作者: admin

  • President installeert nieuwe Deviezencommissie voor versterking economisch beleid

    President installeert nieuwe Deviezencommissie voor versterking economisch beleid

    Surinamese President Jennifer Simons has officially inaugurated the nation’s new Foreign Exchange Commission during a cabinet ceremony, marking a significant advancement in the government’s efforts to overhaul and reinforce financial-economic policies. The establishment of this specialized body represents a strategic move to address critical monetary challenges and enhance Suriname’s international economic standing.

    Chaired by Robin Huiswoud, the commission comprises distinguished members Ireen Parbhoe, Dorothy Emanuelson-Hellings, Roy Smit, Ismanto Adna, Cathleen Kejansi, and Ravin Soerdjbalie. During the installation proceedings, Finance and Planning Minister Adelien Wijnerman expressed strong confidence in the committee’s expertise and operational independence, emphasizing its vital advisory role to the government, presidency, and her ministry.

    Minister Wijnerman articulated that robust and well-considered foreign exchange policy serves as the cornerstone for sustainable economic development. “Given recent economic developments and challenges, installing a new Foreign Exchange Commission became imperative,” she stated, highlighting the necessity of this institutional response to contemporary financial pressures.

    The commission’s mandate encompasses comprehensive analysis of export-related matters, foreign currency generation mechanisms, and strategies to fortify Suriname’s global economic position. Core responsibilities include examining necessary adjustments to existing legislative frameworks while evaluating current procedures, implemented exchange policies, and overarching strategic vision. This systematic review aims to identify structural improvements within Suriname’s financial governance architecture.

  • Nicolás Maduro pleads not guilty in New York court

    Nicolás Maduro pleads not guilty in New York court

    Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has formally entered a not guilty plea to comprehensive drug trafficking and narco-terrorism conspiracy charges during his inaugural appearance in a United States federal courtroom. The hearing marked a significant development in a case initially brought by the Trump administration, which had previously authorized a multi-million dollar bounty for Maduro’s capture.

    Addressing the court through an interpreter, Maduro asserted his innocence and presidential status, declaring, “I’m innocent. I am not guilty. I am a decent man, the president of my country.” The Venezuelan leader indicated he had not previously reviewed the indictment nor been adequately informed of his legal rights, stating, “Your honor is informing me of them now.”

    Following procedural formalities, the presiding judge recorded an official not guilty plea on Maduro’s behalf. When directly questioned about his plea, Maduro reaffirmed his position: “I am innocent. I am not guilty of anything that is mentioned here.”

    The judicial proceedings subsequently extended to First Lady Cília Flores, who similarly pleaded not guilty to related charges. Identified herself as “first lady of the Republic of Venezuela,” Flores asserted her complete innocence before the court.

    The case represents an unprecedented legal confrontation involving a sitting head of state and underscores the deteriorating relations between the United States and Venezuela. The charges allege Maduro’s involvement in coordinating with Venezuelan officials and Colombian rebel groups to transform Venezuela into a strategic hub for cocaine trafficking destined for the United States.

  • Mexican President says people can limit Trump

    Mexican President says people can limit Trump

    Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has firmly dismissed the possibility of U.S. military intervention in Mexico, emphasizing national sovereignty and a comprehensive domestic approach to tackling organized crime. Her statements came during a routine press conference at the National Palace, where she addressed concerns about former U.S. President Donald Trump’s repeated proposals to deploy American troops into Mexican territory under the pretext of combating drug cartels.

    President Sheinbaum argued that external military involvement would not resolve Mexico’s security challenges, noting that such interventions undermine constitutional principles and national autonomy. Instead, her administration is implementing a four-pillar strategy focused on addressing socioeconomic root causes, ensuring judicial accountability, strengthening institutions, and promoting regional development.

    She also criticized domestic opposition groups that she accused of seeking foreign support to gain political advantage, warning that such approaches ultimately fail to resonate with the Mexican public. The president reaffirmed that unity and a clear vision grounded in Mexico’s legal framework are essential to navigating complex bilateral relations with the United States.

    Sheinbaum expressed confidence that Mexico possesses the capacity and resources to manage its security situation without external interference, highlighting collaboration with international partners on terms that respect Mexican law and self-determination.

