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  • ‘Niemand is veilig’: China’s Xi richt zich op zijn nauwe bondgenoot in zuivering

    ‘Niemand is veilig’: China’s Xi richt zich op zijn nauwe bondgenoot in zuivering

    Chinese President Xi Jinping’s sweeping anti-corruption campaign has penetrated his innermost circle with the announced investigation of General Zhang Youxia, his longtime ally and senior vice-chairman of China’s Central Military Commission (CMC). This unprecedented move demonstrates that even the closest personal connections offer no protection when party loyalty is questioned, fundamentally reshaping China’s political landscape.

    Defense Ministry officials confirmed on Saturday that General Zhang—second only to Xi in military command hierarchy—faces scrutiny over “suspected serious violations of discipline and law.” The investigation marks a significant escalation in Xi’s decade-long corruption purge that previously targeted the Rocket Force leadership overseeing nuclear weapons and removed two defense ministers.

    Analysts from Washington-based think tanks describe the development as “astonishing,” noting that Xi has effectively dismantled the PLA’s leadership structure to an unprecedented degree. The seven-member CMC now functionally operates with just two members following simultaneous investigations into Liu Zhenli, chief of joint staff.

    The PLA Daily’s front-page editorial framed the investigations as a major achievement, accusing both generals of “seriously undermining and violating the Chairman Responsibility System”—the institutional mechanism granting Xi ultimate military decision-making authority. This suggests Zhang may have exercised power beyond prescribed boundaries, though no evidence of power struggle has been presented.

    Notably, both Xi and Zhang belong to the “princeling” class—children of revolutionary veterans—with their relationship dating back decades. The 75-year-old general had been expected to retire in 2022 but was retained by Xi for an unusual third term, highlighting their historically close ties.

    The leadership vacuum raises operational questions for the world’s largest military, with analysts suggesting joint exercises and major initiatives may slow until Xi rebuilds the command structure. Some expect comprehensive appointments during next year’s Communist Party Congress after thorough vetting of candidates.

    Regional security implications are significant: the purge suggests diminished likelihood of immediate military action against Taiwan as Xi prioritizes internal consolidation. However, analysts warn this restructuring aims to create more capable and loyal military leadership that could pose greater future threats to regional stability.

    As Xi continues his mission to ensure absolute political loyalty within party and military ranks, the investigation demonstrates his unwavering commitment to power consolidation—even at the cost of longstanding alliances.

  • St Clements House in Belfast reportedly burglarized

    St Clements House in Belfast reportedly burglarized

    Authorities in Belfast are conducting a thorough investigation following a significant burglary at St Clements House, the historic residence of the Redemptorist Catholic missionary order. The incident, which police are treating as an aggravated burglary, occurred overnight and resulted in the theft of substantial cash amounts and a vehicle.

    Initial reports confirm that perpetrators successfully made off with EC$2,500, US$600 in cash, and a Mitsubishi Pickup truck bearing registration number PP634. The burglary targeted the long-standing religious institution that has maintained a presence in Dominica since 1902.

    In a developing turn of events, law enforcement officials have successfully located the stolen vehicle in the Zabrico area. The recovery represents a significant breakthrough in the ongoing investigation, though authorities continue to pursue leads regarding the suspects and the stolen currency.

    St Clements House serves as the operational base for the Redemptorist order, which currently maintains between 4,500–5,500 members across more than 80 countries worldwide. The religious organization has deep roots in the local community, having established its mission work in Dominica over a century ago.

    Local news outlet DNO has committed to providing continuous coverage as additional details emerge from the police investigation. The community awaits further updates regarding security measures and the status of the investigation into this violation of the religious institution’s premises.

  • Senior officers complete two-week leadership refresher course

    Senior officers complete two-week leadership refresher course

    In a significant initiative to bolster military leadership and operational capabilities, Senior Non-Commissioned Officers have successfully concluded an intensive two-week professional development program. The specialized refresher course, conducted from January 12 to 24, 2026, was specifically designed to enhance leadership competencies, reinforce disciplinary standards, and strengthen overall mission readiness.

    The comprehensive curriculum placed particular emphasis on the multifaceted responsibilities and elevated professional standards required of senior enlisted leaders within modern military structures. Participants engaged in rigorous drill training exercises meticulously crafted to improve unit cohesion and disciplinary precision, while simultaneously reviewing fundamental operational tasks critical to daily military functions.

    A cornerstone of the program focused on the strategic role of Senior Non-Commissioned Officers as both operational leaders and professional mentors. The training highlighted their crucial function as the essential connective tissue between command leadership and junior personnel, emphasizing their unique position in maintaining organizational effectiveness and communication channels.

