Switzerland has reaffirmed its commitment to facilitating diplomatic negotiations by maintaining open channels with all involved parties in the ongoing conflict. The Swiss Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized its readiness to host talks on its neutral territory, aiming to broker a fair and lasting peace. This announcement came in response to inquiries about the potential for negotiations in Geneva, a city historically known for hosting pivotal diplomatic discussions. The Ministry underscored its support for any initiatives that promote stability and fairness in resolving the crisis. Concurrently, political analysts have highlighted the growing urgency for a negotiated solution, particularly in light of unilateral proposals from the United States that have strained relations among European allies. Earlier this week, reports from U.S. media suggested that Russia and the United States have been engaged in secret consultations, reportedly drafting a 28-point plan to address the conflict between Kiev and Moscow. Switzerland’s proactive stance underscores its role as a neutral mediator in international disputes, offering a platform for dialogue amidst escalating tensions.
分类： politics
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Over 8 000 names flagged for removal from voters’ register
The Electoral and Boundaries Commission (EBC) of Barbados has initiated a significant overhaul of the national voter register, targeting the removal of 8,291 names following the country’s first comprehensive enumeration exercise in over three decades. Chairman Ramon Alleyne, a King’s Counsel, announced the initiative during a press briefing at Warrens Towers, St Michael, emphasizing the commission’s commitment to creating the most accurate and up-to-date electoral list in decades.
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Cuban historian: There may or may not be a war in the Caribbean
Renowned Cuban historian and professor at the Higher Institute of International Relations (ISRI), Alvarez, recently addressed a gathering at the Chilean Writers’ Society (SECH) in Santiago. The discussion centered on the themes of anti-imperialist struggles and the fundamental rights of nations to sovereignty and self-determination. Alvarez highlighted the escalating complexities in the Caribbean region, attributing much of the tension to the United States’ efforts to reassert its dominance in an area it has historically regarded as its sphere of influence. She expressed concerns over the potential for conflict, warning that even a minor incident could jeopardize not just the Caribbean nations but the entirety of Latin America. The historian pointed out that under the guise of combating drug trafficking, the US has significantly increased its military presence in the region. This includes the deployment of its largest aircraft carrier, the initiation of military exercises, and targeted attacks on vessels suspected of involvement in the drug trade. Alvarez emphasized that these aggressive actions have already resulted in the loss of over 80 lives. Furthermore, she criticized the ongoing US policy of intimidation against Venezuela, which has led to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) advising extreme caution for commercial flights over Venezuelan airspace. This advisory has prompted several airlines to suspend their services to Caracas, further isolating the country.
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Venezuelans vote in 4th National Popular Consultation (+Photos)
Angel Prado, Minister for Communes, Social Movements, and Urban Agriculture, announced that the National Electoral Council (CNE) and Community Electoral Commissions have established 9,963 polling stations across 8,630 voting centers nationwide. This extensive setup is part of the preparations for the upcoming elections, which mark the 9th electoral event of the year, including three constitutional processes. Additionally, 19,926 Electoral Commissions have been activated to oversee the smooth operation of each voting center. These commissions consist of poll members tasked with ensuring transparency and efficiency during the voting process. The elections follow grassroots assemblies where citizens submitted proposals, resulting in the selection of 36,674 projects across 5,336 Community Circuits. Among these, 10,662 projects will be presented to citizens for voting, with implementation set to begin next week. The top two projects will receive funding, with the first-place winner financed by the national government and the runners-up supported by 24 departmental governments and 335 municipalities. This initiative builds on the success of 23,000 projects approved and executed over the past 18 months, which included community financing plans and the acquisition of technological equipment for youth.
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OPINION: They create a desert and call it peace
As global attention shifts between the fragile Israel-Hamas peace agreement and geopolitical tensions in Venezuela and the Pacific, a reflection on an ancient quote by Tacitus becomes strikingly relevant: ‘Rome creates a desert and calls it peace.’ This sentiment, first articulated by the Scottish chieftain Calgacus in 83 AD, continues to resonate through centuries of military interventions. Calgacus’ critique of Roman imperialism—where conquest was masked as civilization and subjugation as peace—reveals a pattern that persists in modern geopolitics. The powerful have long justified military action as liberation, violence as order, and domination as peace, often leaving behind devastation rebranded as stability. This cycle is perpetuated by the allure of decisive military action, the political safety of appearing strong, and the deferred costs borne by distant populations. The aftermath of such interventions often sees power vacuums, radicalized generations, and destabilized regions—deserts created in the name of peace. Yet, the rhetoric of victory and mission accomplished continues to overshadow the long-term consequences. Breaking this pattern requires acknowledging that military force is not a panacea, investing in diplomacy, and redefining success not by enemies killed but by conflicts resolved and societies rebuilt. The question remains: will we continue to prove Calgacus right, or will we choose a different path?
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Bruce notes that Caesar’s wife dropped case against alleged robbers
In a heated political exchange, South Central Windward incumbent Saboto Caesar has publicly criticized his challenger, Israel Bruce, for defending individuals accused of robbing Caesar’s wife in 2018. The case, which saw the five accused men acquitted in July 2020 after Caesar’s wife, Dr. Reisha Twana Browne-Caesar, chose not to provide evidence, has become a focal point in the ongoing political campaign. Caesar, a lawyer and member of the Unity Labour Party (ULP), has raised the issue multiple times during his campaign, accusing Bruce of lacking moral principles for representing the accused. Bruce, a candidate for the New Democratic Party (NDP), countered by emphasizing the ethical duty of lawyers to represent clients regardless of personal connections, questioning Caesar’s potential influence over his wife’s decision to drop the case. The dispute has escalated, with both candidates trading barbs and questioning each other’s integrity, further polarizing the electorate in South Central Windward. The controversy also touches on broader issues of justice and crime management in St. Vincent, with Bruce criticizing the government’s handling of crime and Caesar accusing Bruce of undermining parliamentary collegiality.
