In a bold response to escalating tensions with the United States, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has announced the deployment of over 5,000 Russian-made Igla-S anti-aircraft missiles across the nation. Maduro emphasized that these short-range weapons, capable of targeting drones, helicopters, and low-flying aircraft, have been strategically positioned in “every mountain, town, and city” to fortify Venezuela’s air defenses. This move comes amid heightened U.S. military presence in the Caribbean, where approximately 4,500 Marines and sailors have been stationed to combat alleged drug-trafficking networks. U.S. President Donald Trump has acknowledged authorizing covert CIA operations in Venezuela and hinted at potential land-based military actions. Despite the growing friction, Trump has denied pursuing a regime change in Venezuela. The situation underscores the deepening geopolitical rift between the two nations, with Maduro framing the missile deployment as a necessary shield against external aggression.
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Political expression not ‘a weapon to harm or intimidate others’ — COP
In a recent statement, Commissioner of Police Enville Williams addressed growing public concerns over rising tensions during the election season in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. While acknowledging the right to political expression as a fundamental democratic principle, Williams emphasized that such freedoms must not be weaponized to harm or intimidate others. He firmly stated, ‘No election, no political contest, and no difference in opinion should ever lead us to raise a hand, a stone, or a voice in anger against our fellow Vincentian.’
The statement, titled ‘Commissioner of Police Addresses Political Violence,’ did not cite specific incidents of violence but highlighted the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force’s (RSVGPF) commitment to monitoring and addressing any disorderly behavior with fairness and professionalism. Williams assured the public that the RSVGPF remains impartial, dedicated to upholding the Constitution and protecting all citizens, irrespective of political affiliation.
Reflecting on past instances of political violence, Williams urged citizens to avoid repeating ‘the dark moments of our history.’ He called for unity, restraint, and mutual respect among supporters of all political parties, emphasizing that symbols of democratic choice should unite rather than divide. ‘Let love, not anger, guide your steps,’ he implored, encouraging Vincentians to uphold peace as a collective responsibility.
Williams concluded by reaffirming the police force’s readiness to safeguard the rights, safety, and peace of all residents, while reminding the public that maintaining harmony is a shared duty. ‘Together, let us prove once again that we are one people, under one flag, guided by the spirit of love and unity,’ he said.
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Esav vraagt president om directe ingreep in strafzaak Pikin Saron
The Indigenous Platform Unity Solidarity Alliance and Progress (Esav) has submitted a petition to President Jennifer Simons, demanding the immediate release or pardon of five Indigenous men involved in the Pikin Saron legal case. Esav also called for a fully independent and transparent investigation into the deaths of Martinus Wolfjager and Ivanildo Dijksteel, urging accountability for those responsible. Additionally, the platform advocated for the establishment of a Ministry of Indigenous Affairs. The petition highlights the escalating tensions over land rights in Pikin Saron, which reached a boiling point on May 2, 2023, when residents took drastic measures after repeated protests, negotiations, and petitions failed to yield results. This led to the hostage-taking of officials and the burning of vehicles and buildings. During the police intervention, two Indigenous men lost their lives. The five suspects initially received an eight-year prison sentence, with their appeal still pending. A separate case against seven police officers suspected of involvement in the deaths of Wolfjager and Dijksteel is also ongoing. Esav further demanded a thorough police investigation into the disappearance of a third Indigenous man during the incident, a review of the proposed 5-kilometer zone around Indigenous villages, formal recognition of demarcation maps for each Indigenous village through VIDS, full acknowledgment of self-determination rights and cultural heritage, and an immediate investigation into environmental pollution in Maripaston and tensions surrounding Grassalco in Pikin Saron and Bigi Poika. The petition was received at the President’s Cabinet by Chief of Staff Sergio Akiemboto, who emphasized that no land rights issue worldwide has been fully resolved within a single term. However, he suggested the necessity of a temporary law to immediately halt or strictly regulate land distribution in Indigenous and Maroon residential areas to prevent a recurrence of Pikin Saron. Esav also presented the same petition to National Assembly Chairman Ashwin Adhin.
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Vehicles collide, power line destroyed in Vide Boutielle accident
A severe collision between two vehicles occurred on the afternoon of October 23 on Vide Boutielle Road in Castries, near Allied Sales and Monchery Tires. The incident, which took place around 4:00 p.m., involved a silver Suzuki Grand Vitara and an older model blue Isuzu NPR truck. The collision caused the truck to veer into multiple power poles, resulting in significant damage to the vehicle, the poles, and the surrounding power lines. Emergency services promptly arrived at the scene to manage the aftermath. The extensive damage to the power infrastructure has raised serious concerns about potential power outages. Residents in the Vide Boutielle and La Clery areas are advised to prepare for possible disruptions in their electricity supply as repair efforts are underway.
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Chancellor Yonette Cummings resumes duty, Chief Justice George yet to occupy High Court Chambers
In a significant development within Guyana’s judiciary, Acting Chancellor Yonette Cummings has officially resumed her duties following a period of vacation leave. This move has facilitated the return of Justice Roxane George-Wiltshire to her role as Acting Chief Justice. During Chancellor Cummings’ absence, Justice George-Wiltshire had temporarily assumed the responsibilities of the Chancellor of the Judiciary, while Justice Navindra Singh was elevated to the position of Acting Chief Justice. However, as of Thursday, October 23, 2025, Chief Justice George-Wiltshire has not yet reoccupied the Chief Justice’s Chambers, located at the north-western end of the High Court complex. Sources indicate that she has chosen to utilize the High Court’s conference room on the south-eastern end instead. The reasons behind this decision remain unclear, and Attorney General Anil Nandlall has not responded to inquiries regarding the matter. This transition marks a pivotal moment in the judiciary’s leadership, raising questions about the operational dynamics within the High Court.
