Belize is positioning itself as a frontrunner in the global shift toward renewable energy, as highlighted during the Belize International Partners Conference. Organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Economic Transformation, this two-day event brought together leaders and international allies to strategize on climate resilience and sustainable development. With the theme “Investing in the Green Transition,” the conference emphasized actionable solutions across energy innovation, e-mobility, sustainable infrastructure, and education. Belize, a small island developing state in the Caribbean, faces unique challenges but is determined to leverage its potential in the renewable energy sector. Minister of Foreign Affairs Francis Fonseca underscored the importance of collaboration in overcoming structural, regulatory, and financial hurdles. He revealed that ongoing green projects in Belize are valued at over $787 million, with an additional $1.8 billion worth of initiatives in the pipeline. The conference aims to pool expertise, experience, and funding to devise effective strategies tailored to Belize’s specific needs as a vulnerable yet ambitious nation.
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Belcan Bridge is About Connecting Communities
Prime Minister John Briceño has addressed growing concerns and rumors surrounding the Belcan Bridge project, emphasizing its importance in connecting communities and enhancing transportation in Belize. Speaking to the media on October 27, 2025, Briceño dismissed claims of a rift within the Cabinet, particularly with Minister Julius Espat, stating that differences are normal but do not equate to conflict. He clarified that the project’s funding transitioned from a loan to a grant, placing the Ministry of Economic Transformation in charge, though the Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MIDH) will remain involved as mandated by law. Regarding costs, Briceño assured transparency, highlighting a forthcoming bidding process, though specific details are still under review. The Prime Minister also refuted allegations of intellectual property theft, asserting that once a plan is commissioned and paid for, it belongs to the client. Briceño reiterated the project’s core objective: to build a bridge that fosters connectivity and improves transportation for Belizeans.
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Discarded Firearms Form Foundation of New Police Station
In a groundbreaking initiative, the construction of the new Bella Vista Police Station in Belize has begun with a unique foundation: discarded and damaged gun parts. This innovative approach, spearheaded by the Belize Police Department, aims to safely dispose of firearms while enhancing community security. Over the past three years, a significant number of damaged and discarded gun parts have been collected, and instead of storing them indefinitely, these pieces are now being used in the station’s foundation. Magistrate Mannon Dennison, a member of the Firearms and Ammunition Control Board, highlighted the environmental and security benefits of this method. Belize, a signatory to the Caribbean Firearm Roadmap, has been grappling with the safe disposal of firearms, a challenge shared by many CARICOM nations. Jason Francis, Senior Policy Advisor at the Regional Centre for Peace, Disarmament and Development, praised Belize’s innovative solution, ensuring that these firearms will never re-enter circulation. The new police station is a crucial development for the growing community of Bella Vista Village, which now houses nearly 10,000 residents. Minister of Home Affairs Kareem Musa emphasized that this project marks the beginning of a series of new police stations across the country, including in San Narciso and Santa Elena. This initiative not only addresses the immediate security needs of the community but also sets a precedent for the safe and environmentally friendly disposal of confiscated firearms.
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400 Parcels of Land Handed Out to Collet Residents
In a landmark event on October 27, 2025, the Collet constituency in Belize City witnessed a historic land distribution ceremony at the Gateway Youth Center. Organized by Area Representative Devin Daly, the event marked the first land clinic in twenty-five years, with 400 parcels of land and 50 land titles officially handed out to residents. The initiative fulfilled Daly’s promise to enhance the community’s quality of life through land ownership, housing opportunities, and infrastructure development. The ceremony followed a mobile land clinic held in September, where residents voiced their land-related concerns. Most recipients were already residing on the land, now gaining official ownership. Pickstock Area Representative Anthony Mahler praised the initiative, emphasizing how land ownership empowers individuals to improve their lives, pursue education, or start businesses. Many of the new landowners were youths and individuals aged 30 to 40. Daly acknowledged the remaining 300 residents seeking land titles and pledged continued efforts to address land issues in the constituency. The event symbolized a transformative step toward community empowerment and economic stability.
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Public Health activates cholera prevention protocol amid outbreak in Haiti
Santo Domingo – In response to the recent cholera outbreak in neighboring Haiti, the Dominican Republic has implemented comprehensive prevention and surveillance protocols to safeguard public health. Public Health Minister Víctor Atallah revealed that the government has intensified epidemiological monitoring in border regions, with support from the Ministries of Defense and Immigration. A team of 86 health professionals has been deployed to conduct water quality tests, distribute hygiene kits, and provide educational materials in both Creole and Spanish. Additionally, medications have been prepared for potential suspected cases, though none have been reported so far.
