In a harrowing incident on Wednesday night, Nitin Buxani, a well-known businessman from the Corozal Free Zone, narrowly escaped a violent assassination attempt near the Mile 8 roundabout in Hattieville, Belize. Buxani, accompanied by his driver, was traveling in a pickup truck when it was ambushed by gunmen. Witnesses reported hearing at least 19 gunshots during the attack. Despite the severity of the assault, the driver managed to navigate the vehicle to Belize City, where both men received medical attention and are now in stable condition. Buxani reportedly sustained multiple injuries, with a chest plate credited with stopping two potentially fatal bullets. Authorities and sources close to the investigation suggest that the attack may be connected to internal disputes within the Corozal Free Zone, an area notorious for cartel activities, particularly in the tobacco trade. This incident has raised concerns about the escalating violence and the influence of organized crime in the region.
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Education is the antidote to ignorance
A recent poll conducted in August and September 2025, targeting nearly 230 older teenagers, has shed light on their perspectives regarding the Age of Civil Responsibility (ACR) Bill and sex education. The survey, which focused on critical aspects of reproductive health education, revealed a clear preference for comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) over abstinence-only instruction. A striking 68% of respondents opposed limiting sex education to abstinence-only content, with only 18% in favor. Conversely, an overwhelming 93% supported the inclusion of age-appropriate CSE in schools, with 58% expressing strong agreement. This data underscores the growing demand among youth for informed and inclusive reproductive health education. Critics of the ACR Bill argue that legislation alone cannot address the issue. However, advocates emphasize the need for legal frameworks to create societal space for meaningful action. Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell, in his recent address to the UN General Assembly, highlighted education as the antidote to ignorance, particularly in the context of reproductive health. The Caribbean region has long struggled to meet international CSE standards, with no country coming close to compliance. The poll results reflect the high expectations of older adolescents for quality CSE, urging leaders in education and health to take bold steps toward reform. Tonia Frame, President of the Grenada Planned Parenthood Association (GPPA), and Fred Nunes, Consultant at Advocates for Safe Parenthood: Improving Reproductive Equity (ASPIRE), have called for courage and action from policymakers to replace sexual ignorance with education.
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GTA to host 3-Day immersive strategic session for Carriacou and Petite Martinique
The Grenada Tourism Authority (GTA) has unveiled an ambitious three-day strategic session aimed at equipping stakeholders in Carriacou and Petite Martinique for the upcoming 2025/2026 tourism season. This initiative, designed to bolster brand positioning and messaging, will also provide critical insights into the GTA’s long-term vision for 2026 and beyond. The sessions, scheduled from November 12 to 14, will feature a series of presentations and interactive discussions led by key GTA executives. The program kicks off with a visit to Petite Martinique on November 12, followed by a comprehensive presentation of the 2026 Global Strategy by GTA CEO Stacey A Liburd on November 13. Social media expert Kered Clement will lead an engaging session on leveraging digital platforms for tourism promotion. The final day, November 14, will focus on Quality Assurance and Marketing 101, presented by QA Manager Keron Moore and CMO Tornia Charles, respectively. Stacey A Liburd underscored the importance of these sessions, stating, ‘It is essential for all stakeholders to be aligned and prepared for the challenges and opportunities ahead. Our collective effort in marketing these destinations will be pivotal in positioning them on the global stage.’ The GTA’s commitment to fostering collaboration and equipping stakeholders with the necessary tools highlights its dedication to strengthening the tourism sector in Carriacou and Petite Martinique.
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PM Gaston Browne Arrives in Brazil for COP30, Urges Urgent Climate Action for Small Island States
Prime Minister Gaston Browne of Antigua and Barbuda has arrived in Belém, Brazil, to attend the 30th Conference of the Parties (COP30) under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). Upon his arrival, Browne engaged in high-level discussions with global leaders, including Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), and President Irfaan Ali of Guyana. These talks focused on collaborative strategies to enhance climate resilience, promote sustainable development, and ensure global health security in the face of a rapidly changing climate. Accompanied by a delegation of climate experts and officials, Browne delivered a compelling address at the COP30 Plenary Session, emphasizing the existential threats faced by Small Island Developing States (SIDS) due to climate change. He called for honesty, courage, and immediate action, stressing that the 1.5°C global warming limit is a lifeline for nations like Antigua and Barbuda. Browne highlighted the need for equitable climate finance, stronger global accountability, and accelerated emissions reduction, asserting that climate finance is a matter of justice, not charity. He also commended Brazil for hosting COP30 in the Amazon and launching the Tropical Forest Forever Facility, describing it as a symbol of global solidarity. Browne reaffirmed Antigua and Barbuda’s commitment to resilience, adaptation, and the principles of Loss and Damage, urging the world to act with political and moral will to address the climate crisis.
