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  • Assembleevoorzitter: Hof bereid te kijken naar rationalisering geldelijke voorzieningen rechterlijke macht

    Assembleevoorzitter: Hof bereid te kijken naar rationalisering geldelijke voorzieningen rechterlijke macht

    In a significant development for Suriname’s governance structure, National Assembly Chairman Ashwin Adhin has confirmed ongoing consultations with the Judiciary regarding financial provisions within the judicial system. The dialogue marks a cooperative effort between two crucial branches of government to address compensation structures for judicial officials.

    Chairman Adhin disclosed to Starnieuws that he conducted formal discussions in his official capacity with the Court of Justice, particularly engaging with Court President Iwan Rasoelbaks. This diplomatic exchange has subsequently been followed by written correspondence from the judiciary, solidifying the commitment to mutual understanding.

    The constitutional framework allows every Assembly member to initiate proposals within this context, though Adhin emphasized his role as presiding officer to conduct more focused negotiations with the judicial branch. These smaller-scale discussions aim to meticulously examine proposals, insights, and factual information before reaching any determinations.

    Adhin reassured the public that the matter is being treated with appropriate seriousness between state powers, operating under the fundamental principle that financial provisions for the judiciary must be governed by statutory regulations. This approach ensures constitutional compliance while maintaining the dignity of judicial institutions.

    The Assembly leadership has deliberately separated two parallel processes to avoid procedural conflicts: the ongoing modernization of judicial infrastructure through parliamentary bills, and the separate consideration of financial provisions including judicial remuneration and emoluments. This sequential treatment allows each initiative to receive dedicated preparation and attention.

    Furthermore, Adhin highlighted that the 2026 national budget remains on the parliamentary agenda, confirming that authorities are maintaining a rigorous yet orderly schedule for these complementary governance initiatives.

  • South Africa continue winning run with nine-wicket victory over Windies

    South Africa continue winning run with nine-wicket victory over Windies

    South Africa delivered a commanding performance against West Indies on Thursday, securing a comprehensive nine-wicket victory in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Super Eights stage. The match between the tournament’s last remaining unbeaten teams turned into a one-sided affair at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium, with the Proteas effectively booking their semifinal berth through clinical execution.

    The victory was forged through exceptional bowling precision followed by explosive batting dominance. The pace duo of Lungi Ngidi (3-30) and Kagiso Rabada (2-22) engineered a dramatic West Indies collapse, reducing the Caribbean side to 83-7 within 11 overs. Their devastating spell threatened to bundle out the hosts for a subpar total until a record-breaking rescue mission emerged.

    Jason Holder and Romario Shepherd scripted the highest eighth-wicket partnership in T20 International history, adding 89 crucial runs to lift West Indies to a competitive 176-8. Holder’s brisk 49 off 31 deliveries complemented Shepherd’s maiden T20I half-century, an unbeaten 52 from 37 balls featuring four sixes and three boundaries.

    South Africa’s response was nothing short of spectacular. Captain Aiden Markram orchestrated the chase with an authoritative unbeaten 82 from just 46 deliveries, hammering seven fours and four sixes in a masterclass of power hitting. He received formidable support from Quinton de Kock, who blazed 47 off 24 balls before departing, and Ryan Rickelton’s unbeaten 45 ensured the Proteas reached their target of 177 with 23 balls remaining.

    The match witnessed several turning points, including dropped chances that proved costly for West Indies. Brandon King spilled a difficult opportunity to dismiss Markram early in the innings, while earlier reprieves for Shimron Hetmyer and Sherfane Rutherford failed to alter the match’s ultimate trajectory.

    This victory marks South Africa’s second consecutive win in the Super Eights stage, positioning them strongly for semifinal qualification while ending West Indies’ previously unblemished tournament record.

  • Antigua and Barbuda approves nationwide street lighting upgrade

    Antigua and Barbuda approves nationwide street lighting upgrade

    The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda has greenlit a comprehensive national initiative to enhance street and community lighting across the nation. This decision follows a detailed briefing from the Electricity Manager of the Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA), who was specifically summoned to address mounting public apprehensions regarding insufficient illumination in numerous neighborhoods.

    Maurice Merchant, the Director General of Communications within the Office of the Prime Minister, confirmed the development. The Cabinet conducted a thorough review of conditions prevalent in residential zones, major thoroughfares, and public areas, systematically pinpointing locations deemed critically deficient and in need of immediate intervention to boost visibility and bolster public security.

    In response, APUA has formally committed to executing the necessary repairs and systemic upgrades. The utility authority asserts it possesses the full technical expertise, workforce, and requisite equipment to finalize the entire project within a sensible and efficient timeframe.

