A historic free movement agreement is now active among Barbados, Belize, Dominica, and St Vincent and the Grenadines, allowing citizens to live and work freely within these countries. This initiative, born from decades of discussions within the Caribbean Community (Caricom), expands on the existing Caricom Single Market and Economy program. The agreement aims to curb the ongoing “brain drain” by providing more regional opportunities for skilled professionals, who are often attracted to higher salaries in North America and Europe. While some express concerns about potential strains on social services and increased job competition, others view it as a positive step toward regional integration and an alternative to seeking opportunities elsewhere.
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The Gaza Reconstitution, Economic Acceleration and Transformation Trust (GREAT Trust) is a 38-page proposal inspired by a pledge. The proposal outlines a plan for Gaza’s future, detailing economic and infrastructural development. It is modeled on a concept related to a particular pledge, but specific details are left out. The GREAT Trust’s goal is to foster transformation and acceleration in the Gaza region.
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Africa loses over $580 billion annually to corruption, illicit outflows — AfDB. That’s a staggering amount, isn’t it? To put it in perspective, the numbers the African Development Bank (AfDB) is reporting represent a significant chunk of the continent’s economic output. Some quick calculations suggest that’s potentially one-fifth or even one-sixth of Africa’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) disappearing. This implies that the continent is missing out on crucial resources that could be used for development, infrastructure, and improving the lives of its citizens.
Africa loses over $580 billion annually to corruption, illicit outflows — AfDB. When you consider the context of the GDP, the amount that’s lost seems even more devastating.… Continue reading
In response to ongoing US tariff threats and recent Amazon warehouse closures resulting in significant job losses in Quebec, Montreal has removed Amazon from its list of approved suppliers. Mayor Plante has pledged to prioritize local businesses and explore international alternatives. This decision follows legal action against Amazon by the CSN union and reflects a continued commitment to supporting the local economy. The city is currently reviewing its entire supplier list to identify suitable replacements.
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Syria’s new government appointing Maysaa Sabrine as the first woman to lead its central bank is a significant event, signifying a potential shift in priorities and possibly a learning experience from past mistakes. This appointment not only breaks a significant glass ceiling but also suggests a departure from the de-Ba’athification approach that proved disastrous in Iraq. Avoiding the pitfalls of wholesale purges of individuals with system knowledge is crucial for stability and avoiding internal conspiracies.
This appointment appears merit-based, given Sabrine’s impressive background, including a master’s degree in accounting, CPA certification, and her prior position as deputy governor of the central bank.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood