An American Airlines flight bound for El Salvador was forced to make an emergency landing at Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport (PGIA) in Belize earlier today. The incident occurred around midday when the aircraft’s captain reported an engine malfunction. Despite the alarming situation, the plane landed safely without any injuries or fatalities. Passengers were promptly evacuated and remained inside the airport terminal as they awaited further instructions regarding their travel plans. Emergency response teams, including fire and rescue personnel, were swiftly deployed as a precautionary measure. Authorities emphasized that the landing was conducted primarily as a safety protocol, and no additional issues were reported post-landing. While American Airlines has yet to release an official statement, airline officials are expected to provide further details on the cause of the engine problem. The incident has drawn significant attention, with local and international media closely monitoring developments.
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Latin America Caribbean Development Bank hosts regional business matchmaking forum
The Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean (CAF) has announced that over 205 international purchasing organizations from the United States, Europe, Asia, and Latin America have registered for its upcoming Business Matchmaking Forum. Titled ‘Latin America and Caribbean Business Matchmaking Forum: Connection to the Global Market,’ the event is set to take place on January 29-30, 2026, at the Panama Convention Centre in Panama City. Exporters from the Caribbean region are encouraged to participate, with registration open until December 22, 2025. This forum is a key component of CAF’s International Economic Forum – Latin America and the Caribbean 2026, which aims to bring together over 2,500 leaders from various sectors, including business, investment, government, and international development agencies. The event seeks to analyze the region’s economic prospects, identify strategic opportunities, and enhance Latin America and the Caribbean’s global geopolitical standing. Confirmed delegations of buyers include representatives from countries such as Germany, Argentina, Brazil, Canada, the United States, and Mexico, among others. These buyers are actively seeking suppliers across industries like agrifood, textiles, chemicals, manufacturing, cosmetics, software, and construction materials. CAF anticipates facilitating over 4,000 targeted meetings between buyers and approximately 300 Latin American and Caribbean exporters. Each participating business will have between 16 and 28 pre-arranged meetings, streamlining what would typically take weeks of travel and individual outreach into just a day and a half. Sergio Díaz-Granados, Executive President of CAF, emphasized the forum’s significance, stating, ‘This Business Roundtable is a concrete opportunity for entrepreneurs from Latin America and the Caribbean to establish commercial and business partnerships with buyers actively seeking products and services from our region.’ The forum’s agenda will cover critical topics such as trade and investment flows, air connectivity, tourism, artificial intelligence, clean energy, sustainable mining, and the energy transition. Participation in the Business Matchmaking Forum is free for all entrepreneurs, with registered exporters gaining access to professional matchmaking services, special discounts on airfare and hotel stays, and dedicated follow-up support to maximize commercial opportunities. Exporting firms from the Caribbean and Latin America are invited to register at www.matchmaking-forum-caf.com until December 22, 2025, as spaces are limited.
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Girls Foundation and BossLady introduce a career and leadership summit for young women
In a collaborative effort to inspire and equip the next generation of female leaders, the Girls Foundation and The Influential BossLady® have joined forces with St Joseph’s Convent to present MOMENTUM: FUTURE FORGE. This groundbreaking career and leadership summit is designed to empower young women to craft meaningful and impactful futures. Scheduled for November 26 at St Joseph’s Convent, the event aims to provide attendees with the tools, insights, and inspiration needed to navigate their professional and personal journeys with confidence and purpose. By fostering a supportive environment and offering valuable resources, MOMENTUM: FUTURE FORGE seeks to break barriers and create opportunities for young women to thrive in leadership roles across various industries.
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Coast Guard Commandant “Embarrassed” After Officer Charged With Attempted Murder
Belize Coast Guard Commandant Admiral Elton Bennett has publicly expressed his disappointment and embarrassment following the arrest and charging of one of his officers, Brian Chiac, with attempted murder and other serious offenses. The incident occurred in the early hours of Monday morning on Gibnut Street in Belize City, where an argument between Chiac and his common-law wife, Jessica Pou, turned violent. Pou was reportedly stabbed multiple times and threatened with death before being rushed to the hospital for urgent medical attention.
