The Belizean government’s proposed $69 million loan for the George Price Highway upgrade has sparked intense debate, with the Opposition strongly criticizing the move as an unnecessary financial burden. The loan, aimed at funding roadworks between Belize City and Hattieville, has been labeled by critics as a reckless decision that will saddle the country with two decades of repayments, diverting resources from pressing social and economic issues. Minister of Infrastructure Development Julius Espat, however, has vehemently defended the project, emphasizing its urgency and priority for the Briceno administration. Espat dismissed claims of inadequate feasibility studies, asserting that international financial institutions (IFIs) would not approve loans without thorough documentation. He invited critics, including Corozal North Area Representative Hugo Patt, to review the studies firsthand. Patt, meanwhile, questioned the project’s cost-effectiveness and standards, citing structural failures in recent infrastructure projects. Opposition Leader Tracy Panton also condemned the loan agreement, accusing the government of prioritizing debt over the nation’s welfare. The debate highlights the ongoing tension between infrastructure development and fiscal responsibility in Belize.
分类： politics
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Abinader begins U.S. agenda with bilateral meeting with MySilicon Compass CEO
SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA – President Luis Abinader of the Dominican Republic initiated his official engagements in California on Thursday with a pivotal bilateral discussion aimed at elevating his nation’s position within the global semiconductor supply chain. The high-level meeting featured Ian Steff, Chief Executive Officer of MySilicon Compass, with deliberations centered on advancing current collaborative projects and identifying new avenues for growth in semiconductor manufacturing and development.
The session, convened in The Westin San Jose Hotel’s Santa Cruz room, saw President Abinader accompanied by a high-powered delegation. This included Víctor Bisonó, the Minister of Industry and Commerce; María Isabel Castillo, the Dominican Ambassador to the United States; and a consortium of prominent business figures comprising Samuel Conde, René Grullón, María Waleska Álvarez, Felipe Herrera Cabral, and Marino Auffant. This delegation represents a concerted, strategic effort by the Dominican government to integrate the country into the high-technology semiconductor industry, a critical and lucrative global sector. The discussions underscore a national strategy to attract investment, foster technological innovation, and create economic diversification through high-value manufacturing partnerships.
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Security : High-level meeting of the Technical Working Group with the Haitian National Police
On November 19, 2025, the 5th meeting of the Technical Working Group (TWG) for the Joint Support Programme for the Haitian National Police (PNH) convened at the PNH Headquarters in Clercine. The event, organized by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH), and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), brought together key technical and financial partners, including representatives from Germany, Canada, the United States, Italy, Japan, the European Union, Brazil, France, and Mexico. Vladimir Paraison, Acting Director General of the PNH, chaired the meeting, paying tribute to officers recently killed in the line of duty and providing an update on Haiti’s security challenges. Diallo Oumar, Senior Technical Advisor for UNDP, and Paraison presented progress in strengthening territorial and specialized units, improving equipment and logistics, and developing training and infrastructure. The meeting outlined PNH priorities for the next 12 months, focusing on officer training, increased police presence, and territorial expansion. These efforts aim to address national challenges such as gang eradication, electoral security, and the deployment of the Gang Repression Force (FRG). Partners reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the PNH through the Joint Programme, aligning with national and institutional priorities.
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PM Gonsalves’ wife, children’s properties being investigated in Trinidad
An investigation has been initiated in Trinidad and Tobago concerning the acquisition of two properties and the rental of another by Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves’ wife, Eloise Gonsalves, and their adult children, Storm and Soleil Gonsalves. The properties were obtained through the state-owned Housing Development Corporation (HDC), with Gonsalves asserting that all procedures were followed without any special favors or preferential treatment. He has referred the matter to a senior counsel in Trinidad and Tobago for further review.
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Lewis Says Throne Speech “More of the Same,”
Richard Lewis, an opposition Member of Parliament, has sharply criticized this year’s Throne Speech, labeling it as predictable and politically selective. Speaking after the ceremony, Lewis expressed disappointment, stating that the speech failed to provide a balanced overview of Antigua and Barbuda’s development over the past two decades. He described the presentation as a routine recap of the current administration’s performance rather than a meaningful evaluation of the nation’s progress. Lewis argued that the speech disproportionately focused on the period from 2020 to 2025, while neglecting significant achievements attributed to the years when the United Progressive Party (UPP) was in power, particularly from 2004 to 2014. He emphasized that these years included milestones that contributed substantially to the country’s advancement. Lewis attributed the omission to the inherently political nature of Throne Speeches, where each administration traditionally highlights its preferred accomplishments. He acknowledged that while the document outlines the government’s priorities, a more substantive discussion will occur during the parliamentary debate on the national budget in December. Lewis also revealed his intention to address persistent social and infrastructural challenges, including education facilities, water supply, and village roads, which he believes demand urgent attention.
