KINGSTOWN, St. Vincent — As the November 27 general election approaches, Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves has vowed to challenge the eligibility of opposition candidates with dual citizenship in court. Addressing supporters of the ruling Unity Labour Party (ULP) on Tuesday night, Gonsalves, who is seeking a historic sixth consecutive term, confirmed attempts to block the nomination of New Democratic Party (NDP) leader Godwin Friday and East Kingstown candidate Fitz Bramble due to their Canadian citizenship. Both Friday and Bramble, born in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, obtained Canadian citizenship as adults. Gonsalves cited Section 26 of the Constitution, which disqualifies individuals who voluntarily acknowledge allegiance to a foreign power, and referenced a 2020 Court of Appeal ruling that clarified the legal stance on such matters. Despite objections, the Returning Officer allowed their nominations, leaving the final decision to the courts. Friday, a lawyer, dismissed the challenge as a ‘dirty trick’ and expressed confidence in his re-election. Gonsalves urged voters not to ‘waste their vote’ on candidates with dual citizenship, emphasizing the legal and constitutional implications. The controversy has sparked heated debates, with both parties gearing up for a contentious election.
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Design Phase Complete for UWI Five Islands Expansion as Saudi Development Team Visits Antigua
The ambitious expansion of The University of the West Indies (UWI) Five Islands Campus has reached a pivotal milestone, with the design phase now officially concluded. Education Minister Daryl Matthew convened a crucial meeting on Tuesday with representatives from the Saudi Fund for Development, the government’s key development partner, to assess progress and outline the next steps. The meeting marked the beginning of a series of sessions involving the development team, project management team, government officials, and other stakeholders to ensure alignment and momentum.
Detailed renderings for the dormitory buildings and sports complex have been finalized, and construction drawings are expected to be completed within weeks. Upon finalization, the project will be opened for international tender, paving the way for construction to commence. Notably, the relocation of the Five Islands Primary School, which must be moved to accommodate the campus expansion, is already underway.
The new campus is designed to be a beacon of modernity and sustainability, incorporating cutting-edge features such as solar panels, advanced water treatment systems, comprehensive IT integration, and accessibility enhancements. A standout component of the development is the establishment of the School of Computing and Artificial Intelligence, which aims to integrate computer science across various academic disciplines.
Minister Matthew expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating, ‘This is a very modern campus with a forward-thinking curriculum. It has the potential to transform not only our nation but also the entire region. I am thrilled to witness this transformative development in my lifetime.’ The expansion is poised to significantly enhance educational infrastructure and opportunities in the region, marking a new era for higher education in the Caribbean.
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Gaming and Lotteries Bill Paused for Revisions
Belize’s Senate has temporarily halted the passage of the Gaming and Lotteries Control Bill 2025, citing significant gaps in public accountability and community protection. The proposed legislation, aimed at overhauling the nation’s gambling laws, faced intense scrutiny following an investigative report by News Five on the Caribi Bleu Casino in San Pedro. The report revealed unauthorized operations, including an illegal ATM dispensing U.S. currency and an excessive number of golf cart permits, leading to the casino’s license revocation and the arrest of its owner, Ray, in the U.S. on fraud and illegal gambling charges. Church Senator Louis Wade spearheaded the call for revisions, emphasizing the need for ‘no gambling zones,’ community involvement in licensing decisions, and stricter safeguards against minors’ exposure to gambling. The bill, initially intended to consolidate existing laws, will now undergo further review to address these pressing concerns before returning to the Senate.
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Team SVG Robotics excels at first global challenge in Panama
Team SVG Robotics, representing St. Vincent and the Grenadines, made a remarkable impact at the 2025 FIRST Global Challenge held in Panama City from October 29 to November 1. Comprising Kai Francis, Alexys Liverpool, Amara Adams, Kuba Francis, and Malik Maragh, and guided by mentors Brodlon Daniel and Ozni Daniel, the team secured impressive regional rankings, placing 2nd among OECS countries and 3rd in the Caribbean, trailing only The Bahamas and the British Virgin Islands.
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BBC Bosses Resign Over Trump Speech Edit
The BBC has been thrust into turmoil as its Director-General, Tim Davie, and CEO of BBC News, Deborah Turness, resigned following allegations of deceptive editing in a documentary featuring former U.S. President Donald Trump. The controversy erupted over a documentary aired just before the 2024 U.S. election, which spliced segments of Trump’s speech to imply he incited violence against lawmakers. Specifically, the BBC combined two separate statements: ‘We’re going to walk down to the Capitol, and we’re going to cheer our brave senators and congressmen and women,’ and ‘I’ll be with you. And we fight. Fight like hell.’ The edited version made it appear as though Trump was urging violence. Trump praised the resignations, labeling the executives as ‘very dishonest people’ and accusing the BBC of attempting to influence the election. Despite the upheaval, the BBC maintains its reputation as a trusted news source globally. Both Davie and Turness defended the corporation, with Davie emphasizing its ‘gold standard’ status and Turness rejecting claims of institutional bias as ‘wrong.’
