Mike Browne, former Member of Parliament for West St. George under the Unity Labour Party (ULP), has announced his decision not to participate in the upcoming general election on November 27. Speaking at the Teachers’ Solidarity Week Rally in Kingstown on Friday, Browne expressed concerns about the divisive nature of the two major political parties and the financial pressures faced by working-class citizens. He plans to elaborate on his stance in a forthcoming newspaper editorial. Browne, who served as Minister of Education from 2001 to 2010, emphasized that regardless of the election outcome, Vincentians will face significant challenges. He also raised critical questions about the sources of campaign financing, suggesting that the exorbitant costs of running elections could involve dubious funding, including potential drug money. Browne highlighted the financial strain on ordinary workers, who struggle to afford basic necessities, let alone contribute to election campaigns. He announced his involvement in a new organization, Solidarity Rights, aimed at advocating for the rights of all citizens post-election. Browne concluded by stating that he remains indifferent to the election results, focusing instead on the broader societal pressures that will persist irrespective of the winning party.
分类： politics
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VIDEO: NDP, ULP supporters mingle in Rose Bank
In a rare display of camaraderie amidst the political fervor, supporters of the ruling Unity Labour Party (ULP) and the opposition New Democratic Party (NDP) came together in Rose Bank on Saturday, November 8, 2025. The campaign trail, typically marked by intense rivalry, witnessed an unexpected atmosphere of goodwill as members from both sides exchanged light-hearted conversations and shared moments of mutual respect. This interaction highlighted a temporary departure from the usual political tensions, offering a glimpse of unity in the midst of electoral competition. The event underscored the potential for civility and dialogue in the democratic process, even as both parties continue to vie for public support ahead of the upcoming elections.
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Sir Hilary Beckles Heads CARICOM Delegation For Landmark UK Reparations Visit
In a landmark move, the CARICOM Reparations Commission (CRC) is set to embark on its first official collective visit to the United Kingdom from November 17 to 20, 2025. This historic mission aims to bolster advocacy for reparatory justice, strengthen strategic partnerships, and advance public education on the reparations agenda. The visit, organized in collaboration with the Institute of Commonwealth Studies, will feature a series of high-level meetings and events hosted in the UK. Leading the six-member delegation is Professor Sir Hilary Beckles, Chairman of the CRC. The delegation includes prominent figures such as Mr. Eric Phillips, Vice Chair of the CRC and Chairman of the Guyana Reparations Committee; Ambassador David Comissiong, CARICOM Ambassador and Vice Chair of the Barbados National Task Force on Reparations; Dr. Niambi Hall Campbell Dean, Chairperson of the Bahamas National Reparations Committee; Mr. Arley Gill, Chairman of the Grenada National Reparations Committee; and Dr. Hilary Brown, Programme Manager for Culture and Community Development at the CARICOM Secretariat. The itinerary includes engagements with High Commissioners and Ambassadors from CARICOM Member States and the African Union, UK Parliamentarians, civil society leaders, academics, media professionals, and members of the Caribbean diaspora. This visit highlights the CRC’s dedication to fostering international alliances, promoting historical accountability, and driving socio-economic transformation. Updates on the mission will be shared via CARICOM.org and their WhatsApp Community: https://bit.ly/CARICOMWhatsApp.
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President Lai meets Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Terrance Drew of Federation of Saint Christopher and Nevis
On November 14, 2025, President Lai Ching-te of Taiwan warmly welcomed Prime Minister Terrance Drew of the Federation of Saint Christopher and Nevis, along with his delegation, to Taiwan. The meeting underscored the enduring diplomatic relationship between the two nations, rooted in mutual respect and shared democratic values. President Lai expressed gratitude for St. Kitts and Nevis’s steadfast support for Taiwan’s international participation and its advocacy for peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. He highlighted significant advancements in bilateral cooperation across various sectors, including agriculture, public health, education, energy, and women’s empowerment, emphasizing the shared commitment to global prosperity. President Lai also congratulated Prime Minister Drew on his recent accolade, the 2025 Most Influential People of African Descent Award, and extended best wishes for St. Kitts and Nevis’s upcoming chairmanship of CARICOM in 2026. The establishment of sister-city ties between Basseterre and Taipei-Tainan was celebrated as a milestone in deepening people-to-people connections. Prime Minister Drew, in turn, lauded Taiwan’s contributions to infrastructure, technology, and talent development, noting the educational opportunities provided to hundreds of students from his nation. He reaffirmed unwavering support for Taiwan’s meaningful participation in international organizations, including the WHO, asserting that Taiwan’s leadership is vital to global progress.
