In a contentious turn of events, A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Region Four Councillor Shanika Haynes defended her party’s decision to participate in internal elections for chairman and vice chairman, despite the process being deemed illegal due to the use of secret balloting. Haynes argued that even if APNU had boycotted, the elections would have proceeded regardless, given the quorum requirements. She emphasized that the party would explore legal avenues to challenge the outcome. The Regional Executive Officer, Donald Gajraj, insisted on secret balloting based on guidelines from the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), overriding objections from APNU, We Invest in Nationhood (WIN), and Forward Guyana Movement (FGM). Haynes criticized Gajraj for not allowing councillors to decide on the voting method, as stipulated by law. She also expressed suspicions about irregularities in the voting process, noting that the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPPC) secured the chairmanship with 18 votes despite having only 17 councillors. APNU, which holds 9 councillors, received 8 votes, with 7 blank and 2 spoilt ballots. The party also revealed that negotiations with WIN collapsed after WIN sought to exclude APNU from key leadership positions in multiple regional councils. APNU reaffirmed its commitment to independent leadership, vowing to ensure accountability and principled governance for its constituents.
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Shyne to deliver keynote at Island Music Conference 2026
The Island Music Conference (IMC) has revealed that Grammy Award-winning artist and Belizean politician Shyne will take center stage as the keynote speaker for its 2026 edition. Scheduled for February 26, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. in the Courtleigh Auditorium, New Kingston, Jamaica, Shyne’s address, titled “From Stage to State,” will delve into his remarkable journey from music stardom to political leadership. Born Jamal Michael Barrow, Shyne’s career began in a Brooklyn barbershop, where he was discovered and subsequently signed to Bad Boy Records. His 2000 self-titled debut album went platinum, featuring hits like “Bad Boyz” and “Bonnie & Shyne” with Barrington Levy. Collaborations with icons such as The Notorious B.I.G., Mase, Puff Daddy, Usher, and Lil Wayne further cemented his place in music history. However, a 1999 nightclub shooting led to a 10-year prison sentence for assault and weapon possession, during which he released his second album, “Godfather Buried Alive,” in 2004. Post-incarceration, Shyne shifted his focus to politics, serving as a Belizean Member of Parliament from November 2020 to March 2025. Recently, he marked the 25th anniversary of his debut album in September 2025. At IMC 2026, Shyne will reflect on his dual legacy in music and politics, offering insights into how these experiences continue to influence his contributions to both fields.
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Dominica’s Jungle Bay named Caribbean’s leading Resort at World Travel Awards in St Lucia
Dominica’s Jungle Bay has been honored as the Caribbean’s Leading Retreat 2025 at the prestigious World Travel Awards (WTA) Caribbean & North America Gala Ceremony, held in St. Lucia. Nestled on 20 acres of verdant landscape overlooking the Soufrière-Scotts Head Marine Reserve, Jungle Bay epitomizes eco-luxury, wellness, and community-focused tourism. The resort boasts 89 accommodations with top-tier amenities, including adventure activities, spa treatments, yoga sessions, gourmet dining, and immersive cultural experiences. A hallmark of Jungle Bay is its sustainable design, which integrates local community involvement, employs local staff, and sources produce from its own gardens. Marie Hubbard, General Manager, expressed her elation, stating, ‘This recognition underscores our team’s unwavering commitment to delivering an extraordinary guest experience.’ The resort’s philosophy aligns with the growing demand for travel experiences that blend rejuvenation with discovery. Samuel ‘Sam’ Raphael, President and Owner of Jungle Bay, emphasized the resort’s broader mission: ‘Jungle Bay is more than a resort; it’s a sanctuary where nature, community, and culture converge. This award validates our vision of sustainable luxury and purpose-driven hospitality, resonating deeply with travelers and industry leaders.’ The accolade further solidifies Jungle Bay’s reputation as a trailblazer in the Caribbean’s wellness and retreat sector.
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BEP: Vrijheid, erkenning en nationale trots
Suriname commemorated its 15th annual Maroon Day on October 10, a national holiday dedicated to honoring the heroic resistance of the Maroon community’s ancestors against slavery and oppression. Recognized as a crime against humanity in modern history, this day serves as a reminder of the Maroons’ visionary spirit and their enduring legacy in the fight for freedom and human dignity. The celebration underscores the ongoing relevance of their struggle in contemporary discussions on equality, inclusion, and justice. A statement emphasized, “We not only cherish the fundamental right to freedom but also acknowledge that their fight for a fair and inclusive society continues to shape national and international agendas.” The event also highlighted the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly climate preservation and sustainable resource use, calling for sustained action toward empowerment and social justice. “It is time to reinterpret and revalue our history as a foundation for unity and nation-building,” the statement added. The day also drew attention to the unresolved issue of land rights for Indigenous and Tribal peoples, with a 2007 ruling by the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights still awaiting full implementation. President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons’ commitment to prioritizing land rights was welcomed. Adding a unique touch to the celebration, Suriname’s national football team faced Panama in a crucial match for a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The event concluded with a message of gratitude, national pride, and hope, wishing all Surinamese a reflective and joyous Maroon Day.
