On December 1, voters in Castries South, Saint Lucia, will cast their ballots in a pivotal election that will shape the constituency’s future for the next five years. The contest features two contrasting candidates: Dr. Ernest Hilaire, a seasoned politician and Deputy Prime Minister, and Tommy Descartes, a first-time candidate with a technocratic background. The election is not just a battle between party loyalties but also a clash of visions for a district that has become a symbol of national pride and political ambition. Castries South, a constituency within Saint Lucia’s capital, has garnered international attention since Julien Alfred, a native of Ciceron, won the country’s first Olympic gold medal. The area boasts significant infrastructure, including the Dr. Winston C.V. Parris Medical Complex, Owen King European Union Hospital, and Tapion Hospital. It also includes Bananes Bay, a politically sensitive zone near Tapion and Hospital Road, which is expected to be impacted by the Global Port Holding redevelopment of Port Castries. Dr. Ernest Hilaire, representing the Saint Lucia Labour Party (SLP), is seeking a third term. A graduate of the University of the West Indies, Cambridge University, and the London School of Economics, Hilaire has held numerous high-profile roles, including Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Youth and Sports, CEO of Saint Lucia’s ICC Cricket World Cup operations, and Chief Executive Officer of the West Indies Cricket Board. His campaign emphasizes legislative achievements and resilience during his tenure, particularly during his time in opposition. Hilaire highlights the Tourism Development Act as a key accomplishment, which he claims has incentivized local participation in the tourism industry. In contrast, Tommy Descartes, representing the United Workers Party (UWP), is a first-time candidate with a background in economics. A graduate of the University of the West Indies and the University of Nottingham, Descartes has worked with the Caribbean Development Bank, Saint Lucia’s Department of Economic Planning, and the Ministry of Equity. Descartes positions himself as a fresh, relatable alternative, focusing on youth empowerment and a ten-year development plan that includes the creation of a Youth and Sports Academy. The election will hinge on which candidate can best address pressing issues such as employment generation, infrastructure upgrades, and sports and social development initiatives. Voters will ultimately decide whether to continue with Hilaire’s experienced leadership or embrace Descartes’ new vision for Castries South.
分类: politics
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EC accused of using AI in responses
A recent complaint has raised concerns about the transparency of a community body, highlighting that a document sent to ombudsmen appears to have been generated using artificial intelligence (AI). This revelation has sparked criticism from experts who accuse the European Union (EU) of maintaining a double standard. While the EU actively regulates the use of AI externally, it seems to employ such tools internally, potentially violating its own guidelines. Critics argue that this inconsistency reflects a lack of seriousness and transparency in the EU’s management practices. The Ombudsman is reportedly considering launching a formal investigation into the matter. Meanwhile, the European Commission (EC) has declined to provide clarity on whether AI tools were used, citing the internal nature of its regulations.
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AU seeks to mobilize political will in post-conflict reconstruction
The African Union (AU) has launched a significant continental initiative, running until November 23, aimed at advancing political advocacy and bolstering the implementation of its revised policies on post-conflict recovery. This initiative, which began in 2021, has evolved into a vital platform for addressing the interconnected issues of peace, security, governance, human rights, and development across Africa. It also serves as a rallying call for African solidarity and international collaboration in rebuilding societies emerging from conflict.
Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the AU Commission, emphasized the importance of this year’s theme, ‘Rebuilding Lives After Conflict Through Restorative Justice.’ He reiterated the AU’s dedication to fostering tangible initiatives that enhance the lives and livelihoods of Africans. Youssouf underscored the human dimension of peacebuilding, stressing that sustainable recovery is unattainable without justice, dignity, and reparations for affected communities.
Furthermore, he highlighted the AU’s commitment to inclusive, people-centered, and justice-based recovery processes. These efforts aim to restore trust, address the lingering effects of conflict, and establish the groundwork for enduring peace and development. The initiative reflects the AU’s holistic approach to post-conflict reconstruction, ensuring that recovery efforts are both comprehensive and equitable.
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Angola to elect a new president
In a significant political development, the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the People’s Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA) announced on November 13 the appointment of Adao de Almeida as the new president of Parliament, succeeding Carolina Cerqueira. The decision, made in line with the Legislative Assembly’s procedural rules, was promptly submitted to the Assembly for approval. The election and handover ceremony are set to take place this Monday, as per the proposed agenda. The MPLA, which holds a commanding majority with 124 out of 220 seats in the Assembly, anticipates a smooth transition, despite the undisclosed reasons for Cerqueira’s replacement, who has held the position since 2022. Under Angolan law, the president of the National Assembly is elected for each legislative term but can be replaced within that term by the political party or coalition that initially nominated them. Adao de Almeida, a seasoned politician and member of the MPLA’s Political Bureau, brings a wealth of experience, having served as Chief of Staff to the President from 2020 until November 14. Concurrently, Parliament is gearing up to commence the second ordinary plenary session of the fourth legislative term today, with the first debate on the draft General State Budget (PGE) for 2026 on the agenda.
