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  • Gopal wil sportaccommodaties weer onder beheer van overheid; forse investeringen

    Gopal wil sportaccommodaties weer onder beheer van overheid; forse investeringen

    Suriname’s Minister of Youth Development and Sports, Lalinie Gopal, has announced a sweeping policy shift that will return most sports venue management to government oversight, alongside a multi-million dollar infrastructure upgrade program aimed at revitalizing the country’s sports sector.

    Speaking during parliamentary debate on the ministry’s budget in the National Assembly, Gopal argued that the current model, which has handed control of most public sports facilities to private foundations over recent decades, is no longer sustainable and is holding back the sector’s growth. She told lawmakers that real-world implementation of the private foundation model has repeatedly shown that public interest is not always prioritized by independent managers, creating systemic barriers to equitable access and long-term development.

    Under the proposed new management framework, Gopal said the government will reassert a central coordinating role to unlock new investment, while structuring revenue sharing to benefit both state authorities and facility operators. The preliminary plan outlines a 60/40 revenue split, with 60 percent of all generated income going to on-site managers and the remaining 40 percent allocated to the national government. Gopal emphasized that clear government ownership and governance is a critical prerequisite for attracting international donor funding, noting that many global funders have been unwilling to commit resources to projects where management and ownership structures remain ambiguous.

    The policy overhaul is designed to address longstanding gaps in maintenance, improve management transparency, and lay the groundwork for sustainable growth of national sports infrastructure, according to the minister.

    Alongside the management restructuring, Gopal unveiled a large-scale investment package to upgrade existing facilities and build new community sports spaces across the country. The centerpiece of the infrastructure program is the full rehabilitation of seven artificial turf pitches located in different regions, alongside planned renovations to multiple existing sports complexes, construction of new public swimming pools, and modernization of outdated venues.

    Two new multi-purpose community centers are also currently under development in the Para and Commewijne districts, designed to host not only competitive and recreational sports, but also youth programming and broader community development activities. Additional investments will go toward upgrading public playgrounds and purchasing new equipment for national sports federations, with the goal of lowering barriers to grassroots sports participation and giving local clubs the resources they need to expand their programming.

    Gopal highlighted the upcoming rehabilitation of the public swimming pool in Nickerie as a key early project, noting that work is set to begin shortly thanks to funding from a joint development partnership with the government of India.

    Ultimately, the minister framed the dual reforms of management restructuring and infrastructure investment as a core investment in Suriname’s youth. By upgrading facilities and standardizing governance, the government aims to boost national sports participation rates, expand development opportunities for young athletes, and ensure equitable access to quality sports infrastructure across all regions of the country.

  • 2026 World Cup : Migné’s press conference after the defeat against Brazil (video)

    2026 World Cup : Migné’s press conference after the defeat against Brazil (video)

    The 2026 FIFA World Cup group stage has delivered another decisive outcome for Caribbean side Haiti, whose tournament hopes all but ended following a lopsided 3-0 defeat to five-time champion Brazil at Philadelphia’s Lincoln Financial Field on June 19. In the immediate aftermath of the result, Haitian head coach Sébastien Migné addressed reporters to share his perspective on the match, the performance of his squad, and the final group fixture still to come.

    Opening his remarks, Migné acknowledged the heavy weight of disappointment hanging over the camp, even against an opposition as formidable as Brazil, currently ranked fifth in the global FIFA rankings. Despite the lopsided scoreline, he was quick to highlight the fighting spirit his players demonstrated throughout the 90 minutes. “The disappointment is immense tonight, even if the opponent is Brazil [5th in the world],” Migné told reporters. He added that his squad proved they belonged on the sport’s biggest international stage, saying: “We bent, but we didn’t break.”

    The result confirms Haiti’s elimination from knockout stage contention, but the team still has one remaining group match to play against 2022 World Cup semi-finalists Morocco, scheduled for June 24 at 6:00 p.m. local US/Haiti time at Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Rejecting any calls for his side to approach the fixture with complacency, Migné framed the upcoming match as a valuable opportunity for his players to test their skills against another elite global opponent. Morocco, currently the top-ranked men’s national team on the African continent, represents another high-profile test that Migné says his squad is ready to embrace.

