On Monday, Suriname celebrated Diwali, a festival symbolizing light, harmony, and spiritual purity. The nation prides itself on being a “mini United Nations,” yet ethnic tensions persist, particularly in politics. Suriname’s strength lies in its diversity, where no single group dominates another. However, during a recent government press conference, President Jennifer Simons faced a contentious question: whether the removal of individuals from key positions appointed by the previous administration amounted to “ethnic cleansing.” The president responded sharply, emphasizing that such terminology is inappropriate in a democracy, especially in a nation nearing 50 years of independence and celebrated for its ethnic coexistence. She clarified that Suriname’s governance is built on reality, not ethnic chess games. Her pointed question to the journalist—”Did you understand my answer?”—highlighted the need for responsible language in public discourse. A free press is essential, but critical questions must not devolve into misleading narratives. No political party in Suriname represents a single ethnic group. The country is a mosaic of minorities, and suggesting otherwise undermines its foundation. The real issue is not “Whose people are these?” but “How do we design a system where state positions are not seen as personal property?” As Suriname approaches its 50th anniversary of independence, it must move beyond ethnic politics. Those who stoke ethnic tensions in a nation built on peace are playing with fire.
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News : Zapping…
In a significant development for Haiti, the White House has formally communicated its endorsement to the U.S. Congress for the renewal of the Haitian Hemispheric Opportunity Through Partnership for Encouragement (HOPE) Act and the extension of the Haiti Economic Lift Program (HELP) Act. James Monazard, Secretary of Commerce and Industry, confirmed this move during a radio broadcast in the capital, highlighting the administration’s commitment to bolstering Haiti’s economic prospects.
In a separate initiative, the French Embassy in Haiti has pledged €2 million to the International Organization for Migration (IOM) to aid the reintegration of deported Haitians. This funding will facilitate border assistance, food aid, healthcare access, and the establishment of income-generating activities, aiming to provide sustainable support for returnees.
Meanwhile, the Kingdom of Voodoo of Haiti has announced a national vigil on November 1st and 2nd, coinciding with the feast of the Guédés, to promote peace across the nation. This spiritual gathering underscores the cultural significance of Voodoo in Haitian society.
In a milestone for regional connectivity, the Antoine Simon International Airport in Les Cayes is set to welcome its first international commercial flight between October 28th and November 2nd, 2025. This development marks a new chapter in Haiti’s aviation history.
On the diplomatic front, French Ambassador Antoine Michon met with the Franco-Haitian Chamber of Commerce and Industry to discuss strengthening economic ties between France and Haiti. The talks focused on fostering job creation and enhancing bilateral trade.
In sports, the Inter-University Peace Tournament saw a tense match between the Institute of Advanced Business and Economic Studies (IHECE) and GOC University, ending in a 0-0 draw. The event continues to promote unity and sportsmanship among Haitian youth.
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STVS-directeur Abisoina ontkracht miskenning Frits Pengel
Raoul Abisoina, the director of the Surinamese Television Foundation (STVS), has responded to claims that Frits Pengel, the founder of STVS, was not invited to the 60th anniversary celebration of television in Suriname. Abisoina expressed surprise at the allegations, emphasizing that the organization deliberately chose not to hold a festive event due to current challenges. ‘From the beginning, it was clear that we would keep it modest. There was no celebration at all. That’s why I didn’t invite any former directors or retirees, including Mr. Pengel,’ Abisoina told Starnieuws.
Abisoina clarified that all retirees, including Pengel, were financially acknowledged. ‘An amount was deposited into his account in recognition of 60 years of STVS. He was personally informed by the secretariat that there would be no celebration.’ The director also highlighted that he had increased Pengel’s pension twice out of respect since taking office. ‘The son who wrote this article knows this personally. I met him along with his father. That contact has paused in recent months for other reasons—out of decency, I’ll leave it at that for now.’
Abisoina noted that during the previous major celebration—the 55th anniversary—Pengel was officially invited and honored with a Grantangi Award. ‘At that time, there was a festive celebration, and it was appropriate. Now, that’s not the case.’ He concluded, ‘I find it misplaced that my name is being dragged into a false narrative. Anyone who knows the full story understands that this is not about disrespect but a deliberate choice for modesty.’
