Belize has entered into a landmark agreement with the United States to serve as a ‘safe third country’ for migrants seeking asylum in the US. Prime Minister John Antonio Briceño announced that the deal, pending approval by the Belize Senate, will enable migrants deported from the US to apply for asylum in Belize rather than being returned to their countries of origin. The US State Department hailed the agreement as a significant step toward curbing illegal immigration and addressing abuses of the US asylum system. This arrangement mirrors similar agreements recently established with Paraguay, Panama, Costa Rica, El Salvador, and Honduras, all of which have accepted deportees from the US. However, human rights organizations have raised concerns, arguing that such agreements could expose migrants to persecution or harm in the receiving countries. Belize’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized that the agreement includes robust security measures to safeguard national sovereignty, with Belize retaining full authority to approve or reject transfers and conducting thorough background checks. Prime Minister Briceño framed the initiative as a ‘job program,’ allowing qualified migrants to contribute to Belize’s economy, particularly those from Central America. Opposition Leader Tracy Taegar Panton expressed concerns about the potential financial and sovereignty implications of the deal. The US State Department reiterated the agreement’s role in addressing regional migration challenges and strengthening bilateral cooperation.
分类: politics
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Parmessar: Suriname bewijst dat humanitaire waarden in de praktijk kunnen bestaan
At the 151st General Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) in Geneva, Rabin Parmessar, an Assembly member and leader of the NDP faction, highlighted Suriname as a nation that not only advocates for humanitarian values but actively embodies them. Parmessar emphasized the unique social harmony in Suriname, where diverse religions and ethnic groups have coexisted peacefully for decades. He described the country as ‘a United Nations in miniature,’ underscoring its strength in diversity, inclusion, and human dignity.
Parmessar pointed to the coexistence of a mosque and synagogue in Paramaribo and the pivotal role of the Interreligious Council in maintaining societal stability as tangible examples of this harmony. He also marked two significant milestones: the 50th anniversary of Suriname’s independence on November 25, 2025, and the election of Jennifer Simons, the nation’s first female president, as a symbol of progress in equality and inclusive leadership.
Looking ahead, Parmessar outlined Suriname’s economic transformation, particularly its planned offshore oil production starting in 2028. He stressed the importance of transparency, local involvement, and maintaining the country’s carbon-negative status. Protecting the rainforest, he argued, is not an economic advantage but a global responsibility.
Parmessar called on parliaments worldwide to ensure humanitarian principles are reflected in governance, legislation, and crisis response. He urged lawmakers to uphold the rule of law, social protection, and impartial emergency aid, stating, ‘Parliamentarians are not just legislators but leaders with moral responsibility. No voice should go unheard, and no one should be left behind.’
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The genocide against the Cuban people in denouncing its civil society
The Cuban Association of the United Nations (ACNU) is set to convene the 21st Forum of the Cuban Civil Society against the Blockade on October 24. This significant event will serve as a platform for denouncing and reflecting on the detrimental effects of the US-imposed economic blockade, which has been criticized for violating human rights and impeding Cuba’s national development. The forum coincides with an upcoming United Nations vote addressing the economic siege, offering a timely opportunity to explore the profound human, social, and economic repercussions of the policy on the Cuban population. Recent reports presented by Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla, a member of the Political Bureau and Cuba’s Foreign Minister, reveal that the blockade has caused an estimated $7.5 billion in damages over the past year alone, with cumulative losses exceeding $170 billion over six decades. Rodríguez Parrilla highlighted that over 80% of Cubans have lived their entire lives under the blockade’s shadow, enduring daily hardships. The forum aims to galvanize international support to demand an immediate end to what is described as an unjust and illegal policy.
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Law on Science, Technology and Innovation, a legal standard for the whole of society
The October session of Cuba’s National Innovation Council marked a pivotal moment in the nation’s pursuit of scientific and technological advancement. Chaired by President Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, the council conducted an in-depth examination of the draft Science, Technology, and Innovation Act, initiating a nationwide debate on its provisions. This legislative effort aims to address existing barriers, fill regulatory gaps, and align with the aspirations of Cuban scientists, as highlighted in numerous consultations. The President emphasized the necessity of broad public engagement, ensuring the law reflects diverse perspectives from the science, technology, and innovation sectors, as well as other societal stakeholders. Armando Rodríguez Batista, Minister of Science, Technology, and Environment (CITMA), presented the draft, underscoring its comprehensive approach to fostering a robust innovation ecosystem. The draft identifies key challenges, including fragmented regulations, inadequate funding, and insufficient integration of social sciences with natural sciences. It proposes 20 foundational principles, such as establishing a high-ranking legal framework, enhancing governance, and recognizing innovative enterprises as integral to the system. The proposed law, structured into eight chapters, seeks to integrate innovation, transition to a knowledge economy, and international collaboration. Over 1,500 individuals, including academics, researchers, and government officials, have already contributed to the consultation process, reinforcing the draft’s potential to drive Cuba’s economic and social development.
