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  • First flight lands on reconstructed Aishalton airstrip

    First flight lands on reconstructed Aishalton airstrip

    A new era of aviation connectivity has dawned for Guyana’s hinterland communities as the first aircraft successfully touched down on the completely reconstructed Aishalton Airstrip on Thursday, December 18, 2025. The landmark event, announced by President Irfaan Ali, represents the culmination of a community participation model project that transforms regional transportation infrastructure.

    According to Aviation Minister Deodat Indar, the comprehensive upgrade required an investment of just over GY$1 billion. The newly operational facility boasts a substantial 2,500-foot rigid concrete runway capable of handling regular air traffic. The modernization includes a dedicated parking apron with capacity for two aircraft simultaneously, alongside state-of-the-art safety enhancements comprising precision runway lighting, professional markings, and comprehensive signage systems.

    This achievement forms part of a broader governmental initiative to revolutionize transportation access in remote regions. The administration has allocated GY$2.5 billion specifically for the rehabilitation and completion of multiple hinterland airstrips, including strategic locations at Apoteri, Chenapou, Jawalla, and Sand Creek. The Aishalton project serves as a flagship demonstration of this infrastructure development program.

    The enhanced airstrip is projected to significantly improve emergency response capabilities, economic opportunities, and social connectivity for the Aishalton community. By reducing isolation and facilitating reliable transport links, the infrastructure upgrade promises to transform healthcare access, educational resources, and commercial exchange for residents who previously faced substantial travel challenges.

  • Small craft, high surf advisory remains in effect as rough seas persist

    Small craft, high surf advisory remains in effect as rough seas persist

    Barbados continues to face substantial marine hazards as meteorological authorities extend safety advisories amid persistently dangerous ocean conditions. The Barbados Meteorological Services (BMS) maintains its Small Craft and High Surf Advisory through Saturday morning, warning of sustained Atlantic swells measuring 2.5 to 3.0 meters that are creating treacherous coastal environments.

    The intensified sea conditions, generated by a robust Atlantic high-pressure system producing winds of 20-30 knots, present multiple threats to marine operations and coastal infrastructure. Small craft operators face particularly hazardous operating conditions with difficult navigation and elevated capsizing risks. Coastal regions, especially along northern, eastern, and southern shorelines, remain vulnerable to significant beach erosion and temporary submersion during high tide cycles.

    Authorities have issued stern warnings regarding potential safety consequences, including the possibility of serious injury or fatalities if precautionary measures are disregarded. The National Conservation Commission has joined meteorological officials in urging extreme caution for marine users and beachgoers alike.

    The BMS indicates these agitated sea conditions will gradually diminish over the weekend, with current models projecting improvement by Saturday, December 20, at 6:00 AM, though earlier termination remains possible if conditions improve unexpectedly. Residents and visitors are advised to continuously monitor updates through official channels including the Department of Emergency Management and Barbados Government Information Service for real-time safety information.

    For detailed updates, the public may access the Barbados Meteorological Services website or utilize their emergency hotline at 976-2376.

  • Six-part finance literacy book series for children launched by Dominican finance company

    Six-part finance literacy book series for children launched by Dominican finance company

    In a significant advancement for early childhood education, Finance Focus Inc. has introduced an innovative financial literacy book series specifically designed for young learners in Dominica and the Eastern Caribbean region. The six-part collection, titled “Making Sense of Dollars – Money Lessons for Little Learners,” represents a pioneering approach to teaching fundamental money management skills through culturally relevant content and engaging storytelling.

    The series made its official debut on December 6, marking what educators are calling a transformative moment in financial education for Caribbean youth. The curriculum addresses the critical need for early financial literacy, positioning money management as an essential life skill comparable in importance to reading and mathematics.

    Currently available are the first two installments: “Earn It – Work, Earn and Play” introduces children to the concept that money is earned through effort, creativity, and responsibility, while “Save It – The Power to Plan” emphasizes the importance of saving, patience, and goal-setting. Both books feature vibrant illustrations, Caribbean-inspired characters, and incorporate actual Eastern Caribbean currency to create practical, familiar learning experiences.

    The comprehensive series will expand with four additional titles releasing progressively: “Spend It” will focus on thoughtful spending choices, “Share It” will teach generosity and community values, “Grow It” will introduce basic investment concepts, and “Borrow It” will cover responsible borrowing practices.

