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  • WEATHER (6:00 AM on 21 December 2025): A lower-level trough is affecting the area (craft advisory still in effect)

    WEATHER (6:00 AM on 21 December 2025): A lower-level trough is affecting the area (craft advisory still in effect)

    Meteorological authorities have issued critical advisories for residents and maritime operators across the Caribbean region as an active weather system moves through the area. A low-pressure trough continues to generate unstable atmospheric conditions, presenting a multifaceted weather challenge combining precipitation risks with hazardous marine conditions.

    The terrestrial forecast indicates predominantly overcast skies throughout the day with intermittent scattered showers, particularly during morning hours. Meteorological models project a gradual diminishment of precipitation activity as the day progresses toward afternoon hours, though isolated showers may persist. Officials have specifically alerted communities in geologically vulnerable zones, including areas susceptible to landslides and falling rocks, to maintain heightened awareness and implement appropriate precautionary measures.

    Maritime conditions present additional concerns, with moderate sea states expected across the region. Significant wave height differentials are anticipated between coastlines, with western exposures experiencing approximately 5-foot waves accompanied by northerly swells, while eastern facing coastlines may encounter more substantial 8-foot waves. In response to these conditions, maritime authorities have implemented a dual advisory system: A Small Craft Advisory remains active primarily for eastern coastal waters, while a High Surf Advisory has been enacted for western and northern coastal areas. These warnings specifically urge heightened vigilance among operators of smaller vessels and recreational sea bathers.

    Coastal improvement is projected to commence after nightfall along western exposures, with meteorological monitoring stations continuing to track system evolution. Tonight’s forecast suggests a transition to partly cloudy conditions with occasional cloud cover and potential isolated showers during late-night hours.

  • EDITORIAL: Civil society, please stand up

    EDITORIAL: Civil society, please stand up

    Saint Lucia’s political landscape has undergone a dramatic shift following the December 1 general election, which reduced the opposition’s presence in the House of Assembly from two members to a single representative. This electoral outcome has sparked urgent conversations about the mechanisms for maintaining democratic checks and balances in the absence of a robust parliamentary opposition.

    The nation operates under a winner-take-all majoritarian representation system that grants absolute power to the party securing the most votes in each electoral district. This structure has previously produced lopsided results (16-1) and now threatens the possibility of a complete parliamentary sweep (17-0) in future elections unless systemic reforms are implemented.

    With constitutional amendments addressing this power imbalance remaining pending, concerns mount about citizen representation when governments control all state resources and face no requirement for supermajority approval on legislation. This democratic deficit highlights the crucial role that civil society organizations, community leaders, and influential citizens must play in safeguarding governance accountability.

    In developed democracies, such independent voices provide impartial analysis of national issues, demand governmental transparency, recommend anti-corruption measures, promote social justice, and facilitate dialogue between citizens and their representatives. However, Saint Lucia has witnessed significant erosion of its civil society framework in recent years.

    Many citizens now hesitate to engage with media on pertinent issues, fearing marginalization or partisan labeling. Dissenting opinions are frequently mischaracterized as opposition alignment, creating a chilling effect on public discourse. Meanwhile, social media and radio talk shows have increasingly become platforms for vitriolic attacks against those holding differing viewpoints.

    Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre addressed these concerns during his December 5 swearing-in ceremony, calling for reduced negativity and intolerance in society, particularly online. He emphasized that platforms should not serve as vehicles for vilification through slander, malicious rumors, or disinformation campaigns.

    This appeal for civil discourse extends to all societal segments, including those in positions of power whose words and actions often exacerbate social divisions. There is growing consensus that civil society organizations, independent thinkers, and community influencers must consistently engage in national dialogue rather than emerging only during crises or when pressured for commentary.

    Trade unions, the National Youth Council, Saint Lucia Chamber of Commerce, Bar Association, Christian Council, environmental advocates, human rights activists, cultural organizations, and community groups are being urged to amplify their voices on pressing national matters. Their contributions should reflect reasoned analysis rather than self-interest, prioritizing representation for voiceless, disenfranchised, and marginalized communities.

    Ultimately, Saint Lucia must foster an environment where elected officials truly serve all constituents and genuine power resides with citizens. This vision requires embracing respectful disagreement as a democratic virtue rather than a source of enmity, echoing former Prime Minister Sir John Compton’s 2006 appeal for unity after political contests conclude.

