Marsha Caddle, Chairperson of the Barbados Labour Party (BLP) and Member of Parliament, has robustly defended the government against accusations of sidelining public input in legislative processes. Speaking at the BLP headquarters on Roebuck Street ahead of the party’s 86th annual conference, Caddle emphasized that no previous administration has been as committed to incorporating Barbadians’ perspectives into national policy as the current Mia Mottley-led government. She highlighted the establishment of parliamentary standing committees as a testament to this commitment, ensuring that legislation is open to scrutiny by individuals, groups, and even the diaspora. Caddle’s remarks come in response to growing criticism over the government’s handling of recent bills, including the Interception of Communications Bill and the Tourist Accommodation Bill, which faced significant public backlash. Political scientist Devaron Bruce questioned the inclusivity of the consultation process, suggesting that it often favors supporters of the ruling party. However, Caddle countered that the government’s willingness to amend legislation reflects responsiveness rather than failure. She also pointed to the success of community engagement initiatives like Ideas Forums and Parish Speaks sessions as evidence of the public’s active participation in policy discussions. The theme of this year’s BLP conference, ‘When Labour Leads, We Bajans Succeed,’ underscores the party’s focus on inclusive governance and national progress.
分类： politics
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US Revokes Visas Over Comments on Charlie Kirk’s Death
In a decisive move, the Trump administration has revoked the visas of at least six foreign nationals following their controversial social media posts celebrating the murder of conservative influencer Charlie Kirk. The U.S. State Department announced the decision on X, stating, ‘The United States has no obligation to host foreigners who wish death on Americans.’ The department also shared screenshots of the offending posts. The individuals affected hail from Argentina, South Africa, Mexico, Brazil, Germany, and Paraguay. Charlie Kirk, 31, co-founder of Turning Point USA and a close ally of Donald Trump, was tragically shot dead while speaking at Utah Valley University on September 10. Trump has since honored Kirk as a ‘martyr’ and posthumously awarded him the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Among those impacted by the visa revocations are South African businessman Nhlamulo Baloyi and Brazilian comedian Tiago Santineli, both of whom confirmed their visas had been canceled after mocking Kirk online.
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Security : Donation of 90 Kawasaki motorcycles and logistical equipment to the PNH
In a significant move to enhance Haiti’s law enforcement capabilities, the Organization of American States (OAS), in collaboration with the Canadian government, has donated 90 Kawasaki motorcycles and essential logistical equipment to the Haitian National Police (PNH). The donation, comprising Kawasaki KLX 300 and KLR 650 models, aims to bolster police deployment in operations against armed gangs, which have been a persistent threat to the nation’s security. The handover ceremony also served as a platform for discussions between Cristobal Dupouy, the OAS Secretary General’s Representative in Haiti, and Vladimir Paraison, the Acting Director General of the PNH. Key topics included structural reforms, modernization of police operations, and improvements in officers’ social benefits. This initiative is part of a broader international effort to support Haiti’s fight against violence, with contributions from the United Nations, Canada, the United States, France, and Taiwan. Earlier this year, the PNH also received armored vehicles and personal protective equipment, further strengthening their operational capacity.
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“We must give our all for Venezuela”
In a powerful display of unity, Cuba has reaffirmed its unwavering support for Venezuela, a nation currently facing significant military pressure from the United States. Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, First Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba and President of the Republic, expressed solidarity with Venezuela and its President, Nicolás Maduro, during a public statement on X. He emphasized that Venezuela, the homeland of Simón Bolívar and Hugo Chávez, will not stand alone amidst the escalating tensions. Díaz-Canel condemned the US military deployment, which includes approximately 1,200 missiles, as well as covert CIA operations targeting Venezuela. He invoked the words of Cuban national hero José Martí, who famously declared, ‘Give me Venezuela to serve, she has a son in me,’ and echoed Fidel Castro’s sentiment that ‘For Venezuela, we must give our all.’ The Cuban people have also demonstrated their solidarity, gathering at the equestrian statue of Simón Bolívar to express their support. Díaz-Canel further quoted Bolívar, who once warned that the United States ‘seems destined by Providence to plague America with misery in the name of freedom.’ This statement underscores Cuba’s commitment to defending Venezuela against external aggression and its broader critique of US interventionism in Latin America.
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“We are defending the great homeland that is humanity”
On Thursday, October 17, 2025, a pivotal meeting took place at Casa de las Américas in Havana, marking the launch of a new phase for the Network of Artists and Intellectuals in Defense of Humanity. Established in 2003 by Commanders Fidel Castro Ruz and Hugo Chávez Frías, the Network aims to unite left-wing thinkers globally to counter neo-fascism and imperialist threats. Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, alongside prominent intellectuals and activists, emphasized the urgency of defending humanist values and fostering solidarity in the face of global challenges. The meeting, held in the Che Guevara Room, lasted nearly four hours and focused on revitalizing the Network’s mission. Díaz-Canel highlighted the need for unity among leftist movements, particularly in Latin America, to resist military and ideological aggression. He also condemned the ongoing crisis in Gaza and the media attacks against Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. The newly elected general coordinator of the Network, Miguel Pérez Pirela, echoed these sentiments, stressing the importance of ideas, beauty, and solidarity in combating barbarism. The event also featured contributions from Cuban and international intellectuals, who discussed the role of culture, science, and ethics in shaping a progressive future. The gathering underscored the Network’s commitment to fostering critical thinking, digital literacy, and revolutionary praxis as tools for social transformation.
