The Belmopan City Council has issued a stern reminder to residents regarding the prohibition of livestock within city limits, following a surge in complaints about animals being kept or allowed to graze in urban areas. The Council emphasized that under the Belmopan City Council Act, Chapter 86, it is illegal to drive, lead, or permit cattle to roam through public streets, parks, or playgrounds without written authorization. Violators face penalties of up to $200 in fines or one month of imprisonment.
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Late-Night Motorcycle RTA Claims Life of 28-Year-Old Keith Guzman
A devastating late-night motorcycle accident in Central Farm on Friday resulted in the death of 28-year-old Keith Guzman and left three others seriously injured. The collision involved two motorcycles, one carrying Peter Vasquez and Sucely Bogaert, and the other occupied by Antonio Castillo and the deceased, Guzman. Emergency responders pronounced Guzman dead at the scene, while Castillo and Vasquez were rushed to San Ignacio Hospital for treatment. Bogaert, in critical condition, was transported to the Western Regional Hospital. Disturbing footage from the accident site depicted the victims lying motionless with severe injuries and heavy bleeding. The tragic incident has sparked an outpouring of grief on social media, with friends and family mourning the loss of Guzman, who was known for his passion for motorcycles. One heartfelt tribute read, “One thing we all knew is how much you loved cycles mein.” Another mourner lamented, “So many lives taken by cycle. Place your arms around Belize, Lord.” The community continues to grapple with the aftermath of this heartbreaking event.
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Wickham: PM Pierre won’t call election without clear edge
Renowned regional pollster Peter Wickham has cast doubt on the likelihood of Saint Lucia’s Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre announcing an early election date, despite widespread speculation. Wickham, the principal director of Caribbean Development Research Services (CADRES), suggests that Pierre will only call for elections when he perceives an unassailable advantage. The general election is constitutionally due by 2026, but the political climate on the island is intensifying, with heightened campaign activities from the ruling Saint Lucia Labour Party (SLP) and the opposition United Workers Party (UWP), led by Allen Chastanet. Wickham believes that Pierre’s decision to delay the election announcement may be tied to the completion of the reconstructed St. Jude’s Hospital, a project that holds significant political weight. He notes that delivering on this long-promised initiative could bolster the SLP’s standing. Wickham also highlights the public’s apparent satisfaction with Pierre’s administration, citing stability and a perception of reduced corruption compared to the previous UWP government. However, he cautions that Pierre must avoid the pitfalls of past administrations that lost electoral advantages by waiting too long. The pollster remains uncertain whether Chastanet’s revamped UWP can regain momentum, given the absence of key figures from the previous election. Ultimately, Wickham asserts that the upcoming election is Pierre’s to lose, emphasizing the strategic importance of timing and public sentiment.
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Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda Meets Executive Director of the Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage on the Sidelines of COP30 in Belém
During the Belém Climate Summit, held as part of COP30, the Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, the Honourable Gaston Browne, engaged in a pivotal meeting with Mr. Ibrahima Cheikh Diong, Executive Director of the Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage. The discussions centered on the operational advancements of the Fund, which has already secured pledges totaling USD 800 million. Mr. Diong lauded Prime Minister Browne for his steadfast advocacy and leadership in establishing the Fund, as well as Antigua and Barbuda’s ongoing efforts to promote climate justice for Small Island Developing States (SIDS).
The Fund is designed to operate through three distinct modalities: multilateral development banks (MDBs), direct access entities, and existing accredited entities of the Green Climate Fund (GCF) and Adaptation Fund (AF). This multi-faceted approach aims to ensure flexibility, speed, and efficiency in delivering critical support to nations most vulnerable to climate change. The official launch of the Fund is slated for 15 December 2025, with full operational capacity expected within six months.
Prime Minister Browne expressed his appreciation for the progress update and reiterated Antigua and Barbuda’s intention to be among the first nations to apply for financing. He underscored the country’s recent struggles with hurricanes, coastal erosion, and other climate-related losses as a driving force behind this decision. Additionally, he commended Mr. Diong’s leadership and pledged Antigua and Barbuda’s continued collaboration as a member of the Fund’s Board to ensure that resources are effectively channeled to those in greatest need.
