Belize, often referred to as ‘The Jewel,’ is poised to become the epicenter of sustainable tourism in the Caribbean. In April 2026, the country will host the annual Sustainable Tourism Conference, a premier event that unites regional leaders to redefine responsible travel. This year’s conference will transcend the conventional focus on ‘green and blue economies,’ delving into the integration of culture, diversity, and regeneration as foundational elements of sustainability. Narendra Ramgulam, Deputy Director of Sustainable Tourism at the Caribbean Tourism Organization, emphasized that the 2026 conference will introduce ‘deeper discussions, new toolkits, and best practices’ to elevate the region’s approach to sustainability. The event’s theme will spotlight the ‘colours of development,’ encompassing the blue economy (marine spaces), green economy (land-based eco-activities), orange economy (culture and heritage), and purple economy (human inclusion and diversity). Ramgulam highlighted the importance of regenerative tourism, a progressive concept that goes beyond conservation to actively restore and enhance destinations. ‘Regenerative tourism ensures that travelers leave the environment better than they found it,’ he explained, underscoring its potential for carbon-positive, niche product development. Belize’s selection as the host nation underscores its growing influence in the global tourism industry and its commitment to pioneering innovative, sustainable practices.
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King, Fevrier, Stiede: Three-way race for Castries North
The upcoming general election in Saint Lucia is shaping up to be a historic event, with Castries North emerging as the focal point of national attention. This constituency, once a stronghold of the United Workers Party (UWP), is now a battleground for three formidable candidates: the seasoned incumbent Stephenson King, UWP’s rising star Stephen Fevrier, and independent newcomer Marcellus Stiede. The race is emblematic of a broader clash between experience, innovation, and grassroots leadership. Stephenson King, a political stalwart with a career spanning over four decades, has been a dominant figure in Castries North. However, his decision to leave the UWP in 2021 and run as an independent candidate marked a turning point in his career. Despite his long-standing influence, King now faces stiff competition from Fevrier, a globally experienced diplomat, and Stiede, a former professional basketball player turned community advocate. Fevrier, with his international background and vision for economic revitalization, promises to bring fresh perspectives to the constituency. Meanwhile, Stiede emphasizes youth development and transparency, critiquing the culture of political dependency. The election has sparked widespread debate, with voters weighing the merits of King’s legacy against the transformative potential of his challengers. As Saint Lucia prepares for this pivotal moment, Castries North stands as a microcosm of the nation’s political evolution, where tradition meets the promise of change.
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#EyeOnMelissa: Mandatory evacuations for seven communities as Melissa nears Jamaica
In a decisive move to safeguard its citizens, the Jamaican government has mandated the evacuation of seven flood-prone communities as Hurricane Melissa, a formidable Category 4 storm, bears down on the island. The affected areas include Port Royal in Kingston; Portland Cottage and Rocky Point in Clarendon; Old Harbour Bay in St Catherine; and Taylor Land, New Haven, and Riverton City in St Andrew. This directive, issued in collaboration with the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM), is effective immediately. Jamaica is currently under a hurricane warning, with Melissa anticipated to make landfall as a major hurricane late Monday night or early Tuesday morning. The storm is predicted to unleash life-threatening storm surges, powerful winds, and torrential rains. This evacuation order stems from the Disaster Risk Management (Declaration of Threatened Area) (Tropical Storm Melissa) Order enacted on October 24, 2025, which designated the entire island as a threatened area. The government has clarified that the evacuation mandate will remain in effect as long as the Declaration of Threatened Area Order is active.
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#EyeOnMelissa: Romeich, Guild et al provide storm essentials for UWI students
As Hurricane Melissa looms over Jamaica, students at the University of the West Indies (UWI) Mona Campus who are staying on-site during the storm have been equipped with essential supplies. On Sunday, a collaborative effort by the Bellbaten Foundation, Fyahman Entertainment, The UWI Mona Guild, and Romeich Entertainment ensured that students received critical items such as canned meats, fish, toiletries, snacks, and bottled water. A representative from the UWI Mona Guild emphasized the initiative’s importance, stating, ‘We partnered to ensure that students who cannot return home are fully supported during this challenging period. We visited all campus halls to distribute the products.’ Students were seen posing with trays of Ramen, cup noodles, and cases of bottled water as the nation braces for the hurricane, which is predicted to bring intense rainfall, storm surges, and landslides. The collective effort highlights the community’s commitment to safeguarding students during this natural disaster.
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#EyeOnMelissa: Toll Barriers Lifted
KINGSTON, Jamaica — In response to the imminent threat of Hurricane Melissa, the Jamaican government has temporarily suspended toll collections on the nation’s highways. Transport Minister Daryl Vaz announced the decision on Sunday, signing an order to lift toll barriers across all sections of Highway 2000. This measure, effective from 5:00 pm on Sunday, aims to facilitate the swift movement of emergency vehicles and prevent traffic congestion as the hurricane approaches. Hurricane Melissa, with winds reaching up to 140 miles per hour, is expected to make landfall late Monday night or early Tuesday morning. Vaz emphasized that the toll-free access will remain in place even after the hurricane passes, enabling residents to check on their families, businesses, and properties without hindrance. The Toll Authority of Jamaica confirmed the implementation of this directive, ensuring unrestricted travel until further notice. This proactive step underscores the government’s commitment to public safety during natural disasters.
