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Dominica assumes the chair of CARICOM’s Foreign Ministers Council
Published
2 years agoon
CARICOM Secretariat, Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown, Guyana – Tuesday, 28 May 2024: Dominica has assumed the chairmanship of the CARICOM Council for Foreign and Community Relations (COFCOR), receiving the baton from Jamaica at the 27th Meeting of COFCOR in Roseau, Dominica.
Ministers of Foreign Affairs met from 23-24 May over a packed agenda covering bilateral, multilateral, hemispheric, and intra-CARICOM relations; climate change; candidatures; and border issues. Dr. the Hon. Vince Henderson, Dominica’s Foreign Affairs Minister chaired the meeting.
CARICOM Secretary-General, Dr. Carla Barnett, in her remarks during the opening, thanked Jamaica’s Foreign Minister, Senator the Hon. Kamina Johnson Smith for her service to the Community over the past year, in her role as Chair of COFCOR.
Dr. Barnett urged CARICOM Foreign Ministers to continue the work toward actionable outcomes to advance CARICOM’s collective interests.
This is particularly critical as the global context becomes increasingly challenged with threats to multilateralism, disregard for international law, and increased instability in many parts of the world, she said.
“As Small Island and Low-lying Coastal Developing States, we are more vulnerable to these international fluctuations which continue to adversely affect our economies, environments, and societies,” Dr. Barnett stated, adding that this reality becomes critical as the Caribbean approaches another hurricane season.
Against this backdrop the Secretary-General noted, “Climate resilience cannot be realised without affordable resources necessary for infrastructural development. In our bilateral and joint engagements, we must continue, as a collective, to reinforce the urgency of reform of the global financial architecture, as proposed in the Bridgetown Initiative, to facilitate increased access to resources, at costs that we can bear, to address the impact of climate change on our economies and societies.”
She said that the Fourth International Conference on Small Island Developing States, which is underway in Antigua and Barbuda, presents a significant opportunity for CARICOM Member States to engage with international partners, including SIDS outside the Community, to establish a common agenda regarding climate change and financing for development.
Describing CARICOM’s relations with non-traditional partners in the Middle East as “one of great potential,” the Secretary-General said the Community has demonstrated its commitment to diplomacy, and multilateralism.
This is evident in its call for the peaceful resolution of the war on Gaza and the recognition of the State of Palestine by CARICOM Member States, Dr. Barnett said.
“This commitment to diplomacy is integral to the reputation of integrity that CARICOM has established on the international stage. Undoubtedly, this reputation has, in part, propelled significant interest by Third States in the Latin American and Caribbean region, and beyond, to deepen relations with CARICOM Member States, through Associate Membership of the Community,” she noted.
Encouraging the COFCOR to continue its work to provide foreign policy guidance to the Community, the Secretary-General said, “Let us remain cognizant of what we can achieve together to enhance the development of our societies and the quality of life of the people of the Caribbean Community.”
Senator Johnson Smith in her remarks recalled the robust engagements the Council facilitated with international, regional, and bilateral partners.
These engagements included the first in-person meeting since 2016 between the Region and the United Kingdom (UK) in the 11th UK-Caribbean Forum last May. On the sidelines of the Forum, CARICOM and the UK signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on a Consultation Mechanism to facilitate greater cooperation.
The Outgoing Chair also highlighted the strengthening of relations with other partners including Canada, Japan, South Africa, and the United States, as well as regional organisations such as SICA and CELAC.
She said that intra-regionally priority focus was on “the multifaceted situation impacting our fellow CARICOM Member State Haiti.”
“At both the Conference of Heads and COFCOR levels, we continue to support unabated efforts, through the CARICOM Good Offices initiative, towards peace, stability, and development in Haiti,” Senator Johnson Smith told her colleagues, underscoring the need for continued support to CARICOM’s French-speaking Member State.
During his address as the new Chair, Dr. Henderson said the matters before Foreign Ministers reflected the complex realities that the Region must navigate in the global landscape.
“Our collective voice and shared purpose are crucial as COFCOR undertakes its work to provide policy guidance in advancing our shared vision and development goals,” the Foreign Minister stated.
In this regard, he said that CARICOM’s increased engagement with emerging partners including countries in the Middle East, underscores the Community’s enduring commitment to maximising opportunities for development.
This was demonstrated as Foreign Ministers engaged with Qatar’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, H.E. Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi, during the meeting. Dr. Henderson said the engagement reflected COFCOR’s belief in diplomatic cooperation and shared priorities for growth.
“As Foreign Ministers, we must promote an environment that enables increased opportunities for collaboration, cooperation, and strategic partnership,” he said, underscoring the importance of South-South Cooperation.
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Florida
House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, Jim Jordan, Randy Fine Endorse Joe Strada for Congress
Published
2 weeks agoon
July 24, 2026ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN NEWS) — Republican congressional candidate Joe Strada announced endorsements Thursday from House Majority Leader Steve Scalise and U.S. Reps. Jim Jordan of Ohio and Randy Fine of Florida, adding support from prominent conservative leaders to his campaign for Florida’s 11th Congressional District.
