In a poignant ceremony brimming with military precision and national pride, Dame Sandra Mason, Barbados’ first President, concluded her nearly decade-long tenure as the nation’s constitutional leader. The event, held at St Ann’s Fort, saw detachments from the Barbados Defence Force, Barbados Police Service, Barbados Coast Guard, and Barbados Cadet Corps assembled in meticulous formation to honor her service. As both the last governor-general and the inaugural president of the Republic, Mason’s farewell marked a significant chapter in Barbados’ history. Reflecting on her journey, she described it as one she “could not have imagined” when she first entered public life. Mason emphasized the theme of service, both her own and that of the forces she led as commander-in-chief, stressing the solemn responsibility of safeguarding national institutions and supporting those who protect democracy. She praised the professionalism of the armed and protective services, highlighting their role in maintaining security and participating in regional humanitarian missions. Mason also acknowledged her personal growth through leadership, noting that true leadership requires decisiveness, integrity, humility, and gratitude. She expressed special appreciation for the Barbados Cadet Corps, recalling their creative displays during her tenure. As her term ends, Mason framed the moment as part of Barbados’ ongoing national evolution, urging citizens to continue their essential role in nation-building. She concluded with heartfelt gratitude, stating, “I will always carry with me the pride of having been your commander-in-chief. May God bless you, and may God bless Barbados.”
分类： politics
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Parker Returns to UPP, Citing ‘Moral Crossroad’ and Deepening Political Divide
Former senator Malaka Parker has made a dramatic return to Antigua and Barbuda’s political landscape after a two-year hiatus, emphasizing the nation’s critical need for ethical and stable governance. Reaffiliating with the United Progressive Party (UPP), the organization that initially propelled her into national politics, Parker declared that the country stands at a “moral and political crossroad.” Her decision to re-enter the political fray follows extensive reflection and encouragement from citizens, community leaders, and supporters who expressed a collective desire for better leadership and governance.
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Cooperation in tourism, aviation and maritime discussed with China
In a significant diplomatic engagement, Barbados’ Minister of Tourism and International Transport, Ian Gooding-Edghill, welcomed the People’s Republic of China’s Ambassador to Barbados, Zheng Bingkai, for a high-level discussion at the ministry’s headquarters in Warrens. The meeting underscored the deepening bilateral relationship between the two nations, particularly in the realms of tourism and international transportation. Both parties explored avenues for enhanced collaboration, with a focus on technical assistance, training in aviation and maritime sectors, and infrastructure development at Barbados’ air and seaports. Minister Gooding-Edghill highlighted the enduring partnership with China, expressing gratitude for its unwavering support over the past 48 years. Key topics on the agenda included strategies to boost Chinese tourist arrivals, the implementation of an Air Services Agreement, advancements in data analytics, and the integration of electric buses into Barbados’ transport system. Ambassador Zheng emphasized the critical role of the tourism and transport sectors in driving economic growth and reaffirmed China’s commitment to fostering mutual interests. The dialogue marked another milestone in the diplomatic relations established between Barbados and China on May 30, 1977, paving the way for continued cooperation and shared prosperity.
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Camillo has failed and should not be re-elected
Camillo Gonsalves, the eldest son of St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves, has been a central figure in the nation’s political landscape since his appointment as the parliamentary representative for East St. George (ESG) in December 2015. Born in Philadelphia on June 12, 1972, Camillo’s rise to prominence has been marked by controversy, with critics questioning his qualifications and the motives behind his rapid ascent. Initially appointed as the minister of economic planning, sustainable development, industry, trade, information, and labor, Camillo’s portfolio expanded in 2017 to include finance, a move that left many in the civil service and Parliament astounded. Despite his re-election in November 2020 by a narrow margin of 196 votes, concerns persist about his lack of expertise in key areas such as economics, finance, and information technology, given his academic background in journalism, law, and global affairs. Critics argue that his appointments are part of a broader strategy by his father to position him as the heir apparent to the premiership, sidelining other potential successors like Sabato Caesar, who has been confined to the Ministry of Agriculture. Questions about Camillo’s genuine connection to ESG and his commitment to its constituents have further fueled skepticism. Critics accuse him of neglecting the constituency for most of his term, only showing interest in the months leading up to elections. Additionally, his support for a Jamaican-owned seafood company’s fish depot in Calliaqua has raised concerns about its impact on local fisherfolk. The article concludes with a call to action for voters to reject the Gonsalves dynasty in the upcoming elections, urging support for the opposition New Democratic Party (NDP) to restore integrity and equity to the nation’s governance.
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SVG cannot continue like this — we deserve better
The current government of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) is facing mounting criticism as citizens demand a shift in leadership. Many Vincentians argue that the administration has failed to prioritize the needs of ordinary people, particularly those in vulnerable communities like North Leeward. Families are grappling with escalating challenges, including the rising cost of education, transportation, and basic necessities, while a select few continue to benefit disproportionately. The stark contrast between the struggles of the majority and the privileges of a minority has sparked outrage and calls for accountability. Dr. Shallow’s efforts to highlight these disparities have been praised as a vital step toward transparency. Critics argue that the current leadership is disconnected from the realities of everyday Vincentians, focusing instead on enriching a small inner circle. The growing sentiment is clear: SVG deserves leaders who genuinely care about its people, address systemic inequalities, and work to uplift communities. As economic hardships intensify, the call for change grows louder, urging citizens to demand better governance for the sake of future generations.
