In a recent meeting at the Australian Federal Parliament, officials from both Australia and Cuba explored avenues to enhance their bilateral relationship, focusing on key sectors such as education, health, biotechnology, and mining. Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles extended warm greetings to the Cuban people and wished Cuban diplomat Leydey Dieguez success in her future endeavors. Dieguez, who was also received by Australia’s Governor-General Samantha Joy Mostyn, discussed the progress of bilateral ties and shared experiences in educational collaboration. Notably, Dieguez highlighted the success of the Cuban literacy program ‘Yo Si Puedo’ (Yes, I Can), implemented in 13 Aboriginal communities across New South Wales, Queensland, and the Northern Territory since 2012, which has seen over 300 graduates. Additionally, Dieguez met with Assistant Foreign Minister Matt Thistlethwaite and officials from the Latin America division of the Australian Foreign Office to mark the conclusion of her diplomatic mission. She expressed gratitude for Australia’s support in the recent United Nations vote against the U.S. economic, commercial, and financial blockade on Cuba.
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Pertjajah Luhur: Suriname verliest een leider van morele kracht
The Pertjajah Luhur (PL) party has expressed profound sorrow upon learning of the passing of Ronald Venetiaan, the former President of the Republic of Suriname. On behalf of the party, heartfelt condolences have been extended to the Venetiaan family, the National Party of Suriname (NPS), and the entire Surinamese community. With his departure, Suriname has lost a leader of exceptional integrity, wisdom, and moral fortitude. Venetiaan symbolized calm in times of turmoil, principles under pressure, and dignity amidst division. His life was a lesson in service, and his leadership served as a guiding light for future generations. The party has expressed its gratitude for his tireless dedication to democracy, justice, and national unity. Pertjajah Luhur wishes strength, comfort, and blessings to his loved ones, party members, and the entire nation during this period of mourning. May his soul rest in eternal peace. Rest in peace, Runaldo Ronald Venetiaan. Your legacy endures.
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SLBMC Mourns the Passing of Nurse Orjille Williams-Joseph
The Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre (SLBMC) has announced the passing of Nurse Orjille Williams-Joseph, a cherished and devoted member of its healthcare team. In an official statement, the hospital highlighted her unwavering commitment and compassionate nature, which made her an invaluable asset to the institution. Nurse Williams-Joseph’s career spanned multiple departments, where she not only excelled in her duties but also took on the vital role of mentoring the next generation of healthcare professionals. Her leadership, professionalism, and kindness left an indelible mark on both her colleagues and the patients she cared for. The SLBMC expressed profound sorrow over her loss, stating, ‘The SLBMC family mourns the loss of an exceptional nurse whose service and spirit touched many lives. Our thoughts are with her family and loved ones during this difficult time.’ The hospital’s tribute underscores the significant impact she had on the medical community and the lives she enriched through her dedication and empathy.
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Jazz Festival Takes Centre Stage at World Travel Market London
The Saint Lucia Tourism Authority (SLTA) has seized the spotlight at this year’s World Travel Market London, shining a renewed focus on its globally acclaimed Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival. Held from November 4-6, the prestigious travel event served as an ideal platform for the SLTA to engage with industry partners and offer a sneak peek into the 2026 edition of the festival, slated for April 30 to May 10.
Geraine Georges, SLTA Public Relations Manager, emphasized the festival’s significance, stating, ‘Building on last year’s emphasis on community tourism, the 2025 highlight is our world-renowned Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival.’ To amplify its reach, the SLTA hosted a preview event in London, attracting over 40 media representatives, influencers, trade partners, diaspora members, and festival enthusiasts.
The showcase aimed to spotlight the festival’s evolution, artistic diversity, and its pivotal role in bolstering Saint Lucia’s cultural identity. Louis Lewis, SLTA CEO, remarked, ‘This year, we’ve brought special attention to our Jazz & Arts Festival, exposing it to the UK traveling public as a unique travel opportunity for Saint Lucia.’
The SLTA delegation, led by Chairman Thaddeus M. Antoine, included key figures such as Board Director Thomas Leonce, Director of Global Marketing Dexter Percil, and Tourism Ambassador Julien Alfred, a World Champion sprinter. Accommodation partners like The Landings Resort and Spa and Harmony Marina Suites, alongside performers Ronald Boo Hinkson and Christa, also participated.
Lewis highlighted Saint Lucia’s growing appeal among travel partners, noting strong airline load factors and hotel occupancy rates. He underscored the festival’s dual role as a tourism driver and a platform for local artisans to gain international exposure. ‘We continue to capitalize on the festival not just to attract visitors but also to provide intrinsic benefits, such as offering our artisans a global stage,’ he added.
Unlike previous years, which focused on lineup announcements, this year’s approach was more thematic, emphasizing the festival’s cultural depth, community jazz initiatives, and artisan participation.
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Crime Down 10%, More Guns Off the Streets
Antigua and Barbuda has witnessed a notable 10.3% decline in overall crime from January to October 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, according to recent data presented to the Cabinet. However, the nation continues to grapple with alarming increases in indecent assaults and firearm-related arrests. Maurice Merchant, Director General of Communications, revealed that the Criminal Record Office recorded 2,720 offenses in 2025, down from 3,034 in 2024. Significant reductions were observed in breaking and larceny (9%), burglary (27%), and general larceny (6%). Conversely, indecent assaults, aggravated robberies, and sacrilege saw a rise, while the murder rate remained steady at 11 cases for both years.
