作者: admin

  • Two Businesswomen Robbed at Gunpoint in Dangriga

    Two Businesswomen Robbed at Gunpoint in Dangriga

    A violent armed robbery has shaken the community of Dangriga, following a targeted attack against two female entrepreneurs on Wednesday evening. The incident, which authorities are classifying as an aggravated burglary, occurred at approximately 8:30 p.m. on December 18, 2025.

    According to official police reports, the victims have been identified as Lindy Zhou, 49, and Miaoru Yang, 35. Ms. Zhou is the proprietor of the First Choice Supermarket, operating from a two-story commercial-residential building. The assault took place moments after the businesswomen had secured their commercial establishment and proceeded to their upstairs living quarters.

    Upon entering their residence, the women were confronted by two unidentified male intruders who had previously gained unauthorized access to the property. One of the assailants was brandishing a firearm, creating an immediate atmosphere of lethal threat. The perpetrators subsequently physically restrained both victims before proceeding to ransack the premises.

    The stolen items include a substantial but undisclosed sum of cash proceeds from the day’s business operations. Additionally, the robbers seized a legally registered black Beretta 9mm pistol along with four rounds of live ammunition. Law enforcement agencies have launched a comprehensive manhunt, though the suspects remain at large as investigations continue.

    This incident highlights growing concerns regarding criminal activities targeting business owners in residential-commercial hybrid properties. The Dangriga police department has urged anyone with relevant information to come forward while increasing patrols in the commercial district.

  • Two Years Later, Convicted Killer Hildebrandt Codd Still at Large

    Two Years Later, Convicted Killer Hildebrandt Codd Still at Large

    Belmopan, Belize – December 18, 2025: A nationwide manhunt enters its second year for Hildebrandt Codd, a convicted murderer who remains at large after orchestrating a dramatic escape from judicial custody moments before his verdict was delivered. The fugitive’s disappearance has exposed critical vulnerabilities within the nation’s judicial security apparatus while leaving a grieving family without closure.

    The extraordinary sequence of events unfolded on December 5, 2023, when Codd managed to flee Courtroom Number Three at the High Court just before justices were to deliver their ruling in his murder trial. In a unprecedented legal proceeding, the court subsequently delivered a guilty verdict in absentia for the brutal killing of 34-year-old Densmore Bowman.

    Bowman, a Belmopan resident, was reported missing in November 2020. His tragic case culminated nearly three weeks later when highway maintenance workers discovered his decomposing remains buried in a shallow grave along the George Price Highway on December 16. Forensic examination revealed the victim had been brutally hacked to death.

    The victim’s family has maintained an active $5,000 reward for information leading to Codd’s capture, expressing both frustration with the ongoing investigation and determination to secure justice. Law enforcement authorities acknowledge the challenges of the case but reaffirm their commitment to apprehending the escaped convict, who represents a significant threat to public safety.

    This case has prompted serious scrutiny of courtroom security protocols and sparked broader discussions about judicial reform in Belize. As the investigation continues, authorities urge anyone with information regarding Codd’s whereabouts to come forward, emphasizing that no credible lead is too small to pursue.

  • Teachers’ unions looking forward to reinstatement of long leave

    Teachers’ unions looking forward to reinstatement of long leave

    In a significant policy reversal, Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley has declared the government’s intention to restore long leave benefits for educators beginning in 2026. The announcement, delivered during parliamentary proceedings on Tuesday, aims to resolve what the Prime Minister characterized as a “long and vexatious matter” that has plagued the education sector since the benefit’s suspension in 2014.

    The educational community has responded with measured optimism. Barbados Association of Principals of Public Secondary Schools (BAPPSS) President Robin Douglas expressed that administrators and teachers were “extremely encouraged” by the commitment, noting that the reinstatement would allow educators to “rest, recuperate, rejuvenate and return with greater inspired attention.” Douglas tempered expectations by acknowledging financial constraints would likely prevent implementation before the 2026 financial year.

