On International Children’s Day, the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Commission has reiterated its steadfast dedication to safeguarding the rights, protection, and holistic development of every child within the region. The Commission highlighted the pivotal role of children as both beneficiaries of policy and key contributors to building a resilient future.
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So, Was This Year’s Miss Universe Rigged?
The Miss Universe 2025 pageant, held on November 21, 2025, concluded with Miss Mexico, Fatima Bosch, being crowned the winner. However, the event was overshadowed by allegations of rigging and resignations from key figures involved in the competition. Hours before the grand finale, Isabella ‘Bella’ Zabaneh, representing Belize, was celebrated by her parents for her achievements, regardless of the outcome. Her father emphasized that Bella had already made Belize proud by becoming Miss Belize Universe and serving as an ambassador for the nation. Bella’s mother shared how she managed the pressure through prayer and support from her community. Despite not winning, Bella’s journey united Belizeans behind her cause, as seen on social media. Behind the scenes, controversy erupted when French judge Omar Harfouch resigned, claiming the competition was rigged. In an unreleased HBO interview, Harfouch alleged that Miss Universe owner Raúl Rocha pressured him to vote for Fatima Bosch due to business interests, including a connection to Bosch’s father. Harfouch declared Miss Mexico’s victory as illegitimate in a social media post. Fatima Bosch’s path to the crown was also marred by a viral incident where she walked out of a sashing ceremony after a confrontation with Thai executive Nawat Itsaragrisil. Following the crowning, former Miss Universe Natalie Glebova, who remained on the judging panel, announced her resignation and called for the reinstatement of independent auditors, citing her own experience in the 2005 pageant. The allegations have cast a shadow over the integrity of the Miss Universe 2025 competition, leaving many to question whether the results were truly fair.
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UWP to host 10th town hall meeting in Roseau Central
The United Workers Party (UWP) is set to hold its 10th Town Hall Meeting today in Roseau Central, Dominica. The event will commence at 5:00 p.m. at the Public Service Union (PSU) Building on Valley Road. Glenroy “Soso” Cuffy, the Public Relations Officer of the UWP, emphasized the importance of the meeting during a recent Q-95 Radio broadcast, urging citizens to attend in large numbers. He highlighted that the gathering would serve as a platform for the party to present its development strategies for Dominica. Cuffy stressed the need for public participation, stating, “You need to turn out in large numbers to hear some of the things we have planned for Dominica and to hear how it is we are going to make sure things are happening.” He also addressed criticisms of the party’s inactivity, asserting that the UWP has already conducted nine similar meetings nationwide, engaging directly with citizens. The Roseau Central meeting is expected to be a significant event, with Cuffy expressing confidence in a strong turnout. Additionally, Cuffy encouraged the public to participate in the ongoing Voter Confirmation Process, emphasizing the importance of ensuring citizens’ right to vote. He remarked, “We need to support the movement of unity and we need to move forward expeditiously to get everybody confirmed and to have the government out.” Cuffy underscored the necessity of decisive action if elections are called, stating that Dominicans deserve a trustworthy government. He elaborated on the party’s vision, saying, “It is important that every Dominican should be impacted by the policies of a government going forward and to benefit from the country. This is why we talked about shared prosperity, we talked about the 10-pillar plan.” The Roseau Central Town Hall Meeting is part of the UWP’s broader effort to communicate its policies and vision to the nation.
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Malcolm “Alvin” Charles Makes Timely Donations to the Bethesda Clinic, Freetown Clinic and the Oceanview Preschool
Malcolm “Alvin” Charles has once again demonstrated his unwavering commitment to the St.Philip South community through a series of impactful donations. This time, his contributions included three microwave ovens, three hot water kettles, and three 220-volt step-down transformers to safeguard the appliances. These items were distributed to the Bethesda Clinic, Freetown Clinic, and Oceanview Preschool (Bethesda), addressing specific needs raised by Nurse Osbourne of the Bethesda Clinic. Charles emphasized the importance of ensuring that both nurses and patients are well cared for, noting that such small gestures can have a profound impact. Over the past three years, Charles has been a pillar of support for the community, undertaking initiatives such as restoring the Bethesda Basketball Court, sponsoring local tournaments, and providing essential supplies to schools and sports clubs. He has also championed youth development through scholarships and entrepreneurial programs, advocated for improved infrastructure, and organized community events. Charles has pledged to continue his efforts to enhance the lives of St.Philip South residents, reaffirming his dedication to fostering a thriving and supportive community.
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BREAKING: Entire Vault Stolen From Dangriga Sub-Treasury
In a shocking turn of events, the Dangriga Sub-Treasury on St. Vincent Street has fallen victim to a daring burglary, with thieves making off with the entire vault. The incident, discovered early on November 21, 2025, has left authorities scrambling to piece together the details. Scene of Crime technicians are currently on-site, meticulously processing the building and collecting evidence. As of now, the police have not disclosed the exact amount of money contained within the stolen vault.
This audacious heist marks the second major burglary at the same sub-treasury within a year. In August 2024, robbers executed a similar operation, cutting the power, breaking in, and absconding with the entire safe. Despite the gravity of the previous incident, no arrests were made, and the stolen funds were never recovered. Prime Minister John Briceño, who also serves as the Minister of Finance, had previously suggested that such crimes are often ‘inside jobs,’ implicating individuals with intimate knowledge of the facility.
