Rakiesha Joseph, also known as Bim Bim, a 27-year-old from Layou, has been sentenced to two years and three months in prison for assaulting John Mofford outside the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital (MCMH) on August 23. Joseph was already serving a suspended sentence for a similar crime when the incident occurred. The altercation began when Mofford, accompanying a young woman who had been injured by Joseph and another female, remarked that jail was Joseph’s home. Enraged, Joseph struck Mofford above the right eye, causing him to fall, and proceeded to beat him with the help of another woman. Joseph fled the scene but was later arrested and charged. During the trial, Joseph pleaded guilty to causing actual bodily harm. In mitigation, she cited personal frustrations and concerns for her children, aged 10 and 8, who had previously suffered due to her incarceration. However, Senior Magistrate Tammika McKenzie activated Joseph’s suspended sentence, emphasizing her repeated offenses. Joseph’s sentence for the assault was ordered to run concurrently, sparing her additional prison time. The magistrate noted Joseph’s history of violent behavior, including stabbing an officer, and expressed concern over her pattern of reoffending. Joseph is also facing charges related to an alleged robbery and attempted murder in South Rivers.
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Social : First progress report on support for families, workers and displaced persons (Video)
On October 14, 2025, during the 25th edition of ‘Tuesdays of the Nation,’ Georges Wilbert Franck, Haiti’s Minister of Social Affairs and Labor (MAST), outlined the government’s latest efforts to bolster support for vulnerable populations. The initiatives target parents of schoolchildren, displaced persons, and workers, reflecting a multifaceted approach to social welfare. Key measures include the relocation of displaced persons from schools, cash transfers to families, financial aid for households, and worker assistance programs. Under the Multisectoral Emergency Program (PUM), ten schools, including prominent institutions like Lycée Marie-Jeanne and École nationale Colbert Lochard, have been vacated to resume educational activities. Simultaneously, over 108,000 parents have received 15,000 Gourdes via digital payment platforms, with plans to extend this to 200,000 beneficiaries. Additionally, 60,000 vulnerable households will receive direct financial aid, while nearly 31,000 workers are set to benefit from specialized support. The government’s commitment is further underscored by 19 ongoing social projects involving seven ministries and the Economic and Social Assistance Fund (FAES). Minister Franck reiterated the administration’s dedication to alleviating hardship and fostering dignity for all citizens.
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Wereldbank ondersteunt route naar sterkere toerismesector
The Surinamese government has identified the tourism sector as a key driver of economic growth, unveiling a new marketing strategy to propel its development. Presented by Simon McArthur & Associates (SMA) Tourism, an international consultancy firm, the strategy was introduced at the Cabinet of the President as part of a World Bank-supported initiative to strengthen the tourism industry. This follows an earlier presentation on the Value Chain for Tourism. Simon McArthur, Managing Director of SMA Tourism, highlighted Suriname’s exceptional tourism potential but noted a lack of clear positioning. ‘Promoting too many diverse products simultaneously creates confusion,’ McArthur stated. ‘We recommend a unified strategy focusing on one or two core aspects—our suggestion is culture and nature. Suriname offers unique experiences unmatched anywhere in the world.’ McArthur emphasized that visitors could become Suriname’s best ambassadors if experiences are consistently and professionally delivered, as reported by the Suriname Communication Service. However, he also pointed out structural challenges hindering tourism growth, including the absence of specialized tourism programs at local universities, a shortage of qualified personnel in the ministry and sector, and practical obstacles like limited international flight connections and a lack of efficient e-commerce systems for foreign payments. Minister Raymond Landveld of Transport, Communication, and Tourism acknowledged the critical observations made during the presentation but viewed them as opportunities for improvement. ‘It’s better to face reality than to mask it,’ he said. ‘We must now focus on making these plans actionable. The current policy direction shows immense potential.’ Rachel Pinas, Tourism Advisor at the Cabinet of the President, emphasized that operationalizing the Suriname Tourism Authority (STA) remains a top priority. ‘The law and governance structure are in place, but funding details need to be finalized,’ Pinas explained. ‘Once active, the STA will oversee promotion, marketing, and sector certification, as seen in other countries.’ The SMA Tourism marketing strategy is expected to be finalized by the end of this year, with implementation to follow by the government and industry stakeholders.