    Shortly after Migné’s press conference, the Haitian Football Federation (FHF) released an official public statement addressing the result and responding to the reaction of Haitian fans worldwide. The federation acknowledged that the outcome did not match the expectations of the Haitian football community, recognizing that the disappointment felt by supporters across the country and beyond is entirely understandable.

    “Football can bring joy, but also tears. On Friday, the result of the match was not what we all hoped for, and we understand the disappointment of every Haitian supporter,” the statement read. Even with the underwhelming result, the FHF emphasized that it remains deeply proud of the Grenadiers, who have carried Haitian national pride onto the world stage despite a challenging qualification and tournament run. “The road has not always been easy, but our respect for these courageous men who fight tirelessly for their homeland remains undiminished,” the federation added.

    Looking ahead to the final group fixture against Morocco, the FHF noted that the team will take key lessons from the defeat to Brazil to improve in their final outing, with one final match to play to represent Haitian football. The federation closed its statement by thanking the national team’s loyal fanbase for its unwavering support through both winning and difficult stretches of the campaign, ending with the rallying cry: “We are all Grenadiers!”

  • Chain Snatcher caught in tape

    Chain Snatcher caught in tape

    A serial street thief who targeted women walking through crowded residential corridors of a mid-sized city has finally been taken into custody, after weeks of coordinated police work aided by widely circulated closed-circuit television footage. The suspect, who has been linked to at least seven separate chain-snatching incidents over the past two months, was identified by members of the public after local law enforcement released grainy but recognizable surveillance clips to local media and community social media groups last week.

    The string of offenses had left residents on edge, particularly elderly women and female commuters who often travel alone through the busy market area where most of the thefts occurred. In each incident, the snatcher would grab gold chains from victims’ necks from behind, before fleeing on a speeding motorcycle before bystanders could react. The total value of stolen property is estimated to exceed $12,000, according to police statements.

    Within 48 hours of the footage being published, three separate tipsters contacted police to provide the suspect’s name and common hangouts, leading to a sting operation that arrested the man late Saturday night as he prepared for another attempted theft near a local bus station. Police have recovered three of the stolen chains, and are working to trace the remaining stolen items that were reportedly sold to a local pawn shop. Investigators also noted that the suspect has prior convictions for similar theft offenses dating back to 2019. Local community leaders have praised the collaborative effort between police and residents, highlighting the role of public surveillance in solving petty street crime quickly.

  • Clothesline display sparks conversation on challenges facing men and boys

    Clothesline display sparks conversation on challenges facing men and boys

    In the heart of Castries at Derek Walcott Square, a unique public art installation — strings of clotheslines strung across the green, holding everyday garments for men and boys of all ages — has become an unexpected catalyst for open, vulnerable dialogue about the rarely centered struggles of men across Saint Lucia.

    Organized earlier this week by the Department of Gender Affairs under the Ministry of Equity, Social Justice, Gender and Older Persons, the interactive display is part of a series of lead-up events for Father’s Day, and aligns with the ministry’s newly launched national campaign, *Fathers Who Care: Men Raising the Next Generation*. Unlike traditional awareness events that rely on lectures or printed materials, the unassuming clothing installation was designed to draw the curiosity of everyday passersby, turning a casual stop in the public square into an opportunity for reflection and connection.

    Janey Joseph, Director of the Department of Gender Affairs, explained that the project grew out of a longstanding gap in public discourse: issues facing men and boys are often sidelined in conversations about social development and gender equity, even as they grapple with unique, unaddressed barriers to personal and familial well-being. “The clothing display worked exactly as we hoped it would — it caught the eye of people who would otherwise never stop to engage with this topic, and gave us a natural opening to talk about what men in our country actually go through,” Joseph shared in an interview after the event. “Our goal was to create a low-pressure public space where people could unpack what fatherhood really means, celebrate the critical role fathers play in children’s lives, and talk openly about the hurdles that hold too many men back.”

