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  • US officials met Castro grandson in St. Kitts, Miami Herald reports

    US officials met Castro grandson in St. Kitts, Miami Herald reports

    In a significant diplomatic development, senior U.S. officials affiliated with Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s circle have conducted meetings with Raul Guillermo Rodriguez Castro, the grandson of former Cuban leader Raul Castro. The encounter occurred during the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) conference in St. Kitts and Nevis, according to a Miami Herald report published Thursday.

    The nature and substance of these discussions remain partially obscured, with uncertainty regarding Secretary Rubio’s direct participation. Rodriguez Castro, who serves as both bodyguard to his grandfather and son of the late head of Cuba’s powerful GAESA military conglomerate, represents a notable figure in these unofficial channels.

    This development occurs against the backdrop of Raul Castro’s enduring legacy. The 94-year-old revolutionary leader, who presided over Cuba from 2008 to 2018 and previously served as First Secretary of the Communist Party, remains an iconic figure in Cuban socialism alongside his brother Fidel Castro.

    The recent meetings echo previous reports from Axios, which indicated Rubio had been conducting confidential dialogues with Castro’s grandson. A Trump administration official characterized these earlier exchanges as ‘discussions about the future’ rather than formal negotiations.

    Both the U.S. State Department and Cuba’s foreign ministry have maintained official silence regarding these developments, declining immediate comment on Reuters’ inquiries.

    When pressed by journalists on Wednesday regarding these alleged meetings, Secretary Rubio adopted a cautiously diplomatic stance. While declining to confirm specific details, he emphasized that the United States remains ‘always prepared to talk to officials from any government that have information to share with us.’ He further elaborated that Washington would ‘certainly listen’ to any information about potential changes or moves Cuban officials might be prepared to accept.

    Cuban officials were expected to address media inquiries regarding these developments later Thursday, potentially shedding light on Havana’s perspective regarding these unusual diplomatic contacts.

  • Government launches plan to eliminate obsolete wiring in Santo Domingo

    Government launches plan to eliminate obsolete wiring in Santo Domingo

    SANTO DOMINGO – In a significant collaborative effort to enhance urban safety and aesthetics, three major Dominican institutions have forged a strategic partnership to address the longstanding issue of disorganized overhead infrastructure in the capital city. The Dominican Institute of Telecommunications (Indotel), the National District Mayor’s Office (ADN), and the Unified Council of Electricity Distribution Companies (CUED) have formally executed a cooperation agreement targeting the systematic removal of obsolete cabling and the comprehensive reorganization of urban wiring systems.

    The signing ceremony featured key leadership: Guido Gómez Mazara, President of Indotel’s Board of Directors; Carolina Mejía, Mayor of the National District; and Celso Marranzini, President of CUED. This tripartite initiative moves beyond mere aesthetic improvement, framing the infrastructure overhaul as a critical public safety imperative aimed at safeguarding pedestrians, motorists, and the overall urban environment from hazards posed by deteriorated and haphazardly installed wiring.

    Gómez Mazara characterized the agreement as a decisive transition from planning phases to tangible action, revealing that the project scope will exceed 300 kilometers of cabling across central and densely populated zones. Initial phases will prioritize the Colonial City, San Carlos, Cristo Rey, and other key districts. Mayor Mejía emphasized that eliminating hazardous wiring is fundamental to elevating resident well-being and commended the inter-institutional coordination essential for transforming Santo Domingo’s public realms.

    Marranzini reinforced that regulating overhead electrical infrastructure is vital not only for visual enhancement but also for ensuring reliable and continuous power service. The intervention will be implemented methodically through stages involving technical inspections, precise identification and labeling of active versus obsolete lines, safe dismantling procedures, area cleanup, and final validation by all involved parties.

    Operational responsibilities are clearly delineated: Indotel will helm regulatory coordination and project management, the ADN will oversee on-ground execution and public space reorganization, and CUED will provide specialized technical expertise for the secure handling of electrical components. The agreement further establishes a framework for continuous monitoring to guarantee effective implementation and deliver measurable outcomes in each revitalized neighborhood.

