On October 17, Secrets Saint Lucia Resorts and Spa hosted a regal send-off event for Shianne Smith, Saint Lucia’s representative at the upcoming 74th Miss Universe pageant in Thailand. The celebration, attended by family, sponsors, and media, marked a significant milestone as Smith prepares to compete among over 100 delegates on November 21. Alisteer Nelson, Director of Sales and Marketing at Secret Resorts, expressed pride in supporting the Miss Universe Saint Lucia initiative, while General Manager Ricardo Esteban emphasized the honor of sharing this momentous occasion. Joycie Mederick, Pageant Director, reflected on the transformative journey of past delegates under her Cinnamon Productions, expressing gratitude to sponsors and well-wishers for their unwavering support. Smith, in her heartfelt address, vowed to embody the spirit of Saint Lucia, showcasing the nation’s strength and pride on the global stage. The event also featured token presentations by ACADO to Smith and her fellow contestants, symbolizing unity and encouragement. Pre-judging activities are set to commence next week, leading up to the televised pageant finale.
作者： admin
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CUS: Divali 2025 in het teken van eenheid, liefde en nationale trots
The Cultural Union Suriname (CUS) inaugurated the 18th National Divali Celebration on Saturday evening with grandeur and dignity, attended by President Jennifer Simons, Vice President Gregory Rusland, ministers, members of the National Assembly, diplomatic representatives, and numerous citizens. In his welcoming address, CUS Chairman Anielkumar Manurat emphasized that Divali transcends a mere religious festival, embodying a universal message of light, hope, and unity. He stated, ‘Tonight, we light thousands of small lamps, but each flame represents a greater fire—the fire of unity, humanity, and national pride.’ The CUS urged the populace to ignite the light of Divali not just externally but internally, symbolizing solidarity, respect, and spiritual strength. ‘Divali teaches us that darkness never has the final word. Where love and understanding prevail, evil dissipates. Where people respect one another, misunderstanding vanishes. And where a nation lives in harmony, prosperity flourishes.’ This year’s celebration was particularly significant, marking 50 years of Suriname’s independence. The CUS highlighted that this milestone is not only a moment of pride but also a call to responsibility. ‘Fifty years ago, our people chose freedom, self-determination, and faith in their own strength. Fifty years of building, falling, rising, and moving forward—as one people, with one heart.’ The CUS offered prayers to Maha Laxmi Mata, the Goddess of prosperity, love, and harmony, wishing her blessings upon all Surinamese—leaders, families, and everyone striving for a better future. ‘Divali is not merely a festival of lights but an invitation to ignite the light within ourselves. When we act in love and see each other as brothers and sisters, Suriname becomes not just a country on the map but a living nation of hope, strength, and harmony. Subh Divali to the entire Surinamese people. May the light of Divali continue to shine over our beloved Suriname.’
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Ministry Extends Condolences After Fatal Orange Walk Fire
The Ministry of the Public Service, Governance, and Disaster Risk Management has extended its heartfelt condolences to the family of Ms. Angelita Magaña and her six-year-old son, Tishan Godoy, who tragically lost their lives in a devastating house fire in the Orange Walk District on October 20, 2025. The incident, suspected to be an act of domestic violence, has left the community in shock and mourning. Angelita, a 35-year-old school employee, and her young son were unable to escape the blaze, which was allegedly set by Francisco Godoy, Angelita’s ex-common-law husband. Godoy is currently under police guard at a hospital, where he is being treated for burn injuries. Two survivors, Miguel Novelo, Angelita’s partner, and her daughter, Shadia Magaña, remain hospitalized with severe burns. The Ministry praised the swift actions of law enforcement in apprehending the suspect and commended the National Fire Service and first responders for their efforts. In its statement, the Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing fire prevention and community safety measures across Belize. The St. Michael RC School, where Angelita worked and Tishan was a student, expressed profound grief over the loss of their beloved community members. This tragic event has reignited discussions about domestic violence and the urgent need for stronger protective measures.
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NEW MUSIC VIDEO: Trilla-G – Single Again
In the ever-evolving landscape of social media, engagement remains a pivotal metric for success. A recent visual analysis highlights the dynamics of user interaction across various platforms. The image, captured from a trending post, underscores the importance of visual content in driving shares, tweets, and pins. This phenomenon is not just a fleeting trend but a testament to the power of imagery in capturing audience attention. As platforms continue to innovate, the role of visual storytelling is expected to grow, influencing how content is created and consumed. The data suggests that posts with compelling visuals are more likely to be shared, thereby amplifying their reach and impact. This insight is crucial for marketers and content creators aiming to maximize their online presence.
