Suriname, represented by Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Trade, and Cooperation Melvin Bouva, emphasized the importance of deepening the CELAC-EU partnership and maintaining regular dialogue on shared challenges such as climate change, security, and peace. Speaking at the fourth CELAC-EU Summit of Heads of State and Government held on November 9, 2025, in Santa Marta, Colombia, Bouva called for enhanced trade relations and improved movement of people and goods between the two regions. The summit, organized by the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) and the European Union (EU), brought together leaders from 27 EU member states and 33 CELAC countries. Bouva highlighted the summit as a pivotal moment to strengthen long-standing cooperation based on shared interests and historical economic, social, and cultural ties. He expressed concern over rising tensions in the Caribbean and firmly opposed any external military presence that could threaten regional stability. As a member of CARICOM, Suriname advocated for peaceful coexistence, closer regional collaboration, and adherence to the principle of non-interference. The government remains committed to maintaining peace and security in alignment with the UN Charter. Bouva also noted Suriname’s focus on sustainable growth, strengthening bilateral and multilateral relations, and promoting economic and climate diplomacy as the country approaches its 50th independence anniversary on November 25, 2025. He highlighted Suriname’s unique position as one of the world’s most forested nations, with over 90% of its territory covered by forests, absorbing more carbon than it emits. Bouva urged high-emission countries to take responsibility by compensating nations like Suriname for their contributions to forest conservation. Additionally, Suriname stressed the need for improved access to climate financing and expressed support for the renewed CELAC-EU Roadmap 2025–2027, aimed at deepening bi-regional cooperation between Latin America, the Caribbean, and Europe in the pursuit of partnership and peace.
作者： admin
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The data courier problem
In a recent anecdote shared by Jonathan Reid, Barbados’ Minister of Industry, Innovation, Science, and Technology, the inefficiencies of the nation’s public services were starkly highlighted. While accompanying a loved one at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Reid found himself repeatedly explaining the patient’s condition to different healthcare providers. This scenario, all too familiar to many Barbadians, underscores a systemic issue: the failure of government agencies to share data effectively. Despite the Data Protection Act 2019 allowing internal data use, the lack of interoperable systems means citizens must redundantly provide the same information across various departments. This inefficiency permeates the public sector, from renewing driver’s licenses to applying for business permits. A recent case involving a vehicle registration mix-up further illustrates the problem. After renewing her motor insurance, a citizen discovered her number plate had been reassigned due to a data disconnect between the Barbados Revenue Authority and the Licensing Authority. Despite her insurer’s confirmation of payment and notifications to the BRA, the information failed to reach the Licensing Authority, leaving her to navigate a bureaucratic maze to reclaim her registration. This incident highlights the broader issue of data silos within government systems. While ministries have made strides in digitizing internal operations, these efforts often lack integration with other agencies. For instance, a tax compliance platform by the BRA could streamline business licensing or procurement processes if designed with inter-agency access in mind. However, without a national data governance framework, such potential remains untapped. The root of the problem lies not just in fragmented systems but also in a fragmented mindset. Barbados’ educational institutions focus on producing programmers and network administrators but lack emphasis on systems integration and enterprise design. This gap is mirrored in the private sector, where few businesses utilize APIs or shared platforms for secure data exchange. To move forward, Barbados must adopt a national data governance framework, supported by systems-integration experts and clear data standards. By fostering interoperability and stewardship, the government can ensure that information entered once serves multiple lawful purposes. This approach will not only enhance efficiency but also rebuild public trust. In the end, digital maturity is not about the volume of data a government holds but how effectively it uses that data to serve its citizens.
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Fontaine condemns ID rule change for voter confirmation; calls for use of birth certificate to be restored
Dr. Thomson Fontaine, leader of the United Workers Party (UWP), has launched a scathing critique of Dominica’s Electoral Office, alleging that recent changes to voter confirmation requirements threaten the nation’s democratic integrity. Speaking at a press conference attended by opposition leaders Bernardo Hurtault of the Dominican Freedom Party and Joshua Francis of the United Progressive Party, Fontaine called for urgent reforms to restore public confidence in the electoral system. The controversy stems from Statutory Rules and Orders No. 39 (SRO-39), enacted on October 14, 2025, which mandates government-issued identification—such as passports, social security cards, or driver’s licenses—for voter confirmation. Birth certificates, previously accepted, were abruptly removed from the list of valid documents. Fontaine argued that this change disproportionately impacts impoverished citizens who cannot afford the cost of obtaining such IDs, accusing the ruling Dominican Labour Party of selectively funding passport applications for its supporters. He condemned the move as a violation of Section 17(1) of the Registration of Electors Act 2025, which requires continuous voter registration, and criticized the Electoral Office for halting new registrations and reassigning officers without replacements. Fontaine also highlighted past incidents of political repression, including arrests during electoral reform protests and allegations of police brutality. He described these actions as part of a broader strategy to suppress dissent and maintain the current administration’s power. Fontaine demanded the reinstatement of birth certificates as valid voter identification and the resumption of lawful registration practices, vowing to collaborate with other opposition parties to safeguard free and fair elections in Dominica.
