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  • The cost of neglecting vision, a global burden we can prevent

    The cost of neglecting vision, a global burden we can prevent

    World Sight Day, observed annually on the second Thursday of October, serves as a stark reminder of the global burden of vision impairment and blindness. Coordinated by the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB) under the Vision 2020 initiative, this day aligns with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) mission to improve global eye health. The campaign emphasizes the critical need for accessible eye care and urges individuals, communities, and policymakers to prioritize vision health. Despite its importance, over a billion people worldwide suffer from preventable or treatable vision problems, highlighting a pressing global issue.

    Vision is our most dominant sense, influencing education, employment, safety, and independence. Yet, the WHO reports that 2.2 billion people globally experience visual impairment, with at least one billion cases being preventable. Common causes include uncorrected refractive errors, cataracts, glaucoma, and diabetic eye disease. The consequences of poor eye health extend beyond individuals, creating economic, social, and emotional challenges that ripple through families, communities, and nations.

    Economically, uncorrected vision problems cost the global economy over $400 billion annually in lost productivity. Socially, undiagnosed vision issues in children lead to academic struggles, while adults face job loss and the elderly experience depression and social withdrawal. These challenges are exacerbated by limited access to care, particularly in rural areas, and the rising global demand for eye care due to population growth and aging societies.

    In Trinidad and Tobago (TT), the situation mirrors global trends. Diabetes, a leading health concern, contributes to diabetic retinopathy, a major cause of vision loss. Additionally, the Caribbean region faces high rates of glaucoma, often undetected until irreversible damage occurs. Poor vision also impacts road safety and education, with children falling behind academically due to uncorrected refractive errors.

    Addressing these issues requires a multifaceted approach: regular eye exams, healthy lifestyles, community screenings, and policy changes to ensure affordable and accessible eye care. World Sight Day underscores that protecting vision is not just about eyesight—it’s about enhancing education, employment, safety, independence, and dignity. By prioritizing eye health, we can alleviate a global burden and improve lives worldwide.

  • Driving transformation: Budget blueprint for a resilient economy

    Driving transformation: Budget blueprint for a resilient economy

    As Trinidad and Tobago (TT) approaches fiscal year 2025/2026, the nation stands at a pivotal juncture. The TT Chamber of Industry and Commerce (TT Chamber) has unveiled a transformative budget blueprint titled ‘Unlocking TT’s Next-Generation Economy,’ aimed at addressing the vulnerabilities of an economy overly reliant on oil and gas. With hydrocarbons contributing 32% of GDP and 75% of export earnings while employing only 5% of the workforce, the Chamber emphasizes the urgent need for diversification and resilience. The blueprint outlines seven strategic pillars: Agriculture and Food Security, Economic Diversification, Government Efficiency, Human Capital Development, Health Sector Reform, Public Safety and Justice, and Digital Transformation. Agriculture, currently contributing less than 1% of GDP, is highlighted as a critical area for reducing the TT$7.3 billion food import bill and enhancing national security. The Chamber proposes a structured three-year plan to develop priority crops like breadfruit, hot peppers, and cassava, supported by Caricom’s 25 by 2025 initiative. The creative industries, including music, film, and fashion, are identified as high-growth sectors with significant export potential. To sustain this momentum, the Chamber calls for stronger intellectual property protection, targeted export promotion, and improved access to financing. Professional services, ICT, marine services, and niche tourism are also seen as key areas for growth. The Chamber advocates for government efficiency through digitized customs management, VAT refund fast-tracking, transparent foreign exchange policies, and a universal payment interface. Human capital development is prioritized with expanded youth employment tax incentives, increased tertiary education tax deductions, and a national STEM roadmap. Health and public safety reforms include diversifying NCD treatment procurement, introducing a sugar tax, and modernizing eHealth legislation. The Chamber’s digital transformation agenda includes a national e-ID system, updated data protection laws, and an AI policy framework, with the Start-Up T&T initiative modeled after Chile’s successful program. The Chamber’s message is clear: TT must embrace bold reforms and public-private collaboration to build a sustainable, competitive, and inclusive economy.

  • Why CAL grounded Montego Bay, Kingston to Ft Lauderdale routes

    Why CAL grounded Montego Bay, Kingston to Ft Lauderdale routes

    Caribbean Airlines Limited (CAL) has announced the discontinuation of its flights between Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and Montego Bay and Kingston, Jamaica, effective November 2. This decision is part of the airline’s broader network optimization strategy, aimed at enhancing sustainability and operational efficiency. The routes, which were resumed in December 2024 and March 2025 using a leased Boeing 737-800NG, failed to achieve breakeven load factors despite targeted promotions and discounted fares.

