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  • Farmer Charged with Batun’s Murder

    Farmer Charged with Batun’s Murder

    A tragic incident in the Orange Walk District has resulted in murder charges against a local farmer following a fatal shooting at a village establishment. Rodel Jesus Cruz, a 45-year-old Belizean agricultural worker from Guinea Grass Village, was formally arrested and charged in connection with the death of 18-year-old Noe Batun.

    The sequence of events began with an altercation inside a local bar where Batun was present. According to police investigators, the dispute involved Cruz and another individual, leading to security personnel escorting the suspect from the property. However, in a troubling escalation, Cruz allegedly returned shortly afterward accompanied by another person and discharged a firearm into the establishment.

    The shooting resulted in Batun sustaining multiple gunshot wounds. Emergency medical services initially transported the victim to Northern Regional Hospital for stabilization before transferring him to the better-equipped Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital for specialized trauma care. Despite exhaustive medical intervention efforts, Batun ultimately succumbed to his injuries.

    Law enforcement officials moved swiftly in their investigation, leading to Cruz’s formal arrest and murder charges. The case has drawn significant attention within the community, with local residents expressing concern over the violent nature of the incident. The judicial process will now determine the full circumstances and accountability surrounding this fatal shooting that has deeply affected the small village community.

  • Mann sets national record, earns historic Champs sprint medal

    Mann sets national record, earns historic Champs sprint medal

    In a stunning display of athletic prowess, 16-year-old Ricardo Mann of Saint Lucia delivered a record-shattering performance at the ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys and Girls’ Athletics Championships in Kingston, Jamaica. Despite previous disappointment over missing national team selection for the CARIFTA Games, Mann achieved a remarkable personal best of 10.44 seconds in the Under-20 boys’ 100m final on March 25, earning a bronze medal and establishing a new national junior record.

    The Vere Technical High School sprinter, representing coach Elton Coombs, demonstrated exceptional progress throughout the championship event. After clocking 10.57 seconds in preliminary heats with a 0.4m/s wind, Mann improved to 10.49 seconds in semifinals with a 3.1 m/s tailwind before achieving his record-breaking 10.44 seconds in the final with a legal wind of 0.6 m/s.

    Mann finished behind gold medalist Kai Kelly of Jamaica College (10.28 seconds) and silver medalist Joshua Ricketts of Calabar (10.42 seconds), though he recorded the fastest reaction time among all three medal winners. His achievement broke Nick Joseph’s 2017 national junior record of 10.54 seconds and marked Saint Lucia’s first male sprint medal at the championships since Julien Alfred’s 200m bronze in 2018.

    Reflecting on his performance, Mann stated: ‘I have a lot more left in the tank. I didn’t get the opportunity to show what I was capable of last year, so I am grateful to run this in my second time running 100 this season.’ The young athlete expressed confidence in his potential, suggesting he could achieve times of 10.2 or 10.3 seconds with improved start technique and finishing form.

    Despite this breakthrough achievement, Mann will not compete at the upcoming regional junior athletics festival due to missing qualification deadlines. The sprinter faced challenges last season when a recurring hamstring injury prevented him from completing his semifinal run after advancing with 10.74 seconds in preliminary heats.

    According to World Athletics data, only eight Saint Lucian men have achieved times of 10.3 seconds or faster under any conditions. Mann’s legally-winded performance establishes a new benchmark for Saint Lucian sprinting and signals the emergence of a promising athletic talent.

  • Public Accounts Committee moves to trigger NLA probe

    Public Accounts Committee moves to trigger NLA probe

    Grenada’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has taken decisive steps toward launching a formal investigation into the National Lotteries Authority (NLA) following mounting concerns over governance irregularities and alleged corruption within the state-owned entity.

    Opposition Leader Emmalin Pierre, who chairs the parliamentary committee, announced during a Tuesday session of the Lower House that the PAC intends to engage the Accountant General’s office to conduct a comprehensive probe into NLA’s operations. The findings will be compiled into an official report for parliamentary scrutiny.

    This development marks a significant escalation from political discourse to formal oversight action. The PAC, which holds constitutional authority to examine public expenditure and state entity operations, has already begun reviewing official documents and consulting with senior public officials as part of its preliminary work.

