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Surinamers kunnen paspoort voortaan ook in New York aanvragen

On the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York, Surinamese President Jennifer Simons has officially inaugurated a groundbreaking new initiative: the Suriname Passport Application Services, designed to streamline and expand access to passport services for Surinamese citizens residing around the world.

The launch event, held on Wednesday, brought together key stakeholders including Suriname’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Trade and Cooperation Melvin Bouva, representatives from global visa and processing partner VFS Global, and members of the large Surinamese diaspora community based in North America. Simons, who addressed the UN General Assembly a day earlier, framed the new service as far more than a simple administrative update, calling it a historic milestone in the relationship between the Surinamese government and its citizens living abroad.

“We are opening a new chapter in the relationship between the government of Suriname and its citizens living outside our borders,” Simons said during the launch ceremony. “With trust in our people, our institutions, and the future of our republic, I am honored to officially bring this critical service to life.”

The President emphasized that the new service is rooted in a core governing principle: the Surinamese government has a responsibility to serve all of its citizens, not just those who live within the country’s national boundaries. Millions of Surinamese-born people have built lives, pursued careers, and raised families across the globe while maintaining deep cultural, familial, and political ties to their home country, and the new service directly addresses longstanding barriers to accessing government documentation that many have faced.

“For me as president, one principle is non-negotiable: the state exists to serve all its citizens. That includes those who live, work, study and build their lives across the world, while still holding onto their connection to Suriname,” Simons explained. This initiative puts that principle into action by bringing an essential government service directly closer to the diaspora community.

Crucially, the new service model maintains full Surinamese government sovereignty over the passport issuance process. While application logistics will be streamlined to improve accessibility for users based abroad, all assessment, approval, and official issuance of passports will remain entirely under the control of competent Surinamese government authorities. Simons stressed that this balance between modernized convenience and national control is a core priority of the initiative.

“The world is changing, people are more mobile than ever, and communities are spread across multiple countries and continents,” Simons noted. “Governments must adapt, modernize, and improve their services to meet the changing needs of their citizens. But this modernization cannot come at the cost of Suriname’s sovereignty and national security. The Surinamese passport remains a sovereign document of the Republic of Suriname, and all authority to review, approve and issue passports stays with our government’s authorized institutions.”

The New York hub acts as the first launch site for the service, which will cut wait times and reduce logistical burdens for Surinamese citizens in North America who previously had to travel back to Suriname or work through overstretched consular offices to update or apply for new passports. Simons made clear that the government’s ambitions for the program extend far beyond this first location, with plans for a phased expansion to reach more diaspora communities across the globe in coming years.

“Today we start here in New York, but our ambition reaches much further,” Simons said. “Step by step, we will strengthen access to government services for Surinamese citizens living abroad across the world.”

This launch forms part of a broader government push to build a more modern, accessible public administration that recognizes the contributions of the diaspora and maintains strong ties with communities outside Suriname’s borders. “I want to say this directly to all our citizens abroad: Suriname sees you, Suriname values you, and Suriname remains connected to you,” the President added.

Simons closed her remarks by extending formal recognition to all parties that contributed to developing the new service, including the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Internal Affairs of Suriname, technology partner Vlatacom, VFS Global, participating government officials, technical working groups, and diplomatic and consular representatives who supported the development of the New York operation.

24 9 月, 2026
Rudy Ru$h releases new single ahead of Dominica Creole Festival performanc

Caribbean music fans have a fresh offering from rising Dominican Bouyon performer Rudy Ru$h, who just dropped his collaborative new single “Here for You” featuring vocalist Chioneso. The release comes as the artist refines his distinctive cross-genre sound and gears up for a highly anticipated homecoming to Dominica this coming October.

Per an official statement from Ru$h’s team, the new track pushes creative boundaries by merging pulsing techno production elements with the rhythmic core of traditional Bouyon, the roots genre that has defined Ru$h’s artistic journey from the start. Lyrically, the song centers on a tender romantic narrative: it follows a man as he offers unwavering commitment and comfort to his partner, balancing an upbeat, dance-ready instrumental with a heartfelt message of devotion and security.

