Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasized the importance of strengthened cooperation and the preservation of free trade during his address at the 32nd Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders’ Meeting in Gyeongju, South Korea. The two-day summit, which commenced on Friday, saw Xi present five key proposals aimed at fostering economic integration and sustainable development across the Asia-Pacific region.
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Venezuela ships 46 tonnes of aid supplies to Jamaica, Cuba
In a significant display of regional solidarity, the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela has dispatched 46 tonnes of humanitarian aid to Cuba and Jamaica, both nations grappling with the devastating aftermath of Hurricane Melissa. The operation, orchestrated by Venezuela’s Minister of People’s Power for Foreign Affairs, Yván Gil, underscores the country’s commitment to supporting its Caribbean neighbors during times of crisis. The aid packages, airlifted to the affected regions, include critical supplies such as food, medicines, medical equipment, and mattresses, aimed at addressing the most pressing needs of the impacted communities. Cuba received 26 tonnes of aid, while Jamaica was allocated 20 tonnes, with the shipments supervised by Minister Gil and Vice Minister Raúl Li Causi, respectively. Minister Gil emphasized the cooperative spirit of Venezuela’s efforts, contrasting it with the actions of other regional actors. “While some nations resort to threats and destabilization, Venezuela and the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America (ALBA) stand united in promoting peace, solidarity, and cooperation,” he stated. This initiative holds symbolic significance, coinciding with the 25th anniversary of the Bolívar–Martí Comprehensive Cooperation Agreement, a historic pact signed in 2000 by Commanders Hugo Chávez and Fidel Castro, which embodies the enduring bond between Venezuela and Cuba. Cuban Ambassador to Venezuela, Jorge Luis Mayo Fernández, lauded the gesture, noting, “Venezuela’s solidarity is unwavering. While others threaten, Venezuela sends planes filled not with weapons, but with love, food, and medicines.” Venezuelan authorities also announced plans for a subsequent maritime shipment, which will deliver over 3,000 tonnes of additional aid to Cuba in the coming days. Through these efforts, Venezuela reaffirms its Bolivarian Diplomacy of Peace, rooted in integration, cooperation, and solidarity, as Caribbean nations confront the escalating challenges of climate change.
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Vendor Appeals to Prime Minister Gaston Browne Over Poor Market Conditions in King George
A seasoned vendor in St. John’s has publicly appealed to Prime Minister Gaston Browne for urgent intervention, citing persistent infrastructure issues at the King George market area. The vendor, who has operated at the location for nearly two decades, highlighted severe challenges including frequent flooding, damaged tables, and inadequate repairs. Despite Market Street being cleared for redevelopment, she has been barred from returning and continues to face harsh conditions at her current spot.
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Winners announced for Dominica’s 2025 Independence Literary Competition
The Cultural Division of Dominica has unveiled the winners of the 2025 Independence Literary Competition, a prestigious event that honors the island’s literary prowess across diverse genres and languages. Held annually as part of Dominica’s Independence festivities, the competition underscores the nation’s vibrant literary traditions and the profound impact of storytelling in English, Kwéyòl, and Kokoy.
In the English Poetry category, Blanch Athanaze Winston emerged victorious with her poignant piece titled ‘Mother.’ Leandra Lander secured second place with ‘Heaven Call Centre,’ while Netisha S. Durand’s ‘Pass We Passing’ claimed third place. The Short Story category saw Yahima Cuffy-Bazil take the top spot for ‘Names Too Numerous to Mention,’ with Vince Arnold Savarin’s ‘Summertime’ and Ian Jackson’s ‘Bamboo House’ earning second and third places, respectively.
The Kwéyòl Poetry division celebrated Iris André’s ‘Mwen Sé Donmnik’ as the first-place winner, followed by Blanch Athanaze Winston’s ‘Ou Sé’ in second place. Yahima Cuffy-Bazil also triumphed in the Kokoy Poetry category with ‘Behind Gad Back,’ while Ian Jackson’s ‘Dominican Soldier, Inna Merica’ secured second place.
