The Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) has firmly denied allegations of downgrading the Cheddi Jagan International Airport’s (CJIA) rescue and fire-fighting capacity, refuting claims made in a recent report by Demerara Waves Online News. The GCAA stated that it does not disclose or discuss inspection findings with third parties, emphasizing that no official documents have been signed to indicate a downgrade from category 8 to category 5. However, Demerara Waves stands by its report, asserting that the airport’s fire-fighting capacity was indeed reduced following inspections in September 2025. The news outlet cited sources claiming that mechanical defects in firefighting appliances, such as air leaks and slow response times, led to the downgrade. Despite the controversy, the GCAA assured the public that CJIA continues to operate safely and efficiently, maintaining its commitment to aviation safety standards. Meanwhile, Fire Chief Gregory Wickham confirmed that remedial actions have been taken, including deploying additional firefighters and addressing mechanical issues. Minister of Home Affairs Oneidge Walrond also highlighted efforts to ensure the operational readiness of the Timehri Fire Station, which supports CJIA. The conflicting reports have sparked debate over the transparency and accuracy of information regarding the airport’s safety protocols.
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Venezuela’s continued economic hardship outweighs geopolitical tensions
For millions of Venezuelans, the pressing challenges of daily life overshadow the geopolitical tensions ignited by the deployment of US warships to the southern Caribbean in August. While the US government asserts that its mission is aimed at combating drug trafficking, Venezuelan authorities suspect it may be an attempt to destabilize President Nicolás Maduro’s regime. However, for citizens like Samuel Carreño, the immediate concern is the country’s collapsing economy rather than international disputes. Carreño, a 49-year-old informal worker from Petare, has faced a personal crisis that has disrupted his life. Since his 75-year-old mother, Tita Carreño, suffered a fractured femur in August, he has been unable to work, dedicating his time to her care. As an informal laborer living paycheck to paycheck, a medical emergency poses an insurmountable financial burden. ‘The hospital demanded $3,000 for the surgery,’ Carreño explained, a sum his family struggled to gather even after negotiating a reduced fee. Carreño’s daily struggles underscore the nation’s crumbling infrastructure. He must heat water on a gas stove for his bedridden mother because their home, shared by five people, lacks a water heater. Additionally, running water is rationed, available only three days a week, forcing him to store dozens of buckets to meet their needs. This personal hardship is set against a backdrop of severe economic instability. In the two months following the US warship deployment, the Venezuelan bolivar lost 50% of its value against the US dollar, according to the Central Bank. For many Venezuelans, the fear of political persecution and perpetual economic decline outweighs concerns about external conflict. As the aunt of a political detainee, held without charges since September 2023, remarked when asked if she feared a military overthrow: ‘Afraid of what? Wars eventually end, but my fear is being trapped here forever, abandoned by our allies in this struggle.’
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‘More help for teen moms, please’
A prominent member of the Rotary Club of Barbados has called on policymakers to prioritize the needs of the country’s youngest and most vulnerable mothers as the government implements expanded parental leave and other initiatives to support working women. Arlene Ross, a former president of the club, emphasized that while recent state efforts are commendable, more targeted support is essential for under-age mothers, a group often marginalized and stigmatized.
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Senator Pitts Challenges Belizeans to Confront Abuse
In a compelling and heartfelt speech on October 23, 2025, UDP Senator Sheena Pitts called on Belizeans to take a stand against domestic violence, address the stigma surrounding psychosocial support, and demand accountability from government institutions. Pitts emphasized the critical need for empathy and early intervention, urging the Ministry of Education to integrate lessons on respectful relationships and gender education into school curricula.
Pitts underscored the lasting impact of childhood abuse, noting that children exposed to domestic violence often perpetuate or endure similar patterns in adulthood. She highlighted the importance of early education in breaking this cycle, stating, ‘Bullies in school often come from families where abuse is present. It’s essential to recognize that education must start early and be part of the curriculum.’
Her comprehensive call to action included training teachers and counselors in gender-based violence referral procedures and establishing sexual harassment protocols in schools. Pitts also criticized systemic failures in protective measures, citing the tragic case of Angelita Magaña, whose death exposed gaps in follow-up and enforcement.
