During the closing ceremony of the IV Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) and the European Union, held in the host city, Cuba’s Deputy Commissioner expressed gratitude for the unwavering support from Caribbean nations. He emphasized the importance of solidarity in addressing shared challenges, particularly the call to remove Cuba from the controversial list of states accused of sponsoring terrorism. The Deputy Commissioner described the list as ‘fraudulent and unilateral,’ highlighting its detrimental impact on Cuba’s international relations. Additionally, he extended heartfelt condolences and solidarity to Caribbean nations affected by Hurricane Melissa, acknowledging the devastating consequences of the natural disaster. Cuba’s participation in the summit underscored its commitment to fostering collaborative efforts between the Caribbean and the EU, with a focus on advancing mutual benefits and supporting recovery initiatives in the region.
分类： politics
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Minister Perez Rejects 270-Acre Silver Palms Project on Ambergris Caye
In a decisive move, Belize’s Minister of Blue Economy and Marine Conservation, Andre Perez, has publicly rejected the proposed 270-acre Silver Palms development project on Ambergris Caye. The project, approved in December 2024 under a Limited Level Environmental Study, has sparked widespread controversy due to its potential environmental impact and lack of community consultation. Perez, who also serves as the Area Representative for Belize Rural South, emphasized the need for cautious development to protect the region’s fragile ecosystems. He criticized the Department of the Environment (DOE) for bypassing public input and failing to consult local stakeholders. The site, located in northern Ambergris Caye, is particularly sensitive to fish spawning and fly fishing activities, making it unsuitable for large-scale development, according to Perez. He urged potential investors to reconsider, stating that the project is not worth the investment and poses significant risks to the environment. The Opposition has also called for greater transparency from the DOE and Chief Environmental Officer Anthony Mai, who defended the approval process, citing compliance with regulatory thresholds and strict conditions.
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UPP Granted Permission for Motorcade On Sunday
The United Progressive Party (UPP) has secured approval to conduct its rescheduled island-wide motorcade, rallying for an independent investigation into the so-called ‘Vehicle-Gate’ scandal. The event, themed ‘Only an Independent Investigation Will Do,’ is slated for Sunday, November 16, 2025, commencing at 10:00 a.m. from Rising Sun Field, adjacent to the Old Parliament Building. The protest aims to spotlight alleged irregularities in government vehicle procurement, urging transparency and accountability. The UPP’s initiative underscores growing public concern over governance and procurement practices, marking a significant moment in the party’s ongoing campaign for governmental reform.
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Royalty To Come To Belize
Her Royal Highness, The Duchess of Edinburgh, is scheduled to undertake an official visit to Belize from November 16 to 19, 2025. This significant event, orchestrated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade, Culture, and Immigration, underscores the strengthening ties between the United Kingdom and Belize. The Duchess’s agenda is packed with engagements aimed at fostering collaboration and understanding. She will meet with key government officials and community leaders to discuss pivotal issues. Her itinerary includes visits to projects dedicated to enhancing eye health, empowering indigenous women, and preserving Belize’s renowned barrier reef. The Belizean government has expressed its excitement and readiness to host the Duchess, highlighting the visit as a momentous occasion that will further solidify bilateral relations.
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Alexander mum on SoE review tribunal recommendations
Six reports from the State of Emergency Review Tribunal have been submitted to Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander, yet it remains unclear whether detainees have been informed of the tribunal’s findings. The reports, delivered on September 12, 19, and 28, and October 6, 9, and 22, contain recommendations on whether detainees, including prisons supervisor Garth Guada, should remain in custody. Despite repeated inquiries sent to Alexander on November 10 and 11, neither the minister, the ministry’s permanent secretary, nor its corporate communications unit have responded. Guada’s attorneys also remain silent, while attorney Darren Mitchell, representing six detainees, confirmed his clients have not received any updates. The tribunal’s secretary, however, indicated that reports for three of Mitchell’s clients were sent to the minister. Under regulations gazetted on July 18, the tribunal is tasked with assessing whether sufficient cause exists for detention and may recommend its continuation or termination. Detainees are entitled to receive the tribunal’s conclusions, though the full report remains confidential unless the minister authorizes its disclosure. The minister retains sole discretion to act on the tribunal’s recommendations, as its findings are not binding. A 2024 Court of Appeal ruling emphasized that detainees must be informed of the grounds for their detention and that ministerial decisions are subject to judicial review. The tribunal recently defended its role, stating it operates within the Emergency Powers Regulations 2025, which limit its function to reviewing detentions and reporting to the minister. Critics, including attorneys, have accused the police of using preventative detention orders (PDOs) as a substitute for proper investigations. The government extended the state of emergency for a second three-month period on October 31, with 98 of 156 PDOs executed so far.
