In a high-level meeting held in Santo Domingo, leaders of the Dominican Republic’s National Congress, Senate President Ricardo de los Santos and Chamber of Deputies President Alfredo Pacheco, convened with a U.S. congressional delegation led by Brian Mast, Chairman of the House Foreign Relations Committee. The discussions centered on the deteriorating situation in Haiti, with Dominican legislators highlighting the alarming rise in gang dominance, economic collapse, and governance vacuum in the neighboring nation. They underscored President Luis Abinader’s persistent advocacy for international intervention, particularly through platforms like the United Nations. De los Santos and Pacheco emphasized that despite the Dominican Republic’s proactive measures, resolving the crisis necessitates robust international engagement, especially from the United States. They urged the U.S. delegation to convey the urgency of the matter to President Donald Trump, citing the strain on Dominican resources due to the influx of Haitian migrants seeking refuge, education, and essential services. Brian Mast acknowledged the shared challenges posed by Haiti’s instability and reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to addressing the issue. He highlighted the enduring bilateral partnership between the two countries and lauded their collaborative efforts in trade and security.
分类： politics
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OPINION: Why Antigua and Barbuda Risks Becoming a ‘Failed State’ if Partisanship Prevails
In a thought-provoking analysis, Yves Ephraim highlights the deep-rooted partisan politics in Antigua and Barbuda, which often overshadow the nation’s broader interests. Ephraim observes that party agendas frequently take precedence over national welfare, even when such priorities defy logic, morality, or common sense. He suggests that the colonial framework of independence was designed to perpetuate internal divisions, ensuring that the nation remains preoccupied with internal conflicts rather than challenging external hegemony. This strategy, he argues, has been alarmingly effective.
Reflecting on 44 years of political independence, Ephraim questions whether significant progress has been made in critical areas such as cost of living, education, infrastructure, and public services. He lists 13 pressing concerns that directly impact the well-being of ordinary citizens, emphasizing that meaningful improvement requires acknowledging past failures. However, he notes that successive administrations have been reluctant to admit policy shortcomings, leading to stagnation or regression.
Ephraim draws a striking comparison between independent nations like Antigua and Barbuda and remaining colonies, revealing that the latter often outperform the former in key economic metrics such as GDP per capita. He attributes this disparity to the inability of leaders to admit mistakes and adapt policies, often doubling down on ineffective strategies. This lack of accountability, he argues, has fostered a political culture where personal ambition trumps national interest.
He further critiques the political elite, pointing out the rise of millionaire politicians despite the nation’s struggles. Ephraim also condemns the ease with which politicians switch parties, viewing it as a betrayal of principles and a sign of power-driven opportunism. He calls for leaders who prioritize national welfare over personal gain, warning that the current trajectory threatens the very fabric of Antigua and Barbuda.
Ephraim’s analysis serves as a stark reminder of the need for humility, accountability, and a renewed focus on the collective good in governance. Without such changes, he fears that the nation’s future hangs in the balance.
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Digital ID card registration legal though laws not yet in effect – PM Phillips
Prime Minister Mark Phillips has confirmed that the registration of public servants for digital identification cards remains legal, despite the Digital Identity Card Act and the Data Protection Act not yet being enforced. Speaking to Demerara Waves Online News on Saturday, Phillips emphasized, ‘Everything that’s being done is legal.’ He acknowledged that the commencement orders for these laws, approved by the National Assembly and assented by President Irfaan Ali in August 2023, are pending issuance but assured that they would be implemented soon. ‘We’re going to do it very soon. There are a couple of things that we need to put in place,’ he stated. The Digital Identity Card Act mandates that the Digital Identity Card Registry be overseen by the Data Protection Commissioner, who holds exclusive authority to issue the cards. However, former House Speaker and Attorney-at-law Raphael Trotman noted that without a commencement order, the legislation remains inoperable. ‘If an Act explicitly states that a commencing order has to be issued, and it has not been, then it is inoperable,’ Trotman explained. He added that a subsequent commencement order could validate prior actions. Currently, President Irfaan Ali has already received his digital ID card, though the Data Protection Act remains inactive, leaving no office or commissioner to enforce data confidentiality laws. Several public service agencies, including the ministries of health and education, have instructed their staff to register for the cards when visited by officials from the Prime Minister’s office.
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Saint Lucia’s election season explained
The dissolution of Saint Lucia’s Parliament marks the beginning of a critical electoral countdown, with significant implications for governance and the democratic process. Under the Constitution, the governor-general holds the authority to dissolve Parliament, typically acting on the advice of the prime minister. However, the governor-general also possesses reserve powers to ensure stability, such as refusing a dissolution request if the government can continue without fresh elections or independently dissolving Parliament following a no-confidence vote. Once dissolved, a general election must be held within three months, as mandated by the governor-general’s writ.