The Cultural Division lauded all participants for their dedication to preserving and promoting Dominica’s linguistic and cultural heritage through their literary contributions. This year’s competition not only highlighted the creative talents of Dominican writers but also reinforced the enduring significance of storytelling in shaping the island’s cultural identity.
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Briana Anthony Urges Citizens to Embrace Lifelong Learning at UWI Five Islands
Briana Anthony, a distinguished media personality and communications expert, is encouraging citizens of Antigua and Barbuda to seize the opportunities provided by the government’s commitment to higher and lifelong education. Anthony, who recently graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of the West Indies Five Islands Campus (UWI FIC), marked another significant achievement on 30 October by completing the Lifelong Learning Unit program, where she received accolades in Persuasive Communication. She lauded UWI FIC as a transformative platform and commended the government for its focus on making education accessible, enabling individuals to grow, retool, and advance their careers. ‘Lifelong learning is essential. Whether you’re a recent school graduate, a working professional, or someone with a degree, there’s always room to improve and achieve more. Education empowers individuals and strengthens our nation,’ Anthony emphasized. The government’s ongoing collaboration with UWI continues to broaden access to quality education, empowering citizens to fulfill personal aspirations and contribute to the country’s development.
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Senator Freeland urges stronger disability inclusion and climate action at regional summit
Antigua and Barbuda has reinforced its dedication to advancing disability rights and bolstering climate resilience during the Sixth Meeting of the Presiding Officers of the Regional Conference on Population and Development in Latin America and the Caribbean. Held in Santiago, Chile, on October 29–30, 2025, the event centered on the theme, “From Statistical Visibility to the Exercise of Rights.” Senator Michael Freeland, representing Minister of Social and Urban Transformation Rawdon Turner, delivered a compelling address, emphasizing the need to transform statistical recognition of people with disabilities into actionable rights. Freeland underscored the importance of accessible healthcare, inclusive education, decent employment, and active participation in decision-making processes. He also lauded the Antigua and Barbuda Association of Persons with Disabilities for its pivotal role in enacting the Disabilities Act (2017), a landmark achievement in promoting equality. Additionally, Freeland highlighted the existential threat posed by climate change to Small Island Developing States, citing the recent devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa. He called on regional partners to integrate climate resilience into all population and development strategies. Reaffirming Antigua and Barbuda’s commitment to the Montevideo Consensus, Freeland described it as the region’s most progressive and comprehensive framework for population and development.
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Jòdi sé Jounen Kwéyòl Domnik
Dominica News Online, a prominent news platform operated by Duravision Inc., has issued a clear statement regarding its comment moderation policies. The platform emphasizes that the views expressed in user comments do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Dominica News Online, its parent company, or any individual staff member. All comments are subject to approval before publication to ensure a balanced and responsible approach to free speech. The platform asserts that it does not censor comments based on political or ideological perspectives but strives to maintain a sensible equilibrium between open discourse and responsible moderation. This policy underscores the platform’s commitment to fostering constructive dialogue while upholding journalistic integrity.
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Rubio says US is ready to offer ‘immediate humanitarian aid’ to people of Cuba impacted by Hurricane Melissa
In a swift response to the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced on Thursday that the United States is ready to provide immediate humanitarian aid to the people of Cuba. The hurricane, which struck Jamaica on Tuesday, has left eastern Cuba grappling with severe damage and unmet basic needs. The State Department has mobilized teams expected to arrive in the Caribbean as early as Thursday to assist in disaster response efforts. Rubio emphasized the Trump Administration’s solidarity with the Cuban people, stating, ‘In the wake of Hurricane Melissa’s devastation of eastern Cuba, the Trump Administration stands with the brave Cuban people who continue to struggle to meet basic needs.’ The U.S. is issuing a Declaration of Humanitarian Assistance for Cuba and plans to deliver aid both directly and through local partners to ensure effective distribution to those most affected.