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Belgium’s Supreme Court to hear Mehul Choksi’s appeal against extradition on December 9
The legal battle surrounding fugitive diamond trader Mehul Choksi’s extradition to India has reached a critical juncture, with Belgium’s Supreme Court, the Court of Cassation, set to hear his case on December 9, 2025. This follows Choksi’s appeal against an October 17 ruling by the Antwerp Court of Appeal, which upheld India’s extradition request, deeming it “enforceable.” Advocaat-generaal Henri Vanderlinden confirmed the hearing date, emphasizing that the Court of Cassation will only review the legal aspects of the lower court’s decision, such as procedural correctness and application of law, without considering new evidence or facts. The proceedings are primarily written, with parties required to submit their complaints in writing at the time of appeal. Choksi, accused of siphoning ₹6,400 crore in the ₹13,000 crore Punjab National Bank (PNB) scam, fled to Antigua and Barbuda in January 2018 before being spotted in Belgium, where he reportedly sought medical treatment. India’s extradition request, based on arrest warrants issued by a Mumbai special court, was initiated in August 2024. The Antwerp Court of Appeals dismissed Choksi’s claims of facing a “genuine risk” of torture or denial of justice in India, citing India’s assurances regarding his safety, trial conditions, and human rights protections. The court also rejected his assertion of being subjected to a political trial, finding his evidence insufficient. The upcoming Supreme Court hearing represents Choksi’s final legal recourse in Belgium, with the outcome poised to determine his extradition fate.
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My support for Conroy
Barrouallie, a village steeped in history and culture, stands at the precipice of a historic moment. For over five decades, Central Leeward has never elected a representative from Barrouallie to serve a full five-year term in Parliament. This 2025 election, however, presents a unique opportunity for the community to rally behind Conroy, a native son whose roots run deep in the soil of Keartons and Barrouallie.
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Antigua’s Clovis St. Romain Named to CARICOM Observer Mission for St. Vincent Polls
The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has launched a ten-member Election Observation Mission (CEOM) to monitor the General Elections in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, set for November 27, 2025. The mission was initiated following an official invitation from the Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines on October 2, 2025. The CEOM will be stationed in the country from November 20 to 29, 2025, to oversee the electoral process. The team includes senior electoral officials from seven CARICOM Member States and three administrative staff from the CARICOM Secretariat, ensuring comprehensive support. Leading the mission is Mr. Sase R. Gunraj, Commissioner of the Guyana Elections Commission. Other notable members include Mr. Clovis St. Romain from Antigua and Barbuda, His Honour Arthur Eugene Holder from Barbados, and Ms. Anthea Joseph from Dominica, among others. The CARICOM Secretariat staff, including Ms. Shae-Alicia Lewis and Mr. Irvin Brown, will provide logistical and administrative assistance. The Core Group, led by Mr. Gunraj, arrived in St. Vincent and the Grenadines on November 20, with the remaining members expected by November 23. Since their arrival, the CEOM has engaged with key political figures, including the Honourable Daniel Cummings of the New Democratic Party and Dr. Doris Frederick of the National Liberation Movement. They have also met with representatives from the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Teachers’ Union, the Voice of the Disabled, and local media. In the coming days, the mission is scheduled to meet with Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, Supervisor of Elections Ms. Dora James, and Commissioner of Police Mr. Enville Williams. These interactions aim to provide the CEOM with a clear understanding of the pre-election environment and the level of preparedness for the elections. On Election Day, the CEOM will observe all aspects of the electoral process, from the opening of polling stations to the counting of votes and the declaration of results. Following the elections, the CEOM will issue a Preliminary Statement on November 29, summarizing their initial observations. A comprehensive Final Report will be prepared and submitted to CARICOM Secretary-General Dr. Carla Barnett, with findings and recommendations made public. The CEOM expressed gratitude for the warm reception and cooperation received and extended best wishes to the electorate as they prepare to cast their votes.
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Dual citizenship & Parliament — what the drafters really intended
In recent weeks, St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) has been embroiled in a heated debate over whether dual citizens can serve in Parliament. This discussion, fueled by challenged nominations, impending court cases, and political strategizing, has been significantly shaped by the insights of legal experts Dr. Linton Lewis and Dr. Jason Haynes, who have provided a nuanced understanding of the constitutional framework. At the heart of this debate lies Section 25 of the SVG Constitution, which outlines the qualifications for parliamentary eligibility. Notably, the Constitution does not restrict eligibility to citizens of SVG alone but extends it to Commonwealth citizens. This deliberate choice reflects the drafters’ vision of a shared Commonwealth community, where individuals from across the region could participate in each other’s democratic institutions. Section 26, which addresses disqualifications, has been interpreted by some as a barrier to dual citizens. However, a closer reading suggests that the drafters intended to allow dual citizens, particularly those with Commonwealth ties, to serve in Parliament. The Constitution’s flexibility, designed to adapt to evolving social realities, underscores its role as a ‘living instrument.’ As the nation approaches election week, this constitutional interpretation remains a pivotal issue, highlighting the balance between inclusivity and legal precision.