The concept of a ‘rules-based international order’ has long been a cornerstone of global diplomacy, suggesting that laws govern power. However, the reality is starkly different: power has always dictated the rules, often reshaping them to suit its interests. Today, this dynamic is no longer concealed; the alteration of rules occurs openly, with few feigning surprise. From the Treaty of Westphalia in 1648 to the United Nations Charter in 1945, the principle of sovereign equality among nations has been more aspirational than actual. Legal sovereignty—the right to be free from interference—is universally proclaimed, but political sovereignty—the ability to act independently—remains the privilege of a few. Small and powerless nations have long understood this disparity through experience, not theory. The current global landscape is marked by a blunt exercise of power, where multilateral commitments are treated as conveniences, treaties are optional, and international courts are ignored. This shift is not about achieving objectives but about discarding pretenses. For small states, sovereignty is not a tool to dictate but a fragile shield of defense—a space to choose partners, legislate priorities, and speak truths. When this space contracts, their independence becomes ceremonial rather than substantive. The Caribbean Community (CARICOM), once declared a Zone of Peace by visionary leaders, now faces threats from external military intrusions justified under the guise of security. Former Jamaican Prime Minister P. J. Patterson warns that such actions erode sovereignty and regional autonomy. The paradox of small states lies in their dependence on international law, which they are powerless to enforce when ignored. Sanctions, trade restrictions, and underfunded human-rights mechanisms further marginalize them. The so-called ‘new world order’ is not new but a candid admission of the old hierarchy, where might makes the rules. For small nations, sovereignty may soon mean little more than managing domestic affairs without offending powerful interests. Yet, the response must not be withdrawal or despair but a steadfast insistence on the language of law and principle. The Caribbean’s security and prosperity have long benefited from principled partnerships with larger democracies, and these must remain within the framework of law. The challenge is not to submit to a power-dominated order but to prevent the old hierarchy from becoming unashamedly permanent. When law is silenced, equity collapses, leaving the powerless helpless. Caution and courage are now imperative.
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The enduring value of volunteerism in trade unions
Trade unions rely heavily on the dedication of volunteers who contribute their time, skills, and expertise without financial compensation. These individuals are driven by a commitment to advancing the collective interests of workers, focusing on advocacy, member support, and recruitment. Guided by the core values of mutuality and reciprocity, they strive to foster positive changes in workplaces and communities. Their involvement not only benefits the union but also provides personal growth opportunities, such as skill development, confidence building, and networking. However, the integrity of the union depends on volunteers who are genuinely committed to the cause, rather than those seeking personal gain. Volunteers often serve as shop stewards, representing members within workplaces, and are elected or appointed through democratic processes. Leadership roles are similarly filled by individuals chosen by the membership, who operate under the union’s constitution and regulations. While volunteers are not financially compensated, they may receive reasonable out-of-pocket expenses or stipends. It is crucial to distinguish between volunteers and paid staff, ensuring that volunteers complement rather than replace salaried employees, especially during industrial disputes. Training and resources should be provided to support volunteers, and their needs must be considered in the union’s annual budget. The tireless efforts of these unsung heroes are invaluable, as they work behind the scenes to create a more just and equitable society.
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‘Only licensed taxis’: Government, Uber move to calm backlash
The imminent launch of Uber in Barbados has ignited a heated debate, prompting swift responses from both the government and the ride-hailing giant. Scheduled to go live on October 22, Uber has clarified that its platform will exclusively cater to licensed taxi drivers, adhering to rates regulated by the Transport Authority. This announcement follows protests by local taxi operators, who gathered outside the Bridgetown Port to voice concerns over potential job losses, economic strain, and the perceived threat to their industry. Uber emphasized that its app will only feature the Uber Taxi product, ensuring that drivers receive the full regulated fare despite initial testing discrepancies caused by automatic discounts. Transport Minister Santia Bradshaw reiterated that Uber must operate within Barbados’ legal framework, allowing only registered taxis with proper permits to provide services. However, veteran taxi operators like Colvin Yarde expressed deep reservations, arguing that the government granted Uber’s license without adequate consultation. Yarde warned of a ripple effect on the economy, citing potential losses in tax revenue, insurance, and fuel sales. Kenneth Knight of the Bridgetown Port Taxi Co-operative questioned Uber’s suitability for Barbados, advocating for locally developed ride-hailing solutions instead. As tensions rise, stakeholders are calling for direct dialogue with Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley before Uber’s official rollout.
