The U.S. military has intensified its campaign against drug smuggling in the Caribbean Sea, executing yet another lethal strike on Saturday, as confirmed by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. This marks at least the 15th such operation since early September, targeting vessels allegedly involved in narcotics trafficking. Hegseth emphasized that the targeted vessel was identified through intelligence as part of illicit drug smuggling activities, navigating a known trafficking route while carrying narcotics. To date, these strikes have resulted in the deaths of at least 64 individuals. President Trump has defended these actions as a necessary escalation to curb the flow of drugs into the United States, framing the operations as part of an ‘armed conflict’ with drug cartels. This justification draws parallels to the legal authority invoked by the Bush administration during the post-9/11 war on terrorism. However, the administration faces mounting scrutiny from U.S. lawmakers, who have repeatedly demanded greater transparency regarding the legal basis for the strikes, the specific cartels targeted, and the identities of those killed. Senate Democrats, including Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Sens. Jack Reed, Jeanne Shaheen, Mark Warner, Chris Coons, Patty Murray, and Brian Schatz, have renewed their call for detailed information in a letter to key officials. They criticized the administration for selectively sharing inconsistent information with some lawmakers while excluding others. Earlier on Friday, bipartisan leaders of the Senate Armed Services Committee also sought clarity on the legal rationale and the list of cartels designated as terrorist organizations. Hegseth, in his announcement, likened the threat posed by ‘narco-terrorists’ to that of Al-Qaeda, vowing to treat them with equal severity.
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Celebration of Kwéyòl Heritage Month ends on a high
The vibrant sounds of bamboo bursting, traditional Kwéyòl, and Zouk music echoed across Saint Lucia over the weekend, marking the culmination of Kwéyòl Heritage Month. The air was filled with the enticing aromas of local delicacies cooked in earthen pots and over wood fires, as Saint Lucians and visitors alike gathered in various communities, many dressed in traditional Madras attire or shirts adorned with Kwéyòl phrases. This celebration of the island’s native language and culture was a testament to the deep-rooted pride in Saint Lucian heritage. The festivities, held on October 26, featured a lively mix of music, traditional dance, games, and an abundance of food and drinks, bringing the month-long celebrations to a joyous close. The Monsignor Patrick Anthony Plas Wiches Folklo (Folk Research Centre) concluded its major activities on October 28 with “Fèt Lanng Kwéyòl,” an event highlighting the progress of the Kwéyòl language. October 29, celebrated as Jounen Kwéyòl Entennasyonnal, saw major events in communities like Belle Vue, Vieux Fort, and Babonneau, with smaller gatherings across the island. Melchior Henry, Executive Director of the Folk Research Centre, expressed satisfaction with the turnout and participation, noting that Jounen Kwéyòl has become a widely embraced event. He emphasized the cultural focus in host communities, where traditional acts and exhibitions were showcased, contrasting with other locations where the emphasis was more on food and drink sales. The theme ‘Kwéyol Sé Fòs Nou’ (Creole is our strength) resonated throughout the celebrations, with presentations, performances, and a Kwéyòl spelling masterclass by Jason C Joseph. The event also featured contributions from Grenada and Cayenne, adding an international flair. With its success, the festivities are likely to become a permanent fixture in the FRC’s calendar, with plans to expand and enhance next year’s celebrations.
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The Marketing Machine Partners with Blue Dragonfly for Charity Raffle at Soca Sangria
Blue Dragonfly, a local charity committed to empowering autistic and differently abled young individuals, is hosting a charity raffle to support its mission of fostering skill development and community integration. The raffle, open to attendees of Soca Sangria and the general public, offers a chance to win an array of enticing prizes while contributing to a noble cause. Highlights of the raffle include a round-trip airfare ticket from Sunrise Airways to destinations like St. Lucia, Antigua, and Dominica; a luxurious spa experience for two at Curtain Bluff featuring a 60-minute couples massage and lunch; a two-night all-inclusive stay at Blue Waters Resort & Spa; dining experiences at renowned establishments such as Rocks Group, Bar None, and NOBU Barbuda, valued up to XCD $500 / USD $300; and exclusive Cricket West Indies memorabilia, including a signed ODI replica shirt by National Hero Sir Vivian Richards. Additional prizes will be unveiled as the raffle draw approaches on November 30th, 2025. All proceeds will directly support Blue Dragonfly’s initiatives to inspire differently abled youth to lead independent and fulfilling lives. Join the cause, purchase a ticket, and make a meaningful impact.
