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  • Mine Collapses And  Kills Over 200 in DR Congo

    Mine Collapses And  Kills Over 200 in DR Congo

    A devastating mining disaster has struck the Democratic Republic of Congo, resulting in one of the deadliest industrial accidents in recent African history. Official sources from North Kivu province confirm that over 200 individuals perished when an artisanal mine catastrophically collapsed near the town of Rubaya on Wednesday.

    The tragedy unfolded following exceptionally heavy rainfall that destabilized the geological structure of the mining site, causing massive ground subsidence. Lumumba Kambere Muyisa, spokesperson for the regional administration, indicated that rescue operations remain ongoing with the final death toll still being determined. Among the victims were significant numbers of women and children who had been working within the mine’s precarious tunnels.

    According to testimony from a former site supervisor interviewed by the BBC, the mine had suffered from critical maintenance deficiencies that both increased collapse risks and hampered emergency response efforts. The geological fragility of the soil composition further exacerbated the hazardous conditions.

    Congolese government authorities have placed responsibility for the disaster squarely on rebel factions controlling the territory, accusing armed groups of permitting extensive illegal mining operations without implementing basic safety protocols. Although the government had officially banned mining activities in Rubaya last year, the area remained under militant control where regulations were systematically ignored.

    Approximately twenty survivors have been transported to medical facilities for emergency treatment. The Rubaya region, currently occupied by the M23 rebel organization, holds strategic importance due to its mineral wealth. UN reports indicate the area contains approximately 15% of global coltan reserves—a vital mineral used in electronics manufacturing—making it a persistent flashpoint in the region’s ongoing conflict. Rwanda has repeatedly denied allegations of supporting the M23 group despite international accusations.

  • Families Sue San Pedro Resort Over US Tourists’ Deaths

    Families Sue San Pedro Resort Over US Tourists’ Deaths

    The families of three Massachusetts women who died from carbon monoxide poisoning at a Belizean resort have initiated federal legal proceedings against Royal Kahal Beach Resort in San Pedro. The wrongful death lawsuit was formally announced during a press conference held in Massachusetts on February 3, 2026.

    Wafae El Arar, Imane Mallah, and Kaoutar Naqqad were discovered unresponsive in their vacation suite on February 22 after remaining unseen for approximately 48 hours. Initial investigations by Belizean authorities incorrectly suggested drug overdose as the cause of death, citing froth around the victims’ mouths and the presence of alcohol and edible cannabis products within the accommodation.

    Belizean officials initially reported that two separate carbon monoxide tests had yielded negative results. These preliminary findings were subsequently contradicted by comprehensive toxicology analyses conducted by United States medical authorities, which definitively identified carbon monoxide poisoning as the exclusive cause of death.

    The litigation targets multiple entities including the resort’s development companies, construction contractors, and online travel marketplace Expedia. Attorney Tom Scolaro, representing the grieving families, asserted that the tragedy resulted from deliberate corporate decisions that prioritized financial gain over guest safety.

    Scolaro indicated that defendants would likely attempt to transfer jurisdiction to Belizean courts, where wrongful death compensation is severely restricted to economic losses determined by judicial assessment rather than jury deliberation. The families emphasize their pursuit of accountability and systemic change rather than financial compensation, stating their primary objective is preventing similar preventable tragedies through heightened safety standards in the hospitality industry.

  • 14 Toledo Communities to Get Major Water Upgrade

    14 Toledo Communities to Get Major Water Upgrade

    In a significant development for rural Belize, the Ministry of Rural Transformation in partnership with UNICEF has executed a major infrastructure enhancement initiative targeting water systems in the Toledo District. The collaborative effort culminated in the formal handover of critical water system components at the Machaca Forest Station on January 31.

    The delivered equipment, comprising extensive piping networks, precision water meters, and a heavy-duty generator, represents a strategic investment in sustainable water infrastructure. This comprehensive package is specifically designed to expand and reinforce potable water networks across fourteen communities, including Yemeri Grove, San Vicente, and Blue Creek.

    Government authorities emphasized that this initiative directly addresses the geographical disparities that have historically limited water access in southern Belize. The project aims to bridge the service gap between urban and rural regions by providing local water boards with both the technical infrastructure and administrative tools necessary for effective water management.

    Officials characterized the delivery as more than mere equipment distribution, describing it as a crucial component of the government’s broader commitment to ensuring geographical location does not determine quality of life for Belizean citizens. The enhanced water systems are expected to significantly improve public health outcomes and economic prospects in the recipient communities through reliable access to clean water.

