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  • T&T families of men slain during strikes on Venezuelan boat file unprecedented lawsuit against US gov’t

    T&T families of men slain during strikes on Venezuelan boat file unprecedented lawsuit against US gov’t

    In an unprecedented legal challenge, two families from Trinidad and Tobago have initiated federal litigation against the United States government following the fatal military strikes that claimed the lives of their relatives off the coast of Venezuela. The lawsuit, filed in a Massachusetts district court, centers on the deaths of 26-year-old Chad Joseph and 41-year-old Rishi Samaroo from Las Cuevas, Trinidad, who were killed alongside four others during an October 14th maritime operation conducted by U.S. forces.

    The plaintiffs, represented by prominent civil liberties organizations including the ACLU, Seton Hall University Law School, and the Center for Constitutional Rights, allege that the strikes form part of a systematic and legally unjustifiable campaign targeting vessels in international waters. According to court documents, this operational pattern has resulted in approximately 125 fatalities across 36 separate incidents since September 2nd, all executed without congressional authorization.

    The 23-page complaint presents a damning indictment of the administration’s conduct, characterizing the killings as ‘premeditated and intentional’ acts lacking plausible legal justification. The document specifically names President Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, accusing them of publicly celebrating the operations through online video dissemination.

    Administration officials have defended the strikes as necessary interventions against narcotics trafficking, asserting that congressional approval was not required for such military actions. The victims’ families counter that their relatives were engaged in legitimate agricultural work—Joseph had traveled for fishing and farming purposes, while Samaroo was employed on a Venezuelan agricultural farm specializing in dairy production.

    The legal action invokes two distinct statutory frameworks: the Death on the High Seas Act, which provides recourse for wrongful maritime fatalities, and the Alien Tort Statute, enabling foreign nationals to seek redress for human rights violations in U.S. courts. Legal representatives emphasize the historic nature of the case, noting that never before has the U.S. government asserted such extensive lethal authority in international waters. The White House has declined commentary, citing the ongoing judicial proceedings.

  • Geweld tegen kinderen blijft hardnekkig probleem in Latijns-Amerika en Caribisch gebied

    Geweld tegen kinderen blijft hardnekkig probleem in Latijns-Amerika en Caribisch gebied

    A disturbing new report from the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and UNICEF reveals that violence continues to pose a severe threat to millions of children and adolescents across Latin America and the Caribbean. The comprehensive study, titled ‘Violence against children and adolescents in Latin America and the Caribbean: New data and solutions,’ documents alarming patterns of physical, emotional, and structural violence affecting young populations throughout the region.

    Between 2015 and 2022, a staggering 53,318 children and adolescents fell victim to lethal violence, with homicide representing the most extreme manifestation of a broader pattern of aggression that begins early in childhood. While recent data shows some improvement for boys aged 15-17—with homicide rates decreasing from 17.63 to 10.68 per 100,000 between 2021-2022—the situation remains critically concerning. Conversely, homicide rates among girls in the same age group doubled during this period, rising from 2.13 to 5.1 per 100,000.

    The report highlights particularly troubling findings from Suriname, where nearly half of primary school students experience physical violence and over 80% have encountered at least one form of domestic violence. Further research indicates approximately 87% of adolescents and nearly 96% of young adults reported experiencing at least one form of childhood maltreatment during their lifetimes.

    According to the organizations, this violence epidemic stems from multiple interconnected factors, including increased armed violence linked to organized crime, widespread firearm availability, social inequality, and harmful gender norms. The research emphasizes how different forms of violence reinforce one another: six out of ten children under 14 experience violent disciplinary methods at home, one in four adolescents aged 13-17 face school bullying, and nearly one in five women in the region report experiencing sexual violence before turning 18.

    UNICEF Regional Director Roberto Benes stressed that children are exposed to violence daily—in homes, schools, and gang-controlled communities. ‘We know how to stop this violence,’ Benes stated. ‘This requires strong, consistent public policies so every child can grow up in a safe environment.’

    PAHO Director Jarbas Barbosa highlighted the lasting impact of violence on children’s physical and mental health, noting that ‘health services play a crucial role in prevention and care. Early detection and timely, quality care can make all the difference for victims and their environments.’