Strada, founder of Strada Services, said the endorsements reflect confidence in his business experience and commitment to advancing conservative priorities in Congress.
Conservative Leaders Rally Behind Strada
House Majority Leader Steve Scalise praised Strada’s private-sector leadership and pledged his support for the campaign.
“Joe Strada is a strong conservative Republican who will stand with President Trump to help us deliver on the America First agenda for hardworking families in Central Florida and across the country,” Scalise said. “Joe Strada has my full endorsement because, as a businessman, Joe knows firsthand what it takes to solve problems, create jobs and empower those who are willing to work for their piece of the American Dream.”
U.S. Rep. Jim Jordan highlighted Strada’s workforce development efforts and business record.
“Joe Strada has built the American Dream for countless families in Florida and across this great nation,” Jordan said. “He’s tackled the skilled worker shortage by building his own training program and graduating students directly into the workforce. Now, more than ever, we need leaders like Joe Strada in Congress because he is a problem solver who will stand up for our shared conservative values and with President Trump.”
Florida Congressman Randy Fine also endorsed Strada, citing their shared business backgrounds and longtime friendship.
“Joe Strada doesn’t just talk about the American Dream—he’s helped thousands of Floridians live it,” Fine said. “While Washington created problems, Joe built solutions by creating his own workforce training program and putting graduates directly into good-paying jobs across Central Florida. President Trump needs fighters who know how to get things done, and I want Joe standing with President Trump and me in Congress.”
Business Background
Strada is the founder of Strada Services, which the campaign describes as the nation’s largest privately held, family-owned provider of air conditioning, electrical, plumbing, and security services. His campaign has emphasized his experience as a self-made businessman and employer, arguing that his private-sector leadership prepares him to address workforce and economic challenges in Congress.
Campaign Message
According to the campaign, Strada is running on a conservative platform focused on supporting President Donald Trump’s America First agenda, strengthening workforce development, expanding job opportunities, and promoting pro-business policies.
The endorsements from Scalise, Jordan, and Fine are expected to bolster Strada’s campaign by highlighting support from influential Republican leaders with strong ties to the House Republican Conference and the conservative movement.
Looking Ahead
Florida’s 11th Congressional District is expected to draw significant attention during the 2026 election cycle. As the campaign progresses, endorsements from national and state Republican leaders are likely to remain an important part of candidates’ efforts to build support among primary voters.
Florida
Byron Donalds Courts Latino Voters in Kissimmee as Florida Governor Campaign Expands
Published
2 months agoon
June 8, 2026By
Willie DavidKISSIMMEE, Fla. — U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds continued his campaign for governor by engaging Latino voters during a stop on his “Defending the Florida Dream” tour in Kissimmee, where he shared his vision for Florida’s future and discussed key issues impacting Hispanic communities.
Florida National News was on hand to capture the event as Donalds met with supporters and community leaders while emphasizing economic opportunity, education, public safety, and preserving what he described as the “Florida Dream.”
Latinos for Byron Coalition Launch
The Kissimmee event follows Donalds’ May 2026 launch of the Latinos for Byron Coalition, a statewide effort designed to strengthen support among Hispanic voters ahead of Florida’s Republican gubernatorial primary.
The Trump-endorsed congressman announced the coalition during a rally at Hialeah Park in Miami-Dade County, drawing approximately 300 supporters. Many attendees waved American and Cuban flags as Donalds outlined his vision for Florida and highlighted the growing influence of Latino voters in state politics.
Republican Leaders Show Support
Joining Donalds at the Hialeah event were several Republican elected officials, including Hialeah Mayor Bryan Calvo, the city’s youngest mayor and a lifelong resident. State leaders in attendance included Sen. Bryan Avila and Reps. Juan Porras, David Borrero, and Alex Rizo.
Donalds said Hispanic communities play a vital role in Florida’s economy, culture, and future, and he pledged to continue policies focused on economic growth, educational excellence, and public safety.
Building a Statewide Coalition
The Defending the Florida Dream tour is expected to continue across Florida as Donalds works to build a broad coalition of supporters ahead of the 2026 election cycle. His campaign has placed a particular emphasis on engaging Hispanic voters, who represent one of the fastest-growing and most influential voting blocs in the state.
As the gubernatorial race develops, Latino outreach efforts are expected to play a significant role in shaping the Republican primary and the general election.
Florida National News will continue to follow the Defending the Florida Dream tour and provide updates from campaign stops across the state.
North Florida News
Gov. Ron DeSantis Names Alex Peraza to Miami-Dade Judicial Nominating Commission
Published
5 months agoon
March 13, 2026By
Willie DavidTALLAHASSEE, Fla. (FNN) — Ron DeSantis announced Friday the appointment of Alex Peraza to the Eleventh Judicial Circuit Judicial Nominating Commission, which serves Miami-Dade County.
Peraza, of Coral Gables, is a partner at Diamond Kaplan & Rothstein, P.A., a law firm based in South Florida.
The Judicial Nominating Commission is responsible for reviewing and recommending qualified candidates for judicial appointments within the circuit.
Peraza earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Miami and his juris doctor from the University of Florida. His appointment term will run through July 1, 2027.
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