The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) is on the brink of internal conflict as tensions escalate between Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar and St Vincent and the Grenadines’ Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves. Persad-Bissessar has issued a stark warning, suggesting that CARICOM’s collapse is imminent. This follows accusations by Gonsalves that financiers linked to Trinidad’s ruling United National Congress (UNC) are supporting his political opponents ahead of St Vincent’s upcoming November 27 election. Gonsalves claimed that UNC-affiliated supporters are already in his country, allegedly driven by economic motives, given Trinidad’s struggling economy compared to St Vincent’s rapid growth. Persad-Bissessar vehemently denied these allegations, countering with questions about how members of Gonsalves’ family acquired three luxury apartments in Trinidad. She labeled his accusations as ironic, given the ongoing investigation into the matter. Persad-Bissessar also challenged Gonsalves to provide evidence or cease misleading his citizens. She further highlighted that some regional leaders have been involved in elections beyond their borders. Despite the turmoil, Persad-Bissessar recently reaffirmed Trinidad and Tobago’s commitment to CARICOM, even as her government seeks stronger ties with non-regional nations.
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Chastanet Puts Pierre on Notice: ‘The people are ready for change’
Allen Chastanet, Political Leader of the United Workers Party (UWP) and candidate for Micoud South, has expressed confidence in his party’s readiness for the upcoming general election in Saint Lucia. After finalizing his candidacy on Nomination Day, Chastanet emphasized that the people of Saint Lucia are eager for change, signaling a shift in momentum. He believes the UWP is well-positioned to regain voter trust and steer the nation toward a new direction. Chastanet, one of only two UWP candidates to secure victory in the 2021 elections, asserted that the current administration has failed to deliver on its promises, warning that conditions could deteriorate further. He noted an encouraging surge of support in the lead-up to the December 1 election, with previously silent voters now actively engaging in the campaign. Chastanet also criticized the Labour Party’s governance style, accusing them of deepening societal divisions and blurring the lines between party and state. He claimed that state resources are being weaponized for political gain, citing the politicization of public ceremonies as evidence. Addressing his constituents in Micoud South, Chastanet highlighted his track record as former Prime Minister, pledging to prioritize job creation, infrastructure development, new tourism projects, and the construction of a farmers’ market in Anse Ger. The UWP is set to unveil its election manifesto at a rally in La Caye, Dennery, on November 23. Chastanet concluded with a bold statement, declaring that the people of Saint Lucia have had enough and are ready for a transformative change.
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Miss DSC Mas Jamboree back after five-year hiatus, contestants revealed
Dominica State College (DSC) has officially introduced the six young women vying for the coveted Miss DSC Mas Jamboree 2026 title. The announcement was made during a sashing ceremony held on November 20, marking the official commencement of the pageant journey. The event served as a platform for the contestants to present themselves to the college community and select their competition numbers, which will determine their order during the show. The contestants include Kalie Clarke (#1), Nina Browne (#2), Mikkedia Joseph (#3), Nathalia Christmas (#4), Sherkhia Andrew (#5), and Kenisha Demezin (#6). This year’s competition will feature six distinct stages, including a formal interview, allowing participants to demonstrate their personality, cultural pride, talent, confidence, and public speaking abilities. The 2026 edition marks the return of Miss DSC Mas Jamboree to Dominica’s Carnival lineup after a five-year hiatus, underscoring DSC’s commitment to student development, cultural celebration, and youth empowerment. The college is encouraging local businesses, organizations, and individuals to sponsor contestants by contacting the DSC Student Affairs Department. DSC extended its best wishes to all participants as they embark on their journey to claim the prestigious crown.
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Residents urged to Guard Against Cybercrime
The Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda has issued a stern warning to the public regarding a surge in cybercrime incidents, urging heightened vigilance during online transactions. Reports have emerged of individuals being defrauded and having their personal information compromised, prompting an ongoing investigation into these fraudulent activities. Scammers are reportedly posing as government officials, soliciting credit top-ups or requesting sensitive personal and financial details from unsuspecting victims. The Police Administration has emphasized the importance of verifying the legitimacy of any individual or agency before sharing information or making payments. To combat these threats, the police have outlined several safety measures: avoiding the disclosure of personal information to unknown contacts, refraining from sending money to unverified individuals, regularly updating passwords, and monitoring financial accounts for suspicious activity. The public is encouraged to report any suspicious behavior to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) or their nearest police station. The Royal Police Force remains committed to protecting citizens and mitigating the risks posed by cybercriminals.
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Why Belize’s $1M Lottery Winners Remain a Secret
Nearly a year after Belize Government Lotteries Limited awarded a million-dollar jackpot to fourteen winners, their identities remain shrouded in secrecy. This decision has ignited a heated debate about transparency and accountability within the national lottery system. Critics question whether withholding the winners’ names undermines public trust in the process. Narda Garcia, CEO of the Ministry of Investment, defended the policy during a recent press briefing. She emphasized the need for confidentiality to protect winners from potential harm, citing crime as a significant concern in Belize. ‘We cannot, we don’t want to disclose winners for obvious reasons. The last time, fourteen winners were asked to collect their checks privately to avoid any negative repercussions,’ Garcia explained. She also highlighted the ministry’s commitment to financial transparency, noting that audited financial statements are presented annually to the National Assembly and Senate. Despite the controversy, the ministry maintains that the lottery process has been conducted with integrity and fairness.