Claudius Francis, Speaker of the House of Assembly, clarified that while Parliament’s dissolution halts law-making, it does not suspend the government’s operations. The national budget, passed earlier this year, ensures that spending authority remains intact. Ministers, including the prime minister, retain their powers during this period, and the prime minister can advise the governor-general to recall Parliament in emergencies. MPs, though no longer members of Parliament, continue to serve as district representatives until reelection or removal.
The appointment of the prime minister and ministers is a constitutional process. The governor-general appoints the prime minister based on their likelihood of commanding majority support in the House of Assembly, typically the leader of the winning party. Ministers are appointed on the prime minister’s advice, with the PM holding absolute authority over the Cabinet. MPs and ministers have distinct roles: MPs focus on legislation and constituency representation, while ministers manage national affairs and ministries.
Nomination day, a pivotal event in the electoral process, is governed by strict rules. Candidates must submit required documents, including nomination papers, statutory declarations, and a cash deposit, between 9 a.m. and 12 noon. Returning Officers, appointed by the governor-general, oversee the process in each constituency. If only one valid candidate is nominated, they are automatically elected. These procedures ensure fairness, transparency, and continuity in governance during elections.
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UNDP gives GECOM high marks for 2025 elections conduct
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has lauded the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) for its exemplary conduct during the September 1, 2025, general and regional elections. In a recent statement, the UNDP highlighted that GECOM, with technical assistance from UNDP Guyana and funding from the UK Government, orchestrated one of the most transparent, credible, and professionally managed elections in the nation’s modern history. This marks a significant milestone for Guyana, which has historically faced political unrest and controversies surrounding its electoral processes since its first free and fair elections in 1992. The UNDP emphasized the strategic advice provided by its Electoral Technical Support Team, which played a pivotal role in overcoming bottlenecks and ensuring the acceptance of election results. Despite recount challenges, the tabulation process was efficiently organized, with results announced promptly and accepted by all political parties. The UNDP also acknowledged the legal reforms enacted in 2022, which introduced groundbreaking technological advancements to enhance transparency. GECOM’s in-house statement of poll upload system, fortified with cybersecurity measures, ensured seamless result uploads even during website outages. An upgraded results tabulation application, praised for its clarity and user-friendliness, was deployed across 20 counting centers. The UNDP’s Information Technology Specialist underscored the critical role of technology in fostering credible, inclusive, and resilient elections. However, the European Union Election Observation Mission (EUEOM) noted concerns regarding GECOM’s appointment model, which risks inefficient decision-making and diminished public trust. The EUEOM also raised issues about potential voter manipulation, campaign financing, and the alleged misuse of state resources by the incumbent party.
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Erdogan: There will be no world peace without a Palestinian state
During a press conference concluding the G20 Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan articulated a resolute stance on the Palestinian issue, as reported by the Anadolu agency. Erdogan declared that Turkey remains steadfast in its support for the Palestinian cause, asserting that this commitment is unwavering and fearless. He emphasized that Turkey will continue to advocate for the rights of the Palestinian people across all international platforms. Erdogan also condemned what he described as a ‘genocide’ in Gaza and other Palestinian territories, attributing responsibility to the Israeli government and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for the dire situation in the region. He reiterated his belief that the conflict in Gaza constitutes a genocide, a statement made amidst widespread international alarm over the high number of civilian casualties. Additionally, Erdogan commended South Africa for its ‘courageous and exemplary’ position on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, particularly regarding its actions at the International Court of Justice, where South Africa has accused Israel of genocide. Turkey has expressed its support for South Africa’s legal initiative in various diplomatic arenas.
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Macron’s popularity slumps for 2nd consecutive month
A recent monthly barometer released by the French Institute of Public Opinion (IFOP) and published in Le Journal du Dimanche reveals that President Emmanuel Macron’s approval rating is nearing the record low of 13 percent, previously set by his predecessor, Francois Hollande. Hollande, a member of the Socialist Party (PS), holds the unenviable title of the most unpopular president in the history of IFOP polls. Macron’s disapproval rating has now surged to 56 percent, reflecting growing discontent among the French populace. Frederic Dabi, IFOP’s Director General, suggests that Macron’s declining popularity is beginning to affect other key political figures within his administration, notably Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu. Lecornu’s approval rating has dropped to 34 percent among 2,000 respondents surveyed in the past week, marking a four-point decline since October. France remains embroiled in a series of acute political crises and polarization, which have led to the rapid turnover of four prime ministers in less than a year. These include conservative Michel Barnier, who was ousted in December, centrist Francois Bayrou, removed in September, and Lecornu, who resigned in October only to be reappointed by Macron shortly thereafter.
