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  • Vakbeweging vraagt structurele aanpak vastlopende sociaal-economische dossiers

    Vakbeweging vraagt structurele aanpak vastlopende sociaal-economische dossiers

    Suriname’s largest labor coalition, Ravaksur Plus, has issued an urgent appeal to President Jennifer Simons for immediate government intervention to address the nation’s deepening socioeconomic crisis. In a comprehensive letter dated February 4th, the coalition detailed multiple systemic failures affecting workers across all sectors and proposed establishing a joint commission to develop actionable solutions.

    The coalition identified several critical areas requiring immediate attention. Foremost among these is the absence of a dedicated Ministry of Labor, which has resulted in fragmented labor policies and inadequate enforcement mechanisms. Ravaksur Plus advocates for reinstating this ministry with enhanced authority to strengthen social dialogue and better protect workers’ rights.

    Persistent inflation and volatile exchange rates have created a severe purchasing power decline, with cumulative losses affecting all workers. The current minimum wage, poverty threshold, and tax measures no longer reflect economic realities, creating widespread financial hardship. The tax burden on employed individuals particularly hampers economic recovery, prompting calls for adjusting tax-free thresholds and implementing targeted fiscal relief.

    Public sector employees face specific challenges including unimplemented wage agreements from 2020, revoked official ranks and periodic benefits, unequal healthcare provisions, and unresolved backlogged promotions and permanent appointments. Multiple government departments, including Regional Development and Social Affairs, reportedly have structurally stalled cases.

    Education represents a separate crisis point, with teachers’ incomes becoming insufficient for basic subsistence. This has triggered significant brain drain and staff outflow from the education sector. The coalition demands income restoration measures, clearance of overdue payments, and structural improvements to working conditions.

    Private sector workers similarly confront constrained wage growth, high fiscal pressure, and inadequate inflation protection. The minimum wage has become completely disconnected from actual living costs, creating additional financial strain.

    Ravaksur Plus additionally called for progress on previously agreed arrangements with the former administration and outstanding benefit packages from affiliated unions, requesting clear timelines and implementation agreements.

    The letter was coordinated by Armand Zunder and endorsed by all major education unions including the Federation of Suriname Teachers’ Organizations (FOLS) and its member organizations, the Teachers’ Union (BvL), and the Alliance for Teachers in Suriname (ALS).

  • Sports minister says WIndsor Park lighting project back on track after ‘unavoidable’ delays

    Sports minister says WIndsor Park lighting project back on track after ‘unavoidable’ delays

    The Windsor Park Sports Stadium illumination initiative is progressing decisively after overcoming logistical setbacks, according to Senator Oscar George, Minister of State for Culture, Youth, Sports and Community Development. The $13.8 million development, funded through the Dominica Lotteries Commission, encountered unforeseen delays in the delivery of specialized lighting components from international suppliers.

    Senator George provided a detailed technical update, confirming that the concrete foundations for the towering light structures have been successfully poured. These foundations require an additional fourteen-day curing period to achieve the necessary structural integrity to support the 150-foot towers. The lighting components have now successfully arrived from manufacturing facilities in India and await assembly.

    ‘The various structural elements have been delivered to Dominica,’ Senator George stated. ‘Specialized technicians will now commence the process of connecting and welding these components into complete units during the concrete curing phase.’

    Following the structural assembly, crews will initiate the comprehensive electrical installation phase. This critical stage involves routing armored underground cabling, establishing connections between control rooms and foundation points, and finally integrating the wiring through each tower to the lighting fixtures themselves.

    A significant aspect of the project involves knowledge transfer and capacity building. The government has implemented a strategic workforce development plan to engage numerous young Dominicans in the installation process. These participants will receive hands-on technical training in specialized electrical and structural installation techniques.

    ‘Our intention is to identify and retain the most skilled individuals from this training cohort for permanent roles upon project completion,’ Senator George explained. ‘This approach ensures we develop sustainable local expertise to maintain the stadium’s advanced lighting infrastructure for decades to come.’

    The project represents a major enhancement to Dominica’s sports infrastructure and is expected to enable extended training hours and potential nighttime competitions upon its completion.

