Authorities in southern Belize have launched a comprehensive investigation into a deadly shooting incident that claimed the life of a teenage laborer and injured another young man in Punta Gorda Town on Wednesday evening. The tragedy unfolded around 8:00 p.m. when local law enforcement received multiple reports of gunfire in the New Road district. Upon arrival, police discovered the fatally wounded body of a 17-year-old from Stann Creek who had sustained multiple gunshot wounds. In a related development, 18-year-old Darwin Meraz, also identified as a local laborer, was injured during the same violent encounter and subsequently transported to Punta Gorda Community Hospital for emergency medical treatment. Preliminary investigative findings indicate both victims were walking along Cero Road when an unidentified assailant opened fire without apparent provocation. Law enforcement officials have yet to identify potential suspects or establish a definitive motive for the attack. The incident has sent shockwaves through the small community, with family members expressing profound grief over the senseless loss of life.
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GTA expands global destination outreach through international engagements
The Grenada Tourism Authority (GTA) has strategically capitalized on the nation’s Independence celebrations to enhance its tourism outreach among high-net-worth global citizens. The Investment Migration Agency Grenada (IMA) hosted approximately 200 attendees at a formal Independence Gala and engagement sessions, specifically targeting individuals who obtained Grenadian citizenship through the Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Programme from Africa, Asia, and the Middle East.
During the event, the GTA presented Grenada as an elite leisure destination, emphasizing its luxury travel offerings, wellness retreats, eco-tourism experiences, and cultural attractions. The authority’s participation formed part of a calculated market diversification strategy aimed at strengthening connections with globally mobile audiences who already maintain ties with Grenada through citizenship.
CEO Stacey Liburd emphasized the strategic importance of such engagements: “These platforms enable direct connections with audiences who possess meaningful relationships with Grenada. As we expand into emerging markets, we simultaneously enhance destination visibility and foster deeper, long-term engagement with our islands.
The program featured collaborative presentations with the Grenada Investment Development Corporation (GIDC), which outlined investment opportunities, while Ambassador Terrence Forrester detailed upcoming Homecoming Week initiatives. IMA CEO Thomas Anthony noted the growing interest among new citizens in visiting Grenada, connecting with local communities, and exploring investment avenues beyond citizenship acquisition.
The GTA continues to prioritize international partnerships and outreach initiatives that support sustainable tourism growth, market diversification, and strengthened global engagement through strategic alignment with citizenship investment programs.
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Gov’t seeking funds to finish Hurricane Elsa home repairs
Barbados has achieved a significant milestone in its long-term recovery from Hurricane Elsa, with 95% of homes damaged during the 2021 storm now fully restored. William Clarke, Chief Estate Officer of the National Housing Corporation (NHC), presented this progress report to Parliament during deliberations on the Ministry of Housing’s $138 million appropriations request. The comprehensive rebuilding program has successfully restored or reconstructed 505 properties across the island nation.
The detailed parish-by-parish breakdown reveals substantial progress: St. George recorded 129 repairs and 70 rebuilds, St. Philip saw 125 repairs with 87 rebuilds, Christ Church documented 98 repairs and 62 rebuilds, while St. Michael accounted for 86 repaired properties. An additional 19 homes were restored across other parishes. Despite this progress, funding constraints have delayed completion of the remaining 5% of properties, primarily those requiring full reconstruction.
Former Housing Minister Dwight Sutherland expressed concern about the delayed completion, warning that structural deterioration in unfinished homes could potentially double rehabilitation costs if not addressed promptly. “Leaving houses without roofs or windows in our climate will inevitably lead to further damage and greater eventual expenditure,” Sutherland cautioned during parliamentary proceedings.
Clarke assured legislators that securing final funding remains a top priority, noting that Prime Minister Mia Mottley has committed to addressing the financial shortfall through separate allocations. The NHC maintains a database of approximately 300 vetted contractors who participated in the initial recovery phase, with mechanisms in place to reactivate these teams once funding is secured. The corporation also emphasized its commitment to developing smaller contractors through targeted training programs, ensuring both immediate project completion and long-term construction capacity building.
“We’re not just finishing houses—we’re building a more resilient construction industry,” Clarke stated, highlighting the dual benefits of the rehabilitation program.