  • Communicatie als motor van verandering – CCPR bestaat tien jaar

    Communicatie als motor van verandering – CCPR bestaat tien jaar

    The Center for Communication & Public Relations (CCPR) marked its 10th anniversary today, celebrating a decade of innovation and leadership in Suriname’s communication sector. Established in 2015, CCPR has evolved into a premier knowledge hub for communication professionals, according to its chairperson, Angela van der Kooye. ‘Ten years ago, we set out to strengthen the communication profession and bring professionals together. Today, communication is no longer a side note but a strategic tool for development. And this is just the beginning,’ she remarked. Over the years, CCPR has launched numerous initiatives that have reshaped the field. The National Communication Congress has become a key platform for knowledge exchange among government, businesses, and civil society. Additionally, CCPR introduced the communication magazine *Relatief* and the Communication Awards, which recognize excellence in customer-focused and ethical communication. The organization has also prioritized nurturing young talent through initiatives like the Youth Communication Congress, the mentorship program *Mi na Gowtu*, and educational bootcamps. CCPR has further advanced quality standards with the introduction of the Customer-Focused Communication Certification (2019) and the National Guidelines for Customer Service (2023). Internationally, CCPR has fostered partnerships with organizations like LOGEION in the Netherlands and regional networks in the Caribbean, promoting knowledge exchange. During the Covid-19 pandemic, CCPR supported society with online training and a specialized PR handbook for journalists. With a renewed board taking office in 2024, CCPR is now focusing on digitalization, ethical communication, and further professionalization of the field. ‘Communication is the glue that connects people and organizations,’ Van der Kooye emphasized. ‘Our ambition remains to make Suriname excel in professional, customer-focused, and transparent communication.’

  • Military action against Venezuela must be stopped

    Military action against Venezuela must be stopped

    Cuba has issued a stark warning regarding the intensifying actions by the United States government against Venezuela, which it claims are aimed at overthrowing President Nicolás Maduro Moros’s constitutional government. According to Cuban authorities, the U.S. seeks to install a compliant regime that would grant access to Venezuela’s vast oil reserves, other critical natural resources, and even its sovereignty. This alarming escalation follows recent incidents, including the illegal destruction of vessels at sea—allegedly involved in drug trafficking but of uncertain origin—and the killing of their crews. The U.S. has hinted at a new phase of military operations targeting land-based objectives, raising fears of an imminent threat to Venezuela’s stability. Cuba has condemned these actions as legally and morally unjustifiable, emphasizing that the U.S. pretexts for military aggression are baseless and rooted in falsehoods. The Venezuelan government has also revealed a foiled plot to attack the U.S. Embassy in Caracas, allegedly orchestrated by right-wing extremists to provoke a U.S. military response. Cuba has called upon the international community to intervene and prevent further military escalation, reaffirming its unwavering support for Venezuela’s Bolivarian government and the unity of its people. The statement underscores the need for Latin America and the Caribbean to remain a Zone of Peace, free from external interference.

  • UPP Mourns the Passing of Former MP Nathaniel ‘Nat Moses’ Francis

    UPP Mourns the Passing of Former MP Nathaniel ‘Nat Moses’ Francis

    The United Progressive Party (UPP) of Antigua and Barbuda is in mourning following the passing of Nathaniel ‘Nat Moses’ Francis, a revered former Member of Parliament for St. George. Francis, celebrated as a ‘living hero’ and a devoted public servant, leaves behind a legacy of unwavering commitment to his community and nation. His death signifies the end of an era for many who admired his contributions to public life and national development. In a heartfelt statement, the UPP expressed profound sorrow, extending condolences to his family, the party, and all who grieve his loss. Known affectionately as ‘The Smooth Golden Voice,’ Francis was not only a political figure but also a beloved broadcaster whose distinctive baritone voice became a cherished part of the national soundscape. His dual legacy in politics and broadcasting continues to inspire colleagues, constituents, and listeners across Antigua and Barbuda. The UPP honored his memory with a tribute image, celebrating his years of service and enduring impact. As the nation reflects on his life, Francis is remembered for his dedication, excellence, and the indelible mark he left on the hearts of many.

