The GEMS Foundation has announced an extension of the application deadline for the 2025 Phillip Nassief Entrepreneurship Challenge, now set for December 8, 2025. This decision aims to provide more entrepreneurs across Dominica with the opportunity to participate, particularly during the busy Creole season, which sees many small businesses engaged in food, hospitality, culture, tourism, and entertainment. The Foundation emphasized its commitment to ensuring fair and accessible participation for all entrepreneurs after the festivities conclude. Supported by the Dominica Association of Industry and Commerce (DAIC), the competition honors the legacy of the late Phillip Nassief by fostering entrepreneurial spirit and innovation. The initiative focuses on empowering small enterprises in Dominica’s hospitality and tourism sectors, including food and beverage, agro-processing, wellness, technology, transportation, and marketing. Following the extended submission window, the judging process will conclude on January 28, 2026, with seven finalists advancing to the LIVE Ultimate Pitching Challenge on February 19, 2026. Finalists will receive mentorship from seasoned professionals to refine their business models and presentations. The top three winners will receive monetary awards: EC$20,000 for first place, EC$15,000 for second, and EC$10,000 for third, aimed at supporting business growth and sustainability. The GEMS Foundation encourages all applicants to review and complete their submissions by the new deadline. Further details and applications are available at www.gems.dm/foundation or via @gemsfoundation on social media.
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U.S. Envoys Rush to Save Fragile Gaza Ceasefire After Weekend Violence
In a bid to prevent the collapse of a fragile ceasefire in Gaza, U.S. envoys have urgently arrived in Israel following a surge in violence that claimed at least 30 lives over the weekend. The recent escalation began with a Palestinian attack that resulted in the deaths of two Israeli soldiers, prompting retaliatory airstrikes by Israel that killed 28 people in Gaza. This violence threatens to unravel the week-old truce brokered by former President Donald Trump.
Residents of Gaza expressed deep concern over the potential for further bloodshed. A displaced businessman from Gaza City shared his despair, stating, ‘I felt my heart dropping to the ground; I felt the ceasefire collapse.’
U.S. officials, including Trump’s advisers Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff, met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to advance the peace plan. Vice President J.D. Vance is expected to join discussions on regional security by Tuesday. Additionally, U.S. representatives are set to meet with Hamas leaders in Egypt to advocate for restraint and progress in the negotiations.
The next phase of the peace plan involves Hamas relinquishing the bodies of remaining hostages and establishing a new governing body in Gaza that excludes Hamas representation. However, Hamas leaders have firmly rejected any foreign control or disarmament, posing significant challenges to the ongoing talks.
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Schools participation a highlight of La Magéwit Festival
The vibrant community of La Resource in Dennery was awash in royal blue last Friday as the Cultural Development Foundation (CDF) celebrated the annual La Magéwit Flower Festival. The event, deeply rooted in Saint Lucian culture, commenced with a solemn church service at St Michael’s Parish Church. Representatives from various La Magéwit groups delivered heartfelt songs and prayers, setting a reverent tone for the festivities. Fr Ignatius Dominic-Savio Cétoute, addressing the congregation, expressed his aspiration for the establishment of Magéwit groups in every community, emphasizing the festival’s unique significance to Saint Lucia. He also lauded educators for fostering student involvement in this cherished tradition. The festival’s origins were traced back to its patron, Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque, a 17th-century French nun, adding historical depth to the celebration. The service concluded with a recessional song performed by the Dennery group. Among the attendees were notable dignitaries, including the Ambassador-Designate of Venezuela, Her Excellency Leiff Liubliana Escalona Barrueta, and several Saint Lucian ministers. Post-service, a colorful parade led by La Magéwit groups, including many students, wound through the community before culminating at the La Resource Playing Field. There, societies from across the island showcased their talents, guided by MC George ‘Fish’ Alphonse. Performances, blending traditional dances and songs, paid homage to the La Magéwit flower while playfully rivaling the La Rose festival. Each act concluded with the spirited chant, ‘Viv La Magéwit,’ echoing the community’s pride and joy.
