Caribbean News
Guyana’s Min. Ally distributes sanitation, food supplies to flood-hit victims
#Guyana, October 30, 2019 – Minister of Social Protection, Hon. Amna Ally visited and distributed several of items to residents of flood-affected Region 5 communities – Glaziers Lust, Rebecca Lust and Prospect in High Dam, on Wednesday.
During an interaction with the residents, Minister Ally noted that the government is very concerned with the situation, and as such, has ramped up its efforts to assist the residents.
The minister assured the residents that the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) and other agencies, including the Ministries of Public Infrastructure and Agriculture, will continue to assess the situation and ascertain what further assistance can be provided so their lives can get back to normalcy.
“We will do whatever is necessary to ensure that your lives are returned to normality. Stay put, have faith, and all is going to be well,” she encouraged the residents.
The residents, most of whom are farmers, were pleased with the support provided by the administration during this critical time.
Mohammed Balgobin, a young rice farmer of Glaziers Lust, explained that the sea defence in his area was breached due to the force of the water during the spring tide. After reaching out to the Ministry of Agriculture, two excavators were immediately deployed to conduct emergency works.
“What happened is that they started to build the dam before the high tide, but because of the rushing of the water the works could not be completed and of course you know there are other areas who need this assistance also,” Balgobin explained.
He is also appreciative from the regional administration, the CDC and the Social Protection Ministry for the sanitation supplies and food items which were much-needed.
“Thanks to the ministry for this help, we appreciate it. We also welcome the government in this area and are thankful for all the support,” said Annette Balgobin, also of Glaziers Lust.
She is optimistic the administration will continue to provide aid to the residents, especially the farmers.
Kesh, a welder of Rebecca Lust, said that even though he took all the necessary precautions, he was not prepared for this magnitude of water. Nevertheless, he noted that the issue is one of natural disaster and is, therefore, grateful for the continued support the community has been receiving.
Since the last period of spring tide that ended October 2, the Public Infrastructure Ministry has spearheaded emergency works to arrest the breaches in the Dantzig to Fairfield area.
Additionally, through multiple ministries and agencies, the government has issued advisories and warning to residents along the coastal belt of Regions 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6. The Civil Defence Commission (CDC) has distributed sandbags before the forecasted spring tide. It has also been assessing the affected communities and distributing necessary assistance, to flood-affected communities, while continuing to monitor the situation at hand.
SOURCE: GUYANA DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC INFORMATION, Story by Synieka Thorne
Montego Bay(JIS) – Mayor of Montego Bay, Councillor Richard Vernon, says the city stands to benefit significantly from hosting the 49th Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), slated for July 6 to 8 at the Montego Bay Convention Centre in St. James.
The meeting will bring together regional leaders to engage in high-level policy discussions on a range of issues, including regional security, climate change and trade.
In an interview with JIS News, Mayor Vernon said Montego Bay’s selection as host city, solidifies its position as a leading Caribbean destination for events of this magnitude.
“It places [Montego Bay] not only as a strategic location, but a viable option across the Caribbean for events of this nature. We are indeed setting ourselves apart as that place to host high-level regional discussions,” he said.
Highlighting the city’s track record, Mayor Vernon noted that Montego Bay has hosted several CARICOM events in the past, including the
landmark 2003 meeting where the Rose Hall Declaration on Regional Governance and Integrated Development was adopted.
“[It] tells a story. It positions us as a key meeting place for important regional policy discussions,” the Mayor said. He added that the upcoming conference is expected to tackle critical matters such as transportation, telecommunications, digitalization of the tourism industry, regional security, climate financing, food and nutrition security, external trade negotiations, and Haiti.
“Montego Bay is positioned to facilitate these discussions within its space, and that is also key for Jamaica as we look to expand in these areas,” Councillor Vernon outlined.
The Mayor also underscored the importance of regional integration.
“We hope that these discussions will deepen the integration process, because we can indeed benefit from regionalism, especially in light of what is happening globally,” he stated.
Referencing his earlier proposal for a regional disaster response hub, Councillor Vernon said the discussions around climate change and public safety could further promote coordinated approaches among CARICOM member states.
He also expressed confidence in the city’s readiness to host the event.
“We are putting all the necessary things in place to ensure that we not only have a safe event, but a great experience for our visitors,” he assured.
Mayor Vernon also took the opportunity to congratulate Prime Minister Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, who will assume chairmanship of CARICOM on July 1.
The CARICOM conference will be held under the theme ‘People, Partnerships, Prosperity: Promoting a Secure and Sustainable Future’.