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Pierre touts ‘supreme relationship’ with Castries East, highlights investments
Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre has reiterated his unwavering dedication to the residents of Castries East, emphasizing the profound bond he shares with his constituency. Speaking at a public community meeting in Bagatelle on November 18, Pierre highlighted the transformative impact of his dual role as Prime Minister and parliamentary representative on the daily lives of his constituents. He underscored the government’s efforts to alleviate financial burdens, noting that facility fees are now fully covered for all residents, including those from Marchand and Castries East. Additionally, Pierre announced that CXC exam fees, once a significant concern for parents, are now funded by the government, with plans to expand coverage to five or more subjects. Healthcare access has also seen significant improvements, with free prostate and cervical cancer screenings made available through the Saint Lucia Labour Party’s initiatives. Pierre proudly referenced major infrastructure projects completed under his leadership, such as the Human Resource Development Centre and the Marchand Police Station. He also unveiled a highly anticipated $4 million multipurpose court and community center in Bagatelle, designed to support various sports and community activities. Reaffirming his commitment, Pierre assured residents that ongoing developments aim to enhance their quality of life and promised continued progress as part of his long-term vision for Castries East.
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CCJ wraps regional Referral Sensitization Campaign
From November 2 to 5, 2025, the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) conducted a significant awareness-raising mission in Suriname, focusing on its Original Jurisdiction and referral procedures for legal professionals. The initiative was led by the Honourable Mr. Justice Winston Anderson, President of the CCJ, who also engaged in courtesy visits with key Surinamese officials, including the Honourable Mr. Harish Monorath, Minister of Justice and Police, and the Honourable Mr. Justice Iwan Rasoelbaks, President of Suriname’s Court of Justice. The educational workshop, supported by the European Union’s 11th European Development Fund (EDF), aimed to deepen understanding of the CCJ’s role in interpreting and enforcing the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas (RTC), which governs CARICOM. The session covered critical areas such as the Caribbean Single Market and Economy (CSME) framework, the integration of the CCJ’s dispute resolution mechanisms into national law, and practical aspects of practicing within the Court’s Original Jurisdiction. As part of the engagement, President Anderson presented the Court’s Original Jurisdiction Rules 2024, translated into Dutch, to Surinamese officials, symbolizing the CCJ’s commitment to enhancing cooperation and improving access to justice within its jurisdiction. This event marked the culmination of a two-year public awareness campaign that had previously been conducted in several other Caribbean nations.
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Minister Bird Browne Rejects Calls to Resign Amid Vehicle-Purchase Controversy
Amid mounting pressure from opposition parties, Public Works Minister Maria Bird Browne has firmly declared her intention to remain in office, dismissing calls for her resignation as politically driven. The controversy stems from a $15 million government vehicle purchase that allegedly bypassed standard procurement protocols. Speaking publicly for the first time since the scandal broke, Browne addressed the issue following Thursday’s Throne Speech, asserting her commitment to her role and the public she serves. The United Progressive Party has intensified its campaign against her, organizing protests, motorcades, and public meetings demanding her ouster. Browne, however, remains steadfast, emphasizing her focus on fulfilling her ministerial responsibilities despite the ongoing scrutiny.
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Opposition MP: Constituency allowance cannot be used for self-indulgence
In a significant move to ensure transparency and accountability, Grenada’s House of Representatives has implemented stringent measures for the disbursement and utilization of constituency allowances. Starting January 2024, Members of Parliament (MPs) receiving the EC$10,000 monthly constituency allowance are required to submit verifiable bills and receipts to Parliament, detailing how the funds were allocated for constituency activities. This development was highlighted by Dr. Clarice Modeste, an Opposition Member representing St. Mark, during the adjournment of the 19 November parliamentary session. Dr. Modeste emphasized that the allowance is strictly for constituency purposes and is deposited into dedicated constituency accounts, not personal bank accounts. MPs must also present quarterly expenditure reports to ensure public funds are used appropriately. This initiative follows the approval of a separate EC$5,000 increase in personal allowance by the House Committee on 22 November 2023. The measures aim to foster greater public trust and ensure that taxpayer money is utilized effectively for community development.
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Only Two Audit Reports Published in Thirteen Years
Belize’s accountability framework is facing a severe crisis as the Auditor General’s official website displays only two audit years—2011-2012 and 2015-2016. The absence of annual reports for over a decade has compelled citizens to rely on the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) to access basic public-finance records. This situation undermines the Westminster-style governance model, where the Auditor General is pivotal in ensuring public accountability by scrutinizing the Government’s financial statements, verifying lawful expenditure of public funds, and reporting irregularities to the National Assembly. These reports, reviewed by the Public Accounts Committee, are essential for maintaining transparency and oversight. However, the constitutional cycle has stalled for more than ten years, with most fiscal years lacking reports due to the Accountant General’s failure to submit required financial statements under Section 15(1) of the Finance and Audit Reform Act. Other years remain unpublished because completed audits were never tabled in the National Assembly, leaving a thirteen-year gap in official reporting. This breakdown has shifted the burden of transparency onto private citizens using FOIA. Public-interest litigant Jeremy Enriquez, for instance, has filed an FOIA request seeking multi-year records on the Constituency Development Fund, including allocations, disbursements, and financial statements for all 31 constituencies. While the Government expressed willingness to disclose the requested material, it requested additional time due to the administrative complexity of compiling records across multiple ministries. Enriquez emphasized that the FOIA mandates an access decision within fourteen days, separate from the time needed to compile documents, and signaled readiness to grant more time once the access request is approved. This situation underscores how the absence of timely Auditor General reports has elevated FOIA from a supplementary tool to the primary means of obtaining financial information.