society throughout their lives. A safe living environment is not a privilege but something they deserve.” Established nearly 56 years ago by the Reformed Church of Suriname, Huize Prinses Margriet has long been a haven for elderly individuals, offering them a secure and welcoming home. With the roof renovation now complete, the board can focus on further developing the facility and enhancing care for its residents.
作者： admin
-
Dodds Prison hosts Q in the Community for the first time
In a groundbreaking move, the Barbados Prison Service (BPS) unveiled its ‘Q in the Community’ program on Thursday at the Dodds Prison Retail Outlet in St Philip. This event marked the first of its kind as part of a month-long series of activities aimed at fostering community engagement. Superintendent of Prisons, DeCarlo Payne, revealed that the initiative had been in the pipeline since October of the previous year. ‘We initially approached CBC with the idea of hosting Q here, but they informed us that their schedule was fully booked until 2025. What you’re witnessing today is the realization of that vision, now coming to fruition in 2025,’ Payne elaborated. The program underscores BPS’s commitment to innovative community outreach and rehabilitation efforts.
-
Technical and logistical support discussed between US military personnel and RGPF
In a significant diplomatic engagement, Admiral Alvin Holsey, Commander of the United States Southern Command, convened with senior officials of the Royal Grenada Police Force (RGPF) on October 15, 2025, at the Police Headquarters in St. George’s. The meeting underscored the deepening collaboration between the two entities, focusing on technical and logistical support, humanitarian aid, disaster relief, and the potential for future joint initiatives. This dialogue followed the recent visit of the US Navy’s Medical Ship, which highlighted the scope of bilateral cooperation. Admiral Holsey’s visit to Grenada marked one year since he assumed leadership of the US Southern Command, succeeding General Laura Richardson. The discussions also emphasized enhanced training opportunities for Grenadian law enforcement and joint exercises to bolster operational readiness. The meeting was hosted by Commissioner of Police Randy Connaught, alongside Deputy Commissioner Jessmond Prince, Assistant Commissioner Vannie Curwen, and National Security Advisor Wilan Thompson. US Ambassador to the Eastern Caribbean States, Karin Sullivan, accompanied Admiral Holsey. While the engagement was described as cordial and productive, Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell’s absence, despite being initially scheduled to attend, remained unexplained. This meeting is part of a broader regional tour by Admiral Holsey, aimed at reinforcing partnerships with Caribbean nations.
-
WATCH: Government Launches Systemwide Probe into Customs and Revenue Departments
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has announced a sweeping investigation into the Customs and Revenue Departments in Antigua, following mounting concerns over irregularities and potential corruption. Addressing Parliament, Browne emphasized that the probe will encompass all revenue-collecting entities, aiming to identify systemic weaknesses, eliminate misconduct, and restore public trust in government operations. The investigation will employ both internal audits and external oversight mechanisms to ensure transparency and accountability. Browne stated, ‘We are going system-wide, especially within Customs and other revenue areas. There will be further redeployments, rotations, and additional systems, including routine spot checks.’ The Prime Minister also revealed that private citizens will be enlisted to assist in random container inspections alongside customs officials, targeting merchants suspected of underreporting or evading duties. Additionally, the Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA) will face scrutiny, as the government suspects large entities, including supermarkets, may be bypassing electricity meters, resulting in revenue loss. To oversee these reforms, a ‘revenue czar’ will be appointed to work with the Inland Revenue Department, conducting forensic accounting and strengthening compliance. Browne highlighted the correlation between the cost of goods and duties paid, vowing to use financial statements and import data to verify tax liabilities. This initiative follows recent procedural breaches within government departments, including the Customs Division, which led to redeployments and the resignation of Comptroller of Customs Raju Boddu earlier this week.
-
Belize Takes Part in ILO Regional Meeting on Decent Work
Belize played a pivotal role in the 20th American Regional Meeting of the International Labour Organization (ILO), held in the Dominican Republic from October 1 to 3, 2025. The gathering, which brought together over 300 delegates from governments, businesses, and labor organizations, centered on promoting decent work, social justice, and inclusive development across the Americas. Belize’s delegation, led by Minister Florencio Marin Jr., CEO Valentino Shal, and Labour Commissioner Rissela Dominguez-Patt, actively participated in the discussions. Representing employers was Kim Aikman from the Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry, while Ella Waight from the National Trade Union Congress of Belize advocated for workers’ rights. The meeting culminated in the Punta Cana Declaration, a regional commitment to fostering democracy, peace, and decent work. The outcomes are expected to shape Belize’s Decent Work Country Programme for 2024 to 2029, potentially enhancing job opportunities, workplace safety, and labor policy decision-making for Belizeans.
-
3000 People Sue Johnson & Johnson Over Baby Powder Cancer Claims
In a landmark legal battle, over 3,000 individuals in the UK have filed a lawsuit against Johnson & Johnson, alleging that the company’s talc-based baby powder caused cancer. The plaintiffs claim that the product was contaminated with asbestos, leading to cases of ovarian cancer and mesothelioma. The lawsuit, lodged in London’s High Court, accuses the pharmaceutical giant and its subsidiaries of concealing the risks for decades. Lawyers argue that Johnson & Johnson was aware that the talc used in its products originated from asbestos-containing mines but continued to market the powder until its removal from UK shelves in 2023. Michael Rawlinson KC, representing the claimants, stated that the company “suppressed critical information” and “lobbied regulators” to safeguard its brand. He emphasized that the powder’s fine particles, when shaken into the air, posed a significant inhalation risk, potentially exposing users to harmful substances. Among the plaintiffs is Patricia Angell, whose husband Edward died of mesothelioma in 2006. Despite never having worked with asbestos, Edward used the baby powder daily, and talc was noted in his autopsy report alongside asbestos strains. Johnson & Johnson has vehemently denied the allegations, with its former consumer health division, Kenvue, asserting that the product adhered to safety standards and was asbestos-free. A company spokesperson expressed deep sympathy for cancer patients but stressed the importance of factual accuracy. The case is anticipated to draw widespread attention as it progresses through the legal system.
