A violent ambush in Unitedville, Cayo, left a 38-year-old construction worker critically injured on Thursday night. Kevin Trapp, the victim, was returning home around 8:40 p.m. when two unidentified assailants approached his vehicle. One of the attackers fired multiple shots, striking Trapp several times. A family member rushed him to San Ignacio Community Hospital, where he is currently in stable condition. Trapp has a history with law enforcement; in 2021, he was charged with possession of cannabis with intent to supply after police discovered 70 packets of cannabis, a digital scale, and $288.50 BZD during a home search. Authorities are investigating the motive behind the attack, which has raised concerns about safety in the area.
作者: admin
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Call for facilitators: HOPE Substance Use Disorder group treatment programme
The Legal Aid and Counselling Clinic (LACC) has announced an open call for professionals to join a transformative initiative aimed at combating substance use disorder (SUD). The organisation is seeking qualified individuals to undergo training as facilitators for the HOPE Programme, a pioneering psycho-educational intervention designed to support recovery and behavioural change. The three-day training session, set to take place from 19 to 21 November 2025, marks the first phase in building a national network of certified facilitators who will spearhead the programme’s implementation. The HOPE Programme integrates evidence-based methodologies, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and trauma-informed practices. These approaches collectively emphasise healing, personal accountability, and values-driven transformation. Ideal candidates include counsellors, social workers, psychologists, and other allied professionals with experience in mental health, group facilitation, or substance use recovery. Applicants should demonstrate empathy, structured thinking, and a commitment to evidence-based practices. By becoming a HOPE facilitator, professionals will play a pivotal role in empowering individuals to rebuild their lives. Interested candidates are invited to submit their résumés to [email protected], addressed to Tyrone Buckmire, Director of LACC, by the close of business on 14 November 2025. This initiative underscores LACC’s dedication to fostering hope and resilience in communities affected by substance use disorders.
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2025 Atlantic Rally for Cruisers organisers present valued sponsors
The IGY Rodney Bay Marina in Saint Lucia is gearing up to welcome participants of the Atlantic Rally for Cruisers (ARC) as they cross the finish line. This year marks a significant milestone for the ARC, celebrating its 40th anniversary, with Saint Lucia proudly serving as the event’s finish line for the 37th consecutive year. The rally, which features over 100 cruising yachts, begins in Las Palmas on the island of Gran Canaria and concludes in Rodney Bay, Saint Lucia.
On November 6, the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority (SLTA) hosted a sponsors’ presentation for the 2024 event, which is set to commence on November 23. Christopher Gustave, SLTA’s marketing manager for Caribbean, events, and sports, emphasized the rally’s significance during the ceremony. He highlighted Saint Lucia’s unique appeal, stating, ‘Every year as the ARC makes its journey across the Atlantic and sets its sights on Rodney Bay, the world is reminded of what makes Saint Lucia truly special: our beauty, our people, our hospitality, and our ability to host world-class events.’
Gustave also underscored the ARC’s broader impact, describing it as more than a yacht race. ‘It is a global story about courage, adventure, and connection,’ he remarked. He praised the strong partnerships with sponsors, which play a crucial role in enhancing Saint Lucia’s tourism offerings and ensuring the event delivers value, visibility, and unforgettable experiences.
The 2024 ARC is supported by a range of sponsors, including platinum sponsors Sixt Rent a Car and SOL Saint Lucia, gold sponsors The Wave Saint Lucia, and silver sponsors Angostura and Bank of Saint Lucia. Bronze sponsors Massy Stores Saint Lucia, Piton Beer, and telecommunications partner Digicel are also contributing to the event. The rally is organized under the auspices of the World Cruising Club, with additional support from the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority, Events Saint Lucia, and IGY Rodney Bay Marina.
