The Protocol Member States of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) have raised significant concerns over recent reports of escalated military activities by external powers in the southern Caribbean Sea. These operations, which include the destruction of vessels allegedly involved in narcotics trafficking without proper interception or verification, are seen as a violation of international law. While the OECS remains steadfast in its commitment to combating transnational crime, including drug trafficking, it emphasizes the importance of maintaining the Caribbean as a Zone of Peace—a principle endorsed by regional Heads of Government and the United Nations General Assembly. The OECS warns that these military actions, undertaken without adequate consultation with regional partners, risk escalating tensions and destabilizing a region crucial to the well-being of its people. The potential impact on small, vulnerable societies and economies, as well as the erosion of decades of diplomatic progress, is a pressing concern. The OECS reaffirms its stance that peace, dialogue, respect for sovereignty, and collective security are essential to regional stability. It urges all partners to engage in open consultation with the Caribbean Community and the OECS before taking any actions that could disrupt the regional security balance, highlighting the Caribbean’s strength in unity, diplomacy, and peaceful conflict resolution.
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RI Creations first solo art exhibition
Rashida Isaac, a self-taught visual artist from La Poterie, St. Andrew in Grenada, has carved a unique niche in the art world with her emotive hyper-realistic charcoal portraits. Recently, she has expanded her creative horizons by transitioning to vibrant colors and innovative 3D art, incorporating traditional painting techniques and upcycled materials such as plastics and paper. Her groundbreaking work has garnered widespread acclaim, particularly after her piece “Tanty an’ she basket ah Cocoa” was showcased at the Grenada 50th Art Exhibition in 2024. This success inspired her to create functional art pieces, including cocoa pod and nutmeg keyrings, which have become popular among art enthusiasts. To mark this artistic evolution, Rashida is hosting her first solo exhibition, titled “New Beginnings,” at the True Blue Bay Resort. The free exhibition, opening on November 19 at 4 pm, will run for one week and feature her original charcoal drawings, 3D canvas paintings from her “New Beginnings” series, and upcycled functional art and décor inspired by Grenada’s cocoa, nutmeg, and other spices. Rashida invites the public to witness this milestone in her career and hopes her journey will inspire others to embrace creativity and sustainability. Her work not only celebrates Grenada’s rich cultural heritage but also encourages mindful reuse and repurposing of materials.
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Hostage Remains Returned as Israel Faces Prison Abuse Scandal
Israel has received the remains of another deceased hostage from Gaza, as part of a US-brokered ceasefire agreement that began last month. The coffin, transferred through the Red Cross, was taken to Israel’s national forensics lab for identification. This follows the handover of three bodies on Sunday, including one killed during Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attack on Israel. Earlier attempts to return remains had strained the ceasefire, with Hamas claiming to have returned three bodies on October 28, which Israel could not confirm. In response, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered immediate strikes in Gaza, resulting in at least 104 Palestinian deaths, including many children. Despite these tensions, the ceasefire has largely held, with U.S. President Donald Trump describing it as ‘very solid’ in a recent interview. Concurrently, Israel is grappling with a growing scandal involving alleged abuse of Palestinian detainees at the Sde Teiman military prison. The army’s top legal officer, Maj. Gen. Yifat Tomer-Yerushalmi, was arrested over suspicions related to the unauthorized release of a video showing the abuse. The facility, which has been criticized for harsh treatment, is set to be phased out, and the video’s airing has sparked widespread outrage.
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Belizean Students Pick Up Semester Where They Left Off
In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, which struck Jamaica on October 28, 2025, Belizean students are gradually resuming their academic pursuits. Initially, they are attending online classes as universities prepare to reopen for in-person sessions. Bernard Pitts, President of the Belize Students Association of Jamaica (BELSAJ), confirmed that all Belizean students are safe and accounted for. Pitts highlighted the government’s relief efforts, which included distributing 75 to 100 packages to students. However, many students are still grappling with financial difficulties exacerbated by the storm. Pitts emphasized the need for additional financial assistance, as students have exceeded their budgets due to emergency preparations and travel expenses. He also urged the Belizean public to support those affected in Jamaica. Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm with winds reaching 185 mph, caused widespread devastation across the Caribbean, resulting in at least 67 deaths and tens of billions of dollars in damages. Jamaica reported 32 fatalities, while Haiti and the Dominican Republic recorded 34 and 1 death, respectively. Cuban authorities evacuated approximately 700,000 people, with hundreds experiencing flooding and property damage. Education Minister Dana Morris Dixon expressed the collective grief and pain felt across Jamaica during this challenging period.
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Decision for radar installation still going through technical discussions
In August 2025, the Trump Administration formally requested permission from the Grenadian government to temporarily install radar equipment at the Maurice Bishop International Airport (MBIA). Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell, who also serves as the Minister for National Security and Civil Aviation, has assured the public that the decision-making process will be transparent and compliant with both domestic and international laws. Speaking before the Lower House of Parliament on November 4, Mitchell emphasized that no secret agreements would be made, and the public would be fully informed of any developments. He stated, ‘We will not enter into an agreement that violates Grenada’s laws or international law. The technical discussions are ongoing, and any decision will be made openly.’ The US Southern Command identified two potential sites at MBIA for the radar installation, with a preference for one location. However, Grenada has yet to provide a definitive response due to unresolved technical and safety concerns. Mitchell highlighted that the government is prioritizing safety and technical feasibility before making a final decision. Grenada and the US have longstanding cooperation agreements in national and regional security, which continue to underpin their bilateral relations.
