The proposed Price of Goods Bill 2026, currently under legislative review, is designed to modernize regulatory frameworks rather than impose new taxation measures, government officials have emphasized. The bill, which has sparked public debate, seeks to streamline pricing mechanisms, enhance transparency, and ensure fair market practices. Officials clarified that the primary objective is to address outdated regulations that hinder economic efficiency, rather than burden consumers with additional taxes. The modernization effort includes the integration of digital tools for price monitoring and the establishment of a more robust oversight system. Critics, however, have expressed concerns about potential indirect cost increases for businesses, which could trickle down to consumers. Proponents argue that the bill will foster a more competitive and equitable marketplace, benefiting both businesses and consumers in the long term. The government has pledged to engage stakeholders in ongoing consultations to address these concerns and refine the bill before its anticipated implementation in 2026.
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Ministry of Tourism Refutes Claims Over Litter at Rising Sun Grounds
The National Solid Waste Management Authority, under the Ministry’s directive, has confirmed that all trash and waste receptacles were thoroughly removed from the venue before the departure of cleanup teams on Saturday. Officials emphasized that the site underwent a comprehensive cleaning process, adhering to standard post-event protocols. The Ministry further clarified that a separate event held on November 23 at the same location is believed to be the probable source of the litter depicted in a widely circulated online video. Tourism authorities reiterated their dedication to preserving clean and secure public spaces and expressed gratitude to the public for their patience as the situation is being investigated and resolved.
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Blackmoore urges police to strengthen community policing across Dominica
In a compelling address at the recent Police Awards Ceremony, Dominica’s Minister for National Security, Rayburn Blackmoore, emphasized the critical importance of community policing as a fundamental strategy for law enforcement in the Commonwealth of Dominica. Blackmoore underscored the necessity of fostering trust between the police force and the public, asserting that such collaboration is indispensable for effective policing. ‘The only way to cultivate the essential element of trust is through forging partnerships and relations with the public,’ he declared. ‘The existing suspicion between the police and citizens can only be mitigated by ensuring they work together.’ Blackmoore lauded the efforts of the Chief of Police, Mr. Andrew, and the community policing unit, but called for a more comprehensive and serious implementation of the program across the nation. He stressed that community policing should be a standard practice in every district and police station throughout Dominica. ‘This initiative is not optional; it is vital for our future,’ Blackmoore stated. ‘It is the only way we can address policing and community issues effectively.’
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Dancehall dominates as Rhythmz on the Hill delivers
The vibrant beats of dancehall and soca reverberated through Farley Hill National Park on Sunday night, as thousands gathered for the rescheduled Rhythmz on the Hill event. Originally planned for November 9, the festival, organized by Zulu Entertainment and Caribbean Music Festival, made a triumphant return after being postponed due to Hurricane Melissa. The event not only celebrated music but also served as a rallying point for hurricane relief efforts, highlighting the resilience of the Jamaican community. The evening kicked off with a high-energy soca performance by veteran artist Lil Rick, setting the stage for a night dominated by dancehall. Top DJs, including the Legacy Team, Daddy Fabian, and Deejay Thorny, kept the crowd energized with a mix of reggae and dancehall hits. Aidonia, the penultimate act, delivered an electrifying performance, connecting deeply with the audience and sharing a heartfelt moment of gratitude for overcoming personal struggles. Alkaline closed the show with his signature flair, performing hits like ‘Boss’ and ‘Champion Boy’ to a diverse, enthusiastic crowd. The event also featured stellar performances by reggae legends Admiral Bailey and Flourgon, as well as Bajan artists Mastaa T and Chiief Diin. Throughout the night, hosts Astra and Salt encouraged donations for Hurricane Melissa relief, emphasizing Caribbean solidarity. With seamless organization, abundant food and drink options, and an incident-free atmosphere, Zulu Entertainment Inc. once again demonstrated the unifying power of Caribbean music.