    To the team’s delight, public response — especially from men in attendance — far exceeded initial expectations. Dozens of participants opened up about their personal experiences as fathers, guardians, and young men navigating social expectations of masculinity, with many openly acknowledging the gaps in support they face to show up as the parents they aspire to be. “What struck us most was how many men were hungry for this space,” Joseph noted. “They didn’t hold back — they talked about the pressures they feel, the uncertainty they experience when raising kids, and how little access they have to resources that are made for them.”

    The impact of the day extended beyond just conversation: one participating father was directly connected to a local development partner that offers specialized parenting guidance and support for men, delivering on the campaign’s core goal of turning dialogue into tangible action. “That is exactly the kind of outcome we worked toward,” Joseph said. “It’s one thing to talk about issues — it’s another to connect someone to the help they need to thrive as a parent.”

    Joseph emphasized that the initiative marks a critical shift in Saint Lucia’s approach to gender equity and social development, marking a growing recognition that supporting men and boys is not an afterthought, but a core component of building a more inclusive society. “As a department and a ministry, we know that men and boys face challenges that are specific to their experiences,” she explained. “These issues matter, and they deserve intentional attention. When we talk about gender equality, lifting up men and boys isn’t separate from that work — it’s essential to building stronger families, healthier communities, and a country that leaves no one behind.”

    Moving forward, the clothing display is just one piece of the ongoing *Fathers Who Care* campaign, which has a broader mandate to promote responsible, supported fatherhood, strengthen intergenerational family bonds, and expand access to resources for men as they take on roles as parents, mentors, and positive community role models.

  • WEATHER: (6:00 PM, June 20): Reduction in shower activity expected tonight

    WEATHER: (6:00 PM, June 20): Reduction in shower activity expected tonight

    Residents across the region are navigating a mixed bag of weather conditions this week, with multiple environmental alerts in effect for vulnerable communities. After the passage of a tropical wave, leftover atmospheric moisture will push through overnight, bringing thicker cloud cover to most areas. Unlike the wet conditions many experienced in recent days, however, shower activity is projected to taper off as a strong high-pressure system settles into the region and takes control of weather patterns in the coming days.

    While drier conditions are on the horizon, officials have issued two key warnings for residents to heed. First, communities located in landslide and falling rock zones are reminded to remain vigilant, even as rainfall eases. Saturated ground from previous downpours can remain unstable for days after precipitation stops, increasing the risk of dangerous geological events in high-risk areas.

    A second, more widespread impact is coming from Saharan dust, which is set to drift into the region starting overnight and continue building through tomorrow. The influx of dust will create extended periods of hazy skies, and more critically, will drive down local air quality to unhealthy levels for at-risk groups. People with respiratory sensitivities, preexisting lung conditions, allergies, or weakened immune systems are advised to take proactive precautions, such as limiting prolonged outdoor exposure and keeping windows closed, to prevent avoidable health complications.

    For coastal and marine interests, ocean conditions remain manageable over the next 24 hours, with overall sea state forecast to range between slight and moderate. Surf along the region’s western coastline is projected to top out at 3 feet, while the eastern coastline will see significantly larger swells reaching heights of up to 7 feet, creating hazardous conditions for inexperienced swimmers and small boat operators.

  • Ramsaran: liever geïnvesteerd in luchttransport dan in marineschip Barracuda

    Ramsaran: liever geïnvesteerd in luchttransport dan in marineschip Barracuda

    During a budget debate held in Suriname’s National Assembly on June 20, Defence Minister Uraiqit Ramsaran has made a striking public remark regarding the country’s marine vessel the Barracuda, acknowledging that the €17 million-plus investment in the ship would not have been his top priority if the decision had been left to him. This comment came in response to questions from multiple assembly members focused on the acquisition, total costs, and operational deployment of the vessel, which remains active in maritime operations to this day.

