The United Nations General Assembly has once again overwhelmingly called for an end to the US economic embargo against Cuba, marking the 33rd consecutive year of such a resolution. The vote, held on October 29, 2025, saw 165 countries in favor, seven against, and 12 abstentions. Despite lobbying efforts by the United States, the resolution passed with significant international support, highlighting the global consensus against the embargo.
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Puerto Plata to welcome 62 cruise ships in November
Puerto Plata is gearing up for a bustling November as the Ministry of Tourism (MITUR) announced the arrival of 62 cruise ships to the region. Among these, 39 vessels will dock at the state-of-the-art Taino Bay port, while 23 will anchor at Amber Cove. This surge in maritime traffic aligns with the Dominican Republic’s national strategy to bolster cruise tourism and solidify its reputation as a premier Caribbean destination. Tourism Minister David Collado highlighted the significance of this development, underscoring the country’s commitment to enhancing its tourism sector. Atahualpa Paulino, MITUR’s regional director for the north, emphasized the economic ripple effects of these arrivals. He noted that the influx will invigorate the local economy, creating opportunities for workers, entrepreneurs, and service providers across Puerto Plata. Paulino described November as one of the busiest months for the country’s tourist ports, attributing the surge to the confidence international cruise lines have in the region’s tourism management. With its cutting-edge port infrastructure, seamless institutional coordination, and a growing array of attractions, Puerto Plata continues to cement its status as one of the Caribbean’s most sought-after cruise destinations.
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Liberty Caribbean Foundation Mobilises Relief for Jamaica
In response to the catastrophic impact of Hurricane Melissa, the Liberty Caribbean Foundation has initiated a comprehensive relief operation to aid affected communities in Jamaica. The foundation, the charitable arm of Flow and Liberty Business, has mobilized resources and logistics to deliver essential supplies, including food, water, emergency kits, and connectivity solutions, as soon as local authorities grant access to the disaster-stricken areas.
Prioritizing the safety of its employees, the foundation is actively confirming the well-being of its staff while preparing for immediate relief shipments. Inge Smidts, CEO of Liberty Caribbean, emphasized the organization’s commitment to both its people and the broader communities, stating, ‘Our first duty is to our people and to the communities who rely on us. We are committed to providing immediate relief and supporting long-term recovery efforts.’
The foundation is collaborating with national and local authorities, community organizations, and trusted partners to ensure efficient and targeted aid distribution, avoiding duplication and focusing on the most vulnerable populations. Simultaneously, Liberty Caribbean’s crisis-management teams are working to restore critical communications infrastructure, recognizing the importance of connectivity in recovery efforts.
Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm with maximum sustained winds of 185 mph, made landfall in southwestern Jamaica on October 28, 2025, tying it with historic hurricanes like Dorian (2019) and the ‘Labor Day’ hurricane (1935) in terms of intensity. The foundation is calling for public and corporate support to scale its relief operations, with donations directly funding emergency supplies and long-term recovery programs. Contributions can be made securely online at the foundation’s dedicated hurricane relief portal.
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Digicel backs digital transformation in hospitality industry
Digicel Barbados has reiterated its dedication to bolstering the island’s tourism and hospitality sector by deploying cutting-edge digital solutions aimed at enhancing guest experiences. During a recent Digicel Business event at Sandals Royal Barbados, CEO Natalie Abrahams emphasized the company’s mission to empower hotels with technology that aligns with evolving traveler demands and fortifies business resilience. ‘Every reservation and every social media post serves as a digital ambassador for Barbados, showcasing the unforgettable experiences it offers,’ Abrahams remarked. She highlighted the growing importance of seamless, personalized, and immediate services in today’s hospitality landscape, which is increasingly driven by digital innovation and robust connectivity. However, Abrahams also cautioned about the escalating risks of cyber threats, noting a 76% surge in cyber exposures across the Caribbean since 2023. To address these vulnerabilities, Digicel is offering complimentary Dark Web Scans to its hospitality partners, ensuring enhanced data security. Abrahams underscored Digicel’s reliability, citing its swift response during Hurricane Beryl, where 87% of customers were reconnected within 48 hours. Marco Piazzi, Digicel’s regional hospitality business development manager, further elaborated on the company’s role as a leading technology partner for Caribbean hotels. He highlighted the integration of artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and cybersecurity through products like the 360View surveillance system and 360Comms communication platform, designed to optimize safety, efficiency, and connectivity. ‘By merging connectivity, ICT, cloud, and cybersecurity, Digicel enables hotels to operate smarter and safer,’ Abrahams concluded. ‘Together, we can build a hospitality industry that is not only warm and welcoming but also smart, secure, and future-ready.’