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Special Envoy Calls Out Police Department For Failure
In a scathing critique, the Office of the Special Envoy for the Development of Families and Children has denounced the Belize Police Department and justice system for their failure to protect Angelita Magaña and her two children, Tishan and Shadia. The family tragically lost their lives when Magaña’s ex-partner, Francisco Godoy, set their San Felipe Village home ablaze. Godoy later succumbed to his injuries while receiving treatment at the KHMH. Special Envoy Rossana Briceño expressed profound grief and anger, labeling the incident a preventable national failure. She emphasized that Magaña had sought help and protection, yet the system designed to safeguard her family utterly failed. Briceño criticized the police and judiciary for granting bail to Godoy despite his violent history and for neglecting urgent pleas from victims. She also highlighted systemic issues, such as unanswered domestic violence hotlines and 911 calls, which leave victims without critical assistance. The statement called for a comprehensive review of bail procedures in domestic violence cases, stricter enforcement of restraining orders, and enhanced victim protection measures. Briceño urged that this tragedy not be forgotten, stressing the need for systemic reform to prevent future failures.
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The Census Office Urges Public Cooperation as 2025 National Census Intensifies
The Census Office of Antigua and Barbuda has issued a nationwide appeal for residents to actively participate and cooperate as the 2025 National Population and Housing Census enters a critical phase. Over recent weeks, trained enumerators have been conducting door-to-door visits across the islands to gather essential data. This information will play a pivotal role in shaping national policies, guiding development strategies, and informing decisions in key sectors such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure. To ensure transparency and security, all census workers are equipped with official identification, including a Census ID badge, a branded vest, a government-issued authorization letter, and a digital tablet for data collection. Residents are assured that all collected data will remain strictly confidential and will be used solely for statistical purposes, in compliance with the Statistics Act of Antigua and Barbuda. The Census Office has also provided contact numbers for residents to verify the identity of enumerators if needed. The census process will continue over the coming months, with preliminary results expected to be released in early 2026. The Census Office expressed gratitude for the public’s ongoing support in this vital national initiative.
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NTUCB Calls for Urgent Action to End Domestic Violence
The National Trade Union Congress of Belize (NTUCB) has issued a forceful condemnation of the escalating domestic violence and femicide cases in the country, spurred by the tragic deaths of a mother and her two children in San Felipe Village earlier this week. In a strongly worded statement, the NTUCB labeled the incident as a ‘clear act of domestic violence, femicide, and filicide,’ raising concerns about the normalization of such violence in Belizean society. According to police statistics, as of August 2025, there have been 1,453 reported cases of domestic violence, with over 1,000 involving intimate partners and 1,089 female victims. The NTUCB emphasized the urgent need for systemic reforms, including stronger law enforcement, legal changes, and the ratification of the International Labour Organization’s Convention 190, which addresses workplace violence and harassment. The organization called on law enforcement and the judiciary to ensure swift justice and better protection for survivors, while urging employers, unions, and communities to break the culture of silence surrounding abuse. The NTUCB also committed to integrating ILO Convention 190 principles into its policies and training programs, alongside awareness campaigns tied to International Men’s Day (November 19), the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women (November 25), and the global 16 Days of Activism campaign. ‘Violence and harassment have no place in our society or workplaces,’ the statement concluded. ‘Together, we can make safety and dignity a reality for all.’
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GCAA downgrades Cheddi Jagan Airport’s rescue and fire-fighting capacity but airport remains safe
The Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) has downgraded the rescue and fire-fighting capacity of Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) from category eight to category five. Despite this reduction, GCAA Director-General Retired Lt. Col. Egbert Field emphasized that the airport remains safe, particularly when compared to other regional airports. Field declined to disclose specific details about the downgrade, citing confidentiality protocols related to inspections. However, sources revealed that the downgrade was due to operational limitations, including inefficient fire tenders and insufficient personnel. According to GCAA standards, category five requires 8,100 liters of water to assist Level A foam, which is used to extinguish hydrocarbon fires in a 2.8 square meter area. Previously, the airport’s category eight rating allowed for 27,300 liters of water. Fire Chief Gregory Wickham confirmed that remedial measures have been implemented, including deploying additional firefighters and addressing mechanical issues with firefighting equipment. Wickham stated that the GCAA and CJIA are now responsible for conducting regular inspections to ensure compliance.
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Lovell Calls PM’s Reforms hasty and diversionary
Harold Lovell, the United Progressive Party (UPP) caretaker for All Saints West, has launched a scathing critique against Prime Minister Gaston Browne, accusing him of orchestrating a cover-up in the ongoing ‘chain gang’ vehicle scandal. Lovell’s statement, issued on Thursday, contends that Browne’s recent announcements—ranging from new vehicle policies to public auctions, a $10 million repayment agreement, and the establishment of a ‘People’s Restitution Fund’—are not genuine reforms but rather ‘acts of desperation.’
Lovell argued that these measures fail to address the core issues or hold accountable those implicated in the scandal. ‘Every new announcement underscores the severity of the problem, yet none tackle the individuals at the heart of it,’ he stated. He emphasized that the citizens of Antigua and Barbuda deserve transparency and accountability, not what he described as ‘theatrics.’
‘The Prime Minister’s decision to negotiate repayments before a comprehensive investigation is not justice; it’s a smokescreen,’ Lovell added. The UPP is demanding a full forensic investigation, spearheaded by independent bodies such as the Integrity Commission, the Auditor General’s Office, and civil society observers. Lovell believes that only such an inquiry can restore public trust in the government.
‘With every policy announcement, Gaston Browne shuts another door to the truth,’ Lovell remarked. ‘He’s using window dressing to obscure the facts, but the people of Antigua and Barbuda will not remain in the dark.’