A recent immigration forum in Antigua and Barbuda has drawn sharp criticism from Hispanic community advocate Alex Martinez, who labeled the event as intimidating and counterproductive for the Dominican community. The forum, organized by the Immigration Department, aimed to address residency and citizenship concerns among Dominicans, one of the largest non-national groups in the country. However, Martinez claims that many Dominicans avoided the session due to fear, citing the presence of armed officers and rigorous security screenings at the venue. He argued that the event, intended to foster dialogue, instead left attendees feeling unwelcome and failed to tackle pressing issues such as prolonged document processing times and exorbitant visa and work permit fees. Chief Immigration Officer Katrina Yearwood defended the forum, stating that the heightened security measures were in line with international best practices, given the attendance of senior officials and diplomats. She emphasized that no passports were checked and only standard safety protocols were followed, deeming the session a success. Despite the controversy, immigration officials have committed to ongoing engagement with immigrant communities and announced plans to host another forum in the near future.
分类： society
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Defence lawyer calls for apology after courthouse clash with DPP
In a recent development at the High Court, defense attorney Andrew O’Kola has formally requested a public apology from Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Clement Joseph following a heated verbal exchange last Friday. O’Kola alleges that he was subjected to an unwarranted and public verbal assault by Joseph in the presence of court staff, media representatives, and bystanders. The incident reportedly unfolded in a hallway where Joseph criticized a letter O’Kola had written, accusing him of “doing too much” before escalating into a loud and confrontational outburst. O’Kola described the incident as “deeply regrettable,” emphasizing that such behavior erodes public trust in the justice system. He reiterated his commitment to professional integrity and fearless client representation while advocating for mutual respect within the legal community. Despite the altercation, O’Kola reaffirmed his dedication to the rule of law and independent legal advocacy, insisting that Joseph’s conduct necessitates a public apology.
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Aquanauts Grenada wins CHTA Coral Reef Tourism Stewardship Award
Aquanauts Grenada has been honored as the overall winner of the 2025 Caribbean Coral Reef Tourism Stewardship Award, presented by the Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association (CHTA) in collaboration with the Caribbean Alliance for Sustainable Tourism (CAST) and The Nature Conservancy. This prestigious accolade recognizes the dive operator’s exceptional contributions to reef conservation, community engagement, and sustainable tourism practices. Through innovative initiatives like Lionfish Bites & Beats and Jam & Jewellery Nights, Aquanauts Grenada has transformed the invasive lionfish problem into a platform for environmental education, reef protection, and youth empowerment. These programs fund the Aqua Rangers Youth Development Scholarship, providing local youth with hands-on training in marine stewardship while removing thousands of lionfish from Grenadian reefs. Tiffany Geer, Co-Founder of Aquanauts Grenada, expressed deep gratitude for the award, attributing the success to the dedication of staff, volunteers, and partners. The organization’s Roots-to-Reef tourism experience offers visitors a holistic exploration of Grenada’s coastal ecosystems, from rainforests to coral reefs, while emphasizing the importance of conservation. Aquanauts Grenada will accept the award at CHTA’s CHIEF Conference in Barbados on November 16. For more details, visit www.AquanautsGrenada.com or contact their management team via email.
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Gov’t increases Public Assistance to $360
In a significant move to bolster social welfare, the Unity Labour Party administration in St. Vincent and the Grenadines has increased Public Assistance payments to EC$360 per month. This adjustment, announced by Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves during the nation’s 46th Independence Day celebrations, marks a notable step in addressing the needs of vulnerable populations. The increase, retroactive to September 1, 2025, will benefit 4,646 recipients, including the elderly, disabled, and low-income individuals. Previously, those under 65 received EC$280 monthly, while those over 65 received EC$300. The new uniform rate of EC$360 aims to provide greater financial stability to beneficiaries. Additionally, the government has raised the minimum pension under the National Insurance Service (NIS) to EC$360, with an extra EC$40 contributed by the state for 1,910 pensioners until the next actuarial review. This adjustment ensures parity between contributory pensions and non-contributory Public Assistance, addressing long-standing grievances among pensioners. The combined cost of these measures is estimated at EC$1.246 million for the initial four months and EC$3.74 million annually. Prime Minister Gonsalves also announced an increase in foster care payments from EC$275 to EC$400 per child, benefiting 165 children in foster care. These initiatives underscore the government’s commitment to expanding social safety nets, including housing, food, medical support, and lump-sum payments for adverse events.
