Sunrise Airways, a privately owned Haitian airline, is set to bolster its fleet with the addition of two Airbus A320 aircraft. This expansion comes as part of a comprehensive leasing agreement with GlobalX, which includes not only the aircraft but also crew, maintenance, and insurance services. The new A320s, each configured with 179 seats, will commence operations in November 2025, increasing the airline’s total fleet size to 14 aircraft. Gary Stone, CEO of Sunrise Airways, emphasized the strategic importance of this move, stating, ‘These two Airbus A320s will be exclusively dedicated to our operations, significantly enhancing passenger experience and connectivity across the Caribbean region.’ Initially, the aircraft will be deployed to strengthen existing routes, particularly between Florida and Cap-Haitien. However, the airline has ambitious plans to utilize these A320s for expanding its network to new destinations, including Fort Lauderdale, New York, and other key markets in the Americas. Sunrise Airways currently operates under three separate Air Operator Certificates (AOCs) in Haiti, the Dominican Republic, and the Eastern Caribbean. By the end of 2025, the airline aims to operate a total of 18 aircraft across its network, further solidifying its presence in the region.
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Suriname shelves oil royalty payout
The newly elected Surinamese government, under President Jennifer Geerlings Simons, has decided to suspend a proposed initiative to distribute oil royalties of US$750 plus interest to all citizens. This announcement was made by Andrew Baasaron, the Minister of Economic Affairs, Entrepreneurship, and Technological Innovation, during a panel discussion at the International Business Conference (IBC) 2025. Baasaron cited insufficient financial resources as the primary reason for halting the plan, contrasting Suriname’s economic situation with that of Guyana, which successfully distributed GY$100,000 (approximately US$458) to over 600,000 adults last year. The previous administration, led by Chandrikapersad Santokhi, had tied the royalty payout to projected earnings from the Gran Morgu offshore project, expected to produce 220,000 barrels of oil by 2028. TotalEnergies, a France-based energy giant, is investing US$10.5 billion in the project. Instead of direct payouts, the new government plans to channel funds into sustainable investments in companies, new technologies, and workforce development. Baasaron emphasized the need for Suriname to reduce its reliance on government support and focus on enhancing productivity and economic growth.
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Lawsuit Looms as Lands Department Faces Backlash Over Property Mix-Up
A Belizean woman from Independence Village, Sherene Garbutt, is preparing to take legal action against the Lands Department after discovering that a 22-acre parcel of land she was in the process of acquiring was sold to another party. Garbutt had obtained official permission to survey the land in May 2022, completed the survey in August 2022, and applied for a lease, only to learn earlier this year that the land had been sold to someone else. She claims that the survey she paid for was used to issue the title to the new owner. The Ministry of Natural Resources offered Garbutt $6,500 to cover her survey costs in exchange for signing an agreement to prevent future lawsuits, but she refused, demanding either the original land or a comparable parcel in the same area. Garbutt asserts that this incident represents a blatant breach of due process and undermines her legitimate expectations. The Lands Department has acknowledged the case but maintains that completing a survey and applying for a lease does not guarantee ownership. Garbutt’s legal battle highlights systemic issues in land administration and raises concerns about transparency and fairness in property transactions.
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Illegal Land Clearing Suspected in Vaca Reserve
Concerns over potential illegal land clearing within Belize’s Vaca Forest Reserve have surfaced, as local farmers from the Cayo District reported suspicious activities to News Five. The farmers expressed alarm over the presence of heavy machinery in the area, suspecting unauthorized deforestation. Friends for Conservation and Development (FCD), a prominent environmental organization, confirmed receiving similar reports. Executive Director Rafael Manzanero stated that the complaints have been forwarded to the Belize Forest Department for investigation. While Manzanero could not confirm if the reports were identical, he emphasized the need for verification to determine whether the clearing occurred on private lands or within the protected reserve. The Forest Department is expected to conduct a site visit to assess the situation. Manzanero clarified that FCD does not directly investigate such claims, as the Forest Department is better equipped to cross-reference maps and pinpoint locations. This incident raises broader questions about the enforcement of environmental protections in Belize, particularly in ecologically sensitive areas like the Vaca Forest Reserve.
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Omar Fernández calls for income tax relief for salaries under RD$52,000
In a compelling appeal to the Dominican government, Senator Omar Fernández, representing the National District, has called for an urgent revision of the income tax exemption threshold. On Wednesday, Fernández emphasized the need to raise the tax-free salary limit to RD$52,000, aligning with the Dominican Tax Code. His plea comes in response to the 2026 General State Budget proposal, which maintains the current threshold of RD$34,685—unchanged for six consecutive years despite rising inflation. Fernández criticized this stagnation, warning that it severely impacts over 300,000 workers, eroding their purchasing power. He highlighted that the failure to adjust the threshold results in a monthly loss of RD$17,244 for low- and middle-income earners. ‘This is money being directly taken from the pockets of Dominicans who need it most,’ he asserted in a social media video. The senator further underscored the economic strain by pointing out that the average cost of a basic food basket has surged to RD$46,716. He argued that maintaining the outdated tax threshold effectively deprives workers of a year’s worth of essential goods. Fernández urged the Executive Branch to adhere to the law and revise the exempt salary scale to reflect accumulated inflation. ‘My request is straightforward,’ he concluded. ‘The government must follow the law and provide Dominican families with much-needed economic relief.’