-
Orthotic and prosthetic care stakeholder engagement
In a significant move to bolster support for the amputee community, Hon. Andy Williams, Member of Parliament for St George South, has partnered with Trinidad and Tobago Orthotics and Prosthetics (The Amputee Centre) to organize a pivotal stakeholder engagement event. Scheduled for Friday, 17 October 2025, at the Trade Centre Annex in Grand Anse, St George, this gathering aims to foster collaboration, disseminate critical information, and address the pressing needs of individuals and families reliant on orthotic and prosthetic care across Grenada, Carriacou, and Petite Martinique. The event, commencing at 10 am, will feature an in-depth presentation and interactive discussion designed to advance the accessibility and quality of support services for amputees. Participants are encouraged to contribute their insights and experiences, as collective efforts are essential to building a more inclusive and supportive future for the community. This initiative underscores the commitment of local leaders and organizations to enhancing the lives of those affected by limb loss, ensuring they receive the care and resources necessary to thrive.
-
Two Trinidadians Killed in U.S. Strike Off Venezuela
Two Trinidadian fishermen from Las Cuevas were tragically killed in a U.S. air strike off the coast of Venezuela earlier this week, as reported by Guardian Media Newsroom. The victims have been identified as Chad “Charpo” Joseph, 26, and a man known only as Samaroo. The incident has ignited widespread anger and sorrow among their families, who vehemently deny any involvement of the men in drug trafficking.
U.S. President Donald Trump, announcing the strike on social media, claimed the targeted vessel was engaged in narcotics trafficking and linked to illicit narcoterrorist networks. This strike is part of Washington’s ongoing anti-drug operations in the Caribbean, aimed at disrupting Venezuela-based trafficking routes.
In Las Cuevas, Joseph’s relatives and friends have condemned the attack as unjust and inhumane. His mother, Lenore Burnley, asserted that her son was not a trafficker and criticized the U.S. for destroying the vessel instead of intercepting it. Joseph’s grandmother, Christine Clement, revealed that her grandson had been living in Venezuela for three months and had previously survived another boat attack, describing the latest strike as an act of ‘wickedness.’
Local residents have also expressed outrage, questioning the legality of the U.S. action. Kern, one of Joseph’s friends, stated, ‘What the U.S. is doing there, I think it is inhumane.’
The deaths bring the regional toll to 27 from five U.S. air strikes since Trump ordered military operations in the Caribbean Sea. Despite mounting criticism, Washington has vowed to continue its campaign.
-
Trump Confirms CIA Operations in Venezuela
In a significant development, former US President Donald Trump has publicly confirmed his authorization of CIA operations within Venezuela. This admission has ignited a fierce response from Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, who denounced the move as part of a broader strategy by Washington to orchestrate coups in the region. Trump justified the decision by alleging that Venezuela had released prisoners into the United States and was a major source of drug trafficking. This revelation comes on the heels of recent US military strikes in the Caribbean, which targeted suspected drug vessels and resulted in 27 fatalities. United Nations experts have condemned these actions as ‘extrajudicial executions.’ In response, Maduro called for peace, declaring ‘no war, yes peace,’ and initiated military drills near Caracas. Venezuela’s foreign minister further criticized the US deployment of warships and fighter jets as acts of aggression and intimidation. According to The New York Times, the CIA’s mandate permits independent operations or coordination with broader US military efforts in Venezuela.
-
GHTA celebrates members’ success at 32nd Annual World Travel Awards
The Grenada Hotel and Tourism Association (GHTA) has proudly announced the remarkable achievements of its members at the 32nd Annual World Travel Awards, held on October 4, 2025, at the Sandals Grande Saint Lucian in St. Lucia. This prestigious event, renowned for celebrating excellence in the global travel, tourism, and hospitality industries, highlighted Grenada’s exceptional contributions to Caribbean hospitality. Several of the island’s top resorts were honored with distinguished awards, further cementing Grenada’s reputation as a premier destination. Among the winners, Sandals Grenada Resort & Spa was named Grenada’s Leading All-Inclusive Resort 2025, while Spice Island Beach Resort claimed the title of Grenada’s Leading Beach Resort 2025. Calabash Luxury Boutique Hotel continued its winning streak, securing Grenada’s Leading Boutique Hotel 2025 for the 11th consecutive year. Six Senses La Sagesse earned dual accolades as Grenada’s Leading Green Hotel 2025 and Grenada’s Leading Resort 2025, and Silversands Grenada was recognized as Grenada’s Leading Wedding Resort 2025. Arlene Friday, CEO of GHTA, emphasized that these awards reflect the unwavering dedication of Grenada’s hospitality sector to excellence, innovation, and sustainability. She noted that these achievements not only elevate Grenada’s global profile but also inspire the industry to continue setting new standards for luxury and authenticity in the Caribbean. The GHTA commended its members for their outstanding contributions and their role in enhancing Grenada’s position as a world-class tourism destination.