Across multiple locations in Suriname, the annual Ganga Nahaan ritual took place on Wednesday, honoring the sacred Ganges River. This ceremonial bath, held during the full moon between October and November, drew hundreds of devotees to the pilgrimage site at Weg naar Zee. Among the participants were Assembly Chairman Ashwin Adhin and his wife, who joined the crowd on the steps leading to the sea, where the rising waves soon embraced them. Ramon Baynath, Chairman of the Weg naar Zee Pilgrimage Site Foundation, highlighted the event’s deep-rooted tradition, noting that while people in India bathe in the Ganges daily, Suriname observes this ritual once a year. The celebration typically attracts between 2,000 and 3,000 participants, with activity peaking after 3 PM as the tide rises. Adhin emphasized the spiritual significance of the ritual, describing it as a symbol of rebirth and purification—both physical and mental. This year, Ganga Nahaan was celebrated not only at Weg naar Zee but also at seven other locations across Commewijne, Wanica, Saramacca, and Nickerie, according to the Hindu Media Organization.
分类： society
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Digicel and Digicel Foundation Launch Expanded Humanitarian Efforts in Jamaica Following Hurricane Melissa
In the wake of Hurricane Melissa’s devastation, Digicel Group and the Digicel Jamaica Foundation have intensified their humanitarian efforts to aid recovery in Jamaica’s hardest-hit regions. The initiative, launched on November 5, 2025, focuses on delivering essential supplies, restoring connectivity, and supporting long-term rebuilding efforts across affected parishes, including Westmoreland, St. Elizabeth, Hanover, St. James, and Trelawny. The joint relief program has already distributed over 1,500 food care packages and plans to provide an additional 10,000 in the coming days. These packages include vital staples like water, rice, and oil, alongside hygiene kits, solar-powered lanterns, and emergency lighting for households still without electricity. To empower communities, Digicel is offering hardware certificates, enabling residents to purchase construction materials locally for sustainable rebuilding. Marcelo Cataldo, CEO of Digicel Group, emphasized the company’s commitment to reconnecting Jamaica through care and compassion, stating, ‘Our responsibility goes beyond business. We’re focused on helping families rebuild and restoring hope.’ The Digicel Foundation, a cornerstone of community development for nearly two decades, has mobilized staff and volunteers island-wide to coordinate distribution efforts. Additionally, Digicel is providing free mobile plans, SIM cards with data for relief workers, and mobile charging stations to ensure residents can stay connected. The initiative also includes donation bins at Digicel’s Kingston headquarters and a regional crowdsourcing campaign to support relief efforts. Charmaine Daniels, CEO of the Digicel Foundation, highlighted the mission’s broader purpose: ‘These care packages are more than supplies; they’re a message that communities are not alone.’ As Digicel’s network teams work tirelessly to restore connectivity, the company remains steadfast in its mission to rebuild with resilience and support Jamaica’s recovery.
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Veteran educator: teacher licensing needs planning, talks
The teaching profession in Barbados is set to undergo its most significant transformation in decades, as the Ministry of Educational Transformation has unveiled plans to mandate professional licensing for all teachers by 2027. This initiative, aimed at enhancing educational standards, has sparked both optimism and caution among experts.
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Cave Hill folk appeal to authorities after shooting
Residents of Cave Hill, Barbados, are voicing their frustration and fear following a recent spate of gun violence that has left one man severely injured. The latest incident occurred on Tuesday afternoon when a man was shot on Montgomery Pasture, marking the third shooting in the area this year. Just over an hour later, another shooting took place in Cane Vale, Christ Church, further escalating tensions. Both victims were rushed to the hospital by private vehicles. This surge in violence has left the community on edge, with many expressing anger over what they perceive as inaction from authorities.
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Emergency chief tells public take charge of disaster preparation
The head of a District Emergency Organisation in Barbados has issued a stark warning about the nation’s lack of readiness for disasters, particularly tsunamis, despite ongoing drills and awareness initiatives. Selwyn Brooks, Chair of the St James DEO, highlighted widespread complacency among Barbadians during a recent tabletop exercise on tsunami preparedness. ‘Every year, we conduct drills and simulations, but the level of resilience needed for a tsunami remains inadequate,’ Brooks stated. He attributed this gap to a lack of firsthand experience with such disasters, noting that most residents have never encountered a tsunami unless they’ve traveled abroad. Brooks drew parallels to the COVID-19 pandemic, which underscored the importance of emergency preparedness. ‘People will die depending on the intensity of the disaster, but preparation can minimize the impact,’ he emphasized. He called for personal responsibility, urging citizens to safeguard themselves, their families, and their communities. Brooks also cautioned against constructing buildings in high-risk areas, acknowledging the challenges posed by Barbados’ limited landmass. ‘Resilience starts with the individual. Multiply that across the population, and the whole country becomes stronger,’ he said. The event, held on World Tsunami Awareness Day, brought together hoteliers, estate agents, police, and residents to assess preparedness and identify gaps, particularly for vulnerable groups like people with disabilities and small hospitality operators. Brooks expressed satisfaction with the turnout and interactions but stressed the need for broader participation. He emphasized that disaster preparedness is an ongoing process, requiring continuous education and engagement. ‘This is not a one-off. Everyone has a role to play,’ he concluded.