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Dominican Republic hosts PAcCTO 2.0 congress on illicit asset recovery
In a compelling address at the Regional Seminar on Organized Crime and Asset Forfeiture in Santo Domingo, Attorney General Yeni Berenice Reynoso underscored the critical need for efficient and real-time international cooperation to tackle the escalating threats of cybercrime and transnational criminal networks. Reynoso emphasized that outdated bureaucratic processes are ill-equipped to counter the agility of modern criminal groups, which operate seamlessly across borders. She highlighted the Dominican Republic’s significant strides in combating organized crime, citing over 30 major operations since 2020 targeting drug trafficking, corruption, cybercrime, human trafficking, and arms smuggling. A notable success was the recovery of over 2 billion pesos from a corruption case, funds now being reinvested into community sports centers. The seminar, organized by EL PAcCTO 2.0 with EU support, convened 80 representatives from 17 Latin American and 5 European countries. Discussions focused on asset recovery best practices, legislative updates to the Palermo Convention, and emerging threats like cryptocurrency-based money laundering. Reynoso emphasized the Dominican Republic’s strategic Caribbean location as a pivotal hub for fostering regional security alliances and strengthening cross-border collaboration.
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Caribbean customs officials meet in Santo Domingo
In a significant move to bolster regional security and economic stability, customs representatives from twelve Caribbean nations convened in the Dominican Republic. The meeting, organized under the Caribbean Council for the Application of Customs Laws (CCALA/CCLEC), aimed to enhance institutional capacity, develop human resources, improve border security, and expand the exchange of customs information. The event brought together English-, French-, and Dutch-speaking customs administrations, alongside representatives from the Dominican Republic and Cuba.
Eduardo “Yayo” Sanz Lovatón, Director of Dominican Customs, highlighted the government’s commitment to ratifying the 2019 agreement signed in Cuba. This agreement, which requires approval from at least ten member states, seeks to transform CCLEC into the Caribbean Customs Organization, a more robust and unified entity.
During the discussions, participants reviewed past initiatives and outlined future strategies in areas such as regional intelligence, cybersecurity, capacity building, and information sharing. These measures are critical in combating smuggling and other transnational crimes that threaten the region. The meeting was led by CCLEC President Roderick Lionel Croes and Permanent Secretary Claude Paul, who emphasized the importance of coordinated customs efforts for safeguarding regional security and fostering economic growth.
The gathering included officials from Aruba, Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Bermuda, the British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, the Netherlands, Haiti, Jamaica, Montserrat, Saint Lucia, and the Dominican Republic. This collaborative effort underscores the Caribbean nations’ shared commitment to addressing common challenges through enhanced cooperation and strategic planning.
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El Toque is a tool of manipulation designed to undermine the Cuban economy
Cuba’s economy has long been plagued by structural imbalances, impacting critical sectors such as production, energy supply, logistics, and access to foreign currency. Compounding these challenges are internal missteps and the enduring effects of the U.S. blockade, which stifles foreign income, escalates financial burdens, and restricts international trade. Amid this adversity, the El Toque platform has emerged as a destabilizing force, exacerbating economic disruptions and fostering reliance on informal markets, ultimately harming the Cuban populace.
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Cuba and Vietnam: mutual support even in difficult times
In a significant meeting that underscores the enduring friendship between Cuba and Vietnam, Roberto Morales Ojeda, a key member of Cuba’s Political Bureau and head of the Political-Ideological Work and Party Organ of the National Defense Council, welcomed a high-level delegation from the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV). The delegation, led by Vu Thanh Mai, deputy head of the CPV’s Propaganda, Education, and Mass Mobilization Commission, visited Cuba as part of preparations to commemorate the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations on December 2nd. The meeting highlighted the deep-rooted bond forged by historic leaders Fidel Castro and Ho Chi Minh. Morales Ojeda expressed solidarity with Vietnam following recent devastating floods in its central region, while also thanking Vietnam for its support in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa in eastern Cuba. This exchange of mutual aid underscores the resilience of their bilateral relationship. The discussions also revisited agreements made during recent high-level visits, including the September 2024 trip by CPV General Secretary To Lam to Cuba and Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel’s visit to Vietnam in September 2025. Both sides emphasized the importance of continuing the dialogue initiated at the 6th Theoretical Seminar held in Havana earlier this year, with plans to convene the next seminar after their respective party congresses. Morales Ojeda praised Vietnam’s preparations for its 14th Congress in January, drawing parallels to Cuba’s preparations for its 9th Congress in April. He also thanked Vietnam for its steadfast support in Cuba’s fight against the U.S. blockade and its opposition to Cuba’s inclusion on the list of state sponsors of terrorism. Vu Thanh Mai conveyed warm greetings from Vietnam’s top leaders, and the delegation held productive meetings with Cuban economic and social sector departments, as well as the Ñico López Party University.
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President Ali brushes aside use of cash grant recipients’ personal data for electioneering
President Irfaan Ali has firmly rejected claims that his People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPPC) exploited personal data from cash grant recipients for election campaigning. The allegations stem from a report by the European Union Election Observation Mission (EUEOM), which highlighted concerns over the misuse of government-held data during the September 1 general and regional elections. In a Facebook Live commentary, President Ali acknowledged that all political parties, not just the incumbent, had made personalized calls to beneficiaries. However, he neither confirmed nor denied his party’s involvement in using the data for soliciting votes. The EUEOM report emphasized the need to operationalize the 2023 Data Protection Act to prevent such practices in the future, citing politically motivated doxing and misuse of personal data for electoral gains. President Ali also criticized the report for its perceived bias and lack of analysis, arguing that it primarily reflected complaints from opposition parties. He defended his government’s campaign focus on delivering past promises, such as infrastructure projects and subsidies, and called for a fair evaluation of the report’s narratives. Additionally, he mentioned that election campaign financing reforms would be addressed through the Constitutional Reform process, which the EUEOM report allegedly overlooked.