    The move follows serious allegations raised by former minister Johnathan La Crette, who previously held ministerial responsibility for the NLA. La Crette had publicly questioned oversight mechanisms within the organization and pointed to potential corruption, claiming he had formally communicated these concerns to the NLA’s board leadership prior to his July 2024 dismissal from Cabinet by Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell.

    The NLA represents a critical revenue stream for Grenada, financing numerous national development projects. Consequently, any verified deficiencies in its governance or financial management would carry substantial implications for public trust and institutional accountability.

    If the investigation proceeds as planned, it could bring longstanding concerns into sharper focus and potentially test the effectiveness of Grenada’s public accountability frameworks. The probe represents a crucial examination of transparency mechanisms within the country’s most significant statutory bodies.

  • PS5 Consoles To Be Used As Reward System in Child Care Facilities

    PS5 Consoles To Be Used As Reward System in Child Care Facilities

    In a pioneering approach to child behavioral management, Belize’s Ministry of Human Development, Family Support and Gender Affairs has launched a groundbreaking Rewards Gaming Programme across three government-operated childcare facilities. The initiative, backed by a substantial $15,000 equipment donation facilitated through partnership with Top Gadgets, introduces PlayStation 5 consoles as incentives for positive development among institutionalized youth.

    The program will be implemented at Coral Grove Residential Care Facility, Mile 14 Residential Care Facility, and Dorothy Menzies Child Care Centre, targeting children and adolescents within the care system. Unlike conventional gaming setups, these PS5 consoles will be integrated into a carefully structured behavioral modification system rather than serving as recreational entertainment.

    According to officials from the Department of Human Services, the gaming equipment will function as motivational tools to encourage constructive behaviors, active participation in daily responsibilities, and enhanced academic engagement. The strategic implementation includes four state-of-the-art PlayStation 5 consoles accompanied by four 50-inch televisions, multiple game titles, eighteen controllers, and nine charging stations to ensure sustained operation.

    Supervisors emphasize that the program incorporates monitored gaming sessions that potentially offer therapeutic benefits including stress alleviation, improved social interaction capabilities, and cognitive skill development when administered under proper guidance. A ministry representative highlighted that the initiative acknowledges the necessity of contemporary recreational outlets that simultaneously motivate young residents while reinforcing positive behavioral patterns and personal growth.
    This innovative blend of technology and behavioral psychology represents a significant advancement in child welfare methodologies, potentially establishing new standards for residential care programs globally.

  • Rotary Club of Grenada hosts inclusive movie day

    Rotary Club of Grenada hosts inclusive movie day

    In a demonstration of community solidarity and inclusive values, the Rotary Club of Grenada organized a specially curated Movie Day for students from the Grenada School for Special Education on March 19th. The event, held at Movie Palace cinema at 10 AM, served as both a term-ending celebration and a meaningful observance of World Down Syndrome Day (March 21st).

    Students experienced a morning of cinematic enjoyment with a featured animated film presentation in a fully accessible environment. The outing provided valuable social engagement opportunities beyond the traditional classroom setting, fostering an atmosphere of excitement and shared community participation.

    This initiative embodies Rotary International’s core philosophy of ‘Service Above Self’ and reflects the organization’s sustained commitment to creating inclusive spaces where all individuals receive recognition and support. By facilitating social experiences for students with diverse abilities, the club actively promotes dignity, equality, and community belonging.

    The event was realized through the generous sponsorship of Movie Palace, which provided complimentary film access along with refreshments including popcorn and beverages for all attendees. This collaborative partnership highlights how community organizations and businesses can jointly create positive social impact.

    World Down Syndrome Day represents a global awareness campaign advocating for the rights, inclusion, and wellbeing of individuals with Down Syndrome. This genetic condition, resulting from an additional copy of chromosome 21, presents both unique challenges and strengths. Community initiatives like the Movie Day event serve to celebrate abilities while promoting broader societal understanding and acceptance.

