The Parliament of Antigua and Barbuda is set to convene on Tuesday, October 14, to deliberate on a series of pivotal legislative proposals aimed at addressing critical national issues. The agenda, as outlined by Maurice Merchant, Director General of Communications, includes the Prices Bill, which seeks to regulate the costs of goods and services, and the Disabilities and Equal Opportunities Bill, designed to enhance inclusivity and fairness. Additionally, lawmakers will examine the Electronic Evidence Amendment Bill, a crucial measure in combating crime through modernized legal frameworks. The session will also feature discussions on the Advanced Passenger Information and Passenger Name Record Bill, which aims to bolster travel security and data sharing, alongside the Eastern Caribbean Citizenship by Investment Regulatory Authority Agreement Bill and the Fatal Accidents Bill. This legislative push underscores the government’s commitment to modernizing the nation’s legal infrastructure, improving consumer protection, and safeguarding human rights. The upcoming parliamentary sitting reflects a proactive approach to addressing both domestic and international challenges, ensuring Antigua and Barbuda remains aligned with global standards in governance and security.
分类： politics
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Cramming for the national exam — ULP style
In North Leeward, the air is thick with the sounds of heavy machinery and the sight of sudden activity. Long-neglected roads are being graded, hardcourts are under construction, and materials are being dumped at various sites. Students are being called in groups to receive laptops and scholarships, while arrowroot farmers, who have been struggling since the 2001 volcanic eruption, are finally receiving relief. Amidst all this, there is talk of hotel development, even though similar projects announced years ago in other parts of the country have yet to materialize. What ties all these developments together? It’s the ULP government’s frantic efforts to prepare for the upcoming general elections, a phenomenon akin to a student cramming for a national exam. Just as the education policy promotes students to secondary school regardless of their mastery of the required knowledge, the government seems to be adopting a similar approach—hoping to scrape through by making last-minute efforts. However, this strategy raises questions about the government’s ability to implement a holistic development policy that benefits everyone consistently over time, rather than in the final weeks of its political life. The analogy extends further: just as students who cram often fail to master the subject matter, a government that relies on last-minute efforts may not be equipped to perform at the required level. The closer these developments are to the election, the more they are expected to leave a lasting impression on voters. Yet, this short-term political strategy may not be enough to bridge the development gap with other countries in the region. As Independence Day approaches, more announcements of such initiatives are widely anticipated.
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Peru: Congres zet president Dina Boluarte af te midden van oplopende criminaliteit
In a historic and unanimous decision, the Peruvian Congress voted to remove President Dina Boluarte from office on October 10, 2025. The move followed a late-night session, hours after a violent shooting at a concert in Lima, which intensified public outrage over the country’s escalating crime rates. Boluarte, 63, who had long struggled with plummeting approval ratings and accusations of corruption and excessive use of force against protesters, was deemed unfit to fulfill her duties. The motion for her removal garnered support from nearly all political factions, including parties that had previously backed her. With no vice president in place, Congress President José Jerí, 38, was swiftly sworn in as interim leader. Jerí pledged to prioritize combating crime and restoring national security while emphasizing the need for national reconciliation and a stable transition. Boluarte’s ouster marks the sixth presidential change in Peru since 2018, highlighting the nation’s persistent political turmoil. She assumed power in December 2022 after her predecessor, Pedro Castillo, was arrested for attempting to dissolve Congress. Her tenure was marred by widespread protests, particularly in rural and indigenous regions, often met with harsh crackdowns. As Jerí takes the helm, Peru enters a new chapter focused on addressing the root causes of its crises. The coming months will be pivotal as the country aims to achieve greater political stability and safety ahead of the general elections scheduled for April 2026.
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NIA Engages Business Community on Proposed SSZ South Coast Project, Reinforces Commitment to Transparency and Good Governance
The Nevis Island Administration (NIA) has initiated a series of public consultations to discuss the proposed Special Sustainability Zone (SSZ) development, emphasizing transparency and good governance. On October 07, 2025, Premier Mark Brantley chaired a meeting with key stakeholders from the St. Kitts and Nevis business community at the Four Seasons Resort conference room. Approximately 40 participants, including representatives from the Chamber of Industry and Commerce and the Bankers Association, attended the session. Premier Brantley highlighted the importance of engaging the business community first, as they stand to benefit significantly from the project. He stressed that the project, named ‘Destiny,’ has not yet been approved and sought feedback from attendees. Olivier Janssens, the project’s developer, presented a vision for ‘Destiny,’ a sustainable family resort community that aims to create jobs, boost tourism, and attract investment while preserving Nevis’ natural beauty. Environmental and architectural experts detailed plans for ecosystem protection, including coral reef rehabilitation and low-rise structures. Premier Brantley also shared economic projections, estimating a potential US $52 billion economic output over a decade. The meeting concluded with a robust Q&A session, and business leaders expressed gratitude for the NIA’s inclusive approach. The NIA plans further consultations with the Opposition and town hall meetings to ensure broad community input. This initiative reflects the Concerned Citizens Movement (CCM)-led administration’s commitment to transparency and people-centered governance.