Admiral Bennett, speaking to News Five, emphasized that such behavior is contrary to the values upheld by the Coast Guard. ‘This is certainly not what the Coast Guard stands for. We frown upon men who take advantage of women,’ he stated. Bennett assured the public that the law would take its full course without any special consideration for Chiac’s position within the Coast Guard. He also confirmed that Chiac would face an internal disciplinary process separate from the criminal trial. ‘Because he was charged, he needs to be placed on interdiction. We have already initiated that process to request his interdiction from duty. We will not wait for the criminal case to be completed,’ Bennett explained.
While acknowledging that this was not the first report involving Chiac, Bennett stressed that such incidents are ‘not normal’ within the Coast Guard. ‘For the most part, our men are good role models, good citizens, and good husbands and fathers. So this is very unusual for a member of the Coast Guard to be caught up in a situation like this,’ he added. The case has drawn significant public attention, highlighting concerns over domestic violence and the conduct of public officials.
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Education Ministry Alerts Public of Laptop Scam
The Ministry of Education, Science and Technology (MoEST) has issued a public warning regarding a fraudulent online scheme targeting students. The scam involves a fake notice inviting students to apply for financial aid to purchase laptops under the non-existent ‘Students Laptop Scheme 2025.’ The Ministry clarified that it has no such program and emphasized that all official announcements and application processes are communicated exclusively through its official channels, including its website and social media pages. MoEST urged students and the public to remain vigilant, advising them not to share personal information, documents, or money with unverified sources. The Ministry also instructed recipients of the fraudulent message to disregard it entirely. This alert comes as part of ongoing efforts to protect students from online scams and ensure the integrity of official communication channels.
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The blind leading the blind…
The 2025 general election in St. Vincent and the Grenadines has been marked by unprecedented tactics and contradictions, particularly from the Unity Labour Party (ULP) led by Dr. Ralph Gonsalves. Despite the ULP’s reputation for intellectual prowess, their campaign has been characterized by fear-mongering and anti-democratic strategies, a stark departure from their usual approach. In his final rally, Dr. Gonsalves resorted to pleading on his knees, a dramatic shift from his earlier confidence that losing was impossible. This campaign has exposed significant contradictions within the ULP’s rhetoric and actions. For instance, Dr. Gonsalves previously mocked the New Democratic Party (NDP) for filing election petitions in 2015, stating that elections are won on the day, not in court. Yet, the ULP is now threatening election petitions to retain power, undermining their claim to democratic principles. Additionally, Dr. Gonsalves has criticized dual citizenship while his own family members hold multiple passports, and he has distributed misleading placards about passport ownership. The ULP’s stance on the sale of passports is equally contradictory. While they oppose such policies in St. Vincent, Dr. Gonsalves has publicly supported similar initiatives in other Caribbean nations, such as Dominica’s Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program, which funds major infrastructure projects without burdening taxpayers. This hypocrisy raises questions about the ULP’s consistency and integrity. Furthermore, the ULP has misled the public about land sales, claiming the NDP would sell out the country’s lands while the ULP itself has sold prime land to foreign investors. The neglect of the Grenadine islands, a unique asset for tourism, further highlights the ULP’s failure to prioritize national development. The campaign has also seen regional politicians like Tevin Andrews endorsing ULP candidates while advocating different policies in their own countries. As the election approaches, it is clear that the ULP’s campaign is riddled with contradictions and questionable tactics, leaving voters to question the party’s credibility and commitment to democratic principles.
