The Government of Grenada is currently evaluating a request from the United States to install radar equipment at Maurice Bishop International Airport (MBIA). The proposal, submitted by the Trump administration, has sparked a national debate, with former Upper House President Chester Humphrey urging parliamentary involvement in the decision-making process. Humphrey, a seasoned political figure with over two decades of service in the Labour Movement, emphasized the importance of legislative oversight, stating, ‘Parliament needs to meet on this matter before any commitments are made to the Americans.’ The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the request, noting that technical consultations with the Grenada Airports Authority (GAA) and other agencies are underway. The government assured citizens that public safety and the protection of the tourism industry would guide any decisions. Humphrey also cautioned against politicizing the issue, urging bipartisan support for the government. The outcome of this deliberation could have significant implications for Grenada’s international relations and domestic security.
分类： politics
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Chinese Ambassador Bids Farewell with Cultural Celebration
In a heartfelt farewell ceremony, outgoing Chinese Ambassador H.E. Zhang Yanling expressed mixed emotions as she concluded her four-year tenure in Antigua and Barbuda. Describing her departure as “bittersweet,” Ambassador Zhang reflected on the profound diplomatic and cultural bonds forged during her time in the Caribbean nation. The event, attended by Prime Minister Gaston Browne, Cabinet members, and fellow diplomats, served as a testament to the enduring partnership between China and Antigua and Barbuda. Ambassador Zhang extended her gratitude to the government and people of Antigua and Barbuda for their unwavering warmth and collaboration, emphasizing the “valuable” friendship that has flourished between the two nations. She reiterated China’s steadfast support for Antigua and Barbuda’s sovereignty and development, while also commending the country’s commitment to the One China Principle. The farewell celebration was enlivened by vibrant cultural performances, including steelpan music by Khan Cordice, a Mandarin song by a teacher from the Sir Novelle Richards Academy, and a traditional dance by the Elite Dance Company. Visibly moved, Ambassador Zhang expressed her deep affection for the nation, stating that Antigua and Barbuda would “always have a special place” in her heart. The event underscored the lasting impact of her diplomatic efforts and the enduring ties between the two countries.
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OECS Council of Ministers for Foreign Affairs: United strategy to protect livelihoods, enhance regional resilience, and promote collective prosperity
The Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) convened its eighth Meeting of the Council of Ministers of Foreign Affairs (COM:FA) alongside the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly. This high-level gathering, held against a backdrop of global geopolitical instability, economic uncertainties, and intensifying climate crises, brought together Foreign Ministers from OECS member states to craft a unified strategy aimed at enhancing the resilience and sustainability of small island developing states. Dr. Didacus Jules, Director General of the OECS, underscored the Council’s pivotal role in addressing the region’s challenges through prompt, coordinated, and sustained actions. He emphasized that the discussions were not merely procedural but instrumental in shaping policies that directly impact the prosperity and sustainability of OECS nations. Dr. Jules remarked, ‘In these turbulent times, our mandate is clear: to safeguard resilience, defend sovereignty, and chart a sustainable future. Our strength lies in solidarity and strategy.’ Hon. Frederick Stephenson, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and incoming Chair of COM:FA, highlighted the critical role of small states in the global arena. He stated, ‘Though modest in size, our voices are indispensable. The seas are rising, but so too is our resolve. Our unity is our greatest asset.’ The meeting officially commenced with the transfer of the Chairmanship from Saint Lucia’s Hon. Alva Baptiste to Hon. Frederick Stephenson. Ministers addressed a wide range of pressing issues, including reforms to Citizenship by Investment programs, financial stability, and climate advocacy ahead of COP30 in Brazil. Progress was noted on the Free Movement of Persons initiative, with calls for policy harmonization and retraining of border officials. The ongoing crisis in Haiti was also discussed, with a focus on humanitarian aid and Haitian-led solutions. Updates on U.S. trade measures affecting OECS economies were provided, alongside commitments to boost diplomatic efforts to prevent fisheries bans. The expansion of the Canadian Seasonal Agricultural Workers Programme was endorsed, with Saint Vincent and the Grenadines confirmed as the host for the Eastern Caribbean Liaison Service (ECLS) office in Canada. Support was also expressed for the OECS Joint Embassies in Rabat, seen as a cost-effective platform to strengthen ties with Morocco and Africa. Antigua and Barbuda shared updates on the SIDS Centre of Excellence, the Island Investment Forum, and plans to host the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in 2026. The meeting concluded with a renewed sense of purpose, as ministers reaffirmed their commitment to safeguarding livelihoods, enhancing regional unity, and amplifying the Caribbean’s global voice. A virtual special session is scheduled before November 2025 to accelerate joint mission restructuring and solidify progress on the Council’s commitments.
