Suriname’s Directorate of Welfare and Labor celebrated the distinguished career of Director Jimmy Belfor on Friday as he concluded his 33-year tenure in public service with an official retirement ceremony. Belfor’s extensive governmental career began in 1993 when he joined as a legal affairs officer before ascending to Undersecretary for Legal and International Affairs three years later—a position he maintained for nearly two decades. His subsequent thirteen-year leadership as director saw him guide numerous policy initiatives affecting labor relations and social welfare programs. Beyond his departmental responsibilities, Belfor chaired the Dismissal Committee for over thirty years and contributed significantly to the Labor Advisory Council. His international representation included multiple appearances at the International Labor Conference in Geneva and other global forums where he advocated for Suriname’s interests. Ministerial officials from the Health, Welfare, and Labor portfolio expressed profound gratitude during the farewell gathering, highlighting Belfor’s dedicated service and strategic leadership that shaped the nation’s labor policies and social protection frameworks.
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ECCB Suspends DCash 2.0 Development to Prioritize Regional Payments Systems
In a strategic pivot toward enhanced financial integration, the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) has officially suspended development of its DCash 2.0 digital currency initiative. The decision was ratified during the 112th meeting of the Monetary Council held on February 13 at the ECCB headquarters in St. Kitts and Nevis.
The Council’s communique revealed that resources will be reallocated to accelerate the implementation of a regional fast payment system and active participation in the CARICOM Payments and Settlement Systems (CAPSS) pilot program. This shift signifies a fundamental recalibration of the bank’s digital transformation strategy, moving from a central bank digital currency (CBDC) focus toward real-time payment infrastructure modernization.
ECCB’s DCash, launched as a digital iteration of the Eastern Caribbean dollar, initially aimed to revolutionize payment systems and promote financial inclusion across member states. The suspension of its next development phase suggests officials are prioritizing immediate payment efficiency over CBDC expansion.
Notably, the announcement during the media briefing lacked detailed elaboration, and no journalists pressed for additional information regarding the suspension. The meeting was chaired virtually by Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne, underscoring the regional cooperation aspect of these financial system enhancements.
This strategic realignment positions the ECCB at the forefront of regional financial innovation, potentially creating a more interconnected economic landscape for Eastern Caribbean states through cutting-edge payment solutions.
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COMMENTARY: Koudmen, Institutions, and the architecture of dignity – A reflection on Dominica’s civic inheritance and our present reckoning
In a powerful testament to Dominica’s cultural heritage, Dr. Irving Pascal emerges as a quintessential Nature Islander—a distinction transcending mere citizenship through birth or passport acquisition. This concept, deeply rooted in the island’s consciousness, represents a cultural fortress born from freedom struggles and commitment to Koudmen, the collaborative ethic preserving nature’s bounty for future generations.
The philosophical foundation of Nature Island identity originates from 1970s Zion at the Dominica Government Stock Farm, where naturalist awakening germinated amidst independence movements and Rastafarian philosophy. This environment nurtured profound connections to the land through luxuriant soursop, glory cedar, mango trees, and sustainable agricultural practices that sustained herds of Holstein and Zebu cattle.
Koudmen represents an organic social technology dating to pre-emancipation eras when enslaved Africans forged systems of collective labor, shared food, and mutual risk management. This dignity-in-action philosophy evolved from Maroon communities’ resistance to contemporary community building, creating economies of belonging rather than extraction. Seaside villages like St. Joseph maintained collaborative rhythms where dawn fires belonged to everyone, slaughtered pigs were communally smoked, and fishing required collective participation rewarded through distribution networks built on trust.
This cooperative ethic extended into formal institutions including the Roseau Credit Union, where annual meetings transformed into exercises in grassroots democracy and financial literacy. Children absorbed lessons in collective responsibility while enjoying refreshments that demonstrated local agricultural abundance—L. Rose Lime Juice Cordial, carefully crafted lime squash with brown sugar and Angostura Bitters, and freshly prepared grapefruit drink served by gracious community members.