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Taxi operators push back against Uber with own ride-hailing app
In a strategic move to counter Uber’s recent entry into Barbados, the Bridgetown Port Taxi Co-op Society Ltd unveiled its own ride-hailing app, Zail Barbados, on Wednesday. The launch, held at Copacabana Beach Club, marked a significant milestone for the local taxi industry, which has been preparing for this moment for months. Adrian Smiley Bailey, President of the co-op, emphasized that the initiative was not a reactionary measure but a well-planned effort to safeguard the interests of local drivers.
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Column: Mogelijke scenario’s
Suriname has taken the lead in Group A of the World Cup qualifiers, edging ahead of Panama based on a superior goal-scoring record. Both teams currently hold six points, but Suriname’s four goals scored and three conceded give them the edge over Panama’s three goals scored and two conceded. Guatemala follows closely in third place with five points, while El Salvador sits at the bottom with three points. With two matches remaining, the group remains wide open, as even the last-placed team could still secure a spot in the next round. Guatemala, playing its remaining matches at home, has a strong chance to climb to the top if they win both games, potentially reaching 11 points. However, home advantage doesn’t guarantee victory, as El Salvador previously defeated Guatemala on their own turf. Guatemala has been ramping up its psychological tactics with intimidating promotional content, but the outcome will ultimately be decided on the field. For Suriname, the path to securing the top spot is clear: they must maximize their goal-scoring opportunities while minimizing defensive lapses. Even marginal victories might not suffice if Panama outperforms them in goal difference. The most favorable scenario for Suriname would involve a draw between Guatemala and Panama, ensuring they maintain their lead. However, the competition remains fierce, and any misstep could abruptly end their World Cup aspirations. The upcoming matches will be decisive, with goal-scoring efficiency playing a critical role in determining the group’s final standings.
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Rob Jetten (D66) grootste winnaar verkiezingen Nederland
In a landmark outcome for Dutch politics, the Democrats 66 (D66) party, led by 38-year-old Rob Jetten, has emerged as the largest party in the Netherlands following Wednesday’s parliamentary elections. According to initial exit polls, D66 is projected to secure 27 seats, surpassing Geert Wilders’ Party for Freedom (PVV) with 25 seats and the People’s Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD) with 23 seats. This result signals a decisive shift toward political stability and collaboration, marking a departure from years of fragmentation and populist influence. Jetten, who could become the youngest and first openly gay prime minister in Dutch history, addressed supporters in The Hague, stating, ‘Millions of Dutch citizens have turned a page today. We are saying goodbye to the politics of negativity and hatred and embracing hope, reason, and respect.’ The election outcome reflects a broader trend toward the political center, with radical-right parties like the PVV losing ground. Meanwhile, the VVD and the socially conservative New Social Contract (NSC) are positioned around the center, while the GreenLeft-Labour alliance underperformed with approximately 20 seats. Shortly after the exit polls were announced, Frans Timmermans, leader of the GreenLeft-Labour alliance, resigned, acknowledging the need for ‘new energy and leadership.’ With no party nearing the 76-seat majority required to govern, coalition negotiations are expected to be lengthy and complex. Analysts predict Jetten will aim to form a broad center coalition, potentially involving the VVD, NSC, and one or two smaller parties, while ruling out collaboration with the PVV. Key campaign issues included purchasing power, migration, housing, climate, and trust in government. D66’s victory is widely interpreted as a call for stability, professionalism, and cooperation. Updated exit polls and preliminary vote counts are anticipated later today.
