Belize is on the verge of being designated as a ‘safe third country,’ a significant development that could reshape its role in regional refugee policies. This week, the Senate conducted an extensive briefing on the proposed agreement, featuring key figures such as the Attorney General and Ambassador Aisha Borland. The session aimed to address concerns and clarify the agreement’s provisions, though no formal vote was taken. Senior Counsel Eamon Courtenay expressed optimism about the Senate’s eventual approval, emphasizing that this is merely the first step in a broader legislative process. Before the agreement can take effect, the Refugees Act must be amended to incorporate essential protections and operational procedures. This amendment phase will address specific safeguards and procedural details currently under negotiation. The Senate’s approval, while crucial, serves as a catalyst for the subsequent legal adjustments required to implement the agreement fully.
分类： politics
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Qatar : Laurent Saint-Cyr meets with Prime Minister Al Thani
Laurent Saint-Cyr, the President pro tempore and Coordinator of Haiti’s Transitional Council, recently concluded a significant meeting with Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Qatar’s Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs. The encounter took place during Saint-Cyr’s official visit to Qatar for the Second World Summit on Social Development, held from November 4th to 6th, 2025. Al Thani, who also serves as Chairman of the Qatar Fund for Development and holds key roles in Qatar’s Supreme Council for Economic Affairs and Investment, extended a warm welcome to the Haitian leader. He expressed appreciation for Haiti’s participation in the summit, highlighting it as a testament to the deepening bilateral ties between the two nations. Al Thani also conveyed Qatar’s solidarity with Haiti in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, underscoring the Gulf state’s commitment to supporting its Caribbean partner. The discussions centered on enhancing cooperation in critical areas, including security and social development. Qatar reaffirmed its support for Haiti’s efforts to restore stability, particularly through its involvement in the United Nations-approved Gang Suppression Force (GSF), a joint initiative with the United States. Additionally, the leaders explored partnerships in youth reintegration and housing construction for Haitian National Police personnel, aiming to address the country’s pressing social and economic challenges. Both sides agreed to continue their strategic dialogue and explore new avenues of collaboration, with Qatar expressing interest in reviewing specific projects aligned with Haiti’s national priorities.
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LVV-directeur Chotkan in de cel wegens verduistering; smet op ministerie
Anand Chotkan, the 48-year-old Director of Livestock at Suriname’s Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries (LVV), has been arrested on allegations of embezzlement and fraud against the state. The arrest follows an investigation into the disappearance of approximately 100 sheep and cattle, a excavator, a tractor, and an ATV, which were reported missing on October 18. Minister Mike Noersalim of LVV expressed deep concern, stating that such fraudulent activities tarnish the department’s reputation, especially when senior officials are involved.
Preliminary findings suggest that Chotkan had been selling livestock, including breeding bulls, cows, and calves, from the State Farm without authorization since February 2022. The proceeds from these sales were never remitted to the state. Chotkan initially claimed that the money was stored in a drum that had been lost. However, during a search of his home, authorities discovered a drum containing a substantial amount of cash in US dollars and euros.
Further suspicions arose when it was revealed that Chotkan allegedly attempted to defraud the state of over SRD 86 million. He is accused of forging his signature on a performance statement for the delivery of cattle from Brazil, despite the animals never being supplied. The Ministry of Finance was on the verge of transferring the funds to the supplier, but the Central Land Accounting Service (CLAD) intervened, preventing the transaction.
Minister Noersalim emphasized the importance of rooting out corruption within the ministry to ensure the accelerated development of the agricultural sector. He acknowledged the severity of Chotkan’s arrest, given his role in overseeing the State Farm, which is reportedly in dire straits. However, Noersalim remains optimistic, highlighting the training of new personnel and the willingness of retirees to contribute to the ministry’s efforts.
“We are committed to the accelerated development of the agricultural sector and will continue to refine our policies,” Noersalim concluded, reaffirming his determination to combat corruption and restore integrity to the ministry.
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Mexico’s First Female President Assaulted in Public
In a shocking incident that has ignited widespread outrage, Mexico’s first female president, Claudia Sheinbaum, was assaulted while engaging with citizens in Mexico City’s historic downtown on November 5, 2025. A visibly intoxicated man approached Sheinbaum, placing his hands on her and attempting to lean in for a kiss. The incident, captured on video and quickly disseminated across social media, showed the president calmly pushing the man away and reassuring onlookers with the words, “Don’t worry.” Despite her composed demeanor, Sheinbaum later confirmed that she had filed charges, labeling the act as an assault not only on her but on all women. She emphasized the pervasive issue of harassment in Mexico, sharing personal experiences of similar incidents earlier in her life. “No man has the right to violate that space,” she declared in a government-released statement. Mexico City’s mayor, Clara Brugada, expressed unwavering support, stating, “If they touch the president, they touch all of us.” Sheinbaum’s historic election was celebrated as a milestone for women in politics, and her handling of the incident has prompted a national reckoning on gender-based violence. The perpetrator was promptly arrested, and Mexico’s National Governors Conference condemned the act, advocating for zero tolerance toward violence against women.