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Two young dynamic disability rights leaders to represent DA in regional training
Dominica’s commitment to advancing disability rights takes center stage as two exceptional advocates, Ms. Judy Sango and Mr. Loik Charles, prepare to represent the nation at the upcoming Regional Training for Trainers event. Organized by the Commonwealth Disabled Peoples Forum (CDPF), the training is set to take place from October 13 to 17, 2025, at the Accra Beach Resort in Barbados. Both Sango and Charles have been lauded for their unwavering dedication to disability advocacy and leadership within the Dominica Association of Persons with Disabilities (DAPD) and their local communities. Sango, who serves as President of DAPD, and Charles, the Assistant Secretary/Treasurer, will join a cohort of emerging leaders from across the Commonwealth to enhance their skills in disability equality training. The event, the first in a series of regional initiatives, aims to foster a social model and human rights-based approach to disability advocacy. Participants will be equipped to educate their peers and government officials on the principles outlined in the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD). The CDPF, representing over 100 Disabled Peoples Organizations (DPOs) globally, underscores the importance of cultivating leadership among young persons with disabilities. DAPD has extended its congratulations to Sango and Charles, expressing confidence in their ability to leverage this opportunity to further the cause of disability rights and inclusion.
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LIVE: Our Lady of Fatima Novena 2025 Night 7
In the ever-evolving landscape of social media, user engagement continues to be a pivotal aspect of digital interaction. The simple yet powerful actions of sharing, tweeting, and pinning content have become fundamental to how users connect and disseminate information across platforms. These actions not only amplify the reach of content but also foster community building and real-time communication. Sharing allows users to distribute content within their networks, tweeting facilitates instant updates and conversations, and pinning helps in curating and organizing content for future reference. As social media platforms evolve, these engagement mechanisms remain crucial for both individual users and brands aiming to maximize their online presence. Understanding and leveraging these trends can significantly enhance digital strategies and user interaction.
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Ida Does schenkt nalatenschap Trefosa aan Surinaams Museum
In a significant cultural event, filmmaker and author Ida Does has donated a collection of documents, photographs, and personal belongings of the renowned Surinamese poet Trefossa (Henri Frans de Ziel, 1916–1975) to the Surinamese Museum Foundation. The handover ceremony took place in the Italian Hall of the Amsterdam City Archives, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of Suriname’s independence. The donation was officially received by museum director Santosh Singh during a special gathering attended by representatives from both Surinamese and Dutch cultural sectors. In her speech, Does highlighted Trefossa’s groundbreaking contributions to Surinamese literature, particularly his role in popularizing the Sranan language through his poetry. She emphasized that Trefossa’s work symbolized freedom and self-determination, encapsulated in the term ‘Srefidensi.’ Among the donated items are a rare copy of Trefossa’s seminal poetry collection ‘Trotji’ (1957), his typewriter, and the handwritten lyrics of the Sranan verse of the Surinamese national anthem. Does revealed that she inherited these items from Trefossa’s widow, Hulda de Ziel-Walser, whom she befriended while producing her documentary ‘Mi a no mi’ (2008). After Hulda’s passing in 2005, she entrusted Does with her husband’s personal belongings. ‘Both Trefossa and his wife would have wanted it this way,’ Does remarked. ‘They rest together in Paramaribo. Trefossa embodied Suriname, and now it is my honor to present this legacy back to Suriname with pride.’ Museum director Santosh Singh expressed gratitude for the donation, announcing plans for a dedicated exhibition in May 2026 as part of the independence celebrations. The event was attended by Aspha Bijnaar, director of Musea Bekennen Kleur, and Mark Ponte, a researcher at the Amsterdam City Archives. The ceremony concluded with the signing of the donation documents and a recitation of Trefossa’s famous poem ‘Bro’ by Ida Does.
