The Guyana government has reignited efforts to develop the long-stalled Amaila Falls Hydropower Project, four years after negotiations with a Chinese company collapsed due to financing disagreements. This time, the government has excluded the construction of transmission lines from its Request for Proposals (RFP), focusing solely on the hydropower plant’s development. The project, which includes a 165 MW hydro dam, a 23-square-kilometer storage reservoir, and related infrastructure, is now being pursued under a Build-Own-Operate-Transfer (BOOT) model. The Prime Minister’s Office has set February 17, 2026, as the deadline for submissions, emphasizing that only firms with extensive experience in large-scale hydro projects will be considered. Interested companies must demonstrate prior Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) expertise and provide detailed financial and technical documentation. The government will evaluate proposals based on the lowest Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) price, operational costs, and financing capabilities. This renewed effort follows the 2021 collapse of negotiations with China Railway First Group, which had placed the project on hold. The latest RFP also allows for potential upgrades to turbine technology, enabling the plant to generate more than 165 MW. Independent supervision will ensure compliance with design and construction standards. The project, initially proposed in 2015, aims to reduce Guyana’s reliance on fossil fuels and has been endorsed by Norwegian experts as a sustainable energy solution.
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Call for PM’s Action to Aid Youth Juggling Work and School
The Antigua Newsroom has been alerted to a pressing issue affecting numerous young adults in the country who are striving to enhance their lives through education while simultaneously seeking meaningful employment. Despite holding an associate’s degree and currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree, one individual has shared their struggle to secure a job due to employers’ stringent requirements for completed degrees or prior experience. This dilemma forces young adults to choose between pausing their education to work or sacrificing financial stability to continue their studies. The financial and mental strain of managing expenses independently has significantly impacted their well-being. The individual has called on the Prime Minister’s office to implement policies or programs that support young adults in this predicament, such as internships, apprenticeships, flexible work-study arrangements, or incentives for employers to hire young learners. These initiatives could provide crucial support and opportunities for young adults eager to contribute to the workforce while completing their education.
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Venezuela veroordeelt ‘militaire provocatie’ door CIA en Trinidad; waarschuwing voor escalatie
The arrival of the USS Gravely in Port of Spain on Sunday for a joint military exercise with Trinidad has sparked intense criticism from the Venezuelan government, which labeled the move as a ‘military provocation’ orchestrated by the CIA in collaboration with Trinidad and Tobago. Caracas alleges that these activities aim to destabilize Venezuela, particularly near the disputed Essequibo region, and represent an act of ‘imperial interference.’ This accusation has raised international concerns, with Barbados Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley expressing alarm over escalating military tensions in the Caribbean. Mottley emphasized the need to avoid geopolitical power struggles in the region and called for immediate diplomatic coordination within the Caribbean Community (Caricom).
Surinamese President Jennifer Simons echoed these sentiments during a recent press conference, reiterating that South America and the Caribbean must remain a war-free zone. Simons highlighted Suriname’s commitment to peaceful dialogue, multilateral cooperation, and adherence to international law, warning that military escalation is never a viable solution. The heightened tensions surrounding Venezuela, coupled with the long-standing territorial dispute with Guyana and the growing geopolitical presence of major powers in the region, have prompted Caribbean leaders to advocate for urgent diplomatic discussions. They are urging a unified Caricom approach focused on peace, security, and regional stability.
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Dominicans in Jamaica brace for Hurricane Melissa
Jamaica is on high alert as Hurricane Melissa, now a Category 5 storm, threatens to unleash catastrophic damage on the island. The storm’s approach has sparked widespread concern, particularly among the Dominican community residing in Jamaica, as reported by Listín Diario. Evelyn Abreu, a Dominican journalist based in Kingston for seven years, highlighted the palpable anxiety among residents. She emphasized Jamaica’s vulnerability due to its fragile soil and compact size, which heighten the risks of severe flooding, landslides, and structural damage. The U.S. National Hurricane Center has warned of relentless heavy rains and powerful winds, exacerbating fears of widespread destruction. In preparation, supermarkets across the island have witnessed frantic panic buying, with essential items like bread, meat, and sausages rapidly disappearing from shelves. Residents are stockpiling canned goods and water, while many are fortifying their homes with wood and tape to shield windows and doors. Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston has suspended operations, leaving numerous tourists stranded. Prime Minister Andrew Holness has mobilized the government to ensure maximum preparedness, halting construction projects and clearing debris to mitigate risks. Schools remain closed indefinitely as the storm continues to batter the island with torrential rains and turbulent seas. Forecasters predict conditions will deteriorate further as Melissa edges closer, leaving Jamaica bracing for the worst.
