Despite the Guyanese government’s efforts to expand rice markets in regions like Mexico and Saudi Arabia, the Ministry of Finance’s mid-year economic report reveals a significant decline in international rice prices, far below initial projections. The report, presented to the National Assembly, indicates that rice prices are expected to average US$406 per metric tonne in 2025, marking a 31% year-on-year decrease and falling short of the US$530 per metric tonne forecasted during the 2025 National Budget preparation. This downturn is attributed to increased global production and unlocked inventories in major exporting countries such as India, compounded by a new harvest in Vietnam. Despite the price slump, Guyana’s rice production target for 2025 remains steady at 804,000 tonnes, with a growth target of 12.4%. The government continues to support farmers through initiatives like fertiliser and pesticide subsidies, alongside innovative pest control methods. Additionally, efforts to secure higher paddy prices for millers are ongoing, with some already paying GY$2,500 per bag. The Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) reported a production of 410,194 tonnes of rice equivalent in the first half of 2025, a significant increase from 362,030 tonnes in the same period last year. Favourable weather conditions have also contributed to a yield of 6.6 tonnes per hectare for the first crop of 2025. The government’s comprehensive support, including the release of biocontrol predators and ongoing research on rice insect pest management, underscores its commitment to sustaining the rice industry amidst global market challenges.
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Education minister pledges ‘aggressive’ literacy drive
The Ministry of Educational Transformation in Barbados has unveiled a groundbreaking literacy initiative, Project SOAR (Strengthen Our Ability to Read), aimed at transforming the nation’s future by enhancing reading skills among both children and adults. Minister Chad Blackman, speaking at the launch of Literacy Week at St Giles Primary School, emphasized that literacy must become the country’s ‘superpower’ in the absence of traditional resources like military strength or vast natural reserves. ‘Our strength lies in our ability to lead in thought and influence global decisions,’ he declared. The campaign, set to roll out aggressively in the coming weeks, will focus on ensuring every child can read by age seven while also addressing adult literacy challenges. Blackman highlighted the collaborative nature of the initiative, involving government, private sector partners, and NGOs. He urged parents to actively support the program, stressing that literacy is essential for children to thrive in a globalized world. The minister also linked poor literacy to societal issues, such as youth frustration, and called for a nationwide effort to achieve full literacy. Project SOAR will utilize community centers, schools, and online platforms to make literacy accessible to all, marking a transformative step in Barbados’ development.
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Discipline is the guarantee of success
In the wake of Hurricane Melissa, Cuba has launched a comprehensive recovery initiative, spearheaded by the President of the National Defense Council, Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez. The recent high-level meeting, attended by key government figures including Vice President Salvador Valdés Mesa and Army Corps General Álvaro López Miera, focused on assessing and accelerating the restoration of essential services across the hardest-hit eastern regions. Significant progress has been reported in the restoration of electricity, with Las Tunas achieving 94.5% recovery, while efforts in Holguín, Granma, and Guantánamo are ongoing. Santiago de Cuba is poised for a substantial recovery once the Felton thermoelectric plant becomes operational. The meeting also highlighted the receipt of international and domestic donations, including vital supplies like food, medicine, and construction materials, which are being systematically distributed to affected areas. Additionally, the restoration of drinking water services has seen notable advancements, with Las Tunas fully restored and other regions making steady progress. The construction sector is actively addressing housing damages, with innovative solutions like container-based housing being explored. Educational facilities, many of which served as shelters, are also being repaired. The government’s coordinated response, supported by the Revolutionary Armed Forces and local authorities, underscores a unified effort to mitigate the hurricane’s impact and expedite recovery. Lessons from this crisis are being meticulously analyzed to enhance future disaster preparedness and response strategies.
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Portvale workers down tools over colleague’s dismissal
A dispute over unfair dismissal and union representation has sparked a walkout at Portvale Sugar Factory in Barbados. Over a dozen workers staged a protest on Monday, standing in solidarity with a colleague who was dismissed on Friday following a verbal altercation with a junior manager. The incident reportedly began when the employee parked his vehicle inside the factory compound, a violation of company rules, to protect it from grass clippings during maintenance. When instructed to move his car, the situation escalated into a heated argument, leading to his termination. Caswell Franklyn, General Secretary of the Unity Workers Union, condemned the dismissal as “unfair, unreasonable, and stupid,” alleging that the worker was not given a fair hearing. Franklyn claimed that management had already prepared the dismissal letter and termination certificate before the hearing, violating legal procedures. He also criticized the factory for refusing to recognize the Unity Workers Union as the legitimate representative of the workers, instead favoring the Barbados Workers’ Union, which reportedly has no members at the factory. Workers expressed additional grievances, including unpaid overtime during the harvest season, with some working up to 56 hours without compensation. Franklyn suggested that the dismissal may be retaliatory due to the worker’s union affiliation. The workers have vowed to continue their protest one random day a week until the matter is resolved. Management was unavailable for comment, and other employees were instructed not to speak to the media. Before leaving the compound, all workers removed their names from the attendance logs, signaling their collective dissent.