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PUC to Declare “Emergency Situation”
In a decisive move to address a burgeoning energy crisis, the Belizean Cabinet has authorized the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) to declare an emergency situation. This declaration, announced on October 20, 2025, underscores the severity of the nation’s energy challenges, which are deemed beyond its reasonable control. To mitigate the crisis, the Cabinet has approved the procurement of 80 megawatts of solar generation capacity and a 50-megawatt natural gas ethane project proposed by Energy Transfer. These initiatives aim to stabilize Belize’s power supply and enhance its energy resilience amid growing concerns over reliability and cost.
In a related development, the Cabinet has endorsed an agreement between the Government of Belize and Fortis Inc. of Canada for the acquisition of Fortis’s electricity sector assets in Belize. Prime Minister John Briceño has tabled a Bill in Parliament seeking authorization for the purchase of three hydropower plants and Fortis’s 33.3% stake in Belize Electricity Limited (BEL). This legislative move is expected to bolster the nation’s energy infrastructure and ensure greater control over its power resources.
Beyond energy, the Cabinet has made several other significant decisions. These include extending tax exemptions for Belize Sugar Industries Limited (BSI) and Belize Cogeneration Energy Limited (BELCOGEN) under the Sugar Industry and Cogeneration Project Act of 2012. Additionally, the Minister of Foreign Affairs has been authorized to finalize negotiations on a Safe Third Country Agreement with the United States, which will be sent to the Senate for ratification.
Other approved measures include funding for electrifying primary schools in San Carlos and Indian Church, hosting a Regional Intellectual Property Workshop in March 2026, revising domestic copyright laws post-accession to five WIPO treaties, modernizing the licensing framework for motorcycle dealers, allocating $2 million for bus terminal rehabilitation, and reducing import duties on electric and hybrid vehicles to 10% to promote cleaner transportation.
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St. John Vianney Students Support Breast Cancer Awareness
In a heartwarming display of community spirit, students and faculty at St. John Vianney RC School rallied together this October to support breast cancer awareness. Their efforts culminated in a $125 donation to the Belize Cancer Society (BCS), raised through the school’s “Pinktober Casual Day” event. The initiative was spearheaded by Zoila Audinett, a breast cancer survivor and advocate, with the unwavering support of the school’s principal, parents, and staff. Audinett, recognized as one of BCS’s Breast Cancer Awareness Champions in 2016, personally presented the donation to BCS President Kim Simplis Barrow. Barrow expressed profound gratitude, highlighting Audinett’s inspiring journey and leadership. “Zoila’s resilience and dedication in motivating her students and colleagues are a powerful testament to hope and strength,” Barrow remarked. The Belize Cancer Society also commended the school for its role in promoting early detection and providing support to those affected by the disease.
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Moist and Unstable Weather Conditions Persist Across Belize
Belize remains under the influence of moist and unstable weather conditions, as reported by the National Meteorological Service. Scattered showers and thunderstorms are prevalent across much of the country, with cloudy skies interspersed with brief sunny intervals. Coastal, central, and northern regions are particularly affected, experiencing persistent rainfall and thunderstorms. While shower activity is expected to diminish by evening, it is likely to redevelop later tonight, primarily in southern and coastal areas. Meanwhile, a tropical wave in the eastern Caribbean Sea is generating intense showers and thunderstorms. Although this system does not currently pose a direct threat to Belize, forecasters indicate that environmental conditions could become more conducive to the formation of a tropical depression or storm in the coming days. Authorities are vigilantly monitoring the situation. Similar weather patterns are anticipated to persist through Tuesday and into the night.
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“Belize Is Not Ready”: Panton Warns Against ‘Safe Third Country’ Deal with U.S.
