作者: admin

  • Local charity continues to transform lives 13 years later

    Local charity continues to transform lives 13 years later

    In a world grappling with escalating inequality, where countless families face impossible choices between dignity and survival, the critical question has shifted from whether assistance is necessary to identifying those willing to take meaningful action. Vulnerability seldom announces its arrival—it emerges abruptly, silently, and without warning.

    For over a decade, a visionary nonprofit established by Cherry-Ann Pompey-Delpeche has consistently bridged this gap, prioritizing compassion over convenience and choosing decisive action over passive indifference. What originated as modest gestures of kindness has matured into a sustained movement dedicated to ensuring no child, family, or community remains overlooked.

    “For the past 13 years, our organization has served as a beacon of hope and tangible support for vulnerable families throughout St. Vincent and the Grenadines,” states Pompey-Delpeche.

    Since its founding, the charity has extended vital assistance to more than 400 families, distributing essential resources including clothing for all ages, neonatal and adult diapers, bedding sets, footwear, nutritional supplies, sports equipment, educational materials, books, children’s scooters, and toys.

    “Our mission is fundamentally rooted in both compassion and advocacy,” Pompey-Delpeche explains. She recounts how a simple concept shared with her sister—sending supplies to individuals in need—blossomed into a robust charitable enterprise.

    Leveraging her professional background in social work and current practice as a counselor, advocacy for vulnerable populations became an organic and crucial dimension of their efforts. Strategic long-term partnerships, particularly with AGAPE UK–SVG, have significantly amplified the organization’s reach and effectiveness.

    Her counseling practice has exposed the profound and frequently unaddressed needs within local communities, reinforcing the necessity of addressing both psychological well-being and practical burdens through concrete support. The charity consequently provides holistic assistance that targets immediate requirements while fostering long-term stability.

    Key initiatives include the “Pack-a-Bag per Child” program, which delivers school bags stocked with essential educational supplies to students. This effort, supported by associates both locally and internationally, has benefited approximately 150 children. Additional contributions have included customized t-shirts for boys’ development programs across multiple schools.

    During catastrophic events such as the volcanic eruption and Hurricane Beryl, the organization secured and distributed critical aid from Canadian sources, AGAPE UK–SVG, and personal contacts in England. This support provided essential relief to families and shelters during their most challenging periods, with many recipients continuing to express profound gratitude.

    Beyond emergency response, the charity maintains its commitment to community elevation through ongoing projects. Recent distributions include specialized sports gear—football boots, goalkeeper gloves, and shin guards—to the Glenside Ball Blazers FC in Marriaqua and the Richland Park Government Schools Football Team. Educational books were donated to Evesham Methodist School, alongside toys for behavioral modification reward programs encouraging positive student development.

    The organization also identified economically disadvantaged parents, providing crucial newborn supplies such as diapers and infant clothing. The distribution of scooters to children generated particularly memorable moments of pure joy, described by Pompey-Delpeche as “truly indescribable and deeply heart-warming.”

    This spirit of giving was especially evident during the 2025 Christmas season and into January 2026, as children received gifts and supplies. Their emotional responses—beaming smiles, heartfelt hugs, and sincere appreciation—served as powerful affirmations of the initiative’s importance.

    As the organization marks its 13th anniversary, Pompey-Delpeche expresses profound gratitude to partners, supporters, and the families who continually inspire their work. “This charity was born from genuine community love,” she reflects, “and it endures through collaboration, compassion, and our collective belief that together we can drive meaningful change.”

    She concludes with a powerful conviction: “Supporting vulnerable populations transcends mere charity—it represents an act of justice, humanity, and moral responsibility. When we give, we provide more than material aid; we restore hope, dignity, and faith in achievable futures. Every distributed bag, every clothed child, every supported family reaffirms that transformative change begins when ordinary people choose to care. Our work isn’t about recognition—it’s about transformation. And as long as need exists, our mission remains unequivocal: to serve, to uplift, and to remind the world that compassion retains the power to change everything.”

  • President Abinader leads parade commemorating 213th anniversary of Juan Pablo Duarte

    President Abinader leads parade commemorating 213th anniversary of Juan Pablo Duarte

    SAN FRANCISCO DE MACORÍS – The Dominican Republic officially launched its Month of the Homeland celebrations with a grand commemorative parade honoring the 213th birth anniversary of Juan Pablo Duarte, the nation’s founding father. President Luis Abinader presided over Monday’s ceremonial events that emphasized the government’s dedication to preserving Duarte’s core principles of freedom, national sovereignty, and patriotic values.