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AG makes youth violence, domestic abuse link
Barbados Attorney General Dale Marshall has issued a compelling call for immediate and comprehensive research into the connection between domestic abuse and the rising tide of violent crimes among school-aged boys. Speaking at the opening of a two-day Regional Symposium to Advance State Responses on Domestic Violence at the Hilton Barbados Resort, Marshall emphasized that unstable family environments are cultivating a generation predisposed to gang involvement and criminal behavior. Supported by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), and the government, the symposium aims to address domestic abuse across the region and its root causes. Marshall argued that violence within the home and youth delinquency cannot be treated as isolated issues, stating that the link between dysfunctional families and criminal activity is ‘almost intuitive.’ He highlighted the government’s efforts to stabilize families through initiatives like the One Family Programme, which allocates significant public funds to support vulnerable households. Marshall warned that without addressing domestic violence, the cycle of crime will persist, as dysfunctional families often produce young individuals who gravitate toward gangs. He cited alarming cases of teenagers charged with serious crimes, including firearm homicides and robberies, underscoring the urgency of targeted interventions. While the Criminal Justice Research Unit is investigating the issue, Marshall stressed that action cannot wait for studies to conclude. He framed domestic violence as a long-term societal challenge, emphasizing the need to reorient dysfunctional families to prevent future crime waves. Marshall concluded that failing to break the intergenerational transmission of violence will leave the country managing crime fallout rather than reducing it.
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‘Treat Tot Lampkin ruling as wake-up call’ on domestic violence – AG
Attorney General Dale Marshall has called on Caribbean governments to take the landmark Tot Lampkin v Attorney General of Trinidad and Tobago ruling as a critical warning. The 2024 judgment highlighted systemic failures in state responses to domestic violence, which led to the tragic death of Samantha Isaacs in 2017. Marshall emphasized this case during a two-day Regional Symposium to Advance State Responses on Domestic Violence, urging regional institutions to assess their own readiness to handle similar situations effectively. The case involved Samantha Isaacs, who was murdered by her former partner after years of escalating abuse. Despite her repeated reports of assault, death threats, stalking, harassment, and revenge pornography, police and judicial authorities failed to act, even with clear evidence of imminent danger. The Trinidadian High Court ruled in May 2024 that the State breached Samantha’s constitutional rights to life, equality before the law, and protection of the law. The court also found that the State violated the family-life rights of Samantha’s son and mother, establishing that governments have a constitutional duty to protect victims of gender-based violence when risks are known or should reasonably be known. Marshall stressed that the symposium, supported by the Inter-American Development Bank, the Caribbean Development Bank, and regional governments, aims to drive systemic changes to improve state responses to domestic violence. He highlighted the need for legislative and structural initiatives, drawing on successful practices from countries like Guyana, Trinidad, and Jamaica. Marshall acknowledged that even with reforms, states must remain vigilant in protecting victims and their families from ongoing abuse. Earlier this year, Minister of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs Kirk Humphrey also called for stronger implementation of domestic violence policies, citing over 1,000 reported cases in the past two years.
