Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit addressed the nation on the occasion of Dominica’s 47th Independence Day, reflecting on the country’s journey of progress and resilience. Despite challenges, Dominica has emerged as a proud and forward-looking nation. The Prime Minister highlighted significant achievements, including the development of an international airport, the establishment of a geothermal plant in Laudat, and the construction of climate-resilient homes. These initiatives symbolize the nation’s commitment to sustainable development and economic growth. The Citizenship by Investment Programme has been instrumental in funding critical infrastructure, while the new Eastern Caribbean Citizenship by Investment Regulatory Authority has enhanced regional cooperation and transparency. On October 1st, Dominica joined three other nations in implementing full free movement within the region, a milestone that strengthens Caribbean unity. Prime Minister Skerrit urged the youth to seize opportunities and contribute to the nation’s development, while expressing gratitude to the diaspora for their unwavering support. Drawing inspiration from scripture, he called for renewed unity and faith, emphasizing that Dominica’s potential is limitless when its people work together. The Prime Minister concluded with a prayer for God’s blessings on the nation and its citizens, wishing everyone a Happy Independence Day.
分类： politics
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Azruddin, Nazar Mohamed granted bail in US extradition case, despite claims of Venezuelan, Middle East connections
Azruddin Mohamed and his father Nazar ‘Shell’ Mohamed were granted bail on Friday, October 31, 2025, despite a U.S. extradition request accusing them of wire fraud, money laundering, and gold smuggling. The duo, arrested earlier that day, appeared before Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman in Georgetown, Guyana. The U.S. government, represented by lawyer Terrence Williams via Zoom, opposed bail, citing allegations of an ‘international criminal enterprise’ with connections to Venezuela and the Middle East. Williams claimed the Mohameds could flee to Venezuela, where they allegedly have property and ties to high-ranking officials. However, defense lawyers Nigel Hughes and Siand Dhurjon argued that these allegations were baseless and unsubstantiated. Magistrate Latchman granted each defendant GY$150,000 bail, requiring them to surrender their passports and report weekly to the Ruimveldt Police Station. The case is set to continue on November 10, 2025, to determine if sufficient evidence exists for extradition. Outside the courtroom, Azruddin Mohamed denied all charges, accusing the Guyana government of colluding with the U.S. to prevent him from assuming his role as Opposition Leader. The defense team also raised constitutional concerns, hinting at potential appeals to the Constitutional Court.
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ABDF Clarifies Reports of Foreign Military Presence in Antigua
The Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force (ABDF) has issued a public statement to clarify the presence of foreign military personnel on the island. The ABDF confirmed that there is no verified or authorized activity by American soldiers in St. John’s or any other part of Antigua and Barbuda. This announcement comes in response to circulating rumors and unverified reports regarding foreign military operations on the island.
In contrast, the ABDF acknowledged the presence of Canadian military personnel, emphasizing their role in collaborative planning and preparatory exercises for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) 2026, which Antigua and Barbuda will host. This partnership is part of a broader cooperation framework between the governments of Antigua and Barbuda and Canada, designed to enhance local readiness, coordination, and security measures for the upcoming high-profile event.
The ABDF reiterated its commitment to working closely with regional and international partners to ensure the safety, security, and seamless execution of CHOGM 2026. The public was urged to rely on official ABDF communication channels for accurate information and to avoid spreading unconfirmed reports.
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T&T Enters State One Alert Level as PM Calls for Calm
Trinidad and Tobago has escalated its national security measures by declaring a State One Alert, the highest level of military readiness. Effective immediately, all members of the Defence Force and Coast Guard have been ordered to report to their respective bases by 6 p.m. today. A directive issued to personnel emphasized, “This is not a drill,” and instructed all ranks to prepare for potential confinement. The State One Alert mandates full operational readiness, requiring soldiers to return to key military installations, with even those on leave placed on standby. Concurrently, the police force has implemented similar measures, restricting officer leave until further notice. The sudden mobilization has sparked widespread speculation about potential unrest or external threats. However, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has urged calm, stating that she has no information regarding imminent regional strikes or the specific reasons behind the alert. Defence Minister Wayne Sturge echoed this reassurance, asserting that the country faces no immediate threats. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs attributed public anxiety to misinformation, clarifying that the United States is currently engaged in disaster recovery efforts in Jamaica rather than military operations. Despite official reassurances, the move has drawn criticism from opposition parties, who view it as an overreach of government authority.
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Trinidad gov’t urges ‘calm’ amid reports of US military action
The government of Trinidad and Tobago has moved to quell rising public anxiety sparked by unverified reports suggesting an imminent shift in the national and regional security landscape. In a statement released on Friday, the Ministry of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs clarified that the United States has dismissed claims of an impending military action in Venezuela, emphasizing that any policy announcements would come directly from President Donald Trump. Foreign Minister Sean Sobers is actively engaging with the U.S. Embassy in Port of Spain, and the government has assured citizens there is no cause for concern. The U.S. Southern Command is reportedly focused on aiding Jamaica’s disaster recovery efforts, not on military operations in the region. The Trinidad and Tobago government pledged to promptly inform the public of any developments that might affect the country’s security. This statement coincides with ongoing parliamentary debates over extending the state of emergency by three months. Defence Minister Wayne Sturge declined to confirm whether the military had been placed on high alert, citing public interest concerns. Local media reports had earlier suggested that the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force was on heightened alert due to rumors of a potential U.S. military strike on Venezuela. An internal military message instructed all personnel to report to their bases by October 31, fueling widespread speculation. The U.S. has been increasing its military presence near Venezuela, ostensibly to combat drug trafficking, a claim Venezuela denies, accusing the U.S. of threatening regional peace. Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yvan Gil Pinto recently condemned the U.S. for its “illegal and immoral military threat” at the UN General Assembly. Meanwhile, CARICOM leaders recently convened to discuss regional security concerns, though Trinidad and Tobago did not endorse the meeting’s conclusions.