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Police nab six in Odsan for drugs, firearm, ammunition
In a significant crackdown on crime, the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force (RSLPF) executed a coordinated early-morning operation in the Odsan community on October 31, resulting in multiple arrests and the seizure of illegal drugs and a firearm. The operation, spearheaded by the Gangs, Narcotics, and Firearms Unit (GNF) with tactical assistance from the Special Services Unit (SSU), commenced at approximately 4 a.m. and focused on two residences under search warrants. At the first location, authorities uncovered substantial quantities of crack cocaine, cannabis, and cannabis resin. Vivian D’Auvergne and Devon Stanio, occupants of the residence, along with Marva Dorville, were apprehended on charges related to possession of controlled substances and intent to supply. Notably, D’Auvergne was already wanted by the Choiseul Police for serious firearm-related offenses connected to an incident on July 12, 2025, in Victoria, Choiseul. These charges include using a firearm with intent, possession of a firearm, and discharging a firearm in a public place. At a second residence in Odsan, officers recovered a Taurus G2 nine-millimetre semi-automatic pistol and ten rounds of 9mm ammunition. Kenan Fergus, Richie Glasgow, and Brianna Pierrelouis were arrested for possession of the firearm and ammunition. All six suspects were processed at the Centralised Community Safety Centre, where the seized items were also secured. The group appeared before the First District Court on November 3. Stanio, D’Auvergne, and Dorville were each granted bail of $11,000 cash or suitable surety and are set to reappear in court on December 11, 2025. Fergus, Glasgow, and Pierrelouis, facing firearm and ammunition charges, were granted $35,000 bail each and are also due back in court on the same date.
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Dreevay: The 8th Edition of Grenada Contemporary opened
Art House 473 has unveiled its eighth edition of the Grenada Contemporary exhibition series, titled *Dreevay*, a celebration of Caribbean creativity and global artistic exchange. The exhibition, co-curated by Susan Mains and Asher Mains, features 30 artists from Grenada, Barbados, the United Kingdom, Trinidad, and Italy, showcasing the region’s vibrant contemporary art scene. Since its inception, the series has welcomed 107 artists, highlighting the depth and diversity of Caribbean-inspired creativity.
The title *Dreevay*, meaning ‘to roam or drift,’ encapsulates the exhibition’s theme of artistic exploration and discovery. Asher Mains explains, ‘This exhibition is about what unfolds when artists allow themselves to wander — geographically, emotionally, and conceptually. It’s in that in-between space that some of the most authentic expressions of the Caribbean spirit are found.’
The exhibition spans painting, sculpture, photography, and mixed media, addressing themes such as migration, identity, environment, and imagination through a distinctly Caribbean lens. A highlight of the opening was an artist talk by Russell Watson from Barbados, who shared his creative journey and connected with Grenadian photographer Arthur Daniel, sparking potential future collaborations.
*Dreevay* opened on 30 October 2025 at Art House 473 in Calliste, offering free admission to the public. The event featured visual storytelling, artist interactions, and cultural exchange, setting the stage for a series of special events, talks, and workshops running through 14 November. Visitors can book appointments to view the exhibition Wednesday to Saturday, 10 am to 5 pm, or follow Art House 473 on social media for updates.
Susan Mains, co-curator and commissioner of the Grenada National Pavilion at the Biennale di Venezia, emphasized the exhibition’s mission: ‘Dreevay continues our mission to show how Grenada and the wider Caribbean are in continuous conversation with the world. Each artist contributes to that dialogue through their own journey — rooted here, yet open to everywhere.’
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Seven charged with terrorism by bombing gas station
In a significant development, seven individuals—four Venezuelans and three Guyanese—have been formally charged with terrorism in connection with the bombing of a Mobil gas station in Georgetown, Guyana. The incident, which occurred on October 26, 2025, at approximately 7:24 PM, resulted in the destruction of a vehicle, the tragic death of a six-year-old girl, and injuries to several others. The Guyana Police Force announced the charges on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, following a thorough investigation. The accused are scheduled to appear in court on Wednesday, November 5, at 9 AM for arraignment. Among those charged are Venezuelan nationals Daniel Alexander Ramirez Poedemo, Jennifer Rodriguez, Johnny Boodram, and Alexander Bettancourt, alongside Guyanese citizens Wayne Corriea, Ramesh Pramdeo, and Krystal La Cruz. The police have assured the public that the investigation was conducted with professionalism and integrity, emphasizing their commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring public safety. The explosion, which was heard up to 2 kilometers away, caused significant damage to the gas station and nearby buildings. Authorities revealed that Ramirez Poedemo, identified through video surveillance, confessed to detonating the device. Initially intending to place it in a garbage bin near a fuel pump, he was dissuaded by a pump attendant and instead placed it near a parked car, where it exploded moments later. Investigators also uncovered that Ramirez Poedemo and an accomplice entered Guyana illegally via boat, arriving at Parika around 8 AM on the day of the attack. They allegedly conducted surveillance of the gas station before executing the bombing. The police expressed gratitude for the public’s cooperation and support in the investigation.


