A tropical wave is set to bring moisture and instability to the region today, resulting in cloudy skies, scattered showers, and isolated thunderstorms. While moisture levels are expected to decrease tonight, residents in flood-prone areas, as well as those susceptible to landslides and falling rocks, are urged to remain vigilant and exercise caution. Windy conditions will persist throughout the day. Additionally, a slight concentration of dust haze is forecasted to move across the area today and tonight, prompting individuals with respiratory sensitivities to take necessary precautions to avoid health complications. Marine conditions are also a concern, with seas expected to remain moderate to rough over the next 12 to 24 hours. Wave heights are projected to decrease to around 5 feet along the west coast but will maintain near 10 feet in open waters along the east coast. Northerly swells and increased wave periods may lead to ground swells, prompting the issuance of a High Surf Advisory and a Small Craft Warning. Small craft operators are advised to stay alert and exercise caution, while sea-bathers are strongly recommended to avoid entering the water.
分类： society
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Zestig jaar Surinaamse Televisie Stichting – en de man die vergeten werd
On October 20, the Surinamese Television Foundation (STVS) marked its 60th anniversary, a milestone celebrated with champagne, music, speeches, and a touch of nostalgia. The event, held on October 17, was attended by the President, Vice President, and the Minister of Home Affairs. However, amidst the festivities, a poignant question circulated: ‘Where was Frits Pengel, the man behind the first broadcast?’ The answer was simple yet painful—he was not invited. Frederik Johan (Frits) Pengel, the visionary who founded STVS in 1965, was absent from the celebration of the institution he brought to life. Pengel, a pioneer in Surinamese television, introduced color TV, satellite broadcasting, and live World Cup coverage in 1982. Despite his monumental contributions, including restoring STVS within 24 hours after a 1993 arson attack, Pengel was overlooked. His son, Julian Pengel, emphasized the importance of recognizing those who laid the foundation for the nation’s progress. As Suriname approaches its 50th Independence anniversary in 2026, there is a call for moral integrity and gratitude towards its pioneers. Frits Pengel, now 93, remains a symbol of vision and perseverance, deserving of the nation’s respect and acknowledgment.
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Why compliance with the Grenada Employment Act is not optional
Over the past decade, Grenada’s private sector has experienced significant growth, fostering job creation, investment opportunities, and increased competition. However, amidst the pursuit of efficiency and profitability, a critical aspect often overlooked is compliance with the Employment Act of 1999. This legislation serves as the legal and ethical cornerstone for fair and sustainable business practices in the country.
Recent discussions surrounding employee compensation and workplace practices have underscored the necessity of understanding the legal requirements. Instances of unauthorized salary deductions at local firms have demonstrated how minor administrative oversights can escalate into legal violations and erode trust. As a consultant working with employers across Grenada and the wider Caribbean, I have observed that non-compliance often stems from misconceptions or habitual practices rather than malicious intent. However, the law is unequivocal in its stipulations.
The Employment Act outlines the fundamental rights and responsibilities of both employers and employees, ensuring fairness, transparency, and due process. Key provisions include the requirement for written employment particulars within one month of hiring, fair and transparent wage payments, adherence to working hours and overtime regulations, statutory leave entitlements, fair termination procedures, workplace safety standards, and the prohibition of discrimination and forced labor. These are not mere guidelines but binding legal obligations for all businesses, regardless of size.
Sections 47 and 48 of the Act, which govern salary deductions, are frequently misunderstood. Employers are prohibited from making deductions unless they are legally mandated, authorized in writing by the employee, or ordered by a court. Additionally, employers must provide detailed pay statements to employees, listing gross wages, deductions, and net pay. Non-compliance with these provisions can lead to legal penalties, reputational damage, and diminished employee morale.
Ignoring the Employment Act has far-reaching consequences. Beyond legal repercussions, non-compliance undermines trust, lowers workforce engagement, and tarnishes Grenada’s reputation as a fair and equitable place to work and invest. The Act prescribes penalties of up to $10,000 or three years’ imprisonment for serious offenses, but the long-term costs of non-compliance—such as staff turnover and reduced productivity—far outweigh any short-term gains.
Compliance, however, is not merely a legal obligation; it is a strategic business advantage. Companies that adhere to the law foster stronger relationships with employees, regulators, and investors. They attract and retain talent, minimize disputes, and build credibility that enhances their market position. For business owners, compliance provides predictability and reduces the risk of legal challenges.
Professionals in HR, accounting, and consulting play a pivotal role in ensuring compliance. Their responsibilities include educating employers about legal requirements and upholding standards consistently. Proper documentation, such as employment contracts and payroll records, is essential for preventing disputes and ensuring clarity.
