In a heartfelt address to the nation on Monday evening, Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit of Dominica marked the 47th anniversary of the country’s independence, celebrated on November 3. The Prime Minister’s speech, delivered with a tone of pride and reflection, highlighted the nation’s journey since gaining sovereignty in 1978. He emphasized the resilience and unity of the Dominican people, particularly in the face of recent challenges such as natural disasters and global economic uncertainties. Skerrit also outlined the government’s ongoing efforts to foster sustainable development, improve infrastructure, and enhance the quality of life for all citizens. The address concluded with a call for continued national solidarity and a renewed commitment to building a prosperous future for Dominica. The full text of the speech was made available for download in PDF format, allowing citizens to revisit the Prime Minister’s message at their convenience.
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UWP pledges mortgage support, digital training in youth plan
The United Workers Party (UWP) has launched an ambitious initiative aimed at empowering Saint Lucia’s youth, with a focus on practical support and long-term development. At a youth rally on Sunday night, Opposition Leader Allen Chastanet introduced the party’s 7-Point ‘Youth SOS Plan,’ designed to address critical challenges faced by young people and foster their growth through innovative programs and policies.
A cornerstone of the plan is the Mortgage Guarantee Programme, which seeks to assist first-time homebuyers in accessing affordable starter homes and apartments. This initiative will leverage targeted financing and public-private partnerships to make homeownership more attainable for young individuals. Additionally, the UWP proposes the establishment of a national Digital Academy, offering certifications in high-demand fields such as cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, robotics, content creation, and digital marketing.
Other key components of the plan include grants of up to $25,000 for youth-led businesses, the appointment of youth ambassadors in sports, entertainment, and business, and guaranteed youth representation on constituency councils, statutory boards, and national committees.
During his address, Chastanet criticized the current administration’s approach to youth development, citing financial mismanagement, particularly within the National Lotteries Authority (NLA). He highlighted the diversion of funds intended for youth scholarships, stating, ‘The NLA is going to repay $1 million a month for 15 years. That’s $15 million a year that should be going for the scholarships of young people.’
Chastanet also pledged to revitalize the National Youth Council, describing it as ‘the true voice of young people.’ He committed to providing the council with financial resources, staffing, and office space, emphasizing the importance of equipping young people with skills in emerging digital fields.
The UWP’s Youth SOS Plan reflects a commitment to building a Saint Lucia where the next generation is empowered to shape the nation’s future through innovation, opportunity, and leadership. Chastanet concluded his speech by urging the youth to recognize the difference between short-term handouts and long-term investments in their future, stating, ‘If we are committed and with the right leadership, we can take you to the promised land.’
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APNU asks parliament to stop using ‘oil money’ for regular spending
In a significant move to ensure fiscal responsibility, the opposition party A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) has proposed an amendment to the Natural Resources Fund Act (NRF) in Guyana. The amendment, introduced by APNU parliamentarian Dr. Terrence Campbell, aims to restrict the government from utilizing oil revenues for recurrent expenditures. Instead, it advocates for the funds to be allocated towards development and disaster-related projects, ensuring transparency and sustainability. Dr. Campbell, who also serves as the opposition’s representative on the NRF’s Investment Committee, has previously voiced these concerns publicly and initiated legal proceedings in the High Court. The proposed changes would explicitly prohibit the use of fund revenues for regular government spending and mandate their allocation exclusively for infrastructure, development projects, and initiatives promoting an inclusive green economy, as well as essential projects mitigating the impacts of major natural disasters.
