At the CELAC-EU Summit held in Santa Marta, Colombia, on November 10, leaders from Latin America, the Caribbean, and the European Union reaffirmed their dedication to democracy, good governance, and the rule of law. Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit of Dominica highlighted these commitments during a press conference on Thursday. The summit emphasized the importance of upholding the principles of the United Nations Charter, including sovereign equality, territorial integrity, and peaceful dispute resolution. CELAC’s declaration of Latin America and the Caribbean as a zone of peace was also endorsed, with a focus on dialogue, cooperation, and maritime security, particularly for small island states. The leaders expressed deep concern over the humanitarian impact of global conflicts and agreed that diplomacy, dialogue, and respect for international law should guide their actions. On Ukraine, they supported efforts for a sustainable ceasefire and just peace based on sovereignty and territorial integrity. Regarding Gaza, they welcomed the first phase of a comprehensive peace plan and urged adherence to international humanitarian law. The summit also reaffirmed support for Haiti’s security and stability and opposed the economic embargo on Cuba. A significant focus was on reforming the international system, with calls for a more representative and inclusive United Nations and a fairer global financial architecture. Small island developing states like Dominica advocated for greater access to concessional financing and debt relief. The summit also emphasized climate resilience and the energy transition, with Dominica showcasing its leadership in geothermal development and climate resilience. Regional cooperation to address environmental challenges like sargassum was also discussed, aiming to turn these challenges into opportunities for innovation and sustainable growth. The meeting underscored the solidarity between Latin America, the Caribbean, and Europe.
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Suriname en Chili verdiepen economische en politieke samenwerking
Suriname and Chile have taken a significant step forward in their bilateral relations with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on structured consultations. The agreement was inked on Monday by Suriname’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Business, and International Cooperation (BIS), Melvin Bouva, and his Chilean counterpart, Alberto van Klaveren Stork, representing the Republic of Chile. The signing ceremony took place in Santa Marta, Colombia, during the fourth Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) with the European Union (EU).
The MoU aims to deepen political and economic ties between the two nations, fostering a framework for ongoing dialogue and collaboration. The consultations will cover a wide range of topics, including political, economic, commercial, and cultural issues, as well as regional and international developments. This structured approach is expected to enhance mutual understanding and cooperation across multiple sectors.
According to Suriname’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the agreement provides a robust foundation for advancing the country’s economic diplomacy agenda. Suriname and Chile have maintained diplomatic relations since May 7, 1977, and this latest development marks a renewed commitment to strengthening their partnership. The MoU underscores the importance of multilateral engagement and regional cooperation in addressing shared challenges and opportunities.
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Phillip named ACC Offensive Player of the Year
Saint Lucian forward Donavan Gusto Phillip has emerged as a standout star in collegiate soccer, securing prestigious Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) accolades on Wednesday. The North Carolina State University (NC State) junior was named to the All-Conference Team and crowned Offensive Player of the Year, capping off an exceptional season. Phillip, hailing from Marchand, Saint Lucia, is poised to transition to professional soccer in 2026, having signed with Major League Soccer’s Colorado Rapids. He also aspires to represent the Saint Lucia national team on the international stage. In his final collegiate campaign, Phillip dominated the ACC with impressive statistics, leading in shots (62), points (31), and goals (15), among other metrics. His contributions were instrumental in NC State’s success this season. Joining Phillip in the ACC honors were sophomore center-back Nikola Markovic, named Defensive Player of the Year, and senior goalkeeper Logan Erb, who claimed Goalkeeper of the Year. Senior midfielder Taig Healy, the conference leader in assists, also earned a spot on the All-ACC First Team. This collective achievement marks a historic moment for NC State, as it is the first time since 1984 that the program has placed four players on the All-ACC First Team, a feat achieved only twice in its history.