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Rotary Club of Dominica marks 51 years with dinner celebration
The Rotary Club of Dominica commemorated its 51st anniversary with a grand celebration at the Old Stone Restaurant in Roseau on November 5, 2025. The event brought together a diverse group of attendees, including current members, past presidents, honorary Rotarians, and distinguished guests, all gathered to honor over five decades of dedicated service to the nation and local communities. The occasion was marked by reflections on the club’s remarkable journey and its enduring commitment to making a difference. Established on November 2, 1974, the Rotary Club of Dominica has been a beacon of volunteerism and leadership, spearheading initiatives in education, healthcare, youth development, and community resilience. Over the years, the club has collaborated with both local and international partners to uphold Rotary’s guiding principle, ‘Service Above Self.’ The anniversary dinner highlighted key achievements, including literacy programs, clean water projects, and disaster relief efforts following Tropical Storm Erika and Hurricane Maria. Dr. Jermaine Jewel Jean-Pierre, the club’s president, expressed gratitude for the unwavering dedication of its members, emphasizing the club’s ongoing mission to foster a better Dominica through service, fellowship, and innovation. The evening also featured heartfelt tributes to former leaders and moments of camaraderie, as attendees reaffirmed their commitment to Rotary’s core values. As the club embarks on its 52nd year, it remains focused on addressing critical national issues such as youth empowerment, environmental sustainability, and digital literacy, continuing its legacy of positive global impact.
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‘Kiffo’ Charles making power plays in Choiseul/Saltibus
Keithson ‘Kiffo’ Charles, a long-time resident of Choiseul, has officially entered the political arena as the Saint Lucia Labour Party (SLP) candidate for the Choiseul/Saltibus constituency. Despite his lack of prior political experience, Charles made a striking debut at his campaign launch on November 2, held at the La Fargue playing field. The event, described by the SLP as the largest turnout for a candidate launch this election cycle, showcased Charles’ vision for unity, cultural revival, and community development. In his inaugural speech, Charles emphasized his deep connection to the community, stating, ‘I am not a stranger asking for your vote. I am your neighbour, Kiffo, asking for your trust.’ He paid tribute to his late uncles, Dr. Augustine Charles and Joseph Charles, who were influential figures in his life, and outlined his plans to invest in youth development, restore local culture, and improve infrastructure. Charles also took aim at incumbent MP Bradley Felix, questioning his accomplishments over nine years in office. ‘Did you build the mini stadium for our youth? Did you finish the warehouses you promised?’ he challenged. Among his proposals are upgrades to the Choiseul Village Beach jetty and boardwalk, road rehabilitation, and the revival of cultural events like the Choiseul pageant and Calypso competition. Charles has already begun making tangible progress, commissioning lighting for the Delcer playing field and initiating work on the neglected Park Estate Road in Saltibus. While incumbent Bradley Felix remains confident, dismissing Charles as a ‘new candidate,’ the race is heating up, with many labeling Choiseul/Saltibus as a constituency to watch.
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Guyana required to pay for requesting countries’ lawyers in extradition cases
Guyana is legally obligated to cover the legal expenses of countries requesting extradition, as stipulated by the United Kingdom-United States Extradition Treaty inherited at independence in 1966. Article 13 of the treaty mandates that the requesting party bears all extradition-related costs. This provision has come under scrutiny following revelations that Guyana paid US$62,558.78 to Jamaican lawyer Terrence Williams for his services in an extradition case involving Azruddin and Nazar Mohamed. Attorney General Anil Nandlall confirmed that this practice aligns with international norms, citing a similar instance where the U.S. funded legal representation for Guyana in the extradition of Marcus Bisram. The decision to hire foreign lawyers, approved by the U.S., was aimed at avoiding perceptions of bias. Meanwhile, the Mohameds, accused of wire fraud, mail fraud, and money laundering, face extradition to the U.S. Their defense team has challenged the prosecution’s claims, questioning the evidence presented. The case has also intersected with Guyana’s political landscape, as Azruddin Mohamed, leader of the We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) party, is poised to become the next Opposition Leader.
