In a compelling call to action, the Commonwealth Disabled People’s Forum (CDPF) has urged governments across the 56-nation Commonwealth to place disability inclusion and accessibility at the forefront of their agenda during the upcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Antigua in 2026. This appeal comes as advocates highlight the persistent inequalities faced by over 430 million disabled individuals within the Commonwealth, a group of predominantly former British colonies. Richard Rieser, General Secretary of the CDPF, emphasized the need for full implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which 55 of the 56 Commonwealth nations, including Barbados, have ratified. While Barbados has made strides with its new Persons with Disabilities Act, many Caribbean nations and other regions within the Commonwealth still lack robust frameworks for disability rights. Rieser stressed the urgency of adopting a Disability Inclusion Action Plan at the 2026 summit, ensuring disability becomes a clear priority in the Commonwealth’s agenda. Currently, disability issues are notably absent from the Commonwealth’s five-year plan. The Antigua summit will mark the 20th anniversary of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, yet millions of disabled individuals continue to face barriers to equal access in education, health, employment, and housing. Rieser called on governments to revisit their commitments and collaborate across the Commonwealth to turn these promises into reality. He also highlighted the importance of public awareness and education to shift societal perceptions of disability, urging employers to recognize the value of hiring disabled individuals. Kerry-Ann Ifill, CDPF Vice-Chair, underscored the need for genuine leadership from Commonwealth governments, recalling the exclusion faced by disabled participants at the 2022 CHOGM in Rwanda. She emphasized that inclusion is a right, not charity, and called for systemic accessibility in schools, workplaces, transportation, and government buildings. Rieser also praised initiatives like the regional youth leadership training in Barbados, which empowered young advocates to push for disability inclusion in their respective countries. He criticized the Commonwealth’s tokenistic approach to disability issues, urging fair and equitable treatment for all.
分类： society
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Come Worship in Pink
The Antioch Baptist Church is extending a heartfelt invitation to the public for a special event titled ‘Worship in Pink,’ scheduled for Sunday, October 19, 2025. This unique gathering aims to bring the community together in a morning of fellowship, prayer, and uplifting worship. The event is dedicated to honoring those who have battled breast cancer, celebrating survivors, and remembering loved ones who have lost their lives to the disease. Services will be held at 7 a.m. and 9:30 a.m., providing two opportunities for attendees to participate in this meaningful occasion. The church encourages everyone to join in this act of solidarity and support, fostering a sense of unity and compassion within the community.
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NIA Invites General Public to a Town Hall Meeting on Proposed “Destiny” Special Sustainability Zone Project
The Nevis Island Administration (NIA) has announced a public town hall meeting to discuss the proposed Destiny Special Sustainability Zone (SSZ) project, underscoring its commitment to transparency and community engagement. Scheduled for October 27, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. in the St. Paul’s Anglican Church Hall in Charlestown, the event invites residents to voice their opinions and gain insights into the development plans. Premier Mark Brantley emphasized the importance of public participation in shaping the island’s sustainable future. The NIA has already conducted consultations with key stakeholders, including tourism representatives, religious leaders, and business communities, as part of its inclusive approach. Additional meetings with other groups, such as the Police High Command and Nevis Sixth Form College students, are planned. Premier Brantley encouraged citizens to attend the town hall, highlighting the government’s dedication to open dialogue and collective decision-making. The NIA reaffirmed that public involvement is essential to ensuring that the development aligns with the aspirations of the Nevisian people.
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Desalination plant nears completion as Government moves to restore 24-hour water supply in Basseterre
The Government of Saint Kitts and Nevis is making significant strides in addressing the nation’s water supply challenges as the two-million-gallon-per-day Desalination Plant at the C. A. Paul Southwell Industrial Park approaches completion. This critical infrastructure project is poised to restore a 24-hour water supply to Basseterre, the capital city, marking a major milestone in the Federation’s efforts to improve water accessibility. Minister of Public Infrastructure, the Honourable Konris Maynard, announced that the plant was powered up for the first time on October 16, 2025, initiating a series of rigorous tests on its treatment processes, including reverse osmosis systems. These tests are expected to continue for several weeks to ensure operational efficiency. Minister Maynard emphasized the government’s commitment to alleviating water shortages, particularly in Saint Kitts, during a National Assembly sitting on October 17, 2025. Once operational, the plant will provide a reliable water source to meet the increasing demands of households and industries. Beyond Basseterre, efforts to enhance water availability are also underway. A recent hydrological drone survey identified 17 potential sites for underground potable water, with drilling of new wells set to begin in December 2025. This comprehensive approach underscores the government’s dedication to securing sustainable water resources for the nation.
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Buckley’s Tank Recommissioned as APUA Expands Water Storage Capacity
The Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA) has successfully recommissioned the Buckley’s Tank, a critical 600,000-imperial-gallon water storage facility, following extensive refurbishment efforts. This milestone marks the restoration of its full operational capacity, ensuring a more reliable water supply to communities in the southeastern region, including Liberta and Horsford Hill, which have historically faced periodic water shortages. The project was celebrated during a site visit on Friday, attended by Hon. Melford Nicholas, Minister of Public Utilities, and Hon. E.P. Chet Greene, Minister of Foreign Affairs and parliamentary representative for St. Paul’s. APUA Chief Executive Officer John Bradshaw highlighted the broader upgrades underway across the island’s water infrastructure, such as the refurbishment of the two-million-gallon Crabbs storage tank, the commissioning of the 450,000-imperial-gallon Pattersons tank, and the planned construction of new storage facilities in the New Winthropes Wink Eye area. These investments aim to enhance both production and storage capacities, ensuring a sustainable and dependable water supply for all consumers.