    Created by financial educator Luana Laurent, the series emerged from recognizing that money habits typically form by age seven. Laurent emphasizes proactive financial education, stating: “Financial literacy should not begin after mistakes are made, it should begin before they are possible. These books exist to interrupt that cycle and give our children the clarity, confidence, and calm we wish we had earlier.

    The books are accessible through multiple channels including Amazon Store, Kindle platforms, and locally through ShopDM & Jay’s Bookstore, with availability beginning December 22. Laurent envisions the series becoming an educational staple throughout Dominica and the Eastern Caribbean, ultimately contributing to building a more financially resilient and empowered society.

  • Grenada launches Revised National Adaptation Plan

    Grenada launches Revised National Adaptation Plan

    Grenada has reinforced its position as a global leader in climate resilience with the official unveiling of its updated National Adaptation Plan (NAP) 2025-2030. The Caribbean nation, among the first worldwide to both develop and now revise a comprehensive climate strategy, continues to establish benchmarks for Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in environmental governance and preparedness.

    The Ministry of Climate Resilience, the Environment, and Renewable Energy orchestrated this pivotal national event, cementing its central role in steering the country’s climate adaptation agenda. This enhanced five-year framework builds upon previous achievements while introducing more ambitious, integrated approaches across multiple sectors. The strategy identifies 14 critical Programmes of Action focusing on water resource management, climate-smart agriculture, healthcare system fortification, disaster readiness, and natural ecosystem preservation.

    Prime Minister Hon. Dickon Mitchell formally introduced the plan during a keynote address on November 26, 2025, emphasizing the immediate realities of climate change affecting Grenadians daily. “Our islands face undeniable vulnerability to a changing climate,” Mitchell stated, citing escalating sea levels, intensified storms, prolonged droughts, and coastal erosion as present dangers rather than theoretical concerns.

    The ceremony also featured the reconstitution of the Climate Change Focal Point Network, designed to enhance cross-sectoral coordination as climate threats intensify. Minister Hon. Kerryne James delivered a compelling address calling for increased global action, noting that the adaptation financing gap continues to widen despite vulnerable nations’ escalating needs.

    International recognition came from Dr. Orville Grey, Head of Secretariat of the NAP Global Network, who applauded Grenada’s pioneering role in adaptation planning. He highlighted that Grenada remains among the few nations globally to publish detailed progress reports, demonstrating exceptional commitment to transparency and accountability.

    The revised plan prioritizes institutional strengthening, community-level resilience, and improved access to climate finance. Dr. Grey reaffirmed international support for developing investment briefs to mobilize the required US$572 million for full implementation.

    Dr. Roxanne Graham-Victor, National Climate Change Adaptation Officer, detailed the comprehensive revision process that began with a 2022 progress assessment and expanded through nationwide consultations engaging over 200 stakeholders. Notable enhancements include deeper community involvement and the Youth in Action for Climate Change Adaptation campaign, which has already reached numerous educational institutions.

    This strategic blueprint, supported by the NAP Global Network, IISD, and international partners including Germany and Ireland, establishes a foundation for coordinated, forward-looking adaptation efforts through 2030, positioning Grenada at the forefront of climate resilience innovation.

  • Plant2Plate programme kicks off with Backyard Gardening Competition

    Plant2Plate programme kicks off with Backyard Gardening Competition

    The Government of Antigua and Barbuda has officially introduced the Plant2Plate Initiative, a comprehensive national program designed to enhance domestic agricultural output and fortify food security across the nation. The announcement was made by the Hon. Anthony Smith Jr., Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Barbuda Affairs, who concurrently revealed the revival of the popular Backyard Gardening Competition.

    Minister Smith emphasized that the initiative seeks to mobilize citizens at the household level, encouraging them to engage in gardening as a tangible and impactful method to bolster the country’s food independence. He articulated that cumulative small-scale agricultural efforts in backyards can yield significant national benefits, creating a collective buffer against external food supply disruptions.

    This year’s gardening competition is themed ‘Homegrown today, food secure tomorrow’, a slogan that powerfully encapsulates the program’s core objective of fostering long-term national resilience through the promotion of locally cultivated food sources.

    A novel and innovative addition to this year’s initiative is the ‘Cook What You Grow’ Culinary Showcase. This event is specifically crafted to feature and reward culinary creations that utilize ingredients harvested directly from the participants’ personal gardens. Minister Smith explained that this culinary dimension aims to honor the quality and variety of local produce while simultaneously advocating for healthier, sustainable eating practices that support a farm-to-table ethos.

