Residents of Santa Cruz, Santa Elena, in the Cayo District are voicing urgent concerns over a hazardous lamp post that poses a significant risk to the community. Elihu Yacab, a local representative, revealed that residents have repeatedly alerted him about the unstable structure, which he highlighted in a live video. Despite these efforts, no remedial action has been taken. Yacab emphasized, “The lamp post is in a precarious state and could collapse at any moment. Immediate intervention is crucial to avert a potential disaster.” Mayor Earl Trapp of San Ignacio/Santa Elena acknowledged the issue, stating that he has escalated the matter to the relevant authorities and will provide updates. Stella Armstrong, a community member, pointed out that the soil surrounding the lamp post has been eroding for the past two years, further exacerbating the danger. She expressed particular concern for the nearby Santa Cruz Primary School, located just 75 yards away, as the lamp post stands at a key access point to the school. Despite the growing alarm, authorities have yet to implement any visible measures to secure the post, leaving residents anxious and frustrated.
分类： society
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One Week After Bullet Tree Stabbing, Suspect Arrested
In a significant development, Belizean authorities have arrested 25-year-old Gian Eldred Waight, a construction worker from Cayo, in connection with the brutal murder of Canadian businesswoman Marty Ann Thorne. The arrest took place in Guatemala, where Waight was detained and subsequently handed over to Belizean police. Thorne, the cherished owner of Raw Spa Cabañas in Bullet Tree Falls, had been a long-time resident of Belize, deeply embedded in the local community. The shocking incident occurred one week prior to the arrest, leaving friends and neighbors in profound grief. Michael Waight, a neighbor and long-time friend of Thorne, expressed his devastation, recalling her as a kind and gentle soul who had no known enemies. ‘Ms. Thorne was a good person, very friendly, like family. I never saw her with enemies,’ he said. As the investigation continues, the motive behind the attack remains unclear, leaving those close to Thorne searching for answers.
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Village Council Calls Out Alcalde in Growing Rift
The Indian Creek Village Council has escalated its concerns over a deepening rift with the village’s Alcalde, calling for an urgent meeting with Maya leaders to address the growing tensions. In a series of formal letters addressed to the Maya Leaders Alliance, the Toledo Alcalde Association (TAA), and DAVCO, Council Chairman Domingo Choc accused the Alcalde of acting unilaterally, undermining council decisions, and disseminating false information. Choc emphasized that the council could no longer tolerate such behavior, stating, ‘We can no longer operate with an Alcalde who is acting contrary to the decisions of the Village Council and who has presented false information against us as a governing body.’ The council also demanded a public apology following allegations made by the Alcalde during a recent public meeting, where he claimed the council was selling land to foreigners—a claim the council vehemently denies. The council described the accusations as ‘false and defamatory,’ noting that they have severely damaged the village’s reputation and eroded public trust. In its letter, the council warned that failure to address these issues promptly could result in legal action. To resolve the conflict, the Village Council has invited leaders from DAVCO, TAA, and the Maya Leaders Alliance to a community meeting scheduled for November 21 at the Indian Creek Community Centre.
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Police week 2025 continues with ‘Gospel Night’ tonight
The Commonwealth of Dominica Police Force (CDPF) is set to host ‘Gospel Night 2025’ this evening, marking a highlight of the ongoing ‘Police Week 2025’ festivities. The event will commence at 7:00 P.M. at the Police Headquarters, promising an evening of spiritual enrichment and communal unity. Organizers describe the night as an opportunity for attendees to experience a soul-lifting, atmosphere-shifting gathering filled with praise, worship, testimonies, and deliverance. The CDPF has extended an open invitation to the public, urging citizens to come together as one nation to glorify God. The event will feature performances by renowned gospel ministers, including Jerry Lloyd, the Hill Top Singers, and the Campbell Pentecostal Church (CPC), among others. Police Week 2025, themed ‘Serving with Pride, Protecting with Purpose,’ began on November 16 with a church service in Laplaine, followed by a Guard of Honour, an official opening ceremony, and an exhibition launch on November 17. The week-long celebration includes school visits, radio programs, exhibitions, and special events from November 18 to 21, culminating in a fitness festival, talent night on November 22, and an awards ceremony on November 23. According to the CDPF, these activities underscore their commitment to dedicated service and fostering stronger connections with the communities they serve.
