A significant controversy has emerged in Suriname surrounding a pardon request submitted by attorney Irvin Kanhai on behalf of four convicts in the high-profile 8 December case. The request, filed on September 17, 2025, with the President’s Cabinet, involves Stefanus Dendoe, Ernst Gefferie, Benny Brondenstein, and the fugitive Iwan Dijksteel. While Kanhai has provided evidence of submission, including a receipt shown to journalists, President Jennifer Simons claimed during a tribute event for the late NDP leader Desi Bouterse that she was unaware of any such request, stating it had not officially reached her. The situation escalated on Wednesday when a statement surfaced, allegedly signed by Dendoe, Gefferie, and Brondenstein, explicitly distancing themselves from the pardon petition. The statement, dated October 11, 2025, asserts that they never authorized Kanhai or anyone else to file the request on their behalf. The three convicts, currently in the medical ward of the Santo Boma penitentiary, have raised questions about the legitimacy of the request and their representation. The issue has sparked intense reactions across society and politics, with NDP Vice Chairman Ramon Abrahams suggesting that the matter had been previously discussed within the party, emphasizing the public’s will as reflected in recent elections. Kanhai has declined to comment, leaving the validity of the pardon request and its initiator unclear. The case threatens to become a sensitive political and legal issue, particularly as the four convicts are notably absent from the list of detainees set to receive pardons for Suriname’s 50th Independence Day.
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Deputy Premier the Honourable Eric Evelyn Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Cooperatives Nevis Island Administration World Food Day Message 2025
On October 16, 2025, Deputy Premier and Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Cooperatives of the Nevis Island Administration, the Honourable Eric Evelyn, delivered a powerful message in observance of World Food Day. This annual event, established by the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in 1979, unites over 150 nations in addressing global food security and the fundamental right to nourishment for all. The theme for 2025, ‘Hand in Hand for Better Foods and a Better Future,’ emphasizes the urgent need for global collaboration to transform agri-food systems and ensure sustainable access to healthy diets. This year’s theme also commemorates the 80th anniversary of the FAO, founded in 1945. Minister Evelyn highlighted the importance of partnerships across governments, organizations, and communities to tackle challenges such as conflict, climate change, and resource scarcity. He underscored the Ministry of Agriculture’s efforts to enhance food security on Nevis, stressing that collaboration is essential to achieving greater food sovereignty. The Minister called for strengthened ties with allied agencies, farmers, fishermen, and educational institutions to promote local production, climate-smart practices, and nutritional education. He urged Nevisians to support sustainable farming and fishing practices, reduce waste, and prioritize locally grown foods. Minister Evelyn concluded with a rallying cry for collective action, emphasizing that a better future for Nevis contributes to a healthier, more equitable world. ‘Hand in Hand, we can make a difference,’ he declared, wishing everyone a Happy World Food Day 2025.
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Trump says he’s considering strikes on land to combat Venezuelan drug cartels; authorises CIA operations in Venezuela, raising pressure on Maduro
In a significant escalation of U.S. efforts to pressure Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, President Donald Trump confirmed on Wednesday that he has authorized the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) to conduct covert operations in Venezuela. This move, first reported by The New York Times, is part of a broader strategy aimed at removing Maduro from power, with the Trump administration offering a $50 million reward for information leading to his arrest and conviction on drug trafficking charges.
Trump justified the decision by citing the migration of Venezuelans to the United States and the trafficking of drugs, particularly fentanyl, as primary concerns. ‘I authorized for two reasons really,’ Trump stated in the Oval Office. ‘Number one, they have emptied their prisons into the United States of America…they came in through the border. They came in because we had an open border. And the other thing are drugs.’ However, Trump has not provided evidence to support his claim that Venezuela is sending former prisoners to the U.S.
The new authority granted to the CIA allows for lethal operations in Venezuela and a range of activities in the Caribbean. Trump also revealed that the U.S. is considering land strikes to combat drug cartels, stating, ‘We are looking at land now, because we’ve got the sea very well under control.’ The Pentagon recently disclosed to Congress that Trump has determined the U.S. is engaged in ‘a non-international armed conflict’ with drug cartels.
Venezuela’s government condemned Trump’s remarks, calling them a violation of international law and accusing the U.S. of pursuing a ‘regime change’ operation to seize the country’s oil resources. Foreign Minister Yvan Gil announced that Venezuela’s Permanent Mission to the UN would raise the issue with the Security Council and the Secretary-General.