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North Korea’s longtime ceremonial head of state Kim Yong Nam has died, Pyongyang says
Kim Yong Nam, a prominent North Korean bureaucrat who served as the country’s ceremonial head of state for two decades, has died at the age of 97, according to state media. The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported on Tuesday that Kim, former president of the Presidium of the Supreme People’s Assembly, succumbed to multiple organ failure on Monday. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un paid his respects at Kim Yong Nam’s bier on Tuesday, with the funeral scheduled for Thursday. Kim Yong Nam, who was not related to the ruling Kim family, held the nominal head of state position from 1998 to 2019, though real power remained with the Kim dynasty. Known for his deep, resonant voice and propaganda-laden speeches, Kim Yong Nam frequently represented North Korea in diplomatic engagements, including a historic 2018 visit to South Korea for the Pyeongchang Olympics. His career spanned decades, surviving political purges and serving as foreign minister during pivotal global changes, including the fall of the Berlin Wall and the Soviet Union’s collapse. Kim Yong Nam’s loyalty to the Kim dynasty was unwavering, as evidenced by his role in eulogizing Kim Il Sung and nominating Kim Jong Il for leadership. Educated at Kim Il Sung University and Moscow State University, Kim Yong Nam’s legacy reflects his adaptability and steadfast commitment to North Korea’s regime.
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Voormalig Amerikaans vicepresident Dick Cheney overleden
Dick Cheney, the former Vice President of the United States, has died at the age of 84. His family announced his passing on Tuesday, attributing his death to complications from pneumonia and cardiovascular diseases. Cheney, who served as Vice President under President George W. Bush from 2001 to 2009, was surrounded by his wife Lynne, their daughters Liz and Mary, and other family members at the time of his death. Cheney played a pivotal role in shaping U.S. foreign policy during his tenure, particularly in the aftermath of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. He was a key architect of the ‘War on Terror’ and a staunch advocate for the controversial 2003 invasion of Iraq, a decision that drew widespread global criticism. After leaving office, Cheney remained active in American politics. In a notable move in 2024, he publicly endorsed Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris, criticizing the direction of the Republican Party under Donald Trump. Cheney is remembered as one of the most powerful and polarizing vice presidents in U.S. history, leaving behind a legacy marked by significant influence on foreign policy and controversy over his role in wars and domestic politics. His family described him as a loving man who taught his children and grandchildren to love their country and lived a life filled with courage, honor, love, kindness, and fly fishing.
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Shein bans sale of sex dolls following French threat to block platform
In a significant move to comply with international regulations and societal norms, Shein, the global fast-fashion e-commerce giant, has announced the immediate cessation of sex doll sales on its platform. This decision comes in response to mounting pressure from French authorities, who had threatened to block the platform over concerns regarding the sale of such products. The French government argued that the availability of sex dolls on Shein’s platform violated national laws and ethical standards, prompting swift action from the company. Shein’s decision underscores the growing challenges faced by e-commerce platforms in navigating diverse legal and cultural landscapes across global markets. The company has emphasized its commitment to adhering to local regulations and maintaining a responsible marketplace. This development highlights the increasing scrutiny of online platforms by governments worldwide, particularly concerning products that raise ethical or legal concerns. Shein’s proactive response may serve as a precedent for other e-commerce platforms facing similar dilemmas.
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Dick Cheney, influential Republican vice president to George W. Bush, dies
Dick Cheney, the 46th Vice President of the United States and a central figure in the nation’s post-9/11 foreign policy, has passed away at the age of 84. His family confirmed his death, attributing it to complications from pneumonia, cardiac disease, and vascular conditions. Cheney, who served under President George W. Bush from 2001 to 2009, was a towering yet polarizing figure in American politics, known for his role in shaping the “war on terror” and the controversial Iraq War.
Cheney’s career spanned decades, beginning as a White House aide under President Richard Nixon and later serving as Defense Secretary under President George H.W. Bush. He was instrumental in the U.S. invasion of Panama in 1989 and Operation Desert Storm in 1991. As Vice President, Cheney wielded significant influence, particularly in advocating for the Iraq War based on claims of weapons of mass destruction—later proven false. His aggressive policies, including support for enhanced interrogation techniques and the detention of terror suspects at Guantanamo Bay, drew widespread criticism.
Despite his controversial legacy, Cheney remained unapologetic, asserting that his actions were necessary to protect the nation. In his later years, he became a vocal critic of former President Donald Trump, whom he labeled a “coward” and a threat to the republic. Cheney’s final years were marked by his endorsement of Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 election, a symbolic gesture reflecting his disillusionment with the modern Republican Party.
