Thousands of activists from diverse environmental and social movements took to the streets of Belém, Brazil, during the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30), marking the largest protest day of the annual summit. Demonstrators, clad in symbolic attire, marched approximately 4 kilometers along a route passing the conference’s main venue. Some wore black dresses to symbolize a funeral for fossil fuels, while others donned red shirts representing the blood of environmental defenders. Chants, massive flags, and protest signs filled the air as activists called for urgent climate action.
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Improvements Continue In Paynters Development
Paynters Development, a prominent player in the real estate and construction sector, has reported substantial advancements in its ongoing projects. The company has been actively implementing a series of strategic improvements aimed at enhancing the quality, efficiency, and sustainability of its developments. These enhancements span across various aspects, including architectural design, construction methodologies, and environmental considerations. Industry experts have lauded Paynters for its commitment to innovation and its ability to adapt to evolving market demands. The company’s latest initiatives are expected to set new benchmarks in the industry, fostering greater customer satisfaction and long-term value creation. With a robust pipeline of projects, Paynters Development continues to solidify its position as a leader in the competitive real estate landscape.
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LETTER: Patient Appeals for Urgent Fix to Ozempic Delays at Medical Benefits
As a diabetic patient reliant on the Medical Benefits Scheme (MBS) for essential medication, I have been prescribed Ozempic for the past eight months after other treatments failed to manage my blood sugar effectively. While the medication has been beneficial, the bureaucratic hurdles in accessing it have become a significant burden.
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Haitian gang members exchange fire with Marines protecting US Embassy in Port-au-Prince
In a stark reminder of Haiti’s escalating security crisis, suspected gang members opened fire on American forces guarding the US Embassy in Port-au-Prince earlier this week, according to a spokesperson. The incident underscores the precarious situation in the Caribbean nation, where gangs now control 90% of the capital, extorting businesses and battling for territory with heavy weaponry. Haitian police have yet to comment on the exchange of fire. The US continues to maintain its embassy in Haiti, but the State Department has repeatedly warned American citizens against traveling to the country due to rampant kidnappings, crime, terrorist activity, and civil unrest. The United Nations reports that gang violence has displaced over 1.3 million Haitians in recent years. The security situation has worsened significantly since the 2021 assassination of President Jovenel Moise, which created a power vacuum that remains unresolved, with no elections held to replace him. In late September, the UN Security Council approved the deployment of a 5,500-strong international force to combat Haiti’s heavily armed criminal groups. However, a smaller Kenyan police contingent has struggled to contain the violence, which claimed 5,600 lives last year, according to the UN Human Rights Office.
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LETTER: Rent Prices in Antigua are out of hand
The residential rental market in Antigua has reached a critical juncture, with mounting concerns over its unaffordability for local citizens. Once a balanced sector, the market has now spiraled into chaos, leaving many residents unable to secure basic housing. Rental prices have soared to exorbitant levels, far exceeding the financial capabilities of the average Antiguan worker. This alarming situation is largely attributed to the lack of regulatory oversight, allowing landlords to set rates without restraint. The absence of rent caps, standardized pricing guidelines, and effective monitoring has created a profit-driven market, further exacerbated by the surge in short-term rentals and the willingness of foreign workers and visitors to pay premium prices. The consequences are dire: young professionals are unable to achieve independence, families are forced into cramped or substandard living conditions, and some residents are pushed into unsafe environments due to a lack of alternatives. The government must take decisive action to address this crisis. Implementing policies such as rent controls, incentives for affordable housing development, and measures to curb speculative pricing are essential to restore balance. Successful examples from other nations demonstrate that regulation can protect citizens without undermining responsible landlords. Housing is a fundamental human necessity, not a luxury. Ensuring affordable and dignified living conditions for all Antiguans must become a national priority. The time for regulatory intervention in the rental market is not just justified—it is long overdue.
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Antigua and Barbuda Unveils Culinary Month 2026 with a Sensational Evening at the James Beard Foundation’s Platform
Antigua and Barbuda has officially launched its highly anticipated Culinary Month 2026 with a spectacular evening at the prestigious James Beard Foundation’s Platform. The event, held on October 15, 2023, marked the beginning of a three-year countdown to the island nation’s grand culinary celebration. The evening showcased the rich gastronomic heritage of Antigua and Barbuda, featuring a curated menu by renowned local chefs and an immersive cultural experience that highlighted the islands’ vibrant traditions and flavors. Attendees, including international food critics, celebrity chefs, and tourism industry leaders, were treated to a sensory journey through the Caribbean’s culinary landscape. The event also served as a strategic platform to promote Antigua and Barbuda as a premier destination for food tourism, emphasizing its commitment to sustainability and local sourcing. Culinary Month 2026 aims to position the twin-island nation as a global hub for gastronomic innovation and cultural exchange, further boosting its tourism sector and international reputation.
