In a significant political development, former senator and prominent community activist Malaka Parker has announced her return to the United Progressive Party (UPP) after a two-year hiatus from active politics. Parker, who left the UPP following a contentious leadership dispute in 2016, emphasized her decision as a response to the urgent need for political renewal and accountability in Antigua and Barbuda. She criticized the current administration, the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP), for fostering what she described as a ‘decaying political culture’ marked by corruption, economic mismanagement, and public disillusionment. Parker highlighted the ABLP’s failure to deliver on its promises of economic prosperity, pointing to rising inequality, escalating living costs, and a bloated public sector as evidence of systemic failures. She called for a collective effort to rebuild the opposition, restore public trust, and champion inclusive, people-centered governance. Parker’s return to the UPP underscores her belief in the party’s potential to lead national renewal and address the pressing challenges facing the country. She urged citizens to join her in rejecting the current administration’s perceived disregard for public welfare and to work towards a brighter future for Antigua and Barbuda.
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Security : «The time of gangs is over» says Commander Otunge
In a bold declaration, Commander Godfrey Otunge of Haiti’s Gang Suppression Force (GSF) announced a significant shift in the nation’s security landscape. Otunge emphasized that the transformation from the MSSM to the GSF represents more than a mere rebranding—it is a comprehensive overhaul of Haiti’s security apparatus. This reorganization integrates the resources, personnel, and intelligence of all national forces under a unified mission: the eradication of gangs that have long plagued the country. Collaborating closely with the Haitian National Police (PNH) and the Armed Forces of Haiti (FAd’H), the GSF has implemented a robust, sustained security strategy. This includes targeted, intelligence-driven operations and persistent patrols in critical areas, aimed at dismantling gang networks and restoring public safety. Otunge underscored the mobilization of all operational assets—land, sea, and air—to achieve the clear objective of restoring peace and ensuring Haitians can live without fear. He dismissed recent gang threats as acts of desperation, signaling their decline. The joint forces are advancing relentlessly, disrupting networks, seizing weapons, and neutralizing armed elements. Otunge assured the Haitian people of the security forces’ unwavering commitment to dismantling terrorist networks and upholding the rule of law. He called for public cooperation, emphasizing that together, they are closing a dark chapter in Haiti’s history and paving the way for stability and peace.
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Mets name Dominican Gilbert Gómez first base and outfield coach
The New York Mets have made a significant addition to their Major League Baseball coaching roster by promoting Gilbert Gómez to the position of first base and outfield coach for the upcoming season. The organization highlighted Gómez’s exceptional leadership qualities, his unique ability to communicate effectively with emerging talent, and his contemporary approach to baseball instruction as key factors in their decision.
Gómez’s journey with the Mets organization began in 2009 when he was initially signed as a player. Demonstrating remarkable foresight, he transitioned from his playing career at just 25 years old to pursue coaching full-time. His ascent through the Mets’ developmental system has been nothing short of meteoric, with Gómez occupying critical roles including hitting coach, bench coach, and ultimately managerial positions.
The 2025 season marked a pinnacle achievement in Gómez’s coaching career when he guided the Brooklyn Cyclones to an unprecedented campaign. Under his leadership, the team secured a franchise-record 72 victories and maintained a perfect postseason record to claim the South Atlantic League championship. His expertise has been recognized on international stages as well, having managed MLB’s Breakout Game and served as assistant to Albert Pujols for the upcoming World Baseball Classic. Gómez previously contributed to the Dominican Republic’s bronze medal performance at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
In his native Dominican Republic, Gómez has made history with Tigres del Licey in the Dominican Winter League (LIDOM). During the 2023-24 season, he became the youngest manager in league history to secure a championship, joining an elite group of just seven Dominican managers who have won titles in their debut managerial year.
