Barbados has embarked on a transformative journey towards enhancing regional integration and mobility within the Caribbean. The nation’s Foreign Minister, Kerrie Symmonds, announced groundbreaking legislation that grants Barbadians the right to live and work in several CARICOM member states without the need for permits. This historic move, encapsulated in the Caribbean Community (Free Movement of Nationals) Bill, is being hailed as a monumental step for both current and future generations of Barbadians. Symmonds likened the initiative to the freedoms enjoyed by citizens of the United States, emphasizing its potential to unlock new opportunities for personal and professional growth. The legislation extends long-established rights within Barbados—such as the freedom to choose where to live and work—to countries including Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Dominica, and Belize. Under this new framework, Barbadians will no longer require work permits to practice their professions in these territories. Symmonds underscored the bill’s significance by referencing the visionary aspirations of past Caribbean leaders, including Eric Williams, Forbes Burnham, Michael Manley, and Sir Grantley Adams, who championed regional integration and the dream of a unified Caribbean federation. While acknowledging the progress made, Symmonds also reflected on the delays in achieving full regional mobility, stating, ‘The shame is not that we have come this far. The shame is that we have not got further.’ This legislation marks a pivotal moment in the Caribbean’s ongoing quest for deeper unity and collaboration.
分类： politics
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Abrahams dismisses fears of migrant influx under free movement deal
Barbados’ Minister of Home Affairs, Wilfred Abrahams, has addressed concerns regarding potential mass migration under the newly enacted free movement agreement among four CARICOM member states. Speaking during the introduction of the Caribbean Community (Free Movement of Nationals) Bill in the House of Assembly, Abrahams emphasized that the anticipated surge in migrants has not materialized. He clarified that the legislation aims to formalize and refine existing arrangements, addressing legal and procedural gaps to ensure seamless movement between Barbados, Belize, St Vincent and the Grenadines, and Dominica. Abrahams underscored the long-standing reality of regional mobility, citing examples such as the University of the West Indies, the Caribbean Court of Justice, and West Indies cricket as testaments to regional integration. He also praised the contributions of past and present leaders, including Grantley Adams, Errol Barrow, and Prime Minister Mia Mottley, in advancing regionalism. However, Abrahams criticized a former Democratic Labour Party administration for its 2008 policy of deporting non-nationals, which he claimed negatively impacted Bridgetown’s vibrancy. Addressing Barbados’ demographic challenges, the minister highlighted a “population crisis” marked by declining birth rates and an ageing population, which poses significant social and economic planning challenges. He dismissed fears that free movement would displace Barbadians from jobs, noting that the predicted influx of migrants has not occurred.
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JCE guarantees transparency and security in issuance of new ID
The Central Electoral Board (JCE) of the Dominican Republic has reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the personal, biometric, and demographic data of its citizens during the upcoming issuance of new identity and voter cards. In a public statement, JCE President Román Andrés Jáquez Liranzo underscored the transparency, legality, and security of the entire process, from bidding to implementation. The EMDOC Consortium, awarded the contract on October 3, includes five companies—one Dominican, two Panamanian, and two German, with Bundesdruckerei GmbH being partially owned by the German Federal Government. The JCE clarified that none of the companies involved have Haitian origins or capital, countering earlier media reports. Jáquez Liranzo emphasized that the JCE remains the sole custodian of all data, with no external entities granted access. All ID renewal procedures will be handled exclusively by trained and certified JCE personnel, ensuring the integrity of the process and the protection of democratic principles. The tender process, initiated in April 2024, was widely publicized in four national newspapers, the New York Post, and El País, and has garnered support from various political parties.
