Saint Catherine Academy (SCA) has etched its name in Belizean sports history by clinching the IX Central American Student Games (CODICADER) Volleyball Championship for High School Students at the Intermediate (Under-18) level. The thrilling final took place at the Gimnasio Nacional Eddy Cortés in La Sabana, San José, Costa Rica, where SCA emerged victorious against Costa Rica’s Liceo Experimental Bilingüe de Turrialba in straight sets. This triumph not only secured the regional title but also reinforced SCA’s dominance in the tournament. The Belizean team had previously defeated the same opponents in the group stage, showcasing their unwavering momentum and exceptional teamwork. SCA’s journey to the championship was marked by stellar performances, beginning with a hard-fought 2–0 victory over Nicaragua’s Colegio San Francisco Hermanos Maristas on October 4, followed by another impressive win against the Costa Rican hosts in the group stage. This victory is a testament to SCA’s dedication and skill, positioning them as one of Central America’s premier volleyball programs. The win has sparked national pride, as Belize celebrates this remarkable achievement on the regional stage.
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Caye Caulker Cannabis Revenue Model Projects Over $10 Million Annually
A groundbreaking proposal for Caye Caulker, Belize, suggests that legalizing and regulating cannabis production and sales could generate over $10 million in annual tax revenues, positioning the island as a pivotal hub for the nation’s cannabis industry. Conservative estimates indicate that local consumption alone could yield $413,000 annually, based on a price of $6.75 per gram plus tax. With a quarter of the island’s 2,729 residents consuming 10 grams three times weekly, total annual consumption would reach 979,200 grams. Tourism further amplifies this potential, as approximately 17,000 overnight visitors consuming at the same rate could contribute an additional $74,266.87 yearly. The proposal envisions Caye Caulker as the central point for all legally produced, tested, and sold cannabis in Belize. If just one-eighth of the national population—around 52,463 people—consumed cannabis at this rate, the country could earn an extra $10 million in tax revenues annually. However, the Roman Catholic Diocese of Belize City–Belmopan has voiced strong opposition, citing moral and spiritual concerns. The Church warns that legalization could normalize drug use, harm youth, damage families, threaten public health, and undermine tourism. The referendum, scheduled for October 8, will determine the island’s path forward.
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Bus Consolidation Committee Moves Forward with National Transport Reform
The National Bus Consolidation Pro Tempore Advisory Committee is making significant strides in establishing the Consolidated National Bus Company, a transformative public-private partnership aimed at modernizing Belize’s transportation infrastructure. During a pivotal meeting on October 3, the committee reviewed progress and outlined the next steps in this ambitious transition.
Officials revealed that the new entity has already secured a commanding 71 percent of the national market share, thanks to commitments from existing bus operators. Financial audits of these operators are currently in progress, with an opening balance sheet anticipated by mid-November. This financial groundwork will be instrumental in determining equity participation and shaping the company’s financial projections.
Stakeholder consultations have gained momentum, engaging a diverse array of participants, including bus operators, financial institutions, and international partners. These discussions are centered on fostering transparency, inclusivity, and gathering critical insights as the sector moves toward consolidation.
The implementation timeline remains firmly on track, with the Consolidated National Bus Company slated to commence operations on January 1, 2026. The rollout will introduce enhanced safety standards, upgraded and new terminals, and the phased introduction of modern buses over the next two to three years.
The committee underscored that this initiative is not a nationalization effort but a strategic public-private partnership designed to bolster public transportation and align Belize with global sustainable development goals.
The committee comprises representatives from key entities, including the Ministry of Infrastructure Development and Housing, the Statistical Institute of Belize, the University of Belize, the National Trade Union Congress of Belize, the Ministry of Economic Transformation, the Attorney General’s Ministry, the media, bus operators, commuters, the business community, and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
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Man Acquitted of Rape After Jury Finds Him Not Guilty
In a high-profile case at the High Court, a man accused of rape has been acquitted following a four-hour deliberation by a mixed jury. The case, which originated from an alleged incident on 30 March 2020, centered on conflicting testimonies. The complainant alleged that she was assaulted after becoming intoxicated during a night out, while resting in a vehicle. However, the accused’s girlfriend, who was present at the time, testified that no such assault occurred. Prosecutors argued that a subsequent sexual encounter was non-consensual, but the defense countered that it was consensual. During the trial, inconsistencies in the complainant’s statements, including the timing of a text message she claimed to have sent that night, were highlighted. After hearing closing arguments, the jury unanimously found the defendant not guilty of both rape and serious indecency. The verdict has sparked discussions about the complexities of such cases and the challenges in establishing consent and credibility.
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Bail Granted to Two Men Accused in Sanderson Estate Shooting
Two individuals implicated in a violent altercation at Sanderson Estate earlier this month have been granted bail as they await further court proceedings. Brian Benjamin, 59, from All Saints, and Bryan Benjamin, 32, from Swetes, appeared before Magistrate Ngaio Emanuel, who scheduled the next hearing for December 4, 2025. The charges against them stem from an incident on October 1, where a farm dispute escalated into a shooting, leaving two men with gunshot wounds. Both Benjamins face charges of assault, wounding, and battery against Jace Farrell. Additionally, Brian Benjamin is charged with shooting with intent to murder Simon Farrell, while Bryan Benjamin is accused of using threatening language. The injured men are currently hospitalized in stable condition. Authorities are continuing their investigation into the incident and have urged the public to resolve disputes through legal and non-violent means.