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In the face of a hurricane threat, protecting the population is paramount
In response to the imminent threat posed by Hurricane Melissa, Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez has issued urgent directives to safeguard the population and minimize potential damage. During an extended meeting of the National Defense Council (CDN), Díaz-Canel emphasized the critical need for timely evacuations, particularly for residents in flood-prone areas, downstream from dams, and other high-risk zones. The meeting, conducted via videoconference, included officials from provinces on alert, such as Guantánamo, Santiago de Cuba, Granma, Holguín, Las Tunas, Camagüey, Ciego de Ávila, and Sancti Spíritus.
Díaz-Canel highlighted the importance of protecting vulnerable groups, including elderly individuals living alone, and ensuring the safety of personal property and pets. He also stressed the necessity of maintaining a steady flow of information to the public to prevent reckless behavior. The president called for comprehensive measures to secure material resources, livestock, agricultural products, and boats, while prioritizing food processing and evacuation centers. Additionally, he instructed authorities to prepare for the recovery phase, focusing on restoring essential services such as electricity, water supply, and sanitation.
Dr. Celso Pazos Alberdi, Director General of the Institute of Meteorology, provided an update on Hurricane Melissa, predicting its landfall in eastern Cuba as a high-intensity hurricane. The storm is expected to bring significant rainfall, with accumulations of 200 to 400 millimeters in 34 to 48 hours, and coastal flooding due to sea surges. Major General Ramón Pardo Guerra, head of the National Civil Defense Staff, reported on ongoing evacuations, including tourists in Guantánamo, Santiago de Cuba, and Holguín, due to flood risks.
Provincial leaders detailed their preparedness efforts. In Granma, 110,000 people, including 470 pregnant women, are being protected in evacuation centers or with family and friends. Santiago de Cuba has plans to safeguard 258,573 residents, with dams ready to release water and attention given to the coffee harvest. Holguín has 151 evacuation centers ready for 305,530 people, while Guantánamo is preparing to evacuate 140,000 residents. Similar measures are underway in Las Tunas, where 113 protection centers are available.
In his concluding remarks, Díaz-Canel commended the provinces for their responsible and knowledgeable approach to the crisis. He expressed confidence in the resilience of the Cuban people, assuring that with collective effort, the nation will overcome the challenges posed by Hurricane Melissa.
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Arajet launches Punta Cana–Orlando Sanford route
Arajet, a prominent airline, has officially launched its new international route linking Punta Cana International Airport in the Dominican Republic and Orlando Sanford International Airport in Florida. This development positions Arajet as the sole carrier currently offering international flights from the U.S. terminal. The route will operate three times weekly—on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Sundays—providing seamless connectivity between Central Florida and key Latin American cities such as Buenos Aires, São Paulo, Santiago de Chile, Mexico City, Córdoba, and Lima. The inaugural ceremony was attended by Dominican Consul General in Orlando Domingo Rosario and Orlando Sanford Airport President Nicole Martz, both of whom lauded the initiative. They emphasized its significance in fostering stronger bilateral ties between the Dominican Republic and Florida and in revitalizing international operations at the airport. This strategic move is expected to enhance travel convenience and boost tourism and economic exchanges between the regions.
