The European Union Election Observation Mission (EUEOM) has issued a final report on the September 1 general and regional elections in Guyana, urging the government to activate the 2023 Data Protection Act. The move aims to prevent the recurrence of politically motivated misuse of personal data, particularly information collected for cash grant processing. The report, published on Tuesday, highlights that the absence of enforced data protection legislation allowed for unchecked doxing and the exploitation of government-held personal data for political gains. The EUEOM emphasized the need for the establishment of a publicly accountable Data Protection Office to safeguard voters’ personal information from unauthorized publication and political misuse. This recommendation comes amidst the government’s push for public servants to register for the Digital Identity Card, despite the lack of a commencement order for the Digital Identity Card Act and the Data Protection Act. The report also criticized the incumbent People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPPC) for allegedly using mobile phone numbers of cash grant recipients to solicit votes, a practice deemed inconsistent with Guyana’s international commitments, including the EU-Latin America and Caribbean Joint Declaration on a Digital Alliance. The EUEOM noted that police failed to take action against PPP/C activists accused of profiling individuals from We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) political party events, leading to intimidation and unwarranted publicity. The report, already presented to the Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) and political party representatives, calls for the appointment of a Data Commissioner and the establishment of a Data Protection Office, which are yet to be realized. The 2023 Data Protection Act, praised for its alignment with international standards, mandates individual consent for personal data use and protects against unwarranted profiling. The EUEOM’s recommendation references Article 17 of the United Nations International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which safeguards against arbitrary interference with privacy.
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Belize and Guyana Team Up for Climate Action
At the COP30 summit in Brazil, Belize and Guyana demonstrated how small nations can lead significant climate action. During a joint side event titled “Building Climate Resilience in Belize and Guyana,” the two countries unveiled a collaborative initiative to combat climate change by sharing expertise, technology, and strategies. The partnership focuses on addressing rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and forest conservation. Belize’s Minister of Sustainable Development, Orlando Habet, emphasized the challenges faced by nations like Belize, which contribute minimally to climate change but struggle to secure necessary funding. Guyana showcased its internationally acclaimed Low Carbon Development Strategy, which focuses on forest protection and carbon market management. Belize, on the other hand, highlighted its community-driven climate planning, Biennial Transparency Report, and the newly proposed Carbon Markets Initiative Bill. Guyana’s Minister Vanessa Benn called for bold action, noting that Caribbean nations are pushing forward with ambitious mitigation and adaptation plans despite insufficient financial support. “We are not waiting to act,” she asserted, underscoring the urgency of the climate crisis.
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Exclusive: Large Quantity of Contraband Seized Near Corozal Free Zone
In a significant development along Belize’s northern border, the Belize Coast Guard has intercepted a large quantity of contraband goods near the Corozal Free Zone. Rear Admiral Elton Bennett, Commandant of the Belize Coast Guard, revealed exclusive details about the operation in an interview with News Five. Bennett highlighted the increasing challenges in the northern region, particularly along the Rio Hondo River, which serves as a boundary between Belize and Mexico. He emphasized the Coast Guard’s intensified efforts in the area, culminating in a major seizure on October 12. The contraband, discovered on the Belizean riverbank, was believed to be en route to Mexico. Despite the successful operation, no suspects were apprehended as they fled the scene. The seized items were promptly handed over to the Police and Customs Departments under the supervision of a Justice of the Peace. Bennett expressed concerns about the movement of goods in and out of the Corozal Free Zone, noting that the Coast Guard’s jurisdiction does not extend within the Free Zone itself. He speculated that the contraband originated from the Free Zone, raising questions about its security dynamics. The incident has drawn sharp criticism from Leader of the Opposition Tracy Panton, who called for urgent action to address what she described as rampant corruption and criminal influence in the Free Zone. Panton warned that Mexican criminal elements, allegedly supported by politically connected individuals, were controlling operations, including the clearance of goods and the imposition of illicit fees. She highlighted a pervasive culture of fear among business owners and employees, who remain silent due to intimidation. Panton stressed that illegal activities, such as drug trafficking and counterfeit cigarette trade, pose a direct threat to national security and Belize’s international reputation. The seizure underscores the pressing need for enhanced oversight and security measures in the region.
