The Salvation Army has officially launched its annual kettle drive in Belize City, marking the beginning of a campaign dedicated to spreading holiday cheer to those in need. This year, the organization aims to provide Christmas meals and gifts to nearly 1,000 children across Belize, while also supporting the elderly with vouchers for essential holiday purchases. Major Marc Eddy Momplaisir, the Salvation Army’s District Officer, emphasized the campaign’s mission of love, compassion, and hope, stating that all funds raised will remain within Belize to directly benefit local communities. The initiative seeks to raise $100,000, a target that fell short by 25% last year due to tighter budgets. However, Major Momplaisir remains optimistic, urging stakeholders, partners, and Belizeans to unite in achieving this goal. The first donor, career educator Maria Coyi, highlighted the importance of supporting the Salvation Army’s efforts to ensure children experience a memorable Christmas. Volunteers will be stationed at high-traffic locations throughout the holiday season, encouraging passersby to contribute to this meaningful cause.
分类： society
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Zarah Castillo’s Inspiring Journey of Hope and Healing
In a world often overshadowed by adversity, Zarah Castillo’s story stands as a beacon of hope and determination. A young nail technician from Belize City, Zarah’s life took an unexpected turn in 2023 when a tragic accident left her with a severe spinal injury, confining her to a wheelchair. Yet, her narrative is not one of despair but of gratitude, perseverance, and an unrelenting pursuit of her dreams. Zarah aspires to become an attorney, a goal she continues to chase with unwavering resolve.
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Here’s One Way You Can Join the Season of Giving
The Salvation Army has officially launched its annual Kettle Drive, a charitable initiative designed to bring warmth, meals, and holiday cheer to children and families in need across Belize. The campaign, which began this morning, aims to raise $100,000 to provide Christmas dinners and gifts for nearly a thousand children in the region. Major Marc Eddy Momplaisir, the District Officer for the Salvation Army, emphasized the significance of the drive, stating, ‘It is a joy. It is really love. So having Kettle launching today in Belize, it means love. It means compassion. You see hope, and you see children who are already happy because they believe the Salvation Army will bring something to them.’ All funds raised will remain in Belize, directly supporting over 800 children, with the potential to extend aid to a thousand in other communities. Last year’s campaign achieved 75% of its target, but Momplaisir remains optimistic about this year’s goal, urging stakeholders, partners, and Belizeans to unite in their efforts. Volunteers will be stationed near banks and superstores in the coming weeks, encouraging donations to ensure that every coin contributes to brightening the holidays for children and the elderly.
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‘Use It or Be Punished?’ Bishop Martin Students Threatened Over MOE-Issued Chromebooks
A recent initiative by Belize’s Ministry of Education (MOE) to distribute Chromebooks to students at Bishop Martin High School (BMHS) has sparked controversy and raised concerns among parents and students. The devices, part of the Skills for the Future Program, aim to provide equitable access to digital learning tools and support Belize’s transition to a more technologically advanced educational system. However, the mandatory use of these Chromebooks has led to friction within the school community.
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Dominican roads: a catastrophe on two wheels
The Dominican Republic is facing a dire road safety crisis as the provinces of La Altagracia and Santiago witness a sharp rise in motorcycle-related fatalities. Over the second half of 2025, these regions have been plagued by a series of devastating accidents, many of which have resulted in deaths and severe injuries. The root causes of these tragedies include reckless driving, illegal street racing, and a widespread neglect of basic safety measures, such as helmet use. Recent incidents underscore the gravity of the situation. On November 3, a late-night collision in La Otra Banda claimed the life of Felipe José Wade Salas and left 21-year-old Jhon Manuel Jiménez hospitalized. Earlier, in Higüey, 50-year-old Eduardo Antonio Lorenzo de los Santos died in a hit-and-run accident while riding without a helmet. The crisis is further exacerbated by a dangerous culture of illegal street racing. In Santiago, 16-year-old José David Montilla lost his life in October after crashing into a guardrail during a high-speed race. Similarly, in May, two young men, Luis Ángel Rodríguez Ramírez and Joandri Francisco, died during a clandestine race in Navarrete. Official statistics reveal the scale of the problem: La Altagracia recorded 3,144 traffic fatalities in 2024, with un-helmeted motorcyclists accounting for the majority. Authorities are now under increasing pressure to implement stricter traffic controls, enforce laws against illegal racing, and promote helmet use to prevent further loss of life.