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Column: Harmonie en verbondenheid in een wereld vol tegenspoed
In the heart of Beijing, Indra Toelsie experiences a whirlwind of emotions as she encounters people from all corners of the globe. Their stories offer profound insights into their lives, struggles, and aspirations. Among them, Sumudu from Sri Lanka stands out, forging a bond so strong it feels transcendent, as if their connection spans lifetimes. Now back in his homeland, Sumudu’s uncertain future in a country plagued by terrorism and instability evokes deep emotions in Indra. His poignant words, ‘Where there is a meeting, there is a separation,’ resonate painfully, yet they have vowed to reunite, whether in their homelands or through programs like the China International Press Communication Center 2025 Program. Amidst this heaviness, Indra finds hope in the children of diplomats playing together, oblivious to borders and conflicts. Their innocence symbolizes the possibility of unity beyond differences. Indra reflects on her homeland, Suriname, urging its multicultural society to embrace harmony and collective progress. Her experiences in Beijing reaffirm her belief in the power of human connection and compassion, reminding her that harmony is not a utopia but a choice rooted in shared humanity.
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News : Zapping…
In a significant development for regional connectivity, Flytosky JSC has announced the launch of a direct charter flight route between Cap-Haïtien, Haiti, and Cancún, Mexico, starting November 15, 2025. This route, exclusively for individuals holding a valid Mexican visa or residency card, aims to streamline travel between the two destinations, eliminating administrative hurdles. Meanwhile, the southern city of Les Cayes faces devastation following torrential rains from Category 5 Hurricane Melissa, which triggered severe flooding, landslides, and the destruction of critical infrastructure, leaving neighborhoods like La Savane and Bergeaud isolated. In diplomatic news, the Consul of El Salvador in Haiti, Johny Antoine Handal, passed away on October 25, 2025. His death was mourned by El Salvador’s Vice-President, Félix Ulloa Jr., who expressed heartfelt condolences to Handal’s family. On the political front, uncertainty looms as the Presidential Transitional Council’s (CPT) mandate nears its end in February 2026, prompting the Caricom Group of Eminent Persons to seek clarity from stakeholders. In a positive social initiative, the National Ambulance Center (CAN) launched an awareness campaign for the emergency number 116, engaging children at Casa Bambini Kindergarten in Puits Blain 24 through music and dance. Additionally, the Economic and Social Assistance Fund (FAES) distributed 4,700 hot meals to displaced families and vulnerable individuals at the Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) site in Delmas, underscoring ongoing humanitarian efforts.
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Ozama River floating bridge reopens after cleanup following Hurricane Melissa
The Ministry of Public Works and Communications (MOPC) in Santo Domingo has officially reopened the floating bridge over the Ozama River to vehicular traffic. The reopening follows extensive cleanup operations that removed lilacs and other debris deposited on the bridge by recent heavy rains. MOPC crews worked tirelessly to ensure the bridge was safe for public use, restoring smooth passage between Santo Domingo Este and the National District. The bridge had been temporarily closed as a precautionary measure during Hurricane Melissa. In a statement, the ministry expressed gratitude to citizens for their patience and reiterated its dedication to maintaining and safeguarding the nation’s critical infrastructure.
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Celebrity Xcel to arrive in Puerto Plata at year’s end
Santo Domingo – Celebrity Cruises has officially welcomed its newest vessel, the Celebrity Xcel, at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France. The ship is scheduled to commence operations in November 2024, offering seven innovative onboard spaces and a series of seven-night inaugural voyages from Fort Lauderdale. These itineraries will alternate between destinations such as the Bahamas, Mexico, the Cayman Islands, and Caribbean hotspots including Puerto Plata, St. Thomas, and St. Maarten. In a strategic expansion, the Celebrity Xcel will make its European debut in summer 2026, featuring seven- to 11-night Mediterranean cruises departing from Barcelona and Athens. These voyages will introduce new overnight stays in Madeira, Portugal, enhancing the travel experience. Jason Liberty, President and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group, hailed the Celebrity Xcel as a transformative milestone in premium travel, emphasizing the Edge Series’ cutting-edge design and unparalleled onboard offerings. Laura Hodges Bethge, President of Celebrity Cruises, highlighted the ship’s guest-centric development through the Xcel Dream Makers program, ensuring a tailored and exceptional experience for global travelers.