作者: admin

  • Vacancy: Accountant at ASB Ltd.

    Vacancy: Accountant at ASB Ltd.

    ASB Ltd., an authorized agent operating within Grenada’s Citizenship by Investment Programme, has announced a strategic recruitment initiative for a qualified accounting professional. This specialized position underscores the growing financial sophistication required within the investment migration industry.

    The successful candidate will assume comprehensive responsibility for the organization’s financial integrity, occupying a role critical to regulatory compliance and operational excellence. Key duties encompass the full spectrum of accounting functions, including meticulous management of accounts payable/receivable, payroll administration, and general ledger maintenance.

    A central requirement involves the preparation of detailed monthly financial statements—comprising balance sheets and profit/loss accounts—alongside maintaining a rigorous fixed asset register. The position demands stringent adherence to Grenadian accounting standards and tax legislation, with the accountant playing a pivotal role in annual budgeting, financial forecasting, and cash flow management.

    The role extends beyond traditional bookkeeping to include active collaboration in process optimization and audit preparedness. The professional will also handle client invoicing and payment tracking, ensuring all operations align with strict data protection protocols. This integration into business operations is designed to bolster the firm’s commitment to exceptional client service.

    Applicants must possess a bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance complemented by a minimum of five years’ demonstrated experience. Professional accreditation such as ACCA or CPA is highly desirable. The ideal profile requires proficiency in accounting software like QuickBooks, coupled with exceptional analytical, organizational, and communication abilities. Familiarity with the legal framework of Grenada’s Citizenship by Investment Programme represents a significant advantage.

    Compensation will be competitively structured relative to qualifications and experience. Interested professionals are directed to submit their application dossier—including a cover letter, CV, and three business references—to J’S HR Consultancy at the specified email address using the subject line ‘ASB – Accountant’. The application window remains open until March 30, 2026, though this deadline is subject to change.

  • PM Urges Businesses Not to Exploit Price Spike

    PM Urges Businesses Not to Exploit Price Spike

    Prime Minister John Briceño has publicly justified his administration’s controversial decision to sustain current fuel taxation levels despite escalating gasoline prices, emphasizing that these revenues constitute an indispensable funding source for vital social programs. In a recent interview with News 5, the Belizean leader articulated that eliminating fuel taxes would critically undermine national initiatives including universal secondary education, daily nutritional support for 15,000 students, and the National Health Insurance framework.

    Briceño contextualized the government’s fiscal challenges, highlighting an impending 4% salary augmentation for public sector employees effective April 1st—a $34 million expenditure following last October’s 4.5% adjustment. While acknowledging the economic strain on households and enterprises, the Prime Minister issued a compelling plea to commercial entities against disproportionate price inflation.

    “Certain businesses exploit these situations by implementing hikes exceeding actual cost increases,” Briceño observed, citing instances where 5-cent justifications prompted 15-cent price surges. He urged restrained adjustments to minimal necessary levels, emphasizing collective national responsibility.

    The government is concurrently conducting comprehensive expenditure reviews to identify potential cost-cutting measures should global oil prices continue their upward trajectory. Briceño concluded with a maritime metaphor emphasizing national unity: “We all share the Belize vessel—we either navigate these challenges collectively or face submergence together.”

  • Explosies bij al-Quds-dag in Teheran, één dode

    Explosies bij al-Quds-dag in Teheran, één dode

    A series of explosions struck central Tehran during the annual Quds Day demonstrations, resulting in one confirmed fatality and escalating tensions in the ongoing military confrontation between Iran and the US-Israel alliance now entering its fourteenth day.

    The blast occurred Friday afternoon at Ferdowsi Square where thousands had gathered for the international day of solidarity with Palestine. While the exact cause remains undetermined, the explosion came shortly after Israeli officials had warned of potential airstrikes in the area.

    Iran’s state-run Press TV reported one woman killed by shrapnel from what they described as a US-Israeli aerial attack, though no further casualty details were provided. According to Iranian health authorities, the cumulative toll since February 28 stands at 1,444 fatalities and 18,551 injured from American and Israeli military operations.

    Despite security concerns, state media reported continued large turnout for Quds Day commemorations across multiple Iranian cities. Participants carried Iranian flags and images of Palestinian fighters while chanting “Death to Israel” and “Death to America” during the marches.

