On Wednesday afternoon, representatives from the Ladyville and Lord’s Bank village councils convened with government officials to discuss the potential transformation of their communities into a township. The preliminary consultation, facilitated by the Ministry of Rural Transformation, Local Government, and Community Development, marked the first step in exploring this significant development. Area Representative Dolores Balderamos-Garcia emphasized that the meeting was exploratory rather than agenda-driven, aiming to gather initial insights and guidance. She expressed satisfaction with the session, which saw approximately 30 participants. Balderamos-Garcia highlighted the rapid population growth in Ladyville, which now spans from Haulover Bridge to Mile 13, encompassing neighborhoods like Vista del Mar, Mitchell Estate, Marage Road, and Los Lagos. This expansion has heightened the need for discussions on governance, infrastructure, and revenue generation to support essential community services. Senior ministry officials Clifford King and Nacio Acosta outlined the potential advantages of township status, including the implementation of modest property taxes to fund local improvements such as street maintenance, drainage systems, parks, and community development projects. Balderamos-Garcia clarified that no decisions have been finalized and stressed the importance of broader community consultations moving forward. She affirmed the commitment to inclusive dialogue, ensuring residents have a voice in shaping the future of their communities.
分类： society
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Van Dijk betwist nieuwe aanklachten in strafzaak SPSB
In a significant development in the criminal case involving Ginmardo Kromosoeto, Gardelito Hew-A-Kee, and Robert Putter, the court has allowed additional time for legal rebuttals. Following a 200-page defense plea by attorney Nailah van Dijk, the presiding judge, Ishwardat Sonai, granted the public prosecutor, Roline Gravenbeek, the opportunity to supplement her response. The judge also extended the chance for two absent attorneys, Murwin Dubois and Benito Pick, to present their arguments. The case is set to resume on November 20. Van Dijk argued that the Public Prosecutor’s Office failed to provide substantial evidence linking her clients to participation in a criminal organization. She also contested the late addition of charges to the case file, stating that some allegations were introduced two years after the initial summons, violating both international treaties and local laws. Among the added charges were money laundering and involvement in a criminal organization. Van Dijk further demanded the exclusion of evidence against Putter, citing that he was interrogated as a witness, not a suspect, in 2021. She emphasized that the interrogation should not be used against him if he were later deemed a suspect. Additionally, Van Dijk disputed the classification of Kromosoeto as a public official and provided a detailed analysis of two companies allegedly linked to the Surinamese Post Savings Bank.
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Official Public and Bank Holidays for 2026
The Belizean government has officially unveiled the public and bank holiday schedule for 2026, as confirmed by the Belize Press Office. The comprehensive calendar features 14 national observances, commencing with New Year’s Day on January 1 and concluding with Boxing Day on December 26. Notably, several holidays, including Holy Saturday, Emancipation Day, and Boxing Day, coincide with weekends, potentially influencing how businesses and institutions plan their operations. This announcement provides clarity for citizens and organizations alike, enabling them to prepare for the year ahead. The full list of holidays ensures that key cultural and historical events are recognized nationwide, fostering a sense of unity and tradition.
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Free Zone Businessman Survives Cartel-Style Attack
In a harrowing incident on Wednesday night, Nitin Buxani, a well-known businessman from the Corozal Free Zone, narrowly escaped a violent assassination attempt near the Mile 8 roundabout in Hattieville, Belize. Buxani, accompanied by his driver, was traveling in a pickup truck when it was ambushed by gunmen. Witnesses reported hearing at least 19 gunshots during the attack. Despite the severity of the assault, the driver managed to navigate the vehicle to Belize City, where both men received medical attention and are now in stable condition. Buxani reportedly sustained multiple injuries, with a chest plate credited with stopping two potentially fatal bullets. Authorities and sources close to the investigation suggest that the attack may be connected to internal disputes within the Corozal Free Zone, an area notorious for cartel activities, particularly in the tobacco trade. This incident has raised concerns about the escalating violence and the influence of organized crime in the region.
