The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) has issued a stark warning about the escalating impact of climate-related disasters on vulnerable communities worldwide. Over the past decade, extreme weather events have triggered 250 million internal displacements, averaging 70,000 daily or two every three seconds. High Commissioner Filippo Grandi emphasized that such conditions exacerbate insecurity, disrupt access to essential services, destroy homes and livelihoods, and force families—many already displaced by violence—to flee repeatedly. He highlighted the plight of individuals who, having endured significant losses, now face droughts, floods, and heatwaves without the means to recover. UNHCR projections suggest that by 2050, refugee camps in the hottest regions could endure nearly 200 days of extreme heat stress annually, posing severe health and survival risks. Grandi cautioned that many areas may become uninhabitable due to the deadly combination of extreme heat and high humidity, urging immediate international intervention to address this growing crisis.
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Reef View Enterprises CBI license permanently revoked
In a significant regulatory move, Reef View Enterprises Ltd., a prominent local agent in Grenada’s Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program, has had its license permanently revoked. The decision, effective as of November 5, 2025, was announced by the Grenadian Minister for Citizenship, following a recommendation from the Citizenship by Investment Committee. This action concludes a three-month investigation initiated in June 2025 by the Investment Migration Agency (IMA), which had previously suspended the company’s license. Reef View Enterprises, led by Colin Bishop, had positioned itself as Grenada’s premier CBI local agent, offering tailored immigration services to businesses and private clients since 2020. The company claims to have assisted over 3,000 individuals and extended its services to other jurisdictions with CBI programs, including Vanuatu and Turkey. The revocation, enforced under Sections 4(6) and 4(7) of the Citizenship by Investment Act, 2013, prohibits the company from further operations under the CBI program. The IMA’s circular emphasized that stakeholders must cease all engagements with Reef View Enterprises, marking a decisive step in Grenada’s commitment to maintaining the integrity of its CBI program.
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Heavy Rains and Cold Front Approach Belize
Belize is currently experiencing moist and unstable weather conditions as a robust cold front moves into the region. The National Meteorological Service has reported that the next 24 hours will bring predominantly cloudy to overcast skies, with showers and thunderstorms expected to intensify later today and into the night, particularly affecting southern, coastal, and offshore areas. An excessive rainfall warning has been issued for southern districts and offshore regions, with an anticipated 2 to 4 inches of additional rainfall across the country. Residents, especially those in flood-prone zones, are advised to remain vigilant and stay updated with official weather reports. Despite the heavy rains, the tropical weather outlook remains tranquil, with no cyclone formation expected in the region over the next few days, and Belize’s coastal waters are not under any immediate threat. Looking ahead to Tuesday, forecasters predict cooler and windier conditions following the cold front’s passage, with light rain or isolated showers continuing.
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Saint Lucia’s swim stars shine bright at OECS Champs
Team Saint Lucia achieved a remarkable second-place finish at the 33rd Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Swimming Championships, held from November 7-9 in St. Vincent & The Grenadines. This marked a significant improvement from their fourth-place standing in the previous year. The event, hosted at the Shrewsbury Aquatic Centre in Kingstown, saw participation from eight nations, with Saint Lucia emerging as a standout performer. The team secured an impressive tally of 66 podium finishes, including 32 gold, 16 silver, and 18 bronze medals, narrowly trailing behind Team Grenada, who claimed the top spot with a mere 24.5-point lead. The host nation, St. Vincent & The Grenadines, rounded out the top three. Among the highlights were the extraordinary achievements of 17-year-old Antoine Destang, who clinched nine gold medals out of 11 events and set multiple OECS records. Olympian Mikaili Charlemagne also shone brightly, dominating the 18+ girls’ category with eight gold medals. Additionally, young talents like 11-year-old Sapphire Parks, who won 10 of her 11 races, and 8-year-old Keyanno Elibox, who secured six gold medals, showcased the depth of Saint Lucia’s swimming prowess. Liza Verneuil, PRO for the Saint Lucia Aquatics Federation, praised the team’s resilience and dedication, emphasizing their alignment with the federation’s 2025 motto, ‘Rise Up.’ She highlighted the team’s consistent performance, record-breaking swims, and the collective effort of athletes, coaches, and support staff as key factors in their success. The championships not only celebrated individual achievements but also underscored the growing strength of Saint Lucia’s swimming program on the regional stage.
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Cuba congratulates Brazil for the organization of COP30
In a recent social media statement, Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez emphasized his nation’s dedication to supporting the success of the upcoming COP30 forum. The primary focus of the forum is to revitalize global climate cooperation and expedite the implementation of the Paris Agreement, which marks its tenth anniversary. Rodriguez highlighted the pressing need to bolster assistance for Global South countries, which bear the brunt of climate change impacts yet possess limited resources to address them. He also voiced concerns over the growing allocation of financial and technological resources toward military expenditures and conflicts, diverting attention from urgent environmental solutions. The COP30 forum precedes the Leaders’ Summit held on November 6-7 in Belem, Brazil, where the Belem Call to Action was launched. During the summit, world leaders reaffirmed their commitment to multilateralism and the Paris Agreement’s objectives, pledging to intensify efforts to cap global temperature rise at 1.5 degrees Celsius and enhance climate finance mechanisms.
