Grace Walters, the Unity Labour Party (ULP) candidate for North Windward, has passionately urged constituents to embrace the future her party promises if re-elected for a sixth consecutive term. Speaking at the ULP’s “Labour Strong” rally in Kingstown, Walters emphasized the importance of staying focused on progress and avoiding negativity. Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves also announced November 27 as the date for the upcoming general election during the event. Walters, a first-time candidate, painted a vivid picture of a prosperous future, highlighting advancements in airports, ports, and healthcare services. She called on supporters to trust a leadership that delivers, cares, and protects, urging them not to gamble with their families’ futures. Walters criticized the New Democratic Party (NDP), stating that North Windward would reject them as they had in the past. She warned against experimenting with new leadership during global turmoil, emphasizing the need for experienced governance. Walters praised Gonsalves as a divinely guided leader who prioritizes national safety and development, citing the construction of a modern hospital as an example. She acknowledged delays in repairing houses damaged by natural hazards but pledged to continue the work post-election. Walters highlighted the ULP’s achievements, including the Rabacca Bridge, safer roads, and the revival of the arrowroot industry. She promised to deliver youth mentorship programs, job creation through tourism, improved housing, and an indigenous heritage center to preserve culture. Walters also vowed to expand healthcare and education access in the constituency. She faces competition from the NDP’s Shevern John, a former educator and senator, who narrowly lost the seat in 2020.
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Senator Michael Joseph Donates $15,000 to Football Clubs in St. John’s Rural West
In a significant move to bolster community sports, Senator Michael M. Joseph has committed $15,000 in financial support to three prominent football clubs in the St. John’s Rural West constituency. The donation, which will be evenly distributed among Five Islands FC, Empire FC, and Hoppers FC, aims to aid their preparations for the upcoming 2025–2026 ABFA Football Season. Senator Joseph emphasized the critical role of local sports in fostering youth development, instilling discipline, and nurturing community pride. He stated, ‘Our clubs are instrumental in shaping the character of our youth, promoting discipline, and strengthening community bonds. Supporting them is a direct investment in the sustained growth and unity of our constituency.’ Additionally, the senator extended his heartfelt wishes for a successful and competitive season to all three teams.
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Magnitude 4.0 Earthquake Recorded East of Antigua and Barbuda
A magnitude 4.0 earthquake was detected early Friday morning east of Antigua and Barbuda, as reported by the UWI Seismic Research Centre (SRC). The seismic event occurred at 2:13 a.m. local time (06:13 UTC) and was recorded at a depth of 10 kilometres. The epicentre was located at coordinates 16.54°N, 59.54°W, approximately 264 kilometres east-southeast of St. John’s, Antigua and Barbuda; 247 kilometres northeast of Roseau, Dominica; and 224 kilometres east of Point-à-Pitre, Guadeloupe. The SRC indicated that the earthquake’s location was automatically generated and could be subject to revision following further analysis. As of now, there have been no reports of damage or injuries resulting from the tremor.
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Guyana’s presumptive Opposition Leader and father arrested pending U.S. Extradition
In a significant development, Guyana’s presumptive Opposition Leader, Azruddin Mohamed, and his father, Nazar Mohamed, were arrested on October 31, 2025, following an extradition request from the United States. The arrests occurred in Georgetown, with Azruddin detained outside the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) and his father taken into custody shortly after. The duo faces 11 criminal charges in the U.S., including money laundering, wire fraud, and mail fraud, stemming from indictments unsealed in a Florida court earlier this month. U.S. authorities have reportedly been investigating the Mohameds since the early 2010s. Additionally, they are accused of tax evasion and the alleged misuse of official GRA seals to evade duties and taxes. Azruddin Mohamed, who recently entered politics and led the We Invest Nationhood party, secured the majority of opposition seats in the September General Elections. He is set to be sworn in as Leader of the Opposition next week. The extradition proceedings began today, with both men appearing in court. The Office of the Attorney General confirmed that the formal extradition request was received from the U.S. on Thursday.
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Chinese community to distribute 23,000 food kits to families affected by Storm Melissa
In a significant humanitarian initiative, the Fujian General Chamber of Commerce of China in the Dominican Republic has mobilized a large-scale relief campaign to aid families devastated by Tropical Storm Melissa. The effort involves the distribution of 23,000 food kits, with an estimated total value of RD$29.9 million, across the nation. The campaign is spearheaded by prominent figures including Zheng Shanfeng, President of the Fujian Chamber; Mars Wang, Vice President; Weng Didi, Secretary General; Yuek Fai Cheung, President of the Chinese Colony Center; and Rosa NG Báez, President of the Flor Para Todos Foundation. Deliveries have already commenced in severely affected southern provinces, such as San José de Ocoa. The relief operation will extend to 13 regions, including Santo Domingo, San Cristóbal, San Pedro de Macorís, Monte Plata, San Juan, Barahona, and Peravia. Organizers emphasized that the campaign embodies the spirit of solidarity and gratitude that binds the Chinese and Dominican communities. ‘In times of hardship, it is our duty to stand together and offer support,’ stated Zheng Shanfeng, highlighting the unwavering commitment of the Chinese community to assist the Dominican Republic during challenging times.