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From Cuba, the voices of the left
This week, Havana is set to host two significant international events: the Third International Meeting of Theoretical Publications of Left-Wing Parties and Movements and the First Granma Rebelde Festival. Both events are dedicated to commemorating the centenary of Commander-in-Chief Fidel Castro Ruz. The first event will take place from October 15 to 17 at the Ñico López Party University, while the festival will run from the afternoon of October 17 until October 19 at Línea and 18 in Havana’s Vedado neighborhood. These closely linked events will bring together over 100 participants from more than 30 countries, focusing on collective strategies, critical issues, and promoting equality, solidarity, and participatory democracy. The Publications Meeting, convened by Cuba Socialista and co-sponsored by the Network of Intellectuals and Artists in Defense of Humanity and Casa de las Américas, will feature prominent intellectuals, activists, and political scientists, including Ignacio Ramonet, who will deliver the keynote address on the challenges posed to the left by quantum artificial intelligence. Other notable attendees include Mexican artist and philosopher Fernando Buen Abad, Cuban scholar Isabel Monal, José Luis Centella of the Communist Party of Spain, and Miguel Ángel Pérez Pirela, director of La Iguana TV. High-level delegations from China and Vietnam will also be present. The event will include simultaneous workshops and panels on topics such as new types of fascism, political communication, and youth for a better future. Additionally, there will be a presentation of books on the thinking of various leaders and the launch of the 2024-2025 issue of Cuba Socialista, summarizing the previous edition of the Meeting. The Granma Rebelde Festival, dedicated to the 60th anniversary of the Granma and Juventud Rebelde newspapers, as well as the centenaries of the first Communist Party and Fidel Castro Ruz, will feature media experiences from across the island and abroad. Prestigious artists and musicians will enliven the event, with activities open to the public on weekends from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. These activities will include several panels, such as one on the figure of Fidel Castro, where journalists who knew him will exchange views.
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CBI Regulatory Authority, Sperm Whale Reserve on table for next Parliamentary session
The Parliament of Dominica is set to reconvene on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, with a packed agenda featuring several pivotal legislative proposals. Among the highlights is the introduction of a bill to implement the Eastern Caribbean Citizenship by Investment Regulatory Authority (ECCIRA) Agreement, which Dominica signed last month. This initiative aims to enhance the credibility, transparency, and sustainability of Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programs across the Caribbean, as emphasized by the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM).
In a significant step toward environmental conservation, lawmakers will also deliberate on the creation of the Sperm Whale Reserve, a project that builds on the government’s 2023 decision to establish a protected marine zone along Dominica’s western coastline. The proposed legislation will outline detailed management strategies, including navigation protocols and monitoring systems, to promote responsible use and conservation of this globally significant habitat.
Additionally, Parliament will review amendments to key financial laws, including the Financial Services Unit Act, the Suppression of the Financing of Terrorism Act, and the Money Laundering Act. These updates are designed to strengthen Dominica’s financial regulatory framework and enhance anti-money laundering measures.
In a tribute to national leaders, Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit will propose conferring the Dominica Award of Honour (D.A.H.) on the late Prime Ministers Roosevelt ‘Rosie’ Douglas and Pierre Charles, recognizing their enduring contributions to the nation’s development.
The parliamentary session will be broadcast live starting at 10:00 a.m. through the Government Information Service (GIS) and the Dominica Broadcasting Corporation (DBS Radio), enabling the public to engage with these critical discussions in real time.
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Living hostages freed in Gaza conflict, sealing conditions of ceasefire
In a landmark development, Israel and Hamas initiated a tentative ceasefire agreement on Monday by exchanging prisoners and hostages, marking a pivotal moment in the two-year conflict that has ravaged Gaza. The U.S.-mediated deal has ignited cautious optimism for a potential resolution to the protracted crisis, according to an AP News report. However, significant challenges persist, including Hamas’s potential disarmament, the governance of Gaza, and the broader issue of Palestinian statehood, underscoring the fragility of the accord. The release of the remaining 20 living hostages brought a sense of relief and closure to many Israelis, though efforts to recover those who perished in Gaza remain ongoing. Meanwhile, celebrations erupted in Beitunia, in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, and Khan Younis in Gaza, as 250 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences for attacks on Israelis, alongside 1,700 others detained without charges, were freed. Mahmoud Fayez, a detainee released after being held since last year, expressed gratitude, stating, “Praise be to God, our Lord, who has honored us with this release and this joy.” The release of hostages has alleviated some urgency to end the war, reducing pressure on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to expedite subsequent phases of the agreement. As part of the initial ceasefire, four deceased hostages were returned to Israel, with 24 more expected soon. The deal also mandates Israel to facilitate a surge of humanitarian aid—food, medicine, and essentials—into Gaza. Despite the celebrations, Gaza’s residents face a grim reality: the territory remains devastated by Israeli bombardments, with its economy in ruins, essential services disrupted, and countless homes destroyed. Netanyahu, absent from the Egypt meeting due to a Jewish holiday, assured the Israeli parliament of his commitment to the deal, claiming it “ends the war by achieving all our objectives.” U.S. President Donald Trump, visiting the region to celebrate the progress, urged Israeli lawmakers to seize the opportunity for broader Middle East peace. In Egypt, Trump and other global leaders convened to address the agreement’s complexities and lay the groundwork for future negotiations.
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LETTER: When Failure Speaks Loudly: A Response to Anthony Smith Jr.
