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  • Ruim 300 kinderen uit Brokopondo nemen deel aan sportdag Zijin Rosebel

    Ruim 300 kinderen uit Brokopondo nemen deel aan sportdag Zijin Rosebel

    More than 300 children from various villages in the Brokopondo district gathered today for a large-scale sports event organized by Zijin Rosebel Gold Mines N.V. at the Bigi Wey Sports Center in Brownsweg. The event, aimed at youth development, received significant support from the Ministry of Youth Development and Sport (JOS).

    Enrique Ralim, Acting Director of Sport at JOS, commended Zijin’s commitment to the community during the opening ceremony. ‘Our strength lies in this collaboration. Sports are not just the responsibility of the government but of all of us: businesses and society alike,’ he stated. Ralim emphasized that sports not only promote physical development but also teach young people essential values such as discipline, respect, teamwork, and perseverance—key attributes for their future.

    Ralim highlighted the ministry’s intention to maintain a structured partnership with Zijin, particularly focusing on creating opportunities for youth in Brokopondo. ‘Take advantage of the opportunities you are given,’ he urged the children. ‘Together, we can build a stronger and healthier Suriname.’

    Jerry Finisie, Community Relations & Development Manager at Zijin, stressed the importance of early talent discovery. ‘Identify what you truly enjoy—that’s where your strength lies. We aim to help create that space,’ Finisie remarked.

    Captain Lambertus Waandels also addressed the youth with an inspiring message: ‘Your choices shape your future, and initiatives like this are designed to guide you in a positive direction.’

  • Gonsalves contacts Vincy student group as hurricane threatens Jamaica

    Gonsalves contacts Vincy student group as hurricane threatens Jamaica

    Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves has called for solidarity and prayers for Jamaica as Hurricane Melissa, a potentially catastrophic storm, advances toward the island. Speaking at the inauguration of the new port in Kingstown, Gonsalves emphasized the immediate danger facing Jamaica, urging attendees to pray for the safety and well-being of the Jamaican people, particularly Vincentian students and residents. The hurricane, predicted to escalate to a Category 5 storm within 48 hours, poses a significant threat with sustained winds exceeding 157 mph. Gonsalves highlighted his communication with the University of the West Indies (UWI) and the Vincentian Students Association, ensuring that necessary precautions are in place for student safety. He also mentioned discussions with UWI Vice Chancellor Sir Hillary Beckles, who confirmed that the university has implemented robust measures to protect students, including relocating Jamaican students with secure accommodations to make space for others. Gonsalves reassured parents of students in Jamaica, stating that he remains in close contact with student leaders and will continue to monitor the situation. He emphasized the importance of prayers not only during the storm but also in its aftermath, addressing potential post-hurricane challenges.

  • Hurricane Melissa reaches category 4 strength, threatening catastrophic impacts

    Hurricane Melissa reaches category 4 strength, threatening catastrophic impacts

    Hurricane Melissa has rapidly intensified into a formidable Category 4 storm, boasting maximum sustained winds of 220 km/h (140 mph). This marks the fourth major hurricane of the current season, with the Dominican Meteorological Institute (Indomet) confirming its peak strength at approximately 5:00 a.m. on Sunday. The hurricane is currently advancing westward at a speed of 7 km/h (4 mph), positioned about 195 km south-southeast of Kingston, Jamaica, and 450 km south-southwest of Guantánamo, Cuba. Satellite and radar imagery from Punta Cana and Puerto Plata reveal extensive cloud cover across the Dominican Republic, with forecasts predicting intense showers, thunderstorms, and powerful waves along the northern and southern coasts. Indomet has issued warnings of ‘extremely dangerous’ conditions, highlighting the potential for catastrophic flooding and landslides in Jamaica and southern Hispaniola, including Haiti and the Dominican Republic, through mid-week. Authorities are urging residents in affected areas to take immediate precautions as the storm’s trajectory and intensity pose significant risks to life and property.