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France warns over Caribbean ‘instability’ as G7 talks open
At the G7 meeting held in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Canada, France’s Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot expressed deep concern over the escalating military activities in the Caribbean, labeling them as a disregard for international law. Barrot emphasized the need to avoid instability caused by potential escalations, particularly in light of Venezuela’s warnings that US deployments could provoke a full-scale conflict. The USS Gerald R. Ford, the world’s largest aircraft carrier, recently entered the region under the control of the US Naval Forces Southern Command, intensifying the arms buildup. The Trump administration has justified its military campaign in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific as part of an anti-drug offensive, but Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has accused the US of fabricating a war to pursue regime change. Barrot highlighted the importance of G7 nations collaborating to combat the global narcotics trade, noting the potential impact on over a million French citizens residing in the Caribbean. Meanwhile, Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand, the meeting’s host, underscored the G7’s focus on supporting Ukraine against Russian aggression, with the UK announcing £13 million in aid for Ukraine’s energy sector and a ban on Russian liquid natural gas. Anand also addressed the escalating humanitarian crisis in Sudan, pledging G7 support for those affected. Despite the ongoing trade tensions between the US and Canada, Anand indicated that the issue would not be a primary focus of her bilateral meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
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Algemene Politieke Beschouwingen starten met eerbetoon aan Venetiaan
At the commencement of the General Political Deliberations (APB) in the National Assembly of Suriname, a moment of silence was observed to honor the passing of former President Ronald Venetiaan on November 5. Unanimously, all political factions acknowledged that Suriname has lost not only a political giant but also one of its most exemplary statesmen in multiple respects. Venetiaan was widely praised for his unwavering commitment to ethics, values, and norms, his profound love for Suriname, and his exemplary character. Steven Reyme, the leader of the A-20 faction, urged the current political generation and society at large to follow Venetiaan’s example. He described Venetiaan as the embodiment of servant leadership, having served Suriname in various capacities, including as a poet, teacher, union leader, minister, parliamentarian, family man, and three-time president. Reyme lamented that ‘prophets are often not sufficiently appreciated in their own land during their lifetime,’ but called on current leaders to adopt Venetiaan’s principles, which are sorely needed. Dorothy Hoever, a member of the National Party of Suriname (NPS), of which Venetiaan was a long-time chairman, highlighted his steadfastness, balance, faith, and commitment to truth. She remarked, ‘A great Surinamese has departed.’ President Jennifer Simons, speaking on behalf of the government, expressed condolences to Venetiaan’s family and confirmed that his wish to be buried without state honors would be respected. Simons, who knew Venetiaan since her school days, emphasized that his legacy of service to others would endure, transcending human differences.
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IMA announces enhanced compliance measures for CBI applicants
The Investment Migration Agency (IMA), formerly known as the Citizenship by Investment Unit (CBI) in Grenada’s Ministry of Home Affairs, has announced the implementation of enhanced compliance measures for its Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Programme. Effective November 10, 2025, these measures aim to bolster the integrity and transparency of the programme, which grants foreign nationals Grenadian citizenship through investments in real estate or contributions to the National Transformation Fund (NTF).
The new compliance framework includes stringent verification procedures aligned with international anti-money laundering (AML) standards. Applicants must now submit a completed Attestation Form, confirming that their investment funds originate from verifiable personal or sponsor resources. Additionally, Bank Credit Advice must be provided to demonstrate that funds were directly deposited by the applicant into the developer’s account, ultimately transferring to an Escrow or government-approved account.
These measures underscore the IMA’s commitment to ensuring that all investments are legitimate, traceable, and transparent. In a circular published on its website, the IMA emphasized its dedication to safeguarding the programme’s credibility and protecting the interests of genuine applicants. Since its inception in 2014, the CBI Programme has generated over EC$1 billion in revenue and granted citizenship to more than 20,000 individuals from countries such as the USA, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, India, Russia, and Turkey.
The IMA’s latest updates reflect its ongoing efforts to align with global best practices, reinforcing Grenada’s reputation as a trusted destination for investment migration. By prioritizing compliance and transparency, the agency aims to maintain the programme’s integrity while fostering economic growth and international partnerships.
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UPP leader Joshua Francis urges voter confirmation amidst criticism of stipulations
Joshua Francis, leader of the United Progressive Party (UPP), has urged Dominicans to actively participate in the ongoing voter confirmation process, despite perceived challenges. Speaking at a recent press conference, Francis emphasized the importance of civic duty in ensuring a robust democratic system. The voter confirmation process, initiated on October 15, 2025, is a cornerstone of Dominica’s electoral reform agenda, aimed at modernizing the voting system and enhancing democratic participation. Francis highlighted the difficulties faced by many citizens who lack essential identification documents such as passports, driver’s licenses, or social security cards. He called on the Electoral Commission to prioritize the interests of all Dominicans, ensuring inclusivity in the process. Francis also shared his personal experience, describing the confirmation process as straightforward and encouraging others to follow suit. He advised those encountering issues to seek assistance from legal professionals or the Chief Elections Officer. Meanwhile, Dr. Thomson Fontaine, leader of the United Workers Party (UWP), criticized the Electoral Commission’s decision to exclude birth certificates as a valid form of identification for voter confirmation. Fontaine argued that this exclusion would disenfranchise thousands of Dominicans, particularly those without the means to obtain alternative IDs. He condemned the move as a violation of fundamental human rights, stressing that it undermines the democratic principle of universal suffrage. The voter confirmation process involves multiple steps, including name verification, document validation, and electronic data entry, culminating in the issuance of a confirmation receipt. The debate over the process underscores the broader challenges of balancing electoral integrity with accessibility in Dominica’s evolving democratic landscape.
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Vice Presidents of Cuba and Colombia discuss issues of mutual interes
In a significant diplomatic engagement, Cuban Vice President Salvador Valdes Mesa met with Colombian Vice President Francia Marquez in Bogota, emphasizing the enduring partnership between the two nations. The discussions, which included Cuban Deputy Foreign Minister Anayansi Rodriguez and Cuban Ambassador to Colombia Javier Caamaño, focused on the upcoming Summit between the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) and the African Union (AU). Valdes expressed gratitude for Colombia’s solidarity following the devastation wrought by Hurricane Melissa in eastern Cuba. Additionally, Valdes, who was in Bogota for the 4th Summit of Heads of State and Government of CELAC and the European Union (EU), held talks with Colombian President Gustavo Petro. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to mutual support and solidarity, underscoring the importance of regional cooperation in addressing shared challenges.