On Saturday, Bridgetown witnessed a significant gathering of Barbadians protesting against specific sections of the proposed immigration and citizenship bills. The demonstrators, led by the Loyal Opposition group, voiced their concerns that these laws, if enacted, could profoundly impact the island’s identity, resource allocation, and democratic integrity. The protest commenced at 10 a.m. at Kensington Mall in St Michael, with participants marching to Independence Square. The event was marked by a display of national pride, with some protesters blowing whistles and waving the Barbadian flag, while others held placards with messages like ‘freedom is our right to question everything’ and ‘we do not have a political system, we have an auction’. Organizers characterized the demonstration as ‘peaceful but necessary noise’, emphasizing their opposition to what they perceive as hastily and inadequately considered changes to the country’s immigration and citizenship laws. A primary concern for the protesters is the proposed citizenship requirements, which they argue could lead to an overly lenient acquisition of voting rights, thereby having significant political implications. The Loyal Opposition group clarified that their protest is not against immigrants but is aimed at safeguarding the interests of Barbadians and advocating for a merit-based citizenship process. The controversy surrounding the bills has also been echoed by other figures, including Leader of the Opposition Ralph Thorne, KC, who has raised questions about the legality of the new freedom of movement policy implemented on October 1.
分类： politics
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Friday’s youth pledge includes 1 ULP says it implemented
In a bold move to secure the support of the nation’s youth, Opposition Leader Godwin Friday has introduced a comprehensive five-point pledge aimed at addressing key issues affecting young people in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The announcement was made during the New Democratic Party’s (NDP) DJ Sound Clash event in Campden Park on Saturday, where Friday urged the youth to vote the NDP into power and hold them accountable for their promises. The pledge includes significant measures such as reducing student loan interest rates to 4-4.5%, increasing public assistance to EC$500 monthly, and cutting VAT on essential goods and residential electricity. Additionally, the NDP plans to establish a National Athlete Programme, a national development bank, and an innovation hub to support young entrepreneurs and athletes. Friday emphasized the party’s commitment to creating job opportunities, training programs, and internships for the youth, as well as improving e-commerce payment gateways to help young people monetize their online ventures. The opposition leader’s pledge comes as the Unity Labour Party (ULP) seeks a sixth consecutive term in office, with general elections expected by November 2024. Friday’s vision for a brighter future for St. Vincent and the Grenadines resonated strongly with the audience, as he called on young people to register and vote for change.
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RSS and Canada dicsuss maritime security and capacity building
In a significant diplomatic engagement, Her Excellency E. Brenda Wills, the High Commissioner of Canada to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, visited the headquarters of the Regional Security System (RSS) on Sunday, October 12, 2025. The visit underscored the deepening collaboration between Canada and the RSS in areas of maritime security and capacity building. Rear Admiral Errington Shurland, Executive Director of the RSS, welcomed the High Commissioner and expressed gratitude for Canada’s sustained support, particularly in maintaining the RSS Air Wing and enhancing the RSS Training Institute. The discussions centered on future joint initiatives aimed at bolstering regional security and operational capabilities. During the visit, the Canadian delegation toured key facilities, including the RSS Training Institute, the Digital Forensic Laboratory, the Asset Recovery Unit, and the Air Wing. To commemorate the occasion, Rear Admiral Shurland presented High Commissioner Wills with a commemorative plaque. The meeting also saw the participation of senior RSS officials, including Deputy Executive Director Atlee Rodney and Director of Operations and Plans Lt. Col. Jeffrey Forde, alongside members of the Canadian High Commission delegation, such as Political Counsellor Stephanie Sprott and Royal Canadian Mounted Police Liaison Counsellor Hugo Boilard. This visit highlights the ongoing commitment of both nations to fostering regional stability and security.
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Walters still battling perception of disconnect from North Windward
Grace Walters, the Unity Labour Party’s (ULP) candidate for North Windward, has been actively engaging with voters to solidify her connection to the constituency she aims to represent. Despite accusations of distancing herself from the community, Walters emphasized her deep-rooted ties to Sandy Bay, where she was raised and began her career in healthcare administration. Speaking at the ULP’s first major campaign rally in Layou, Walters highlighted her long-standing service to North Windward, including her efforts to address community challenges such as alcoholism and illicit drugs. She also outlined her vision for the constituency, which includes improving healthcare, housing, and agricultural support, as well as launching mentorship and cultural programs for the youth. Walters, who holds a doctorate in healthcare administration, is set to face off against the New Democratic Party’s (NDP) Shevern John in the upcoming general election. She urged voters to focus on the ULP’s achievements, including infrastructure development and educational opportunities, and to continue supporting the party’s vision for St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The election is expected to take place by November, ahead of the February 2025 constitutional deadline.