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CDB notes early commodity price ‘uptick’ amid Middle East conflict
The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) has issued a stark warning that escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East are beginning to transmit economic shockwaves across global markets, with Caribbean nations poised to experience significant repercussions. During the bank’s annual news conference, Acting Deputy Director of Economics Jason Cotton elaborated on how the ongoing Iranian conflict could destabilize the region’s economic forecasts and growth trajectories.
Cotton observed that preliminary indicators of economic strain are already materializing through rising commodity prices, noting ‘an uptick in commodity prices… higher than we have seen in the recent past.’ While commodity-exporting Caribbean nations might theoretically benefit from elevated global prices, Cotton emphasized that the overwhelming majority of CDB member states operate service-dominated economies particularly vulnerable to external economic disturbances.
The economic structure of most Caribbean countries, including tourism-dependent nations like Saint Lucia, creates inherent susceptibility to imported inflation. As global prices escalate, service-oriented economies face intensified pressure through increased costs for imported goods, fuel, and essential supplies. This dynamic disproportionately affects small island developing states with limited domestic production capacity.
‘The majority of our member countries are service-exporting countries,’ Cotton explained. ‘Consequently, these price increases would generate inflationary implications, affect economic growth projections, and potentially diminish tourism demand.’ The convergence of these factors threatens to create compound economic challenges for consumers, businesses, and overall economic stability throughout the region.
Cotton characterized the situation as exceptionally fluid, noting that substantial uncertainty persists regarding the conflict’s ultimate economic impact. ‘We anticipate both upside and downside risks if the situation persists,’ he stated, ‘but we must monitor the evolution of this situation before determining its full ramifications.’
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Govt to reclaim derelict lots for new housing drive
In a significant move to address housing challenges, the government has unveiled a comprehensive dual-track strategy focused on repurposing abandoned properties and transferring home ownership to long-term public housing tenants. The announcement was made during parliamentary hearings on housing appropriations by senior housing officials.
Raymond Lorde, Acting Deputy General Manager of the National Housing Corporation (NHC) and Chief Planning Officer, detailed the new Derelict Housing Revision Project which aims to identify and reclaim neglected private properties across the island. The initiative specifically targets a minimum of 20 derelict structures initially to develop a legal framework for property acquisition and conversion into viable housing units.
“We’re examining derelict houses from EPD notices to determine how we can access these housing units,” Lorde explained. “The project focuses on identifying properties that can be incorporated into smaller housing developments, particularly in areas where utilities and infrastructure already exist, thereby reducing government expenditure.”
The government is collaborating with the NHC and Rural and Urban Development Commission to establish what Lorde described as a “sound legal instrument” for property reclamation, with current efforts centered on perfecting this mechanism through pilot programs.
Concurrently, Housing Minister Chris Gibbs confirmed the administration is accelerating plans to transfer title deeds to residents who have occupied NHC housing for more than two decades. This initiative addresses concerns raised by parliamentarians regarding tenants who have paid rent for decades without achieving ownership.
“We are committed to transferring title to these individuals in your estates that have been living in the estates for more than 20 years,” Minister Gibbs stated, characterizing the measure as “an issue of social justice.” The process will require tenants to be current on their rent for the first 20 years, with the government working to address any subsequent arrears.
The minister revealed that transfer proceedings have already commenced in several communities, including Deacons and Fernihurst, marking the initial phase of this ownership transition program.
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Millions in Cuba Left in the Dark After Power Plant Failure
A catastrophic failure at Cuba’s primary power generation facility has triggered a nationwide electricity crisis, leaving millions of citizens without power and exacerbating the island’s ongoing energy challenges. On Wednesday, March 5, 2026, the Antonio Guiteras Thermoelectric Power Plant experienced a critical boiler system leak that forced an emergency shutdown, resulting in the most severe blackout incident in recent Cuban history.
The technical malfunction at the country’s largest power generation unit caused a cascading failure throughout the national grid, affecting approximately two-thirds of the population. The capital city of Havana and numerous other regions experienced complete power loss, with the severity of the outage even causing state television broadcasts to temporarily cease transmission before resuming with delayed programming.
Energy authorities confirmed that engineering teams are working around the clock to address the boiler system damage, though officials have indicated that full restoration of the plant’s operations may require several days. The incident occurs against the backdrop of Cuba’s deteriorating energy infrastructure, characterized by aging power plants and chronic fuel shortages that have plagued the nation for months.
