In Saint Lucia, a young entrepreneur’s journey from braiding hair at 15 to owning her own salon exemplifies the transformative power of small-scale grants. With a $5,000 grant from the Youth Economy Agency (YEA), she invested in essential equipment like a hydraulic chair and salon sink, expanding her services and renting out stations for additional income. Her story highlights the YEA’s mission to empower young entrepreneurs through financial support, training, and mentorship. Since its inception, the YEA has disbursed over 1,505 grants, trained 880 individuals, and injected an estimated $9.6 million into the economy. However, with a general election approaching, the United Workers Party (UWP) has pledged to increase start-up grants to $25,000, sparking a debate on the viability and impact of larger funding. UWP leader Allen Chastanet argues that smaller grants, like the YEA’s $3,000 to $5,000 offerings, are insufficient for meaningful business growth. He cites the party’s proposed “Youth SOS Plan” as a more impactful solution for youth-led ventures in agriculture, digital economy, hospitality, and creative sectors. Youth advocates, however, emphasize that the effectiveness of grants depends on alignment with the needs of the target demographic. Franz George, a youth development advocate and business consultant, notes that smaller grants can suffice for micro-enterprises with limited scaling ambitions, while larger grants may be necessary for ventures requiring significant capital. He stresses the importance of monitoring and evaluation to assess the long-term sustainability of grant programmes. As the YEA continues to support young entrepreneurs with its holistic approach, the upcoming election raises questions about the future of youth economic empowerment in Saint Lucia. Will larger grants drive greater impact, or is the key to success a tailored, needs-based approach? The answer may shape the island’s entrepreneurial landscape for years to come.
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City of Boston raises Dominica flag at City Hall; mayor honors Dominican Diaspora leaders
The City of Boston honored Dominica’s rich culture, heritage, and global diaspora with a vibrant flag-raising ceremony on November 7, officially proclaimed as ‘Dominica Day’ by Mayor Michelle Wu. The event, held at City Hall Plaza, symbolized unity, recognition, and cultural pride for the Dominican community in Greater Boston. Organized by the Mayor’s Office of Arts & Culture, led by Caribbean Cultural Advisor Bianca Rose, and supported by the Equity & Inclusion Cabinet, the ceremony underscored Boston’s commitment to celebrating multiculturalism and immigrant contributions. The event featured a prayer by Pastor Cuthbert Joseph, a spoken word performance by Samirah Johnson, and a heartfelt rendition of the Dominica National Anthem by Marsha White Tucker. The raising of the Dominica flag, a powerful emblem of cultural heritage, was a highlight of the day. Consul Sheldon Peter Anthony delivered an inspiring speech on the flag’s history and symbolism, while Framingham City Councilor Leslie White Harvey and Boston City Council President Ruthzee Louijeune praised Dominican contributions to the city. Mayor Wu’s official proclamation, read by James Reginald Colimon, Director of Global Affairs, recognized the significant impact of Dominicans in Boston. Several members of the Dominican diaspora were honored with City of Boston Citations for their cultural leadership and service. Attendees enjoyed Dominican cuisine, a photo exhibition by Elizabeth Thomas, and an artifacts display curated by Lisa White and Terri-Anne Bynoe. The annual event serves as a testament to Dominica’s global presence and the enduring contributions of its people to Boston’s civic and cultural life.
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Israel killed more than 340 Palestinians in Gaza after the truce
The Gaza Government Press Office has released a stark statement detailing the devastating impact of recent military actions in the region. According to the report, 24 individuals lost their lives, and 87 others sustained injuries during a series of bombings that occurred just yesterday. The statement strongly condemned what it described as systematic violations of the previously agreed-upon truce, warning that such actions could reignite a new wave of violent clashes. The Israeli Army was reported to have conducted 142 targeted attacks on civilians, residential homes, and tents housing displaced persons. Additionally, there were 228 ground and air bombings, 21 incursions, and over a hundred demolition operations carried out during this period. The Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics (PCBS) also highlighted a concerning increase in the number of settlers in the West Bank, now exceeding 770,000, with 336,000 residing in the occupied area of East Jerusalem. Furthermore, it was reported that a total of 2,382 square kilometers of land has been confiscated, amounting to 42 percent of the West Bank’s territory.
