In a formal open letter to President Jennifer Simons, National Assembly member Jennifer Vreedzaam has called for immediate clarification regarding the alleged theft of gold at the state-owned company N.V. Grassalco. Reports of discrepancies in the company’s gold reserves have raised significant concerns about transparency and accountability. Vreedzaam, representing the Para district where Grassalco is headquartered, emphasized the company’s critical role in the economic and social development of the region, particularly for the indigenous communities in the Maripaston area, where gold mining operations are conducted. She highlighted the initial promise of ‘fair benefit sharing’ and sustainable, mercury-free mining, which has yet to materialize in meaningful community participation. Vreedzaam stressed the need for a thorough investigation into the alleged theft, citing potential systemic failures in Grassalco’s management and internal controls. She referenced Article 13 of the Anti-Corruption Act, which prohibits actions causing financial harm to state institutions, and posed a series of critical questions. These included inquiries into contractual transparency, financial oversight, governance protocols, and the handling of the incident. Additionally, she questioned the application of FPIC (Free, Prior, and Informed Consent) protocols to ensure the rights of indigenous communities. Vreedzaam urged prompt and comprehensive responses to these issues, underscoring the public’s right to accountability and integrity in state operations.
分类： politics
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UK halts some intelligence sharing with US over Caribbean drug boat strikes
The United Kingdom has reportedly ceased sharing intelligence with the United States regarding suspected drug trafficking vessels in the Caribbean, citing concerns over the legality of US military strikes. According to CNN, the UK government has decided to withhold this information to avoid complicity in what it deems illegal actions. Since September, US strikes on these vessels have resulted in at least 70 fatalities. The UK, which controls several Caribbean territories, previously assisted the US in identifying suspect vessels for interception by the US Coast Guard. However, the UK has now stopped this cooperation, fearing that its intelligence might be used to target boats for lethal strikes. British officials believe these strikes violate international law, a view echoed by the UN’s human rights chief, Volker Türk, who labeled them as “extrajudicial killings.” The UK’s decision marks a significant departure from its closest ally and intelligence-sharing partner, reflecting growing skepticism over the US campaign’s legality. Canada, another key US ally, has also distanced itself from the policy, refusing to allow its intelligence to be used for targeting strikes. Colombian President Gustavo Petro has similarly suspended intelligence sharing with US agencies until the attacks cease. The Trump administration defends the strikes, arguing they are legal under the Law of Armed Conflict, but this stance has been challenged by international law experts and senior US defense officials, including Admiral Alvin Holsey, who questioned the strikes’ legality and offered to resign.
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Fonseca Responds to Cabinet Reshuffle: “More Work, But I’m Committed”
In a significant Cabinet reshuffle announced by Prime Minister John Briceño, Minister Francis Fonseca has been entrusted with additional responsibilities, including the leadership of the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, alongside his existing roles in Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade, and Culture. Fonseca, who previously held the education portfolio, expressed his commitment to the new challenges, stating, ‘I respect that decision and look forward to once again working with our dynamic team at the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology and engaging with our education community to address the challenges we face. Obviously this means more work, but I’m committed to doing the best I can in service to the Belizean people.’ The reshuffle, effective from November 17th, has also seen other key changes: Kareem Musa has been reassigned to lead Immigration, Governance, and Labour, while Henry Charles Usher takes over Musa’s former roles in Home Affairs and Enterprise. Jose Abelardo Mai retains his position as Minister of Agriculture and Food Security and has been assigned the Ministry of New Growth Industries. Florencio Marin Jr now oversees Public Service and Disaster Risk Management, with his previous portfolio transferred to Oscar Requena, who returns to Rural Transformation, Local Government, and Community Development. The adjustments have sparked public interest and speculation about the implications for Belize’s governance.