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‘Include us’: Commonwealth disabled people’s forum urges ahead of 2026 summit
In a compelling call to action, the Commonwealth Disabled People’s Forum (CDPF) has urged governments across the 56-nation Commonwealth to place disability inclusion and accessibility at the forefront of their agenda during the upcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Antigua in 2026. This appeal comes as advocates highlight the persistent inequalities faced by over 430 million disabled individuals within the Commonwealth, a group of predominantly former British colonies. Richard Rieser, General Secretary of the CDPF, emphasized the need for full implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which 55 of the 56 Commonwealth nations, including Barbados, have ratified. While Barbados has made strides with its new Persons with Disabilities Act, many Caribbean nations and other regions within the Commonwealth still lack robust frameworks for disability rights. Rieser stressed the urgency of adopting a Disability Inclusion Action Plan at the 2026 summit, ensuring disability becomes a clear priority in the Commonwealth’s agenda. Currently, disability issues are notably absent from the Commonwealth’s five-year plan. The Antigua summit will mark the 20th anniversary of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, yet millions of disabled individuals continue to face barriers to equal access in education, health, employment, and housing. Rieser called on governments to revisit their commitments and collaborate across the Commonwealth to turn these promises into reality. He also highlighted the importance of public awareness and education to shift societal perceptions of disability, urging employers to recognize the value of hiring disabled individuals. Kerry-Ann Ifill, CDPF Vice-Chair, underscored the need for genuine leadership from Commonwealth governments, recalling the exclusion faced by disabled participants at the 2022 CHOGM in Rwanda. She emphasized that inclusion is a right, not charity, and called for systemic accessibility in schools, workplaces, transportation, and government buildings. Rieser also praised initiatives like the regional youth leadership training in Barbados, which empowered young advocates to push for disability inclusion in their respective countries. He criticized the Commonwealth’s tokenistic approach to disability issues, urging fair and equitable treatment for all.
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Minister Straughn and Chinese Ambassador discuss areas of cooperation
In a significant meeting held at Government Headquarters on Thursday, Minister in the Ministry of Finance, Ryan Straughn, and China’s Ambassador to Barbados, Zheng Bingkai, discussed pivotal projects aimed at enhancing bilateral cooperation. Among the key topics were the expansion of the Queen Elizabeth Hospital and the redevelopment of the National Stadium. Minister Straughn highlighted the invaluable contributions of Chinese medical teams, emphasizing their transformative impact on healthcare delivery in Barbados. He also provided updates on the National Stadium redevelopment, expressing optimism that the upgraded facility would promote physical activity and athletics by hosting major events. Ambassador Zheng commended Barbados for its declining debt-to-GDP ratio, attributing this achievement to the country’s resilience amidst the COVID-19 pandemic and geopolitical tensions. He also lauded the latest FITCH ratings, which reaffirmed Barbados’ B+ credit rating. The discussions further explored strategies to deepen the long-standing bilateral relationship, including the Scotland District Road Rehabilitation Project, additional investment opportunities, and initiatives to attract more Chinese tourists to Barbados. The diplomatic ties between the two nations, established on May 30, 1977, continue to flourish through these collaborative efforts.
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CWI Announces Restructured CG United Super50 Cup for 2025
Cricket West Indies (CWI) has introduced a revamped structure for the 2025 CG United Super50 Cup, the premier regional 50-over cricket tournament. Scheduled to take place in Trinidad from November 19 to November 29, the competition will feature six teams instead of the previous eight, with a total of 16 matches replacing the earlier 31-match format. The West Indies Academy and Combined Campuses and Colleges (CCC) teams have been excluded from this year’s edition. The tournament will adopt a round-robin format, with the top two teams advancing directly to the final. Participating teams include Trinidad & Tobago Red Force, Barbados Pride, Guyana Harpy Eagles, Jamaica Scorpions, Leeward Islands Hurricanes, and Windward Islands Volcanoes. The decision to streamline the event comes amid financial challenges faced by CWI, as highlighted during their recent Quarterly Media Briefing. Miles Bascombe, CWI’s Director of Cricket, emphasized that the changes aim to enhance competitiveness and quality of play. He noted that the reduced format would require teams to adopt more strategic preparations, while the exclusion of CCC and West Indies Academy players would intensify competition for spots within territorial franchises. The championship purse remains a significant incentive, with the winner set to receive US$100,000, the runner-up US$50,000, and the third and fourth-placed teams each earning US$25,000. The full fixture schedule is expected to be released shortly.
