Duhaje Jennings, a 38-year-old Jamaican beekeeper and entrepreneur, has been invited to participate in the Conference of Ministers of Agriculture of the Americas 2025 in Brasília. Recognized as one of the Leaders of Rurality of the Americas by the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), Jennings is celebrated for his contributions to food security and environmental sustainability. The conference, organized by Brazil and IICA, will convene ministers and senior officials from November 3 to 5 to discuss the future of agriculture, emphasizing the role of science, technology, and innovation. Jennings, along with three other Leaders of Rurality, will share insights from their rural communities with the ministers. Jennings’ journey into beekeeping began in childhood, inspired by his grandfather. Starting with just five bee colonies at 18, he now manages around one thousand colonies annually through his company, Dada B’s, which also creates jobs and supports aspiring beekeepers in Jamaica. At the conference, Jennings plans to advocate for the inclusion of agriculture in school curricula, stressing its importance for regional food security. He also proposes exchange programs for Caribbean farmers to learn from successful agricultural practices in countries like Brazil. The event will also feature the 23rd Regular Meeting of the Inter-American Board of Agriculture (IABA), IICA’s highest governing body. The conference aims to address the challenges and opportunities in agriculture, particularly in the face of climate change and food import dependency in the Caribbean.
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MSME Tax Amnesty Extended Until End of 2025
The Government of Belize has officially prolonged the MSME Tax Amnesty Programme until December 31, 2025, as revealed during a Special Sitting of the House of Representatives on October 17. This initiative, spearheaded by the Office of the Prime Minister in collaboration with BELTRAIDE, the Investment Policy and Compliance Unit (IPCU), the Belize Tax Service (BTS), the Belize Companies and Corporate Affairs Registry (BCCAR), the Economic Development Council (EDC), and the Ministry of Local Government and City and Town Councils, aims to provide small businesses with extended opportunities to benefit from significant tax relief measures. The extension allows eligible Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) additional time to settle outstanding business tax penalties and interest, and to qualify for up to one year of business tax exemption. It also ensures the processing of pending applications from previous Roadshow events, guaranteeing that all qualified MSMEs receive their Tax Amnesty Certificates. The next Tax Amnesty Roadshow event is scheduled for October 27 at the Belmopan Civic Center, with adjusted dates for San Pedro (November 4), Caye Caulker (November 5), and Punta Gorda (November 7) to maximize participation. The Government has commended the numerous MSMEs that have already enrolled in the programme, taking crucial steps toward formalizing and expanding their businesses. For further details, business owners can reach out to BELTRAIDE’s Small Business Development Center (SBDC Belize) at 280-3195 or sbdc@beltraide.bz, or the Investment Policy and Compliance Unit (IPCU) at 880-4728 / 880-4729 or belizeInvestment@invest.gov.bz.
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GFA and Ansa Coatings partner for infrastructure upliftment
The Grenada Football Association (GFA) has unveiled a groundbreaking one-year partnership with Ansa Coatings (Grenada) Ltd, effective immediately. This collaboration signifies a pivotal moment in the GFA’s efforts to elevate its facilities and underscores the transformative role of corporate investment in advancing national sports development. As part of this strategic alliance, the GFA will embark on a comprehensive repainting and aesthetic upgrade of its facilities, leveraging high-quality products provided by Ansa Coatings. This initiative aims to foster a more dynamic and motivating environment for athletes, staff, and the broader football community. The partnership highlights the profound impact of corporate contributions on sports infrastructure and athlete support. The GFA extended its heartfelt gratitude to Jarmarie Hypolite, CEO of Ansa Coatings (Grenada), and his team for their unwavering dedication to this shared vision. Reyan Neckles, Commercial Manager at Ansa Coatings, expressed enthusiasm for the initiative, stating, ‘Ansa Coatings is thrilled to be part of this project and eagerly anticipates future collaborations that drive community growth and development across Grenada.’ The GFA is optimistic about the transformative journey ahead and the positive ripple effects it will have on Grenada’s football landscape.
