Carib Scope

分类： politics

  • Abinader urges 70 wanted fugitives to surrender

    Abinader urges 70 wanted fugitives to surrender

    Dominican Republic President Luis Abinader has made clear that the central mission of his administration is to protect and guarantee the nation’s social peace, announcing that the National Police will continue with targeted search-and-capture operations against individuals with extensive criminal histories.

    President Abinader made these remarks during a press availability after attending the inauguration of Ana Josefa Puello Primary School, located in the Cancino Adentro district. Beyond confirming ongoing law enforcement actions, he issued a direct appeal to all suspects with active arrest warrants who have already been identified by authorities to turn themselves in voluntarily. He also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to expanding and enhancing the operational capabilities of the National Police, framing this investment as critical to protecting the safety and peace of mind that all Dominican families deserve.

    “This nation just wants to live in peace and tranquility, for its children to return home each day safely and without fear of harm,” Abinader told reporters. “This country wants peace. The vast majority of our people are good, hardworking, and responsible, and peace is what they demand. The government exists to guarantee that peace, and we will deliver on that promise.”

    The president’s comments came just hours after the National Police disclosed that there are currently 53,877 active, unserved arrest warrants across the country, with approximately 73 of those suspects holding multiple criminal convictions. Addressing this high-risk group directly, Abinader stated, “To the approximately 70 individuals with extensive criminal records that we have identified as highly dangerous, we have repeatedly called on them to surrender. Law enforcement teams are actively searching for them. These suspects know we have located them and are closing in — they should turn themselves in now.”

    Abinader added that authorities are intentionally giving these suspects the opportunity to surrender peacefully, and noted that the government’s security push has broad public support. He emphasized that the vast majority of Dominicans simply want to live their lives, work, and go about their daily activities without fear of criminal violence.

    The president’s announcement comes amid weeks of public debate over the National Police’s recent tactics, after law enforcement issued multiple press disclosures confirming that roughly 30 “alleged criminals” have been killed in exchanges of gunfire with officers during these operations. According to official statements from authorities, all of those killed were described as “known criminals” who died after initiating confrontations with police units, and officers only used lethal force in response to those attacks.

    Just on Thursday morning, Dominican Vice President Raquel Peña also weighed in on the debate, stating that any citizen who commits a crime must “be held accountable for the consequences” of their actions. When asked if the current crackdown could be described as a “heavy hand” approach to law enforcement, Peña pushed back on the framing. “I don’t know if I would describe it that way,” she said. “Our job is simply to guarantee social peace and the security of all Dominican citizens, and that is what we will continue to do.”

  • WIN parliamentarian resigns as police probe alleged sexual offence

    WIN parliamentarian resigns as police probe alleged sexual offence

    On Friday, 2 October 2026, We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) parliamentarian Dr. Andre Lewis formally stepped down from his seat in Guyana’s National Assembly, a move that comes as local law enforcement continues an investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct connected to the legislator.

    As of the announcement, the Guyana Police Force has not issued any public statement regarding the details, progress, or scope of the ongoing probe, leaving many key questions about the case unanswered for the public.

    In his official resignation letter addressed to the Speaker of the National Assembly, Lewis confirmed that his departure from office would take effect immediately on the date the letter was received. He explained that his decision to resign was driven directly by the pending allegations and active investigation against him.

    Acknowledging the gravity of the accusations and the fiduciary and ethical responsibilities that come with elected public office, Lewis stated that stepping down during the investigative process is the most appropriate course of action to uphold the integrity of the National Assembly.

    The lawmaker was careful to emphasize that his voluntary resignation does not equate to an admission of guilt or a recognition of wrongdoing. He reaffirmed his commitment to upholding due process of law, and stated he is willing to allow relevant authorities to complete their work without interference from his position in government.

    Lewis closed his letter by expressing gratitude to the citizens of Guyana for granting him the opportunity to serve as a Member of Parliament, and to the WIN party for placing their trust and confidence in his candidacy and work. He noted that the resignation was submitted in full compliance with Article 156(1)(a) of the Constitution of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana, framing the step as a constitutionally compliant action taken in good faith amid the ongoing legal process.

  • PM calls on Vincies to make solidarity a daily practice

    PM calls on Vincies to make solidarity a daily practice

    KINGSTOWN — As the national flag was raised to officially launch month-long celebrations marking 47 years of independence for St. Vincent and the Grenadines, newly elected Prime Minister Godwin Friday delivered a unifying call to action, urging citizens to embed a spirit of mutual support into daily life rather than reserve it only for national holiday season.

