In a significant crackdown on illegal activities, the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) announced the seizure of a substantial quantity of firecrackers and other uncustomed goods at the Stabroek Market on Friday. The operation, led by the GRA’s Law Enforcement & Investigation Division (LEID), resulted in multiple arrests. The GRA stated that several individuals are currently assisting with ongoing investigations. This follows a similar operation in the Berbice area on Wednesday, where a large cache of firecrackers was confiscated, and suspects were handed over to the police. The GRA emphasized its ‘zero tolerance’ policy towards smuggling and urged the public to comply with national tax, trade, and border laws. The Authority warned that violations could lead to charges under the Customs Act, Chapter 82:01. The GRA also encouraged citizens to report smuggling activities through designated hotlines.
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Island Adventures Shines at Caribbean Global Awards
Island Adventures Company Ltd has been crowned the winner of the Outstanding Travel and Tourism Award at the 2023 Caribbean Global Awards, triumphing over 17 international contenders. The prestigious accolade was presented during a grand ceremony held at London’s Cumberland Hotel on September 27. Julian Adjodha, the company’s owner and director, described the moment as surreal, recalling how he felt frozen in time when their name was announced. ‘Considering the calibre of esteemed people in the room and the global media coverage, I was truly stunned,’ he shared. Michaelene Holder-March, Founder and CEO of Caribbean Global Brand, praised Island Adventures in a congratulatory letter, emphasizing its exemplary contributions to the Caribbean community and its global diaspora. She highlighted the company’s unwavering commitment to safety, organizational development, and leadership, as well as its transformative impact on clients and stakeholders. Adjodha attributed the company’s success to years of dedication, teamwork, and a strong partnership with Sandals’ Island Routes, Sandals’ in-house tour brand. He emphasized the importance of excellent customer service, noting that every interaction with clients is treated as a valuable contribution. With over 25 years of operation, Island Adventures has established itself as a leading tourism service provider in Saint Lucia, boasting a 4.9 rating and nearly 1,500 reviews on Tripadvisor, securing the top spot among 87 tour operators in Gros Islet. The Caribbean Global Awards, now in its third year, celebrates Caribbean heritage and global influence while honoring outstanding achievements across various fields.
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EC$46 million worth of cocaine seized in Dominica
In a landmark operation, the Dominica Police Force has made the largest drug seizure in the nation’s history, confiscating over 1,700 kilograms of cocaine with an estimated street value exceeding EC$46 million (approximately US$17 million). The seizure, part of the ongoing ‘Operation Clean Street,’ marks a significant milestone in the country’s fight against drug trafficking. Acting Police Commissioner Lincoln Corbette announced the breakthrough during a press conference, emphasizing the magnitude of the bust. ‘This is the largest haul ever recorded in Dominica, surpassing the 3,000 pounds seized in the early 1980s,’ Corbette stated. He praised the dedicated efforts of the officers involved, highlighting the critical impact of removing such a substantial quantity of cocaine from circulation. ‘This is EC$46 million that will not be used to harm our citizens. Cocaine is an extremely dangerous substance,’ he added. While Corbette did not confirm any arrests directly linked to the cocaine seizure, he revealed that 24 individuals—19 men and 5 women—had been detained as part of the broader operation. Authorities also confiscated significant amounts of cash, including over US$10,000, 800 Barbados dollars, 400 Euros, and EC$30,507, alongside an arsenal of firearms, including shotguns, pistols, and ammunition. The operation underscores Dominica’s commitment to combating organized crime and safeguarding public safety.
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Saint Lucia Cricket HPC to be revamped to match West Indies standards
Saint Lucia is poised to usher in a transformative era for its domestic cricket scene with the comprehensive overhaul of the Saint Lucia Cricket High Performance Centre (SLCHPC). Wayne Auguste, President of the Saint Lucia National Cricket Association, has announced that the centre will soon receive advanced technical support, aligning it with international standards. This initiative, launched in partnership with the Government of Saint Lucia in 2023, aims to nurture young talent and provide a clear pathway to professional cricket. Auguste highlighted that the enhanced programme will benefit both current and future participants, mirroring the success of his son, Ackeem Auguste, a rising star in Saint Lucian and West Indies cricket. Speaking at the launch of the National Under-13 tournament, Auguste expressed confidence in the nation’s cricketing talent, stating, ‘Saint Lucia is on fire in terms of the talent that we have.’ He revealed plans to align the SLCHPC’s programme with the West Indies Cricket Board’s standards, ensuring that young athletes receive world-class training. Auguste also called on coaches to prepare for the upcoming changes, emphasizing the need for upskilling to meet the demands of a high-performance environment. With Saint Lucia serving as a key feeder country for West Indies cricket and the potential inclusion of cricket in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, Cricket Saint Lucia is charting a strategic course for sustained success.
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CAF and ECCB to mobilise climate and development finance for ECCU
In a landmark move to bolster climate and development financing, the Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean (CAF) has joined forces with the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB). This strategic partnership, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), aims to accelerate the transition of the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union (ECCU) toward greener, more resilient, and digitally advanced economies. The agreement was signed on the sidelines of the 2025 Annual Meetings of the World Bank Group and the International Monetary Fund in Washington, D.C., by Sergio Díaz-Granados, Executive President of CAF, and Timothy N. J. Antoine, Governor of the ECCB. The collaboration establishes a robust framework to strengthen financial systems, enhance access to climate finance, and foster sustainable growth across the ECCU’s eight member nations. Key focus areas include renewable energy, energy security, digital transformation, private sector competitiveness, and institutional capacity building. Díaz-Granados emphasized that the partnership underscores CAF’s commitment to addressing the region’s complex challenges, such as climate vulnerability and limited access to affordable capital. Governor Antoine hailed the agreement as a timely and pivotal step toward achieving the ECCU’s development goals, emphasizing its potential to unlock financing, technical expertise, and grants. This alliance builds on CAF’s growing presence in the Caribbean, where it now counts six shareholder countries, including two members of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) that have completed the incorporation process. Since establishing its Caribbean Regional Management Office in Trinidad and Tobago in 2022, CAF has been actively supporting small island economies through financing, technical assistance, and knowledge-sharing initiatives.