  • UWI Global Campus to bestow prominent St Lucian, Sir Calixte George with Honorary Doctor of Laws (LLD)

    UWI Global Campus to bestow prominent St Lucian, Sir Calixte George with Honorary Doctor of Laws (LLD)

    The University of the West Indies Global Campus will convene its virtual commencement ceremony on January 10, 2026, celebrating the achievements of the graduating class of 2025. Originally planned for November 8, 2025, the event was rescheduled due to disruptions caused by Hurricane Melissa’s devastating path through the region.

    In a special tribute, the institution will confer an Honorary Doctor of Laws degree upon Sir Calixte George, a distinguished Saint Lucian whose multifaceted career has left an indelible mark on Caribbean development. The honorary recognition celebrates Sir Calixte’s extraordinary contributions across agriculture, education, scientific research, and regional leadership spanning over six decades.

    Sir Calixte’s academic journey began with a scholarship to St. Mary’s College in 1952, where he later returned as a junior science teacher. His educational path led him to the University College of the West Indies in St. Augustine, where he graduated among the first cohort in 1963 with a Bachelor of Science degree. He subsequently earned a Master’s degree in Soil Science from the University of Reading in 1966.

    His professional career commenced within Saint Lucia’s Ministry of Agriculture, where he advanced to Chief Research Officer and Acting Chief Agricultural Officer. Sir Calixte later joined the Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI), eventually rising to Executive Director. His visionary leadership transformed the regional banana industry through his role as Managing Director of the Saint Lucia Banana Growers’ Association, where he engineered the transition of WINBAN into WIBDECO, modernizing exports and securing new international contracts.

    Beyond agriculture, Sir Calixte championed workers’ rights as President of the Saint Lucia Civil Service Association, securing historic salary increases for civil servants. His political career included serving as President of the Senate (1979-1982) and Leader of Government Business in the Senate (1997-2006), during which he held multiple ministerial portfolios including Agriculture, Fisheries & Forestry; Communications, Works, Transport & Public Utilities; and Home Affairs & National Security.

    Among his most significant regional achievements, Sir Calixte pioneered the liberalization of the OECS telecommunications sector, establishing the Eastern Caribbean Telecommunications Authority (ECTEL) where he served as founding Chair.

    Despite hurricane-related disruptions that may prevent some Jamaican graduates from participating, the university extends its heartfelt congratulations to all graduands and particularly honors Sir Calixte’s lifetime of service. Dr. Francis O. Severin, Pro Vice-Chancellor and Principal of The UWI Global Campus, praised Sir Calixte as “an authentic Eastern and Pan-Caribbean public servant” whose dedication exemplifies the region’s unsung heroes.

    Even in retirement, Sir Calixte remains actively engaged in regional development through writing and mentorship. His published works include a comprehensive history of his alma mater, and he is currently compiling his autobiography detailing his remarkable career.

  • Cuban Embassy in the US honors fallen combatants in Venezuela

    Cuban Embassy in the US honors fallen combatants in Venezuela

    In a solemn display of diplomatic solidarity, Cuban mission staff assembled Monday morning under the leadership of Head of Mission Lianys Torres to commemorate personnel lost in the line of duty. The gathering transformed into a powerful political demonstration against what officials characterized as imperial aggression targeting Venezuela’s constitutional order.

    Oscar Larralde, addressing colleagues as their representative, condemned Saturday’s offensive against Venezuela and the abduction of its constitutional president as a fundamental assault on national sovereignty. ‘In the face of this aggression,’ Larralde declared, ‘we reaffirm our unwavering solidarity with the Venezuelan people and their legitimate government.’ The diplomat revealed that thirty-two Cuban citizens had perished on Venezuelan soil, their blood serving as testament to the profound solidarity binding the two nations.

    The ceremony evolved into a historical rallying cry, with Larralde invoking the legacy of Major General Antonio Maceo, Cuba’s legendary Bronze Titan from the independence wars. He reiterated Maceo’s uncompromising principle that Cuban independence remains non-negotiable—a warning directed at contemporary ‘imperialist gentlemen’ and ‘circling hawks.’ The official channeled the warrior’s defiant proclamation that any attempt to seize Cuba would yield only ‘blood-soaked dust’ unless aggressors perished in the struggle.