  • Global Gateway Forum: New value chains and new jobs in the Caribbean as the EU and Caribbean tackle the sargassum crisis together

    Global Gateway Forum: New value chains and new jobs in the Caribbean as the EU and Caribbean tackle the sargassum crisis together

    For over a decade, Caribbean coasts have been plagued by extensive sargassum seaweed blooms, causing significant disruptions to fisheries, tourism, and local communities, and resulting in multi-million-dollar damages. However, through the European Union’s (EU) Global Gateway Investment Agenda, the EU, Team Europe, and Caribbean partners are now working to turn this environmental challenge into a source of cleaner coastlines, new employment opportunities, and a boost for local businesses. The third EU-Caribbean Global Gateway Conference on Sargassum, held recently, marked a pivotal shift from studies and pilot projects to actionable solutions. Governments, the private sector, academia, and international financiers convened to explore practical ways to transform sargassum into economic opportunities and improve its collection and management. European Commissioner for International Partnerships, Jozef Síkela, emphasized that the sargassum crisis, which has long harmed local livelihoods and the tourism sector, can now be a catalyst for job creation, innovation, and even clean energy across the region. At the conference, Grenada, the Dominican Republic, and Mexico pledged to collect and process a combined 660,000 tonnes of sargassum between 2026 and 2027. This initiative is the first step toward establishing a regional market for sargassum-based products, supported by EU investments and policy frameworks. The conference concluded with the announcement of the fourth EU-Caribbean Global Gateway Conference on Sargassum, set to take place in Mexico, ensuring continued momentum and scaling of operations across the region. The Global Gateway strategy, which aims to mobilize up to €300 billion in public and private investments from 2021 to 2027, has prioritized sargassum since 2023, fostering collaboration among Caribbean partners to develop economically viable and environmentally sustainable solutions.

  • Dominican Republic leads region with first National Civic Space Strategy

    Dominican Republic leads region with first National Civic Space Strategy

    The Dominican Republic has emerged as a trailblazer in Latin America and the Caribbean by launching its National Civic Space Strategy, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at fostering open government and democratic innovation. This historic move was unveiled during the IX Global Summit of the Open Government Partnership (OGP) by Dr. Milagros Ortiz Bosch, Director General of Ethics and Government Integrity. Dr. Bosch highlighted the strategy’s role in enhancing institutional legitimacy and driving democratic progress. The National Civic Space Strategy 2025–2028, a pledge made by President Luis Abinader at the 2023 OGP Summit in Estonia, is designed to strengthen collaboration between the government and its citizens. It encompasses 21 reforms across five critical areas, emphasizing the protection of freedoms of association, assembly, expression, and access to information, while promoting citizen engagement and inclusive digital platforms. Aidan Eyakuze, CEO of OGP, praised the Dominican Republic’s leadership and invited the nation to co-lead the Civic Space Lab, a global platform dedicated to advancing civic engagement policies. Additionally, the Dominican delegation endorsed the Vitoria-Gasteiz Declaration, reaffirming its commitment to democracy, transparency, and safeguarding civic freedoms in the face of global challenges.

  • San José de Ocoa celebrates Dominican culture at 2025 International Hat Festival

    San José de Ocoa celebrates Dominican culture at 2025 International Hat Festival

    San José de Ocoa, Dominican Republic, recently hosted the fifth edition of the 2025 International Hat Festival and La Maraca Ocoeña Awards, a vibrant celebration of Dominican culture that showcased the province’s rich identity, creativity, and traditions. The event paid tribute to two influential figures: the late Dr. Carmen Isa (Titina), the first female councilor of the province, and Antonio Castillo, a local businessman and former interim mayor, both recognized for their significant contributions to Ocoa’s cultural and economic growth. Held at Villa Hacienda Mariela, the festival brought together residents and visitors for a spectacular showcase of art, fashion, music, and ecotourism. Ocoeño women took center stage, displaying elegant hats and outfits inspired by their diverse heritage, reflecting the multicultural roots of the region. Betty Pimentel, the festival’s founder, emphasized its mission to preserve and promote Ocoa’s traditions while celebrating local artisans who have elevated the Ocoeño hat to a symbol of regional pride. The event featured over 70 exhibitors, including artists, producers, and entrepreneurs, who showcased local crafts and cuisine. The La Maraca Ocoeña Awards honored 20 individuals and institutions for their outstanding contributions to community development. The evening was further enriched by musical and fashion performances by renowned national talents and designers, such as Maritza Soto, David Atelier, Alba Almonte, and Tony Boga, solidifying the festival as one of Ocoa’s most iconic cultural events.

  • Half bewolkt en buien in de middag

    Half bewolkt en buien in de middag

    Today’s weather forecast predicts predominantly partly cloudy to overcast skies across the country, interspersed with localized showers in various regions. Light to moderate rain showers are expected, particularly during the afternoon hours, occasionally accompanied by brief thunderstorms. The day will begin mostly dry and sunny, but cloud cover is anticipated to increase as the afternoon progresses. Localized rain or thunderstorms are likely, especially toward the late afternoon and early evening. Winds will blow from the east to northeast at speeds ranging between 10 and 25 km/h. Due to high humidity levels, the day may feel muggy, with perceived temperatures reaching between 35°C and 38°C.