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Netwerkreceptie Onderstreept Nieuwe Koers voor Suriname
On Monday, November 24, 2025, Suriname marked the 50th anniversary of its independence, known as Srefidensi, with a networking reception at the Press Center. The event, attended by President Jennifer Simons, brought together a diverse group of national and international stakeholders to reflect on half a century of statehood and emphasize the shared responsibility for Suriname’s future development. The gathering served as a platform for constructive dialogue between representatives from the public and private sectors, international partners, and civil society organizations. Central to the discussions was the belief that Suriname’s progress hinges on collaboration—both among its citizens and through strengthened ties with friendly nations and multilateral institutions. The evening was characterized by the exchange of expertise, the strengthening of relationships, and the exploration of new opportunities for sustainable growth. Notable attendees included Vice President Gregory Rusland, several ministers, members of the diplomatic corps—such as the ambassadors of China, Guyana, and Cuba—UN Resident Coordinator Joanna Kazana, and various directors from business and government sectors. President Simons opened the event with a call for collective effort in shaping Suriname’s future. ‘We know the past. Now is the time to build a new future together, with all Surinamers and our partners,’ she stated, underscoring the role of every stakeholder in determining the nation’s trajectory in the coming decades. The reception aimed to create a space for open discussions on opportunities, challenges, and business prospects that contribute to Suriname’s continued development. By fostering connection, dialogue, and shared ambition, the event set the stage for the next phase in Suriname’s journey toward progress.
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LETTER: Community Policing Must Remain Neutral and Free From Political Influence
A recent flyer promoting town hall meetings on community policing and crime prevention in Antigua and Barbuda has ignited widespread confusion and concern among residents. The flyer, distributed by the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda, prominently features political branding, colors, and the image of Senator Michael Joseph. This has raised questions about the true nature of the events, which are intended to foster open dialogue between law enforcement and the community. Community policing is a public service designed to create a neutral space where all residents feel equally welcomed and encouraged to participate. However, the inclusion of political imagery has blurred the purpose of the meetings, leaving the public uncertain about whether the initiative is led by the police or influenced by political interests. This ambiguity risks alienating residents who may hesitate to attend events perceived as politically aligned, thereby undermining community engagement and public safety. The Royal Police Force must urgently clarify whether these meetings are part of their community outreach or political events disguised as public forums. Transparency is essential to maintain trust and ensure effective policing. If the meetings are police-led, the flyer must be revised to reflect neutrality and professionalism. If they are political, the public has a right to know. Genuine community policing requires an environment free from political influence, where all residents feel respected and included. The public demands accountability and a process that upholds the integrity of community engagement.
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28 Graduate from Assistive Nurses Personnel Program at Multi-Purpose Centre
On Tuesday evening, a significant milestone was celebrated as 28 exceptional individuals graduated from the Assistive Nurses Personnel Program at the Multi-Purpose Cultural and Exhibition Center. The ceremony marked the culmination of six months of intensive training, with the graduating class of 2025 comprising 21 women and 7 men. Among them, Miss Yannick Ogarro was honored as the Valedictorian for her outstanding achievements. The event was graced by notable figures, including Health Minister Sir Molwyn Joseph, featured speaker Dr. Karen Josiah, coordinator Elnora Warner, and Permanent Secretary Miss Stacey Gregg Paige. The evening was further elevated by a captivating performance of Whitney Houston’s iconic song, “There Can Be Miracles,” delivered by Antigua and Barbuda’s renowned vocalist, Miss Suzetta Hamilton. The ceremony not only celebrated the graduates’ hard work but also highlighted the importance of their contributions to the healthcare sector.
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Tourist Posts Viral Clip of Flooded Belize Hotel Room
A tourist’s stay at Mahogany Bay Resort in Belize took an unexpected turn when she shared a viral video of rainwater flooding her hotel room during a heavy downpour. The clip, posted on social media, captured water pouring through the ceiling of her two-queen-bed suite, accompanied by a sarcastic caption: “Stay at Mahogany Bay in Belize, they said.” The video concluded with a blunt review: “Would not recommend.”
Mahogany Bay Resort swiftly responded to the viral post, issuing a public apology. “We’re truly sorry for the inconvenience you experienced. Please respond to us in our DMs so we can speak with you directly and work toward a helpful resolution,” the resort stated. They emphasized that the incident was not reflective of their usual standards and expressed hope to “make things right.”
The tourist confirmed she had contacted the resort’s management via email to discuss the situation. Meanwhile, social media users largely commended the resort for its prompt and professional response. One user commented, “I’m thinking this is a one-off incident, and you guys are definitely gonna make it up to her.”
The incident has sparked widespread attention, highlighting the importance of effective crisis management in the hospitality industry. While the viral video has raised concerns, the resort’s quick action and commitment to resolution have helped mitigate potential reputational damage.