Opposition Leader Tracy Taegar Panton has issued a stark warning regarding Belize’s potential agreement to become a ‘Safe Third Country’ for U.S. asylum seekers. In a recent press release, Panton emphasized that Belize’s immigration and asylum systems are ill-prepared to handle such an influx, citing chronic understaffing, insufficient funding, and inadequate resources. She cautioned that the proposed deal could pose significant national, social, and security risks to the country. The agreement, which is nearing finalization, would allow the U.S. to send asylum seekers to Belize while their refugee claims are processed. While the government argues that the deal balances humanitarian concerns with national sovereignty, Panton has called for immediate public consultations and full disclosure of the terms before any binding commitments are made. Foreign Minister Francis Fonseca confirmed that negotiations are advanced and highlighted safeguards such as limits on transferees, nationality restrictions, and Belize’s veto power over admissions. However, Panton and her UDP Parliamentarian Caucus remain unconvinced, urging the government to pause and reassess the potential consequences.
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Siblings and Child Injured in Highway Crash
A devastating accident occurred on the Phillip Goldson Highway on Saturday, October 20, 2025, resulting in injuries to four individuals, including two siblings and a young child. The incident took place at mile 16 around 3:00 PM when a maroon GMC Terrain, driven by 25-year-old Tamron Brooks, veered off the road and collided with a tree. Authorities reported that Brooks lost control of the vehicle while navigating a curve, leading to the crash. Emergency responders arrived to find the vehicle severely damaged and its occupants in need of immediate medical attention. Tamron Brooks sustained knee injuries, while his sister, 20-year-old Tamia Brooks, suffered a deep facial laceration and leg pain. Their relative, 44-year-old Riva Ellis, reported back pain, and her three-year-old granddaughter, Keanie Betancourt, sustained a forehead laceration and a suspected broken arm. All victims were promptly transported to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH) for treatment. The crash has raised concerns about road safety on the Phillip Goldson Highway, prompting calls for increased vigilance and preventive measures.
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Ex-Partner Sets House on Fire; Mother and Child Die
A devastating act of domestic violence has resulted in the deaths of a mother and her six-year-old son in San Felipe Village, Orange Walk. The incident occurred early this morning when their home was deliberately set ablaze. The alleged perpetrator, 34-year-old Francisco Godoy, is the ex-common-law husband of 35-year-old Angelita Magaña. Witnesses reported seeing the house engulfed in flames around 3:00 a.m. Inside the home were Angelita, her son Tishan Godoy, her daughter, and her current partner, Miguel Novelo. Novelo recounted waking to a loud noise and seeing Godoy fleeing from a room on fire. Angelita and her daughter managed to escape, but Tishan tragically perished in the inferno. Firefighters later discovered the charred remains of Angelita and her son. Godoy, who also sustained burns, is currently under police guard at the hospital. The St. Michael RC School expressed profound sadness over the loss of Tishan, a student, and Angelita, a dedicated school helper. The community is rallying around the surviving family members, especially Angelita’s older daughter, who is fighting for her life.
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Clement Richards’ debut novel brings Kalinago legend Chief “Indian” Warner to life
Clement Richards, a Caribbean cultural activist and writer, is set to release his debut novel, *Indian Warner: Son of Two Worlds*, on October 23, 2025. The historical narrative delves into the life of Thomas “Indian” Warner, a pivotal figure born to a Kalinago mother and an English father during the colonial era in the Caribbean. Set against the backdrop of Waitukubuli (Dominica), the novel vividly portrays the island’s natural landscapes and the turbulent waters of the Eastern Caribbean, while chronicling Warner’s journey as a bridge between two worlds. Richards’ writing is praised for its sharp descriptions and meticulous storytelling, offering a voice to those often marginalized in colonial histories. The novel explores Warner’s rise as chief of the Kalinago tribe and his tragic demise at the hands of his brother, Philip Warner, highlighting the personal and political complexities of his life. Through this story, Richards aims to honor the resilience of the Kalinago people and their struggles against colonial oppression. The book is designed to resonate with modern audiences, blending historical imagination with reflections on identity and belonging. It will be available in paperback, audiobook, and eBook formats, with narration by Raymond Lawrence, a former Dominican Chief Cultural Officer. Richards hopes the novel will affirm Caribbean cultural memory while educating global readers about the region’s complex history. As Dominica’s Independence season approaches, Richards encourages Dominicans worldwide to support the project by purchasing the book, thereby promoting the island’s cultural heritage.