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Crime, Corruption and Contraband at Corozal Free Zone
Opposition Leader Tracy Panton has issued a stark warning about escalating corruption, criminal influence, and fear within Belize’s Corozal Free Zone, urging immediate national attention. Panton emphasized that the situation poses a significant threat to Belizeans, particularly those in northern border communities who rely on the Zone for their livelihoods. She revealed that Mexican criminal elements, allegedly shielded by politically connected individuals, are now controlling operations within the Zone. These groups reportedly dictate cargo clearance processes, impose arbitrary fees, and create an atmosphere of fear among business owners and employees, who remain silent out of concern for their safety. Panton highlighted the prolonged delays in cargo processing, with containers left idle for weeks, driving up business costs. She criticized the lack of response from key government ministries and agencies, including the Ministry of Finance, Trade and Commerce, and Border Security, despite the growing crisis. Additionally, Panton raised alarms about the illegal movement of counterfeit cigarettes and illicit drugs, such as fentanyl, within the Zone and nearby border areas, warning of severe implications for Belize’s national security, financial integrity, and international reputation. She also noted that neighboring countries are closely monitoring the situation, potentially pressuring Belize’s Prime Minister and his allies to act.
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Social Lounge Denies Police Claim of On-Site Shooting
On the evening of November 18, 2025, police responded to reports of gunfire near the Phillip Goldson Highway, close to the popular nightlife venue, Social Lounge. Woodrow Reyes was arrested on charges of possessing a firearm while under the influence. Shell casings found at the scene were collected for forensic analysis to determine if the weapon in Reyes’ possession was used in the incident. Assistant Superintendent Stacy Smith detailed the events, stating that officers from Precinct Four conducted a vehicle search leading to Reyes’ arrest. Social Lounge management swiftly addressed media speculation, clarifying that the shooting occurred approximately 150 yards away on the public highway and did not involve their establishment. They emphasized that the venue remained safe and operational throughout the evening, with no disturbance reported on their premises. The incident has sparked discussions about public safety in the area, while authorities continue their investigation.
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CIBC rewards unsung heroes
In a heartfelt celebration of selfless service, Dr. Kirk Morgan and Tennielle Campbell-Williamson were honored for their unwavering dedication to community development and nation-building at the CIBC Caribbean Unsung Heroes Awards. The ceremony, held at the Terra Nova All-Suite Hotel in St. Andrew, Jamaica, recognized their extraordinary efforts to uplift and empower others without seeking personal gain.
Dr. Morgan, a senior mathematics lecturer at The University of the West Indies, secured the top award for his 15-year commitment to providing free Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) mathematics classes to underserved communities. His work, initially based at Papine High School and later through the National Housing Trust, has been driven by a profound mission: to use education as a tool for liberation and transformation. ‘I am elated,’ Morgan shared with the Jamaica Observer. ‘This recognition is unfamiliar territory for me, but it motivates me to continue my work.’
Campbell-Williamson, the runner-up, has spent over 17 years as an evangelist, youth mentor, and personal ministries leader, guiding young people through life’s challenges. Her advocacy for mental wellness, gender-based violence prevention, and community healing has left an indelible mark. Beyond her church, she has mentored young boys through the Denbigh Primary football club, instilling values of discipline, resilience, and purpose. ‘I never expected this recognition,’ she said. ‘My focus has always been on impacting lives.’
The awards, which included a total of US$7,500 in prizes, are part of CIBC Caribbean’s initiative to celebrate individuals who quietly but significantly improve the lives of others. Annique Dawkins, Head of Country for CIBC Caribbean Jamaica, emphasized the importance of honoring such contributions: ‘Today, we shine a light on those who remind us of the best of who we are as Jamaicans.’