    The sweeping improvement program encompasses a multi-faceted approach: installation of brand-new streetlights, restoration of malfunctioning units, substitution of impaired fixtures, and complete system modernization where existing infrastructure is obsolete. Execution will be prioritized based on the severity of the deficiencies, ensuring the most affected areas are addressed first.

    Government officials project that the augmented lighting will yield significant multifaceted benefits. These include a substantial reinforcement of road safety for motorists and pedestrians, a powerful bolstering of crime prevention initiatives, and a tangible contribution to overarching national security objectives and broader community development goals.

  • Heldere visie op rol en taken van business controller in veranderende organisaties

    Heldere visie op rol en taken van business controller in veranderende organisaties

    The Anton de Kom University of Suriname marked a significant academic milestone on February 25, 2026, with Professor Arno Geurtsen RC delivering his inaugural address upon assuming the prestigious Chair in Governance & Control. The ceremony at the university’s Interfaculty for Graduate Studies and Research centered on redefining the evolving role of business controllers in modern organizational structures.

    Professor Geurtsen identified a critical gap in contemporary business practice: widespread ambiguity regarding the precise expectations, responsibilities, and competencies required of business controllers. “Every organization interprets the role differently,” Geurtsen observed, “creating substantial challenges in establishing standardized educational objectives for future professionals.”

    The academic framework presented incorporated three foundational pillars: organizational governance theory, digital transformation impacts, and controller role conceptualization. A novel addition to existing scholarship was the concept of ‘knowledge of inertia’—referring to organizational resistance and stagnation that controllers must navigate to implement successful transformations.

    Geurtsen’s theoretical approach integrated Simons’ ‘levers of control’ model, advocating for reflective control systems that incorporate social context and organizational culture alongside traditional processes. This comprehensive perspective aims to transform governance from theoretical aspiration to practical implementation, ensuring sustainable organizational improvements.

    The address traced the historical evolution of organizational governance, noting the traditional dominance of financial information while acknowledging critiques of this narrow focus. Geurtsen discussed emerging performance measurement frameworks, including Kaplan & Norton’s Balanced Scorecard, and examined contemporary insights regarding behavioral and cultural controls as supplementary management tools.

    Looking toward the future, Professor Geurtsen envisioned the business controller as a hybrid professional—combining analytical expertise with sophisticated social skills to navigate complex human dynamics within organizations. This duality, he argued, forms the essential foundation for functioning as both legitimate and effective business partners.

    The establishment of this academic chair underscores Suriname’s commitment to advancing professional education and research in governance and control, aiming to develop controllers capable of guiding organizations through increasingly complex and digitalized business environments.

  • Liat Air to Launch Direct Guadeloupe–Antigua and Guadeloupe–Montego Bay Flights in May and July 2026

    Liat Air to Launch Direct Guadeloupe–Antigua and Guadeloupe–Montego Bay Flights in May and July 2026

    In a significant development for regional aviation, Liat Air and Guadeloupe Maryse Condé International Airport have jointly announced the establishment of two new non-stop flight services from Pointe-à-Pitre. This strategic expansion reconnects Antigua while introducing a novel pathway to Montego Bay, Jamaica, substantially enhancing intra-Caribbean travel options and facilitating improved connections to international hubs in the United States and United Kingdom.

    The relaunched Antigua route commences operations on May 1st, initially featuring two weekly rotations utilizing ATR 42 aircraft with 48-seat capacity. Service frequency will further intensify from July 2026 with the addition of two weekly flights employing Embraer ERJ 145 jets accommodating 50 passengers, establishing year-round connectivity.

    Concurrently, the Montego Bay corridor launches during the first week of July, strategically timed to accommodate travelers attending Jamaica’s renowned Reggae Sumfest festival. This route will maintain two weekly rotations aboard Embraer ERJ 145 aircraft, operating consistently throughout the year.

    Alain Bievre, Chairman of Guadeloupe Maryse Condé Airport’s Board, emphasized this development represents a pivotal advancement in the airport’s strategic diversification initiative. “The restoration of Antigua services and inauguration of Montego Bay connectivity constitute substantial progress in positioning our facility as an instrumental catalyst for Guadeloupe’s economic and tourism development,” Bievre stated, highlighting the coordinated efforts between airport authorities and local partners.

    Liat Air CEO Hafsah Abdulsalam expressed enthusiasm regarding the network expansion, noting: “Reestablishing Antigua connectivity revitalizes essential inter-island linkages that strengthen familial bonds, stimulate economic exchange, and enhance cultural integration across the Caribbean region. Simultaneously, our new Montego Bay service creates seamless access to one of the Caribbean’s most dynamic tourism markets, benefiting both regional travelers and visitors from European gateways.”