    Friday, who took office in November 2024 as the country’s first new national leader since 2001, framed the anniversary as a moment to reflect on the collective resilience the nation has already proven through past crises, and to carry that same cooperation forward into a new era under his administration. Speaking at Thursday’s opening ceremony in the capital city of Kingstown, he pointed to the country’s coordinated response to two of its most serious recent challenges: the global COVID-19 pandemic and the 2021 La Soufrière volcanic ashfall, as lasting examples of the strength that comes from collective action.

    “I have watched how Vincentians smiled behind masks during COVID, and yet we maintained our connections,” Friday said. “We come to each other’s aid, packing boxes and delivering supplies when the ash was still falling.”
    He highlighted the stories of residents who lost all their possessions in those crises and chose to rebuild, noting that their quiet determination is the core of the nation’s enduring character. Breaking down the symbolism of the national flag, Friday explained that the green field does not only represent the country’s lush vegetation and vibrant agricultural sector — it also stands for the unbroken vitality of the Vincentian people.
    Aligning his remarks with 2025’s independence theme, “Hand in Hand, Uplifting our Nation”, the prime minister emphasized that sustained national progress is never the work of a single group, party, generation, or even leader. “It can’t be done by one generation, or by one village, or by one party, or by one person, or even by one prime minister,” he said. “It takes all of us.”
    That collective spirit, Friday argued, should not be limited to the independence celebration period leading up to the official anniversary on October 27. “It is time for us not just to come together at the time of independence, but to do it all year round,” he urged. He noted that everyday life offers constant small opportunities to strengthen community bonds, from greeting neighbors on the street to sharing public transport, working alongside colleagues, or worshiping together.
    “We live with each other every single day, so we have to look out for one another,” he said. “We are at our best when we look out for one another and when we build community by community, village by village, institution by institution.”
    The prime minister added that acts of national uplift do not need to be large, public gestures to matter. “Uplifting our nation also means uplifting one another, not just in the things that people can see and applaud us for, but in the quiet moments when you know you can assist, and you have to make the choice,” he said. “Always choose to help. A helping hand never hurts anyone.”
    To mark the 47th anniversary, Friday issued targeted calls to action for different sectors of national life. He challenged local business owners to spruce up their storefronts and surrounding community spaces through painting and cleanup, and called for targeted improvements to public infrastructure, including local police stations. These small collective efforts, he said, will demonstrate that the nation is committed to moving forward together, and takes the milestone of independence seriously.
    Addressing public servants directly, Friday affirmed that their daily work forms the backbone of the nation, and reminded them of the responsibility that comes with their roles. “The work that you do is valued; the entire nation depends upon you, and we expect nothing but your best, because that is what our people deserve,” he said.
    Framing independence as a hopeful milestone for the country under new leadership, Friday noted that meaningful change does not require rejecting past progress made by previous administrations. Instead, he said, progress should build on the achievements that earlier generations built for the nation. “Not discarding what we have met, but building upon it, and so that our country moves forward,” he explained.
    Energy from young performers at Thursday’s flag-raising ceremony reinforced the importance of centering future generations in national planning, the prime minister added. “We owe it to them to do all we can to make our independence count,” he said. He called on all Vincentians to honor the legacy of the independence movement founders by continuing their work, with the shared goal of building a nation that both the trailblazers of the past and the youth of the future can be proud of.
    After thanking organizers for putting together the opening ceremony, Friday closed his address with a rallying cry for a meaningful 47th independence celebration. “47 and counting. Let’s make it special,” he said.

  • Youth Parliament: Digital push must not leave elderly, disabled behind

    Youth Parliament: Digital push must not leave elderly, disabled behind

    On International Day of Older Persons, which fell on a Thursday this year, the Barbados House of Assembly was temporarily transformed into the island’s National Youth Parliament, where young policymakers took the floor to debate a landmark Digital Transformation Resolution aimed at shaping the country’s digital future. The proposed resolution centers its framework on youth empowerment, expanded digital access, and accelerated technological innovation, laying out a slate of ambitious policy initiatives ranging from mandatory digital literacy and coding education starting in primary school to interactive student-facing school portals, community-led innovation hubs, a national youth tech pass, a nationwide cybersecurity public awareness campaign, and stronger cross-regional digital collaboration through CARICOM.