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‘Castries will look like Dubai’: Frederick pitches for reelection
As the general election in Saint Lucia approaches, Housing Minister Richard Frederick is vigorously campaigning to retain his seat in Castries Central. Frederick, who has branded himself as an Independent Labour Candidate, has reaffirmed his alignment with the Saint Lucia Labour Party (SLP). During his tenure, he has served as the Minister for Housing and Local Government under Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre’s administration. Frederick is now facing competition from Rosh Clarke of the United Workers Party and independent candidate Stanley Felix. At a recent gathering of SLP supporters, Frederick emphasized his contributions to the city’s infrastructure, including the construction of vending booths, the redevelopment of Bideau Park, the renovation of Darling Road Plaza, and the creation of an amphitheater in Serenity Park. He attributed the city’s transformation to the SLP government’s efforts, stating that Castries had been neglected between 2016 and 2021. Frederick urged constituents to reelect him, promising further development and even comparing the future of Castries to Dubai. He also took a swipe at his opponent Stanley Felix, highlighting Felix’s previous electoral losses in the constituency. Frederick expressed confidence in his reelection, predicting that he would set a record by winning the seat five times, while Felix would suffer a third defeat.
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Gonsalves dismisses ‘political rant’ statements by Trinidad housing minister
Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves of St. Vincent and the Grenadines has vehemently dismissed allegations made by Trinidad and Tobago’s junior housing minister, Anil Roberts, labeling them as a “political rant.” Roberts claimed that Gonsalves’ wife and two children received preferential treatment in obtaining government-subsidized housing in Trinidad, a charge Gonsalves refuted during his weekly radio program. He accused Roberts of spreading falsehoods and innuendos aimed at damaging his family’s reputation. Gonsalves emphasized that his family’s housing transactions were legal, ethical, and devoid of any undue influence. He also clarified that his disagreement with Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar over the Caribbean being declared a zone of peace was not a personal attack but a policy critique. Gonsalves suggested that Roberts’ accusations might be politically motivated, aimed at aiding the opposition in St. Vincent’s upcoming general election. He expressed confidence that his Unity Labour Party would secure a decisive victory, citing public disapproval of Roberts’ conduct. The controversy has sparked a broader debate about regional politics, housing policies, and diplomatic relations in the Caribbean.
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Electoral Department sees rise in independent candidates
As Saint Lucia gears up for its December 1 general election, the Electoral Department has reported a significant increase in the number of independent candidates vying for parliamentary seats. Chief Elections Officer Herman St. Helen highlighted this trend in an interview with St. Lucia Times, noting that Micoud North has emerged as the constituency with the highest interest, attracting approximately five independent candidates. Other constituencies, including Vieux Fort South, Castries North, and Anse La Raye/Canaries, have also seen notable activity, with at least two independent candidates each. However, the official list of candidates will only be confirmed on Nomination Day, November 21. St. Helen emphasized that the Electoral Department is nearly fully prepared for the upcoming polls. Key preparations include training returning officers to manage the election process across all 17 electoral districts. In a move to enhance accessibility, all polling stations will be situated on ground floors to accommodate voters with disabilities, and voting instructions will be displayed in both English and Creole. Additionally, the department is finalizing the electoral list and prioritizing voter identification card verification, urging citizens to verify their ID cards to ensure a smooth voting process.
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PM promises lawsuit over opposition candidates’ Canadian citizenship
KINGSTOWN, St. Vincent — As the November 27 general election approaches, Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves has vowed to challenge the eligibility of opposition candidates with dual citizenship in court. Addressing supporters of the ruling Unity Labour Party (ULP) on Tuesday night, Gonsalves, who is seeking a historic sixth consecutive term, confirmed attempts to block the nomination of New Democratic Party (NDP) leader Godwin Friday and East Kingstown candidate Fitz Bramble due to their Canadian citizenship. Both Friday and Bramble, born in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, obtained Canadian citizenship as adults. Gonsalves cited Section 26 of the Constitution, which disqualifies individuals who voluntarily acknowledge allegiance to a foreign power, and referenced a 2020 Court of Appeal ruling that clarified the legal stance on such matters. Despite objections, the Returning Officer allowed their nominations, leaving the final decision to the courts. Friday, a lawyer, dismissed the challenge as a ‘dirty trick’ and expressed confidence in his re-election. Gonsalves urged voters not to ‘waste their vote’ on candidates with dual citizenship, emphasizing the legal and constitutional implications. The controversy has sparked heated debates, with both parties gearing up for a contentious election.