Dominica’s industrial past featured local bottling factories for Ju-C, Coca-Cola, and 7-Up, while educational institutions like Dominica Grammar School and St. Mary’s Academy fostered collective thought through student publications. The Dominica Botanic Gardens served as both practical agricultural resource and conservation educator, enabling food security through export networks maintained by formidable market women trading with neighboring islands.
Today, this inheritance faces existential threats. Environmental advocates including Nasio Fontaine, Athie Martin, and Dr. Pascal himself confront ecological destruction at Deux Branches and across the island. The Koudmen conservation ethic—conserving land that feeds and water that slakes thirst—is being undermined by passport-selling schemes, foreign money laundering, and negligent governance.
International sanctions reflect this deterioration: the UK removed visa-free access in July 2023, the White House imposed travel sanctions in December 2025, and Norway implemented strict vetting for Dominican passport holders. These developments mark a tragic departure from the values that once made Dominicans recognized across the Caribbean as honorable and trustworthy.
The passing of elders like Alberta Christian (1929-2025) underscores the urgency for the “blessed remnant” who experienced authentic Nature Islander culture to defend against this tyranny of ruin. The challenge remains to preserve Koudmen’s legacy against profit extraction, agricultural neglect, and hollowed-out industries that threaten to transform Dominica into another Dubai rather than protecting its unique ecological and cultural heritage.
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Alumni Association Donates $1,000 to Support SJA Sports Day
In a demonstration of enduring institutional support, the Alumni Association of St. Jude’s Academy (SJA) has made a significant financial contribution to its alma mater. A donation of $1,000 was formally presented to School Principal Rudolph Davis this Wednesday to underwrite the costs of the institution’s forthcoming annual Sports Day and associated extracurricular activities.
The ceremonial handover was conducted by Lenworth Johnson, who serves as the Secretary for the Alumni Association. Mr. Johnson presented the cheque on behalf of the extensive network of past students, reaffirming the group’s unwavering commitment to the school’s development and student welfare. The funds are strategically allocated to alleviate the operational and logistical expenditures involved in orchestrating the high-profile Sports Day, a cornerstone event renowned for fostering school spirit and athletic talent among the student body.
Principal Rudolph Davis received the donation with profound gratitude, publicly acknowledging the Alumni Association’s persistent fundraising initiatives and its role as a steadfast partner in the school’s progress. He emphasized the critical impact such generosity has on enhancing the quality of student life and enabling the continuation of cherished annual traditions.
In his address, Secretary Johnson articulated the alumni’s profound sense of duty and gratitude, stating the association is dedicated to reciprocating the foundational education and values instilled by the school. The contribution symbolizes a pledge of continued, active support from the graduate community, ensuring the institution remains a vibrant center for learning and holistic development for future generations.
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Dood Navalny veroorzaakt door gif van pijlgifkikkers
Five European nations have jointly declared Russia responsible for the poisoning death of Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny, presenting what they describe as conclusive scientific evidence. The coordinated statement from Britain, France, Germany, Sweden, and Netherlands confirms that analysis of bodily samples from Navalny’s remains definitively identified epibatidine—a potent toxin derived from South American poison dart frogs that does not naturally occur in Russia.
The announcement comes precisely two years after Navalny’s controversial death in an Arctic penal colony where he was serving sentences on extremism charges that he consistently denied. European officials stated that Moscow possessed “the means, motive, and opportunity” to administer the lethal substance given that Navalny died under state custody.
British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper emphasized that UK scientists collaborated with European partners to uncover the truth, though officials declined to specify how the bodily samples were obtained or where testing occurred. The findings align with previous patterns of Russian chemical weapons use, including the 2018 Novichok attack on former double agent Sergei Skripal in Britain, which a public inquiry concluded was ordered by President Vladimir Putin.
The revelation emerged during the Munich Security Conference, where Navalny’s widow Yulia Navalnaya addressed attendees virtually, expressing gratitude for the multinational investigation. “I was certain from day one that my husband was poisoned, but now we have evidence,” she stated via social media, calling for accountability from Russian leadership.