    While the resolutions passed by the National Youth Parliament carry no formal legal weight unlike binding votes from the sitting House of Assembly, the body’s recommendations are widely recognized as influential in shaping mainstream policy conversations around youth-centered issues. During the debate, two opposition youth parliamentarians raised critical concerns about gaps in the draft text that threaten to marginalize vulnerable populations. Leader of Opposition Business Roshauna Clarke joined opposition member Kamalei Ferdinand-King to argue that the resolution’s narrow focus on youth empowerment overlooks the needs of older Barbadians and people living with disabilities, warning that an unplanned rush to a fully digital society could leave these vulnerable groups behind.

    Clarke emphasized that she could not throw her support behind a proposal that fails to center inclusivity, noting that the resolution is framed as a national plan for digital transformation, not a youth-only initiative. “This resolution is titled ‘Digital Transformation Resolution’; it is not just titled about the youth. What about our old people? What about the disabled? We are living in a time where there are persons who cannot access things because of digital transformation. What about them?” she said. Beyond inclusivity concerns, Clarke also raised pointed questions about the proposal’s practical implementation, flagging unresolved legal, operational, and financial barriers that the draft text fails to address. She famously argued, “Vision without a viable execution is merely an illusion.”

    Clarke specifically called out risks in the proposed Smart System Initiative and junior digital consultant roles, noting that unvetted access to sensitive government data for minors creates unnecessary security risks. In place of these unstructured proposals, she put forward an alternative plan: a formal, closely supervised Information and Communications Technology (ICT) apprenticeship program anchored in academic systems overseen by the Ministry of Education Transformation, with strict role-based access controls to protect sensitive data. She also recommended the creation of a dedicated Digital Transformation Delivery Secretariat housed within the Prime Minister’s Office, arguing that splitting oversight across multiple separate ministries would create bureaucratic gridlock and administrative inefficiencies. “Instead of placing these operational infrastructure burdens on students, we must establish a structured, supervised ICT apprenticeship under the Occupational Training Act,” she stated.

    For his part, Ferdinand-King centered his remarks on a growing but underdiscussed threat to digital safety: cybersecurity fatigue among the general public, as more daily activities and government services move online. “One of the biggest issues when it comes to this digital transformation era is digital security. But one thing we have yet to speak about is the fatigue when it comes to cybersecurity,” he explained, acknowledging that even technologically engaged young people like himself often fall into risky digital habits – including reusing passwords across multiple accounts. He also criticized the overly long, jargon-heavy terms of agreements that users are required to accept to access most online services, calling for simplified, condensed formats that highlight key policy points for ordinary users. “Make it [specific] and show the important points that we are agreeing to. Show us what we need to see so that we understand what we are applicable to and what we aren’t,” he said.

    Ferdinand-King proposed an innovative public awareness strategy: integrating short, interactive cybersecurity knowledge checks into government-provided public Wi-Fi networks, which users complete when accessing the service. He noted that whether users answer correctly or incorrectly, the simple act of engaging with the prompts will build baseline awareness even for people with little prior digital knowledge or limited interest in cybersecurity. He added that this approach would be particularly beneficial for older Barbadians who regularly visit the capital Bridgetown and use public networks there. “It would be helpful to them especially, because they will be forced to see it,” he said. Ferdinand-King stressed that as more personal data and essential services move online, digital security cannot remain a niche concern; it must become a part of everyday public consciousness, noting that “Being online is risky, but being offline is even riskier.”

    The original resolution already includes a call for a national cybersecurity awareness campaign focused on digital safety, personal data protection, and identifying online misinformation, alongside a call for deeper regional collaboration through the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). The National Youth Parliament, run through the Youth Development Programme under the Division of Youth Affairs, was created to give young Barbadians hands-on experience with parliamentary procedure and policymaking. This year’s sitting was a core event of National Youth Week, carried out under the official subtheme “Youth Today, Leaders Tomorrow!” The week-long initiative, which centers on analyzing pressing national issues and putting forward youth-led policy recommendations, will continue through November 26.

  • Cupid calls for unity beyond independence month

    Cupid calls for unity beyond independence month

    On Thursday, St. Vincent and the Grenadines officially kicked off its 47th independence anniversary celebrations, with the country’s Minister of Youth, Sports, Culture and the Creative Industries Kaschaka Cupid delivering a unifying call to all Vincentians to prioritize collective cooperation and community service as an ongoing commitment rather than a limited-time observance.

