Proman, Trinidad and Tobago’s (TT) sole producer of Urea Ammonium Nitrate (UAN) and the second-largest exporter of UAN to the United States (US), has welcomed the US government’s decision to eliminate tariffs on fertiliser exports. This move is expected to strengthen TT’s position as a reliable global supplier in the fertiliser and energy sectors. Managing Director Anand Ragbir highlighted the significance of this development, stating that it ensures price stability for farmers and safeguards critical export revenues for TT. Proman, a major tenant and employer at the Point Lisas Industrial Estate, is one of the top ten fertiliser producers globally, supplying UAN to farmers worldwide to enhance crop yields. The US remains TT’s largest trading partner and Proman’s primary export market for UAN. The tariffs, initially imposed by former US President Donald Trump in April, subjected several TT exports to a 15% duty, excluding energy products. However, following negotiations and adjustments, Trump expanded the list of exempted goods on November 14, including agricultural products and fertilisers. This decision reflects progress in trade talks, domestic demand, and production capacity. The exemption list now includes coffee, tea, tropical fruits, cocoa, spices, bananas, oranges, tomatoes, beef, and additional fertilisers. Reuters reported that this tariff rollback impacts over 200 food products, with recent US consumer price index data showing significant price increases for items like ground beef and steaks, despite claims of minimal inflation.
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Doctor jailed 30 years for criticizing Maduro in WhatsApp message
A Venezuelan court has handed down a 30-year prison sentence to a doctor for allegedly criticizing President Nicolas Maduro’s government in a WhatsApp audio message, according to human rights organizations. Marggie Orozco, a 65-year-old physician, was convicted of charges including treason, incitement to hatred, and conspiracy after local community leaders reported her for what was deemed a disloyal communication. The specifics of the message and its intended recipient remain undisclosed. Orozco was arrested in August 2024 in San Juan de Colon, a town in western Venezuela, during a period of political turmoil following Maduro’s controversial reelection. The opposition and numerous international entities have labeled the election as fraudulent. Maduro’s disputed victory sparked widespread protests, leading to the arrest of 2,400 individuals, though most were released within months. In the aftermath, Maduro called on his supporters to identify and report so-called “fascists,” a term frequently used to describe opposition members. Orozco has reportedly suffered two heart attacks while in detention, according to Venezuela’s JEP rights NGO. The Foro Penal NGO estimates that approximately 882 individuals are currently held as “political prisoners” in Venezuelan jails.
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Roman Oost-West: Liefde in tijden van dictatuur
On the eve of the 50th anniversary of Srefidensi, Professor Guno Jones, holder of the Anton de Kom Chair, received the first copy of the novel ‘Oost-West’ by Morales Wijngaarde (1961–1992) in Amsterdam. The book launch, held in a packed venue, was attended by notable figures including Ernestine Comvalius, Henry Does, Raoul de Jong, Ricardo Wijngaarde, Caroline Mulder, and Noraly Beyer. The novel narrates the love story between two young individuals during the early years of the Republic of Suriname. At a university party, Marius, a politically conscious Afro-Surinamese student raised in the multicultural environment of Paramaribo, meets Chandra, a teacher training student from a traditional Hindu background in the rice district of Nickerie. Their relationship faces resistance due to cultural differences. Noraly Beyer, in her review on the book’s back cover, praised the novel for its precise depiction of daily life in Suriname, drawing parallels to the famous 1976 Surinamese film ‘Wan Pipel’. She highlighted the grim backdrop of the 1980s military dictatorship, which she personally recognized. Morales Wijngaarde, a sociology graduate from the Anton de Kom University of Suriname, was a student leader and editor of the leftist weekly ‘Mokro’. He left Suriname after the December Murders, during which ‘Mokro’ founder Bram Behr was killed and the publication was banned. Wijngaarde continued his work as a journalist and writer in exile in Amsterdam until his death. ‘Oost-West’ was published by Nijgh & Van Ditmar, the same publisher that released works by Albert Helman. Raoul de Jong wrote the foreword, and Henry Does provided the introduction. The author dedicated the novel to Bram Behr, stating, ‘For Bram. They destroyed your fragile body, but they could not tame your restless spirit.’