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Ouanaminthe : CODEVI Industrial Park paralyzed by new demands
The CODEVI Industrial Park in Ouanaminthe, northeastern Haiti, remains paralyzed as workers continue their strike despite the government’s recent waiver of the 10% payroll tax. Initially, the strike was triggered by tax-related grievances, but it has now evolved into a broader demand for salary adjustments to align with the escalating cost of living. The workers’ refusal to return to work has raised concerns about the economic and social stability of the region. The Association of Industries of Haiti (ADIH) has expressed its solidarity with CODEVI, emphasizing the critical role the industrial park plays in sustaining formal employment and supporting thousands of families. ADIH highlighted that CODEVI employs over 16,000 workers, indirectly supporting nearly 100,000 people. The strike’s prolonged duration threatens not only the company but also local businesses, service providers, and communities in the Grand North region. ADIH has called for the immediate resumption of operations and urged the government to ensure the safety of workers and facilities. The situation underscores the broader economic crisis in Haiti, where formal jobs are dwindling, and industrial parks like CODEVI remain vital lifelines for economic activity.
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Boca Chica Garden project exposed as major fraud targeting Dominican diaspora
The Boca Chica Garden project, once marketed as a luxurious beachfront residential complex tailored for Dominicans living abroad, has been unmasked as an alleged large-scale fraud. Over a hundred investors, many of whom are retirees from the Dominican diaspora, now face devastating financial losses and shattered dreams. An investigative report by *El Informe con Alicia Ortega* revealed that the promised modern apartments and amenities remain non-existent, with the development site still an untouched, abandoned lot.
Victims of the scheme shared harrowing accounts of their losses. Otoniel Pichardo, who invested $80,000 in four units, discovered the land flooded and devoid of any construction. Francia Romero and Gabriel Rodríguez, a Puerto Rican truck driver, also lost tens of thousands of dollars after being lured by glossy promotional materials and false promises of oceanfront living.
Attorney Miguel Serum, representing more than 100 affected investors, has filed a criminal complaint against developers Edgar and Mabel Hernández, accusing them of aggravated fraud and money laundering. Serum described the project as ‘a well-structured deception disguised as paradise.’ Apartments were sold for $54,000 to $80,000 each, accompanied by elaborate promises of luxury facilities. The developers’ lawyer, Frankelis Peña, has denied any wrongdoing, attributing delays to permitting issues—a claim victims argue fails to justify the total absence of construction.
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Union Island group wins int’l conservation award
The Union Island Environmental Alliance (UIEA) Rangers Team has been awarded the prestigious International Ranger Award at the IUCN World Conservation Congress in Abu Dhabi. This accolade recognizes their unwavering commitment to protecting the unique wildlife of Union Island in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The team, composed of local members Roseman Adams, Junicia Gellizeau, Millesia Gellizeau, Roxanne Forget, Ricardo Gellizeau, Kayroy Baptiste, and Esrome Durant, has played a pivotal role in the recovery of endangered species, including the Union Island gecko and the Grenadines pink rhino iguana. Their daily efforts encompass forest patrols, wildlife monitoring, and addressing human-wildlife conflicts. Despite the devastation caused by Hurricane Beryl in 2024, which destroyed 90% of the island’s homes and left the team without essential resources, they demonstrated remarkable resilience. They adapted their strategies, leveraging their deep understanding of the local environment and community to continue their conservation work. The team also played a crucial role in post-hurricane recovery, assisting with debris clearance and supply distribution. Their achievements include a significant increase in the Union Island gecko population, from 10,000 in 2018 to approximately 18,000 today. Supported by the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Forestry Department, Fauna & Flora, and Re:wild, the UIEA Rangers have become a beacon of hope for both wildlife and the local community. Arica Hill, Fauna & Flora’s Caribbean lead, praised the team’s dedication, emphasizing their invaluable contributions to the island’s recovery and conservation efforts. The award includes financial support, which is expected to enhance their ongoing work and improve their living conditions.
