Church leaders in Belize have clarified that the recent cannabis referendum in Caye Caulker does not contravene their 2022 agreement with the government. They assert that the referendum is a localized initiative and not a national policy shift. Senator Pastor Louis Wade, a key figure in the churches’ “No” campaign, emphasized that the 2022 pact with the Government of Belize—which mandates a national referendum before any legalization of cannabis—remains unbroken. Wade explained that the Caye Caulker vote is not driven by the Cabinet and lacks unified ministerial support, thus it does not breach the agreement. He stated, “Absolutely not, because there are ministers who have clearly expressed their opposition and have called for amendments to the Referendum Act to prevent such occurrences in the future. However, if the government proceeds with legalization based on a ‘yes’ vote, that would constitute a breach, and we would address it accordingly.” Wade further noted that the churches became formally involved after the Elections and Boundaries Commission restricted recognized participation to organizations represented by the four Senate social-partner seats. While the churches would have preferred a community-led “No” campaign, their formal recognition was necessary to ensure the effort’s legitimacy. Operationally, the churches are deploying scrutineers and a volunteer committee to oversee the election process, underscoring the localized nature of the exercise. Additionally, the churches have requested the petition signatures that initiated the referendum, citing concerns from island residents who claim their names were included without consent. The 2022 agreement between church leaders and the government explicitly requires a national referendum before any legalization of cannabis. Wade maintains that only Cabinet action to legalize based solely on the Caye Caulker results would violate this pact. In the absence of such action, the referendum serves as a local gauge of public opinion rather than a precursor to national policy change.
分类： politics
-
UDP Slams Government Over Free Movement Rollout
The United Democratic Party (UDP) has launched a scathing critique of the Belizean Government’s management of the October 1 implementation of the CARICOM Free Movement of Nationals policy, which includes Belize, Barbados, Dominica, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The UDP claims that Belizeans were inadequately informed about the policy’s practical implications, leaving both citizens and employers in the dark. During a press conference, UDP leader Hon. Patrick Faber highlighted that while Barbados conducted detailed briefings to prepare its citizens, Belize failed to provide comparable information. Faber argued that the lack of communication has created widespread confusion, with many Belizeans unaware of the policy’s full-scale effects. The Government, however, has outlined that the policy permits indefinite stays for nationals of the four countries, with registration systems in place for accessing healthcare and education. Security measures include vetting by CARICOM’s IMPACS and the Advanced Passenger Information System (APIS) to screen for potential threats. Despite these assurances, Faber expressed concerns about Belize’s readiness to handle the additional pressures, citing existing challenges such as crime, healthcare deficiencies, and economic strain. The UDP emphasized the need for clear communication, consultation, and safeguards to protect Belizeans and the economy, warning that the current approach risks fueling uncertainty and undermining public confidence.
-
GY$5 billion PPP election campaign spending “a blatant lie” – PPP General Secretary
In a recent press interaction, People’s Progressive Party (PPP) General Secretary Bharrat Jagdeo vehemently refuted allegations that his party spent GY$5 billion on its campaign for the September 1 general and regional elections. Labeling the claim as a ‘blatant lie,’ Jagdeo asserted that the PPP’s expenditure was only slightly higher than the GY$300 million reportedly spent by the opposition coalition, A Partnership for National Unity (APNU). He emphasized, ‘We didn’t spend much more than APNU, so let that be your guide.’ When questioned about the potential advantages of incumbency, Jagdeo countered that such benefits were also utilized by the previous APNU+Alliance For Change administration, including the use of a Guyana Defence Force (GDF) helicopter by then-President David Granger. Jagdeo also addressed concerns about access to publicly-funded state media, questioning how it could have disadvantaged opponents financially. He highlighted the PPP’s strategic shift to a digital campaign, citing its cost-effectiveness compared to traditional newspaper advertising. ‘We didn’t advertise in the newspapers much. Nobody reads the newspapers, and our digital campaign cost us an unbelievably low sum,’ he stated. Jagdeo further noted that the PPP’s 2025 campaign spending was significantly lower than in 2020, when the party heavily invested in high-priced newspaper ads. The PPP General Secretary criticized the media for not disclosing the source of the GY$5 billion claim, stating, ‘That’s what people do, they hide behind sources. If I was to come here every time and hide behind a source, then we would never find the truth.’ International election observer missions have previously raised concerns about the PPP’s incumbency advantage, but Jagdeo dismissed these as unfounded.
