In a press conference held on Thursday, October 16, 2025, Bharrat Jagdeo, General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), firmly denied any negotiations with the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR)-led A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) regarding the chairmanship and vice chairmanship of the Region Four Council. Jagdeo emphasized that no formal or informal discussions took place between the two parties. This statement came amidst speculation following the PPP’s narrow victory in securing the top regional positions by a single vote. The election results revealed a tight race, with APNU and PPP each winning 17 council seats, while the Forward Guyana Movement (FGM) secured one seat. During the secret ballot for the chairmanship, the FGM candidate disclosed her vote for APNU’s Shanika Haynes. Meanwhile, Tabita Sarabo-Halley, an executive member of We Invest in Nationhood (WIN), revealed that her party’s council members boycotted the vote due to an unresolved agreement with APNU over leadership positions in Region 10. Jagdeo asserted that the PPP’s victory in Region Four reflected the will of the people, given the party’s significant plurality of 87,536 votes (49%) in the region. He accused WIN and APNU of collaborating to undermine the democratic process. Additionally, Jagdeo hinted at the possibility of instructing PPP councillors in Region 10 to abstain from voting, potentially escalating tensions between WIN and APNU. WIN has threatened legal action if the Regional Executive Officer fails to call for further elections.
作者： admin
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President Burton meets with Chinese President Xi Jinping
In a landmark diplomatic encounter, President Sylvanie Burton of Dominica met with Chinese President Xi Jinping on October 14, 2025, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. The meeting took place during President Burton’s visit to attend the Global Leaders’ Meeting on Women, where President Xi had previously announced a series of ambitious initiatives to support women’s empowerment globally. These initiatives include a $10 million donation to U.N. Women, a $100 million allocation for women-focused development projects, and the establishment of a Global Center for Women’s Capacity Building. During their discussion, President Xi emphasized the robust partnership between China and Dominica, rooted in mutual respect and equality since the establishment of diplomatic ties over two decades ago. He highlighted the growing political trust, expanded exchanges, and enhanced cooperation across various sectors, including climate resilience, renewable energy, healthcare, and agriculture. President Xi also underscored the importance of cultural, educational, and tourism exchanges, as well as multilateral collaboration to build a community with a shared future for humanity. In response, President Burton expressed Dominica’s gratitude for China’s unwavering support and reaffirmed her country’s commitment to the one-China principle. She outlined plans to deepen cooperation in trade, green economy, and climate change response, while praising China’s global initiatives for peace and development. The meeting concluded with both leaders pledging to strengthen bilateral ties and work together to oppose unilateralism and hegemonism, safeguarding the interests of developing nations. The event also featured engagements with other international leaders, including UN Women’s Executive Director Sima Bahous and Chinese First Lady Peng Liyuan, who participated in an exhibition on digital and intelligent empowerment for women and girls.
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Hurdler Laurencin sets big goals for 2026
Saint Lucian hurdler Aasia Laurencin, a 23-year-old double national record holder, is making a bold move to elevate her career by relocating to Florida A&M University. Under the guidance of renowned coach Garfield Ellenwood II, known for shaping NCAA champions and world-class hurdlers, Laurencin aims to refine her technique and secure a place among the world’s elite athletes. This transition marks her first full season as a professional, following her recent graduation from the University of Michigan.
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Nicaraguan Man Alleges Belize NGO Scam Left Him Facing Death Threats (Pt.2)
A Nicaraguan refugee, Eric Omar Hernández Cruz, has come forward with allegations of being scammed and threatened in Belize, prompting a response from the Human Rights Commission of Belize (HRCB). Cruz claims he paid $500 to two men for ‘amnesty documents’ and later faced life-threatening intimidation. HRCB has clarified the roles of the accused individuals, emphasizing its commitment to transparency and accountability. One of the men was an administrative assistant for HRCB, terminated due to budgetary cuts, while the other worked with Help for Progress and was also dismissed. HRCB stated it was informed of the allegations by UNHCR in June 2025, though the initial report was received in March. Cruz reported the threats to the police, suspecting the two men were behind them. HRCB noted this is the first instance of such allegations involving asylum seekers. The case remains under investigation, with further updates expected.
