The city of Santiago experienced a remarkable meteorological event on Thursday, October 30, when an astonishing 61.9 millimeters of rain fell within 24 hours. This figure, which triples the region’s historical average, was confirmed by Juan Salas, the executive director of Civil Defense, who labeled the occurrence as “unprecedented” in recent memory. Salas noted that previous records had never exceeded 22 millimeters, making this event truly extraordinary. The heavy rainfall, attributed to the remnants of Hurricane Melissa and an active trough over the Cibao region, led to temporary flooding in several areas, including Los Jardines, Hoya de Caimitos, and 27 de Febrero Avenue. Despite the severity of the situation, the city managed to return to normalcy within hours, thanks to the swift and coordinated response of emergency agencies and municipal brigades. This incident underscores the urgent need to enhance urban drainage systems and bolster mitigation efforts in regions susceptible to the impacts of climate change and extreme weather phenomena.
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Independence Message from Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit
Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit addressed the nation on the occasion of Dominica’s 47th Independence Day, reflecting on the country’s journey of progress and resilience. Despite challenges, Dominica has emerged as a proud and forward-looking nation. The Prime Minister highlighted significant achievements, including the development of an international airport, the establishment of a geothermal plant in Laudat, and the construction of climate-resilient homes. These initiatives symbolize the nation’s commitment to sustainable development and economic growth. The Citizenship by Investment Programme has been instrumental in funding critical infrastructure, while the new Eastern Caribbean Citizenship by Investment Regulatory Authority has enhanced regional cooperation and transparency. On October 1st, Dominica joined three other nations in implementing full free movement within the region, a milestone that strengthens Caribbean unity. Prime Minister Skerrit urged the youth to seize opportunities and contribute to the nation’s development, while expressing gratitude to the diaspora for their unwavering support. Drawing inspiration from scripture, he called for renewed unity and faith, emphasizing that Dominica’s potential is limitless when its people work together. The Prime Minister concluded with a prayer for God’s blessings on the nation and its citizens, wishing everyone a Happy Independence Day.
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Friends of Democracy: 50% water bill discount for St Lucy residents amid water crisis
The Friends of Democracy (FOD) political party has called on the Barbados Water Authority (BWA) to implement a 50 per cent discount on water bills for residents of St Lucy, who have been grappling with a severe water crisis for over five years. During a community outreach event in Durham, St Lucy, on October 25, party members engaged with locals who reported that their tap water was discoloured, foul-smelling, and unfit for consumption. One resident likened the water’s appearance to ‘the colour of mauby’ and shared that drinking it often led to nausea and stomach discomfort. Others revealed that bathing caused skin irritation and that household water filters turned dark brown within days of use. ‘We’re paying for water we can’t use for drinking or cooking,’ a resident lamented. ‘It’s unjust that we have to buy bottled water while still paying full water bills.’ FOD President Karina Goodridge emphasized that clean water is a fundamental right, not a privilege, and condemned the situation as a failure in essential service delivery. The party urged the BWA and the government to act swiftly, asserting that the lives of St Lucy residents should be valued equally to those in other parishes. They also demanded that the proposed discount remain in place until the crisis is resolved, highlighting the financial burden of purchasing bottled water alongside high water bills. The FOD expressed disappointment in the lack of action from local representatives and the opposition, stating, ‘It’s deeply troubling that after five years, no meaningful steps have been taken. The people of St Lucy deserve leadership that prioritizes their health and dignity.’ The party vowed to continue advocating for a resolution until all affected communities receive the same clean, safe, and reliable water supply enjoyed by other Barbadians. ‘Water is life,’ the FOD concluded, ‘and the people of Durham and St Lucy have waited long enough.’
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Azruddin, Nazar Mohamed granted bail in US extradition case, despite claims of Venezuelan, Middle East connections
Azruddin Mohamed and his father Nazar ‘Shell’ Mohamed were granted bail on Friday, October 31, 2025, despite a U.S. extradition request accusing them of wire fraud, money laundering, and gold smuggling. The duo, arrested earlier that day, appeared before Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman in Georgetown, Guyana. The U.S. government, represented by lawyer Terrence Williams via Zoom, opposed bail, citing allegations of an ‘international criminal enterprise’ with connections to Venezuela and the Middle East. Williams claimed the Mohameds could flee to Venezuela, where they allegedly have property and ties to high-ranking officials. However, defense lawyers Nigel Hughes and Siand Dhurjon argued that these allegations were baseless and unsubstantiated. Magistrate Latchman granted each defendant GY$150,000 bail, requiring them to surrender their passports and report weekly to the Ruimveldt Police Station. The case is set to continue on November 10, 2025, to determine if sufficient evidence exists for extradition. Outside the courtroom, Azruddin Mohamed denied all charges, accusing the Guyana government of colluding with the U.S. to prevent him from assuming his role as Opposition Leader. The defense team also raised constitutional concerns, hinting at potential appeals to the Constitutional Court.
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WEATHER (6:00 PM, Oct 31): Scattered showers, thunderstorms expected tonight; residents urged to stay alert
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.”