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  • Reception held to honour repeat visitors

    Reception held to honour repeat visitors

    Amid global instability and evolving geopolitical landscapes, Barbados maintains its position as a secure and dependable travel destination, according to Tourism Minister Ian Gooding-Edghill. The minister’s remarks came during a special reception at Bide Mill Great House in St. George on Friday evening, honoring visitors with exceptional loyalty to the island nation.

    Addressing an audience of repeat travelers, Gooding-Edghill emphasized Barbados’ unwavering commitment to visitor safety and satisfaction. “You can be absolutely confident that Barbados continues to offer a secure environment for relaxation, dining, and vacationing,” he assured, while encouraging attendees to both maintain their visitation patterns and promote the destination within their personal networks.

    The event specifically recognized tourists who have demonstrated remarkable dedication, with all honorees having visited Barbados for a minimum of 25 consecutive years. The minister characterized these longstanding visitors as indispensable partners in maintaining the vitality of the tourism sector.

    “This evening we acknowledge your steadfast connection to our nation and your extraordinary achievement of making 25 or more visits to our island paradise,” Gooding-Edghill stated. He highlighted their substantial economic contributions and role in sustaining the tourism industry’s longevity, particularly noting the meaningful relationships built between visitors and Barbadian hospitality professionals.

    The minister further elaborated on the strategic importance of loyal tourists, describing them as key ambassadors who enhance sector resilience through personal recommendations to family and peers. In a special recognition, Gooding-Edghill commended local operator Gaird ‘G’ Charles of G Fish Watersports for providing exemplary service to a visitor with disabilities, citing such actions as emblematic of the values that foster repeat tourism.

  • ABLP Opens St. Philip’s North Branch Centre in Willikies

    ABLP Opens St. Philip’s North Branch Centre in Willikies

    The Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP) has officially launched its new Constituency Branch Centre in St. Philip’s North, establishing a strategic operational base designed to enhance political outreach and community development. The inauguration ceremony, held on Sunday, signifies a substantial investment in local infrastructure to facilitate deeper political connectivity.

    Randy Baltimore, the elected representative for St. Philip’s North, articulated the center’s multifaceted mission. He emphasized its primary role as a centralized hub for fostering grassroots participation, hosting constituent assemblies, and spearheading initiatives aimed at local socioeconomic advancement. The facility is poised to become the nucleus for civic engagement and collaborative planning between residents and party officials.

    The opening event attracted a diverse gathering of dedicated party members, enthusiastic supporters, and community residents. Organizers characterized the inauguration as a pivotal move towards consolidating relationships between the electorate and the party’s leadership structure. This initiative is viewed as a critical component of the ABLP’s broader strategy to fortify its presence and reinforce its commitment to decentralized, community-focused governance within the constituency.

  • New cooperative to fund aloe vera project

    New cooperative to fund aloe vera project

    In a strategic move to revitalize local agriculture and stimulate economic development, Member of Parliament Chad Blackman has announced the establishment of the Ear of Corn Cooperative Society (ECCS) in St James North. The initiative, unveiled during a farmers’ forum at Gordon Greenidge Primary School, represents a comprehensive approach to integrating agricultural production with high-value market opportunities.

    The cooperative’s flagship project will focus on commercial aloe vera cultivation, targeting global markets for processed goods rather than raw commodity exports. Blackman emphasized the unique advantage Barbados holds, noting that the island naturally grows the exact aloe species demanded by international cosmetic and pharmaceutical manufacturers. “For any product containing aloe—soaps, lotions, anything—examine the ingredients,” Blackman stated. “The premium species used worldwide grows abundantly in our backyards.”

    The ECCS framework addresses multiple challenges simultaneously: it unites previously fragmented farmers, establishes direct connections to retail and tourism sectors, and creates pathways for value-added production. Blackman, drawing on his experience as Barbados’s former ambassador to the Food and Agriculture Organization in Rome, positioned agriculture as fundamental to national development rather than a peripheral activity.

    Ryan Medford, ECCS founder, highlighted the critical need for coordination among producers. Historically, farmers operating independently created seasonal gluts by planting identical crops simultaneously, undermining their bargaining power and depressing prices. “The issue isn’t retailers,” Medford clarified. “It’s our lack of collective planning.” The cooperative will implement contract farming models to align production with market demand, ensuring stable pricing and consistent supply.