    Speaking at the national flag-raising ceremony hosted at the Financial Complex in Kingstown, Cupid unveiled the 2026 independence theme: “Hand in Hand, Uplifting our Nation”. He framed the slogan as a deliberate invitation for cross-generational, cross-community collaboration to advance national development, emphasizing that nation-building cannot be achieved by a single group or individual alone.

    “No single political party, lone individual, isolated community, or one generation can build this nation on their own,” Cupid told attendees. Beyond broad collective action, the theme outlines targeted partnerships: between the national government and its citizens, between younger and older Vincentians, and between the local population and the global Vincentian diaspora.

    Cupid highlighted the mutual value of intergenerational exchange, noting that young people gain critical wisdom from the experience of older generations, while elders can draw fresh energy and creative insight from youth. He also stressed the importance of connecting diaspora communities back to their home country, uniting all Vincentians regardless of their current residence.

    In a key appeal for national cohesion, Cupid urged citizens to prevent divides rooted in politics, social class, or religious belief from overshadowing the shared national identity that unites all Vincentians. “Whatever differences may separate us, whether political affiliation, socioeconomic standing, or creed, we must never lose sight of what binds us as one people,” he said. “This proud nation belongs to every single one of us.”

    The “uplifting our nation” component of the theme is rooted in tangible, practical action rather than rhetoric, Cupid explained. Core priorities include expanding empowerment opportunities for young people, expanding social support for elderly and vulnerable residents, strengthening local community infrastructure, and standing with local workers, creators, and producers across all sectors.

    “To uplift our nation means to educate and empower our young people. It means caring for our elderly and vulnerable neighbors. It means lifting up our local communities, and standing firmly behind our farmers, fisherfolk, entrepreneurs, athletes, artists, and cultural practitioners,” he said. He added that small, daily acts of contribution add up to meaningful national progress: “Every time we encourage a young person, we are uplifting our nation. Every time we volunteer, support a local business, protect our natural environment, or lend a hand to a fellow Vincentian, we are building a stronger country for everyone.”

    Cupid framed 47 years of independence as both a significant milestone in the country’s history and a reminder of the ongoing responsibilities that come with national self-governance. “Independence grants us the right to shape our own collective destiny, but it also comes with the responsibility to build the kind of nation we want future generations to inherit,” he said.

    The full slate of independence celebrations will be held throughout October, designed to showcase local culture and boost homegrown enterprise across the country. Upcoming events kick off this weekend with a family fun day and the 16th annual KCCU National Dance Festival, followed by a National Day of Prayer on Monday. Other scheduled activities include a national karaoke championship, a public health and wellness fair, a quiz competition for public servants, a national thanksgiving service on October 21, and the Sir Dwight Venner Memorial Independence Lecture.

    A national cultural exhibition and food village will open at Heritage Square on October 23 and run through October 31, featuring a wide range of locally produced art, crafts, and traditional Vincentian cuisine. The cornerstone celebrations — the National Independence Parade and Cultural Extravaganza — will take place on Independence Day, October 27, at the Arnos Vale Sporting Complex.

    Cupid extended an open invitation to all Vincentians to participate in the month’s events, encouraging widespread support for local culture and small businesses. “This October, fly our national flag, wear our national colours, shop local, and celebrate our homegrown artists and performers,” he said. He also urged citizens to deepen their knowledge of national history and connect with communities across the country, stressing that the spirit of unity and service should outlast the month of celebrations. “When October ends, don’t let the spirit end with it,” he emphasized.

    Acknowledging that St. Vincent and the Grenadines continues to face social and economic challenges, Cupid affirmed that collective action rooted in recognition of shared national interests will allow the country to achieve far more than division ever could. “Our nation can accomplish great things when we recognize that our collective strength is far greater than our individual differences,” he said.

    Closing his address, Cupid called on citizens to honor the legacy of past generations who fought for and built the country, serve their fellow Vincentians in the present, and invest in future progress for coming generations. “Let us honour those who came before us. Let us serve those who stand beside us, and let us continue to build for those who will come after us,” he said.

    Drawing reference to a iconic song closely associated with the country’s 1979 independence, Cupid ended his speech with a unifying message: “We are out to build a new St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The future is definitely in our hands; hand in hand, we lift up our nation.”