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Shanghai: een bruisende mix van geschiedenis, innovatie en cultuur
Shanghai, China’s largest city, stands as a global powerhouse in economics, trade, and culture. Nestled at the mouth of the Yangtze River, it serves as a vital port and financial hub, attracting international investments and businesses. The city is renowned for its dynamic blend of modernity and tradition, where towering skyscrapers coexist with historic neighborhoods and cultural landmarks. Shanghai plays a pivotal role in China’s rapid economic growth and global integration, making it a city of immense significance.
During a visit by participants of the China International Press Communication Center 2025 Program, the city’s cultural melting pot and thriving innovation were immediately evident. Shanghai’s substantial investments in infrastructure, technology, and sustainable development have positioned it as one of the world’s most progressive cities. Its strategic location, diverse economy, and rich history make it not only an economic powerhouse but also a cultural icon shaping China’s future.
The Bund: A Historical Waterfront
Our first stop was The Bund, an iconic waterfront along the western bank of the Huangpu River. Bustling with activity, The Bund is famed for its row of historic buildings that reflect Shanghai’s colonial and trading history. As the sun sets, the waterfront is bathed in a golden glow, enhancing its charm. Developed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, The Bund became the financial and commercial heart of Shanghai, influenced by Western powers. Architecturally, it offers an eclectic mix of styles, including neoclassical, art deco, and gothic, with notable structures like the Peace Hotel and the Custom House. Today, The Bund symbolizes Shanghai’s openness and modernization, serving as a popular tourist attraction and cultural emblem.Shanghai Tower: A Modern Marvel
Next, we visited the Shanghai Tower, a hypermodern skyscraper in the Lujiazui financial district. Standing at 632 meters, it is China’s tallest building and the second tallest in the world, after Dubai’s Burj Khalifa. The tower’s observation deck offers breathtaking views of the city, reached via a high-speed elevator that ascends at 18 meters per second. Despite the crowds, the experience is worth the 190 yuan (approximately $27) ticket price. The Shanghai Tower is a testament to China’s technological advancement, economic strength, and sustainable architecture, featuring energy-efficient systems and innovative construction techniques.A Magical Boat Ride on the Huangpu River
Our journey concluded with a boat ride on the Huangpu River, offering a unique perspective of The Bund and the Shanghai Tower. Despite the chilly weather, the experience was unforgettable. The illuminated waterfront, with its ever-changing colors, created a fairy-tale-like atmosphere. The boat trip provided a different view of the Shanghai Tower, highlighting its sleek, spiraling design that reduces wind load. The tower, completed in 2015, houses offices, hotels, shopping centers, and observation decks, symbolizing Shanghai’s rapid growth and modernization.The Bund, viewed from the river, resembles an open-air museum of Western architectural styles from the early 20th century. Each building, originally housing foreign banks, trading firms, or consulates, reflects the identity and prestige of its owners. After approximately half an hour, the boat returned to the dock, leaving us with magical memories of a city that seems straight out of a storybook.
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CDB and RevUP Caribbean unveil ongoing support platform for entrepreneurs across the Caribbean
The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) has partnered with RevUP Caribbean to unveil the RevUP Founders Growth and Community Support Network, a groundbreaking digital platform designed to provide continuous support to entrepreneurs across the Caribbean. This initiative, backed by a USD 250,000 technical assistance grant from CDB, marks a significant advancement in regional entrepreneurial development. The announcement was made at a recent RevUP Caribbean event, where Lisa Harding, CDB’s Division Chief for Private Sector, highlighted the Bank’s commitment to innovation-driven growth. ‘Our future competitiveness hinges on leveraging new technologies, nurturing creativity, and financing enterprises that can transform our economies,’ Harding stated. The RevUP Community is a multi-tiered membership platform offering tailored resources, mentorship, investor connections, and regional collaboration. It features four participation levels, providing access to a verified digital network, business tools, and expert-led events such as coaching, governance sessions, pitch training, and investor access via FirstAngels Caribbean. The platform, hosted on Zoho, connects founders with mentors, board members, investors, and service providers across the Caribbean, Europe, and Latin America. Sandra Glasgow, Managing Director of RevUP Caribbean, described the initiative as a ‘lifelong ecosystem’ designed to support entrepreneurs at every stage of their journey. Harding also emphasized the importance of strategic partnerships in driving business expansion, noting CDB’s role as both a financier and a partner in fostering innovation and global competitiveness. Building on the success of RevUP’s incubator program, which has supported 145 founders, generated over USD 1 million in additional revenue, and created 131 new jobs in women-led enterprises, CDB is now funding Phase II of the initiative. This phase focuses on entrepreneurship, innovation, and investment readiness as key pillars of sustainable growth, ensuring the Caribbean remains competitive and resilient in a rapidly changing global market.