  • GuySure kost bijna US$ 300.000 per maand: activiteiten gaan normaal door

    GuySure kost bijna US$ 300.000 per maand: activiteiten gaan normaal door

    Despite independent investigations revealing that GuySure holds no legal subsidiary status with state-owned mining company Grassalco, operations in Guyana continue uninterrupted. Since the suspension of CEO Wesley Rozenhout on January 12 alone, over US$13,000 has been expended on business trips and participation in an energy conference, with monthly expenditures nearing US$300,000.

    Information obtained by Starnieuws indicates that GuySure’s activities persist unabated despite ongoing investigations initiated by the Board of Commissioners. The company’s shares are held by five natural persons, including the suspended Rozenhout.

    Personnel deployments to Guyana continue every two weeks to conduct operations at GuySure’s leased port facility in Georgetown. Currently, only one Guyanese employee operates locally, with the majority of work being performed by Surinamese staff. Prior to recent controversies, minimum five personnel would travel per shift, though this has been reduced to two or three individuals per deployment since January.

    Ten employees have been dispatched to the neighboring country since mid-January at a cost of approximately US$13,000, excluding US$50 per diem allowances for each worker. Additionally, US$4,600 was spent leasing a booth at Guyana’s energy conference. Although participation was formally under Grassalco’s banner with adjusted promotional materials, the decision to proceed was made due to prior reservations. Sources indicate final costs exceeded initial projections.

    Monthly financial obligations extend beyond personnel expenses, including US$243,000 (excluding VAT) for port facility rentals and US$8,000 for two residential properties. Combined with other operational costs, monthly expenditures surpass US$300,000.

    GuySure operates at a significant deficit, with previously reported figures showing approximately US$9 million in expenditures against merely US$2 million in revenue. Current crushed stone prices also fail to meet earlier calculated benchmarks.

    Operations will continue pending government authorization to terminate activities. Rozenhout’s suspension has thus far not prompted policy changes, while legal teams examine termination consequences and relevant international obligations and conditions.

  • Overseas players dominate SITTU Barbados Open Chess Tournament

    Overseas players dominate SITTU Barbados Open Chess Tournament

    The Barbados Beach Club in Christ Church served as the backdrop for the conclusion of the second annual SITTU Barbados Open, a prestigious international chess tournament that attracted over 100 competitors from ten different nations. The five-day event, characterized by intense competition under the Caribbean sun, saw international grandmasters and masters claiming victory across multiple sections in decisive fashion.

    In the premier Section A, Canadian Grandmaster Shawn Rodrigue-Lemieux delivered a commanding performance, securing the title with an undefeated record of 7.5 points from nine games. His consistent play resulted in six victories and three draws, establishing clear dominance in the round-robin format. The Canadian contingent continued their strong showing with International Masters Mark Plotkin and Aaron Reeve Mendez finishing second and third respectively, both accumulating 6.5 points with Plotkin prevailing on tiebreak criteria. Barbados’s national champion, FIDE Master Martyn Del Castilho, emerged as the top local competitor with 4.5 points, concluding his campaign with a victory over Jamaica’s Candidate Master Darren McKennis.

    Section B witnessed a flawless performance by Venezuela’s FIDE Master Jose Mora Moron, who achieved a perfect score of seven wins from seven games. Mora Moron’s dominance was such that he mathematically clinched the section title by the sixth round. He capped his impressive run with a decisive final-round victory against Barbados Women’s Champion and Woman FIDE Master Hannah Wilson. Local talent Emar Edwards secured sole possession of second place with five points, benefiting from a draw between Justin Parsons and Guyana’s Taffin Khan in the final round.

    The competitive intensity continued in Section C where Loki Clarke registered a perfect seven-win sweep. Having already secured the section victory in round six, Clarke maintained his aggressive approach to defeat Woman Candidate Master Kiarra Eversley in the final round. Savion Little captured clear second place with 5.5 points after drawing his final match against Allan Herbert, while Aaron Jaikaran claimed third position with a last-round victory over veteran Cyprian LaTouche.