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BBC Bosses Resign Over Trump Speech Edit
The BBC has been thrust into turmoil as its Director-General, Tim Davie, and CEO of BBC News, Deborah Turness, resigned following allegations of deceptive editing in a documentary featuring former U.S. President Donald Trump. The controversy erupted over a documentary aired just before the 2024 U.S. election, which spliced segments of Trump’s speech to imply he incited violence against lawmakers. Specifically, the BBC combined two separate statements: ‘We’re going to walk down to the Capitol, and we’re going to cheer our brave senators and congressmen and women,’ and ‘I’ll be with you. And we fight. Fight like hell.’ The edited version made it appear as though Trump was urging violence. Trump praised the resignations, labeling the executives as ‘very dishonest people’ and accusing the BBC of attempting to influence the election. Despite the upheaval, the BBC maintains its reputation as a trusted news source globally. Both Davie and Turness defended the corporation, with Davie emphasizing its ‘gold standard’ status and Turness rejecting claims of institutional bias as ‘wrong.’
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PM says he’s not trying to give Wace Canouan land lease
Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves of St. Vincent and the Grenadines has refuted allegations of attempting to transfer the Canouan land lease to investor Ian Wace, who reportedly contributed $25 million to recovery efforts following Hurricane Beryl in July 2025. The dispute centers on the leaseholder, Andrea Pignataro, a billionaire with whom the government has been at odds since 2023 due to stalled land sales since 2017, depriving the government of revenue. Gonsalves accused the Opposition New Democratic Party (NDP) of siding with Pignataro, framing the issue as a key point in the upcoming November 27 general election. On October 24, Gonsalves sent a letter to Pignataro offering EC$36.5 million for the remaining leased land and proposed a meeting to discuss the offer. He assured that the government would cover employee salaries if the developers took adverse actions. Gonsalves emphasized that the government does not intend to manage the resort but seeks a resolution in the public interest. The prime minister framed the election as a choice between his administration, which prioritizes the people, and the NDP, which he claims supports the developers. Gonsalves also highlighted historical criticisms of the 99-year lease signed by the NDP in 1990, which granted investors control over two-thirds of Canouan. Despite initial cordial relations with investors, Gonsalves has recently voiced concerns over limited revenue and access issues for locals. The Canouan Jetport, closed for night flights, remains a contentious issue, with the government facing calls to invest $40 million in its rehabilitation.
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Belize Becomes ‘Safe Third Country’: Here’s What You Need to Know
Belize has officially become a ‘safe third country’ following a contentious Senate vote on November 12, 2025. The agreement, signed on October 20, 2025, allows the United States to send asylum seekers to Belize while their refugee claims are processed. The motion passed narrowly with an 8–5 vote, reflecting deep divisions within the Senate. Government supporters, including Church Senator Louis Wade and Business Senator Kevin Herrera, argued that the deal balances humanitarian concerns with national sovereignty. However, opposition and social partner senators criticized the agreement as rushed and lacking transparency, accusing the government of compromising Belize’s independence for diplomatic favor. UDP Senator Patrick Faber revealed that the government failed to consult the Senate before signing the deal, learning about it through the U.S. Embassy instead. Union Senator Glenfield Dennison questioned the true motives behind the agreement, emphasizing that criticism does not equate to rejecting human rights. Business Senator Kevin Herrera argued that the Senate’s briefing was merely a presentation, not a consultation, and called for a referendum to let Belizeans decide. PUP Senator Hector Guerra defended the agreement as an exercise of sovereignty, emphasizing control, compassion, and human rights. Leader of Government Business Anthony Sylvestre outlined safeguards, including a two-year limit, eligibility restrictions, and a cap of 10 refugees per year. Despite the controversy, Belize now stands as a ‘safe’ destination for asylum seekers.