    The emotionally charged event culminated with diplomatic personnel singing Cuba’s National Anthem with fervent patriotism, followed by vocal acclamations celebrating Cuba, its revolutionary tradition, and current leadership. The gathering simultaneously functioned as a memorial for fallen heroes and a strategic political statement reinforcing Cuba’s alliance with Venezuela’s government amid escalating regional tensions.

  • Drug War in Bella Vista Has Police on Alert

    Drug War in Bella Vista Has Police on Alert

    Authorities in Belize have initiated a comprehensive security mobilization in response to escalating narco-related violence plaguing southern regions, particularly impacting Bella Vista Village and adjacent communities. This strategic enforcement enhancement follows a disturbing pattern of criminal incidents, including a lethal mass shooting during New Year’s Eve celebrations in Independence Village that marked the latest episode in intensifying territorial conflicts between rival drug trafficking organizations.

    Police Minister Oscar Mira confirmed the implementation of both immediate and long-term security measures during an official briefing. “We have strategically augmented patrol presence throughout Bella Vista while simultaneously advancing construction of a fully-equipped police station designed to host multiple specialized units,” Minister Mira stated. The new facility will incorporate Criminal Investigation Branch (CIB) operations, Special Branch capabilities, and community policing initiatives to establish permanent enforcement infrastructure.

    Beyond structural developments, Minister Mira emphasized intelligence-centric tactics targeting criminal network dismantlement. “Our operational philosophy prioritizes intelligence-driven interventions to disrupt organizational hierarchies perpetrating this violence,” he explained. Additional highway surveillance operations along the Southern Highway corridor aim to intercept narcotics transportation and weapon movement.

    While authorities project confidence in regaining territorial control, residents remain apprehensive following weeks of escalating criminal activity including armed home invasions, commercial robberies, and targeted shootings. The security crisis represents both immediate public safety concerns and broader challenges regarding transnational narcotics trafficking routes affecting Central American nations.

  • BCEN calls for policies to be more inclusive

    BCEN calls for policies to be more inclusive

    The Barbados Consumer Empowerment Network (BCEN) has issued a compelling call for financial policies that prioritize accessibility and consumer choice during the nation’s economic modernization efforts. In her New Year’s address, BCEN Executive Chairman Maureen Holder emphasized that regulatory effectiveness depends not merely on enforcement but on transparency, clarity, and meaningful stakeholder engagement.

    While acknowledging Barbados’ progress in aligning its financial systems with international standards set by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), Holder presented a crucial distinction between regulatory modernization and genuine development. She argued that true development must be measured by tangible improvements in livelihoods, broad-based participation, and concrete gains for households and communities rather than technical compliance alone.

    The consumer advocate stressed that as Barbados deepens its financial reforms through transformation initiatives and enhanced regulatory compliance, implementation must remain risk-based, proportionate, and inclusive. She specifically highlighted the vital role of cooperatives and credit unions in maintaining financial access and community resilience, urging policymakers to support these institutions as regulatory expectations evolve.

    Addressing current economic challenges, Holder noted that Barbadians continue to face significant cost-of-living pressures with concerns about high prices for essential goods and services. She advocated for strong competition policy, transparent pricing mechanisms, and robust consumer protection measures as critical complements to macroeconomic reforms. Holder concluded that affordability and fairness must remain central priorities alongside profit maximization, achievable through enhanced monitoring, accountability, and stakeholder engagement.

  • Full Court appeal of Chief Justice’s decision could delay start of Mohameds’ extradition hearing

    Full Court appeal of Chief Justice’s decision could delay start of Mohameds’ extradition hearing

    The scheduled extradition proceedings against Guyanese billionaire gold dealers Nazar ‘Shell’ Mohamed and his son Azruddin Mohamed face potential postponement following their legal team’s announcement to appeal a High Court ruling. The development emerged hours after Chief Justice Navindra Singh declined to stay the magistrate’s hearing set for January 6-8, 2026.

    Lead attorney Roysdale Forde confirmed his intention to file an appeal with the Full Court of the High Court, seeking to suspend the extradition process pending resolution of two constitutional challenges. ‘We disagree with the decision respectfully and we will be filing an appeal to the Full Court and we will be seeking a stay of the proceedings at the level of the Full Court,’ Forde told journalists outside the Georgetown courtroom.