    Retired educator Jeff Broomes, who served as teachers’ union vice-president during the initial suspension, welcomed the move as “long overdue” while emphasizing the reality of teacher burnout. Broomes advocated for prioritizing educators denied leave since 2014 and suggested reforming eligibility requirements from the previous 15-year threshold to 10 years for initial leave with five-year intervals thereafter.

    The policy restoration follows sustained advocacy from teachers’ unions and legal challenges including a 2017 judicial review and a High Court judgment in December 2023. Barbados Union of Teachers President Rudy Lovell has called for urgent consultations, expressing hope for resolution by January’s end. The move represents a substantial victory for Barbados’ educational professionals after nearly a decade of suspended benefits.

  • Caye Caulker Police Find 23 Parcels of “Suspected Cocaine”

    Caye Caulker Police Find 23 Parcels of “Suspected Cocaine”

    In a significant maritime drug interdiction operation, Belizean law enforcement officials have recovered twenty-three packages of suspected cocaine with a combined weight of 64.2 pounds (approximately 29.1 kilograms). The discovery occurred during an early morning mission conducted by Caye Caulker police units on Thursday.

    According to official reports, the narcotics were located approximately at 7:00 a.m. when officers identified a substantial plastic bag submerged on the ocean floor near the coastal region. The suspicious package was carefully retrieved and found to contain multiple sealed parcels of what preliminary testing indicates to be cocaine.

    The Belize Police Department has formally cataloged the seized materials as found property while launching a comprehensive investigation into the origins and intended destination of the substantial drug shipment. This operation highlights the ongoing challenges faced by Caribbean nations in combating transnational drug trafficking networks that utilize maritime routes for narcotics transportation.

    Authorities have not disclosed whether the discovery led to any immediate arrests but confirmed that multiple agencies are collaborating to trace the supply chain behind the intercepted substances. The seizure represents one of the more significant drug recoveries in the region this year, underscoring the continued vigilance of Belize’s coastal security forces.

  • PISLM Executive Director calls on Jamaica’s Minister of Local Government

    PISLM Executive Director calls on Jamaica’s Minister of Local Government

    Senior officials from the Partnership Initiative for Sustainable Land Management (PISLM) convened with Jamaican government leaders on December 8, 2025, to strengthen collaborative efforts addressing environmental challenges. The delegation, led by PISLM Executive Director Dr. Ronen C.A. Francis and CSIDS SOILCARE Project Manager Trevor Thompson, met with Jamaica’s Minister of Local Government and Community Development Desmond McKenzie, Permanent Secretary Marsha Henry-Martin, and Senior Director of Hazard Mitigation Patrick Watson.

    The high-level discussions centered on accelerating implementation of the SOILCARE Project, enhancing drought resilience strategies, and supporting recovery initiatives in regions devastated by Hurricane Melissa. Particular attention was given to two critical land degradation zones—Holland Estate and Lowe River intervention sites—identified under Jamaica’s Land Degradation Neutrality Target Setting Programme.

    The meeting also addressed broader regional environmental initiatives endorsed at the June 2025 Ministerial Forum in Grenada, including the Caribbean Land Degradation Neutrality Transformative Project, Caribbean Drought Initiative, and Caribbean Sand and Dust Storms Initiative. Minister McKenzie highlighted growing concerns about intensifying dry season droughts and their impact on Jamaica’s water security, especially noting vulnerabilities in Kingston’s water supply infrastructure and agricultural drought effects.

    Representing civil society involvement, Reginald Burke of the Caribbean Youth Environment Network attended as part of the Global Water Partnership-Caribbean, demonstrating PISLM’s commitment to multi-stakeholder engagement. PISLM reaffirmed its dedication to supporting Jamaican farmers and collaborating with national and regional partners to address climate variability challenges.

