In a shocking turn of events, over four kilograms of raw gold, valued at more than $400,000, have mysteriously vanished from the vault of state-owned mining company Grassalco N.V. The gold was discovered to have been replaced with counterfeit replicas, raising suspicions of an inside job. The discovery was made on October 13, but the incident was only officially reported to the Livorno police station on Friday. Investigators found no signs of forced entry, suggesting the theft was orchestrated internally. The counterfeit gold was systematically placed in the vault, indicating a well-planned operation. The police are treating the case as a high-priority investigation. Grassalco’s President-Director, Wesley Rozenhout, stated in an interview with DTV Express that he initiated an internal investigation immediately after the discovery. He informed President Jennifer Simons on October 29, following the completion of the final report. Rozenhout emphasized that he is responsible for general policy, not daily operations, and does not believe he should resign as the company’s head. The company’s management stressed that only authorized personnel have access to the vault. This incident comes amid a series of fraud and theft cases involving government-owned enterprises, including the Melkcentrale and several police stations.
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Foreign Minister Greene to Represent Antigua and Barbuda at Social Development Summit in Qatar
The Honourable E.P. Chet Greene, Antigua and Barbuda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Agriculture, and Barbuda Affairs, is set to represent the nation at the Second World Summit for Social Development in Doha, Qatar, from November 4 to 6, 2025. The summit, themed “Renewing the Social Contract: Equity, Inclusion, and Resilience for a Sustainable Future,” will gather global leaders to reaffirm commitments to people-centered development, three decades after the Copenhagen Declaration. Minister Greene will champion equity and social justice, emphasizing the urgent need for renewed global solidarity and justice-based partnerships to address interconnected crises such as climate change, debt, and inequality. He will underscore the existential threat posed by climate change to Small Island Developing States (SIDS), warning that hurricanes can devastate decades of progress in mere hours. Greene will present the Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for SIDS (ABAS) as a blueprint for resilient prosperity and advocate for the adoption of the Multidimensional Vulnerability Index (MVI) to ensure fairer financial access for vulnerable nations. Additionally, he will highlight Antigua and Barbuda’s advancements in social protection, education, and youth empowerment, showcasing initiatives like the People’s Benefit Programme and the School Meals Initiative. His participation will reinforce the nation’s leadership in global social policy and its commitment to ensuring no island is left behind in achieving sustainable and inclusive development.
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Extradition of Mehul Choksi to India Suspended Pending Belgium Appeal
The extradition of Mehul Choksi, an Indian-born diamond magnate and Antiguan citizen, has been temporarily suspended following his appeal to Belgium’s Supreme Court. The appeal challenges a lower court’s decision that had approved his return to India to face charges related to a $1.55 billion fraud at Punjab National Bank (PNB). Ken Witpas, the public prosecutor at the Antwerp Court of Appeal, confirmed the suspension, stating that the Court of Cassation will now review the legal validity of Choksi’s case. Choksi, the founder of the Gitanjali Group, is accused of conspiring with his nephew Nirav Modi and bank officials to fraudulently obtain Letters of Undertaking and Foreign Letters of Credit, resulting in losses of approximately $730 million. On October 17, the Antwerp Court of Appeals ruled that Choksi would not face unfair treatment or trial in India, but he filed an appeal on October 30, halting the extradition process. Choksi fled India in 2018, acquired Antiguan citizenship, and reportedly relocated to Belgium in 2023. If extradited, he would be detained at Mumbai’s Arthur Road Jail, which Indian authorities claim complies with European human rights standards. The Supreme Court’s forthcoming decision will determine whether Choksi, who has evaded Indian authorities for nearly seven years, will finally stand trial on charges including criminal conspiracy, cheating, and corruption.
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Trump Says U.S. Not Heading to War with Venezuela
In a recent interview with CBS’ 60 Minutes, U.S. President Donald Trump downplayed the possibility of a military conflict with Venezuela, asserting that President Nicolás Maduro’s tenure may soon conclude. When questioned about the likelihood of war, Trump responded, “I doubt it. I don’t think so,” though he criticized Venezuela for treating the U.S. “very badly.” Despite these remarks, the U.S. has significantly increased its military presence in the Caribbean Sea over the past two months, citing efforts to combat drug trafficking. Operations have targeted suspected smuggling vessels, resulting in at least 64 fatalities since early September, according to CBS News. Trump defended these actions, stating that each intercepted boat prevents thousands of drug-related deaths. “Every single boat that’s shot down kills 25,000 on drugs and destroys families across our country,” he claimed. Venezuela, however, accuses the U.S. of using the anti-drug campaign as a pretext for regime change, aiming to oust Maduro. Trump dismissed these allegations, emphasizing that the operations address “many things.” This interview marked Trump’s first appearance on 60 Minutes since 2020, when he walked out of an interview with Lesley Stahl, accusing CBS of bias. He later sued Paramount, CBS’s parent company, over a 2024 election segment featuring then-Vice President Kamala Harris. The edited 28-minute interview aired on CBS, with the extended version and transcript available online.