Furthermore, Prime Minister Browne highlighted Antigua and Barbuda’s readiness to align national systems with the Fund’s operational requirements. He also announced the upcoming launch of the Barbuda Implementation Mechanism (BIM) on 10 November 2025 at COP30, which will serve as a model for locally driven initiatives to address loss and damage. Both parties reaffirmed their shared commitment to the full capitalization and effective implementation of the Fund, aiming to empower communities on the frontlines of the climate crisis to recover, rebuild, and thrive.
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CAPACITY TO COPE
In the wake of Hurricane Melissa, which caused widespread devastation in Jamaica nearly two weeks ago, particularly in the island’s western parishes, the question of when to resume sporting activities has ignited a national debate. While some argue that restarting events like the Jamaica Premier League (JPL) could restore a sense of normalcy and hope, others contend it is premature, given the physical and psychological toll on athletes, coaches, and communities. The JPL organizers have adopted a cautious approach, prioritizing the well-being of players and staff before considering a return to competition. Communication disruptions persist across much of the island, and several clubs, including Montego Bay United and Treasure Beach FC, report severe damage to their facilities and personal impacts on players. Beyond logistical challenges, the psychological aftermath of the disaster adds complexity. Dr. André Bateman, a clinical and sports psychologist, highlights the disproportionate impact on the western side of the island, where recovery efforts are more arduous. He emphasizes the importance of sensitivity in resuming sports, noting the psychological divide between those ready to move forward and those still grappling with loss. Athletes, even in less affected areas, may carry emotional burdens, including survivor’s guilt, which can hinder their performance. Bateman stresses the need for open communication and accessible mental health support, urging the Government and sporting authorities to provide resources like group therapy. While sports can serve as a therapeutic outlet for athletes, Bateman warns against using them as a distraction, which may exacerbate trauma. For now, the consensus among organizers leans toward patience and compassion, recognizing the delicate balance between recovery and the desire to return to normalcy.
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Unbreakable spirit
In a powerful display of resilience and commitment, Adam Stewart, Executive Chairman of Sandals Resorts International, addressed travel advisors at the CruiseWorld conference in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, last Thursday. Stewart emphasized Jamaica’s determination to recover and thrive following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa. He urged the travel industry to continue promoting Jamaica and the Caribbean, highlighting tourism as a vital economic lifeline for the region. Stewart’s message was clear: Jamaica will emerge stronger from this setback.
Stewart, who also serves as Executive Chairman of the Jamaica Observer, revealed that the three Sandals resorts most severely impacted by the hurricane—Sandals Montego Bay, Sandals Royal Caribbean, and Sandals South Coast—are set to reopen by May 30, 2026, with enhanced facilities. Five other resorts, less affected, will resume operations by December 6. Stewart’s decision to attend the November 5-7 conference underscored his personal dedication to Jamaica’s recovery.
Sandals Resorts has already contributed $3 million to hurricane relief efforts and made its corporate aircraft hangar available for relief operations. Additionally, the Sandals Foundation donated $6 million worth of medical equipment to Bustamante Hospital for Children, enabling the facility to care for critically ill neonates and children transferred from hurricane-affected areas.
During the hurricane, Sandals provided free accommodations to guests until it was safe for them to return home. Stewart chartered a plane to transport 150,000 pounds of relief materials to Jamaica. At the conference, Gary Sadler, Executive Vice-President of Unique Vacations, joined Stewart in promoting Caribbean tourism, offering free trips to incentivize travel advisors to support the region’s recovery.
CruiseWorld, a premier event for the travel industry, fosters growth through educational workshops, networking, and product showcases. Stewart’s appearance and the initiatives announced at the event reflect a united effort to rebuild and strengthen Jamaica’s tourism sector.
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‘Melissa, why you break Melissa leg?’