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Peter David is latest licensed local CBI agent
Charles Peter David, a prominent Member of Parliament for the Town of St George, has been officially appointed as a local agent for Grenada’s Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programme, now rebranded as the Investment Migration Agency (IMA). This appointment, announced in the 14 November 2025 issue of the Government Gazette, grants David the authority to operate under the 2013 Citizenship by Investment Act, with his license number being #GCBI-LA-046. The notice explicitly states that David is authorised to conduct business in Grenada in accordance with the terms and conditions specified in the Act. David, who has previously served as a government minister in both the Tillman Thomas National Democratic Congress Administration and the Dr Keith Mitchell New National Party administration, recently launched his own political party, the Democratic People’s Movement. As a local CBI agent, David is tasked with assisting applicants in preparing and submitting their documents, managing their applications, and liaising with the CBI Unit throughout the process. The role of a local agent is crucial, as all applications must go through these intermediaries rather than being submitted directly to the government processing unit. Currently, there are over 20 licensed local CBI agents in Grenada. Since its inception 11 years ago, the CBI programme has generated significant revenue for the government and has granted citizenship to nearly 20,000 individuals from various countries.
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Grenada finalises investment facilitation categorisation
Grenada is poised to modernize its investment landscape through a pivotal two-day national stakeholder consultation, scheduled for November 17–18, 2025. This hybrid event, blending in-person and virtual participation, aims to finalize the categorization of needs under the World Trade Organization’s (WTO) Investment Facilitation for Development (IFD) Agreement. The workshop is a collaborative initiative involving the International Trade Centre (ITC), the OECS Commission, and Grenada’s Investment Promotion Agency (GIDC), supported by the WTO and funded by the European Union’s RIGHT Programme.
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Opposition members seek answers from ministers through Parliament
In an upcoming parliamentary session scheduled for Wednesday, 18 November 2025, Opposition Leader Emmalin Pierre and Member of Parliament Clarice Modeste are poised to challenge the government on a range of critical issues. The session, set to take place in the Lower House or House of Representatives, will see Pierre and Modeste address pressing matters concerning public projects, cannabis policy, and agricultural support. Pierre’s inquiries will focus on the status of the newly established Cannabis Commission, the government’s stance on cannabis legalization and decriminalization, and the restructuring of the Marketing and National Importing Board (MNIB). Additionally, she will seek transparency regarding the distribution of funds from the Caribbean Catastrophe Risk Insurance Facility (CCRIF) to local farmers and fishermen. Meanwhile, Modeste will question Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell on the progress of the Waltham Land Expansion Project, the renovation status of the Victoria Hotel, and the development of key farm roads, including the Red Mud and Mt Cenis to Brothers routes. These questions, listed on the Order Paper, will precede ministerial statements, highlighting the opposition’s commitment to holding the government accountable for its policies and projects.
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Charge Against Nicaraguan Doctor Dismissed
In a significant legal development, the Belize City Magistrates Court dismissed charges against Nicaraguan doctor Carlos Saborio Coze, 51, on November 17, 2025. Coze had been accused of administering a noxious substance to a Venezuelan nurse at Little John’s Restaurant on November 13, 2024. The nurse claimed to have seen surveillance footage suggesting Coze tampered with his unattended drink and later experienced a loss of awareness until December 2. However, the Chief Magistrate upheld a no-case submission by Coze’s attorney, Richard “Dickie” Bradley, citing critical gaps in the prosecution’s case. Bradley highlighted the absence of immediate medical tests and the lack of evidence linking Coze to the alleged act. The court ruled that the prosecution failed to meet the legal threshold required to proceed with the trial, leading to the dismissal of all charges.
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Antigua & Barbuda Resort Celebrated for Regional Leadership in Sustainable Tourism
Curtain Bluff, a renowned resort in Antigua & Barbuda, has been honored with the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) Environmental Sustainability Award at the 2025 Caribbean Hospitality Industry Exchange Forum (CHIEF) in Barbados. This accolade celebrates the resort’s unwavering dedication to environmental conservation, community empowerment, and sustainable tourism practices. Additionally, Curtain Bluff recently achieved Green Globe Platinum Certification, becoming the first property in Antigua to earn this distinction, marking a decade of continuous progress in sustainability.
