Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves of St. Vincent and the Grenadines has ignited a political controversy by using artificial intelligence (AI) to estimate attendance at recent rallies. Speaking at the Unity Labour Party’s (ULP) “Amazing Grace” rally in Rabacca, Gonsalves revealed that ChatGPT, an advanced AI chatbot, was employed to determine that 9,000 people attended the event. He contrasted this with the opposition New Democratic Party’s (NDP) rally in Biabou, dismissing claims of similar attendance as implausible.
分类： politics
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Marco Rubio backs postponement of Summit of the Americas
The United States government has extended its gratitude to Dominican President Luis Abinader for his cooperation in hosting the rescheduled Summit of the Americas, now set for 2026 in the Dominican Republic. Originally planned for this year, the event was postponed following a collaborative decision involving the Dominican government, the U.S., the Organization of American States (OAS), and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB).
In an official statement, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio praised President Abinader for his leadership and dedication to regional collaboration. Rubio underscored Washington’s support for the rescheduling, noting that the delay will provide participating nations with additional time to develop robust proposals and foster broader consensus on shared objectives.
The 2026 summit will center on fortifying regional partnerships, advancing democratic governance, enhancing security cooperation, and promoting sustainable development across the hemisphere. Both governments emphasized that the postponement ensures more effective planning, paving the way for tangible outcomes that will benefit citizens throughout the Americas.
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Security : New Presidential Security Coordinator
In a significant move to bolster national security, Haiti has appointed Divisional Commissioner Pierre Louis Cangé as the new Coordinator of Presidential Security. The official ceremony took place on November 3rd, 2025, at the National Palace, presided over by the Commander-in-Chief of the Haitian National Police (PNH), Mr. André Jonas Vladimir Paraison. Cangé was promoted to the rank of Inspector General during the event, marking a pivotal moment in his career. The occasion was attended by prominent figures, including Inspector General Jean Maurest Étienne, Director of Personnel, and Inspector General Jacques Joël Orival, Central Director of Administrative Police, alongside National Palace staff and police officers. Post-ceremony, Commander Paraison and Director Orival introduced Cangé to the Secretary General of the National Palace, Ms. Marie Élisabeth Régine Joseph Haddad, who commended Paraison’s achievements and extended her support to the newly appointed Coordinator. This appointment underscores Haiti’s commitment to enhancing security measures at the highest levels of government.
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MIREX announces postponement of Summit of the Americas
The Dominican Republic’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MIREX) has announced the postponement of the Tenth Summit of the Americas, originally slated to be held in the country. This decision follows a thorough evaluation of the regional landscape and was made in close collaboration with key partners, including the United States, the Organization of American States (OAS), and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB).
In an official statement, MIREX highlighted that the delay aims to foster more productive outcomes for the summit, given the current obstacles to hemispheric dialogue and the aftermath of severe weather events that have affected several Caribbean nations. The Dominican government assured that the resources already allocated for the event will be preserved and reallocated for the rescheduled summit, which will align with other regional meetings planned in the country.
MIREX underscored that since being selected as the host nation in 2022, the Dominican Republic has diligently fulfilled all organizational requirements set by the OAS. The ministry noted that the postponement will allow for broader consultations to determine a new date and to incorporate recently elected democratic governments into the discussions. The statement reaffirmed the country’s unwavering commitment to multilateralism, regional cooperation, and integration as central tenets of its foreign policy.
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Government Open to Dialogue Amid PSU Threats of Strike
The Government of Belize has expressed its willingness to engage in discussions with the Public Service Union (PSU) and employees of the Belize Tax Service (BTS) following reports of potential strike action. The unrest stems from the department’s transition into the Statutory Authority for Revenue Administration (SARA), a new statutory body aimed at modernizing revenue management. Minister of Public Service, Henry Usher, emphasized that while no formal strike notice has been issued, the government is committed to addressing employee concerns. Usher highlighted that the transition to SARA is part of a long-term public sector reform initiative, not an abrupt change. He assured employees that those unwilling to join SARA would have opportunities to continue their roles in other public service sectors. The government remains open to dialogue with the PSU and public officers to resolve the issues amicably.
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Commonwealth Secretary-General and Secretariat Team Arrive in Antigua and Barbuda
The Commonwealth Secretary-General, the Rt. Hon. Shirley Botchwey, along with senior officials from the Commonwealth Secretariat, has arrived in Antigua and Barbuda to kickstart preparations for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) 2026. The delegation was warmly welcomed at the V.C. Bird International Airport by His Excellency Dr. Clarence Pilgrim, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Mrs. Ann-Marie Layne, Director General of Foreign Affairs, representing Prime Minister Hon. Gaston Browne and Foreign Minister Hon. E.P. Chet Greene. Her Excellency Karen-Mae Hill, High Commissioner of Antigua and Barbuda to the United Kingdom, also extended a warm greeting to the visiting team. This visit marks the beginning of a week-long series of official engagements, including the launch of CHOGM 2026 and meetings with the CHOGM 2026 Task Force to assess progress. Secretary-General Botchwey expressed her enthusiasm, stating, ‘Antigua and Barbuda embodies the warmth, resilience, and partnership that define the Commonwealth. I look forward to collaborating with leaders, youth, and communities to ensure CHOGM 2026 delivers real impact and shared prosperity across our 56 member states.’ The visit coincides with Antigua and Barbuda’s Independence Anniversary, highlighting the enduring partnership between the Commonwealth and its member states. Dr. Pilgrim emphasized the significance of hosting such a prestigious event, while Mrs. Layne reaffirmed the government’s commitment to making CHOGM 2026 historic and impactful. High Commissioner Hill echoed these sentiments, underscoring the nation’s readiness to lead and collaborate on global issues.
