The government has announced that the acting Comptroller of Customs will retain the position following the resignation of Raju Boddu, who stepped down amid an ongoing investigation into procurement irregularities. During a post-Cabinet press briefing on Friday, Cabinet spokesperson Maurice Merchant confirmed the decision but did not disclose the acting officer’s name. Merchant indicated that Boddu’s resignation is likely linked to issues surrounding the collection of duties and taxes by the government of Antigua and Barbuda. The acting officer will remain in place until a permanent Comptroller is appointed. The resignation comes in the wake of revelations about unauthorized purchases of high-end vehicles, which the Prime Minister described as a case of ‘willful neglect.’ A comprehensive audit of all government-owned vehicles has been ordered to verify whether proper duties and taxes were collected. Additionally, the Ministry of Finance, through the Financial Secretary, has been tasked with meeting vehicle dealers to identify irregularities and recover potential revenue losses. While no evidence has yet emerged implicating public officials in personal gain, investigations are ongoing. The probe has spurred plans for broader staff rotations and enhanced oversight within the public service to bolster transparency and accountability.
分类： politics
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VIDEO: PM Agrees to Provide Securities Information Following Parliamentary Question
In a significant parliamentary session, Prime Minister Gaston Browne of Antigua and Barbuda has vowed to enhance the transparency of the government’s securities holdings. This commitment comes in response to persistent inquiries from the Opposition regarding compliance with the Finance Administration Act. During Thursday’s House of Representatives meeting, the Member for All Saints East and St. Luke questioned the Prime Minister’s adherence to Section 46(3)(a) of the Act, which mandates the Finance Minister to disclose full details of securities purchased. Browne acknowledged that while the government has historically omitted such filings, the information is publicly accessible through the Eastern Caribbean Securities Exchange (ECSE) and is included in the annual budget statement. He explained that the dynamic nature of securities trading—where bonds may be issued and repaid within short periods—makes frequent reporting cumbersome. However, Browne proposed a biannual update on the government’s outstanding securities to improve transparency. The Opposition also cited Section 46(3)(b), which requires the submission of all security purchase agreements. Browne clarified that such filings would establish a new precedent, as no previous government has submitted these documents to Parliament. He emphasized that the securities in question are publicly traded, not private transactions, and reiterated his administration’s commitment to transparency. When pressed about the government’s shareholdings in entities like Blue Ocean, West Indies Oil Company, and State Insurance, Browne expressed no objection to disclosing these details. He noted that such information is already publicly available through the company registry but affirmed his willingness to present it to Parliament if requested. The Prime Minister further distinguished between frequently traded securities, such as treasury bills, and permanent shareholdings in companies, confirming that the latter could be tabled in Parliament. This exchange marked a rare and substantive discussion on the transparency of government investments and securities reporting, underscoring the Browne administration’s pledge to uphold accountability.
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Minister Straughn and Chinese Ambassador discuss areas of cooperation
In a significant meeting held at Government Headquarters on Thursday, Minister in the Ministry of Finance, Ryan Straughn, and China’s Ambassador to Barbados, Zheng Bingkai, discussed pivotal projects aimed at enhancing bilateral cooperation. Among the key topics were the expansion of the Queen Elizabeth Hospital and the redevelopment of the National Stadium. Minister Straughn highlighted the invaluable contributions of Chinese medical teams, emphasizing their transformative impact on healthcare delivery in Barbados. He also provided updates on the National Stadium redevelopment, expressing optimism that the upgraded facility would promote physical activity and athletics by hosting major events. Ambassador Zheng commended Barbados for its declining debt-to-GDP ratio, attributing this achievement to the country’s resilience amidst the COVID-19 pandemic and geopolitical tensions. He also lauded the latest FITCH ratings, which reaffirmed Barbados’ B+ credit rating. The discussions further explored strategies to deepen the long-standing bilateral relationship, including the Scotland District Road Rehabilitation Project, additional investment opportunities, and initiatives to attract more Chinese tourists to Barbados. The diplomatic ties between the two nations, established on May 30, 1977, continue to flourish through these collaborative efforts.
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President: Geen militaire acties in de regio; wel strijd tegen drugs
In a firm statement during a press conference on Friday, President Jennifer Simons of Suriname unequivocally declared that her country will not support any military intervention by the United States against Venezuela. This announcement comes amid reports that the US has conducted six attacks on vessels in Venezuelan waters, resulting in at least 27 fatalities, as part of what has been labeled as ‘counter-narcotics operations’ by international media outlets. President Simons emphasized that Suriname’s foreign policy remains steadfastly rooted in principles of non-intervention, neutrality, and peaceful conflict resolution. ‘We are friends with both the United States and Venezuela, as well as Guyana and Trinidad. Suriname’s sole desire is to foster a region of peace. We do not want war in the Caribbean or South America,’ she stated. While acknowledging the importance of international cooperation in combating drug trafficking, the President underscored that such efforts must adhere to the rule of law and respect for human rights. ‘We have abolished the death penalty. Even those guilty of drug trafficking face imprisonment, not execution. Extrajudicial killings are not our way,’ she added. The issue has been extensively discussed within the Caribbean Community (Caricom), with President Simons expressing understanding for the pressures faced by some governments but reiterating Suriname’s refusal to endorse any stance that legitimizes war. The core of Suriname’s position, as outlined by the President, includes: no military escalation or invasion in the region, active support for combating drug-related crime, and a commitment to peaceful diplomacy within the framework of international law. ‘We urge all parties to engage in dialogue. No to war. Yes to cooperation against drugs—but never through extrajudicial executions or armed interventions,’ she concluded.