The current energy crisis has been further complicated by reduced oil shipments from Venezuela, a situation that Cuban officials attribute to the ongoing U.S. economic blockade that has restricted the country’s access to essential fuel supplies and maintenance equipment. These cumulative challenges have forced the government to implement severe rationing measures affecting public transportation and municipal services including waste collection, creating additional burdens on daily life across the island.
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Northern/ Northeastern football fans in Dominica gear up for Possie Cup (Invitational) Tournament
The northern football community in Dominica is poised for an extraordinary showcase of athletic prowess as the inaugural Possie Cup Invitational Tournament commences at Benjamin Park in Portsmouth. Orchestrated by the Portsmouth Bombers Football Club, this meticulously structured six-team competition promises to highlight elite regional talent while advancing the sport’s development across the island.
This groundbreaking tournament features a strategic group-stage format with Group A comprising Roosevelt Skerrit Bombers FC, Marigot FC, and BAA Sharks United FC, while Group B pits Central Credit Union Dublanc FC against Calibishie FC and North Side FC. Teams will battle within their groups before top performers advance to the championship final.
Tournament organizers emphasize the event’s multifaceted mission to elevate competitive standards while strengthening communal bonds through sport. Beyond providing high-caliber preseason preparation, the Possie Cup aims to enhance organizational capabilities, create sponsorship opportunities, and offer valuable exposure for both athletes and match officials.
The football spectacle kicks off on March 5, 2026, with hosts Roosevelt Skerrit Bombers FC facing Marigot FC in the opening match. The tournament will unfold over several weeks, building toward the grand finale scheduled for March 29, 2026.
Community engagement remains central to the event’s philosophy, with organizers explicitly inviting supporters from Portsmouth, Marigot, Bense, Calibishie, Dublanc, and beyond to demonstrate regional pride through enthusiastic attendance. The tournament additionally provides a strategic platform for local businesses to align with Dominican football’s growth trajectory.
Upon conclusion, the competition will recognize excellence through multiple accolades including the Championship Trophy, Runner-Up Award, and individual honors for Most Valuable Player, Top Goal Scorer, and positional excellence across all field roles, complemented by a Fair Play Award.
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UK introduces visa requirement for Saint Lucians
The United Kingdom has implemented significant travel restrictions for citizens of Saint Lucia, eliminating visa-free entry privileges that previously allowed streamlined access to British territory. Effective March 5, 2026, at 11:00 AM Eastern Caribbean time, Saint Lucian nationals must now obtain formal visas for all travel purposes including transit through UK airports.
This policy shift removes Saint Lucia and Nicaragua from the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) eligibility list. UK authorities have established a six-week transitional period extending until April 16, 2026, during which Saint Lucian travelers possessing previously issued ETAs with confirmed bookings made before the policy announcement may still enter without visas provided they arrive before the deadline.
Official communications from the British government cite two primary rationales for this diplomatic move: a substantial increase in asylum applications from Saint Lucian citizens and security concerns regarding Saint Lucia’s Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program. Statistics reveal that between January 2022 and December 2025, UK border authorities recorded 360 asylum claims from Saint Lucian nationals, with 128 submissions occurring at ports of entry—a figure considered disproportionately high relative to Saint Lucia’s population of approximately 180,000 residents.
Further data indicates that 222 Saint Lucian nationals were receiving asylum support as of December 2025, with 213 individuals accommodated through Home Office provisions. UK officials emphasized that these asylum claims create operational burdens on border management systems and migration infrastructure.
The UK government has additionally classified Saint Lucia’s CBI program as ‘high risk,’ noting dramatic increases in passport applications during 2023-2024. Official statistics show approximately 5,642 applications representing 423% annual growth, which British authorities assert has directly correlated with increased detection of Saint Lucian passport holders attempting to enter the UK for asylum claims or unauthorized employment.
In response to these developments, the Saint Lucian government has initiated diplomatic discussions with UK counterparts. Officials have pledged to provide updated guidance on visa application procedures while continuing bilateral engagement to address concerns and potentially restore modified mobility arrangements between the two nations.
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Trump convenes Latin American leaders to curb crime, immigration
MIAMI, United States – President Donald Trump is convening a significant gathering of right-wing leaders from Latin America and the Caribbean this Saturday. Dubbed the ‘Shield of the Americas’ summit, the meeting at Trump’s Doral, Florida golf club will focus on pressing regional challenges, including the escalating threat of organized crime and the ongoing issue of illegal immigration.