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NTUCB Demands Government Retract Case Against Ombudsman
The National Trade Union Congress of Belize (NTUCB) has issued a strong appeal to the Belizean government, urging it to withdraw its legal case against the Office of the Ombudsman. The union contends that the government’s decision to take the Ombudsman to court undermines public accountability and good governance principles. NTUCB President Ella Waight expressed deep concern and disappointment, stating that the move directly challenges the Ombudsman’s role in safeguarding citizens’ rights and promoting transparency in public administration. The legal dispute originated from a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request by activist Jeremy Enriquez, who sought details on taxpayer-funded legal fees in constitutional cases. After the Attorney General’s Ministry refused to disclose the information, the Ombudsman recommended partial disclosure. The government’s subsequent decision to challenge this recommendation in court has sparked widespread criticism. Waight emphasized the union’s unwavering support for the Ombudsman, vowing to hold the government accountable for its actions. The NTUCB has called for an immediate reconsideration of the legal proceedings, stressing the importance of upholding good governance practices.
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Trump: Dagen van Venezolaanse president Maduro zijn geteld
In a recent interview with CBS, U.S. President Donald Trump sent mixed signals regarding the possibility of a military intervention in Venezuela, while simultaneously dismissing talk of ‘war’ and issuing veiled threats against Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro. Trump warned that Maduro’s days as president are numbered, a statement made amidst the buildup of U.S. military forces in the Caribbean. The U.S. has conducted multiple strikes on alleged drug-smuggling vessels in the region, actions that United Nations officials and legal experts argue violate both U.S. and international laws.
When questioned about the potential for war with Venezuela, Trump responded, ‘I doubt it. I don’t think so.’ However, when asked if Maduro’s presidency was nearing its end, he stated, ‘I would say yes. I think so.’ American media outlets have reported that Washington is considering attacks on Venezuelan military installations as part of its war on ‘narco-terrorism.’ While Trump appeared to deny plans for such strikes, he did not entirely rule them out, stating, ‘I wouldn’t be inclined to say that I would do that,’ and ‘I’m not going to tell you what I’m going to do with Venezuela.’
Maduro, who faces U.S. charges of drug trafficking, has accused Washington of using the drug offensive as a pretext to impose ‘regime change’ in Caracas to seize Venezuela’s oil reserves. Over the past weeks, the U.S. military has carried out more than a dozen attacks on ships in the Caribbean and the Pacific, resulting in at least 65 deaths. These actions have drawn criticism from governments across the region.
The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, and human rights organizations have condemned the attacks, which began in early September, as ‘extrajudicial executions,’ even if they targeted known drug smugglers. Washington has yet to publicly provide evidence that the attacked vessels were involved in drug smuggling or posed a threat to the U.S.
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Foreign Minister Greene to Represent Antigua and Barbuda at Social Development Summit in Qatar
The Honourable E.P. Chet Greene, Antigua and Barbuda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Agriculture, and Barbuda Affairs, is set to represent the nation at the Second World Summit for Social Development in Doha, Qatar, from November 4 to 6, 2025. The summit, themed “Renewing the Social Contract: Equity, Inclusion, and Resilience for a Sustainable Future,” will gather global leaders to reaffirm commitments to people-centered development, three decades after the Copenhagen Declaration. Minister Greene will champion equity and social justice, emphasizing the urgent need for renewed global solidarity and justice-based partnerships to address interconnected crises such as climate change, debt, and inequality. He will underscore the existential threat posed by climate change to Small Island Developing States (SIDS), warning that hurricanes can devastate decades of progress in mere hours. Greene will present the Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for SIDS (ABAS) as a blueprint for resilient prosperity and advocate for the adoption of the Multidimensional Vulnerability Index (MVI) to ensure fairer financial access for vulnerable nations. Additionally, he will highlight Antigua and Barbuda’s advancements in social protection, education, and youth empowerment, showcasing initiatives like the People’s Benefit Programme and the School Meals Initiative. His participation will reinforce the nation’s leadership in global social policy and its commitment to ensuring no island is left behind in achieving sustainable and inclusive development.
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Trump Says U.S. Not Heading to War with Venezuela
In a recent interview with CBS’ 60 Minutes, U.S. President Donald Trump downplayed the possibility of a military conflict with Venezuela, asserting that President Nicolás Maduro’s tenure may soon conclude. When questioned about the likelihood of war, Trump responded, “I doubt it. I don’t think so,” though he criticized Venezuela for treating the U.S. “very badly.” Despite these remarks, the U.S. has significantly increased its military presence in the Caribbean Sea over the past two months, citing efforts to combat drug trafficking. Operations have targeted suspected smuggling vessels, resulting in at least 64 fatalities since early September, according to CBS News. Trump defended these actions, stating that each intercepted boat prevents thousands of drug-related deaths. “Every single boat that’s shot down kills 25,000 on drugs and destroys families across our country,” he claimed. Venezuela, however, accuses the U.S. of using the anti-drug campaign as a pretext for regime change, aiming to oust Maduro. Trump dismissed these allegations, emphasizing that the operations address “many things.” This interview marked Trump’s first appearance on 60 Minutes since 2020, when he walked out of an interview with Lesley Stahl, accusing CBS of bias. He later sued Paramount, CBS’s parent company, over a 2024 election segment featuring then-Vice President Kamala Harris. The edited 28-minute interview aired on CBS, with the extended version and transcript available online.