    The Rotary Club of Grenada maintains an ongoing collaborative relationship with the Grenada School for Special Education, consistently developing programs that empower and inspire students with diverse needs. Through such compassionate outreach, the organization continues strengthening community bonds and fostering environments where every member feels valued and included.

  • No guns turned in during amnesty, police issue warning

    No guns turned in during amnesty, police issue warning

    The Royal Saint Lucia Police Force has declared a significant shift in its crime-fighting strategy following the complete failure of its recent firearm amnesty initiative. Assistant Commissioner Luke Defreitas, overseeing the Central Division, confirmed that not a single weapon was surrendered during the seven-day program conducted in late January.

    Rather than viewing the empty collection bins as a failure, law enforcement officials are interpreting the results as critical intelligence about criminal behavior. “The amnesty served as a diagnostic instrument for our community,” Defreitas explained. “The absence of surrendered firearms reveals crucial insights: criminal elements demonstrate greater commitment to remaining armed than fear of prosecution, and the illegal weapons market operates with tighter control than previously estimated.”

    The amnesty period represented what authorities termed a “final clear crossroad” toward legal compliance, which the criminal element consciously rejected. This response has prompted the police force to abandon persuasive measures in favor of aggressive enforcement. Defreitas issued an unequivocal warning: “Those who chose to retain illegal firearms did so with full awareness of their path. You have made your decision. Now the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force will make ours.”

    Current statistics underscore the urgency of the situation, with 16 illegal weapons seized so far this year—10 of these confiscated following the amnesty period. The connection between firearms and violent crime appears particularly strong, with 60% of the island’s 18 homicides involving guns, of which nine cases have been resolved.

    The police commitment to this new approach appears absolute. Defreitas concluded with a stark ultimatum to those possessing illegal weapons: “Relinquish them immediately or prepare to confront the state’s full, unyielding force. The time for requests has ended; the era of action has commenced.”

  • Two teenagers killed in suspected drive-by shooting in Villa

    Two teenagers killed in suspected drive-by shooting in Villa

    ST. JOHN’S, Antigua — A tranquil evening in the Villa community turned tragic on Thursday when a suspected drive-by shooting claimed the lives of two teenagers, sending shockwaves through the neighborhood and raising concerns about youth violence.

    The victims, identified by local sources as Omari Lewis and Brianna Clark, were described as being in a romantic relationship. Both succumbed to severe injuries sustained during the armed assault, cutting short their promising lives in a moment of senseless violence.

    Law enforcement officials and Emergency Medical Services personnel swiftly descended upon the scene as the gravity of the situation unfolded. Forensic teams methodically processed evidence while first responders managed the tragic aftermath of the lethal incident.

    The shooting triggered an outpouring of community grief, with distraught residents gathering near the crime scene. Eyewitnesses displayed visible anguish as news of the double homicide circulated through the tight-knit community, highlighting the profound impact on this Caribbean nation.

    Antiguan authorities maintain an official stance of caution, noting that investigations remain actively ongoing. Police representatives have declined to confirm specific details regarding the shooting’s circumstances or potential motives, emphasizing the preliminary nature of their inquiry into this devastating event that has left families shattered and a community searching for answers.

  • Imports and Exports Both Fell in February, SIB Reports

    Imports and Exports Both Fell in February, SIB Reports

    The Statistical Institute of Belize (SIB) has reported a concerning contraction in the nation’s trade performance for February 2026, with both import and export sectors experiencing notable declines compared to the same period last year.

    Merchandise imports registered at $214.6 million, reflecting a 1.7% decrease equivalent to $3.8 million from February 2025. This overall reduction was primarily driven by substantial cuts in the ‘Food and Live Animals’ category, which plummeted by $11.4 million due to reduced procurement of orange concentrate and various food products. Additional contributing factors included a $5.1 million downturn in Commercial Free Zone activity, predominantly caused by diminished cigarette shipments, alongside modest declines in crude materials and chemical product imports.

    These reductions were partially mitigated by increased expenditure in several sectors. Manufactured goods imports expanded by $5.3 million, fueled by heightened demand for steel rods, roofing materials, and cement. The machinery and transport equipment category similarly grew by $5.3 million, largely attributable to increased imports of electrical transformers. Furthermore, mineral fuels and lubricants saw a $4.2 million surge as Belize augmented its imports of diesel, kerosene, bunker fuel, and premium gasoline.

