The Cuban Ministry of Foreign Affairs recently commemorated a significant milestone in the enduring partnership between Cuba and Angola. In a formal statement, the Ministry underscored the historical importance of this anniversary for the Angolan people and reaffirmed the robust bilateral ties that have been cultivated through decades of shared struggles and cooperative efforts. The statement also highlighted Cuba’s gratitude for Angola’s steadfast support in its ongoing battle against the U.S.-imposed economic, commercial, and financial blockade, which remains a major impediment to Cuba’s development. The relationship between the two nations, rooted in solidarity and collaboration, traces back to the African independence movements and continues to thrive in both bilateral and multilateral contexts today.
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Dominican Republic to host 27th UN General Assembly on Tourism
In a landmark decision, the 26th United Nations General Assembly on Tourism, held in Saudi Arabia, has selected the Dominican Republic as the host nation for the 2027 UNWTO General Assembly. The resolution, passed with the participation of over 160 delegations from member states, underscores the country’s growing influence in global tourism. Dominican Minister of Tourism, David Collado, expressed gratitude for the honor, emphasizing its significance for the nation. On his social media, Collado stated, ‘Hosting the UNWTO’s General Assembly in 2027 is not just an achievement: it is a recognition of a management that transformed the way of tourism in the region.’ He further highlighted the Dominican Republic’s expanding leadership in the global tourism sector. This decision follows Collado’s recent recognition as the Tourism Minister of the Americas by UN Tourism, marking the first time the United Nations agency has bestowed such an honor. The 26th Assembly, which concluded this Tuesday, saw the Dominican Republic represented by Deputy Minister Carlos Peguero, solidifying the nation’s commitment to advancing tourism on the world stage.
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Abel Prieto celebrates life, with loyalty to Revolution and Cuba
The president of Casa de las Américas has been widely celebrated for his exceptional leadership and dedication to cultural integration in Latin America and the Caribbean. Described as a tireless advocate for emancipation and a deeply educated individual, his contributions have left an indelible mark on the region. A profound scholar of the works of José Lezama Lima and Roberto Fernández Retamar, he has been a steadfast defender of the Cuban Revolution and the inclusive cultural policies championed by Fidel Castro. His ability to engage with intellectuals and artists without being bound by rigid protocols has earned him immense respect and affection from the public. This recognition extends globally, with creators and colleagues from Casa de las Américas expressing their admiration and congratulations. In a heartfelt gesture, members of the Union of Writers and Artists of Cuba (UNEAC) presented him with a remarkable artwork by Cuban visual artist Moisés Finalé, further underscoring his profound impact on the cultural landscape.
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Parts of Old Capital Still Without Electricity
Residents of Belize City experienced a significant power outage in the early hours of November 11, 2025, following a major transmission line fault. The disruption, which began around 12:30 a.m., was attributed to a damaged utility pole near the Westlake Substation at Mile 8 on the George Price Highway. Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) confirmed that adverse weather conditions further hindered repair efforts. Despite these challenges, BEL initiated immediate restoration work, successfully restoring power to several neighborhoods, including Belama (Phases 1, 2 & 4), Bella Vista, Buttonwood Bay, and Coral Grove by 2:31 a.m. However, as of the latest update, parts of Belize City remained without electricity, with BEL projecting full restoration by 12 noon, pending safe conditions to re-energize the transmission line. The outage also temporarily impacted eRide bus services across the city.
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Team Grenada regains OECS Swim Championship title
In a remarkable display of athletic prowess, the Grenada National Swim Team has reclaimed the OECS Swimming Championship, dethroning the previous title holder, Antigua & Barbuda. This victory marks Grenada’s first championship win since 2019, following a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The competition, held at the Shrewsbury Aquatic Centre in St. Vincent from November 7 to 9, saw Grenada dominate with an impressive haul of 84 medals and a total of 1,263.50 points. St. Lucia secured second place with 1,239 points, while Antigua & Barbuda trailed with 1,117 points. Other participants included St. Kitts & Nevis (160 points), Dominica (72 points), and Anguilla (8 points).
Grenada’s success extended beyond the overall championship, as the team also clinched five age group titles. Notable winners included Brianne De Roche (8 and under girls), Mateo Thomas (9 to 10 boys), Kristin Gresham (13 to 14 girls), Jacob Collymore (13 to 14 boys), and Zackary Gresham (18 and over males). Additionally, the team secured three third-place finishes by Sydney Joseph (8 and under girls), Ethan Chu Fook (11 to 12 boys), and Anaika Otway (18 and over females).
The team returned to Grenada on Sunday evening to a warm reception filled with jubilation and pride from parents and supporters. The Grenada Amateur Swimming Association (GASA) expressed immense pride in the swimmers, commending their dedication and outstanding performances. GASA also acknowledged the Government of Grenada for its unwavering support, alongside contributions from corporate partners such as the Investment Migration Agency, Go Mobility, Pure Sports Grenada, and Geo F Huggins. The association extended heartfelt gratitude to parents and well-wishers, whose encouragement played a pivotal role in the team’s success.
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‘OJ’ To Stand Trial For Rape Next Year
Attorney Orson ‘OJ’ Elrington is scheduled to stand trial in 2026 following allegations of rape dating back to January 2023. The trial is set to commence on February 23, 2026, and conclude on March 6, 2026. The accusations stem from an incident where a woman in her mid-20s reported meeting Elrington at a nightclub and subsequently visiting his home, where she claims the assault occurred. Former Commissioner of Police Chester Williams disclosed that the woman alleged she lost consciousness and awoke in a semi-nude state next to Elrington, with no recollection of the events. Elrington has consistently denied the allegations. He was formally charged with rape in March 2024 and released on $8,000 bail. Elrington is being defended by Senior Counsel Hubert Elrington and attorney Alifah Elrington.