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WIN abstains from Region 4 Council vote after plans with APNU collapse, says Sarabo-Halley
In a significant political development, the We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) party abstained from voting for the Chairman and Vice Chairman positions in Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) on Friday, October 10, 2025. This decision came as a protest against A Partnership for National Unity’s (APNU) refusal to allow WIN to chair Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Upper Berbice), according to WIN executive member Tabita Sarabo-Halley. Sarabo-Halley revealed that WIN’s eight Region Four councillors chose not to cast their votes for any candidate after APNU failed to honor its commitment to support WIN for the Vice Chairmanship in Region Four. ‘Our original position was to support APNU for the Chairmanship, expecting their reciprocal support for our Vice Chairmanship bid,’ Sarabo-Halley explained during a press briefing at the Region Four Council Office in Triumph, East Coast Demerara. APNU, however, issued a statement later that afternoon, asserting its decision to proceed independently in the regional elections due to the inability to reach a political agreement with WIN. The statement highlighted APNU’s efforts to establish a cooperative framework but noted that WIN appeared intent on excluding APNU from key leadership roles in multiple regions. Despite the breakdown in negotiations, APNU expressed its openness to future dialogue and collaboration with all political stakeholders, emphasizing its commitment to strong, principled, and accountable leadership. The vote for the Chairmanship of Region 10 ended in a 9-9 tie between APNU’s Dominique Blair and WIN’s Mark Goring, leaving the final decision to the Minister of Local Government and Regional Development. Sarabo-Halley accused APNU and the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPPC) of colluding to block WIN’s bid for the Region 10 Chairmanship, prompting WIN’s abstention in Region Four. She noted that the PPPC, which holds 17 councillors, secured 18 votes without WIN’s support, suggesting possible behind-the-scenes maneuvering. WIN’s abstention underscored the challenges of working with opposition parties, as Sarabo-Halley described the experience as a ‘tall order.’ The Region Four Chairmanship and Vice Chairmanship were ultimately secured by PPPC members Clemsford Belgrave and Deodat Sawh, respectively.
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Mental Health Is Everyone’s Responsibility, Says Community Advocate
Across Antigua and Barbuda, in homes, schools, and workplaces, countless individuals grapple with mental health challenges in silence. From students struggling to focus in class to employees withdrawing from social interactions, and elderly parents yearning for companionship, the emotional toll is pervasive. On October 10, 2025, the nation joined the global community in observing World Mental Health Day under the theme ‘Access to Service: Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies.’ This year’s theme resonates deeply as the country faces ongoing social pressures, personal hardships, and the impact of a tropical storm. It underscores the importance of emotional resilience and the need to prioritize mental health as a national imperative.
Mental health care access must be strengthened, particularly for young people. Many youths endure unseen battles, often manifesting as frustration or conflict. They are not merely ‘troubled’ but in dire need of compassion, guidance, and safe spaces to express their emotions. Similarly, individuals who appear successful externally may suffer privately. Seeking help should be seen as an act of courage, not weakness. Community programs, counseling sessions, and support groups play a crucial role in reminding people they are not alone.
In St. John’s Rural South, community advocate Jermaine N. Edwards has witnessed firsthand the pain of young people and the isolation of seniors. These experiences highlight the importance of fostering mental wellness through care and understanding. Encouragingly, the stigma surrounding mental illness is gradually fading, replaced by empathy and awareness. Early intervention through counseling and support can prevent deeper suffering.
Schools, workplaces, and community organizations must actively promote mental health. Teachers, employers, and parents should recognize signs of distress and respond with compassion. Parents, in particular, must address their children’s emotional well-being, countering the unrealistic standards often portrayed on social media. Seniors, too, deserve attention, as many face depression due to loneliness or the rapid pace of modern life. Intergenerational programs can bridge this gap, fostering mutual support and understanding.
Mental illness can affect anyone, regardless of age or circumstance. Whether triggered by trauma, social pressure, or natural disasters, it must be met with care, not judgment. Investments in school counselors, community mental health programs, and trained professionals in clinics are essential. On this World Mental Health Day, let us commit to building a culture where help is accessible, voices are heard, and no one feels isolated. Mental health is not an individual issue but a shared responsibility. Together, we can create a society rooted in understanding, healing, and hope.
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Jonge goudzoeker verdrinkt bij Stoelmanseiland
A tragic incident unfolded this afternoon in the remote region of Stoelmanseiland, resulting in the drowning of 24-year-old Ritchel Linga from Paramaribo. According to initial police reports, Linga had traveled to the area several weeks ago to engage in gold mining activities. His cousin revealed that the victim had gone to the river around 2:00 PM to wash his clothes and bathe. When Linga failed to return after some time, his cousin initiated a search. Only his clothing and bathing items were found on the riverbank. A search operation was immediately launched with the help of other residents. After some time, the lifeless body of the victim was recovered from the water. The incident has cast a somber shadow over the community, highlighting the dangers faced by those working in remote and hazardous environments.