In a significant step toward enhancing housing resilience in Dominica, the Ministry of Public Works, Public Utilities, and the Digital Economy, represented by Minister of State Chekira Lockhart-Hypolite, handed over 22 newly constructed resilient homes to families in Bellevue Chopin. The ceremony, held on Monday, marked a milestone in the Housing Recovery Project, funded by the World Bank. Lockhart-Hypolite revealed that over $69 million had been distributed to 386 beneficiaries, addressing one of the project’s major challenges: land ownership. Many beneficiaries initially lacked clear land titles, but the ministry successfully regularized titles for 170 families at no cost, covering surveying and registration fees to ensure they could secure their new homes. Originally, beneficiaries were to receive $50,000 each, but this amount was deemed insufficient to meet Dominica’s resilience standards. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit, the grant was increased to $141,000, with final units costing $151,000. Lockhart-Hypolite emphasized that this investment was crucial for ‘building back better.’ Finance Minister Dr. Irving McIntyre, representing the Prime Minister, highlighted the government’s commitment to housing as a central pillar of national development. He noted that the 22 homes were part of thousands of housing interventions delivered by the administration over the years, reflecting thoughtful planning and strategic investment in citizens’ well-being. McIntyre stressed that safe shelter is a human right and a foundation for economic and social advancement, ensuring families can live securely and focus on their goals.
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Grenada High Commission re-established in Ottawa, Canada
In a significant diplomatic move, Grenada has officially reopened its High Commission in Ottawa, Canada, on November 14, 2025. This marks the return of Grenada’s independent diplomatic presence in Canada after decades of representation through the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), which ceased operations in 2011. The reestablishment ceremony was attended by key officials, including Grenada’s newly appointed High Commissioner to Canada, His Excellency Sylvester Quarless, who formally presented his credentials to Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on September 17, 2025. The event also saw the presence of Hon. Joseph Andall, Grenada’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Trade & Export Development, alongside former High Commissioners George Griffith and Jennifer Hosten-Craig. Representatives from Global Affairs Canada, the Diplomatic Corps, and the Grenadian Diaspora joined the celebrations, highlighting the importance of this milestone. High Commissioner Quarless emphasized Grenada’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with Canada and fostering deeper ties with the Grenadian diaspora. The High Commission aims to engage the diaspora community in Canada to leverage their skills, knowledge, and resources for Grenada’s development. Hon. Andall expressed gratitude to the Canadian government and people for hosting the High Commission, acknowledging Canada’s longstanding support through initiatives like the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) and the Canada-Caricom Strategic Partnership. The newly reestablished High Commission, located at 350 Sparks Street, Suite 1210, Ottawa, is poised to serve as a vital bridge between Grenada and its diaspora, ensuring the preservation of Grenadian culture and heritage for future generations.
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Activate Data Protection law to prevent repeat of political, malicious use of ‘cash grant’ personal data- EU Observer Mission
The European Union Election Observation Mission (EUEOM) has issued a final report on the September 1 general and regional elections in Guyana, urging the government to activate the 2023 Data Protection Act. The move aims to prevent the recurrence of politically motivated misuse of personal data, particularly information collected for cash grant processing. The report, published on Tuesday, highlights that the absence of enforced data protection legislation allowed for unchecked doxing and the exploitation of government-held personal data for political gains. The EUEOM emphasized the need for the establishment of a publicly accountable Data Protection Office to safeguard voters’ personal information from unauthorized publication and political misuse. This recommendation comes amidst the government’s push for public servants to register for the Digital Identity Card, despite the lack of a commencement order for the Digital Identity Card Act and the Data Protection Act. The report also criticized the incumbent People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPPC) for allegedly using mobile phone numbers of cash grant recipients to solicit votes, a practice deemed inconsistent with Guyana’s international commitments, including the EU-Latin America and Caribbean Joint Declaration on a Digital Alliance. The EUEOM noted that police failed to take action against PPP/C activists accused of profiling individuals from We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) political party events, leading to intimidation and unwarranted publicity. The report, already presented to the Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) and political party representatives, calls for the appointment of a Data Commissioner and the establishment of a Data Protection Office, which are yet to be realized. The 2023 Data Protection Act, praised for its alignment with international standards, mandates individual consent for personal data use and protects against unwarranted profiling. The EUEOM’s recommendation references Article 17 of the United Nations International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which safeguards against arbitrary interference with privacy.