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CARILEC Thanks APUA and Regional Lineworkers for Supporting Jamaica After Hurricane Melissa
The Caribbean Electric Utility Services Corporation (CARILEC) has extended its heartfelt gratitude to the Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA) and regional lineworkers for their unwavering support in restoring power across Jamaica in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa. The devastating hurricane left widespread destruction, crippling infrastructure and leaving thousands without electricity. APUA, alongside a dedicated team of lineworkers from across the Caribbean, swiftly mobilized to assist Jamaica’s recovery efforts. Their expertise and tireless work were instrumental in repairing damaged power lines and restoring essential services to affected communities. CARILEC highlighted the importance of regional collaboration in disaster response, emphasizing that such partnerships are vital for building resilience in the face of increasingly severe weather events. The organization also commended the lineworkers for their bravery and commitment, often working in challenging conditions to ensure the safety and well-being of others. This collective effort underscores the spirit of solidarity within the Caribbean region, demonstrating how shared resources and expertise can make a significant difference in times of crisis.
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Cloudflare outage disrupts major websites and internet services
Early Tuesday morning, a substantial portion of the internet faced significant disruptions, impacting a range of popular websites and online platforms. The root cause of the outage was traced back to a malfunction within Cloudflare, a leading provider of internet infrastructure services, as reported by The Independent. The incident left users unable to access several high-profile sites, including Twitter/X, ChatGPT/OpenAI, and local outlets like Dominica News Online. The disruption lasted for several hours before Cloudflare managed to identify and resolve the issue. During the outage, users attempting to visit platforms such as X (formerly Twitter), ChatGPT, and Letterboxd, a film review site, encountered error messages indicating that Cloudflare’s technical difficulties were preventing pages from loading properly. Cloudflare is a critical player in the modern internet ecosystem, offering essential services that ensure website availability and security, including tools to defend against cyber threats and maintain online presence during high traffic periods. Interestingly, the outage also impacted Down Detector, a website that tracks internet service interruptions, which itself experienced issues due to the glitch. As of now, the issues appear to have been resolved.
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Bridging the Banking Divide Through Blockchain Solutions in Caribbean Nations
The Caribbean region is grappling with a profound financial inclusion crisis, with nearly two-thirds of its 45 million residents lacking access to formal banking services. This issue is exacerbated by infrastructural limitations and the geographical isolation of island nations, posing a significant threat to economic growth. However, energy-efficient blockchain systems, particularly those employing proof-of-stake consensus mechanisms like Cardano, offer a promising solution to bridge this gap while supporting climate resilience goals.
Financial exclusion remains a pressing concern across the Caribbean. While 70% of adults in Latin America and the Caribbean had financial accounts in 2024, this figure still trails the global average for low- and middle-income countries by five percentage points. Disparities are stark: Jamaica reports 22% of its population as unbanked, while Trinidad and Tobago recorded 19% in 2022. Rural communities and women are disproportionately affected, facing barriers such as mistrust in banking systems, limited financial literacy, and high costs.
Blockchain technology emerges as a transformative tool to address these challenges. Unlike traditional banking, which relies on extensive physical infrastructure, blockchain systems operate through mobile devices and internet connectivity, making them ideal for remote areas. Proof-of-stake protocols, such as those used by Cardano, are highly energy-efficient, consuming minimal power per transaction and aligning with the Caribbean’s sustainability objectives.
The modular architecture of blockchain platforms allows for seamless updates without compromising security, a critical feature for resource-constrained economies. With mobile penetration rates exceeding 100% in many Caribbean territories, blockchain-based financial services can leverage existing networks to reach underserved populations. Digital wallets and tokenized infrastructure projects further reduce costs and enhance accessibility for micro-entrepreneurs and small businesses.
Caribbean governments are increasingly embracing digital transformation. Jamaica’s National Identification System and Barbados’s focus on broadband connectivity and e-commerce exemplify efforts to modernize economies. Financial technology startups in Trinidad and Tobago and Jamaica are also expanding access through mobile wallets and online lending solutions. In 2024, 37% of adults in the region reported having mobile money accounts, marking a 15-percentage-point increase from 2021.
Blockchain’s energy efficiency aligns with the Caribbean’s climate resilience strategies. Nations like Barbados are integrating digital tools for climate risk identification and resilience planning. Proof-of-stake protocols, which consume significantly less energy than traditional cryptocurrencies, support both environmental sustainability and economic growth.
However, successful blockchain adoption requires addressing barriers such as funding limitations, talent shortages, and regulatory inconsistencies. Microfinance institutions in Central America and the Caribbean have demonstrated the viability of digital solutions through inclusive financial products. Regional cooperation through organizations like CARICOM can harmonize regulations and foster innovation.
In conclusion, blockchain technology offers the Caribbean a unique opportunity to overcome traditional banking constraints and achieve financial inclusion. By leveraging energy-efficient systems and existing mobile networks, the region can drive inclusive economic development while advancing its climate resilience goals.
