In a shocking development, two young men from North Texas have been indicted by a federal grand jury for conspiring to invade Gonâve Island, a Haitian territory with a population of 87,000. Gavin Rivers Weisenburg, 21, of Allen, and Tanner Christopher Thomas, 20, of Argyle, were charged on November 20, 2025, by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Texas. The indictment alleges that between August 2024 and July 2025, the duo plotted to recruit and lead a mercenary force to carry out a violent and depraved invasion of the island. Their plans included purchasing a sailboat, firearms, and ammunition, as well as recruiting homeless individuals from Washington, D.C., to form their unit. The men’s sinister objectives involved murdering all male inhabitants to enslave women and children for sexual exploitation. To execute their plan, Weisenburg and Thomas took concrete steps, such as learning Haitian Creole, enrolling in training courses, and even enlisting in the U.S. Air Force to acquire military skills. Weisenburg also traveled to Thailand to complete a sailing course. Additionally, both men face charges of producing child pornography, a related offense included in the indictment. If convicted of conspiracy to commit murder abroad, they could face life imprisonment, while the child pornography charges carry a potential sentence of 15 to 30 years. The case is the result of a joint investigation by the FBI, the U.S. Air Force Office of Special Investigations, and the Celina Police Department, with Assistant District Attorney Ryan Locker leading the prosecution. The District Attorney’s Office emphasized that an indictment does not equate to guilt, and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven otherwise in court.
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Belizean Youths Lead Climate Action on World Children’s Day
On World Children’s Day, Belizean youth took center stage in advocating for climate action and disaster resilience, emphasizing the urgent need to address the escalating impacts of climate change. Spearheaded by UNICEF’s World Children’s Day Takeover initiative, young voices like Youth Ambassador Beyoncé Villafranco engaged with national leaders to discuss strategies for disaster risk reduction, child protection, and building climate resilience. Belize, like many Caribbean nations, faces increasing threats from extreme weather events, as evidenced by the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica. UNICEF’s Jenna Hoare highlighted the organization’s multi-sectorial toolkit, developed in partnership with the Belizean government, which provides practical guidance for disaster preparedness, response, and recovery, ensuring child protection remains a priority. The Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency and Belize’s National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) are also collaborating to enhance regional standards. NEMO’s Daniel Mendez emphasized the importance of empowering youth through initiatives like the School Disaster Leadership Team, which trains students in emergency procedures and fosters their active participation in disaster planning. UNICEF’s approach underscores the transformative potential of youth as innovators and leaders in disaster readiness. By integrating children into resilience-building efforts, Belize is fulfilling its commitments under the Convention on the Rights of the Child and its constitutional duty to protect vulnerable groups. As Villafranco concluded, climate change and disasters are real, but so is the power of preparedness and youth advocacy.
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Janae Matute’s Inspiring Journey of Creativity and Resilience
Janae Matute, a 24-year-old artist and entrepreneur from Belize, has become a symbol of resilience and creativity. Despite living with cerebral palsy, Janae has defied all odds, running two successful businesses—Creative Toes Art Gallery and Creative Toes Unique Treasures—using only her toes. Her journey began a decade ago when she became the center of a landmark medical malpractice case that not only changed her life but also set a precedent in Belize and the Caribbean Court of Justice. Today, Janae is not just surviving; she’s thriving, using her platform to advocate for the differently-abled community. Recently honored as an Ambassador for Ms. Wheelchair Texas, Janae aims to improve accessibility and inclusion for people with disabilities, both in the U.S. and her home country of Belize. Her story is a testament to the power of faith, determination, and creativity. Janae’s message to the world is clear: ‘Be strong, courageous, and don’t let anyone tell you that you are not enough because you are.’
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OPINION: I Must be a Fool!
By Yves Ephraim
In a rare departure from my usual focus on principles over political rhetoric, I find myself compelled to address the recent statements made by the Minister of Public Works. The minister’s remarks, broadcasted on the radio, attempted to justify his refusal to step down amidst calls for an independent investigation into an alleged $15 million scam.
The minister presented two key arguments: first, that the notion of a $15 million scam was fabricated by the Opposition; and second, that individuals seeking clarity could request documentation through the Information Commissioner. These claims, however, raise significant questions. Was it not the Honourable Prime Minister who initially referenced the $15 million scandal? Furthermore, how can the Information Commissioner provide answers without an official inquiry? The Prime Minister himself has admitted to not fully understanding the depth of this issue, leaving one to wonder where the Commissioner would source the necessary information.
This situation evokes memories of my secondary school days, when I would often gaze out the classroom window, only to fail miserably in the subsequent pop quiz. Am I missing something here, or is this another instance of being the ‘dunce’? The public deserves transparency and accountability, yet the minister’s defense seems to obfuscate rather than clarify. Can someone provide the correct answers to ensure we all pass this critical test of governance?
