The Social Security Board (SSB) of Belize has yet to receive a formal proposal concerning a potential investment in Hydro Belize, the recently acquired assets formerly owned by Fortis. Jerome Palma, the newly appointed Chief Executive Officer of SSB, clarified that while the government has finalized the purchase of Fortis Belize, now rebranded as Hydro Belize, no detailed information has been presented to the Board for evaluation. Palma emphasized that the SSB must adhere to its rigorous due diligence processes before committing contributors’ funds to such a significant investment. He highlighted the necessity of thoroughly assessing the investment’s potential costs, returns, and alignment with the fund’s responsibilities to contributors and pensioners. Palma also discussed the broader investment strategy of SSB, noting the growth of reserves and the need for prudent investments as the economy expands. Potential opportunities include municipal bonds and development projects. Appointed a month ago, Palma’s primary focus is on advancing the Board’s four strategic priority areas, ensuring effective administration and management to drive these initiatives forward.
作者： admin
-
PM Skerrit honors Fidel Castro in parliament with moment of silence
On November 25, the Parliament of Dominica commemorated the ninth anniversary of the passing of Fidel Castro, the iconic leader of the Cuban Revolution. At the behest of Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit, lawmakers observed a minute of silence to honor Castro’s enduring legacy and his profound influence on global affairs. The Cuban Embassy, EmbaCuba Dominica, issued a statement highlighting the significance of this tribute, which underscores the deep-rooted friendship between Dominica and Cuba.
During his address, Prime Minister Skerrit lauded Castro’s internationalist vision and unwavering solidarity, particularly his contributions to Dominica’s economic and social development. ‘We in Dominica are well aware of his generosity and the indelible mark he left on our nation. President Fidel Castro will always be remembered with great fondness,’ Skerrit remarked.
This tribute is part of a series of global events leading up to the centenary of Castro’s birth in 2026. These initiatives aim to celebrate his political legacy, revolutionary ideas, and his role in fostering regional integration. The Cuban Embassy emphasized that the Dominican Parliament’s gesture reaffirms the historic bonds between the two nations and acknowledges Castro’s status as one of the most influential leaders in the Caribbean and beyond.
-
Pilgrim endorses Stanley Felix, warns against corruption in politics
In a compelling address broadcast on DBS on November 25, former Prime Minister Michael “Mikey” Pilgrim threw his weight behind independent candidate Stanley Felix in the Castries Central race. Pilgrim’s endorsement was rooted in a scathing critique of what he termed “widespread” corruption, which he claims has deeply entrenched itself in the nation’s political fabric over the years. Drawing a stark contrast between the political climate of his tenure and the present, Pilgrim lamented that corruption, once minimal, has now become an accepted norm. He urged voters to elevate their expectations of leadership, emphasizing the need for integrity and moral fortitude in elected officials. Pilgrim characterized the three candidates in the Castries Central race as “the good, the bad, and the gentle,” imploring voters to choose a candidate who embodies humility, honesty, and respect for all. He specifically addressed residents of key neighborhoods, including Morne Du Don, Wilton’s Yard, and Sans Souci, urging them to cast their votes decisively for Felix, whom he described as a genuine and selfless leader committed to serving the people.
-
Mas Domnik 2026 launches at The Factory on Friday
The Ministry of Tourism and the Discover Dominica Authority (DDA) are gearing up to host the inaugural event for Mas Domnik 2026, marking the official start of one of the Caribbean’s oldest Carnival traditions. The celebration, dubbed ‘The Real Mas,’ will commence at 5:30 PM on Friday, November 28, at The Factory on Valley Road. The event is free and open to the public, offering a vibrant showcase of Dominica’s rich cultural heritage. According to the DDA, Mas Domnik traces its origins to masquerade rituals practiced by formerly enslaved Africans in the 1700s. Over centuries, it has evolved into a dynamic festival blending African, European, French, and Kalinago influences, celebrated today as a safe and inclusive cultural expression. A highlight of the launch event will be the public debut of the Miss Dominica 2026 contestants, who will serve as cultural ambassadors throughout the Carnival season. Attendees can also expect traditional mas performances by groups such as Sennsé, Mahaut Lapo Kabwit, and the Kalinago Tete Mass, showcasing ancestral craftsmanship, rhythmic music, and oral storytelling. The evening will feature live acts by top Dominican musicians and DJs, including TK Combo, Riddim Knockaz, DJ MJ, and DJ Snow. Marva Williams, CEO of the DDA, emphasized the significance of Mas Domnik as a powerful expression of identity, creativity, and resilience. She encouraged the public to join in celebrating the traditions that define Dominica’s unique Carnival. For updates and registration details, visit dominicafestivals.com or contact the Festivals and Events Department at 1 767 255 8221.
