Belizean drivers and car dealers are increasingly encountering perilous situations while traveling through Mexico, with a surge in incidents involving criminal organizations and corrupt law enforcement. A recent viral video on social media captured a Belizean car dealer in a tense confrontation with Mexican police officers, who demanded money and attempted to seize his vehicle. The driver, who sat on the hood of his car to prevent its confiscation, later confirmed that only a small sum of $15 Belize was taken. However, the incident underscores the broader dangers and communication challenges faced by Belizeans in Mexico. This is not an isolated case. In Veracruz, three Belizean car dealers were kidnapped by the JNCG cartel and held hostage for seven hours, released only after their families paid $500 USD each in ransom. Another group of seven Belizeans traveling through Tuxpan, Veracruz, was extorted by local police, who demanded $1,500 USD per person before eventually settling for a total of 7,000 pesos ($750 USD). These incidents highlight the persistent risks of extortion, language barriers, and cartel threats that Belizeans face while navigating Mexican roads.
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Police Seize Over Half Ton of Cocaine in 2025 Crackdown
Law enforcement agencies in Saint Lucia have reported significant drug seizures from January to October 2025, focusing on cannabis cultivation and cocaine trafficking. Data from the police crime management system highlights heightened efforts along major smuggling routes. The Royal Saint Lucia Police Force’s official report underscores cocaine trafficking as the most pressing threat, with over half a metric ton intercepted in the first five months. While synthetic drugs remain less prevalent, authorities emphasize the need for vigilance at entry points. May saw a notable decline in interdiction activity, possibly indicating a temporary lull or a shift in smuggling strategies. The breakdown of seized substances includes 105.653 kg of cannabis, 8,345 cannabis plants, 30 seedlings, 1,214.26 kg of cannabis resin, 585.227 kg of cocaine, 0.378 kg of ecstasy, and 1.045 kg of crystal meth. These developments occur as crime reduction becomes a hot-button issue between the island’s leading political parties ahead of the upcoming general election.
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NTUCB Demands Government Retract Case Against Ombudsman
The National Trade Union Congress of Belize (NTUCB) has issued a strong appeal to the Belizean government, urging it to withdraw its legal case against the Office of the Ombudsman. The union contends that the government’s decision to take the Ombudsman to court undermines public accountability and good governance principles. NTUCB President Ella Waight expressed deep concern and disappointment, stating that the move directly challenges the Ombudsman’s role in safeguarding citizens’ rights and promoting transparency in public administration. The legal dispute originated from a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request by activist Jeremy Enriquez, who sought details on taxpayer-funded legal fees in constitutional cases. After the Attorney General’s Ministry refused to disclose the information, the Ombudsman recommended partial disclosure. The government’s subsequent decision to challenge this recommendation in court has sparked widespread criticism. Waight emphasized the union’s unwavering support for the Ombudsman, vowing to hold the government accountable for its actions. The NTUCB has called for an immediate reconsideration of the legal proceedings, stressing the importance of upholding good governance practices.
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Offbeat sports season starts with a bang at Pointe Seraphine
On Saturday evening, November 1, Duty Free Pointe Seraphine in Saint Lucia became a vibrant hub of diverse sporting activities as the Ministry of Youth Development & Sports officially inaugurated the 2025–2026 Alternative Sports Season. The event showcased an eclectic mix of non-traditional sports, including chess, darts, paintball, surfing, racecars, BMX, vehicular audio, and video games, all aimed at bringing these lesser-known disciplines into the limelight. The season, which will run through March, seeks to elevate sports that often lack formal organization or mainstream recognition. The launch featured interactive booths hosted by national federations for mixed martial arts, chess, pools, esports, paintball, and surfing, allowing attendees to engage directly with these sports and witness elite practitioners in action. Highlights of the evening included the display of the Invest Saint Lucia Toyota Supra MK4, a dominant force in regional drag racing, and the popular esports booth, which drew significant attention from younger participants. Minister for Youth Development & Sports, Kenson Casimir, and Invest Saint Lucia chairman, Lyndon Arnold, delivered remarks emphasizing the importance of fostering alternative sports. To ensure the sustainability of these sports beyond the five-month season, the ministry has already initiated capacity-building efforts, including a seminar in September focused on governance, financial management, and strategic planning for clubs and associations.