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Taipei City and Basseterre Sign Sister City Agreement to Advance Taiwan–St. Kitts and Nevis Cooperation
In a significant diplomatic move, Taipei City and Basseterre, the capital of Saint Kitts and Nevis, formalized a Sister City Agreement on November 13, 2025. The ceremony, held in Taipei, was attended by Taipei Mayor Wayne Chiang and Saint Kitts and Nevis’ Ambassador to Taiwan, H.E. Donya Francis. Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Terrance Drew and Taipei City Council Speaker Tai Hsi-Chin were also present to witness the historic signing. This agreement marks a pivotal step in enhancing bilateral cooperation between Taiwan and Saint Kitts and Nevis, building on a 42-year friendship. Mayor Chiang emphasized the importance of the partnership, highlighting future collaboration in education, culture, commerce, tourism, and smart city development. Prime Minister Drew echoed these sentiments, expressing optimism for increased exchanges in smart governance, sustainable development, and cultural initiatives. The agreement follows years of active engagement, including Taipei’s donation of 50 YouBikes in 2023 and Basseterre’s participation in the Taipei Lantern Festival. This new relationship is expected to deepen practical cooperation and reinforce the enduring bond between the two nations.
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VS kondigt ‘Southern Spear’-missie aan nabij Zuid-Amerika
The U.S. Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth, has officially announced the launch of ‘Operation Southern Spear,’ a military initiative aimed at combating so-called ‘narcoterrorists’ in Latin America. This announcement coincides with a significant increase in U.S. troop deployments, warships, and fighter jets in the region. Hegseth emphasized the mission’s focus on defending the homeland, eliminating drug-related threats, and safeguarding the population from the deadly impact of narcotics. The operation is led by the Joint Task Force Southern Spear and the U.S. Southern Command (Southcom), which oversees 31 countries across South America, Central America, and the Caribbean. Recent activities include U.S. Marines conducting artillery training aboard the USS Iwo Jima in the Caribbean, aligning with President Donald Trump’s priorities to curb illegal drug trafficking. The announcement follows reports of the U.S. military conducting its twentieth attack on suspected drug-smuggling vessels in the Caribbean and Pacific, resulting in four fatalities. Critics, including Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, argue that the operation is a pretext to exert pressure on Venezuela, with the impending arrival of the USS Gerald R. Ford, the U.S.’s most advanced aircraft carrier, seen as a show of force. Maduro accused the U.S. of fabricating narratives to justify military actions, while Venezuela’s Defense Ministry mobilized nearly 200,000 military and civilian personnel in response to the perceived threat. Regional analysts, such as Elizabeth Dickinson of the International Crisis Group, suggest that the deployment of the aircraft carrier is more about signaling political pressure on Caracas than addressing drug trafficking.
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UWP leader points to urgent challenges facing country
In a candid interview with St. Lucia Times, Allen Chastanet, leader of the United Workers Party (UWP) and former Prime Minister, highlighted the pressing issues plaguing Saint Lucia, including soaring living costs, deteriorating public services, and escalating crime. Chastanet warned that the nation cannot sustain its current trajectory under the St. Lucia Labour Party (SLP) administration, led by Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre, who recently announced a general election for December 1. Chastanet outlined what he termed as the most urgent failures of the current government and signaled the priorities of a UWP-led administration. He identified the cost of living as the paramount concern, attributing its sharp rise to unprecedented tax increases by the SLP, compounded by post-COVID-19 inflation. Chastanet criticized the health and security levy, arguing it failed to deliver promised funding, and lamented the government’s inability to cap fuel prices, which has further burdened consumers. He also pointed to the declining state of healthcare, citing the exodus of medical professionals and the government’s reliance on Cuban doctors and nurses, a program now jeopardized by U.S. visa restrictions. Chastanet questioned the viability of the proposed universal healthcare system, warning of potential VAT increases, and contrasted it with the UWP’s national health insurance model. He also criticized the delayed completion of St. Jude Hospital, despite Prime Minister Pierre’s announcement of its completion. On crime, Chastanet noted an increasing homicide rate and ineffective government response, pledging tighter border control and decisive action under a UWP government. He also highlighted delays in major infrastructure projects, water shortages, and the neglect of agriculture, promising to revive key crops and support farmers. Chastanet called for a more sophisticated approach to evaluating tourism performance, emphasizing the importance of bed nights and visitor spending over mere arrival numbers. He reaffirmed support for community tourism, promising to provide local investors with the necessary support to succeed.