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‘November vax mandate will not be forgotten,’ dismissed teachers vow
Shefflorn and Ann-Marie Ballantyne, two educators dismissed under St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ 2021 COVID-19 vaccine mandate, have co-authored a book titled ‘I Do Not Consent’. The book delves into the Vincentian chapter of the pandemic, focusing on the government’s controversial mandate and its profound effects on workers. The couple aims to ensure that the actions of the Ralph Gonsalves-led Unity Labour Party (ULP) administration are remembered as a dark period in the nation’s history. The book, launched online to mark the fourth anniversary of the mandate, features personal stories of vaccine-injured individuals, testimonies from dismissed workers, and the role of trade unions and lawyers in challenging the mandate. In March 2023, a High Court judge ruled the mandate unlawful, but the government successfully appealed the decision in February 2025. The workers have now sought leave to take the case to the Privy Council. The Kindle version of the book is available for free download on Amazon, with a local launch planned for the upcoming year.
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CID receives 45 laptops in push for smarter policing
The Royal Saint Lucia Police Force (RSLPF) has taken a significant step toward modernizing its operations by equipping its Criminal Investigations Department (CID) with 45 state-of-the-art laptops. This initiative, unveiled during a formal handover ceremony, underscores the force’s commitment to enhancing investigative capabilities and operational efficiency in the face of increasingly complex criminal activities. Police Commissioner Verne Garde, who assumed leadership in 2024, emphasized that this move aligns with his broader vision of modernizing the RSLPF. Upon his appointment, Garde presented a comprehensive plan to Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre, outlining strategies to bolster the force’s investigative prowess. The newly acquired laptops are designed to empower officers with advanced tools for recording, analyzing, and processing critical information. Garde highlighted that these devices are ‘top-of-the-line’ and will integrate seamlessly with the police’s upgraded management system, enabling real-time data access and improved interdepartmental coordination. He expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Pierre for supporting the procurement, which is part of a larger effort to enhance public safety through technology-driven policing. Superintendent Dr. Mashama Sealy will oversee the distribution and implementation of the laptops within the CID.
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Hurricane Melissa Leaves Jamaica With Estimated US$8.8B in Damage
Jamaica is grappling with the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, which has inflicted an estimated $8.8 billion in damages, marking the most costly natural disaster in the nation’s history. The World Bank and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) revealed that the storm’s impact equates to 41% of Jamaica’s 2024 GDP. Striking on October 28, 2025, as a Category Five hurricane with winds reaching 185 miles per hour, Melissa is one of the most powerful Atlantic hurricanes ever recorded. The devastation has been extensive, with at least 45 fatalities, 15 individuals still missing, and thousands rendered homeless due to severe flooding and collapsed infrastructure. The United Nations has reported that 36,000 people are in urgent need of food assistance. In early November, Jamaica received a $150 million payout from its catastrophe bond, providing some financial relief, though it falls significantly short of the total estimated damages. Preliminary assessments indicate that homes bore the brunt of the destruction, accounting for 41% of the total damage, followed by infrastructure at 33%, non-residential buildings at 21%, and agriculture at 5%. While agricultural physical losses were relatively lower, the economic repercussions for farmers are expected to persist for months. World Bank Vice President Susana Cordeiro Guerra commended the resilience of the Jamaican people and affirmed the Bank’s commitment to aiding the country in rebuilding efforts. The damage estimate was derived from a GRADE assessment, a rapid evaluation tool funded by the Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery and Japan’s Ministry of Finance, aimed at providing governments with an early overview of recovery needs.
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Motorcyclist Crashes Into SUV Near Robinson Gas Station
A dramatic collision unfolded on Wednesday morning near the Robinson Gas Station when a motorcyclist crashed into the front of a white SUV. The incident, captured on video by bystanders, shows the motorcycle striking the SUV head-on, leaving the bike trapped beneath the vehicle. Witnesses immediately rushed to the scene, with a police officer and several members of the public attempting to provide assistance. The cause of the crash remains under investigation, and there has been no official update regarding the motorcyclist’s condition. Those who recorded the incident expressed deep concern, hoping the rider escaped serious injury. Authorities are expected to conduct a thorough investigation to determine the factors leading to the collision.
