On Monday, November 24, 2025, Suriname marked the 50th anniversary of its independence, known as Srefidensi, with a networking reception at the Press Center. The event, attended by President Jennifer Simons, brought together a diverse group of national and international stakeholders to reflect on half a century of statehood and emphasize the shared responsibility for Suriname’s future development. The gathering served as a platform for constructive dialogue between representatives from the public and private sectors, international partners, and civil society organizations. Central to the discussions was the belief that Suriname’s progress hinges on collaboration—both among its citizens and through strengthened ties with friendly nations and multilateral institutions. The evening was characterized by the exchange of expertise, the strengthening of relationships, and the exploration of new opportunities for sustainable growth. Notable attendees included Vice President Gregory Rusland, several ministers, members of the diplomatic corps—such as the ambassadors of China, Guyana, and Cuba—UN Resident Coordinator Joanna Kazana, and various directors from business and government sectors. President Simons opened the event with a call for collective effort in shaping Suriname’s future. ‘We know the past. Now is the time to build a new future together, with all Surinamers and our partners,’ she stated, underscoring the role of every stakeholder in determining the nation’s trajectory in the coming decades. The reception aimed to create a space for open discussions on opportunities, challenges, and business prospects that contribute to Suriname’s continued development. By fostering connection, dialogue, and shared ambition, the event set the stage for the next phase in Suriname’s journey toward progress.
分类： politics
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SLP releases 2025 manifesto focused on technology, equity, national renewal
The Saint Lucia Labour Party (SLP) has officially launched its 2025 Manifesto, titled “Moving Forward Together,” ahead of the upcoming General Election. This comprehensive document outlines a bold vision for the nation, focusing on technological advancement, economic stability, and enhanced social protection. Prime Minister Philip J Pierre emphasized that the manifesto builds on the government’s accomplishments since 2021 and aims to position Saint Lucia as the most technologically advanced Small Island Developing State by 2035. Key priorities include strengthening governance, ensuring economic growth, and reducing unemployment rates. Infrastructure development remains a central focus, with plans to modernize the Hewanorra International Airport, expand seaport capacity, upgrade water systems, construct new bus terminals, and deliver state-of-the-art medical facilities, including the Soufrière Hospital and the recently completed St Jude Hospital. The SLP also pledges to create job opportunities in tourism, construction, BPO operations, and emerging technology sectors, while introducing a national unemployment insurance program to safeguard workers. Healthcare modernization is another cornerstone, with digital patient integration, expanded universal health coverage, and improved community health services. Education reform is equally prioritized, with goals to digitize half of all classrooms by 2035, broaden early-childhood access, and strengthen technical and vocational training. The manifesto also highlights plans to boost tourism, agriculture, and manufacturing through local participation, community tourism, and technological advancements. Maritime development, including a modernized Vieux Fort Port and a National Maritime Academy, is part of the economic diversification strategy. Citizen security is addressed through expanded police force funding, upgraded facilities, and community-based crime prevention initiatives. Housing affordability is another key focus, with promises of multi-family developments, improved land title access, and incentives for first-time homeowners. Digital transformation is a recurring theme, with plans for a National Artificial Intelligence Centre, enhanced cybersecurity, and expanded high-speed internet access. The SLP concludes by reaffirming its commitment to a people-centered approach, positioning itself as the most credible choice for Saint Lucia’s future.
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Trump Envoy’s Leaked Call Raises Questions in Ukraine Peace Talks
A leaked recording of a phone call involving U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff has stirred significant controversy amid ongoing efforts to broker peace between Ukraine and Russia. The leak, published by Bloomberg, reveals Witkoff advising a Russian official on strategies to gain President Donald Trump’s favor, including praising Trump as a “man of peace” and maintaining a positive tone. This revelation has raised questions about the impartiality and transparency of U.S. involvement in the peace talks. The call occurred in October, just weeks before Witkoff is scheduled to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow to discuss a revised peace proposal backed by Trump. The initial draft of the plan faced criticism from Ukraine and European leaders for aligning too closely with Russian demands, including territorial concessions. Although the proposal has since been modified, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky remains cautious, expressing readiness to meet Trump to address unresolved issues. Trump defended Witkoff, describing him as a “dealmaker” focused on advancing the peace plan. The leak has added complexity to an already delicate diplomatic process, with Ukraine supporting the “essence” of the proposal but many details still under negotiation.