    The Plant2Plate program is a strategic component of the government’s wider agenda to diminish the nation’s dependency on imported foodstuffs. This policy direction is increasingly viewed as critical for building economic and supply chain resilience in an era marked by global logistical challenges and market volatility. All residents are being urged to participate actively by cultivating home gardens, entering the competitions, and displaying their harvests as part of a unified national movement toward achieving greater food self-sufficiency.

  • Trump Claims Venezuelan Oil, Land, and Assets Are Stolen

    Trump Claims Venezuelan Oil, Land, and Assets Are Stolen

    Venezuela has launched formal diplomatic protests through the United Nations Security Council following incendiary statements by former U.S. President Donald Trump that have escalated tensions between the two nations. The controversy erupted when Trump utilized his Truth Social platform to announce what he characterized as “the largest Armada ever assembled in the South American theater” encircling Venezuelan territory.

    In his social media declaration, Trump asserted that Venezuela must return “all oil, land, and other assets that they previously stole from us” before the naval blockade would be lifted. The former president further escalated rhetoric by labeling the Maduro administration a “foreign terrorist organization” and proclaiming a comprehensive embargo on all sanctioned oil tankers attempting to enter or depart Venezuelan waters.

    The Venezuelan government responded with vigorous diplomatic countermeasures, issuing an official condemnation on Wednesday that characterized Trump’s statements as “grotesque threats” and violations of international law. Venezuelan officials accused the United States of pursuing a campaign of resource appropriation through military intimidation tactics.

    In a significant escalation, Caracas has formally notified the President of the UN Security Council, citing specific violations of UN Resolution 3314, which prohibits acts of aggression between sovereign states. The Venezuelan communication additionally declared the closure of national airspace to unauthorized military aircraft, positioning the move as a defensive measure against perceived U.S. aggression.

    The developing situation represents one of the most severe deteriorations in U.S.-Venezuela relations in recent years, with implications for regional stability and global energy markets given Venezuela’s status as a major oil-producing nation.

  • Digicel first Caribbean company to be accredited under CIPS Corporate Ethical Procurement & Supply Kitemark

    Digicel first Caribbean company to be accredited under CIPS Corporate Ethical Procurement & Supply Kitemark

    In a landmark achievement for Caribbean corporate governance, Digicel Group has been honored with the prestigious Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS) Corporate Ethical Procurement & Supply Kitemark—becoming the first Caribbean organization to receive this globally recognized accreditation. The distinction was formally presented during the inaugural CIPS Caribbean Conference and Awards ceremony at Trinidad’s Hyatt Regency last week, where Digicel’s procurement team accepted the award.

    The CIPS Kitemark represents the gold standard in ethical procurement, serving as an international benchmark for organizations demonstrating exemplary supply chain integrity and ethical sourcing practices. This accreditation follows rigorous independent auditing that verified Digicel’s compliance with global best practices in procurement ethics and transparency.

    Arshad Ali, Digicel’s Director of Group Procurement, Supply Chain & Real Estate, commented on this milestone: ‘This accreditation fundamentally reflects our business ethos. It signifies the substantial advancements we’ve made in institutionalizing ethical, transparent, and accountable procurement processes across the Group. Moreover, it reinforces our dedication to elevating standards for responsible sourcing and supply chain governance throughout the Caribbean region.’

    For customers and business partners, the Kitemark provides tangible assurance of Digicel’s commitment to ethical operations throughout its supply network. The company’s procurement decisions incorporate both commercial viability and ethical considerations, ensuring every business interaction maintains rigorous standards of integrity and accountability.

    Michael Watson, Chief Compliance and Cyber Security Officer at Digicel Group, emphasized the broader implications: ‘This recognition underscores Digicel’s unwavering dedication to ethical business practices and the continuous improvement of our ethics and compliance programs. It assures our customers, suppliers, and partners that Digicel adheres to the highest ethical standards in all operations.’

    The achievement positions Digicel among an elite group of organizations worldwide that have demonstrated excellence in ethical procurement practices, potentially setting new industry standards for corporate responsibility and supply chain management in the Caribbean business landscape.

  • DNA buigt zich vrijdag over wet Duurzaam Natuurbeheer

    DNA buigt zich vrijdag over wet Duurzaam Natuurbeheer

    Suriname’s National Assembly is poised to conduct a pivotal public deliberation on the Sustainable Nature Management Initiative Law this Friday, marking a transformative shift in environmental governance. This legislative proceeding will commence with an administrative session featuring comprehensive reports from parliamentary committees before advancing to open debate and potential ratification.