    The path forward demands collaborative efforts among government, civil society, and citizens to build a society where tolerance prevails, and love and unity guide national development. Only through such collective commitment can the nation fully realize the ideals expressed in its anthem: ‘May our people live united, strong in soul and strong in arm. Justice, truth and charity, our ideals forever be.’

  • Cuba considers exclusion from Caribbean Series disrespectful

    Cuba considers exclusion from Caribbean Series disrespectful

    The Cuban Baseball and Softball Federation has issued a formal protest against its sudden exclusion from the upcoming Caribbean Series, denouncing the decision as a breach of protocol and a sign of disrespect. The controversy emerged after the Caribbean Professional Baseball Confederation (CBPC) unilaterally moved the tournament from its original host, Venezuela, to Guadalajara, Mexico, without consulting the Cuban federation.

    The Federation, in an official statement, clarified that while the initial invitation was extended by Venezuela, it was formally endorsed by the CBPC—an organization Cuba helped establish. The statement emphasized that the CBPC failed to communicate ‘regarding such an important decision, which undermines the established commitments and the format approved by our country to participate.’

    The venue change was prompted after baseball leagues from Mexico, Puerto Rico, and the Dominican Republic withdrew from the Greater Caracas location, citing logistical challenges unrelated to the Venezuelan Professional Baseball League. The CBPC subsequently approved a proposal from the ARCO Mexican Pacific League, led by the Charros de Jalisco organization, to host the event from February 1–7.

    The Cuban Federation asserted that the change of venue does not justify Cuba’s exclusion and stressed that the nation ‘deserves and demands respectful treatment,’ particularly given the sensitive context surrounding Cuban sports. The statement also situated the incident within broader geopolitical tensions, referencing what it described as ‘US military harassment, aggression, and encirclement’ of Venezuela, and alluding to recent statements by former U.S. President Donald Trump regarding the nation’s oil resources.

  • COMMENTARY: Old Man Bramble, a Caribbean Christmas Legend

    COMMENTARY: Old Man Bramble, a Caribbean Christmas Legend

    On the remote Eastern Antilles island of Coral Cay, a timeless Christmas legend continues to illuminate hearts decades after its humble beginning. The story of Old Man Bramble, born from the extraordinary homecoming of an ordinary fisherman, has transformed into a profound cultural tradition that transcends generations.

    Originally known as Bram, the island native distinguished himself through exceptional curiosity from childhood. Unlike his peers who remained near shorelines, young Bram persistently gazed beyond the horizon, yearning to understand the world beyond his tropical home. Upon reaching adulthood, he departed with his mother’s blessing and a single gift: a modest brass and glass oil lamp. His solemn promise to return when ‘the world finished teaching him’ initiated a decades-long odyssey.

    Bram’s journeys exposed him to diverse cultures and wisdom traditions. Fishing alongside Windward sailors and learning from elders in distant harbors, he discovered universal truths about human connection: that strangers could become family, that kindness travels farther than any vessel, and that true wisdom resides in quiet reflection rather than loud proclamation. Throughout his travels, he maintained his mother’s lantern perpetually lit, a symbolic commitment that would later define his legacy.

    Returning as a silver-haired man on a Christmas Eve, Bramble—now known as Old Man Bramble—came not with material gifts but with hard-earned wisdom. His homecoming coincided with the most devastating storm in living memory, which plunged the island into darkness and terror. As families huddled fearfully in extinguished homes, a solitary light emerged along the shoreline.

    The elderly fisherman moved methodically through the tempest, his lantern creating a beacon of stability amidst chaos. Without uttering a single word, he guided lost islanders to safety, his calm demeanor seemingly causing the storm itself to abate. By dawn, the hurricane had vanished—and so had Bramble. Only his footprints and his still-glowing lantern remained on a driftwood stump, silently passing the responsibility of illumination to the community.

    Today, Coral Cay’s residents perpetuate Bramble’s legacy through annual Christmas Eve traditions. Families light lanterns to honor his memory and embody his teachings: that light is measured by faithfulness rather than size, that darkness exists to demonstrate light’s value, and that genuine power requires no volume. The legend has evolved into a cultural touchstone emphasizing quiet kindness, steadfast faithfulness, and the transformative impact of simple, consistent goodness.