  • ULP candidates file petitions against Friday, Bramble’s election

    ULP candidates file petitions against Friday, Bramble’s election

    In a significant political development, St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ opposition Unity Labour Party (ULP) has initiated legal proceedings contesting the parliamentary eligibility of two senior government figures. On Friday, the party filed formal election petitions questioning the validity of Prime Minister Godwin Friday’s representation for Northern Grenadines and Foreign Minister Fitz Bramble’s position as East Kingstown MP.

    The petitions, formally submitted by ULP candidates Carlos Williams (Northern Grenadines) and Luke Browne (East Kingstown), center on constitutional provisions regarding foreign allegiance. The challenge specifically cites Section 26(1) of the nation’s Constitution, which prohibits individuals ‘under any acknowledgement of allegiance, obedience or adherence to a foreign power or state’ from holding parliamentary office.

    The core argument maintains that both Friday and Bramble hold Canadian citizenship, which constitutes voluntary allegiance to a foreign state. The documentation notes that both politicians applied for and obtained Canadian citizenship voluntarily, subsequently using Canadian passports. This, according to the petitioners, creates an automatic constitutional disqualification despite their electoral victories in the November 27 general election.

    The controversy predates the recent polls, with formal objections being lodged during the nomination process on November 10. Pre-election notices circulated in media outlets warned constituents that voting for either candidate would constitute ‘a wasted vote’ due to their purported ineligibility.

    Legal opinion appears divided on the matter. Prominent Vincentian jurist Linton Lewis, though previously associated with the ruling New Democratic Party, has supported the validity of the challenge. Conversely, legal scholar Jason Haynes contends that the SVG Constitution contains peculiar provisions allowing Commonwealth citizens to contest elections, suggesting the challenge might ultimately fail.

    The outcome of these proceedings could significantly impact the nation’s political landscape, potentially affecting both the premiership and foreign ministry positions.

  • MBS Opens New Pharmacy at the Villa Polyclinic

    MBS Opens New Pharmacy at the Villa Polyclinic

    The Ministry of Health, Wellness, Environment and Civil Service Affairs has inaugurated a new Medical Benefits Scheme (MBS) pharmacy at Villa Polyclinic, significantly enhancing pharmaceutical service accessibility for Antigua and Barbuda residents. The facility was officially unveiled during a ceremonial event featuring key government and healthcare officials.

    Honourable Minister Sir Molwyn Joseph presided over the ribbon-cutting ceremony alongside Medical Benefits Board Chairman Sir Lionel Hurst, MBS CEO Mr. Kevin Silston, and Primary Health Care Permanent Secretary Mrs. Stacey Gregg-Paige. The collaboration between the Ministry and MBS represents a strategic advancement in the nation’s healthcare infrastructure.

    Minister Joseph emphasized the critical role of preventive healthcare in addressing the escalating prevalence of non-communicable diseases. The integration of pharmacy services within the primary healthcare facility ensures the Villa community receives comprehensive medical attention while reinforcing disease prevention strategies.

    Dr. Andre Bovell, Epidemiologist and Director of Pharmacy at MBS, highlighted the timely implementation of this service within the evolving healthcare landscape. He noted the particular importance of targeted care for the aging population and the growing challenge of chronic non-communicable diseases in the current medical environment.

    The newly established pharmacy will operate Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon, providing same-day pharmaceutical services to patients. For additional information regarding the MBS Pharmacy services, residents can contact the Medical Benefits Scheme at (268) 481-6366/67.

  • Building climate resilience through Rainwater Harvesting regulations

    Building climate resilience through Rainwater Harvesting regulations

    Grenada is embarking on a groundbreaking initiative to establish its first-ever mandatory rainwater harvesting regulations, marking a significant advancement in climate resilience and water security for the island nation. The proposed legislation would require both new constructions and existing buildings exceeding specific size thresholds to install rainwater collection systems where technically feasible.