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US House set for crunch vote on ending historic government shutdown
The United States House of Representatives is poised to hold a critical vote on November 12 on a budget bill aimed at ending the longest government shutdown in the nation’s history. This legislative action comes on the 42nd day of the impasse, which has left a million federal workers without pay, disrupted food stamp programs for low-income Americans, and caused significant delays in air travel ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday. The Senate has already advanced a funding package that would keep federal agencies operational for two months, and the bill is now headed to the House for approval. Despite a narrow Republican majority, GOP leaders are optimistic about the bill’s passage, while top Democrats have vowed to oppose it. President Donald Trump has signaled his willingness to sign the bill into law, emphasizing the need to reopen the country. The shutdown, which began on October 1, has had widespread repercussions, including the cancellation of nearly 1,200 flights on November 11 as unpaid air traffic controllers called in sick. Lawmakers have resorted to unconventional means to reach Washington for the vote, with some carpooling or even riding motorcycles. The House Rules Committee advanced the bill in a party-line vote early on November 12, rejecting Democratic amendments to extend health insurance subsidies. The chamber is expected to reconvene later in the day for a one-hour debate before the final vote.
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Road fatality victim identified
Authorities have confirmed the identity of the individual who tragically lost their life in a fatal road traffic accident on Four Square Road in St Philip nearly a week ago. The victim has been identified as 29-year-old Rajani Obrien Parris, a resident of Lucas Street in the same parish. According to police reports, the incident occurred at approximately 11:20 p.m. on November 11, when a motor vehicle traveling towards St Patricks collided with a pedestrian. Emergency medical teams arrived promptly at the scene and conducted an initial assessment, but the pedestrian showed no signs of life. A medical doctor later confirmed the fatality at the location. The deceased was officially identified by a family member. Law enforcement is now urging anyone who may have witnessed the collision to come forward and contact the District ‘C’ Police Station at 416-8200 or 416-8204 to assist with the ongoing investigation.
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UPP Motorcade Set For 10 A.M. Today
ST. JOHN’S, Antigua — The United Progressive Party (UPP) is set to commence its island-wide motorcade today, Sunday, November 16, at 10 a.m. from Rising Sun Field. The event, described by the party as a peaceful protest, aims to galvanize public support for an independent investigation into what the UPP has termed the ‘Vehicle-Gate’ scandal. The opposition party alleges significant misconduct within the Ministry of Public Works, insisting that only an external probe can uncover what they claim to be a multi-million-dollar conspiracy. This demonstration follows a week of setbacks, as police initially denied approval for a whistle-stop and motorcade planned for November 9. However, the UPP later received permission for today’s event. Party officials are urging supporters and the general public to join the motorcade as it sets off this morning, emphasizing the importance of transparency and accountability in government operations.
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Calls for leaders’ debate intensify as campaigns heat up
In a bold move to engage the electorate, United Workers Party (UWP) Political Leader Allen Chastanet has publicly challenged Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre to a national debate on policy issues. Speaking to supporters in Anse La Raye following the announcement of the December 1 general election, Chastanet emphasized that Saint Lucians deserve a transparent and honest discussion between political leaders. He urged Pierre to set a date for what he termed an “open and honest conversation” about the nation’s future. This challenge comes just six days after Prime Pierre expressed conditional openness to a televised debate, provided it is structured and fact-based. Pierre had previously remarked, “Well-structured debates are very good, but you can only debate when your debater is living in the world of reality.” Despite similar calls in past election cycles, no debates have materialized. With only 21 days of campaigning remaining, many question whether such an event can be organized in time. However, political observers argue that a televised debate could provide voters with much-needed clarity on critical policies, addressing funding, timelines, and feasibility in ways that rallies and soundbites often fail to do. Development professional Ajani Lebourne, who focuses on youth, politics, and leadership, has also advocated for a leaders’ debate, warning that declining voter participation threatens the country’s democratic health. Saint Lucia Rhodes Scholar Rahym Augustin-Joseph echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the need for detailed analysis of party platforms and leadership styles. Both men agree that a national debate is essential to restore trust in political institutions and ensure the electorate makes informed decisions.