Firearm-related incidents have emerged as a pressing concern, with 44 individuals, including three juveniles, arrested for offenses involving firearms or ammunition. Authorities seized 25 weapons, including modified flare guns, nail guns, rifles, and an imitation firearm, alongside 290 rounds of ammunition. Seventeen individuals have already been convicted. Merchant emphasized that while police efforts to remove guns from the streets persist, the proliferation of firearms and ammunition remains a significant societal challenge.
To address this issue, the police plan to enhance firearms tracing and intelligence operations, aiming to curb the influx of illegal weapons. Additionally, public awareness campaigns about the severe penalties for gun possession will be intensified to deter potential offenders. Merchant also highlighted the Cabinet’s intention to summon senior police officials for a detailed briefing on the latest crime statistics. Strengthened inter-agency coordination among the Police Force, Customs, and Coast Guard will be prioritized to intercept illegal shipments. Merchant underscored the importance of public collaboration through initiatives like “see something, say something” to bolster national security efforts.
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Governor-General to Deliver Speech from the Throne on November 20
The upcoming parliamentary session is set to begin on November 20, with Governor-General Sir Rodney Williams delivering the highly anticipated Speech from the Throne. This ceremonial address will outline the government’s legislative priorities for the forthcoming year, setting the tone for a packed parliamentary agenda. Maurice Merchant, the Director General of Communications, confirmed the date during Thursday’s post-Cabinet press briefing, emphasizing that the session will lead up to Budget Day on December 4. The Speech from the Throne is expected to highlight several pivotal initiatives, including legislation aimed at protecting the elderly, reforming mental health services, and regulating the licensing of elderly care homes. These bills are slated for presentation in the first quarter of 2026. The annual address serves as the formal commencement of a new parliamentary session, offering a comprehensive overview of the government’s policy direction and legislative objectives for the year ahead.
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Antigua and Barbuda to Introduce Bill to Protect Elderly from Abuse and Neglect
The government of Antigua and Barbuda is set to introduce groundbreaking legislation to protect senior citizens from abuse and neglect, as announced by Director General of Communications Maurice Merchant. Speaking at a post-Cabinet press briefing on Thursday, Merchant highlighted the Cabinet’s deep concern over numerous reports received by the Social Welfare Division detailing mistreatment and inadequate care of elderly citizens. These reports reveal distressing situations where seniors are being abused, abandoned, or left without proper support. In response, the government is preparing to present the Protection from Abuse and Abandonment of the Elderly Bill to Parliament in the first quarter of 2026. This legislation aims to honor the contributions of the elderly, who have played a pivotal role in nation-building and supporting their families, by ensuring they receive the care and respect they deserve in their later years. Additionally, the government plans to introduce a bill to license elderly care homes during the same period, enhancing oversight and raising standards within the caregiving sector. Merchant also confirmed ongoing consultations for a new Mental Health Bill, which has already received feedback from the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO). This bill is expected to be presented to Parliament early next year following broader national discussions.
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Education, healthcare, highlighted at Doha Second World Summit for Social Development
The Second World Summit for Social Development, held in Doha, Qatar, from November 4-6, 2025, brought together global leaders to reaffirm the centrality of people in driving progress. The summit emphasized the need for enhanced global solidarity, robust social protection systems, and rights-based policies to eradicate poverty and inequality. Delegates showcased national initiatives, such as South Africa’s expanded welfare safety net, Brazil’s anti-hunger campaigns, Finland’s trust-based welfare model, and Singapore’s inclusive growth strategy, underscoring that sustainable prosperity hinges on equality, dignity, and peace.
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New ECSC headquarters aims to expand justice access in the OECS
On November 5, the Government of Saint Lucia officially inaugurated the new headquarters of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court (ECSC) at Orange Grove Plaza in Gros Islet. This state-of-the-art facility, spanning three floors, boasts a total area of approximately 62,006 square feet, with 14,850 square feet in the basement, 21,650 square feet on the ground floor, and 26,506 square feet on the first floor. The building features expanded courtrooms, advanced IT infrastructure, dedicated conference spaces, and secure archival storage, all designed to enhance judicial efficiency and public service delivery. Attorney General Leslie Mondesir praised the facility as a significant step forward in improving access to justice, particularly through remote interactions that reduce barriers like distance and cost. Prime Minister Philip J Pierre highlighted the broader implications of the move, emphasizing the government’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring accessible justice for all citizens of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS). The relocation addresses long-standing issues of space and functionality at the previous headquarters, marking a new chapter for the ECSC.
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Hon. Anthony Smith Among Agriculture Ministers Taking Action Against Crop and Animal Diseases
In a landmark meeting held in Brasilia on November 5, 2025, the Ministers of Agriculture from across the Americas convened to address the escalating threat of cross-border plant and animal diseases. Organized by the Brazilian government in collaboration with the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), the conference underscored the urgent need for enhanced technical cooperation, improved information sharing, and access to cutting-edge technologies to combat diseases such as the New World screwworm and African swine fever. These diseases pose a significant risk to food security and the livelihoods of farmers and rural communities throughout the hemisphere. The ministers unanimously agreed to bolster the Agricultural Health and Food Security Initiative of the Americas, a strategic platform designed to harmonize and amplify regional efforts in safeguarding agricultural health. Emphasizing the importance of science-based decision-making in trade processes, the delegates, particularly from Argentina and the United States, highlighted the critical role of maintaining a competitive, safe, and healthy agrifood system. As the world’s largest net food exporting region, the Americas are committed to ensuring prosperity and enhancing public health at both national and regional levels. The IICA, a specialized agency within the Inter-American system, continues to play a pivotal role in fostering agricultural development and rural well-being through its international technical cooperation initiatives.