    The legal battle centers on dual constitutional matters: challenges to several provisions of the Fugitive Offenders Act and allegations of ‘explicit political bias’ in the extradition authorization by Home Affairs Minister Oneidge Walrond against Azruddin Mohamed, who leads the We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) political party.

    Attorney General Anil Nandlall maintained that the judicial process should proceed as scheduled, emphasizing that existing legal frameworks provide adequate avenues for post-committal challenges. He warned that if Magistrate Judy Latchman rules against the Mohameds, both individuals would be immediately taken into custody despite their current GY$150,000 bail status.

    The United States seeks their extradition to face trial in Florida’s federal court on charges including mail fraud, wire fraud, and money laundering related to their gold trading operations, allegedly resulting in millions lost in tax revenue for Guyana.

    Justice Singh, in his ruling, determined that suspending the extradition process would constitute ‘a drastic remedy’ given that constitutional issues could be addressed without halting the proceedings. He noted the absence of demonstrated ‘immediate and irreversible harm’ and emphasized the public interest in honoring international extradition obligations.

    The Chief Justice scheduled January 14, 2026, for preliminary hearings on the constitutional challenges, setting the stage for a protracted legal battle that Forde acknowledged ‘will be a long, arduous process’ likely reaching the Caribbean Court of Justice.

  • PM Briceño Speaks On U.S. Actions in Venezuela

    PM Briceño Speaks On U.S. Actions in Venezuela

    In a significant development in Caribbean geopolitics, Belizean Prime Minister John Briceño has aligned with regional partners to express profound apprehension regarding the United States’ military intervention in Venezuela. The operation, executed on January 5th, 2026, resulted in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his spouse.

    Prime Minister Briceño, in an exclusive dialogue with News Five, articulated Belize’s longstanding unease regarding heightened military activities in the Caribbean Sea. He emphasized that the recent events in Venezuela over the preceding forty-eight hours have intensified these concerns. The Belizean government is currently coordinating with both CARICOM (Caribbean Community) and SICA (Central American Integration System) member states to formulate a unified regional response to this crisis.

    Reaffirming his nation’s diplomatic stance, Briceño declared, “Belize maintains an unwavering commitment to the foundational tenets of international law and multilateral cooperation. We urgently implore all nations to uphold these fundamental principles.” This position mirrors the reaction from the United Nations, which has officially conveyed its deep alarm regarding the situation and questioned the operation’s adherence to established international legal standards.

    The U.S. operation, described by senior American officials as unprecedented in scope and the culmination of months of strategic planning, involved the deployment of over 150 aircraft. In the aftermath, Venezuela’s acting leadership under former Vice President Delcy Rodríguez initially issued strong condemnations but has subsequently signaled openness to diplomatic engagement with Washington, advocating for dialogue and cooperative relations. President Maduro is anticipated to face judicial proceedings on narcotics and weapons allegations in a New York City courtroom.

  • Venezuela Invites U.S. Collaboration After Trump Declares Control

    Venezuela Invites U.S. Collaboration After Trump Declares Control

    In a significant geopolitical development, Venezuela’s acting President Delcy Rodríguez has extended an invitation for cooperative talks with the United States. This overture comes in direct response to President Donald Trump’s declaration that Washington would assume control of the South American nation following the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro.

    Rodríguez articulated her position through a public statement advocating for bilateral collaboration, emphasizing the need for “an agenda of cooperation oriented towards shared development within the framework of international law.” This diplomatic approach contrasts sharply with the current U.S. strategy of aggressive intervention in Venezuela’s political trajectory.

    The situation has further complicated with President Trump’s dismissal of Nobel Peace Prize laureate María Corina Machado as a potential successor to Maduro. During a Saturday briefing, Trump questioned Machado’s capacity to lead, stating she lacked the necessary “respect” to govern Venezuela effectively.

    Instead of expediting democratic elections, the Trump administration has prioritized stability and the rehabilitation of Venezuela’s crucial oil industry. Current policies maintain existing oil sanctions while continuing U.S. military operations in proximity to Venezuelan territory.

    Adding to the international dimension, the United Nations Secretary-General’s office has expressed profound alarm regarding the escalating situation. UN officials have raised substantive concerns about whether the Trump administration’s actions have adhered to established international legal standards.