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DSB waarschuwt voor toename digitale fraude
October has been designated as Cyber Security Month worldwide, an annual initiative aimed at raising awareness about digital resilience. In Suriname, concerns are growing over the surge in online fraud, phishing, and identity theft. The Surinaamsche Bank (DSB) has emphasized that digital vigilance is no longer optional but a necessity, as cybercriminals are becoming increasingly sophisticated. Fraudsters are deploying a range of deceptive tactics, including fake emails, SMS messages, WhatsApp communications, and even counterfeit social media profiles that appear to originate from banks, businesses, or government agencies. Their primary objective is to trick individuals into divulging personal or financial information. To combat these threats, DSB has issued key recommendations for the public: Avoid clicking on links in unsolicited messages or emails; always access websites directly through a browser. Verify the sender’s authenticity, as official bank emails typically end with their domain (e.g., www.dsb.sr), though spoofing remains a risk. Be wary of urgent requests, threatening language, or impersonal greetings, as these are often red flags. Never share passwords, PINs, CVV codes, or other sensitive data, regardless of the channel used to request it. Additionally, vigilance extends beyond the internet. At ATMs, individuals are advised to shield the keypad when entering their PIN, take their card and receipt immediately, and report any irregularities or tampering to the bank promptly.
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Cricket West Indies Announces ODI Series against England U19
Cricket West Indies (CWI) has officially announced a seven-match Youth ODI series between the West Indies Men’s Under-19 team and England Under-19s. The series, set to take place from November 16 to December 1, 2025, will be hosted at the Grenada National Stadium in St George’s. This series is a pivotal part of the West Indies’ preparation for the ICC Men’s Under-19 World Cup in January 2026, following their recent 4–3 series victory against Sri Lanka in Antigua. Originally planned for St Vincent, the series was relocated to Grenada due to scheduling conflicts with the National Sports Council of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Both teams will arrive in Grenada on November 8, with three days of training and a warm-up match against a Grenada Under-25 select XI scheduled before the series opener. CWI Director of Cricket Miles Bascombe emphasized the importance of the series, stating that it provides a critical opportunity for the squad to refine their skills and gain exposure to high-level competition. The matches will be streamed live on the Windies Cricket YouTube channel, with live scorecards available on www.windiescricket.com.
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Come Worship in Pink
The Antioch Baptist Church is extending a heartfelt invitation to the public for a special event titled ‘Worship in Pink,’ scheduled for Sunday, October 19, 2025. This unique gathering aims to bring the community together in a morning of fellowship, prayer, and uplifting worship. The event is dedicated to honoring those who have battled breast cancer, celebrating survivors, and remembering loved ones who have lost their lives to the disease. Services will be held at 7 a.m. and 9:30 a.m., providing two opportunities for attendees to participate in this meaningful occasion. The church encourages everyone to join in this act of solidarity and support, fostering a sense of unity and compassion within the community.
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The 3rd Annual Regional Schools Investment Competition Commences
The 3rd Annual Regional Schools Investment Competition has officially commenced, bringing together high school and first-year college students from across the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union. Organized by the Eastern Caribbean Securities Exchange (ECSE) in collaboration with the Eastern Caribbean Securities Regulatory Commission (ECSRC) and licensed broker-dealers, the event aims to provide students with a hands-on experience in securities market activities. Running from October 14 to November 7, 2025, the competition offers participants the chance to apply their knowledge, gain practical investing skills, and compete for the prestigious title of Regional Schools Investment Champion. The event began with an Education Webinar on October 2, followed by a Competition Briefing on October 8. This initiative not only fosters financial literacy but also aims to inspire young individuals to explore investment opportunities and build wealth. As the ECSE and ECSRC celebrate their 24th anniversary on October 19, 2025, the competition serves as a platform to cultivate future active participants in the Eastern Caribbean Securities Market. For updates, visit the ECSE’s website and social media pages.