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CARICOM Heads of Government Unite in Grenada to address Regional Challenges
The 47th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) was held in St. George’s, Grenada, from July 28-30, 2024. The meeting brought together leaders from across the region to address pressing issues, including climate change, biodiversity loss, and regional security. Heads of Government emphasized the urgent need for high-level political advocacy to address climate change.
They agreed to deliver a unified statement at COP29 and convene a Donor’s Conference to address the Region’s vulnerability to climate change. The Conference agreed to establish a CARICOM Digital Skills Training and Learning Network and launch the Digi-Smart CARICOM Digital Skills Initiative in 2024. This aims to enhance regional digital resilience and promote economic growth. Heads of Government noted improvements in airlift to, from, and within the Region, including the operationalization of LIAT 2020.
They agreed to host a Regional Symposium on Air Transport in Barbados by the first quarter of 2025. The Conference expressed concern about high levels of crime and violence, fueled by firearms and ammunition trafficking, transnational criminal networks, and social structure deterioration. They committed to ongoing urgent action to protect citizens and preserve public interest. The Partnership aims to address pressing health challenges, including health-related issues of the climate crisis.
Read also : CARICOM Ministers Boost Food Security & Climate Action at Caribbean Week of Agriculture
Member States are invited to partner with HeDPAC to leverage sustainable health development and capacity building. Heads of Government received updates on the Belize-Guatemala and Guyana-Venezuela border issues. They called for peaceful resolution and respect for territorial integrity. The Conference welcomed the report by the President of the newly established Transitional Presidential Council and recognized the appointment of a Prime Minister and new Cabinet. They expressed concern at the dire humanitarian situation and reiterated commitment to support Haiti.
Heads of Government registered concern at the growing humanitarian crisis in Cuba occasioned by the ongoing embargo issued by the United States of America. They issued a Statement of solidarity with Cuba. The Conference expressed appreciation to Dr. Joy St. John, outgoing Executive Director of CARPHA, and Assistant Secretary-General Economic Integration, Innovation, and Development, Mr. Joseph Cox.
Heads of Government accept-ed the invitation of Barbados to host the 48th Regular Meeting of the Conference from February 20-21, 2025. This meeting demonstrated the commitment of CARICOM leaders to address regional challenges and promote sustainable development, economic growth, and social resilience.
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Diaspora Watch Vol. 93
Diaspora Watch Newspaper Releases 93rd Edition
The management and editorial board of Diaspora Watch Newspaper is pleased to announce the release of its highly anticipated 93rd edition, featuring compelling reports, in-depth analyses, and exclusive international developments shaping the global landscape.
Leading the edition is the gripping headline: “World Terror Chief Falls in Nigeria”, detailing the landmark counterterrorism operation that has drawn commendations from United States President, Donald Trump and Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, both of whom hailed the operation as a significant victory against global terrorism.
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Also making headlines is the decision by the Government of Ghana to evacuate 300 of its citizens from South Africa amid renewed xenophobic tensions, as well as Nigeria’s landmark policy granting citizens of Rwanda 30-day visa-free entry aimed at strengthening African integration, diplomacy and continental trade.
The edition further examines rising geopolitical tensions with a report on President Trump’s return from China without a diplomatic breakthrough on Iran, signaling continuing uncertainty in global negotiations.
In the business and economic sector, readers will find detailed coverage of investment talks between Dangote Group and Norway’s sovereign wealth fund valued at $1.9 trillion, alongside the escalating legal confrontation involving Elon Musk and OpenAI over a $150 billion damages lawsuit.
The Caribbean political scene is also spotlighted as CARICOM endorses the credibility and peaceful conduct of elections in Bahamas.
Health-conscious readers are not left behind, with a special feature offering expert insight into managing anxiety surrounding Hantavirus concerns and public health fears.
On the back page, the entertainment industry is thrown into mourning with the reported passing of Nollywood actor Alexx Ekubo at the age of 40 following a battle with cancer, a development that has generated widespread reactions across the African film industry.
The 93rd edition of Diaspora Watch Newspaper reaffirms the publication’s commitment to credible journalism, balanced reporting, and comprehensive coverage of issues affecting Africans at home and in the diaspora.
Readers are encouraged to grab a copy and stay informed on the stories shaping the world today.
News
CARICOM Declares Bahamas Poll Credible, Peaceful
CARICOM Declares Bahamas Poll Credible, Peaceful
A nine-member CARICOM Election Observation Mission has declared that the 2026 general elections in The Bahamas reflected the will of the Bahamian people, following what it described as a peaceful and orderly voting process across the country.
The mission, which was deployed by the Caribbean Community at the invitation of Governor-General Cynthia Pratt, observed the May 12 elections and monitored polling activities on the islands of New Providence and Grand Bahama.
The observers were drawn from nine CARICOM member states, including Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, Haiti, Jamaica, Saint Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and Suriname.
In its interim statement issued on Wednesday, the mission said it held extensive consultations with political leaders, electoral officials, civil society groups, youth organisations and members of the media ahead of the elections.
Among those engaged were Prime Minister Philip Davis, Opposition Leader Michael Pintard, Coalition of Independents leader Lincoln Bain and former Prime Minister Hubert Minnis.
