Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has firmly stated that her country will not be coerced or manipulated in its security efforts, accusing certain Caribbean Community (Caricom) nations of aligning with Venezuela amidst escalating regional tensions. During a live interview on the Crime Watch programme with Ian Alleyne, Persad-Bissessar expressed disappointment with Caricom’s reliability, emphasizing that some member states have prioritized Venezuela over Trinidad and Tobago. She vowed that no external entity would pressure or blackmail her administration in its fight against crime and drug trafficking. This statement comes amid heightened security concerns in the Caribbean, including increased U.S. military presence and allegations of Venezuelan-backed drug cartels. The U.S. has deployed a nuclear-powered submarine, reconnaissance aircraft, and destroyers to the region, conducting airstrikes against suspected traffickers. While Trinidad and Tobago supports these efforts, Venezuela has accused the U.S. of destabilizing the region. Persad-Bissessar denied claims of colluding with Washington to undermine Venezuela, stressing that her government has not engaged in energy-related negotiations with Caracas. She also highlighted Trinidad and Tobago’s domestic security challenges, including rising crime rates, and announced plans to extend the state of emergency declared in July. The Prime Minister reaffirmed her administration’s commitment to regional security and international anti-narcotics initiatives, while maintaining solidarity with the Venezuelan people.
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Feinstein’s Fraud Case Over Stake Bank Hits Pause
The high-profile fraud case involving developer Michael Feinstein and the contentious Stake Bank project has been postponed, marking another twist in a legal saga that has captivated Belize. Scheduled to commence in the High Court on October 29, 2025, the proceedings were abruptly delayed as Feinstein’s British legal team sought a stay to appeal a prior decision barring the submission of new evidence. Justice Susan Goonetilleke adjourned the case pending a ruling from the Court of Appeal on the matter.
The dispute traces back to April 2024, when Atlantic Bank Limited accused Feinstein and Stake Bank Enterprises of fraud, alleging that $62 million in financing for a cruise port development was misused. The bank claims Feinstein unlawfully transferred a 23.5-acre island extension to his personal name rather than the company’s. Outside the courtroom, Feinstein lashed out at his adversaries, labeling them “banksters” and accusing financial institutions and government officials of conspiring to seize control of the multimillion-dollar project.
Adding to the controversy, the Government of Belize recently moved to compulsorily acquire 23.4 acres of Stake Bank Island, a decision Feinstein’s group has denounced as unlawful and lacking public interest, particularly given the presence of other port facilities like the Port of Belize. This latest delay prolongs a legal battle that continues to raise questions about transparency, accountability, and the future of the Stake Bank development.
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Road Rehabilitation Underway on long stretch of road in Bathlodge
The Ministry of Works in Antigua and Barbuda is currently spearheading a significant road rehabilitation project in Bathlodge, a community that has long grappled with deteriorating infrastructure. This initiative, which focuses on a crucial access road serving numerous residents, is set to transform the area’s transportation network. The project was necessitated by years of wear and tear, exacerbated by heavy rainfall, which had rendered the road unsafe and challenging to navigate. Local resident Maria Vanessa Browne expressed relief, describing the road’s previous condition as ‘horrid’ and highlighting the anticipated benefits of the upgrades. Minister of Health, Wellness, and the Environment, Sir Molwyn Joseph, alongside other officials, recently inspected the ongoing work, underscoring the government’s commitment to infrastructure development. This project is part of a broader effort by the Ministry of Works to enhance road networks across Antigua and Barbuda, ensuring safer and more accessible travel for motorists and pedestrians alike.