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Impact revealed How many homes has the Luis Abinader administration delivered?
In a recent announcement, Luis Madera, Deputy Minister of the Presidency of the Dominican Republic, underscored the remarkable achievements of President Luis Abinader’s administration over its first five years. Notably, the government has significantly accelerated the pace of housing delivery, doubling the annual rate compared to previous administrations. While the average number of homes delivered annually stood at 1,400 during the last four government terms, the current administration has delivered over 15,000 housing units since 2020, averaging 3,000 per year. Madera emphasized that this represents a substantial improvement in addressing the nation’s housing needs. Beyond housing, the administration has successfully translated the country’s economic growth into tangible poverty reduction. Madera highlighted that poverty levels have dropped from 27% to below 19%, lifting approximately 800,000 to 900,000 people out of poverty since 2022, when the nation recovered from the economic downturn caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, the Dominican Republic has seen a surge in foreign investment, which has grown by over 80% from $2.5 billion in 2019 to $4.5 billion in 2024. This investment has been channeled into key sectors such as hotel construction, electrical projects, and infrastructure, fostering job creation and economic development. Madera also pointed to the administration’s efforts in granting property titles, with more than 140,000 titles issued in the last five years, further enhancing the dignity and security of citizens. These accomplishments, according to Madera, reflect the administration’s commitment to improving the quality of life for Dominicans and strengthening the nation’s international standing.
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Abinader and the DEA strengthen anti-drug alliance
In a significant move to bolster regional security, a high-level delegation from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) recently visited the Dominican Republic, engaging in pivotal discussions with President Luis Abinader. The meeting underscored the shared commitment to combat drug trafficking, narco-terrorism, and other illicit activities that threaten the stability of the Caribbean region. The DEA team, led by Principal Deputy Administrator Daniel Salter and Deputy Chief of International Operations Miles Aley, emphasized the importance of binational cooperation in dismantling criminal networks. President Abinader expressed gratitude for the DEA’s recognition of the Dominican Republic’s efforts and reaffirmed his government’s dedication to maintaining a strong partnership with the United States. The discussions also included Michael A. Miranda, DEA Special Agent for the Caribbean Division, and Kaleb T. Sanderson, DEA Attaché for the Dominican Republic and Haiti, alongside Vice Admiral José M. Cabrera Ulloa, head of the National Drug Control Directorate (DNCD). Following the presidential meeting, DEA officials visited the DNCD headquarters, where they agreed to enhance real-time information sharing and improve operational equipment. The focus remains on targeting major criminal organizations, including the Cartel de los Soles, which operates in the region. Salter highlighted the success of the existing alliance and pledged to strengthen international cooperation to dismantle destabilizing criminal structures. Vice Admiral Cabrera Ulloa commended the trust and support extended by the U.S. through the DEA, which has been instrumental in combating transnational organized crime.
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PM Briceño Marks Milestone with Major Ministerial Moves
In a significant political move, Prime Minister John Briceño has announced a Cabinet reshuffle, marking the fifth anniversary of his administration. One of the most notable changes is the departure of Kareem Musa from the Ministry of Home Affairs after five years of service. Briceño emphasized that the reshuffle is part of a broader strategy to rejuvenate his government, though the timing has sparked speculation about potential links to recent controversies, such as the Joseph Budna investigation. Briceño, however, insists the decision was long-planned, citing the demanding nature of the Home Affairs portfolio. Initially, Minister Henry Charles Usher was set to take over the role, but he declined the appointment, opting to remain in his current position at the Ministry of Public Service. Consequently, Defense Minister Oscar Mira will now oversee both the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of Defense and Border Security. Briceño defended the reshuffle, stating that ministers are policy-makers rather than experts in their respective fields, and their primary role is to implement the government’s Plan Belize manifesto. He also dismissed allegations of nepotism, asserting that the appointments were based on merit and the need for strategic adjustments.