Hundreds of participants took to the streets of Suriname on Saturday for the Pride Walk, a highlight of Pride Month Suriname 2025. The event, marked by colorful costumes and lively energy, underscored a powerful message: “You don’t have to accept me, but respect me,” emphasized Jermain Tjin-A-Koeng, a key organizer and advocate for the LGBTQ+ community. He stressed that this principle should extend beyond the LGBTQ+ community and Pride Month, urging Surinamese citizens to foster positivity and mutual respect year-round for the betterment of the nation. Despite a minor disruption—a man playing loud anti-gay music from a parked car—the event’s spirit remained unshaken as a brass band drowned out the noise, marching joyfully through the streets. The route was adjusted due to the Parbo Biri Bigi Yari Fesa at Independence Square, but this did not dampen the vibrant atmosphere. Tjin-A-Koeng, who recently received the Matie Award alongside Stichting Projekta for his longstanding dedication to LGBTQ+ rights, highlighted the ongoing need for Pride Month in 2025. “There is progress, but misunderstanding persists. More awareness and education are essential. Being ‘gay’ simply means being happy and free. We should all use this month to embrace our true selves. If we can celebrate together in December and now in October, why can’t we collaborate year-round?” he questioned. Throughout the month, various activities have been organized to inform, guide, and engage citizens, businesses, and organizations. Tjin-A-Koeng expressed gratitude for the growing support from the corporate sector, with 32 businesses signing the Declaration of Paramaribo, pledging to create safer workplaces for the LGBTQ+ community.
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Belizean Students in Jamaica Safe as Hurricane Melissa Nears Category 5 Strength
As Hurricane Melissa intensifies to near Category 5 strength, Belizean students in Jamaica have been assured of their safety by both Belizean and Jamaican authorities. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade, Culture, and Immigration of Belize has maintained close communication with its Jamaican counterparts to address growing concerns about the welfare of Belizean nationals studying in Jamaica. According to the National Hurricane Center (NHC), Hurricane Melissa, now a Category 4 storm, is expected to bring catastrophic flooding, destructive winds, and life-threatening storm surges through Tuesday. Despite the severe weather conditions, the Jamaican government has confirmed that all international students, including Belizeans residing at the University of the West Indies (UWI) Halls of Residence, will continue to receive necessary care and accommodation. While Jamaican students have been advised to temporarily relocate, no foreign students, including Belizeans, have been asked to evacuate. Belizean students are encouraged to follow official guidance from Jamaica’s Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) and stay in contact with local authorities and the Belize High Commission. Currently, there are no plans for repatriation.
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Big scores as Under-13 cricket bowls off
The Saint Lucia National Cricket Association (SLNCA) launched its much-anticipated Under-13 Grassroots Tournament this week, supported by Laborie Credit Union, with matches held across the island. The tournament saw enthusiastic participation from young cricketers, with victories for teams like Gros Islet, Choiseul, Laborie, Mabouya Valley, and Mon Repos. This event follows the grassroots festival held earlier this year at the Beausejour Gymnasium, where SLNCA affiliates have been preparing for months. In a notable change, Babonneau replaced Laborie in this year’s Saint Lucia Premier League, as the southwest district aims to revive its cricket presence through youth development. Laborie’s strong performance in their opening match against Vieux Fort South at Cross Over Park signals a promising future for the team. Meanwhile, Gros Islet showcased dominance at the Balata Playing Field, defeating Babonneau by 99 runs. John Michael Auguste led the charge with 34 runs, supported by Andrus Paul and Evan Gilbert. Ethan St Marthe’s remarkable bowling, including a hat-trick, sealed the win for Gros Islet. In the East Coast derby, Mabouya Valley triumphed over Dennery by a massive 112 runs, with Ethan Charlery scoring the tournament’s first century. Mon Repos also secured a 60-run victory against Micoud, thanks to Cyril Charles’ impressive 88 runs. Choiseul added to the excitement with a win over Anse La Raye. The tournament continues this weekend with matches at Mindoo Phillip Park, Dennery Playing Field, Desruisseaux Playing Field, and Canaries Playing Field. Sponsors Ackelles Holdings and Cool Breeze Jeep and Car Rentals have backed this developmental competition, which features 16 district teams. SLNCA Second Vice President Nerville Florence is overseeing the event as tournament coordinator.
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LETTER: The Conflict of Interest Surrounding an Independent Senator’s Political Candidacy
A recent controversy has emerged surrounding the political candidacy of an independent senator, sparking debates over potential conflicts of interest. The senator, who has long championed transparency and ethical governance, now faces scrutiny for simultaneously holding a legislative role while running for a higher political office. Critics argue that this dual position could compromise impartiality, as legislative decisions might be influenced by campaign ambitions. Supporters, however, contend that the senator’s independence and track record of integrity mitigate such concerns. The situation has reignited discussions about the need for clearer ethical guidelines in political candidacies, particularly for those in non-partisan roles. As the election approaches, the senator’s ability to navigate this ethical minefield will likely become a focal point of public discourse.
