In a dramatic turn of events during the marathon budget debate in the House of Representatives, Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo declared that the People’s National Movement (PNM) had ‘fallen’ after no opposition MP rose to respond to a government speaker. The debate, which began at 10 am on October 17 and concluded at 2:22 am on October 18, is set to resume on October 21 with a detailed examination of revenue and expenditure by the Standing Finance Committee. The session featured 14 speakers, alternating between opposition and government MPs, until it reached Claxton Bay MP Hansen Narinesingh, who delivered his maiden speech. Speaker Jagdeo Singh congratulated Narinesingh and then turned to the opposition benches, only to find no one willing to speak. Tancoo seized the moment, criticizing the PNM for abdicating its responsibility, particularly noting the absence of opposition leader Pennelope Beckles. He accused the opposition of having ‘nothing to say’ and praised the budget as ‘excellent.’ House Leader Barry Padarath later issued a statement titled ‘PNM Collapses in 2026 Budget Debate,’ highlighting the opposition’s failure to continue the debate despite having five members yet to speak. Padarath described the PNM’s inaction as a clear sign of their inability to analyze and respond to the national budget, suggesting that the party had ‘collapsed’ under the pressure.
分类： politics
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France’s ex-president Sarkozy goes to jail
PARIS, France — Nicolas Sarkozy, the former French president, is set to begin his prison sentence on Tuesday, marking a historic moment as he becomes the first former head of state from an EU country to be incarcerated. Sarkozy, who led France from 2007 to 2012, was convicted in late September for his involvement in a criminal conspiracy to secure illegal campaign funding from the late Libyan dictator Moamer Kadhafi during his 2007 presidential bid. Despite appealing the verdict and decrying it as an “injustice,” Sarkozy will be held at La Sante prison in Paris. In a defiant statement following his conviction, Sarkozy declared, “If they absolutely want me to sleep in prison, I will sleep in prison — but with my head held high.” This makes him the first French leader to face imprisonment since Philippe Petain, the Nazi-collaborating head of the Vichy regime, who was jailed after World War II. Sarkozy is expected to be placed in solitary confinement, occupying a nine-square-meter cell to minimize interaction with other inmates and prevent unauthorized photography. The presiding judge, Nathalie Gavarino, emphasized the “exceptional gravity” of the offenses, ordering his incarceration even as he appeals. Sarkozy’s legal team is likely to seek his release immediately, but the court retains the authority to deny it if there are concerns about evidence tampering or witness intimidation. If released, he could be placed under judicial supervision or house arrest with an ankle tag. Sarkozy’s legal troubles have mounted since his 2012 re-election loss, including a prior graft conviction. In the Libyan case, prosecutors alleged that his aides struck a deal with Kadhafi in 2005 to fund his campaign, with promises to restore Kadhafi’s international image. However, the court acquitted Sarkozy of charges related to embezzlement, corruption, and illicit campaign financing. Despite losing his Legion of Honour distinction, Sarkozy retains some support on the French right, with his son Louis Sarkozy urging supporters to rally outside their family home. The case has also sparked controversy, with the presiding judge receiving death threats, prompting President Emmanuel Macron to condemn such actions as “unacceptable.” La Sante prison has housed notable figures, including Venezuelan militant Carlos the Jackal and French model agent Jean-Luc Brunel, who was found dead in his cell in 2022.
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Antigua PM vows crackdown on corruption, warns even major donors at risk
In a bold declaration during a parliamentary session on Thursday, Prime Minister Gaston Browne of Antigua and Barbuda announced a stringent zero-tolerance policy towards corruption, even if it implicates influential business supporters. Addressing the Lower House, Browne emphasized that his administration is committed to eradicating malfeasance within state agencies and revenue departments, regardless of the political or financial clout of those involved. He underscored the importance of safeguarding public revenue to ensure it directly benefits the populace, signaling an end to under-the-table deals and revenue leakage that have plagued previous governments. Browne’s statement, ‘The time for leniency is over,’ reflects his determination to restore public confidence and ensure that government funds are utilized in the national interest. He also acknowledged that some of the individuals implicated in corruption are significant campaign contributors but affirmed that his government is prepared to make sacrifices to uphold integrity and transparency.
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Citizen Seeks Full Disclosure of Legal Fees in State of Emergency Cases
Civic activist Jeremy Enriquez has formally invoked the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) to compel the Ministry of Home Affairs and New Growth Industries to reveal the extent of public funds expended on legal fees and damages linked to the July 2020 State of Emergency (SOE) detentions. In a detailed seven-page letter dated September 25, 2025, Enriquez addressed Minister Kareem Musa, emphasizing the necessity of transparency for public accountability. He referenced several High Court rulings that deemed the Government’s detentions unlawful, resulting in compensatory and vindicatory damages awarded to 16 claimants. Enriquez highlighted that taxpayers are now burdened with covering both these damages and escalating legal costs.
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Simons: Punt achter Decemberzaak; geen gratieverzoek, geen discussie
In a recent press conference, President Jennifer Simons of Suriname addressed the ongoing discussions surrounding the December case, clarifying that she has not received an official pardon request from the four men convicted in the trial. She emphasized that her office has only received a letter from their lawyer, Irvin Kanhai, and not a signed petition from the individuals themselves.
President Simons underscored that a pardon request must be a personal act, requiring the direct involvement and signature of the convicted individuals. This principle aligns with the nearly 1,000 pardon requests submitted in anticipation of Suriname’s 50th anniversary of independence. ‘A pardon is a request from the detainee themselves. As long as that is not on my desk, I know nothing about it,’ she stated. She further clarified that unsigned letters do not qualify as formal pardon requests.