    The report concludes with evidence-based solutions, urging governments to strengthen child protection laws, improve firearm oversight, enhance training for education and law enforcement professionals, support non-violent parenting programs, and invest in safe learning environments and accessible support services. These recommendations were validated during a regional ministerial consultation in October 2025 attended by over 300 representatives from health, education, justice, and child protection sectors.

  • Uber officially launches in Saint Lucia

    Uber officially launches in Saint Lucia

    Saint Lucia has officially joined Uber’s global network with the launch of its app-based taxi service on January 27th. The ride-hailing giant has introduced Uber Taxi, a specialized service utilizing exclusively licensed local taxi drivers rather than private vehicles, marking a significant development in the island’s transportation landscape.

    The service enables both tourists and residents to request rides through Uber’s platform, providing transparency through upfront fare estimates, real-time route tracking, and detailed driver information. This strategic approach represents Uber’s effort to integrate with rather than disrupt Saint Lucia’s existing taxi ecosystem.

    Jorge Cordero, Uber’s General Manager for Saint Lucia, emphasized the service’s potential to enhance visitor experiences: “Saint Lucia welcomes visitors from around the world, and this launch brings a familiar, app-based way to get around the island. Uber Taxi connects tourists with licensed local taxi drivers, with upfront trip details designed to make exploring Saint Lucia more seamless.”

    The rollout follows months of preparation, with Uber beginning to onboard local taxi drivers in late 2023. Cordero reported strong initial market response, noting that taxis are already active and completing trips through the platform. The company continues discussions with transportation companies and taxi organizations to facilitate additional onboarding.

    However, the launch occurs amidst ongoing regulatory discussions. Deputy Prime Minister and Tourism Minister Ernest Hilaire revealed last week that while Uber had formally expressed interest in operating in Saint Lucia, no direct meetings had occurred between the company and government officials. Hilaire indicated openness to dialogue with all stakeholders and suggested existing laws might not prevent Uber’s operation if it functions primarily as a technology platform.

    The service introduction has generated mixed reactions among local operators. The National Taxi Union and other taxi representatives have previously expressed reservations about Uber’s market entry, characterizing it as potentially detrimental to existing services.

  • Gov’t implementing ‘mitigation measures’ for Pichelin area after landslide

    Gov’t implementing ‘mitigation measures’ for Pichelin area after landslide

    Dominican authorities have launched comprehensive stabilization efforts following a significant landslide that occurred in the Pichelin region over the weekend. The government’s coordinated response involves multiple agencies working to contain potential hazards and prevent further environmental disruption.

    Joseph Flossiac, Project Manager for the Loubiere to Grand Bay Road Initiative, disclosed that engineering teams are implementing strategic measures to address water accumulation and sediment displacement in the affected area. “Our immediate priority involves developing systematic water diversion solutions while commencing a carefully calibrated removal of debris to minimize secondary impacts,” Flossiac explained during a technical briefing.

    Official assessments from government engineers and disaster management consultants have confirmed that Pichelin residents face no imminent danger from the geological event. The Office of Disaster Management has established continuous monitoring protocols to evaluate slope stability and ground movement patterns around the clock.

    Local community leadership has actively partnered with national authorities to maintain transparent communication channels. Shyla Shillingford-Thomas, Chairperson of the Pichelin Village Council, reported the development of contingency plans and preemptive identification of vulnerable households. “We’ve conducted direct engagement with residents to provide reassurance that this situation receives maximum priority response while establishing emergency protocols should conditions evolve,” Shillingford-Thomas stated.

    Parliamentary Representative Hon. Jullan Defoe commended the interagency collaboration while emphasizing the importance of community vigilance during ongoing mitigation operations. Minister for National Security Hon. Rayburn Blackmoore reinforced the government’s commitment to public safety, stating that all necessary resources would be deployed to protect both citizens and infrastructure throughout the stabilization process.

  • Antigua and Barbuda Celebrates 100th Birthday of Elfrida “Ms. Tiny” Payne-Abbott

    Antigua and Barbuda Celebrates 100th Birthday of Elfrida “Ms. Tiny” Payne-Abbott

    The Caribbean nation of Antigua and Barbuda has celebrated a remarkable national milestone with the 100th birthday of Elfrida Payne-Abbott on January 27th. Affectionately known throughout her community as ‘Ms. Tiny’, the centenarian was honored at a special gathering at the Lebanon Moravian Church, attended by family members, friends, and prominent community figures.