Minister Atallah confirmed that no active cholera cases have been detected within the country. However, the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, which brought heavy rains and widespread flooding, has prompted health authorities to enhance nationwide surveillance. This effort aims to curb the spread of water- and vector-borne diseases such as diarrhea, hepatitis A, leptospirosis, dengue, and respiratory infections. The Ministry is collaborating with the Emergency Operations Center (COE), INDRHI, and regional water authorities to ensure clean water supply and strengthen chlorination and disinfection systems.
Citizens have been advised to adopt precautionary measures, including avoiding contact with stagnant or contaminated water, boiling water before consumption, covering storage containers, and maintaining proper hygiene. The Ministry is conducting daily monitoring of high-risk provinces and sampling water sources as part of the national health response plan. Atallah emphasized that the government’s primary focus is on protecting lives and preventing disease, underscoring the importance of prevention and public cooperation during the post-hurricane recovery phase.
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Isabella Zabaneh Ready to Shine at Miss Universe 2025
Isabella Zabaneh, the newly crowned Miss Universe Belize 2025, is set to make her mark on the global stage as she prepares to compete in the 74th Annual Miss Universe Pageant in Thailand. With the event just weeks away, Zabaneh shared her thoughts and aspirations during a pre-departure interview at the Phillip Goldson International Airport.
Zabaneh, who has been a vocal advocate for confidence, self-identity, and inner beauty, expressed her excitement and readiness for the competition. ‘People keep asking me if I’m nervous, but I’ve learned to channel my nerves into excitement and eagerness for what’s to come,’ she said. ‘I have no expectations—I want to be thoroughly surprised by everything that comes my way and all the blessings God has in store for me.’
Beyond the pageant, Zabaneh has made significant strides through her nonprofit organization, which focuses on empowering young women. ‘It may seem shallow at first glance, but through my nonprofit, we’ve been able to make a tangible impact on the lives of young women,’ she emphasized. ‘Whether I win the Miss Universe crown or not, I vow to continue this work because when you’re passionate about something, you can’t help but advocate for it.’
Destiny Arnold, the National Director of Miss Universe Belize, also shared her enthusiasm for Zabaneh’s journey. ‘It has been historic to see her rise to the top picks of some of the toughest bloggers in the pageant industry,’ Arnold remarked. ‘She’s working with influential figures in the industry, and the feedback about her has been overwhelmingly positive.’
As Zabaneh embarks on this prestigious journey, she carries not only her personal aspirations but also the hopes of Belize, aiming to make her nation’s name resonate on the global stage.
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PM announces 3-month, 3% salary bonus to be paid next month
In a significant move to support public sector employees, Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves of St. Vincent and the Grenadines announced a 3% Cost of Living Allowance (COLA) for three months during his Independence Address. This one-off, tax-free payment will benefit public servants, nurses, teachers, police officers, prison officers, and non-established employees in the central government. The announcement, made at the Arnos Vale Sports Complex, coincides with the nation’s 46th independence anniversary from Britain. The COLA, costing the Treasury EC$3 million, is expected to be disbursed by the end of November 2025, fueling speculation of an early general election ahead of the February 2026 constitutional deadline. Additionally, 2,704 individuals previously receiving a monthly COLA of $175 will receive another three-month payment from October to December this year, amounting to $1.4 million. Gonsalves also highlighted plans for salary-related negotiations with public sector unions in January 2026, to be included in the 2026 Budget. Further measures include appointing 234 teachers and 159 public servants with verified degrees to appropriate graduate salary scales, effective November 1, 2025, at a cost of EC$1.25 million. The government also plans to create 30 additional Teacher II and 46 Teacher III posts to accommodate promotions. Gonsalves emphasized his administration’s commitment to addressing the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl, having rebuilt or repaired 5,000 damaged houses and provided EC$2.5 million in appliances to affected families. Despite these efforts, 2,000 homes remain unaddressed, and a waiting list of 2,500 individuals for appliances persists. The Prime Minister reaffirmed his government’s dedication to supporting citizens during natural disasters, ensuring free repairs, appliance deliveries, and social safety nets.