“Here for You” marks Ru$h’s second major release of the era, following his 2024 single “Anywhere We Go”. That previous track earned widespread industry traction, earning a spot on prominent curated iTunes playlists and opening new doors for Ru$h, introducing his unique take on Caribbean music to listeners far beyond the regional Caribbean audience that first supported him.

Looking ahead, the artist has already locked in plans for a full-length Bouyon-focused project, slated to drop in the first quarter of 2027. The upcoming album is set to highlight the evolving creative direction of Ru$h’s work, which draws increasingly from a wide range of musical influences across the Caribbean. A key contributor to this evolution is Ru$h’s ongoing close collaboration with DJ Nuffy, a veteran Jamaican dancehall selector, hype man and entertainment host who has been a staple of the Jamaican entertainment industry since launching his career in 1995. Nuffy’s deep dancehall roots have brought new textured influences to Ru$h’s sound, aligning perfectly with the artist’s core creative goal: weaving together distinct Caribbean musical traditions to create something entirely new.

Ru$h’s homecoming to Dominica this October will see him take the stage at the annual Dominica Creole Festival, where he will share the lineup with many other prominent Bouyon artists. For the artist, the performance is more than just a show—it is a deliberate continuation of his ties to the local Dominican music community and the genre that formed his artistic identity.

Between the launch of his latest single, the upcoming full-length project, and his scheduled festival performance, Ru$h is balancing artistic growth and innovation with a steady commitment to his roots. As he continues to collaborate across regional Caribbean music scenes and expand his global reach, he remains firmly connected to the island and the wider Caribbean creative community that shaped him.

24 9 月, 2026
Family Seeks Blood Donations for Shooting Victim

A land inspection in a rural area of Western Belize turned violent on Wednesday afternoon, leaving a man named Alfred Mahler hospitalized with critical injuries and sparking an urgent appeal for blood donations from his family.

According to local law enforcement officials, the incident unfolded between 1 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. in the Maya Ranch region, where Mahler and a second man were carrying out a routine land assessment. As the pair worked, they were first approached by an unidentified grey pickup truck. Shortly after, a second red pickup truck followed the inspectors along nearby Pine Ridge Road, and gunfire erupted.

After the shots were fired, the red pickup truck sped away from the scene. Police have confirmed that they have since taken one person into custody in connection with the shooting, and have seized a licensed .223 caliber semi-automatic rifle as evidence. Investigations into the motive for the attack are still ongoing.

Mahler’s aunt, Sandra Mahler, shared details of her nephew’s condition with local media, explaining that the bullet caused severe damage to his abdomen, requiring emergency surgery Wednesday night. “The bullet did extensive damage to his stomach, and surgeons had to remove some of his damaged organs,” she explained in an interview.

As of Thursday, Mahler remains at Belmopan Hospital, where he is listed in critical but stable condition. He suffered substantial blood loss during the attack and his medical team says he requires additional transfusions to support his recovery.

“He lost an extraordinary amount of blood, so he needs a lot of donations,” Sandra Mahler said. While Alfred Mahler has O positive blood type, the family says donors with any blood type are welcome to give, due to the urgent and high volume of blood required for his ongoing treatment.

The family is calling on community members across Belize to support the effort by donating blood at their local blood bank, and they are hoping to secure at least 22 donors to cover the transfusion needs through Mahler’s recovery process.

24 9 月, 2026
Overseas Surgeon Coming to Antigua to Treat 13-Year-Old Shot in Bathlodge

A horrific shooting incident that left one young person dead and two others injured in Antigua’s Bathlodge community last week has prompted authorities to arrange specialized medical support for the youngest surviving victim. Thirteen-year-old Joshua Meade, who suffered a gunshot wound to the face during the fatal Monday night attack, is set to receive critical reconstructive care from an overseas surgeon expected to arrive in the country this week.

Maurice Merchant, the director general of communications in Antigua’s Prime Minister’s Office, confirmed the arrangement during a public briefing following this week’s Cabinet meeting. He noted that local hospital leadership formally requested the specialized surgeon’s involvement to support Joshua’s treatment, and the visiting specialist is on track to join the care team in the coming days. As of the briefing, Meade remains in a local hospital continuing his recovery.

