The Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Service has issued a high surf advisory for several Caribbean islands, including the British Virgin Islands, Anguilla, Antigua, Barbuda, St. Kitts, Nevis, and Montserrat. The advisory, effective from Saturday, October 18, 2025, until Wednesday morning, warns of hazardous marine conditions caused by moderate long-period swells. These swells are expected to produce dangerous surfs of 2 to 3 meters (6 to 10 feet) along northern and northern-facing coastlines, particularly affecting reefs and shallow nearshore areas. Significant wave heights are forecasted to reach 1.8 to 2.4 meters (6 to 8 feet), occasionally peaking near 3.1 meters (10 feet). The swells, originating from the north, will have a period of 10 to 13 seconds, creating life-threatening rip currents and surfs. Coastal flooding and beach erosion are also anticipated due to high tides combined with onshore winds and swell actions. The potential impacts include loss of life, injuries to beachgoers, disruptions to marine recreation and businesses, financial losses, and damage to coral reefs. Authorities urge extreme caution for those using affected coastlines, advising beachgoers to bathe only in lifeguard-protected areas or sheltered beaches. Rip currents, which can carry even strong swimmers out to sea, pose a significant risk. If caught in a rip current, individuals are advised to relax, float, and swim parallel to the shoreline. The public is encouraged to stay updated via the Meteorological Office’s website and social media platforms, as well as local media outlets.
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Make Suriname Shine: diplomatieke opleiding van start
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Trade, and Cooperation (BIS) officially inaugurated the Suriname Diplomatic Course 2025 on Friday, marking the start of an intensive training program for aspiring diplomats and consular staff. Organized by the Suriname Diplomatic Institute (SDI), the initiative is part of a broader strategy to enhance the nation’s diplomatic capabilities.
Miriam Mac Intosh, Director of Foreign Affairs, emphasized that the program focuses on equipping participants with strategic knowledge and skills essential for navigating a complex international landscape. Key areas of training include international relations, negotiation techniques, protocol, cultural sensitivity, and crisis management. “Diplomats must stay abreast of geopolitical developments and represent their country with precision,” she stated.
Minister Melvin Bouva highlighted that the training signifies a new phase in the professionalization of Suriname’s diplomacy. He referenced the foreign policy outlined in President Jennifer Simons’ recent annual address, which prioritizes active, assertive, and economically focused diplomacy. “Diplomats are not mere messengers; they are strategists and bridge-builders. Their mission remains to make Suriname shine,” Bouva asserted.
Additionally, he underscored the importance of strengthening Suriname’s international standing on critical issues such as climate policy, digitalization, cybersecurity, and migration. Bouva also highlighted Suriname’s unique advantage as a carbon-negative country, positioning it as a leader in global environmental efforts.
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BWA insists St Lucy and St Peter water safe to drink, despite discolouration
Christopher Mapp, Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Barbados Water Authority (BWA), has publicly defended the safety of the water supplied to residents in St Lucy and St Peter, despite its brown discoloration. Speaking at a press conference on Saturday, Mapp emphasized that the water is potable and meets all health and safety standards, even stating he would personally drink it. The discoloration, caused by sediment, has raised public concerns, but Mapp assured that extensive testing confirms the water’s safety. To address customer dissatisfaction, the government has approved a $32 rebate for affected households, with many receiving their water entirely free of cost. Since April, the BWA has rebated over $1 million to customers in the region. The authority is also investing heavily in infrastructure upgrades, including a $20 million mains replacement project expected to be completed by early 2026. Jatobi Greaves, a water quality technologist, highlighted that monthly testing in collaboration with government agencies ensures compliance with World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. The BWA is also working on a desalination plant at Hope Plantation, set to boost water supply next year. Despite challenges, Mapp remains committed to restoring public trust and improving service reliability across Barbados.
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‘Lace Doctor’ Fined $20,000 for Grievous Harm at Sunrise Fete
A three-year-old assault case linked to a violent altercation at the Sunrise Breakfast Fete in Willikies has reached its conclusion, with Annalee Jeffrey, also known as the “Lace Doctor,” pleading guilty to grievous bodily harm. The verdict was delivered by Justice Stanley John in the High Court on October 16, 2025. Jeffrey, a 29-year-old Jamaican national at the time of the 2022 incident, was ordered to pay her victim $20,000 in four monthly installments of $5,000, starting October 31, 2025, with full payment due by January 31, 2026. Failure to comply will result in a one-year prison sentence. Additionally, Jeffrey was placed under a two-year bond, with a breach potentially adding another year to her incarceration. The assault occurred when Jeffrey attacked a woman she suspected of being involved with her husband. The altercation took place at a food booth where the victim was working alongside Jeffrey’s husband. During the struggle, a pot of boiling goat water spilled, causing burns to both women. The case highlights the severe consequences of violent confrontations and the legal repercussions faced by perpetrators.
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Missing Bendals Woman Found Safe
The Bendals community breathed a collective sigh of relief as 28-year-old Merlissa Jhero, who had been missing for nearly three weeks, was confirmed safe and in good health. Jhero was last seen on October 14, sparking widespread concern and prompting extensive search efforts led by both the community and local authorities. On Saturday, a family member shared the welcome news on social media, stating, ‘Merlissa Jhero has reached out confirming she is safe… We are very grateful that she is safe.’ The family also took the opportunity to encourage others to communicate their whereabouts to loved ones if they ever need time away, emphasizing the importance of sparing relatives from unnecessary worry and stress. While police are expected to conduct routine follow-up inquiries, the focus for now remains on the joy and gratitude felt by the community. Residents expressed their relief, simply thankful that Jhero has been found unharmed.
