Curtis King, the Member of Parliament for West St. George and a retired educator, has passionately urged constituents to re-elect the Unity Labour Party (ULP) for a sixth consecutive term. Speaking at a ULP rally in Calliaqua, King emphasized that true leadership is a responsibility to future generations, not merely a strategy for winning elections.
分类： politics
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Smith Pledges to Stay Accessible as He Seeks to Represent All Saints West
ALL SAINTS WEST, Antigua — Anthony Smith, the newly endorsed candidate for the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP) in All Saints West, has made a resolute promise to remain deeply connected with the community he aspires to represent. During a town hall meeting held on Tuesday evening, Smith emphasized his unwavering dedication to fostering community engagement. He outlined plans to maintain consistent communication with residents through regular interactions and targeted outreach programs. Smith, who recently transitioned from the United Progressive Party (UPP) to the ABLP, explained that his decision was driven by a thorough evaluation of how he could most effectively serve his constituents and contribute to the nation’s advancement. The event drew a diverse crowd of residents and supporters, who voiced their concerns on pressing issues such as healthcare accessibility, crime prevention strategies, and food security measures. Smith’s commitment to addressing these challenges resonated strongly with attendees, signaling a promising start to his campaign.
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Chief Elections Officer voter confirmation numbers: ‘So far, so good”
Chief Elections Officer Anthea Joseph has announced that more than 2,000 individuals have applied for voter confirmation since the process began on October 15, 2025. Speaking during a recent statement, Joseph expressed satisfaction with the progress, noting that the process has been running smoothly. She anticipates an increase in applications as public awareness grows and individuals prepare their identification documents. Joseph emphasized the rigorous verification process in place to ensure the accuracy of voter information. Applicants are required to fill out forms, provide identification, and have their data entered into a system that undergoes a two-step verification process. This includes cross-checking the voter’s registration number, verifying details against submitted forms, and correcting any discrepancies. Joseph also highlighted that applicants can monitor their data entry in real-time at confirmation centers, ensuring accuracy before signing. The confirmation process is set to continue until October 15, 2026, with a possible three-month extension if needed. Joseph urged the public to dress appropriately for photo identification purposes and clarified that old passports, even if not expired, are invalid for the process. Confirmation centers operate from Monday to Friday, 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM, and on Saturdays from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. A hotline (617-9595) has been established for further inquiries.
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Joint work permit initiative by Antigua and Barbuda and Montserrat, includes SKN; other OECS nations invited to join
Montserrat’s Premier, Reuben Meade, has urged the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) to eliminate work permits entirely, emphasizing that this step is crucial for achieving genuine regional integration and facilitating the free movement of people within the subregion. Speaking at the 7th Ordinary Meeting of the Council of Ministers of Trade on October 16 at the View Point Hotel in Montserrat, Meade highlighted the success of an existing arrangement between Montserrat, Antigua and Barbuda, and St. Kitts and Nevis, where work permit restrictions have already been abolished. He called for this model to be expanded across all OECS member states. Meade stressed that work permits, which hinder citizens from seeking employment in neighboring islands, are outdated and counterproductive to the vision of a unified Eastern Caribbean. He argued that removing these barriers would allow professionals, laborers, and workers of all skill levels to move and work freely, fostering economic growth and unity. The OECS, founded on principles of unity and shared prosperity, established the Eastern Caribbean Economic Union in 2010 under the revised Treaty of Basseterre, with free movement as a core tenet. However, some stakeholders have raised concerns about security and labor market impacts. Meade countered these concerns by advocating for streamlined immigration systems, including the use of identification cards instead of passports and indefinite entry stamps for OECS nationals. He urged fellow leaders to take concrete steps toward implementing this vision, emphasizing that true integration requires action, not just rhetoric. A dual citizen of St. Kitts-Nevis and Montserrat echoed this sentiment, criticizing leaders for failing to translate integration discussions into tangible outcomes.
