The We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) party remains steadfast in its strength and financial stability, even as its leader, Azruddin Mohamed, faces potential extradition to the United States on charges of fraud and money laundering. WIN General Secretary Odessa Primus expressed unwavering confidence in the party’s resilience during a statement on Friday. She emphasized that WIN boasts a roster of capable individuals who have effectively engaged with supporters, ensuring the party’s continued influence. While acknowledging Mohamed’s popularity as the party’s most gravitated figure, Primus dismissed concerns about WIN’s future viability. WIN, which emerged as Guyana’s major opposition party just three months after its formation, secured 16 of 65 parliamentary seats in the recent elections, surpassing the People’s National Congress Reform-led coalition. Primus labeled the U.S. grand jury indictment against Mohamed as politically motivated and assured that the party’s finances would remain unaffected by his potential extradition. She clarified that Mohamed’s legal battles would not impact WIN’s resources, stating, ‘They are going to extradite Azruddin Mohamed, not his money.’ Additionally, Primus ruled out the possibility of the opposition leadership being assumed by other parties, such as the 12-seat APNU or the one-seat Forward Guyana Movement. Meanwhile, APNU Chairman Aubrey Norton refrained from speculating on WIN’s future support base if Mohamed is extradited. Azruddin Mohamed and his father, Nazar ‘Shell’ Mohamed, were arrested on Friday following a U.S. extradition request tied to alleged wire fraud and money laundering linked to gold shipments and luxury car purchases. Both were granted bail and are set to return to court on November 10, 2025, for an extradition hearing.
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Fire chief, environmentalists sound alarm as seasons collide
Saint Lucia is grappling with a dramatic increase in fire incidents, compounded by challenges in accessing sufficient water to combat them. The island, once accustomed to predictable weather patterns, now faces a climate crisis where the boundaries between dry and wet seasons have blurred. Fire Chief Ditney Downes of the Saint Lucia Fire Service (SLFS) revealed in an exclusive interview with the St. Lucia Times that bushfires, traditionally confined to January through June, have extended into September this year. In 2024 alone, the SLFS responded to over 1,100 bushfires, a significant rise from previous years. Human activities, such as land clearing and deliberate burning, are the primary causes of these fires. However, identifying and prosecuting offenders remains difficult. The situation is exacerbated by prolonged dry spells, which deplete water sources essential for firefighting. Hydrants, reliant on community water mains, often run dry during droughts, leaving firefighters struggling to maintain operations. Simultaneously, the island faces increased flooding due to intense, sporadic rainfall. Nadia Cazaubon, programmes director at the environmental NGO WaterWays, attributes these erratic weather patterns to climate change. She warns that reduced annual rainfall, coupled with extreme downpours, is causing both water scarcity and severe flooding. The World Bank has stepped in with the Saint Lucia Urban Resilient Flood Investment Project, aiming to mitigate flood risks in vulnerable areas like Castries and Anse La Raye. However, the island’s ecosystems are already suffering, with species loss and habitat destruction becoming more frequent. Both Downes and Cazaubon emphasize the urgent need for proactive measures, including public education, policy changes, and community adaptation, to address these escalating challenges.
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Richard Lewis: Happy Independence Antigua and Barbuda
As Antigua and Barbuda commemorates its 44th Anniversary of Political Independence under the theme “Solid – Stable – Soaring,” the nation reflects on its historical resilience, economic challenges, and aspirations for a brighter future. While the theme symbolizes a robust historical foundation and economic stability, the reality paints a contrasting picture. A significant portion of the population struggles with poverty, living paycheck to paycheck, and enduring widening income inequality. These issues raise critical questions about the nation’s claim to economic stability. To truly soar, the country must address these pressing economic and social challenges collectively. Integrity, accountability, and transparency in governance are essential to combat corruption, which undermines national development and exacerbates poverty. Strengthening legislative frameworks and fostering a culture of good governance are imperative. As citizens celebrate the vibrant colors of their flag, there is a collective prayer for enduring peace and genuine economic and social stability. Richard S. Lewis, MP for Rural West, extends heartfelt Independence Day greetings to all, emphasizing the need for patriotism over partisanship and a united effort to prioritize the nation’s well-being.