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Former Jamaican PM decries US drone strikes in Caribbean
Former Jamaican Prime Minister P.J. Patterson has issued a stern warning against recent United States drone attacks on vessels in Caribbean waters, labeling them a “fundamentally dangerous and horrible erosion” of the region’s collective sovereignty. Patterson, who served as Jamaica’s leader from 1992 to 2006, expressed grave concerns over the US military’s confirmation of at least five such strikes since early September. He emphasized that these actions undermine the Caribbean’s longstanding commitment to being a zone of peace, a principle established during the region’s first integration meeting in 1972. The US administration, under President Donald Trump, justifies the strikes as targeting vessels suspected of transporting illegal drugs to the US, claiming 27 deaths so far, including six in the most recent incident on October 14. Patterson urged Caribbean heads of government to urgently convene and adopt a unified stance, referencing the 1997 Shiprider Agreement as a precedent for collective action. This agreement, enforced by Jamaica’s Maritime Drug Trafficking (Suppression) Act of 1998, permits US vessels to pursue and search suspected drug traffickers in Jamaican and international waters. The drone attacks have sparked fear among regional fisherfolk and maritime users, who fear becoming “collateral damage.” Patterson stressed that the strikes violate international law and pose a “clear and present danger to all maritime users,” urging CARICOM to reaffirm the Caribbean’s status as a zone of peace. Despite US claims, including one linking a destroyed vessel to the Tren de Aragua Cartel, no substantive evidence has been provided. Colombia’s president has disputed a US claim, stating a targeted boat was Colombian, not Venezuelan. Jamaica’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Senator Kamina Johnson Smith, has yet to respond to inquiries on the matter.
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Klass Money, Reo join forces to sync Hip Hop and Bouyon music with new single
Klass Money, a Miami-based rapper hailing from Dominica, has unveiled a groundbreaking musical collaboration with key figures in the Bouyon music scene. The result is an innovative track titled “Plottin,” which features the talents of Dominica artist Reo and producer DJ Taffy. This project is being hailed as the first-ever fusion of Rap and Bouyon music, a genre deeply rooted in Caribbean culture. The song is characterized by its vibrant melodies and high-energy beats, with lyrics that narrate the heartfelt pursuit of a woman who has captivated both Klass Money and Reo. The collaboration aims to blend the rhythmic intensity of Bouyon with the lyrical depth of Rap, creating a fresh sound that could redefine musical boundaries and inspire future cross-genre projects. Klass Money, known for his versatility in Hip-Hop, has built a career that spans club anthems, storytelling tracks, and emotional love songs. Beyond his musical prowess, he strives to challenge stereotypes associated with Rap artists by infusing his work with the cultural richness of the Caribbean. This commitment to celebrating his heritage through thoughtfully crafted lyrics sets him apart in the world of Rap, according to a statement from his team.
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Staatsolie helpt Huize Prinses Margriet met renovatie lekkende daken
A generous donation of $80,000 from Staatsolie Maatschappij Suriname N.V. has brought much-needed relief to the residents of Huize Prinses Margriet, a senior living facility in Suriname. The funds were used to completely renovate the leaking roofs of the high-rise flats, addressing a long-standing issue that had plagued the residents for years. The project, executed by TCF N.V. under the supervision of the facility’s management, has not only provided dry living spaces but also restored a sense of dignity and peace to the elderly residents. Marjon Ferrier-Dilweg, the chairperson of the board, emphasized that Staatsolie’s contribution went beyond mere repairs: “It has given our residents their peace of mind back.” The official opening ceremony was led by Staatsolie’s director, Annand Jagesar, alongside a resident and the facility’s management team. Jagesar highlighted that the initiative aligns with Staatsolie’s commitment to social responsibility, stating, “Our seniors have contributed to society throughout their lives. A safe living environment is not a privilege but something they deserve.” Established nearly 56 years ago by the Reformed Church of Suriname, Huize Prinses Margriet has long been a haven for elderly individuals, offering them a secure and welcoming home. With the roof renovation now complete, the board can focus on further developing the facility and enhancing care for its residents.