  • Grenada Development Bank Vacancy: Loans Officer

    Grenada Development Bank Vacancy: Loans Officer

    The Grenada Development Bank (GDB) has announced a career opportunity for the position of Loans Officer, marking a strategic move to strengthen its financial services team. This recruitment initiative aims to identify a qualified professional who will play a pivotal role in advancing the bank’s mission of economic development through responsible lending practices.

    The successful candidate will assume comprehensive responsibilities including the identification and evaluation of viable projects for financing, maintaining current knowledge of the bank’s diverse financial products, and providing expert guidance to clients regarding available credit options. The position requires conducting detailed applicant interviews, performing thorough financial analyses, and completing meticulous loan documentation processes.

    Beyond initial loan processing, the officer will be tasked with continuous monitoring of loan performance, ensuring timely repayments, and conducting security appraisals. The role demands exceptional analytical capabilities coupled with strong interpersonal skills to effectively interface with clients and stakeholders.

    Applicants must possess a first-degree or tertiary qualification in Accounting, Business, or related disciplines, with consideration given to candidates demonstrating equivalent professional experience. Essential technical competencies include proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and loan management systems, supplemented by a valid driver’s license for field operations.

    The bank emphasizes the importance of personal integrity, seeking individuals who demonstrate the highest ethical standards, discretion, and meticulous attention to detail. The ideal candidate will be people-oriented, confident in their abilities, and capable of functioning effectively within a collaborative team environment.

    Interested professionals are invited to submit a comprehensive application package including a detailed curriculum vitae and a cover letter articulating their suitability for the role. Submissions must be directed to the Human Resource Manager at the bank’s Melville Street headquarters in St. George’s, either physically or via email at [email protected]. The application window closes on February 18, 2026.

  • SSB: “Not in a Position to Comment at This Time”

    SSB: “Not in a Position to Comment at This Time”

    BELIZE CITY – February 3, 2026 – Growing tensions surrounding the proposed acquisition of telecommunications provider Speednet (SMART) by Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL) have sparked planned demonstrations by major labor and political organizations. Both the National Trade Union Congress of Belize (NTUCB) and the United Democratic Party (UDP) are coordinating protests outside the Social Security Board (SSB) headquarters this Wednesday, citing grave concerns over the transaction’s implications for worker contributions.

    The controversy centers on SSB’s substantial 34.2% shareholder stake in BTL, which labor representatives argue creates a fiduciary responsibility to protect pension funds. The NTUCB has characterized the board’s silence as ‘acutely concerning’ and indicative of ‘an obvious disregard for the will and sentiments of workers and their contributions to the Fund’ in their latest official communication.

    Union leadership has demanded that SSB adopt a ‘public and principled stand’ opposing the acquisition until comprehensive due diligence is finalized and contributor concerns are adequately addressed. The organization specifically warned against allowing ‘corporate or political agendas’ to influence decisions affecting national social security assets.

    When contacted by media representatives, SSB officials maintained their position of non-engagement, stating only that the board ‘has not concluded its due diligence process on the proposed investment and is not in a position to comment at this time.’ This response has further fueled criticisms that the institution is avoiding public accountability regarding the potentially transformative telecommunications merger.

  • Government launches national insurance dialogue

    Government launches national insurance dialogue

    Saint Lucia has initiated a critical National Insurance Dialogue to address mounting structural challenges within its insurance sector that threaten both economic stability and household security. The comprehensive national consultation comes in response to escalating insurance premiums, diminishing coverage availability, and growing exposure to climate-related vulnerabilities.

    Joseph Dolor, Chairman of the Life and Health Subcommittee, delivered a stark assessment during the dialogue’s launch at Hewanorra House in Castries, emphasizing that the island’s insurance market faces fundamental structural pressures. “Saint Lucia’s insurance market is under structural pressure,” Dolor stated unequivocally, warning that without coordinated intervention, coverage would continue to shrink while premiums would maintain their upward trajectory.

    The crisis stems from multiple converging factors, including global reinsurance market pressures where catastrophic risk repricing has driven rate increases of 15-30%. These international cost pressures directly impact small, high-exposure territories like Saint Lucia, with reinsurers reducing capacity and imposing stricter underwriting terms. Additionally, the island’s concentrated exposure to natural hazards—including hurricanes, landslides, and climate volatility—makes the market inherently more expensive to insure from a risk pricing perspective.

