A political storm has erupted in St. Vincent and the Grenadines following revelations about a EC$144,000 one-year contract awarded to Grace Walters, the North Windward candidate for the ruling Unity Labour Party (ULP). Daniel Cummings, the opposition New Democratic Party (NDP) candidate for West Kingstown, has publicly criticized the contract, labeling it a ‘disgrace’ and vowing to expose further details. The contract, part of the Strengthening Health System Resilience Project (SHSRP), runs from January 15, 2025, to January 14, 2026, and aims to support health sector reform. Cummings dismissed Walters’ claims that his objections were rooted in racism or sexism, emphasizing that his concerns are based on the contract’s legitimacy and transparency. Walters, who took unpaid leave from her hospital administrator role to accept the contract, defended the agreement as a standard practice under the ULP government. Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves and Finance Minister Camillo Gonsalves have also backed Walters, urging Cummings to address his own past contracts with the CWSA. Cummings, however, maintains that his contract was fundamentally different, as it involved continuing his role as CEO under a new arrangement. The controversy has reignited debates about government accountability and the allocation of public resources, with Cummings promising to reveal more details in the near future.
分类： politics
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Supporters are grumbling, Comrade
The message was clear: hold off on the complaints until after the election. However, patience is wearing thin among supporters, who are increasingly vocal about their grievances. From questionable property deals in Miami to the opaque awarding of contracts for major infrastructure projects like the Vincy Expo building at Diamond, the discontent is palpable. The handling of Beryl relief funds and the delayed payments to airport restaurant workers have only added fuel to the fire. Even the state of village roads, described as nearly impassable, has become a rallying cry for dissatisfaction. The leadership’s apparent nepotism, with rumors of a son being groomed to take over, has further alienated supporters. The sentiment is clear: the grumbling is widespread and growing louder, even during rallies and social gatherings. This wave of discontent raises serious questions about the future of the current leadership and the loyalty of its base.
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Suriname pleit voor versterking CELAC-EU-partnerschap
Suriname, represented by Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Trade, and Cooperation Melvin Bouva, emphasized the importance of deepening the CELAC-EU partnership and maintaining regular dialogue on shared challenges such as climate change, security, and peace. Speaking at the fourth CELAC-EU Summit of Heads of State and Government held on November 9, 2025, in Santa Marta, Colombia, Bouva called for enhanced trade relations and improved movement of people and goods between the two regions. The summit, organized by the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) and the European Union (EU), brought together leaders from 27 EU member states and 33 CELAC countries. Bouva highlighted the summit as a pivotal moment to strengthen long-standing cooperation based on shared interests and historical economic, social, and cultural ties. He expressed concern over rising tensions in the Caribbean and firmly opposed any external military presence that could threaten regional stability. As a member of CARICOM, Suriname advocated for peaceful coexistence, closer regional collaboration, and adherence to the principle of non-interference. The government remains committed to maintaining peace and security in alignment with the UN Charter. Bouva also noted Suriname’s focus on sustainable growth, strengthening bilateral and multilateral relations, and promoting economic and climate diplomacy as the country approaches its 50th independence anniversary on November 25, 2025. He highlighted Suriname’s unique position as one of the world’s most forested nations, with over 90% of its territory covered by forests, absorbing more carbon than it emits. Bouva urged high-emission countries to take responsibility by compensating nations like Suriname for their contributions to forest conservation. Additionally, Suriname stressed the need for improved access to climate financing and expressed support for the renewed CELAC-EU Roadmap 2025–2027, aimed at deepening bi-regional cooperation between Latin America, the Caribbean, and Europe in the pursuit of partnership and peace.