    The new routes offer distinct experiential opportunities for travelers. Antigua presents ideal short-stay possibilities with its picturesque bays, historic Shirley Heights overlook, vibrant marketplaces, and renowned pottery traditions. Montego Bay serves as the gateway to Jamaica’s diverse attractions, combining pristine beaches, energetic nightlife, rich cultural heritage, and breathtaking natural landscapes ranging from coastal areas to the majestic Blue Mountains.

    Tourism authorities have welcomed these aviation developments. Rodrigue Solitude, General Director of Guadeloupe Islands Tourism Board, noted: “Enhanced air connectivity consistently generates positive impacts for our archipelago by fostering not only tourism exchange but also deeper cultural, historical, and traditional interconnections. We anticipate continued expansion of regional network linkages to additional Caribbean destinations.”

  • ABWU Women’s Council Ignites Creativity with Successful Candle-Making Workshop

    ABWU Women’s Council Ignites Creativity with Successful Candle-Making Workshop

    The Antigua and Barbuda Workers’ Union (ABWU) Women’s Council successfully launched its revitalized programming with a therapeutic candle-making workshop this past Saturday. Over thirty women from the union’s membership gathered for a hands-on creative session, marking the first major initiative since the Council’s re-establishment at the 2025 Women’s Conference.

    Under expert guidance, participants were immersed in the artisanal craft of creating scented 8oz candles. The workshop, led by Union Shop Steward Menardia Mason, provided comprehensive instruction on the technical intricacies of the process. Attendees mastered precise temperature controls for incorporating dye colors and fragrance oils into wax, alongside designing decorative embellishments for their finished products.

    Mason expressed admiration for participants’ rapid skill acquisition and artistic expression. ‘The creativity in design and presentation was remarkable, and there was visible pride in their accomplished work,’ she observed. Beyond technical education, the event generated profound personal impacts, with one participant describing the experience as ‘both therapeutic and empowering—the ultimate relaxation.’

    Hazel Luke, Coordinator of the Women’s Council, emphasized the Council’s mission to develop tailored programming addressing women’s specific interests and needs. This workshop represents the beginning of a broader agenda, with numerous engaging activities planned throughout the year to strengthen community among female union members.

  • Dominica Senior Women’s National Team focused on preparation for Guyana match

    Dominica Senior Women’s National Team focused on preparation for Guyana match

    The Dominica Senior Women’s National Team is entering final preparations for their pivotal CONCACAF qualifier against Guyana this Friday, marking their second appearance in the tournament. Under the guidance of Head Coach Ronnie Gustave, the squad is focusing intensely on tactical discipline and defensive cohesion to overcome previous performance challenges.

    Coach Gustave emphasized the critical need for maintaining structural integrity on the pitch, noting that in their previous match, the team struggled with defensive compactness and organization. “We’re concentrating on preserving our shape and ensuring solidity, particularly in the central areas,” Gustave stated. “The mental preparedness of our players is strong, but we’re continuously working to enhance their understanding of mutual support and coverage responsibilities.”

    The integration of six overseas-based players has substantially strengthened the team’s dynamic, creating a seamless blend of local and international talent. Striker and winger Ronia Pierre Louis, among the overseas contingent, expressed profound pride in representing her nation. “It’s incredibly rewarding to witness the program’s evolution and my personal growth since earning my first cap at 22,” Pierre Louis shared. “The camaraderie within the team is exceptional, and the younger players are responding positively to leadership and experience.”

    Despite some injury-related absences, the squad’s depth and collective spirit remain high. Coach Gustave highlighted the importance of expanding the player pool to mitigate future challenges, emphasizing that team development requires patience and long-term vision.

    As the match approaches, Gustave called on national supporters to rally behind the team, reminding fans that all successful programs undergo building phases. The encounter against Guyana, scheduled for Friday at 8 p.m., represents a significant opportunity for Dominica to progress in the CONCACAF qualifiers and showcase their evolving football prowess.

  • Leslie Land fire sparks call for owners to secure derelict properties

    Leslie Land fire sparks call for owners to secure derelict properties

    Fire authorities in Saint Lucia are issuing urgent calls for property owners to secure derelict buildings following a devastating Tuesday night fire that originated in an abandoned structure and rapidly spread through a Castries neighborhood. The conflagration, which began in a squatter-occupied building in Leslie Land, ultimately damaged seven structures and destroyed a utility pole before firefighters contained the flames.

    The Saint Lucia Fire Service reported that three structures—two residential homes and one business—were completely destroyed, while four adjacent properties sustained varying degrees of damage. Miraculously, no fatalities or injuries were reported despite the rapid spread of the fire through the densely populated community.