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CARICOM Heads welcome Gaza peace deal
BASSETERRE, St. Kitts — The Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has expressed cautious optimism regarding the newly brokered peace agreement between Hamas and Israel. The deal, which marks the initial phase of a broader peace plan for Gaza, has been hailed as a pivotal development in addressing the protracted conflict in the region. In an official statement, CARICOM emphasized that the agreement represents a crucial step toward mitigating the severe humanitarian crisis faced by the Palestinian population and ensuring the safe return of Israeli hostages. The regional leaders underscored the importance of the agreement’s key provisions, including a sustained cessation of hostilities, the withdrawal of military forces, the mutual release of hostages and prisoners, and the facilitation of immediate and secure humanitarian aid. CARICOM reaffirmed its longstanding advocacy for dialogue, mutual respect, and compliance with international law as essential components for achieving a durable resolution to the conflict. The organization reiterated its commitment to supporting efforts that foster peace and stability in the region, emphasizing that such measures are indispensable for the well-being of all parties involved.
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President Abinader travels to Mexico for family commitments
Santo Domingo.- President Luis Abinader embarked on a brief trip to Mexico this Friday, accompanied by First Lady Raquel Arbaje and their daughters, to fulfill personal family obligations, as confirmed by an official statement. The president is expected to return to the Dominican Republic on Sunday, October 12, where he will promptly resume his official responsibilities. Upon his arrival, Abinader will lead a significant inauguration ceremony in Santo Domingo Este, underscoring his commitment to public service. Later that afternoon, he will oversee the handover of new apartments in the Ciudad Real Ecológica housing project, a key initiative in the government’s broader strategy to enhance access to affordable and dignified housing for citizens.
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Government to introduce law turning sargassum into economic opportunity
The Dominican government has unveiled a comprehensive legislative package aimed at modernizing the nation’s economy and fostering sustainable development as part of the RD 2036 Meta Plan. The initiative, presented to the National Congress, includes 14 proposed laws designed to address key challenges and opportunities in the country. One of the standout proposals is the Law for the Protection of Tourist Areas from Sargassum, which seeks to establish a legal framework for the sustainable management of the invasive seaweed. Minister of the Presidency José Ignacio Paliza outlined the plan during a meeting with senators, emphasizing its focus on innovation and environmental stewardship. The proposed law would classify sargassum as special management waste, setting guidelines for its collection, treatment, and economic reuse. By encouraging private sector involvement in converting sargassum into valuable products, the initiative aims to mitigate the environmental and economic impacts of the recurring seaweed influx on Dominican beaches and coastal communities. This legislative effort underscores the government’s commitment to transforming ecological challenges into opportunities for green development and economic growth.
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Column: Politieke vingers in de oliepot
The recent announcement of new appointments to the Board of Commissioners (RvC) at Staatsolie, Suriname’s state-owned oil company, has reignited debates over the politicization of oversight in state enterprises. The practice of distributing positions based on political loyalty rather than expertise or experience has become a recurring issue, undermining the integrity of governance. While it is common for governments to appoint their allies to key roles, the prioritization of party allegiance over competence poses significant risks, particularly in sectors critical to the national economy.
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Diplomacy : Laurent Saint Cyr met with Emperor Naruhito of Japan
In a significant diplomatic engagement, Laurent Saint Cyr, President Pro Tempore and Coordinator of Haiti’s Transition Council, held pivotal meetings with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and Emperor Naruhito during his official visit to Japan. The discussions with Prime Minister Ishiba centered on the current economic landscape and mutual interests, with Saint Cyr emphasizing Japan’s support for the deployment of the Gang Suppression Force (GSF) following its approval by the United Nations Security Council. Prime Minister Ishiba reaffirmed Japan’s longstanding commitment to Haiti, highlighting decades of assistance, particularly after the devastating 2010 earthquake and through funding for the Multinational Security Support Mission. He expressed a keen interest in bolstering Haiti’s military capabilities and reiterated Japan’s dedication to fostering stability, peace, and security in the Caribbean nation. Saint Cyr, in turn, underscored the Transitional Council’s determination to restore security with international support, paving the way for timely elections. Additionally, Saint Cyr was granted an audience with Emperor Naruhito at the Tokyo Imperial Palace on October 8, 2025. This cordial meeting reinforced the enduring friendship and cooperative ties between Haiti and Japan, focusing on shared interests and mutual respect.
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FLASH : Council of Ministers abandon the project of a new Constitution
In a significant political development, Haiti’s extraordinary Council of Ministers, led by Transitional Presidential Advisor Leslie Voltaire and attended by Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils Aimé, announced on October 9, 2025, the abandonment of the proposed new Constitution. This decision marks a pivotal shift in the nation’s governance strategy. To facilitate this change, the Council repealed four key laws: the Decree of July 17, 2024, which established the Steering Committee of the National Conference; the Orders of July 24 and September 2, 2024, which appointed and supplemented the Steering Committee members; the Order of September 18, 2024, which appointed members of the Provisional Electoral Council (CEP) and set their terms of office; and the Referendum Decree of June 24, 2025. These actions underscore the Transitional Executive’s commitment to fostering institutional, political, and legal frameworks that support free, inclusive, and credible general elections, aligning with the principles of the amended 1987 Constitution.