The Honourable Gaston Browne, Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, made a significant visit to the Museu Emílio Goeldi during his participation in the 30th Conference of the Parties (COP30) in Belém, Brazil. This historic museum, renowned as one of Brazil’s oldest and most prestigious research and cultural institutions, has been uniquely curated for COP30 to offer delegates and visitors an immersive experience of the Amazon rainforest’s biodiversity. The museum’s exhibits feature over 3,000 species of plants and animals, many of which are endemic to the Amazon and play a crucial role in maintaining global ecological balance. During his tour, Prime Minister Browne explored displays highlighting the region’s diverse flora and fauna, including endangered species and those exclusive to the Amazon basin. This experience reinforced the urgent need to preserve tropical forests and protect biodiversity, central themes of this year’s climate conference. The Prime Minister’s visit underscores Antigua and Barbuda’s unwavering commitment to climate action and environmental conservation, particularly as Small Island Developing States face heightened vulnerability to biodiversity loss and climate change impacts.
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What the Hilaire-Chastanet Ruling on the CIP Really Means
The Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court recently dismissed an injunction sought by Allen Chastanet against Dr. Ernest Hilaire, the Minister overseeing Saint Lucia’s Citizenship by Investment Programme (CIP). This decision has sparked contrasting reactions from supporters of the Saint Lucia Labour Party (SLP) and the United Workers Party (UWP). The SLP views the ruling as a validation of the programme’s legality, while the UWP emphasizes that the case’s substantive issues remain unresolved. The court’s decision highlights the complexities of interim injunctions, particularly in public law, and underscores the importance of evidence in judicial proceedings. Chastanet’s claims, which included allegations of unlawful practices and irregularities in the CIP, were deemed insufficient to meet the evidentiary threshold required for an injunction. The court also considered the potential economic impact of halting the programme, noting that existing statutory safeguards could mitigate any alleged harms. The case underscores the broader challenges of balancing legal scrutiny with economic interests in governance.
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Rusland over Chinalco: We jagen geen serieuze investeerders weg; president op de hoogte
Suriname’s Vice President Gregory Rusland has addressed recent confusion stemming from President Jennifer Simons’ remarks regarding Chinalco, a leading Chinese mining company. Rusland emphasized that the president is fully briefed on all significant matters, including the recent visit of Chinalco’s CEO to Suriname. Speaking to Starnieuws, Rusland clarified that he maintained regular communication with the president, even during her overseas trips, and informed her in advance about the meeting with the Chinalco delegation.
The CEO of Chinalco arrived in Suriname on November 3 for a brief visit, following a request made to Rusland on November 1. During the discussions, Rusland expressed his disagreement with the terms of an agreement presented by the previous administration. He stressed that Suriname should not merely export raw materials, as outlined in the initial Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). Instead, he advocated for local processing of resources to create added value and ensure greater benefits for the country.
Rusland also highlighted the importance of considering the interests of local communities and adhering to environmental standards in any future agreements. The Chinalco CEO reportedly expressed willingness to discuss these concerns, with Rusland assuring that the government would formalize its stance.
The vice president reiterated Suriname’s openness to dialogue with credible investors but emphasized the need for clear conditions. He stated that while Suriname must navigate the complexities of international power dynamics, it should also define its own objectives clearly. “We do not deter serious investors, but they must contribute to sustainable development and local value creation,” Rusland affirmed.
On a personal note, Rusland marked his 66th birthday quietly, out of respect for the passing of former President and Honorary Chairman Ronald Venetiaan.