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Political Ties Cloud Malacate Beach Land Deal
A contentious land deal in Independence Village, Belize, has sparked allegations of political favoritism and systemic mismanagement. Sherene Garbutt, a local resident, claims she was in the process of securing a lease for 20 acres of prime beachfront property at Malacate Beach when the land was unexpectedly sold to Charles Price, reportedly the brother of the Prime Minister’s driver. Garbutt alleges that her lease application, which had been under review by the Ministry of Natural Resources, was overlooked in favor of Price’s purchase, approved on April 29, 2025. The transaction, valued at just $10,000 for 22 acres, has raised eyebrows given the area’s market value of up to $45,000 per acre. Garbutt is now demanding the reversal of the sale or compensation with comparable land, threatening legal action if her concerns are not addressed. This case is not isolated; similar claims have emerged, including a lawsuit filed by San Pedro resident Lisa Guerrero, who alleges her land at Secret Beach was unlawfully titled to another individual. These incidents have intensified scrutiny of the Ministry of Natural Resources and its handling of land allocations, with critics pointing to potential conflicts of interest and systemic flaws.
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Tracy Taegar-Panton Denies Role in UDP Attack Ads
In a definitive statement issued on October 16, 2025, Tracy Taegar-Panton, the Opposition Leader and Albert Area Representative, categorically denied any involvement in the recent political advertisements targeting members of the United Democratic Party (UDP). Panton emphasized that she neither authorized, funded, nor endorsed these ads, asserting that they do not align with her personal views or leadership approach. Instead, she urged the UDP to prioritize unity and focus on the upcoming ‘big reset’ scheduled for November 30th. Panton advocated for respectful dialogue and constructive engagement as essential strategies for the party’s future success. Her remarks come amid growing tensions within the UDP, as members grapple with internal divisions ahead of critical political developments.
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AG Ministry Given 14 Days to Reveal Taxpayer Spending on Court Battles
In a significant development, social activist Jeremy Enriquez has successfully challenged the Attorney General’s (AG) Ministry over its refusal to disclose taxpayer spending on legal fees in recent constitutional cases. Enriquez had filed a Freedom of Information (FOIA) request seeking details on the expenditure and the attorneys involved. The AG’s Ministry initially denied the request, citing potential risks to the Government of Belize and concerns over compromising ongoing cases. Unwilling to accept this response, Enriquez escalated the matter to the Ombudsman, who ruled in his favor. The Ombudsman determined that the AG’s Ministry had violated the FOIA by withholding the information and mandated the release of the requested data within 14 days. Enriquez expressed optimism that the Ministry would comply but warned of potential legal action if the deadline is not met. This case underscores ongoing tensions between government transparency and public accountability in Belize.
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Where is the money coming from?
As the nation prepares for upcoming general elections, scrutiny intensifies over the government’s 2025 budget allocations. A critical question emerges: where is the funding coming from? This analysis delves into specific expenditures, raising concerns about the sources of increased budgetary allocations across various sectors.
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Caribbean movements unite against U.S. intervention on “Day of Collective Action”
The Assembly of the Peoples of the Caribbean (APC) has designated October 16 as a ‘Day of Collective Action,’ rallying Caribbean governments to stand united against U.S. military deployments and interventionist threats in Venezuela. The organization also opposes the proposed exclusion of Venezuela, Cuba, and Nicaragua from the upcoming Summit of the Americas. Through its Regional Executive Committee, the APC has called upon citizens, social movements, and progressive leaders to defend the Caribbean as a ‘zone of peace’ and resist foreign interference. This stance aligns with the positions of CARICOM, CELAC, and the Association of Caribbean States (ACS), all of which emphasize sovereignty and regional integration. In a strongly worded statement, the APC criticized U.S. policies in Latin America, labeling them as extensions of imperialist agendas aimed at controlling regional resources, particularly Venezuela’s oil reserves. The organization also condemned the U.S. blockade against Cuba, a policy widely rejected by the United Nations, and criticized the Dominican Republic’s decision to exclude Cuba, Venezuela, and Nicaragua from the December 2025 Summit of the Americas. The APC urged Caribbean leaders, especially those in Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana, and the Dominican Republic, to distance themselves from what it termed ‘U.S. aggression’ in the region. The declaration concluded with a call for unity, solidarity, and mobilization to protect Caribbean sovereignty, peace, and self-determination.