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PM Mitchell missing in oil and gas working group town hall
A significant town hall discussion focusing on Grenada’s oil and gas sector is set to take place on 9 October 2025 at the Trade Centre in Grand Anse. The event, organized by the Oil and Gas Working Group chaired by Nazim Burke, will provide the public with updates and insights into the nation’s emerging energy industry. However, Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell will not be present in person, as he is scheduled to attend the 3rd EU-Caribbean Global Gateway Conference on Sargassum in Brussels, Belgium, on 8–9 October.
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U.S. Senate Confirms Herschel Walker as Ambassador to The Bahamas
In a landmark decision on Tuesday, the U.S. Senate confirmed Herschel Walker, a former NFL star and political figure, as the United States’ ambassador to The Bahamas. This appointment marks the end of a 15-year vacancy in the position, signaling a renewed focus on strengthening bilateral relations between the two nations. The confirmation was part of a broader package of over 100 nominees approved under newly streamlined Senate procedures. Wendall Jones, The Bahamas’ Ambassador to the U.S., expressed optimism about Walker’s role, stating that he would be warmly received and well-equipped to address shared concerns. Walker’s appointment comes at a critical juncture, as The Bahamas has lacked a formal U.S. ambassador since 2011, one of only five countries in such a prolonged diplomatic void. During his confirmation hearing, Walker highlighted the growing Chinese influence in The Bahamas, including a $3 billion deepwater port, investments in sensitive sectors, and a new hospital project. He emphasized that these developments could pose challenges to U.S. national security and its strategic interests in the Caribbean region.
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Public encouraged to comment on new standards
The Grenada Bureau of Standards is nearing the completion of its initiative to establish updated national standards for toilet tissue and hollow blocks. The public is invited to review and provide feedback on the draft standards from October 6 to December 5, 2025. These new standards aim to replace the existing mandatory regulations for these products, ensuring alignment with international benchmarks and addressing modern manufacturing practices. For toilet tissue, the draft specifies that the product must be made from virgin, chemical, or mechanical pulp, or secondary fibers derived from recycled paper. The tissue must be unglazed, soft, flexible, and free from defects such as wood splinters, specks, or wrinkles. Similarly, the standards for hollow blocks emphasize proper curing to ensure the required strength before dispatch, with the Bureau retaining the right to conduct independent sampling. Amiesha Persaud, head of standardization at the Grenada Bureau of Standards, highlighted that the current standards, which have been in place for many years, no longer reflect the latest international norms. She noted that manufacturers and other stakeholders were actively involved in the review process. The draft standards and comment forms are available on the bureau’s social media platforms, with submissions accepted electronically or via email to the Director by December 5.
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Edinburgh Napier University to visit Grenada 26 January 2026
Edinburgh Napier University (ENU) is set to host an exclusive event in Grenada on Monday, 26 January 2026, to present its portfolio of Global Online programmes. The event will take place at the Radisson Grenada Beach Resort, Greenery Room, St George, from 6:30 pm to 8 pm. This initiative follows the Grenada National Accreditation Board (GNAB) officially recognizing ENU’s online programmes, further solidifying the university’s reputation for academic excellence. ENU’s Business School has also achieved AACSB accreditation, placing it among the top 5% of business schools worldwide. Prospective students interested in enrolling in January 2026 can explore ENU’s innovative MBA and MBM programmes, which are designed to be completed in a minimum of 18 months but can be extended up to four years if needed. These programmes, priced at under US$10,000, offer exceptional value and flexible ‘pay as you go’ instalment options. Attendees will also gain insights into other top-up degrees and master’s programmes, including BSc Computing, BSc Nursing Studies, MSc Transport Planning and Engineering, and MSc Data Engineering. Additionally, working professionals can explore the BA Business Management (Top-up) with specialisations in Marketing, HRM, Hospitality, and Finance, as well as the BA Business and Enterprise (Top-up). Those with associate degrees or significant work experience may find the BA Marketing Management (Top-up) particularly relevant. Interested individuals can reserve their spot by emailing [email protected] or calling (1) 239 444 4399. ENU is also offering a referral incentive: bringing a friend or colleague to enroll simultaneously makes both eligible for a US$500 bursary for postgraduate programmes or a US$350 bursary for undergraduate programmes. Referrals must be registered prior to enrollment on a first-come, first-served basis.
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Rebuilding the Foundation: Call Grows for National Men’s Movement to Restore Family and Faith in The Bahamas
The Bahamas, a nation celebrated for its beauty and culture, is grappling with a profound societal issue: the alarming absence of strong male figures in families and communities. This crisis, deeply rooted in the decline of traditional family structures, has far-reaching consequences for the nation’s social fabric. Statistics reveal that 65% of live births in The Bahamas are to single mothers, with fathers often absent or unacknowledged. This phenomenon has led to generations of young men who are disengaged, directionless, and, in many cases, a threat to society. Many end up as high school dropouts, incarcerated, or tragically lost to violence or justice evasion.