-
Cash grant will continue to be per person – Jagdeo
In a definitive statement on Thursday, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo of Guyana reaffirmed that cash grants would continue to be distributed on a per-person basis to citizens aged 18 and older. This announcement came in response to circulating claims that the grants would instead be allocated per household. ‘It’s a blatant lie! We never made any such decision,’ Jagdeo asserted during a press conference. He emphasized the government’s commitment to fulfilling its pre-election promise of disbursing cash grants before Christmas, as pledged by President Irfaan Ali during his campaign in August 2025. Jagdeo, who also serves as General Secretary of the ruling People’s Progressive Party (PPP), reiterated that all commitments related to cash grants would be honored, with multiple grants planned over the next five years. He also dismissed misinterpretations of Minister Vickram Bharrat’s stance on the issue, highlighting the government’s broader focus on education, tax reduction, home ownership, and social welfare programs.
-
Leacock wants to be in security minister post from day 1 if NDP wins
St. Clair Leacock, Member of Parliament for Central Kingstown, has expressed his eagerness to assume the role of Minister of National Security immediately should the New Democratic Party (NDP) secure victory in the upcoming general election. Speaking at the inauguration of the party’s Sion Hill office on Saturday, Leacock emphasized his readiness to tackle national security issues from the outset. He urged NDP Leader Godwin Friday to prioritize his swearing-in, stating, ‘I want to be on the job from the first hour that we win.’ Leacock highlighted the NDP’s commitment to improving the lives of Vincentians, asserting that ‘life gets better the day you vote for the New Democratic Party.’ He criticized the current government for alleged corruption and mismanagement, vowing to restore accountability and economic stability. Leacock also stressed the importance of financial security as a cornerstone of national security, promising to create opportunities for employment and reduce crime. He pledged to make St. Vincent and the Grenadines a ‘country of second chances,’ offering support to those struggling to reintegrate into society. Leacock expressed confidence in the NDP’s electoral success, declaring, ‘We will win it bigly.’
-
Antigua and Barbuda welcomes Turkish new OECS Ambassador
In a significant diplomatic event, Her Excellency Emriye Bağdagül Ormancı, the newly appointed Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), formally presented her credentials in Antigua and Barbuda. The ceremony took place on Thursday at Government House, where she was warmly received by Governor General Sir Rodney Williams. The discussions during the meeting focused on enhancing bilateral relations and fostering cooperation between Türkiye and the Eastern Caribbean region. Following the credential presentation, Ambassador Ormancı paid courtesy visits to Prime Minister Gaston Browne and Minister of Foreign Affairs E.P. Chet Greene, further solidifying the diplomatic engagement. Ambassador Ormancı, who holds the prestigious rank of Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, will be based in St Lucia and accredited to Antigua and Barbuda, as well as other OECS member states. This appointment marks a pivotal step in strengthening the ties between Türkiye and the Eastern Caribbean, with a focus on mutual development and collaboration.
-
LETTER: Is UPP still in politics?
In a candid letter to the editor, a former parliamentarian and staunch supporter of the two-party system has voiced deep concerns over the United Progressive Party’s (UPP) apparent disengagement from the country’s political affairs. The writer laments the lack of meaningful political discourse within the party, criticizing the repetitive and uninspiring nature of their current outreach efforts, such as daily radio programs that fail to resonate with the electorate. The letter highlights a growing perception that the UPP is losing touch with its base, with internal activities like ‘mobilization Sundays’ and social events overshadowing the need for robust political strategies. The writer questions whether the party’s leadership is truly committed to winning the next election, pointing to a lack of operational branches and a top-down leadership style that stifles grassroots involvement. The letter also touches on the uncertain role of Harold Lovell, a key figure in the party, whose recent actions have left many supporters confused about his commitment. The writer concludes with a stark warning: without a renewed focus on political engagement and a clear vision for the future, the UPP risks further decline and irrelevance in the political landscape.