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Everything President Luis Abinader will do this Saturday
President Luis Abinader is set to embark on a highly active day this Saturday, balancing solemn duties with celebratory events across Santo Domingo and Bonao. The day begins with the President attending the funeral of Vicente Sánchez Baret, a prominent political leader, at the National Congress in the National District at 10:30 am. Following this, at 12:00 pm, President Abinader will engage with young students from both public and private schools at the Autonomous University of Santo Domingo’s Bonao Campus. At 1:30 pm, he will officiate the inauguration of the Padre José Salvador Fernández High School in Sabana del Puerto, Bonao. The day concludes with the President leading the inauguration of the Villa Mella Sports Center at 3:30 pm in Santo Domingo North, located near Central Park on Salomé Ureña Street.
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Quickscans onthullen grote misstanden: diepgaander onderzoek en externe audits nodig
During a press conference held on Friday, the government revealed that preliminary quickscans conducted across various ministries have uncovered alarming irregularities. The initial findings, described as deeply concerning by attending ministers, have prompted an immediate escalation to external financial audits and comprehensive investigations.
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Politic : Ceremony of the 219th anniversary of the assassination of Dessalines (video)
On October 17, 2025, Haiti solemnly commemorated the 219th anniversary of the assassination of General Jean-Jacques Dessalines, a pivotal figure in the nation’s history and its first emperor. The ceremony, held at the Villa d’Accueil, was presided over by Laurent Saint Cyr, the Pro tempore President and Coordinator of the Transitional Council. Attendees included Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé, members of the government, judiciary, military, and diplomatic corps, underscoring the event’s national significance. In his address, Saint Cyr honored Dessalines’ legacy, emphasizing his unwavering commitment to Haiti’s freedom and dignity. He highlighted the current challenges facing the nation, urging unity and resilience in the face of threats to its sovereignty. Saint Cyr also stressed the importance of restoring security as a precursor to organizing free and credible elections, a crucial step for Haiti’s future. Prime Minister Fils-Aimé echoed these sentiments, paying homage to Dessalines as the ‘Hero of Heroes’ and reaffirming the state’s dedication to the ideals of liberty, unity, and national sovereignty. The ceremony served as a powerful reminder of Haiti’s enduring spirit and its commitment to the legacy of its founding father, Jean-Jacques Dessalines.
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FLASH : The USA sanctions two major Haitian terrorists
In a significant move to combat terrorism, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) announced sanctions on October 17, 2025, targeting two prominent Haitian gang leaders, Dimitri Herard and Kempes Sanon. Both individuals are linked to the notorious Haitian gang coalition ‘Viv Ansanm,’ which was designated as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist Organization (SDGT) and a Foreign Terrorist Organization by the U.S. Department of State on May 2, 2025. The sanctions were enacted under Executive Order 13224, which aims to disrupt terrorist activities by targeting their supporters and financiers. Dimitri Herard, a former Haitian police officer and ex-Commander-in-Chief of the General Security Unit of the National Palace, has been implicated in the 2021 assassination of former President Jovenel Moïse. Since his escape from prison in 2024, Herard has allegedly provided training and weapons to ‘Viv Ansanm,’ fueling coordinated attacks against Haitian state institutions. Kempes Sanon, leader of the Bel Air gang—a key member of the ‘Viv Ansanm’ alliance—has been accused of orchestrating civilian killings, extortion, and kidnappings. The OFAC sanctions freeze all U.S.-based assets of the designated individuals and prohibit American entities from engaging in transactions with them. Violations could result in severe civil or criminal penalties. Additionally, foreign financial institutions facilitating transactions for these individuals risk secondary sanctions, including restrictions on U.S. correspondent accounts. This action underscores the U.S. government’s commitment to curbing terrorism and stabilizing Haiti’s fragile political landscape.
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Minister Hyde Defends Land Acquisition Process and Low Price
In a recent press briefing, Cordel Hyde, the Minister of Natural Resources, addressed mounting concerns over a controversial land acquisition process and the strikingly low valuation of prime beachfront property. The case in question involves Sherene Garbutt, whose lease application for 22 acres in the Malacate Beach area remained stagnant for years, while a later application swiftly reached the minister’s desk. Minister Hyde clarified that Garbutt was never legally entitled to the land, dismissing her request for its return. He also defended the valuation of the property at just $10,000, emphasizing that government land sales are subsidized to make land accessible to ordinary citizens, rather than being priced at market value. When questioned about potential favoritism or conspiracy within the ministry, Hyde acknowledged the complexity of processing thousands of applications, citing delays and external pressures as common challenges. He further revealed that the individual involved in the acquisition, Mr. Price, has opted to return the land to the government amidst the controversy, with a full refund of his payment. The minister’s explanations have sparked debates over transparency and fairness in land allocation processes.
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Opposition’s ‘Who Thief Budna’ Shirts Stir Debate
In a bold political statement, members of the Opposition made waves in the House today by donning T-shirts emblazoned with the phrase ‘Who Thief Budna’. This provocative message directly references the controversial abduction of Joseph Budna in August 2025. The move elicited a spectrum of reactions, with some viewing it as a powerful gesture of solidarity, while others criticized the Opposition’s strategy and questioned their advisors. Undeterred by the backlash, Opposition Leader Tracy Panton amplified the message during her address on the government’s Fortis acquisition. Panton’s remarks underscored the Opposition’s determination to keep the Budna case in the public eye, refusing to let it fade into obscurity. She challenged the government to address the unresolved questions surrounding the abduction, highlighting what she described as the Prime Minister’s sensitivity to political scrutiny. The ‘Who Thief Budna’ campaign has become a focal point in the ongoing political discourse, reflecting the Opposition’s commitment to holding the government accountable.