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OPINION: The unfinished fight for women’s political inclusion in Saint Lucia (Part 2)
In the Caribbean, particularly in Saint Lucia, the political landscape is shaped by deeply ingrained societal norms and gender stereotypes. Data reveals that the archetype of a successful politician aligns with a conservative image: a middle-aged, married, Afro-Caribbean man with a family. Women, however, face significant scrutiny and delegitimization if they do not conform to this somatic norm. Single, childless, or divorced women are often subjected to harsh criticism, with their likability and leadership capabilities questioned based on their marital status or appearance. Society’s objectification of women extends to their political roles, where their attire and physical appearance are often prioritized over their policy expertise and experience. Interestingly, women who embody traditional maternal traits—such as being caring and nurturing—sometimes leverage these qualities as political talking points. Yet, those who deviate from these norms are judged more critically, highlighting the double standards in political evaluation. Despite these challenges, women in Saint Lucia are surpassing men in educational achievements and professional experience. According to the Washington Post, Saint Lucia is one of three countries where women are more likely to hold leadership positions than men, with 52.3% of bosses being female. However, institutional barriers persist, hindering women’s political participation. UN Women highlights the disproportionate burden of family care responsibilities on women, making it difficult for them to balance domestic duties with political careers. Additionally, systemic issues such as limited access to campaign funding, political networks, and unwinnable seat placements further disadvantage women. While there are no explicit laws barring women from political office, entrenched practices within political parties perpetuate inequality. To address these issues, comprehensive measures are needed, including public education on gender equality, increased support for women candidates, and the implementation of quotas to ensure fair representation. Rahym R. Augustin-Joseph, a Rhodes Scholar and advocate for political reform, emphasizes the importance of dismantling patriarchal structures and fostering a more inclusive political environment in Saint Lucia and the broader Caribbean.
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Ex-PM: ‘March election’ if PLP wins
Former Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham has forecasted that the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) may call for an early general election if they secure victory in today’s Golden Isles by-election. Speaking at a Free National Movement (FNM) rally on Friday, Ingraham emphasized the high stakes surrounding the by-election, which both major parties view as a critical political litmus test. “If they win on Monday, they’ll push for an early election by March. If they lose, they’ll stagnate,” he remarked. The by-election, necessitated by the passing of Vaughn Miller, features PLP’s Darron Pickstock and FNM’s Brian Brown as the leading contenders, alongside Brian Rolle of the Coalition of Independents and independent candidate Karen Butler. Historically, by-elections have favored the ruling party, and political analysts are closely monitoring the outcome to gauge public sentiment ahead of the general election, which must occur before October next year. Voter turnout is expected to play a pivotal role, intensifying recent campaign efforts. Results are anticipated by early evening. Ingraham revealed he initially advised Brown against running, citing historical trends favoring the PLP in by-elections. However, Brown’s determination to represent the community prevailed. Ingraham framed the contest as both a referendum on the Davis administration and an opportunity for the FNM to reclaim influence in a constituency he believes has been neglected. He praised Brown as a grounded candidate with deep community ties, likening him to former Adelaide MP Frank Watson. Ingraham expressed surprise at Brown’s 2021 loss, given his strong local support, and highlighted Brown’s integrity, stating he seeks no personal gain from the position. “Brian Brown isn’t looking for anything; he’s here to serve,” Ingraham concluded.
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Cummings: Government locked out 300 aspiring farmers
Former Minister of Youth Development and National Service, Foster Cummings, has publicly accused the United National Congress (UNC) government of dismantling a significant labor-intensive agricultural initiative, leaving hundreds of young people unemployed. In a widely circulated social media video, Cummings revealed that the Youth Agricultural Shade House Project in Tucker Valley, Chaguaramas, has been abruptly shut down, barring access to approximately 300 trainees involved in the program. Launched in August 2024 by former Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley, the project aimed to equip young nationals aged 16-35 with agricultural skills through shade-house cultivation of high-value crops. The initiative, a collaboration between the Ministry of Youth Development and National Service and The University of the West Indies (UWI), St. Augustine, provided trainees with a daily stipend of $150. Cummings highlighted that the project was inspired by a successful Guyanese program and had four completed shade houses with 16 more under construction before the UNC came to power in the April 28 general election. He criticized the government for discontinuing the program, locking out the co-operative established to market produce, and halting construction work. Cummings also expressed concern over broader social-programme cutbacks, including the discontinuation of URP and CEPEP initiatives, and urged the government to reconsider its decision, emphasizing the impact on young people’s livelihoods. He further alleged that the site might be handed over to a private individual, sidelining the trainees. Despite multiple attempts to seek clarification from Agriculture Minister Ravi Ratiram, no response has been received.