In a landmark collaboration aimed at enhancing early childhood education, Republic Bank (Suriname) N.V. and UNICEF Suriname have officially joined forces. The partnership, part of Republic Bank’s ‘Power to Make a Difference’ initiative, was launched during a signing ceremony held at the Marriott Hotel. Brian Alleyne, Managing Director of Republic Bank (Suriname) N.V., and Gabriel Vockel, UNICEF Representative for Suriname and Guyana, formalized the agreement with their signatures. The program focuses on equipping daycare centers with essential learning materials and educational tools, fostering inclusive and child-friendly environments, and enhancing the skills of caregivers in early stimulation and play-based learning. Parents will also receive practical guidance to support their children’s development at home. UNICEF emphasized the critical importance of investing in early education, noting that over half of Suriname’s three-year-olds are currently not enrolled in any learning program. Republic Bank echoed this sentiment, stating that investing in children is synonymous with investing in the future. The event was enlivened with performances by toddlers and concluded with the signing of a heart-shaped symbol, where young children placed colorful handprints as a symbol of hope and growth. Both organizations reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring every child in Suriname has the opportunity to learn, discover, and grow through play.
分类： society
-
House Speaker Back On Duty After Cancer Recovery
House Speaker Valarie Woods has made a triumphant return to the National Assembly building nearly a year after disclosing her breast cancer diagnosis. Her comeback was met with heartfelt support from Prime Minister John Briceño, who personally welcomed her back with words of encouragement. “We are overjoyed to see you return in such excellent health. Despite the challenges, you appear more vibrant than ever,” Briceño remarked. In mid-October, Woods marked a significant milestone by ringing the bell at her treatment center, a symbolic gesture signifying the completion of her chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery. This joyous ceremony was celebrated by Woods and her supporters at the center, marking a new chapter in her journey. Her return not only signifies personal victory but also serves as an inspiration to many facing similar battles.
-
Grenada to launch Revised National Adaptation Plan 2025–2030
The Government of Grenada is set to launch its Revised National Adaptation Plan (NAP) for 2025–2030 on November 26, 2025, at the Grenada Trade Centre Annex. The event, led by Hon. Kerryne James, Minister for Climate Resilience, the Environment & Renewable Energy, will commence at 8:30 am with registration, followed by the official launch at 9 am. This updated NAP represents a pivotal step in fortifying Grenada’s resilience against escalating climate challenges. Building on extensive research, national consultations, and lessons from recent climate events, including the catastrophic Hurricane Beryl in 2024, the plan is Grenada’s most comprehensive adaptation strategy to date. Minister James emphasized the plan’s significance, stating, ‘This is Grenada’s commitment to safeguarding our people, economy, and way of life. The climate crisis is urgent, and this plan empowers us to act decisively.’ The revised NAP aligns with national development strategies like Vision 75 and the National Sustainable Development Plan (NSDP 2020–2035), ensuring a unified approach to sustainable growth. It incorporates insights from the 2021 Midterm Review, the 2022 First NAP Progress Report, and extensive 2024 consultations. The plan also aligns with international frameworks such as the Paris Agreement and the Sendai Framework. Key features include a dedicated NAP Implementation Team, expanded community engagement, gender-responsive approaches, and a strengthened Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) system. The NAP outlines six priority areas: strengthening health systems, advancing sustainable infrastructure, enhancing disaster risk reduction, securing water resources, promoting nature-based solutions, and ensuring climate-resilient agriculture. Implementation, set to begin in 2025, will enhance Grenada’s access to international climate finance, institutional readiness, and community resilience, safeguarding lives, livelihoods, and ecosystems for a more equitable future.
-
Community Groups Donate 19 VHF Radios to Barbuda Fisheries Department
Barbuda’s fishing community has achieved a significant milestone with the recent handover of 19 new VHF radios to the Fisheries Department. This event, held during the annual Ocean Fest celebration on November 15th, underscores the power of collective effort in enhancing safety for the island’s fishers. The radios, funded through community fundraising, contributions from civic society groups, and the GlobalGiving network, are a vital step toward improving communication and safety for licensed fishers, particularly during adverse weather or emergencies at sea. The handover ceremony, attended by key figures such as Brandon Walker of barbudanGO, Devon Warner of the Fisherfolk Association, and Sophia Charles of Team Buda, highlighted the culmination of sustained community efforts. These radios enable fishers to communicate with each other and coastal authorities, receive weather updates, and call for assistance when necessary. Earlier this month, 22 beacon locators were also donated, further bolstering the safety infrastructure. These devices transmit a vessel’s location during emergencies, aiding search-and-rescue operations. Together, the radios and beacon locators bring Barbuda closer to equipping all 30 licensed fishing vessels. Anessa Hopkins, Head of the Fisheries Department, emphasized the life-saving impact of this initiative, noting its alignment with safety regulations set by the Antigua and Barbuda Fisheries Authority. Despite this progress, the campaign continues, requiring 8 more beacon locators, 11 additional VHF radios, and 30 GPS units to fully equip the fleet. Organizers remain optimistic, supported by local partnerships and the generosity of the GlobalGiving community. This initiative not only safeguards lives but also preserves Barbuda’s cultural and economic reliance on the sea, demonstrating the transformative power of community collaboration.