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PM: US Marines improving radar surveillance in Tobago
Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has confirmed the presence of United States military personnel in Tobago, characterizing their mission as technical assistance for radar surveillance enhancement at the island’s airport. The disclosure came during a media interaction following a laptop distribution event at Penal Secondary School on November 27.
Persad-Bissessar clarified that US Marines are actively supporting improvements to runway infrastructure and radar capabilities at the Arthur NR Robinson International Airport. ‘They will help us to improve our surveillance and intelligence we gather…the narco traffickers in our waters and outside our waters,’ the Prime Minister stated, emphasizing the counter-narcotics focus of the cooperation.
This development forms part of broader US military activities across the southern Caribbean initiated in August, which initially involved three guided missile destroyers and has since expanded to include nuclear submarines, amphibious assault vessels, and the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R Ford with its strike group. The 22nd US Marine Expeditionary Unit recently conducted joint exercises with Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force personnel.
The military cooperation occurs under the framework of the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) signed between both nations in December, facilitating bilateral military coordination. Persad-Bissessar explicitly denied any offensive intentions toward Venezuela, asserting, ‘Trinidad has not been asked to be a base for any war against Venezuela.’
This stance has generated significant political controversy domestically and regionally. Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles has filed a motion condemning the Prime Minister’s statements as ‘inflammatory’ and damaging to Trinidad and Tobago’s international standing. The motion calls for reaffirmation of commitment to CARICOM and international law.
Persad-Bissessar’s position notably diverges from the traditional CARICOM consensus maintaining the Caribbean as a zone of peace, placing her at odds with regional leaders including Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley and St Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves. The Prime Minister has additionally predicted potential CARICOM fragmentation, alleging interference by regional leaders in member states’ elections—a claim particularly directed at Gonsalves regarding upcoming elections in St Vincent and the Grenadines.
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Sands claims 3,000 voters ‘unlocatable’ in Golden Isles due to outdated register
Political tensions are escalating in The Bahamas as the nation anticipates the forthcoming Boundaries Commission report, with Free National Movement (FNM) chairman Dr. Duane Sands expressing expectations that any constituency revisions will likely favor the ruling Progressive Liberal Party (PLP). Dr. Sands remarked that while gerrymandering has historically proven ineffective in the Bahamian political landscape, he remains unconcerned about potential adjustments, stating, “Let them do what they will—it ain’t gonna change anything.” He did caution, however, that boundary modifications typically create advantages for some at the expense of others.
The Golden Isles constituency, which recently held a by-election, along with Killarney, are anticipated to undergo significant redistricting. Prime Minister Philip Davis had previously identified these areas as requiring careful examination back in 2021 while serving as opposition leader.
When questioned whether the recent by-election outcome—where PLP candidate Darron Pickstock defeated FNM’s Brian Brown—might influence boundary decisions, Dr. Sands declined to speculate, emphasizing that the FNM would await the official report before formulating their response.
The FNM chairman also addressed concerns regarding the report’s release timeline, noting that the prime minister retains sole discretion over its presentation—a power Dr. Sands characterized as a “trump card” historically employed by sitting leaders. He criticized this arrangement as contrary to the Bahamian people’s best interests and advocated for fixed election dates, pledging that an FNM administration under Michael Pintard would implement such electoral reforms.
Despite the by-election loss, Dr. Sands expressed satisfaction with Mr. Brown’s performance and expressed confidence in his prospects during the general election, whenever it may occur.
Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister Chester Cooper dismissed suggestions that low voter turnout diminished the legitimacy of the PLP’s by-election victory. With approximately 3,000 of 7,900 registered voters participating, Mr. Cooper asserted that eligible Golden Isles residents had clearly selected Mr. Pickstock as their representative for the coming months. He interpreted the result as demonstrating confidence in both the PLP leadership and their candidate, noting that Mr. Pickstock secured over 50 percent of the official vote.