Critics, including Senator Jeanne Shaheen, the top Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, have expressed concerns that the administration is moving the U.S. closer to outright conflict. ‘The American people deserve to know if the Administration is leading the U.S. into another conflict, putting service members at risk or pursuing a regime-change operation,’ Shaheen stated.
The Trump administration has conducted at least five strikes on vessels in the Caribbean since September, killing 26 people described as ‘narcoterrorists.’ However, the administration has yet to provide evidence to Congress supporting claims that the boats were carrying narcotics, raising questions about the legal basis for these actions.
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Police concerned about violence in schools
Assistant Commissioner of Police Trevor ‘Buju’ Bailey has expressed deep concern over the escalating violence in schools across St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Speaking to iWitness News, Bailey highlighted the urgent need for young people to adopt de-escalation strategies, noting that impulsive behavior often leads to severe consequences. He revealed that a significant portion of these incidents involve young girls, though boys are also culpable. Bailey’s remarks followed a recent stabbing at North Union Secondary School, where a 15-year-old student was critically injured by a 16-year-old classmate. The incident underscores the growing problem of school violence, with reports emerging almost weekly. Bailey emphasized the importance of early intervention, urging parents, counselors, and community institutions to play a proactive role in guiding students. He stressed that addressing behavioral issues before they escalate into serious offenses is crucial for rehabilitation, rather than relying solely on punitive measures. Bailey called for a collective effort to transform troubled youth into model citizens, advocating for counseling and support over punishment.
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Belize Government Lotteries Launches “Fi We Boledo” Mobile App
Belize Government Lotteries Ltd. has unveiled its cutting-edge mobile gaming platform, the ‘Fi We Boledo’ App, revolutionizing the way Belizeans engage with lottery games. This innovative app enables users to purchase Boledo, Ordinary Lottery, and Jackpot Lottery tickets seamlessly from their mobile devices. Designed with user convenience in mind, the platform ensures instant payouts and robust security measures. Players can select their numbers, place wagers, and receive winnings directly into their Digi Wallet or local bank account. The app also features secure payment options through trusted providers and provides access to historical game results. Available for download on both Android and iOS devices, the ‘Fi We Boledo’ App marks a significant step forward in modernizing lottery access while upholding transparency and security. The launch of this digital service underscores Belize Government Lotteries Ltd.’s commitment to enhancing user experience and embracing technological advancements. Fi We Fun, Fi We Profits, Fi We Boledo!
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Dominican Week 2025 launches in Canada
The Dominican Republic Embassy in Canada has officially inaugurated Dominican Week in Canada 2025, with a series of events set to take place in Ottawa and Toronto on October 15 and 16. This initiative is designed to highlight the nation’s leadership, economic vitality, cultural richness, and investment potential on a global stage. The opening ceremony, held in Ottawa, featured Ambassador José Blanco Conde, who underscored the event’s significance in positioning the Dominican Republic as a dependable and competitive partner for Canada. The celebration included cultural showcases, such as a presentation of Creole cuisine by acclaimed chef Dayanny de la Cruz, who was honored for her efforts in promoting Dominican gastronomy worldwide. Sculptor Juan Trinidad was also recognized for his contributions to advancing Dominican art and culture internationally. Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe presented an official city proclamation, while Ambassador Blanco gifted a bust of national hero Juan Pablo Duarte to Ottawa City Hall, symbolizing the strong ties between the two nations. The Dominican delegation will participate in a packed agenda, including meetings with federal, provincial, and parliamentary leaders, as well as business executives. Key activities will feature panel discussions on air connectivity, trade, investment, tourism, and logistics, alongside a roundtable on critical minerals and rare earths. The delegation will also visit Bombardier’s aviation facilities. This year’s edition aligns with Hispanic Heritage Month and the Toronto Global Forum, serving as a strategic precursor to the 10th Summit of the Americas, which will be hosted by the Dominican Republic in December.