    The most dramatic conclusion unfolded in the Novice Section D, where four players finished tied at six points each after a tumultuous final round. Nathan Simmons-Patterson entered the final match as sole leader with six consecutive wins but suffered a critical defeat against Conrad Grits. This outcome, combined with victories by Derick Boyce and Harry Shepherd, created an unprecedented four-way tie. The title was ultimately awarded to Harry Shepherd who edged out his competitors by the narrowest of margins on tiebreak criteria. The section featured intense competition among 50 participants, with Jaekeb Barrow, Rene Lashley, Gabriel Canterbury, Ernest King, and Canada’s Savinos Minas rounding out positions five through nine.

    The successful tournament has generated significant anticipation within the chess community for next year’s edition, promising continued growth for Caribbean chess on the international stage.

  • Venezuelan exports climb after US attack – official

    Venezuelan exports climb after US attack – official

    Venezuelan officials reported a swift resurgence in both economic exports and international diplomacy just two months following a violent attack that temporarily destabilized President Nicolás Maduro’s administration. During the Agrofest event at Queen’s Park on Thursday, Tomás Reyes, Secretary of Economy for Lara state, revealed that export activities to the United States resumed almost immediately after the incident, signaling an unexpectedly robust economic recovery.

    Reyes provided specific export data, noting that “67 containers of green coffee have been shipped to the United States, the United Arab Emirates, and Italy,” with total global coffee exports exceeding 200 containers. Additionally, Venezuela exported between 17 to 30 containers of charcoal in the past month, demonstrating consistent trade performance despite the political turbulence.

    Diplomatic relations have similarly strengthened, according to both Venezuelan and international officials. Reyes emphasized that “our relationship with America is getting stronger, getting better,” while Barbados Ambassador to Caracas Commander Aquinas Clarke characterized the attack as “very limited, really in Caracas,” noting that most businesses remained unaffected due to the incident’s geographical isolation.

    Ambassador Clarke detailed Venezuela’s improving international standing, revealing that the United States has established an embassy there, Italy has upgraded its diplomatic representation to ambassadorial level, and relations with Colombia have significantly improved. The country has maintained calm and is “on a road to growth,” working closely with regional partners.

    Looking forward, Venezuelan officials outlined ambitious trade expansion plans across the Caribbean. Reyes announced intentions to export Guara pineapples throughout the CARICOM region, targeting “one or two containers a week of pineapple from Lara.” Additionally, the state’s substantial dairy production capacity—capable of processing over 150,000 liters of milk daily through four major companies that meet 80% of domestic demand—positions Venezuela as a potential regional milk supplier.

    Officials stressed that agricultural development and international trade will remain central to Venezuela’s strategy for strengthening both bilateral relations with the United States and regional economic integration across the Caribbean.

  • Unions prep for public sector pay talks

    Unions prep for public sector pay talks

    Barbados’ labor movement has formally announced its preparedness to initiate pivotal wage negotiations with the government, marking a significant development in ongoing discussions about public sector compensation. Three major labor organizations—the Barbados Workers’ Union (BWU), the National Union of Public Workers (NUPW), and the coordinating body Congress of Trade Unions and Staff Associations of Barbados (CTUSAB)—have all confirmed their operational readiness for upcoming talks.

    The BWU, while expressing commitment to constructive dialogue, has raised substantive concerns regarding prolonged delays in the government’s job regrading initiative. General Secretary Toni Moore emphasized that while her organization stands prepared for immediate engagement, the union permitted uninterrupted completion of the job evaluation process recognizing its fundamental importance to both wage structures and broader employment conditions. However, Moore explicitly noted growing concern among workers about the extended timeline, while expressing hope that the final report would meet expectations without further unnecessary delays.

    Simultaneously, the NUPW has activated its negotiation machinery through the establishment of a specialized committee tasked with developing comprehensive proposals. General Secretary Richard Greene indicated this committee would conduct a sweeping review of public service compensation, identifying both deficiencies and improvement opportunities across salary structures, allowances, and working conditions.

    CTUSAB, representing the collective voice of multiple labor organizations, is adopting a research-driven approach to the negotiations. General Secretary Dennis De Peiza revealed the organization has commissioned detailed economic research to inform their bargaining position. This methodological approach will establish evidence-based parameters for their negotiation strategy, combining ongoing service conditions with new economic data.

