In a significant move to bolster diplomatic and media relations, a high-profile Vietnamese media delegation recently concluded a working visit to Cuba. This visit, which took place from October 16th to 21st, 2025, was part of the ongoing exchange programs between the official newspapers of the Communist Parties of Cuba and Vietnam—Granma and Nhan Dan, respectively. The visit coincided with the upcoming 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations, set to be commemorated in December 2025. The delegation’s agenda was packed with activities aimed at fostering mutual understanding and collaboration. Key highlights included participation in the First Granma-Rebelde Festival, where both media outlets showcased their work alongside other significant platforms from Cuba and around the world. Yoerky Sánchez Cuellar, a member of the Central Committee and editor-in-chief of Granma, expressed deep admiration for the Vietnamese people and thanked them for their financial support to Cuba amidst renewed economic challenges. He also highlighted the successful outcomes of the collaboration between the two newspapers, including the creation of a special microsite titled ‘Cuba and Vietnam: The Walk,’ which has published over 80 articles. Dinh Song Linh, head of the Science and Environment Department at Nhan Dan, led the delegation and outlined the latest organizational developments at his media outlet. He emphasized the potential for further collaboration in areas such as artificial intelligence training, content exchange, and the establishment of a special Cuba-Vietnam fund at the Granma Documentation and Archive Center. The delegation also toured various sites, including the Fidel Castro Ruz Center, Vietnamese companies in the Mariel Development Zone, and rice-growing areas in Pinar del Río, where cultivation is carried out with Vietnamese expertise. These visits underscored the practical benefits of the bilateral relationship, particularly in economic and agricultural sectors. The working meeting concluded with specific points for advancing the collaboration agenda, including the signing of a memorandum of understanding and the revitalization of content exchange. The visit not only reinforced the strong bond between the two nations but also set the stage for future cooperation in media and beyond.
分类： politics
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News : Zapping…
In a significant development for Haiti’s political scene, Minister of Justice and Public Security Patrick Pélissier announced that over 220 political parties have successfully regularized their documentation with the Ministry. The list of compliant parties is set to be published soon, with the government allocating $3 billion in its budget to support these entities. Pélissier extended his congratulations and wished them success in the forthcoming elections.
Meanwhile, the U.S. Embassy in Haiti has categorically denied rumors suggesting that a U.S. government shutdown would facilitate illegal immigration into the United States. The Embassy labeled such claims as entirely false, aiming to quell misinformation.
In a separate legal matter, former senators Youri Latortue and Joseph Lambert appeared before the Port-au-Prince Court of Appeals on October 22, 2025, as part of an ongoing corruption investigation. Latortue faces charges for issuing checks totaling nearly 3 million gourdes to his mother during his tenure as Senate President, while Lambert is accused of obstructing justice. The hearing has been adjourned for a week.
On the humanitarian front, Leslie Voltaire, Presidential Transition Advisor, convened a hybrid meeting on October 22, 2025, to advance the Les Cayes Rehabilitation Center project. The initiative aims to support children and adolescents in vulnerable situations or in conflict with the law. Key participants included representatives from national institutions and international organizations such as UNICEF, Viva Rio, and the Inter-American Development Bank.
In sports, the 2025 Inter-University Football Tournament in the South and West regions has scheduled matches from October 23 to 26, featuring teams like UNDH, UNASMOH, and UEH.
However, amidst these developments, Bertide Horace, Spokesperson for the Dialogue and Awareness Commission, has raised alarms over the escalating gang violence in the Lower Artibonite region, where criminal groups now control 90% of the area. The Commission has criticized the authorities for their perceived inaction in addressing this crisis.
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Staatsolie valt onder nieuw ministerie van Olie, Gas en Milieu
The government has officially enacted a sweeping reorganization of its ministerial structure through a State Decree, marking a significant shift in administrative priorities. Central to this overhaul is the establishment of the Ministry of Oil, Gas, and Environment, which consolidates policy, oversight, and regulation of the burgeoning oil sector. Notably, Staatsolie, the state-owned oil company, will now report directly to this new ministry instead of the Ministry of Natural Resources (NH).
The Ministry of Natural Resources will refocus its mandate on water management, energy supply, and natural resources, excluding oil and gas. Entities such as NV Energiebedrijven Suriname (EBS) and the Surinaamsche Waterleiding Maatschappij remain under NH, with David Abiamofo overseeing the latter.