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Trump Escalates Tensions with Venezuela and Colombia
In a significant escalation of tensions in Latin America, former U.S. President Donald Trump has ramped up pressure on Venezuela and Colombia, raising concerns of prolonged instability in the region. According to CNN, U.S. officials privately acknowledge that the campaign aims to oust Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, who is accused of ties to drug cartels and facilitating migrant flows. Trump confirmed authorizing covert operations within Venezuela, hinting at potential military intervention. ‘We are certainly looking at land now because we’ve got the sea very well under control,’ he stated last week. Maduro, in response, has mobilized the Bolivarian Armed Forces and claimed eight million volunteers have joined his militias, though analysts question the accuracy of these figures. Meanwhile, tensions have spilled into Colombia, which recalled its ambassador to Washington after a U.S. strike in the Caribbean killed a Colombian fisherman. Colombian President Gustavo Petro condemned the incident as a ‘direct threat to national sovereignty’ and described the victim as a ‘lifelong fisherman’ and ‘humble human being.’ Trump retaliated by labeling Petro an ‘illegal drug dealer,’ vowing to impose new tariffs and halt U.S. aid. He also demanded Petro shut down drug cultivation sites, warning that the U.S. would intervene forcefully if he did not comply. This deepening rift underscores the growing volatility in U.S.-Latin American relations.
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A cache of firearms has been surrendered to police by a civilian, reports Ag Police Chief
Acting Police Chief Lincoln Corbette has announced a significant breakthrough in Dominica’s fight against crime, as a citizen voluntarily surrendered nine firearms to Sergeant Yankey of the St Joseph police station. The collection included rifles, pistols, revolvers, and 216 rounds of ammunition. Corbette praised Sergeant Yankey for his meticulous and professional handling of the situation. In addition to this, Corbette revealed the largest drug seizure in Dominica’s history, with 1,730 kilograms of cocaine confiscated, valued at approximately EC$46.764 million. This surpasses the previous record set in the early 1980s. The seizure was part of ‘Operation Clean Street,’ a joint initiative by the Regional Security System (RSS) and the Commonwealth of Dominica Police Force (CDPF), launched in late September 2025 to combat illegal firearms, narcotics, and violent crime. Corbette emphasized the importance of keeping such dangerous substances out of criminal hands. The operation also led to 24 arrests, including 19 males and five females, and the confiscation of significant amounts of cash and additional firearms. Corbette commended the officers involved for their dedication to public safety.
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Belize Secures BZ$10 Million from Adaptation Fund for Climate Resilience and Water Security
The Government of Belize has successfully secured BZ$10 million in funding from the Adaptation Fund to launch the Securing Water Resources through Solar Energy and Innovative Adaptive Management (SEAM) project. This initiative aims to enhance climate resilience and provide sustainable water systems to rural communities, particularly in the villages of Boom Creek, Dolores, Otoxha in the Toledo District, and Copper Bank in the Corozal District. The project, announced jointly by the Ministry of Economic Transformation (MET), the Ministry of Rural Transformation, Community Development, Labour and Local Government (MRT), and the Protected Areas Conservation Trust (PACT), was approved during the Adaptation Fund’s 45th Board Meeting in Bonn, Germany. Funded through the Adaptation Fund’s Large Innovation window, SEAM will be implemented over five years, directly benefiting over 1,800 individuals. Key components include the development of solar-powered hybrid water systems, ecosystem restoration, and livelihood diversification for women through reforestation and agroforestry. Additionally, the project will strengthen local water governance structures. Implementation is set to commence following the signing of the grant agreement in early 2026. Once operational, SEAM is expected to serve as a scalable model for integrated climate adaptation strategies in other rural areas across Belize.
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Camillo’s ‘GATES’ mirrors NDP’s 2023 Youth Guarantee Pledge
In a strategic move during the election campaign, Finance Minister Camillo Gonsalves announced a youth-oriented initiative, Youth GATES (Guarantee of Apprenticeship Training, Employment, or Scholarship), at a United Labour Party (ULP) rally in Calliaqua. The programme, aimed at providing opportunities for young graduates in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, mirrors a pledge made by the opposition New Democratic Party (NDP) in 2023. Gonsalves, seeking a third term as MP for East St. George, emphasized the ULP’s longstanding commitment to youth development since 2001, contrasting it with what he described as the NDP’s unfulfilled promises. He criticized the NDP for failing to address critical issues like housing and education in their campaign rhetoric, accusing them of neglecting the nation’s progress. The minister also warned that an NDP victory could jeopardize ongoing projects, such as the Arnos Vale hospital construction, and sever ties with Taiwan, which supports Vincentian students. Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves has previously expressed confidence in the ULP’s ability to elevate St. Vincent and the Grenadines to first-world status within 15 years. With general elections anticipated by November, the political landscape remains highly charged as both parties vie for public trust.
