Two prominent Barbadian supermarket chains, Massy Stores (Barbados) Ltd and Jordans Supermarket, have refuted claims by Minister of Agriculture Indar Weir that excessive sugar imports are harming the local sugar industry. Both retailers confirmed on Thursday that their shelves are stocked exclusively with domestically produced and packaged sugar, emphasizing their commitment to supporting local producers.
作者： admin
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Rudolf Elias: Zonder plan wordt olie een vloek, geen zegen
Rudolf Elias, the former Managing Director of Staatsolie Maatschappij Suriname N.V., has been appointed as the President-Commissioner of the state-owned company. In an interview with Starnieuws, Elias expressed his enthusiasm for contributing once again to Suriname’s future. He emphasized that without a solid plan, oil—and even more oil—could become a curse rather than a blessing. “We must collectively advocate for a well-thought-out strategy,” he stated. Elias highlighted the importance of a broad societal discussion and a robust roadmap to counteract the so-called ‘oil curse,’ citing examples from Venezuela, Nigeria, and Guyana. He warned that without proper planning, 80% of Suriname’s population could face increasing poverty rather than prosperity. Alongside Elias, Sergio Akiemboto (Chief of Staff at the President’s Office), Aroon Samjhawan, Ewald Poetisi, Rudie Chin Jen Sem, Chantal Doekhie, and Edgar Caffé have been appointed to the new Board of Commissioners of Staatsolie. Elias served as Managing Director from 2015 to 2020, during which Suriname made its first significant offshore oil discoveries. Under his leadership, the company charted a strategic course towards participation in offshore projects and the enhancement of local content in the oil industry. Since leaving Staatsolie, Elias has remained active as an entrepreneur, consultant, and speaker on sustainable development and energy policy. Over the years, he has been a strong advocate for transparency, good governance, and long-term planning in the energy sector. His return as President-Commissioner is seen within the industry as a step towards strengthening policy, oversight, and continuity in the strategic development of the company.
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SSA ‘wildcat strike’ prompts workers, management to review incentive scheme
Tensions between workers and management at the Sanitation Service Authority (SSA) in Barbados are being urgently addressed following a recent wildcat strike that disrupted refuse collection services across the island. The dispute centers around a performance incentive scheme tied to specific operational goals, which workers claim has been unfairly implemented. Discussions, currently at a sensitive stage, aim to determine whether changes to the scheme are necessary. A source close to the talks revealed that the industrial action was prompted by dissatisfaction with the payments made under the scheme, despite targets not being met. In July, refuse collectors protested the amounts paid and other working conditions, leading to a stoppage that left collection vehicles idle and raised concerns about service disruptions. The performance allowance was paid even though only 34% of the targets were achieved, a decision management described as a gesture of good faith. Workers also raised issues regarding personal protective equipment (PPE) and back pay. A follow-up meeting between the SSA and the National Union of Public Workers (NUPW) has taken place, with both parties working to ensure alignment before the next payment cycle. SSA spokesman Carl Padmore confirmed the strike was in response to the incentive payments, emphasizing the scheme’s intent to motivate staff through clearly defined targets. While progress is being made, the situation remains delicate as both sides strive for a resolution.
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Diplomacy : Laurent Saint Cyr met with Emperor Naruhito of Japan
In a significant diplomatic engagement, Laurent Saint Cyr, President Pro Tempore and Coordinator of Haiti’s Transition Council, held pivotal meetings with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and Emperor Naruhito during his official visit to Japan. The discussions with Prime Minister Ishiba centered on the current economic landscape and mutual interests, with Saint Cyr emphasizing Japan’s support for the deployment of the Gang Suppression Force (GSF) following its approval by the United Nations Security Council. Prime Minister Ishiba reaffirmed Japan’s longstanding commitment to Haiti, highlighting decades of assistance, particularly after the devastating 2010 earthquake and through funding for the Multinational Security Support Mission. He expressed a keen interest in bolstering Haiti’s military capabilities and reiterated Japan’s dedication to fostering stability, peace, and security in the Caribbean nation. Saint Cyr, in turn, underscored the Transitional Council’s determination to restore security with international support, paving the way for timely elections. Additionally, Saint Cyr was granted an audience with Emperor Naruhito at the Tokyo Imperial Palace on October 8, 2025. This cordial meeting reinforced the enduring friendship and cooperative ties between Haiti and Japan, focusing on shared interests and mutual respect.
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Het is niet het volk dat faalt, maar de politiek
For generations, the stereotype that ‘Surinamers are lazy’ has been deeply ingrained in the collective consciousness. In recent years, another cliché has emerged: ‘Surinamers avoid entrepreneurship and prefer government jobs.’ However, it is time to challenge these narratives and recognize that the root of Suriname’s stagnation lies not with its people but with successive governments since 1975. Politicians often campaign on promises of fostering entrepreneurship, yet their actions frequently contradict these pledges. Behind the scenes, small and emerging businesses are discouraged or even dismantled to protect the interests of party sponsors and influential capitalists. What is most troubling is that the supporters of these political parties are often ordinary citizens—economically vulnerable and dependent individuals who may not fully grasp how their leaders systematically oppress them, sometimes even fueling division and racial tensions. As a society, we remain fixated on ethnic and political differences rather than addressing the true causes of our stagnation. If Suriname is to achieve genuine progress, its people—regardless of political affiliation, ethnicity, or religion—must hold their leaders accountable. Only by demanding responsibility for their policies and choices can we build a fairer and more prosperous Suriname. Sranan sa wini!
