Ronald Venetiaan, the three-time president of Suriname, has left an indelible mark on the nation’s political landscape. Known for his humility, wisdom, and unwavering integrity, Venetiaan’s passing has elicited widespread admiration from political adversaries, regional colleagues, and those who knew him intimately. Behind the formal accolades lies a man who epitomized dignified leadership, quietly setting an example for generations to come.\n\nVenetiaan was not one to seek the limelight. He avoided the trappings of fame, yet his carefully chosen words could command a room with ease. A master of language, he spoke with precision and respect, leaving a lasting impression on his audience. His speeches were not just words but profound reflections of his thoughtful nature.\n\nBeyond protocol, Venetiaan demonstrated a genuine concern for people. During international trips, whether signing the Caricom Single Market in Jamaica or visiting Washington at the invitation of President George H.W. Bush, he made time for journalists, valuing their role in society. He was approachable, even on sensitive matters, always measured in his responses. His strength lay in his restraint and clarity of thought.\n\nFor Venetiaan, power was not a tool for dominance but a responsibility to protect. In turbulent times, he remained a beacon of calm, steadfast in his principles. He was firm but never harsh, embodying the essence of a true statesman. As Wim Bakker aptly described him in a song, Venetiaan “wore his own coat,” never pretending to be someone he was not.\n\nVenetiaan’s respect for press freedom further underscored his commitment to democracy. While tensions with journalists occasionally arose, he understood the importance of their work and fostered an environment of openness and transparency. His legacy is a reminder that dignity is not imposed but lived.\n\nToday, Ronald Venetiaan is cremated in a private family ceremony. His voice, one of wisdom and integrity, will continue to resonate in Suriname and beyond. May eternal light shine upon him.
分类： politics
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Premier Brantley’s monthly press conference slated for November 25
The Honourable Mark Brantley, Premier of Nevis and Minister of Information in the Nevis Island Administration, is set to hold his monthly press conference on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. The event will take place in the Cabinet Room of the Nevis Island Administration (NIA), situated on the second floor of the Social Security Building at Pinney’s Estate. Premier Brantley will address matters of national significance, providing updates on the NIA’s current priorities and initiatives. Following his opening remarks, he will participate in a question-and-answer session with members of the press. The press conference will be broadcast live across multiple platforms, including Nevis Television (NTv) Channel 99, NevisTvOnline.com, the NTv Go App, the Nevis Television Facebook page, the Nevis Newscast YouTube channel, Voice of Nevis (VON) Radio, Freedom FM, and WINN FM. Media representatives and the general public are encouraged to tune in for timely updates on issues impacting the island of Nevis.
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Minister Monorath onder vuur om onrechtmatig ontvangen gelden van Deviezencommissie
Justice and Police Minister Harish Monorath has come under intense scrutiny following revelations that he continued to receive payments from the Foreign Exchange Commission, a body he was part of prior to his ministerial appointment. The allegations were brought to light by VHP faction leader Asiskumar Gajadien during the General Political Considerations (APB) in parliament. The accusations prompted immediate action, with Vice President Gregory Rusland vowing to investigate the matter. The probe confirmed that Gajadien’s claims held merit. President Jennifer Simons addressed parliament personally, revealing that the payments originated directly from the Foreign Exchange Commission, not the Ministry of Finance. Minister Monorath explained that he had verbally, not in writing, resigned from the Commission upon assuming his ministerial role. He claimed ignorance of the ongoing deposits into his account, stating, ‘I formally resigned, and the protocol dictates that payments should cease. I am surprised that deposits continued. I will notify the Commission to rectify this, as ministerial roles are incompatible with other public functions.’ Monorath added that he had not accessed his bank account for months, emphasizing, ‘I do not use online banking. If any funds were unlawfully received, they must be returned immediately.’ Gajadien criticized the incident as evidence of double standards and lack of transparency, asserting, ‘Whether it’s one month or five, this should not have happened.’ Documents revealed that the Commission had indeed requested the Ministry of Finance to halt payments. NDP faction leader Rabin Parmessar defended Monorath, shifting blame to the Ministry of Finance and referencing a similar case involving a former VHP minister. ‘Equal treatment is essential; those funds must also be returned,’ Parmessar stated, sparking claims from coalition members that the former minister never repaid the money.