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Derelict Vehicles Removed as National Clean-Up Continues
The National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA) has taken a proactive stance in addressing urban blight by launching a comprehensive initiative to remove derelict vehicles across the nation. This effort is part of a broader clean-up campaign aimed at enhancing public health, improving environmental conditions, and restoring aesthetic appeal to urban and suburban areas. Derelict vehicles, often abandoned in public spaces, have long been a source of concern due to their potential to harbor pests, leak hazardous fluids, and detract from community well-being. The NSWMA’s initiative involves collaboration with local governments, law enforcement, and environmental agencies to identify, tag, and remove these vehicles efficiently. Authorities have emphasized the importance of community involvement, urging residents to report abandoned vehicles and participate in neighborhood clean-up efforts. This campaign underscores the NSWMA’s commitment to sustainable waste management and its role in fostering cleaner, safer, and more livable communities. The initiative is expected to have a significant impact on reducing urban pollution and promoting environmental stewardship.
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Nicaraguan Man Alleges Belize NGO Scam Left Him Facing Death Threats (Pt. 4)
In a significant turn of events, the Human Rights Commission of Belize (HRCB) has exonerated a former employee accused of involvement in a scam targeting Nicaraguan refugee Eric Omar Hernández Cruz. The allegations, which surfaced earlier this year, claimed that Cruz was defrauded and subsequently faced death threats by individuals linked to two Belizean NGOs. The HRCB’s internal investigation, prompted by a referral from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), concluded on October 2, 2025, with no evidence found to substantiate the claims. HRCB President Leo Bradley Jr. stated that the complainants failed to provide critical details, corroborating documentation, or direct testimony, and declined to participate in interviews. The former employee, who was terminated earlier due to funding cuts rather than misconduct, was declared ‘fully exonerated’ and acknowledged to have suffered personal and reputational distress. Meanwhile, Cruz, who fled Belize after reporting the threats, passed away in Mexico in mid-September due to health complications. The HRCB has reaffirmed its commitment to improving internal systems to ensure fairness and confidentiality in handling future complaints.
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Antigua and Barbuda to Host Caribbean Travel Marketplace 2026
The Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association (CHTA) has announced that Antigua and Barbuda will host the 44th edition of the Caribbean Travel Marketplace (CTM) from May 12 to 15, 2026. This decision follows the successful partnership established during the 2025 event and highlights CHTA’s confidence in the dual-island nation’s leadership and commitment to advancing Caribbean tourism. CTM, the region’s largest tourism forum, serves as a platform for regional suppliers to connect with global buyers, fostering business growth, strengthening partnerships, and showcasing the innovation and resilience of the Caribbean’s visitor economy. CHTA President Sanovnik Destang emphasized the pride in continuing the collaboration with Antigua and Barbuda, citing its dedication to excellence and regional partnership. Antigua and Barbuda’s proven ability to host world-class conferences was recently recognized with the title of ‘Caribbean’s Best Meetings and Conference Destination’ by the World Travel Awards. The nation has demonstrated its capabilities by hosting major events such as Marketplace 2025, the OAS Conference, and preparations for the upcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting. Colin C. James, CEO of the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority, expressed pride in hosting CTM once again, emphasizing the country’s strong infrastructure, modern facilities, and vibrant culture. Marketplace 2026 will feature enhancements, including expanded accommodation options and venue optimization, reflecting CHTA and Antigua and Barbuda’s shared commitment to delivering an exceptional experience for delegates. Regional and international air connectivity will remain a strategic focus, with continued collaboration among government partners, aviation stakeholders, and tourism officials. CHTA also extended solidarity to Jamaica in its recovery efforts, reaffirming its commitment to all member destinations and activating its Disaster Response Fund to support regions impacted by Hurricane Melissa. Vanessa Ledesma, CHTA CEO, highlighted the event’s role in strengthening partnerships, supporting business development, and advancing Caribbean tourism. Registration details and travel information for CTM 2026 will be released in the coming months.
