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A New Era For CARICOM As Grenadian PM Dickon Mitchell Becomes Chairman

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A New Era For CARICOM As Grenadian PM Dickon Mitchell Becomes Chairman

In a significant development for the Caribbean region, Grenadian Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell has taken the reins as the new rotating chairman of CARICOM, the regional bloc comprising Caribbean nations.

Mitchell’s tenure is marked by a steadfast commitment to addressing the pressing issues of climate justice, gun violence, and digital technology advancement.

During the three-day summit, Mitchell emphasized the urgent need for climate action, highlighting the devastating impact of Hurricane Beryl, the Atlantic’s earliest Category 4 storm on record, which ravaged Grenada.

He stressed the importance of developed nations honoring their pledges to reduce emissions and provide climate funds to mitigate the effects of rising temperatures.

Mitchell also reiterated the need for regional unity, advocating for the free movement of people across the bloc, which recently welcomed the Dutch Caribbean island of Curacao as a new member.

He acknowledged the region’s vulnerability to climate change and global economic crises, emphasizing CARICOM’s role in promoting economic integration and cooperation.

The Grenadian Prime Minister’s impassioned plea for climate justice resonated deeply, as he noted the existential threat posed by Category 4 and 5 hurricanes.

He reaffirmed CARICOM’s commitment to advocating for climate justice, emphasizing the stark reality of potentially losing entire nations to the impacts of climate change. Mitchell’s chairmanship assumes significance as CARICOM continues to push for reparations for slavery and climate change through mechanisms like debt cancellation.

The regional bloc has also backed a lawsuit seeking to hold U.S. gunmakers accountable for firearms trafficked abroad, with a staggering 87% of traced firearms in the Caribbean originating from the United States.


Free Movement Of CARICOM Nationals Hits Roadblock

Free Movement Of CARICOM Nationals Hits Roadblock


The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) summit ended without a consensus on facilitating the free and full movement of CARICOM nationals, a goal that had been hoped to be achieved by the end of March. Despite initial optimism, regional leaders were unable to sign off on the arrangements, citing outstanding matters that need to be resolved.

Host Prime Minister of Grenada, Dickon Mitchell, who is also the CARICOM chairman, acknowledged the delay, saying, “We continue to engage with some of these users that require us to get there.”

The free movement of CARICOM nationals is a key component of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME), which aims to facilitate the free movement of goods, skills, labor, and services across the region. However, several member states, including Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, and Bermuda, have expressed reservations or opted out of the free movement of people.

Antigua and Barbuda’s Ambassador to CARICOM, Dr. Clarence Henry, explained his country’s decision to maintain the current skills regime, citing the need to protect jobs and avoid exacerbating economic challenges.

The delay in implementing the free movement of CARICOM nationals is a setback for the regional integration process. Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley, who has lead responsibility for the CSME, had previously expressed confidence that the community was on track to meet the March 31, 2024 deadline.

The free movement of CARICOM nationals is a complex issue, with various stakeholders and interests involved. As CARICOM leaders continue to negotiate and work towards a resolution, the region waits with bated breath for the realization of this long-held dream.

“We continue to engage with some of these users that require us to get there.” – Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell

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Two Dead, Nine Injured in Brown University Shooting

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Two Dead, Nine Injured in Brown University Shooting

 

Two students were killed and nine others injured after a gunman opened fire at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island, on Saturday, police said.

 

Authorities have detained a person of interest in his 20s, who is now cooperating with investigators.

 

The attack occurred around 4:00 p.m. local time (21:00 GMT) at the Holley Engineering Building on the eastern end of the university campus.

 

Police said the identities of the victims have not yet been released.

 

Brown University President Christina Paxson confirmed that all those affected, including the deceased, were students.

 

In a statement on Sunday, Paxson said parts of the campus remained restricted as police continued investigations.

 

She added that around 2,000 students were relocated to safe locations overnight and expressed gratitude to local residents who opened their homes to students.