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Column: Etnische zuivering is geen vraag; het is taal van oorlog
On Monday, Suriname celebrated Diwali, a festival symbolizing light, harmony, and spiritual purity. The nation prides itself on being a “mini United Nations,” yet ethnic tensions persist, particularly in politics. Suriname’s strength lies in its diversity, where no single group dominates another. However, during a recent government press conference, President Jennifer Simons faced a contentious question: whether the removal of individuals from key positions appointed by the previous administration amounted to “ethnic cleansing.” The president responded sharply, emphasizing that such terminology is inappropriate in a democracy, especially in a nation nearing 50 years of independence and celebrated for its ethnic coexistence. She clarified that Suriname’s governance is built on reality, not ethnic chess games. Her pointed question to the journalist—”Did you understand my answer?”—highlighted the need for responsible language in public discourse. A free press is essential, but critical questions must not devolve into misleading narratives. No political party in Suriname represents a single ethnic group. The country is a mosaic of minorities, and suggesting otherwise undermines its foundation. The real issue is not “Whose people are these?” but “How do we design a system where state positions are not seen as personal property?” As Suriname approaches its 50th anniversary of independence, it must move beyond ethnic politics. Those who stoke ethnic tensions in a nation built on peace are playing with fire.
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West Kingstown youth avoid being seen with Cummings — Peters
Keisal Peters, the Unity Labour Party (ULP) candidate for West Kingstown, has vowed to bring significant change to the constituency, currently represented by the New Democratic Party’s (NDP) Daniel Cummings since 2010. Peters, a trailblazing lawyer and St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ first female Minister of Foreign Affairs, emphasized that young voters in the area are disenchanted with Cummings, who secured his third term in 2020 with a narrow margin of 714 votes. Speaking at a ULP campaign rally in Calliaqua, Peters accused the NDP of planning to privatize healthcare, sell national assets, and compromise the country’s future. She criticized the NDP’s alleged intentions to sell the EC$700 million Kingstown port, the Arnos Vale hospital under construction, and even the nation’s passports. Peters declared, ‘We cannot allow the NDP to lead us down a path of unrighteousness for their political agenda.’ She highlighted the ULP’s commitment to progress, including scholarships, housing, and the development of a Beaches Resort in Mt Wynne, a $500 million project in collaboration with Sandals Resorts International. Peters also outlined her vision for West Kingstown, promising innovative ideas, modern business complexes, and support for local initiatives like the seafood festival at Lowmans Bay. She criticized Cummings for relying on the legacy of the late John Horne, a former NDP representative, and accused him of offering nothing to the youth. Peters underscored the ULP’s role as the ‘last line of defence’ for St. Vincent and the Grenadines, contrasting it with the NDP’s alleged mismanagement and private debts. She urged voters to choose progress over empty promises, asserting that the ULP is ‘red and ready’ to lead the nation forward.
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Security: Monitoring of the latest targeted operations of the GSF (ex MSS)
In a concerted effort to combat gang violence and restore public safety, Haiti’s Gang Suppression Force (GSF), alongside the Haitian National Police (PNH) and the Haitian Armed Forces (FAD’H), has executed a series of targeted operations across key regions. Over the past week, the GSF focused on clearing the Petite-Rivière–Liancourt–Pont Sondé route in the Artibonite Department, ensuring the safe transportation of PNH officers and essential supplies to St. Marc. These actions aim to bolster security in the area and protect local communities from gang-related threats. A significant operation took place on October 17, 2025, from 6:30 AM to 10:00 PM, during which the joint forces successfully cleared the main road between Pont Sondé and Verret. Despite resistance from the Gran-Griff gang, which included barricades, trenches, and Molotov cocktail attacks, the GSF and PNH units neutralized the threats and secured the delivery of armored vehicles to local police stations. These vehicles are expected to significantly enhance the region’s security infrastructure. The GSF also refuted false social media claims regarding the death of a Kenyan officer during the operation, expressing gratitude for the Haitian population’s cooperation. In Port-au-Prince, joint patrols continued across multiple neighborhoods, including Kenscoff, Downtown, and the airport area, with objectives ranging from intelligence-led counter-gang operations to securing critical infrastructure and combating arms trafficking. The GSF praised the dedication of its officers, emphasizing their commitment to restoring peace and stability in Haiti.