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Evangelical spokesman: “It is impossible to govern a nation peacefully without Christian values.”
Reverend Paulino Moya, president of the ministry Jesús es Sanidad y Vida Eterna (Jesus is Health and Eternal Life), has voiced strong concerns about the Dominican Government’s approach to governance. He emphasized that the government’s primary purpose is to safeguard the rights of all sectors within the nation. Moya warned that any president who deviates from this sacred duty risks creating a governance imbalance and losing touch with the people’s genuine needs.
As the executive director of the Permanent Forum for Global Political and Social Peace, Moya urged officials to adopt humility and shed their pride in power. He believes such an approach would enable them to govern in alignment with the Dominican Republic’s best interests.
Moya also criticized the government’s failure to engage with conservative evangelical leaders, despite repeated requests for meetings to discuss pressing social issues. He argued that governing a nation rooted in Christian faith and conservative family values requires addressing these concerns.
Additionally, Moya revealed that he has sought a meeting with Attorney General Yenny Berenice Rodríguez to express the deep concerns of churches and civic organizations. He highlighted the ongoing scandals that, in his view, are destabilizing Dominican society and threatening the country’s moral foundation.
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Caesar promises ‘blue school to train young fishers’
In a recent rally held in Layou, Minister of Agriculture Saboto Caesar outlined a series of ambitious initiatives aimed at bolstering the agricultural and fisheries sectors in St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG). Speaking to supporters of the ruling Unity Labour Party (ULP), Caesar emphasized the party’s commitment to establishing a ‘blue school’ to train young fishers in longline fishing and operate a dedicated fishing fleet if re-elected for a sixth term. Additionally, the ULP plans to set up an abattoir for livestock farmers and expand buying depots in key locations such as Langley Park, Lauders, La Croix, Vincy Fresh at Diamond, and Belmont. These measures are designed to enhance the competitiveness of local farmers and fishers both regionally and globally. Caesar, who has led the agriculture ministry since 2010, highlighted the establishment of the Eastern Caribbean Food Traders Ltd., which aims to purchase produce from local farmers, ensuring they can compete effectively in international markets. The minister also underscored the ULP’s achievements in education, healthcare, and disaster recovery, including the successful handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and the aftermath of the La Soufriere volcanic eruption. Caesar expressed confidence in the ULP’s ability to secure another term, citing the party’s track record of delivering tangible benefits to the people of SVG. He urged supporters to remain steadfast in their commitment to the ULP, emphasizing the party’s role in advancing the nation’s development and improving the livelihoods of its citizens.
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This is how the border looked like: images of the Army Commander’s tour of the border zone
Major General Jorge Iván Camino Pérez, Commander-in-Chief of the Dominican Republic Army, recently embarked on a comprehensive inspection tour of four provinces along the nation’s border with Haiti. The visit aimed to assess border security measures, infrastructure projects, and military operations in the region. The tour commenced at the “El Rodeo” Fortress in Jimaní, Independencia province, where General Camino Pérez addressed troops stationed at the 14th Infantry Battalion. He then met with local governor Ms. Mercedes Novas to discuss regional security and governance. During his time in Independencia, the General inspected the Mal Paso border crossing and reviewed the progress of the border fence construction, a project managed by the Army. He also visited Detachments La 248 and La 40, engaging with soldiers tasked with border security, and conducted an aerial inspection of the Tierra Virgen detachment, which is currently undergoing reconstruction. The tour continued in Elías Piña province, where General Camino Pérez oversaw the construction of a new heliport at the 11th Infantry Battalion headquarters. He later held discussions with provincial governor Ms. Migdalis De los Santos. The visit concluded with an inspection of the El Carrizal-Belladere border crossing and the surrounding perimeter fence. In Dajabón province, the General visited the 10th Infantry Battalion and met with provincial governor Ms. Severina Gil. He also toured the border crossing and perimeter fence, engaging with soldiers stationed at the Liberation Post. The final leg of the tour took place in Montecristi, where General Camino Pérez assessed the facilities at the San Fernando Fortress, home to the 15th Infantry Company. Plans are underway to elevate this unit to battalion status, enhancing military presence and control in the area. The General concluded his visit by meeting with provincial governor Ms. Leissa Cruz and inspecting the perimeter fence and security posts. Throughout the tour, General Camino Pérez emphasized the importance of adhering to the law, avoiding illegal activities, and treating undocumented migrants with dignity during their detention at the border.