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PM says he’s not trying to give Wace Canouan land lease
Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves of St. Vincent and the Grenadines has refuted allegations of attempting to transfer the Canouan land lease to investor Ian Wace, who reportedly contributed $25 million to recovery efforts following Hurricane Beryl in July 2025. The dispute centers on the leaseholder, Andrea Pignataro, a billionaire with whom the government has been at odds since 2023 due to stalled land sales since 2017, depriving the government of revenue. Gonsalves accused the Opposition New Democratic Party (NDP) of siding with Pignataro, framing the issue as a key point in the upcoming November 27 general election. On October 24, Gonsalves sent a letter to Pignataro offering EC$36.5 million for the remaining leased land and proposed a meeting to discuss the offer. He assured that the government would cover employee salaries if the developers took adverse actions. Gonsalves emphasized that the government does not intend to manage the resort but seeks a resolution in the public interest. The prime minister framed the election as a choice between his administration, which prioritizes the people, and the NDP, which he claims supports the developers. Gonsalves also highlighted historical criticisms of the 99-year lease signed by the NDP in 1990, which granted investors control over two-thirds of Canouan. Despite initial cordial relations with investors, Gonsalves has recently voiced concerns over limited revenue and access issues for locals. The Canouan Jetport, closed for night flights, remains a contentious issue, with the government facing calls to invest $40 million in its rehabilitation.
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Belize Becomes ‘Safe Third Country’: Here’s What You Need to Know
Belize has officially become a ‘safe third country’ following a contentious Senate vote on November 12, 2025. The agreement, signed on October 20, 2025, allows the United States to send asylum seekers to Belize while their refugee claims are processed. The motion passed narrowly with an 8–5 vote, reflecting deep divisions within the Senate. Government supporters, including Church Senator Louis Wade and Business Senator Kevin Herrera, argued that the deal balances humanitarian concerns with national sovereignty. However, opposition and social partner senators criticized the agreement as rushed and lacking transparency, accusing the government of compromising Belize’s independence for diplomatic favor. UDP Senator Patrick Faber revealed that the government failed to consult the Senate before signing the deal, learning about it through the U.S. Embassy instead. Union Senator Glenfield Dennison questioned the true motives behind the agreement, emphasizing that criticism does not equate to rejecting human rights. Business Senator Kevin Herrera argued that the Senate’s briefing was merely a presentation, not a consultation, and called for a referendum to let Belizeans decide. PUP Senator Hector Guerra defended the agreement as an exercise of sovereignty, emphasizing control, compassion, and human rights. Leader of Government Business Anthony Sylvestre outlined safeguards, including a two-year limit, eligibility restrictions, and a cap of 10 refugees per year. Despite the controversy, Belize now stands as a ‘safe’ destination for asylum seekers.
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Three Years Later, State to Compensate Families of Crash Victims
In a landmark ruling three years after a devastating highway accident, the High Court of Belize has determined that the government holds primary liability for the tragic collision that claimed the lives of two young students. The incident occurred on October 11, 2022, near Ranchito Village, when a taxi van carrying students from Centro Escolar Mexico Junior College collided head-on with an ambulance. The crash resulted in eleven injuries and the immediate death of 21-year-old Jorge Vargas. Seventeen-year-old Jaheem Williams succumbed to his injuries two months later.
Justice Lisa Shoman Nabi, presiding over the case, concluded that while all three drivers involved shared some responsibility, the ambulance driver and the state bore the majority of the blame. The court noted that the ambulance’s emergency lights and sirens were not activated at the time of the accident. The ambulance, driven by Louis Canelo, was reportedly attempting to overtake a truck en route to the Northern Regional Hospital when the collision occurred.
In the aftermath of the tragedy, the school honored Vargas by erecting a memorial altar and planned to award his family an honorary associate degree. The court’s ruling now mandates the Belizean government to provide compensation to the families of the victims, marking a significant step toward accountability and justice for the affected families.