Pitts stressed that ending gender-based violence requires both individual accountability and a cultural transformation. ‘This is life. This is what we are living every day,’ she said. ‘Stop pretending like we don’t see it. Stop being desensitized by it.’ Her impassioned plea resonated deeply, sparking conversations about the urgent need for societal change.
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CIBC and Helen’s Daughters launch multi-year initiative
In a landmark initiative aimed at bolstering regional economic growth and advancing gender equity, Helen’s Daughters has unveiled a multi-year partnership with CIBC Caribbean Bank. This collaboration will ensure sustained financial support for Helen’s Daughters’ flagship initiatives—the Life Academy and the Ag-Cademy—which offer free services to women in Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and Saint Kitts and Nevis. The partnership underscores CIBC Caribbean’s commitment to fostering community resilience, creating economic opportunities, and driving transformative change in sectors critical to regional stability. It also seeks to elevate women’s participation and leadership in the Eastern Caribbean’s agricultural landscape. The Life Academy, a monthly educational series, focuses on cultivating well-rounded female leaders by addressing key areas such as financial literacy, climate change adaptation, health and wellness, and public speaking. Meanwhile, the Ag-Cademy, a ten-week program, equips participants with the knowledge and tools to establish and manage sustainable agricultural enterprises. The curriculum emphasizes sustainable farming practices, nutritional marketing, and agri-tourism integration. Notably, the Ag-Cademy Certificate is officially recognized by Saint Lucia’s Ministry of Agriculture as equivalent to the national “Good Agricultural Practices” (GAP) Certification, enabling participants to secure a Saint Lucia Farmer’s License and access government concessions and premium markets. Nigel Ollivierre, CIBC Caribbean’s country head for Saint Lucia, emphasized the bank’s vision during the partnership announcement, stating, “When women thrive, communities thrive. We are proud to support Helen’s Daughters in their mission to empower women, families, and the future of regional agriculture.” The partnership was formally launched during an Ag-Cademy practical session at Mother Nature’s in Bloom Farm, allowing CIBC Caribbean representatives to witness the program’s impact firsthand.
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$1.9 Million to Rehabilitate ITVET
Belize’s Institute for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (ITVET) is set to undergo a transformative $1.9 million rehabilitation project, aimed at bolstering its capacity to produce skilled professionals for the workforce. The initiative, announced by Minister of Education, Science & Technology, Oscar Requena, is funded through a collaborative effort between the Inter-American Development Bank and the Ministry of Education. The project will focus on renovating a building within the ITVET campus in Belize City, equipping it with two state-of-the-art laboratories: a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) lab and an engineering lab. These facilities are designed to prepare students for careers in the burgeoning blue and green economy sectors. Minister Requena emphasized the project’s potential to attract more young people, particularly women, to technical and vocational training, thereby addressing critical areas of national development. Additionally, the government is partnering with the Millennium Challenge Corporation to enhance infrastructure and equipment across ITVET institutions nationwide, ensuring the delivery of high-quality technical education. The initiative underscores Belize’s commitment to fostering a skilled workforce and empowering its youth with practical, career-oriented education.
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FLASH : Melissa promises to be devastating in Haiti
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has issued a critical update on Tropical Storm Melissa, warning of severe and prolonged weather conditions in Haiti. As of 5:00 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time on October 24, 2025, the storm’s center was located approximately 445 km southwest of Port-au-Prince, with coordinates at 16.0 degrees north latitude and 75.5 degrees west longitude. Melissa is nearly stationary but is expected to drift northeast and northward later in the day, followed by a westward trajectory from Saturday through Monday. The storm is forecasted to bring heavy rainfall of 20 to 35 cm across southern Haiti, the Dominican Republic, and Jamaica, with potential for life-threatening flash floods and landslides. Southern Haiti is particularly at risk, with significant damage to infrastructure and prolonged isolation of communities anticipated. Maximum sustained winds are currently near 75 km/h, with higher gusts, and the storm is expected to strengthen into a hurricane by the weekend. The Maritime and Navigation Service of Haiti (SEMANAH) has suspended all coastal activities in the southern region due to dangerous swells. A Hurricane Watch is in effect for Haiti’s southwest peninsula, and multiple departments have been placed on orange alert. Authorities are urging residents to take immediate precautions, including avoiding watercourses, securing important documents, and staying informed through reliable sources.