    The Bramble narrative resonates particularly in modern times as an antidote to contemporary haste and noise. His story reminds societies that the most meaningful contributions often involve silent stewardship rather than loud proclamation, and that every individual possesses an inner light that no adversity can extinguish. This Christmas tradition ultimately celebrates how ordinary people can achieve extraordinary impact through consistent compassion and quiet reliability.

  • Dr Eudelle praises Senator Kiz Johnson’s leadership at JCI 2025 YEP Awards

    Dr Eudelle praises Senator Kiz Johnson’s leadership at JCI 2025 YEP Awards

    Senator Kiz Johnson has emerged as a transformative voice for emerging business leaders following her keynote address at the prestigious JCI 2025 Young Entrepreneur Programme Awards ceremony. The event, designed to celebrate innovation and leadership among young visionaries, witnessed Senator Johnson delivering what attendees described as a profoundly impactful message that resonated throughout the entrepreneurial community.

    According to Dr. Eudelle, an esteemed participant at the gathering, Senator Johnson’s presentation provided a masterclass in purposeful leadership that created lasting impressions on all attendees. The senator challenged the audience to transcend conventional boundaries by pushing beyond their comfort zones, maintaining unwavering discipline in their pursuits, and completely rejecting any form of mediocrity in their professional and personal endeavors.

    In a formal statement released after the ceremony, Dr. Eudelle characterized the address as both deeply motivating and re-energizing, noting that it sparked renewed commitment among attendees toward achieving excellence, pursuing continuous personal development, and creating meaningful impact within their communities.

    The JCI YEP Awards represent a significant initiative that acknowledges exceptional young leaders and entrepreneurs who demonstrate outstanding innovation, exemplary leadership qualities, and dedicated commitment to both national progress and community development. Senator Johnson’s participation underscores the growing collaboration between political leadership and entrepreneurial ecosystems in fostering the next generation of change-makers.

  • Venezuela denounces hijacking of private vessel carrying national oil

    Venezuela denounces hijacking of private vessel carrying national oil

    The Venezuelan government has issued a formal diplomatic condemnation accusing United States military personnel of committing an act of maritime robbery in international waters. Executive Vice President Delcy Rodríguez, in an official statement, characterized the incident as a serious violation of multiple international treaties and conventions.

    According to the Venezuelan administration, this operation represents a blatant breach of Article 3 of the 1988 Convention for the Suppression of Unlawful Acts against the Safety of Maritime Navigation, effectively constituting an act of piracy under international law. The statement further alleges that the incident violates fundamental principles of the United Nations Charter, specifically Article 2, which governs peaceful relations between sovereign states.

    The Venezuelan government contends that additional violations include transgressions against Article 2 of the Geneva Convention on the High Seas and the Declaration on Principles of International Law concerning Friendly Relations and Cooperation among States. Rodríguez condemned what she described as a colonialist model that the United States government allegedly seeks to impose through such practices, asserting that this approach would be defeated by the resilience of the Venezuelan people.

    Despite these allegations, Venezuela reaffirmed its commitment to continued economic growth through its fourteen economic engines and the independent development of its hydrocarbon industry. The Bolivarian Republic has declared that these acts will not remain without consequence, pledging to pursue all appropriate diplomatic and legal channels. This includes formal complaints to the United Nations Security Council, various multilateral organizations, and governments worldwide.

  • Uruguay: Oscar Andrade elected PCU General Secretary

    Uruguay: Oscar Andrade elected PCU General Secretary

    The recently constituted Central Committee of Uruguay’s Frente Amplio (Broad Front) coalition has finalized its executive leadership appointments during its inaugural session. The newly elected 18-member Executive Committee will operate under the guidance of Andrade, whose leadership was confirmed by the congressional body.

    Key organizational roles have been allocated to prominent figures within the coalition. Guillermo Rehermann has been officially ratified as organizational coordinator, while Representative Ana Olivera has been designated to head the Political Unity division, signaling the coalition’s commitment to internal cohesion.

    The international relations portfolio will be managed by Juan Castillo, who brings substantial experience from his previous tenure as General Secretary and Minister of Labor and Social Security. This appointment underscores the coalition’s focus on maintaining robust international connections.