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Antigua and Barbuda Explores Investment Opportunities with Saudi EXIM Bank During UN Tourism General Assembly
The 26th Session of the UN Tourism General Assembly, currently underway in Riyadh, has provided a platform for Antigua and Barbuda to enhance its global tourism and investment partnerships. The Hon. H. Charles Fernandez, Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Transportation, and Investment, has spearheaded a series of high-level bilateral and business meetings during the event. A key highlight was the meeting with a senior delegation from the Saudi EXIM Bank, led by Dr. Naif Alshammari, Deputy CEO, Jahera Almri, Partnerships Manager, and Naif O. Alajroush, Director General of International Relations. The discussions centered on economic cooperation, development financing, and potential investment opportunities. The Antigua and Barbuda delegation, including Mr. Vernon Jeffers, Chairman of the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority, and Mr. St. Clair Soleyn, Director of Policy and Planning, showcased the nation’s robust economic growth and strategic positioning for Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs). With one of the highest GDPs in the region, second only to Guyana, Antigua and Barbuda is poised to attract significant foreign investment. The Saudi EXIM Bank expressed strong interest in expanding its presence in the Caribbean and extended an official invitation for Antigua and Barbuda to participate in an investment conference in Panama in early 2026. Earlier in the week, Minister Fernandez and his delegation met with Her Royal Highness Princess Haifa bint Mohammed Al Saud, Deputy Minister of Tourism for Saudi Arabia, to explore collaboration in yachting, sailing, marina industries, and coral reef restoration initiatives. Minister Fernandez presented Her Royal Highness with a handcrafted model sailing vessel, symbolizing Antigua and Barbuda’s maritime heritage and its growing reputation as a premier yachting destination. The delegation continues to engage in bilateral discussions at the Assembly, which has brought together over 160 countries under the theme ‘AI-Powered Tourism: Redefining the Future.’
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Dominica Freedom Party leader Bernard Hurtault warns of erosion of civil liberties amid voter confirmation controversy
Bernard Hurtault, the leader of the Dominica Freedom Party, has voiced strong criticism of Dominica’s voter confirmation process, labeling it as a systemic erosion of civil liberties and administrative integrity. Speaking at a recent press conference organized by the Electoral Reform Coalition (ERC), Hurtault highlighted the disproportionate burden placed on vulnerable citizens, particularly the elderly and economically disadvantaged, in confirming their voter registration. He argued that the process should not be more cumbersome than the initial registration itself.
Hurtault drew historical parallels, comparing the current barriers to voting to past civil rights violations, such as property and literacy requirements that once disenfranchised Dominicans. He warned that the new procedures, which mandate costly government-issued identification, risk reviving discriminatory practices. “Your wealth should not determine how and where you vote,” he asserted, emphasizing the financial strain on those unable to afford documents like passports or driver’s licenses.
Additionally, Hurtault raised concerns about the impartiality of the confirmation process, alleging that many confirmation centers are located in offices affiliated with the ruling Dominica Labour Party. He questioned the transparency and fairness of the Electoral Commission, noting that the majority of staff hired for confirmation duties appear to be government supporters. “What is the statistical reality that you end up with that distribution?” he challenged.
Hurtault also warned of a broader pattern of institutional capture, accusing the government of undermining transparency and creating administrative chaos to entrench power and suppress dissent. Despite these concerns, he urged citizens to participate in the confirmation process, stressing that failure to do so could solidify the incumbent party’s political advantage for decades. “We have a fight on our hands to assure the civil rights of Dominicans,” he declared, vowing that opposition leaders would continue to advocate for electoral fairness.
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Historic OECS Student Census begins 11 November
In an unprecedented move, the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) is set to launch the first-ever region-wide Student Census on November 11, 2025. This groundbreaking initiative will allow students from kindergarten to Form 5 across the OECS to directly influence the future of education by sharing their authentic voices and experiences. The census aims to provide invaluable insights for governments, educators, and policymakers to create more inclusive, equitable, and student-centered learning environments. Dr. Didacus Jules, Director General of the OECS, emphasized the historical significance of this initiative, stating, ‘For the first time anywhere in the world, every student will take part in a single, region-wide Student Census. This is a true census, giving every child the chance to be heard.’ Sisera Simon, Head of the Human and Social Division at the OECS Commission, highlighted the transformative potential of the census, noting that it will capture accurate, up-to-date information on every student, enabling the development of policies that truly respond to their needs and aspirations. The census will be conducted anonymously and confidentially, ensuring that students can express themselves freely and safely. The data collected will inform the new 10-Year OECS Education Sector Strategy (2027–2037), anchoring it in the lived experiences of students. Parents, caregivers, and community members are encouraged to support the census by promoting student participation and spreading awareness. The OECS Student Census is a bold step toward building education systems that reflect the true realities of learners today, amplifying the voices of over 100,000 students across the region.
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Robert Fico: Confiscating Russian assets will prolong the conflict
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has raised critical concerns over the European Union’s proposed $140 billion aid package to Ukraine, arguing that it could extend the conflict rather than bring it to a close. ‘Do we aim to end the war or fuel it further?’ Fico questioned, emphasizing the deep divisions within the EU regarding this contentious issue. The funding, intended to support Ukraine’s war efforts, has ignited heated discussions among member states, with some fearing it could prolong hostilities for at least two more years. Additionally, the EU is debating the use of frozen Russian assets to finance a reparations loan for Ukraine, a move that has further polarized opinions. Belgium, for instance, blocked a European Commission proposal in October to seize these assets, citing concerns over potential retaliatory measures from Moscow and the need for legal safeguards to distribute financial risks among all member states. The final decision on this matter has been deferred to the EU summit in December, leaving the bloc in a state of uncertainty over its next steps.