In a significant legal development, the case against Tacuma Ogunseye, co-leader of the Working People’s Alliance (WPA), has been dismissed by a Magistrate. Ogunseye was charged with inciting racial hostility during a public meeting in March 2023. Senior Magistrate Fabayo Azore upheld the no-case submissions presented by Ogunseye’s defense lawyer, Nigel Hughes, stating that there was insufficient evidence to prove that Ogunseye’s remarks were directed at a specific racial group. Hughes emphasized that the content of Ogunseye’s speech was aimed at African Guyanese and discussed their representation in the armed forces, rather than targeting any particular racial group. Additionally, the Magistrate noted that Ogunseye’s comments were made during the Local Government Elections period, a time when politicians are granted some leeway in their statements. The court also considered that Ogunseye had quoted a foreign diplomat’s observation, which could not be interpreted as an intent to incite racial hostility. The decision was met with widespread approval from WPA members and supporters. Ogunseye had previously surrendered to the police in April 2023, pleading not guilty to the charges and was released on bail. His remarks at the WPA meeting in Buxton had sparked significant backlash from the government, private sector, and religious communities, as he called for Afro-Guyanese to defend themselves against racial discrimination and urged an African uprising on June 12.
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Guyana ready to acquire French “ingredients” as France offers radar systems to gather intel on Venezuela
In a significant move to bolster regional security, Guyana has expressed readiness to acquire advanced French radar systems to monitor Venezuela’s activities. This development follows France’s offer to provide air and sea radar coverage, aimed at enhancing Guyana’s surveillance capabilities. The announcement was made during the opening ceremony of the French Embassy in Guyana, where President Irfaan Ali emphasized the importance of defense cooperation between the two nations. Ali highlighted plans to launch a critical national asset next year, supported by a package of strategic ‘ingredients’ to ensure regional stability. Additionally, Guyana is set to receive a French-made Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) currently under construction, which will complement the existing GDFS Shahoud in safeguarding its Exclusive Economic Zone against illegal activities and incursions. Senator Cédric Perrin, Chair of France’s Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defense, and Armed Forces, underscored the necessity of interoperability between French and Guyanese military equipment. He noted France’s unique position as the closest nation with a military base capable of assisting Guyana, offering training and intelligence exchange. The collaboration is expected to be facilitated through France’s Thales Group, a leader in aerospace and defense technology. This partnership comes amid ongoing tensions between Guyana and Venezuela over the disputed Essequibo Region, a matter currently before the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
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CARICOM lawyers ‘must meet Barbados Bar requirements’
The Barbados Bar Association has issued a definitive statement emphasizing that all legal professionals intending to practice in Barbados under the newly implemented CARICOM cross-border initiative must comply with the country’s established legal entry and registration protocols, irrespective of their nationality. This announcement follows the activation of the initiative on Wednesday, which grants citizens of Barbados, Dominica, St Vincent and the Grenadines, and Belize indefinite rights to reside, work, and study in Barbados. Bar President Kaye Williams addressed concerns raised by professionals regarding the initiative’s implementation, reaffirming Prime Minister Mia Mottley’s position on the matter. Williams underscored that while the Bar Association supports regional freedom of movement, all attorneys-at-law and law firms, whether CARICOM nationals or not, must adhere to Barbados’ legislative requirements for professional practice. Quoting Prime Minister Mottley, Williams highlighted that the initiative does not exempt professionals from following the rules governing their respective fields. She specifically referenced the Professional Services Registration Act and the Profession Trade and Business Registration Act, which mandate that lawyers and other regulated professionals obtain valid practicing certificates and register with the Registrar of the Supreme Court. Williams also noted that these requirements apply to a broad spectrum of professions, including medical practitioners, accountants, architects, and journalists, among others. The initiative marks a historic step in regional integration, offering citizens of the four participating states access to social, educational, and health benefits equivalent to those of Barbados’ citizens.
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Trough will bring moderate rains
Several regions across the Dominican Republic, including Elías Piña, San Juan, Dajabón, Santiago Rodríguez, Azua, Santiago, Hato Mayor, Monte Plata, El Seibo, and San Pedro de Macorís, are bracing for moderate to heavy downpours, thunderstorms, and gusty winds today. The Dominican Meteorological Institute (Indomet) has attributed these weather conditions to a trough, with precipitation expected to commence in the afternoon and persist into the evening. Despite the rainfall, temperatures are forecasted to remain high, ranging from 21°C to 23°C at their lowest and soaring between 33°C and 35°C at their peak. In light of these conditions, the Meteorological Service has issued advisories urging the public to stay hydrated, wear lightweight and light-colored clothing, and minimize exposure to direct sunlight, particularly between 11:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., to mitigate the risks associated with the intense heat and humidity.
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Ferries, not Flights: Caribbean officials push for cost-effective, cargo-friendly sea links
For decades, the Caribbean has grappled with limited maritime connectivity, primarily relying on sub-regional transportation like L’Express Des Îles, which serves French and Creole-speaking islands. However, the potential of ferry services to revolutionize regional travel and trade has become a focal point for tourism officials, business leaders, and policymakers. At the State of the Tourism Industry Conference (SOTIC) 2025, ministers from across the Caribbean emphasized the transformative impact of expanded ferry networks on both economic and social fronts. Tashia Burris, Secretary of Tourism for Tobago, highlighted the challenges faced by international visitors due to overbooked domestic flights. She underscored the strategic advantage of ferry services in connecting Tobago with neighboring islands like Grenada, Barbados, and Trinidad, calling it a ‘no-brainer’ for regional integration. Grenada’s Tourism Minister, Adrian Thomas, echoed this sentiment, noting that ferries could not only facilitate passenger travel but also address agricultural waste by providing a reliable means to transport perishable goods. He advocated for investments in vessels equipped with cold storage to support farmers and reduce food spoilage. Zhavargo Jolly, Minister of Tourism for Turks and Caicos, passionately argued for the establishment of a regional supply chain to reduce costs and improve efficiency. He criticized the current reliance on North American hubs like Miami for intra-Caribbean shipments, which inflates costs and impacts the cost of living. Jolly called for collaborative efforts within regional organizations like CARICOM and the Caribbean Tourism Organisation to turn these discussions into actionable plans. While the enthusiasm for ferry services is palpable, the realization of this vision hinges on the commitment of key decision-makers to invest in infrastructure and foster regional cooperation.