  • CICA International University & Seminary Issues Legal Response to False and Defamatory Statements

    CICA International University & Seminary Issues Legal Response to False and Defamatory Statements

    CICA International University & Seminary, along with its Technical Centre of Excellence, has issued a robust legal response to what it describes as false, defamatory, and procedurally improper statements made by the Antigua & Barbuda National Accreditation Board (ABNAB) and the Ministry of Education. The statements questioned the legitimacy of CICA’s programs and accreditation status, prompting the institution to clarify its position and defend its reputation. CICA emphasized that it is not pursuing local accreditation in Antigua & Barbuda, as it already holds international accreditation from globally recognized bodies. These include the City & Guilds of London Institute, regulated by Ofqual (UK), and registration with the Florida State Department of Education under Section 1005.06(1)(f). Additionally, the university is ISO certified and WES verified, ensuring international equivalency and quality assurance. Between 2021 and 2024, CICA submitted extensive documentation to ABNAB on 21 occasions, totaling 69 attachments, demonstrating proactive transparency. Despite these efforts, ABNAB and the Ministry of Education issued two public statements without prior consultation, verification, or adherence to procedural fairness, causing significant reputational harm. CICA asserts that it has operated lawfully and in full compliance with international education standards. The matter has now been referred to legal counsel for further action to safeguard the institution’s reputation and global standing. CICA remains committed to educational excellence, faith-based leadership, and global collaboration, operating under internationally recognized frameworks and quality standards.

  • US jury finds man, 61, guilty of killing Saint Lucian man

    US jury finds man, 61, guilty of killing Saint Lucian man

    In a landmark verdict, Timothy Timmons has been found guilty of second-degree murder by a Clinton County, New York jury for the December 2024 killing of Jahfari Joseph, a Saint Lucian resident of Plattsburgh. The decision, reached on Thursday after a 10-day trial, marks the culmination of a high-profile case that gripped the local community. Joseph, a 40-year-old who had lived and worked in the Plattsburgh area, was reported missing on December 29, 2024. The investigation gained momentum when authorities charged Timmons, 61, following a search of property linked to the case. Jurors deliberated for less than an hour before delivering a unanimous guilty verdict, swayed by compelling evidence presented by prosecutors, including witness testimonies, digital records, and phone call logs. In an emotional interview with NBC5, Joseph’s mother, Theresa John, expressed profound relief, stating, ‘I’m just happy as a mom that justice is served.’ Clinton County District Attorney Andrew Wiley confirmed that sentencing is set for January 2026. Under New York law, second-degree murder carries a penalty ranging from 15 years to life, with a maximum of 25 years to life in prison.

  • Suriname en Venezuela verkennen verdieping landbouw, energie en visserij

    Suriname en Venezuela verkennen verdieping landbouw, energie en visserij

    On Friday, President Jennifer Simons of Suriname welcomed Venezuelan Ambassador Ayerim Flores Rivas for an introductory and exploratory meeting at the Cabinet of the President. The discussions reaffirmed the longstanding friendly relations between the two nations and explored avenues to enhance bilateral cooperation. Key areas of focus included agriculture, fisheries, oil and gas, with additional interest in cultural and health-related exchanges. Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Business, and Cooperation, Melvin Bouva, who attended the meeting, emphasized Venezuela’s role as a significant economic partner. ‘We discussed the involvement of Venezuelan companies in Suriname’s fish processing and export sectors,’ Bouva stated. He also highlighted the strategic importance of the oil and gas industry, noting Venezuela’s valuable expertise in this domain. Bouva reiterated Suriname’s commitment to maintaining South America as a zone of peace, grounded in dialogue and mutual respect. The Communications Service of Suriname reported that the country will continue to advocate for regional stability. Ambassador Flores Rivas described the meeting as constructive and underscored the historical ties between the two nations. ‘Our relationship spans over fifty years. We see tremendous opportunities for collaboration, especially as Suriname develops its energy economy,’ the diplomat remarked.

  • Saint Lucia, SIDS left waiting as global shipping emissions deal sinks

    Saint Lucia, SIDS left waiting as global shipping emissions deal sinks

    A landmark global initiative aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the shipping industry has been postponed following opposition led by the United States and Saudi Arabia. The International Maritime Organisation’s (IMO) Net-Zero Framework (NZF), designed to make maritime trade cleaner and more sustainable, was expected to be adopted during the Marine Environment Protection Committee’s (MEPC) meeting in October 2025. However, the framework faced significant resistance, resulting in a year-long delay. The NZF proposed drastic emission cuts by transitioning vessels from fossil fuels to renewable energy-based alternatives and introduced a carbon levy to fund climate adaptation in developing nations, particularly Small Island Developing States (SIDS). The US criticized the emissions pricing as an ‘unsanctioned global tax regime,’ while Saudi Arabia proposed an adjournment, which passed with 57 countries in favor. The decision has left small island nations, already vulnerable to climate change, in a precarious position. Countries like Saint Lucia, which rely heavily on maritime trade, face economic challenges in balancing climate commitments with financial realities. Despite the setback, technical work on the framework will continue, with hopes for renewed dialogue between developed and developing nations.