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Montague, church leaders discuss land titling and adverse possession issues
KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a landmark move to address systemic property rights challenges, the Jamaican government has initiated a collaborative partnership with religious institutions through high-level consultations with the Jamaica Umbrella Group of Churches (JUGC). The Ministry of Economic Growth and Infrastructure Development (MEGID) is spearheading this initiative to streamline land titling processes and resolve complex adverse possession issues affecting faith-based organizations nationwide.
The strategic dialogue was chaired by Minister Robert Montague, who holds portfolio responsibility for land titling and settlements. He was accompanied by senior technical experts from the National Land Agency (NLA) and representatives from the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, which maintains oversight of faith-based institutions.
Minister Montague articulated the government’s ambitious vision of achieving comprehensive land ownership documentation across Jamaica. “Our objective is to secure legal titles for 100 percent of lands nationwide,” Montague stated. “This collaboration is essential as churches have historically served as pillars within their communities for generations. They warrant an unambiguous, economically feasible, and streamlined pathway to formalize property ownership.”
Technical specialists from the NLA conducted an extensive briefing session detailing the procedural requirements for obtaining land titles, available institutional support mechanisms, and the legal parameters surrounding adverse possession claims. Church representatives engaged in a substantive question-and-answer segment, voicing specific institutional concerns and receiving direct technical advisory support.
This initiative operationalizes a commitment previously made by Jamaica’s Prime Minister and constitutes a critical component of the nation’s broader land reform and titling strategy. The program aims to dramatically increase the number of Jamaicans—including community collectives and religious organizations—with formally registered and legally secure property rights.
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Court hears officer’s testimony on vehicles suspected to be proceeds of crime in Gibson trial
The high-profile criminal trial of Long Island Member of Parliament Adrian Gibson recommenced proceedings yesterday following an extended hiatus, with law enforcement testimony revealing new details about asset seizures connected to alleged corruption. Gibson, who previously served as executive chairman of the Water and Sewerage Corporation, faces charges alongside four co-defendants including former general manager Elwood Donaldson Jr., Joan Knowles, Peaches Farquharson, and Jerome Missick. The case centers on contracts awarded during Gibson’s leadership of the utility corporation.
Assistant Superintendent of Police Mackey provided pivotal testimony regarding multiple vehicle seizures suspected of being acquired through illicit means. According to his account, authorities recovered a champagne-colored 2012 Toyota Previa from the Hollywood Subdivision and a blue Mazda from a Montell Heights beauty salon on May 30, 2024. The officer further disclosed that two additional vehicles were impounded on Long Island, with some purchases allegedly connected to Elite Maintenance.
ASP Mackey confirmed executing detention orders against both Jerome Missick and Adrian Gibson, formally identifying the parliamentarian before the court. Under cross-examination from defense counsel Murrio Ducille, KC, the officer maintained that proper arrest protocols were followed, including the reading of rights to Missick. When questioned about evidence implicating Missick, ASP Mackey referenced an undisclosed company association not mentioned in the defendant’s official statement.
The prosecution team, led by Director of Public Prosecutions Cordell Frazier, presented search warrants listing Gibson, Knowles, Missick, and corporate entity Oak Bay Limited in connection with the Long Island vehicle seizures. ASP Mackey refuted defense suggestions that the day’s proceedings were inconsequential, asserting the significance of the evidence presented.
The case is being heard before Senior Justice Cheryl Grant Thompson, with a substantial legal team representing the defendants including multiple King’s Counsel attorneys. The resumption of proceedings marks a significant development in a trial that has drawn considerable public attention to governance and accountability within Bahamian political institutions.
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St Vinncent Opposition wins general elections, ousting Gonsalves after 24 years
KINGSTON, Jamaica — St Vincent and the Grenadines has witnessed a monumental political transformation with the opposition New Democratic Party (NDP) securing a decisive victory in the 2025 general elections. This electoral outcome terminates the unprecedented 25-year governance of former Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves and his Unity Labour Party.
Official results reported by St Vincent Times confirm the NDP’s commanding parliamentary majority, capturing 11 legislative seats during preliminary vote counting. This sweeping win positions Dr. Godwin Friday, the NDP leader, to assume the role of the nation’s seventh prime minister since gaining independence from Britain in 1979.