    The project strategically leverages St James North’s diverse assets—agricultural lands, urban centers, and prime tourism locations—to create integrated economic opportunities. Blackman articulated the vision: “We’re connecting food security and nutrition with tourism, our primary revenue generator, while enabling locals to capture more value from both sectors.”

    Support agencies including the Barbados Agricultural Development and Marketing Corporation, the Medicinal Cannabis Licensing Authority, and the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture have committed resources to the initiative. The cooperative has progressed beyond conceptualization to formal registration as a legal entity, signaling its transition to operational status.

    Byron Gibson of HARVEST Cooperative, which facilitated ECCS’s establishment, underscored the broader mission: elevating agricultural workers from the “base of the financial pyramid” through structured cooperation and value chain integration. The project embodies a national development philosophy where agriculture forms the foundation of sustainable economic progress.

  • Kromosoeto krijgt een jaar strafvermindering in CBvS-zaak

    Kromosoeto krijgt een jaar strafvermindering in CBvS-zaak

    The Court of Justice of Suriname has delivered its appellate ruling in the case against Ginmardo Kromosoeto, former director of Surinamese Postal Savings Bank (SPSB), reducing his prison sentence from five to four years. The decision, announced on January 19th, represents a partial victory for the defendant while maintaining significant criminal penalties.

    The appellate court’s reduction stemmed specifically from Kromosoeto’s acquittal on charges of participating in a criminal organization. Judicial authorities determined that prosecuting Kromosoeto on this particular charge was unjustified, as several other defendants in the broader SPSB case had not faced similar allegations. This prosecutorial inconsistency influenced the court’s sentencing considerations.

    Despite the sentence reduction, Kromosoeto remains in detention related to the SPSB matter, having already spent over two and a half years in preliminary custody awaiting trial outcomes. His defense attorney, Murwin Dubois, had previously petitioned for his client’s release from pretrial detention, but the court denied this motion.

    The case has drawn attention to Suriname’s judicial processes, particularly regarding white-collar crime prosecution. The Public Ministry had initially sought an eight-year prison term, significantly harsher than both the original and revised sentences. Kromosoeto’s reduced sentence still includes a substantial financial penalty of SRD 150,000 (approximately $40,000 USD), with a 12-month incarceration alternative should he fail to payment.

  • Lawyers concerned about delay in hearing sex cases involving children

    Lawyers concerned about delay in hearing sex cases involving children

    Senior legal professionals in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines are raising urgent concerns about systemic delays plaguing the judicial processing of child sexual offense cases, warning that prolonged timelines are causing secondary trauma to young victims.

    Bar Association President Shirlan “Zita” Barnwell highlighted the alarming pattern during a special High Court session, noting that cases involving children under 13 face particularly egregious delays. While acknowledging the anecdotal nature of the evidence, Barnwell cited concrete examples where victims aged 8 at the time of violation reached 11 years or older before their cases reached trial.

    The procedural bottleneck creates devastating consequences for victims who must relive their trauma years after the incidents. Barnwell emphasized that teenagers often face additional psychological barriers including shame and reluctance to testify, potentially compromising justice. She called for systemic reforms to ensure cases are resolved within two years to minimize retraumatization.

    Attorney Grant Connell reinforced these concerns with disturbing accounts of child sexual abuse, including a pregnant 11-year-old victim rendered nearly catatonic by her experience. Connell advocated for strengthened legislation and enhanced police powers to address what he described as rampant abuse against minors.

    Acting Director of Public Prosecutions Duane Daniel acknowledged the regional nature of the problem, citing limited court capacity with only one criminal High Court currently operational. However, he noted that some delays stem from necessary psychological assessments to determine victims’ readiness for testimony, emphasizing the balance between expediency and preventing retraumatization.

    The legal experts collectively emphasized that addressing the crisis requires coordinated improvements across investigative, prosecutorial, and judicial processes, with particular attention to vulnerable child victims.

  • Republic Financial Holdings Ltd exceeds US$200 million climate finance goal

    Republic Financial Holdings Ltd exceeds US$200 million climate finance goal

    Republic Financial Holdings Limited (RFHL) has achieved a significant milestone in its sustainability journey by exceeding its climate finance mobilization target. The Caribbean-based financial group has allocated approximately US$235.5 million toward climate-related initiatives, surpassing its original US$200 million goal set in 2021 by nearly 18%.