  • Machado Eyes 2026 Elections; Venezuelan Protesters Want Maduro Back

    Machado Eyes 2026 Elections; Venezuelan Protesters Want Maduro Back

    Venezuela finds itself at a critical political juncture as opposition leader María Corina Machado outlines potential election timelines while simultaneous mass demonstrations demand the return of detained President Nicolás Maduro. In a recent interview with Politico, Machado revealed that her coalition secured approximately 70% of votes during the contested 2024 election, indicating substantial public and military backing for the opposition movement. She projected that organizing legitimate electoral proceedings with manual voting systems could be accomplished within a nine to ten month timeframe, contingent upon initiation timing. This political development coincides with significant pro-government rallies throughout Caracas, where thousands of Chavista supporters mobilized to demand the liberation of President Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores. The demonstrations featured impassioned chants of “Venezuela needs Nicolás!” according to Reuters correspondents. Meanwhile, Acting President Delcy Rodríguez asserted that the nation has successfully transformed American pressure into domestic stability, characterizing this as a substantial victory for the Venezuelan populace. Both Maduro and Flores confront narcotics trafficking allegations in New York judicial courts, with each having entered not guilty pleas to the charges.

  • Dutch Lady Breakfast for Champs Programme

    Dutch Lady Breakfast for Champs Programme

    Springs, St George – South St George Government School became a hub of nutritional education on January 28, 2026, as Hubbard’s Dutch Lady Breakfast for Champs team conducted an innovative educational program for Grade 6 students. The initiative represented a significant corporate investment in youth development and nutritional awareness within Grenada’s educational landscape.

    Under the coordination of Hubbard’s Marketing Team and Agency Manager Dillon Johnson, the hour-long session transformed conventional learning into an dynamic interactive experience. Students participated in engaging discussions that highlighted the nutritional benefits of Dutch Lady milk products, with particular emphasis on how proper nutrition supports physical growth, sustained energy levels, and enhanced academic performance.

    The program incorporated incentive-based learning where students received Dutch Lady drawstring bags containing branded promotional items and 200 ml Full Cream Milk packs for correctly answering nutritional questions. This approach successfully created an energetic learning environment while effectively communicating essential nutritional information in a memorable format.

    As a tangible demonstration of their commitment, Hubbard’s donated 42 cases of Dutch Lady 200 ml Full Cream Milk packs to the school. This contribution aims to promote healthy breakfast habits among students and support their daily educational needs through improved nutrition.

    This initiative reflects the ongoing commitment of both Dutch Lady and Hubbard’s Agency to foster the well-being and development of Grenada’s youth. Dutch Lady products remain available in retail stores throughout Grenada, with additional information accessible through Hubbard’s Agency social media channels on Facebook and Instagram @hubbardsagency.

  • GMC, Northern record wins in Bay Bay Cup

    GMC, Northern record wins in Bay Bay Cup

    In a dramatic evening of football at the Grande Riviere Playing Field, defending national club champions GMC United and Bay Bay Cup holders Northern United FC both registered their first tournament victories on Wednesday, February 4th.

    GMC United, fielding a significantly transformed lineup since their 2025 championship win, dominated their local rivals Dominators FC with a commanding 4-0 victory in the Grande Riviere derby. After a scoreless first half marked by physical play, the match exploded in the 53rd minute when Mekhi Stanislaus broke the deadlock. The momentum continued just sixty seconds later as Under-16 striker Shaquil Martelly—the smallest player on the pitch—delivered an spectacular long-range strike that electrified the crowd. Tonius Simon sealed the comprehensive win with two additional goals within a five-minute span.

    Head coach Daren Gaspard acknowledged the challenging first half: “We started a bit slow in the first half, [and] Dominators were a bit physical, due respect to them, we played on their home ground.” He credited the team’s second-half transformation to tactical adjustments made during halftime: “We went in with a plan for the second half, and we executed properly. You could see the changes had an impact on the game.”

    The victory carries emotional significance for GMC United, who have persevered through the tragic losses of players Sherman Augustin and Ajani Lebourne in 2025, along with several transfers that necessitated relying on younger talent like Martelly and goalkeeper Jahim Henry. New acquisitions including Trevon St Prix have provided much-needed stability as the team prepares for a crucial Sunday showdown against group leaders New Generation FC.