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India advocates for human-centered technologies
During a session titled ‘A Fair and Equitable Future for All: Critical Minerals, Decent Work, and Artificial Intelligence,’ Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi underscored the importance of making advanced technologies, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), globally accessible rather than confined to national boundaries. He advocated for open-source models over proprietary systems, emphasizing inclusivity and collaboration. Modi highlighted how India has embedded this vision into its technological ecosystem, yielding substantial advancements in space applications, AI, and digital payments, areas where India is a global leader. He stressed the need for equitable access, population training, and responsible deployment of these technologies. The Prime Minister also referenced the India-AI Mission, which aims to develop accessible high-performance computing capacity. Modi asserted that while AI should enhance human capabilities, ultimate decision-making must remain in human hands. He called for a shift in focus from ‘Jobs of Today’ to ‘Capabilities of Tomorrow’ and proposed the creation of a Global Framework for Talent Mobility in the coming years. Additionally, he extended an invitation to all G20 nations to attend the AI Impact Summit, themed ‘Sarvajanam Hitaya, Sarvajanam Sukhaya’ (Well-being for all, Happiness for all), scheduled for February 2026 in India. Concluding his address, Modi reaffirmed India’s commitment to global well-being, sustainable development, reliable trade, fair finance, and inclusive progress.
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Erdogan: There will be no world peace without a Palestinian state
During a press conference concluding the G20 Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan articulated a resolute stance on the Palestinian issue, as reported by the Anadolu agency. Erdogan declared that Turkey remains steadfast in its support for the Palestinian cause, asserting that this commitment is unwavering and fearless. He emphasized that Turkey will continue to advocate for the rights of the Palestinian people across all international platforms. Erdogan also condemned what he described as a ‘genocide’ in Gaza and other Palestinian territories, attributing responsibility to the Israeli government and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for the dire situation in the region. He reiterated his belief that the conflict in Gaza constitutes a genocide, a statement made amidst widespread international alarm over the high number of civilian casualties. Additionally, Erdogan commended South Africa for its ‘courageous and exemplary’ position on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, particularly regarding its actions at the International Court of Justice, where South Africa has accused Israel of genocide. Turkey has expressed its support for South Africa’s legal initiative in various diplomatic arenas.
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COP30 ends with incremental gains, but health risks loom without stronger action
The 30th Conference of the Parties (COP30) in Belém, Brazil, concluded with significant shortcomings, according to the Global Climate and Health Alliance. Despite high expectations, the summit failed to deliver the transformative climate action necessary to safeguard global health. Key issues included the lack of a formal agreement on phasing out fossil fuels and delays in implementing adaptation measures. Dr. Jeni Miller, Executive Director of the Alliance, expressed disappointment, stating that while some progress was made, COP30 did not mark the turning point it had promised. The Alliance, representing over 200 health and civil society organizations worldwide, emphasized that the delay in adaptation finance until 2035, instead of the requested 2030 deadline, could result in increased suffering and mortality, particularly in developing nations. These countries, already grappling with poverty, fragile health systems, and debt, are at heightened risk from escalating climate impacts. Even high-income countries are seeing their healthcare systems stretched to the limit. Brazil’s COP30 President, André Corrêa do Lago, announced plans for two roadmaps: one to halt deforestation and another to guide a just transition away from fossil fuels. However, the absence of a formal fossil fuel phaseout agreement remains a critical gap. Dr. Miller warned that without decisive action, the world risks reaching dangerous and irreversible tipping points in critical earth systems. The final text of the just transition work programme recognized the human right to health and a clean environment and established a mechanism for international cooperation and capacity-building. While these provisions were welcomed, Dr. Miller stressed the need for adequate resourcing to ensure their implementation. She called on wealthy nations to lead by example, noting that 80 countries supported a fossil fuel phaseout plan. She emphasized that leadership does not require consensus and that phasing out fossil fuels would benefit public health and reduce the financial burden on healthcare systems. Dr. Miller also reminded developed countries of their Paris Agreement commitments, calling climate finance for vulnerable nations an investment in global stability, goodwill, and cooperation. The Alliance applauded the launch of the Belém Health Action Plan but warned that without concrete implementation and sufficient climate finance, it risks remaining symbolic. Nurses and health advocates pledged to continue pressing global leaders to deliver the protections communities and future generations urgently need.
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Macron’s popularity slumps for 2nd consecutive month
A recent monthly barometer released by the French Institute of Public Opinion (IFOP) and published in Le Journal du Dimanche reveals that President Emmanuel Macron’s approval rating is nearing the record low of 13 percent, previously set by his predecessor, Francois Hollande. Hollande, a member of the Socialist Party (PS), holds the unenviable title of the most unpopular president in the history of IFOP polls. Macron’s disapproval rating has now surged to 56 percent, reflecting growing discontent among the French populace. Frederic Dabi, IFOP’s Director General, suggests that Macron’s declining popularity is beginning to affect other key political figures within his administration, notably Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu. Lecornu’s approval rating has dropped to 34 percent among 2,000 respondents surveyed in the past week, marking a four-point decline since October. France remains embroiled in a series of acute political crises and polarization, which have led to the rapid turnover of four prime ministers in less than a year. These include conservative Michel Barnier, who was ousted in December, centrist Francois Bayrou, removed in September, and Lecornu, who resigned in October only to be reappointed by Macron shortly thereafter.