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#EyeOnMelissa: Rae Town residents evacuate on eve of Hurricane Melissa
In a proactive move to ensure the safety of its residents, the seaside fishing village of Rae Town in Kingston, Jamaica, initiated a large-scale evacuation on Sunday evening. The evacuation was coordinated with the support of Kingston Mayor Andrew Swaby, as Hurricane Melissa looms on the horizon, threatening to strike the island as a major hurricane by Monday night or Tuesday morning. Forecasters predict that the hurricane will bring life-threatening storm surges, powerful winds, and torrential rainfall, posing significant risks to coastal communities like Rae Town, which are particularly vulnerable to flooding. Residents, including elderly individuals and families, were transported to the Holy Family Primary School, which has been designated as a temporary shelter. The evacuation was facilitated by buses from the Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC). Over the past several days, local authorities, including politicians, disaster preparedness agents, and police officers, have been urging residents in high-risk areas to relocate to shelters. However, compliance has been inconsistent, with some residents hesitant to leave their homes. Mayor Swaby personally oversaw the evacuation efforts, boarding a JUTC bus to ensure the process ran smoothly. As Hurricane Melissa approaches, the focus remains on safeguarding lives and minimizing the potential devastation.
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#EyeOnMelissa: IOM and World Food Programme preparing for post-Melissa assistance to Jamaica
As Hurricane Melissa, now a Category 4 storm, approaches Jamaica, international organizations are ramping up efforts to provide critical aid to affected residents. The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) and the World Food Programme (WFP) are leading the charge, coordinating a comprehensive relief operation to address the anticipated devastation. The storm is expected to bring severe flooding, powerful winds, landslides, and storm surges, posing a significant threat to the island nation.
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WATCH: #EyeOnMelissa: St Ann fisherfolk, vendors spend Sunday at riverside ahead of Melissa
As Hurricane Melissa approaches Jamaica, residents of St Ann, particularly fishermen and craft vendors, are making urgent preparations while grappling with the looming threat. On Sunday afternoon, amidst grey skies and persistent rain, Harold Bloomfield, a seasoned fisherman, voiced his concerns while cleaning a marlin. ‘I’m going to lose a lot of fish pots and other things, but I’m just bracing for it. I’m trying my best to survive,’ he said, reflecting the somber mood among locals. Bloomfield acknowledged the inevitability of the storm, stating, ‘We can’t stop God’s work. It’s going to hit us hard, but we have to stand strong.’
Nearby, Dennis Gordon, a vendor at the Ocho Rios Craft Market, was busy securing his goods under tarpaulins. He expressed anxiety about the hurricane’s potential aftermath, recalling the devastation caused by Hurricane Gilbert in the past. ‘When it passes, the place will be locked down—no tourists, no business. It will take us a long time to recover,’ he said. Gordon’s fears are echoed by meteorologists, who warn that Hurricane Melissa could bring catastrophic flooding and landslides to the island.
The community’s resilience is being tested as they face the dual challenge of safeguarding their livelihoods and ensuring their safety. Fishermen were seen pulling their boats ashore, while others reinforced their homes and businesses. The memory of past hurricanes looms large, with many hoping that Melissa’s impact will not be as severe. As the storm nears, the island remains on high alert, with residents doing their utmost to prepare for the worst while clinging to hope.
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Trinidad government says still in the dark regarding the deaths of two Trinidadians during US military strike
The Trinidad and Tobago government has reiterated its lack of concrete evidence regarding the alleged deaths of two Trinidadian nationals during a United States military operation targeting illegal drug trafficking in international waters near Venezuela. Foreign and Caricom Affairs Minister Sean Sobers addressed the issue during a press conference in Port of Spain, emphasizing that the individuals, Richie Samaroo and Chad ‘Charpo’ Joseph, are currently considered missing rather than confirmed deceased. Sobers urged the families to file missing persons reports with the police, as no definitive proof of their deaths has been established. Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander, a former senior police officer, expressed skepticism about the innocence of the two men, citing unverified reports of their involvement in criminal activities. Meanwhile, Gary Aboud, secretary of the NGO Fishermen and Friends of the Sea, confirmed the deaths of Samaroo and Joseph among six fatalities resulting from the US operation. Aboud extended condolences to the bereaved families and highlighted the growing fear among local fishermen about venturing out to sea. The incident has sparked concerns over the collateral impact of international anti-drug operations on innocent civilians.
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Dybala ends drought as Roma move second in Serie A
In a tightly contested Serie A clash on Sunday, Paulo Dybala’s first league goal of the season secured a crucial 1-0 victory for Roma against Sassuolo, elevating them to joint leaders with Napoli. The Argentine forward capitalized on a rebound in the 16th minute after Bryan Cristante’s initial shot was saved by Arijanet Muric, marking Dybala’s 130th Serie A goal and his first from open play since December 2022.
Roma’s defensive resilience under manager Gian Piero Gasperini has been a standout feature this season, conceding just three goals in eight matches—the fewest in the league. However, their offensive output remains a concern, with only eight goals scored. Despite this, Roma’s 18 points place them second, trailing Napoli on goal difference.
Dybala emphasized the significance of the win, stating, ‘These are three important points,’ while acknowledging the long road ahead in the title race. Gasperini expressed satisfaction with the team’s response following two consecutive defeats earlier in the week, highlighting the need to improve home performances.
Elsewhere in Serie A, AC Milan dropped to third after a 2-2 draw with Pisa, while Fiorentina salvaged a 2-2 draw against Bologna despite remaining winless this season. Juventus, winless since September 13, faced Lazio in a late Sunday fixture.
The Serie A title race remains wide open, with Napoli and Roma level on points and the possibility of a play-off if the season ends in a tie. Roma’s quest for their first Scudetto since 2001 continues, with Gasperini urging his team to reward their loyal fans with improved home form.