-
Health Ministry Says Drinking Water Remains Safe
The Ministry of Health and Wellness (MoHW) in Belize has reassured the public about the safety of the nation’s drinking water, despite alarming findings from the Statistical Institute of Belize’s (SIB) Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey 7 (MICS7). The survey, released on Friday, revealed elevated levels of E. coli in household drinking water samples across both rural and urban areas. SIB Statistician Wendy Benavides highlighted that contamination was detected not only in tap water but also in purified water from dispensers and household containers, attributing the issue to potential source contamination or improper storage practices. She urged residents to maintain cleanliness in their water storage systems to mitigate risks. However, the MoHW emphasized that its own extensive monitoring data, collected from over 4,000 samples annually across Belize Water Services (BWS) systems, purified water facilities, and handpumps, confirms the water’s safety. The Ministry follows World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines for microbial testing, including E. coli, and implements immediate corrective measures when issues arise. Belize Water Services also distanced itself from the survey results, stating that MICS7 procedures did not align with international water-quality standards and reaffirming that its daily monitoring ensures a safe, reliable, and potable water supply.
-
Caribbean Development bank head urges fresh collaborations to scale funding throughout the Caribbean and Africa
At the 2025 African Investment Forum (AIF) Market Days in Rabat, Morocco, Daniel M. Best, President of the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), delivered a compelling keynote address, urging stakeholders to harness innovative partnerships to drive large-scale investments in Africa and the Caribbean. Speaking under the theme “Bridging the Gap: Mobilizing Private Capital to Unlock Africa’s Full Potential,” Best emphasized the transformative power of Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), blended finance, and strategic alliances in overcoming shared challenges such as fiscal constraints, climate change, and infrastructure deficits.
Best highlighted that capital is a tool for development, not an end in itself. He stressed that well-structured partnerships go beyond building assets—they foster confidence, create jobs, and drive inclusive growth. Drawing on examples like Dominica’s geothermal energy project and the Caribbean Catastrophe Risk Insurance Facility, he underscored the critical role of Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) in de-risking projects and attracting private investment.
The CDB President called for enhanced collaboration between Africa and the Caribbean in areas such as project development, PPP structuring, and climate resilience investments. He noted that platforms like the AIF provide invaluable opportunities to align stakeholders, share successful models, and scale impactful solutions.
Best also participated in a panel discussion with prominent development leaders, exploring how innovative financing mechanisms and risk-sharing strategies can bridge the investment gap in key sectors like energy, transportation, and healthcare. The discussions reaffirmed the importance of strategic cooperation and meticulous planning in fostering sustainable growth across both regions.
-
Semi-Pro Playoff chase heats up, relegation fight stays alive
The Saint Lucia Semi-Professional Football League is witnessing a thrilling climax as teams battle for playoff spots and fight to avoid relegation. On Tuesday, November 26, Gros Islet and Central Castries played to a 1-1 draw at the Francis Baba Lastic Grounds, leaving Central Castries clinging to the fourth playoff position. Gros Islet, with two games remaining, needs just one point to secure their playoff berth. Meanwhile, Vieux Fort South, in their debut Tier 1 season, secured second place after a 2-0 victory over champions La Clery, who have already clinched the top spot. The race for the final playoff positions remains tight, with Mabouya Valley and Canaries still in contention. At the bottom of the table, Soufrière’s 3-1 win over Choiseul intensified the relegation battle. Choiseul, despite a recent 2-0 victory over already-relegated South Castries, must secure at least a draw against Gros Islet in their final match to avoid dropping to Tier 2. The league’s final matches promise high drama as teams vie for glory and survival.