  • Ali awaits Norton’s word on substantive appointment of Chancellor, Chief Justice; Norton unlikely to agree

    Ali awaits Norton’s word on substantive appointment of Chancellor, Chief Justice; Norton unlikely to agree

    Guyana’s political landscape is currently embroiled in a tense standoff over the substantive appointments of key judicial positions. President Irfaan Ali has proposed the appointments of Justice Roxane George-Wiltshire as Chancellor and Justice Navindra Singh as Chief Justice, a move that requires the concurrence of Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton. However, sources indicate that Norton is unlikely to support the proposal, citing concerns over the circumstances surrounding the early retirement of Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards, the former Chancellor. Norton had previously expressed support for the appointments of George-Wiltshire and Cummings-Edwards in their respective roles. President Ali announced on Friday that Cummings-Edwards would be proceeding on pre-retirement leave, with George-Wiltshire and Singh continuing in their acting capacities. Efforts to reach Norton for comment on Saturday were unsuccessful, and Attorney General Anil Nandlall also remained unreachable. A source within the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) suggested that Norton might defer the decision to the incoming Opposition Leader, expected to be Azruddin Mohamed, leader of the We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) party. Under Guyana’s constitution, the Opposition Leader retains their position until the National Assembly’s opposition parliamentarians elect a new leader following general and regional elections.

  • FLASH : Melissa has become a Cat 4 hurricane

    FLASH : Melissa has become a Cat 4 hurricane

    On October 26, 2025, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reported that Hurricane Melissa had escalated to a Category 4 storm, with maximum sustained winds reaching 220 km/h and a central pressure of 944 millibars. Located 487 km southwest of Port-au-Prince, the hurricane is projected to follow a slow westward trajectory before turning north and northeast by Monday and Tuesday. Its path is expected to impact Jamaica, southeastern Cuba, and the southeastern Bahamas by midweek. A hurricane warning has been issued for Haiti’s southwest peninsula, with the Sud and Grande Anse departments placed on red alert. Other regions, including South-East, Nippes, West, and the central plateau, remain on orange alert. Melissa is anticipated to bring torrential rainfall, with up to 35 inches (89 cm) in some areas, leading to catastrophic flash flooding, landslides, and severe infrastructure damage. Satellite imagery indicates rapid intensification, with hurricane-force winds extending 35 km from the center and tropical storm-force winds reaching 280 km. Swells generated by the storm are expected to create life-threatening surf and rip currents along the coasts of Hispaniola, Jamaica, eastern Cuba, and the Cayman Islands. Haitian authorities have suspended coastal shipping activities and urged residents to remain vigilant, avoid watercourses, and follow safety guidelines. The Departmental Directorate of Civil Protection emphasized the importance of safeguarding documents and assisting vulnerable individuals during this critical period.

  • STATEMENT: Update on the safety of Dominican students in Jamaica and Cuba

    STATEMENT: Update on the safety of Dominican students in Jamaica and Cuba

    In response to the imminent threat posed by Hurricane Melissa, the Ministry of Education, Human Resource Planning, Vocational Training, and National Excellence of Dominica has been actively engaged in safeguarding its students abroad. Since Thursday, October 23rd, officials have maintained close contact with Dominican students in Jamaica, who have confirmed they are well-prepared, residing in secure accommodations, and equipped with sufficient supplies. The Ministry is also coordinating with the Students’ Association to address any needs highlighted in their assessment report. Additionally, the Dominican embassy in Cuba has been in communication with local authorities, who have implemented a special protection protocol for foreign students. Dominican students in Cuba have also initiated their own preparatory measures. The Government of Dominica remains vigilant, continuously monitoring the situation and maintaining open lines of communication with students and relevant authorities to ensure their safety and well-being.