  • Prime Minister Skerrit meets Marigot residents to discuss community priorities

    Prime Minister Skerrit meets Marigot residents to discuss community priorities

    In a deliberate push to strengthen ties between national leadership and local communities, Dominica’s Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit led a delegation of government officials to a community social gathering in Marigot Thursday evening. The open forum was designed explicitly to create a space for unfiltered dialogue between local residents and the country’s top decision-makers.

    Unlike formal, scripted government outreach events, this gathering centered the priorities of Marigot’s residents, giving them a rare direct opportunity to lay out their perspectives, raise pressing local issues, and share first-hand accounts of daily life in the area. Over the course of the meeting, participants brought forward a range of personal experiences, lingering community concerns, and ranked their top priorities for government support, all directly to the prime minister and his team.

    For their part, the attending government officials used the occasion to listen actively, moving beyond pre-planned announcements to gain an on-the-ground understanding of which challenges demand immediate policy attention. The conversation also evolved beyond just sharing concerns, as both residents and officials collaborated to brainstorm potential solutions and map out a collaborative path forward for the Marigot community.

    This community engagement is not an isolated event, but part of a sustained government initiative to keep open lines of communication with populations across the country. By creating consistent, accessible opportunities for leaders to hear directly from ordinary residents about their most pressing needs and long-term aspirations, the administration aims to make policy that more closely aligns with the lived realities of the people it serves.

  • Digital shift ‘risky but necessary’, Youth Parliament told

    Digital shift ‘risky but necessary’, Youth Parliament told

    During a recent debate focused on digital transformation held as part of Barbados’ annual National Youth Week, two young parliamentary representatives have laid out a compelling case for sweeping systemic changes to how the island nation prepares its younger generation for a rapidly digitizing global workforce. The discussion, carried out under the event subtheme “Youth Today, Leaders Tomorrow!”, brought to the forefront urgent concerns about outdated education frameworks and the growing mismatch between traditional academic training and evolving employer expectations.

    Shonté Morris, who serves as acting leader of government business in the youth parliament, opened her remarks by emphasizing that digital innovation is already reshaping the fundamental operations of Barbados’ economy – a shift that traditional, unchanged classroom models can no longer keep up with. “If the world of work is changing, then why should the way we prepare our young people remain unchanged?” Morris asked, challenging policymakers to stop delaying necessary reforms.

    Citing data from the World Economic Forum’s widely cited Future of Jobs Report 2025, Morris warned that by 2030, nearly 40 percent of current job skills will be rendered obsolete by technological advancement, a statistic she called deeply alarming. She backed a bold proposal for a digital-first overhaul of the national education system, arguing that core digital competencies should be integrated into curricula starting at the primary school level. Rather than a superficial push to distribute electronic devices to students, Morris stressed that the reform requires a fundamental reworking of teaching methods, with targeted instruction in digital literacy, coding, artificial intelligence ethics, and responsible digital citizenship scaled up as students advance through grade levels.

    Beyond domestic education reform, Morris also pushed for greater regional collaboration to expand opportunity for young Barbadian digital professionals, arguing that the small geographic size of the island should not limit the ambition of its digital sector. Pointing to the borderless nature of digital business, she called for strengthened coordination through the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) to help young Barbadians tap into global and regional markets, framing her two-pronged approach as “Recommendation A builds the capability. Recommendation B strengthens and expands the opportunity.”

    Kashon Brewster, the second youth parliamentarian leading the debate, echoed Morris’s calls for change, noting that Barbadians have a long history of adapting to massive societal and economic upheaval, from colonial rule to natural disasters. “Our people have faced storms, slavery, colonialism, and we did not even flinch. So why should we flinch now of the challenge of a digital age?” Brewster asked, acknowledging that digital transformation carries inherent risks, including cybersecurity threats, but insisting that progress is always necessary even when it is not entirely safe.

    He questioned whether long-used “chalk and talk” teaching methods could possibly prepare students to thrive in an economy increasingly dominated by artificial intelligence and digital services, pointing to ongoing digital transformation efforts across the Caribbean to highlight the urgency of Barbados matching its neighbors’ momentum. “Jamaica has already brought 14 governments to commit to digital transformation. Belize has declared digital resilience through data embassies. So the pattern is clear: The Caribbean is moving digital.”

