On World Food Day, Suriname’s Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries, Mike Noersalim, urged consumers to prioritize locally produced Sranan food. Emphasizing the benefits of supporting local farmers, he highlighted the freshness, safety, and nutritional richness of Surinamese diets. “By choosing local, you not only bolster our farmers and economy but also embrace a healthier way of life,” he stated. Noersalim underscored agriculture as the backbone of food production, calling for collective efforts to ensure the nation’s agricultural abundance benefits future generations. He outlined initiatives to protect farmers, including investments in climate-smart techniques, improved irrigation, and robust quarantine measures to safeguard local crops and biodiversity from external pests. The livestock sector, he noted, plays a vital role in providing essential proteins, with a focus on quality and biosecurity. Investments in better breeds, modern slaughterhouses, and strict monitoring programs aim to prevent diseases and ensure safe, locally produced meat and dairy. Noersalim also described fisheries as Suriname’s “treasure from the water,” emphasizing sustainable practices to preserve marine resources for future generations. “Sustainable fishing is the only way forward to ensure our ‘blue economy’ remains productive and healthy,” he asserted. In alignment with this year’s World Food Day theme, “Hand in Hand for Better Food and a Better Future,” the ministry, in collaboration with the FAO, donated agricultural tools and materials to educational institutions and the Stichting Ontspanningsoord voor Gehandicapte Kinderen (SOGK) to support their agricultural activities.
分类： society
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Internationalization of the UEH : Signature with the Colombian University (UMAYOR)
In a landmark move to bolster international academic collaboration, Dieuseul Prédélus, Rector of the State University of Haiti (UEH), and Juan Alberto Arraut Camargo, Rector of the Institución Universitaria Mayor de Cartagena (UMAYOR), signed a Framework Agreement for Academic Cooperation on October 16 in Cartagena, Colombia. The ceremony, attended by key academic officials from both institutions, signifies a pivotal step in UEH’s ongoing internationalization efforts. This partnership, rooted in South-South cooperation, unites two Caribbean universities with shared challenges and aspirations in higher education and scientific research. The agreement outlines collaborative initiatives across multiple domains, including academic mobility for students, faculty, and staff; joint research and innovation projects; institutional capacity building; language training; continuing education programs; and international internships to enhance student employability. Spanning an initial four-year term with automatic renewal, the agreement establishes a Technical Coordination Committee to oversee implementation and ensure sustainability. Prédélus highlighted the broader significance of the partnership, stating, ‘This signing symbolizes the university’s role as a bridge between peoples, a space to address contemporary challenges, and a beacon of hope for the future.’ This agreement is part of UEH’s broader strategy to expand its global academic network, with additional partnerships planned with Canadian universities.
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Dodds Prison awaits $4m green light to expand farm operations
The Barbados Prison Service is poised to transform its agricultural operations at the Dodds prison farm in St. Philip, pending government approval of a $4 million budget allocation. Superintendent of Prisons DeCarlo Payne announced on Thursday that the funds would be used to significantly expand meat production and modernize the facility, aligning with the government’s goal of achieving food self-sufficiency within 18 months. The initiative aims to reduce reliance on external suppliers and enhance food production capabilities. Currently, the farm produces chicken, beef, lamb, pork, and turkey, with plans to slaughter 67 pigs next month. Additionally, 90% of the arable land at Dodds is under cultivation, yielding crops such as sweet potatoes, yams, and cucumbers. The Prison Service recently supplied the Barbados Defence Force with 600 pounds of sweet potatoes and 150 pounds of cucumbers. The $4 million investment will also fund the construction of seven new chicken pens, each capable of housing 3,000 birds, with a long-term goal of producing 21,000 chickens to meet the needs of institutions like the School Meals Department, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, and the prison itself. In January, the University of the West Indies (UWI) Cave Hill Campus partnered with the Prison Service to launch a six-week agricultural training program. Conducted through UWI’s Centre for Agricultural Research and Innovation (CAGRI), the program focuses on sustainable crop production, soil management, poultry care, and integrated farming systems. It aims to reduce food costs, support national food security, and provide inmates with practical skills for rehabilitation. Superintendent Payne emphasized that the farming program is a key component of a broader rehabilitative strategy, equipping inmates with agricultural and business expertise while contributing to institutional cost savings and national food security.