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News : Zapping…
In a series of significant developments across Haiti, the nation witnessed a mix of resilience, progress, and recognition on October 15, 2025. Businessman Cedrick Vorbe made headlines after successfully escaping a kidnapping attempt on Airport Road. Viral social media footage captured Vorbe opening fire on his captors, forcing them to flee. This incident underscores the ongoing security challenges in the region. Meanwhile, the Industrial Development Company (CODEVI) resumed operations after a two-week shutdown. Workers were instructed to arrive in uniform and with their ID cards, while law enforcement units were deployed to ensure peace and stability. In a symbolic move, all Cabinet Meetings will now be held at the National Palace, reaffirming the government’s presence in downtown Port-au-Prince. On the cultural front, Haitian writer Louis-Philippe Dalembert was celebrated for receiving the prestigious Prince Pierre of Monaco Foundation Literary Prize, adding to his long list of accolades. The judicial system also saw progress, with the President of the Court of Cassation reviewing the past year’s achievements, including 1,097 decisions rendered by the Port-au-Prince Court of First Instance. Additionally, the United States announced its support for the Haitian National Police, funding the training of 892 new recruits to combat gang activity and restore stability.
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Belize Participates in ILO Regional Meeting on Decent Work and Social Justice
Belize played a pivotal role at the 20th American Regional Meeting (AmRM) of the International Labour Organization (ILO), held from October 1 to 3, 2025, in Punta Cana. The event, themed ‘Advancing Decent Work, Social Justice, and Inclusive Development,’ brought together over 300 delegates from across the Americas, including government officials, employers, and workers’ representatives. The Belize delegation was led by Hon. Florencio Marin Jr., Minister of Rural Transformation, Community Development, Labour, and Local Government, alongside key figures such as Mr. Valentino Shal, CEO, and Ms. Rissela Dominguez-Patt, Labour Commissioner. Representing employers was Ms. Kim Aikman, CEO of the Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI), while Ms. Ella Waight, President of the National Trade Union Congress of Belize (NTUCB), advocated for workers’ interests. The tripartite meeting focused on addressing critical labor issues, including job creation, social protection, and the transition from informal to formal employment. Delegates concluded the event by adopting the Punta Cana Declaration, a landmark commitment to promoting democracy, peace, and decent work. The declaration aligns with the ILO’s Strategic Plan 2026–2029 and the Centenary Declaration for the Future of Work, emphasizing the need for collaborative efforts to tackle challenges such as inequality, informality, and climate-related employment shifts.
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Senators call on men to embrace new family leave rights
In a landmark move to redefine fatherhood and promote gender equality, Senators have urged men to fully utilize the newly passed Family Leave Bill. The legislation, described as a transformative opportunity, allows fathers to take three weeks of leave within the first six months of their child’s life, with at least two weeks to be used in the initial three months. Government Senator Lindell Nurse emphasized that this law is a call for men to embrace their roles as fathers, providing emotional support to mothers and fostering stronger family bonds. He cautioned against misusing the leave for leisure, stressing its purpose in nurturing family life. Independent Senator Roshanana Trim highlighted the Bill’s broader cultural impact, framing it as a step toward liberating men from outdated notions of masculinity and enabling them to participate fully in caregiving. She noted that the Bill challenges traditional gender roles, fostering a more balanced and dignified family dynamic. Senator Andwele Boyce praised the legislation but pointed to systemic delays in the court system that often hinder fathers from being present in their children’s lives. He called for urgent reforms to address these inefficiencies, emphasizing the importance of strong family structures for national development. Boyce also commended private sector entities that already support family care responsibilities, urging others to follow suit. The Family Leave Bill is seen not just as legislative progress but as a cultural shift toward recognizing care as a shared human responsibility, reshaping modern family life for the better.
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Construction advances on Santo Domingo’s Sports Boardwalk ahead of 2026 Games
Santo Domingo is set to witness a transformative urban development with the ongoing construction of the Sports Boardwalk, a flagship initiative under the Santo Domingo Integrated Plan. Spearheaded by Mayor Carolina Mejía and supported by President Luis Abinader, this project aims to revitalize 1.7 kilometers of the city’s iconic seawall. The first phase of the endeavor focuses on creating a vibrant public space that combines sports, leisure, and community engagement. Betsy Luciano, supervisor of the Infrastructure Department, recently provided updates on the project, emphasizing the installation of bleachers, beach volleyball courts, and two terraced food courts. Additionally, plans include the development of outdoor sidewalks, benches, and streetlights to enhance accessibility and aesthetics. Construction engineer Jorge Lerebours outlined further enhancements, such as the expansion and renovation of the parking lot, alongside the construction of a soccer field, paddle tennis court, amphitheater, and skate park. Mayor Mejía has projected that a significant portion of the Sports Boardwalk will be completed by April 2026, coinciding with the Central American and Caribbean Games, marking a milestone in the city’s urban renewal efforts.