-
Kem Warner urges political leaders to embrace universal standards of transparency
Governance expert Kem Warner has unveiled his ‘Ten Essentials of Good Governance’ during a United Progressive Party (UPP) town hall event, emphasizing the critical need for transparency, accountability, and inclusiveness in public administration. Warner articulated these principles as universal benchmarks that should guide governments, irrespective of political affiliation, to foster public trust and ensure the responsible management of resources. The ten essentials include accountability to citizens, transparency, integrity, respect for the rule of law, responsiveness, inclusiveness, equity, consensus-based decision-making, efficiency and effectiveness, and stakeholder participation. Warner described these as foundational pillars for effective governance, asserting that their consistent application would enhance institutional trust and decision-making processes. Opposition Leader Jamale Pringle seized the opportunity to critique the current administration, claiming it scored ‘a big fat zero’ in adhering to these standards, particularly in transparency and citizen communication. Warner reiterated that these principles are non-partisan and universally accepted in governance practices, urging leaders to adopt them to better serve their constituents. The event highlighted the opposition’s strategy to center upcoming political debates around governance accountability, positioning Warner’s framework as a critical evaluation tool for leadership performance.
-
Advocacy groups warn of ‘grave impact’ of US government shutdown on immigrants
The recent shutdown of the United States federal government has triggered widespread concern among immigrant advocacy groups, particularly for Caribbean and other immigrant populations. Organizations such as the Haitian Bridge Alliance (HBA) and the New York Immigration Coalition (NYIC) have highlighted the severe consequences of the shutdown, which began after Congress failed to agree on funding. The HBA, based in San Diego, California, expressed grave concerns over delays in asylum hearings, visa and work permit applications, and the exacerbation of the already backlogged immigration court system. Guerline Jozef, HBA’s founder and executive director, emphasized that these disruptions leave families in limbo, prolong detention periods, and increase uncertainty for vulnerable groups like Haitians. She urged leaders to prioritize the dignity and humanity of those affected. Meanwhile, Murad Awawdeh, president of NYIC, criticized the inconsistent handling of immigration courts, which has caused chaos in New York courthouses. He also condemned the Trump administration’s decision to continue Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations, including its $170 billion deportation and detention agenda, while essential services for millions of families remain unfunded. Caribbean-American Democratic leaders, including Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke and Congressman Adriano Espaillat, have blamed the Trump administration and Republicans for the shutdown. Clarke, representing Brooklyn’s 9th Congressional District, accused the administration of undermining affordability and equity in the nation. Espaillat, the first Dominican Republic-American in the House, criticized the White House for freezing funding for critical infrastructure projects like the Gateway Project and Second Avenue Subway, calling it a display of reckless partisanship. The shutdown has left thousands of families in turmoil, with immigrant communities facing heightened threats of raids, deportation, and detention, further destabilizing their lives.
-
UN experts warn Trump’s Gaza peace plan could cause more oppression
In a significant development, a group of 35 United Nations (UN) independent experts issued a stark warning on Friday, asserting that key components of U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposed peace plan for Gaza contravene international law and could exacerbate the oppression of Palestinians. The experts, appointed by the UN Human Rights Council but speaking independently, expressed grave concerns over the 20-point plan, which was unveiled last week and endorsed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. While acknowledging certain positive aspects, such as the call for a permanent ceasefire, the release of unlawfully detained individuals, and increased humanitarian aid, the experts criticized the plan for its broader implications. They highlighted that the proposal’s establishment of a transitional ‘Board of Peace’ chaired by Trump and the introduction of an ‘International Stabilisation Force’ could perpetuate colonial practices and undermine Palestinian self-determination. Additionally, the plan’s provision for a security perimeter within Gaza, which would maintain partial Israeli occupation indefinitely, was deemed ‘absolutely unacceptable.’ The experts also condemned the selective focus on de-radicalization in Gaza, ignoring the prevalence of anti-Palestinian rhetoric in Israel. Furthermore, they criticized the unconditional amnesties offered to Hamas and the lack of accountability for Israeli human rights violations. Emphasizing the need for a just and lawful resolution, the experts insisted that the future of Palestine must be determined by its people, free from external coercion.