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PM Browne Celebrates Dominican Spirit at Creole Music Festival
Prime Minister Gaston Browne of Antigua and Barbuda participated in Dominica’s 25th World Creole Music Festival this weekend, marking a significant milestone for one of the Caribbean’s most iconic cultural celebrations. The three-day event, held in Dominica, drew thousands of attendees, including regional leaders and international music enthusiasts. Browne was seen engaging with Dominica’s Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit and renowned dancehall artist Vybz Kartel, a moment captured in a widely circulated photo that symbolized the festival’s emphasis on regional unity. In a statement to Antigua.news, Browne expressed his delight in celebrating the festival’s silver anniversary, stating, ‘It was a pleasure celebrating with our Dominican peeps, the silver anniversary of their World Music Festival. May God continue to guide the advancement of the Dominican people.’ The festival, which concluded on Sunday, showcased a vibrant mix of traditional Creole music and modern genres, attracting a diverse audience from across the Caribbean and its diaspora.
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COMMENTRY: Beyond Ambition—The Price of an ‘Independent’ Seat and the Need for True Public Service
The recent revelation that an Independent Senator in Antigua and Barbuda is seeking nomination to contest a seat for the ruling Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP) in St. Phillip’s South has sparked a heated debate about the integrity of public service appointments. While personal ambition is not inherently problematic, the blurring of lines between impartial roles and partisan politics raises significant concerns about the credibility of governance.
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Kia Kirwan Places First Runner-Up at Miss Essence and Mind Swimsuit Pageant
Kia Kirwan, the reigning Queen of Carnival 2025 from Antigua and Barbuda, showcased her exceptional talent and Caribbean charm at the Miss Essence and Mind Swimsuit Pageant in St. Maarten, securing the prestigious title of first runner-up. The event, held on October 25 at the Aleeze Convention Hall, brought together contestants from across the Caribbean under the inspiring theme, “United in Essence, Strong in Mind.” The competition was fierce, with Kadijah Mulley of St. Kitts and Nevis claiming the top honor, while Miss Trinidad and Tobago secured the second runner-up position. Kirwan, one of eight delegates, impressed the judges with her creativity, confidence, and poise across multiple segments, including creative swimwear, glitz and glam swimwear, identical swimwear, and a rigorous question-and-answer round. Other notable participants included Jasmin Jade Ruan of Anguilla, Kimberly Sattur of Guyana, Florancia Casseus of Haiti, and Malakya Wiggerton of the United States. Kirwan’s stellar performance at the pageant adds to her growing list of achievements, further solidifying her status as a rising star in the Caribbean pageant circuit. Her success follows her recent crowning as Antigua and Barbuda’s Queen of Carnival 2025, highlighting her dedication and talent on the regional stage.
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Graveyards are now last option shelters in Gaza for Palestinians amid ruins
Amid the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, tens of thousands of displaced Palestinians, stripped of their homes by widespread destruction, have resorted to setting up makeshift tents in graveyards. This desperate measure underscores the severity of the situation, as the enclave grapples with the aftermath of conflict despite a fragile ceasefire agreement. Al Jazeera correspondent Hind Khoudary, reporting from Khan Younis in southern Gaza, highlighted the grim reality: ‘This graveyard wasn’t meant for the living. But today, it’s home to dozens of families who have nowhere else to go.’ Khoudary emphasized that these families are not choosing to live among tombstones but are driven by sheer desperation, as graveyards have become the only available free spaces. Rami Musleh, a father of 12 displaced from Beit Hanoon in northern Gaza, shared the emotional burden of raising children in such dire conditions. ‘For parents, the psychological trauma of war is made worse by having to raise children among tombstones,’ he told Al Jazeera. Another resident, Sabah Muhammed, lamented the loss of sanctity in these spaces: ‘Graveyards, once sacred for the dead, are now silent witnesses to a living crisis. No water, no electricity, and no privacy … only the bare minimum to survive.’ The poignant reality is that in Gaza, even the land reserved for the dead has become the last refuge for the living.
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Caribische bisschoppen waarschuwen voor militaire spanningen in de regio
The Antilles Episcopal Conference (AEC), the overarching body of Catholic bishops in the Caribbean, has voiced profound concerns regarding the escalating presence of military vessels and foreign troops in the southern Caribbean. The bishops warn that this development could severely impact the socio-economic stability, security, and daily lives of the region’s inhabitants. In a formal statement, the AEC urged government leaders to prioritize de-escalation, dialogue, and respect for national sovereignty, emphasizing that ‘war or the threat of war is never the right solution.’ They invoked historical papal teachings on peace and moral responsibility to underscore their message. Simultaneously, the AEC condemned the surge in narcotics activities in the region but stressed that violence and extrajudicial actions are never justified, even in combating drug-related crime. The bishops highlighted the tangible threats posed by warships and the disruption of maritime activities, particularly to fishing and coastal communities reliant on the sea. They called on regional leaders to uphold the Caribbean model of dialogue, cooperation, and peace, reminding them of the region’s historical success in conflict resolution through diplomacy. Concluding their statement, the AEC appealed to both leaders and citizens to remain committed to hope, reconciliation, and non-violent solutions, while emphasizing the moral duty to protect society’s most vulnerable.
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South Point Hotel opens after $15 million investment
Barbados has welcomed its latest luxury addition, the South Point Hotel, with Tourism Minister Ian Gooding-Edghill hailing it as a significant enhancement to the island’s accommodation sector. The hotel’s grand opening ceremony, held on Friday evening, underscored growing investor confidence in Barbados’ hospitality industry. Minister Gooding-Edghill emphasized that the development aligns with the government’s strategic initiatives to modernize and expand tourism through innovative policies and incentives designed to stimulate economic growth.