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OPINION: Independence Minus Justice?
The Caribbean’s justice system remains deeply entrenched in colonial practices, raising concerns about its fairness and relevance in modern society. Despite a single reform decades ago, the region continues to operate under outdated laws originally imposed by British colonizers—laws that even the United Kingdom has long abandoned. A critical issue is the lack of judicial discretion, which undermines the fairness of verdicts. Additionally, the elitism embedded in the legal profession perpetuates inequality, with courts often displaying contempt rather than empathy for the poor and marginalized. The formal attire and intimidating courtroom settings further alienate ordinary citizens, reinforcing a system that appears more concerned with maintaining authority than delivering justice. While some superficial changes, such as the removal of traditional wigs, have been made, the overall structure remains imperious and disconnected from the people it serves. Unlike other former colonies, such as African nations and India, which have integrated traditional justice systems, the Caribbean remains tethered to foreign legal frameworks. This dependence on colonial-era laws raises questions about the region’s true independence, particularly when key governmental institutions still swear allegiance to foreign powers. Resistance to adopting the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) as the apex court highlights the persistence of outdated political dynamics that favor the elite at the expense of the poor. The executive branch’s control over court registries and administrative systems further erodes trust in the judiciary, turning justice into a tool for those in power. The absence of a justice system that reflects the region’s cultural identity and addresses poverty and colonialism underscores the urgent need for a revolutionary overhaul. Lawyers and judges must strive to create an independent judiciary that resonates with the Caribbean’s people, using accessible language and attire that fosters inclusivity rather than intimidation. The pompous remnants of colonial rule must be dismantled to build a justice system that truly serves the people.
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Saint Lucian selected for prestigious UN human rights fellowship
The National Community Foundation (NCF) has proudly announced that its Executive Director, Vanya Reid-Hinkson, has been chosen to participate in the United Nations Fellowship Programme for People of African Descent. Hosted by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in Geneva, this prestigious program aims to empower emerging leaders of African descent by fostering human rights, equality, and sustainable development. Reid-Hinkson is one of only nine global fellows selected for the 2025 cohort and one of two representatives from the Caribbean, alongside a colleague from Jamaica, a nation currently recovering from a catastrophic hurricane. Their selection underscores the Caribbean’s resilience and dedication to advancing equitable development, inclusion, and social justice. The three-week intensive program in Geneva will enable fellows to engage with international experts, organizations, and missions while developing projects tailored to their countries’ needs. Reid-Hinkson’s focus will be on enhancing human rights education, community empowerment, and policy accountability, aligning with Saint Lucia’s development goals. Her leadership at the NCF has already driven initiatives improving access to healthcare, education, housing, and social assistance, empowering vulnerable groups. This fellowship highlights Saint Lucia’s growing role in global human rights and development frameworks, as well as the critical contributions of civil society. Reid-Hinkson expressed her gratitude, stating, ‘This fellowship is both an honour and a responsibility. It allows me to represent Saint Lucia and the Caribbean in global discussions on equality and human development. The insights gained will strengthen our efforts to address community needs with fairness and accountability.’ The NCF sees this as a pivotal opportunity to bolster partnerships with government, civil society, and the private sector, reinforcing its commitment to dignity, equity, and inclusion as cornerstones of sustainable development.
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STATEMENT: Miss WÒB 2025 — A heartfelt thank you and a note on Independence day
In a heartfelt message, ZebadiJah Maxwell, crowned as the 2025 Miss WÒB, expressed her gratitude and shared the significance of her recent achievements. Addressing her community, she acknowledged the unwavering support of her family, friends, and the broader public, which she described as her greatest strength. Maxwell emphasized that her title is not just a personal honor but a shared triumph for everyone who believed in her.
As Dominica celebrated its Independence Day, Maxwell extended her sincere apologies for her absence from the national festivities, including the Military Parade. She highlighted the importance of these events in the nation’s history and expressed regret for not being physically present. However, her absence was driven by a purposeful commitment: representing Dominica at the One Young World Summit, a prestigious global gathering of young leaders dedicated to fostering positive change.