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Somohardjo: Genoeg is genoeg – misstanden bij gronduitgifte tarten elk fatsoen
In response to recent reports on Starnieuws regarding the allocation of land near the Leonsberg docking pier, Bronto Somohardjo, Chairman of the Permanent Committee on Land Policy and Forest Management (GBB) in the National Assembly, has summoned Ann Sadi, President of the Boat Owners Association, and her members for an urgent meeting. The discussion is scheduled to take place later today. Somohardjo expressed his frustration, stating, ‘The irregularities are becoming unbearable. The events of the past period defy all decency.’ He highlighted that ownership parcels have been leased, parking spaces of football clubs, public roads, and even nature reserves have been appropriated. ‘It is utterly scandalous and nauseating,’ he added. The parliamentarian emphasized that the recent allocation of the Leonsberg pier symbolizes deeper issues within the land allocation policy. ‘I meet people daily who come seeking their rights, crying and desperate. Enough is enough. The people demand action, not words,’ Somohardjo asserted. He expressed full support for President Jennifer Simons and Minister Stanley Soeropawiro in their efforts to return public facilities to the people. ‘Soft measures only worsen the problem. It’s time to correct what has gone wrong, protect the people, and confront the perpetrators,’ he stressed. Somohardjo mentioned that the Permanent Committee will consider legal steps to prevent public lands, bridges, and piers from falling into private hands without legal basis.
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BUT pushes for clear school guidance after Deacons Primary’s rodent infestation
The Barbados Union of Teachers (BUT) has called for immediate written protocols regarding the storage and disposal of outdated materials in schools following the discovery of rat bite marks on records at Deacons Primary School. This incident prompted a comprehensive inspection and cleanup effort last week. BUT Vice President Julian Pierre, responsible for occupational safety and health, joined officials from the Ministry of Educational Transformation’s Education Technical Management Unit (ETMU), the Ministry of Health, Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) representatives, and school staff to assess the situation on Monday. Pierre emphasized the urgency of addressing rodent infestations and ensuring a safe environment for students and staff. He highlighted the need for clear guidelines on record retention and disposal, stating that principals should not bear the sole responsibility for such decisions. The union also advocated for standardized procedures to handle rodent sightings, noting that janitors have previously been instructed to clean up droppings before health officials arrive, potentially compromising safety. Following the inspection, Pierre acknowledged the significant cleanup and maintenance work completed over the weekend, including sealing entry points, replacing windows and doors, and removing debris. The Ministry’s communications consultant, Gaynelle Marshall, confirmed that the school was made safe for reopening, with ongoing upgrades planned. Deacons Primary Principal Sylvia Atherley expressed satisfaction with the repairs, emphasizing the school’s commitment to health and safety. Area MP Neil Rowe also praised the efforts, noting improvements in bathrooms, windows, and plumbing. While further work is needed, all parties agreed that immediate concerns have been addressed, and classes have resumed. BUT pledged to continue monitoring the situation to ensure long-term safety.
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MINERD confirms return to classes across the country
Santo Domingo – The Ministry of Education (MINERD) in the Dominican Republic has confirmed the nationwide resumption of classes this Tuesday, following a temporary halt due to Hurricane Melissa. After thorough evaluations conducted in collaboration with emergency response agencies, authorities have deemed it safe for students and staff to return to schools in a phased and organized manner.