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Saint Lucian designers in Nigeria for Lagos Fashion Week
In a significant move to bolster cultural and creative industry collaboration, a delegation from Saint Lucia has embarked on a journey to Nigeria to participate in the prestigious Lagos Fashion Week. This initiative follows the official visit of Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to Saint Lucia in June, which laid the groundwork for enhanced bilateral relations. The Saint Lucian delegation, led by Donalyn Vittet, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism, includes prominent figures such as Kayode Francois, head of production at Events Saint Lucia, creative director Trevor King, music executive Irvin ‘Ace’ Loctar, and designers Christine Samuels and Tamla Lionel. The delegation’s participation marks a historic moment as Samuels and Lionel are set to showcase their designs on the Lagos Fashion Week catwalk, a first for Saint Lucia. The visit aims to establish professional and institutional relationships with Lagos Fashion Week and Art X Lagos, a leading film event. Saint Lucia’s Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Industries, Dr. Ernest Hilaire, emphasized the importance of this collaboration in fostering long-term relationships and supporting the development of creative industries, including music, film, fashion, and craft. The delegation will also explore opportunities in sourcing textiles, drum-making materials, and building connections with film producers. The Ministry of Tourism has covered the delegation’s travel expenses, while the Nigerian Government will handle internal costs. Lagos Fashion Week, founded in 2011, is scheduled from October 29 to November 2, and is recognized as a global platform driving the African fashion industry.
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STATEMENT: Dominica-Cuba Friendship Association
The Commonwealth of Dominica has issued a powerful statement of solidarity with the Republic of Cuba, condemning the decades-long economic, commercial, and financial blockade imposed on the island nation. This unilateral measure, described as unjust and outdated, has caused immense hardship for the Cuban people, restricting access to essential resources, stifling national development, and limiting Cuba’s engagement with the global community. Despite these challenges, Cuba has emerged as a symbol of humanitarianism, providing critical medical, educational, and technical assistance to countries worldwide, including its Caribbean neighbors. Dominica emphasized that the blockade violates international law, human rights, and the principles of the United Nations Charter, calling it a relic of a bygone era that undermines peace and mutual respect. The statement, issued on October 29, 2025, in Roseau, joins the global chorus demanding the immediate and unconditional lifting of the blockade. Dominica also expressed profound gratitude for Cuba’s enduring friendship and contributions to the region’s social and economic development, reaffirming its commitment to strengthening ties between the two nations. The message concluded with a call for justice, humanity, and solidarity to prevail.
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Ministry highlights recently renovated Barbuda Community Centre
The Barbuda Community Centre, recently renovated and reopened earlier this year, stands as a testament to the island’s resilience and recovery efforts following the catastrophic impact of Hurricane Irma in 2017. The upgraded facility, which also functions as a hurricane shelter, has been meticulously restored and modernized to better serve the community during emergencies. Beyond its critical role as a refuge, the centre will now host a variety of community gatherings, cultural events, and celebrations, fostering stronger social bonds among Barbudans. Officials highlight that the renovation is a key milestone in the island’s broader infrastructure rebuilding initiative, which began after Irma devastated 95 percent of Barbuda eight years ago. The project was financed through a USD $31 million loan from the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), with additional support from the government and the Project Implementation Management Unit (PIMU) within the Ministry of Works. In a statement, the ministry expressed gratitude for the continued assistance from organizations such as the UNDP, CDB, and the European Union, emphasizing that the upgrades embody “resilience in the face of adversity.” The refurbished Community Centre is part of a series of significant civil works completed on the island, including the renovated Barbuda Council Administrative Building and the newly constructed National Office of Disaster Services (NODS) Operations Centre. Ongoing projects, such as the Community Multipurpose Centre and resilient concrete roads, aim to enhance transportation and bolster Barbuda’s economic growth.