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Unitedville Family Speaks Out After Wrongful Murder Accusation
In a distressing turn of events, the McKoy family from Unitedville has spoken out after being wrongfully accused in the murder of Police Constable Oswald Young Senior. The incident, which occurred on October 10, 2025, has raised significant concerns about police procedures and the impact on innocent families. Jamil McKoy, a local mechanic, was arrested on the night of the shooting but was later exonerated when surveillance footage confirmed his alibi. The Ministry of Home Affairs has labeled the killing as a targeted attack on law enforcement, emphasizing the urgency of the ongoing investigation. The McKoy family, still reeling from the trauma of the wrongful accusation, has called for greater care in handling such sensitive cases to prevent further distress to innocent parties.
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Tragedy on Simon Lamb Street; Murder-Suicide Suspected
A harrowing incident unfolded on Simon Lamb Street in Belize City on Saturday afternoon, leaving two young individuals dead in what authorities suspect to be a murder-suicide. The victims, identified as 26-year-old Kiera Gentle and 27-year-old Harrison Arnold, were found lifeless in a bedroom, both suffering from gunshot wounds. Police were alerted to the scene following reports of gunfire within a residence. Upon arrival, they discovered the tragic aftermath of what appears to be a domestic dispute turned fatal. An audio recording from the vicinity captured a woman’s screams followed by three gunshots, with another three shots heard 14 seconds later. A nine-millimeter pistol, registered to Arnold, was recovered at the scene. Investigators revealed that Gentle and Arnold had been in a relationship but had recently separated. Friends and family described the pair as vibrant and full of life, making their untimely deaths all the more shocking. The Belize Police Department has launched a full investigation into the incident, which has left the community in mourning.
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ULP on the move for a 6th term
The Unity Labour Party (ULP) is making significant strides in its 2025 campaign, marked by a massive rally held on October 11 at the Layou Playing Field. Under the theme ‘We Wuking,’ the event highlighted the party’s broader campaign slogan, ‘Labour is Working For All.’ Prominent figures including Saboto Caesar, Grace Walters, Grenville Williams, Carlos James, Orando Brewster, and Comrade Ralph delivered compelling speeches, outlining the party’s achievements and future plans under the overarching theme ‘Own The Future.’ The rally, which lasted nearly five hours, captivated the audience with a mix of political discourse and musical performances, showcasing the ULP’s deep connection with the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG). The event underscored the party’s determination to secure a sixth consecutive term in office. The ULP’s campaign has also spotlighted emerging stars like Dr. Grace Walters and Dr. Orando Brewster, alongside seasoned leaders such as Saboto Caesar and Comrade Ralph, who continues to be a pivotal figure in the party’s success. The week of October 11-17 was particularly eventful for the ULP, with the inauguration of the Clifton Ferry Terminal on Union Island, the Ignite Grand Finale cultural competition, and the Central Kingstown Football Competition. Additionally, the party held a press briefing on October 13 regarding the upcoming opening of the Modern Port, scheduled for October 25. On October 16, the ULP commemorated two significant historical milestones: the 57th anniversary of Comrade Ralph’s leadership in political activism and the 31st anniversary of the merger between the SVG Labour Party and the Movement for National Unity, which formed the ULP. These events were celebrated with the launch of two books authored by Comrade Ralph, ‘Caribbean Regional Integration’ and ‘Labour is Working for All,’ and a planned rally in Calliaqua on October 18. The ULP’s enduring legacy and commitment to SVG’s development continue to resonate with the electorate, positioning the party as a formidable force in the upcoming elections.
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Police Officer Arrested in Brutal Hattieville Double Murder
In a startling development in a high-profile murder investigation, a 25-year-old Belizean police officer, Orvin Williams, has been arrested and charged with the brutal killings of fraternal twins Paul Esquilliano and Paula Belisle. The siblings were discovered shot dead inside Paula’s residence on Ysaguirre Boulevard in Hattieville on September 15, 2025. After weeks of uncertainty, the Belize Police Department announced on October 11 that Williams, a constable from Mahogany Heights, had been taken into custody and faces two counts of murder. The case has taken a deeply personal turn, as investigators revealed that Williams had previously been in a relationship with Paula’s daughter, who passed away some time ago. Reports also suggest that Williams had allegedly been stealing money from Paula’s credit union account, raising questions about financial motives. Assistant Superintendent Stacy Smith, a spokesperson for the police, emphasized that while an arrest has been made, the investigation remains ongoing, and further details will be disclosed in court. The tragic incident has sent shockwaves through the community, highlighting the complexities of the case and the emotional toll it has taken on all involved.