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DNA Testing Comes to Belize: A Single Hair Strand Could Solve a Crime
In a groundbreaking move, Belize is set to transform its criminal justice system with the introduction of the DNA Bill 2025. Approved by the Cabinet on October 2, this legislation aims to establish a National DNA Database, a tool that promises to revolutionize crime investigations, prosecutions, and the identification of missing or unidentified persons. The bill, introduced by Minister of Home Affairs Kareem Musa, had its first reading in the House of Representatives on October 17. Musa hailed the database as an ‘extremely powerful crime-fighting tool,’ emphasizing its extensive review by local stakeholders to ensure its relevance and suitability for Belize. The National Forensic Science Service will oversee the database, managed by a designated custodian, and will include separate indexes for convicted persons, suspects, crime scenes, missing persons, relatives of missing persons, victims, volunteers, and unidentified deceased persons. The bill mandates strict safeguards to protect individuals’ privacy and dignity, ensuring that DNA samples are collected only with written consent or a court order. Unauthorized access or tampering with the database will be punishable by fines up to $30,000 or imprisonment for three years. The DNA Oversight Committee, comprising eleven members, will oversee the database’s operation, ensuring compliance with the law and maintaining data protection standards. This bill represents a significant step forward for Belize, balancing the need for public safety with the protection of individual rights.
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WEATHER: (12:00 PM, October 20) High surf advisory and small craft warning in effect
A tropical wave is set to influence weather conditions across the region this afternoon, bringing moisture and atmospheric instability. Residents can anticipate predominantly overcast skies accompanied by scattered showers and isolated thunderstorms. While moisture levels are projected to diminish overnight, individuals in flood-prone zones, areas susceptible to landslides, and regions with falling rock risks are urged to remain vigilant and exercise caution. Breezy conditions are expected to persist throughout the day. Additionally, a mild concentration of dust haze will traverse the area this afternoon and into the night, prompting those with respiratory sensitivities to take preventive measures to avoid health complications. Maritime conditions will remain challenging over the next 12 to 24 hours, with moderate to rough seas anticipated. Wave heights are forecasted to decrease to approximately 5 feet along the west coast, while open waters along the east coast will maintain waves near 10 feet. Northerly swells and extended wave periods may contribute to ground swells, prompting the issuance of a High Surf Advisory and a Small Craft Warning due to above-normal sea conditions and strong winds. Small craft operators are advised to stay alert and navigate with care, while sea-bathers are strongly discouraged from entering the water.
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Opposition Questions $256M Energy Deal: Can Belize Afford Fortis Buyout?
The Briceño Administration’s announcement of a $256 million deal to acquire Fortis’s operations in Belize has ignited a heated debate over the nation’s financial capacity to manage such a significant investment. The agreement includes Fortis’s 33% stake in Belize Electricity Limited (BEL), marking a pivotal step toward national energy control. However, the move has drawn sharp criticism from the opposition, led by Tracy Panton, who has raised serious concerns about the government’s ability to sustain the financial obligations tied to the deal. Panton highlighted recent costly repairs at key hydro facilities, including a $250,000 generator failure at the Chalillo Dam in December and additional repairs at the Mollejon Dam in June. She questioned whether Belize can afford the long-term financial burdens while ensuring reliable energy services. The deal, while ambitious, has left many questioning its feasibility and the potential impact on taxpayers.
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Man assaulted and robbed near Fort Road service station
A violent robbery occurred in the early hours of Thursday morning on Fort Road, leaving a man severely injured and robbed of his belongings. The incident took place near Percival’s Service Station at approximately 4:15 a.m., when two assailants reportedly ambushed the victim as he was walking along the road. The attackers physically assaulted the man, stole his mobile phone, and took an undisclosed amount of cash before fleeing the scene on foot. Emergency services promptly transported the injured victim to a nearby hospital for medical treatment. Despite an extensive search operation by local law enforcement, the suspects remain at large. Authorities have launched a full-scale investigation to apprehend the perpetrators and ensure public safety. The community has been urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the police. This incident has raised concerns about security in the area, prompting calls for increased police patrols and preventive measures.
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Man Sues Government Over Unpaid Vehicle Sale
A legal battle has emerged as Dylan Simon, a former employee of Hadeed Motors, has filed a lawsuit against the government, alleging unpaid compensation of $135,000 for two vehicles he sold to them. Simon claims he sold a Nissan X-Trail and a pickup truck to the government but faced persistent delays in receiving payment. Despite repeated visits to the Treasury to collect the owed amount, he was met with frustration and inaction. The case, initially filed on November 16, 2022, has experienced multiple postponements but is finally set to be heard today in the High Court. Simon is being represented by attorney Warren Cassell. This lawsuit highlights potential inefficiencies in government procurement processes and raises questions about accountability in public transactions. The outcome of this case could set a precedent for similar disputes in the future.
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OPINION: The End of Free-Market Hypocrisy? What America’s U-Turn Means for the Caribbean?
For decades, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank pressured Caribbean nations to privatize essential services, framing it as a prerequisite for economic development. However, recent actions by the United States government have starkly contradicted this long-standing narrative. In August 2025, the U.S. acquired a 10% stake in Intel, followed by equity positions in four other strategic companies, marking a significant shift toward state capitalism. This move has unmasked what many see as a double standard in global economic policy, where free-market fundamentalism was less about sound economics and more about geopolitical power. Caribbean nations, which were forced to privatize their assets under harsh conditions, now have every reason to feel both vindicated and outraged.