A tropical wave is set to sweep across the island, bringing overcast skies, scattered showers, and isolated thunderstorms tonight and into tomorrow morning. Residents in flood-prone zones, areas susceptible to landslides, and regions with falling rock risks are urged to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions. Simultaneously, a dust plume is anticipated to arrive tomorrow, significantly reducing air quality and visibility. Individuals with respiratory conditions are advised to take protective measures to mitigate health risks. Maritime conditions are also expected to be challenging over the next 48 hours, with moderate seas and wave heights reaching up to 5 feet along the western coast and 8 feet on the eastern coast. A Small Craft Advisory has been issued, and westerly ground swells will continue to impact the western coastline tonight, prompting the High Surf Advisory to remain in effect. Small-craft operators and sea bathers are strongly advised to exercise caution during this period.
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Nieuwe stap naar exportgroei met Cost Sharing Grant en gecertificeerde coaches
Suriname has taken a significant step forward in enhancing its export capabilities with the launch of the Cost Sharing Grant and the certification of fifteen export coaches. The initiative, officially inaugurated by Minister Melvin Bouva of Foreign Affairs, International Trade, and Cooperation (BIS), marks a pivotal moment in the nation’s efforts to strengthen its global competitiveness. The ceremony, held at the Courtyard Marriott in Paramaribo, highlighted Suriname’s commitment to transforming its economic potential into tangible achievements. Minister Bouva emphasized that while the country boasts innovative entrepreneurs, abundant natural resources, and strategic access to regional and international markets, many of its products and services remain underrecognized abroad. He attributed this gap to limited access to knowledge, markets, and the necessary tools for success. The minister praised the first cohort of certified export coaches and the twenty-six companies that have already begun implementing their export strategies, calling them ‘pioneers of a new export culture.’ The Cost Sharing Grant, a co-financing model, aims to support businesses in realizing their export plans by funding activities such as marketing materials, digital platforms, trade mission participation, product certification, and sample distribution. This initiative is part of the Foreign Investment and Export Promotion Program, funded by the Inter-American Development Bank and implemented in collaboration with BIS, the Suriname Investment and Trade Agency (SITA), and the National Development Bank. The program focuses on non-extractive sectors like agribusiness, manufacturing, services, and the creative industry, with transparency, inclusivity, and impact as core principles. For businesses without an export strategy, the Export Coaching Facility offers subsidized guidance to develop an SITA-approved Export Marketing Plan. The application process is open and merit-based, with subsidies tailored to the activity’s importance, such as 90% support for product certification and 50% for marketing materials. Minister Bouva underscored that export is more than selling products—it is a national project that creates jobs, strengthens value chains, and shares Suriname’s story of quality, resilience, and pride with the world.
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ABDF Clarifies Reports of Foreign Military Presence in Antigua
The Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force (ABDF) has issued a public statement to clarify the presence of foreign military personnel on the island. The ABDF confirmed that there is no verified or authorized activity by American soldiers in St. John’s or any other part of Antigua and Barbuda. This announcement comes in response to circulating rumors and unverified reports regarding foreign military operations on the island.
In contrast, the ABDF acknowledged the presence of Canadian military personnel, emphasizing their role in collaborative planning and preparatory exercises for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) 2026, which Antigua and Barbuda will host. This partnership is part of a broader cooperation framework between the governments of Antigua and Barbuda and Canada, designed to enhance local readiness, coordination, and security measures for the upcoming high-profile event.
The ABDF reiterated its commitment to working closely with regional and international partners to ensure the safety, security, and seamless execution of CHOGM 2026. The public was urged to rely on official ABDF communication channels for accurate information and to avoid spreading unconfirmed reports.
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Op-Ed: Kings Park Residents’ ‘Clarification’ Crumbles Under Scrutiny
A recent statement by a group of Kings Park residents regarding the Hangar seafront controversy has been revealed as a thinly veiled attempt to justify the privatization of public land. While the residents claim their actions were motivated by concerns over safety, noise, and coastal erosion, a closer examination reveals a more self-serving agenda. The land in question, a stretch of Belize City’s coastline, has been public property for decades, enjoyed by all Belizeans. The residents’ proposal to subdivide and acquire this land for private use was swiftly rejected by the Ministry of Natural Resources, which deemed the application legally untenable. Critics argue that if safety and environmental concerns were genuine, the residents would have proposed community-based solutions rather than seeking private ownership. The application, which listed specific individuals and parcel allocations, underscores the true intent: to convert public space into private beachfront property. This incident highlights the ongoing tension between public interest and private ambition in Belize’s coastal communities.
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T&T Enters State One Alert Level as PM Calls for Calm
Trinidad and Tobago has escalated its national security measures by declaring a State One Alert, the highest level of military readiness. Effective immediately, all members of the Defence Force and Coast Guard have been ordered to report to their respective bases by 6 p.m. today. A directive issued to personnel emphasized, “This is not a drill,” and instructed all ranks to prepare for potential confinement. The State One Alert mandates full operational readiness, requiring soldiers to return to key military installations, with even those on leave placed on standby. Concurrently, the police force has implemented similar measures, restricting officer leave until further notice. The sudden mobilization has sparked widespread speculation about potential unrest or external threats. However, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has urged calm, stating that she has no information regarding imminent regional strikes or the specific reasons behind the alert. Defence Minister Wayne Sturge echoed this reassurance, asserting that the country faces no immediate threats. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs attributed public anxiety to misinformation, clarifying that the United States is currently engaged in disaster recovery efforts in Jamaica rather than military operations. Despite official reassurances, the move has drawn criticism from opposition parties, who view it as an overreach of government authority.