    The proposed legislation represents a fundamental paradigm shift in how the nation approaches conservation and resource utilization. With Suriname maintaining over 93% forest coverage and ranking among the world’s most biodiverse regions, the country faces critical balancing between economic development pressures and environmental preservation. The initiative constitutes a complete revision of the outdated Nature Protection Act of 1954, establishing modern frameworks for ecological stewardship.

    A cornerstone innovation involves the financial architecture supporting nature policy. The legislation allocates approximately USD 20 million as seed capital for conservation management, channeled through the Environmental Fund to finance protection initiatives, sustainable usage programs, and area management. This funding mechanism extends eligibility to government agencies, local communities, and private conservationists alike, establishing unprecedented financial sustainability for environmental initiatives.

    International environmental organizations including Rainforest Trust, Re:wild, and Andes Amazon Fund have committed minimum USD 20 million in conservation funding to President Jennifer Simons, contingent upon legislative modernization. These resources will strengthen protected areas, promote sustainable ecotourism, and support indigenous communities through structured programming.

    Despite Suriname’s international recognition as a High Forest Low Deforestation nation, recent data reveals accelerating deforestation rates approaching 0.06% annually. Mining operations constitute the primary driver of habitat loss, followed by infrastructure development and urbanization. These trends generate not only ecological consequences but also directly impact indigenous territories, escalating land-use conflicts throughout the region.

    The legislative framework explicitly embraces sustainable management principles, recognizing nature as both ecological treasure and economic resource under stringent conditions. Innovative instruments including nature tourism concessions, payments for ecosystem services, and designation of private protected areas aim to foster ‘green growth’ while reducing dependence on extractive industries like oil and gold.

    Implementation authority centers on the National Environmental Authority (NMA), tasked with coordinating and executing conservation management. The NMA will oversee protected areas, concessions, scientific research, and compliance enforcement through interagency collaboration.

    The legislation further institutionalizes the FPIC principle (Free, Prior and Informed Consent), mandating explicit community approval for protected areas, buffer zones, or concessions affecting indigenous territories. Traditional knowledge receives formal recognition, with provisions enabling indigenous groups to propose independently managed protected areas.

  • Excelsior upset JC to lift first Manning Cup in 21 years

    Excelsior upset JC to lift first Manning Cup in 21 years

    KINGSTON, Jamaica – A historic chapter unfolded at the National Stadium on Friday as Excelsior High School triumphed over Jamaica College with a 2-0 victory to clinch the prestigious ISSA Wata Manning Cup. This monumental win shattered a 21-year championship dry spell for the institution, marking their first title since 2004 and securing their eighth overall Manning Cup victory.

    The match’s turning point arrived in the 57th minute when Kimarley Scott expertly found the back of the net, breaking the deadlock and sending Excelsior supporters into a frenzy. As the clock ticked into stoppage time following the regulation 90 minutes, Kivann Salmon delivered the decisive blow, cementing the victory and ensuring the trophy’s return to Excelsior.

    This victory represents a monumental resurgence for an Excelsior program that had endured more than two decades without claiming the championship. In stark contrast, the outcome delivered profound disappointment for a formidable Jamaica College squad. Entering the final as undefeated seasonal favorites, JC suffered their first and only defeat of the campaign in the most crucial match of the year, dashing their championship aspirations.

  • Chabano Nkani re-releases Close to You

    Chabano Nkani re-releases Close to You

    Jamaican-born recording artist and producer Chabano Nkani is experiencing an extraordinary career resurgence as his previously overlooked single ‘Close To You’ achieves viral fame through TikTok, eight years after his debut album ‘Phases’ dedicated to his late mother. The reggae performer, currently residing in the United States, has witnessed his composition gain unprecedented international traction after strategic re-release efforts. Initially failing to capture significant attention despite its artistic merit, the track has now exploded across social media platforms, particularly TikTok where the official video has surpassed one million views. This digital renaissance has generated substantial airplay across Jamaica, Sierra Leone, Gambia, Kenya, Uganda, Nigeria, France, Sweden, the United Kingdom, the United States and Caribbean nations. The renewed success has prompted Nkani to accelerate production on his first EP, which will feature the revitalized hit alongside six new compositions. The artist, who began his career at Byron Murray’s In the Streetz Records managing road operations for acts like Hawkeye and Alozade before transitioning to production work with artists including Half Pint, Luciano and Warrior King, has postponed a planned October trip to Jamaica due to hurricane conditions but intends to complete the project early next year through the Isle of Springs imprint.