CONTACT: SERENA GRANT
JIS MONTEGO BAY
PRESS RELEASE
FROM THE INTEGRITY COMMISSION
BEGINS
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Thursday, 2 July 2025: The 11th Annual Conference of the Commonwealth
Caribbean Association of Integrity Commissions and Anti-Corruption Bodies (CCAICACB), concluded Friday 6th June at The Landings Resort & Spa, after rallying attendees under the theme “Recommitting to Fighting Corruption Effectively and Sustainably in the Caribbean.” Over five impactful days, delegates tackled corruption’s entrenched challenges with renewed commitment to unity, innovation, and leadership.
Artificial Intelligence An impactful demonstration was provided by His Excellency, Professor Luis Franceschi Assistant Secretary General of the Commonwealth, on the benefits and drawbacks of the use of Artificial Intelligence. Anti-Corruption Bodies were encouraged to start getting familiar with the technology to better understand how it can be leveraged in the fight against corruption.
Country Updates Reflect Shared Progress and Challenges
Reports from member organisations highlighted major strides in public education, asset declaration, and investigative framework. Yet, countries also reported ongoing constraints, including human resource limitations, political resistance, and inadequate statutory framework.
SWOT & Synergy: Regional Blueprint for Collective Action
Dr. Roger Koranteng of the Commonwealth Secretariat led a comprehensive SWOT analysis session, providing a candid assessment of operational realities. He concluded with strong calls for enhanced synergy among member bodies and for adopting a unified voice in policy advocacy, resource mobilisation, and legal reform. The Ghanaian experience offers a valuable comparative model.
Leadership: Courage, Vision & Transformation Needed
With corruption becoming more normalised globally, presenters—including leaders from the Turks and Caicos Islands, St. Lucia, St.
Maarten, and Trinidad and Tobago—challenged the attending institutions to embrace transformational leadership. Recommendations included institutional resilience training, succession planning, and performance benchmarking.
United Front: Call to the Wider Caribbean and Beyond
The conference recognised the benefits of extending the membership of the Association beyond the original constituents of English-Speaking Commonwealth Caribbean Countries and signified its willingness to accept and encourage membership of Integrity Commissions and anti-corruption bodies of the wider Caribbean countries. “Corruption knows no language barriers—our fight must be collective,” stated Lady Anande Trotman-Joseph, Chairperson of the CCAICACB.
Digital Transformation: VLEX Software Considered
The conference marked a major step forward with the agreement to further investigate the benefits of the VLEX Legal Database-driven AI system, designed to strengthen legal research, asset recovery, and case management initiatives. The Commonwealth Secretariat, CARICOM IMPACS, and UNODC, received the presentation well, however the rest of the association would communicate their interest to the Turks and Caicos Islands Commission, which was taking the lead in investigating the possibilities.
Key Recommendations Going Forward to consider:
- Region-wide adoption of technology integration
- Legislative reforms to streamline access to declarant information
- Youth-centred anti-corruption education campaigns
- Institutional collaboration and peer reviews across commissions
- To explore extending invitations of membership to CCAICACB to other Caribbean countries
- An introduction to the idea of an International Corruption Court
The conference closed with a stirring call to recommit—not just in words, but in action—to building a future rooted in transparency, justice, and ethical leadership across the Commonwealth Caribbean and beyond.
Media Contact: TCI Integrity Commission Email: info@integritycommission.tc Website: www.integritycommission.tc
PHOTO CAPTIONS:
Header: TCI Integrity Commission Team (left to right)- Jovan Flemming (IT Specialist Security Manager),Tanya Lobban Jackson (Chair), Wendal Swann (Commissioner) and Imterniza McCartney (Public Education Officer).
1st insert: Imterniza McCartney (Public Education Officer)
2nd insert: Justice Tanya Lobban Jackson – Chair
3rd insert: (left to right): Justice Tanya Lobban Jackson (Chair), Lady Anande Trotman-Joseph(Chair CCAICACB) and Charna Pompier (Director Integrity Commission, St. Maarten).
-
News1 week agoOfficial Statement on the Passing of Alleveia Lelieth Butterfield
-
Health1 week agoSetting a New Standard for Caribbean Wellness Retreats
-
News1 week agoInvestigation Launched into Missing American Tourist on Providenciales
-
Health6 days agoMinistry Clarifies: No Suspension of Overtime in The Emergency Medical Services Department
-
Government1 week agoArmed Forces Day 2025: Turks and Caicos Celebrates Its Regiment as Governor Highlights Security Role
-
News4 days agoSearch for Missing American Tourist Intensifies in Turks and Caicos
-
Bahamas News1 week agoShare A Coke Returns to The Bahamas with a New Design and Exciting Winnings for Summer
-
Caribbean News5 days agoPresident Ali signs proclamation dissolving parliament