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Panton Warns Belize Becoming “Dumping Ground”
In a scathing critique of the recently signed ‘Safe Third Country’ Agreement between Belize and the United States, Opposition Leader Tracy Panton has raised alarms over its potential consequences for Belize’s sovereignty and social infrastructure. Speaking at a UDP press conference on October 23, 2025, Panton condemned the lack of transparency surrounding the deal, which was signed on October 20 without public consultation or parliamentary debate. She described the secrecy as a troubling pattern of the Bricenio administration.
The agreement permits the U.S. to transfer asylum seekers from Central America (excluding Guatemala) and CARICOM nations to Belize for processing. While the Belizean government asserts it will retain full discretion over admissions and receive financial and technical support from the U.S., Panton questioned the absence of full disclosure. ‘The comprehensive text, including annexes, transitional arrangements, and cost-sharing commitments, remains undisclosed,’ she stated.
Panton also expressed concerns about Belize’s capacity to handle the influx of asylum seekers, pointing to underfunded immigration systems and strained social services. ‘How many asylum seekers will Belize accommodate? 5,500? 5,000? It’s anyone’s guess,’ she remarked, highlighting unresolved issues related to housing, healthcare, education, legal representation, and societal integration.
She further criticized the government for failing to consult civil society, border communities, and parliamentarians, emphasizing that such lack of transparency is unacceptable in a democracy. Panton argued that Belize, already grappling with domestic challenges, is ill-equipped to take on additional burdens. She warned that the agreement risks undermining Belize’s independence and could transform the nation into a ‘dumping ground’ for migrants rejected by other countries.
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3 OECS leaders support Grenada’s position on US radar request
The leaders of three member states of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) have pledged their unwavering support to Grenada, regardless of its decision regarding a contentious request from the United States. The US has sought permission to temporarily install a radar system at the Maurice Bishop International Airport (MBIA) and deploy military assets near the island. This development was discussed at a press conference in Kingstown, St. Vincent, attended by Prime Ministers Ralph Gonsalves of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Roosevelt Skerrit of Dominica, and Phillip J. Pierre of St. Lucia. Grenada’s Prime Minister, Dickon Mitchell, has yet to make a final decision on the matter, emphasizing the complexity of the technical and geopolitical considerations involved. The US has been increasing its military presence off Venezuela’s coast, citing efforts to combat drug trafficking. However, critics argue that the radar installation is a strategic move to pressure Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. Gonsalves highlighted the delicate balance Grenada must strike between economic interests, particularly its reliance on US-based airlines and medical schools, and principles of non-intervention. He affirmed that any decision made by Mitchell would be respected, acknowledging the challenging nature of the situation. The leaders also expressed solidarity with Antigua and Barbuda, which has already declined a similar request. The press conference concluded with the trio endorsing Gonsalves for a sixth term as prime minister in the upcoming general election.
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West Indies suffer heavy defeat in series decider against Bangladesh
In a commanding display of cricketing prowess, Bangladesh triumphed over the West Indies in the third and final One-Day International (ODI) held in Mirpur on October 23. The victory sealed a 2–1 series win for the hosts, marking a significant milestone in their cricketing journey. The West Indies, donning their iconic maroon jerseys, faced an uphill battle from the very beginning. Bangladesh’s opening duo, Soumya Sarkar and Saif Hassan, laid a solid foundation with a blistering partnership, amassing 176 runs without loss by the 25-over mark. Sarkar’s elegant 86-ball 86 and Hassan’s aggressive 80 off 72 deliveries set the stage for a formidable total. Despite a valiant effort by the West Indies’ bowlers, particularly Akeal Hosein, who claimed four wickets for 41 runs, Bangladesh posted a challenging 296 for eight. The West Indies’ fielding lapses, including several dropped catches, compounded their difficulties. Chasing a record target, the Windies’ innings faltered early, with key batsmen Alick Athanaze and Ackeem Auguste falling cheaply. The collapse continued, and the team was eventually dismissed for a meager 117, resulting in a crushing 179-run defeat. The series loss underscores the challenges faced by the West Indies in the ODI format. Attention now shifts to the upcoming three-match T20I series between the two teams, commencing on October 27, as the Windies aim to redeem themselves.