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Bravo, Pollard named National Sports Ambassadors
In a significant move to celebrate national sporting excellence, Trinidad and Tobago officially appointed cricket legends Dwayne Bravo and Kieron Pollard as National Sports Ambassadors on Wednesday. The ceremony, held at the Ministry of Foreign and Caricom Affairs headquarters in St Clair, was presided over by Minister Dr. Sean Sobers. This appointment underscores the government’s dedication to recognizing athletes whose global achievements inspire citizens and enhance the nation’s international reputation. The initiative was first proposed in early September by Minister of Sport and Youth Affairs Phillip Watts, following a Cabinet meeting. Bravo’s recent success as coach of the Trinbago Knight Riders, who clinched the Caribbean Premier League title on September 21, further validated the decision. The victory ignited nationwide celebrations, culminating in a reception hosted by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar on September 23. During the event, the Prime Minister announced that the TKR team would receive the Chaconia Gold medal and named TKR captain Nicholas Pooran, Pollard, and javelin champion Keshorn Walcott as Sports Ambassadors. While the official appointments for Pooran and Walcott are pending, the government expressed enthusiasm for its new partnership with Bravo and Pollard. The Ministry stated, “We look forward to collaborating with Mr. Bravo and Mr. Pollard as they champion excellence, teamwork, and national pride, while promoting Trinidad and Tobago’s global brand.”
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Saint Lucians join Windwards squad after two-year absence
Kimani Melius, the former West Indies Under-19 captain, has made a triumphant return to the regional cricket scene, securing a spot in the Windward Islands squad for the upcoming CG United Super50 tournament. This marks his first appearance in List A cricket after a two-year hiatus. The 24-year-old right-handed batter from Boguis, Saint Lucia, is one of four Saint Lucians selected for the five-match series, which commences on Wednesday, November 19, in Trinidad and Tobago. The Windward Islands Cricket Board unveiled a 14-member squad for the tournament, aiming to add to their four 50-over titles since the competition’s inception in 1972. Melius joins allrounder Shadrack Descarte and fast bowlers Keon Gaston and McKenny Clarke in the final lineup. Wicketkeeper Noelle Leo and fast bowler Dillan John also participated in early October training sessions. Melius, who debuted for West Indies B in 2018, has played 23 List A matches, amassing 397 runs at an average of 17.26. His best performance came in his debut year, averaging 21.60 in five fixtures. Descarte, known for his T20 prowess, brings experience from the 2024 Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) victory with Saint Lucia Kings. Gaston, despite limited regional experience, played a pivotal role in Saint Lucia’s Windwards title win this year. Clarke, a former West Indies Under-19 player, contributed to the Trinbago Knight Riders’ 2025 CPL triumph. The Windwards will kick off their campaign against the Leeward Islands Hurricanes at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy.
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Windies falters, New Zealand seal T20 Victory
The West Indies’ T20 International series against New Zealand concluded on a disappointing note on Thursday, as the hosts delivered their weakest performance in the decisive fifth match, suffering an eight-wicket defeat that handed the series to the Black Caps. This loss highlighted the persistent issues that have troubled the Caribbean team throughout the contest, particularly a top-order batting collapse that proved fatal. Captain Shai Hope identified the team’s inability to adapt as the primary reason for their downfall. ‘The power play has been our Achilles heel for this series,’ Hope remarked. ‘As batters, we failed to assess and adapt quickly enough.’ Despite the setbacks, Hope praised the lower-order batsmen for their resilience, acknowledging their efforts to salvage the innings. He emphasized the need for smarter, more assertive batting to disrupt the opposition’s bowlers. ‘We need to be more precise with our stroke play and prevent good bowlers from settling,’ he explained. Hope also highlighted the importance of applying counter-pressure, a skill the team has lacked. Amid the criticism, he lauded all-rounder Romario Shepherd for his consistent performance and work ethic. ‘Sheppy has been a hard worker, and his success is becoming more consistent,’ Hope said, noting Shepherd’s crucial contributions with the ball. As the team shifts focus to the upcoming ODI series, Hope stressed that immediate improvements are essential to turn their fortunes around.
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Zachary Phillips Highlights Urgent Climate Realities for Small Island States at COP30 Session
Zachary Phillips, Crown Counsel at the Attorney General’s Office of Antigua and Barbuda and a prominent representative of the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS), took center stage at the COP30 session titled ‘The ICJ Has Ruled: States’ Obligation to Close the Climate Ambition Gap.’ The session convened global youth leaders, policy experts, and climate justice advocates to dissect the ramifications of the International Court of Justice’s recent advisory opinion on climate responsibilities. Phillips delivered a poignant narrative on the dire realities confronting Small Island Developing States (SIDS), spotlighting the escalating peril of intensifying hurricanes and climate-induced disasters. He illustrated that modern hurricanes often dwarf the combined size of several Caribbean islands, making evacuation unfeasible and endangering entire populations simultaneously. Phillips emphasized that these are not hypothetical scenarios but lived experiences for communities in the region. He highlighted the acute vulnerability of SIDS, where recovery from one catastrophe is frequently disrupted by the next, severely taxing national systems, infrastructure, and economies. Advocating for a paradigm shift in global climate finance, Phillips criticized the reliance on concessional loans, which exacerbate debt burdens for SIDS. Instead, he called for grant-based financing to bolster resilience-building, adaptation infrastructure, and long-term sustainability.
