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  • VSB bespreekt toenemende criminaliteit met minister Monorath

    VSB bespreekt toenemende criminaliteit met minister Monorath

    Business representatives from the Suriname Trade and Industry Association (VSB) have held urgent consultations with Justice and Police Minister Harish Monorath to address the country’s worsening security crisis. The meeting was prompted by alarming reports from VSB members indicating a sharp increase in violent robberies targeting retailers, distribution companies, and other high-risk enterprises.

    During the high-level discussions, VSB officials emphasized that armed robberies and violent incidents are causing substantial financial losses while simultaneously undermining Suriname’s investment climate and threatening employment stability. According to the association’s bulletin Nieuwslijn, both business owners and employees increasingly feel unsafe while conducting their professional activities.

    The business association advocated for immediate, tangible security measures within a clear legal framework to enable better protection of personnel and commercial operations. VSB leadership stressed the critical importance of establishing structured collaboration between the Justice Ministry, security services, and private sector entities. Proposed solutions included developing joint action plans for specific districts and enhancing information sharing mechanisms.

    Minister Monorath acknowledged the necessity of business community participation in combating criminal activities. Both parties expressed commitment to intensifying their dialogue and developing a coordinated strategy to reduce crime rates and enhance security measures for businesses and society overall. They agreed to continue discussions in the immediate future to formalize this collaborative approach.

  • Prime Minister Announces Shell Beach Lots for Locals to Build Airbnb Investment Properties

    Prime Minister Announces Shell Beach Lots for Locals to Build Airbnb Investment Properties

    In a landmark move to stimulate local economic growth and empower residents, the Prime Minister has unveiled a strategic initiative allocating prime beachfront lots exclusively for citizen development. The program specifically targets the creation of investment properties for the short-term rental market, predominantly through platforms like Airbnb.

    The initiative is designed to achieve multiple economic objectives. Primarily, it seeks to decentralize tourism revenue, which has historically been concentrated in the hands of large, foreign-owned resort chains. By providing locals with direct access to highly valuable coastal real estate, the government aims to foster a new class of micro-entrepreneurs and bolster middle-class wealth.

    Eligibility for the lots will be restricted to permanent residents and citizens, with a transparent application and lottery system to ensure equitable distribution. Successful applicants will be granted long-term leases at subsidized rates, significantly lowering the barrier to entry for property investment. Accompanying the land allocation will be a state-supported program offering financial literacy workshops, hospitality management training, and small business loans tailored for the vacation rental sector.

    Analysts suggest this policy is a direct response to the soaring global demand for authentic travel experiences, which favors private rentals over traditional hotels. By strategically leveraging this trend, the government anticipates a substantial increase in local GDP, job creation in construction, maintenance, and hospitality services, and a more sustainable distribution of tourism’s financial benefits across the community. However, some urban planners have raised concerns regarding potential strains on local infrastructure, including water resources and waste management, which the government states will be addressed through concurrent infrastructure investment plans.

  • Barbados to Hold General Election on Feb. 11

    Barbados to Hold General Election on Feb. 11

    In a significant political development, Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley declared the dissolution of Parliament on Saturday evening, initiating the formal process for national elections scheduled for February 11. The announcement came during a gathering with supporters in Bridgetown, where Mottley revealed she had formally advised President Jeffrey Bostic of her decision earlier that afternoon.

    The constitutional process will commence on Monday, January 19, with official writs of election to be prepared under the supervision of the Attorney General. The electoral timetable establishes January 27 as nomination day for candidates, followed by a two-week campaign period leading to polling day on February 11.

    Mottley’s announcement followed the nomination of former Democratic Labour Party Cabinet minister Michael Lashley as the Barbados Labour Party’s candidate for the City of Bridgetown constituency. Addressing party officials and supporters, the Prime Minister emphasized unity and collective effort, repeatedly invoking the party’s strength through collaboration.

    Framing the dissolution as an essential democratic practice, Mottley stated that continuing leadership requires seeking a fresh mandate from the electorate. Her remarks highlighted the constitutional normality of the process while signaling the Barbados Labour Party’s readiness to contest the upcoming general election.

  • WATCH: PM Says Gassy Dread Music Project Generated $70,000 in Royalties So Far

    WATCH: PM Says Gassy Dread Music Project Generated $70,000 in Royalties So Far

    A government-backed music project, colloquially known as the ‘Gassy Dread’ initiative, has yielded significant financial returns in its early stages, according to a recent announcement from the Prime Minister. In a public statement, the PM revealed that the venture has already generated approximately $70,000 in royalties, signaling a promising start for the cultural and economic endeavor.