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Caribbean development Bank spearheads thrust for regional disability inclusion
The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) has reaffirmed its commitment to fostering inclusion, accessibility, and equal opportunities for individuals with disabilities across the Caribbean. Speaking at the 2025 Caribbean Disability Conference, themed “Breaking Barriers: Advancing Inclusive Education for All Abilities,” CDB President Daniel Best underscored the necessity of a unified regional approach to create inclusive societies. He cited findings from the CDB Regional Disability Assessment Report, which highlights persistent systemic exclusion faced by persons with disabilities in accessing essential services, education, and employment. Best urged governments, institutions, and communities to take decisive steps to dismantle these barriers. He emphasized that persons with disabilities deserve equal rights, dignity, and opportunities to participate fully in societal development. As part of its initiatives, the CDB has developed the Model Special Education Needs and Inclusive Education (SEND) Policy and Strategy (2024), aimed at transforming education systems to accommodate learners of all abilities. The Bank also prioritizes investments in early detection, teacher training, curriculum adjustments, and accessible infrastructure. Additionally, the CDB collaborates with the Caribbean Disability Network (CDN), supporting initiatives like the CDN Legacy Project in Barbados, which focuses on digital accessibility training and establishing an accessible technology hub. Over the past five years, the CDB has intensified efforts to enhance disability inclusion through funding, policy support, and technical assistance, as evidenced by its work in countries like Grenada, Jamaica, Saint Lucia, and Trinidad and Tobago. The Bank has also introduced practical tools, such as the Disability Inclusion Checklist and the Persons with Disabilities User Assessment Tool, to promote inclusivity in infrastructure and community projects. In a symbolic gesture, the CDB announced it would present its “Commitments to Inclusive Development” in braille to national associations for persons with disabilities.
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Suriname nodigt investeerders uit tijdens International Business Conference in Guyana
Suriname’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Trade, and Cooperation, Melvin Bouva, recently highlighted the country’s potential as a lucrative investment hub during his address at the International Business Conference in Guyana. Representing President Jennifer Simons, Bouva emphasized the significance of the event as a platform that unites policymakers, international investors, financial institutions, entrepreneurs, and development partners. He underscored the historical and cultural ties between Suriname and Guyana, as well as their shared commitment to achieving sustainable prosperity, energy security, and inclusive economic growth. While acknowledging the rapid expansion of the oil and gas sector, Bouva stressed that it is only one component of a broader national strategy focused on economic diversification, innovation, and responsible partnerships. Suriname is actively targeting sectors such as agribusiness, sustainable energy, logistics, tourism, the digital economy, and regional trade. Bouva invited investors to utilize the Suriname Investment and Trade Agency as a central hub for exploring business opportunities, receiving guidance, and fostering collaboration. “Suriname is open to partnerships that prioritize mutual benefit, sustainable growth, and long-term impact,” he stated. The Surinamese delegation also included Andrew Baasaron, Minister of Economic Affairs, Entrepreneurship, and Technological Innovation, further reinforcing the country’s commitment to fostering international business relationships.
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Hope guides Windies to nail biting Super Over victory
In a heart-stopping encounter at the Sher-E-Bangla National Stadium on October 21, the West Indies clinched a dramatic victory over Bangladesh in a Super Over, leveling the three-match One Day International (ODI) series. After a crushing defeat in the first match, the Men in Maroon staged a remarkable comeback, showcasing resilience and tactical ingenuity. The match marked the ODI debut of Saint Lucian left-handed batsman Ackeem Auguste, while the West Indies made history by bowling an unprecedented 50 overs of spin in an ODI. Bangladesh, after winning the toss and opting to bat, struggled against the relentless spin attack, managing a modest total of 213-7. Rishad Hossain’s explosive 39 off 14 balls provided a late surge, but Gudakesh Motie’s 3-65 and Alick Athanaze’s 2-14 kept the hosts in check. In response, the West Indies faced early setbacks but were steadied by captain Shai Hope’s unbeaten 53. The match culminated in a tense final over, where a dropped catch by Bangladesh’s wicketkeeper Nurul Hasan allowed the Windies to force a Super Over. In the decider, Akeal Hosein’s composed bowling restricted Bangladesh, securing a narrow victory for the West Indies. The series decider is set for October 30, with both teams vying for supremacy.