    Juan Pablo Uribe, heading the Permanent Commission of Patriotic Anniversaries (CPEP), delivered a stirring tribute characterizing Duarte as “the Dominican of purest glory.” Uribe urged citizens to embrace the founding father’s exemplary dedication through love, diligent work, and national sacrifice. The CPEP president notably connected these historical values to the current administration, praising President Abinader for embodying Duartean ideals including governmental honesty, personal integrity, national dignity, and transparent leadership.

    Local leadership including San Francisco de Macorís Mayor Alex Díaz and Provincial Governor Ana Xiomara Cortés echoed these sentiments, stressing how Duarte’s legacy translates to modern governance through strong civic ethics, social responsibility, and dedicated public service. Both officials emphasized that transparency and commitment to communal welfare serve as fundamental pillars for national development.

    The ceremony culminated with President Abinader authorizing a combined civic-military and police parade featuring students from Duarte province schools, elite Armed Forces units, and specialized National Police divisions. The president’s participation alongside high-ranking military, governmental, and religious authorities reinforced the institutional commitment to honoring Duarte’s enduring influence on Dominican society and governance.

  • PM says 4000 jobs created last year as Antigua nears a 7-billion-dollar economy

    PM says 4000 jobs created last year as Antigua nears a 7-billion-dollar economy

    Antigua and Barbuda’s economic trajectory shows remarkable expansion with projections indicating the nation’s economy will soon surpass the US$7 billion threshold, according to Prime Minister Gaston Browne. The leader made these declarations during a recent appearance on Pointe FM’s ‘Browne and Browne’ programme, countering assertions of administrative underperformance with concrete economic metrics.

    Statistical evidence reveals the economy has experienced substantial growth from approximately US$3.6 billion when the current administration assumed office to its present valuation nearing US$6 billion. This represents significant economic progression over the past decade, with continued expansion anticipated within the forthcoming two to three years.

    Prime Minister Browne emphatically stated, ‘Within the next two, two and a half years, Antigua and Barbuda’s economy will reach approximately seven billion dollars. The figures demonstrate sustained economic expansion that contradicts critical narratives.’ He challenged skeptics to observe the visible economic activity throughout the nation, noting the evident vitality across the islands.

    The tourism sector remains a primary economic driver, maintaining what Browne described as a ‘buoyant’ performance that continues to generate employment opportunities and stimulate broader economic activity. Notably, the nation created over 4,000 jobs between 2024 and 2025—a substantial achievement for a country with a population of approximately 100,000 residents.

    Immigration has additionally supported economic growth by addressing labor shortages in expanding construction and tourism industries. The government maintains its commitment to sustaining this growth trajectory while simultaneously enhancing local participation across key economic sectors.

  • Antigua and Barbuda’s Queen Kia Kirwan to Represent at the Miss OECS Pageant in Dominica

    Antigua and Barbuda’s Queen Kia Kirwan to Represent at the Miss OECS Pageant in Dominica

    Antigua and Barbuda’s cultural ambassador, Queen Kia (Ms. Kia Kirwan), is preparing to represent the nation at the prestigious Miss OECS Pageant scheduled for January 30, 2026, in Dominica. This regional competition unites delegates from across the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States in a celebration that transcends conventional beauty contests by emphasizing intellectual acuity, cultural heritage, and regional solidarity.

    The pageant serves as a dynamic platform for emerging female leaders to advocate for their nations while promoting cross-cultural understanding. Queen Kia’s participation highlights Antigua and Barbuda’s ongoing initiatives to empower young women and showcase national cultural assets within the Caribbean community.

    Official endorsements have poured in from prominent national figures. Ambassador Elizabeth Makhoul, Chairperson of the Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission, commended Kirwan’s dedication: “Queen Kia exemplifies the vibrant spirit and cultural richness of our nation. We proudly support her representation with confidence and distinction.”

    Echoing this sentiment, The Honourable Daryll S. Matthew, Minister of Education, Sports and Creative Industries, characterized her participation as both a personal milestone and a national achievement: “She embodies our creative talent and cultural identity on the regional stage.”

    With anticipation building, the Festivals Commission has mobilized public support, encouraging citizens to demonstrate national pride through the ‘268’ campaign (referencing the country’s telephone code) as Kirwan prepares to compete in this showcase of Caribbean beauty, unity, and female empowerment.

  • Vincy’s embrace of Garifuna heritage puts her in Guinness Records

    Vincy’s embrace of Garifuna heritage puts her in Guinness Records

    In a historic musical achievement, Vincentian vocalist Rianka Chance joined 194 other women from across the globe to create ‘195’ – the world’s first anthem promoting gender equality through sound healing frequencies. The groundbreaking project, produced by Martina Fuchs, The Frequency School, and Grammy-nominated producer Maejor, premiered at the 2025 World Economic Forum in Davos.