    The timing of these developments coincides with the government’s presentation of its 2026-27 Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure to Parliament, which outlines projected spending including public sector wage allocations, setting the fiscal context for the impending negotiations.

  • Blackman and Gollop retain NAPSAC titles in dominant fashion

    Blackman and Gollop retain NAPSAC titles in dominant fashion

    In a spectacular display of athletic prowess, Blackman and Gollop Primary School successfully defended both their boys’ and girls’ championship titles at the Chef Foods NAPSAC Championships on Thursday. The event, held at the Usain Bolt Complex, witnessed the school achieving a commanding double victory for the second consecutive day, mirroring Hilda Skeene Primary’s accomplishment from the previous day.

    The girls’ team from Blackman and Gollop dominated their competition with an impressive 325.50 points, leaving Wilkie Cumberbatch Primary trailing in second place with 224.50 points. Ellerton Primary secured third position with 132 points, followed by Lawrence T Gay Memorial (108), St Catherine’s Primary (102), and Gordon Greenidge Primary (78.50).

    Their male counterparts demonstrated even greater supremacy, amassing a remarkable 374.50 points. Wilkie Cumberbatch Primary again claimed second place with 200 points, while Lawrence T Gay Memorial took third with 139 points. The boys’ division saw St Catherine’s Primary (105), Ellerton Primary (104.5), and Gordon Greenidge Primary (91) completing the top six positions.

    Individual excellence shone through as Nathan Philips, an Under-13 competitor who recently transferred to Blackman and Gollop, earned the Victor Ludorum honor with triple victories in the 100m, 200m, and 400m events. Meanwhile, Itege-Esat Griffith from Wilkie Cumberbatch dominated the Under-11 Division with wins in the 100m, 200m, and 300m events, securing the Victrix Ludorum title.

    The championship witnessed extraordinary athletic performances with eighteen records broken throughout the competition. Philips set new standards in the 100m with a blistering 13.12 seconds, shattering the previous mark of 13.45 seconds, and established a new 200m record of 26.80 seconds, surpassing the former 26.97-second benchmark.

    Zuri Stoute of Wilkie Cumberbatch made her mark in the Open Girls High Jump, clearing 1.28m to break the previous record of 1.25m. Shortly after her field achievement, Stoute transitioned to the track where she comfortably won her section of the Under-13 Girls 400m.

    The NAPSAC Zonal action continues its schedule with the Rubis Andrea Blackett Zone competition set for Friday.

  • Dominican film Zumeca wins two awards at Slamdance Film Festival

    Dominican film Zumeca wins two awards at Slamdance Film Festival

    In a landmark achievement for Caribbean cinema, the Dominican production ‘Zumeca’ has secured two prestigious awards at the internationally renowned Slamdance Film Festival. The film earned both the Grand Jury Prize and the Best Actress honor for lead performer Angela Cano, marking a significant milestone for the Dominican Republic’s film industry.

    Directed by acclaimed actor David Maler, the groundbreaking project premiered in Slamdance’s competitive ‘Breakouts’ section, becoming the first Dominican film ever selected for this category. Festival jurors celebrated the production for its poetic narrative and uncompromising depiction of an intercultural romance set in pre-colonial times, recognizing Maler’s distinctive artistic vision within contemporary global cinema.

    During his acceptance speech, Maler characterized the film as both a profoundly personal endeavor and a collective national achievement. He dedicated the accolades to the Dominican Republic and all collaborators who contributed to what he initially considered an ‘impossible’ project. The director expressed aspirations that ‘Zumeca’ would serve to revitalize and reinforce cultural memory both within the Dominican Republic and on international platforms.

    The production received substantial backing from Grupo SID, with executive José Miguel Bonetti Du-Breil emphasizing the corporation’s enduring dedication to cultural preservation. This commitment previously manifested in 2019 when the group supported publication of the original ‘Zumeca’ novel by Lucía Amelia Cabral, recognizing its significance to Dominican national identity.