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Dr Mitchell: Gift of vehicles to MPs is abuse of privileges
In a heated session of the Lower House on November 19, 2025, former Prime Minister and Opposition Leader Dr. Keith Mitchell criticized the Government’s decision to purchase and distribute vehicles to Members of Parliament (MPs), labeling it as an abuse of parliamentary privileges. Dr. Mitchell, a seasoned legislator since 1984, argued that MPs already benefit from a 100% concession on vehicles, making the additional provision unnecessary. He emphasized the dire economic conditions faced by constituents and suggested that the funds allocated for these vehicles could be better utilized to address pressing community needs. ‘I will not accept any vehicle from the taxpayers of this country,’ Dr. Mitchell declared, urging the Government to sell the vehicles and redirect the funds to support the North-West constituency. His stance was echoed by other Opposition MPs, who questioned the necessity of the initiative. However, Joseph Andall, MP for St. Patrick West, defended the decision, stating that the House Committee, comprising members from both the Government and Opposition, had unanimously agreed in 2024 to provide vehicles to each constituency. Andall clarified that the vehicles were intended to facilitate MPs’ duties rather than for personal use. Following the adjournment of the session, Government MPs were presented with the keys to their constituency vehicles by Speaker Leo Cato. The debate underscores the ongoing tension between the Government and Opposition over resource allocation and parliamentary privileges.
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Study shows 1 in 3 women over 15 experienced physical or sexual violence at some point
Violence against women and girls remains a pervasive and alarming issue in the Americas, as highlighted by new estimates released by the World Health Organization (WHO) and its UN partners. The data, unveiled ahead of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women on November 25, reveals that one in three women aged 15 and older in the region has endured physical or sexual violence at some point in their lives. Intimate partner violence is the most prevalent form, affecting one in four women aged 15-49, while one in eight has experienced sexual violence from someone other than a partner. Young women are particularly vulnerable, with 21% of those aged 15-19 facing partner violence before turning 20, and older women are not exempt, as 23% of those aged 65 and above report similar abuse. Dr. Jarbas Barbosa, Director of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), emphasized that these figures underscore the preventable nature of violence and the urgent need for high-quality data to drive action. Despite increased awareness and policy efforts, progress has been minimal, with intimate partner violence rates remaining largely unchanged over the past two decades. The report, which analyzes data from 2000 to 2023 across 168 countries, including 29 in the Americas, highlights the severe and long-lasting impacts of violence, including physical injuries, mental health issues, and intergenerational cycles of abuse. PAHO is actively supporting countries through evidence-based strategies like the RESPECT framework, which focuses on prevention, empowerment, and systemic change. As part of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, PAHO will host a hybrid event on November 24, 2025, to discuss effective interventions and foster regional collaboration. Dr. Barbosa stressed that violence against women is a shared regional priority requiring sustained investment and commitment to eliminate this pervasive issue.
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CH&PA orders halt to construction of Mae’s School after works were finished – owner
In a controversial turn of events, the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) has issued a ‘cease and desist’ order to Mae’s School owner David Sugrim, demanding an immediate halt to all construction activities on Farnum Ground in Subryanville, Georgetown. However, Sugrim claims he never received the letter and asserts that the construction of the prefabricated structure was completed months before the October 6, 2025, date of the notice. ‘By the time the letter reached, we had already finished our work,’ Sugrim stated in an interview with Demerara Waves Online News. The CH&PA, in a notice signed by Secretary Rajesh Ramgolam, accused Sugrim of engaging in ‘unauthorised, unlawful, and illegal construction activities’ in violation of the Town and Country Planning Act. The Authority emphasized that no planning permission had been granted for the development, nor had any application been submitted. Despite the threat of legal action, Sugrim maintains that he has adhered to an agreement with the Georgetown City Council to vacate the playground once the new school building is constructed. Education Minister Sonia Parag also confirmed that neither her ministry nor the local government had approved the construction on Farnum Ground. The situation highlights ongoing tensions between private educational institutions and regulatory authorities in Guyana.