Hans Breeveld reflects on the enduring significance of President Jennifer Simons’ commitment to ensuring that every child receives at least one warm meal daily. This week, however, he was struck by a complaint from teachers about parents showing little to no interest in their children’s academic performance. Breeveld recalls the words of the evangelist Matthew: ‘Man shall not live by bread alone,’ emphasizing that while basic needs are essential, intellectual and emotional nourishment are equally critical.
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News : Zapping…
In a significant move, the United States Department of State has announced the implementation of enhanced screening measures for US visa holders. This new policy, rooted in continuous verification, empowers authorities to revoke visas at any time based on the holder’s behavior or activities, marking a stricter approach to immigration control.
Meanwhile, CARICOM is reasserting its influence in Haiti’s political landscape. With the Presidential Transitional Council’s (PTC) term nearing its end in February 2026, CARICOM leaders have urged key figures, including Maryse Narcisse, André Michel, Claude Joseph, Ted Saint-Dic, and Jean-Charles Moise, to propose alternatives for the Council’s succession.
In Gonaïves, a notable administrative change occurred on October 21, 2025, as Me Guiverna Guillaume was replaced by Me Renable Destina as the interim Government Commissioner. Guillaume has been reassigned as Deputy Government Commissioner to the Prosecutor’s Office in Cap-Haïtien.
Environmental concerns are mounting in Petit-Bois, where Ecovert-Haiti has issued an urgent plea to the Ministry of the Environment and the National Agency for Protected Areas (ANAP) to address the severe degradation of a mahogany forest. Unregulated tree felling for charcoal and timber production, coupled with inadequate monitoring, threatens the forest’s survival and the local ecosystem.
On a brighter note, Haitian cocoa will be showcased at the Paris Chocolate Fair from October 29 to November 2, 2025. Supported by the Hauts-de-Seine Department since 2009, the event will feature tastings, producer-chocolatier meetings, and conferences on fair trade and agricultural resilience.
Lastly, EU Ambassador Hélène Roos met with Charles Jean Jacques, Haiti’s National Authorizing Officer, to discuss EU funding for governance, education, infrastructure, and food security projects, reaffirming the EU’s commitment to Haiti’s development.
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Tropical Storm Melissa could strengthen as it moves slowly
Tropical Storm Melissa has stalled in the Caribbean Sea, approximately 460 kilometers southwest of Pedernales, moving at a sluggish pace of 4 kilometers per hour. According to meteorologist Jean Suriel, the storm is expected to intensify over the next 24 to 48 hours, with a potential trajectory toward Jamaica. Despite its limited movement, Melissa’s expansive cloud bands are already impacting the Dominican Republic, particularly along the southern coast. This has heightened concerns over heavy rainfall, flash floods, and widespread flooding in both urban and rural areas of the southern and southwestern regions. Suriel further warned that the storm’s outer bands could trigger prolonged rainfall across much of the country, lasting through Sunday. In response, authorities and relief organizations are urging residents to remain vigilant, avoid rivers and flood-prone zones, and adhere to official safety instructions.
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Trapped Cormidom mine workers escape unharmed
In a dramatic turn of events, all 80 miners trapped underground following a landslide at the Cerro de Maimón mining project, operated by the Dominican Mining Corporation (Cormidom), have been successfully rescued. The incident occurred on Tuesday morning in a tunnel where copper and zinc extraction takes place. Despite the initial isolation of the workers, there were no reported injuries or communication disruptions during the ordeal. The first group of miners emerged from the site at 3:21 p.m., with the final group exiting by 4:30 p.m. on the same day. Cormidom has assured that a comprehensive investigation will be conducted to ascertain the cause of the landslide once the stability of the rock massif is confirmed. The company also pledged to implement necessary corrective measures to prevent future occurrences. This incident highlights the inherent risks in mining operations and the importance of stringent safety protocols.