    Born in 1926 in Seaview Farm, Payne-Abbott has lived through an entire century of profound social transformation and economic development. Her life story stands as a powerful testament to unwavering faith, relentless hard work, and extraordinary resilience. The celebration gained national significance with the attendance of Sir Rodney Williams, who presented an official commemorative gift and conveyed heartfelt congratulations on behalf of the entire nation.

    The narrative of Payne-Abbott’s life reveals a journey of remarkable strength. After becoming widowed in her thirties, she single-handedly raised four children through determination and diverse employment. Her professional journey encompassed farming, domestic work, baking, and entrepreneurial ventures, demonstrating remarkable adaptability and perseverance.

    During the celebration, multiple speakers honored Payne-Abbott as a foundational pillar of strength within her community, emphasizing how her values and subtle leadership qualities have inspired multiple generations. As she reached her centennial milestone, Payne-Abbott shared distilled wisdom for younger generations: embrace hard work, maintain faith in God, and preserve strong family connections.

  • Police Arrest One Man in Connection with Aggravated Robbery

    Police Arrest One Man in Connection with Aggravated Robbery

    Authorities in Antigua and Barbuda have made a significant breakthrough in a violent robbery case following the arrest of a male suspect. The Royal Police Force confirmed the detention on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, connecting the individual to an aggravated robbery that transpired approximately 24 hours earlier.

    The incident unfolded at approximately 8:00 a.m. on Monday in the Gunthorpes district. According to official reports, two unidentified males allegedly stormed a local business establishment. The perpetrators brandished a knife, threatening the proprietor before seizing a knapsack containing an undisclosed sum of cash alongside various personal documents.

    Following the confrontation, the suspects reportedly fled the scene promptly. However, investigative efforts led to the subsequent recovery of the stolen bag, though specific details regarding its contents or recovery location remain undisclosed to preserve the integrity of the ongoing investigation.

    In a decisive escalation of their response, police units executed multiple search warrants across several locations in St. John’s on Tuesday. This coordinated operation formed a critical component of the strategic investigative process, ultimately culminating in the apprehension of one individual. The suspect is currently in custody, being questioned on allegations of aggravated robbery.

    The Royal Police Force has emphasized that their investigation remains active and ongoing, suggesting further developments and potential additional arrests may follow as officers continue to pursue all leads related to this serious criminal offense.

  • Iraida Martha Ooft maakt kans op de Libris Literatuur Prijs 2026

    Iraida Martha Ooft maakt kans op de Libris Literatuur Prijs 2026

    Surinamese author Iraida Martha Ooft has achieved literary recognition with her novel ‘Toen de val’ (When the Fall), securing a coveted spot on the longlist for the prestigious Libris Literatuur Prijs 2026. The selection committee, chaired by Noraly Beyer alongside jurors Sander Bax, Liesbeth D’Hoker, Roos van Rijswijk, and John Vervoort, meticulously reviewed 188 submissions before choosing eighteen exceptional works for this year’s longlist.

    Set against the tragic backdrop of the 1989 SLM air disaster, Ooft’s novel explores the profound human connections between those who lost loved ones and the victims themselves. Through intricate narrative weaving, the author reveals the interconnected stories of waiting parents, a father and daughter, the pilot and his beloved, and a pyjai’s spiritual quest. The work serves as both a historical examination of late-1980s Suriname and a deeper exploration of the nation’s cultural roots, while simultaneously addressing the universal human struggle to embrace life after unimaginable loss.

    Published by Uitgeverij Van Oorschot in November 2025, ‘Toen de val’ received its official presentation in Paramaribo on November 23rd. The publishing house celebrates additional recognition with two other longlisted titles: Ester Naomi Perquin’s ‘Tot alles in beweging komt’ and Emma Laura Schouten’s ‘Nachtschade’.

    The Libris Literatuur Prijs stands as one of the Netherlands’ most distinguished literary awards. The shortlist announcements are scheduled for March 9th, followed by the grand reveal of the winner during a ceremonial event in Amsterdam on May 11th. This year’s laureate will receive a €50,000 cash prize accompanied by a bronze commemorative medal.