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WIN writes House Speaker about electing Opposition Leader
In a significant political development, the We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) party has formally requested the Speaker of the National Assembly, Manzoor Nadir, to convene a meeting for the election of the Opposition Leader. This move follows the swearing-in of WIN leader Azruddin Mohamed as a parliamentarian on Monday, November 3, 2025. Mohamed, who is currently on GY$150,000 bail pending a magistrate’s hearing regarding a U.S. extradition request for alleged wire fraud and money laundering, expressed confidence in his election as Opposition Leader. He emphasized that WIN is the primary opposition party and expects the Speaker to facilitate the process promptly. Mohamed expressed concern that the election did not occur during Monday’s parliamentary session, as he had anticipated. Historically, the Opposition Leader has not been elected at the first sitting of the National Assembly. WIN parliamentarian Tabita Sarabo-Halley confirmed that the party submitted a formal letter to the Speaker, signed by all WIN parliamentarians, urging the immediate election of the Opposition Leader in accordance with Guyana’s Constitution. Speaker Nadir acknowledged the request but indicated that formal notices would need to be issued, though the election could occur before the next parliamentary session. APNU parliamentary leader Dr. Terrence Campbell stressed the constitutional importance of the Opposition Leader’s role, expressing hope for a swift resolution. Meanwhile, Mohamed’s swearing-in ceremony was marked by a display of defiance, as he pumped his fist at the government benches, which included Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo and Attorney General Anil Nandlall. Jagdeo later made a light-hearted remark about Mohamed’s ability to use parliamentary devices while facing extradition. Mohamed also revealed plans to nominate two individuals to replace APNU-backed Election Commissioners, though he withheld their identities. The WIN leader’s arrival in a Lamborghini, allegedly imported at a reduced declared price to evade taxes, further fueled controversy. Mohamed criticized the governing People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPPC) for appointing one of its members as Deputy Speaker instead of adhering to the convention of selecting an opposition member, accusing the PPPC of seeking a ‘one-state government’ and ‘full-blown dictatorship.’ APNU’s Campbell defended their decision not to support Sarabo-Halley, citing the PPPC’s majority as insurmountable.
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News : Zapping…
Haiti is navigating a critical juncture in its political and social spheres, with significant developments in governance, justice, and humanitarian efforts. Patrick Pélissier, the Minister of Justice and Public Security, has emphasized stringent measures to ensure the integrity of the upcoming elections. A budget of 3 billion gourdes has been allocated for the 2025-2026 fiscal year to fund political parties, with a firm stance that only candidates demonstrating exemplary moral conduct will be permitted to participate. This move aims to curb the influence of illicit funds in campaign financing and restore public trust in the electoral process.
In a separate but equally pressing matter, Officer Sévère Aly, accused of raping a 16-year-old girl in police custody, has been referred to the General Inspectorate of the Haitian National Police (IGPNH) for an administrative hearing. Following the hearing, he was transferred to the Central Directorate of the Judicial Police (DCPJ), marking the transition from an administrative investigation to a formal judicial inquiry. This case underscores the ongoing challenges in ensuring accountability within law enforcement.
Amidst these developments, the European Union has released €2 million in humanitarian aid to support communities affected by Haiti’s escalating gang violence. The funds will be directed toward providing food aid and assistance to displaced persons, addressing the urgent needs of those forced to flee their homes due to the crisis.
On the diplomatic front, Anthony Dessources, Haiti’s Ambassador to Canada, met with students from the University of Ottawa Student Club (CEHUO) on October 30, 2025. The meeting highlighted the club’s efforts to promote Haitian values and support Haitian students at the university. Ambassador Dessources expressed his commitment to fostering stronger ties between the Haitian diplomatic mission and student organizations in Canada.
In a significant humanitarian initiative, the FAES distributed 15,000 hot meals to internally displaced persons in Port-au-Prince and Pétion-Ville on November 1, 2025, as part of its Kantin Mobil (KM) program. The meals were distributed across multiple locations, reaffirming FAES’s dedication to supporting vulnerable populations with dignity and consistency.
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Abinader announces humanitarian aid for Jamaica, Cuba and Haiti
In a significant humanitarian effort, the Dominican Republic has initiated aid deliveries to Caribbean nations severely affected by Hurricane Melissa. President Luis Abinader revealed the details during his weekly program, *LA Semanal con la Prensa*, on Monday. The first consignment of aid has already reached Jamaica via air transport, with additional supplies en route by sea. The president also confirmed plans to extend assistance to Cuba and Haiti, with coordination efforts currently in progress. The Ministry of Defense, spearheading the operation, is set to release a comprehensive report by Thursday, detailing the types and quantities of aid dispatched. Abinader emphasized the government’s commitment to supporting neighboring countries during this crisis. Additionally, the Dominican Embassy in Jamaica is actively monitoring the situation of approximately 2,200 Dominican nationals residing there, many of whom are employed in tourism and construction sectors. In collaboration with the airline Arajet, the government is facilitating the repatriation of those seeking to return home, although the exact number of returnees remains undetermined.