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When theory meets enforcement: Inside Barbados’s first practical data protection workshop
In recent months, the Data Protection Commissioner of Barbados has been actively engaging in public forums, emphasizing the urgent need for robust data privacy practices. The message is clear: data privacy can no longer be an afterthought. The looming question is whether the Data Protection Act will be enforced with the consistency and confidence that the nation has been anticipating. Without effective enforcement, compliance remains a distant aspiration for many organizations.
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Senator Launches Series of Town Halls in St John’s Rural West
A groundbreaking initiative to enhance community policing and crime prevention has been unveiled in St John’s Rural West. Spearheaded by Senator Michael Joseph in collaboration with the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda, a series of town hall meetings has been announced to foster stronger ties between residents and law enforcement. The first session is set to take place on 27 November at the UWI Five Islands Campus, followed by subsequent gatherings on 3 December at Mount Zion Baptist Church in Golden Grove Extension and 10 December at the Grays Green Multi-Purpose Centre. Senior officers from the St John’s and Grays Farm police stations, alongside representatives from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and the Public Complaint Department, will be in attendance. These meetings are designed to provide a platform for residents to voice their concerns and offer actionable suggestions to bolster community safety. Organisers emphasize that this initiative is a critical step toward building trust and cooperation between the public and law enforcement agencies.
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Tourism Week Begins with “Tourism Blast Off” and Service of Thanksgiving
The Winter Tourism Season in Antigua and Barbuda commenced with grandeur on Saturday, November 22nd, as the Tourism Blast Off event lit up the Rising Sun Grounds. This year’s celebration, hailed as the most vibrant and expansive to date, marked the official start of Tourism Week, drawing an enthusiastic crowd and setting a high bar for cultural festivities. The evening was a dazzling showcase of local talent, featuring performances that highlighted the rich artistic heritage of the nation. Among the standout acts were the Schools’ Panorama Champions, Villa Primary School and Christ the King High School, whose young pannists delivered electrifying renditions that captivated the audience. The Junior Soca and Calypso Monarchs further energized the crowd with their dynamic performances. The event also featured appearances by renowned groups such as Showtime Productions, Lyrical Redz, Pandemonium Steel Orchestra, and Xxplosive Band, alongside other celebrated artists like Soca Villian and Island Prince. The day was a testament to the creativity, culture, and community spirit that define Antigua and Barbuda. Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Honourable Charles Fernandez, Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Transportation and Investment, emphasized the inclusive nature of tourism, stating that the event aimed to showcase the nation’s finest talents and culinary delights. The festivities continued on Sunday with the annual Tourism Week Service of Thanksgiving at Kentish Pentecostal Church, where Apostle Dexter Laurence delivered an inspiring sermon and offered prayers for the sustained growth and prosperity of the tourism industry. The service underscored the unity and shared purpose that drive the sector. As Tourism Week progresses, the Ministry of Tourism expressed its heartfelt gratitude to all partners, performers, and attendees who continue to make these events a resounding success year after year.