This restructuring is part of a broader administrative reform aimed at streamlining governance and eliminating overlapping responsibilities. Several departments have been renamed, merged, or reorganized to align policies more effectively with strategic pillars such as energy, economy, digital transformation, and social inclusion.
The newly formed Ministry of Oil, Gas, and Environment, led by Patrick Brunings, will also oversee the National Oil Spill Response Plan, local content regulations, and policies addressing environmental and climate obligations. This dual focus aims to balance economic growth with ecological sustainability.
The changes are retroactively effective from July 16, 2025, as per State Decree S.B. 2025 no. 124.
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Politic : Intervention of the new Head of BINUH at the UN Security Council
Carlos Ruiz Massieu, the newly appointed Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH), delivered his inaugural address to the UN Security Council on October 22, 2025. In his comprehensive statement, Massieu painted a stark picture of Haiti’s current realities, emphasizing the country’s escalating security crisis, political instability, and humanitarian challenges.
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Cuba and China for strengthening cooperation in the study of the history of their revolutions and communist parties
In a significant diplomatic engagement, Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, the First Secretary of the Party’s Central Committee and President of Cuba, welcomed Li Zongyuan, Director General of the History Museum of the Communist Party of China (CPC), at the Palace of the Revolution in Havana. The meeting underscored the deepening ties between the two nations, particularly in the realms of historical and political collaboration. Li Zongyuan emphasized that the primary goal of his visit was to enhance cooperation between Cuban and Chinese institutions in studying the revolutionary histories and the roles of their respective Communist Parties. This visit follows Díaz-Canel’s earlier tour of the CPC Museum in Beijing, where he gained insights into China’s reform process and the CPC’s leadership under President Xi Jinping. Díaz-Canel highlighted the importance of interparty relations as the foundation of Cuba-China ties, describing both nations as building a ‘community with a shared future.’ He also expressed gratitude for the warm reception he received during his visit to China last September, which coincided with the 80th anniversary of the Victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression. Li Zongyuan noted that 2025 marks the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries, a milestone celebrated through the exchange of congratulatory letters between Presidents Xi Jinping and Díaz-Canel. The CPC Museum, Li explained, plays a crucial role in preserving China’s revolutionary history and fostering bilateral relations. This visit marks the first international delegation of the CPC Museum, with Cuba chosen as the inaugural destination. The meeting was attended by high-ranking officials from both sides, including Hua Xin, China’s Ambassador to Cuba, and Emilio Lozada García, head of Cuba’s Department of International Relations.
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Hilaire responds to assault charge with journalist Eldrise Charles
Deputy Prime Minister Dr. Ernest Hilaire has publicly addressed the assault charges filed against him, labeling the case as a politically driven maneuver. The charges stem from an alleged altercation with journalist Eldrise Charles inside the Parliament building in August. During a press conference on October 22, Hilaire accused certain factions within the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force (RSLPF) and the Opposition United Workers Party (UWP) of orchestrating what he termed a “baseless and politically motivated” accusation.
The incident reportedly occurred on August 19, during a UWP-led protest outside Parliament, where Charles, wearing a protest-themed t-shirt, attempted to interview government ministers. A video later surfaced showing Hilaire allegedly interacting with Charles, who claimed he “placed his hand on her back and pushed her out of Parliament.” Hilaire vehemently denied the allegations, stating that video evidence disproves the claims.
Hilaire criticized Inspector George Clarke, who led the investigation, accusing him of political bias and alleging that Clarke is a known UWP operative. He questioned the expedited handling of the case, noting that it was completed in less than two months, a timeline he deemed suspicious. Hilaire expressed disappointment that the police were focusing on what he called a frivolous case instead of addressing serious issues affecting Saint Lucians.
The Deputy Prime Minister revealed that he had previously enjoyed a cordial relationship with Charles and was surprised by her complaint. He stated that he would have apologized if she had expressed any offense. Hilaire also questioned Charles’ motives, pointing to her public commentary on the case before it reached court.
Despite the controversy, Hilaire reaffirmed his commitment to his duties as a government minister and vowed to fight the charges with all legal resources available. He emphasized that the government remains focused on serving the people and will not be distracted by what he described as political theatrics. Hilaire is scheduled to appear in court on December 4, 2025, for case management.
