The passing of former President Ronald Venetiaan has evoked profound feelings of respect and gratitude among many. Venetiaan, a rare breed of leader, combined authority with humility, leaving an indelible mark on Suriname’s political and moral landscape. His leadership was characterized by tactical acumen, principled decision-making, and a steadfast commitment to the nation’s interests over personal or partisan gain. Unlike many of his contemporaries, Venetiaan avoided the limelight, yet his influence was deeply felt in shaping the country’s governance and ethical compass. His unwavering integrity and modest demeanor earned him admiration even from political adversaries, a testament to his enduring moral authority. In a political climate often marred by corruption and self-interest, Venetiaan remained untarnished, a rarity that solidified his reputation as a true statesman. His collaborative approach with Vice President Jules Ajodhia symbolized trust and unity, a stark contrast to the divisiveness seen in recent years. Venetiaan’s decision to forego a state funeral aligns with his humble nature, yet such a ceremony would fittingly honor his legacy and the values he championed: dignity, principles, and decency in public service. For current and future leaders, Venetiaan’s life serves as a powerful reminder that true leadership lies not in loud proclamations but in listening, integrity, and simplicity. His enduring legacy is not etched in monuments but in the example he set—a beacon of moral leadership in an often tumultuous world.
分类： politics
-
Pringle Calls for Vehicle Scandal Probe to Extend to Quarries and Cement Factory
Opposition Leader Jamale Pringle has intensified calls for a comprehensive forensic investigation into the Ministry of Works, urging that the scope of the ongoing vehicle procurement scandal probe be extended to include the quarries and cement factory under the ministry’s purview. Speaking during the second day of protests outside the ministry, Pringle, leader of the United Progressive Party (UPP), emphasized that these issues are interconnected, pointing to a broader pattern of alleged mismanagement and lack of transparency within the government.
Pringle highlighted the necessity of an independent investigation into the so-called ‘vehicle-gate’ scandal, as well as the quarries and cement factory, citing reports of $15 million allegedly misappropriated from the ministry. He also raised concerns about the ministry’s headquarters, which he claimed is ‘suffering tremendously from mold infestation.’
The UPP leader vowed to maintain pressure on the government until a full investigation is launched, stating, ‘We cannot continue to have this government hide or stifle accountability and transparency in Antigua and Barbuda. We will be here until we get such an investigation into the matters I’ve mentioned.’ The protest outside the Ministry of Works marked the second consecutive day of demonstrations by the UPP, which is advocating for independent oversight into government operations to ensure accountability and transparency.
-
Homelessness advocate Saffrey eyes party politics as he signals run for Parliament
Kemar Saffrey, a prominent social advocate renowned for his dedication to addressing homelessness, has officially declared his intention to run in the upcoming general election. This marks his first formal step toward a parliamentary career, signaling his ambition to elevate his advocacy work to a national level. Saffrey, the founder and president of the Barbados Alliance to End Homelessness (BAEH), revealed that his interest in politics has been a long-standing pursuit, rather than a sudden decision.
-
ULP projects are about people — Peters
Keisal Peters, the Unity Labour Party (ULP) candidate for West Kingstown, has strongly refuted Opposition Leader Godwin Friday’s assertion that a New Democratic Party (NDP) administration would prioritize people over projects. Speaking at a ULP rally in Richmond Hill, Kingstown, Peters emphasized that every initiative undertaken by the ULP is fundamentally about the people. She cited numerous projects, including housing developments, the BERRY Project, fisheries expansion, the Rabacca Bridge, the Modern Medical Diagnostic Centre, the Acute Referral Hospital, and the Argyle International Airport, as evidence of the ULP’s commitment to the populace. Peters, a first-time candidate, is vying to unseat NDP Chairman Daniel Cummings, who has held the West Kingstown seat since 2010. In the 2020 elections, Cummings secured his third consecutive term, while the ULP achieved a historic fifth consecutive term, winning nine of the 15 seats despite losing the popular vote for the first time since 1998. Peters criticized the NDP’s lack of vision, particularly their opposition to the Argyle International Airport, which she described as a transformative project for St. Vincent and the Grenadines. She also highlighted her achievements, including the completion of the Edinboro road and the rehabilitation of the Edinboro Hard Court, which she funded during her tenure as foreign minister. Peters underscored the ULP’s dedication to youth empowerment, contrasting it with the NDP’s alleged reluctance to embrace young talent. She urged voters to support the ULP in the upcoming general election, emphasizing the importance of youth participation and the dangers of silencing their voices.
-
Paliza backs salary indexation but warns it shouldn’t harm the poor
In a recent statement, José Ignacio Paliza, the Dominican Republic’s Minister of the Presidency, highlighted the potential benefits of salary indexation as a mechanism to enhance the purchasing power of workers, particularly the middle class. However, he stressed that such measures must not negatively impact the nation’s most vulnerable populations. Speaking after a meeting of the PRM Executive Directorate on Friday, Paliza underscored the importance of balancing economic reforms with social equity. The proposed salary indexation is part of a broader government reform initiative introduced last year to address persistent inflation and improve family incomes. Paliza acknowledged the challenge of compensating for potential revenue losses to the State but firmly rejected suggestions to fund the initiative by cutting subsidies or social programs. He pointed out that these programs support over 700,000 Dominicans and have been instrumental in reducing poverty to historic lows. Paliza’s remarks reflect the government’s commitment to fostering economic growth while safeguarding social welfare.