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Economy : Adoption of a budget of 345 billion (2025-2026)
In a significant move toward economic recovery and state restoration, Haiti’s Council of Ministers convened an extraordinary meeting on October 9, 2025, at the National Palace in Port-au-Prince. This marked a symbolic return to the premises, which had been under the control of criminal gangs since January 2024. The meeting, chaired by Presidential Advisor Leslie Voltaire and attended by Prime Minister Alix Didier Bien Aimé, resulted in the adoption of a 345 billion gourdes budget for the 2025-2026 fiscal year. The budget, developed in collaboration with the Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF) and the Ministry of Planning and External Cooperation, underscores the government’s commitment to restoring public security, organizing democratic elections, stabilizing macroeconomic indicators, and improving living conditions. Notably, 70% of the budget will be financed through tax and customs revenues, with no new tax measures introduced. Sectoral priorities include significant allocations for salaries (35%), public security and elections (16%), and education (15%). The government also emphasized support for local production, protection of investments, and adjustments to the General Tax Code. Despite reports of gunfire near the palace during the meeting, officials denied any disruption, affirming the council’s focus on advancing Haiti’s strategic priorities.
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QEH cancer machine faces fresh setback
Cancer patients and advocates in Barbados are grappling with heightened distress and uncertainty as the commissioning of a state-of-the-art radiotherapy machine at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) faces yet another delay, now pushed to the end of November. The postponement has exacerbated concerns over access to life-saving treatments, particularly amid a lack of official communication. Vincent Yearwood, Interim Coordinator of the Men’s Cancer Support Group, expressed frustration, noting that the $10-million linear accelerator, crucial for high-precision radiation therapy, remains non-operational despite being delivered to Barbados last year. Yearwood revealed that at least one patient has been forced to seek treatment in Trinidad, underscoring the ongoing challenges faced by those in urgent need. QEH spokesman Shane Sealy attributed the latest delay to construction adjustments, citing a two-millimeter floor discrepancy that required correction to meet the machine’s exacting specifications. While the adjustments have been completed, the installation is now slated for completion by late November. The delay has drawn sharp criticism from Deputy Prime Minister Santia Bradshaw, a breast cancer survivor, who emphasized the urgency of the situation during a parliamentary debate. Bradshaw lamented the loss of lives due to the delay, urging health authorities to expedite the process. Health Minister Davidson Ishmael acknowledged the setbacks, attributing them to the complexities of constructing a specialized facility for the radiation equipment. Meanwhile, the Barbados Cancer Society has raised alarms over the rising incidence of colon cancer, with prostate cancer remaining the most prevalent and aggressive form among men in the country.
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FLASH : Council of Ministers abandon the project of a new Constitution
In a significant political development, Haiti’s extraordinary Council of Ministers, led by Transitional Presidential Advisor Leslie Voltaire and attended by Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils Aimé, announced on October 9, 2025, the abandonment of the proposed new Constitution. This decision marks a pivotal shift in the nation’s governance strategy. To facilitate this change, the Council repealed four key laws: the Decree of July 17, 2024, which established the Steering Committee of the National Conference; the Orders of July 24 and September 2, 2024, which appointed and supplemented the Steering Committee members; the Order of September 18, 2024, which appointed members of the Provisional Electoral Council (CEP) and set their terms of office; and the Referendum Decree of June 24, 2025. These actions underscore the Transitional Executive’s commitment to fostering institutional, political, and legal frameworks that support free, inclusive, and credible general elections, aligning with the principles of the amended 1987 Constitution.
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Businesses continue free plastic bag distribution despite law deadline
In Santo Domingo, the Dominican Republic faces significant challenges in enforcing the Law on Comprehensive Management and Co-processing of Solid Waste (Law No. 225-20), despite its October 2, 2025, deadline for compliance. Many businesses continue to distribute plastic bags for free, directly violating the regulation. The law also bans the use of expanded polystyrene (foam) containers for food and beverages, mandating a shift to sustainable alternatives within five years. However, most supermarkets, grocery stores, and retail outlets have yet to meet this requirement. Article 172 of the law emphasizes the transition to reusable or biodegradable bags to combat environmental pollution, foster responsible consumption, and align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Producers are required to participate in extended responsibility programs and use oxodegradable or biodegradable materials, while businesses must provide recyclable, eco-efficient bags with environmental awareness messaging. The Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources is tasked with conducting annual evaluations to ensure compliance. Lawmakers have debated extending the deadline by another five years to accommodate small and medium-sized businesses, but President Luis Abinader rejected the proposal, supporting industrial and environmental groups advocating for strict enforcement. Although the Senate announced plans to review a modified proposal, progress remains stalled. Environmental organizations are urging immediate sanctions and stronger policies to curb single-use plastics and ensure adherence to the law.
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iciHaiti – Chile : AGCID South-South Cooperation Scholarships, registrations open
The Haitian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has officially announced the opening of applications for the 2026 South-South Cooperation Scholarship Program, facilitated by the Chilean Agency for International Development Cooperation (AGCID). This initiative aims to bolster human capital development by enabling professionals from Latin America and the Caribbean to pursue master’s degrees at Chilean universities. The program underscores Chile’s commitment to fostering educational and professional growth across the region. Applicants must meet several requirements, including securing a letter of admission from a Chilean university, providing a validated medical certificate, submitting a detailed curriculum vitae, and crafting a compelling cover letter. Additionally, candidates must present a brief description of their intended field of study and thesis topic, a Spanish language certificate, and an academic letter of recommendation. Interested individuals are encouraged to reach out to Ms. Katherine Oliveri Astorga, Head of Studies in Chile, for further details. Applications must be submitted electronically to both the Ministry of Planning and External Cooperation (Focal Point) and the Embassy of Chile in Haiti by October 30, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. Successful candidates will be notified in November 2025, with courses commencing between March 1 and September 30, 2026. For more information and to apply, visit the official AGCID website.