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Public debt unit to allow citizen access – Straughn
Barbados is set to transform its public debt unit into an investor relations agency as part of a broader initiative to enhance debt management and make government securities accessible to ordinary citizens. Finance Minister Ryan Straughn announced the plan during the 20th Annual Meeting of the LAC Debt Group 2025, held at the Hilton Barbados. The restructuring aims to emphasize citizen participation in debt management, with the revamped unit handling front, middle, and back-office functions. Currently, the Central Bank acts as the fiscal agent, but the new unit will proactively manage the debt portfolio, treating it as a productive sector of the economy. Additionally, the government has approved a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) framework under its procurement law to share risks with the private sector while maximizing value for citizens. The investor relations unit will focus on extracting value from PPPs, shifting risks to the private sector, and fostering economic growth. Digital platforms like BIMPay will facilitate broader participation in the domestic capital market, enabling real-time payments and reducing costs for financial institutions and merchants. The government also plans to introduce smaller investment lots, allowing individuals to invest as little as $50 in treasury bills, with digital notifications streamlining the process. The ultimate goal is to democratize access to government debt returns, ensuring that average citizens can earn returns comparable to larger investors. Minister Straughn emphasized that this initiative will reduce reliance on banks as brokers, enabling direct citizen participation in the debt market.
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Moertabat blijft bij zijn standpunt: Ik ben klaar met de VHP
Sidik Moertabat, a prominent member of the VHP (Progressive Reform Party) leadership, has reaffirmed his decision to resign from the party’s executive board. In a recent interview with Starnieuws, Moertabat emphasized that his departure is final and that he will formally communicate his resignation to the party’s leadership. He has already drafted a letter to VHP Chairman Chan Santokhi, signaling his complete break from the party. This move comes despite claims by VHP spokesperson Dew Sharman, who denied Moertabat’s resignation in a radio interview, stating that he remains a member of the executive board. Moertabat, however, clarified that he did not authorize Sharman to speak on his behalf and stands by his decision. His resignation was initially announced in a group chat among VHP executives, which was later leaked, prompting media inquiries. Moertabat cited deep dissatisfaction with the party’s leadership, particularly the lack of communication and inclusivity in decision-making processes. He expressed frustration over being sidelined during key events, such as the preparation for the May parliamentary elections and the candidate selection process. Moertabat, who joined the VHP in 2012 after leaving the KTPI, served as a member of the National Assembly from 2020 to 2025. His departure underscores growing internal tensions within the VHP following its recent electoral defeat.
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Port police officer Yannick Leon charged, remanded in $1.3m drug bust
Yannick Leon, a port police officer employed by the Saint Lucia Air and Sea Ports Authority (SLASPA), has been formally charged and remanded in custody in connection with a major narcotics importation case. The drugs, valued at over $1.3 million, were discovered during a July 16, 2025, operation at Port Castries Seaport. Leon allegedly attempted to clear a fraudulent barrel shipment using forged documents, including a fake Letter of Authorisation. A subsequent search revealed 19 sealed metal cans containing 266 packs of cannabis resin (hashish), weighing approximately 26.8 kilogrammes. Leon faces multiple charges, including Importation of a Controlled Drug, Possession with Intent to Supply, Fraudulent Evasion, Forgery, and Uttering a False Document. Initially detained and later released pending further investigation, Leon was re-arrested on October 27 following extensive evidence gathering and forensic analysis. The case highlights the importance of inter-agency cooperation in disrupting organised criminal activities. Leon is set to remain in custody until December 9, 2025, as investigations continue.