    Program organizers confirmed the initiative successfully reinforced contemporary leadership methodologies while substantially improving the unit’s overall preparedness. The exercise underscored the indispensable value of experienced non-commissioned officers in preserving operational effectiveness and maintaining robust military structures capable of responding to diverse challenges.

  • Stardom Tent highlights calypsonians this week, before further eliminations at upcoming Calypso Semi-finals

    Stardom Tent highlights calypsonians this week, before further eliminations at upcoming Calypso Semi-finals

    Dominica’s vibrant entertainment calendar reaches a crescendo this week with two pivotal events in the nation’s cherished calypso tradition. The cultural spotlight first falls on The Factory’s Stardom Tent, which hosts its semi-final round on Wednesday, January 28th. This event promises a dynamic showcase of musical artistry set against the energetic atmosphere of Valley Road.

    A diverse roster of acclaimed performers is set to take the stage, including Lord Thunder, DBS, Works Up, Sour Sour, Lady V, and Lady Barko, among other distinguished acts. The Swinging Stars will provide musical accompaniment as the backing band, ensuring a night of captivating live performances that highlight the richness of Dominican musical talent.

    The competitive intensity escalates on Saturday, January 31st, when Windsor Park Stadium becomes the battleground for the Dominica Calypso Association’s Semi-Finals. Twenty semi-finalists will compete for only nine coveted positions, with the ultimate prize being a chance to challenge reigning Monarch Joy in the finals. This elimination round represents a critical juncture in the competition, as more than half of the contestants will face elimination in this rigorous selection process.

    The performance order, determined by Thursday’s ‘dipping’ results, will proceed as follows: Sandy, MysterySai, Lady S, Royette, Trendsetter, Checker, Reds, Tasha P, followed by The Observer, Kalfa P, Mighty D, The Bob, JD, The Web, Abiyah Israel, Nachelle, Daddy, Chess, and Caressa.

    Following the competitive performances, the audience will be treated to special appearances by current Monarch Joy and the popular Booyah Sensation, Kwan Dan. The competition will culminate in the grand finals scheduled for February 14th, where the next calypso monarch will be crowned.

    The Dominica Calypso Association emphasizes that public participation remains essential to preserving this cultural tradition, encouraging widespread attendance and support for the artists throughout this celebration of Dominican musical heritage.

  • PAHO and UNICEF Warn Violence Continues to Endanger Children Across Latin America and the Caribbean

    PAHO and UNICEF Warn Violence Continues to Endanger Children Across Latin America and the Caribbean

    A groundbreaking collaborative report from the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and UNICEF has exposed a devastating epidemic of violence targeting children and adolescents across Latin America and the Caribbean. The publication, titled ‘Violence against children and adolescents in Latin America and the Caribbean: New data and solutions,’ reveals that violence remains a critical threat to the survival, health, and overall well-being of millions of young people in the region.

    The most extreme manifestation of this crisis is homicide. Between 2015 and 2022, a staggering 53,318 children and adolescents were murdered. Recent data reveals a disturbing and gendered shift in trends. While the homicide rate for adolescent boys (15-17 years) showed a decline from 17.63 to 10.68 per 100,000 between 2021 and 2022, the rate for adolescent girls more than doubled during the same period, skyrocketing from 2.13 to 5.1 deaths per 100,000.

    This lethal violence is fueled by a complex web of factors, including escalating armed conflict in certain areas, the pervasive influence of organized crime, widespread availability of firearms, deep-rooted social inequalities, and harmful gender norms that increasingly draw adolescents into situations of extreme danger.

    The report emphasizes that violence is not an isolated incident but a interconnected phenomenon that often intensifies over time, beginning at a very young age. Shockingly, six out of ten children under 14 in the region experience violent disciplinary methods at home. Furthermore, one in four adolescents aged 13 to 17 faces bullying and harassment within school environments. Nearly 20% of women report enduring sexual violence before reaching the age of 18, and violence is increasingly migrating into digital spaces, though data on this newer frontier remains scarce.

    Roberto Benes, UNICEF Regional Director for Latin America and the Caribbean, stated, ‘Millions of children in our region confront violence daily—in their households, schools, and communities dominated by gangs. Numerous settings present genuine and severe risks. We possess the knowledge to end this cycle; what is required are robust, sustained public policies focused on prevention and response.’

    Echoing this urgency, Dr. Jarbas Barbosa, Director of PAHO, highlighted the profound and lasting damage violence inflicts on the physical and mental health of the young, constituting a severe violation of their fundamental right to safety. He underscored the pivotal role of health services: ‘Through early identification of at-risk groups and the provision of timely, quality support, health workers can fundamentally alter outcomes for survivors, their families, and entire communities.’

