The Ministry of Natural Resources in Guyana has announced that only legally registered civil society organizations (CSOs) and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) will be eligible to nominate representatives for the Guyana Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (GYEITI). This decision was communicated by Dr. Ivor English, the Civil Society Convenor, who emphasized the importance of adhering to legal frameworks in the selection process. A caucus is scheduled for November 20-21 at the Marriott Hotel to renew the representation on the Multistakeholder Group (MSG) of the GYEITI. Dr. English, a member of the Guyana Conference of Seventh-day Adventists (GCSDA), has been appointed to guide this process, ensuring it is open, independent, and participatory, in line with the EITI Standard. The GCSDA, one of Guyana’s largest civil society organizations, boasts over 68,000 members across 31 districts. The first day of the caucus will focus on developing rules for selecting representatives, while the second day will involve the actual election or selection of these representatives. This move comes after a previous fallout between the Guyana government and the Policy Forum Guyana, which had initially been responsible for convening civil society representatives. The government’s decision to involve only legally registered entities aims to enhance transparency and credibility in the GYEITI process, ensuring that civil society is fully, actively, and effectively engaged.
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2026 World Cup Qualifiers : List of senior Grenadiers convened for the last 2 matches
The Haitian national football team, known as the Grenadiers, is set to face two decisive matches in the CONCACAF 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifying Tournament. Under the guidance of French coach Sébastien Migné, the team has announced its roster of 23 players for the final two second-leg matches. These games, scheduled for November 13, 2025, against Costa Rica and November 18 against Nicaragua, will determine whether Haiti secures a spot in the 2026 World Cup. The Grenadiers have shown a mixed performance in the tournament so far, with one win, two draws, and one loss in their first four matches. The team’s current standing in Group C places them third, behind Honduras and Costa Rica. The upcoming matches are critical for Haiti’s hopes of advancing to the World Cup, and the nation eagerly anticipates the outcome.
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Home cooks shine at Food and Rum Festival’s Community Cook-Off
The vibrant spirit of Barbados came alive at Queen’s Park in The City on Friday evening as the inaugural Barbados Food and Rum Simplex Trading Community Cook-Off Finals showcased the island’s rich culinary traditions. Six talented home cooks from across the parishes of Barbados competed fiercely for the coveted title of top community chef, with Heather Aimes of St Joseph emerging victorious. Her winning dish—cornmeal cou-cou paired with steamed fish, pickled cucumber, tomatoes, and sweet potatoes—captured the essence of authentic Bajan cuisine and earned her the $7,500 grand prize. The competition, a highlight of the 2025 Barbados Food and Rum Festival, celebrated the creativity and skill of everyday cooks, bringing communities together through food. Second place went to Sarah Hoppie of St Andrew, who took home $5,000, while Chade Marshall of St George secured third place with a $2,500 prize. Executive Chef Henderson Butcher, the festival’s culinary director, praised the event for fostering unity and showcasing the depth of Barbadian food culture. He emphasized the importance of such initiatives in strengthening community bonds and preserving culinary heritage. For Heather Aimes, the win was a proud moment, as her traditional cou-cou dish resonated deeply with the judges and audience alike. The event not only highlighted the island’s gastronomic excellence but also underscored the power of food as a unifying force in Barbados.
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Emergency simulation exercise at Vigie Airport on Tuesday
The Saint Lucia Air and Sea Ports Authority (SLASPA) has announced a comprehensive emergency simulation exercise scheduled for November 11, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon, at the George F L Charles Airport in Vigie. This initiative is a critical component of SLASPA’s commitment to maintaining safety standards as mandated by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). During the exercise, flight operations will be temporarily suspended to ensure the simulation’s effectiveness. Residents and travelers may observe heightened activity around the airport, which is directly related to the drill and should not raise alarm. Additionally, traffic flow along Nelson Mandela Drive, the primary access route to the airport, will experience temporary restrictions. Motorists are advised to adhere to instructions from the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force Traffic Department to facilitate orderly movement during this period.
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Regering bespreekt nieuw onderwijssysteem met donoren en investeerders
The Surinamese government is spearheading a groundbreaking initiative to overhaul its education system, aiming to bolster economic diversification. President Jennifer Simons recently engaged in high-level discussions with representatives from Scandinavian nations—Norway, Sweden, and Finland—and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) during her visits to New York and Brazil. These talks focused on the development of a new educational curriculum and investments in training programs for production-oriented sectors, particularly agro-industry.
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Digital-age snipers are firing at the Dominican Republic as if it were their favorite target.
While Artificial Intelligence (AI) continues to be celebrated for its transformative potential, the Dominican Republic is grappling with an alarming surge in cyber threats. The National Cybersecurity Center, headquartered in Santo Domingo, recently disclosed that a staggering 233 million attempted cyberattacks were recorded in the first half of this year. This unprecedented wave of digital assaults has prompted urgent calls for bolstering digital resilience across both public and private sectors. Among the most insidious threats are sophisticated scams involving manipulated digital texts and images, designed to deceive even the most cautious individuals. These deceptions have led to significant financial losses, particularly in the regulated financial sector, where modern digital tools are exploited to perpetrate massive frauds. Notably, hundreds of elderly Americans have fallen victim to scams orchestrated by cybercriminals operating from the Dominican Republic, losing substantial assets through deceptive communication channels. The situation worsened during Hurricane Melissa, when 67% of the information circulating on social media was found to be false, according to INDOTEL Director Guido Gómez Mazara. He accused opposition parties of fueling a wave of disinformation, exacerbating the crisis. Meanwhile, Banco Popular has issued a red alert, warning customers about the dual-edged nature of AI. While it offers immense benefits, it also introduces risks such as deepfakes—highly convincing audiovisual content that can lead to reputational damage, financial loss, and data breaches. UNESCO has also raised concerns, highlighting how digital technologies, while enhancing education, can also perpetuate gender stereotypes and expose young users to harmful content. Audrey Azoulay, UNESCO’s Director-General, emphasized the dangers of algorithm-controlled content on social media, which often glorifies unhealthy behaviors and unrealistic body standards. As the Dominican Republic navigates this digital minefield, the need for informed vigilance and robust cybersecurity measures has never been more critical.