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Major Legislative Reforms to Strengthen Domestic Violence Protections
In a landmark move to bolster protections for domestic violence survivors, the Government of Belize has unveiled a comprehensive legislative reform package. The initiative, announced on November 21, 2025, introduces two pivotal bills: the Domestic Violence (Amendment) Bill, 2025 and the Justices of the Peace (Amendment) Bill, 2025. These reforms aim to address critical gaps in emergency protection, particularly during nights, weekends, and holidays when risks are heightened. Minister of Human Development, Family Support and Gender Affairs, Thea Garcia-Ramirez, spearheaded the introduction of these bills in the House of Representatives, aligning with the National Gender-Based Violence Action Plan (2024–2030). A key feature of the amendments empowers Select Senior Justices of the Peace (JPs) to issue ex parte interim protection orders in urgent situations, especially when magistrates are unavailable. These temporary orders, valid for up to 72 hours, provide immediate safeguards for victims and children, with violations punishable by fines or imprisonment. The Justices of the Peace (Amendment) Bill outlines stringent vetting and training requirements for Senior JPs, ensuring they possess the necessary qualifications and ethical standards. Additionally, the legislation mandates the creation of private, confidential reporting spaces in police stations nationwide, enhancing accessibility for survivors in rural and remote areas. These reforms are part of a broader national effort, including the establishment of a one-stop support center in Belize City, expanded training for law enforcement, and public awareness campaigns. Minister Garcia-Ramirez emphasized that these measures are not a replacement for the judicial system but a vital bridge to safety for those in immediate danger.
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Pierre Thanks Castries East Backers as He Seeks to Break Election Trend
Philip J. Pierre, leader of the ruling Saint Lucia Labour Party (SLP), shifted the focus of nomination day celebrations to his loyal supporters rather than his own political ambitions. Pierre, who has held the Castries East parliamentary seat since 1997, is determined to defy the trend that has seen every prime minister since 2006 fail to secure consecutive terms. The last leader to achieve this feat was Kenny Anthony in 2001. Pierre, affectionately known as the ‘Six-Star General’ by his party, expressed deep gratitude for the unwavering support of his constituents, emphasizing that their faith in him over the decades has been both humbling and motivating. He recounted how a woman who signed his nomination papers in 1992 remains a steadfast supporter, symbolizing the enduring bond he shares with his community. Pierre also addressed the challenges faced by his supporters, who often face ridicule and questions about their loyalty. He highlighted his ongoing efforts to develop infrastructure in his constituency, including sports venues and a craft market, while stressing that broader national progress under his leadership benefits Castries East as well. Ahead of the SLP’s election manifesto release, Pierre expressed confidence in his administration’s record, citing documented achievements over the past four and a half years as proof of their commitment to delivering on promises.
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Republic Bank (Grenada) Ltd: Notice of Annual Meeting of Shareholders
Republic Bank (Grenada) Limited has officially announced its Forty-Second Annual General Meeting (AGM), scheduled to take place on Thursday, December 18, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. The event will be held at the St. Andrew’s Conference Room, located within the prestigious Spice Island Beach Resort in Grand Anse, St. George. Shareholders and stakeholders are invited to attend this significant gathering, which will address key matters such as corporate governance, financial performance, and dividend distribution. For those unable to attend in person, provisions for proxy voting have been made to ensure all voices are heard. NOW Grenada, the media outlet sharing this notice, has clarified that it is not responsible for the opinions, statements, or media content presented by contributors. In cases of abuse, a reporting mechanism is available. This AGM marks a pivotal moment for Republic Bank (Grenada) Limited as it continues to strengthen its position in the financial sector.
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Jahmalier Grant Ordered to Repay $2,300 or Face Jail in Check Fraud Case
Jahmalier Grant, a resident of Cooks Hill, has been mandated by the High Court to repay over $4,000 or serve a six-month prison sentence following her admission to a 2022 check fraud scheme. The court delivered its verdict on Thursday, convicting Grant on three counts of obtaining money through forged instruments. She is required to pay $2,300 in restitution by mid-December and an additional $2,000 fine by the end of January. According to prosecutors, Grant cashed three fraudulent checks totaling $2,300 at a wholesale business in September 2022. The checks originated from a stolen checkbook taken during a residential burglary. Initially, Grant claimed that a young man had provided her with the checks, but she later confessed to forging them herself. The fraudulent checks were cashed on September 7 and September 9 on Lower Market Street, all bearing the same forged signature. Grant, a mother of three, had initially pleaded not guilty to six related forgery charges, which prosecutors subsequently withdrew. She ultimately pleaded guilty to the charges of obtaining money by forged instruments last month.
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Sedeki Akelo Andre Gets Nearly Two Years for Illegal Gun, Ammo
A 28-year-old Civil Registry employee, Sedeki Akelo Andre from Gambles, has been sentenced to nearly two years in prison after admitting to illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition. The sentencing, delivered by Senior Magistrate Emanuel on Thursday, included concurrent terms of one year and nine months for possessing a 9mm Taurus pistol and one year for seven rounds of ammunition. The case originated on November 16 when a police officer noticed Andre entering a nightclub with a suspicious bulge at his waist. Upon being approached, Andre resisted the officer’s attempts to search him, insisting, “Everything good. Me good. Na touch me.” A security guard intervened, and during the ensuing struggle, the firearm fell from Andre’s clothing. The incident highlights ongoing concerns about illegal weapons in public spaces and the challenges law enforcement faces in addressing such issues.