At the summit, Maxwell is actively engaging in critical discussions, advocating for causes she is passionate about, and amplifying the voices of Dominica’s youth on the international stage. She pledged to return home with renewed energy, innovative ideas, and a stronger resolve to serve her community not just in title but through meaningful action.
Concluding her message, Maxwell reiterated her gratitude, emphasizing that her crown symbolizes collective achievement and unity. She signed off with a message of love and unity, reinforcing her commitment to her role as a leader and advocate.
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JPS told to put electricity grid underground where feasible — Holness
KINGSTON, Jamaica — In the wake of Hurricane Melissa, the Jamaican government has instructed the Jamaica Public Service (JPS) Company to assess the viability of relocating portions of the electricity grid underground. Prime Minister Andrew Holness announced this initiative during a session in the House of Representatives on Tuesday, emphasizing the need for resilience in the power infrastructure.
Holness highlighted specific areas, including Montego Bay’s Elegant Corridor and Hip Strip, as priority zones for this underground project. These regions, central to Jamaica’s tourism industry, sustained significant damage during the hurricane. While acknowledging the high costs associated with underground infrastructure, the Prime Minister stressed the importance of balancing expenses with the need for a robust and resilient grid.
In parallel, the government has prioritized power restoration in critical facilities such as hospitals, water plants, and communication hubs, as well as densely populated residential areas. Holness noted that the ‘all clear for restoration of utility services’ has enabled JPS and independent contractors to mobilize extensively. The Ministry of Energy is overseeing grid stabilization efforts and addressing localized issues, including low voltage on restored feeders.
The Prime Minister assured the public that the government is providing strategic guidance to JPS, focusing on restoring large commercial and urban centers alongside essential public services. He also pledged to keep citizens informed about the progress of re-energization efforts across parishes as the network undergoes repairs and reconstruction.
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Donation to be collected at Reggae Boyz, Curacao football match
KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a collaborative effort to aid Hurricane Melissa recovery, donations will be collected during the FIFA World Cup qualification match between Jamaica’s Reggae Boyz and Curaçao on November 18 at the National Stadium in Kingston. The initiative is spearheaded by the Jamaica Red Cross in partnership with the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) and the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment, and Sport.
Portfolio Minister Olivia Grange highlighted the significance of the initiative during a media briefing at Jamaica House on Monday. ‘This is one way the Reggae Boyz are contributing to the relief efforts,’ she stated, adding that discussions are ongoing with other national teams to explore additional support avenues.
Minister Grange also revealed that the president of the Confederation of North, Central America, and Caribbean Association Football (Concacaf) will attend the match, underscoring the event’s importance. Furthermore, she announced the appointment of Bishop Herro Blair as the national coordinator of the Religious and Faith-Based Organisations team. Bishop Blair will lead engagement and coordinate relief efforts across diverse religious groups, including Rastafarians, Revivalists, Muslims, Hindus, and Baha’i.
Expressing gratitude for the public’s unwavering support, Minister Grange encouraged everyone to participate in the recovery and rebuilding process. ‘We will get over this… We will recover and rebuild better than before,’ she affirmed, emphasizing the collective resilience of the nation.
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Over 116,000 buildings severely damaged by Hurricane Melissa — Holness
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Hurricane Melissa has inflicted severe damage on more than 116,000 buildings out of the 428,000 structures recorded in the National Spatial Data Management Branch’s database. The devastation is particularly concentrated in the parishes of Westmoreland, St Elizabeth, and Manchester, as confirmed by satellite imagery and drone assessments. Prime Minister Andrew Holness addressed the crisis during a ministerial statement in the House of Representatives on Tuesday. He emphasized the unprecedented use of geospatial intelligence to conduct a rapid, high-resolution national housing damage assessment, marking a historic milestone for Jamaica. ‘Melissa has caused extensive damage to the nation’s housing stock, especially in the western parishes,’ Holness stated. ‘These findings are now guiding targeted relief and reconstruction efforts across affected communities.’ The government is transitioning from emergency sheltering to stabilization and repair, with field verification underway in priority areas. Housing support teams are collaborating with the Jamaica Defence Force, the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management, and local authorities to expedite aid. Holness added that as access to western communities is restored, beneficiary verification will be completed, and roofing support, building materials, tarpaulins, and rapid-repair crews will be deployed to ensure safety and habitability. The data is being integrated into the post-disaster needs assessment to shape a resilient housing and building recovery program, led by Minister Robert Montague, who oversees Titling and Settlements.