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Egypte opent grootste museum ter wereld gewijd aan één beschaving
Egypt has unveiled a monumental cultural achievement that has captured global attention: the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) in Giza. Situated on the outskirts of Cairo, near the iconic Giza Pyramids, this colossal complex is the world’s largest museum dedicated entirely to a single civilization – ancient Egypt. The official opening marks a historic milestone in Egypt’s cultural and tourism history, showcasing over 50,000 artifacts, many of which have never been displayed before. The museum aims to revitalize Egypt’s rich heritage and position the country as a global hub for archaeology, culture, and tourism. The GEM, a national prestige project, took over two decades to complete, with construction beginning in 2002 but delayed by political and economic challenges. With an estimated cost exceeding $1 billion, it stands as one of the most significant cultural investments in modern Egyptian history. The Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities describes the museum as a ‘symbol of national pride and cultural continuity,’ expected to boost tourism as Egypt recovers from the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and regional geopolitical unrest. The museum houses the complete collection of Pharaoh Tutankhamun, featuring over 5,000 items, many previously unseen. Highlights include colossal statues, mummies, reliefs, and papyri spanning thousands of years of Egyptian history. A centerpiece is the massive statue of Ramses II, greeting visitors in the grand entrance hall. Designed by Irish firm Heneghan Peng, the building itself is an architectural masterpiece, blending modern design with ancient Egyptian symbolism. Large glass facades offer views of the pyramids, symbolically bridging the past and present. International collaboration, including significant support from Japan’s International Cooperation Agency, UNESCO, and various archaeological institutions, made the museum possible. Egypt envisions the GEM not only as a tourist attraction but also as a research and educational center, equipped with restoration laboratories, climate-controlled storage facilities, and educational spaces for global scholars. Tourism Minister Ahmed Issa emphasized the museum’s role in Egypt’s strategy to ‘use culture as a driver of sustainable development,’ stating, ‘Our heritage is not just a window to the past but a tool to build our future.’ The GEM is expected to serve as a major economic catalyst, with authorities aiming to attract over 15 million foreign visitors annually by 2026, matching pre-pandemic levels. Tourism accounts for approximately 10% of Egypt’s GDP and is a crucial source of foreign currency. The government is heavily promoting the museum internationally as the ‘gateway to Egyptian civilization.’ International analysts view the GEM as a model for leveraging cultural heritage to enhance national branding, with UNESCO noting that ‘Egypt proves history has future value.’ For developing nations in the region and beyond, the message is clear: investing in culture is investing in sustainable development.
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Police Probe Violent Neighbour Dispute in Jennings Extension
A violent altercation between neighbours in Jennings Extension has prompted a police investigation after one man sustained head injuries. The incident occurred on Thursday afternoon, with officers from the Bolans Police Station responding to reports of a physical confrontation that originated from a verbal argument. According to authorities, the victim was struck in the head with a cutlass and another unidentified object. Emergency Medical Services (EMS) transported the injured man to the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre, where he received treatment for two head lacerations. Fortunately, his injuries were deemed non-life-threatening. Police have since recovered two cutlasses believed to be linked to the altercation. The investigation remains active as law enforcement works to determine the full circumstances surrounding the dispute.
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Youth Economy Agency: Shaping the businesspeople of the future
For years, young Saint Lucians faced significant barriers to entrepreneurship, lacking both financial resources and mentorship. However, the establishment of the Youth Economy Agency (YEA) in April 2023 has begun to change this narrative. Under the Youth Economy Act No. 17 of 2022, YEA provides young individuals aged 15 to 35 with access to finance, capacity building, and business support services, addressing critical issues like youth unemployment and low participation in the micro, small, and medium enterprise (MSME) sector.