    The project, which appears to fuse musical artistry with national cultural promotion, represents a strategic investment in the creative arts sector. While specific details on the musical style or the artists involved under the ‘Gassy Dread’ moniker were not fully elaborated, the announcement underscores a commitment to leveraging creative industries for economic gain. The generated royalties are anticipated to be reinvested to further support local artists and sustain the project’s momentum.

    This early financial success is being positioned by the administration as a validation of its policy to fund and promote homegrown talent and cultural exports. The PM’s commentary suggests that such initiatives are not merely cultural exercises but are viewed as viable economic projects capable of contributing to the nation’s revenue streams. The positive initial returns will likely be used to advocate for continued or expanded funding for similar programs in the future.

  • New Party: Reform Barbados enters political arena

    New Party: Reform Barbados enters political arena

    Barbados’ political arena witnesses a significant development with the establishment of Reform Barbados, a new political entity aiming to disrupt the longstanding dominance of the two major parties. Founded by Steve Prescott, a British-Barbadian employment rights attorney, the party positions itself as a viable alternative to the ruling Barbados Labour Party (BLP) and opposition Democratic Labour Party (DLP).

    Prescott, who holds Barbadian citizenship, revealed his strategy to contest all 30 parliamentary seats in upcoming elections, potentially running solo initially if necessary. While his specific constituency remains undecided, he indicated a likely candidacy in Christ Church’s Parish Land area, his late father’s former residence before emigrating to the UK in the 1960s.

    The party leader demonstrates unwavering confidence despite historical challenges faced by third parties in Barbadian politics. “I will face that by having a message and real policy change that Barbadians have been crying out for,” Prescott stated in an exclusive interview with Barbados TODAY. He attributes previous third-party failures to inadequate messaging and lack of longevity rather than voter receptiveness.

    Reform Barbados distinguishes itself through methodical policy development. Prescott emphasized that all proposed policies, developed over two years, will undergo rigorous economic validation before implementation. “Policy execution is the big number one,” he contended. “You can have all the ideas in the world, and if you don’t know how to execute properly, you’re not going to make any change.”

    The party’s formation stems from Prescott’s profound concern about Barbados’ socioeconomic stagnation. After examining the island’s development since independence and observing minimal progress in living standards and infrastructure over four decades, he concluded that “as a country, we need to do better.” This conviction inspired the party’s dual slogan: “We’ve got to do better at being better… we’ve got to be better at doing better.”

    Symbolism plays a crucial role in the party’s identity, with its logo featuring a broken trident above a crown—a design inspired by stained-glass artwork created by Prescott’s father in a UK church. While already engaging voters through social media and personal interactions, Reform Barbados plans official public launch events alongside the publication of its economically-vetted manifesto in the near future.

  • WATCH: PM Says One Nation Concert Generated Millions in Economic Activity

    WATCH: PM Says One Nation Concert Generated Millions in Economic Activity

    The Prime Minister has publicly celebrated the substantial economic impact generated by the recent ‘One Nation’ concert, citing figures that reach into the millions. In a public address, the nation’s leader highlighted the event as a significant catalyst for local commerce, underscoring its role in stimulating widespread financial activity across multiple sectors.

    Official estimates indicate the large-scale musical gathering provided a powerful boost to the hospitality industry, with hotels and short-term rentals experiencing near-total occupancy. Surrounding businesses, including restaurants, bars, retail stores, and transportation services, reported a dramatic surge in patronage throughout the event’s duration. This influx of attendees translated directly into elevated revenue streams for countless local enterprises and independent contractors.

    The government’s analysis frames the concert not merely as an entertainment spectacle but as a strategic economic initiative. The Prime Minister emphasized that events of this caliber are instrumental in job creation, from temporary security and logistics roles to sustained demand in vendor and service provision. The financial benefits are portrayed as a testament to the value of public-facing events in driving post-pandemic recovery and fostering national morale.

    Furthermore, the address suggested that the positive fiscal outcomes extend beyond immediate cash flow. The international media coverage and tourism draw are projected to yield long-term dividends by enhancing the nation’s profile as a premier destination for major cultural events. The administration positions this success as a model for future publicly-supported entertainment projects aimed at achieving dual cultural and economic objectives.