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World Bank Confirms $150 Million Disaster Payout to Jamaica After Melissa
In a significant move to aid Jamaica’s recovery from the catastrophic impact of Hurricane Melissa, the World Bank has confirmed a $150 million payout under its catastrophe bond. This financial injection, the first full payout triggered by Jamaica’s 2024 bond, is a critical step toward rebuilding the nation’s shattered infrastructure and economy. However, the funds represent only a fraction of the estimated $6 to $7 billion in damages—nearly one-third of Jamaica’s annual GDP—caused by the Category 5 storm. The hurricane’s ferocity claimed 32 lives, left thousands homeless, and severed access to essential services in rural areas, with 36,000 people urgently requiring food aid. The payout, activated by pre-agreed parametric triggers linked to the storm’s central pressure and path, highlights the role of innovative financial tools in disaster risk management. World Bank Vice President Jorge Familiar praised Jamaica’s proactive approach as a model for enhancing financial resilience in climate-vulnerable nations. Despite the payout, the disaster underscores the growing disparity between financial preparedness and the escalating scale of climate-induced destruction. As Jamaica transitions from recovery to reconstruction, World Bank Vice President Susana Cordeiro Guerra emphasized the opportunity to build more resilient infrastructure and leapfrog toward sustainable development.
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Gunmen Tie Up Bullet Tree Man, Steal His Truck
A harrowing home invasion unfolded in Bullet Tree Village early Friday morning, leaving a local welder bound and robbed of his possessions. The incident occurred around 2:15 a.m. on November 7, 2025, when 38-year-old Roger Reimer, a Belizean welder, was ambushed by two armed men upon entering his residence on Guana Belly Road. According to police reports, one of the assailants brandished a pistol, forcing Reimer inside. The attackers proceeded to bind his hands and feet with tape before demanding money. They reportedly made off with $300 in cash, several personal belongings, and Reimer’s 2013 dark grey Dodge Ram 1500, valued at $45,000. The stolen vehicle, bearing license plate C-15217, remains at large as authorities intensify their search. The incident has left the small community on edge, with residents calling for increased security measures. Police have urged anyone with information to come forward as the investigation continues.
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Ministry of Tourism celebrates Tourism Awareness Month
The Ministry of Tourism, the Creative Economy and Culture, in partnership with the Grenada Tourism Authority (GTA), has officially declared November 2025 as Tourism Awareness Month. This year’s theme, ‘Sustainable Tourism: People, Planet and Pure Grenada,’ highlights a holistic approach to tourism that balances environmental preservation, community empowerment, and economic growth. The initiative aims to position Grenada as a sustainable and globally competitive destination while celebrating its rich cultural heritage and diverse tourism offerings. Senator Adrian Thomas, Minister for Tourism, the Creative Economy and Culture, emphasized the collective responsibility of all stakeholders in shaping a sustainable tourism future for Grenada. He urged government, industry partners, and local communities to reflect on their roles in protecting the environment, celebrating culture, and ensuring tourism benefits everyone. Key activities for the month include school tours, staff edutainment programs, a social media campaign, and a tourism pop-up event on November 27 at the Grenville Car park. The Ministry and GTA invite residents and visitors to participate in these activities and contribute to a greener, more sustainable, and culturally vibrant Grenada.
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India donates 20 tons of aid to Jamaica post-Hurricane Melissa
In a significant display of international solidarity, India has stepped forward to assist Jamaica in its recovery efforts following the devastation wrought by Hurricane Melissa. The High Commission of India in Jamaica announced via social media that an Indian Air Force aircraft delivered approximately 20 tons of essential relief supplies to the Caribbean nation on November 6. The aid package, which was formally handed over by India’s High Commissioner to Jamaica, Mayank Joshi, to Jamaica’s Minister of Foreign Affairs & Foreign Trade, Kamina Johnson Smith, includes a range of critical resources designed to support the island’s rebuilding process. Among the supplies are the specialized BHISHM Medical Trauma Unit, power generators, temporary shelters, bedding, mats, kitchen sets, solar-powered lanterns, and hygiene products. This initiative underscores India’s commitment to its philosophy of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam,’ which translates to ‘the world is one family.’ The timely delivery of these materials highlights India’s proactive approach to global humanitarian crises and its dedication to fostering international cooperation in times of need.