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Granma Rebelde: a festival of challenges, alternatives, and shared dreams
The Granma Rebelde International Festival commenced today at the Estación Cultural de Línea y 18 in Havana, marking a significant milestone in Cuban journalism. This year’s festival celebrates the 60th anniversary of two iconic Cuban publications, Granma and Juventud Rebelde, both founded by the late Commander-in-Chief Fidel Castro Ruz. Running until October 19, the event features a dynamic blend of exhibitions, theoretical discussions, book presentations, and cultural performances, attracting delegations from over 30 countries. Organized by the Communist Party of Cuba and the Union of Young Communists, the festival emphasizes counter-hegemonic communication, advocating for equality, sovereignty, and social justice. A highlight of the program is the panel ‘Fidel in the Press: The Leader Who Wrote His Own History,’ moderated by renowned journalist Katiuska Blanco, which explores Castro’s contributions to Cuban journalism. The festival also includes performances by acclaimed artists and the celebrated children’s theater group La Colmenita, alongside discussions on global cooperation and social change. Open to the public, the event aims to foster dialogue between journalists, intellectuals, and the community, reflecting on six decades of Cuban media and revolutionary ideals.
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Prison chief: More teens in Dodds Prison for serious crimes as average inmates’ age falls
Barbados is grappling with a troubling surge in youth crime, as highlighted by Superintendent of Prisons DeCarlo Payne in a recent interview with Barbados TODAY. Payne revealed that the age of convicted inmates is steadily decreasing, with more young males aged 15 to 25 being incarcerated for serious and violent crimes, particularly those involving firearms. He described this as a deeply concerning trend that reflects broader societal issues requiring a unified national response. Payne emphasized that the prison system is witnessing inmates as young as 15 or 16, with crimes becoming increasingly violent and often linked to robberies and gun-related offenses. Criminologist Kirk Alleyne echoed these concerns, noting a disturbing shift in behavior among youth, where violence is increasingly used to resolve interpersonal disputes rather than dialogue or mediation. Alleyne’s July report, ‘Confronting Violent Crime in Barbados,’ highlighted that retaliatory violence and escalation have become normalized. He also pointed to the growing accessibility of firearms to juveniles, which significantly increases their involvement in serious crimes such as armed robberies and shootings. Alleyne further warned of the evolution of gang activity, with informal street groups transforming into well-organized criminal networks resembling corporations. Barbados has recorded 34 homicides this year, with 31 occurring by the end of July. Despite these challenges, the Barbados Prison Service is implementing rehabilitative programs for both remanded and sentenced individuals, focusing on religious services, anger management, drug counseling, and vocational training. These initiatives aim to reduce reoffending and prepare young offenders for reintegration into society.
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New CCJ judge Guyanese Dr Arif Bulkan lauded for achievements, contributions
Dr. Arif Bulkan, a distinguished Guyanese legal scholar and human rights advocate, has been sworn in as a judge of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ). The ceremony, presided over by President Irfaan Ali, marked a significant milestone in Dr. Bulkan’s illustrious career, which spans academia, law, and human rights activism. His appointment underscores the CCJ’s commitment to regional integration and decolonization, as the court continues to establish itself as a cornerstone of Caribbean jurisprudence. Dr. Bulkan, the third Guyanese to serve on the CCJ bench, emphasized the court’s symbolic importance in shedding colonial legacies and fostering regional unity. He expressed hope that all Caribbean nations would soon fully embrace the CCJ as their final court of appeal, replacing the British Privy Council. President Ali echoed this sentiment, highlighting the court’s role in advancing Caribbean sovereignty and justice rooted in regional values. Dr. Bulkan’s extensive experience, including his work with the United Nations and the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, positions him as a valuable asset to the CCJ. Chancellor of the Judiciary Roxane George-Wiltshire praised his legal acumen and dedication, expressing confidence in his ability to shape the future of Caribbean law. CCJ President Winston Anderson also lauded Dr. Bulkan’s commitment to social justice and equality, emphasizing his potential to contribute significantly to the court’s mission. The swearing-in ceremony was celebrated as a moment of national pride and regional progress, reflecting the CCJ’s growing influence in the Caribbean legal landscape.