    The demonstrations were attended by senior Iranian officials including President Masoud Pezeshkian and National Security Council Secretary Ali Larijani, who asserted that Israel’s bombing campaign reflected “fear” and criticized US President Donald Trump for underestimating Iranian resolve.

    The global implications of the conflict continued to intensify with Iran’s newly appointed Supreme Leader announcing the permanent closure of the Strait of Hormuz to international shipping. This strategic waterway, which typically handles approximately 20% of global oil exports, has become the focal point of escalating regional tensions.

    The maritime blockade has created massive congestion with dozens of oil tankers stranded in lengthy queues, severely disrupting global energy supplies and driving crude prices to approximately $105 per barrel—a significant increase over recent months. This price surge has triggered fuel rationing measures in neighboring Gulf states including Oman, UAE, and Kuwait as governments attempt to manage limited supplies and prevent social unrest.

    The economic impact extends throughout Asia and beyond, affecting all nations dependent on Hormuz transit routes. Supply chain disruptions are now affecting both transportation networks and industrial operations, increasing economic pressure across the region.

  • PANCAP director highlights innovation as key to ending AIDS ahead of Tenth NAP managers and partners conference

    PANCAP director highlights innovation as key to ending AIDS ahead of Tenth NAP managers and partners conference

    Health officials and stakeholders across the Caribbean are preparing for a pivotal gathering in Trinidad and Tobago to establish a coordinated battle plan against HIV/AIDS. The Tenth Meeting of National AIDS Programme Managers and Key Partners, scheduled for March 17-20, will focus on finalizing implementation strategies for the Caribbean Regional Strategic Framework (CRSF) 2026-2030.

    Dr. Wendy Telgt-Emanuelson, Director of the Pan Caribbean Partnership against HIV and AIDS (PANCAP) Coordinating Unit, emphasized the critical need for innovative approaches to achieve the region’s ambitious target of eliminating AIDS by 2030. “We must strengthen a coordinated, equitable, and sustainable Caribbean HIV response,” Dr. Telgt-Emanuelson stated, highlighting that success will require “alignment with the CRSF 2026–2030, driven by regional priorities, community-centred approaches, and evidence-informed policy.”

    The summit will assemble an unprecedented coalition of stakeholders, including National AIDS Programme Managers, Chief Medical Officers, Permanent Secretaries from Health Ministries, and representatives from Finance, Planning, and Community Development sectors. This multidisciplinary participation aims to ensure policy coherence and cross-sector collaboration in what organizers describe as a comprehensive approach to public health.

    Civil society organizations and community networks, particularly those representing key populations and People Living with HIV, are expected to contribute ground-level perspectives and advocacy insights. Their involvement is considered essential for maintaining a response strategy that reflects the realities of those most affected by the epidemic.

    International and regional partners including the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, PAHO/WHO, and UNAIDS will join the discussions. The CARICOM Secretariat and PANCAP’s Coordinating Unit will facilitate the proceedings, working to transform strategic frameworks into actionable plans that address both national and regional priorities in the final push toward AIDS elimination.

  • ILO Commends Belize for Meeting Labour Standards Obligation

    ILO Commends Belize for Meeting Labour Standards Obligation

    The International Labour Organization has formally recognized Belize for exemplary compliance with its constitutional mandate regarding international labor standards. This commendation stems from Belize’s systematic submission of numerous international labor instruments to its National Assembly, addressing a significant backlog in the process.

    According to official communications released on March 13, 2026, the ILO Committee of Experts on the Application of Conventions and Recommendations confirmed that Belize has successfully met its obligations under Article 19 of the ILO Constitution. The breakthrough occurred in September 2025 when the Belizean government, through its Labour Department, presented 43 international labor instruments to both parliamentary chambers—the House of Representatives and the Senate.

    These submissions encompassed Conventions, Recommendations, and Protocols ratified between 1990 and 2019, representing a substantial effort to harmonize national legislation with global labor standards. The ILO Committee specifically acknowledged with satisfaction the submissions made on September 12 and 15, 2025.

    In a subsequent development this week, Belize demonstrated continued commitment by submitting three additional instruments adopted during the 111th Session of the International Labour Conference. These included the Safe and Healthy Working Environment Convention (No. 191), corresponding Recommendation (No. 207), and the Quality Apprenticeships Recommendation (No. 208). Minister of Immigration, Governance and Labour Kareem Musa formally presented these instruments to the National Assembly on March 10, 2026.