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Fontaine condemns ID rule change for voter confirmation; calls for use of birth certificate to be restored
Dr. Thomson Fontaine, leader of the United Workers Party (UWP), has launched a scathing critique of Dominica’s Electoral Office, alleging that recent changes to voter confirmation requirements threaten the nation’s democratic integrity. Speaking at a press conference attended by opposition leaders Bernardo Hurtault of the Dominican Freedom Party and Joshua Francis of the United Progressive Party, Fontaine called for urgent reforms to restore public confidence in the electoral system. The controversy stems from Statutory Rules and Orders No. 39 (SRO-39), enacted on October 14, 2025, which mandates government-issued identification—such as passports, social security cards, or driver’s licenses—for voter confirmation. Birth certificates, previously accepted, were abruptly removed from the list of valid documents. Fontaine argued that this change disproportionately impacts impoverished citizens who cannot afford the cost of obtaining such IDs, accusing the ruling Dominican Labour Party of selectively funding passport applications for its supporters. He condemned the move as a violation of Section 17(1) of the Registration of Electors Act 2025, which requires continuous voter registration, and criticized the Electoral Office for halting new registrations and reassigning officers without replacements. Fontaine also highlighted past incidents of political repression, including arrests during electoral reform protests and allegations of police brutality. He described these actions as part of a broader strategy to suppress dissent and maintain the current administration’s power. Fontaine demanded the reinstatement of birth certificates as valid voter identification and the resumption of lawful registration practices, vowing to collaborate with other opposition parties to safeguard free and fair elections in Dominica.
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‘Kiffo’ Charles making power plays in Choiseul/Saltibus
Keithson ‘Kiffo’ Charles, a long-time resident of Choiseul, has officially entered the political arena as the Saint Lucia Labour Party (SLP) candidate for the Choiseul/Saltibus constituency. Despite his lack of prior political experience, Charles made a striking debut at his campaign launch on November 2, held at the La Fargue playing field. The event, described by the SLP as the largest turnout for a candidate launch this election cycle, showcased Charles’ vision for unity, cultural revival, and community development. In his inaugural speech, Charles emphasized his deep connection to the community, stating, ‘I am not a stranger asking for your vote. I am your neighbour, Kiffo, asking for your trust.’ He paid tribute to his late uncles, Dr. Augustine Charles and Joseph Charles, who were influential figures in his life, and outlined his plans to invest in youth development, restore local culture, and improve infrastructure. Charles also took aim at incumbent MP Bradley Felix, questioning his accomplishments over nine years in office. ‘Did you build the mini stadium for our youth? Did you finish the warehouses you promised?’ he challenged. Among his proposals are upgrades to the Choiseul Village Beach jetty and boardwalk, road rehabilitation, and the revival of cultural events like the Choiseul pageant and Calypso competition. Charles has already begun making tangible progress, commissioning lighting for the Delcer playing field and initiating work on the neglected Park Estate Road in Saltibus. While incumbent Bradley Felix remains confident, dismissing Charles as a ‘new candidate,’ the race is heating up, with many labeling Choiseul/Saltibus as a constituency to watch.
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Guyana required to pay for requesting countries’ lawyers in extradition cases
Guyana is legally obligated to cover the legal expenses of countries requesting extradition, as stipulated by the United Kingdom-United States Extradition Treaty inherited at independence in 1966. Article 13 of the treaty mandates that the requesting party bears all extradition-related costs. This provision has come under scrutiny following revelations that Guyana paid US$62,558.78 to Jamaican lawyer Terrence Williams for his services in an extradition case involving Azruddin and Nazar Mohamed. Attorney General Anil Nandlall confirmed that this practice aligns with international norms, citing a similar instance where the U.S. funded legal representation for Guyana in the extradition of Marcus Bisram. The decision to hire foreign lawyers, approved by the U.S., was aimed at avoiding perceptions of bias. Meanwhile, the Mohameds, accused of wire fraud, mail fraud, and money laundering, face extradition to the U.S. Their defense team has challenged the prosecution’s claims, questioning the evidence presented. The case has also intersected with Guyana’s political landscape, as Azruddin Mohamed, leader of the We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) party, is poised to become the next Opposition Leader.
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Boundaries Commission Engages Public on Constituency Review Ahead of 2028 Elections
Danley Phillip, Chairman of the Boundaries Commission, has emphasized the critical role of public engagement in the ongoing review of constituency boundaries, a process mandated by the constitution ahead of the next general elections scheduled no later than 2028. The consultations aim to gather public input on the structure of constituencies, including whether to retain the current 17 constituencies or adjust them based on factors like population density and demographic shifts. Phillip highlighted the importance of public feedback in determining how boundaries should be divided and whether the number of constituencies should remain unchanged or be reduced. A key consideration is ensuring that entire villages are contained within a single constituency rather than being fragmented across multiple ones. During a recent session, the commission explored various options and factors impacting each constituency, with participants offering valuable insights from their areas of expertise. Phillip expressed optimism about the progress made, praising the group’s contributions and expertise. He announced plans for additional consultations, which will expand to include the general public, youth groups, and eventually political parties. ‘We plan to have extensive consultations,’ Phillip stated, ‘and will reinvite some participants from the initial session while broadening the scope to involve more stakeholders.’