European capitals witnessed memorial gatherings and protests following the announcement, with demonstrators in London, Berlin, Vilnius, and Rome condemning the Kremlin and demanding justice. The joint statement emphasized that Russia’s actions violate both the Chemical Weapons Convention and Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention, underscoring the urgent need for international accountability mechanisms.
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Drainage and Road Works Underway in Paynters West, Senator Freeland Says
Residents of Paynters West are witnessing significant infrastructural enhancements as local authorities launch a multi-phase community development initiative. According to Senator Michael Freeland, ongoing operations currently focus on drainage system improvements, extensive bush clearance, and community beautification efforts.
The project, characterized as a critical component of broader community development strategies, will progress to comprehensive road rehabilitation in subsequent phases. Senator Freeland emphasized that maintaining community cleanliness and upgrading essential infrastructure represent fundamental priorities for the area’s development.
“We are actively engaged in drainage, bush clearing, and beautification work throughout Paynters West,” Freeland stated. “These efforts will persist throughout the coming weeks, with road improvement projects scheduled to follow this initial phase.”
The senator publicly acknowledged residents for their demonstrated patience and cooperation during construction periods. Additionally, recognition was extended to Honorable Maria Browne and the Ministry of Works team for their instrumental role in facilitating the project’s implementation.
This infrastructural overhaul forms part of sustained endeavors to enhance living conditions and environmental quality within the community. Officials anticipate the project will continue developing over the coming weeks, contributing to long-term improvements in both functionality and aesthetics throughout Paynters West.
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Opposition MPs Submit Bills Targeting Public Works, Health and Social Security Oversight
In a significant parliamentary maneuver, Opposition Leader Jamale Pringle and MP Sherfield Bowen have introduced three Private Members’ Bills, marking a concerted effort to enhance governmental accountability. The submissions represent a direct challenge to the current administration’s oversight mechanisms.
Pringle, representing All Saints East and St. Luke, put forward two substantive motions. The first advocates for the creation of a Public Works and National Housing Joint Select Committee, while the second calls for establishing a Public Health and Social Transformation Joint Select Committee. These initiatives stem from concerning findings within recent budget estimates, where the Ministry of Public Works reported persistent procurement issues, road rehabilitation challenges, and government building maintenance deficiencies—particularly troubling in the aftermath of the ‘vehicle-gate’ controversy. Simultaneously, the Ministry of Health highlighted critical funding shortfalls, inadequate backup power systems at medical facilities, and insufficient basic medical equipment.
Pringle emphasized Parliament’s constitutional role in executive oversight, stating, ‘Parliamentarians cannot remain passive while cabinet ministers boast of surplus funds when essential ministries operate in dire conditions. Our proposals aim to address root causes through enhanced transparency and accountability.’
Concurrently, MP Bowen (St. Phillip South) submitted legislation requiring the Finance Minister to disclose all audited financial statements, actuarial reports, and investment statements for the Social Security Fund—documents Prime Minister Gaston Browne has acknowledged possessing. Bowen cited clear violations of Sections 17 and 18 of the Social Security Act 1972, questioning how informed parliamentary decisions can occur without these critical documents.
This legislative action follows the recent precedent set by MP Trevor Walker’s Private Member’s Bill regarding the Oath of Allegiance, which was initially rejected by government but later adopted and credited to the Attorney-General. As defined by Standing Order 30(3), these bills enable non-ministerial parliamentarians to propose legislation directly.
Pringle concluded by affirming the opposition’s commitment to democratic principles: ‘Parliament must transcend debate to actively legislate, oversee, and serve public interest. Further Private Members’ Bills will be forthcoming in subsequent sessions.’
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Antiguan Sailor Louis Sinclair Injured in High-Speed SailGP Crash in Auckland
The ITM New Zealand Sail Grand Prix in Auckland experienced a dramatic halt to competition on Saturday following a severe high-speed collision between two F50 catamarans that resulted in significant injuries to Antiguan sailor Louis Sinclair. The incident occurred during the third race of the event in challenging gusty conditions off the Auckland coastline.