    Minister Musa welcomed the international recognition, stating: “Belize takes seriously its responsibilities as a member of the International Labour Organization. By ensuring the submission of these international labor standards to the National Assembly, we are reinforcing our commitment to transparency, good governance, and the protection of workers’ rights.”

    The ILO Committee’s observation concluded that Belize has “fully met its constitutional obligation of submission,” marking a significant achievement in the country’s labor governance framework.

  • PUC Freezes BTL Prices Until 2028 As It Reviews Smart Buyout

    PUC Freezes BTL Prices Until 2028 As It Reviews Smart Buyout

    In a significant regulatory intervention, Belize’s Public Utilities Commission (PUC) has instituted a sweeping tariff freeze on Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL), designating the company as a dominant market operator. The mandate, effective March 11, 2026, will maintain all current pricing structures through December 31, 2028, creating an unprecedented three-year price stability period for telecommunications services.

    The regulatory action, formalized under the Belize Telecommunications (Transitional Tariff Freezing) Regulations 2026, prohibits BTL from altering any service rates without explicit PUC authorization. The freeze encompasses bundled service offerings, subscriber migration fees, and the introduction of new tariffs or service packages. According to the Commission, this measure aims to ensure market stability while developing comprehensive regulatory frameworks following BTL’s dominance designation.

    Concurrently, the PUC is conducting a rigorous examination of BTL’s proposed acquisition of Speednet Communications Limited (SCL). The consolidated acquisition proposal, submitted February 10, 2026, remains subject to final approval from BTL’s Board of Directors. The Commission has identified multiple areas requiring clarification, including consumer protection mechanisms, service continuity assurances, corporate strategic alignment, financial viability, and market competition implications.

    The regulatory body has formally requested detailed responses from both telecommunications entities by April 13, 2026, to facilitate informed decision-making regarding the proposed consolidation. Additionally, the PUC has opened a public consultation process, inviting written commentary from consumers and stakeholders through the same April deadline, demonstrating unprecedented transparency in the regulatory review process.

  • NCSA raises alarm over ‘emerging drugs’

    NCSA raises alarm over ‘emerging drugs’

    Barbados is confronting a disturbing shift in its drug landscape as synthetic substances including ecstasy, methamphetamine, and prescription medications are increasingly appearing in both medical treatment facilities and law enforcement seizures. The National Council on Substance Abuse (NCSA) issued this alert during an educational workshop for educators at Erdiston Teachers’ Training College, highlighting a concerning pattern of non-traditional drug use.

    Research and Information Officer Laura Foster revealed that while alcohol, tobacco, marijuana and inhalants maintain their status as the most commonly abused substances, the island nation is witnessing a visible emergence of more dangerous synthetic alternatives. Ecstasy has emerged as the predominant newcomer, with police seizure data showing an alarming escalation from 3,342 tablets confiscated in 2023 to over 7,000 tablets intercepted in 2024.

    Medical professionals are reporting treatment cases involving substances previously uncommon in Barbados, including ketamine, benzodiazepines (particularly Xanax), and ‘lean’ – a concoction mixing codeine-based cough syrup with soft drinks and hard candy for flavor enhancement. This recreational drug combination poses particular risks due to its popularity among younger demographics.

    Although previous intelligence suggested the potential presence of fentanyl, the NCSA confirms it currently lacks verified data regarding this powerful opioid’s circulation within local drug markets. The organization’s proactive early warning system, established in 2019, enables rapid detection of emerging drug threats through collaboration with multiple stakeholders who encounter drug-related developments in their professional capacities.

    This network allows the NCSA to issue public health alerts promptly once the Forensic Sciences Centre confirms the composition of seized substances. The system represents a crucial advantage over traditional statistical methods, enabling near real-time response rather than waiting for comprehensive survey data analysis. This agile approach facilitates immediate public education campaigns and the integration of emerging drug threats into prevention programs, potentially saving lives through timely intervention.

  • Coast Guard Mobilises Regional Search for Missing ‘Faith P’ Fishermen

    Coast Guard Mobilises Regional Search for Missing ‘Faith P’ Fishermen

    The Antigua Barbuda Defence Force (ABDF) Coast Guard has launched a comprehensive search and rescue operation for the missing fishing vessel ‘FAITH P’ and its three crew members. The vessel failed to return to port as scheduled on Thursday, March 12th, 2026, prompting immediate emergency response measures.