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Barbadian pride, spirit and talent shine as Independence lights illuminate The City
On Saturday evening, Independence Square in Barbados was alive with patriotic fervor as hundreds gathered for the 2025 Sagicor Life Inc. Lighting Ceremony. The event, themed “Celebrating Communities: Reengaging, Reigniting, Reimagining,” marked the nation’s 59th year of independence with a vibrant showcase of culture, music, and community spirit. The evening kicked off with a mesmerizing saxophone performance by Kieshelle Rawlins, followed by soulful renditions of original pieces by Shernell Clarke and Akea Barton. FuZion the Band further energized the crowd with a medley of folk tunes, setting the tone for a night of celebration. A highlight of the ceremony was the recognition of pioneers from the 1995 Community Independence Celebrations Programme, who were honored with a guard of honor as they flipped the switch to illuminate the lights. The spectacle was enhanced by dancers and stilt walkers in glowing costumes, captivating the audience along the route. Paul Inniss, General Manager of Sagicor Life Inc., emphasized the deeper significance of the event, stating, “This lighting ceremony is a reflection of our national soul, reminding us that Barbados will always find the light, no matter the challenges.” Minister of Youth, Sports, and Community Empowerment Charles Griffith addressed the issue of youth crime, pledging the government’s commitment to addressing these challenges. The second segment, The Bajan Brew, showcased local talent, including powerful spoken-word performances and nostalgic sing-alongs led by veteran entertainers. The night concluded with a dynamic finale by Mikey, as parish ambassadors joined him on stage, leaving the crowd in high spirits.
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Nature Isle Soiree event
The Nature Isle Soirée: La Belle en Rouge – Independence Edition promises to be an exquisite celebration of Dominica’s independence, blending cultural heritage with modern sophistication. This elegant event, set to take place on Sunday, November 2, 2025, from 12 PM to 4 PM at OhSake in Lauderdale Lakes, Florida, will showcase the vibrant spirit of the Nature Isle. Attendees can expect a luxurious brunch experience infused with the island’s rich traditions, including live music, madras-inspired fashion, and a touch of Creole elegance. The dress code encourages brunch chic with accents of red and madras, reflecting the event’s theme of cultural pride and contemporary style. Tickets are available at myfetetickets.com. Join this unforgettable gathering to celebrate Dominica’s independence in a setting where culture, class, and island pride converge. #NatureIsleSoiree #DominicaIndependence #NatureIsle #DominicanPride #CreoleElegance #BrunchChic
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Magnitude 3.7 Earthquake Recorded Near Antigua and Barbuda
A minor earthquake with a magnitude of 3.7 shook the eastern Caribbean on Saturday morning, causing slight tremors in Antigua and Barbuda and nearby islands. The seismic event occurred at 7:24 a.m. local time (11:24 UTC) at a depth of 25 kilometres, as reported by the University of the West Indies Seismic Research Centre (UWI SRC). The epicenter was pinpointed at 16.40°N latitude and 59.89°W longitude, approximately 231 kilometres north-west of Saint John’s, Antigua and Barbuda. The tremors were also felt in neighbouring regions, including Point-à-Pitre, Guadeloupe, located 184 kilometres to the east, and Roseau, Dominica, 206 kilometres to the north-east. Despite the quake, officials in Antigua and Barbuda confirmed no damage or injuries, categorizing the event as minor. The UWI SRC remains vigilant in monitoring seismic activity in the region, which is part of the seismically active eastern Caribbean fault zone. Authorities have urged residents to stay informed about earthquake preparedness measures and to report any unusual activity to local officials.
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Not just ‘madness’: What’s been missed around mental health
For decades, the phrase ‘Mate just mad’ was a common dismissal of mental health issues in Saint Lucian society, reflecting a lack of understanding and pervasive stigma. However, recent years have seen a gradual shift, with mental health emerging as a critical topic in national discourse. The question arises: Are mental health conditions increasing, or is society finally acknowledging what has long been overlooked?