    At just 19 years old, Chance became the representative voice for St. Vincent and the Grenadines in this unprecedented global initiative. The collaboration officially broke the world record for the most nationalities represented in a single song in June 2025, with Chance receiving official certification of the achievement as her 20th birthday gift.

    For Chance, the experience represented profound personal and cultural significance. As an Indigenous woman who once struggled with self-esteem, she described the opportunity as ‘healing and transformative.’ Her participation carried particular importance for the Garifuna people, whose origins trace back to St. Vincent (Yurumein) despite common misconceptions placing their heritage in Central American countries.

    Chance emphasized that her inclusion of the Garifuna word for ‘equality’ in the anthem served as a powerful declaration that Indigenous cultures remain vibrant and worthy of global recognition. The project aligned with her advocacy work for Indigenous rights, decolonized education systems, and the preservation of ancestral heritage.

    The achievement demonstrates how voices from smaller nations can contribute to global conversations about equality and representation. Chance reflected that breaking the record provided ‘visibility, validation and victory for a people whose contributions are too often erased or misattributed.’

  • “When we have united, history has shown that we have always achieved victory”

    “When we have united, history has shown that we have always achieved victory”

    Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez oversaw extensive military exercises on National Defense Day, emphasizing the nation’s preparedness against potential foreign aggression. The tactical demonstrations at the Great Tank Unit of Combat Glory Rescate de Sanguily featured combined forces from regular military units, Territorial Troop Militias, and Production and Defense Brigades.

    Accompanied by high-ranking military officials including Army Corps General Álvaro López Miera and General Roberto Legrá Sotolongo, Díaz-Canel observed the drills that began three weeks prior. The President highlighted the significance of these exercises in the current geopolitical climate, specifically referencing the “hegemonic offensive being carried out by the United States government” since January 3.

    The drills demonstrated remarkable coordination between different components of Cuba’s territorial defense system. Díaz-Canel praised the “levels of preparation, cohesion, and cooperation” as admirable, noting that the systematic preparation program is yielding concrete results while strengthening national patriotism and anti-imperialist sentiment.

    The President later visited university students practicing rifle assembly, mine deployment, and other combat skills. He emphasized to the future professionals that defense preparedness remains crucial, echoing historical warnings from Fidel and Raúl Castro that the best deterrent against aggression is comprehensive military readiness. The students responded with revolutionary slogans including “Fatherland or Death!” and “No one surrenders here!”

    The inspection concluded at an air defense unit where Díaz-Canel verified combat technology conditions and observed demonstrations of Cuba’s response capabilities to potential enemy attacks.

  • Overleg DIN en ambassadeur Panka gericht op samenwerking en ontwikkeling

    Overleg DIN en ambassadeur Panka gericht op samenwerking en ontwikkeling

    In a significant diplomatic engagement, the Diaspora Institute Netherlands (DIN) convened with Ambassador Ricardo Panka at the Surinamese Embassy in The Hague to establish frameworks for bilateral cooperation and sustainable development initiatives. The high-level discussion focused on creating substantive partnerships between Suriname and its diaspora community in the Netherlands.

    During the comprehensive dialogue, DIN showcased several strategic initiatives from its network, including the upcoming Career Fair Netherlands scheduled for April 24-25 at Amsterdam’s RAI Convention Center. The event will feature a specialized pavilion dedicated to ‘Working in Suriname,’ complemented by a talk show and networking session on April 24. Additionally, SUSU has planned a significant event for June 6 in Amsterdam.

    Entrepreneur Ludwig Landvreugd presented his visionary plans for international projects in Suriname, emphasizing economic growth and sustainable development models that balance progress with environmental responsibility.

    Ambassador Panka emphasized the critical importance of early embassy involvement in Suriname-related initiatives, stating that the diplomatic mission serves as both a connecting hub and gateway for collaborative ventures. The ambassador explicitly welcomed projects that contribute to the broader interests of both Suriname and its diaspora community.

    All parties agreed to establish concrete implementation steps in the coming period aimed at creating sustainable partnerships and successful societal projects. The meeting reinforced DIN’s role as a platform connecting people, organizations, and initiatives through shared societal interests and transnational cooperation.

  • Nevis to St Kitts Cross Channel Swim set for March 28 as event marks 25 years  – WIC News

    Nevis to St Kitts Cross Channel Swim set for March 28 as event marks 25 years  – WIC News

    The Caribbean’s premier open water swimming event, the Nevis to St Kitts Cross Channel Swim, will celebrate its silver anniversary on March 28, 2026. This landmark edition promises to deliver the same unique blend of athletic challenge and tropical splendor that has characterized the event for a quarter century.

    Spanning the 2.5-mile Narrows strait between the sister islands, the swim connects Oualie Beach in Nevis with the picturesque finish at Cockleshell Bay on St Kitts. What began as a regional challenge has evolved into an internationally recognized sporting occasion that attracts 400-600 participants annually from across North America, Europe, and the Caribbean region.