The Department of Labour, led by the Labour Commissioner, is tasked with enforcing compliance through inspections and corrective measures. Employers are encouraged to engage proactively with the Department to seek guidance and avoid potential issues. Strengthening inspection capacity and public awareness will be crucial as Grenada’s economy continues to diversify.
Ultimately, compliance with the Employment Act reflects a commitment to fairness, respect, and national progress. By upholding the law, businesses contribute to a culture of transparency and integrity that benefits both the workforce and the broader community. As Grenada’s private sector expands, compliance must remain a priority to sustain mutual trust and drive sustainable economic development.
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Directoraat Cultuur en AJLA Frans-Guyana tekenen intentieverklaring
In a landmark move to foster cultural and community development, Roseline Daan, Cultural Director, and Patrick Burnet, President of the NGO Young Leaders in Action (AJLA), have announced a collaborative initiative in Cayenne, the capital of French Guyana. The partnership, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), aims to unite government ministries, non-governmental organizations, and the private sector in a series of impactful activities. These include promoting traditional culinary practices, organizing art and educational programs, mobilizing families and schools for community engagement, and sharing resources for project execution. Additionally, the collaboration will focus on cross-border environmental efforts, such as cleaning the Marowijne River and establishing a training center in Albina and Saint-Laurent for knowledge exchange. Burnet emphasized, ‘The Marowijne River is not a border; it is a bridge. By uniting the strengths of both sides, we are sowing the seeds for a future-oriented human, cultural, and economic partnership.’ The MoU is initially valid for two years, with the possibility of extension. Daan highlighted that while the agreement provides a framework for cooperation, it does not impose legally binding obligations. ‘We are neighbors, and it is crucial to strengthen bilateral relations at all levels,’ she stated.
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The UWI presents Vice-Chancellor’s Forum on Free Movement in the Caribbean
The University of the West Indies (UWI) is set to host a pivotal Vice-Chancellor’s Forum on October 21, focusing on one of the Caribbean’s most pressing issues: the free movement of CARICOM nationals. Titled ‘Promises, Passports, and Possibilities: Free Movement, the CSME, and the Caribbean Regionalisation Project,’ the event will delve into the aspirations of the Caribbean Single Market and Economy (CSME) for seamless mobility across the region. The Forum will be globally accessible via UWI TV, providing a platform for scholars, policymakers, and industry experts to engage in constructive dialogue. Despite the provisions of Articles 45 and 46 of the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas (RTC), which aim to facilitate unrestricted movement for leisure and employment, challenges such as immigration checks persist, hindering the vision of a unified Caribbean. The discussions will explore proposals to amend the RTC and the 2025 Protocol of Enhanced Cooperation, aiming for deeper regional integration. Countries like Barbados, Belize, Dominica, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines are actively pursuing the goals of the CSME, making this Forum crucial for transforming promises into reality. Chaired by Professor Canute Thompson, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Undergraduate Studies, and featuring remarks from UWI Vice-Chancellor Professor Sir Hilary Beckles, the event will include perspectives from prominent figures such as Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and Dr. Indira Rampersad, Head of the Political Science Department at UWI St. Augustine Campus. UWI TV will broadcast the Forum live, allowing global participation in the discussion. Tune in at www.uwitvglobal and www.facebook.com/uwitv to watch the expert discussions and engage in a question-and-answer session.
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jornalism, Juventud Rebelde, Granma, 60 anniversary
The First Granma-Rebelde International Festival, held recently, served as a vibrant platform for nearly twenty media outlets and projects aligned with left-wing parties and organizations to showcase their efforts in fostering transparent and emancipatory journalism. The event, open to the public, featured exhibition spaces, panel discussions, and interactive dialogues, bringing together journalists, intellectuals, and communicators dedicated to alternative media practices.
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Column: Het verlangen naar vreugde die nooit kwam…
In recent weeks, intense clashes have erupted along the border between Pakistan and Afghanistan, leaving devastation in their wake. Danish, a 26-year-old Pakistani man, shared his harrowing experiences with his colleague Indra Toelsie. Born in 1999, Danish has never known a day of peace. His hometown, once filled with towering buildings, now lies in ruins, bombed beyond recognition. He showed Indra a video of a rocket strike in a residential area near his home, a stark reminder of the fragility of life in his war-torn region. For Danish and millions like him, uncertainty is the norm, a daily reality they’ve come to accept.
Now, in Beijing, Danish is experiencing peace for the first time. Here, he can walk freely without fear of bombs or the need to seek shelter. When Indra encouraged him to enjoy this newfound tranquility, Danish’s response was poignant: ‘I just hear enjoying, enjoying, but what is enjoy and enjoyment? I literally don’t know.’ His words reveal a deep hunger to understand what it means to truly live without fear. Danish’s journey to China, made possible by a program, has opened his eyes to a world where peace is not a luxury but a possibility.