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“We will finish it”: Chastanet pledges to deliver St Jude Hospital, slams govt’s record
In a national address on November 10, Opposition Leader Allen Chastanet launched a scathing critique of the current administration led by Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre, while outlining his party’s vision for Saint Lucia’s future. The speech came in response to Pierre’s announcement of general elections scheduled for December 1. Chastanet accused the government of “betrayal,” “corruption,” and “neglect,” particularly targeting its handling of the St Jude Hospital project. Despite claims of completion, the hospital remains non-operational, a point Chastanet emphasized as a failure of leadership. He questioned the government’s priorities, stating, “No amount of opening ceremonies will heal a single patient.” Chastanet highlighted his administration’s past achievements, including a 2.5% VAT reduction, the commissioning of OKEU Hospital, and investments in infrastructure and job creation. He contrasted these with what he described as worsening living conditions under the current government. Looking ahead, Chastanet promised initiatives such as national health insurance, free tertiary education, youth start-up grants, and mortgage guarantees. He also pledged job security and annual bonuses for public sector employees. Concluding his address, Chastanet urged voters to choose the United Workers Party for renewal, action, and results, asserting, “You deserve better.”
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Plenary session wraps, Ambassador Chu Moaming outlines China’s imminent 5-year plan for Economic and Social Development
In a recent press briefing at the Chinese Embassy in Morne Daniel, Dominica, His Excellency Ambassador Chu Maoming highlighted the successful conclusion of the Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC). The session, held in Beijing on October 23, marked a pivotal moment as it adopted the Recommendations for formulating the 15th Five-Year Plan for Economic and Social Development. This plan, the 15th in a series since 1953, underscores China’s commitment to sustained growth and global leadership. Ambassador Chu emphasized that the 14th Five-Year Plan, now concluding, has propelled China’s GDP beyond RMB 130 trillion, with significant advancements in artificial intelligence and new energy sectors. China’s transformation from the ‘world’s factory’ to a global innovation powerhouse was also noted, alongside its high-standard opening-up policies, including a reduced foreign investment negative list and a lowered overall tariff level to 7.3 percent. The Belt and Road Initiative, involving over 150 countries and 30 international organizations, has further cemented China’s role as a key driver of global economic growth, contributing approximately 30 percent. Looking ahead, the 15th Five-Year Plan aims to address global challenges such as unilateralism, protectionism, and regional instability, offering a message of consistency and stability. Ambassador Chu outlined seven main objectives for the next five years, focusing on high-quality development, technological self-reliance, cultural progress, and environmental sustainability. China’s strategic alignment with Belt and Road partners will be strengthened, with enhanced cooperation in trade, investment, green development, and digital transformation. Additionally, China will intensify efforts in pollution control, ecosystem restoration, and carbon emission reduction, aiming to peak carbon emissions and transition to eco-friendly practices. The 15th Five-Year Plan not only charts a course for China’s future but also provides a beacon of certainty in an increasingly volatile world.
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Gonsalves says book of ‘NDP plans’ is a joke
Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves of St. Vincent and the Grenadines has dismissed a book titled “New Democratic Party’s Plans for St. Vincent and the Grenadines” as a spoof. The book, which appeared in a campaign video released by his party on Sunday, was filmed at the Prime Minister’s Official Residence during a meeting with party members and Jamaican artist Christopher Martin. Gonsalves revealed that the book, which he received that same morning, contains six chapters of mostly blank pages, mocking the opposition party’s ideas. He described the document as a work of nonfiction by a fictitious author, Godwin Fryay, and criticized the New Democratic Party (NDP) for its lack of substantive content. The Prime Minister’s comments came after he was nominated for the 11th time as a candidate for North Central Windward in the upcoming national election. Gonsalves, 79, is leading the Unity Labour Party in its bid for a sixth consecutive five-year term in the general election on November 17.