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Partnership Strengthens Vaca Forest Protection
The Vaca Forest Reserve has become a focal point for sustainable agricultural practices, thanks to the collaborative efforts between local farmers and Friends for Conservation and Development (FCD). Known as the ‘Friends of Vaca,’ these certified farmers have embraced their role as stewards, dedicated to preserving the ecological integrity and future of the reserve. While illegal farming activities persist, FCD’s Executive Director, Rafael Manzanero, highlights the significant progress made through years of investment. This initiative has empowered numerous farmers to adopt sustainable practices, ensuring the protection of this vital natural area. Manzanero emphasized the success of the stewardship program, which has fostered a heightened sense of responsibility among the local community. Despite recent challenges, such as the inclusion of Belize on the U.S. list of major drug transit countries, the commitment to conservation remains unwavering. The ongoing partnership between FCD and the ‘Friends of Vaca’ serves as a model for community-driven environmental protection.
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Corozal Residents Fix Roads After Years of Neglect
In a remarkable display of community resilience, residents of Corozal’s Little Belize, Viva Esperanza, and Chunox have banded together to address years of neglected road infrastructure. Frustrated by the lack of government action, locals have pooled resources—money, machinery, and manpower—to repair roads that have long been in disrepair. While Area Representative Florencio Marin Jr. and the Ministry of Infrastructure Development initiated some improvements earlier this year, villagers argue these efforts fell far short of what was needed. The community is now urging the government to prioritize upgrades along the San Estevan to Chunox route. Franz Olfert, a resident, shared with News Five that the dire state of the roads left them with no choice but to act independently. Neighbors contributed funds, hired equipment, and began repairs, driven by a shared goal of ensuring safer and more accessible travel for all. Despite their efforts, Olfert emphasized that the funds raised—$5,000 from Little Belize and $1,000 from Chunox—are insufficient for comprehensive repairs. He hopes media attention will spur government intervention to address the critical condition of the roads.
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PSU Calls GOB lack of Response on SARA Concerns Disrespectful
The Public Service Union (PSU) of Belize has expressed deep frustration over the Government of Belize’s (GOB) lack of response to concerns regarding the proposed transformation of the Belize Tax Services Department (BTSD) into a Semi-Autonomous Revenue Authority (SARA). Despite the passing of a two-week deadline, the government has remained silent, prompting the union to label the inaction as outright disrespect. The PSU has raised significant issues about the efficiency, costs, and employee welfare implications of the proposed SARA, which would operate as a statutory body governed by a board of directors. Union President Dean Flowers criticized the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Public Service, and the Prime Minister for their perceived indifference, accusing them of treating the revenue-generating authority as a private enterprise. The PSU is now consulting its membership through surveys and meetings to determine the next course of action, which may include service disruptions. A decisive meeting with the general membership is scheduled to gauge support for potential measures to address the matter.
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PSU No Longer Needed for Belize Tax Service Employees?
The Public Service Union (PSU) in Belize is intensifying its efforts to address concerns over the transition of the Belize Tax Service into a Semi-Autonomous Revenue Authority (SARA). A major point of contention is the potential removal of the PSU as the bargaining agent for tax service employees, a move that has sparked significant debate. PSU President Dean Flowers has urged the Government of Belize to respond to these concerns promptly, warning of further actions if no resolution is reached. Flowers emphasized the union’s dual focus on safeguarding public revenues and protecting the welfare of approximately 200 employees who could be impacted by the transition. Despite setting an October 3 deadline for a response, the government has yet to address the union’s concerns. Flowers criticized comments from the Director General of the Belize Tax Service, Michelle Longsworth, suggesting that the PSU’s role would be eliminated post-transition, labeling such statements as ‘foolish.’ Longsworth, in a written response, clarified that once SARA is established, employees would no longer be classified as public officers but as employees of the new authority. She assured that their rights to representation and collective bargaining would be protected, though the specifics of how current PSU members would be affected remain under review. The transition has raised questions about the future of labor representation in Belize’s tax administration, with both sides emphasizing the need for careful consultation to ensure employee rights are upheld.
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Public Officers Enjoy 4.5% Salary Increase
Public officers in Belize are celebrating a significant milestone this week as they receive a 4.5% salary increase, a long-awaited adjustment promised by the Government of Belize. This development follows months of intense negotiations, protests, and public demonstrations led by unions advocating for better compensation amid rising living costs. The salary hike, which took effect this week, has been met with widespread gratitude, particularly among lower-paid workers who stand to benefit the most. Teachers and pensioners are also set to receive their adjusted pay by the end of the month, marking a victory for the joint union efforts. Dean Flowers, President of the Public Service Union (PSU), expressed satisfaction with the outcome, emphasizing the importance of this adjustment in helping public officers cope with the escalating cost of living. The successful negotiation underscores the critical role of unions in advocating for workers’ rights and ensuring dignified living conditions for retirees.