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Royalty To Come To Belize
Her Royal Highness, The Duchess of Edinburgh, is scheduled to undertake an official visit to Belize from November 16 to 19, 2025. This significant event, orchestrated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade, Culture, and Immigration, underscores the strengthening ties between the United Kingdom and Belize. The Duchess’s agenda is packed with engagements aimed at fostering collaboration and understanding. She will meet with key government officials and community leaders to discuss pivotal issues. Her itinerary includes visits to projects dedicated to enhancing eye health, empowering indigenous women, and preserving Belize’s renowned barrier reef. The Belizean government has expressed its excitement and readiness to host the Duchess, highlighting the visit as a momentous occasion that will further solidify bilateral relations.
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OPR to probe Tobago’s $18m ambulance scandal
The Tobago Regional Health Authority (TRHA) is under intense scrutiny following allegations of irregularities in its $18 million ambulance procurement. Minority Leader of the Tobago House of Assembly (THA), Kelvon Morris, and Innovative Democratic Alliance (IDA) leader Dr. Denise Tsoiafatt Angus have both called for urgent investigations into the matter. The controversy centers around 12 ambulances purchased in 2023 from Biomedical Technologies Ltd (BMT), which are reportedly non-functional despite each costing approximately $1.5 million. Morris has accused officials of ignoring cheaper, reliable options in favor of a supplier with no prior experience in ambulance provision, suggesting potential corruption. The Office of Procurement Regulation (OPR) has launched an investigation, appointing three officers to examine the procurement process. Morris has also demanded the resignation of TRHA board members and THA Secretary of Health, Wellness, and Social Protection, Dr. Faith Brebnor, citing a failure to protect public funds. The situation has left Tobago with an unreliable emergency response system, forcing the island to lease ambulances from Trinidad at an additional cost of $7 million. Tsoiafatt Angus described the ambulances as ‘refurbished panel vans’ that required extensive modifications, yet remained unfit for purpose. The scandal has drawn widespread criticism, with both Morris and Angus emphasizing the dire impact on Tobago’s residents, who face prolonged waits for emergency services.
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Starving and trapped
Conservation biologist Damion Whyte from The University of the West Indies has expressed deep concern over Jamaicans capturing native birds that have ventured into human-populated areas in search of food and water following Hurricane Melissa. Whyte highlighted social media posts showing individuals offering these birds for sale as pets, a clear violation of Jamaica’s Wildlife Protection Act.
In a social media statement, Whyte emphasized the illegality of capturing and selling these birds, stating, ‘I don’t feel sorry for you if the law catches up on you… because these birds are going through a lot — no water and can’t find food — and all you are thinking of is to put them in cages.’ He explained that the hurricane’s devastation has forced birds into unfamiliar territories, making them vulnerable to predators, including humans.
Whyte, who has been assisting with hurricane relief efforts, observed birds feeding on fallen fruits in residential yards, a behavior unusual for these wild species. He lamented that some individuals are exploiting the birds’ vulnerability by caging them, often leading to their death. A TikTok video surfaced showing a man boasting about capturing four parrots, claiming to have ‘rescued’ them. The video has sparked outrage among conservationists.
Whyte also revealed that some individuals have been selling parrots for prices ranging from $24,000 to $28,000 each, with reports of many birds dying in captivity. He urged the public to report such activities to the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) or the police.
To support the birds’ recovery, Whyte advised homeowners to place fallen fruits in areas inaccessible to predators like cats and mongooses. He also recommended using granulated sugar in bird feeders, avoiding syrup or brown sugar, and cleaning feeders regularly. NEPA has issued similar guidance, reminding the public that capturing or caging native birds is illegal and urging them to report injured birds for professional assistance.
Whyte concluded with a plea: ‘Let the birds be. I hope the authorities take action against the people, especially those on social media who are showing how they catch the birds.’
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More American aid
The United States has significantly increased its humanitarian support for Jamaica in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, announcing an additional $10 million in aid. This brings the total U.S. contribution to $22 million, underscoring the strong bilateral ties between the two nations. The announcement was made by Jeremy Lewin, Under Secretary for Foreign Assistance, Humanitarian Affairs, and Religious Freedom, during a meeting with Jamaican Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness in St. Andrew on Monday. Lewin highlighted the U.S.’s rapid and robust response, which included deploying a disaster response team, search and rescue personnel, and heavy-lift helicopters to deliver life-saving aid to isolated communities. He emphasized that the U.S. would remain committed to Jamaica’s recovery efforts throughout all stages, from immediate relief to long-term reconstruction. Prime Minister Holness expressed deep gratitude for the U.S.’s swift and comprehensive assistance, particularly in logistics operations that were critical in reaching marooned communities. However, he cautioned that the scale of destruction was immense and called for sustained international and local cooperation to ensure Jamaica’s full recovery.
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Messy menace
Jamaica is grappling with a severe garbage collection crisis in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, as the National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA) struggles to address the overwhelming backlog. NSWMA Executive Director Audley Gordon, in an exclusive interview with the Jamaica Observer, revealed that the agency is facing its most significant challenge since its inception in 2002. Despite relentless efforts, residents are urged to brace for further delays in waste collection services over the coming weeks.