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UWP cheers election call, says SLP has run out of ideas
In a spirited address to United Workers Party (UWP) supporters in Anse La Raye, Opposition Leader Allen Chastanet launched a scathing critique of Prime Minister Philip J Pierre’s administration, asserting that the Labour government had “run out of ideas” and was compelled to call for a general election. Speaking at the “UWP Ring the Bell – Anse La Raye/Canaries Public Meeting” on Sunday night, Chastanet accused the government of failing to deliver on key promises, leaving it with no alternative but to “ring the bell” for elections scheduled for December 1. Chastanet highlighted the incomplete St. Jude Hospital project, which he claimed had consumed $400 million over successive administrations, as a glaring example of the government’s inefficiency. He also criticized the administration for failing to present a promised Citizenship by Investment (CIP) report to Parliament and for escalating the national debt to over $5 billion within four and a half years. Chastanet urged voters to prioritize “delivery over deception” and pledged that a UWP government would remove the 2.5% levy, reduce cooking gas prices, introduce health insurance, and finally open St. Jude Hospital. Earlier in the evening, former tourism minister and UWP candidate Dominic Fedee rallied supporters with promises of progress and long-term planning, emphasizing the need for a bipartisan “vision plan” for Anse La Raye/Canaries that would transcend political cycles. Fedee encouraged supporters to turn out in full force on election day and to bring family members along to vote.
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Is the U.S. Government Shutdown Finally Ending?
After 41 days of political stalemate that caused widespread disruptions across the United States, the Senate has taken a significant step toward resolving the federal government shutdown. On Sunday night, a bipartisan coalition of seven Democrats and one Independent joined Republicans to advance a funding bill designed to keep the government operational until January 30, 2026. The legislation includes full funding for several critical agencies and ensures the continuation of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), a vital resource for millions of low-income Americans struggling to afford groceries. However, the path to final approval remains uncertain. Senators must first agree on debate timing, a process that could be delayed by individual demands. Once the Senate passes the bill, it will proceed to the House of Representatives, where political divisions persist. Democrats have criticized the bill for insufficient health care funding, while some Republicans oppose the overall increase in spending. If both chambers approve the measure, it will be sent to President Donald Trump for his signature, effectively ending the longest government shutdown in U.S. history. The shutdown has had severe consequences, including flight cancellations, unpaid air traffic controllers, and heightened anxiety for nearly 42 million Americans dependent on food stamps.
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Amerikaanse Senaat zet stap naar einde recordsluiting overheid
The US Senate has taken a significant step toward resolving the nation’s longest-ever government shutdown, which has persisted for 40 days. On Sunday, a procedural vote saw 60 senators support a bill to restore federal funding until January 30, 2026. The proposal, introduced by Republicans and backed by a group of moderate Democrats, allocates funds for essential government services, including food assistance, veterans’ programs, and legislative operations. It also reopens federal agencies and recalls furloughed employees while compensating states for expenses incurred to sustain federal programs during the shutdown. The cloture vote, passed 60-40, allows further voting on the bill with a simple majority, increasing its likelihood of approval. However, the bill still requires House approval and President Donald Trump’s signature to take effect. Notably, eight Democratic senators broke party ranks to support the bill, including Dick Durbin (Illinois), Jeanne Shaheen (New Hampshire), and Tim Kaine (Virginia). Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer expressed concerns over the bill’s lack of provisions for Affordable Care Act (ACA) healthcare funding, which will be addressed in a separate vote before December. The shutdown began on October 1 after Democrats repeatedly opposed reopening without guarantees for ACA tax credits. Political analysts highlight internal Democratic discord following recent electoral victories, casting uncertainty over ACA subsidy negotiations. The prolonged shutdown has caused widespread disruptions, including the cancellation of over 2,000 flights and delays to 7,000 others on Sunday alone. Treasury Secretary Sean Duffy warned of potential Thanksgiving travel chaos if the government remains closed. Additionally, food aid programs have faced delays, with the Capital Area Food Bank in Washington D.C. reporting a 20% increase in meals distributed to meet rising demand among unpaid federal workers.
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Cuban Vice President thanked Caribbean countries for their support
During the closing ceremony of the IV Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) and the European Union, held in the host city, Cuba’s Deputy Commissioner expressed gratitude for the unwavering support from Caribbean nations. He emphasized the importance of solidarity in addressing shared challenges, particularly the call to remove Cuba from the controversial list of states accused of sponsoring terrorism. The Deputy Commissioner described the list as ‘fraudulent and unilateral,’ highlighting its detrimental impact on Cuba’s international relations. Additionally, he extended heartfelt condolences and solidarity to Caribbean nations affected by Hurricane Melissa, acknowledging the devastating consequences of the natural disaster. Cuba’s participation in the summit underscored its commitment to fostering collaborative efforts between the Caribbean and the EU, with a focus on advancing mutual benefits and supporting recovery initiatives in the region.