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Voormalig president Ronald Venetiaan is niet meer
Suriname has lost one of its most revered leaders, Ronald Runaldo Venetiaan, who passed away at the age of 89. The former president, known for his integrity and dedication to the nation, served three terms as the head of state, guiding the country through periods of significant transformation. Venetiaan’s death was confirmed by his family, who were by his side during his final moments. His leadership, marked by a focus on education, ethics, and stability, left an indelible mark on Suriname’s political landscape. Born on June 18, 1936, in Paramaribo, Venetiaan began his career as an educator before ascending to the highest office in the land. He first became president in 1991, serving until 1996, and returned to power from 2000 to 2010. His tenure was characterized by financial recovery, democratic strengthening, and national reconciliation. Venetiaan’s modest lifestyle and unwavering moral compass earned him the affectionate nickname “Papa Venetiaan” among his peers. Even after retiring from active politics, he remained a moral beacon in national discourse. His legacy is not defined by grand infrastructure projects but by his commitment to honest governance, discipline, and moral values. Venetiaan is survived by his wife, children, and grandchildren. The nation has been informed of the passing of this great Son of Suriname, and tributes are pouring in from across the country.
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Democrats dominate U.S. local elections races after Trump’s first year in office
In a remarkable electoral surge reminiscent of 2018, U.S. Democratic candidates clinched significant victories across four pivotal races on Tuesday night. These included the New York City mayoral race, gubernatorial contests in New Jersey and Virginia, and California’s Proposition 50, a redistricting measure. The scale of these wins underscores a growing voter inclination to challenge Donald Trump as his first year in office nears its end, with economic concerns and dissatisfaction with the nation’s current trajectory playing central roles. CBS News exit polls revealed that voters prioritized economic issues, reflecting broader discontent. The results showcased a diverse Democratic success spectrum, with moderates Mikie Sherrill and Abigail Spanberger winning gubernatorial races in New Jersey and Virginia, respectively. Meanwhile, progressive socialist Zohran Mamdani triumphed in the New York City mayoral race, defeating moderate independent Andrew Cuomo. Mamdani’s victory speech honored socialist icon Eugene Debs, signaling a progressive shift. In California, voters approved Proposition 50, empowering state legislators to redraw district lines ahead of midterm elections, a move seen as a counter to GOP gerrymandering. CBS polling indicated that opposition to the Trump administration motivated many Prop 50 supporters. Notably, Democratic candidates in Virginia, New Jersey, and New York City all secured over 50% of the vote, according to Politico. A Republican strategist expressed concern over Democratic gains in Georgia, a GOP stronghold, where two statewide seats flipped in a low-profile Public Service Commission race. Analysts suggest these results highlight potential vulnerabilities for the Republican Party. Meanwhile, Trump responded with a barrage of social media posts, attributing Republican losses to his absence from the ballot and the government shutdown, though he did not specify his sources.
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Christian Council to release statement on PLP’s decision to ratify Island Luck CEO Sebas Bastian
The Bahamas Christian Council, led by President Bishop Delton Fernander, has announced it will issue a formal statement regarding the Progressive Liberal Party’s (PLP) decision to ratify Island Luck CEO Sebas Bastian as a candidate for the upcoming general election. Bishop Fernander emphasized the risks of pitting religious institutions against political agendas, particularly during election seasons. ‘It’s dangerous to try to put the church against politics, especially in political season,’ he stated, declining to share his personal opinion on the matter. The Christian Council has historically opposed the growth of the gaming industry, yet religious leaders have remained largely silent since Mr. Bastian, a prominent figure in the industry, revealed his political ambitions. Mr. Bastian, who plans to step aside from his gaming business to focus on public service, expressed confidence in his ability to manage his extensive business interests while serving in office. ‘I have over 20 companies, and I’m only the CEO of one,’ he said, highlighting his reliance on competent teams to ensure business continuity. Under Section 25 of the Gaming Act, Cabinet ministers and their immediate family members are prohibited from holding gaming licenses or having financial stakes in licensed operations. Prime Minister Philip Davis has confirmed that the government will not amend this law. Mr. Bastian, endorsed by outgoing Fort Charlotte MP Alfred Sears, has outlined plans to establish a community impact center, promote affordable housing, and tackle the high cost of living.