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Good work has been done, but now comes the most complex stage: recovery
Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, President of Cuba’s National Defense Council, recently concluded a comprehensive tour of the Holguín municipalities most devastated by Hurricane Melissa. The storm, which struck as a Category 3 hurricane on October 29, left significant destruction in its wake, particularly in Urbano Noris and Cacocum. During his visit, Díaz-Canel emphasized the importance of transparency and solidarity in the recovery process, acknowledging that while immediate solutions are not feasible, sustained efforts are underway to restore normalcy. Key priorities include sanitation, agricultural revitalization, and the restoration of essential services such as electricity, water, and telecommunications. The President also stressed the need for equitable distribution of aid and expedited construction of temporary housing. In addition to meeting with local authorities, Díaz-Canel visited affected communities, including the Guillermón Moncada Polytechnic and the Estrada neighborhood, where he assured residents of ongoing support. The hurricane caused extensive damage, with over 10,000 homes affected, 546 completely destroyed, and significant losses in agriculture and infrastructure. Despite these challenges, recovery efforts are progressing, with 60% of communication services restored and 56.95% of electricity customers back online. The President reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring no one is left helpless during this critical phase.
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Santiago recovers, it is the will of its people
Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez has been actively overseeing recovery operations in the eastern regions of Cuba, particularly in Guamá and El Cobre, areas severely impacted by Hurricane Melissa. The hurricane, which struck with devastating force, caused significant damage to infrastructure, homes, and natural landscapes. Díaz-Canel, accompanied by key government officials, visited affected communities to assess the damage and coordinate relief efforts. In Guamá, the president emphasized the urgency of restoring critical roadways, such as the Granma Highway, which was rendered impassable due to landslides. He also inspected the Uvero Bridge, where a sinkhole had disrupted traffic, and called for long-term solutions to enhance the resilience of infrastructure against future extreme weather events. In the Aserradero community, where the hurricane’s eye lingered, materials for home repairs, including 2,500 fiber cement tiles, have begun to arrive. The president urged collective efforts to restore the area’s natural beauty and the spirit of its residents. In El Cobre, a town of historical significance, Díaz-Canel witnessed the extensive damage and the ongoing restoration work. He highlighted the importance of solidarity and support from specialized brigades, the FAR, and the Minint. Despite the challenges, the community remains resilient, with efforts underway to rebuild homes and restore essential services. The president also addressed concerns about the timely delivery of aid to remote areas and the resolution of pre-existing issues, such as access to drinking water. Throughout his visit, Díaz-Canel expressed his commitment to ensuring that no one is left behind in the recovery process.
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Car Dealers Fight Off Mexican Extortion
In a daring confrontation that highlights the perils of cross-border trade, a group of Belizean car dealers recently stood their ground against alleged extortion attempts by Mexican transport officials. This incident, captured in a viral video, underscores the risks faced by Belizeans who regularly transport used vehicles from the United States through Mexico to Belize. The journey, often fraught with danger from both bandits and corrupt officials, is a lifeline for many contractors who earn thousands of dollars per trip. However, each journey could potentially be their last. Robert McClaren Jr., one of the dealers involved, recounted the harrowing experience. He explained that the officials demanded a hefty sum of 50,000 pesos, threatening to confiscate their vehicles if they refused to pay. The situation escalated when one of the officials attempted to seize McClaren’s passport and money. The group’s collective resistance and vocal protest eventually drew the attention of local police, who intervened and sided with the Belizeans. The officials were reprimanded, and the dealers were allowed to proceed without further harassment. McClaren emphasized that their defiance and the subsequent police intervention were crucial in ensuring their safe return to Belize. This incident sheds light on the broader issue of corruption and extortion faced by cross-border traders in the region.
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Lord’s Bank and Ladyville Village Council’s Discuss Becoming a Town
On November 5, 2025, representatives from the Ladyville and Lord’s Bank village councils convened with Belize Rural Central Area Representative, Dolores Balderamos Garcia, to deliberate on the potential merger of the two communities into a single town. This discussion was prompted by recent concerns raised by Ladyville’s Citizen Advisory Committee, which advocated for greater autonomy to address local issues. While the concept of merging the villages has been contemplated for decades, no concrete actions had been taken until now. The meeting provided a platform for both councils to evaluate the benefits and challenges of such a merger, particularly in light of Belize’s evolving municipal landscape and the implications for land tax. Balderamos-Garcia emphasized that the consultation was preliminary and aimed at fostering dialogue rather than imposing decisions. She highlighted the positive reception from the approximately 30 attendees and stressed the importance of broader community engagement in the process. The discussion also touched on the potential advantages of modest property taxes to fund essential services for the expanded community. Balderamos-Garcia reiterated her commitment to inclusive consultations, ensuring that all voices are heard before any decisions are finalized.
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Dump Truck Mishap Turns Deadly in Santa Marta Village
A fatal accident involving a dump truck has left a community in mourning in Santa Marta Village, Orange Walk District. The tragic incident occurred on the evening of November 5, 2025, around 8 p.m. along the Old Northern Highway. According to preliminary reports, 36-year-old Nelson Pech was maneuvering his dump truck, which he had parked earlier, when he noticed his brother signaling him from behind. Upon stopping and exiting the vehicle, Pech and his brother discovered the lifeless body of Julio Flota, a 67-year-old local resident, lying face down with severe injuries to his head and arms. Emergency services were called, and Flota was rushed to the Regional Hospital morgue, where he was pronounced dead shortly before 10 p.m. Authorities are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident, which has raised concerns about road safety in the area. The community is grappling with the loss of a beloved member, as police work to determine the exact cause of the accident.