-
ABHTA Names 2025 Tourism Nominees for Frontline and Transport Service Awards
The Antigua and Barbuda Hotels and Tourism Association (ABHTA) has unveiled the nominees for two prestigious categories in the 2025 Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Awards Gala. This year’s event shines a spotlight on six exceptional individuals whose contributions have significantly enhanced the nation’s tourism sector. The nominees were announced in two key categories: Port Frontline Employee of the Year and Transportation Service Provider of the Year. In the Port Frontline Employee of the Year category, four individuals have been recognized for their outstanding service at critical border-control and security points. These include Vivian Simon from the Antigua and Barbuda Customs & Excise Division, Jahlyn Turner from the Department of Immigration, Philmore Floyd from Antigua Cruise Port, and Malvern Charles from the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda. Their nominations underscore the indispensable role frontline personnel play in delivering safe, efficient, and welcoming experiences for visitors. Meanwhile, the Transportation Service Provider of the Year category features two nominees: Carl Warner from the St John’s Taxi Association and Ian Richards from the United Taxi Company Limited. Both have been lauded for their excellence in visitor transport and customer service. According to the ABHTA, all six nominees exemplify the professionalism and dedication that drive the success of Antigua and Barbuda’s tourism industry. The winners will be revealed on 29 November 2025 at the highly anticipated Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Awards Gala, hosted at Sandals Grande Antigua. The event, themed ‘Mirror Ball Gala – A Night to Reflect and Shine,’ is organized by the ABHTA in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Transportation and Investment, and the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority.
-
Dominica to host regional seminar on role of cooperatives in facilitating social equitability
Dominica is set to host a pivotal two-day regional workshop titled “The Role of Social and Solidarity Economy in Advancing Social Justice.” Organized by the Cooperative Development Division (CDD), the event will convene government officials, cooperative leaders, and technical experts from across the Eastern Caribbean. The workshop aims to foster the exchange of successful practices, develop actionable strategies, and establish priority initiatives to strengthen cooperatives in the agricultural and fisheries sectors. The focus on Social and Solidarity Economy (SSE) organizations highlights their critical role in revitalizing rural economies, enhancing social cohesion, and promoting inclusive economic growth. However, the sector faces significant challenges, including outdated legal frameworks, data collection gaps, limited institutional coordination, and restricted access to financial and non-financial support services. The seminar is part of the EUCaN project, funded by the European Union and implemented by FIAP in collaboration with the Caribbean Public Vehicle Association (CPVA), the OECS Commission, the International Labour Organization (ILO), the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), and Dominica’s Ministry of Culture, Youth, Sports, and Community Development. Aligned with the International Year of Cooperatives 2025, the event will emphasize the transformative potential of SSE and cooperatives in creating inclusive economic opportunities, particularly for women, youth, and marginalized groups. Key speakers include Gretta Roberts, Minister of Culture, Youth, Sports, and Community Development; representatives from the EU Delegation; Joni T. Musabayana, Director of the Decent Work Team and Office for the Caribbean at ILO; and Dr. Roxanne Brizan-St. Martin, Programme Director for Health, Social Inclusion, and Social Protection at the OECS Commission. The workshop will also feature presentations on international frameworks and national experiences from the Ministry of Labour and Social Economy of Spain and the Spanish Confederation of Social Economy, exploring legal structures, institutional support systems, and innovative financing models. Expert contributions from organizations like ILO, FAO, IICA, and Cipriani College of Labour and Cooperative Studies will provide practical insights into governance, market aggregation, inclusive finance, and climate-resilient practices. Participating countries will present analyses of their cooperative landscapes, identifying legislative gaps, capacity-building needs, data system improvements, and market development opportunities. The CDD emphasized that cooperatives are essential for generating decent work, improving market access for small producers, strengthening community resilience to climate shocks, and enabling shared investment in infrastructure, processing, and logistics.