For Indra, a native of Suriname where life is celebrated and cherished, Danish’s story is a stark reminder of the privileges often taken for granted. While many complain about minor inconveniences, Danish dreams of a life free from violence. His aspirations are not for wealth but for peace—a basic human right that remains elusive for millions. Danish’s story serves as a call to action: to appreciate the peace we have and to strive for a world where it is accessible to all. As Indra reflects, perhaps it’s time to shift from complaints to gratitude, recognizing the value of the peace we often overlook.
On Divali, Indra urges everyone to light an extra lamp—not just for Danish but for all those who live without the gift of peace.
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rom communication, setting up a project for the people
The inaugural Granma-Rebelde International Festival, a three-day event dedicated to fostering ideological debate and cultural exchange, concluded yesterday in Havana. The festival, which aimed to create a collaborative space for public engagement, brought together diverse projects, experiences, and communication strategies. The closing ceremony was attended by prominent figures, including Yudí Rodríguez Hernández, a member of the Secretariat of the Party’s Central Committee, and Yuniasky Crespo Baquero, head of the Ideological Department. During the event, the newspaper Juventud Rebelde was honored for its 60 years of activism and dedication to Cuba’s youth. Yuniel Labacena Romero, editor-in-chief of Juventud Rebelde, highlighted the festival’s success in integrating debate, cultural expression, and community participation. Yoerky Sánchez Cuellar, editor-in-chief of Granma, announced plans for a second edition next year, emphasizing the importance of defending peace against illegal blockades and imperialist threats. The festival’s impact was evident in the quality of public interaction and the fusion of political and cultural activities, which united national and international media in a shared vision for a better world. Other notable attendees included Emilio Lozada García, Roberto Pérez Jiménez, and Meyvis Estévez Echevarría, further underscoring the event’s significance.
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News : Zapping…
In a series of recent developments in Haiti, significant events across sports, international policy, and leadership have captured national attention. On October 18, 2025, the U-17 Grenadiers football team faced an unexpected setback as striker Djuny Junior Théodore abruptly left their Spanish training camp ahead of the U-17 World Cup in Qatar. Théodore cited a promised contract from his uncle as the reason for his departure, vowing to continue his football career. The Haitian Football Federation (FHF) has yet to issue an official statement, but a complaint has reportedly been filed with Barcelona police. If confirmed as a withdrawal, this could lead to disciplinary or financial repercussions under FIFA regulations. Meanwhile, the United Nations Security Council unanimously adopted Resolution 2794, extending sanctions on individuals and entities threatening Haiti’s peace and security until 2026. These measures include arms embargoes, asset freezes, and travel bans. In the realm of sports, the University of Technology of Haiti (UNITECH) triumphed over the American University of Modern Sciences of Haiti (UNASMOH) in a thrilling 61-59 basketball match during the Inter-university Tournament for Peace. Gabriel Marc Roosevelt was named MVP for the second consecutive time, scoring 16 points. On the leadership front, significant appointments were made across various institutions. Angeline Cherfils was installed as the new head of the National Office of Crafts (ONART), bringing her expertise in education and activism to the role. Additionally, Lyonel Labady returned as Administrative Director of the Office of the Secretary of State for the Integration of People with Disabilities (BSEIPH), aiming to enhance operational efficiency and inclusive governance. These developments underscore Haiti’s ongoing efforts to address challenges and foster progress across multiple sectors.
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President Simons: Het kleinste licht verdrijft de duisternis
In a vibrant celebration of cultural unity, President Jennifer Simons of Suriname marked the 18th annual Divali Festival by adding ghee to the ceremonial Suriname dia on Saturday evening at Independence Square. The event, organized by the Cultural Union Suriname, drew a large crowd eager to witness the symbolic arrival of Ram, Sita, and Hanuman, key figures in the Ramlila tradition.
In her address, President Simons emphasized the unifying power of light in a diverse society. ‘No matter how small the light may be, where there is light, darkness cannot exist. Even the tiniest light can dispel the deepest shadows,’ she remarked. She highlighted Suriname’s rich cultural tapestry and its numerous festivals of light, all of which share a profound message of hope and unity.
President Simons urged the community to look beyond religious differences, stating, ‘There are not thousands of lights, but one divine light that we symbolize in every dia. We must also be that light for one another.’ She expressed her hope that the festival would not only illuminate homes but also hearts, fostering a spirit of togetherness and happiness.
The festivities, which continue today, serve as a reminder of the importance of unity and the shared values that bind the Surinamese people. The event underscores the nation’s commitment to celebrating its diverse heritage while promoting a collective vision of a brighter future.