    The climate financing strategy, designed to support the transition to low-carbon economies across RFHL’s operational territories, has seen renewable energy projects emerge as the primary beneficiary. Accounting for 46.46% of total allocations, renewable energy initiatives form the cornerstone of RFHL’s climate financing portfolio. Sustainable transportation follows closely, representing 40.28% of funded projects.

    Geographically, Trinidad and Tobago leads in climate financing distribution with 42.17% of total funds, followed by Barbados at 25.36%. Guyana and Ghana account for 12.17% and 10.36% respectively, demonstrating RFHL’s expanding commitment to both Caribbean and African markets.

    Group President and CEO Nigel Baptiste emphasized the achievement reflects growing regional demand for sustainable finance solutions. ‘This milestone underscores the critical role financial institutions can play in supporting the transition to more resilient, low-carbon economies,’ Baptiste stated, acknowledging the collaborative efforts across RFHL’s branches and subsidiaries.

    The financed projects span multiple sectors including renewable energy production, eco-friendly transportation, energy efficiency measures, and sustainable agriculture. These initiatives aim to enhance climate resilience while promoting long-term environmental and economic stability.

    Looking forward, RFHL has committed to expanding its sustainability initiatives with particular focus on supporting vulnerable and low-income communities through specialized financing programs and technical assistance for climate adaptation and mitigation efforts.

  • West Indies U19s suffer heavy defeat against Afghanistan in Namibia

    West Indies U19s suffer heavy defeat against Afghanistan in Namibia

    In a stunning display of cricketing prowess, Afghanistan’s Under-19 team delivered a crushing 138-run defeat to the West Indies during their ICC Under-19 World Cup encounter in Namibia on Sunday. The comprehensive victory significantly shifts the tournament dynamics for both teams.

    Opting to bowl first after losing the toss, the Caribbean side found themselves immediately on the back foot as Afghan openers Khalid Ahmadzai and Osman Sadat constructed a formidable 86-run opening partnership. West Indies bowler Vitel Lawes eventually broke through, but the relief proved temporary as captain Mehboob Taskin joined Sadat to build another substantial 77-run stand, ultimately propelling Afghanistan to a commanding total of 262-6 from their 50 overs. Despite the challenging conditions, Jakeem Pollard and Lawes emerged as silver linings for the West Indies bowling attack, each claiming three wickets.

    The Afghan bowling unit then demonstrated why they are considered one of the most dangerous in the tournament, unleashing a devastating powerplay performance that saw three West Indian batsmen return to the pavilion within the first five overs. Wicketkeeper-batsman Jewel Andrew provided the only resistance for the Caribbean team, crafting a determined half-century against a relentless and disciplined Afghan attack. His efforts, however, proved insufficient as the West Indies batting lineup collapsed dramatically, bowled out for a meager 124 runs in 31.2 overs.

    The result leaves the West Indies in a precarious position as they prepare for their crucial January 22 showdown against tournament favorites South Africa. This upcoming match now represents a virtual must-win scenario for the Caribbean side if they hope to advance to the knockout stages of the competition.

  • One dead, multiple injured in Vieux Fort collision

    One dead, multiple injured in Vieux Fort collision

    A devastating head-on collision in Vieux Fort, Saint Lucia, on Sunday evening resulted in one fatality and multiple injuries, highlighting ongoing road safety concerns in the island nation.

    The fatal incident occurred approximately at 7:05 p.m. near Il Pirata, involving a private automobile and a passenger minibus. Preliminary evidence from social media footage suggests the car, operated solely by Viclann Gollet Joseph, appears to have crossed into the opposing traffic lane moments before impact with the oncoming minibus.

    Emergency response teams from the Saint Lucia Fire Service arrived promptly at the scene to discover nine individuals sustaining various injuries. Joseph was found without vital signs in his vehicle. Despite immediate life-saving measures and rapid transportation to a medical facility, he was subsequently pronounced dead.

    The minibus driver required specialized extrication by rescue personnel after being trapped within the damaged vehicle. Medical assessment confirmed injuries to both lower limbs. Seven additional passengers from the minibus sustained multiple trauma injuries, including significant head and chest trauma alongside other bodily injuries.

    All injured parties received preliminary emergency treatment at the location before being transferred to healthcare facilities for comprehensive medical attention.

    The tragedy has sparked emotional responses across social media platforms, with friends and acquaintances memorializing Joseph as an ambitious individual and dedicated automotive enthusiast known for embracing life passionately.