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BFS operating from its new headquarters
The Barbados Fire Service (BFS) has officially moved all its headquarters operations, including the Fire Prevention and Code Enforcement Unit, to the Cadogan, Mayers, Marshall (CMM) Emergency Services Complex. Located at Prince Road, Pine Plantation Road, St Michael, the new facility is now the central hub for BFS activities. Members of the public can access a range of services, such as fire coverage for events, building plan reviews for commercial properties, inspections, and burn permits. These services can be applied for either in person or electronically through the BFS website at https://fireservice.gov.bb/fees-schedule/. Additionally, payments for services can be made in person at the new headquarters or online via the government’s EZpay platform at https://ezpay.gov.bb/login. This relocation aims to enhance operational efficiency and provide better service to the community.
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President Simons belooft snelle aanpak knelpunten Ewald P. Meyer Lyceum
President Jennifer Simons conducted an orientation visit to the Ewald P. Meyer Lyceum (Lyco 2) on Monday to gain firsthand insight into the school’s pressing issues. Acting Principal Letitia Philips-Denswil welcomed the president and guided her through the facility, highlighting critical concerns such as outdated infrastructure, a shortage of school furniture, and damage caused by woodlice in several classrooms. Philips-Denswil emphasized the importance of the president witnessing these challenges directly, stating that the school has long been taking independent initiatives to address these issues, as reported by the Suriname Communication Service.
President Simons immediately engaged Vice President Gregory Rusland, instructing him to prioritize the identification and resolution of Lyco 2’s challenges, as well as those of other schools facing similar conditions. The president assured that swift action would be taken to implement structural improvements in both infrastructure and educational resources.
Despite these limitations, Lyco 2 has been actively seeking solutions. For instance, the school utilizes sports facilities provided by the Venezuelan Embassy and Parima for physical education classes. Philips-Denswil expressed hope that the president’s visit would lead to sustainable support, emphasizing the school’s goal of creating a safe and inspiring environment for both students and teachers.
Through this visit, President Simons underscored that educational facilities are a top priority for her administration and that urgent situations demand immediate attention.
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Dominican ports fully operational after Hurricane Melissa
In the wake of Hurricane Melissa, the Dominican Port Authority (Apordom) has confirmed that all ports across the Dominican Republic are fully operational and have sustained no significant damage. Comprehensive technical inspections and structural evaluations conducted at major cargo, container, and cruise terminals have verified the stability of port infrastructure, as well as the uninterrupted functionality of electrical systems and access routes.
Jean Luis Rodríguez, Apordom’s executive director, attributed this resilience to the institution’s proactive preventive measures and unwavering commitment to port safety. He detailed that emergency protocols were activated well before the hurricane’s arrival, safeguarding docks, equipment, vessels, and personnel. This strategic preparedness facilitated a swift return to normal operations.
Rodríguez also underscored the Port Authority’s advancements in modernization and climate resilience, which have significantly bolstered its capacity to maintain seamless maritime activities. Apordom has reaffirmed that cargo, coastal shipping, and cruise operations are proceeding without disruption nationwide, highlighting its dedication to ensuring the security, stability, and competitiveness of the Dominican port system.
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Warme dag met ‘s middag enkele lokale buien
Suriname is set to experience another warm and predominantly dry day today, with localized cloud cover expected to increase in the afternoon. The early morning will remain calm and relatively clear, offering pleasant temperatures ranging between 24 to 26 degrees Celsius, particularly in Paramaribo and Wanica. By late morning, temperatures are forecasted to rise rapidly, reaching 32 to 35 degrees Celsius, with a muggy heat index exceeding 38 degrees Celsius. Humidity levels will remain high, especially in low-lying and densely built-up areas. Inland regions, particularly around the Upper Suriname area and Brokopondo, may experience even higher localized temperatures. During the afternoon, light cloud cover is anticipated in parts of the interior, with a possibility of brief local rain or thunderstorms, especially towards Sipaliwini and southern Brokopondo. Coastal districts are expected to stay largely dry, though a short-lived shower in the late afternoon cannot be ruled out. Winds will be easterly to northeasterly, generally weak to moderate, with occasional cooling breezes in the afternoon. By evening, skies will clear in most areas, and temperatures will gradually drop to a more comfortable 26 to 27 degrees Celsius.