The violence did not just harm Joshua: 20-year-old Saquania Anthony was killed in the shooting, and Joshua’s 24-year-old brother Kelvin was also wounded. Merchant shared that Kelvin has already completed initial treatment and been released from the hospital to return home.

In the wake of the tragedy, Antigua’s official Cabinet has extended formal condolences to Anthony’s grieving family, while also issuing a public statement wishing Joshua a complete and speedy recovery. Merchant appealed to the Antiguan public to hold Joshua, his family, and Anthony’s loved ones in their thoughts and prayers. Beyond the immediate response to this attack, he also urged all local residents to join collective efforts to curb the spread of gun violence across the country, framing the issue as a shared public responsibility that requires community-wide action.

24 9 月, 2026
Woman Reportedly Robbed in Her Yard in Bendals

Local law enforcement and community sources have confirmed that a female resident was the victim of a robbery that took place on her own residential property in the Bendals area, with the incident occurring just a short time before the initial report was made public.

As of the latest update, full information about the circumstances of the crime remains sparse. Authorities have not yet released key details including the exact time of the incident, a description of any suspected perpetrator, information on what items were stolen during the attack, or whether the victim suffered any physical injuries in the encounter.

Local law enforcement agencies are currently working to piece together the full sequence of events, conducting initial on-site investigations and interviewing potential witnesses who may have seen activity in the area around the time of the robbery. Additional updates, including any new developments in the case, new confirmations of key facts, or announcements about arrests or investigative progress, will be released to the public as soon as they are verified and made available to reporting sources.

24 9 月, 2026
Hurricane Polo Weakens Slightly to Category 4, Begins Moving Away From Mexico’s Coast

In the latest update from the U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC), Hurricane Polo has weakened slightly from its peak Category 5 intensity to a high-end Category 4 storm, and has begun its steady movement away from the southwestern coast of Mexico. As of 9:00 a.m. Central Standard Time on Thursday, the storm’s core was positioned approximately 195 miles west-southwest of Zihuatanejo and around 150 miles south of Manzanillo, tracking west-northwest at a steady 10 miles per hour.

Meteorologists project that the storm will shift to a pure westward trajectory through the remainder of Thursday and Friday, before resuming a west-northwest path on Saturday. This projected track means the system will continue to pull farther from the Mexican mainland over the coming days.

At the time of the advisory, Polo’s maximum sustained winds clocked in at 155 miles per hour, just 5 mph below the Category 5 threshold on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale. Its minimum central pressure was measured at 928 millibars, a reading that reflects the storm’s still-extreme strength. Hurricane-force gusts and sustained winds extend outward 40 miles from the storm’s center, while tropical storm-force conditions reach as far as 125 miles from the core. Forecasters note that minor fluctuations in strength remain possible over the next 48 hours, even as the system tracks away from land.

Despite Polo’s outward movement, public safety alerts remain in place for much of Mexico’s southwestern coast. A Tropical Storm Warning is still active for the stretch of coastline from Tecpan de Galeana to Manzanillo, while a Tropical Storm Watch extends from west of Manzanillo to Playa Perula. Tropical storm conditions are already being recorded in the warning zone and are expected to persist for several more hours, with similar conditions possible in the watch area through the day.

The greatest lingering threats to inland and coastal communities come from heavy rainfall and ocean activity. The NHC projects that coastal regions of Michoacán, Colima, northern and southern Jalisco, and Nayarit will see an additional 2 to 4 inches of rain, with isolated spots receiving up to 6 inches of precipitation. This added rainfall raises the risk of life-threatening flash floods and mudslides, especially in mountainous and steep-terrain areas that are already vulnerable to storm-related hazards. Coastal Guerrero and central Jalisco can expect an additional 1 to 2 inches of rain, according to the forecast.

Large swells generated by Polo are also expected to impact southwestern Mexico over the next two days, spreading north to west-central Mexico and Baja California Sur by Friday and through the weekend. These swells will likely create dangerous surf conditions, powerful rip currents, and coastal flooding that threaten life for beachgoers and coastal residents.

