In a groundbreaking move, Barbados is poised to revolutionize its parliamentary system with sweeping constitutional and legislative changes. For the first time in generations, the Speaker of the House of Assembly will be elected from outside the chamber, and senators holding ministerial roles will gain the right to participate directly in House debates. These reforms, spearheaded by Prime Minister Mia Mottley, signify a transformative shift in parliamentary representation and ministerial accountability in the Caribbean nation.
分类： politics
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Adhin: 50 jaar onafhankelijkheid vraagt om eerbied én zelfonderzoek
During an extraordinary meeting of the National Assembly (DNA) on November 25, Speaker Ashwin Adhin emphasized the need for national reflection and the reinforcement of Suriname’s state foundations. Addressing government officials, parliament members, international guests, and the public in the Congress Hall, Adhin highlighted the importance of evaluating the nation’s progress since its independence 50 years ago. He expressed gratitude to delegations from neighboring countries, partner states, and the broader international community, noting the presence of representatives from the Netherlands, India, China, Indonesia, and the Asantehene of the Ashanti Kingdom as a testament to Suriname’s historical, cultural, and diplomatic ties. Adhin identified four critical structural challenges facing Suriname: financial stability, autonomous long-term planning, organizational strength of the state and society, and political culture. He warned that without addressing these issues, the next 50 years could mirror the past. Adhin called for a renewed commitment to sovereignty, responsibility, and leadership, asserting that true independence is not just a date but an attitude. He urged citizens, leaders, and institutions to embrace discipline, better organization, system strengthening, and integrity to fulfill the promise of 1975.
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Changes to House Speaker election proposed by minority opinion
The Barbados government introduced three significant constitutional amendments to Parliament on Tuesday, sparking debate and raising questions about the process of constitutional reform. The proposals include widening the permissible size variation of constituencies, electing the Speaker of the House from outside the House of Assembly, and granting ministers expanded speaking rights in both legislative chambers. These amendments, however, were not endorsed by the Constitutional Reform Commission (CRC), according to its Chair, retired jurist Christopher Blackman, who expressed confusion over the current status of the commission’s report on constitutional changes, completed in 2024.
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PM: Amendments to prevent widespread changes to electoral boundaries
Prime Minister Mia Mottley has issued a stark warning regarding the necessity of legislative reforms to address electoral boundary issues in Barbados. On Tuesday, Mottley introduced two significant bills—the Constitution Amendment Bill and the Parliament Miscellaneous Provisions Bill—to the House of Assembly. These measures aim to empower the Electoral and Boundaries Commission (EBC) to rectify what she termed ‘an error from years past.’ The last adjustments to constituency boundaries occurred in 2003, with prior changes dating back to 1991. Mottley emphasized that the demographic shifts in Barbados have rendered the current constituency framework outdated, necessitating drastic boundary revisions that could make many constituencies ‘unrecognizable.’ Under the existing constitutional mandate, constituency populations must remain within a 10% variance of each other. However, the EBC has recommended expanding this range to 20% (80% to 120%) to better reflect current demographic realities. Mottley highlighted significant population movements into regions such as St Philip, St Thomas, Christ Church, St George, and St Peter over the past two decades. In a related development, the EBC recently announced the removal of over 8,000 individuals from the voters’ list, including 4,923 deemed to have resided overseas for more than five years and 3,367 confirmed deceased. The commission has urged citizens to verify their electoral details, particularly if they have relocated, ensuring no one is disenfranchised due to missed enumeration visits.
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Prime Minister Welcomes New Chinese Ambassador, Praises Decades of Transformational Support from the People’s Republic of China
ST. JOHN, Antigua and Barbuda – November 25, 2025 – The Government of Antigua and Barbuda formally welcomed Her Excellency Ambassador Jiang Wei, the newly appointed Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China, during a credential presentation ceremony attended by Governor-General Sir Rodney Williams, Prime Minister Gaston Browne, and Foreign Minister E.P. Chet Greene. The event marked a significant moment in the longstanding diplomatic relationship between the two nations, which has flourished since ties were established in 1983. Prime Minister Browne lauded China’s unwavering support, describing it as a cornerstone of Antigua and Barbuda’s national development. He highlighted China’s contributions across critical sectors, including infrastructure, healthcare, education, and technology, citing the modernization of hospitals, the expansion of the deep-water harbor, and the construction of university facilities as enduring symbols of this partnership. Browne also reaffirmed Antigua and Barbuda’s steadfast adherence to the One-China Principle, emphasizing the importance of territorial sovereignty and mutual respect. Foreign Minister Greene echoed these sentiments, underscoring the breadth of bilateral cooperation in areas such as economic development, housing, and public administration. Governor-General Williams expressed gratitude for China’s transformative impact over the past four decades and expressed optimism that Ambassador Jiang’s tenure would further strengthen ties, enhance trade and investment, and deepen cultural and educational exchanges. Both leaders expressed confidence in the future of the partnership, envisioning a shared path toward prosperity and mutual respect.