-
Zesde Kinderchirurgische darmmissie levert tien succesvolle operaties op
The Diakonessen Hospital has successfully completed its sixth pediatric intestinal surgery mission, marking a significant milestone in healthcare for children with complex intestinal conditions. Conducted from November 10 to 24, the mission saw ten children undergo surgeries, with seven already discharged safely. The initiative, a collaboration between Surinamese and Dutch specialists, not only enhances pediatric care but also strengthens the expertise of the local medical team.
Led by local surgeon Anuska Jewbali and Dutch pediatric surgeon Justin de Jong, the mission has been an annual event at the Diakonessen Hospital since 2020, following its inception in 2007. The program aims to provide life-changing surgeries for children who would otherwise struggle to access such specialized care abroad, thereby improving their quality of life. Additionally, the mission facilitates intensive knowledge transfer to Surinamese specialists and healthcare staff, fostering long-term improvements in local pediatric surgical capabilities.
Jewbali emphasized the nationwide scope of the mission, with children from across Suriname being referred for treatment. The hospital’s care team handled all pre-operative preparations, ensuring a seamless process. Conducting these surgeries locally offers multiple advantages, including significant cost savings compared to overseas treatment and enabling young patients to remain close to their families during the often emotionally challenging recovery period. The pediatric ward operates with 24-hour parental participation, further enhancing the quality of care.
The surgeries addressed conditions such as anorectal malformations, intestinal atresias, Hirschsprung’s disease, and esophageal atresias. Patients ranged in age from two months to ten years, with all procedures deemed successful. The medical team included Dutch pediatric nursing specialist Marijke Voskeuil, responsible for post-operative care; Shirley Sussenbach, a senior operating room assistant from the Netherlands; and local specialists such as I. Thakoer, a pediatric radiologist, and Y. M. Chou-Lie, an anesthesiologist.
The Diakonessen Hospital’s leadership expressed pride and gratitude for the mission’s success, highlighting the importance of sustainable collaboration and structured knowledge exchange to further strengthen pediatric surgical care in Suriname.
-
Owner of Miss Universe Charged with Alleged Drug Trafficking
Raúl Rocha, the president and co-owner of the Miss Universe Organization, has been formally charged with alleged involvement in drug, weapons, and fuel trafficking between Guatemala and Mexico. The allegations surfaced in a report by Telemundo, prompting Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum to address the issue during her morning briefing. She urged the Fiscalía General de la República to clarify whether an investigation or arrest warrant exists for Rocha, emphasizing the need for transparency in such cases. Sheinbaum stated, ‘If there is an investigation into this person, the authorities must report it. If there’s an ongoing investigation, then it should be known that there is one on behalf of the authority.’ According to the newspaper Reforma, Rocha is accused of leading a network that smuggles fuel across the Usumacinta River. The operation reportedly involves transporting fuel via boats and then distributing it through tanker trucks from Chiapas and Tabasco to Querétaro. Sheinbaum also stressed that the allegations should not overshadow Mexico’s recent Miss Universe victory, stating, ‘That is independent of the young woman who won the contest. It’s like they want to join both issues. They want to take away her merit.’ The case has drawn significant attention, raising questions about the intersection of high-profile individuals and criminal activities.
-
ICJ Concludes Hearings on Guatemala’s Bid to Intervene in Sapodilla Cayes Case
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has concluded public hearings on Guatemala’s application to intervene in the ongoing sovereignty dispute over the Sapodilla Cayes (Cayos Zapotillos). The hearings, held from November 24 to 26 at the Peace Palace in The Hague, centered on Guatemala’s request to participate in the case between Belize and Honduras under Article 62 of the ICJ Statute. Represented by Ambassador Ana Cristina Rodríguez Pineda, Guatemala argued that its interests could be significantly impacted by the Court’s eventual ruling. Belize, represented by Special Envoy Assad Shoman, expressed no objection to Guatemala’s intervention. In contrast, Honduras vehemently opposed the application, labeling it as “redundant and an abuse of the institution of intervention” and urging the Court to reject it. The Sapodilla Cayes, situated in southern Belizean waters, have long been a focal point of regional geopolitical tensions. The ICJ case aims to resolve the competing sovereignty claims between Belize and Honduras, with Guatemala’s involvement adding further complexity to the decades-old territorial dispute. The Court will now deliberate on Guatemala’s request, with a decision to be announced at a future public sitting.