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St. Martin’s Secondary launches agricultural science programme
In a significant stride toward enhancing food security and agricultural education, the Zero Hunger Trust Fund (ZHTF), supported by the General Employees Cooperative Credit Union (GECCU), has inaugurated a new agricultural science programme at St. Martin’s Secondary School (SMSS) in Kingstown, St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG). This initiative aligns with the nation’s broader mission to foster sustainable food production and inspire youth engagement in agriculture.
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Tafaree Sanchez Faces Triple Attempted Murder Charges
In a dramatic turn of events, 25-year-old Tafaree Sanchez from Vernon Street, Belize City, has been formally charged with three counts of attempted murder following a violent highway shooting incident that occurred several weeks ago. According to law enforcement officials, Sanchez was not acting alone; he was allegedly accompanied by a 17-year-old minor during the pursuit of a light blue Chevy Equinox along the Phillip Goldson Highway near mile three. The situation escalated near Reimer’s Feed Mill, where the suspects reportedly exited their vehicle and opened fire on the SUV. The chase persisted, culminating in another round of gunfire in front of Maheia’s United. Two individuals, 36-year-old Glenford Reed and 28-year-old Joshua Augustine, sustained injuries during the attack. The primary target, Jahreem ‘32’ Staine, managed to escape unharmed. The minor was apprehended shortly after the incident, while Sanchez remained at large until his recent arrest, following the issuance of a wanted poster by the police.
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Faber Family Faces Funeral Delay After Double Tragedy
The Faber family of Belize is grappling with an unimaginable series of tragedies and bureaucratic hurdles as they attempt to lay two loved ones to rest. Just ten days after the brutal murder of Shaniele Faber, a mother of four whose dismembered body was discovered in a garbage drum, her 18-year-old son, Shamar Faber, succumbed to complications from a gunshot wound sustained in March. The family, already reeling from emotional devastation, now faces further distress due to delays in funeral arrangements. After receiving Shamar’s death certificate, they were abruptly instructed to return it for an autopsy, a decision that has postponed the funeral and added financial strain. Shamar’s aunt, Shawnette Tillett, expressed frustration over the hospital’s handling of the situation, citing a lack of communication and accountability. The family has already incurred significant funeral expenses and is urging the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital to expedite the process so they can proceed with the funerals. Hospital CEO Chandra Cansino has acknowledged the issue and promised to investigate further.
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Single Mom Demands Justice After Alleged Workplace Assault
A young single mother, Jessica Bencomo, has come forward with harrowing allegations of workplace sexual assault, demanding justice after her claims were reportedly dismissed by both her employer and local authorities. The 29-year-old pharmacy assistant detailed her traumatic experience on social media, recounting how her boss allegedly attempted to kiss her on October 7, 2025, despite her repeated protests. Jessica claims that when she reported the incident to her supervisor, her concerns were ignored, leaving her feeling unsupported and vulnerable. Compounding her distress, she alleges that the Belize Police Department downplayed the severity of her case, classifying it as “common assault” rather than sexual harassment. Now unemployed and struggling to provide for her children, Jessica is urging the Belize Police Department and the Pharmacy Association of Belize to intervene and ensure accountability. In an emotional interview, Jessica emphasized her determination to be heard, stating, “I need to report this because I’m really scared. I am emotionally distraught.” Her case has sparked outrage and calls for systemic change in addressing workplace harassment and assault.