Cheney’s life was also marked by significant health challenges, including multiple heart attacks and a heart transplant in 2012. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Lynne, their two daughters, Liz and Mary, and seven grandchildren. His death marks the end of an era for a man who shaped American politics in profound and often contentious ways.
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APNU questions govt about recent bombings
The opposition party, A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), has raised serious concerns regarding the Guyana government’s handling of recent bombings that have shaken the capital. These attacks targeted critical infrastructure and resulted in the tragic death of a six-year-old girl, alongside injuries to four others. Shadow Home Affairs Minister Sherod Duncan has formally questioned Home Affairs Minister Oneidge Walrond in the National Assembly, demanding clarity on whether a national threat-assessment bulletin was issued between May and October 2025. Duncan’s inquiry also seeks details on the recipients of such a bulletin, if it exists. The bombings in question include two simultaneous explosions on May 17, which damaged the Ruimveldt Police Outpost and a Guyana Power and Light substation, and a subsequent attack on October 26 at a Mobil gas station. Duncan has further pressed the government to disclose whether an internal review was conducted following the May incidents, and what recommendations emerged from it. Additionally, he has sought information on intelligence regarding Spanish-speaking nationals implicated in the October attack, as well as the mechanisms for real-time cross-border alert sharing among immigration, Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU), and the Guyana Police Force.
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NH International: Three major projects underway
NH International (Caribbean) Ltd., a Trinidad-based construction firm, is marking its third decade of impactful work in Saint Lucia, with three major developments currently in progress across the island. Since its initial partnership with Saint Lucia in the early 1990s, the company has been instrumental in delivering landmark infrastructure projects, including the Castries Multi-Storey Carpark, Bordelais Correctional Facility, and the Bank of Saint Lucia’s Bridge Street branch. Its early contributions also featured the construction of the Terminal Building at Hewanorra International Airport, marking one of its first ventures outside Trinidad and Tobago. Today, NH International’s portfolio spans the justice, commercial, and aviation sectors, representing hundreds of millions of dollars in investment. One of its most significant ongoing projects is the EC$143 million Halls of Justice in Castries, a landmark public sector initiative designed to centralize civil, criminal, and family courts under one roof. This project, executed under a Build-Own-Lease-Transfer (BOLT) arrangement, will see the government leasing the complex for 12 years before assuming ownership. The multi-storey facility will feature 14 courtrooms, judges’ chambers, and a law library, with NH International prioritizing the use of local subcontractors and tradespeople. Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre hailed the project as a long-overdue enhancement to the justice system. Meanwhile, in Gros Islet, Phase 1A of the Rodney Bay City Centre is underway, a mixed-use commercial development that will house Republic Bank’s northern offices, retail outlets, restaurants, and a waterfront boardwalk. The US$19.4 million project, slated for completion by mid-2025, aims to revitalize Rodney Bay as a commercial and social hub. Additionally, NH International is collaborating with Aeronav Canada to construct a new 100-foot air traffic control tower at Hewanorra International Airport, part of a broader redevelopment plan to enhance aviation safety and align with international standards. Over the past 30 years, NH International has consistently engaged local talent, providing training and employment opportunities, solidifying its role as a key foreign contractor in Saint Lucia’s development.
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Final countdown for St Jude’s Hospital
The long-awaited reconstruction of St Jude’s Hospital, a vital healthcare facility serving southern Saint Lucia, is finally approaching its conclusion. After years of extensive redevelopment, the project, spearheaded by the Rayneau Construction team, is now in its final stages. The hospital’s completion, initially delayed by seven weeks, is back on track, with final installation works underway. Rayneau Gajadhar, the lead contractor, confirmed that the project is 98.5% complete, emphasizing that there is always room for improvement. Gajadhar’s team will remain on-site for at least three months to ensure a smooth transition from the temporary facility at the George Odlum Stadium to the new hospital. Photographs shared by Gajadhar highlight the state-of-the-art kitchen, which he claims will surpass the standards of most hotels. This milestone marks a significant step forward in enhancing healthcare infrastructure in the region.