  • WATCH: Sir Molwyn Adorned in Traditional Ghanaian Attire by Official Delegation

    WATCH: Sir Molwyn Adorned in Traditional Ghanaian Attire by Official Delegation

    A significant diplomatic gesture unfolded as Antigua and Barbuda’s Minister of Health, Wellness, and the Environment, Sir Molwyn Joseph, was ceremoniously adorned in traditional Ghanaian Kente cloth by an official delegation. The event, captured on video, highlights the strengthening bilateral ties between the Caribbean nation and the West African republic.

    The ceremony represents more than a symbolic wardrobe change; it is a profound cultural honor within Ghanaian tradition. The presentation of Kente, a handwoven silk and cotton fabric rich with symbolic patterns and colors, is reserved for dignitaries and individuals held in high esteem. Each pattern and color combination within the cloth carries specific meanings, often representing historical concepts, moral values, or social codes.

    This act serves as a cornerstone of cultural diplomacy, fostering mutual respect and understanding beyond formal political dialogue. By accepting and wearing the Kente, Sir Molwyn actively participates in a ritual that acknowledges shared heritage and a commitment to deepened cooperation. The event is widely interpreted as a step towards bolstering collaborative efforts, potentially in areas of public health, economic development, and cultural exchange, leveraging the historical connections between the African continent and the Caribbean diaspora.

    The delegation’s gesture underscores a growing trend of South-South cooperation, where nations from the Global South are actively building strategic partnerships independent of traditional Western intermediaries. This fostering of direct international relations is pivotal for smaller nations seeking to amplify their voice on the global stage and pursue collaborative development initiatives.

  • PM Signals Series of Town Hall Meetings to Improve Public Engagement

    PM Signals Series of Town Hall Meetings to Improve Public Engagement

    The administration of Antigua and Barbuda, led by Prime Minister Gaston Browne, has unveiled plans to launch an extensive series of town hall meetings aimed at strengthening governmental transparency and public dialogue. This initiative emerged during Prime Minister Browne’s recent appearance on the ‘Browne and Browne’ program broadcast by Pointe FM, where he addressed growing critiques of current policies and emphasized the necessity of direct citizen-official interaction.

    While specific operational details including dates, venues, and a comprehensive schedule remain undisclosed, the Prime Minister characterized these forthcoming sessions as crucial components of the government’s enhanced public outreach strategy. Browne articulated that these forums would serve dual purposes: enabling residents to receive firsthand information about governmental operations while simultaneously providing a platform to voice community concerns and inquiries.

    The announcement positions these town halls as integral to the administration’s methodology for advancing significant policy reforms and development projects. Browne underscored that maintaining open channels of communication is particularly vital during periods of substantial governmental initiative. The administration has committed to releasing further particulars regarding the town hall series in subsequent announcements, indicating a structured approach to implementing this participatory democratic exercise.

  • Local filmmaker named finalist at Australian film festival

    Local filmmaker named finalist at Australian film festival

    Elijah Anatole’s cinematic creation ‘Omyra’ has achieved significant milestone by securing a coveted finalist position at the prestigious ÂME International Film Festival scheduled for January 5, 2026, in Australia. The short film’s journey to the final round represents a remarkable accomplishment in the competitive landscape of international cinema.

    Following its initial selection for the festival roster, ‘Omyra’ has now progressed to the ultimate evaluation phase where it will compete against a carefully curated selection of international films for top honors. This advancement underscores the film’s artistic merit and narrative power within the global film community.

    Through an official statement, Anatole conveyed profound appreciation for the recognition: “We extend our gratitude to each festival and jury panel for acknowledging ‘Omyra’ throughout these progressive stages. The continued support during the film’s international exhibition journey has been tremendously encouraging.”

    The film initially premiered on the international circuit during December’s Sundarban International Film Festival, where it immediately captured attention by winning the Best Short Film award in its category. Adding to its growing list of achievements, ‘Omyra’ has also received a nomination in the Best Short Film Block C category at the ongoing Chandler International Film Festival in Arizona, further solidifying its status as an emerging force in independent filmmaking.

    Produced by Artlas Studios, ‘Omyra’ continues to demonstrate the powerful impact of visionary storytelling within the international film festival circuit, representing a significant achievement for Anatole and the entire creative team behind the project.