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Winners step out to promote healthier living
In a vibrant celebration of health and wellness, Barbados’ Ministry of Health and Wellness, alongside the National Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD) Commission, honored the winners of the National Sneaker Day campaign on September 26. The initiative, designed to encourage Barbadians to embrace more active lifestyles, was hailed as a resounding success, blending playful participation with a serious call for healthier living. The campaign garnered 117 social media entries, with 111 meeting the official criteria, showcasing the growing enthusiasm for wellness across the nation. At a prize-giving ceremony held at the Frank Walcott Building, individuals and organizations were recognized for their creative and impactful contributions. Suleiman Bulbulia, Chair of the NCD Commission, praised the campaign’s success, emphasizing the urgent need to address the NCD crisis in Barbados. “Eighty percent or more of our deaths are attributed to NCDs—diabetes, hypertension, cancer—and now mental health has been added to that list,” he stated. Bulbulia stressed that most NCDs are preventable through better lifestyle choices, particularly increased physical activity. Among the winners were Jamal Maynard of the City of Bridgetown Co-operative Credit Union for Most Creative Post, Sagicor Life Inc. for Most Liked Post, Salena Small as Individual Winner, and Ignatius Byer Primary School as Group Winner. Bulbulia highlighted the importance of instilling healthy habits early, noting the inclusion of a school among the awardees. Dr. Kimberly Phillips, Senior Medical Officer of Health, commended participants and underscored the necessity of collective action to combat sedentary lifestyles. “We want to make movement fun again,” she said, urging Barbadians to see physical activity as an enjoyable part of daily life. Prizes included gym memberships, tickets to the Atlantis Submarine experience, and a group trip for 40 Ignatius Byer Primary pupils to the Graeme Hall Nature Sanctuary. Dr. Phillips concluded with a call for unity: “If we are going to reverse the current situation, we have to do it together. Barbados, let us continue to participate and support each other.”
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New UN report warns climate crisis is hitting world’s poorest the hardest
A groundbreaking report jointly released by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Oxford University’s Poverty and Human Development Initiative (OPHI) has issued a stark warning about the escalating climate crisis and its disproportionate impact on the world’s most impoverished populations. Published ahead of the 30th Conference of the Parties (COP30) in Brazil, the study reveals that climate-related disasters are exacerbating poverty and threatening the lives and livelihoods of millions globally. The report emphasizes the urgent need for decisive action from world leaders to mitigate these escalating challenges. Findings indicate that nearly 80% of the 1.1 billion people living in multidimensional poverty—approximately 887 million individuals—are directly exposed to climate hazards such as extreme heat, flooding, drought, and severe air pollution. Among those in acute multidimensional poverty, 651 million endure two or more climate hazards, while 309 million face three or four simultaneously. Haoliang Xu, UNDP Acting Administrator, stressed the necessity of addressing climate risks to combat global poverty and ensure stability. Pedro Conceição, Director of UNDP’s Human Development Report Office, warned that these challenges are expected to intensify in the coming decades, with the poorest nations projected to experience the most significant temperature increases. The report advocates for climate-resilient poverty reduction strategies, enhanced local adaptation capabilities, and expanded international financing mechanisms to support vulnerable nations. The Caribbean, one of the regions most affected by climate change, continues to experience severe impacts, including intensified hurricanes and prolonged heatwaves. Caribbean leaders are pushing for the adoption of the Multidimensional Vulnerability Index (MVI) to better assess climate risks and access development financing, arguing that GDP alone fails to capture the true vulnerabilities of small island states.
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Improved targets trigger bigger rewards for SSA staff
Sanitation Service Authority (SSA) workers in Barbados are set to receive a significant pay increase following the implementation of an updated performance incentive plan. This development comes after months of unrest and dissatisfaction among employees, who had criticized the previous payment structure as unfair. Richard Greene, General Secretary of the National Union of Public Workers (NUPW), confirmed the news, stating that the retroactive payments for the July to September quarter will be disbursed promptly once all necessary assessments are completed. The decision marks a positive shift in labor relations, particularly after garbage collectors staged a wildcat strike in July to protest inadequate payments and poor working conditions. At the time, performance targets were only 34% met, yet management approved discretionary payments, which workers deemed insufficient. The strike led to halted refuse collection services, causing widespread concern across the island. However, Greene revealed that SSA management has now agreed to increase workers’ pay, a move welcomed by the NUPW. He highlighted improvements in performance metrics and a growing awareness among workers about the incentive plan. While specific figures for the pay raise were not disclosed, Greene noted a ‘marked increase’ in payments. The retroactive payments for the July-September quarter are expected soon, with future payments to follow the updated incentive plan. Greene also emphasized the union’s commitment to educating workers about the plan to ensure continued progress. During the July strike, workers reported receiving varying incentive payments, ranging from $100 to $700, which sparked further discontent. SSA spokesman Carl Padmore acknowledged that the strike was a response to dissatisfaction with the performance incentive allowance, which was introduced to motivate workers but fell short of its targets. Despite the 34% performance rate, management approved payments as a goodwill gesture to boost morale and productivity. Workers also raised concerns about personal protective equipment and back pay issues, which remain unresolved.
