In a controversial move that has sparked outrage, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) deported Alejandro Juárez-Castillo, a former employee of the Trump Organization, despite his ongoing legal proceedings in an immigration court. Juárez-Castillo, who had worked for the Trump family for a decade and maintained a personal friendship with Eric Trump, was arrested just days before his scheduled hearing in New York. Shortly after, he was sent to Matamoros, Mexico, his country of origin, without the opportunity to present his case in court. His attorney, Aníbal Romero, condemned the action as a blatant violation of due process and a breach of constitutional rights. Romero revealed that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) acknowledged the error and pledged to return Juárez-Castillo to the U.S., but no concrete steps have been taken yet. Juárez-Castillo, a father of three and a U.S. Marine’s parent, had been living in the U.S. for 25 years and was in the process of applying for asylum. Romero emphasized that while immigration authorities have the right to detain individuals, they must follow legal procedures, including judicial oversight for deportation orders. The case highlights broader concerns about ICE’s aggressive deportation agenda, which aims for 3,000 deportations daily, potentially leading to systemic errors and collateral damage. Despite Juárez-Castillo’s close ties to the Trump family, his deportation underscores the indiscriminate nature of current immigration enforcement practices. A DHS official statement on the matter remains pending.
分类： society
-
President roept universiteit op tot denkkracht en zelfbewustzijn
The Anton de Kom University of Suriname (AdeKUS) marked its 57th anniversary with a traditional Dies Natalis ceremony held at the historic Centrumkerk. The event, centered on themes of knowledge, growth, and awareness, highlighted the university’s pivotal role in Suriname’s development. President Jennifer Simons, alongside acting Minister of Education, Science, and Culture Patrick Brunings, emphasized the importance of knowledge and critical thinking as cornerstones of progress. ‘Let this 57th anniversary remind us of our responsibilities and the trust placed in us,’ the President stated. She urged the university to not only reflect on past achievements but also actively shape the future, referencing Suriname’s 50th anniversary of independence as a call to transform ‘Srefidensi’ (independence) into ‘Srefidenki’ (self-reliance). The celebration featured speeches by Shanti Venetiaan, Chair of the University Board, and political scientist Hans Breeveld, who delivered the Dies lecture on ‘Independence as a Process and a Challenge.’ Venetiaan presented the academic year 2024–2025 report, noting improvements in infrastructure and collaborations with the National Development Bank for student loans. However, she highlighted a decline in bachelor program enrollments, attributing it to students’ financial challenges. The evening concluded with awards for top graduates, including Meredith Woei, the highest achiever in the Law program, who shared her journey of discipline and dedication.
-
Antigua to Add Two Million More Gallons of Water Daily
In a landmark announcement during Antigua and Barbuda’s 44th Independence Day celebrations, Prime Minister Gaston Browne revealed plans to significantly enhance the nation’s water supply and infrastructure. By the end of next month, an additional two million gallons of water per day will be integrated into the national system, addressing a persistent water scarcity issue that has plagued the country for decades. Browne emphasized that this development marks a pivotal step toward ensuring reliable access to clean, potable water for all households and businesses, describing it as a symbol of “independence in motion.”
Beyond water supply improvements, Browne highlighted a series of ambitious infrastructure projects aimed at modernizing the nation. These include a $150 million upgrade of VC Bird International Airport and the planned expansion of Barbuda’s airport, slated to commence next year. Additionally, the government’s extensive road-rebuilding program has already restored major routes and resurfaced community roads in areas such as Potters, Parham, Bolans, and Bethesda. The reconstruction of All Saints Road is set to follow once re-piping by the Antigua Public Utilities Authority is completed.
Browne underscored these initiatives as evidence of the government’s dedication to fostering a resilient, interconnected, and forward-looking nation. “Every road we pave, every pipe we lay, every watt of electricity we deliver strengthens the modern nation we are building,” he declared. “This is what independence looks like in motion — progress that reaches every home, every parish, every life.”
-
“The population cannot be neglected”: COE extends alerts due to active tropical wave
The Emergency Operations Center (COE) has prolonged weather alerts across the country this Saturday in response to an active tropical wave expected to bring intense rainfall. Juan Manuel Méndez, the director of COE, emphasized the need for vigilance, stating that the public ‘cannot be careless’ given the forecasted atmospheric conditions. San José de Ocoa remains under a red alert, while Monte Plata, La Altagracia, the National District, San Cristóbal, Peravia, La Romana, San Pedro de Macorís, and Santo Domingo are on yellow alert. Additionally, multiple provinces, including Monseñor Nouel, Independencia, Puerto Plata, and Santiago Rodríguez, are under green alert. The agency predicts scattered showers along the Atlantic coast, northeast, and southeast regions in the morning, with isolated showers along the south coast. By midday, rainfall is expected to intensify into moderate to heavy downpours, accompanied by thunderstorms and strong winds, particularly in Santo Domingo, Monte Plata, San Pedro de Macorís, La Altagracia, Sánchez Ramírez, Monseñor Nouel, La Vega, San Cristóbal, Duarte, northern Azua, southern Santiago, Santiago Rodríguez, Dajabón, Valverde, Montecristi, Independencia, and Elías Piña. These conditions are attributed to a combination of a trough and the approaching tropical wave.