    In significant labor movement representation, Marcelo Abad, current president of the PIT-CNT trade union confederation, will assume leadership of the Secretariat of Union Affairs. Simultaneously, Viviana Rodriguez has been appointed to direct the Secretariat of Gender Affairs, highlighting the coalition’s dedication to gender equality initiatives.

    The confirmation process also solidified Natalia Díaz’s position as head of the Union of Communist Youth (UJC), following her recent election as general secretary of the organization. This appointment reinforces the coalition’s connection with youth political movements and ensures generational continuity within the leadership structure.

  • 20-year-old out on bail after $68,000 car theft charge

    20-year-old out on bail after $68,000 car theft charge

    A Christ Church resident has been released on bail following formal charges related to the alleged theft of a luxury vehicle valued at approximately $68,000. Makai Chrishon James, a 20-year-old from Pegwell Boggs, appeared before the District ‘A’ Criminal Court No. 1 on Saturday to address charges stemming from the December 5, 2024 incident involving a motor vehicle owned by Rico Depeiza.

    Presiding Chief Magistrate Ian Weekes oversaw the preliminary hearing where the defendant was not required to enter a formal plea regarding the indictable offense. The court set bail at $8,000, facilitating James’s conditional release pending further judicial proceedings.

    The case has been formally transferred to the District ‘A’ Criminal Court No. 2, with initial proceedings scheduled for January 14, 2026—indicating a substantial judicial timeline ahead. This case represents another entry in Barbados’s ongoing efforts to address property crimes involving high-value assets, highlighting both the legal framework for handling such offenses and the procedural pathways through which justice is administered.

  • Cuba honors Alicia Alonso on Ibero-American Dance Day

    Cuba honors Alicia Alonso on Ibero-American Dance Day

    The National Ballet of Cuba prepares to honor the enduring legacy of prima ballerina assoluta Alicia Alonso through a special performance of the classic ballet “Don Quixote” this Sunday. Principal dancers Anette Delgado and Dani Hernández will assume the leading roles in this commemorative production that celebrates Alonso’s monumental contributions to Cuban cultural heritage.

    Alonso’s extraordinary journey in dance encompassed multiple dimensions: initial rigorous training that established her as a respected ballerina, subsequent development of a distinctive artistic style, and ultimately the permanent integration of ballet into Cuba’s cultural identity. Her vision transformed ballet from an elite art form into an essential component of Cuban cultural expression.

    Seventy-seven years ago, Alonso collaborated with her brothers Fernando Alonso, an extraordinary teacher, and Alberto Alonso, a renowned choreographer, to establish Cuba’s first professional ballet company. This pioneering achievement occurred during an era when ballet remained largely unfamiliar and underappreciated throughout Latin American societies.

    Throughout her career, Alonso demonstrated remarkable resilience by overcoming substantial social, political, and health-related challenges. Her determination and courage enabled her to elevate both her personal artistic stature and the broader recognition of ballet as a legitimate art form in Cuba.

    Following the Cuban Revolution in 1959, Alonso actively supported cultural democratization initiatives that brought ballet beyond traditional theater settings. She championed the accessibility of ballet performances in unconventional venues including factories, agricultural fields, forests, valleys, and public streets, effectively breaking down bourgeois prejudices and making high art available to ordinary citizens.

  • Israel causes multimillion-dollar losses for Palestinian workers

    Israel causes multimillion-dollar losses for Palestinian workers

    The Palestinian General Federation of Trade Unions has issued a stark condemnation of economic policies that have triggered a catastrophic unemployment crisis across Palestinian territories. According to Secretary General Shaher Saad, these measures have resulted in more than half a million job losses.

    Official data reveals unemployment has surged to historic highs, exceeding 50% in the West Bank and reaching a devastating 84% in the Gaza Strip. Saad attributes this economic collapse to a systematic siege and continuous restrictions, including pervasive road closures and daily military raids that specifically target Palestinian workers.

    The union leader further criticized the deliberate dismantling of core productive sectors. A protracted 27-month military blockade has decimated local industries, with agriculture, construction, and services suffering particularly severe damage. Saad characterized these comprehensive measures as a fundamental violation of human rights, stating they constitute a crime against the Palestinian people’s inherent right to work and live with dignity.