-
DOE: Ronald Venetiaan blijft voorbeeld van integriteit en staatsmanschap
The Party for Democracy and Development in Unity (DOE) has expressed profound sorrow over the passing of former President of the Republic of Suriname, Ronald Venetiaan. Affectionately known as “Vene” or “El Vene,” Venetiaan served three terms as head of state, making him the longest-serving president in Suriname’s history. His leadership was marked by principles, integrity, and a commitment to public service, playing a pivotal role in restoring democracy after a period of military rule. During his tenure, he ended the civil war and championed socio-economic recovery, political stability, and regional cooperation within the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). The DOE described Venetiaan as a principled leader—sometimes beloved, sometimes criticized—but always steadfast in his convictions. “To this day, there is no president comparable to Vene,” the party stated. His passing is seen as an opportunity to reflect on the values he embodied: ethics, justice, transparency, and national unity. DOE Chairman Steven Alfaisi emphasized, “These are ideals we must continue to fight for, despite all challenges.” The party extended its heartfelt condolences to the Venetiaan family, his friends, members of the National Party of Suriname (NPS), and the Surinamese people. “His flame has been extinguished, but his ideals continue to burn. His legacy will forever inspire us to work in the best interest of the nation and its people,” the DOE concluded. Rest in peace, El Vene.
-
Leonel Fernández urges inflation adjustment to protect workers’ income
In a compelling statement on Thursday, Leonel Fernández, former President of the Dominican Republic and leader of the People’s Force, raised concerns over the detrimental effects of inflation on the nation’s workforce. Describing inflation as a “hidden tax,” Fernández emphasized the urgent need for policy adjustments to protect workers’ incomes and ensure tax equity.
-
Politic : The MCI and the private sector commit to reducing community violence
On November 6, 2025, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MCI) of Haiti, in collaboration with the Regional Chambers of Commerce and Industry and the United Nations system, hosted a pivotal session of the Private Sector Engagement Forum at the Karibe Convention Center in Pétion-ville. The event aimed to address the pressing issue of community violence in Haiti through economic and social strategies. Key attendees included Frinel Joseph, Presidential Advisor; Pedrica Saint Jean, Minister for the Status of Women; James Monazard, Minister of Commerce and Industry; and representatives from the UN and the Kenyan Gang Suppression Force (GSF).
The forum focused on the National Action Plan for Disarmament, Demobilization, Reintegration, and Reduction of Community Violence (DDR-RVC), emphasizing the need to tackle the root causes of violence by fostering sustainable economic opportunities. Discussions underscored the importance of economic governance, local solutions, and private sector integration into national stabilization efforts. The overarching goal is to strengthen communities, boost local employment, and promote social peace.
In his address, Frinel Joseph highlighted the necessity of peace for constitutional order, urging private sector involvement in youth reintegration and community reconstruction. Minister Monazard outlined short-term initiatives to support entrepreneurship in violence-free areas and long-term plans to enhance the entrepreneurial ecosystem in vulnerable neighborhoods. He stressed the role of inclusive economic development in combating insecurity.
Minister Pedrica Saint Jean emphasized the critical role of women in peacebuilding and economic recovery, calling for their active participation in community mediation and social reconstruction. She urged the private sector to adopt a gender perspective in its strategies, asserting that women’s involvement is essential for lasting peace and economic recovery. The forum concluded with a reaffirmation of the government’s commitment to building an inclusive and resilient society with women as key contributors to national development.
-
Mayor Wagner Led Motion to Block Hangar Access
In a surprising turn of events, Belize City Mayor Bernard Wagner has come under scrutiny for his role in a motion to block vehicular access to the Hangar, a prominent seafront area. Despite initially claiming he couldn’t recall who initiated the petition during an August council meeting, official minutes reveal that Mayor Wagner himself proposed the motion, which was seconded by Deputy Mayor Eluide Miller. This decision marks a stark reversal from a 2022 council meeting where a similar petition was rejected. Back then, councilors argued that the area should remain a public reserve, emphasizing the need for increased policing rather than restricted access. Mayor Wagner now defends the motion as a measure to enhance the quality of life for residents, citing concerns about noise and disturbances. However, critics question the transparency of the decision-making process and its implications for public access. The council’s shift in stance has sparked debate over the balance between private interests and public rights, leaving many to wonder what has changed since 2022.
-
NTUCB Mobilizes Members Over AG’s FOIA Appeal
The National Trade Union Congress of Belize (NTUCB) has escalated its response to the Attorney General Ministry’s appeal against the Ombudsman’s ruling on a Freedom of Information request, signaling a more assertive stance on governance and transparency. The NTUCB, Belize’s foremost labor organization, has initiated a mobilization of its affiliates following an emergency meeting convened on Sunday. During the meeting, member unions were tasked with consulting their members to determine potential actions, reflecting growing discontent within the organization over perceived threats to accountability in public affairs.
A senior NTUCB representative revealed that the Attorney General’s decision to appeal the Ombudsman’s directive was the tipping point that prompted the emergency meeting. The appeal, filed on October 28 in the High Court, seeks to overturn a ruling mandating the disclosure of government payments to private law firms, as ordered under the Freedom of Information Act. Civil society groups have criticized the timing of the appeal, arguing that it circumvents the procedural requirement for ministerial review before judicial intervention.
The NTUCB has indicated that it will no longer issue statements or press releases on the matter, deeming that phase concluded. Instead, the organization is preparing to take decisive action based on the outcomes of internal consultations within its member unions. These consultations are expected to conclude in the coming days, after which the NTUCB will determine its unified course of action. This development underscores the labor body’s commitment to upholding transparency and accountability in Belize’s governance framework.