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OP-ED: They create a desert and call It peace – Lessons from two millennia of failed interventions
As global tensions rise—from the fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas to disputes over Venezuela’s waters and the great power rivalry in the Pacific—an ancient warning from 83 AD resonates with striking relevance. Calgacus, a Scottish chieftain, reportedly declared before the Roman conquest: ‘They create a desert and call it peace.’ This statement, whether historical or attributed by Roman historian Tacitus, encapsulates a recurring pattern of power dynamics: the destruction of societies in the name of order, followed by declarations of victory over the ruins. From Roman Britain to modern Iraq, colonial Africa to contemporary Afghanistan, this cycle persists. Calgacus saw Rome’s claims of civilization, security, and law as thinly veiled exploitation, subjugation, and devastation. Tacitus, too, seemed to critique the empire’s rhetoric versus its reality. The modern era mirrors this pattern. Crises—real or manufactured—prompt calls for military intervention, often framed as the only viable solution. The promises are familiar: swift victories, precision technology, and flourishing democracy. Yet, the outcomes tell a different story. Iraq, Libya, and Afghanistan stand as stark examples of interventions that left fractured societies, extremism, and humanitarian crises. The language of intervention is carefully crafted to sanitize violence: ‘kinetic actions’ replace bombing, ‘collateral damage’ masks civilian deaths, and ‘nation-building’ disguises occupation. This linguistic manipulation perpetuates a false binary between action and inaction, sidelining diplomacy and conflict resolution. The aftermath of intervention often reveals a growing ‘desert’: power vacuums, destroyed infrastructure, and radicalized populations. Syria’s refugees, Yemen’s cholera epidemic, and Somalia’s chaos are modern manifestations of this desert. Yet, there are instances where intervention may be justified, such as preventing genocide in Rwanda or halting ethnic cleansing in Kosovo. The challenge lies in recognizing the limitations and consequences of military force. Breaking the cycle requires humility, investment in diplomacy, and addressing root causes like poverty and governance failures. Honest accounting of failures, rather than rebranding them as successes, is crucial. Calgacus’s warning, preserved by his conquerors, endures as a call to resist the seductive simplicity of force and embrace the complex work of genuine peace. The choices we make in each crisis will determine whether we continue to create deserts or forge a path toward lasting peace.
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Conductor, 21, steals cell phone from ULP office
Adonis Williams, a 21-year-old minibus conductor from Sion Hill, has admitted to stealing a cell phone belonging to the Unity Labour Party’s East Kingstown office. The incident occurred on May 16, 2025, when Williams took a blue Samsung Galaxy A15 valued at EC$799. Williams entered his guilty plea before Senior Magistrate Tammika McKenzie at the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday. The case has been adjourned until November 17 for the presentation of facts and sentencing. In the interim, Williams has been granted bail set at EC$2,950 with one surety. He is required to report to the Central Police Station every Monday and Thursday and is prohibited from leaving the country without the court’s authorization.
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The Bahamas braces for Hurricane Melissa – Tropical storm impacts expected in the Turks and Caicos Islands
As Jamaica embarks on its recovery journey from the most intense hurricane ever to hit its shores, the Bahamas is now preparing for the arrival of Hurricane Melissa. Although the storm has weakened considerably from its peak intensity of 185 miles per hour winds, which wreaked havoc in Jamaica and subsequently in Cuba, it continues its northeasterly path toward the Central and Southeast Bahamas. The Disaster Risk Management Authority (DRM Authority) in the Bahamas issued Alert #23 today, cautioning residents about the impending dangers. The alert highlighted that Melissa is currently off the east coast of Cuba and is advancing into the Southeast Bahamas, bringing with it destructive winds, torrential rains, severe flooding, and hazardous storm surges. A Hurricane Warning has been activated for the Central and Southeast Bahamas, while a Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for the Turks & Caicos Islands, which are expected to experience the storm’s less intense outer bands. The DRM Authority emphasized that the most severe impacts are anticipated in areas such as Ragged Island, Long Island, Acklins, Crooked Island, Rum Cay, Samana Cay, and San Salvador this afternoon as the storm’s core passes near the Crooked Island Passage.
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FLASH : Sunrise Airways flights delayed and cancelled (October 30)
Sunrise Airways has announced significant disruptions to its flight schedules in and out of Haiti due to Hurricane Melissa, effective Thursday, October 30, 2025. The airline has issued updates regarding delayed and canceled flights, along with options for affected passengers. Delayed flights include S6 613 MIA CAP, now departing at 9:00 a.m. instead of 7:00 a.m., and S6 041 CAP CYA, rescheduled from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Additionally, several flights have been canceled, such as S6 030 CAP PAP and S6 012 PAP CAP. Passengers impacted by these disruptions are offered re-routing options, allowing them to reschedule their flights at no extra cost, or cancellation options, providing credits for unused tickets. Sunrise Airways urges travelers to monitor official channels for updates on the resumption of operations. For assistance, passengers can contact the airline via phone at +509 28 11 22 22 or +1 877 652 0202, or email reservations@sunriseairways.net.