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Constitutional crisis: why NDP must win 10 seats on Nov. 27
The candidacy of two representatives from the New Democratic Party (NDP) in St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) has been challenged by the Unity Labour Party (ULP). The ULP alleges that the candidates, Dr. Godwin Friday and Mr. Fitzgerald Bramble, hold Canadian citizenship, which they argue disqualifies them from contesting the upcoming general elections on November 27. The challenge centers on Section 26 of the SVG Constitution, which prohibits individuals under any acknowledgment of allegiance, obedience, or adherence to a foreign state from holding parliamentary office. Despite the challenge, both candidates were successfully nominated. The ULP may pursue legal action, which, if successful, could disqualify the candidates and force them to vacate their seats if elected. The case hinges on whether Canada, as a Commonwealth member, is considered a foreign state under SVG law. Legal precedents in the Caribbean suggest that dual citizenship can disqualify candidates, as it may create divided loyalties. The outcome of this challenge could significantly impact the election results, particularly in the Northern Grenadines and East Kingstown constituencies. The NDP risks losing votes in these areas if the candidates are disqualified, potentially altering the political landscape of SVG.
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Dominican-led New Jersey youth basketball program achieves #1 ranking
Pro Dev Unlimited, a grassroots basketball initiative founded by Dominican native Khalil Brown, has risen to prominence as New Jersey’s top independent basketball program, according to NJHoopsHub, a leading sports media outlet. The organization, dedicated to youth athletic training and personal development, has achieved remarkable success, including facilitating over $2 million in athletic and academic scholarships and securing more than 100 championship titles. Pro Dev’s mission is to provide overlooked athletes with opportunities to excel both on and off the court. Its holistic approach includes collaborations with institutions like the Johnson Brown Academy and Passion Pursuit Academy, focusing on academic and athletic growth. Additionally, Pro Dev partners with Prociety, led by Marques Johnson, and the Left Coast Legends AAU team, which has earned national recognition in youth basketball. The program’s effectiveness is evident in its alumni, including NBA players like Austin Reaves and Jake LaRavia, as well as athletes who have visited prestigious NCAA Division I programs. Founder Khalil Brown emphasized the organization’s commitment to scaling its impact globally, with expansion plans in key U.S. markets and international locations like Italy, Germany, and the United Kingdom. Pro Dev is also launching an American football program and partnering with New Jersey Elite to compete in the Nike EYBL Circuit starting in 2026. The organization is actively seeking corporate and philanthropic partnerships to support its mission of transforming young lives through sports and education.
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Chef Ronald Reagan Wilson to Represent Antigua and Barbuda at Saint Martin’s Festival de la Gastronomie
Chef Ronald Reagan Wilson, the esteemed Head Chef at Blue Waters Hotel, has been selected to represent Antigua and Barbuda at the prestigious Festival de la Gastronomie in Saint Martin. This announcement was made by the Antigua and Barbuda Hotels and Tourism Association, underscoring the nation’s commitment to showcasing its culinary prowess on a regional stage. Wilson is set to take center stage at the festival’s grand finale on November 22, where he will unveil two of his signature creations: a tantalizing dish of fungee paired with a passion fruit and ginger dipping sauce, and the innovative Chop-Up Churri. The festival, a celebrated gathering of culinary experts and food aficionados from across the Caribbean, provides a platform for Wilson to highlight the rich flavors and traditions of Antigua and Barbuda. His participation not only elevates the country’s culinary reputation but also fosters cultural exchange and appreciation within the region.
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Cloudflare Says It Has Fixed Problem After Global Website Outage
Cloudflare, a leading internet infrastructure provider, faced a significant service disruption on Tuesday, impacting multiple services across its global network. The incident began at 11:48 UTC when the company detected an internal service degradation affecting application services, dashboard access, and WARP connectivity. Customers reported elevated error rates and intermittent failures as Cloudflare engineers worked to diagnose and address the issue. Throughout the afternoon, the company provided frequent updates on its progress. At one point, engineers temporarily disabled WARP access in London, advising users in the region to expect connectivity issues while fixes were being implemented. By 13:09 UTC, Cloudflare identified the root cause and began deploying a solution. Services gradually recovered, with error rates normalizing shortly thereafter. Dashboard access was fully restored at 14:34 UTC, and by 14:42 UTC, the company confirmed that a complete fix had been applied. Cloudflare assured users that the incident had been resolved and that ongoing monitoring would ensure system stability. Earlier in the day, the company also addressed a separate issue with its support portal, caused by problems with a third-party provider. While customers may have experienced errors when viewing cases, the company confirmed that responses to inquiries were unaffected. Cloudflare has yet to disclose the specific cause of the outage.