    Brewster joined Morris in supporting the push to integrate coding, digital ethics and digital citizenship into school curricula, and also backed a proposal to create junior digital consultant roles within public schools. These positions would allow students to gain hands-on professional experience while helping develop and maintain their institutions’ websites and custom apps, raising the question: “Why trust us with that and do not trust us to lead us into a digital age?” While he acknowledged widespread public concerns about hacking and digital system failures as more services move online, he argued that fear of risk should not derail the nation’s digital progress.

    The full resolution put forward for debate at the youth parliament includes a call for a national National Digital Acceleration Roadmap to guide the transformation. In addition to digital-first education reform and junior digital consultant roles, the proposal outlines the creation of National Youth Tech-Pass credentials, community innovation hubs, and a national public cybersecurity awareness campaign. It also formally calls for deeper regional digital integration, including coordinated efforts to align digital trade policies and advance the development of a regional Single Digital Market across the Caribbean.

  • Prime Minister launches the new Haitian Tax Code

    Prime Minister launches the new Haitian Tax Code

    In a formal ceremony held on September 30, 2026, Haitian Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé officially launched the country’s first fully modernized national Tax Code, marking the opening of the 2026–2027 fiscal year and cementing a landmark step in the government’s efforts to overhaul public financial management.

    The long-awaited tax reform stands as a defining milestone in the ongoing modernization of Haiti’s state institutions, addressing decades of fragmented regulatory frameworks that previously left tax rules scattered across hundreds of inconsistent laws, decrees, and standalone administrative orders. In his keynote address to assembled government officials, international partners, and tax administration leaders, the Prime Minister underscored that the updated code was crafted to harmonize and streamline these disconnected provisions into a single, clear regulatory document.

    Fils-Aimé emphasized that a streamlined, coherent tax system is critical to unlocking Haiti’s economic potential. A more transparent and equitable framework, he argued, will not only strengthen domestic resource mobilization to fund public services and infrastructure projects but also rebuild trust between the state and taxpayers. By creating a predictable regulatory environment, the reform is designed to attract new domestic and foreign investment, and overall improve Haiti’s challenging business climate.

    To ensure the reform delivers on its promised benefits, the Prime Minister issued a direct directive to Haiti’s General Directorate of Taxes (DGI), mandating rigorous, consistent rollout of the new code across all regions of the country. Key priorities for the agency include comprehensive training for all tax staff, widespread modernization of outdated information technology systems, and targeted improvements to customer-facing services for individual and business taxpayers.

    Economy and Finance Minister Serge Gabriel Collin echoed the Prime Minister’s remarks, highlighting that the tax overhaul will directly strengthen the Haitian government’s core institutional capacity to deliver for citizens. International partners also signaled their ongoing support for the reform: European Union Ambassador Hélène Ross reaffirmed that technical and financial partners remain fully committed to backing Haitian authorities as they implement public finance modernization efforts.

    DGI Director General Chesnel François reinforced his institution’s commitment to successful implementation, noting that the agency bears full responsibility for rolling out the new code effectively, and that all staff must achieve full mastery of the code’s new provisions to serve taxpayers correctly.

    At the close of the launch ceremony, Prime Minister Fils-Aimé formally announced the new Haitian Tax Code has entered into force. He closed by reaffirming the government’s unwavering commitment to building a more modern, accessible, and fair tax administration that centers and advances the broad public interest of all Haitians.

  • Pastor Ivor Davis Says Prayer Must Be Backed by Action to Tackle Crime in Antigua and Barbuda

    Pastor Ivor Davis Says Prayer Must Be Backed by Action to Tackle Crime in Antigua and Barbuda

    At the weekly Cabinet meeting held this Wednesday, Pastor Ivor Davis opened proceedings with a spiritual meditation that blended religious guidance with a urgent call to address pressing national challenges facing the twin-island nation of Antigua and Barbuda.

    Drawing his core message from the New Testament book of Hebrews Chapter 4, Davis framed the work of governing around the importance of intentional listening amid a chaotic, noisy modern world. He reminded assembled Cabinet members that countless competing ideological, cultural and political voices constantly vie for the attention of leaders, making it critical to remain rooted in divine truth. The power of scripture, he explained, cuts through superficial divides to reveal hidden truth, correct missteps, and orient leaders toward just decision-making. Echoing the biblical text, he noted that believers have access to a higher source of understanding that grasps the full weight of human vulnerability and daily struggles, granting leaders permission to approach that source boldly to receive mercy, wisdom and timely support during crises.

