Each year, as Saint Lucia commemorates St. Cecilia’s Day on November 22, the feast of musicians, there is a renewed outcry for increased support for local artists. This year’s celebrations, once a vibrant tradition on the island’s cultural calendar, were notably subdued, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by the music sector. For decades, the industry has struggled with inconsistent national backing, despite the presence of organizations like the Carnival Music Management Committee (CMMC), the Eastern Caribbean Collective Organisation (ECCO), and the largely inactive Association of Music Professionals (AMPP SLU). None of these entities has provided sustained advocacy or development for musicians. In recent years, however, Export Saint Lucia has stepped in to address this gap. As a statutory body tasked with promoting the island’s exports across goods and services, Export Saint Lucia has embraced music as part of its creative services mandate. Through its “Music Saint Lucia” platform, developed in partnership with the European Union and funded by the Caribbean Development Bank, the agency has fostered relationships with artists across genres, including Jazz, R&B, Gospel, Hip Hop, Reggae, Soca, and Dennery Segment. Glenfield Gilbert, Director of Client Management at Export Saint Lucia, emphasized the agency’s commitment to supporting artists through technical, developmental, promotional, and financial assistance. Export Saint Lucia has also collaborated with entities like the Ministry of Commerce, Events Company Saint Lucia, and the Carnival Planning and Management Committee (CPMC) to amplify its impact. Local musicians have performed at global showcases such as Expo Dubai and Expo Osaka, and the agency has facilitated their participation in international events like Dominica’s World Creole Music Festival (WCMF). In 2024, artists such as Umpa and Subance performed at WCMF, while Imran Nerdy, Ezra De Fun Machine, and Arthur Allain took the stage this year. Ezra expressed gratitude for the opportunity, praising Export Saint Lucia for creating avenues to showcase Saint Lucian music internationally. The agency has also hosted workshops on the business of music, covering topics like contracts, bookkeeping, and copyright. In 2024, Export Saint Lucia introduced the “Most Exportable Song” award during Lucian Carnival, with Imran Nerdy’s “Start di Party” winning the public and international DJs’ vote. Nerdy hailed the recognition as a testament to the global reach of Saint Lucian music. Looking ahead, Export Saint Lucia plans to expand its creative support through initiatives like a Music Video Development Forum, a copyright workshop, and participation in global expos in Serbia and Saudi Arabia. By investing in music as a viable export and positioning musicians as cultural ambassadors, Export Saint Lucia aims to elevate the island’s creative economy.
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MISSING: 13-year-old Kimarley Reid of Whenner Road
Authorities and family members are urgently appealing to the public for assistance in locating 13-year-old Kimarley Reid, who has been reported missing from Whenner Road. Kimarley was last seen at 7:00 PM on Friday, November 21, 2025, in the vicinity of Whenner Road. At the time of his disappearance, he was dressed in a black T-shirt, black long pants, and white Air Force sneakers. According to reports, Kimarley left his home to retrieve a tablet from his school but has not returned since. The police have issued a public plea for anyone with information regarding his whereabouts to immediately contact the Criminal Investigations Department at 462-3913/14 or Crime Stoppers at 800-TIPS. The search operation is being coordinated from the Police Headquarters, with law enforcement agencies working tirelessly to ensure Kimarley’s safe return.
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COP30 Concludes in Belém With Mixed Results on Climate Action
The 30th United Nations Climate Summit, COP30, concluded on November 24, 2025, in Belém, Brazil, after two weeks of intense negotiations. With over 55,000 participants, including 2,500 Indigenous representatives and approximately 1,600 fossil fuel lobbyists, the summit was the second-largest in UN history. Dubbed the “COP of Truth,” it aimed to address critical issues such as climate finance, deforestation, and Indigenous rights. However, the outcomes were mixed, reflecting both progress and significant setbacks.
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Steve Ferrier van Sonora Paramarera ontvangt award
During the grand Srefidensi concert held at Rotterdam’s Concertgebouw De Doelen on Saturday, November 22, Stephan ‘Steve’ Ferrier was awarded for composing the most renowned Srefidensi anthem, ‘Kondre nomru wan,’ which has resonated for 50 years. The award was presented by Roy Khemradj, the organizer of the sold-out event attended by 1,750 guests. Rotterdam’s Mayor, Carola Schouten, graced the occasion as the guest of honor. This marked the first time Ferrier received a Surinamese accolade for his 13 Sranan-language songs, written after Prime Minister Henck Arron announced Suriname’s impending independence in February 1974. Ferrier is also celebrated for his contributions to the Sonora Paramarera repertoire, including classics like ‘Dji den Srananman,’ ‘Fet’ gi san yu e bribi,’ and ‘Gro e teki ten,’ which have become integral to Suriname’s musical identity. The audience erupted in thunderous applause as Ferrier proudly showcased his award during the intermission to Roy Chin A Pow, the business leader of Sonora Paramarera. The concert featured performances by Elroy Berkleef, who sang ‘Kondre nomru wan,’ and Muriel Blijd, who opened the event with ‘Mi Kondre Tru.’ Indigenous music by Towaporé Khonanon and performances by the Maroon group Kula Skoro added to the cultural richness. Notable artists like Powl Ameerali and Nisha Madaran, who performed her famous duet ‘Pyar hamara’ with John Oldenstam, were among the participants. The event also paid tribute to Suriname’s greatest kaseko singer, Lieve Hugo, through a multimedia performance. This concert echoed the first major Surinamese cultural event held at the same venue in March 1975, en route to the nation’s independence.