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Social Empowerment Agency to launch next month
Barbados is poised to launch its newly established Social Empowerment Agency (SEA) next month, with nearly all staff from the four merging social service departments voluntarily joining the initiative. Minister of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs, Kirk Humphrey, confirmed the development on Monday, dispelling concerns about delays caused by union negotiations. The SEA consolidates the Child Care Board, National Assistance Board, National Disabilities Unit, and the Welfare Department into a single entity aimed at providing comprehensive support to vulnerable populations, including children, the elderly, and individuals with disabilities. Minister Humphrey emphasized that the agency’s mission is to transition from traditional welfare models to empowerment-focused strategies, fostering independence and reducing poverty through targeted programs and services. The government plans to establish empowerment centers across the island to enhance accessibility, ensuring that all communities benefit from the agency’s offerings. While specific figures on staff participation were not disclosed, Humphrey expressed confidence in the overwhelming positive response, stating that the agency is on track for a successful launch. The SEA will focus on skills development, capacity building, and tailored support services, marking a significant shift in Barbados’ approach to social welfare.
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FRS Express Des Iles updated ferry schedule
H.H. V Whitchurch & Co., the operator of the FRS Express Des Iles ferry service, has released an updated schedule following a series of cancellations over the weekend. The announcement, shared on the company’s official Facebook page, assures passengers of a seamless travel experience during the upcoming World Creole Music Festival season. The company extended its appreciation to customers for their understanding and patience during the service disruptions. The revised timetable, which outlines ferry operations through the end of October, aims to restore reliability and meet the heightened demand expected during the festival period. This update comes as the company works to address operational challenges and ensure customer satisfaction.
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Tropical Storm Melissa forms in the Caribbean, hurricane watch issued for Haiti
The National Hurricane Center (NHC) announced the emergence of Tropical Storm Melissa in the Caribbean early Tuesday morning, issuing initial warnings and watches. A hurricane watch has been activated for parts of Haiti as the storm intensifies. Currently situated approximately 300 miles off Port-au-Prince, Melissa boasts sustained winds of 50 mph. Environmental conditions are increasingly favorable for its development as it moves slowly across the central Caribbean Sea. Strengthening low-level winds and atmospheric dynamics suggest the storm could gain strength within the next 24 hours. Melissa is projected to bring heavy rainfall, powerful gusts, and hazardous waves to the ABC Islands (Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao) in the coming days. Additionally, the storm’s instability and moisture may impact Puerto Rico, Hispaniola, Jamaica, and Cuba, heightening the risk of localized flooding and river swells by the week’s end. The Dominican Republic faces a significant threat of heavy rains and potential mudslides. While the storm’s precise trajectory remains uncertain, current forecasts do not indicate an immediate threat to South Florida. Authorities are urging residents across the Caribbean, particularly from the Dominican Republic to eastern Cuba, to remain vigilant and monitor updates closely.
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EUROCINE 2025 brings the best of European cinema to the Dominican Republic
Santo Domingo is set to host EUROCINE 2025, a prestigious festival showcasing the finest in contemporary European cinema, from November 10 to 15 at Caribbean Cinemas in Galería 360. The event was unveiled during a media briefing organized by the European Union Delegation to the Dominican Republic, in partnership with Member States, DGCINE, Ebribari Audiovisual, and Caribbean Cinemas. Ambassador-designate Raúl Fuentes Milani emphasized the festival’s mission to celebrate Europe’s rich cultural diversity and to foster stronger ties between the European Union and the Dominican Republic. The festival will kick off with the screening of *The Count of Monte Cristo* (France, 2024), a fresh adaptation of Alexandre Dumas’ timeless tale of revenge, justice, and redemption, directed by Matthieu Delaporte and Alexandre de La Patellière. The festival’s program features a diverse array of films, including *King Frankie* (Ireland, 2024), a family drama; *Culture vs. War* (Ukraine, 2024), a documentary; and *Reversion* (Spain – Dominican Republic, 2025), a thrilling action film that will serve as the closing feature and mark its Latin American premiere. Other notable entries include *The Fantastic Machine* (Sweden, Denmark, 2023), a documentary; *Yaya and Lennie: The Road to Freedom* (Italy, 2021), an animated sci-fi adventure; and *Flow* (Latvia, Belgium, France, 2024), an animated family film. EUROCINE 2025 promises to be a cinematic journey that bridges cultures and highlights the artistry of European filmmaking.