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OECS congratulates new Director General of IICA, Dr Muhammad Ibrahim
The Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) has warmly congratulated Dr. Muhammad Ibrahim from Guyana on his election as the next Director General of the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) for the term 2026–2030. In a formal statement, the OECS Commission celebrated this significant achievement alongside the governments and citizens of the Caribbean Community, highlighting it as a proud moment for Guyana and a reflection of the Caribbean’s pivotal role in advancing agricultural innovation and sustainable development across the Americas.
Hon. John Osborne, Montserrat’s Minister of Agriculture and Chair of the OECS Council of Ministers of Agriculture, lauded Dr. Ibrahim’s election, stating, ‘Dr. Ibrahim’s leadership exemplifies the Caribbean’s ability to shape the future of agriculture in the Americas. His career has been dedicated to integrating science, innovation, and sustainability into the lives of farmers. We eagerly anticipate collaborating with him to strengthen resilient food systems and ensure our small states continue to contribute to global food security.’
Dr. Didacus Jules, Director General of the OECS, described the election as a reaffirmation of the Caribbean’s global agricultural leadership. He emphasized Dr. Ibrahim’s expertise in linking agricultural transformation, environmental sustainability, and the livelihoods of small farmers—areas crucial to the small island developing states of the Eastern Caribbean.
Dr. Jules also reiterated the OECS’s commitment to partnering with IICA under Dr. Ibrahim’s leadership. Key areas of collaboration include advancing climate-resilient and technology-driven agriculture, promoting regional food and nutrition security, and enhancing institutional capacity while engaging youth in agricultural innovation. He expressed optimism about Dr. Ibrahim’s tenure, particularly as the region’s agricultural sector grapples with challenges such as climate change, food price volatility, and the need for transformative production and trade strategies.
The OECS Commission expressed confidence that under Dr. Ibrahim’s guidance, IICA will continue to exemplify technical excellence and hemispheric solidarity, paving the way for a more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable agricultural future for all member states.
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General Accident Insurance to acquire Beacon Insurance
In a landmark move set to reshape the Caribbean insurance landscape, General Accident Insurance Company (Jamaica) Limited (JSE:GENAC) and Beacon Insurance Company Limited have announced their intention to merge, creating a dominant regional insurer. The transaction, finalized on October 31, 2025, sees General Accident’s parent company, Musson (Jamaica) Limited, acquiring 100% of Beacon. Pending regulatory approvals, Beacon will operate as a subsidiary of General Accident, maintaining its independent brand and leadership structure. This strategic acquisition significantly expands General Accident’s footprint, granting access to new markets in Dominica, Grenada, St Kitts, St Lucia, and St Vincent, while bolstering its presence in Trinidad and Barbados. The combined entity is projected to generate annual gross written premiums exceeding J$32 billion. Beacon’s CEO, Christopher Woodhams, will report directly to Sharon Donaldson, Group CEO of General Accident, and will oversee the merged operations in Trinidad. Additionally, Woodhams and Beacon director Christian Hadeed will join General Accident’s board. The Hadeed family, now minority shareholders in General Accident, expressed confidence in the merger’s potential to uphold Beacon’s legacy of excellence. Gerald Hadeed, Beacon’s founder, praised the alignment of values between the two companies, emphasizing their shared commitment to client service and innovation. General Accident Chairman P B Scott lauded Beacon’s management and expressed excitement about the merger’s ability to enhance service delivery across the Caribbean.