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Antigua and Barbuda Transport Board Sends Relief Supplies to Families in Jamaica
In a significant display of regional solidarity, the Antigua and Barbuda Transport Board (ABTB) has successfully concluded a relief drive to assist families in St Elizabeth, Jamaica, who have been grappling with recent hardships. The initiative, which focused on collecting essential clothing and food items, was spearheaded by ABTB staff and bolstered by contributions from community partners. A substantial volume of vital supplies was amassed, showcasing the collective effort of the participants. These donations are currently being prepared for shipment to Jamaica, where they will be distributed by Hope for Life Prayer Breakthrough Ministries, a local organization dedicated to supporting affected households. ABTB emphasized that this initiative underscores its unwavering commitment to fostering regional unity and providing community support throughout the Caribbean.
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Tint inspection workers frustrated by pay delay
A group of young tint-testing officers in Barbados has raised concerns over significant delays in their wage payments, with some reporting they have not been paid for over two months. The Barbados Licensing Authority (BLA) has been criticized for poor communication, leaving the officers without clear answers. An investigation by Barbados TODAY revealed that several payments were mistakenly deposited into the wrong bank account, prompting the BLA to request reversals from the financial institution. The officers, stationed at the National Cultural Foundation’s car park, were contracted from September to December and are supposed to be paid fortnightly. However, seven out of nine officers have received only three payments instead of five, while two others have faced even greater delays, with one officer receiving only one payment and another, a 24-year-old mother of two, not receiving any payment since starting the job. The mother expressed her frustration, stating that she has bills to pay and children to support. She received a letter from the BLA confirming the error and requesting the bank to return the funds, but questioned why she was assured weeks ago that the issue was being resolved. The workers, mostly in their early 20s, feel they are being taken advantage of due to their age. They have called for better communication and clarity on when they will be paid. The BLA has acknowledged the error in a letter to CIBC FirstCaribbean International Bank, requesting urgent assistance to reverse the payments. The workers continue to seek answers and progress in resolving the issue.
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Sandals SVG wins best all inclusive resort overall 2025 at Travvy Awards
Sandals Saint Vincent and the Grenadines has achieved a remarkable milestone by securing the coveted title of Best All-Inclusive Resort – Overall, Gold (World) at the 2025 Travvy Awards. This prestigious accolade, presented by TravelPulse and AGENTatHOME, honors excellence in global tourism, spotlighting the finest destinations, hotels, resorts, and travel suppliers that are redefining the industry.
General Manager Tamon Allen expressed immense pride in the achievement, emphasizing that the award is a testament not only to the resort’s excellence but also to the nation of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. “This victory is a collective triumph for our dedicated team, the Sandals brand, our cherished guests, and the people of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines,” Allen remarked. “It underscores our position as a world-class destination, offering unparalleled hospitality and authentic Caribbean experiences.”
Since its grand opening in 2024, Sandals Saint Vincent has captivated travelers seeking luxury, intimacy, and a genuine connection to the region’s vibrant culture. Nestled along the pristine shores of Buccament Bay, the resort has been meticulously designed to celebrate the island’s natural beauty and warm Vincentian spirit. Its seamless fusion of elevated luxury and cultural authenticity has set it apart as a leader in all-inclusive travel experiences.
Allen also highlighted the broader significance of the award, noting its role in elevating the Eastern Caribbean’s reputation as a hub for luxury travel. “This recognition reflects the growing momentum of our region and solidifies our place on the global stage,” he added.
The Travvy Award not only celebrates Sandals Saint Vincent’s commitment to excellence but also reinforces its status as a premier destination for discerning travelers worldwide. As the resort continues to craft unforgettable experiences, it remains a shining example of Caribbean hospitality at its finest.