    According to official reports, the Coast Guard was notified of the overdue vessel at approximately 5:40 PM on Thursday. The three fishermen aboard—identified as Devon Prince (known as Grease Gun), Adrian Pryce (alias Ivan), and Carlton Pitt (alias Nagamootoo)—had departed for fishing operations 12.5 nautical miles south/southwest of Barbuda at 7:00 AM on March 11th, 2026.

    The search operation was immediately elevated to Distress phase due to notably unfavorable sea conditions at the time of the vessel’s disappearance. Maritime authorities have been continuously broadcasting an Urgent Marine Information Broadcast (UMIB) message on VHF Channel 16, alerting all mariners operating within the search area to remain vigilant and report any potential sightings.

    The ABDF Coast Guard is coordinating with multiple local and regional stakeholders to maximize search efforts across the potentially affected maritime region. Officials have emphasized their unwavering commitment to locating the missing vessel and its crew, assuring families and the public that every available resource is being deployed to bring their loved ones home safely.

    The incident has drawn significant attention across the twin-island nation, with community members anxiously awaiting updates on the search operation’s progress amid challenging maritime conditions.

  • ‘Fuel Hike No Surprise,’ Says PM Briceño Amid Iran Conflict

    ‘Fuel Hike No Surprise,’ Says PM Briceño Amid Iran Conflict

    Prime Minister John Briceño has addressed the nation regarding substantial increases in fuel prices, characterizing the development as an inevitable consequence of global market turbulence triggered by Middle Eastern conflicts. The government confirmed premium gasoline in Belize City has risen by $1.23 to $13.76 per gallon, while regular gasoline increased by $1.25 to $13.02 per gallon. Diesel prices remain temporarily unchanged at $12.05 per gallon.

    Briceño specifically cited the ongoing US/Israel military engagement in Iran and the subsequent closure of the Strait of Hormuz—a critical maritime passage handling approximately twenty percent of global oil shipments—as primary drivers behind the price adjustments. The Prime Minister noted that administration officials had been tracking international price escalations for weeks following supply route disruptions.

    In his statements to News 5, Briceño emphasized that the government is currently transferring the full impact of global market increases to consumers while continuously evaluating the situation. He indicated authorities would consider reducing fuel taxes if prices continue their upward trajectory, though he cautioned such measures would inevitably affect government revenue streams and potentially impact public service funding.

    The Prime Minister concluded that Belizean citizens had demonstrated awareness of the impending increases, showing understanding of the external factors influencing domestic fuel pricing structures.

  • Minister denies septic waste dumped on farmland at Spencer’s

    Minister denies septic waste dumped on farmland at Spencer’s

    Barbados’ Agriculture Minister Dr. Shantal Munro-Knight has issued a firm denial regarding allegations that septic waste was deposited directly on cultivated farmland in Spencer’s, Christ Church, while simultaneously promising legal action against the perpetrators. The minister’s statement came in response to mounting concerns from local farmers and escalating social media discourse surrounding the incident.

    Authorities launched an immediate investigation Wednesday afternoon after visual evidence suggested fecal matter had been illegally dumped in the vicinity of agricultural operations. Minister Munro-Knight emphasized that no official permission had been granted for any waste disposal activities in the protected area.

    Critical evidence has already been secured through surveillance systems monitoring the location. ‘We possess possible photographic evidence identifying the offenders,’ Munro-Knight confirmed. ‘Consequently, we will formally notify law enforcement and lodge an official complaint.’ The case has now been escalated to the Barbados Police Service for criminal investigation.

    A multi-agency collaboration is underway involving the Ministry of Agriculture, the Barbados Agricultural Development and Marketing Corporation (BADMC), the Barbados Water Authority, and ministries overseeing health and environmental protection. This coordinated effort aims to ensure the preservation of the area’s agricultural integrity.

    While preliminary findings indicate the dumping occurred adjacent to rather than directly upon actively cultivated farmland, the minister stressed the absolute unacceptability of the action. ‘This represents a profound disappointment that we as Barbadians have stooped to such levels,’ Munro-Knight stated, expressing her determination to see full legal consequences applied to those responsible.

    The ministerial response addresses persistent complaints from Spencer’s farmers who report witnessing monthly waste disposal activities by unidentified trucks over an extended period. The situation has gained significant political attention, with Amoy Gilding-Bourne, opposition agriculture spokesperson and practicing farmer, similarly raising environmental and health concerns.

    Immediate remedial measures have been implemented using BADMC resources from their Fairy Valley headquarters to contain odor emissions through specialized covering materials.