 

Providence Mayor Brett Smiley said seven of the injured students were in stable condition, one was critical, and another had been discharged.

 

The mayor, who visited victims and their families in hospital, described their courage as “overwhelming” and confirmed that the shelter-in-place order issued earlier had been lifted.

 

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) said the suspect was detained at a hotel in Coventry early Sunday morning based on a lead from Providence Police.

 

Police Chief Oscar Perez confirmed that officers were no longer searching for additional suspects and were working closely with prosecutors to collect evidence.

 

President Donald Trump, speaking at the White House, expressed sympathy for the families of the two deceased students and wished a speedy recovery for the nine injured.

 

The shooting brings the number of mass shootings in the United States in 2025 to 389, according to the Gun Violence Archive, which defines mass shootings as incidents with four or more victims killed or injured, not including the attacker.

 

Authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant as the investigation continues, while a vigil is scheduled for Sunday evening to support the Brown University community.

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Bondi Beach Attack: 15 Dead, Father-Son Gunmen Behind Shooting

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Bondi Beach Attack: 15 Dead, Father-Son Gunmen Behind Shooting

 

A mass shooting at Bondi Beach on Saturday left 15 people dead, including a child aged 10, during a Hanukkah celebration. Authorities are treating the incident as a terror attack.

 

Police confirmed the shooters were a 50-year-old father and his 24-year-old son.

 

The father died at the scene, while the son remains in critical condition.

 

The 50-year-old was a licensed firearms holder; six guns and two improvised devices were recovered from the site.

 

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called the attack “an act of pure evil”, saying it deliberately targeted the Jewish community, and promised full resources to support the investigation and combat antisemitism.

 

NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon said quick response, informed by last year’s Bondi stabbing, helped save lives.

 

328 officers have been deployed to protect Sydney’s Jewish community, while two properties in western Sydney were searched overnight.

 

Among the victims was British-born Rabbi Eli Schlanger. Eyewitnesses described the chaos, with some saying the gunfire felt like it lasted “an eternity.”

 

Authorities continue to investigate the attack as Australians reel from the tragedy.

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Trump Reacts as ISIS Kills Three Americans in Syria 

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Trump Congratulates UK’s Farage, Ignores Starmer

Trump Reacts as ISIS Kills Three Americans in Syria 

 

President Donald Trump has pledged a “very serious retaliation” after an ambush in central Syria on Saturday, killing two U.S. service members and one American civilian interpreter, an attack the United States blames on the Islamic State (ISIS) group.

 

In a statement and social‑media post, Trump described the assault near Palmyra—a region still volatile and not fully controlled by the Syrian government—as “an ISIS attack against the U.S. and Syria.”

 

He mourned the three victims as “great American patriots” and confirmed that three other U.S. soldiers wounded in the attack are recovering.

 

Speaking from the White House before departing for a public event, the president said he expected a firm U.S. response, noting that there will be “very serious retaliation” against ISIS and any group that targets American forces.

 

Trump noted that Syrian President Ahmed al‑Sharaa, whose government has been cooperating with U.S. forces in counter‑terrorism operations, was “extremely angry and disturbed” by the incident.

 

The ambush occurred as U.S. troops were engaged in a counter‑terrorism mission alongside Syrian partners; the suspected attacker was killed by coalition forces, U.S. Central Command said.

 

The identities and units of the deceased are being withheld pending family notification.

 

Defense officials, including Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, echoed Trump’s stance, issuing stark warnings that the U.S. will pursue individuals or groups that target Americans.

 

The U.S. maintains a force of around 900 troops in Syria as part of ongoing operations against ISIS remnants, despite the group’s loss of territorial control years earlier.

 

The attack is the first fatal incident involving U.S. personnel in Syria since the fall of the Assad regime, highlighting persistent security challenges and raising questions about the future scope of U.S. military engagement in the region.

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