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SLHTA preparing private sector relief strategy for hurricane-hit islands
The private hotel and tourism sector in Saint Lucia is spearheading a coordinated relief initiative to support Caribbean nations devastated by Hurricane Melissa. Noorani Azeez, Chief Executive Officer of the Saint Lucia Hotel and Tourism Association (SLHTA), announced on October 29 that the organization has received directives from its parent body, the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA), to activate its disaster relief fund. Azeez revealed that the SLHTA has already briefed its board of directors and is formulating a strategy to engage its members and the broader Saint Lucian community in contributing to the recovery efforts. The SLHTA, representing over 200 members, plans to align its relief operations with assessments conducted by Jamaican authorities and international partners, ensuring a targeted approach to address critical needs. Azeez emphasized that collaborating with the CHTA offers a more structured and effective framework for mobilizing private sector aid, even though some SLHTA members operate hotel brands in affected areas like Jamaica. Hurricane Melissa, a record-breaking Category 5 storm with winds reaching 185mph, caused significant devastation across Jamaica, Cuba, Haiti, and The Bahamas, resulting in at least 34 fatalities and widespread structural damage. As regional tourism stakeholders gear up for recovery efforts, Azeez affirmed that Saint Lucia and the SLHTA are well-prepared to contribute, drawing on their past experience in providing relief to Dominica, Grenada, and St Vincent.
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Uber Barbados launches operations with licensed taxi service
Uber, the global ride-hailing giant, has officially launched its services in Barbados, marking the company’s first foray into the Eastern Caribbean. The app became operational last week, offering residents and visitors the ability to book rides through the Uber Taxi option, which connects users with licensed local taxi drivers. Belén Romero, Regional General Manager for the Andean Region, Central America, and the Caribbean, expressed enthusiasm about the expansion. “We are proud to begin this new chapter in Barbados, a strategic location for Uber in the region. Our mission is to enhance mobility by integrating technology that ensures safety and convenience while creating economic opportunities for local drivers,” she stated. Romero emphasized Uber’s commitment to aligning with Barbados’ transportation framework, noting that the Uber Taxi service will not operate at the Bridgetown Port during the 2025/26 winter season to respect local priorities. The Uber Taxi feature allows licensed drivers to accept ride requests via the app while maintaining their independence. Users can access real-time driver details, fare estimates, and routes, with fares displayed in US dollars and fully compliant with Transport Authority regulations. The app also includes a tipping feature for passengers to express appreciation. Uber highlighted that its entry into Barbados aims to strengthen the local taxi industry by leveraging technology, safety, and convenience. Drivers stand to benefit from increased earning potential, particularly from the tourism sector, and gain access to a global platform used by millions worldwide. Additionally, drivers will have access to over 30 in-app safety features and 24-hour support. “Safety is our top priority,” Romero said, explaining that the app enables riders to share trip details with trusted contacts, verify drivers via a PIN system, and rely on continuous monitoring throughout each journey. Uber’s taxi option has already proven successful in other markets. In the Dominican Republic, the service has facilitated over 115,000 trips since 2022, while in France, more than 3,000 taxis now operate through the platform. Similar services are available in major cities like New York, Los Angeles, and London, where traditional black cabs use the app. To cater to Barbados’ tourism market, Uber has introduced features such as Uber Reserve, allowing users to schedule trips up to 90 days in advance, and Uber Hourly, enabling passengers to book a driver by the hour with multiple stops. Barbados is the first Caribbean country to offer Uber Hourly. “Tourism and mobility go hand in hand,” Romero remarked. “We want visitors to explore Barbados with confidence, knowing they have access to the same trusted safety standards Uber provides globally. Our goal is to support the island’s tourism by connecting people safely and reliably while creating new opportunities for local taxi drivers, who are integral to the authentic Barbadian experience.” The onboarding process for local drivers is managed by an on-island partner responsible for verifying permits, licenses, and insurance documents. Earnings from completed trips will be deposited directly into drivers’ registered bank accounts.