    Beyond diagnosing the problem, the report outlines a clear path forward, championing evidence-based solutions. PAHO and UNICEF are calling on regional governments to enact a multi-sectoral strategy. Key recommendations include strengthening and enforcing child protection laws, implementing effective firearm control, providing specialized training for police, teachers, and health and social workers, promoting positive parenting practices, investing in safe educational environments, and scaling up accessible support services. The ultimate goal is to ensure every child can grow up protected, with access to justice, and able to lead a healthy life free from violence.

    The findings and proposed framework were validated during a major regional ministerial consultation on October 23-24, 2025, which convened over 300 participants, including government ministers, senior officials from health, education, and justice sectors, alongside civil society advocates, youth leaders, and international partners, all committed to agreeing on concrete actions for building safer environments for the young generation.

  • Estwick: Barbadians suffering under BLP

    Estwick: Barbadians suffering under BLP

    In a fiery address during the Democratic Labour Party’s national rally at Independence Square, St Philip West candidate Dr. David Estwick launched a comprehensive critique against the incumbent Barbados Labour Party administration. The former parliamentarian asserted that BLP fiscal policies have directly precipitated the escalating cost of living crisis, imposing disproportionate financial strain on ordinary citizens through increased taxation mechanisms.

    Estwick systematically detailed how rising land taxes, fuel levies, and utility charges have created cascading economic pressures that ultimately burden consumers. “The cumulative effect of higher diesel prices, water rates, and new levies creates unbearable pressure on households and businesses,” he told supporters, emphasizing that diminished purchasing power prevents Barbadians from meeting basic needs as their income stretches less far with each policy change.

    The criticism extended beyond economic matters to proposed legislation that Estwick characterized as threatening constitutional rights. He raised particular concerns about the Trident ID system, arguing that citizens should not require new identification to access inherent rights. The Cybercrime Bill faced even stronger condemnation, described as “a blatant and rude affront on democratic rights” that jeopardizes free speech through provisions enabling telephone interception without judicial oversight.

    As former Minister of Agriculture, Estwick provided sector-specific criticism regarding water rate increases for farmers from 60 cents to $1.80 per cubic meter, warning that well metering would further raise production costs. He contended that these policies force local farmers to increase produce prices while government support for food imports undermines domestic production viability. The sugar industry received particular attention, with Estwick declaring it had been “brought on its deathbed” through importation policies and terminated production arrangements with Coop Energy.

    Estwick concluded with a stark warning that Barbadians would continue suffering under these conditions if the Mia Mottley-led administration retains power, positioning the upcoming election as crucial for reversing these policies.

  • Armstrong promises increased focus on sports

    Armstrong promises increased focus on sports

    In a forceful address at the Democratic Labour Party’s (DLP) national rally in Independence Square, St Michael North candidate Dawn-Marie Armstrong launched a comprehensive critique of the ruling Barbados Labour Party (BLP) administration. The former national cricketer and sport psychologist asserted that systemic neglect of community infrastructure has directly crippled sports development and youth engagement, creating a vacuum that fuels rising crime rates across the island.

    Armstrong outlined a stark vision for reform, pledging that a DLP government elected on February 11 would abandon what she condemned as superficial tokenism and ad-hoc tournaments. Instead, her party would institute a professionally structured sports framework designed for long-term sustainability. This new approach would guarantee athletes proper wages and establish clear pathways for professional development.

    Central to her proposal is the strategic reopening and modernization of community centers, which she identified as critical hubs for positive social intervention. Armstrong revealed an innovative technological component to this plan: the development of a dedicated national app to facilitate universal access to these facilities. This digital platform would enable young people to seek mentorship, allow women to secure safe recreational spaces for children, and provide athletes with direct booking capabilities for training sessions.

    Beyond sports, Armstrong highlighted broader governance issues, condemning excessive bureaucratic barriers and political gatekeeping in constituency development. She shared anecdotes from St Michael North residents who reported needing formal permission from parliamentary representatives for basic infrastructure like street lighting. Promising a radical departure from this system, Armstrong committed to eliminating these political obstacles, ensuring communities can directly pursue development initiatives without administrative interference.

    The DLP candidate positioned these policies as essential measures for crime reduction, arguing that structured community engagement through sports and accessible facilities would provide positive alternatives for at-risk youth, particularly young men.

  • No immediate threat to life following Pichlen landslide, says Minister Blackmore

    No immediate threat to life following Pichlen landslide, says Minister Blackmore

    Dominica’s Public Works Minister Rayburn Blackmore has provided reassurances to citizens following a significant landslide in the southern community of Pichlen that occurred during the night of January 24-25. The geological event, which took place along an active road rehabilitation corridor, resulted in substantial earth displacement into the Pichlen River channel, triggering immediate multi-agency emergency assessments.