    Meanwhile, Northern United FC kept their semifinal hopes alive with an emphatic 7-1 rout of Gros Islet Veterans. The team established a formidable 4-0 halftime advantage through a brace from Lyndon Constantine complemented by goals from Devonte Herman and Nicholas Lawrence. Although veteran international striker Earl ‘Ball Hog’ Jean converted a penalty for the Vets after the break, Northern United responded with three additional goals from Kenrick Antoine, Thierry Morille, and Samiel Louisien to secure second place in Group B on goal difference.

    The tournament continues on Sunday, February 8th at Francis Baba Lastic Grounds with critical matchups featuring Northern United against Police at 5pm, followed by the highly anticipated clash between GMC United and New Generation FC at 7pm.

  • Is the Tourism Industry Beginning to “Stabilise”?

    Is the Tourism Industry Beginning to “Stabilise”?

    The Central American nation of Belize has achieved a significant milestone in its tourism recovery, with official data for 2025 confirming sustained growth across both overnight stays and cruise passenger arrivals. According to statistics released by the Belize Tourism Board (BTB), the country welcomed 551,698 overnight visitors during the year, representing a modest yet meaningful 0.8% increase over 2024 figures.

    This incremental growth signals more than mere recovery, with BTB officials characterizing the performance as evidence of market stabilization at elevated post-pandemic levels. Notably, overnight arrivals have now surpassed pre-COVID benchmarks, standing approximately 10% higher than comparable 2019 statistics, indicating the sector has transitioned into a new phase of expansion.

    The cruise segment demonstrated particularly vigorous performance, with 967,214 passengers arriving in Belizean ports throughout 2025—an impressive 8% year-over-year increase. While still trailing the record-breaking 1 million passengers recorded in 2019, the numbers represent a remarkable recovery from the pandemic low of 210,214 recorded in 2021.

    BTB leadership attributes this success to coordinated efforts across Belize’s tourism ecosystem, emphasizing that strategic investments in infrastructure and visitor experiences have been instrumental in maintaining growth momentum. The data suggests Belize is successfully consolidating its position as a preferred Central American destination while building resilience against market fluctuations.

  • Trump Says Phone Call With China’s President Was “Excellent”

    Trump Says Phone Call With China’s President Was “Excellent”

    In a significant diplomatic engagement, U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping conducted a comprehensive telephone conversation on Wednesday addressing multiple critical bilateral and global issues. The discussion encompassed trade relations, the Taiwan question, several international conflicts, and other matters of mutual concern.

    President Trump characterized the exchange as ‘excellent’ through his Truth Social platform, simultaneously confirming his anticipated state visit to China. He expressed particular enthusiasm for this forthcoming trip, emphasizing the strength of both the bilateral relationship and his personal rapport with President Xi.

    The dialogue yielded tangible progress on agricultural trade, with Trump revealing China’s consideration of purchasing approximately 20 million tonnes of U.S. soybeans during the current season, accompanied by intentions for expanded commitments in subsequent years. Negotiations extended to energy sector cooperation involving oil and gas purchases, alongside discussions regarding aircraft engine deliveries.

    The leaders also addressed pressing international security matters, including the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict and issues concerning Iran. Meanwhile, Chinese state media coverage highlighted President Xi’s emphasis on Taiwan as the ‘most important issue’ in Sino-American relations, urging prudent American consideration regarding arms sales to the island.

    This diplomatic exchange occurs against the backdrop of Washington’s recent approval of an $11 billion arms package to Taiwan in December 2025—a decision that drew substantial criticism from Beijing. Taiwan President Lai Ching-te subsequently affirmed the continued strength of Taipei-Washington relations, describing cooperation as ‘rock solid’ during press remarks following the Trump-Xi discussion.

  • CARICOM IMPACS program equips local law enforcement officers to develop digital training material

    CARICOM IMPACS program equips local law enforcement officers to develop digital training material

    In a significant capacity-building initiative, eighteen specialized officers from Dominica’s law enforcement sectors have successfully concluded an intensive training program on digital content creation for security education. The week-long workshop, conducted from January 19-23, 2026, was administered by the Caribbean Community Implementation Agency for Crime and Security (CARICOM IMPACS) with strategic partnership from the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL).

    The comprehensive curriculum equipped personnel from the Commonwealth of Dominica Police Force, Immigration Department, and Customs Division with advanced technical skills to develop sophisticated digital training materials. This initiative represents a crucial advancement in establishing standardized, sustainable, and modernized learning frameworks for security agencies throughout the Caribbean region.