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SVG to host 2026 Americas Netball World Cup Qualifier
St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) has been selected as the host nation for the 2026 Americas Netball World Cup Qualifier, following a decisive vote by the Americas Netball Region members on Wednesday. The prestigious tournament is set to take place from October 13 to 23, 2026, and will determine the two teams that will join Jamaica’s Sunshine Girls in representing the Americas Region at the Netball World Cup in Sydney, Australia, scheduled for August 25 to September 5, 2027. Natasha Baptiste, President of the SVG Netball Association, expressed immense pride in this accomplishment and extended heartfelt gratitude to all supporters of the successful bid. Baptiste highlighted the event as a significant opportunity for sports tourism and a chance for the Vincy Jewels to compete on home turf. A critical factor in securing the bid was the official commitment from the Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines to transform the Arnos Vale Sporting Complex into an indoor facility, ensuring uninterrupted play regardless of weather conditions. Baptiste emphasized that this development would revolutionize the landscape for all indoor sports disciplines in the region. The SVG Netball Association is poised to begin planning and logistical preparations soon, as the nation gears up to host what is anticipated to be a historic milestone in Vincentian sports.
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The Colonial City draws 8% of tourists visiting the Dominican Republic
Santo Domingo’s Colonial City has undergone a significant transformation with the completion of an extensive urban renewal project, spearheaded by Tourism Minister David Collado. The initiative, valued at over RD$103 million, has revitalized 11 streets in the historic district, enhancing accessibility, infrastructure, and the overall visitor experience. Executed by the Executive Committee for Infrastructure of Tourist Zones (Ceiztur), the project includes the reconstruction of sidewalks, curbs, and pavements across 17 streets, alongside drainage improvements, new signage, and universal access ramps. Minister Collado emphasized that the Colonial City, a key attraction for approximately 8% of the Dominican Republic’s tourists, will remain fully accessible throughout December to ensure uninterrupted tourism and local commerce. The project also extends its benefits to neighboring areas such as San Lázaro and San Miguel, reflecting the government’s commitment to inclusive and sustainable tourism. Collado highlighted that these efforts aim to preserve the historic charm of the Colonial City while positioning it as a premier destination for both domestic and international visitors.
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FOIA Law Places Burden of Proof on Government
The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) mandates that government ministries must provide a valid justification for denying access to public records, as emphasized by Section 38 of the Act. Under FOIA, individuals have the right to request government-held information unless the document falls under exemptions outlined in Part IV. In cases of refusal, the ministry is required to issue a written notice under Section 21, detailing the reasons for the decision and informing the applicant of their right to appeal to the Ombudsman.
Section 38 of the FOIA, which governs the Review of Decisions process, explicitly states that the ministry or prescribed authority bears the burden of proof. They must demonstrate that their decision to withhold information was justified under exemptions such as national security, Cabinet confidentiality, or legal privilege, or that the Ombudsman should rule against the applicant. This ensures that access to information remains the default, with the ministry required to validate its refusal rather than the applicant proving the legitimacy of their request.
Failure to meet this burden can result in the Ombudsman ordering disclosure under Section 39. Recently, the Government of Belize has escalated this process by appealing to the High Court to overturn the Ombudsman’s directive to release information regarding payments to private law firms. While FOIA permits appeals to the Supreme Court under Section 43, such appeals usually follow a completed review. The Attorney General’s decision to directly challenge the Ombudsman’s directive now brings the interpretation of these procedural safeguards before the judiciary, marking a significant development in the application of FOIA.
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Attorney General Appeals Ombudsman’s FOIA Decision
The Attorney General of Belize has initiated a legal challenge against an Ombudsman’s decision mandating the disclosure of government payments to private law firms under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). On October 28, 2025, a Notice of Appeal was filed in the High Court, naming the Attorney General as the appellant and the Ombudsman as the respondent. The appeal seeks to overturn the Ombudsman’s October 10th ruling, arguing it contains legal errors. The filing references Part V of the FOIA, the Inferior Appeals Rules 2021, and Sections 31 and Sub-Part 8 of the Senior Courts Act. It also bears a General Registry stamp dated October 28, 2025. Part V of the FOIA specifically addresses the ‘Review of Decisions.’
The Ombudsman’s decision stemmed from a review initiated by civic activist Jeremy Enriquez after the Attorney General’s Chambers denied a FOIA request for details on payments to private law firms retained by the Belizean government for redistricting-related litigation. The Ombudsman ordered partial disclosure, requiring the release of the names of attorneys or law firms involved and the total amounts paid to each, with redactions limited to legitimately exempt material.
As of October 23, Enriquez reported no updates from the Ombudsman’s Office since the directive was issued on October 15, though the two-week compliance period had not yet expired. The October 28th appeal effectively bypasses the next procedural step outlined in Section 38 of the FOIA, bringing the matter directly before the High Court for resolution.
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Relief Supplies Dispatched for Belizean Students After Storm Hits Jamaica
In response to the catastrophic impact of Hurricane Melissa, the Government of Belize, through its Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade, Culture & Immigration, has mobilized urgent relief supplies for approximately 75 Belizean students stranded in Jamaica and Santiago de Cuba. The aid package includes essential hygiene products and canned food, delivered via a Jamaica Defence Force aircraft that had sought refuge in Belize during the storm. Coordination of the distribution in Jamaica is being managed by Ms. Elecif Arthurs, Belize’s honorary consul in Kingston, while the Belizean Embassy in Havana is overseeing support efforts for students in Cuba. Foreign Affairs Minister Francis Fonseca expressed gratitude to Jamaica for safeguarding Belizean students during the hurricane and reiterated Belize’s unwavering commitment to their safety. The ministry has confirmed that all Belizean students in both countries have been accounted for. Hurricane Melissa, which struck Jamaica’s southwest coast with sustained winds of 185 mph and torrential rainfall, is considered the most powerful storm to hit Jamaica in recent history. The hurricane caused extensive damage, including widespread power outages, severe flooding, and the collapse of critical infrastructure across western Jamaica. This relief initiative comes amid public criticism in Belize regarding the perceived lack of immediate support for students in Jamaica following the disaster.