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Halloween met spanning, stijl en spektakel
Halloween is rapidly becoming one of the most celebrated events in Suriname, captivating locals with its blend of excitement and spine-chilling thrills. At the heart of the festivities is the ‘haunted house’ in the historic Vaco building, where groups of daring visitors immerse themselves in an adrenaline-pumping experience. For some, it’s “pure fun,” while others admit it takes a moment for their “spirit to return.” A cameraman, drenched in sweat but relieved, shared his survival tip: “Leave your heart outside before entering. Only retrieve it when you leave, because inside, it stops beating!”
Steven Sardjoe, the ‘Horror Director’ behind the event, highlights the rapid growth of Halloween in Suriname. “We started three years ago, with a one-year pause due to its overlap with Divali. The demand for adrenaline-fueled experiences has skyrocketed. Horror films have a massive following, and more businesses are joining in with Halloween-themed promotions and events.” Sardjoe describes the event as a total immersion: “This is for thrill-seekers. We provide an escape from reality, using special effects to deliver good, old-fashioned scares.”
The celebrations extend beyond the Vaco building to Utopia Heritage, with both venues pulling out all the stops. The Vaco event runs through November 1, while Utopia extends the fun by an extra day. For Sardjoe, the event is not just about entertainment but also a platform for young actors. “A whole group of young people are thriving in their roles, coinciding with the rise of cosplay, where fans dress as their favorite characters. We held auditions and spent four months preparing to deliver a top-notch production.”
Addressing criticism that Halloween “doesn’t fit” Surinamese culture, Sardjoe remains calm but resolute. “We’re not focused on Satan or demons. Halloween has Celtic roots and evolved into a global celebration through American influence. It even has connections to Christianity. Critics should Google what Halloween truly means.” He adds with a laugh, “People say we’re adopting Western traditions, but we also celebrate Christmas with Santa Claus—a figure popularized by Coca-Cola. No one stops wearing their Nikes. I don’t understand the criticism. Just come and experience it for yourself.”
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IN PICTURES: WCMF 2025
The World Cultural Music Festival (WCMF) 2025, held from October 24 to October 28, delivered an unforgettable experience with three nights of electrifying performances. This global event, celebrated for its vibrant fusion of music and culture, attracted artists and audiences from around the world. The festival featured a diverse lineup of musicians, showcasing genres ranging from traditional folk to contemporary pop, ensuring there was something for everyone. The atmosphere was electric, with attendees immersed in the rich tapestry of sounds and rhythms. The event not only highlighted the universal language of music but also fostered cultural exchange and unity. WCMF 2025 has set a new benchmark for future festivals, leaving a lasting impact on all who participated.
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Flash-Flood Watch upgraded to Warning as heavy showers continue
The Barbados Meteorological Services (BMS) has escalated its alert from a Flash-Flood Watch to a Flash-Flood Warning as a tropical wave intensifies its impact on the island. Authorities have cautioned that persistent heavy showers throughout Friday, October 31, 2025, could trigger flash floods in vulnerable low-lying and flood-prone regions. The warning, issued at 9:05 a.m., remains active until 6 p.m. or until conditions stabilize. The BMS predicts rainfall of two to three inches today and into the night, with weather improvements anticipated by Saturday, November 1. The department highlighted potential risks, including soil erosion on exposed or sloped terrain, water accumulation on roads and fields, traffic disruptions, and rising water levels in ponds and drainage systems. Minor flooding on roads and properties is also expected. Residents are urged to stay informed via official channels such as the BMS, the Department of Emergency Management, and the Government Information Service, accessible through websites, social media, and local news outlets. The BMS emphasized that a Flash-Flood Warning indicates ongoing or imminent flooding, typically within two hours. For further details, visit www.barbadosweather.org or contact 976-2376 or 535-0022.
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Trinidad gov’t urges ‘calm’ amid reports of US military action
The government of Trinidad and Tobago has moved to quell rising public anxiety sparked by unverified reports suggesting an imminent shift in the national and regional security landscape. In a statement released on Friday, the Ministry of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs clarified that the United States has dismissed claims of an impending military action in Venezuela, emphasizing that any policy announcements would come directly from President Donald Trump. Foreign Minister Sean Sobers is actively engaging with the U.S. Embassy in Port of Spain, and the government has assured citizens there is no cause for concern. The U.S. Southern Command is reportedly focused on aiding Jamaica’s disaster recovery efforts, not on military operations in the region. The Trinidad and Tobago government pledged to promptly inform the public of any developments that might affect the country’s security. This statement coincides with ongoing parliamentary debates over extending the state of emergency by three months. Defence Minister Wayne Sturge declined to confirm whether the military had been placed on high alert, citing public interest concerns. Local media reports had earlier suggested that the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force was on heightened alert due to rumors of a potential U.S. military strike on Venezuela. An internal military message instructed all personnel to report to their bases by October 31, fueling widespread speculation. The U.S. has been increasing its military presence near Venezuela, ostensibly to combat drug trafficking, a claim Venezuela denies, accusing the U.S. of threatening regional peace. Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yvan Gil Pinto recently condemned the U.S. for its “illegal and immoral military threat” at the UN General Assembly. Meanwhile, CARICOM leaders recently convened to discuss regional security concerns, though Trinidad and Tobago did not endorse the meeting’s conclusions.
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Nieuwe RvC CASAS moet luchtvaarttoezicht versterken en blacklisting EU helpen opheffen
Suriname has taken a significant step toward revitalizing its aviation sector with the official installation of a new Board of Commissioners (RvC) for the Civil Aviation Safety Authority Suriname (CASAS). The board, inaugurated on Friday at the President’s Cabinet, is tasked with strengthening aviation oversight and restoring international safety standards. This move aims to help Suriname regain its standing on the global stage, particularly by addressing its placement on the EU blacklist and rebuilding trust with international aviation authorities.