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Grenada and Ghana sign landmark health cooperation agreement
In a landmark move to enhance bilateral health cooperation, Grenada and Ghana have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that will facilitate the temporary deployment of Ghanaian registered nurses to Grenada. The agreement, formalized in Accra, Ghana, marks a significant step in addressing Grenada’s healthcare workforce shortages while providing Ghanaian nurses with international exposure and professional development opportunities. The MOU was signed by Grenada’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Trade and Export Development, the Honourable Joseph Andall, and Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, the Honourable Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, during an official visit by Grenada’s Prime Minister, the Honourable Dickon Mitchell. This initiative is expected to improve healthcare delivery in Grenada, strengthen public health responses, and foster sustainable development in Ghana’s health sector. Beyond healthcare, the agreement symbolizes a broader effort to deepen Caribbean-African ties and advance South-South cooperation. Both governments anticipate that this partnership will serve as a model for future collaboration in education, trade, and capacity building under the Africa–Caricom framework. Prime Minister Mitchell emphasized the shared commitment to improving citizens’ quality of life through enhanced healthcare services, reinforcing the friendly relationship between the two nations. The MOU will take effect upon the completion of internal ratification processes in both countries.
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VWA en IDB bespreken voortgang arbeidsmarktproject
Suriname’s Deputy Minister of Health, Welfare, and Labor (VWA), Raj Jadnanansing, recently hosted a delegation from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), led by Margarita Hernandez, Chief of Operations. The meeting focused on the progress of the Labor Market Alignment with New Industries project, a collaborative initiative launched in August 2023 with IDB funding. The project aims to bridge the gap between job seekers and employers while aligning education and training with labor market demands. A key milestone is the establishment of a modern Employment Services Center at the VWA headquarters on Lalla Rookhweg, offering accessible job placement, guidance, and training for job seekers, as well as streamlined recruitment for employers. The IDB reported that the procurement process for the center is nearing completion, with an expected launch by mid-2025. Additionally, the project emphasizes skill development in high-potential sectors such as tourism, agriculture, and ICT, equipping workers with practical, market-relevant expertise. Several training sessions have already been conducted, with more planned in the near future. The initiative is locally coordinated by the Labor Market Sub-Directorate under Naomi Esajas-Friperson. Deputy Minister Jadnanansing emphasized the importance of labor market reform for sustainable growth and social progress, stating, ‘This collaboration ensures Surinamese citizens are prepared for the jobs of the future.’
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Madagascar’s Leader Flees Amid Gen Z Protests
Madagascar has witnessed a dramatic political transformation as Colonel Michael Randrianirina assumed the presidency following a military intervention that ousted former President Andry Rajoelina. The change in leadership comes after weeks of escalating protests led by the country’s youth, who demanded urgent action on pressing issues such as unemployment, inflation, and systemic corruption. Social media platforms were instrumental in rallying support and amplifying the voices of dissent. During his swearing-in ceremony, Randrianirina hailed the protesters as catalysts for change and vowed to implement sweeping reforms, including drafting a new constitution, revising electoral processes, and investigating the mismanagement of the state-owned utility company. He also committed to forming an interim government and organizing elections within two years. The Constitutional Court defended the transition, attributing the crisis to constitutional deficiencies rather than labeling it a coup. Additionally, Randrianirina signaled a shift in foreign policy by engaging in discussions with Russian officials to explore enhanced bilateral cooperation.
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Potworks Reservoir Holds 4–5 Months’ Supply, Says APUA
The Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA) has announced that the Potworks Reservoir currently holds enough water to meet the island’s needs for the next four to five months. As of October 17, the reservoir’s staff gauge recorded a water level of 12 feet, with the Water Business Unit distributing approximately one million imperial gallons daily to customers across the network. APUA remains hopeful that ongoing rainfall and runoff from the Liberta and All Saints areas will further enhance the reservoir’s capacity in the coming days. This optimistic outlook comes as a relief to residents, ensuring a stable water supply during the critical months ahead. APUA continues to monitor the situation closely, leveraging natural resources to maintain water security for the island.
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Maduro Accuses U.S. of Using CIA to Topple His Government
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has publicly accused the United States of orchestrating a covert operation to destabilize his government. Speaking at a rally in Caracas on Thursday, Maduro claimed that the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) has been deployed to Venezuela under the pretext of combating drug trafficking, but with the true objective of regime change. This assertion follows U.S. President Donald Trump’s acknowledgment of CIA activities in the region.
Maduro described this as the most explicit threat from a U.S. administration to date, vowing that Venezuela would resist any foreign intervention. He alleged that the CIA has been actively undermining Venezuela for over two decades, supporting coups across Latin America. Maduro also accused Washington of employing psychological tactics to sow division and fear among Venezuelans, while emphasizing the unity of the country’s leadership and citizens.
Furthermore, Maduro suggested that Venezuela’s abundant natural resources, including oil, gas, and gold, are the primary drivers of U.S. interference. He framed the situation as part of a broader pattern of U.S. interventionism in the region, aimed at securing economic and geopolitical advantages.
The Venezuelan president’s remarks have escalated tensions between the two nations, raising concerns about the potential for further destabilization in the region. This development comes amid ongoing economic and political challenges in Venezuela, which has been grappling with hyperinflation, shortages, and international sanctions.