The sub-treasury had already been targeted in 2023, when thieves bypassed burglar bars and surveillance cameras to steal $39,157. In that instance, burglars pried open a bathroom window, located the metal vault, and escaped with a significant sum of public funds. Financial Secretary Joseph Waight had described the situation as ‘distressing,’ acknowledging the need for enhanced security measures, including the potential hiring of guards to supplement the existing camera systems.
As investigations continue, the community remains on edge, with many questioning the effectiveness of the current security protocols. The repeated breaches at the Dangriga Sub-Treasury underscore the urgent need for a comprehensive review and overhaul of the facility’s safety measures to prevent future incidents.
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Uruguay joins Trans-Pacific Partnership
Uruguay has successfully secured membership in the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), following approval from key member nations including Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, the United Kingdom, and Vietnam. The announcement was made by Uruguay’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on its official website. This milestone marks the culmination of efforts initiated under the leadership of former President Luis Lacalle Pou and carried forward by the current administration of President Yamandu Orsi. Foreign Minister Mario Lubetkin emphasized the significance of this achievement, stating, ‘The results are clear: work that transcends governments, in favor of Uruguay’s interests. We are opening opportunities.’ Lubetkin further highlighted that the CPTPP accounted for an average of nine percent of Uruguay’s total merchandise exports between 2022 and 2024, underscoring the economic importance of this partnership. Uruguay’s accession to the CPTPP is expected to enhance its trade relations and provide new avenues for economic growth.
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China urges Japan to respect political basis of bilateral ties
Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning has called on Japan to adhere to the four political documents established between the two nations, emphasizing the need for Tokyo to ‘immediately retract its erroneous comments and demonstrate its commitments to China through concrete actions.’ This statement comes amid growing concerns over Japan’s recent military policy shifts. Mao highlighted that Japan has consistently increased its defense budget for 13 consecutive years and revised its arms export policy, permitting the sale of lethal weapons like ‘Patriot’ missiles to the United States for the first time. Additionally, Tokyo is reportedly considering altering its long-standing principle of ‘not producing, possessing, or transporting nuclear weapons,’ potentially paving the way for nuclear weapon-sharing agreements. Mao reiterated that the post-war international order, rooted in documents such as the Cairo Declaration, the Potsdam Declaration, and Japan’s Act of Surrender, mandates the country’s complete demilitarization. She warned that any attempt by Japan to revert to militarism, abandon its peaceful development pledge, or disrupt the post-war order would face staunch opposition from the Chinese people and the international community, ultimately leading to failure. The remarks were made in response to Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s recent assertion in the Diet that a Chinese attack on Taiwan would constitute an ‘existential crisis’ for Japan, potentially triggering the mobilization of its Self-Defense Forces and intervention in the conflict.
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First US Human Case of ‘Rare Bird Flu Strain’ Confirmed in Washington
Health authorities in Washington have reported the first human case of the rare H5N5 bird flu strain in the United States in nearly a year. The patient, an elderly individual with pre-existing health conditions, was hospitalized in early November after exhibiting symptoms such as high fever, confusion, and respiratory distress. This marks the first instance of the H5N5 strain being detected in humans, although it has previously been identified in animals. State epidemiologist Scott Lindquist emphasized the severity of the patient’s condition during a briefing, as reported by The Washington Post. Officials have assured the public that the risk of widespread transmission remains low. The patient maintains a mixed backyard flock that had contact with wild birds, prompting state and federal agencies to investigate the source of the infection. Health authorities have confirmed no additional cases of H5N5 infection beyond the initial patient. Bird flu, which originates in wild aquatic birds, can spread to poultry and occasionally mammals. Human infections are rare and typically result from direct exposure to infected animals. Cases often increase during colder months as migratory birds facilitate the spread of the virus.
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Venezuela’s Nobel Peace Prize Winner Threatened With Arrest
In an unprecedented turn of events, María Corina Machado, Venezuela’s 2025 Nobel Peace Prize laureate, has been threatened with arrest by her own government. The Venezuelan authorities have declared that Machado will be considered a “fugitive” if she attempts to leave the country to receive her award in Oslo, Norway, on December 10. Tarik William Saab, a prominent Venezuelan politician and lawyer, has accused Machado of charges including “conspiracy, incitement of hatred, and terrorism.”
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Israeli government and army support bill to execute Palestinians
The Israeli government and military have thrown their support behind a contentious legislative proposal that would permit the execution of Palestinian prisoners convicted of terrorism and fatal attacks. This development, reported by Yedioth Ahronoth, has sparked widespread criticism across the region. The security cabinet convened last night to discuss the initiative, which has already passed its first reading in the Knesset (Israeli Parliament). During the meeting, Shin Bet security service chief David Zini lauded the legislation as a ‘highly effective deterrent.’ A representative of the Armed Forces stated that ‘there is no obstacle to the law,’ while Government Secretary Yossi Fox emphasized the need to consider whether discretionary power should be introduced and if the penalty should be mandatory. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, known for his expansionist and anti-Arab views, supported this stance. Meanwhile, Palestinian groups and NGOs have vehemently condemned the bill’s initial approval, decrying it as a severe violation of human rights.