During the grand Srefidensi concert held at Rotterdam’s Concertgebouw De Doelen on Saturday, November 22, Stephan ‘Steve’ Ferrier was awarded for composing the most renowned Srefidensi anthem, ‘Kondre nomru wan,’ which has resonated for 50 years. The award was presented by Roy Khemradj, the organizer of the sold-out event attended by 1,750 guests. Rotterdam’s Mayor, Carola Schouten, graced the occasion as the guest of honor. This marked the first time Ferrier received a Surinamese accolade for his 13 Sranan-language songs, written after Prime Minister Henck Arron announced Suriname’s impending independence in February 1974. Ferrier is also celebrated for his contributions to the Sonora Paramarera repertoire, including classics like ‘Dji den Srananman,’ ‘Fet’ gi san yu e bribi,’ and ‘Gro e teki ten,’ which have become integral to Suriname’s musical identity. The audience erupted in thunderous applause as Ferrier proudly showcased his award during the intermission to Roy Chin A Pow, the business leader of Sonora Paramarera. The concert featured performances by Elroy Berkleef, who sang ‘Kondre nomru wan,’ and Muriel Blijd, who opened the event with ‘Mi Kondre Tru.’ Indigenous music by Towaporé Khonanon and performances by the Maroon group Kula Skoro added to the cultural richness. Notable artists like Powl Ameerali and Nisha Madaran, who performed her famous duet ‘Pyar hamara’ with John Oldenstam, were among the participants. The event also paid tribute to Suriname’s greatest kaseko singer, Lieve Hugo, through a multimedia performance. This concert echoed the first major Surinamese cultural event held at the same venue in March 1975, en route to the nation’s independence.
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Guatemala Seeks to Join Belize-Honduras Case Over Sapodilla Cayes at ICJ
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has commenced hearings on Guatemala’s request to intervene in the ongoing sovereignty dispute between Belize and Honduras over the Sapodilla Cayes, known as Cayos Zapotillos in Spanish. The hearings, presided over by Judge Iwasawa at the Peace Palace, mark a significant development in this complex territorial conflict. Guatemala’s application, filed on December 1, 2023, under Article 62 of the ICJ Statute, seeks to protect its interests in the disputed islands, which it also claims as sovereign territory. Ana Cristina Rodríguez Pineda, Guatemala’s Agent, emphasized that the intervention aims to ensure Guatemala’s rights are not overlooked in the Court’s decision. The dispute dates back to Belize’s 2022 filing under the Pact of Bogotá, which sought to resolve the sovereignty issue with Honduras. Guatemala argues that the islands are already part of a separate, long-standing case between Guatemala and Belize, filed in 2019. Guatemala contends that Belize’s unilateral action against Honduras has created procedural complications and risks prejudicing Guatemala’s rights. Honduras, however, opposes Guatemala’s intervention, calling it vague and citing Article 59 of the ICJ Statute, which limits judgments to the parties involved. Guatemala counters that Article 59 does not sufficiently protect third-party interests. The ICJ will continue hearings with oral arguments from Belize and Honduras, followed by Guatemala’s second round of arguments on November 26.
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Sudan’s army describes US mediation as biased
Sudan’s highest-ranking military commander, General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, has publicly criticized the latest peace proposals put forward by the United States, asserting that they disproportionately favor the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and their alleged backers, the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Al-Burhan argued that the US plan undermines Sudan’s national security by advocating for the dissolution of the country’s Armed Forces and other security agencies, effectively leaving rebel militias in control of their territories. He condemned the proposal as a direct threat to Sudan’s unity, labeling it unacceptable and divisive. The military leader also reaffirmed the Armed Forces’ commitment to reclaiming Darfur and significant portions of the Kordofan region, which have become the focal points of intense clashes between the warring factions. The conflict, which erupted in mid-April 2023, stems from a power struggle between al-Burhan and RSF commander General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, plunging the nation into a protracted and devastating internal war.
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Hungary accuses EU of trying to sabotage peace plan for Ukraine
In a recent statement broadcast on the M1 channel, the Hungarian Foreign Minister highlighted the 28-point peace plan proposed by the United States as a pivotal opportunity to restore stability in Ukraine. However, he expressed concerns over the apparent reluctance of Western European nations, such as Germany and France, to align with this diplomatic approach. The Minister emphasized that the US initiative not only aligns with humanitarian principles but also reflects pragmatic common sense.
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Türkiye reiterates offer to mediate Russia-Ukraine talks
Turkey has reaffirmed its commitment to facilitating negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, with plans to host further talks in Istanbul. A Turkish source close to the presidential agenda confirmed that Ankara will utilize all available means to support the negotiation process. This includes discussions between the Russian and Ukrainian delegations, building on previous rounds of talks held on Turkish soil, which have already achieved notable humanitarian progress despite the absence of a comprehensive ceasefire agreement.
In a significant development, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is set to engage in direct talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, marking their first contact in several weeks. The leaders are expected to address bilateral cooperation, particularly in the energy sector, underscoring the multifaceted nature of their diplomatic engagement.