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Santokhi reageert op aanhouding zoon in VS: Vertrouw op rechtvaardige afhandeling
Former President Chan Santokhi has publicly responded to reports regarding the detention of his son, Richano Santokhi, in the United States due to issues surrounding his immigration status. In his statement, Santokhi emphasized that his son’s residency application is currently under review by the relevant authorities and that he is receiving legal assistance from an attorney.
Santokhi expressed confidence in a fair and thorough resolution of the matter, stating, ‘As a father, I trust in a careful and just handling of this case, in accordance with the applicable laws and regulations.’ He lamented that some individuals are exploiting his son’s personal situation for political or publicity purposes.
‘It is unfortunate that there are those who misuse this issue to inflict political and public damage,’ Santokhi remarked. He called for respect for his family’s privacy and urged society and the media to exercise restraint in addressing this private matter. ‘In the interest of my family’s privacy and protection, I will limit myself to this explanation,’ he concluded.
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President: Heb gratieverzoek niet gezien; Kanhai toont bewijs van ontvangst
In a surprising turn of events, President Jennifer Simons has claimed she has neither received nor reviewed a pardon request for the four individuals convicted in the December 8 case. This statement was made in response to questions posed by journalist Jerrel Harderwijk of DTV Express during a public event on Monday evening. When asked how she would address the pardon request, Simons replied, ‘I don’t know; I haven’t seen it yet,’ suggesting the request had not been presented to her for consideration. However, Irvin Kanhai, the attorney representing the convicts, countered this claim by presenting evidence that the request had indeed been received by the President’s Cabinet. Kanhai displayed a document dated September 17, 2025, bearing a signature confirming receipt. The pardon request pertains to Ernst Gefferie, Stephanus Dendoe, Benny Brondenstein, who are currently serving their 15-year sentences in Santo Boma, and Iwan Dijksteel, who remains at large. Kanhai expressed his expectation that the President would act appropriately, stating, ‘These individuals deserve clemency. That is what I expect.’ The reason for the delay in the request reaching the President, despite its receipt by her Cabinet, remains unclear. The President’s Office has yet to issue further comments on the matter.
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Moore: FNM cannot back off from by-election
Maurice Moore, a founding member of the Free National Movement (FNM), has emphasized the importance of the opposition party contesting the upcoming Golden Isles by-election. Speaking to The Tribune, Moore warned that allowing the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) to run uncontested would be a strategic misstep. He argued that the FNM must remain in the political fray, even if the odds are stacked against them. While some believe the FNM could leverage the late Vaughn Miller’s limited popularity in the area, Moore acknowledged the PLP’s significant financial and organizational advantages, describing the race as challenging but not unwinnable. ‘We’re one of the two major parties, so we have to contest it,’ Moore stated. ‘Even if we win by a narrow margin, it demonstrates the FNM’s potential to secure victory in a general election.’ Moore also stressed that the party’s success will hinge on its candidate selection process. The FNM has yet to confirm whether it will field a candidate for the by-election, with party insiders divided on the issue. Some advocate for conserving resources for the national campaign, while others view the by-election as an opportunity to rally supporters and attract new funding. FNM leader Michael Pintard has remained noncommittal, reiterating his call for Prime Minister Philip ‘Brave’ Davis to call an early general election instead. The party’s hesitation follows a recent defeat in the West Grand Bahama and Bimini by-election, where the FNM ignored advice from former Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham to avoid the race. Despite the setback, Moore insists that the FNM must not signal retreat. ‘If we don’t run, it gives the impression that we’ve given up,’ he said. ‘The FNM must always be in the fight.’
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Warmington wants gov’t to take full responsibility for housing scheme roads
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Everald Warmington, Member of Parliament (MP) for St Catherine South Western, has urged the Jamaican Government to assume full responsibility for the maintenance of roads in housing schemes, particularly those constructed four to five decades ago, which are now in a state of severe disrepair. Warmington presented a motion to this effect in the House of Representatives on Tuesday, aiming to establish this as official Government policy if debated and approved.