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FLASH : 6,284 irregular promotions in 14 months within the Haitian National Police
A shocking report released on November 8, 2025, by the Internal Control and Human Resources Analysis Commission of the Haitian National Police (PNH) has unveiled widespread irregularities within the institution. The Commission, established under the directive of Acting Commander-in-Chief Vladimir Paraison and led by Inspector General Marie Elva Sinora Nassar Pierre, was tasked with scrutinizing the promotions and movements of PNH personnel. Over a 14-month period from June 2024 to August 2025, a staggering 6,284 promotions were granted, many of which violated established procedures, leading to institutional chaos. This mirrors a similar issue reported by the Ministry of Economy and Finance between 2019 and 2020, which had placed an unsustainable financial burden on the state. The report meticulously identifies all beneficiaries of these irregular promotions and highlights the legal framework used in the investigation, including the 1987 Constitution, presidential decrees, and the PNH’s internal regulations. The Commission’s methodology involved rigorous hearings and deliberations, requiring a qualified majority for decisions. The final report not only details the extent of the irregularities but also provides specific recommendations to the PNH Commander-in-Chief to rectify the system and restore institutional integrity. The Commission, chaired by Inspector General Marie Elva Sinora Nassar Pierre, included key members such as Inspector General Jackson Hilaire and Divisional Commissioner John Games Olivier, among others.
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Several undocumented Haitians injured in accident in Dajabón
A group of undocumented Haitian immigrants sustained injuries during a vehicular accident in the province of Dajabón, Dominican Republic. The incident took place at the intersection of Santiago de la Cruz, where the vehicle they were traveling in was reportedly being pursued by military personnel. Authorities have launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash. The injured individuals were promptly transported to Matías Ramón Mella Hospital, where they are currently receiving medical treatment for various injuries sustained in the accident. Meanwhile, the driver of the SUV fled the scene, prompting law enforcement to intensify efforts to identify and apprehend the fugitive. This incident highlights the ongoing challenges and risks faced by undocumented migrants in the region.
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Rise & Rum lights up the morning
Despite a light drizzle, the vibrant spirit of the Barbados Food and Rum Festival remained undeterred as the Rise & Rum sunrise beach party commenced at Copacabana Beach Club on Bay Street. The event, which ran from 4:15 a.m. to early afternoon, transformed the area into a lively hub of music, delectable local cuisine, and communal joy. Attendees danced barefoot in the sand, savoring innovative dishes and cocktails crafted with island-grown herbs and fruits, all while celebrating the essence of Bajan culture. In an interview with Barbados TODAY, Carol Roberts, CEO of the National Cultural Foundation (NCF) and festival producer, emphasized the event’s focus on local sourcing and sustainability. She highlighted the collaboration with small fishermen and farmers, ensuring that only seasonal and locally harvested ingredients were used. Roberts also praised the new organizational model, with the NCF handling event execution and the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI) managing international promotion. The festival’s entertainment lineup featured soca performances by artists like HypaSounds, King Bubba, and Lil Rick, complemented by stilt walkers and percussionists. Minister of Home Affairs and Information Wilfred Abrahams lauded the event as a celebration of Barbadian identity, culture, and independence. As the clouds cleared, attendees toasted to Bajan creativity, eagerly anticipating the festival’s grand finale, Liquid Gold, set for Sunday at the CARIFESTA House.
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Georgetown mayor demands gov’t consult council on improvement plan
Georgetown Mayor Alfred Mentore has publicly criticized the Irfaan Ali-led administration for its alleged failure to consult the elected City Council regarding plans to enhance drainage and parking systems in the capital. Speaking on Saturday, November 8, 2025, Mayor Mentore emphasized the necessity of formal, transparent, and structured consultations with the City Council before any further steps are taken. He argued that as democratically elected representatives, the council has a constitutional right to be involved in decisions affecting municipal assets. The mayor’s concerns were particularly focused on a proposal to cover canals for paid parking, which lacked critical details such as targeted waterways, engineering standards, and revenue management. Mentore clarified that the council is not opposed to the government’s plans but is frustrated by the exclusion of the elected body in favor of private sector organizations like the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry. He also highlighted that the Municipal and District Councils Act places infrastructure such as drains, canals, and roads under the jurisdiction of the City Council. The mayor demanded proper coordination with the council on any proposals affecting city assets, warning that nothing less would be tolerated. Despite the ongoing political rivalry between the council, controlled by the People’s National Congress Reform-led APNU, and the PPPC-led central government, Mentore acknowledged the urgent need for infrastructure improvements in Georgetown. He plans to formally register the council’s concerns with the government this week.