    Minister Ramsaran detailed the financial structure of the deal, explaining that the Barracuda was acquired through a five-year lease-to-own agreement with a total cumulative value of approximately €17.3 million. Under the terms of the contract, the country is obligated to pay roughly €2.3 million in annual lease installments over the contract period. He further confirmed that the acquisition did not follow the standard open tender process, instead proceeding through an alternative, non-competitive procurement route.

    While the minister confirmed that the Barracuda is currently used for surveillance and patrol missions across Suriname’s territorial waters and exclusive economic zone, he made clear that he would have directed the same budget toward different national defence priorities. “Based on my own observations and insights, given the limited resources available to us, I would almost certainly have set different priorities,” Ramsaran told the assembly.

    Among the alternative investments Ramsaran highlighted are expanded air transport capabilities, specifically the purchase of a dedicated transport or cargo plane. Such an asset, he argued, would allow the military to move personnel, equipment, and supplies far more quickly to remote outposts located in Suriname’s inland regions. The country’s vast geographical distances and reliance on variable water levels for overland and river travel make expanded aerial logistics capacity a critical need for national defence, Ramsaran added.

    The minister emphasized that Suriname’s national defence sector continues to face massive unmet investment needs, requiring that every available budget allocation be used as efficiently as possible to boost the overall operational capacity of the country’s armed forces. Despite his critical remarks about the original investment decision, Ramsaran stressed that the Barracuda remains a fully functional and active asset. As recently as the past week, the vessel took part in a joint counter-illegal fishing operation that also resulted in the seizure of a large quantity of illegal narcotics, which has since been transferred to competent law enforcement authorities for further processing.

  • Prime Minister Friday to Attend the 78th Meeting of the OECS Authority in Antigua and Barbuda

    Prime Minister Friday to Attend the 78th Meeting of the OECS Authority in Antigua and Barbuda

    In a scheduled regional diplomatic engagement set for this week, Prime Minister Dr. Godwin Friday of St. Vincent and the Grenadines is preparing to depart for St. John’s, Antigua and Barbuda, to take part in the 78th annual gathering of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Authority. The two-day high-level meeting, slated to run from June 21 to 22, 2026, will convene heads of government and senior political leaders from all 11 OECS member states to address pressing shared concerns and chart a collective path forward for the sub-region.

    Among the key agenda items for this year’s assembly are coordinated strategies to drive inclusive economic development across smaller island economies, deepen long-standing regional integration frameworks, strengthen collective capacity to adapt to and recover from climate change impacts, address cross-border security challenges, and expand mutually beneficial cooperation between member states. For small island developing states like those that make up the OECS, many of these topics carry existential importance, making consensus-building at the annual gathering a critical step for collective progress.

    A key procedural milestone will also unfold during the meeting: the formal handover of the OECS Authority Chairmanship. Per the bloc’s long-standing rotational leadership policy, current chair Prime Minister Friday will transfer the role to his counterpart, Prime Minister Hon. Gaston Browne of Antigua and Barbuda, for the coming term. Rotational leadership is a core governance principle of the OECS, designed to ensure equal representation and shared responsibility for advancing the bloc’s collective mission across all member states.

    Accompanying Prime Minister Friday on the trip are a small delegation of senior officials, including Protection Officer Corporal Desrick Quashie, Ambassador Allan Alexander, Senior Advisor Randy Cato, and Senior Advisor and Ambassador Kevin Hope. To ensure uninterrupted governance of St. Vincent and the Grenadines during the prime minister’s travel, Deputy Prime Minister Hon. Major St. Clair Leacock, who also holds portfolios for National Security, Disaster Management and Immigration, will serve as acting prime minister for the duration of Friday’s absence.

  • Ministry Extends Best Wishes to EMT Involved in Motor Vehicle Accident

    Ministry Extends Best Wishes to EMT Involved in Motor Vehicle Accident

    A local Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) has been injured in a motor vehicle collision that occurred while she was responding to official duties earlier in the day, prompting the nation’s Ministry of Health, Wellness, Environment, and Civil Service Affairs to issue a public message of support and a renewed reminder about widespread road safety responsibility.