Despite a lower number of nominations this year, organizers remain optimistic about the program’s future. Renee Whitehorne, Marketing Manager for CIBC Caribbean Jamaica, noted that the initiative, which began in 2003 and resumed this year after a pause, is expected to attract more participants in 2026, especially in the wake of Hurricane Melissa. ‘We anticipate seeing more acts of kindness and nominations,’ she said.
The selection process involved a public call for nominations, reviewed by a panel of judges, including retired Court of Appeal President Justice Seymour Panton. ‘The submissions demonstrated significant community involvement in critical areas,’ Panton remarked. ‘It’s inspiring to see so many individuals making life better for others.’
For both honorees, the recognition serves as a powerful motivator. ‘It made me realize that what I was doing was not in vain,’ Morgan reflected. Campbell-Williamson echoed this sentiment, vowing to continue her impactful work. Their stories stand as a testament to the transformative power of selfless service and the enduring spirit of community upliftment.
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CARIMAC students host World TV Day 2025 event
The Caribbean Institute of Media and Communication (CARIMAC) at The University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona, is set to host its annual World Television Day celebration on Thursday, November 20, 2025. This year’s event, themed ‘AI TV: The Beginning or the End’, will be conducted virtually via Zoom due to the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, which necessitated the shift from an in-person gathering to an online format.
Despite the change in venue, the organizing team has pledged to deliver an engaging and interactive experience for attendees, complete with prizes and surprises to maintain the festive spirit of the occasion. The event will feature a keynote presentation by Dushyant Savadia, a renowned social entrepreneur, tech visionary, and global humanitarian. Savadia will delve into the evolving relationship between artificial intelligence and television, exploring how technological advancements are reshaping content creation, distribution, and audience engagement. His address will be followed by an interactive Q&A session, allowing participants to engage directly with the speaker.
Dr. Patrick Prendergast, director of CARIMAC, emphasized the importance of this year’s theme, highlighting the need for ongoing discussions about the impact of technology on storytelling and media. World Television Day, celebrated globally on November 21, recognizes television’s pivotal role in connecting and informing audiences worldwide. Through this annual event, CARIMAC continues to inspire the next generation of communication leaders to navigate the dynamic interplay between media, technology, and society.
The virtual event will take place from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm, offering a platform for dialogue and innovation in the ever-evolving media landscape.
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Hurricane victims hopeful after visit by PM and Caricom heads
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The recent visit by Prime Minister Andrew Holness and Caribbean Community (Caricom) leaders to Whitehouse and surrounding communities in Westmoreland on November 17 has sparked a glimmer of hope among residents still reeling from the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa. While the visit, which included representatives from international lending agencies, is not expected to immediately resolve the widespread destruction caused by the October 28 hurricane, locals view it as a crucial step toward addressing their dire circumstances.
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TAJ clarifies circulating video as western tax offices remain closed after hurricane
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Tax Administration Jamaica (TAJ) has issued a statement refuting claims made in a viral social media video purporting to be a public service announcement about services at the Montego Bay Revenue Service Centre (MBRSC). The agency clarified that the video, dated November 17, 2025, is outdated and does not reflect current operations. This comes as TAJ continues its recovery efforts following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa. While most offices across the island have reopened, the Montego Bay office and several western satellite locations—including Darliston, Falmouth, Jackson Town, Lucea, and Savanna-la-Mar—remain closed for repairs. Taxpayers in affected areas are encouraged to utilize alternative locations such as the St Ann’s Bay, Moneague, and Brown’s Town tax offices. TAJ also emphasized the availability of online payment options, including its official website, Direct Funds Transfer, Scotia Online, NCB Online Banking, and the TAJ Mobile App. The agency apologized for any inconvenience caused and urged the public to rely solely on verified communication channels for accurate updates. For further assistance, individuals can contact the Customer Care Centre at 888-TAX-HELP, visit the TAJ website, or follow the agency on social media.