  • Reshaping confidence with Michelle Baptiste this Carnival season

    Reshaping confidence with Michelle Baptiste this Carnival season

    Amidst the vibrant celebrations of Caribbean Carnival season—a period characterized by rhythmic expression, cultural pride, and dazzling displays of individuality—a deeper narrative around body confidence and self-acceptance is emerging. While the festival encourages liberation and self-expression, it also amplifies unspoken pressures on women concerning body image, appearance comparisons, and societal expectations.

    Michelle Baptiste, founder of Trinidad & Tobago-based Selecfit Shapewear, offers a transformative perspective on Carnival. To her, the event symbolizes not the pursuit of perfection, but the celebration of inner strength and personal authenticity. Her rapidly growing shapewear and wellness enterprise was born from a journey marked by profound adversity, resilience, and unwavering faith.

    Baptiste’s entrepreneurial path has been anything but smooth. A single mother of three, she endured the tragic loss of both a brother and sister to cancer, faced a serious health scare leading to a hysterectomy in 2013, survived a minor heart attack at just 28, and experienced periods of homelessness. Juggling multiple management roles while attending night classes, she often made product deliveries on weekends with her children beside her. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she pursued a master’s degree while selling items from her car, dedicating nighttime hours to research and product development.

    Today, Selecfit operates several retail outlets and offers an extensive range of premium shapewear, bras, and natural slimming solutions—many designed and formulated personally by Baptiste. Yet her mission extends beyond apparel: she aims to rebuild confidence from within, providing not just products but trust, care, and personalized guidance.

    “Confidence is a woman’s most powerful accessory,” Baptiste asserts. She emphasizes that self-assurance is not vanity—it is a strategy for survival and a form of leadership.

    As Carnival unfolds across the region, Baptiste encourages women to shift their focus from outward appearance to internal well-being. “Inner strength is essential before the costume,” she notes. “When confidence stems from self-love, the celebration becomes liberating rather than burdensome.”

    Her practical advice for cultivating confidence includes prioritizing physical comfort, rejecting comparisons, nurturing a positive self-dialogue, honoring one’s unique body journey, and embracing self-acceptance as the foundation of genuine empowerment.

    Through Selecfit, Baptiste aims to redefine beauty standards for Caribbean women and establish her brand as the region’s most trusted name in wellness and shapewear. Her story stands as a powerful testament to resilience, faith, and the transformative belief that it is never too late to fall in love with oneself again.

  • Trumps grillige handelspolitiek drijft Amerikaanse bondgenoten naar China

    Trumps grillige handelspolitiek drijft Amerikaanse bondgenoten naar China

    In a significant departure from US trade policy, Canada has strategically reduced import tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles in exchange for improved market access for its agricultural exports, particularly canola. This move represents Canada’s latest effort to diversify economic partnerships amid growing concerns over the unpredictable and confrontational trade approach of the Trump administration.

    Prime Minister Mark Carney’s government announced the tariff reduction, which lowers the previous 100% duty on Chinese EVs, as part of a broader bilateral agreement with China. The arrangement includes quota limitations, capping Chinese EV imports under the reduced tariff at approximately 49,000 vehicles initially, with gradual increases to around 70,000 over a five-year period.

    The decision reflects Canada’s calculated response to what trade experts identify as increasingly volatile US trade relations under President Trump. Since taking office, Trump has overturned seven decades of US trade policy favoring freer commerce, imposing substantial tariffs on imports from virtually every trading nation while specifically targeting sectors including steel and automobiles.

    Canada has frequently been subject to Trump’s trade threats, including an October announcement of planned tariff increases on Canadian imports—retaliation for a critical advertisement from Ontario province—though these were ultimately not implemented. Existing tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum remain in effect.

    This strategic shift carries considerable political risk for Carney, potentially creating friction with the Trump administration ahead of crucial negotiations to renew the USMCA trade agreement with the United States and Mexico. The trilateral pact remains vital to Canadian economic interests, with 75% of Canadian exports destined for US markets.

    Carney has defended the arrangement by emphasizing China’s technological advantages in electric vehicle production and the necessity of international cooperation to develop a competitive Canadian EV sector. However, critics including Ontario’s premier have raised concerns about potential impacts on Canadian auto workers and warned that the agreement could provide China with excessive market influence.