    Motor insurance has emerged as another significant driver of premium increases, with both frequency and severity of claims showing concerning upward trends. Dolor explained that motor insurance premiums are fundamentally driven by claimed outcomes, requiring adjustments to maintain insurer solvency and claims-paying ability.

    The system faces additional pressures from inflation, volatile rebuilding costs, high deductibles, prolonged settlement periods, and the five percent insurance premium tax—particularly burdensome for low and middle-income households. These are not temporary market fluctuations but represent structural realities that demand comprehensive solutions.

    Alarmingly, approximately 80% of residential properties on the island lack property insurance coverage, reflecting critically low insurance penetration. This low uptake stems not only from affordability constraints but also from mistrust, misunderstanding of insurance products, and limited financial education.

    The economic implications are profound, as Dolor emphasized that “insurance is economic infrastructure.” In an uninsured economy, recovery slows, credit markets tighten, and fiscal pressure on the government intensifies. When insurance becomes optional, risk doesn’t disappear but shifts from the private sector onto families and government resources.

    While property insurance dominates public discourse, Dolor highlighted the crucial role of life and health insurance as “silent stabilizers” that protect household income streams, maintain mortgage payments, and prevent health crises from triggering generational poverty.

    Permanent Secretary Sophia Alfay-Henry of the Department of Commerce described the consultation as addressing “an issue of national importance,” demonstrating the government’s commitment to taking stakeholder concerns seriously. The dialogue extends beyond premium costs to examine public attitudes, regulatory frameworks, fiscal policy, market dynamics, and government’s role in building a more inclusive and resilient insurance ecosystem.

    The consultation represents an opportunity to optimize existing policy tools—including current tax incentives for life, health, and property insurance—rather than introducing new subsidies, focusing on how these mechanisms can better reach first-time and previously uninsured households while aligning with resilience-building measures.

  • Cenac qualifies for 2026 CARIFTA Games

    Cenac qualifies for 2026 CARIFTA Games

    Emerging track and field sensation Destinee Cenac has achieved early qualification for the 53rd CARIFTA Games through her exceptional performance at the inaugural CARIFTA Qualifier in Martinique. The 15-year-old high jump prodigy from Morne Stars Athletics Club cleared 1.65 meters to claim victory in the women’s high jump event at Stade Louis-Achille in Fort-de-France last Sunday.

    Cenac, who attends St. Joseph’s Convent, strategically entered the competition at the exact CARIFTA qualifying standard of 1.60m, successfully clearing the height on her second attempt. She demonstrated remarkable consistency by conquering 1.65m on her first try before attempting a personal best of 1.71m. This early qualification makes her among the first Saint Lucian athletes to meet the Saint Lucia Athletics Association standards for the 2026 Games scheduled for April 4-6 in Grenada.

    The talented athlete, who earned bronze in the Under-17 girls’ high jump at the 52nd CARIFTA Games in Trinidad & Tobago with a personal best of 1.68m, also showcased her sprinting prowess by winning the Under-17 women’s 100m in 12.57 seconds against a slight headwind.

    Other notable performances at the Martinique qualifier included Lenyn Leonce’s victory in the men’s 100m (10.66 seconds) and Slorana Duplessis’s second-place finish in high jump (1.40m). Meanwhile, back in Saint Lucia, athletes competed at the Jumps and Throws Festival at George Odlum Stadium, where several competitors approached CARIFTA qualifying standards. Barbara-Marie Maximin came agonizingly close in the Under-17 girls’ long jump with a 5.30m effort, just one centimeter shy of the 5.31m standard. Jequan Joseph also impressed in the javelin throw with a 54.99m performance, nearing the 56m qualification mark.

    The event showcased promising talent across multiple disciplines, with several athletes demonstrating potential to achieve qualification in upcoming events including the Independence Games and SLAA CARIFTA Qualifiers.

  • Sweeping housing reform plan in Friends of Democracy manifesto

    Sweeping housing reform plan in Friends of Democracy manifesto

    The Friends of Democracy (FOD) party has unveiled a comprehensive housing policy framework designed to address what it terms a national housing crisis. During its manifesto launch at Bush Hall, St. Michael, on Sunday, the party detailed a multi-faceted strategy focused on dramatically expanding homeownership and providing financial relief to seniors.

    Central to the FOD’s proposal is an aggressive rent-to-own program aimed at breaking the cycle of generational renting. The policy specifically targets public and private sector workers earning between $2,500 and $5,000 monthly, offering them 100% mortgages with no deposit required. Party candidate for St James North, Steffanie Williams, emphasized that these mortgages would be granted at reasonable, market-driven interest rates, effectively removing a significant barrier to entry for first-time buyers.