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FLASH : Possible deployment of Rwandan security forces in Haiti…
In a significant development on the sidelines of the 46th Ministerial Conference of the International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF) in Kigali, Rwanda, Haitian Foreign Minister Jean-Victor Harvel Jean-Baptiste engaged in a bilateral meeting with Rwandan Foreign Minister Olivier Jean Patrick Nduhungirehe. The discussions centered on addressing Haiti’s escalating security crisis, which has hindered institutional stability and the prospect of free, credible elections. Both ministers emphasized the urgent need for collaborative efforts to restore peace and order in Haiti. A key focus of the meeting was the potential deployment of Rwandan security forces to support Haitian authorities. This initiative aligns with United Nations Security Council Resolution 2793 (2025), which established the Gang Suppression Force (GSF). The ministers agreed to continue technical and political consultations to finalize the modalities of this deployment, whether within a bilateral or multilateral framework. Additionally, the talks explored the possibility of opening a Haitian diplomatic mission in Kigali and dispatching a Rwandan fact-finding mission to Port-au-Prince. The latter would gather critical data to enhance security cooperation between the two nations in combating criminal gangs and terrorism. This meeting marks a pivotal step in fostering international collaboration to address Haiti’s security challenges.
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LIVE: Choir Festival in honour of St. Cecilia 2025
In the ever-evolving landscape of digital communication, social media platforms have emerged as pivotal tools reshaping how individuals interact online. The integration of features like sharing, tweeting, pinning, and more has not only enhanced user engagement but also fostered a more interconnected digital ecosystem. These platforms, which include giants like Twitter, Facebook, and Pinterest, have become essential for both personal and professional communication. The ability to instantly share content across global networks has democratized information dissemination, allowing users to amplify their voices and reach broader audiences. Moreover, the continuous innovation in social media technology, such as the introduction of AI-driven algorithms and advanced analytics, has further personalized user experiences, making digital interactions more relevant and impactful. As these platforms continue to evolve, they are expected to play an even more significant role in shaping the future of digital communication, influencing everything from marketing strategies to social movements.
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Leptospirosis outbreak declared in Jamaica
Jamaica is currently grappling with a significant outbreak of leptospirosis in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, as confirmed by Health Minister Dr. Christopher Tufton. The minister revealed that six suspected deaths have been reported, with nine confirmed cases and 28 suspected or probable cases identified between October 30 and November 20. This surge in cases marks a stark increase compared to the two to 21 cases recorded over the previous 34 months. Dr. Tufton attributed the outbreak to the conditions created by Hurricane Melissa, which heightened the risk of exposure to contaminated water and soil. Leptospirosis, a disease typically transmitted through contact with urine or bodily fluids of infected animals, has now been detected in eight parishes: St Ann, St Mary, St James, Hanover, Westmoreland, St Elizabeth, St Catherine, and Trelawny. The health minister emphasized the urgent need for public awareness and preventive measures to curb the spread of the disease.
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Have you made plans yet? This is the weather forecast for the weekend
The Dominican Republic is set to experience a notable shift in weather conditions this weekend, with temperatures expected to plummet across much of the country. This sudden drop is attributed to the influx of cooler air masses originating from the Atlantic Ocean, as highlighted by meteorological analyst Jean Suriel in his latest weather update.
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SC Hubert Elrington Suspended for 6 Months Over Grave Misconduct
In a significant ruling, the General Legal Council (GLC) has suspended Senior Counsel Hubert Elrington from practicing law for six months due to grave professional misconduct. The decision, announced on November 21, 2025, also requires Elrington to pay $6,000 in restitution to Orpha Martinez, the complainant in the case. The Council found that Elrington accepted $6,000 from Martinez to file a claim against Scotia Bank Belize but failed to initiate the legal action for several years. Additionally, he neglected to keep Martinez informed and breached his commitment to repay the funds as part of a settlement agreement. Elrington attempted to defend himself by arguing that the matter was resolved and that the complaint was statute-barred due to its age. He also highlighted his 50-year legal career and voluntary legal services as mitigating factors. However, the Council dismissed these arguments, emphasizing his failure to uphold professional standards and previous commitments. The sanctions, imposed under Section 16(2) of the Legal Profession Act, aim to preserve public trust in the legal profession. The suspension will last six months and could be extended if the restitution remains unpaid.
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BREAKING: Former UDP Senator Charged with Sexual Assault
In a significant development, former UDP Senator Macario Coy has been formally charged with sexual assault. The case came to light after a 36-year-old Belizean teacher filed a report with the police on November 7, 2025, alleging that she had been assaulted by Coy on November 4. Following the investigation, Coy voluntarily surrendered to the Punta Gorda Police Formation on November 21, accompanied by his legal counsel, and was promptly charged with the offense. Coy made his initial court appearance shortly thereafter, where he was granted bail set at $3,000. The case has been adjourned, with the next hearing scheduled for January 20, 2026. This incident has sparked widespread attention and raised questions about accountability and justice in high-profile cases.