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St. Lucia, Dominica PMs endorse Gonsalves for 6th term
Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit of Dominica and Prime Minister Phillip Pierre of St. Lucia have publicly endorsed Ralph Gonsalves for a sixth consecutive term as Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG). The leaders, who share the Labour Party affiliation with Gonsalves, praised his leadership during a joint press conference in Kingstown on Wednesday. Skerrit highlighted Gonsalves’ exceptional contributions to SVG’s development over his 22-year tenure, calling him the most suitable candidate to lead the nation for the next five years. Despite differing views on citizenship by investment programs and diplomatic ties—St. Lucia maintains relations with Taiwan, while Dominica aligns with China—both leaders emphasized Gonsalves’ transformative impact on SVG’s infrastructure, education, and healthcare sectors. Skerrit also urged young voters to participate in the upcoming elections, stressing the importance of continuity in leadership. Gonsalves, 79, has faced criticism for his prolonged tenure, with some advocating for term limits. However, his supporters argue that his experience and vision are indispensable for navigating global challenges. The leaders also toured major projects, including a new hospital and port, symbolizing SVG’s progress under Gonsalves’ administration.
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Opposition Senator Supports Citizenship by Investment Bill
Opposition Senator Shawn Messiah has voiced strong support for the Eastern Caribbean Citizenship by Investment Regulatory Authority Agreement Bill 2025, emphasizing its potential to bolster public trust and international confidence in the region’s investment initiatives. Speaking during a debate in the Upper House on Thursday, Messiah described the bill as a constructive and non-contentious measure that aligns with the interests of small island economies like Antigua and Barbuda, which heavily depend on Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programs for development revenue.
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Leader of Government Business Govia Calls Citizenship by Investment Bill a ‘Momentous Step Forward’ for Regional Integrity
In a landmark move aimed at enhancing transparency and accountability, Senator Shenella Govia, Leader of Government Business in the Senate, introduced the Eastern Caribbean Citizenship by Investment Regulatory Authority Agreement Bill 2025. The legislation, presented on Thursday in St. John’s, Antigua, establishes a regional authority to oversee and harmonize Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programs across Eastern Caribbean states. The new regulatory body will implement uniform due diligence standards, approve eligibility frameworks for applicants, and maintain a comprehensive register of agents and developers. Additionally, the bill introduces stringent penalties for misconduct, including fines of up to US$250,000 for providing false or misleading information. A Council of Ministers, comprising representatives from each member state, will be tasked with overseeing the implementation and policy direction of the agreement. Govia emphasized that Antigua and Barbuda, a pioneer in the CBI sector, must uphold the highest standards of compliance to safeguard against reputational damage and potential sanctions. She highlighted that the legislation bolsters public confidence and reassures international partners of the region’s commitment to transparency and good governance. ‘This is a responsible and forward-thinking measure,’ Govia stated. ‘It signals to the world that Eastern Caribbean nations are united in protecting the value and credibility of our programs while strengthening the legal framework that underpins them.’ The bill received broad bipartisan support in the Senate and was passed without amendments.
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Ombudsman’s FOIA Directive Awaits Response
A week after the Office of the Ombudsman instructed the Attorney General of Belize to adhere to the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and disclose details of government contracts with private attorneys, no official progress has been reported. Civic activist Jeremy Enriquez revealed on October 23 that the Ombudsman’s Office has yet to provide any updates since its directive on October 15. While it remains unclear whether the Attorney General’s Chambers has responded, the lack of communication suggests no developments have occurred. However, the two-week compliance period granted to the Attorney General has not yet lapsed.
The directive stemmed from a formal review by the Ombudsman under Sections 35, 37, and 39 of the FOIA, initiated after Enriquez contested the Attorney General’s refusal in September to release information on payments to private attorneys retained by the Belizean government. The Ombudsman ruled that the contracts, involving public funds, constitute public records and cannot be entirely withheld. The review clarified that ministries may redact only specific sections of documents exempt under Section 28(1) of the FOIA but cannot impose blanket secrecy on financial details of public interest. Consequently, the Ombudsman mandated the disclosure of the names of attorneys or law firms engaged by the government and the total amounts paid to each, while safeguarding legitimately confidential portions.