    This training session marked the conclusive phase of the English-speaking Caribbean implementation, following similar programs across twelve CARICOM Member States. The project now prepares to expand to Spanish-speaking partner institutions in the Dominican Republic scheduled for February 2026, demonstrating the program’s continuing regional development.

    According to official statements, CARICOM IMPACS remains committed to broadening capacity-building support, with plans to extend these specialized training opportunities to additional Member and Associate States through future initiatives. This multinational cooperation underscores the growing importance of digital proficiency and standardized training protocols in contemporary law enforcement practices throughout the Caribbean basin.

  • Bad Dawg marks 14 years as street-food brand expands vendor network and retail presence

    Bad Dawg marks 14 years as street-food brand expands vendor network and retail presence

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Celebrating its 14th anniversary, Jamaican street-food phenomenon Bad Dawg is executing a dual expansion strategy that simultaneously grows its mobile vendor network while establishing a formal retail presence across the island nation.

    The brand, originally launched as a job-creation initiative by CB Group, has evolved from its humble sausage cart beginnings into a multifaceted food enterprise. What began as a program to empower small entrepreneurs with low startup costs has matured into a hybrid business model featuring over 18 independent vendors operating islandwide, consistent presence at major public events, and supermarket distribution channels.

    Alicia Bogues, CB Group’s Head of Regional Development, explained the brand’s foundational philosophy: “Bad Dawg was intentionally designed as an entrepreneurial opportunity platform, enabling individuals to become their own bosses with minimal initial investment.” This approach has not only created employment but also cultivated a devoted customer base that associates the brand with Jamaica’s vibrant social gatherings and cultural events.

    The brand’s product innovation has kept pace with its operational expansion. While maintaining its signature sausage offerings, Bad Dawg has introduced streaky bacon to its portfolio, strategically broadening its culinary applications across different meal occasions.

    The vendor success story of Alicia Newman and her husband exemplifies the brand’s impact. Starting with one cart three years ago as supplementary income alongside their full-time jobs, the couple now operates two carts, employs six people, and plans to launch a third unit—demonstrating the scalability of the Bad Dawg model.

    Moiya Chin-Lyn, Channel Manager for Retail Experience at CB Foods, highlighted the strategic thinking behind the retail expansion: “Our move into formal retail channels allows consumers to enjoy our distinctive flavors at home while preserving the authentic street culture that established our brand identity.”

    This fourteen-year journey reflects the ongoing commercialization of Jamaica’s informal food sector, with Bad Dawg successfully bridging the gap between traditional street vending and modern retail distribution without compromising its original community-oriented values.

  • Death toll rises to two in Colombia mine blast

    Death toll rises to two in Colombia mine blast

    A devastating explosion at an unauthorized coal mine in Guacheta, Colombia, has resulted in the confirmed deaths of two workers, with four others presumed deceased as rescue operations continue. The tragedy occurred on Thursday in the Cundinamarca department, a region encircling the nation’s capital, Bogotá.

    Forensic specialists from the attorney general’s office, supported by police and firefighter units, successfully recovered the two victims’ bodies on stretchers. The rescue mission, observed by AFP correspondents, unfolded at the mine entrance set within a dense pine forest, where anxious family members gathered wrapped in ponchos against the cold.

    The psychological impact on the mining community was immediate and profound. Duvan Cardenas, a 24-year-old miner, expressed his trauma to AFP, stating, ‘Starting tomorrow, I’m not working in mining anymore… I’ve decided to quit and dedicate myself to another profession.’

    Rescue endeavors persisted through the afternoon with teams deploying ventilation apparatus to mitigate dangerous gas accumulations within the shaft. Governor Jorge Emilio Rey had earlier indicated to Radio Blu that the four missing individuals are likely deceased due to oxygen deprivation. High concentrations of methane gas significantly hampered initial rescue attempts, according to officials.

    Alveiro Aguillon, a fire department official, confirmed to AFP that crews ‘worked all night’ in desperate efforts to reach the trapped miners. Governor Rey further revealed that the mine had previously been issued official ‘closure orders’ by regulatory authorities but continued its operations without valid permits. This incident underscores the persistent dangers associated with Colombia’s frequent and often fatal mining accidents, particularly prevalent in illegal and artisanal mining sites.