分类: politics

  • Six Killed in U.S. Airstrikes on Suspected Narco-Terrorist Boats

    Six Killed in U.S. Airstrikes on Suspected Narco-Terrorist Boats

    In a decisive move against international drug trafficking, U.S. War Secretary Pete Hegseth revealed on Monday that two additional airstrikes were executed against vessels suspected of smuggling narcotics in international waters. The operation, authorized by President Trump, targeted two ships linked to Designated Terrorist Organizations, both of which were reportedly transporting illegal drugs along a known trafficking route in the Eastern Pacific. According to Hegseth, the strikes resulted in the deaths of six individuals—three male narco-terrorists aboard each vessel. No U.S. personnel were harmed during the operation. Hegseth emphasized that these actions are part of the administration’s broader strategy to safeguard the homeland and eliminate cartel terrorists who pose a threat to national security and public safety. The strikes underscore the U.S. government’s commitment to combating transnational crime and protecting its citizens from the dangers of drug trafficking.

  • PM Skerrit in Colombia to attend CELAC–EU Summit

    PM Skerrit in Colombia to attend CELAC–EU Summit

    Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit of Dominica is poised to join the CELAC-EU Summit, a pivotal gathering of Caribbean, Latin American, and European Union leaders, taking place on November 10, 2025, in Santa Marta, Colombia. The summit, hosted by Colombia’s President, aims to foster enhanced dialogue and collaboration among the participating regions. Key figures from the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), including its Secretary-General, alongside representatives from the Dominican Republic and Cuba, will be in attendance. The European Union will be represented by prominent leaders such as the President of the European Council, the President of the European Commission, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, and the rotating EU Presidency. The agenda for the summit is expected to focus on critical global issues, including sustainable development, climate adaptation, trade relations, and international cooperation. In the interim, Honourable Cassanni Laville, Minister for Health, Wellness, and Social Services, will serve as Acting Prime Minister during Prime Minister Skerrit’s absence.

  • Prime Minister Announces December 1 General Election in Saint Lucia

    Prime Minister Announces December 1 General Election in Saint Lucia

    Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre has officially announced that the citizens of Saint Lucia will cast their votes on Monday, December 1, 2025, to elect a new government. In a nationwide broadcast on November 9, Pierre also designated Monday, November 21, 2025, as Nomination Day, marking the formal submission of candidacy papers for the upcoming election. Additionally, the Prime Minister disclosed that he has recommended the Governor General to dissolve Parliament starting Monday, November 10, 2025, initiating the official election period. The Saint Lucia Labour Party (SLP), led by Pierre, currently enjoys a robust 13–4 majority in Parliament, a result of its significant triumph in the July 2021 general election. This announcement sets the stage for a pivotal political event in the Caribbean nation, with the SLP aiming to maintain its stronghold in the legislative body.

  • Grace plays race, gender card amidst contract scrutiny

    Grace plays race, gender card amidst contract scrutiny

    In a heated political climate in St. Vincent, Grace Walters, the Unity Labour Party (ULP) candidate for North Windward and a hospital administrator, has defended her EC$144,000 one-year consultancy contract for the Arnos Vale hospital project. Walters, speaking at a ULP rally in Biabou, suggested that the scrutiny of her contract stems from her identity as a woman and a member of the Carib community.

  • Senate takes first step toward ending the government shutdown

    Senate takes first step toward ending the government shutdown

    In a pivotal move to resolve the ongoing government shutdown, the U.S. Senate voted 60-40 on Sunday to advance a compromise funding bill, marking the first step toward reopening federal operations. The agreement, brokered by a group of moderate Democrats, has sparked internal discord within the party as it does not guarantee the extension of Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies, a key demand from progressive lawmakers. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer and most of his colleagues opposed the procedural vote, underscoring the deep divisions over health care policy. The deal, which includes bipartisan spending bills and a temporary funding extension until late January, also reverses mass firings of federal workers and ensures back pay for those affected. Senate Majority Leader John Thune urged swift action, emphasizing the shutdown’s widespread disruptions, including flight cancellations and delayed food assistance. While President Donald Trump expressed optimism about ending the shutdown, he stopped short of endorsing the deal. The agreement, which required the support of five Democrats to pass, has drawn criticism from House Democrats, who argue it fails to address health care affordability. The Senate’s decision sets the stage for a contentious December vote on ACA subsidies, with Republicans divided over extending COVID-19-era tax credits. Meanwhile, the shutdown’s impact continues to worsen, affecting millions of Americans ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday.

  • ‘Labour warriors’ can’t prevent victorious NDP from taking office — Leacock

    ‘Labour warriors’ can’t prevent victorious NDP from taking office — Leacock

    As the November 27 general election in St. Vincent and the Grenadines approaches, St. Clair Leacock, the opposition spokesperson on National Security for the New Democratic Party (NDP), has issued a firm declaration. Leacock emphasized that the NDP will not tolerate any political unrest akin to the turmoil that prematurely ended their government in 2001. Speaking at an NDP rally in North Union on Saturday, Leacock addressed Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves’ call for “Labour warriors” to take to the streets on election night, dismissing such actions as unnecessary and counterproductive. Leacock assured supporters that once the NDP secures victory, the country will experience stable governance focused on the welfare of its citizens. He highlighted the party’s commitment to addressing crime and violence, warning against seditious activities. Leacock also underscored the significance of this election, describing it as pivotal for the nation’s constitutional integrity and democratic future. He pledged that the NDP would deliver equal opportunities, peace, and prosperity for all Vincentians, aiming to transform the country into a beacon of unity and progress. The Unity Labour Party, currently in power, seeks an unprecedented sixth term, while the NDP aims to reclaim governance after 25 years in opposition.