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OPINION: The unfinished fight for women’s political inclusion in Saint Lucia (Part 2)
In the Caribbean, particularly in Saint Lucia, the political landscape is shaped by deeply ingrained societal norms and gender stereotypes. Data reveals that the archetype of a successful politician aligns with a conservative image: a middle-aged, married, Afro-Caribbean man with a family. Women, however, face significant scrutiny and delegitimization if they do not conform to this somatic norm. Single, childless, or divorced women are often subjected to harsh criticism, with their likability and leadership capabilities questioned based on their marital status or appearance. Society’s objectification of women extends to their political roles, where their attire and physical appearance are often prioritized over their policy expertise and experience. Interestingly, women who embody traditional maternal traits—such as being caring and nurturing—sometimes leverage these qualities as political talking points. Yet, those who deviate from these norms are judged more critically, highlighting the double standards in political evaluation. Despite these challenges, women in Saint Lucia are surpassing men in educational achievements and professional experience. According to the Washington Post, Saint Lucia is one of three countries where women are more likely to hold leadership positions than men, with 52.3% of bosses being female. However, institutional barriers persist, hindering women’s political participation. UN Women highlights the disproportionate burden of family care responsibilities on women, making it difficult for them to balance domestic duties with political careers. Additionally, systemic issues such as limited access to campaign funding, political networks, and unwinnable seat placements further disadvantage women. While there are no explicit laws barring women from political office, entrenched practices within political parties perpetuate inequality. To address these issues, comprehensive measures are needed, including public education on gender equality, increased support for women candidates, and the implementation of quotas to ensure fair representation. Rahym R. Augustin-Joseph, a Rhodes Scholar and advocate for political reform, emphasizes the importance of dismantling patriarchal structures and fostering a more inclusive political environment in Saint Lucia and the broader Caribbean.
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Councillor’s dad: I feared for Romona’s life
In a heart-wrenching incident that has left the community of Siparia in shock, UNC councillor Romona Victor and her common-law husband Rodney Ramsumair were found dead in their home on Sunday. The police have classified the case as a murder-suicide, with Ramsumair allegedly killing Victor before taking his own life. The discovery was made by Victor’s father, Francis Victor, who described the scene as harrowing and deeply traumatic. Francis revealed that he had long feared for his daughter’s safety due to the volatile nature of her relationship with Ramsumair, which had been marked by frequent conflicts and reconciliations. Romona, known for her dedication to her constituents, had a private life fraught with challenges. Autopsies confirmed that she died from blunt force trauma to the neck, while Ramsumair succumbed to poisoning. The tragedy has prompted condolences from political leaders, including Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar and Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles. Ramsumair’s father has proposed a joint funeral, though the Victor family has yet to decide on the matter. The incident underscores the devastating consequences of domestic violence and the urgent need for intervention in troubled relationships.
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PM, Opposition Leader weigh-in on murder-suicide
The tragic murder-suicide involving UNC councillor Romona Victor and her common-law husband Rodney Ramsumair has sent shockwaves through the community of Siparia, Trinidad and Tobago. The couple, who had a tumultuous 16-year relationship, were found dead in their home on Sunday afternoon. Victor’s father, Francis, discovered the bodies during a visit to deliver vegetables. Victor was found under blankets on the bed, having succumbed to blunt force trauma to the neck, while Ramsumair was found on the floor, having ingested a poisonous substance. The incident has drawn reactions from both Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar and Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles, who emphasized the urgent need to address domestic violence and protect women and girls. Persad-Bissessar, also the MP for Siparia, expressed her condolences on Facebook, urging victims of domestic violence to seek help. She praised Victor as a dedicated public servant who served her community with compassion and humility. Beckles, the Arima MP, highlighted the broader societal issue, citing alarming statistics that one in three women faces domestic or gender-based violence. She called for stronger legal measures, better resources for gender-based violence units, and improved police response to such cases. The tragedy coincided with the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Girls on November 25, adding to its poignancy. Siparia mayor Doodnath Mayhroo visited the Victor family, offering support and facilities for the funeral. He described Victor as a hard-working councillor and urged women in abusive relationships to seek help and protection. The municipality will appoint an interim caretaker for Victor’s district until a by-election is held.