In a scathing letter to the editor, a concerned resident of All Saints West has called out their parliamentary representative, Anthony Smith Jr., for his perceived failure to address critical issues plaguing the constituency. The letter, written in response to Smith’s recent article criticizing Harold Lovell, accuses the representative of hypocrisy and neglect. The resident highlights several pressing concerns, including the closure of the All Saints Clinic for over 900 days, escalating crime rates, deteriorating infrastructure, and inadequate garbage collection. These issues, they argue, have left the community in a state of despair. The letter also questions Smith’s political integrity, noting his shift from the UPP banner to the government benches without delivering tangible results. The resident concludes by demanding accountability and better leadership, emphasizing that the people of All Saints West deserve a representative who prioritizes their needs over personal ambition.
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Admiral Holsey to visit Grenada for key leader engagements
US Navy Admiral Alvin Holsey, Commander of US Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), is set to embark on a pivotal two-day visit to Antigua and Barbuda and Grenada on October 14–15. This marks his inaugural trip to both nations since taking the helm of SOUTHCOM in November last year. The visit aims to bolster security cooperation with these key Caribbean partners, reflecting the United States’ enduring commitment to regional stability. During his stay, Adm. Holsey will engage in high-level discussions with Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda Gaston Browne and Prime Minister of Grenada Dickon Mitchell. Additionally, he will meet with Antigua and Barbuda’s Chief of Defence Staff, Brigadier Telbert Benjamin, and the Acting Commissioner of the Royal Grenada Police Force (RGPF), Randy Connaught. The agenda will focus on reinforcing longstanding security partnerships and addressing shared challenges such as transnational organized crime, illicit trafficking, and border security. Antigua and Barbuda and Grenada play a crucial role in collective efforts to enhance security in the Eastern Caribbean. Adm. Holsey’s visit underscores the United States’ dedication to fostering collaboration with regional allies to ensure a safer and more stable Caribbean. The US Embassy in Barbados highlighted the significance of this visit in advancing mutual security objectives.
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Gaza hostages, prisoners freed after ceasefire deal signed
In a historic moment for the Middle East, US President Donald Trump announced the ‘dawn of a new Middle East’ as he presided over the signing of a landmark ceasefire agreement on October 13. The agreement, formalized in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, brought an end to a two-year-long devastating conflict between Israel and Hamas. The signing ceremony saw Trump joined by leaders and mediators from Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey, symbolizing a united effort towards peace. Earlier, addressing the Israeli parliament, Trump lauded the deal as a triumph of persistent diplomacy. The agreement’s implementation triggered emotional responses across the region. In Israel, 20 freed hostages were transported to hospitals for reunions with their families after over two years in captivity, while the remains of deceased hostages were handed over to the Red Cross. Simultaneously, celebrations erupted in the West Bank and Gaza as 250 Palestinian prisoners and over 1,700 administrative detainees were released from Israeli custody. Buses carrying the freed individuals were greeted by jubilant crowds, with families embracing relatives they had not seen for years. Dr. Daniel Trotzky, medical deputy director of Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, emphasized the long road to recovery for the freed hostages, noting their stable condition and the multidisciplinary support they are receiving. In Washington, the Trump administration received widespread, though not unanimous, praise from former top US officials, including Hillary Clinton, Condoleezza Rice, and Kamala Harris, for its role in brokering the deal. As the region begins to heal from the scars of conflict, a sense of profound relief and cautious optimism prevails.
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Top United States Military Official To Visit Antigua and Barbuda, Grenada
Admiral Alvin Holsey, Commander of U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), is set to embark on a pivotal two-day visit to Antigua and Barbuda and Grenada on October 14-15. This marks his first official trip to both nations since assuming command of SOUTHCOM in November last year. The visit underscores the United States’ commitment to bolstering security cooperation with key Caribbean partners. During his stay, Admiral Holsey will engage in high-level discussions with Prime Minister Gaston Browne of Antigua and Barbuda and Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell of Grenada. Additionally, he will meet with Antigua and Barbuda’s Chief of Defence Staff, Brigadier Telbert Benjamin, and the Acting Commissioner of the Royal Grenada Police Force, Randy Connaught. The agenda focuses on addressing shared regional challenges, including transnational organized crime, illicit trafficking, and border security. Both Antigua and Barbuda and Grenada play crucial roles in enhancing security in the Eastern Caribbean, and the U.S. remains dedicated to fostering long-standing partnerships with these nations. Admiral Holsey’s visit highlights the importance of collaborative efforts to promote regional stability and security.