    Fire Prevention and Safety Officer Owen Cazaubon revealed that initial suppression efforts were severely hampered by inadequate water pressure from the nearest hydrant. “Fire officers, in attempting to refill their trucks, could not obtain sufficient pressure to effectively combat the flames,” Cazaubon explained. “This necessitated sourcing water from a distant hydrant, during which time the fire intensified and spread to neighboring buildings.”

    Despite these challenges, firefighters eventually brought the blaze under control, preventing further destruction and saving four additional structures that were imminently threatened. While the official cause remains under investigation, preliminary findings indicate the abandoned building served as the ignition point.

    The incident has prompted renewed warnings from fire officials about the dangers posed by neglected properties in urban areas. “These abandoned structures create significant hazards,” Cazaubon emphasized. “As we witnessed, a fire originating in one such property can quickly spread to neighboring structures, resulting in devastating damage and displacement. We currently have residents who have been rendered homeless due to this preventable tragedy.”

    The Fire Service is now urging owners of derelict properties in densely populated communities to take immediate responsibility for securing their buildings to prevent similar incidents in the future.

  • UWI Five Islands Postgraduate Debate Team Makes Historic 2nd Place Finish in First-Ever Inter-Campus Appearance

    UWI Five Islands Postgraduate Debate Team Makes Historic 2nd Place Finish in First-Ever Inter-Campus Appearance

    In a remarkable display of intellectual prowess, the University of the West Indies Five Islands Campus has etched its name in academic debating history. The campus’s postgraduate debate team secured an extraordinary second-place finish at the prestigious 2026 UWI Inter-Campus Postgraduate Debate Competition, held February 20-21 at the Mona Campus in Jamaica.

    Making their inaugural appearance in the annual regional championship, the Five Islands Association of Postgraduate Students (F.I.C.A.P.S.) demonstrated exceptional skill and composure throughout the competition. The team, comprising postgraduate scholars Jake Taylor (Team Captain), Cedric Park, and Michelle Paige, received guidance from Postgraduate Representative Kimon Drigo and Debate Coach Odaissia Nichols.

    The team’s journey to the finals began on February 20th with a decisive victory against the UWI Global Campus. Debating the moot regarding CARICOM’s authority to impose economic sanctions on member states failing to implement regional policies, the F.I.C.A.P.S. team, arguing the Proposition, delivered a compelling performance that earned them a spot in the championship round. Their excellence was further highlighted when Cedric Park received the Overall Best Debater award for Day One.

    During the finals on February 21st, the debutante team faced the historically dominant UWI Mona team, debating the controversial topic of foreign military intervention to remove sitting heads of state when international legal mechanisms fail. Despite being newcomers, the Five Islands team held their ground against the debating ‘titans’ from Mona, ultimately securing second place in the competition.

    The achievement garnered significant recognition from debate authorities. Head Judge and international debate champion Germaine Barrett publicly praised the F.I.C.A.P.S. team during closing remarks, noting the extraordinary accomplishment of debutantes reaching second place and challenging an established debating powerhouse. Mona’s debate team captain, Omolora Wilson, acknowledged in post-debate interviews that they hadn’t encountered such formidable competition in recent memory.

    This historic placement positioned Five Islands ahead of UWI’s Global Campus and Cave Hill campuses, with St. Augustine unable to participate. F.I.C.A.P.S. has expressed gratitude to the UWI Five Islands Debate Society and campus leadership for their support and investment in student development. The team now looks toward future competitions with renewed determination, aiming to build on this momentum and continue representing Antigua and Barbuda on the regional academic stage.

  • Cabinet backs 2026 Cannabis Festival as national development initiative

    Cabinet backs 2026 Cannabis Festival as national development initiative

    The government of Antigua and Barbuda has formally endorsed the third iteration of its national Cannabis Festival, scheduled for April 17-20, 2026, across multiple venues in St. John’s and throughout the twin-island nation. The Cabinet’s approval signals continued governmental backing for the regulated expansion of the country’s medicinal cannabis sector.

    During the post-Cabinet media briefing, Communications Director General Maurice Merchant characterized the decision as a strategic move to advance the nation’s position within the global medicinal cannabis marketplace. The festival, operating under the thematic banner “Connect. Celebrate. Rejuvenate,” will feature an integrated program combining educational, commercial, and cultural components.

    The curated agenda includes an academic conference and trade exhibition at the American University of Antigua, designed to attract international investors and research specialists. Additional programming will incorporate a Rastafari spiritual assembly in Liberta, St. Paul’s, alongside wellness-oriented activities and a sunset cruise experience.

    Government officials perceive the event as a multifaceted initiative to drive foreign investment, establish robust regulatory frameworks, and disseminate scientifically-grounded information regarding cannabis applications. The festival aims to transform Antigua and Barbuda into a specialized hub for medicinal cannabis within the Caribbean region while simultaneously celebrating the plant’s cultural significance.