This case has emerged as a critical test of Belize’s transparency framework, scrutinizing the government’s chief legal adviser for compliance with a statute designed to uphold the rule of law. The Ombudsman’s decision emphasized that the FOIA is not a discretionary policy but a statutory obligation ensuring accountability for public expenditures.
With one week remaining before the compliance deadline, the focus now shifts to whether the Attorney General’s Chambers will act within the stipulated timeframe. Failure to comply could prompt Enriquez to seek judicial review before the Supreme Court under Section 39 of the FOIA, potentially transforming the dispute into a landmark case for institutional transparency. For now, Enriquez remains cautiously observant, noting that the process is still pending but time remains for the Attorney General to respond.
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Faber Accuses Government of Rushing $330 Million Fortis Deal
Senator Patrick Faber of the United Democratic Party (UDP) has launched a scathing critique against the Briceño administration, accusing it of hastily pushing through a $330 million acquisition of Fortis Belize Limited and its associated electricity assets. Faber described the move as yet another example of high-stakes financial deals being executed without proper scrutiny. Speaking at a UDP press conference on Thursday, Faber revealed that legislators were asked to approve the deal without access to essential evaluations of the Mollejon, Chalillo, and Vaca dams. Although senators eventually received reports from NIRA Consulting and consultant Mr. Sunderland, Faber argued that the rushed process—requiring evaluation, study, and Senate approval in a single sitting—was “unconscionable” and indicative of the government’s attempt to “pull a fast one.” The transaction, which includes $110 million for Fortis Belize Limited and an additional $36 million for Fortis Inc.’s 33.3% stake in Belize Electricity Limited (BEL), was approved by both legislative chambers within a single weekend. Faber disclosed that Prime Minister Briceño had already signed the agreement before the debate concluded, forcing legislators to retroactively endorse the decision. Faber condemned the government’s approach, claiming it undermines parliamentary oversight and burdens Belizeans with new domestic borrowing through a “special budgetary appropriation.” He warned that this could destabilize the country’s financial system, as the funds would compete with those Belizeans rely on for personal loans. Faber also questioned the government’s plan to divest the hydropower assets through Hydro Belize Limited, chaired by Ambassador Lynn Young, suggesting that the eventual resale to local banks, credit unions, and the Social Security Board could disproportionately benefit politically connected investors. He labeled the scheme a “pension plan for the boys,” arguing that the public would bear the debt while private interests profit. Faber drew parallels to the 2011 nationalization of BEL under a UDP administration, which aimed to protect Belizeans from unfair rates and foreign control. He asserted that the current deal reverses these gains, prioritizing expedience over transparency. Additionally, Faber dismissed the administration’s claims that the buyout would lower electricity rates, warning that local investors would prioritize profits, potentially leading to higher costs for consumers. The UDP has called for full financial disclosure, including details on tax exemptions for future owners, before the deal is finalized.
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PM Browne Promises Back Pay by December and Salary, Minimum Wage Increase Next Year
In a significant announcement aimed at bolstering economic fairness and citizen empowerment, Prime Minister Gaston Browne of Antigua and Barbuda has pledged a series of financial measures for public servants and workers. Speaking at a town hall meeting in the All Saints West constituency on Thursday night, Browne revealed that back pay for public servants will be processed by December this year, followed by another salary increase in 2026. Additionally, the government plans to raise the national minimum wage next year, ensuring workers benefit from the country’s economic growth. Browne emphasized his administration’s commitment to improving the lives of citizens, stating, ‘Life is getting better for the majority of the people of Antigua and Barbuda, and we will continue to empower them.’ He highlighted the importance of equitable economic policies, asserting that workers must share in the nation’s progress. These measures, according to Browne, reflect the government’s broader dedication to fairness and economic empowerment for all.