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Father and daughter killed in plane crash carrying hurricane relief supplies to Jamaica
A tragic plane crash in Florida claimed the lives of a father and daughter who were en route to Jamaica on a humanitarian mission to aid hurricane victims. Alexander Wurm, 53, and his 22-year-old daughter, Serena Wurm, died when their aircraft plunged into a waterway in Coral Springs, a suburb of Fort Lauderdale, shortly after takeoff on Monday. The National Transportation Safety Board has launched an investigation into the incident. The plane, which departed from Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport, was destined for Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay, Jamaica. Officials confirmed that the aircraft struck trees before entering the water, but no injuries were reported on the ground. The Wurms were members of the Ignite the Fire Ministry, which released a statement honoring their legacy of service and compassion. Alexander was described as a devoted humanitarian who traveled globally to support those in need, while Serena was praised for her empathy and commitment to humanitarian work. They are survived by their wife and mother, Candace, and their two children, James, 17, and Christiana, 20. The crash occurred amid ongoing relief efforts in Jamaica, which continues to grapple with the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm that caused widespread devastation last month. According to the United Nations Development Programme, the hurricane has left over 4.8 million tons of debris, severely hindering recovery efforts and access to essential services.
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Two schools remain closed following staff deaths
Luther Thorne Primary School and St Stephen’s Nursery in Barbados remain closed today as staff members undergo counselling following the tragic deaths of two colleagues over the weekend. The Ministry of Educational Transformation issued a statement confirming that teachers, students, and staff were met with the heartbreaking news upon their arrival at school on Monday. Both institutions were closed early yesterday to allow the school communities to grieve and process the loss. The ministry has arranged for counselling services to be provided to those in need of emotional support, and the schools will remain closed today, Tuesday, to facilitate these sessions for staff members. The Ministry of Educational Transformation also expressed its deepest condolences to the families, friends, and colleagues of the deceased, acknowledging the profound impact of their loss on the school communities.
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Food and Rum Festival ends with golden celebration
The 2025 Barbados Food and Rum Festival culminated in a dazzling extravaganza known as the Liquid Gold Feast, a night that seamlessly blended gourmet cuisine, mesmerizing music, and exquisite décor. Held at a venue recently transformed after hosting CARIFESTA, the event was a sensory delight that left attendees in awe. From the moment guests arrived, they were greeted with meticulous attention to detail, including a make-up touch-up station to combat the tropical heat. The evening’s ambiance was set by the smooth harmonies of G-Syndicate, who reimagined soca classics like Gorg’s ‘I Got My Rum’ into soulful ballads. Inside, the venue was a visual masterpiece, adorned with décor that reflected the island’s vibrant culture. Barbados’ top chefs and mixologists showcased their craft, offering dishes and cocktails that celebrated local flavors. The Darrien Bailey Band electrified the crowd with renditions of Michael Jackson’s ‘Rock with You’ and Whitney Houston’s ‘I Wanna Dance with Somebody,’ while Brian Carter’s dual-recorder performance of Teddy Swims’ ‘Lose Control’ left the audience spellbound. Kweku Jelani added a reggae flair with Bob Marley’s ‘Lively Up Yourself,’ and Shadia Marshall delivered powerhouse performances of Tina Turner’s ‘Simply the Best’ and Cher’s ‘Believe.’ The night peaked with DJ Puffy’s high-energy set, ensuring the crowd remained in a festive frenzy. Attendees, dressed in shimmering metallics and dapper suits, matched the event’s bold style. Despite minor hiccups like limited signage and the early depletion of curry oxtail, the Liquid Gold Feast was a resounding success, leaving patrons like Sonia from Tobago eager to return. The event not only lived up to its name but also set a high bar for future festivals.
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Two Men Arrested for Unlawful Possession of Cannabis
In a significant crackdown on illegal drug activities, the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda apprehended two individuals for unlawful possession of cannabis on November 10, 2025. The arrests followed the execution of search warrants at two distinct locations: a private residence in Cedar Valley Gardens and a commercial establishment on Upper Fort Road. The operation, spearheaded by the Narcotics Department and the K-9 Unit, commenced at approximately 3:25 p.m. at the Cedar Valley Gardens residence, where authorities confiscated a considerable sum of both EC and US currency. Subsequently, a second search at the Upper Fort Road business premises led to the discovery and seizure of 2 pounds and 3 ounces of cannabis. The contraband was promptly transported to Police Headquarters for further analysis. Both suspects, identified as male, were taken into custody and are awaiting formal charges as investigations continue. This operation underscores the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to combat drug-related offenses in the region.