    In an official statement released shortly after the incident, Minister Michael Joseph, who heads the ministry, shared his deep concern for the injured healthcare worker and offered his sincerest wishes for a complete and rapid recovery.

    “Frontline healthcare workers, including our EMT teams, stand on the front lines of community protection every single day, showing up to deliver life-saving care even when conditions are difficult and unpredictable,” Minister Joseph said in the statement. “We never take their dedication and selfless commitment to public service for granted. Right now, our entire team’s thoughts are with our injured colleague and her family as she navigates this difficult time.”

    Beyond extending well wishes to the EMT, the ministry used the occasion to issue a fresh plea to all motorists across the country to prioritize caution and accountability every time they use public roads. The statement urges all drivers to maintain constant situational awareness, strictly follow established traffic regulations, eliminate distracted driving practices such as mobile phone use behind the wheel, and pay special attention to emergency and public service vehicles that are travelling to carry out critical work for the public good.

    The ministry emphasized that road safety is not an individual responsibility, but a collective obligation shared by every person using the road network. Protecting all road users, including the public workers who dedicate their careers to delivering essential services that keep communities running, requires intentional effort from every driver every day.

    As the injured EMT receives medical care, the ministry says it remains optimistic that she will make a fast and full recovery. It also extended gratitude to members of the general public who have already reached out to share their support, thoughts, and prayers for the healthcare worker.

  • Kings, Blazers for KFC basketball finals rematch

    Kings, Blazers for KFC basketball finals rematch

    The 2026 KFC National Basketball League is down to its final two contenders, with the Soufrière Kings and Bonne Terre Blazers advancing to the title decider after winning their best-of-three semifinal matchups Friday night at the Beausejour Gymnasium. For the Kings, the journey to the championship continues their pursuit of an unprecedented third consecutive league title, while the Blazers, who claimed the 2023 championship when the tournament resumed following a five-year suspension, are returning to the final to fight for their second crown in four years.

    In the first semifinal, the Soufrière Kings secured a convincing 76-63 victory over the Morne Gladiators, in a rematch of the 2024 championship final. After a chaotic, heated opening quarter that set a tense tone for the matchup, the Kings seized control of the game, stretching their lead to as much as 20 points in the final 10 minutes of play to lock in their final spot.

    The defining edge for the Kings came from their relentless defensive pressure and sharp focus on ball security. Defensive pressure forced the Gladiators into 29 total turnovers, while the Kings forced 23 steals across the roster – with five different Kings players notching four or more steals each – and only gave up the ball 16 times. Conversely, the Gladiators only managed 10 steals total, a gap that ultimately sealed their fate.

    Leading the charge for the Kings was Sydney Didier, who delivered an all-around standout performance, filling the stat sheet with 23 points, five rebounds, five steals, and three assists. Starting forward Jayzee Saltibus played through an early ankle injury to record a double-double of 12 points and 11 rebounds, adding four steals to his line. Playmaker Kimani Charles fell just short of a double-double, putting up 10 points, nine assists, four rebounds, and four steals to round out the Kings’ top contributors. For the Gladiators, Keegan Preville and Shamoir Jn Baptiste combined for 31 total points, with Preville adding 10 rebounds, while Cletuson Leon led the team on the glass with 12 boards.

    In the second semifinal, the Bonne Terre Blazers outlasted the Courts Jets in a tightly contested nailbiter, pulling out a narrow 65-63 win to secure their spot in the championship. The result marked the Blazers’ fourth straight victory over the Jets this season. The Blazers controlled much of the game after the first three quarters, building a lead of as much as 12 points before holding off a late push from the Jets to secure the two-point win. Strong offensive rebounding and better ball management were the key differences for the Blazers, mirroring the winning formula the Kings used earlier in the night.