The political transition follows an intensely contested electoral battle between Dr. Friday’s progressive platform and the established administration of Gonsalves, one of the Caribbean’s longest-serving political figures. The outcome reflects a palpable public demand for governmental change and new policy directions.
As the nation anticipates its leadership transition, attention now shifts to Prime Minister-elect Friday’s administration formation and his policy blueprint for addressing critical national challenges. The incoming government faces mounting expectations to implement economic revitalization strategies and address pressing social development priorities across the multi-island nation.
This historic power shift represents not merely a change in governing parties but potentially a fundamental realignment of Vincentian political dynamics, with implications for both domestic governance and the country’s international partnerships within the Caribbean Community and broader global arena.
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JLP congratulates Dr Godwin Friday and NDP on election victory in St Vincent
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaica’s governing Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) has formally congratulated opposition leader Dr. Godwin Friday and his New Democratic Party (NDP) for securing victory in St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ recent general elections.
In an official communiqué released Thursday, the JLP characterized the electoral outcome as a definitive expression of the democratic will of Vincentian voters. The statement emphasized that this peaceful transfer of power underscores the robustness of democratic institutions throughout the Caribbean region.
The Jamaican party further articulated its commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with its Caribbean neighbor. This diplomatic overture specifically highlighted several key areas for enhanced collaboration, including advancing CARICOM integration initiatives, developing climate adaptation strategies, and creating expanded economic opportunities for citizens across both nations.
“We extend our sincere congratulations to Dr. Friday and the NDP while wishing them productive governance during their upcoming term in service to the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines,” the JLP’s statement concluded, signaling a spirit of regional solidarity despite political differences.
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High Court dismisses UNC activist’s claim against ex-Speaker
In a definitive judgment reinforcing the separation of powers, the Trinidad and Tobago High Court has emphatically dismissed a judicial review claim brought by United National Congress (UNC) activist Ravi Balgobin Maharaj. The case centered on former House Speaker Bridgid Annisette-George’s refusal to incorporate Maharaj’s written rebuttal into the official parliamentary record following statements made about him during legislative proceedings.
Justice Joan Charles, delivering her November 26 ruling, determined that the Speaker’s decision—made pursuant to Standing Order 18 of the House of Representatives’ Standing Orders—falls squarely within Parliament’s exclusive domain over its internal affairs. This jurisdiction, the court affirmed, enjoys constitutional protection from judicial interference.
The court recognized that Trinidad and Tobago’s Constitution expressly incorporates all privileges and immunities of the United Kingdom parliament into its own House of Representatives. Justice Charles concurred with arguments presented by state attorneys that the Speaker’s determination did not constitute an infringement of Maharaj’s fundamental rights and remained shielded by parliamentary privilege.
“The Speaker of the House of Representatives serves as the sole adjudicator regarding the interpretation and application of Standing Orders,” Justice Charles stated in her written decision. “Matters concerning the veracity or basis of members’ statements lie beyond the Speaker’s purview—and consequently outside judicial review.”
The legal challenge emerged from Maharaj’s contention that remarks delivered in Parliament had damaged his reputation and that the Speaker’s refusal to allow his response violated his constitutional right to legal protection and natural justice. He sought declarations that the May 2024 decisions were unfair, irrational, and unconstitutional.
However, the court emphasized that Standing Order 18—which permits non-members referenced in debate to submit written responses—explicitly prohibits the Speaker from evaluating the truthfulness of either the original statements or the rebuttal. This procedural mechanism, Justice Charles noted, exists primarily as an internal parliamentary accommodation rather than a legally enforceable right.
Representing the state, Senior Counsel Douglas Mendes and Deborah Peake successfully argued that judicial examination of the Speaker’s motives would violate constitutional separation of powers. The court agreed, dismissing both the claim and leave application while directing parties to submit cost arguments within 30 days.
The ruling reinforces the autonomy of parliamentary proceedings throughout Commonwealth jurisdictions and establishes significant precedent regarding the limits of judicial intervention in legislative affairs.