The assembly represents a strategic maneuver by Washington to reinforce U.S. influence and counter the expanding footprint of foreign powers, notably China, in the Western Hemisphere. This event is a practical application of Trump’s ‘Donroe Doctrine,’ which advocates for an expanded U.S. authority in the region.
Attendees include a roster of prominent conservative figures, such as Argentina’s libertarian President Javier Milei, Ecuador’s Daniel Noboa, and El Salvador’s Nayib Bukele, whose stringent security policies have become a regional benchmark. The summit also includes leaders from Bolivia, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, Guyana, Honduras, Panama, Paraguay, Trinidad and Tobago, and Chile’s president-elect, Jose Antonio Kast.
A central concern uniting these leaders is the alarming surge in power of drug cartels, which has destabilized nations previously considered secure, like Ecuador and Chile. This deteriorating security landscape has, in part, propelled right-wing candidates to electoral victories, creating a more receptive environment for U.S. collaboration. Recent joint military operations between the U.S. and Ecuador, targeting ‘narcoterrorists,’ underscore this renewed partnership.
However, the coalition’s effectiveness is questioned by experts. Irene Mia, a Latin America specialist at the International Institute for Strategic Studies, notes the ‘negative agenda’ focused solely on U.S. security threats like migration and crime. The conspicuous absence of major regional powers Mexico and Brazil—both under leftist leadership—poses a significant hurdle to comprehensively addressing narco-trafficking, given their critical roles in the drug trade supply chain. Mia concludes that the support for Trump’s policies remains ‘quite fragile,’ dependent on a ‘very fine balance’ of public approval in historically skeptical nations.
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Douglas, Reid crowned 100m Under-20 champions at Carifta Trials
KINGSTON, Jamaica – The opening day of Jamaica’s Carifta Games Trials witnessed extraordinary athletic performances at the National Stadium on Friday, with emerging sprint sensations Shanoya Douglas and Riquelme Reid establishing themselves as dominant forces in their respective 100m events.
Shanoya Douglas, the 16-year-old World Under-20 200m bronze medalist, delivered a breathtaking performance that shattered expectations. The Holland High athlete demolished her previous personal best of 11.28 seconds with an astonishing 11.06-second finish (+1.5 m/s wind assistance), leaving competitors trailing significantly behind. Wolmer’s Natrece East secured second position with 11.53 seconds, while Edwin Allen’s Renecia Edwards claimed third in 11.58 seconds. Adora Campbell of St Jago finished fourth at 11.70 seconds.
The race witnessed disappointment for University of North Carolina’s Jada Lloyd, who was disqualified following a false start despite entering the final with the third-fastest qualifying time of 11.98 seconds.
Douglas’s spectacular time not only surpassed Sabrina Dockery’s previous record of 11.08 seconds set last year but also positioned the young athlete on the precipice of breaking the elusive 11-second barrier just weeks before the prestigious Boys’ and Girls’ Athletics Championships.
In the male division, Excelsior’s Riquelme Reid demonstrated equally impressive form during his breakout season, clocking a blistering 10.16 seconds to claim victory. Reid maintained his composure under pressure from William Knibb’s Sanjay Seymour and Kingston College’s Nyron Wade, who achieved personal bests of 10.20 and 10.22 seconds respectively. Calabar’s Khamani Gordon (10.40 seconds) and St George’s College’s Tyreece Foreman (10.41 seconds) completed the top five finishers.
Remarkably, the top three finishing times in the men’s event would have surpassed last year’s championship-winning time of 10.28 seconds recorded by Wolmer’s Boys’ Gary Card, who competed while experiencing significant cramping.
Jamaica College’s Kai Kelly continued his remarkable athletic progression by dominating the Under-17 category with a 10.44-second finish. The young sprinter, who broke the Class Three 100m record last season with 10.60 seconds, now appears virtually unbeatable in his first year of Class Two competition. Calabar athletes Joshua Ricketts (10.49 seconds) and Javane Clayton (10.51 seconds) secured second and third positions respectively.
In the Under-17 girls’ division, Ferncourt High’s Rihanna clocked 11.68 seconds for victory, narrowly defeating Convent of Mercy Alpha’s Azarie Harris (11.69 seconds). Edwin Allen’s Danelia Clarke finished third with 11.86 seconds.
The three-day qualification event for the Carifta Games continues through Saturday, showcasing Jamaica’s next generation of track and field excellence.