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Greene Calls for Stronger, Fairer EU–Caribbean Partnership at CELAC–EU Summit
E.P. Chet Greene, Antigua and Barbuda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Trade, and Barbuda Affairs, has called for a strengthened alliance between the European Union (EU) and the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC). Speaking at the Caribbean–EU Meeting during the 4th CELAC–EU Summit in Santa Marta, Colombia, Greene emphasized the need for a partnership rooted in justice, sustainability, and shared prosperity. He highlighted the long-standing relationship between the Caribbean and the EU, built on shared values and mutual benefits, and stressed the urgency of evolving this collaboration to address global challenges. Greene articulated Antigua and Barbuda’s proactive role in advocating for a transformative and equitable partnership, particularly for Small Island Developing States (SIDS) facing unprecedented uncertainties. He praised the EU’s leadership in global climate action and urged greater investment in renewable energy, concessional financing, and climate-resilient infrastructure across the Caribbean. Additionally, Greene joined regional leaders in urging the EU to maintain the Caribbean as a “Zone of Peace” and to support efforts to resolve the crisis in Haiti. He also emphasized the importance of the EU’s continued engagement with the region’s Investment Migration programmes, which are crucial to many Caribbean economies.
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Antigua and Barbuda Signs MoU With China for Solar Powered Street Lights
In a significant move toward sustainable development, the Government of Antigua and Barbuda has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the People’s Republic of China to enhance renewable energy infrastructure. The agreement, signed by Ambassador Diann Black-Layne, Director of the Department of Environment, during the COP30 summit in Belém, Brazil, will provide 1,500 solar-powered street lights and 200 residential photovoltaic (PV) and energy storage system (ESS) units to the Caribbean nation. This initiative is facilitated through the Ministry of Ecology and Environment of China. The project marks a pivotal step in Antigua and Barbuda’s renewable energy transition, aligning with its broader goals of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving energy efficiency, and bolstering climate resilience. The solar street lights are expected to enhance public safety and community visibility while reducing reliance on fossil fuels and lowering electricity costs for local authorities. Furthermore, the residential PV and ESS systems will empower households to generate and store clean energy, fostering energy independence and ensuring stability during power outages caused by extreme weather. Ambassador Black-Layne emphasized that this collaboration highlights the importance of international cooperation in tackling the global climate crisis and reflects China’s ongoing commitment to supporting small island developing states (SIDS) in achieving their sustainable development and energy transition objectives.
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Abinader and Kathy Hochul announce agreement to strengthen Dominican Republic–New York cooperation
In a landmark move to enhance bilateral relations, President Luis Abinader of the Dominican Republic and New York State Governor Kathy Hochul unveiled a groundbreaking agreement aimed at deepening cultural, social, and economic cooperation between the two regions. The partnership, formalized through a Declaration of Intent, focuses on joint efforts in disaster preparedness, agricultural innovation, and sustainable economic development. The agreement was signed by Dominican Foreign Minister Roberto Álvarez and Governor Hochul, with President Abinader in attendance, marking a significant step in fostering collaboration. Key initiatives include sharing best practices, launching joint training programs in emergency management, and leveraging advanced technologies such as NUAIR drone systems for disaster assessment and prevention. President Abinader underscored the potential of this partnership to open new opportunities in security, education, tourism, and health, benefiting Dominicans both domestically and abroad. He acknowledged Congressman Adriano Espaillat’s pivotal role in facilitating the agreement and expressed gratitude to Governor Hochul for her visit, referring to New York as a ‘second home for Dominicans.’ Governor Hochul emphasized the strong cultural and economic ties between New York and the Dominican Republic, noting the presence of over one million Dominicans in her state. She announced the inclusion of the Dominican Republic in New York’s Global Trade Program, which aims to boost investment and innovation in sectors like agriculture, manufacturing, artificial intelligence, and drone technology.