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Hurricane Melissa may be ‘catastrophic’ for Jamaica, say experts
Hurricane Melissa has escalated to a Category 5 storm, the most severe classification, with wind speeds peaking at 165 mph (270 km/h). The hurricane is expected to make landfall early Tuesday, posing significant threats to Jamaica and other Caribbean nations. Already, Melissa has claimed lives in Haiti and the Dominican Republic, with four fatalities reported. Meteorologists have issued warnings about the storm’s slow movement, which is likely to result in prolonged heavy rainfall, increasing the risk of catastrophic flooding and landslides. Jamie Rhome, deputy director of the U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC), emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, “The extreme rainfall potential due to the slow motion will create a catastrophic event for Jamaica.” In response, the Jamaican government has ordered evacuations in parts of Kingston and declared the entire island as “threatened.” Forecasters predict that Melissa could strengthen further in the next 12 to 24 hours, bringing destructive winds and life-threatening storm surges to Jamaica overnight Monday and early Tuesday. The NHC anticipates that the hurricane’s core will move near or over Jamaica by Monday night, followed by southeastern Cuba on Tuesday night and the southeastern Bahamas on Wednesday. Despite potential fluctuations in intensity, Melissa is expected to remain a major hurricane as it traverses these regions. The NHC forecasts up to 40 inches (100 cm) of rain in some areas of Jamaica over the next four days, heightening flood risks. Local authorities have urged residents in vulnerable areas to seek safer shelter. Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness, in a social media post, called for thorough preparation and adherence to evacuation orders, expressing resilience with the message, “We will weather this storm and rebuild stronger.”
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Rising stars shine in global health tech
Four ambitious students from the University of the West Indies (UWI) have embarked on a transformative journey into the future of healthcare, leveraging technology and innovation to position Barbados as a burgeoning hub for health tech advancements. The students—Daemon Dawson, Jahniqua Esdaille, Jaliea Lovell, and Tarika Birch—participated in the Health Tech Fellows Programme (HTFP), a groundbreaking initiative co-developed by FutureHEALTH and UWI. This program, supported by FutureBARBADOS and the IDB Lab, aimed to strengthen the health tech ecosystem in Barbados and the wider Caribbean. Over six weeks, the fellows gained hands-on experience at leading health technology companies in the UK and Europe, immersing themselves in digital health, artificial intelligence, medical devices, and health systems innovation. Dr. Kia Lewis, community activator for FutureHEALTH, emphasized the program’s mission to address the urgent need for health innovation in the region. ‘The initiative is designed to cultivate a pipeline of skilled professionals and establish a local health tech innovation culture with global partners,’ she explained. The students’ placements in Bristol, London, and Germany exposed them to international professionals and live projects, fostering both technical and professional growth. Dawson, who interned at Wanda Health in Bristol, described the experience as transformative, highlighting mentorship and exposure to cardiometabolic disease research. Birch, assigned to FluoretiQ, was inspired by the collaborative process of health tech development. Esdaille, working at NeuroVirt Limited in London, expanded her skills from back-end to full-stack development, while Lovell, placed in Germany, praised the inclusive and diverse culture of her host organization. Dr. Lewis noted that the fellows’ achievements underscore the potential of Caribbean talent in advancing health innovation. The program’s success reflects a growing collaboration between academia and industry, with plans to integrate health technology into UWI’s curriculum and create opportunities for knowledge transfer to local solutions.
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Three arrested, prime suspect in gas station explosion still at large
In a tragic incident that has shaken Georgetown, Guyana, a deadly explosion at a Mobil gas station has left a six-year-old girl dead and four others injured. The Guyana Police Force (GPF) has confirmed the arrest of three individuals connected to the blast, but the prime suspect remains at large. The explosion, which occurred at approximately 7:24 p.m. on October 27, 2025, caused significant damage to the gas station and surrounding buildings, including a KFC outlet and parts of the High Court. CCTV footage revealed that the suspect, a Spanish-speaking man, attempted to place a bulky black plastic bag near a fuel pump before leaving the scene. Moments later, the bag exploded as a car was reversing nearby. The GPF has launched a coordinated operation, intercepting a silver motor car (PSS 7874) used by one of the suspects. Forensic experts are analyzing plastic and metal fragments collected from the scene to determine their origin. The GPF has urged the public to provide any information on the suspect’s whereabouts, emphasizing their commitment to bringing those responsible to justice. This incident follows two similar high-intensity explosions in May 2025, which remain unsolved.