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From Morne Du Don to runways in Paris and Milan
Julzzallure, a brand synonymous with bold individuality and innovative fashion, has captured the attention of the global fashion scene. Founded by Julietta Raoul, a Saint Lucian native now residing in Canada, the brand made waves at Paris Fashion Week with its signature hats showcased during the ‘Flying Solo NYC’ production. Fashion Week Online praised Julzzallure for its daring fusion of creativity and sophistication, describing each piece as a celebration of personal empowerment. Raoul’s journey from her humble beginnings in Morne Du Don, Castries, to gracing international runways is a testament to her resilience and passion. Her love for fashion began with hair styling, a skill she honed from the age of eight. After migrating to Canada in 1992, Raoul expanded her expertise, becoming a licensed hair professional and eventually creating the first Afro-textured mannequins in Alberta. Her foray into hat design began in 2024, leading to her participation in Milan and Paris Fashion Weeks. Despite challenges, Raoul’s work received overwhelming acclaim, particularly in Paris. Now, she is developing a line of hair products and planning to showcase her talent in her homeland. Raoul’s advice to aspiring creatives is to embrace their unique ideas and persevere, as every individual has something distinct to offer.
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IN PICTURES: Market day with a difference 2025
Dominica recently hosted its annual ‘Market Day with a Difference,’ a vibrant celebration of the island’s rich cultural heritage and agricultural prowess. Organized by DEXIA in collaboration with market authorities, the event highlighted the nation’s acclaimed natural produce through a colorful display of local traditions and craftsmanship. The festivities aimed to honor the invaluable contributions of farmers, vendors, fisherfolk, tenants, and loyal patrons of the Roseau Market, whose dedication has played a pivotal role in shaping the market’s storied history. The event underscored the importance of community and the enduring legacy of Dominica’s agricultural sector. Attendees were treated to a sensory feast of fresh produce, handmade goods, and cultural performances, making it a memorable occasion for all. The initiative not only celebrated the island’s natural bounty but also reinforced the significance of sustainable practices and local entrepreneurship in fostering economic growth and cultural preservation.
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‘I am preparing for government,’ Friday says of talks with Canouan investor
As St. Vincent and the Grenadines gears up for its general election on November 27, 2025, a heated exchange between Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves and Opposition Leader Godwin Friday has brought the political spotlight to the island of Canouan. The dispute centers on land leases to foreign investors and the government’s handling of development projects in the region.
Prime Minister Gonsalves has publicly questioned Friday about his recent meetings with investors in Canouan, suggesting that the opposition leader is aligning himself with developers who have allegedly failed to fulfill their commitments. Gonsalves criticized the lack of progress in the northern part of the island, where two-thirds of the 1,800-acre land is leased to investors, leaving the indigenous population sandwiched in the middle. He emphasized that his Unity Labour Party (ULP) administration is committed to reclaiming land if developers do not meet their obligations.
In response, Friday defended his actions, stating that he is preparing for governance by engaging with various stakeholders, including businesspeople, farmers, and fishers. He accused Gonsalves of hypocrisy, pointing out that the ULP has leased even more land to investors than the previous New Democratic Party (NDP) government. Friday also criticized the government’s lack of action over the past decade, questioning why Gonsalves waited until now to address the issue.
The debate highlights broader concerns about economic development and land use in Canouan. Gonsalves has expressed frustration over the limited revenue generated from the leased land, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2021 volcanic eruption. He has threatened to reclaim the land if developers do not resume activity.
As the election approaches, the political rhetoric intensifies, with both leaders vying for public support. Friday, who has represented the Northern Grenadines since 2001, is making his second attempt to lead the NDP to victory after a failed bid in 2021. The outcome of the election will determine the future direction of development in Canouan and the broader interests of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
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New documentary explores links between Grenadian estate and Scottish owners
The highly anticipated documentary ‘Echoes of Waltham,’ which explores the historical ties between Grenada’s Waltham Estate and Scotland’s Paxton House, is set to make its Grenada debut at the 1261 Film Festival this weekend. The film, produced by British-Grenadian journalist Zoe Smith and directed by Meschida Phillip, features students from Bonaire Government School, Waltham elders, and historian Dr. Angus Martin. It is part of the broader ‘Island Echoes’ project, which aims to redefine Grenada’s engagement with its colonial past while fostering heritage tourism and education. The documentary’s premiere marks the launch of the ‘Island Echoes Symposium,’ an international event scheduled for April 2026 in St. Mark, Grenada. The symposium will bring together scholars, artists, and tourism experts for panels, archaeological workshops, and community programs, timed to coincide with the annual St. Mark Organisation for Development celebrations. Smith envisions the initiative as a sustainable model for heritage-based economic development, transforming historical sites into sources of cultural pride and economic opportunity. The documentary also highlights the complex transatlantic connections between Grenada, Scotland, and England, tracing the legacy of Ninian Home, a Scottish merchant who built Paxton House using wealth generated from enslaved labor in the Caribbean. The film’s Grenada premiere follows its successful screening at CARIFESTA’s film festival in Barbados, where it resonated deeply with Caribbean audiences. Smith hopes the project will empower Grenadians to reclaim their narratives and inspire similar initiatives across the Caribbean. For more information, visit www.islandechoes.org.