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Sykes commends court staff’s dedication amid Hurricane Melissa devastation
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Chief Justice Bryan Sykes has lauded court staff and managers across multiple parishes for their unwavering dedication and resilience in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, which caused extensive damage to judicial facilities. During his visits to the Santa Cruz courthouse in St Elizabeth and other severely affected areas, including St James, Trelawny, and Hanover, Justice Sykes expressed his admiration for the commitment of court personnel who continue to report for duty despite personal hardships. He described the scenes of devastation as ‘distressing’ but emphasized the inspiring leadership and proactive efforts of senior judges and court operations managers. ‘What I am particularly pleased about is that in all the parishes, the senior judges and court operations managers have stepped up as leaders, which is what we expect of them,’ he remarked. ‘They have been strategizing on how to restore services, highlighting the importance of planning and risk mitigation.’ In parishes like Hanover and St James, staff have been actively cleaning up and preparing to reopen facilities. However, in St Elizabeth, the destruction was so severe that ‘there’s nowhere to clean up,’ Sykes noted. Despite losing homes and roofs, many staff members remain committed to their duties. Sykes called for collaboration among stakeholders to support the recovery of the justice system. His visits underscored the critical need for leadership training and disaster preparedness within the judiciary, as staff continue to demonstrate courage and service under challenging conditions. Justice Sykes is scheduled to visit the Westmoreland Parish Court next.
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ISSA to consult stakeholders on restart of school football season post hurricane
The Inter Secondary Schools Sports Association (ISSA) is engaging in extensive consultations with key stakeholders to determine the future of the high school football season, which has been disrupted by Hurricane Melissa. ISSA President Keith Wellington emphasized the importance of collective decision-making, involving schools, sponsors, media partners, and government bodies, to ensure a unified approach.
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Sher Luxury Doll provides relief to communities deeply affected by Hurricane Melissa
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Sherine Scarlett, a former dancer turned entrepreneur widely recognized as Sher Luxury Doll, is spearheading a crucial relief initiative for communities ravaged by Category Five Hurricane Melissa. Through her business, Sher Luxury Beauty, and with the aid of her supporters, Scarlett and her team have successfully delivered 500 care packages to families in the Westmoreland communities of Petersfield, Bluefields, and Savanna-la-Mar, as well as St Elizabeth.
In an interview with Observer Online on Friday, Scarlett expressed her deep empathy for those affected. ‘I hate to see kids crying and people crying, and I know that I can help,’ she said. She emphasized that her efforts are driven purely by personal philanthropy rather than organizational backing. ‘It’s not no bag of money, it’s just the goodness of my heart make mi a try fi help out because, trust me, the people need the help,’ she added.
Scarlett highlighted the unwavering support she has received from Jamaicans over the years, which motivates her to give back. ‘People support me naturally long before mi did stop dance… So for me, the support that they always giving me, and even now with my products— I ship products daily straight throughout Jamaica— so if I can give back from what they have given me, I have no problem doing that,’ she shared.
Her team is making a concerted effort to reach the most severely impacted areas, often venturing into remote and hard-to-access locations that larger relief vehicles cannot navigate. ‘Where we go, people say it’s the first they see people there. We’re going in the… crevices where we know them nah go get fi go…We’re using bus and cars and vans and we try to go in some areas that most persons are not gonna think to go to help. I would love to go back and try to go to more and more of those communities to help,’ Scarlett explained.
To sustain and expand her relief efforts, Scarlett is appealing for additional donations of food, water, sanitary products, clothing, blankets, tarpaulin, or cash. Interested donors can find more details on her Instagram pages, @sherluxurydolll or @sherluxurybeautybar, or contact her via WhatsApp at (876)-420-6016.
Scarlett’s hands-on approach has already made a significant impact, as she personally distributed essential supplies to children and families affected by the hurricane. Her dedication to helping those in need underscores the power of community-driven initiatives in times of crisis.
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$250-billion storm hit for Jamaican manufacturers
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaica Manufacturers and Exporters Association (JMEA) disclosed on Friday that Jamaican manufacturers, ranging from large-scale food processors to small furniture makers, have incurred an estimated $250 billion in damages due to Hurricane Melissa. This preliminary figure, anticipated to rise, highlights the catastrophic impact on the nation’s productive sector and has prompted a unified relief and recovery initiative.