    This transformative policy emerges from an extensive collaborative framework involving the Physical Planning and Development Authority (PDA), the Ministry of Implementation and Infrastructure Development (MOIID), and the National Water and Sewerage Authority (NAWASA). The initiative operates under the Climate-Resilient Water Sector in Grenada (G-CREWS) Project, which receives substantial financial backing from the Green Climate Fund, Germany’s Federal Ministry for the Environment through its International Climate Initiative, and the Grenadian government.

    The regulatory development process commenced with a formal Memorandum of Understanding between PDA, MOIID, and the German Development Cooperation (GIZ), establishing a commitment to creating equitable, transparent, and implementable legislation. A dedicated Technical Working Group comprising representatives from NAWASA, the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Legal Affairs, and the Grenada Bureau of Standards has spent months refining technical specifications, legal frameworks, and public health safeguards.

    Addressing Grenada’s escalating water demands and climate vulnerabilities, the regulations incorporate strategic provisions including a grace period for property owners to facilitate financial planning and compliance. The framework establishes comprehensive safety protocols covering approved roofing materials, water quality parameters, and sanitation measures to ensure public health protection.

    With technical preparations finalized, the government will conduct a final round of public consultations from February 19-25, 2026. Stakeholders can submit feedback through official channels until January 23, 2026, with all input being considered in the finalization of regulations aimed at creating a sustainable, climate-resilient water future for Grenada.

  • “I’m not sick”- Jagdeo

    “I’m not sick”- Jagdeo

    Guyana’s Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo has publicly refuted widespread speculation about his health, explicitly denying claims that he is battling cancer. The senior official broke his unusual six-week silence from press engagements to directly address growing public conjecture about his physical condition.

    “No! I am not ill. I have not been diagnosed with cancer,” Jagdeo stated emphatically during his December 18, 2025 press conference when questioned by Demerara Waves Online News. The Vice President’s extended absence from his characteristic weekly marathon press briefings—which typically span three to four hours—had fueled rumors throughout November and December that he might be suffering from either prostate or throat cancer.

    Despite the circulation of social media conspiracy theories, including one alleging an impersonator named “Delip” had been paid to represent him, Jagdeo affirmed his authentic presence at recent governmental functions. Documentary evidence showed his participation in cabinet meetings, community council gatherings, and the launch of the Christmas village throughout the period of speculation.

    The political leader referenced the recent honor of having the US$260 million Bharrat Jagdeo Demerara River Bridge named after him during its October inauguration. While notably absent from the ceremonial crossing event, Jagdeo maintains President Irfaan Ali’s continued confidence, having been described repeatedly as a key architect of modern Guyana’s development and the President’s trusted “confidante.”

  • CEO Williams: Houses Must Be Dismantled Before Transported

    CEO Williams: Houses Must Be Dismantled Before Transported

    In a decisive response to recent roadway tragedies, the Ministry of Transport has implemented stringent new regulations governing the transportation of oversized structures, particularly prefabricated houses. Chief Executive Officer Chester Williams announced that merely restricting transport to nighttime hours proved insufficient following two fatal accidents occurring during permitted nighttime movement periods.\n\nThe revised policy, enacted through formal written addendums to existing permits, now requires complete disassembly of all structures before highway transit. ‘While permission for oversized load transportation during nighttime hours remains,’ Williams clarified, ‘all structures, specifically houses, must be broken down into component parts to prevent hazardous overextension beyond vehicle parameters.’\n\nSupplementing these measures, the ministry has instituted mandatory escort protocols requiring all oversized transports to be accompanied by police or Department of Transportation vehicles equipped with prominent revolving warning lights. These visual alerts are designed to provide advanced notification to approaching motorists, enabling appropriate safety adjustments.\n\nThe Department of Transport confirmed the immediate implementation of these amendments through an official notice. The updated regulations maintain the previous 9:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. transportation window but now explicitly prohibit fully assembled houses on public roadways under any circumstances.