    The event’s dual format accommodates both competitive racers and recreational swimmers, ensuring broad accessibility. Participants may enter as individual swimmers or form relay teams, emphasizing the event’s core values of endurance and camaraderie. Comprehensive safety measures include coordinated marine support, lifeguards, kayakers, and medical teams stationed throughout the channel.

    Beyond the aquatic challenge, the anniversary celebration will feature registration activities, welcome receptions, and award ceremonies that foster connections between athletes, visitors, and local communities. Tourism officials highlight the event’s growing significance in promoting sports tourism, encouraging participants to extend their stays to explore the islands’ attractions, cuisine, and accommodation options.

    Registration details and event information are available through the official Nevis to St Kitts Cross Channel Swim website, offering opportunities for both competitive and recreational entries to this milestone edition of the Caribbean’s definitive open water swimming experience.

  • Column: Echt leiderschap: de kracht van verantwoordelijkheid boven macht

    Column: Echt leiderschap: de kracht van verantwoordelijkheid boven macht

    Amidst contemporary political parties, organizations, and governments, a concerning pattern emerges where the concept of leadership frequently serves as camouflage for personal ambition and self-interest protection. This pervasive struggle for power masks the authentic essence of what constitutes genuine leadership and when it truly manifests in practice.

    True leadership originates at the micro-level, within workplace environments where public trust begins to erode and fragment. When supervisors neglect their responsibilities and merely muddle through, they initiate a detrimental pattern that gradually permeates throughout organizations. This not only entraps departments in vicious cycles of uncoordinated efforts and stagnant progress but ultimately undermines the very foundation of our societal structure where we live and work collectively. We owe it to ourselves and each other to break this destructive cycle.

    Historical exemplars demonstrate transformative leadership during challenging eras: Nelson Mandela, who embraced reconciliation and national unity after decades of imprisonment; and Jacinda Ardern, who guided New Zealand through crisis years with empathy and decisive action. These leaders exemplify how authentic leadership centers on service and vision rather than power accumulation.

    When leaders hesitate to take decisive action, prioritizing preservation over progress, they foster environments of distrust and stagnation. This contagious atmosphere demotivates employees, paralyzes decision-making processes, and erodes systemic confidence. The consequences prove devastating not merely for organizations but for society at large.

    Genuine leaders make substantial differences when it matters most. They assume responsibility despite potential unpopularity or risks, prioritize collective welfare over personal gain, and inspire others to emulate this approach. True leaders serve the whole community, building trust, stability, and advancement while creating cultures where people feel heard and collaboration prevails.

    During crises, authentic leadership emerges not through bluff or rhetoric but through vision, courage, and decisive action. These critical moments determine whether societies derail or emerge strengthened from adversity.

    The time has arrived to redefine leadership conceptually—not as a struggle for power or status but as a duty toward care, integrity, and connection. Leadership represents a responsibility affecting everyone, beginning with the realization that together we constitute more than the sum of our parts.

    By recognizing and embracing this paradigm shift, we can disrupt patterns of division and stagnation. Thus, we build toward a future where leadership serves as an inspiration source and foundation for sustainable growth and cohesion. Only through this transformation can our society truly flourish and confront tomorrow’s challenges effectively.

  • JCE delivers first new identity and electoral card to President Abinader

    JCE delivers first new identity and electoral card to President Abinader

    SANTO DOMINGO – In a landmark ceremony symbolizing technological advancement in civic administration, Dominican President Luis Abinader was officially presented with the nation’s first new biometric identity and electoral card on Monday. The historic event, orchestrated by the Central Electoral Board (JCE), marks the commencement of a comprehensive national rollout for the enhanced identification system.

    Presided over by JCE President Román Andrés Jáquez Liranzo, the delivery ceremony at the JCE headquarters auditorium included the full assembly of board members and General Secretary Sonne Beltré. President Abinader’s receipt of the inaugural card positions him as the first citizen enrolled in the updated civil registry, designed to integrate advanced biometric data for heightened security and electoral integrity.

    The JCE initiated its internal data capture phase on January 8th, collecting biometric and personal information from its own personnel as a preliminary test of the system’s operational capacity. This successful internal implementation paved the way for the ceremonial handover to the head of state.

    The national deployment strategy will unfold in structured phases. Following the initial institutional stage, targeted registration drives for specific demographic sectors are scheduled for February through March 2026. A full-scale nationwide enrollment campaign is set to launch in April 2026, utilizing a birth-month sequencing approach to manage the process systematically. The JCE has projected the conclusion of the mass registration effort for all citizens by March 31, 2027.