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Belize and Guyana Team Up for Climate Action
At the COP30 summit in Brazil, Belize and Guyana demonstrated how small nations can lead significant climate action. During a joint side event titled “Building Climate Resilience in Belize and Guyana,” the two countries unveiled a collaborative initiative to combat climate change by sharing expertise, technology, and strategies. The partnership focuses on addressing rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and forest conservation. Belize’s Minister of Sustainable Development, Orlando Habet, emphasized the challenges faced by nations like Belize, which contribute minimally to climate change but struggle to secure necessary funding. Guyana showcased its internationally acclaimed Low Carbon Development Strategy, which focuses on forest protection and carbon market management. Belize, on the other hand, highlighted its community-driven climate planning, Biennial Transparency Report, and the newly proposed Carbon Markets Initiative Bill. Guyana’s Minister Vanessa Benn called for bold action, noting that Caribbean nations are pushing forward with ambitious mitigation and adaptation plans despite insufficient financial support. “We are not waiting to act,” she asserted, underscoring the urgency of the climate crisis.
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Exclusive: Large Quantity of Contraband Seized Near Corozal Free Zone
In a significant development along Belize’s northern border, the Belize Coast Guard has intercepted a large quantity of contraband goods near the Corozal Free Zone. Rear Admiral Elton Bennett, Commandant of the Belize Coast Guard, revealed exclusive details about the operation in an interview with News Five. Bennett highlighted the increasing challenges in the northern region, particularly along the Rio Hondo River, which serves as a boundary between Belize and Mexico. He emphasized the Coast Guard’s intensified efforts in the area, culminating in a major seizure on October 12. The contraband, discovered on the Belizean riverbank, was believed to be en route to Mexico. Despite the successful operation, no suspects were apprehended as they fled the scene. The seized items were promptly handed over to the Police and Customs Departments under the supervision of a Justice of the Peace. Bennett expressed concerns about the movement of goods in and out of the Corozal Free Zone, noting that the Coast Guard’s jurisdiction does not extend within the Free Zone itself. He speculated that the contraband originated from the Free Zone, raising questions about its security dynamics. The incident has drawn sharp criticism from Leader of the Opposition Tracy Panton, who called for urgent action to address what she described as rampant corruption and criminal influence in the Free Zone. Panton warned that Mexican criminal elements, allegedly supported by politically connected individuals, were controlling operations, including the clearance of goods and the imposition of illicit fees. She highlighted a pervasive culture of fear among business owners and employees, who remain silent due to intimidation. Panton stressed that illegal activities, such as drug trafficking and counterfeit cigarette trade, pose a direct threat to national security and Belize’s international reputation. The seizure underscores the pressing need for enhanced oversight and security measures in the region.
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Peter David is latest licensed local CBI agent
Charles Peter David, a prominent Member of Parliament for the Town of St George, has been officially appointed as a local agent for Grenada’s Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programme, now rebranded as the Investment Migration Agency (IMA). This appointment, announced in the 14 November 2025 issue of the Government Gazette, grants David the authority to operate under the 2013 Citizenship by Investment Act, with his license number being #GCBI-LA-046. The notice explicitly states that David is authorised to conduct business in Grenada in accordance with the terms and conditions specified in the Act. David, who has previously served as a government minister in both the Tillman Thomas National Democratic Congress Administration and the Dr Keith Mitchell New National Party administration, recently launched his own political party, the Democratic People’s Movement. As a local CBI agent, David is tasked with assisting applicants in preparing and submitting their documents, managing their applications, and liaising with the CBI Unit throughout the process. The role of a local agent is crucial, as all applications must go through these intermediaries rather than being submitted directly to the government processing unit. Currently, there are over 20 licensed local CBI agents in Grenada. Since its inception 11 years ago, the CBI programme has generated significant revenue for the government and has granted citizenship to nearly 20,000 individuals from various countries.
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Grenada finalises investment facilitation categorisation
Grenada is poised to modernize its investment landscape through a pivotal two-day national stakeholder consultation, scheduled for November 17–18, 2025. This hybrid event, blending in-person and virtual participation, aims to finalize the categorization of needs under the World Trade Organization’s (WTO) Investment Facilitation for Development (IFD) Agreement. The workshop is a collaborative initiative involving the International Trade Centre (ITC), the OECS Commission, and Grenada’s Investment Promotion Agency (GIDC), supported by the WTO and funded by the European Union’s RIGHT Programme.