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EDITORIAL: At the crossroads of the youth voice and their vote
The significance of youth participation in democratic processes has been a recurring theme in countless discussions and writings. While the importance of including all societal sectors in politics is widely acknowledged, the focus here is on the urgent need for meaningful youth engagement in Saint Lucia. Young people constitute a substantial portion of the population, making their involvement not just desirable but essential for the nation’s progress. Merely telling them that their voices and votes matter is insufficient; actions must align with words to foster hope and trust. The United Nations defines youth as individuals aged 15 to 24, and in Saint Lucia, this group, along with those up to 39 years old, represents nearly 40% of the population. This demographic holds immense potential to influence the country’s political, economic, and social trajectory. However, too often, youth are included in political processes superficially, either for symbolic gestures or token representation. This must change. Young people must recognize their collective power, equip themselves with knowledge, and actively advocate for policies that impact their lives. Historical attempts to establish a National Youth Policy in Saint Lucia have been marred by delays and insufficient political backing. It is time to move beyond rhetoric and implement concrete measures that ensure youth voices are not only heard but also acted upon. The youth are not just the future; they are the present, and their engagement is critical for the nation’s prosperity.
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Prime Minister Attends Guyana’s Climate Resilience Meeting on the Margins of COP30
Prime Minister Gaston Browne of Antigua and Barbuda participated in a high-level side event titled “Guyana’s Pathway to Climate Resilience: Scaling Low Carbon Leadership & Conserving Biodiversity” during the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30) in Belém, Brazil. The event, organized by the Government of Guyana in collaboration with the Global Biodiversity Alliance, convened regional leaders, policymakers, and climate advocates to discuss strategies for enhancing low-carbon initiatives and preserving biodiversity in the Amazon region and Small Island Developing States (SIDS).
In his address, Prime Minister Browne praised the participants for their active involvement and constructive dialogue on climate action. He emphasized the importance of meaningful discussions on climate change, stating, “We have had a big debate about the issue of climate change. I know you have all had a very intensive conversation. I would like to thank you for allowing us to have a very meaningful discussion on this topic. It has a lot to do with our mission of providing dynamic information to the people of the world.”
The Prime Minister also expressed gratitude to the Government and people of Guyana for hosting the event and reiterated his commitment to fostering regional collaboration to address the climate crisis. This engagement is part of Antigua and Barbuda’s broader participation at COP30, where the delegation is advocating for ambitious global climate action and financial mechanisms to protect vulnerable island nations.
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Autobestuurder slachtoffer gewapende overval Mawakaboweg
In the early hours of November 9, a driver fell victim to a violent armed robbery near a shop on Mawakaboweg. The incident occurred around 3:13 AM when the victim was boxed in by a gray Toyota Vitz. Three masked individuals emerged from the vehicle, forcibly taking a bag containing cash in US dollars, euros, and Surinamese dollars, along with important documents and personal belongings. During the altercation, the victim sustained a gunshot wound to his right knee and was promptly transported to a medical facility for treatment. The perpetrators fled the scene in the direction of Mohamed Rashid Pierkhanweg, leaving authorities to investigate the crime. This brazen act of violence has raised concerns about safety in the area, as police work to apprehend the suspects and prevent further incidents.
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RT Performers Receive Most Outstanding Payments After Six-Month Delay
The RT Performers, a prominent local cultural group celebrated for their dynamic showcases of Antiguan and Caribbean traditions, have recently received three out of four outstanding payments for their performances at national events held over six months ago. Group leader Renee Thomas expressed the group’s frustration and demoralization caused by the prolonged delay, despite numerous appeals to officials. The situation drew media attention, prompting authorities to act, with Thomas confirming that most of the funds have now been settled, and the final payment is anticipated shortly. Renowned for their contributions to key national celebrations such as Independence and Carnival events, the RT Performers’ experience has shed light on broader concerns regarding the valuation and support of the creative sector. Thomas emphasized the need for better recognition and timely compensation for artists and performers who play a vital role in preserving and promoting cultural heritage.