    Andre Louison led the Blazers with a near-triple-double performance, putting up 18 points, 10 rebounds, seven steals, and three assists. Troy Louison topped the team’s scoring with 20 points, adding nine rebounds, while center Orin Thomas chipped in four points and 10 rebounds to anchor the frontcourt. For the Jets, guard Ryan Philogene led all scorers with 20 points and added seven steals, but his standout performance was not enough to overcome the Blazers’ early lead.

  • Derde helft WK 2026: Duitsland verstevigt koppositie na thriller tegen Ivoorkust

    Derde helft WK 2026: Duitsland verstevigt koppositie na thriller tegen Ivoorkust

    The 2026 FIFA World Cup Group E stage delivered another instant classic on Wednesday, as four-time world champions Germany pulled off a heart-stopping 2-1 comeback victory over Ivory Coast at Toronto Stadium, booking their spot in the knockout round with a stoppage-time winner from substitute Deniz Undav.

    Germany entered the match as heavy favorites, and made their attacking intent clear within the opening 30 seconds, when Arsenal forward Kai Havertz carved out a dangerous chance inside the Ivory Coast penalty area. For most of the first half, the German side dominated possession and built consistent pressure, but a solid Ivory Coast defense held firm, and the underdogs struck against the run of play to stun the crowd. The breakthrough came in the 30th minute, courtesy of 19-year-old debutant winger Yan Diomande, who turned in a breakout performance on the world stage. Diomande produced a blistering run down the left flank, beating his marker with a sharp skill to deliver a low cross into the box. After Amad Diallo’s original shot was blocked by a German defender, the ball fell kindly to Franck Kessie, who fired a precise, powerful finish into the bottom left corner to put Ivory Coast ahead. The four-time world champions went into halftime trailing 1-0, after seven minutes of first-half stoppage time failed to yield an equalizer. Havertz thought he had leveled the score right before the break, but his goal was correctly ruled out for a foul on Ivory Coast defender Emmanuel Agbadou. A long-range effort from Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz, set up by a silky run from Jamal Musiala, was also turned around the post by Ivory Coast goalkeeper Yahia Fofana. Despite Germany’s relentless pressure, Ivory Coast held their lead, looking dangerous on the counter through the pace of Diallo and Diomande, who repeatedly stretched the German backline.

    The second half opened with an early change for Germany, as Antonio Rüdiger came on to replace injured center-back Nico Schlotterbeck. Germany continued to push feverishly for an equalizer, but struggled to break through Ivory Coast’s organized defense, while the African side squandered multiple chances to extend their lead on the break.

    Just after the hour mark, Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann turned to his bench, making a triple substitution to inject fresh energy into his side, bringing on Jamie Leweling, Deniz Undav and Nadiem Amiri. The change paid off almost immediately: in the 68th minute, Amiri delivered a pinpoint cross into the box, where Undav timed his run perfectly to beat the offside trap and slot home a composed finish to draw Germany level.

    The equalizer shifted the momentum firmly in Germany’s favor, as the packed Toronto crowd roared the side on. Both sides made additional substitutions after the cooling break, but Ivory Coast suffered a major blow when key defender Wilfried Singo was forced off with a hamstring injury.

    The closing stages produced end-to-end, nail-biting action. Ivory Coast had a golden chance to retake the lead through winger Simon Adingra, but he could not control the ball on the break and wasted the opportunity. Germany pushed hard for a winner, forcing a series of brilliant saves from Fofana, but could not find the breakthrough until late stoppage time. In the 94th minute of the match, Undav latched onto a pass from Felix Nmecha, turned smartly away from his marker inside the box, and fired an unstoppable shot past Fofana into the back of the net.

    The stadium erupted in celebration, while Ivory Coast’s players collapsed to their knees in dejection. The dramatic late winner secured all three points for Germany, who now top Group E with six points from two matches and have secured their place in the knockout stage. Ivory Coast drop to second place on three points, with both Ecuador and Curaçao yet to pick up a point in the group. The Group E qualification race remains wide open, as Ivory Coast will still have a chance to qualify for the next round in their final group match, but leave Toronto heartbroken after giving up a lead in the final seconds of stoppage time.