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Opposition members seek answers from ministers through Parliament
In an upcoming parliamentary session scheduled for Wednesday, 18 November 2025, Opposition Leader Emmalin Pierre and Member of Parliament Clarice Modeste are poised to challenge the government on a range of critical issues. The session, set to take place in the Lower House or House of Representatives, will see Pierre and Modeste address pressing matters concerning public projects, cannabis policy, and agricultural support. Pierre’s inquiries will focus on the status of the newly established Cannabis Commission, the government’s stance on cannabis legalization and decriminalization, and the restructuring of the Marketing and National Importing Board (MNIB). Additionally, she will seek transparency regarding the distribution of funds from the Caribbean Catastrophe Risk Insurance Facility (CCRIF) to local farmers and fishermen. Meanwhile, Modeste will question Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell on the progress of the Waltham Land Expansion Project, the renovation status of the Victoria Hotel, and the development of key farm roads, including the Red Mud and Mt Cenis to Brothers routes. These questions, listed on the Order Paper, will precede ministerial statements, highlighting the opposition’s commitment to holding the government accountable for its policies and projects.
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Charge Against Nicaraguan Doctor Dismissed
In a significant legal development, the Belize City Magistrates Court dismissed charges against Nicaraguan doctor Carlos Saborio Coze, 51, on November 17, 2025. Coze had been accused of administering a noxious substance to a Venezuelan nurse at Little John’s Restaurant on November 13, 2024. The nurse claimed to have seen surveillance footage suggesting Coze tampered with his unattended drink and later experienced a loss of awareness until December 2. However, the Chief Magistrate upheld a no-case submission by Coze’s attorney, Richard “Dickie” Bradley, citing critical gaps in the prosecution’s case. Bradley highlighted the absence of immediate medical tests and the lack of evidence linking Coze to the alleged act. The court ruled that the prosecution failed to meet the legal threshold required to proceed with the trial, leading to the dismissal of all charges.
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Antigua & Barbuda Resort Celebrated for Regional Leadership in Sustainable Tourism
Curtain Bluff, a renowned resort in Antigua & Barbuda, has been honored with the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) Environmental Sustainability Award at the 2025 Caribbean Hospitality Industry Exchange Forum (CHIEF) in Barbados. This accolade celebrates the resort’s unwavering dedication to environmental conservation, community empowerment, and sustainable tourism practices. Additionally, Curtain Bluff recently achieved Green Globe Platinum Certification, becoming the first property in Antigua to earn this distinction, marking a decade of continuous progress in sustainability.
For over 63 years, Curtain Bluff has pioneered a sustainable tourism model that integrates environmental protection, resource efficiency, and community engagement. The resort has implemented innovative systems for water management, energy conservation, and waste reduction, while actively supporting the Old Road community through educational programs, youth initiatives, and long-term development projects. These efforts have positioned Curtain Bluff as a leader in Caribbean sustainability and garnered international recognition.
Curtain Bluff’s commitment extends to protecting Antigua’s delicate ecosystems through advanced technologies like desalination, wastewater treatment, and natural cooling designs. The resort also promotes guest awareness of sustainability, encouraging responsible behavior and fostering authentic connections with the island’s culture and environment.
Beyond environmental efforts, Curtain Bluff has deeply invested in the Old Road Village, supporting local families through scholarships, school programs, youth sports, and the Old Road Fund. The resort’s initiatives also include eliminating single-use plastics, partnering with local farmers and fishermen, and implementing advanced water systems like reverse osmosis and greywater reuse.
Craig Marshall, Chairman of the Antigua & Barbuda Hotels and Tourism Association (ABHTA), praised Curtain Bluff’s achievements, calling it an inspiring example for the region. Anique Goodwin, Green Globe administrator for Curtain Bluff, expressed pride in the recognition and urged others to embrace sustainable practices to protect the island’s future.
With over six decades of dedication to environmental stewardship and community upliftment, Curtain Bluff continues to set the standard for sustainable tourism in Antigua & Barbuda and the wider Caribbean.