    Turning from general spiritual guidance to the specific challenges confronting Antigua and Barbuda, Davis zeroed in on one of the nation’s most troubling crises: the growing involvement of young people in gun violence and other severe criminal activity. He acknowledged the deep concern that Prime Minister Gaston Browne has already voiced over the trend of teenagers and young adults being drawn into illegal activity, and reflected on the complex, unanswered questions about the systemic and social factors pushing youth toward harm.

    A key takeaway from Davis’ address was his rejection of the false divide between prayer and practical action. While he emphasized the critical role of faith and intercession in guiding national leadership, he stressed that prayer alone is not enough to resolve the nation’s challenges. “There are moments when God calls His people not only to pray but also to act decisively in confronting the problems before them,” he told the Cabinet. He further noted that bold governance will never satisfy every segment of the population, but expressed confidence that with wise counsel and divine guidance, leaders can craft policies that prioritize the long-term well-being of all Antigua and Barbuda residents.

    In his closing prayer, Davis asked for divine wisdom to guide every deliberation and decision the body would make in the coming term. Citing the biblical promise that God freely grants wisdom to all who ask, he prayed that the Prime Minister and every Cabinet member would align their decisions with what he described as God’s purpose for the nation. He offered a special, extended prayer for the nation as it grapples with ongoing crime and violence, calling not only for divine intervention but also a collective shift in how society engages vulnerable youth. Davis urged parents, adult community members, churches and local leaders to carve out intentional time to listen to the unmet needs of young people and struggling families, noting that many cries for help go unheard simply because society is too busy to pause and pay attention.

    As the country approaches the final quarter of 2026, Davis extended prayers for grace, collective healing and divine presence across every home, church and community in Antigua and Barbuda. He prayed for recovery for people living with illness, safety for travelers, and renewed strength for public servants across all sectors who dedicate their work to the nation. He closed with a special blessing for Prime Minister Gaston Browne, asking for a double portion of guidance, courage and strength to support the Prime Minister as he carries out his duties leading the nation.

  • Schulden staatsbedrijven kunnen financieel risico voor Staat worden

    Schulden staatsbedrijven kunnen financieel risico voor Staat worden

    The government of Suriname is rolling out enhanced oversight of long-term debt held by state-owned enterprises, parastatal entities and public agencies, a proactive policy reform designed to stop unanticipated financial distress at these organizations from creating unplanned burdens on the national public budget. A recent comprehensive screening of 120 state-linked entities identified 20 that currently hold outstanding long-term debt obligations, a figure down from an initial count of 22 after two entities completed early repayment of their liabilities, the government confirmed in official planning documents released earlier this month.

    Under the new framework, the country’s Debt Management Office has been assigned a formal mandate to centralize collection of debt data and issue regular public reports on outstanding liabilities across all state-linked entities. The core goal of this institutional change is to detect hidden budget risks at an earlier stage and implement targeted control measures before small-scale problems escalate into larger fiscal crises.

    The entities with outstanding long-term debt include both financial and non-financial public institutions. Prominent financial institutions on the list are the Central Bank of Suriname, the Suriname Post Office Savings Bank, the Volkskredietbank Foundation, and the National Development Bank of Suriname. Among non-financial state-owned enterprises and agencies with outstanding long-term debt are major public service providers including Staatsolie Maatschappij Suriname, the national electricity utility EBS, the water utility SWM, the land management agency SLM, national telecommunications provider Telesur, the Airport Management Authority, mining firm Grassalco, the Paramaribo Academic Hospital, the National Health Insurance Fund, and two additional public agencies MAS and BGVS.

    A key unresolved issue highlighted in the government’s 2027 Annual Financial Plan is the lack of updated debt data from several high-profile state entities, including CEVIHAS, FAI, the Port Authority of Suriname, and Canawaima Management Company. Authorities noted that closing these data gaps will be a priority in the first phase of the expanded monitoring program.

    The 2027 National Debt Plan explicitly lays out the rationale behind the government’s push for greater transparency and oversight. The expansion of monitoring will be rolled out in a phased sequence to build a complete, accurate picture of all potential financial obligations and contingent risks that the public sector could face. The policy focuses specifically on obligations that could transfer to the national government if state-owned enterprises are unable to meet their own payment commitments.

    To implement the new framework effectively, the government plans to secure targeted technical support to develop formal standardized guidelines for ongoing debt monitoring. The end goal is to detect financial risks and unplanned funding needs at an early stage, allowing policymakers to implement corrective interventions before these liabilities create downward pressure on the country’s overall public finances.