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US strike kills 6 more, off Venezuelan coast
In a significant escalation of efforts to combat narcotrafficking, U.S. President Donald Trump announced a military strike in international waters off the coast of Venezuela on October 14, resulting in the deaths of six individuals. The operation, carried out under Trump’s authority as commander-in-chief, targeted a vessel linked to a Designated Terrorist Organization (DTO) involved in drug trafficking. U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth confirmed the strike, which occurred within the U.S. Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM) operational area. Trump described the deceased as ‘narcoterrorists’ and emphasized that no U.S. personnel were harmed. This marks the fifth such strike in the past month, bringing the total death toll to 27. Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro condemned the U.S. military presence, accusing Washington of attempting to orchestrate regime change. Maduro has vowed to protect Venezuela’s sovereignty, launching nationwide military exercises like ‘Independence 200’ to bolster defense against external threats. Venezuelan officials, including Delta Amacuro State Governor Loa Tamaronis, have reaffirmed their commitment to national independence, rejecting foreign intervention. The U.S. has long accused Maduro of facilitating narcoterrorism, a claim he denies, further straining bilateral relations.
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Residents from across MICAL arrive in Nassau to show support for Dupuch-Carron’s nomination
Residents from the MICAL constituency have made a significant journey to New Providence to rally behind Robert Dupuch-Carron, founder of the Bahamas Aviation Climate and Severe Weather Networks Ltd (BACSWN), as he prepares to appear before the Progressive Liberal Party’s (PLP) Candidates Committee. This surge of support comes in the wake of MICAL MP Basil McIntosh’s announcement that he will not seek re-election, a decision that has sparked criticism from some PLP supporters who feel let down by his performance. Dupuch-Carron, who has expressed his honor at being considered for the role, represents a lineage of political service, with his grandfather, great-uncle, and uncle all having served parts of the southern Bahamas. Timothy Thompson Sr, a Crooked Island resident and member of the PLP’s National General Council, has voiced his belief that Dupuch-Carron is the ideal candidate to bring true representation to MICAL, a constituency he claims has been neglected for years. Thompson has called for investments, airport development, and projects to showcase Crooked Island’s potential. Constituents from Mayaguana, Acklins, Inagua, and Crooked Island have flown in to support Dupuch-Carron, who is expected to meet with the PLP’s Candidates Committee for an interview. Thompson has warned of a potential protest vote against the PLP if Dupuch-Carron is not selected, emphasizing the urgency of effective representation. Henry Rolle, PLP branch chairman for Acklins, has highlighted the dire need for basic necessities like potable water and proper hurricane shelters, pointing to longstanding issues on Acklins. Father James Palacious, an Inagua native, has praised Dupuch-Carron’s innovative ideas, particularly his BACSWN project, which includes aviation-grade ambulances, enhanced search-and-rescue capabilities, and upgrades to radar and meteorological services. Palacious believes this project could significantly benefit Inagua. As the PLP’s nomination process unfolds, at least two other candidates, Angela Michelle Cox-Lockhart and Laverne Bertrum “Dyie” Ingraham, have also declared their intentions to represent the governing party in the vast constituency, which includes Mayaguana, Inagua, Crooked Island, Acklins, and Long Cay. Cox-Lockhart has outlined a “7-Pillar Development Plan” focusing on infrastructure, healthcare, economic empowerment, education, culture, climate readiness, and inter-island connectivity, while Ingraham has cited long-standing political neglect and unfulfilled promises as his motivation for running.
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Trump’s H-1B visa fee hike could send Jamaican professionals to other countries
The Donald Trump administration’s decision to impose a staggering $100,000 application fee for employers seeking to hire foreign professionals through the H-1B visa programme has raised significant concerns among immigration experts. Immigration attorney Dayle Blair warns that this move could ‘backfire’ on the US, potentially driving skilled workers to countries like Canada and China, which are actively courting global talent in fields such as information technology, engineering, healthcare, and education. Blair highlighted China’s recent introduction of the K-Visa, a sponsor-free visa category aimed at attracting STEM professionals, as a direct response to the US’s restrictive measures. The K-Visa, launched on October 1, 2025, is part of China’s broader strategy to compete for skilled workers, though details on fees and requirements remain undisclosed. Blair also noted that remote work could offer an alternative for US employers, but concerns over data security and client permissions persist. The H-1B visa, which allows US employers to hire foreign workers in specialised fields, has seen a 20-fold fee increase from $5,000 to $100,000, effective September 21, 2025. This sharp rise comes as the US government pushes for companies to hire more local talent. However, Blair and other experts argue that this policy could stifle US innovation and businesses by restricting access to a global talent pool. Smaller companies, in particular, may struggle to afford the new fee, potentially limiting their ability to hire skilled foreign workers. The announcement has already caused widespread concern among employers, with many scrambling to bring employees back to the US before the deadline. Additionally, Jamaicans are being warned to remain vigilant against scams that often arise during periods of immigration uncertainty. Immigration attorney Nadine Atkinson-Flowers urged individuals to rely on credible sources and make informed decisions to avoid falling victim to fraudulent schemes.