-
Fire chief, environmentalists sound alarm as seasons collide
Saint Lucia is grappling with a dramatic increase in fire incidents, compounded by challenges in accessing sufficient water to combat them. The island, once accustomed to predictable weather patterns, now faces a climate crisis where the boundaries between dry and wet seasons have blurred. Fire Chief Ditney Downes of the Saint Lucia Fire Service (SLFS) revealed in an exclusive interview with the St. Lucia Times that bushfires, traditionally confined to January through June, have extended into September this year. In 2024 alone, the SLFS responded to over 1,100 bushfires, a significant rise from previous years. Human activities, such as land clearing and deliberate burning, are the primary causes of these fires. However, identifying and prosecuting offenders remains difficult. The situation is exacerbated by prolonged dry spells, which deplete water sources essential for firefighting. Hydrants, reliant on community water mains, often run dry during droughts, leaving firefighters struggling to maintain operations. Simultaneously, the island faces increased flooding due to intense, sporadic rainfall. Nadia Cazaubon, programmes director at the environmental NGO WaterWays, attributes these erratic weather patterns to climate change. She warns that reduced annual rainfall, coupled with extreme downpours, is causing both water scarcity and severe flooding. The World Bank has stepped in with the Saint Lucia Urban Resilient Flood Investment Project, aiming to mitigate flood risks in vulnerable areas like Castries and Anse La Raye. However, the island’s ecosystems are already suffering, with species loss and habitat destruction becoming more frequent. Both Downes and Cazaubon emphasize the urgent need for proactive measures, including public education, policy changes, and community adaptation, to address these escalating challenges.
-
IN PICTURES: Market day with a difference 2025
Dominica recently hosted its annual ‘Market Day with a Difference,’ a vibrant celebration of the island’s rich cultural heritage and agricultural prowess. Organized by DEXIA in collaboration with market authorities, the event highlighted the nation’s acclaimed natural produce through a colorful display of local traditions and craftsmanship. The festivities aimed to honor the invaluable contributions of farmers, vendors, fisherfolk, tenants, and loyal patrons of the Roseau Market, whose dedication has played a pivotal role in shaping the market’s storied history. The event underscored the importance of community and the enduring legacy of Dominica’s agricultural sector. Attendees were treated to a sensory feast of fresh produce, handmade goods, and cultural performances, making it a memorable occasion for all. The initiative not only celebrated the island’s natural bounty but also reinforced the significance of sustainable practices and local entrepreneurship in fostering economic growth and cultural preservation.
-
Urgent call for contributions from the Barbadian public and business community
In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa’s catastrophic impact across the Caribbean, preliminary assessments reveal a grim scenario. The storm has claimed 49 lives as of Thursday, with infrastructure and housing damages exceeding an estimated $500 million. The scale of this dual humanitarian and infrastructural crisis has prompted the establishment of the official Hurricane Melissa Regional Relief Fund. This initiative aims to channel financial aid to the hardest-hit regions—Jamaica, Haiti, and Cuba. Authorities are urgently appealing to the Barbadian public and local businesses for immediate contributions to bolster recovery efforts. These funds are critical for delivering emergency supplies and restoring vital infrastructure. For local donations, contributors are directed to use the Central Bank of Barbados’s official banking details, ensuring funds are allocated correctly to specific relief accounts for each country. International donors are also encouraged to follow detailed wire transfer instructions to support the relief efforts effectively. The collective response will play a pivotal role in mitigating the disaster’s long-term effects on the affected communities.
-
Chinese ambassador awards scholarships at UWI Confucius Institute
The University of the West Indies Confucius Institute in Barbados recently celebrated the achievements of students from primary, secondary, and tertiary institutions with the prestigious Chinese Ambassador Scholarships. This event highlights the island’s deepening engagement with Mandarin Chinese and its culture. Dr Che Leon Corbin, the local co-director of the Confucius Institute, emphasized the institute’s global standing, ranking among the top 10 of 500 Confucius Institutes worldwide. He noted that the program fosters cultural connections, making China feel closer to Barbados. The scholarships, funded by the Chinese Embassy in Barbados, provide financial support for students excelling in Mandarin studies, enabling them to cover educational expenses. Tyrone Yearwood, a Chinese teacher at the Institute, clarified the distinction between the Ambassador Scholarship and the China Scholarship Council (CSC) government scholarship, with the latter offering full financial support for studying in China. Professor Nie Lu, the Chinese Director of the Institute, praised the students and teachers for their dedication, emphasizing the importance of language learning in strengthening international ties. The ceremony recognized students from various schools, including St George Primary, Harrison College, and others, as well as tertiary students like Genesis Chester and Richellia Stuart. The event underscored the role of cultural exchange and language learning in building global friendships. Professor Nie encouraged the students to continue their efforts in mastering Mandarin and embracing Chinese culture, calling them pioneers in this transformative process.
-
St Elizabeth farmers count millions in losses after Hurricane Melissa
Farmers in St Elizabeth, Jamaica, are grappling with catastrophic losses estimated in the millions of dollars after Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm, ravaged the region earlier this week. The hurricane decimated agricultural fields, destroying vital crops and leaving a trail of devastation in one of the country’s most important farming areas.
-
First Independence Day Baby Welcomed at Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre
In a heartwarming celebration of national pride, Antigua and Barbuda welcomed its first Independence Day baby of the year. The Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre proudly announced the birth of a healthy baby boy at 5:35 a.m. on the nation’s 44th Independence Day. The newborn, weighing 6 pounds 12 ounces, was delivered to delighted parents Glengield and Roleeka King-Henry. Hospital staff expressed immense joy, describing the birth as a symbolic and special moment to commemorate the twin-island nation’s milestone. The medical team extended heartfelt congratulations to the family and warmly welcomed the newborn, affectionately dubbed “the little king.” This joyous event not only marks a personal milestone for the King-Henry family but also serves as a beacon of hope and unity for the nation as it celebrates its independence.