    The development occurs alongside similar diversification efforts by other US trading partners. The European Union has pursued new trade agreements with Mercosur nations, while China has successfully expanded export markets across Europe and Southeast Asia—achieving a record $1.2 trillion trade surplus in 2025 despite US tariffs.

    Trump maintains that his tariff policies strengthen US treasury reserves, protect domestic industries, and attract investment. However, his application of tariffs has frequently appeared arbitrary and unpredictable, including recent threats against Brazil over its treatment of political ally Jair Bolsonaro and new tariffs targeting countries that declined to support US interests regarding Greenland.

    Canada’s economic repositioning demonstrates how Trump’s trade policies are reshaping traditional alliance dynamics, driving US partners toward strengthened economic ties with China—America’s primary economic competitor—while complicating future negotiations on critical agreements like USMCA.

  • 40e viering Wereld Religie Dag

    40e viering Wereld Religie Dag

    Suriname commemorated a significant milestone on Sunday, January 18th, celebrating the 40th anniversary of World Religion Day—four decades of sustained interreligious dialogue, cooperation, and community engagement. Organized by the Suriname World Religion Day Foundation, this year’s event embraced the theme ‘Together We Form the Whole – Wi Na Wan,’ emphasizing that every religious tradition and citizen constitutes an essential component of Surinamese society.

    The gathering took place at the Arya Dewaker Multipurpose Hall in Paramaribo, attracting representatives from diverse faith communities, non-governmental organizations, civil society groups, and government officials. Multiple speakers addressed the audience, exploring the theme from various religious perspectives with the shared objective of highlighting common values and strengthening national unity.

    World Religion Day, established in 1986, has evolved into a global initiative promoting religious harmony and mutual understanding. In Suriname—a nation renowned for its rich religious and cultural diversity—the observance holds particular significance as a symbol of peaceful coexistence amid differences.

    This 40th edition underscores the Foundation’s ongoing commitment to fostering dialogue, respect, and collaboration across religious boundaries. The organization extended an open invitation for collective reflection on the unifying values that define Suriname, further solidifying the country’s exemplary role in regional religious harmony.

  • The Punta Cana Carnival returns with two days of celebration in its 17th edition

    The Punta Cana Carnival returns with two days of celebration in its 17th edition

    Grupo Puntacana has officially unveiled plans for the seventeenth iteration of the renowned Punta Cana Carnival, scheduled to take place on February 20-21, 2026. The vibrant festivities will transform Boulevard 1ro de Noviembre in The Village Puntacana into a massive celebration of Dominican cultural heritage.

    The carnival inauguration commences on Friday, February 20th with an exclusive Carnival Gala along the parade route. This preliminary event will offer the Punta Cana community their first opportunity to witness the spectacular flagship troupes – Las Musas de Punta Cana and Los Tres Caras – accompanied by dynamic live musical performances.

    Saturday, February 21st marks the main celebration with gates opening at 2:30 PM. The grand parade will commence at 4:00 PM, showcasing an impressive assembly of over 20 professionally choreographed dance troupes and more than 1,500 national and international performers. These participants will bring Dominican folklore and cultural traditions to life through dazzling displays of color, music, and dance. Event organizers anticipate welcoming exceeding 15,000 attendees to this cultural extravaganza.

    A highlight of the carnival will be the ceremonial coronation of King or Queen Momo, an honor bestowed upon nationally prominent figures whose exemplary work inspires Dominican society. The selection remains carefully guarded until the event, creating significant anticipation among participants. The 2025 edition saw two-time Olympic champion and world athletics champion Félix Sánchez receive this distinguished recognition.

    The carnival maintains its tradition of honoring Dominican excellence, with previous recipients including fashion icon Oscar de La Renta, merengue superstar Eddy Herrera, endurance swimmer Marcos Díaz, jazz virtuoso Michel Camilo, conductor José Antonio Molina, cultural advocate Freddy Ginebra, baseball legend George Bell, and the first Queen Momo, merengue royalty Milly Quezada.

    Admission to the Punta Cana Carnival remains free to the general public, with optional ticket purchases available through digital platforms for enhanced access. The 2026 event will feature diverse culinary offerings through food trucks, dedicated family-friendly entertainment zones, and specially designed children’s activities available near the Grupo Puntacana corporate building starting at 3:00 PM on Saturday.

    Demonstrating environmental leadership, the carnival continues its sustainability initiatives through comprehensive waste management systems featuring recycling stations, implementation of reusable servingware, and utilization of biodegradable materials throughout the event grounds.