When Hurricane Melissa struck Jamaica two weeks ago, Melissa Hutchinson Malcolm found herself in an ironic and perilous situation. While attempting to secure her mother’s house in Jericho, Hanover, Hutchinson Malcolm broke her right leg as the storm ravaged the area. The house, which included an attached shop, collapsed, trapping her, her two sons, her mother, and three others. As they tried to escape, the hurricane lifted part of the shop, striking her foot and causing the injury. Despite the trauma, Hutchinson Malcolm found humor in the irony of being injured by a hurricane bearing her name. She expressed gratitude for surviving the ordeal, acknowledging that many others were not as fortunate. The 41-year-old chef, now temporarily unemployed due to the storm’s impact on the tourism industry, faces challenges in her recovery. She relies on crutches and a chair to move around her home, which is on an incline. Hutchinson Malcolm has appealed for assistance to cover transportation, food, and medical expenses. Her mother, Janet Gray, also shared her harrowing experience of losing her home and shop but remains hopeful about rebuilding. Gray emphasized the importance of resilience, stating, ‘While there is life, there is hope.’ Both women are thankful to be alive, despite the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa.
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Raging water, broken rigs
Truck operators in southern St James are urgently appealing for government assistance to recover from the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa, which struck on October 28. The relentless floodwaters not only damaged their vehicles but also exposed underlying issues exacerbated by poor drainage from a nearby highway construction project. Clyde Maxwell, owner of Maxwell Trucking in Irwin, St James, emphasized that the disaster was not purely natural. ‘It’s since the highway started being built. It’s not the hurricane that did this, it’s the water,’ he stated. Maxwell reported that at least 11 trucks in his garage, along with several others nearby, were ‘totally damaged,’ with approximately 21 motorcars also affected. The truckers, numbering about 20, primarily haul construction materials and containers for their livelihoods. While a full assessment is pending, Maxwell estimated losses in the millions of dollars, with his own repair costs alone reaching $2 million. Small operators, who rely solely on their trucks for income, are particularly vulnerable. Maxwell stressed that they are not seeking charity but rather loans to repair their vehicles and resume operations. ‘We wouldn’t mind if we could get somebody to talk to us. We are not looking for a handout, but if we could get support, if you can give each man a loan, I know every man would repay it,’ he said. Franklin Garrison, another trucker, called on the Ministry of Transport and the Ministry of Industry, Investment, and Commerce to consider duty-free concessions or shell licences to facilitate the import of replacement vehicle parts. ‘We need some type of waiver,’ he urged. The truckers are now left in a state of uncertainty, unsure how to rebuild their businesses and livelihoods in the aftermath of the disaster.
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Melissa leaves tour guides stranded
The aftermath of Hurricane Melissa has left Jamaica’s tourism industry in shambles, with cancelled trips, shuttered attractions, and tour guides forced to sit idle. The Category 5 hurricane, which made landfall on Jamaica’s south-western coast, caused widespread destruction across western and north-western parishes, severely impacting the island’s tourism sector. O’Brien Sterling, operator of O’Brien and Sons Ja Tours in Montego Bay, is among the many guides whose livelihoods have been disrupted. Sterling, who connects visitors with Jamaica’s culture, history, and natural beauty, has seen his main source of income wiped out. ‘Everything just get stuck right now because I do tours, but now nothing nah gwaan. Tourism, for now, to how me see it, it on a pause,’ he lamented. Sterling had 12 visitors booked for November, but all cancelled due to the storm. He believes the industry will take time to recover, and tourists would not enjoy their visits given the current state of the island. Sterling, who also runs a car wash business, highlighted the struggles of his peers who rely solely on tourism. Delroy Dove, caretaker of Johns Hall Adventure Tours, faced personal devastation as his home and business were destroyed. ‘Right now, everything on pause because the place mash down,’ Dove said, pointing to the ruins of his property. Despite his injuries and the near-death experience of being trapped in his collapsing home, Dove remains hopeful for the sector’s recovery. ‘To them [tourists] Jamaica is a blessed country, so they will want to come look and give a little help,’ he said. The storm’s impact has been devastating not only for businesses but also for the people who depend on tourism for their livelihoods. Devral, another caretaker, expressed the dire situation: ‘If this never happened, we would have had tours going on.’ The road to recovery for Jamaica’s tourism industry remains uncertain, with guides and attractions grappling with the extensive damage left by Hurricane Melissa.
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No hiding from Melissa
Ackeeno Cole, a determined farmer from St. Elizabeth, Jamaica, has vowed to rebuild his life and livelihood after Hurricane Melissa, a catastrophic Category 5 storm, ravaged his farm. Despite losing nearly all his livestock and crops, Cole remains steadfast in his resolve to recover and continue his agricultural pursuits.