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Halls of Justice Taking Shape as NH Chairman Reaffirms Commitment to Saint Lucia
NH International (Caribbean) Ltd, the Trinidad-based construction firm responsible for Saint Lucia’s landmark Halls of Justice project, has reaffirmed its dedication to fostering national development through local partnerships and skills transfer. Executive Chairman Emile Elias is currently in Saint Lucia, conducting site visits and engaging with government and industry stakeholders. His visit highlights NH’s mission to ‘build beyond structures’ by strengthening institutions, professional standards, and local capacity. During a press conference at the Halls of Justice site, Elias emphasized, ‘Our aim is to build facilities that last, but also to help build the capacity and confidence of the people who will sustain them.’ NH International is overseeing several major projects in Saint Lucia, including the EC$143 million Halls of Justice, the Rodney Bay City Centre, and upgrades to the Hewanorra International Airport control tower. Elias noted that NH’s approach is rooted in knowledge sharing and the inclusion of Saint Lucian professionals at every stage of project delivery. ‘In every country where we operate, and especially here in Saint Lucia, we integrate local professionals, engineers, and contractors into every phase of delivery,’ he said. This collaboration ensures that, upon project completion, the island gains not only a building but also a more technically confident construction sector. Saint Lucian engineers are now contributing to NH projects in other Caribbean territories, a testament to the success of this model. NH is also introducing advanced construction technologies to the island, including energy-efficient building systems and digital monitoring tools, while mentoring local teams in internationally recognized safety and quality standards. As part of his visit, Elias will meet with senior government officials to discuss ongoing and future collaborations. Celebrating its 60th anniversary this year, NH International has delivered over US$1 billion in projects across 11 countries.
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Trump: Dagen van Venezolaanse president Maduro zijn geteld
In a recent interview with CBS, U.S. President Donald Trump sent mixed signals regarding the possibility of a military intervention in Venezuela, while simultaneously dismissing talk of ‘war’ and issuing veiled threats against Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro. Trump warned that Maduro’s days as president are numbered, a statement made amidst the buildup of U.S. military forces in the Caribbean. The U.S. has conducted multiple strikes on alleged drug-smuggling vessels in the region, actions that United Nations officials and legal experts argue violate both U.S. and international laws.
When questioned about the potential for war with Venezuela, Trump responded, ‘I doubt it. I don’t think so.’ However, when asked if Maduro’s presidency was nearing its end, he stated, ‘I would say yes. I think so.’ American media outlets have reported that Washington is considering attacks on Venezuelan military installations as part of its war on ‘narco-terrorism.’ While Trump appeared to deny plans for such strikes, he did not entirely rule them out, stating, ‘I wouldn’t be inclined to say that I would do that,’ and ‘I’m not going to tell you what I’m going to do with Venezuela.’
Maduro, who faces U.S. charges of drug trafficking, has accused Washington of using the drug offensive as a pretext to impose ‘regime change’ in Caracas to seize Venezuela’s oil reserves. Over the past weeks, the U.S. military has carried out more than a dozen attacks on ships in the Caribbean and the Pacific, resulting in at least 65 deaths. These actions have drawn criticism from governments across the region.
The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, and human rights organizations have condemned the attacks, which began in early September, as ‘extrajudicial executions,’ even if they targeted known drug smugglers. Washington has yet to publicly provide evidence that the attacked vessels were involved in drug smuggling or posed a threat to the U.S.
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DOE Investigates Reports of Fuel Leak in Placencia Lagoon
The Department of Environment (DOE) has launched a comprehensive investigation into reports of a fuel odor and a multicolored sheen observed in the Placencia Lagoon. The incident came to light late Saturday evening when local residents reported a strong gasoline smell and an oily film on the water’s surface. Concerned about a potential fuel leak, residents alerted authorities, pointing to a nearby gas station as a possible source. One resident described the situation as alarming, stating, ‘The smell of gasoline was overwhelming and persisted through the night, contaminating our lagoon.’
While the gas station in question conducted an internal review and found no discrepancies between fuel received and sold, the DOE has initiated a full inspection to ensure no leaks are overlooked. Preliminary findings from the DOE suggest that the sheen on the water indicates the presence of refined fuel, characterized by high evaporation rates and low viscosity. Officials are currently examining underground sumps and pressurizing fuel lines to rule out pipeline leaks. ‘No leaks have been detected so far,’ the DOE confirmed, but additional checks in surrounding areas are underway to identify any alternative sources of contamination.