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Urgent call for contributions from the Barbadian public and business community
In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa’s catastrophic impact across the Caribbean, preliminary assessments reveal a grim scenario. The storm has claimed 49 lives as of Thursday, with infrastructure and housing damages exceeding an estimated $500 million. The scale of this dual humanitarian and infrastructural crisis has prompted the establishment of the official Hurricane Melissa Regional Relief Fund. This initiative aims to channel financial aid to the hardest-hit regions—Jamaica, Haiti, and Cuba. Authorities are urgently appealing to the Barbadian public and local businesses for immediate contributions to bolster recovery efforts. These funds are critical for delivering emergency supplies and restoring vital infrastructure. For local donations, contributors are directed to use the Central Bank of Barbados’s official banking details, ensuring funds are allocated correctly to specific relief accounts for each country. International donors are also encouraged to follow detailed wire transfer instructions to support the relief efforts effectively. The collective response will play a pivotal role in mitigating the disaster’s long-term effects on the affected communities.
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Heavy hands, high hopes: Ryan Joseph’s MMA rise fuels dreams
Shannus Ryan Joseph, Saint Lucia’s towering heavyweight mixed martial arts (MMA) champion, is carving out a legacy in a sport still emerging across the Caribbean. Standing at an imposing six feet six inches and weighing 260 pounds, Joseph has become a trailblazer for combat sports on the island. Hailing from the small village of Micoud, he gained recognition in 2024 by securing two amateur victories under the Caribbean Ultimate Fist Fighting (CUFF) banner, including a title fight in November. Currently the CUFF Heavyweight Champion, Joseph is ranked 3,588th in the Central and South America region, drawing attention for his size, speed, and grappling prowess. According to Tapology.com, Joseph’s ranking is based on his limited fights, with his position subject to change as he accumulates more experience. His rise symbolizes Saint Lucia’s growing influence in MMA, a sport gaining momentum across the Caribbean. In a recent interview with St. Lucia Times, Joseph reflected on his journey, crediting his early karate training and his introduction to MMA while working in Trinidad. He emphasized the importance of mental strength, passion, and focus in his training, describing his drive as entering ‘beast mode.’ Joseph also expressed pride in representing Saint Lucia, encouraging aspiring athletes to pursue their dreams with consistency and patience. His success has inspired local gyms and youth programs, with Joseph poised to transition into professional MMA. His recent role as a judge at the inaugural Battleground Exhibition Classic further solidified his status as a champion and mentor in the sport.
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Public urged to support 50th anniversary restaging of Alwin Bully’s “Streak”; first show tonight is tonight
The 50th anniversary restaging of *Streak*, a groundbreaking play by the late Dominican playwright Alwin Bully, is set to captivate audiences on November 1st and 2nd at St. Gerard’s Hall. Organizers are rallying public support to breathe new life into Dominican theatre, emphasizing the cultural and educational significance of the production. Tickets, priced at EC$75, are available at Bullseye Pharmacy, Jay’s Bookstore, and through Lac Cour des Arts members. For those unable to attend in person, a pay-per-view livestream is accessible for US$25 via Multimedia Solutions and Dominica News Online. Mobile banking and delivery options are also available for ticket purchases.
Anita Bully, the playwright’s widow, highlighted the family-friendly nature of *Streak*, urging families to bring children to experience its rich portrayal of Dominica’s historical and social fabric. Organizers addressed concerns about ticket pricing, explaining the substantial costs of restoring St. Gerard’s Hall, which had previously served as a church. The production, in preparation since May, reflects a significant investment of time and resources.
Director Severin McKenzie underscored the historical importance of *Streak*, originally staged in 1975 as Bully’s first full-length play. It introduced Dominican audiences to calypso theatre and explored themes such as the Black Power movement, the rise of Rastafari, and youth identity struggles. The 2025 restaging features a diverse cast, blending seasoned actors with students from Dominica State College and members of local theatre groups. The production integrates drama, dance, music, poetry, and drumming, offering a multifaceted exploration of enduring themes like police brutality, cultural identity, and national independence.
McKenzie emphasized the educational value of reviving Dominican theatre, noting its importance for students studying the performing arts. The production also pays tribute to Alwin Bully, who designed Dominica’s national flag, and coincides with the country’s 47th Independence anniversary. Organizers urged the public to attend and support the arts, describing *Streak* as a powerful social commentary that encourages reflection on societal roles.
Gloria Augustus of Lac Cour des Arts, co-producer of the play, concluded with a call to action: ‘Next is now,’ she said, urging investment in the future of Dominican drama.