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Small states foreign policy: Drawing on past lessons for the present
Grenada, a small island nation in the Caribbean, is grappling with one of its most complex foreign policy challenges since the tumultuous events of October 1983. As the nation reflects on its history, the lessons from the Cold War era remain strikingly relevant in today’s unpredictable global landscape. Dr. Wendy C. Grenade, a seasoned political scientist, offers a profound analysis of how Grenada can navigate its foreign policy dilemmas by drawing from its past experiences and adapting to contemporary realities.
October 1983 marked a pivotal moment in Grenada’s history, leaving deep scars on its society. While the Grenada Revolution brought significant social and economic advancements, its alignment with the Soviet Union and Cuba during the Cold War exposed the nation to foreign policy missteps. These historical events underscore the importance of neutrality and non-alignment for small states, which must avoid becoming proxies for larger powers to preserve their sovereignty and peace.
In the current multipolar world, Grenada faces new paradoxes. Balancing sovereignty amid economic dependency, maintaining neutrality without compromising security, and asserting its identity in a world of unequal power relations are critical challenges. Dr. Grenade emphasizes that strategic diplomacy—defined as the art of achieving equilibrium in an imbalanced global system—must be a cornerstone of Grenada’s foreign policy. This approach requires regional cooperation, technical expertise, and democratic participation.
Security regionalism, as exemplified by the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas and the Revised Treaty of Basseterre, provides a framework for collective resilience among Caribbean nations. The Regional Security System (RSS) further strengthens this collective defense, ensuring that Grenada’s security interests are safeguarded alongside its neighbors. Additionally, technical competency and research capabilities within foreign ministries are essential to navigate the complexities of 21st-century diplomacy.
Democracy also plays a vital role in shaping foreign policy. Public opinion and inclusive governance ensure that citizens’ voices are heard, fostering accountability and sustainability. As Grenada moves forward, the lessons of the past—particularly the dangers of militarization and the imperative of promoting peace—must guide its strategic decisions. Ultimately, Grenada’s foreign policy must serve as a tool to advance its collective well-being and uphold its sovereignty in an increasingly chaotic world.
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Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado wins Nobel Peace Prize
María Corina Machado, a prominent Venezuelan opposition leader, has been honored with the 2023 Nobel Peace Prize for her unwavering commitment to advancing democratic rights. The Nobel Committee lauded the 58-year-old activist as a beacon of hope in challenging times, describing her as a figure who “keeps the flame of democracy alive amidst growing darkness.” Machado’s relentless efforts to facilitate a peaceful transition from dictatorship to democracy were particularly highlighted. Despite being forced into hiding and barred from the recent presidential election by the Nicolás Maduro regime, Machado remained in Venezuela, mobilizing widespread public support for the opposition. Her resilience in the face of potential arrest has cemented her status as a powerful symbol of resistance. Notably, the committee emphasized that their decision was rooted solely in the principles established by Alfred Nobel, dismissing other high-profile campaigns, including that of former U.S. President Donald Trump.
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Caribbean Court of Justice Commemorates Its Fourth President with Special Sitting
On October 6, 2025, the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) held a Special Sitting at its headquarters in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, to commemorate the inauguration of the Honourable Mr Justice Winston Anderson as its fourth President. The event was attended by Heads of Judiciaries from Barbados, Belize, Guyana, the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court, and Trinidad and Tobago, alongside regional dignitaries and judicial representatives. Justice Anderson, who assumed the presidency on July 6, 2025, in Montego Bay, Jamaica, has a distinguished career spanning academia and law, including roles as a professor at The University of the West Indies (UWI) and founding Chairman of the CCJ Academy for Law. In his address, President Anderson highlighted the CCJ’s role in enhancing access to final appellate justice for Caribbean citizens, citing a 450% increase in appeals from Barbados since the court’s establishment. However, he emphasized the need for full compliance with the CCJ Agreement to maximize its impact on regional jurisprudence. The ceremony featured speeches from prominent figures, including Chief Justice Ivor Archie of Trinidad and Tobago, who praised Anderson’s vision for accessible justice, and CARICOM General Counsel Lisa Shoman, who underscored the CCJ’s importance in fostering regional integration and stability. The event concluded with a vote of confidence from former CCJ President Sir Dennis Byron, who lauded Anderson’s contributions to landmark cases and regional crime-fighting initiatives.