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Nieuwe RvC CASAS moet luchtvaarttoezicht versterken en blacklisting EU helpen opheffen
Suriname has taken a significant step toward revitalizing its aviation sector with the official installation of a new Board of Commissioners (RvC) for the Civil Aviation Safety Authority Suriname (CASAS). The board, inaugurated on Friday at the President’s Cabinet, is tasked with strengthening aviation oversight and restoring international safety standards. This move aims to help Suriname regain its standing on the global stage, particularly by addressing its placement on the EU blacklist and rebuilding trust with international aviation authorities.
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Defensie neemt verbetering positie veteranen onder de loep
In a significant meeting earlier this week, Suriname’s Defense Minister, Uraiqit Ramsaran, engaged in a constructive dialogue with the leadership of the Surinamese Veterans and Ex-Military Association (VSVEM). The discussion, held in an open and collaborative atmosphere, focused on addressing critical challenges faced by veterans and former military personnel. The meeting was initiated following a request made during the 45th anniversary celebration of the Foundation for the Reintegration of Ex-Military Personnel. Waldo Jameson, Chairman of VSVEM, emphasized the urgency of resolving these issues. Minister Ramsaran acknowledged the invaluable contributions of veterans to Suriname’s security and pledged to work collaboratively towards implementing structural improvements. Both parties underscored the importance of enhancing the status and support for Surinamese veterans and ex-military members, marking a step forward in addressing their needs.
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Panton Submits Application for UDP Party Leader
In a significant political development, Tracy Taegar Panton, the Leader of the Opposition, has formally announced her candidacy for the position of Party Leader of the United Democratic Party (UDP). The announcement was made through a letter dated October 31, 2025, addressed to Sergio Chuc, Chairman of the UDP Nominations Committee. Panton’s application aligns with Article 9 of the UDP Constitution (Revised Edition 2016), setting the stage for a decisive National Leadership Convention on November 30, 2025.
Panton, who currently serves as the representative for the Albert constituency in the House of Representatives, emphasized the critical juncture at which the UDP finds itself. She highlighted her extensive public service career spanning over 35 years and her steadfast dedication to the party’s founding values as key qualifications for the leadership role. ‘My record of integrity, service to Belize, and commitment to the UDP’s principles uniquely position me to lead,’ she stated in her letter.
Adding weight to her candidacy, Panton revealed that she has secured the unanimous support of all four UDP Area Representatives and three Senators appointed for the 2025–2030 parliamentary term. Her bid for leadership comes at a time when the UDP is grappling with internal calls for renewal and unity, making the upcoming convention a closely watched event in Belizean politics.
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Oppositieleider Guyana Mohamed gearresteerd op verzoek VS; juridische strijd aangekondigd
In a significant development, Guyanese opposition leader and businessman Azruddin Mohamed, along with his father Nazar Mohamed, have been arrested following an extradition request from the United States. The arrests were carried out by the Guyana Police Force under the directive of a magistrate from the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court. The U.S. authorities formally requested the extradition on October 30, 2025, citing the extradition treaty between the U.S. and the U.K., which remains applicable in Guyana under the Fugitives Offenders Act, Cap. 10:04. The charges stem from a federal grand jury indictment released on October 6, 2025, in the Southern District of Florida, accusing the Mohameds of multiple counts of fraud, money laundering, conspiracy, and customs violations related to a gold export and tax evasion scheme estimated at $50 million. According to the indictment, the duo allegedly evaded export taxes and royalties on over 10,000 kilograms of gold between 2017 and June 2024 by using falsified customs declarations and reused export seals. In June 2024, the U.S. Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) placed the Mohameds and their company, Mohamed’s Enterprise, on its sanctions list for tax evasion, gold smuggling, and money laundering. The Guyanese government was notified of the U.S. investigation through diplomatic channels at the time. Mohamed, who leads the opposition party We Invest in Nationhood (WIN), has vowed to contest the charges, claiming they are politically motivated to undermine his growing political movement. He has assembled an international legal team comprising lawyers from Guyana, Trinidad & Tobago, and the U.K. to fight the extradition case. WIN has condemned the arrest as an attack on democratic opposition, expressing confidence in a fair judicial process. The Mohameds are currently detained at the Eve Leary Police Station and will be presented in court under the Fugitives Offenders Act. The Guyanese government has assured that the extradition process will adhere to the Constitution and all applicable laws.
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PM Browne invites Opposition Leader to join COP delegation in show of climate solidarity
In a remarkable demonstration of national solidarity, Antigua and Barbuda is preparing to send a unified delegation to the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP) in Belém, Brazil. Prime Minister Gaston Browne has extended a formal invitation to Opposition Leader Jamale Pringle to join the delegation, emphasizing the importance of presenting a united front on one of the country’s most critical global issues. Maurice Merchant, Director-General of Communications, confirmed the invitation, stating that the Prime Minister views Pringle’s participation as an opportunity to engage him in the global climate discourse and showcase Antigua and Barbuda’s collective advocacy for environmental justice. The delegation will amplify the voices of small island developing states (SIDS), calling for increased climate finance and loss-and-damage compensation from major emitters and developed nations, particularly the United States. The conference will also serve as a platform to highlight the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica, underscoring the escalating threats posed by climate change to Caribbean economies and livelihoods. Prime Minister Browne is set to attend key meetings in Belém, expressing confidence that the Opposition Leader will accept the invitation given the issue’s significance for the nation and the region.