Sinclair, serving as grinder for the New Zealand Black Foils team, sustained compound fractures to both legs when the French DS Automobiles SailGP Team vessel collided with the New Zealand boat. The accident unfolded moments after the race start when the Black Foils catamaran, skippered by Peter Burling, experienced apparent rudder failure on the initial reaching leg. The vessel skidded sideways before spinning into the wind and stopping broadside directly in the path of the approaching French team.
Despite evasive maneuvers attempted by French skipper Quentin Delapierre, the port hull of the French F50 struck the starboard hull and cockpit area of the stationary New Zealand boat with substantial force. The impact threw Sinclair across the cockpit, resulting in his serious injuries.
Emergency medical personnel responded immediately to the incident, with Sinclair transported to a local hospital where he was reported in stable condition while receiving treatment for his injuries. French sailor Manon Audinet was also taken to medical facilities for examination and observation, with reports indicating she remained in stable condition.
SailGP officials made the decision to abandon all remaining racing for the day following thorough assessment of the incident and injuries. The organization released statements confirming all sailors had been accounted for and expressing gratitude for the rapid medical response. An investigation into the precise causes of the collision is underway, with particular attention to the challenging wind conditions and technical factors that may have contributed to the incident.
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Body of missing teen found on the seabed in the vicinity of Long Bay Beach
Authorities in Antigua and Barbuda are conducting a comprehensive investigation into the tragic drowning incident that claimed the life of 19-year-old Zakeem Nicholas from Seatons. The unfortunate event unfolded during a recreational diving expedition on Friday, February 13, 2026, when Nicholas and an accompanying individual ventured into coastal waters aboard a private vessel.
According to preliminary reports from the Royal Police Force, both individuals entered the ocean waters near Seaton’s Dock for diving activities. During the excursion, Nicholas encountered significant difficulties with his fishing apparatus and was last observed attempting to swim back to the safety of their boat. When his companion returned to the vessel, Nicholas had vanished from sight, prompting immediate but unsuccessful search attempts.
The Antigua and Barbuda Coast Guard was promptly alerted and launched an extensive maritime search operation involving multiple rescue vessels and specialized personnel. Despite thorough search efforts throughout Friday afternoon, the operation was temporarily suspended at 5:30 p.m. without locating the missing teenager.
Search and recovery missions resumed at 8:05 a.m. on Saturday, February 14, culminating in the tragic discovery of Nicholas’s body at 10:09 a.m. on the seabed near Long Bay Beach. Medical personnel officially pronounced the young man deceased at 10:39 a.m.
The Police Administration has expressed profound condolences to Nicholas’s family and loved ones while extending gratitude to the Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force Coast Guard and all civilian participants who assisted in the recovery operation. Investigators continue to examine the circumstances surrounding this devastating incident to determine potential contributing factors and prevent future tragedies.
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Kings Casino Donates Bathroom Fixtures for HAPI Five Islands Housing Project
A major housing rehabilitation initiative in Five Islands has received substantial corporate backing, with Kings Casino committing to provide all bathroom fixtures and supplies required for a complex project supporting an extended family of over 25 members.
The Adopt-a-Family Programme (HAPI), which facilitates housing solutions for vulnerable families across Antigua and Barbuda, announced the partnership following productive discussions with casino management. During negotiations, HAPI representative Johann Small emphasized the critical need for multiple functional bathrooms to accommodate the substantial household.
“Adequate sanitation facilities transcend basic necessity—they represent dignity, privacy, and practical functionality for each family member,” Small stated, highlighting the humanitarian aspect of the project.
Kings Casino demonstrated exceptional corporate citizenship by agreeing to cover all bathroom-related materials without cost limitations, significantly advancing one of HAPI’s most ambitious undertakings to date.
The Five Islands project operates within a broader collaborative framework involving government agencies, corporate sponsors, and an innovative rehabilitation program at His Majesty’s Prison. Inmates participating in the initiative are acquiring valuable construction skills while contributing meaningfully to community development.
HAPI acknowledged several key supporters including Prime Minister Gaston Browne, Minister Rawdon Turner, and Mary Baltimore for their sustained commitment to improving housing conditions throughout Antigua and Barbuda. The organization anticipates providing further updates as the transformative project advances toward completion.