    Local authorities have initiated a comprehensive investigation to determine the precise causation factors behind the collision. In response to this incident, government officials have reiterated urgent appeals for enhanced road safety awareness and increased vigilance among motorists, emphasizing the critical importance of cautious driving behaviors on national roadways.

  • New US Food Pyramid Triggers Nutrition Debate

    New US Food Pyramid Triggers Nutrition Debate

    A significant revision to the United States’ official dietary guidelines, represented by a newly designed food pyramid, has ignited intense controversy within the nutritional science community. Unveiled on January 19, 2026, the updated framework maintains core advice about fruit and vegetable consumption, saturated fat limitations, processed food reduction, and portion control, but introduces substantial modifications that have drawn sharp criticism.

    The most contentious aspect involves a pronounced shift toward advocating animal-based products, including red meat, full-fat dairy, butter, and beef tallow—all notable for their high saturated fat content. Medical professionals and nutrition researchers have raised alarms, citing well-established correlations between saturated fat intake and increased risks of cardiovascular disease and stroke. Experts contend the guidelines fail to provide clear, practical guidance on how consumers might incorporate these foods while adhering to established health limits.

    Additional points of conflict include elevated protein recommendations, despite evidence that most Americans already exceed necessary protein intake levels. The guidelines also present contradictory messaging regarding sodium, simultaneously encouraging salt use for flavoring while advising reduced sodium consumption. Furthermore, nutrient-dense, fiber-rich foods such as legumes and lentils receive minimal emphasis, and recommendations concerning alcohol consumption remain notably vague.

    Visual representation has emerged as another critical concern. The pyramid’s graphical structure appears to visually endorse high consumption of meats and saturated fats while diminishing the importance of whole grains—a direct contradiction to the accompanying textual advice. This redesign, which incorporates stronger language promoting ‘real food’ and personal dietary responsibility, has thus sparked a fundamental debate about the alignment of federal nutritional guidance with current scientific consensus.

  • Jaarlijks overlijden 45 tot 50 vrouwen aan baarmoederhalskanker in Suriname

    Jaarlijks overlijden 45 tot 50 vrouwen aan baarmoederhalskanker in Suriname

    Suriname faces a persistent healthcare crisis as cervical cancer continues to claim between 45 to 50 women’s lives each year, despite being largely preventable through timely screening and vaccination. January, recognized internationally as Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, highlights the urgent need for enhanced preventive measures in the South American nation.

    Medical statistics from 2020-2023 reveal cervical cancer remains among the leading causes of female mortality in Suriname. According to Marvin Dipokromo, gynecologist-obstetrician at Diakonessen Hospital, early detection proves crucial in combating this disease. “A significant portion of these fatalities could be prevented through timely screening and improved public education,” he emphasizes.

    The malignancy develops in the cervix and is predominantly caused (over 99% of cases) by high-risk strains of human papillomavirus (HPV), particularly types 16 and 18. The disease progression typically occurs slowly, often taking years of precancerous cellular changes before developing into invasive cancer. These preliminary abnormalities can be readily detected through Pap smears and HPV testing during early stages.

    “Cervical cancer generally presents no symptoms during initial development,” explains Dipokromo, drawing on his fourteen years of medical experience. “When warning signs eventually emerge—including contact bleeding, abnormal vaginal discharge, or pain during intercourse—the disease has frequently advanced to more serious stages.”

    Concerningly, medical professionals have observed increasing cases of cervical abnormalities and cancer among younger women in recent years. This trend is potentially linked to earlier sexual activity initiation combined with insufficient structured education and preventive healthcare. While the immune system typically clears HPV infections naturally, this does not occur universally.

    Regular screening provides a low-barrier, highly effective prevention method. Pap smears are non-painful procedures requiring approximately five minutes that can ultimately save lives. Medical authorities recommend regular examinations for women who have been sexually active for at least two years. HPV vaccination is strongly recommended for both girls and boys as additional protection.

    Despite Diakonessen Hospital’s gynecology department offering Pap smear and HPV testing services, significant barriers persist. Widespread ignorance, misinformation, and lack of health insurance coverage prevent many women from seeking essential screenings.

    “Suriname currently lacks a comprehensive, structured awareness program such as those previously implemented,” Dipokromo stresses. “Enhanced public education is urgently needed to emphasize prevention’s critical importance.”

    The medical community’s message remains clear: cervical cancer is largely preventable through timely screening, HPV vaccination, and accessible education. These measures form the cornerstone of reducing preventable deaths across Suriname.