The observers disclosed that stakeholders raised concerns over the integrity of the voters’ register, preparedness of the Parliamentary Registration Department, alleged issuance of fraudulent voter identification cards and passports, campaign financing issues, inadequate voter education and concerns about the independence of electoral institutions.
Despite the concerns raised before the polls, the mission stated that election day procedures were generally conducted professionally, with adequate police presence and timely delivery of election materials across most polling divisions.
It noted that polling stations opened largely on schedule, while party agents from various political parties were present during the exercise.
According to the mission, observers monitored activities in 22 constituencies in New Providence and all five constituencies in Grand Bahama, covering a total of 317 polling divisions.
It said election workers appeared adequately trained and courteous, while elderly and physically challenged voters received necessary assistance throughout the voting process.
The mission further noted that although there were slight inconsistencies in the application of some voting procedures, such incidents were limited and did not disrupt the electoral process.
It added that voter turnout remained steady during the morning and evening periods, despite a noticeable reduction in voter traffic during midday.
On the counting process, the observers stated that ballot boxes were opened in the presence of polling agents, election officials and observers, while results were announced publicly in line with established electoral procedures.
The mission also confirmed that the sealing of ballot boxes and transfer of electoral materials were conducted transparently and professionally.
Chief of Mission, Herman St. Helen, commended the Parliamentary Registration Department, security agencies, party agents and the people of The Bahamas for maintaining peace and order throughout the elections. He stated that the mission considered the outcome of the 2026 polls to be consistent with the democratic will of the Bahamian electorate, adding that a final report containing the mission’s recommendations would be submitted to the CARICOM Secretary-General in the coming weeks.
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Trump Returns from China Visit With No Breakthrough on Iran as Diplomacy Stalls
Trump Returns from China Visit With No Breakthrough on Iran as Diplomacy Stalls
United States President Donald Trump has returned from a high-stakes diplomatic trip to China without securing any breakthrough on the escalating tensions with Iran, despite hopes within the White House that Beijing’s longstanding ties with Tehran could help shift the stalemate.
Officials inside the administration had viewed the visit as a potential opening to reset strained negotiations, particularly over Iran’s nuclear programme and the continued disruption of global energy routes.
However, Trump landed back in Washington on Friday with no new progress to announce.
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, the president said Chinese leader Xi Jinping expressed support for reopening the Strait of Hormuz and reiterated opposition to Iran acquiring nuclear weapons.
But analysts noted that those positions are not new, as Beijing has made similar statements publicly in the past.
“He would like to see it end. He would like to help. If he wants to help, that’s great. But we don’t need help,” Trump told Fox News’ Bret Baier in an interview aired Friday.
Inside the administration, attention has now shifted to the next phase of U.S. strategy, with officials divided over whether to intensify military pressure or continue diplomatic engagement with Tehran.
The widening tensions come as the conflict between Washington and Tehran stretches beyond the six-week timeline initially projected by the White House, raising concerns over economic fallout, including rising fuel prices and inflationary pressure in the United States.
Trump, posting on Truth Social while in China, signalled that military operations remain on the table, writing: “To be continued!”
Iran, meanwhile, has shown little indication of softening its position, maintaining its stance despite renewed diplomatic efforts.
The impasse has further deepened divisions within Trump’s foreign policy team.
Sources familiar with internal discussions say some officials at the Pentagon are pushing for a more aggressive posture, including targeted strikes aimed at forcing concessions from Tehran.
Others argue that sustained diplomatic pressure remains the better option.
Vice President JD Vance struck an optimistic tone earlier in the week, saying progress was still possible following consultations with key advisers and regional contacts involved in the negotiations.
“The president has set us off on the diplomatic pathway for now, and that’s what I’m focused on,” Vance said.
However, Iran’s continued posture has raised doubts within Washington about the effectiveness of ongoing talks, with officials acknowledging that Tehran has not altered its core demands since a ceasefire announced in April.
According to analysts, the prolonged closure of key energy routes, particularly the Strait of Hormuz, has contributed to a surge in global oil prices, further complicating the economic outlook for the United States.
Former NATO Ambassador Ivo Daalder described the situation as increasingly difficult for Washington.
“He’s tried bluster, that didn’t work. He’s tried negotiations, that hasn’t worked,” Daalder said. “He’s trying to find a way to unstick his stuckness.”
Economic pressures are also mounting domestically, with U.S. gasoline prices climbing above $4.50 per gallon on average, while inflation has begun to outpace wage growth for the first time in three years.
Although the stock market has remained relatively stable, business leaders are reportedly urging the White House to de-escalate tensions and secure a swift resolution to the crisis.
One Trump adviser said corporate executives had delivered a blunt message: “They just want the war over… just hurry up.”
Despite the growing concerns, Trump has downplayed the economic impact, insisting that his focus remains on preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.
“I don’t think about Americans’ financial situation. I don’t think about anybody. I think about one thing: We cannot let Iran have a nuclear weapon,” the president said earlier this week.
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News3 days agoTrump Returns from China Visit With No Breakthrough on Iran as Diplomacy Stalls
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