As the 30th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30) commenced this Monday, ministers are grappling with a deadlock on some of the most contentious issues. Despite Brazil’s role as host and its emphasis on member-driven decision-making, critical topics such as climate finance for the Global South and updated emissions reduction targets remain excluded from the formal agenda. Andre Correa do Lago, COP30 President, reiterated that decisions are made ‘from the bottom up,’ underscoring the collaborative nature of the process. To prevent the conference from stalling, Brazil has appointed foreign ministers as facilitators for complex discussions on finance, mitigation, just transition, and the ‘global stocktake’—a mechanism evaluating compliance with the Paris Agreement. The first week saw significant pledges from the private sector, with investments reportedly reaching ‘trillions of dollars,’ according to the UN. However, developing nations argue that relying primarily on private capital is insufficient. They demand that the $300 billion annual target set at COP29 be funded predominantly by public sources, with aspirations to escalate this figure to $1.3 trillion. In response, the presidencies of COP29 and COP30 have proposed exploring global taxes on key sectors. Yet, Brazil has acknowledged the lack of consensus, suggesting that any meaningful progress may not materialize until after 2026.
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Costa Rican railway back services after crash in the capital
Following a significant accident in the San Jose neighborhood of Tibas, Costa Rican Railway Institute (Incofer) technicians and workers have successfully repaired the extensive damage to the locomotive and train cars. The incident, which occurred last Friday, led to the temporary suspension of some train operations. Incofer has assured the public that services connecting the capital with the northern provinces of Heredia and Alajuela will resume this Monday after a comprehensive inspection by railway specialists. The accident resulted in injuries to 12 passengers and crew members, all of whom are now in stable condition and recovering, though they continue to experience psychological effects from the incident, according to the local Red Cross. Incofer confirmed in a press release that all train services are now operating normally, ensuring safe and reliable transportation for passengers. The company’s personnel efficiently evacuated all 100 passengers from the train cars immediately after the accident.
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Angola to elect a new president
In a significant political development, the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the People’s Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA) announced on November 13 the appointment of Adao de Almeida as the new president of Parliament, succeeding Carolina Cerqueira. The decision, made in line with the Legislative Assembly’s procedural rules, was promptly submitted to the Assembly for approval. The election and handover ceremony are set to take place this Monday, as per the proposed agenda. The MPLA, which holds a commanding majority with 124 out of 220 seats in the Assembly, anticipates a smooth transition, despite the undisclosed reasons for Cerqueira’s replacement, who has held the position since 2022. Under Angolan law, the president of the National Assembly is elected for each legislative term but can be replaced within that term by the political party or coalition that initially nominated them. Adao de Almeida, a seasoned politician and member of the MPLA’s Political Bureau, brings a wealth of experience, having served as Chief of Staff to the President from 2020 until November 14. Concurrently, Parliament is gearing up to commence the second ordinary plenary session of the fourth legislative term today, with the first debate on the draft General State Budget (PGE) for 2026 on the agenda.
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Uruguay condemns attack on prison
In a brazen act of intimidation, two unidentified individuals on a motorcycle launched an attack on a government building yesterday, firing shots and hurling a rock accompanied by a threatening message aimed at Ana Juanche, the director of the institute. The incident is believed to be linked to recent transfers of criminal gang members within the former Comcar prison. This alarming event is not isolated; it echoes a similar attack in 2004 when gunfire and a threatening letter targeted then-director Luis Mendoza. The situation underscores a worrying trend of organized crime targeting public officials. In September, Attorney General Monica Ferrero narrowly escaped an attack involving gunfire and a grenade at her residence, leading to charges against seven individuals allegedly connected to drug trafficking networks. Vice President Carolina Cosse condemned the latest attack on social media, labeling it as a ‘cowardly threat’ designed to intimidate Juanche. Meanwhile, Minister of Education and Culture Jose Carlos Mahia emphasized the urgent need for unity in the ongoing battle against organized crime, stating that the fight ‘allows for nothing less than closing ranks to combat it, without any minor speculation of any kind.’ These incidents highlight the escalating challenges faced by authorities in curbing the influence of criminal organizations and ensuring the safety of public servants.
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More than 800 Cambodian families displaced by border incident
In the wake of a violent incident near the Cambodia-Thailand border, local authorities and humanitarian donors have stepped in to assist hundreds of residents who sought refuge at the Wat Chan Sy Samaky Ratanaram sanctuary. The shooting, which occurred in the village of Prey Chan, resulted in one fatality and left three individuals seriously injured. Despite no further armed clashes reported on November 13 and 14, authorities have maintained a heightened state of alert in the affected areas of Prey Chan and Chouk Chey, as confirmed by the Cambodian news agency AKP. Oum Reatrey, the provincial governor of Banteay Meanchey, emphasized the government’s commitment to protecting its citizens, stating, ‘The Royal Government will not allow any citizen to be in a vulnerable situation during this difficult time.’ Meanwhile, Sophea Eat, the Permanent Secretary of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, briefed the diplomatic corps and international organizations on the recent border tensions. She disclosed that Cambodia had formally protested the shooting by Thai forces on November 12, highlighting that the unauthorized use of force has disrupted the ongoing border demarcation efforts agreed upon by both nations in October.