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Melly Rose Speaks out on US Military Presence in Caribbean Waters: “There has to be a better way.”
Trinidadian artist Melly Rose has expressed deep concern over recent reports of U.S. military operations in Caribbean waters, which have allegedly led to the bombing or destruction of boats. The singer, known for her advocacy for community and humanity, shared her heartfelt thoughts on the situation, emphasizing the potential impact on innocent lives.
“I’ve been seeing what’s happening, and honestly, it’s been sitting heavy on my heart,” Melly Rose stated. “While I understand the need to protect our region, innocent people could be getting hurt in the process. These are real families, real lives. Everyone deserves their day in court. There has to be a better way.”
Melly highlighted the plight of everyday people who rely on the sea for their livelihoods, including fishermen, ferry workers, travelers, and families moving between islands. “For many of us, the ocean is not just water; it’s how we connect, how we feed our families, how we survive. I just want safety for our people,” she added.
The artist also called on regional and international powers to prioritize peace over force, reminding them that Caribbean lives matter. “The Caribbean has always been a place of love, rhythm, and resilience,” Melly said. “I just hope leaders choose compassion and care when making decisions that affect our people. We deserve to feel safe in our own waters.”
Melly Rose’s message resonates with many in the Caribbean, where the ocean is not only a source of livelihood but also a cultural and emotional lifeline. Her plea for compassion and justice underscores the broader need for peaceful resolutions in conflicts that impact vulnerable communities.
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SBB stuit op bijkans 2.160 illegale bruinhartpalen bij EBS
In a startling revelation, the Foundation for Forest Management and Supervision (SBB) has identified significant irregularities during a follow-up inspection at the premises of Energie Bedrijven Suriname (EBS) on Bethesdastraat. The inspection, which began on October 1, 2025, and is still ongoing, uncovered 2,159 brownheart timber poles with serious violations, a dramatic increase from the initial report that flagged 508 suspicious poles. The findings have been detailed in a second report, now forwarded to the Public Prosecutor’s Office. The SBB report highlights that the poles exhibit signs of illegal logging, with multiple infractions observed during field inspections. These include missing origin information (marked only as ‘sold’), poles with ‘retribution paid’ status but lacking mandatory transport tickets, reused labels, and the absence of legally required labels. The SBB emphasized that timber of suspected illegal origin should have passed at least one checkpoint, where transport tickets are presented to forestry officials and registered in the SFISS system—a step that was notably skipped. The report underscores that the inspection was conducted on poles currently in a seized state at the EBS site.
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Culture : Growing interest in Vietnam for the history, culture and values of the Haitian people
In a remarkable display of cultural diplomacy, the Embassy of Haiti in Vietnam recently hosted a group of students from the Vietnam Academy of Diplomacy, fostering a deeper understanding of Haiti’s rich history and cultural heritage. The event, led by Chargé d’Affaires Darlier Dorval and Counselor Léa Perceval, featured an engaging presentation on the Haitian Revolution and its enduring impact on global diplomacy, particularly within the Global South. This initiative underscored Haiti’s pivotal role as the first independent Black Republic and its influence on liberation movements worldwide. The visit also coincided with the commemoration of the Battle of Vertières, a cornerstone of Haiti’s independence struggle, inspiring several Vietnamese students to focus their graduation theses on Haiti. Adding a flavorful dimension to the exchange, Haitian chefs Lalaroque Bichat and Madame Amenda Merilien guided students in preparing Joumou soup, a symbol of Haitian freedom. The event further enriched cultural ties with a kompa dance workshop and a showcase of Haitian music, blending culinary and artistic traditions to celebrate shared values and stories.
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Chief Justice warns new lawyers of tougher discipline rules
In a significant move to uphold the integrity of the legal profession, Chief Justice Leslie Haynes announced on Friday that stricter penalties are being introduced for lawyers who fail to meet their professional obligations. Speaking at a special sitting for 34 newly admitted attorneys-at-law at the No. 1 Supreme Court, Haynes revealed that a draft amendment to the Legal Professions Act is currently under review. This update aims to overhaul the disciplinary framework governing legal practitioners.
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Police Seize Rifle, Ammo in San Ignacio House Search
In a significant operation in San Ignacio, law enforcement officials have arrested three individuals following the discovery of a substantial arsenal of weapons and ammunition during a targeted house search. The raid, conducted earlier today, took place at a residence on Maya Street, home to 51-year-old Reina Isabel Amaya. Also present were two other occupants: 20-year-old Henry Jeremy Amaya and 27-year-old Jose Santos Amaya. During the search, officers uncovered a GIVATI-brand, nine-millimeter rifle-style firearm, accompanied by two magazines, a drum magazine, and an alarming quantity of ammunition—195 rounds of nine-millimeter and 20 rounds of .223 caliber. The cache was reportedly concealed within a bucket inside the property. None of the individuals could provide a valid firearm license, leading to their immediate detention. They are currently held at the San Ignacio Police Station, pending formal charges. Authorities are intensifying their investigation to determine the origins and purpose of such a significant weapons stockpile in a residential area.