The President noted that she has received numerous pardon requests from other detainees, all of which were processed through the Ministry of Justice & Police and met all necessary requirements, including the signatures of the applicants.
Regarding the December case, President Simons declared it legally closed. ‘What I personally think, or what you personally think, no longer matters. The judge has made the decision; the case is over,’ she responded to a question. She assured that the human rights of all detainees, including the four convicted individuals, are being respected but reiterated that she sees no reason to reopen the matter.
‘We forget no one, including these four individuals. But neither you nor anyone else will get me to reopen this drama,’ she firmly stated. President Simons concluded by emphasizing her focus on the future of Suriname, stating, ‘I carry an entire country on my shoulders. The situation is not easy, but I continue to work to provide a better life for all Surinamese people.’
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Hilaire, UWP react to CCJ ruling in customs case
The Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) has delivered a landmark ruling, dismissing Opposition Leader Allen Chastanet’s appeal in a protracted customs case tied to the importation of a Land Rover Discovery vehicle. The decision, issued on October 15, 2025, upheld prior judgments from the High Court and the Court of Appeal, affirming that the Comptroller of Customs acted lawfully in withdrawing the charges. The CCJ further stated that seeking judicial review of the Comptroller’s decision was “legally misconceived.” Deputy Prime Minister Dr. Ernest Hilaire hailed the verdict as a personal vindication after nearly a decade of legal and political scrutiny. In a social media post, Hilaire emphasized his resilience, vowing to continue serving his constituents despite ongoing challenges. The United Workers Party (UWP), however, criticized the ruling, labeling it a blow to accountability and transparency in Saint Lucia. The party argued that the decision prevented a full examination of the facts, leaving the public in the dark. The CCJ’s ruling marks the definitive conclusion of the case, with no further appeals possible, and the court lamented the case’s excessive consumption of judicial resources.
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4,697 new voter registations since June 2022
The Parliamentary Elections Office (PEO) has announced the publication of its latest voter registration updates, marking a significant step in maintaining electoral transparency. Since the June 2022 General Election, the number of registered voters has grown by 4,697, bringing the total to 92,491 as of 30 September 2025. The PEO routinely publishes an addendum list every three months, alongside a comprehensive consolidated list released biannually in June and December. The most recent addendum list, covering July to September 2025, includes 852 new registrations, while the June 2025 consolidated list contains 91,639 names. Starting 16 October 2025, registered voters will have a seven-day window to inspect both the addendum and consolidated lists. This review period allows individuals to submit claims or objections regarding any discrepancies. The lists will be accessible at various public locations, including Parliamentary Elections Constituency Offices, post offices, police stations, and medical stations. The PEO emphasizes the importance of verifying personal details, particularly for those who registered between July and September 2025. Requests for corrections must be submitted to the relevant Registration Officer by 23 October 2025. This initiative underscores the PEO’s commitment to ensuring accurate and inclusive voter rolls ahead of future elections.
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CABINET NOTES: October 15, 2025
The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda, under the leadership of Prime Minister Gaston Browne, convened on October 15, 2025, to address critical national issues, including revenue control, water infrastructure improvements, and a groundbreaking water-security partnership with Japan. The meeting began with a prayer led by a pastor from the Evangelical Association, emphasizing trust in divine guidance for decision-making.
Cabinet members discussed the need to strengthen revenue collection frameworks, particularly in response to unauthorized vehicle purchases. The Ministry of Finance was tasked with reviewing these cases and ensuring restitution for any irregularities. Additionally, all government vehicles will undergo audits and be affixed with approved license plates, except for specific high-ranking officials.
The Minister for Utilities provided updates on ongoing water infrastructure projects managed by the Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA). Key developments include the reactivation of the Lower Buckleys Reservoir, expansion of production capacity at Pigeon Point and Pattersons Plants, and plans for new reservoirs in Wink-Eye Hill and New Winthropes. These efforts aim to enhance water distribution and support the growing yachting sector.
In response to recent heavy rainfall, the Minister for Health reported flooding at Tranquility Park Cemetery and other burial sites. Cabinet approved the installation of a drainage system to address waterlogging issues.
A significant highlight of the meeting was the approval of a partnership with Japan’s WOTA Corporation to implement decentralized, autonomous water-recycling systems. This initiative, supported by the Government of Japan, will deploy 500 WOTA systems across Antigua and Barbuda, promoting water security and sustainability. The Cabinet also agreed to consider tax exemptions for WOTA systems to encourage widespread adoption.
Prime Minister Browne praised the partnership as a model for innovation and climate resilience, particularly for Small Island Developing States (SIDS). The collaboration is expected to set a regional benchmark for sustainable water management in the Caribbean.
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NPS: Gratieverlening decemberveroordeelden niet aan de orde
The National Party of Suriname (NPS) has vehemently denied allegations that it has agreed within the coalition to grant pardons to those convicted in the December murders case. In a formal statement, the party labeled such claims as ‘utterly false.’ The NPS clarified that it has taken note of media reports suggesting its support for clemency but firmly rejected these assertions. The party reiterated its stance that the convictions not only upheld the rule of law but also delivered justice to the victims’ families and society at large. The NPS emphasized that granting pardons is not under consideration. Instead, the party remains focused on Suriname’s development and the welfare of its citizens, pledging to uphold a robust legal system where the protection of citizens is paramount.
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OPINION: Antigua And Barbuda Government Erodes Private Property Rights
In a move that has sparked widespread concern, the government of Antigua and Barbuda is proposing amendments to the Tax Administration Act, which critics argue could severely erode private property rights. The bill, which lowers the threshold for the government to seize private property under the pretext of collecting outstanding taxes, has been met with fierce opposition from citizens and legal experts alike.