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Amery: Government mimicking another’s foreign policy
Opposition Senator Dr. Amery Browne has sharply criticized the Trinidad and Tobago (TT) government for allegedly abandoning its long-standing foreign policy positions in favor of mimicking those of another country, widely believed to be the United States. Speaking at a briefing hosted by Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles on November 4, Browne began by referencing a UN spokesman’s condemnation of the US military’s recent destruction of several alleged drug boats, which resulted in the deaths of approximately 60 people. The UN labeled this action a violation of international human rights principles. Browne described the government’s foreign policy as ‘inauthentic and unrepresentative,’ accusing it of merely adopting narratives and talking points from external sources. He emphasized TT’s geographical proximity to Venezuela, stating that this permanent reality necessitates prudent, wise, and sustainable management of bilateral relations. Browne also questioned Foreign Affairs Minister Sean Sobers’ recent characterization of Venezuelan ambassador Alvaro Sanchez Cordero as ‘my good friend,’ despite the government’s alleged support for regime change in Caracas. He further criticized the government for accusing the opposition of having a ‘narco agenda,’ referencing a 2013 incident where police found marijuana outside former Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s residence, though no culpability was established. Browne also highlighted concerns raised by the Antilles Episcopalian Conference and the Roman Catholic Archbishop of Port of Spain regarding the US military buildup in the Caribbean and the normalization of conflict. He lamented the government’s lack of an independent foreign policy and its alleged endorsement of extrajudicial killings, including a minister’s threat to use nuclear weapons against Venezuela. Browne concluded by criticizing the government for not issuing its own statement congratulating Bolivia’s new president, instead co-signing a statement by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. He warned against the dangers of war, particularly for small states like TT, and reminded leaders of the consequences faced by former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, who is now before the International Criminal Court for alleged drug war-related murders.
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Morris slams PM’s ‘mamagism’, Duke excited
Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s inaugural address to the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) on November 4 has sparked a spectrum of reactions among stakeholders. Speaking at the Assembly Legislature in Scarborough, Tobago, the Prime Minister unveiled a series of initiatives aimed at bolstering the island’s financial autonomy and economic prospects. Key among these was the introduction of an export licence to market Tobago’s aggregate regionally, a move designed to generate foreign exchange and stimulate economic growth. Additionally, Persad-Bissessar pledged to implement a fair-share model for budgetary allocations and collaborate with the THA to establish a localised police force to address crime on the island. However, THA Minority Leader Kelvon Morris dismissed the speech as politically motivated, accusing the Prime Minister of prioritizing the upcoming THA elections over pressing issues affecting both Tobago and Trinidad. Morris criticized the lack of progress on autonomy, labeling the address as a repetition of long-standing promises. In contrast, Progressive Democratic Patriots (PDP) leader Watson Duke praised the initiatives, describing them as significant steps toward greater self-determination. He highlighted the potential economic benefits of the export licence and the enhanced security a localised police force could bring. The Tobago Chamber of Industry and Commerce also welcomed the focus on Tobago, though it emphasized the importance of effective implementation and transparency.
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Stakeholders on PM’s project-based funding: What is Tobago’s vision?
Businesswoman Diane Hadad, former chair of the Tobago branch of the TT Chamber of Industry and Commerce, has praised the government’s initiative to shift towards project-based budget allocations for Tobago. This proposal, unveiled by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar during a special sitting of the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) on November 4, aims to replace the current population percentage-based budgeting system with a more equitable and transparent model. However, Hadad emphasized the necessity of a comprehensive development plan for Tobago before any fiscal policy changes are implemented. Speaking to Newsday on November 5, she highlighted the island’s lack of a clear strategy for its 116 square miles, which she believes has hindered its progress. “Tobago needs to articulate its vision and goals before discussing autonomy or funding,” she stated. Hadad compared the situation to seeking a bank loan, where a solid business plan is essential to secure investment. She also criticized the past two decades of PNM-led governance, noting that Tobago’s infrastructure and human capital have not significantly improved despite budget allocations. Meanwhile, Mariano Browne, former trade minister and current CEO of the Arthur Lok Jack School of Business, cautioned that the Prime Minister’s proposal lacks detailed implementation strategies. He pointed out the nation’s strained fiscal capacity, with expenditures exceeding revenues, and questioned the feasibility of additional funding for Tobago. Browne explained that an equalization fund aims to redistribute resources to reduce regional disparities but stressed the importance of objective criteria for project selection and funding. He raised concerns about project viability, including technical, financial, operational, market, and legal considerations. While the shift to project-based budgeting is seen as a positive step, both Hadad and Browne agree that meticulous planning and transparency are crucial for Tobago’s sustainable development.