For over 63 years, Curtain Bluff has pioneered a sustainable tourism model that integrates environmental protection, resource efficiency, and community engagement. The resort has implemented innovative systems for water management, energy conservation, and waste reduction, while actively supporting the Old Road community through educational programs, youth initiatives, and long-term development projects. These efforts have positioned Curtain Bluff as a leader in Caribbean sustainability and garnered international recognition.
Curtain Bluff’s commitment extends to protecting Antigua’s delicate ecosystems through advanced technologies like desalination, wastewater treatment, and natural cooling designs. The resort also promotes guest awareness of sustainability, encouraging responsible behavior and fostering authentic connections with the island’s culture and environment.
Beyond environmental efforts, Curtain Bluff has deeply invested in the Old Road Village, supporting local families through scholarships, school programs, youth sports, and the Old Road Fund. The resort’s initiatives also include eliminating single-use plastics, partnering with local farmers and fishermen, and implementing advanced water systems like reverse osmosis and greywater reuse.
Craig Marshall, Chairman of the Antigua & Barbuda Hotels and Tourism Association (ABHTA), praised Curtain Bluff’s achievements, calling it an inspiring example for the region. Anique Goodwin, Green Globe administrator for Curtain Bluff, expressed pride in the recognition and urged others to embrace sustainable practices to protect the island’s future.
With over six decades of dedication to environmental stewardship and community upliftment, Curtain Bluff continues to set the standard for sustainable tourism in Antigua & Barbuda and the wider Caribbean.
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Dominica to commemorate International Men’s Day (IMD) on November 19: ‘From boys to leaders: Inspiring the next generation of Dominican men’
Dominica is set to join the global community in commemorating International Men’s Day (IMD) on November 19, 2025. This year’s observance, themed ‘From Boys to Leaders: Inspiring the Next Generation of Dominican Men,’ aligns with the international focus on ‘Supporting Men and Boys.’ The Ministry of Health, Wellness, and Social Services emphasized that IMD serves as a platform to address challenges faced by men and boys, advocate for gender equality, and celebrate their societal contributions. The 2025 theme underscores the importance of mentorship, empowerment, and leadership development among young men, reflecting the government’s commitment to promoting positive masculinity, responsible leadership, and community engagement. Key objectives for the national celebration include highlighting male role models, creating safe spaces for men to discuss social issues, and advancing mentorship programs to foster personal and professional growth. As part of the festivities, the Ministry launched the #MensDayDominica campaign, encouraging participants to wear blue, share photos of male figures on social media, and express gratitude to men in their lives. The initiative aims to reduce isolation, enhance emotional well-being, and strengthen social bonds. The Ministry expressed hope that such efforts will continue to raise awareness about men’s and boys’ issues and reinforce their vital role in achieving gender equality.
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Residents Warn of Hazardous Lamp Post
Residents of Santa Cruz, Santa Elena, in the Cayo District are voicing urgent concerns over a hazardous lamp post that poses a significant risk to the community. Elihu Yacab, a local representative, revealed that residents have repeatedly alerted him about the unstable structure, which he highlighted in a live video. Despite these efforts, no remedial action has been taken. Yacab emphasized, “The lamp post is in a precarious state and could collapse at any moment. Immediate intervention is crucial to avert a potential disaster.” Mayor Earl Trapp of San Ignacio/Santa Elena acknowledged the issue, stating that he has escalated the matter to the relevant authorities and will provide updates. Stella Armstrong, a community member, pointed out that the soil surrounding the lamp post has been eroding for the past two years, further exacerbating the danger. She expressed particular concern for the nearby Santa Cruz Primary School, located just 75 yards away, as the lamp post stands at a key access point to the school. Despite the growing alarm, authorities have yet to implement any visible measures to secure the post, leaving residents anxious and frustrated.