Federal and local officials are urging all residents in potentially affected areas across southwestern Mexico and Baja California Sur to continue closely monitoring updates on Polo’s track and intensity. The NHC will issue its next official advisory on the storm at 3:00 p.m. CST Thursday.

24 9 月, 2026
Pacific Islands Forum and CARICOM formalise partnership to advance shared SIDS priorities

Two of the world’s most prominent regional blocs representing small island developing nations have taken a landmark step to deepen collective advocacy and cross-regional cooperation, formalizing a new strategic partnership on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York. On September 23, 2026, Baron Divavesi Waqa, Secretary-General of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF), and Dr. Carla Barnett, Secretary-General of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), put pen to paper on a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), cementing the new collaboration between the Pacific and Caribbean regions.

This agreement does more than just formalize diplomatic ties: it establishes a structured, actionable framework for expanded collaboration that centers the shared policy priorities of Small Island and Low-Lying Coastal Developing States (SIDS), a grouping of climate-vulnerable nations that have long pushed for greater recognition of their unique challenges in global governance.

In comments following the signing, Waqa framed the new partnership as a critical milestone in building a closer, more organized relationship between the two regions. He emphasized that enhanced coordination will unlock the ability for Pacific and Caribbean nations to speak with one unified voice on issues that shape the lives of their current populations and determine the trajectory of their future development. By aligning their efforts, the blocs can advance shared SIDS priorities and ensure these concerns remain at the top of the agenda in key international decision-making processes.

For Barnett, the MoU marks a meaningful advance in South-South cooperation between CARICOM and the PIF. She highlighted the overlapping existential vulnerabilities that bind the two regions together, from the accelerating, devastating impacts of anthropogenic climate change to intensifying global economic pressures that disproportionately harm small, open island economies. Formalizing the institutional relationship, Barnett explained, will not only strengthen joint advocacy on the global stage but also raise the global profile of SIDS’ core priorities, while creating tangible, on-the-ground avenues for cooperation that deliver direct benefits to communities across both regions.

Under the terms of the new MoU, the two organizations will collaborate across three core pillars: amplified collective advocacy for SIDS interests, cross-sharing of specialized knowledge and technical expertise, and practical project-based cooperation in areas of mutual concern. A core overarching goal of the agreement is to strengthen the collective bargaining power and global influence of SIDS in multilateral processes, where small island nations have historically struggled to compete with larger, wealthier economies.

For context, the Pacific Islands Forum is a 18-member regional bloc encompassing both sovereign countries and territories across the Pacific basin, with its permanent headquarters based in Suva, Fiji. CARICOM, by comparison, is a longstanding regional integration movement made up of 15 full Member States and eight Associate Member States, headquartered in Georgetown, Guyana. Together, the two blocs represent dozens of SIDS, giving their unified alliance far greater weight in global climate negotiations, development financing discussions, and other key multilateral venues than either could wield alone.

24 9 月, 2026
100% waiver on CET and VAT for promotional and informational materials

Ahead of the upcoming parliamentary elections in Grenada, the national government has approved a major policy adjustment to level the playing field for political actors: a complete 100% waiver on both the Common External Tariff (CET) and Value Added Tax (VAT) for imported eligible campaign materials. The announcement, formally released by the country’s Parliamentary Elections Office (PEO), confirms that the tax break applies to all registered political parties and independent candidates seeking office in the upcoming polls.

The scope of qualifying promotional and informational materials covered by the waiver is broad, encompassing standard campaign assets including brochures, flyers, pamphlets, posters, banners, newsletters, billboards, and other officially approved election-related communication materials. Political stakeholders do not need to pay the standard import taxes on these items as they prepare their outreach to voters ahead of the election.

According to the PEO’s statement, this government initiative was designed with three core democratic goals in mind. First, it seeks to create a standardized, concession-based system that applies equally to all eligible candidates, eliminating unequal financial burdens that could disadvantage smaller or underfunded political groups. Second, the policy aims to strengthen overall democratic participation by lowering the operational costs of running for office, making campaigns more accessible to a wider range of candidates. Third, the tax waiver is intended to reinforce transparency and guarantee equitable treatment for every registered political party and independent candidate participating in the election.