-
Emergency Drill Tests Readiness at George Charles Airport
On Tuesday, November 11, the Saint Lucia Air and Sea Ports Authority (SLASPA) orchestrated a large-scale emergency response drill at the George F. L. Charles Airport. The exercise simulated an aircraft crash to rigorously assess the airport’s emergency preparedness and inter-agency coordination capabilities. This biennial drill, conducted in alignment with International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) standards, involved over 100 participants, including emergency responders, volunteers, and aviation stakeholders. The scenario depicted a mock aircraft accident near the runway’s northern end, with simulated passengers and crew requiring immediate rescue and medical attention. SLASPA officials emphasized that the drill aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the airport’s emergency response plan, particularly in communication, command, and coordination among various agencies. Exercise Director Aubert Regis highlighted the simulation as a crucial test of operational readiness, stating, ‘This exercise allowed us to activate the emergency response plan and assess how efficiently our agencies would perform in a real-life situation. Our goal is not only to test our response capacity but also to enhance collaboration and overall performance.’ Acting Airport Manager Alexandria Alexander underscored the drill’s proactive nature, noting its role in ensuring swift and effective responses during actual emergencies. ‘This exercise provided a valuable opportunity for all response agencies to evaluate their performance, improve coordination, and ensure that in the event of a real aircraft incident, the response will be efficient and effective,’ she said. The simulation also tested the capabilities of the airport’s Emergency Operations Centre, which coordinates recovery and restoration efforts post-incident. Participating agencies included the National Emergency Management Organisation, the Ministry of Health, Aerodrome Rescue and Fire Fighting Services, the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force, Ports Police, Owen King European Union Hospital, the Saint Lucia Red Cross, airline representatives, and airport personnel. Chief Evaluator Andrew George praised the high level of coordination observed during the drill, stating, ‘We assessed everything from scene management to communication and response timelines. The coordination among agencies was very positive and aligned with international emergency standards.’ A formal debriefing session is expected to follow, during which lessons learned and areas for improvement will be reviewed. SLASPA expressed gratitude to all participants and the public for their cooperation during the exercise.
-
MS13 Gang Member Arrested at Western Border
In a significant law enforcement breakthrough, Julio César Murillo Mena, a high-profile member of the notorious Mara Salvatrucha (MS13) gang, was apprehended at the Guatemalan Migration Institute in Melchor de Mencos, Petén. The arrest was the result of a meticulously coordinated operation involving INTERPOL and Belizean immigration authorities. Murillo Mena, a Salvadoran national, is wanted in his home country for grave offenses, including homicide and illegal possession of firearms, which carry prison sentences ranging from 4 to 15 years. MS13, a transnational criminal organization with roots in the aftermath of El Salvador’s civil war, has gained infamy for its violent activities, including extortion, drug trafficking, human smuggling, and contract killings. The gang’s origins are deeply tied to the recruitment of child soldiers during the conflict, which displaced nearly one million Salvadorans and left the nation in turmoil. This arrest underscores the ongoing international efforts to combat organized crime and dismantle violent networks.
-
Vaz expresses sorrow over death of 10-year-old student in JUTC incident
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The nation is in mourning following the tragic death of 10-year-old Shamaire Sharpe in an incident involving a Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC) bus on Wednesday. Minister of Energy, Transport and Telecommunications, Daryl Vaz, expressed profound sorrow and extended heartfelt condolences to the child’s family, emphasizing that the entire country stands in solidarity with them during this devastating time.
In an official statement, Vaz confirmed that he has been in direct communication with the JUTC to ensure that all necessary support systems are activated for the affected family. He also announced that a thorough investigation is underway to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident. The minister reiterated the government’s unwavering commitment to road safety, particularly for children who depend on public transportation for school.
Vaz highlighted that JUTC buses and drivers are rigorously trained to meet stringent safety standards, and the company’s operational and mechanical protocols are designed to protect passengers at all times. However, he assured that these systems will be thoroughly reviewed as part of the ongoing investigation.
“I am truly heartbroken by this tragedy. No parent should ever have to endure such pain, and no school community should face the loss of a child in this manner,” Vaz stated, extending his sympathies to the student’s parents, relatives, teachers, and classmates.
The Ministry of Energy, Transport and Telecommunications reaffirmed its dedication to enhancing road safety policies, improving enforcement measures, and reducing traffic-related injuries and fatalities across Jamaica. Vaz urged the public to remain calm as police investigations continue, describing the incident as “deeply unfortunate” and reiterating his support for the grieving family and school community.
-
Qahal Yahweh case pushed to 2026 after storm sidelines final prosecution witness
The high-profile trial involving 16 members of the Qahal Yahweh religious group faced an unexpected adjournment on Thursday in the St James Parish Court. Presided over by Judge Kaysha Grant-Pryce, the proceedings were halted as the prosecution’s final witness, the investigating officer, was unable to attend due to the aftermath of a recent hurricane. Consequently, the court extended bail for all 16 defendants.