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Work Continues on Road to Cooks Landfill
Construction crews remain actively engaged in the extensive project along the mile-long stretch leading into Cooks Landfill. The initiative, which has been underway for several weeks, aims to enhance infrastructure and ensure safer access to the site. Local authorities have emphasized the importance of this development, citing its potential to improve waste management efficiency and reduce environmental risks. Residents in the vicinity have been advised to expect temporary disruptions but are assured that the long-term benefits will outweigh the short-term inconveniences. The project is part of a broader strategy to modernize landfill operations and align with stricter environmental regulations. Updates on the progress will be provided regularly to keep the community informed.
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Logos Hope Extends Bookfair Hours Ahead of Departure from Antigua
The Logos Hope, renowned as the world’s largest floating book fair, has announced extended visiting hours in Antigua as it prepares to set sail from the island. The vessel, currently docked at the Nevis Street Pier, will open its doors for an additional session on Tuesday, 18 November, from 18:00 to 20:00. This extension offers locals and tourists a last chance to explore its vast collection of books before the ship departs. Since its arrival, Logos Hope has attracted consistent crowds, with visitors eager to experience its volunteer-driven international outreach and literacy initiatives. Antigua Cruise Port has reminded the public that the book fair remains closed on Mondays. The ship’s departure concludes another successful visit, cementing its status as a cherished event for families, students, and book lovers across Antigua.
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Fernandes verrast klanten met vroege kerst en prijzenregen
The holiday season kicked off early this weekend for customers of Fernandes Bakkerij, as the bakery’s Christmas Bread Roadshow brought festive joy and exciting giveaways to Rock Oil Zuid. Visitors had the chance to win a variety of prizes, including air fryers, toasters, hand mixers, and even an electric scooter, alongside extra Christmas bread. Shermane Westerborg, the roadshow coordinator, explained that this year’s approach is different. “Instead of cutting meter-long Christmas breads, we’re focusing on giving away as many gifts as possible,” she said. The roadshow, which began in October, will continue until December 12, touring regions such as Paramaribo, Wanica, Commewijne, Para, and Marowijne. Each location features an electric scooter as the grand prize, with three already claimed. The tour will resume in Brokopondo on Tuesday, followed by visits to Wanica, Nickerie, and Paramaribo North, culminating at the Fernandes Bakkerij on Kernkampweg. Westerborg emphasized that the traditional Christmas bread tasting remains a key feature. “We’re still cutting Christmas breads at various locations for people to sample, just not the meter-long ones, so we can focus more on our customers and the prizes,” she noted. Participants can enter the prize draw by submitting a voucher for two Christmas breads. At the ‘grabbelton’—a sealed space where swirling winds float cards—each participant can grab one card to determine their prize. The electric scooter remained unclaimed on Saturday, with all unclaimed prizes rolling over to the roadshow’s final day.
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Royalton CHIC Antigua Earns Spotlight in Forbes Travel Feature
Royalton CHIC Antigua has recently been featured in a Forbes travel article, garnering international acclaim for its opulent offerings and iconic overwater bungalows, which have quickly become a hallmark of Caribbean luxury. The adults-only, all-inclusive resort has been lauded as a premier destination for discerning travelers seeking both relaxation and sophistication. In the piece, seasoned luxury travel writer Debbi Karpowicz Kickham paints a vivid picture of the resort, describing it as a ‘posh tropical playground’ that seamlessly blends exceptional hospitality with state-of-the-art amenities. Kickham recounts her stay, beginning in a Diamond Club room and transitioning to one of the resort’s overwater bungalows, which she likened to ‘the Rolls-Royce of relaxation.’ The Forbes feature also highlights the resort’s relative youth, having opened just over a year ago, and commends its comprehensive fitness programs, expansive spa facilities, and signature dining experiences, including Antigua’s sole overwater restaurant. Notably, Kickham shines a spotlight on local talent, such as personal trainer Daniel Antonio, an internationally recognized arm-wrestling champion who infuses the fitness offerings with his unique energy. This feature in Forbes marks yet another milestone for Royalton CHIC Antigua, solidifying its status as one of the Caribbean’s most rapidly ascending luxury destinations.
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Funding Opportunity: Strengthening Caribbean Economic Growth Program
A groundbreaking funding opportunity has been unveiled to bolster economic growth across the Caribbean region. The Strengthening Caribbean Economic Growth Program, designed to address long-standing economic challenges, seeks to inject vital resources into key sectors such as tourism, agriculture, and renewable energy. This initiative comes at a critical juncture, as Caribbean nations continue to recover from the lingering impacts of global economic disruptions and natural disasters. By fostering innovation, enhancing infrastructure, and promoting sustainable practices, the program aims to create a more resilient and diversified economic landscape. Stakeholders, including local governments, private enterprises, and international organizations, are encouraged to collaborate to maximize the initiative’s impact. The program also emphasizes capacity building and workforce development, ensuring that communities are equipped to thrive in an evolving global economy. With a focus on inclusivity and long-term prosperity, this initiative represents a significant step forward in the Caribbean’s journey toward economic stability and growth.