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Somohardjo: Grondfraudeonderzoek loopt op volle kracht
The District Commissioner (DC) of Commewijne, Rajiv Ramsahai, has issued a public warning to residents following multiple suspicions of double allocation of land parcels. Bronto Somohardjo, Chairman of the Permanent Committee for Land Policy and Forest Management (GBB) in the National Assembly, confirmed to Starnieuws that an official investigation is underway to address potential irregularities. Somohardjo praised the DC’s alertness and revealed that the Ministry of Land Policy and Forest Management (GBB) is already preparing case files for submission to the Public Prosecutor’s Office. According to Somohardjo, the warning is both justified and necessary, given the numerous reports of individuals unknowingly purchasing or being allocated the same plots of land. He confirmed that Minister Stanley Soeropawiro is leading a comprehensive investigation into misconduct during the previous administration. “Some case files are ready for submission to the Public Prosecutor’s Office, with more to follow. We must be honest: during the previous term, actions bordering on criminality occurred. People enriched themselves at the expense of the public. That era is over,” Somohardjo stated. He emphasized that the committee is closely monitoring the process to ensure legitimate landowners remain protected. “Those who knowingly acted unlawfully will face consequences. We will rectify what has gone wrong,” he asserted. Somohardjo urged citizens to verify land ownership through the ministry or district commissioner’s office before purchasing any parcel, stating, “Transparency will be the norm, not the exception.”
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Cilpen Global clarifies Yaque del Norte images
In response to concerns over waste accumulation in the Yaque del Norte River, Cilpen Global has clarified that the circulating images depict the ‘Blue Barrier,’ a cutting-edge containment system installed in Santiago de los Caballeros in March 2024. This innovative solution is designed to intercept plastics and floating debris before they contaminate irrigation canals or reach the Caribbean Sea, while simultaneously raising public awareness about environmental pollution. The system employs a submersible belt to transport collected waste to containers, which are subsequently processed at Cilpen Global facilities for sorting, recycling, and proper disposal. Since its deployment, the Blue Barrier has successfully captured over 290,100 kilograms of waste, with 55% being plastic. Notably, more than 30,000 kilograms were removed in recent weeks alone. The initiative is part of the PROMAR project, a collaborative effort led by Parley for the Oceans in partnership with CORAASAN, INDHRI, and Cilpen Global. These organizations are continuously enhancing the system’s efficiency and expanding collection efforts. Cilpen Global stressed that the presence of waste does not signify system failure but rather highlights the alarming volume of improperly discarded materials. The company has called on citizens to adopt responsible waste disposal practices and refrain from dumping trash into rivers.
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Caribbean police complete advanced crime scene training
Senior law enforcement officials from across the Caribbean have successfully concluded an intensive training program focused on evidence-based investigations and human rights. The initiative, organized under the United Nations Development Programme’s (UNDP) PACE Justice Programme, was hosted at the Regional Security System (RSS) headquarters in Paragon, Christ Church. The five-day workshop, attended by approximately 40 high-ranking officers from ten Caribbean nations, was a collaborative effort involving the UNDP, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the RSS, the European Union (EU) Agency for Law Enforcement Training (CEPOL), and the EU Delegation to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean.
The training curriculum emphasized advanced investigative techniques, forensic documentation, evidence collection, and the application of modern investigative tools. This initiative is part of a broader regional strategy to enhance police professionalism, improve case management, and foster public trust in the justice system. It addresses critical gaps identified in UNDP assessments, particularly in crime scene handling and investigative case building, which are essential for strengthening Caribbean justice systems.
Timothy Maynard, Permanent Secretary of the Office of the Attorney General, underscored the importance of the training, stating, ‘Police investigation is the foundation of any effective justice system. Public confidence in justice begins with the integrity and professionalism of police investigations. This training is crucial to ensuring justice is people-centred — accessible, responsive, and inclusive.’ Assistant Superintendent Cecil Watson of the RSS highlighted the program’s structured mentorship component, which provides tailored guidance to address the unique complexities of national cases and specific country needs. He added that the initiative aligns with broader regional efforts to elevate policing standards, enhance justice delivery, and build resilient law enforcement institutions.
Alessandro Tedesco, the EU attaché for security, justice, and human rights, emphasized the EU’s commitment to supporting Caribbean law enforcement, describing the presence of European trainers as ‘a tangible sign of the EU’s dedication to fostering justice reform through collaboration.’ Limya Eltayeb, UNDP resident representative for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, praised the initiative as ‘a powerful example of what can be achieved through regional and international cooperation.’ She noted that the training is part of the PACE Justice Programme’s comprehensive reform agenda, which includes technology upgrades, legislative support, and peer learning to modernize justice delivery and strengthen institutions across the Caribbean.