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Fidel in the Aula Magna: 20 essential topics
On November 17, 2005, Fidel Castro delivered a landmark speech at the University of Havana, addressing critical global and national issues while reaffirming the principles of socialism. Two decades later, his words remain strikingly relevant. Castro condemned the injustices of the modern world, highlighting exploitation, inequality, and the dominance of imperial powers. He criticized the United States for its military interventions and the Israeli government for its role in the Palestinian crisis, emphasizing the need for global unity against oppression. Castro also reflected on Cuba’s revolutionary history, stressing the importance of ideas, ethics, and collective struggle in preserving socialism. He called for vigilance against corruption and theft, urging Cubans to uphold revolutionary values. Castro’s speech underscored the enduring relevance of Marxist-Leninist principles and the necessity of defending Cuba’s sovereignty. He concluded with a hopeful vision for the future, asserting that the fight for justice and human dignity makes life worth living.
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Cuba reiterates condemnation of subversion and economic manipulation
Cuban Prime Minister Manuel Marrero has publicly condemned what he describes as subversive activities and economic manipulation orchestrated against Cuba through a U.S.-supported publication. In a series of social media posts, Marrero revealed that the digital outlet El Toque is linked to U.S. government institutions, including the National Endowment for Democracy, USAID, and the State Department. He asserted that these connections confirm El Toque’s role as a tool for undermining Cuba’s economic stability and depressing the income levels of its citizens. Marrero’s statements align with previous accusations by Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel, who has highlighted the financing of digital media to devalue the Cuban peso. The Prime Minister also emphasized ongoing efforts by the Central Bank of Cuba to establish a transparent and orderly official exchange market. This initiative aims to reflect the true state of the economy and counteract destabilizing forces. Earlier this month, Cuba accused the U.S. government of executing a comprehensive economic warfare program designed to disrupt the nation’s constitutional order. The allegations, detailed on the program Razones de Cuba, specifically targeted currency trafficking and tax evasion schemes involving Cuban-origin operators based in the U.S. and other countries. El Toque was directly implicated as a manipulated media outlet despite its claims of independence.
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The 11th Plenary Session of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba is convened
The Communist Party of Cuba is set to convene its 11th Plenary Session on December 12 and 13, 2025, to address critical issues impacting the nation’s socioeconomic and political landscape. This high-level meeting, organized by the Party’s highest governing body between Congresses, aims to evaluate the government’s response to ongoing challenges and assess the implementation of the Government Program designed to rectify economic distortions and stimulate growth. The session, which has been under review since November 15 and will continue until December 30, will also focus on setting economic objectives and goals for 2026, alongside discussions on the proposed State Budget for the upcoming year. Additionally, the Central Committee will examine the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, the recovery progress in the eastern provinces, and the lingering effects of previous natural disasters. As part of the agenda, the Political Bureau will present a report on its recent activities and key decisions, particularly in the context of preparations for the 9th Congress of the Communist Party of Cuba, scheduled for April 16-19, 2026. This Congress holds special significance as it coincides with the centenary of Commander-in-Chief Fidel Castro Ruz, marking a pivotal moment in Cuba’s political history.
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Prosecutor’s Office creates specialized unit to combat illicit drug trafficking
In a significant move to address the evolving challenges of drug trafficking, the Public Prosecutor’s Office in the Dominican Republic has launched the Specialized Prosecutor’s Office Against Illicit Drug Trafficking. This initiative, spearheaded by Attorney General Yeni Berenice Reynoso, aims to enhance the nation’s capacity to dismantle drug trafficking and money laundering networks, seize illegal assets, and mitigate criminal activities that threaten public safety. The establishment of this unit, authorized under Article 53 of Law 133-11 by the Superior Council of the Public Prosecutor’s Office, builds on a strategy that has already yielded historic successes in drug seizures, micro-trafficking operations, and international collaboration.
Attorney General Reynoso highlighted the necessity of this specialized office in response to the increasingly sophisticated nature of criminal networks. She pointed out that traditional prosecution methods are inadequate in tackling modern trafficking, which leverages digital platforms, global distribution systems, and advanced techniques to hide illicit profits. The new unit will prioritize anticipating emerging trends, tracking digital assets, and fostering real-time international cooperation. By doing so, it aims to fortify the Dominican Republic’s ability to counter contemporary threats posed by synthetic drugs and cryptocurrency-based money laundering, ensuring a more robust and adaptive approach to combating drug trafficking.


