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Holness Urges Unity as CARICOM Navigates Shifting Global Order

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Holness Urges Unity as CARICOM Navigates Shifting Global Order

 

Outgoing Chairman of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and Prime Minister of Jamaica, Dr Andrew Holness, has called on Caribbean nations to remain united, disciplined and strategic as the region confronts an increasingly complex and volatile global environment.

 

In his end-of-year message marking the conclusion of Jamaica’s chairmanship of CARICOM for the second half of 2025, Holness said rising geopolitical crises and external pressures on economies, security and diplomacy demand collective clarity and cohesion from the region.

 

According to him, CARICOM’s response to global challenges must continue to be anchored on shared principles, including respect for sovereignty, adherence to international law, peaceful engagement and dialogue-driven conflict resolution.

 

“CARICOM’s credibility has always rested on its ability to manage differences through diplomacy rather than division, and through cooperation rather than confrontation,” Holness said, stressing that such commitments are vital to safeguarding peace, development and independence across member states.

 

Reflecting on Jamaica’s tenure as chair, the prime minister described it as an honour, expressing gratitude for the unity and shared purpose that guided the Community’s work throughout the year.

 

He noted that the spirit of regional solidarity was particularly evident in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, which caused widespread devastation across several Caribbean countries.

 

Holness said the regional and international support that followed the disaster underscored a defining truth of CARICOM: that member states are bound together as a family and do not stand alone in moments of crisis.

 

On regional integration, he said CARICOM recorded notable progress in 2025, especially with the historic decision by Barbados, Belize, Dominica, and St Vincent and the Grenadines to implement full free movement of persons among themselves from October 1, 2025.

 

He described the move as a “concentric circles” approach that allows willing states to deepen integration while leaving room for others to join when ready.

 

The Jamaican leader also outlined coordinated advocacy efforts that helped protect CARICOM’s interests amid shifting global trade conditions, with support from the CARICOM Private Sector Organisation and strategic partners.

 

Expanded airlift within and beyond the region, he added, strengthened trade ties and supported food and nutrition security initiatives.

 

On the global stage, Holness said CARICOM continued to speak with one voice through joint statements and participation in major international forums, including the United Nations General Assembly, the G20 Leaders’ Summit and the CELAC–EU Summit.

 

He said this unified approach enhanced foreign policy coordination and improved the region’s capacity for proactive crisis response.

 

Addressing security concerns, Holness referenced the Montego Bay Declaration on Transnational Organised Crime and Gangs, adopted in July, noting that CARICOM remains committed to tackling emerging threats through multiple mechanisms while recognising the inseparable link between security and development.

 

On climate change, he said outcomes from COP30 in Belém fell short of the urgency faced by small island and low-lying coastal states, despite renewed commitments to multilateralism.

 

He reaffirmed CARICOM’s commitment to the 1.5°C temperature goal and commended regional institutions, including the Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre, CDEMA, CARPHA and the Caribbean Development Bank, for strengthening resilience and preparedness.

 

Holness also pointed to deeper engagement with Africa during the year, particularly through the Second Africa–CARICOM Summit in Addis Ababa, which advanced cooperation on trade, investment, culture and global advocacy, including reparations.

 

On Haiti, he said sustained CARICOM advocacy helped keep the crisis on the international agenda, contributing to a UN Security Council resolution establishing a Gang Suppression Force.

 

He expressed optimism about preparations for free and fair elections in 2026.

 

As he handed over the chairmanship, Holness said he remained confident in the strength and future of CARICOM, urging continued dialogue, mutual respect and fidelity to the principles underpinning regional cooperation.

 

He wished citizens of the Caribbean a safe holiday season and a peaceful, prosperous 2026.

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Diaspora Watch Vol. 93

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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.

Diaspora Watch FREE Digital View: https://diasporawatch.com/3d-flip-book/diaspora-watch-vol-93/

On Demand Print: https://www.magcloud.com/browse/issue/3330782?__r=1069759

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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.

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CARICOM Declares Bahamas Poll Credible, Peaceful

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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

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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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