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CARICOM leaders, except Trinidad, speak out on US military build-up in Caribbean
Amid heightened security concerns, leaders of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) have voiced their stance on the United States’ military build-up in the region, emphasizing the need for adherence to international law. The discussions took place during a virtual meeting held on Thursday, where CARICOM Heads of Government reiterated their commitment to combating narcotrafficking and the illegal trade of small arms and light weapons, which pose significant threats to the region. While Trinidad and Tobago chose to reserve its position, other leaders reaffirmed the Caribbean as a zone of peace, stressing the importance of dialogue and peaceful conflict resolution. Guyana’s President Irfaan Ali expressed support for both regional peace and the fight against transnational crimes, including narco-trafficking. Meanwhile, Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar openly endorsed US military operations targeting narco-terrorists, which have resulted in the destruction of several boats and fatalities in international waters. The US Embassy in Trinidad and Tobago has advised the public to avoid all US government facilities through the weekend due to a heightened state of alert, coinciding with the Hindu festival of Deepavali. CARICOM remains committed to assisting in achieving regional security objectives.
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Traditioneel miniatuurhuis wordt ontmoetingsplek bij SAO
The Foundation for Labor Mobilization and Development (SAO) has inaugurated a cultural-historical meeting space on its premises in Geyersvlijt, Suriname. The centerpiece of this new community hub is a miniature wooden house, ‘SAO Oso Tori Oso,’ crafted by students from the Construction and Mechanical Woodworking Vocational School. The house, previously managed by the cultural organization NAKS, was officially dedicated during a festive ceremony. This initiative is part of a newly designed plaza intended to serve as a central gathering spot for local residents, students, and visitors. The space showcases traditional Surinamese artifacts (fosten sani), offering a glimpse into the nation’s cultural heritage. The project was realized in collaboration with the foundation Under the Blue Surface and funded with support from the Netherlands. Deputy Minister Raj Jadnananding (Health, Welfare, and Labor) and SAO Director Joyce Lapar presided over the opening ceremony, as reported by the Suriname Communication Service. During the event, ten senior residents were honored for their contributions to the community, receiving gift packages and snacks courtesy of the Lions Club Parwani. ‘This building is a piece of our history,’ remarked one of the honorees. The SAO, which will celebrate its 45th anniversary in 2026, provides vocational training for youth, adults, and seniors. Lapar emphasized that the new meeting space aims to foster community connections and spark interest in educational opportunities. The venue can accommodate gatherings of up to thirty people and will host workshops and themed events, including a Mental Health Day on October 22. ‘With knowledge, you build not just a house but also yourself,’ Lapar stated, urging the public to take advantage of SAO’s retraining and upskilling programs.
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PM Says Government Will Repair Its Own Derelict Buildings
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has unveiled a significant initiative aimed at urban renewal and beautification across Antigua. During a parliamentary debate on the Tax Administration and Procedure (Amendment) Bill 2025, Browne emphasized the government’s commitment to restoring its own derelict buildings as part of a broader effort to enhance community aesthetics and enforce property upkeep standards. The Prime Minister stated that the Cabinet had unanimously agreed to prioritize the repair and repurposing of government-owned properties in poor condition, setting a precedent for private property owners to follow. Browne argued that the government must ‘lead by example’ in maintaining public spaces and infrastructure. The initiative is part of a comprehensive urban renewal drive that also addresses abandoned lots, derelict houses, and unkempt government facilities. The goal is to foster cleaner, safer, and more livable neighborhoods while ensuring accountability among both public and private property owners. Browne defended the property tax amendment, which grants authorities enhanced powers to tackle chronic neglect and dereliction, dismissing opposition claims that the bill is overly harsh. He clarified that the legislation targets long-term defaulters and abandoned properties, not ordinary homeowners. This move underscores the government’s dedication to improving the nation’s physical landscape and promoting compliance with property maintenance regulations.
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Belgian court approves Mehul Choksi extradition to India
In a significant legal development, a court in Antwerp, Belgium, has approved the extradition of Mehul Choksi, a fugitive diamond trader, to India. This decision comes nearly five months after Choksi’s arrest in Belgium in connection with the ₹13,000-crore Punjab National Bank (PNB) loan fraud case. The 64-year-old businessman now has a 15-day window to appeal the ruling before Belgium’s Supreme Court. The Indian government has provided assurances regarding the detention conditions Choksi would face if extradited, including his placement in Mumbai’s Arthur Road Jail. Choksi, along with his nephew Nirav Modi, is accused of orchestrating a massive fraud between 2014 and 2017 by using fraudulent Letters of Undertaking to secure overseas credit. The alleged scam resulted in losses exceeding ₹13,500 crore for PNB, with Choksi’s share estimated at ₹6,000 crore. After fleeing India in 2018, Choksi obtained citizenship in Antigua and Barbuda through its investment program before relocating to Belgium in 2024, reportedly for medical treatment. India’s extradition treaty with Belgium, established in 1901, facilitates the transfer of fugitives charged with crimes punishable in both jurisdictions. Choksi’s legal team has raised concerns about his health and the conditions of Indian prisons, arguing that he would not receive due process in India. The case continues to draw significant attention as it moves closer to a potential resolution.
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Trinidad and Tobago reserves position as CARICOM reaffirms Caribbean as Zone of Peace
The Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), with the exception of Trinidad and Tobago, have unanimously reaffirmed their dedication to preserving the Caribbean as a Zone of Peace. This declaration comes amidst heightened US military presence in the region, including the deployment of eight warships, a nuclear-powered submarine, and fighter jets, as well as a request to Grenada for the installation of radar and other equipment. Trinidad and Tobago, however, has reserved its position on the matters discussed during the recent meeting.