    Minister Blackmore confirmed to media outlets that a comprehensive technical team comprising geotechnical engineers, disaster management specialists, emergency services personnel, and forestry officials has conducted thorough evaluations of the situation. Their collective assessment indicates no imminent danger to residential areas or infrastructure downstream from the landslide site.

    Critical transportation routes between Bellevue Chopin and Pichelin remain fully operational, maintaining uninterrupted connectivity for local communities. As a precautionary measure, authorities have established security perimeters around the original construction zone, advising public avoidance of the designated area.

    Remediation operations commenced Monday under improved meteorological conditions, with clearing efforts focused on preserving the integrity of the river channel while implementing robust mitigation protocols. The government’s coordinated response prioritizes environmental conservation and community safety through strict adherence to geotechnical safety standards.

    Minister Blackmore contextualized this incident within Dominica’s broader National Resilience Development Plan 2030, highlighting ongoing infrastructure investments exceeding $160 million dedicated to slope stabilization, advanced drainage systems, and expanded roadway designs specifically engineered to minimize landslide risks. The official commended emergency responders and technical staff for their continuous monitoring efforts and reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to citizen safety as its fundamental governance priority.

  • SLBMC Nurse Philis Humphreys Earns Master’s Degree in Nursing Leadership

    SLBMC Nurse Philis Humphreys Earns Master’s Degree in Nursing Leadership

    The Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre (SLBMC) celebrates a groundbreaking academic achievement as one of its dedicated nursing professionals attains an advanced degree in healthcare leadership. Philis Humphreys, serving as an Infection, Disease and Environmental Health (IDEH) specialist nurse, has successfully completed her Master of Science in Nursing with a concentration in Nurse Executive from the prestigious Walden University.

    This educational accomplishment represents a transformative moment for both the individual practitioner and the medical institution’s nursing corps. Hospital administration formally recognized Humphreys’ scholarly dedication, emphasizing how her pursuit of advanced knowledge demonstrates exceptional commitment to professional development within Antigua’s healthcare landscape.

    The medical center’s leadership team characterized this achievement as particularly inspirational for fellow healthcare workers, noting that Humphreys’ academic journey exemplifies the potential for career advancement through persistent effort and intellectual curiosity. The qualification specifically prepares nursing professionals for executive-level responsibilities, potentially influencing future healthcare policy and clinical management approaches.

    SLBMC officials expressed confidence in Humphreys’ emerging leadership capabilities, suggesting her advanced training would contribute significantly to the institution’s operational excellence and patient care standards. The hospital community views this milestone as reinforcing the critical importance of continuous education in elevating healthcare quality and organizational performance across the Caribbean region.

  • Breaking barriers: Deaf Saint Lucians donate blood for the first time

    Breaking barriers: Deaf Saint Lucians donate blood for the first time

    In a groundbreaking move toward inclusivity, Saint Lucia’s deaf and hearing-impaired community participated in a pioneering blood donation drive on January 24th. The event, held at the Lady Gordon Opportunity Centre in Ciceron—a venue with deep historical significance as the former School for the Deaf—marked the first organized effort specifically designed to accommodate donors with hearing disabilities.

    The initiative emerged from a critical recognition: communication barriers routinely exclude deaf individuals from essential services and civic activities, including blood donation. Standard medical protocols requiring detailed questionnaires and interviews present insurmountable challenges in a society where sign language proficiency remains limited among healthcare professionals.

    Dale St. Juste, Officer in Charge of Special Education at Saint Lucia’s Ministry of Education and leader of the Castries SDA Church’s Deaf Ministries Department, championed this transformative project. The Deaf Ministries program, which provides weekly religious services incorporating both spiritual guidance and practical information often inaccessible to the hearing-impaired community, served as the perfect platform for this outreach.

    St. Juste revealed to St. Lucia Times that most participants had never previously donated blood and were unaware of their blood types. ‘Blood donation constitutes a critical national service vital to our healthcare system,’ he emphasized. ‘With blood stocks frequently reaching dangerously low levels, maximizing participation becomes imperative.’

    Beyond addressing immediate medical needs, the initiative represents a broader movement toward societal inclusion. St. Juste advocates for systemic changes across institutions, urging them to evaluate and adapt their processes to accommodate persons with disabilities. He additionally encourages public engagement with deaf individuals, noting that communication often proves possible even without formal sign language training.

    The successful blood drive demonstrates how targeted efforts can dismantle barriers, offering a model for future inclusive initiatives that empower differently-abled citizens to participate fully in societal activities.