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Prime Minister Gaston Browne attends MEDays 2025 Forum in Tangier, Morocco
TANGIER, Morocco — On November 25, 2025, Prime Minister Gaston A. Browne of Antigua and Barbuda arrived in Morocco to participate in the 17th edition of the MEDays Forum, held under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI. The forum, scheduled from November 26 to 29, 2025, in Tangier, brings together over 300 high-profile speakers, including Heads of State, ministers, Nobel laureates, and international experts, alongside 7,000 participants from 120 countries. This year’s theme, “Fractures & Polarization: Reinventing the Global Equation,” addresses pressing global challenges such as geopolitical tensions, economic fragmentation, and the need for inclusive governance. Known as the “Forum of the South,” MEDays serves as a critical platform for emerging and developing nations to voice their concerns and shape a more equitable international order. Prime Minister Browne’s attendance highlights Antigua and Barbuda’s dedication to South-South cooperation, high-level diplomacy, and advocating for the interests of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in a multipolar world. Key discussions will focus on global governance, economic sovereignty, climate resilience, and development finance — issues of paramount importance to SIDS. The forum also aligns with Antigua and Barbuda’s goals of attracting foreign investment, fostering sustainable development, and strengthening ties with Africa and other Global South partners. Prime Minister Browne emphasized, “In a world of deepening polarization, Antigua and Barbuda must not only adapt but advocate. MEDays 2025 provides a platform to project our priorities, particularly climate resilience and economic equity.” Since its inception in 2008 by the Amadeus Institute, MEDays has evolved into a strategic hub for diplomacy, economics, and intellectual exchange, particularly for the Global South. The 2025 edition features over 50 sessions on geopolitics, economics, energy, climate, and governance, including the MEDays Investment Summit, which promotes public-private investment in Africa and beyond. The event is hosted at the Palais des Arts et de la Culture in Tangier.
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ICJ Battle Pits Belize, Guatemala, and Honduras Over Sapodillas
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) is set to adjudicate a high-stakes territorial dispute involving Belize, Guatemala, and Honduras over the sovereignty of the Sapodilla Islands in the Gulf of Honduras. This legal confrontation underscores the complexities of international law, historical claims, and geopolitical interests. Guatemala asserts its stake in the islands, citing overlapping territorial claims with Belize, while Honduras challenges the validity of Guatemala’s legal interest, arguing it lacks specificity and precision. The case hinges on Article 62 of the ICJ Statute, which requires a well-established legal interest for intervention. Professor Carlos Jiménez Piernas, Legal Counsel for Honduras, emphasized that Guatemala’s claims are not substantiated by the court’s jurisprudence. The outcome of this case will not only determine the fate of the Sapodilla Islands but also set a precedent for resolving disputes where history, geography, and law intersect. The ICJ’s decision will address a fundamental question: in an era of blurred borders, how do nations define and defend their sovereignty?
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National Transport Seeking to Usurp Authority of City Council
In a bold move to enhance road safety, Belize’s Ministry of Transport has unveiled a sweeping reform targeting motorcycle riders. Effective January 1, 2026, all motorcycle license holders will be required to complete a mandatory two-week training course, costing up to $300. Transport Minister Dr. Louis Zabaneh announced the initiative as part of a broader national safety strategy, emphasizing its potential to modernize road safety and reduce fatalities. However, the proposal has sparked significant friction with municipal governments, who argue that it undermines their long-standing authority to issue motorcycle licenses. Dr. Zabaneh stated, ‘All motorcycle license holders must complete a two-week course to become certified. We’re offering a two-year transition period for current and new applicants to comply.’ The ministry’s CEO, Chester Williams, has been actively engaging with motorcycle clubs to communicate the changes. Municipal councils, traditionally responsible for licensing, express concerns over their diminished role in enforcement and potential revenue loss. With the mandate set to take effect in January, numerous questions remain unresolved, leaving stakeholders in a state of uncertainty.
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FLASH : U.S. revokes the visa of Advisor Fritz Alphonse Jean (video)
In a significant diplomatic move, the United States government revoked the visa of Fritz Alphonse Jean, a prominent member of Haiti’s Presidential Transitional Council, on November 24, 2025. The decision, which also extended to his family members, was based on allegations that Jean supported criminal gangs and obstructed Haiti’s efforts to combat terrorism. However, Jean vehemently denied these accusations during a press conference held at the Villa d’Accueil on November 25. He asserted that the visa revocation was politically motivated, linked to his role in advocating for a change in Haiti’s leadership. Jean revealed that members of the Transitional Council had received threats of visa cancellations and other sanctions from U.S. and Canadian diplomats if they pursued the replacement of Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé. He provided WhatsApp messages exchanged with the Canadian Ambassador and U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Henry Wooster as evidence of these threats. Jean vowed that international sanctions would not deter him from his political mission and questioned the foreign support for Prime Minister Fils-Aimé.
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Dominican Army reviews security operations at key border checkpoints
On Tuesday, General Jorge Iván Camino Pérez, the commanding officer of the Dominican Army, embarked on an extensive inspection tour of critical border areas in the provinces of Independencia and Elías Piña. The tour extended along the International Highway, which borders Haiti, underscoring the strategic importance of these regions. The visit began at the Tierra Virgen detachment, situated at an elevation of approximately 3,000 feet in the Sierra de Neiba’s Bucan Base area. Here, General Camino Pérez assessed the ongoing construction of new facilities and a heliport designated for the 14th Infantry Battalion in Jimaní. The inspection continued through several key posts, including Macasías in Comendador, Las Dos Bocas—where the Macasías and Artibonito rivers converge—Guaroa, Guayabal, Hato Viejo, Paso de Nonón, Paso de Javier, and the Bánica detachment. The general then proceeded along the International Highway, starting from Pedro Santana, and inspected multiple posts such as La Cadena, Los Cacaos, El Corte, Sombrero, Palmita, Guayajayuco, Los Algodones, and Villa Anacaona, concluding at the Kilometer 2 post. The day concluded with visits to the 17th Company in Restauración, the Km. 14 post, the Loma de Cabrera inspectorate, and the Beller Fortress in Dajabón, the headquarters of the 10th Infantry Battalion. This thorough inspection highlights the Dominican Army’s commitment to maintaining security and infrastructure along its border with Haiti.