    Slamdance Festival has earned global recognition as a launching platform for cinematic luminaries including Christopher Nolan, Bong Joon-ho, Ari Aster, and Sean Baker. The selection of ‘Zumeca’ among only five worldwide productions in its category underscores the festival’s endorsement of emerging Dominican storytelling and its growing influence on international cinema.

  • Farming back in Deacons Farm, as MP plans youth job boost

    Farming back in Deacons Farm, as MP plans youth job boost

    In a significant community development initiative, Neil Rowe, Member of Parliament for St Michael North West, has successfully revitalized an agricultural project in Deacons that creates meaningful employment and training opportunities for local youth. The Northwest Alliance Agricultural Project, originally conceived in 2019, has overcome previous operational challenges and is now positioned for substantial expansion.

    The project originated from Rowe’s desire to provide rehabilitation opportunities when a young community member returning from incarceration faced employment barriers. “When traditional employment options proved unavailable,” Rowe explained, “we explored alternative pathways and identified farming as a viable livelihood solution.”

    Currently, the initiative maintains diverse agricultural operations including carrot, bean, beetroot, lettuce, and okra cultivation, complemented by a growing flock of 20 Black Belly sheep. Project participant Vincent Edwards confirmed the commercial viability: “Anything we plant here finds ready market demand.”

    Initial implementation faced significant infrastructure challenges, particularly regarding reliable water access. Rowe navigated complex administrative processes to secure permanent water solutions, acknowledging that “while bureaucratic hurdles presented obstacles, we successfully overcame them through persistent advocacy.”

    The MP recently provided specialized farming tools to participants, emphasizing their symbolic and practical importance: “These resources will empower our young farmers to maximize their agricultural yield and build sustainable livelihoods.”

    Future expansion plans include operational diversification into animal husbandry with planned investments in chicken and rabbit rearing. Security enhancements through additional fencing and land allocation will support this growth. Rowe envisions broadening participation across the constituency, stating: “Farming represents a legitimate livelihood pathway, and anyone committed to this work can achieve economic stability.”

    Edwards reflected on the transformation of previously neglected land: “This area was once overgrown jungle requiring purposeful intervention. With parliamentary support, we’ve created productive agricultural space that benefits both participants and the broader community.”

  • GIAB: Insurance prices not the fuel to uninsured vehicle surge

    GIAB: Insurance prices not the fuel to uninsured vehicle surge

    A significant dispute has emerged between Barbados’s insurance sector and its financial regulator regarding the root causes of uninsured vehicles on the island. The General Insurance Association of Barbados (GIAB) has publicly refuted claims made by Financial Services Commission (FSC) CEO Warrick Ward, who attributed the problem to premium affordability and structural market weaknesses. Instead, the GIAB identifies recent modifications to the vehicle registration framework as the primary catalyst.

    In a formal statement, the industry body expressed strong disagreement with the regulator’s characterization of the market. The GIAB emphasized the financial robustness of its member companies, several of which maintain AM Best ratings—a global benchmark for assessing insurers’ financial strength and claims-paying capability. The association challenged the notion that insurance premiums are prohibitively expensive, noting that rates have not kept pace with inflation over the past decade and a half.

    The core of the GIAB’s argument centers on a digital modernization initiative launched in March 2025. This new system, introduced by the Barbados Revenue Authority in collaboration with several agencies, allows vehicle owners to renew registrations online. A critical change involved removing the mandatory requirement to present proof of insurance before paying road tax, shifting the burden of compliance solely onto vehicle owners. The GIAB contends this procedural alteration, rather than affordability, explains the prevalence of uninsured vehicles.

    Official police data estimates that approximately 50,000 of the island’s 180,000 vehicles are either uninsured or untaxed, a situation industry executives say contributes to three out of every ten accidents involving uninsured drivers or unlicensed motorists.

    While FSC CEO Ward acknowledged the scale of the problem and pointed to financial inclusion challenges, reinsurance costs, and low insurance penetration as contributing factors, he clarified that enforcement falls under the police’s purview, not the FSC’s regulatory mandate.

    The GIAB concluded by asserting that its members employ risk-based pricing models and exercise due diligence before implementing any premium increases. The association has formally requested a meeting with the FSC to discuss the regulator’s concerns directly.