    To oversee this ambitious program, the FOD plans to establish a dedicated Homeowner Authority. This newly mandated agency would be tasked with supervising the entire initiative, ensuring transparency, efficiency, and accountability throughout the process.

    For Barbados’ senior population, the party proposed implementing a regulated reverse mortgage system. FOD candidate for St Lucy, Shetland Davis, explained that this financial instrument would allow homeowners aged 60 and over to access equity in their properties without having to sell or vacate their homes. Instead of making monthly mortgage payments, homeowners would receive payments from a lender, with repayment only required when the property is sold or the owner passes away.

    The FOD committed to implementing strict regulatory oversight for the reverse mortgage program to ensure transparency and protection against predatory lending practices. The party plans to collaborate with financial institutions and credit unions to develop a safe product aligned with international best practices.

    Beyond financing solutions, the FOD’s housing vision includes the construction of quality, low-cost housing units designed for practical and comfortable living. The party also proposed a shared mandatory house replacement insurance scheme for homes built with state assistance, to be managed through a government-backed insurance company with premiums shared between the state and homeowners.

  • LIVE ON DNO Pay-per-view coverage of the Calypso Finals on February 14th 2026 (with our commentary team)

    LIVE ON DNO Pay-per-view coverage of the Calypso Finals on February 14th 2026 (with our commentary team)

    Dominica News Online (DNO) has announced comprehensive live pay-per-view coverage of the highly anticipated 2026 Calypso Finals, scheduled for February 14th, 2026. The broadcast will feature seasoned commentators Sherma John and Tim Durand, who will provide professional and engaging commentary throughout the event.

    The competition will showcase Dominica’s most talented calypsonians performing original compositions that address contemporary social and political issues through musical satire and lyrical storytelling. These artists will compete to win audience approval and outperform their competitors in this prestigious cultural event.

    For those unable to attend the live event in person, DNO’s high-quality streaming service offers an immersive viewing experience that replicates the excitement of being there. The platform promises crystal-clear audio and video quality, ensuring viewers don’t miss any of the musical performances or cultural presentations.

    The annual calypso competition represents a significant cultural tradition in Dominica, blending musical entertainment with social commentary. This event provides a platform for artists to express perspectives on current affairs through creative musical arrangements and thoughtful lyrics that reflect the nation’s evolving cultural landscape.

  • OP-ED: Amid CARICOM-Trinidad and Tobago tension, leaders meet

    OP-ED: Amid CARICOM-Trinidad and Tobago tension, leaders meet

    In a significant diplomatic development, Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis Dr. Terrance Drew, serving as current Chair of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), conducted an official visit to Trinidad and Tobago on January 30th. The high-level engagement included meetings with Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar and her cabinet members, with CARICOM Secretary General Carla Barnett accompanying the delegation.

    Both leaders characterized their discussions as “productive” and “constructive,” marking a notable shift in Trinidad and Tobago’s previously critical stance toward the regional bloc. This diplomatic outreach occurs against the backdrop of emerging fractures within CARICOM regarding foreign policy alignment with United States initiatives.

    The central point of contention stems from Trinidad and Tobago’s support for U.S. military operations that facilitated the ouster of former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. This position has created unprecedented divisions within the traditionally unified bloc, particularly regarding the application of hard power in international relations.

    CARICOM now faces a fundamental inflection point as member states grapple with competing visions of international engagement. One faction, comprising the majority of members, maintains opposition to hierarchical international orders based on dominant-subordinate state relationships. Another camp, exemplified by Trinidad and Tobago’s recent foreign policy shift, demonstrates increased willingness to accommodate U.S.-led interventionist approaches.

    This diplomatic fragmentation emerges as CARICOM confronts the challenging reality of American foreign policy influence under the current administration’s approach, described by some analysts as the “Donroe Doctrine.” The situation tests the bloc’s sovereignty and internal coherence at a critical historical juncture.

    The upcoming Fiftieth Regular Meeting of the Conference of CARICOM Heads of Government, scheduled for February 24-27 in St. Kitts and Nevis, will provide a crucial platform for addressing these divisions. Under Dr. Drew’s chairmanship, the summit must navigate competing perspectives while preserving the multilateral principles that have historically amplified small states’ voices on the global stage.

    Experts suggest that the bloc’s ability to formulate a collective response to these geopolitical challenges will determine its continued relevance in shaping regional affairs and protecting member states’ post-independence achievements in international relations.