International analysts highlight Turkey’s strategic neutrality in the conflict, emphasizing its independence from NATO pressures. Ankara’s approach contrasts with Western strategies that have largely relied on arms shipments to Ukraine. Turkey’s consistent diplomatic efforts demonstrate a genuine commitment to fostering dialogue and achieving a lasting resolution to the conflict, which has been exacerbated by interventions from the United States and the European Union.
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Deadline for Bolsonaro’s defense to file new appeals ends today
The legal saga surrounding former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro and six co-defendants is approaching its final chapter. The criminal case, now in the last stage of appeals, is poised to conclude in the coming days. Bolsonaro’s legal team retains the option to file motions for reconsideration, which aim to alter the trial’s outcome. However, such appeals are only permissible when there are at least two acquittals—a condition not met in this case. Once all avenues for challenge are exhausted, the sentences will become final and enforceable. In September, the first chamber of Brazil’s Supreme Federal Court (STF) handed down prison terms ranging from two to 27 years and three months to the so-called ‘coup group.’ Bolsonaro received the harshest sentence of 27 years and three months. Meanwhile, Lieutenant Colonel Mauro Cid, Bolsonaro’s former aide-de-camp, is already serving a two-year sentence under an open regime. The case marks a significant moment in Brazil’s political and judicial history, underscoring the accountability of high-profile figures.
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Cuba reiterates condemnation of Israeli attacks on Beirut
The Caribbean nation, represented by its Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez, has issued a stern condemnation of the Zionist regime’s ongoing actions in the Middle East. In a strongly worded statement shared on his social media platform, Rodriguez emphasized that Israel’s aggressive maneuvers cannot persist without consequences. He further cautioned that these attacks pose a significant threat to peace initiatives and the overall stability of the region.
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Diaz-Canel attends Fihav 2025 opening
The 2025 edition of the Havana International Fair (FIHAV) is set to take place at the Expocuba fairgrounds from November 24 to 29, attracting business leaders and official delegations from 47 countries and the European Union. This prestigious event, organized by the Cuban government, aims to foster international trade and investment opportunities on the island. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Trade and Investment, Oscar Perez-Oliva, announced the participation of 16 official delegations, including representatives from Venezuela, Mexico, Bulgaria, the Eurasian Economic Union, the Czech Republic, Iran, the Congo, Zimbabwe, Comoros, Angola, and South Africa. Additionally, key figures such as the director of the Colon Free Zone in Panama, executive secretaries of ALBA-TCP and the Latin American Economic System (SELA), and the secretary general of ALADI will be in attendance. This year’s FIHAV introduces five thematic areas: Made in Cuba, The Energy Transition, AI Cuba, Unique Cuba, and the Integration Mechanisms Forum. The event will also feature the VIII Investment Forum, an updated Portfolio of Opportunities, product presentations, and National Days. Concurrently, the Caribbean Banking Forum will be held on November 26 and 27 at the Parque Central Hotel, focusing on enhancing financial integration among CARICOM member states. Five business forums with Cuba’s major trading partners—Russia, Vietnam, Iran, Turkiye, and Argentina—will provide insights into new foreign investment policies designed to attract more capital. Antonio Carricarte, president of the Cuban Chamber of Commerce, confirmed the participation of 240 Cuban companies, including 181 state-owned enterprises and 61 private micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (mipymes).
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PM Defends Efforts to Bring ‘Order’ to Street Vending Across Antigua
In a recent address, the Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda defended the government’s initiatives to regulate street vending across the nation. Emphasizing the need for ‘order’ in public spaces, the PM outlined plans to create a more structured and organized system for vendors. The move aims to balance the economic benefits of street vending with the necessity of maintaining urban cleanliness and safety. The government has been working closely with local authorities and vendor associations to develop policies that ensure fair practices while addressing public concerns. Critics, however, argue that stricter regulations could negatively impact small-scale vendors who rely on informal markets for their livelihoods. The PM reassured that the new measures would be implemented with sensitivity to the needs of all stakeholders, fostering a harmonious coexistence between vendors and the broader community.
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Mercosur magazine highlights Cuban tourism
Cuba is leveraging the global excitement surrounding the 2026 FIFA World Cup, set to take place from June 11 to July 19 across Mexico, the United States, and Canada, to boost its tourism industry. A recent publication in Havana highlights the island’s strategy to attract football enthusiasts and participants during their breaks from the tournament. The magazine, authored by Julio Debali and Jose Aguilera, emphasizes that while football may not be Cuba’s primary sport, the passion for the game among Cubans is steadily growing, fueled by extensive media coverage, particularly on television. The report underscores that Cuba’s goal isn’t to win the World Cup on the field but to ‘win’ in the realm of tourism. The publication invites fans to explore the Caribbean’s ‘most beautiful island,’ offering them an unforgettable vacation experience. It encourages visitors to escape the stress of the tournament, forget about concerns like sargassum and insecurity, and immerse themselves in the island’s charm. By positioning itself as a prime destination for World Cup travelers, Cuba hopes to capitalize on the global event to showcase its tourism potential and create lasting memories for visitors.