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PM Skerrit, PM Pierre in St Vincent and Grenadines for one-day visit
Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit of Dominica and Prime Minister Phillip J. Pierre of Saint Lucia are set to conduct a one-day official visit to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines on October 22, 2025. The visit, as reported by The St Vincent Times, will focus on key infrastructure developments and bilateral discussions. The leaders are scheduled to tour two major projects: the Acute Care Hospital at Arnos Vale and the newly upgraded Port of Kingstown. These sites represent significant advancements in healthcare and maritime infrastructure for the region. Following the tours, Prime Ministers Skerrit and Pierre will engage in high-level talks with Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves and his Cabinet members. The visit will culminate in a press briefing at the conference room within the Modern Port facility, where the leaders are expected to address the media and share insights from their discussions. This visit underscores the ongoing collaboration and diplomatic ties among the Caribbean nations, highlighting their commitment to regional development and cooperation.
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In nobody’s backyard: Open letter opposing US military incursions and reaffirming the Caribbean as a Zone of Peace
In a bold move to protect regional sovereignty and peace, a coalition of Caribbean women and organizations has issued an open letter condemning recent U.S. military incursions in the Caribbean Sea. Addressed to CARICOM Chair and Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness, the letter highlights the grave consequences of these actions, including the extrajudicial killing of at least 32 individuals, two of whom were Trinidad and Tobago nationals. The letter, signed by 112 organizations, underscores the threat posed to the Caribbean tourism industry, local livelihoods, and the region’s commitment to peace. The coalition also criticizes a recent U.S. request to install radar equipment in Grenada, viewing it as an extension of the Monroe Doctrine and a violation of Caribbean sovereignty. The letter calls on CARICOM leaders to uphold the 2014 declaration of the Caribbean as a Zone of Peace and to resist U.S. militarization efforts. It emphasizes the region’s history of overcoming violence and exploitation, asserting that the Caribbean is “in nobody’s backyard.” The coalition urges Grenada to reject the U.S. request and for CARICOM to support this stance, even if it incurs economic or political costs. The letter concludes with a powerful reminder of the region’s resilience and determination to safeguard its independence and peace.
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PM Pierre sidesteps Felix’s ‘betrayal’ remarks
Prime Minister Philip J Pierre of Saint Lucia has opted to remain detached from recent accusations leveled by his former Saint Lucia Labour Party colleague, Stanley Felix, who claimed the nation’s leader had betrayed him. Speaking at a pre-Cabinet press briefing on October 20, Pierre emphasized his commitment to his duties as Prime Minister, refusing to engage in what he termed as “roro” or political squabbles. Felix, who announced his independent candidacy for the Castries Central seat on October 13, had earlier expressed feelings of betrayal, stating, “People I trusted hurt me. Doors that should have opened were slammed shut in my face.” The rift between the two politicians traces back to 2022, when Felix was removed as President of the Senate following charges of perverting the course of justice, which were later dismissed in March 2024. During an appearance on Newsmaker Live on October 15, Felix lamented the lack of communication surrounding his removal, describing the professional and personal repercussions as “significant.” While Pierre acknowledged he had not fully reviewed Felix’s remarks, he stated he would not contest them, affirming, “I will never dispute anything Mr Felix says — never.” The Prime Minister reiterated his long-standing acquaintance with Felix and his refusal to engage in political conflicts, emphasizing the importance of democratic participation. Pierre concluded by stating his focus remains on national progress rather than personal or political disputes, declaring, “This election for me will never be an election of conflict. That election for me is an election of my achievements.”
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New Chief Justice’s pledge: I will do my best
Justice of Appeal Ronnie Boodoosingh has officially assumed the role of Trinidad and Tobago’s ninth Chief Justice, succeeding Ivor Archie, who retired on October 22. Boodoosingh was sworn in by acting President Wade Mark at a ceremony held at the President’s House in St. Ann’s. The appointment followed the constitutional process outlined in Section 102, requiring consultation with the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition. While Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar expressed support, Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles criticized the consultation process as flawed. Boodoosingh, a seasoned jurist with over three decades of legal experience, pledged to serve with humility, diligence, and integrity. He paid tribute to Archie, highlighting his contributions to modernizing the judiciary, including the introduction of electronic filing and virtual courtrooms. Boodoosingh also acknowledged the sacrifices made by Archie’s family and expressed gratitude for his own family’s support. The ceremony was attended by key government officials, including Attorney General John Jeremie and Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander. Acting President Wade Mark praised the seamless transition, emphasizing the stability and independence of the judiciary. Boodoosingh’s appointment has been widely welcomed by the legal fraternity, with hopes that his leadership will enhance access to justice and restore public confidence in the judiciary.