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DLP slams family leave law as ‘immoral, employer-first’
The Democratic Labour Party (DLP) has launched a scathing critique of Barbados’ newly enacted Family Leave Act, condemning it as a law that criminalizes parents, infringes on women’s reproductive rights, and prioritizes employers over families. Introduced by Labour Minister Colin Jordan, the legislation has been celebrated by the government as a historic advancement in parental rights, introducing statutory paternity leave for the first time in the nation’s history. Fathers are now entitled to three weeks of leave, which can be taken consecutively or split within the first six months of a child’s life. Maternity leave has been extended from 12 to 14 weeks (17 weeks for multiple births), and the maternity grant has been replaced with a gender-neutral child grant. However, during a virtual discussion hosted by the DLP, party representatives and legal experts argued that the law is not only insufficient but also ‘immoral.’ Malissa Howard, a DLP candidate, acknowledged the introduction of paternity leave as an improvement over the repealed Employment of Women (Maternity Leave) Act but criticized the three-week period as inadequate compared to international standards. She emphasized the need for greater support for women, suggesting six months of leave for fathers. Opposition Senator Andre Worrell echoed these concerns, advocating for extended leave beyond the immediate post-natal period, particularly when mothers return to work. He warned that without such provisions, parents are often forced to rely on nurseries, which many prefer to avoid in a child’s first year. Worrell also criticized the provision granting fathers an additional three weeks of leave if their partner dies during childbirth, calling it insufficient. Section 15 of the law, which criminalizes providing false information about pregnancy or birth with penalties of up to $10,000 or 24 months’ imprisonment, has drawn particular ire. Opposition Leader Ralph Thorne condemned this as an intrusion of criminal law into family life, arguing that it undermines the sanctity of pregnancy and birth by treating it as a contractual matter. Thorne also criticized the requirement that both parents must be employed continuously for 12 months to qualify for leave, calling it ‘immoral’ and discriminatory. Attorney Damien Fanus highlighted that some women may not know they are pregnant until months into employment, leaving them ineligible for benefits. Felicia Dujon, the DLP’s education spokesperson, accused the law of violating women’s reproductive rights and warned of potential workplace discrimination. Fanus further noted that protections against dismissal only apply during leave, leaving parents vulnerable upon their return to work. The DLP has called for significant revisions to the law, arguing that it fails to adequately support families and disproportionately favors employers.
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New network of air quality sensors to warn of health risks
Barbados is on the verge of a groundbreaking advancement in public health protection, as the University of the West Indies (UWI) spearheads the deployment of an extensive network of air quality sensors across the island. This initiative, developed in collaboration with national agencies such as the Barbados Meteorological Services (BMS) and the Department of Emergency Management (DEM), aims to provide real-time warnings about hazardous smoke and air pollution, particularly benefiting individuals with respiratory illnesses.
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Misbehaving students prompt pleas for adult accountability
Barbados is confronting a growing issue of lewd and disruptive behavior among schoolchildren on public buses, prompting urgent calls for intervention from government officials, union leaders, and parent advocates. Minister of Youth, Sports, and Community Empowerment Charles Griffith, Congress of Trade Unions and Staff Associations of Barbados (CTUSAB) General Secretary Dennis Depeiza, and Paula-Ann Moore, spokesperson for the Group of Concerned Parents, have all emphasized the need for immediate action, though their perspectives on the root causes and solutions differ. Griffith attributes the problem to a breakdown in parenting and community mentorship, advocating for enhanced parental training, peer support networks, and intergenerational guidance. He stressed the importance of strong Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs) and the involvement of retired elders as mentors to instill positive values. Depeiza, however, points to a lack of enforcement and adult accountability as key factors, warning that without decisive action, the situation will worsen. He highlighted longstanding issues on ZR minibuses that have now affected the broader Transport Board system. Moore described the behavior as deeply concerning and urged both children and adults to take responsibility. She emphasized the need for societal unity in modeling appropriate behavior and enforcing zero tolerance for misconduct. A female student commuter shared firsthand accounts of disruptive behavior, including instances where bus drivers had to intervene. All stakeholders agree that a comprehensive, community-driven approach is essential to address this pressing issue.
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BWU will take health, safety breaches to Labour Department
The Barbados Workers’ Union (BWU) has issued a stern warning to employers, vowing to escalate unresolved health and safety violations to the Labour Department. This comes amid growing concerns over the hazardous working conditions faced by many Barbadian employees across various sectors.
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Public Prosecutor’s Office: The 11 police officers did not give the 5 victims the opportunity to speak.
In a shocking development, the Public Prosecutor’s Office in Santiago, Dominican Republic, has requested 18 months of pretrial detention for eleven officers from the National Police’s Central Directorate of Criminal Investigation (Dicrim). The officers are accused of orchestrating the planned execution of five men in a Santiago square on September 10, 2025. The prosecution has also sought a declaration of complexity for the case, citing the gravity of the crime and the high rank of the accused as reasons for the maximum investigation time.