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Four Men Charged for Illegal Logging near Doubloon Lagoon
In a significant crackdown on environmental violations, four individuals have been formally charged with illegal logging activities near Doubloon Lagoon in the Orange Walk District. The incident, which unfolded on November 5, 2025, was brought to light by the Corozal Sustainable Future Initiative (CSFI) enforcement team. The team intercepted the group as they were unloading logwood posts from a red tractor into a white GMC truck. Notably, the men were unable to produce any valid permits or licenses authorizing the extraction or transportation of the wood.
Authorities swiftly seized the vehicles involved, along with a chainsaw, a tractor battery, and approximately 100 logwood posts as evidence. The accused, identified as Martin Rosado, Diego Santos, Chad Vargas, and Aldair Correa, have been charged under Section 19 of the Forest Act for the unlawful possession of forest produce.
This case follows closely on the heels of another illegal logging incident reported on November 2, 2025, where rangers from the Wildlife Conservation Society detained four individuals from Cotton Tree Village. The Forest Department has issued a stern reminder to the public about the legal ramifications of unauthorized logging. ‘Harvesting, transporting, or possessing forest produce without the necessary permits is a criminal offence,’ the department stated, urging citizens to report any suspicious activities to safeguard Belize’s precious forests.
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Martin returns as AG as Williams prepares to contest election
Jaundy Martin has been sworn in as Attorney General of St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) for a second term, replacing Grenville Williams, who is set to be nominated as a candidate in the upcoming general election on November 27. The ceremony, held at Government House in Monstrose, was officiated by Governor General Dame Susan Dougan. Martin returns to the role he previously held until November 4, 2022, after serving five years as the government’s chief legal advisor. His reappointment is seen as a temporary measure until a new Attorney General is appointed following the election, as Parliament was dissolved on October 28. Martin’s previous tenure was marked by the controversial vaccine mandate in November 2021, which led to the dismissal of hundreds of public sector workers who refused the COVID-19 vaccine. While the public sector union initially won a court case against the mandate, the decision was later overturned by the Court of Appeal. The Court of Appeal is expected to deliberate next week on whether to refer the case to the Privy Council in London, SVG’s highest court, for a final ruling. Meanwhile, Williams, who assumed the role on November 4, 2022, is stepping down to pursue his first bid for a parliamentary seat. He will represent the ruling Unity Labour Party (ULP) against Nigel “Nature” Stephenson of the opposition New Democratic Party (NDP), who is seeking a fourth consecutive term. The ULP aims for an unprecedented sixth consecutive term in office after securing nine seats in the 2020 elections, compared to the NDP’s six.
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Venetiaan stond voor waardigheid, vrede en erkenning van slachtoffers
Suriname is in mourning following the passing of former President Ronald Venetiaan, a revered leader celebrated for his unwavering commitment to peace, human dignity, and moral leadership. The Foundation 8 December 1982, in a heartfelt statement, highlighted his profound contributions to the democratic legal order and his enduring dedication to honoring the victims of the December Murders. The foundation specifically recalled December 8, 2009, when President Venetiaan, as head of state and commander-in-chief of the National Army, unveiled the National Monument Bastion Veere. This act served as a powerful gesture of recognition and rehabilitation for the fifteen men who were murdered in 1982 for their advocacy of democracy and justice. Sunil Oemrawsingh, the foundation’s chairman, emphasized Venetiaan’s personal connection with many survivors and victims’ families, noting his consistent presence at memorial services and tributes as a testament to his deep empathy and humanity. During his presidency, Venetiaan also laid the groundwork for the official investigation into the December Murders, a courageous step toward truth and justice. The foundation concluded, “Suriname has lost a great statesman, but his legacy lives on in the ongoing struggle for truth, justice, and unity.”