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Dodds Prison hosts Q in the Community for the first time
In a groundbreaking move, the Barbados Prison Service (BPS) unveiled its ‘Q in the Community’ program on Thursday at the Dodds Prison Retail Outlet in St Philip. This event marked the first of its kind as part of a month-long series of activities aimed at fostering community engagement. Superintendent of Prisons, DeCarlo Payne, revealed that the initiative had been in the pipeline since October of the previous year. ‘We initially approached CBC with the idea of hosting Q here, but they informed us that their schedule was fully booked until 2025. What you’re witnessing today is the realization of that vision, now coming to fruition in 2025,’ Payne elaborated. The program underscores BPS’s commitment to innovative community outreach and rehabilitation efforts.
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Technical and logistical support discussed between US military personnel and RGPF
In a significant diplomatic engagement, Admiral Alvin Holsey, Commander of the United States Southern Command, convened with senior officials of the Royal Grenada Police Force (RGPF) on October 15, 2025, at the Police Headquarters in St. George’s. The meeting underscored the deepening collaboration between the two entities, focusing on technical and logistical support, humanitarian aid, disaster relief, and the potential for future joint initiatives. This dialogue followed the recent visit of the US Navy’s Medical Ship, which highlighted the scope of bilateral cooperation. Admiral Holsey’s visit to Grenada marked one year since he assumed leadership of the US Southern Command, succeeding General Laura Richardson. The discussions also emphasized enhanced training opportunities for Grenadian law enforcement and joint exercises to bolster operational readiness. The meeting was hosted by Commissioner of Police Randy Connaught, alongside Deputy Commissioner Jessmond Prince, Assistant Commissioner Vannie Curwen, and National Security Advisor Wilan Thompson. US Ambassador to the Eastern Caribbean States, Karin Sullivan, accompanied Admiral Holsey. While the engagement was described as cordial and productive, Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell’s absence, despite being initially scheduled to attend, remained unexplained. This meeting is part of a broader regional tour by Admiral Holsey, aimed at reinforcing partnerships with Caribbean nations.
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WATCH: Government Launches Systemwide Probe into Customs and Revenue Departments
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has announced a sweeping investigation into the Customs and Revenue Departments in Antigua, following mounting concerns over irregularities and potential corruption. Addressing Parliament, Browne emphasized that the probe will encompass all revenue-collecting entities, aiming to identify systemic weaknesses, eliminate misconduct, and restore public trust in government operations. The investigation will employ both internal audits and external oversight mechanisms to ensure transparency and accountability. Browne stated, ‘We are going system-wide, especially within Customs and other revenue areas. There will be further redeployments, rotations, and additional systems, including routine spot checks.’ The Prime Minister also revealed that private citizens will be enlisted to assist in random container inspections alongside customs officials, targeting merchants suspected of underreporting or evading duties. Additionally, the Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA) will face scrutiny, as the government suspects large entities, including supermarkets, may be bypassing electricity meters, resulting in revenue loss. To oversee these reforms, a ‘revenue czar’ will be appointed to work with the Inland Revenue Department, conducting forensic accounting and strengthening compliance. Browne highlighted the correlation between the cost of goods and duties paid, vowing to use financial statements and import data to verify tax liabilities. This initiative follows recent procedural breaches within government departments, including the Customs Division, which led to redeployments and the resignation of Comptroller of Customs Raju Boddu earlier this week.