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From Mindoo to mastery: Cricket coaches level up
The Saint Lucia Cricket High Performance Centre (HPC) is emerging as a pivotal force in reshaping the nation’s cricketing landscape. Located at the Mindoo Phillip Park, the HPC is dedicated to cultivating local talent into world-class players. A recent two-day coaching workshop, held on October 31 and November 1 at the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground, marked a significant milestone in this transformative journey. The event brought together coaches from across Saint Lucia to enhance their skills in talent identification, high-performance planning, fast bowling, and injury management. This initiative aligns with the broader vision of Wayne Auguste, president of the Saint Lucia National Cricket Association, who aims to elevate the HPC’s standards to international levels. Auguste emphasized the importance of aligning the HPC’s programs with Cricket West Indies, ensuring that government investments yield tangible results. The workshop’s chief facilitator, Ramesh Subasinghe, a former Sri Lankan first-class cricketer and development specialist, highlighted the critical role of local coaches in nurturing future stars. Subasinghe pointed to Ackeem Auguste, a Saint Lucian batsman who recently excelled in international cricket, as a testament to the impact of advanced training. Craig Emmanuel, chairman of the HPC Board of Directors, expressed satisfaction with the workshop’s outcomes, noting its role in addressing coaching gaps and equipping coaches to guide young athletes toward professional success. The HPC’s efforts underscore cricket’s enduring significance as a pathway for Saint Lucian youth, with the potential to transform dreams into reality.
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Bestaat het recht van allodiale eigendom en erfelijk bezit nog?
In the October 2025 edition of the Dutch legal monthly journal Ars Aequi, Dr. Chequita Akkal-Ramautar published a comprehensive article titled ‘The New Surinamese Civil Code: Influences and Parallels with the Dutch Civil Code.’ The article delves into the implications of Suriname’s new Civil Code, which came into effect on May 1, 2025, particularly focusing on the status of allodial property and hereditary possession (aeeb). Article 5:1a of the new Civil Code states, ‘Allodial property is considered as property under this book.’ This provision was intended to resolve a long-standing legal dispute that had caused significant confusion among legal scholars. Akkal-Ramautar highlights that the legislative explanation (Memorie van Toelichting) reveals the lawmakers’ intent to clarify this contentious issue. Historically, there were two prevailing interpretations of aeeb among legal experts: one viewing it as a limited real right and the other as full ownership. The former interpretation posits that there are two rights holders: the bare owner (the State) and the limited real rights holder (the user of the land). The latter interpretation, supported by prominent legal figures such as Dr. C.A. Kraan and Mr. F. Kruisland, argues that aeeb constitutes full ownership. The new Civil Code appears to align with this latter view. However, Akkal-Ramautar points out a critical oversight: the new Code refers to ‘allodial property’ but omits ‘hereditary possession,’ a term legally recognized since the 1820 Royal Decree and the Principles of Land Policy Decree. This omission raises questions about whether the legislature intended to abolish aeeb or merely redefine it. Akkal-Ramautar emphasizes that this legislative ambiguity creates legal and practical uncertainty. She also critiques the lack of attention to earlier scholarly recommendations for clearer legal drafting. In conclusion, Akkal-Ramautar advocates for legislative revision to accurately reflect the legal status of aeeb and ensure legal certainty, asserting that the concept of allodial property and hereditary possession remains unresolved.
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WEATHER (6:00 AM, Nov 9): Small craft advisory remains in effect, lingering moisture behind tropical wave with pockets of cloudiness
As a tropical wave gradually dissipates this morning, lingering moisture and upper-level instability will continue to influence the region, resulting in partly to occasionally cloudy skies with sporadic passing showers. A ridge pattern is developing across the area, which will help reduce moisture levels throughout the day. However, a surface to low-level trough is anticipated to move in overnight, intensifying shower activity from late tonight into Monday morning. Breezy conditions are expected to persist during this period. Additionally, low concentrations of Saharan dust are present in the area, prompting individuals with respiratory sensitivities to take necessary precautions. Marine conditions remain moderate through Tuesday, with wave heights reaching up to 5 feet on the west coast and 8 feet in open waters on the east coast. A Small Craft Advisory is in effect for above-normal seas and strong winds, particularly on the eastern side. Sea-bathers and small craft operators are urged to exercise extreme caution.