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Dozens injured as route taxi overturns outside Lester Vaughan
A harrowing incident unfolded on Monday morning outside Lester Vaughan School in St Thomas, Barbados, when a route taxi overturned, injuring 26 individuals, including 25 schoolchildren and the driver. The accident occurred shortly before 9 a.m. on Cane Garden Road, as the vehicle was en route to Bridgetown. According to police reports, the driver lost control, causing the taxi to flip just outside the school compound.
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Agriculture : More than 70% of farmers in Haiti are women
In a groundbreaking revelation, Haiti’s Minister of Agriculture, Vernet Joseph, alongside Pierre Vauthier, the Representative of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO – Haiti), disclosed that more than 70% of the nation’s farmers are women. These women, who form the backbone of Haiti’s agrifood production, continue to face substantial challenges, including limited access to land, credit, and quality supply chains. Their critical role in sustaining the country’s food systems cannot be overstated. The recent International Day of Rural Women underscored the necessity of concrete actions to fully integrate this female workforce into the agricultural sector, particularly by empowering the ‘Madan Sara,’ the unsung heroes of Haiti’s food distribution networks. The Ministry of Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Rural Development (MARNDR), in collaboration with FAO – Haiti, is actively working to transform this potential into a driving force for economic and social development. In 2025, FAO initiatives, supported by MARNDR, directly assisted nearly 70,000 individuals dependent on agriculture, helping to preserve and revitalize production in regions like Artibonite, the Central Bas-Plateau, and the West, even amidst security challenges. Additionally, the National School Feeding Program (PNCS), backed by the Ministry and the World Food Program (WFP), has engaged over 82,500 small producers across 219 agricultural organizations. These efforts ensure that 70% of meals served daily to 600,000 schoolchildren supported by WFP are sourced from Haitian agriculture, enhancing children’s nutrition and stimulating the local economy. This initiative aligns with the government’s broader goal of reaching 1.4 million students by 2025 and achieving 100% local procurement for school canteens by 2030. Furthermore, the Integrated Nutrition and Local Purchasing Program, initially funded with US$10 million, is expanding to other departments with an additional US$13 million, enabling more producers to contribute to the promotion of national production.
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West Kingstown youth avoid being seen with Cummings — Peters
Keisal Peters, the Unity Labour Party (ULP) candidate for West Kingstown, has vowed to bring significant change to the constituency, currently represented by the New Democratic Party’s (NDP) Daniel Cummings since 2010. Peters, a trailblazing lawyer and St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ first female Minister of Foreign Affairs, emphasized that young voters in the area are disenchanted with Cummings, who secured his third term in 2020 with a narrow margin of 714 votes. Speaking at a ULP campaign rally in Calliaqua, Peters accused the NDP of planning to privatize healthcare, sell national assets, and compromise the country’s future. She criticized the NDP’s alleged intentions to sell the EC$700 million Kingstown port, the Arnos Vale hospital under construction, and even the nation’s passports. Peters declared, ‘We cannot allow the NDP to lead us down a path of unrighteousness for their political agenda.’ She highlighted the ULP’s commitment to progress, including scholarships, housing, and the development of a Beaches Resort in Mt Wynne, a $500 million project in collaboration with Sandals Resorts International. Peters also outlined her vision for West Kingstown, promising innovative ideas, modern business complexes, and support for local initiatives like the seafood festival at Lowmans Bay. She criticized Cummings for relying on the legacy of the late John Horne, a former NDP representative, and accused him of offering nothing to the youth. Peters underscored the ULP’s role as the ‘last line of defence’ for St. Vincent and the Grenadines, contrasting it with the NDP’s alleged mismanagement and private debts. She urged voters to choose progress over empty promises, asserting that the ULP is ‘red and ready’ to lead the nation forward.