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Arbeid als Kompas voor de Toekomst van Suriname
Fifty years ago, Suriname chose to stand on its own feet, embarking on a journey marked by progress, setbacks, pride, struggle, growth, and disappointment. Today, on November 25, the nation not only celebrates its golden jubilee but also reflects deeply on its past and future. At the heart of Suriname’s resilience through every era has been one constant force: labor. It is the workers, craftsmen, nurses, farmers, entrepreneurs, teachers, youth, and elders who have formed the backbone of the economy, sustaining the nation even when policies and circumstances were unfavorable. Labor must once again take center stage in Suriname’s development, demanding strength, learning, discipline, tolerance, and unity. Progress is never automatic; it requires a working community that continually evolves and supports one another. The labor movement, too, deserves recognition for its pivotal role in the nation’s history. As Suriname celebrates 50 years as a republic, the labor movement must remain vigilant, ensuring that labor remains protected, strengthened, and just, even in times of growth. Suriname has made mistakes—sometimes due to inexperience, division, or short-term interests—but these errors need not be obstacles. They can serve as fertile ground for growth, transforming past missteps into wisdom for the future. Suriname, though small in size, is a nation of immense diversity, resilience, and character. A new Surinamese identity is needed—one that unites the courage of the Indigenous, the discipline of the Javanese, the pride of the Creoles, the determination of the Hindustanis, the creativity of the Maroons, the flexibility of the Chinese, and the hospitality of the Boeroes. These traits are not contradictions but the building blocks of a unified Surinamese character. To become a model of a small yet well-functioning nation, Suriname must embrace unity in vision, responsibility, and the belief that this country belongs to all its people. The power lies within the people, in their work, attitude, and willingness to do better than yesterday. On this 50th anniversary, the Surinamese Party of Labor (SPA) calls for cherishing and strengthening the good, honestly acknowledging and learning from the wrong, placing labor at the core of progress, building a national identity on the strengths of all cultures, and choosing a future where Suriname not only exists but thrives. Suriname can be a nation that transcends itself, determines its own course, and achieves greatness in its actions, regardless of its size. Together, with labor, unity, and pride, Suriname will continue to build its future.
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Another independence day: fighting addiction at Verdun, Marina House
As Barbados commemorates nearly six decades of independence, Verdun House and Marina House in St. John stand as beacons of hope and healing, embodying the nation’s commitment to freedom—not just in terms of sovereignty, but in empowering individuals to break free from addiction and reclaim their lives. These residential rehabilitation facilities, nestled in the eastern parish of St. John, have become vital spaces for recovery and renewal. Verdun House, established earlier, initially served both men and women but later transitioned to gender-specific care. In 2015, Marina House was introduced as a dedicated facility for women, offering a more intimate and supportive environment for their healing journeys. Funded primarily by the Maria Holder Memorial Trust, Marina House accommodates 17 women, providing comprehensive support for their rehabilitation. Allison Gotip, Director of Clinical Services at both facilities, emphasizes the unique challenges faced by women with substance use disorders, including higher levels of trauma. She highlights the importance of gender-specific treatment, noting that women often process trauma differently than men. While more men opt for residential treatment, societal expectations often hinder women from seeking help. Gotip underscores the need for family support in enabling women to prioritize their recovery. The program has diversified its services to include outpatient care, making treatment more accessible and less intimidating. With a focus on evidence-based interventions tailored to Caribbean culture, the facilities have attracted clients from across the region and beyond. International accreditation and a commitment to confidentiality further enhance their credibility. The charity’s self-sustainability initiatives, including a vegetable farm and egg production, not only support the facilities but also provide therapeutic benefits for clients. The 90-day rehabilitation program boasts high retention rates, with a focus on long-term recovery and improved quality of life. Gotip and her team work tirelessly to ensure clients can rebuild their lives, relationships, and careers, offering them a genuine chance to start anew.
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A crippled police force
In a poignant reflection on the state of law enforcement in St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG), a police officer has voiced deep concerns about the systemic failures crippling the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force. As the nation prepares for upcoming elections, the officer highlights the urgent need for accountability and reform to address the chronic issues plaguing the police force. The officer, who remains anonymous, describes a system marred by political interference, inadequate resources, and a lack of actionable policies. Despite the dedication of officers, the force is left underequipped, with police stations lacking functional vehicles and essential tools to combat crime effectively. The officer emphasizes that the failure to address these issues has left both law enforcement and citizens vulnerable, with criminals often staying one step ahead. The government’s inaction, described as both deliberate and cynical, has exacerbated the crisis, leaving the police force without the necessary support to fulfill its mandate of crime prevention and detection. As voters head to the polls, the officer urges them to prioritize public safety by demanding a clear, funded plan to restructure and resource the police force. The call for reform is not just about improving law enforcement but about ensuring the safety and security of all Vincentians. The officer concludes with a plea for voters to reject complacency and choose leaders who will take decisive action to address the challenges facing the police force and the nation as a whole.