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Guatemala Seeks to Join Belize-Honduras Case Over Sapodilla Cayes at ICJ
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has commenced hearings on Guatemala’s request to intervene in the ongoing sovereignty dispute between Belize and Honduras over the Sapodilla Cayes, known as Cayos Zapotillos in Spanish. The hearings, presided over by Judge Iwasawa at the Peace Palace, mark a significant development in this complex territorial conflict. Guatemala’s application, filed on December 1, 2023, under Article 62 of the ICJ Statute, seeks to protect its interests in the disputed islands, which it also claims as sovereign territory. Ana Cristina Rodríguez Pineda, Guatemala’s Agent, emphasized that the intervention aims to ensure Guatemala’s rights are not overlooked in the Court’s decision. The dispute dates back to Belize’s 2022 filing under the Pact of Bogotá, which sought to resolve the sovereignty issue with Honduras. Guatemala argues that the islands are already part of a separate, long-standing case between Guatemala and Belize, filed in 2019. Guatemala contends that Belize’s unilateral action against Honduras has created procedural complications and risks prejudicing Guatemala’s rights. Honduras, however, opposes Guatemala’s intervention, calling it vague and citing Article 59 of the ICJ Statute, which limits judgments to the parties involved. Guatemala counters that Article 59 does not sufficiently protect third-party interests. The ICJ will continue hearings with oral arguments from Belize and Honduras, followed by Guatemala’s second round of arguments on November 26.
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Sudan’s army describes US mediation as biased
Sudan’s highest-ranking military commander, General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, has publicly criticized the latest peace proposals put forward by the United States, asserting that they disproportionately favor the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and their alleged backers, the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Al-Burhan argued that the US plan undermines Sudan’s national security by advocating for the dissolution of the country’s Armed Forces and other security agencies, effectively leaving rebel militias in control of their territories. He condemned the proposal as a direct threat to Sudan’s unity, labeling it unacceptable and divisive. The military leader also reaffirmed the Armed Forces’ commitment to reclaiming Darfur and significant portions of the Kordofan region, which have become the focal points of intense clashes between the warring factions. The conflict, which erupted in mid-April 2023, stems from a power struggle between al-Burhan and RSF commander General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, plunging the nation into a protracted and devastating internal war.
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Hungary accuses EU of trying to sabotage peace plan for Ukraine
In a recent statement broadcast on the M1 channel, the Hungarian Foreign Minister highlighted the 28-point peace plan proposed by the United States as a pivotal opportunity to restore stability in Ukraine. However, he expressed concerns over the apparent reluctance of Western European nations, such as Germany and France, to align with this diplomatic approach. The Minister emphasized that the US initiative not only aligns with humanitarian principles but also reflects pragmatic common sense.
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Türkiye reiterates offer to mediate Russia-Ukraine talks
Turkey has reaffirmed its commitment to facilitating negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, with plans to host further talks in Istanbul. A Turkish source close to the presidential agenda confirmed that Ankara will utilize all available means to support the negotiation process. This includes discussions between the Russian and Ukrainian delegations, building on previous rounds of talks held on Turkish soil, which have already achieved notable humanitarian progress despite the absence of a comprehensive ceasefire agreement.
In a significant development, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is set to engage in direct talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, marking their first contact in several weeks. The leaders are expected to address bilateral cooperation, particularly in the energy sector, underscoring the multifaceted nature of their diplomatic engagement.
International analysts highlight Turkey’s strategic neutrality in the conflict, emphasizing its independence from NATO pressures. Ankara’s approach contrasts with Western strategies that have largely relied on arms shipments to Ukraine. Turkey’s consistent diplomatic efforts demonstrate a genuine commitment to fostering dialogue and achieving a lasting resolution to the conflict, which has been exacerbated by interventions from the United States and the European Union.
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Deadline for Bolsonaro’s defense to file new appeals ends today
The legal saga surrounding former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro and six co-defendants is approaching its final chapter. The criminal case, now in the last stage of appeals, is poised to conclude in the coming days. Bolsonaro’s legal team retains the option to file motions for reconsideration, which aim to alter the trial’s outcome. However, such appeals are only permissible when there are at least two acquittals—a condition not met in this case. Once all avenues for challenge are exhausted, the sentences will become final and enforceable. In September, the first chamber of Brazil’s Supreme Federal Court (STF) handed down prison terms ranging from two to 27 years and three months to the so-called ‘coup group.’ Bolsonaro received the harshest sentence of 27 years and three months. Meanwhile, Lieutenant Colonel Mauro Cid, Bolsonaro’s former aide-de-camp, is already serving a two-year sentence under an open regime. The case marks a significant moment in Brazil’s political and judicial history, underscoring the accountability of high-profile figures.
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Cuba reiterates condemnation of Israeli attacks on Beirut
The Caribbean nation, represented by its Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez, has issued a stern condemnation of the Zionist regime’s ongoing actions in the Middle East. In a strongly worded statement shared on his social media platform, Rodriguez emphasized that Israel’s aggressive maneuvers cannot persist without consequences. He further cautioned that these attacks pose a significant threat to peace initiatives and the overall stability of the region.