The Parliamentary Elections Office has publicly expressed its support for the new policy, and has called on all eligible political actors to take full advantage of the cost-saving opportunity as they prepare for the upcoming vote. This announcement comes as part of the election office’s ongoing preparations to administer a free, fair, and accessible electoral process for all Grenadian voters.

This report from NOW Grenada includes a standard disclaimer: the outlet is not liable for the opinions or content shared by contributing sources, and invites users to report any abusive content through official channels.

24 9 月, 2026
September and October: Breast and Prostate Cancer Awareness months

For the ninth consecutive year, the St Andrew’s Development Organisation (SADO) is gearing up to host its annual breast and prostate cancer awareness campaign, spanning the months of September and October. What began as a small community outreach initiative in 2015 has evolved into far more than a simple awareness drive: it has grown into a trusted beacon of hope and a tight-knit support community for anyone whose life has been touched by these two common cancers.

SADO’s work already extends to supporting the St Andrew Breast Cancer Group, which connects survivors across the St Andrew and St Patrick parishes. Building on that successful model, the organisation has announced plans to launch a parallel support group for men living with prostate cancer, filling a critical gap in local community care.

Royan Charles, President of SADO, emphasized that the campaign goes far beyond symbolic gestures. “Cancer awareness is not only about wearing a ribbon; it is about taking action, encouraging loved ones to get checked, and ensuring that no one in our community feels alone,” Charles explained. “By dedicating September and October to prostate and breast cancer awareness, we hope to inspire meaningful conversations and practical steps toward healthier lives.”

This year’s campaign carries the theme *Together We Stand as One Community, United in Hope*, and is held in loving memory of Crystal Calliste, a community advocate lost to cancer who is being honored as one of the movement’s fallen heroes. A full slate of engaging, community-focused events has been planned to bring residents together. The action kicks off on September 30 with a virtual Zoom discussion, *Let’s Talk Prostate Cancer*, featuring prostate cancer survivor Simon Samuel at 7 pm. On October 8, a Heroes Church Service will be held to honor those impacted by the disease, followed by a Heroes Quilting and Vigil on October 15, and a Heroes Tea Party on October 26. The month of activities will conclude on October 31 with two major events: the SADO Health Fair at Progress Park starting at 10 am, and the SADO and Partners Breast and Prostate Cancer Awareness Walk, which begins at 3 pm, running from Soubise to Progress Park.

SADO is extending an open invitation to all community members, local schools, faith groups, businesses, healthcare providers, and volunteers to join the campaign effort. The goal is to amplify key messages around the critical importance of early detection and wrap a compassionate support network around everyone affected by breast and prostate cancer in the region.

24 9 月, 2026
Royal Caribbean Confirms Plan to Buy Half of Sandals and Beaches Resorts for US$3 Billion

Two of the travel industry’s most iconic vacation brands are joining forces in a transformative deal set to reshape Caribbean leisure offerings, as Royal Caribbean Group announced a landmark partnership to acquire a 50 percent equity stake in Sandals and Beaches Resorts for approximately $3 billion. The alliance combines Sandals and Beaches’ decades of expertise in all-inclusive Caribbean resort hospitality with Royal Caribbean Group’s robust, diversified vacation platform, creating an unmatched collection of cruise, private destination and land-based resort experiences for global travelers.

Royal Caribbean Group’s existing portfolio spans three industry-leading cruise brands – Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises and Silversea – alongside a growing network of exclusive private destinations, an upcoming entry into river cruising launching in 2027, and one of the travel sector’s most innovative customer loyalty programs. Both brands share deep, longstanding roots in the Caribbean and a shared commitment to supporting local communities across the region, aligning their missions to deliver memorable vacation experiences while growing their undisputed leadership in Caribbean travel.