  • What was Gonsalves doing with booklet of NDP’s plans?

    What was Gonsalves doing with booklet of NDP’s plans?

    During the ongoing election campaign, the United Labour Party (ULP) and its supporters have repeatedly claimed that the New Democratic Party (NDP) lacks concrete plans and that its leadership is inactive. However, a recent video posted on the Facebook page of Ralph Gonsalves, the ULP leader, has raised eyebrows and contradicted these assertions. The video shows someone placing a booklet titled ‘The New Democratic Party’s Plan for St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ on a table where Gonsalves and other ULP members were seated. The booklet, which appeared well-used and resembled a student’s textbook, was placed alongside other documents, suggesting it was being actively referenced. This discovery has sparked questions about the ULP’s motives. If the NDP truly has no plans, why would the ULP possess and study such a booklet? The presence of the document implies that the NDP’s strategies are being scrutinized, if not replicated, by the ULP. Critics have long accused the ULP of copying the NDP’s plans, and this incident seems to lend credence to those allegations. The situation also challenges the narrative of the NDP’s leadership being lazy, as the creation of a detailed plan would require significant effort and dedication. The incident has added a layer of intrigue to the election campaign, with observers questioning the ULP’s reliance on the NDP’s strategies and what this might reveal about their own preparedness.

  • Gonsalves says he gave $15,500 of his money to Vincy students in Jamaica

    Gonsalves says he gave $15,500 of his money to Vincy students in Jamaica

    Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves has revealed that he personally contributed EC$15,500 to assist Vincentian students in Jamaica following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa. The announcement was made during the Unity Labour Party’s “North Star” Rally in Chateaubelair on Saturday, where he also criticized Opposition Leader Godwin Friday for his perceived lack of generosity. Gonsalves emphasized that he typically avoids publicizing his charitable acts but felt compelled to highlight this effort for the sake of the students. He explained that Jamaica is currently in turmoil due to the hurricane’s impact, which occurred in late October. The prime minister stated that he had reached out to the Vincentian Student Association (VINSA) to identify students in urgent need of assistance. Upon receiving a request for immediate aid for 31 students, Gonsalves bypassed bureaucratic delays by instructing his banker to transfer the funds directly to VINSA’s account. He contrasted his actions with those of the opposition leader, accusing Friday of failing to fulfill a promised EC$100,000 donation for students affected by Hurricane Beryl earlier this year. Gonsalves further derided Friday as “cheap like a church mouse,” alleging that the opposition leader lacks generosity and decisiveness.

  • Premier Brantley Issues Open Letter to the People of Nevis

    Premier Brantley Issues Open Letter to the People of Nevis

    In an open letter to the people of Nevis, Premier Mark Brantley reflected on his leadership journey since 2007 and outlined his vision for the island’s future. Brantley, who has served as Premier since 2017, expressed gratitude for the trust Nevisians have placed in him and reaffirmed his commitment to advancing the island’s development. He acknowledged the challenges faced, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, which tested Nevis’ resilience. Brantley highlighted the government’s effective pandemic response, including salary cuts for Cabinet members and ensuring public servants were paid on time, which earned Nevis recognition as a leader in COVID-19 management in the Caribbean. Looking ahead, Brantley emphasized the need for economic growth, innovation, and infrastructure development to meet the demands of a growing population. He called for a balance between preserving Nevis’ heritage and embracing transformative ideas to create opportunities for youth, graduates, and the diaspora. Brantley urged Nevisians to draw inspiration from their history, particularly the courage of the Windrush Generation, and to step boldly into a future that ensures progress without erasing the past. He concluded by asking for continued prayers and unity as Nevis navigates this critical juncture in its development.

  • St. Lucians vote for a new government on December 1

    St. Lucians vote for a new government on December 1

    St. Lucia is set to hold a pivotal general election on December 1, 2025, nearly a year ahead of the constitutionally mandated date in November 2026. Prime Minister Phillip J. Pierre announced the decision in a national broadcast on November 9, 2025, revealing that he had advised Governor General Errol Charles to dissolve Parliament on November 10. Nomination Day is scheduled for November 21, marking the official start of the electoral process. Pierre emphasized that the decision was driven by the government’s confidence in its achievements and the need to continue normal governance. He highlighted significant economic improvements under his administration, including a reduction in national debt and outstanding payables. The opposition United Workers Party (UWP), led by Allen Chastanet, welcomed the announcement, framing the election as an opportunity for change. Both major parties held rallies on November 9, signaling an intense campaign period ahead. The election will test the SLP’s record against the UWP’s bid to reclaim power after its 2021 defeat.