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ANNOUNCEMENT: DOWASCO apologizes for unscheduled service interruption from Mero to Castle Comfort
Dominica Water and Sewerage Company (DOWASCO) has issued a formal apology to customers served by the WA-1 System, which spans from Mero to Castle Comfort, including Warner and Campbell, particularly those in elevated areas. The unscheduled interruption in water supply was necessitated by heavy rainfall, which caused extremely high turbidity levels in the water source. This condition forced DOWASCO to temporarily shut down the system to ensure water safety and quality. The company is actively monitoring river flow conditions and is committed to restoring service as swiftly as possible. DOWASCO expressed deep regret for the inconvenience caused and extended gratitude to customers and the general public for their cooperation and understanding during this challenging period. The company reaffirmed its motto, ‘Our Water, Our Treasure, Our Life,’ emphasizing its dedication to providing reliable water services.
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EBS roept nogmaals op zuinig om te gaan met stroom
The N.V. Energiebedrijven Suriname (EBS) has announced a temporary power generation shortfall from Saturday, November 8, to Wednesday, November 12, 2025, due to urgent maintenance on several power generation units. This maintenance will hinder the company’s ability to fully meet the electricity demand during this period. According to EBS, power shortages are expected to occur from early afternoon until approximately 3:00 AM on weekends. On weekdays, particularly Monday and Tuesday, power cuts may begin in the morning and extend into the early hours of the following day. Depending on the grid’s load, certain neighborhoods could experience outages lasting up to five hours, with at least one occurrence during the maintenance period. The specific areas affected will not be announced in advance, as they depend on real-time electricity demand. EBS has assured that critical facilities such as hospitals and police stations, along with areas connected to the same power lines, will be exempt from these outages. The utility company has urgently appealed to all consumers to conserve electricity as much as possible during these days to mitigate the impact of the power disruptions.
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Bodies of security guards, guns and ammo recovered after boat mishap
In a tragic incident on the Puruni River, the bodies of two security guards, along with their assigned firearms, were recovered following a boat mishap. The incident occurred on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, as the aluminum boat capsized while en route from a backdam to Puruni Landing. The deceased have been identified as Patrice Grimmond and Kevis Robin, though their ages and addresses remain undisclosed. According to the Guyana Police Force, the boat capsized around 4 PM, with two other individuals, including the captain, managing to swim to safety. Grimmond’s body was discovered on Tuesday, November 5, while Robin’s was found the following day. Authorities also recovered a shotgun, an AR rifle, and their respective ammunition, all belonging to the security firm. Preliminary examinations revealed no signs of violence on the bodies, which were subsequently transported to the Bartica Hospital Mortuary for post-mortem examinations. The recovered weapons and ammunition have been securely lodged.
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Cultural Group Demands Outstanding Carnival Payments
The RT Performers, a prominent local cultural group, are calling on Carnival organizers to settle outstanding fees for performances delivered at national events more than six months ago. Group leader Renee Thomas expressed deep frustration, stating that repeated attempts to contact officials have been ignored. ‘We’ve been waiting over five to six months for payment from the Treasury Department for events we proudly performed at,’ she said. ‘This is disrespectful to the artists, the effort, and the children who are the future of our culture.’
Renowned for their vibrant portrayals of traditional Antiguan and Caribbean characters, RT Performers highlighted that the delayed payments, amounting to over EC$5,000, have left their members, many of whom are young artists, feeling disheartened and undervalued. ‘This isn’t just about money; it’s about respect for the creative sector,’ Thomas emphasized in her statement to Antigua.News.
Efforts to reach Minister of Festivals Daryll Matthew for comment were unsuccessful. The group’s plea underscores broader concerns about the treatment of cultural performers and the need for timely recognition and compensation for their contributions to national events.
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LETTER: How Do Men Feel Walking Hand in Hand With Half-Naked Women?
In a thought-provoking letter to the editor, Cheryl Baptiste raises pressing questions about the decline of modesty in contemporary society. She reflects on the increasing trend of women wearing revealing clothing in public spaces, accompanied by men who seem indifferent to the attention it garners. Baptiste contrasts this with the dignified manner in which previous generations carried themselves, emphasizing pride and class in their attire. She challenges both men and women to reconsider their choices: men, to reflect on the kind of attention they desire when their partners are the center of stares, and women, to question whether self-worth truly depends on the amount of skin shown. Baptiste calls for a revival of self-respect and pride in public presentation, arguing that streets, malls, and airports are not runways or beaches. Her message is a plea for a return to modesty and dignity in how we present ourselves in shared spaces.