“For nearly 60 years, we’ve reimagined what a vacation can be, constantly expanding the ways we inspire our guests to explore, connect and create lifelong memories,” said Jason Liberty, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Royal Caribbean Group. “We have been building a vacation platform that brings joy to millions of people around the world and creates meaningful long-term relationships with our guests. Our partnership with Sandals and Beaches Resorts is an important next step on that journey – bringing together two iconic leading vacation companies to further strengthen and grow one of the most admired resort portfolios in the world. The Stewart family has built powerful, beloved brands, and we are honored to build on that legacy. Together, we see tremendous opportunity to expand the reach of Sandals and Beaches Resorts and continue turning the vacation of a lifetime into a lifetime of vacations.”

Adam Stewart, Executive Chairman of Sandals Resorts, emphasized the shared vision for growth that underpins the agreement, noting that the partnership will deliver benefits for the brand’s team members, travel advisor partners, and the Caribbean communities that have long hosted its resorts. “The future has never been brighter, and I know this moment would make my father incredibly proud,” Stewart said.

Valued at a forward EBITDA multiple of approximately 10x, the $3 billion investment will be fully funded through committed debt financing arranged by Morgan Stanley, per the terms of the deal. The transaction is expected to close in early 2027, pending completion of customary regulatory approvals and standard closing conditions, and is projected to be accretive to Royal Caribbean Group’s earnings as early as next year.

Financial advisory for Sandals Group was led by BofA Securities and PJT Partners, with legal counsel provided by Latham & Watkins and Jones Day. Perella Weinberg Partners and Morgan Stanley served as financial advisors to Royal Caribbean Group, while Kirkland & Ellis LLP handled legal advisory work for the cruise group. The partnership agreement was signed at Royal Caribbean Group’s new headquarters in Miami, with Liberty and Stewart marking the milestone at the official signing event.

A global leader in vacation experiences, Royal Caribbean Group currently operates 71 ships that call on more than 1,000 destinations across all seven continents through its three wholly owned cruise brands, in addition to holding a 50% joint venture stake in TUI Cruises, which operates the Mein Schiff and Hapag-Lloyd cruise lines. The company is actively expanding its collection of private destination getaways through its Perfect Day and Royal Beach Club brands, and is set to launch Celebrity River Cruises, its new river cruising division, in 2027. Backed by innovative brands, cutting-edge technology and an industry-leading loyalty program, Royal Caribbean Group has built a fully connected vacation ecosystem focused on turning one special vacation into a lifetime of getaways for guests. Recognized as one of Fortune’s World’s Most Admired Companies for 2026 and named to Forbes’ 2026 list of Best American Companies, the group operates around its core mission of delivering exceptional vacations responsibly.

For more than 40 years, Sandals and Beaches Resorts have redefined all-inclusive Caribbean hospitality, drawing on the region’s unique warmth, vibrancy and cultural spirit to create distinct guest experiences. Sandals Resorts, the brand’s adults-only all-inclusive division, operates beachfront properties across eight Caribbean nations: Jamaica, Antigua, Saint Lucia, The Bahamas, Barbados, Grenada, Curaçao, and Saint Vincent and The Grenadines. The brand combines elevated offerings ranging from local and global gourmet cuisine and dedicated butler service to signature suites and the Caribbean’s first overwater villas with the unique cultural identity of each host island.

Beaches Resorts, the family-focused arm of the brand, caters to modern travel preferences with family-centric all-inclusive getaways. It currently operates resorts in Negril, Jamaica and Turks and Caicos, with new locations under development in Exuma (The Bahamas), Barbados, Runaway Bay (Jamaica), and Saint Vincent and The Grenadines. Amenities including spacious multi-bedroom villas, diverse dining and live entertainment, on-property waterparks, and award-winning kids’ camps that include specialized autism-friendly programming have made Beaches a top choice for family and multigenerational group travel.

Beyond its hospitality operations, Sandals and Beaches runs the Sandals Foundation, the brand’s non-profit philanthropic arm dedicated to strengthening Caribbean communities through targeted programs focused on education, community development and environmental conservation.

As with all major corporate transactions, the agreement carries forward-looking statements that are subject to a range of risks and uncertainties that could impact actual outcomes, including general economic conditions, shifts in consumer travel demand, global health events, regulatory changes, cybersecurity risks, fluctuations in fuel prices and foreign exchange rates, and challenges related to staffing and supply chain operations.

24 9 月, 2026