    Domestic exports demonstrated more severe contraction, falling 12.9% to $20.5 million—a $3 million decrease from the $23.5 million recorded in February 2025. The sugar industry experienced particularly dramatic decline, with export values dropping more than 50% from $4.4 million to $2.1 million due to reduced volumes and unfavorable pricing. Citrus products, molasses, bananas, crude soybean oil, and pineapple concentrate likewise posted diminished performance.

    Despite these challenges, several export categories showed resilience. Marine products surged impressively from $2.7 million to $4.4 million, propelled by increased lobster and shrimp exports. Red kidney beans and animal feed also recorded substantial gains during the reporting period.

    Cumulative data for January-February 2026 reveals a 5.3% increase in total imports to $485.7 million, largely driven by machinery, fuel, and beverage imports. Conversely, domestic exports for the two-month period experienced a 2% decline to $40 million, as losses in sugar and citrus sectors outweighed gains in marine products and bananas.

  • T&T Threatens to Slash CARICOM Funding After Belizean Sec. Gen. Reappointed

    T&T Threatens to Slash CARICOM Funding After Belizean Sec. Gen. Reappointed

    The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) faces significant internal discord following the confirmation of Dr. Carla Barnett for a second term as Secretary-General. The decision, ratified during the Fiftieth Regular Meeting of CARICOM Heads of Government chaired by St. Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew, has prompted a vehement response from Trinidad and Tobago’s leadership.

    Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has declared strong opposition to Barnett’s reappointment, scheduled to commence in August 2026. In a striking rebuke of the regional organization, Persad-Bissessar characterized CARICOM as fundamentally inefficient, asserting that the bloc ‘has been failing for 52 years’ without substantive structural reforms.

    The Trinidadian leader issued a direct financial ultimatum, stating her nation would not maintain its current funding levels. According to data provided to the Daily Express, Trinidad and Tobago contributes approximately 22% of CARICOM’s operational budget, translating to an estimated annual investment between US$4 million and US$5 million as one of the organization’s principal financial backers.

    This development signals deepening fractures within the Caribbean political alliance, with Trinidad and Tobago’s threatened withdrawal of financial support potentially jeopardizing CARICOM’s operational stability and regional cooperation initiatives.

  • Dominica Athletics Association announces partnership with Adidas as official uniform sponsor

    Dominica Athletics Association announces partnership with Adidas as official uniform sponsor

    In a landmark development for Caribbean sports, the Dominica Athletics Association (DAA) has secured a strategic sponsorship agreement with global sportswear giant Adidas, designating the brand as its official uniform provider. This partnership represents a crucial advancement in the DAA’s ongoing mission to elevate the profile and competitive standing of Dominican track and field on the international stage.

    Adidas, renowned for its cutting-edge performance apparel and longstanding support of world-class athletes, will equip Dominican competitors with specially designed uniforms engineered for elite-level competition. The collaboration extends beyond mere equipment provision, forming an integral component of the DAA’s comprehensive strategy to enhance athletic development and increase visibility in regional and global tournaments.

    DAA President Brendan Williams characterized the agreement as a transformative milestone for the organization. “This partnership with Adidas signals a new era for Dominican athletics,” Williams stated. “Aligning with a brand of such global prestige demonstrates our strategic direction and commitment to excellence. This transcends uniforms—it encompasses identity, confidence, and the powerful statement our athletes make when they represent Dominica on the world stage.”

    The new Adidas uniforms will establish a cohesive visual identity that blends the international prestige of the Adidas brand with symbolic elements representing Dominican resilience and national pride. The Association emphasized that this partnership will significantly enhance their capacity to support and motivate athletes during international competitions while simultaneously inspiring emerging talents across the nation.

    Dominican athletes are scheduled to debut the new performance wear in upcoming competitions, embodying what the DAA describes as the perfect fusion of global brand excellence and national sporting spirit. The Association expressed profound appreciation for Adidas’s demonstrated confidence in Dominican athletics and anticipates the partnership will strengthen national pride among supporters and participants alike.