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Education is the antidote to ignorance
A recent poll conducted in August and September 2025, targeting nearly 230 older teenagers, has shed light on their perspectives regarding the Age of Civil Responsibility (ACR) Bill and sex education. The survey, which focused on critical aspects of reproductive health education, revealed a clear preference for comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) over abstinence-only instruction. A striking 68% of respondents opposed limiting sex education to abstinence-only content, with only 18% in favor. Conversely, an overwhelming 93% supported the inclusion of age-appropriate CSE in schools, with 58% expressing strong agreement. This data underscores the growing demand among youth for informed and inclusive reproductive health education. Critics of the ACR Bill argue that legislation alone cannot address the issue. However, advocates emphasize the need for legal frameworks to create societal space for meaningful action. Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell, in his recent address to the UN General Assembly, highlighted education as the antidote to ignorance, particularly in the context of reproductive health. The Caribbean region has long struggled to meet international CSE standards, with no country coming close to compliance. The poll results reflect the high expectations of older adolescents for quality CSE, urging leaders in education and health to take bold steps toward reform. Tonia Frame, President of the Grenada Planned Parenthood Association (GPPA), and Fred Nunes, Consultant at Advocates for Safe Parenthood: Improving Reproductive Equity (ASPIRE), have called for courage and action from policymakers to replace sexual ignorance with education.
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After traumatic home invasion, Phillipine man wants a gun
A Philippine family of seven endured a harrowing ordeal when six armed men invaded their home in the early hours of November 4, just meters away from the Prime Minister’s residence. The attackers, who claimed to be police officers, tied up the family, beat them, and ransacked their property, leaving them traumatized and seeking justice. Vijay Ragoonanan, 53, the family patriarch, sustained severe injuries to his eye and lip during the assault. The incident has reignited discussions about the proposed stand-your-ground legislation, which the family now supports as a means of self-defense. Ragoonanan, a farmer who built his home through decades of hard work, expressed his shock and disbelief, stating that he had always felt safe in the community until this brutal attack. The family, now living in fear, has appealed for assistance to secure their home and recover from the financial and emotional toll of the invasion. Police investigations are ongoing, but the family remains hopeful for stronger legal protections and the ability to defend themselves in the future.
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ODPEM head pledges modern, efficient disaster-relief system
KINGSTON, Jamaica—Commander Alvin Gayle, the newly appointed Director General of the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM), has unveiled a comprehensive strategy to bolster Jamaica’s disaster response capabilities. The initiative centers on the implementation of a cutting-edge logistics system designed to streamline the tracking, management, and distribution of relief supplies across the island, particularly as the nation continues its recovery from the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa.
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THA, NTA sign MOU on workforce competitiveness
In a significant move to bolster Tobago’s workforce, the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) and the National Training Agency (NTA) have formalized a memorandum of understanding (MoU) aimed at equipping the island’s current and future workforce with globally competitive skills. The agreement was signed on November 6 at the Victor Bruce Financial Complex in Scarborough, Tobago, in a ceremony attended by key stakeholders, including NTA chairman Chandar Gupta Supersad, parliamentary secretary Hansen Narinesingh, and THA Secretary Petal Ann Roberts. The initiative, known as the Tobago Training Needs Assessment project, is set to conclude by October and is designed to identify skill gaps, prioritize economic sectors, and align training programs with labor market demands. Narinesingh emphasized the project’s importance in addressing the challenges posed by rapid technological advancements, artificial intelligence, and shifting global labor markets. He highlighted the need for purposeful skills, adaptability, and innovation to ensure Tobago’s workforce remains competitive. Roberts underscored the initiative’s role in preparing Tobagonians for future job markets, aligning training with economic opportunities, and fostering equitable development across Trinidad and Tobago. Supersad described the assessment as timely, stressing its potential to create responsive training programs and national occupational standards tailored to Tobago’s needs. The project aims to empower Tobagonians, particularly youth, by connecting them to meaningful training and real-world opportunities, ultimately driving economic growth and development on the island.
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Sykes commends court staff’s dedication amid Hurricane Melissa devastation
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Chief Justice Bryan Sykes has lauded court staff and managers across multiple parishes for their unwavering dedication and resilience in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, which caused extensive damage to judicial facilities. During his visits to the Santa Cruz courthouse in St Elizabeth and other severely affected areas, including St James, Trelawny, and Hanover, Justice Sykes expressed his admiration for the commitment of court personnel who continue to report for duty despite personal hardships. He described the scenes of devastation as ‘distressing’ but emphasized the inspiring leadership and proactive efforts of senior judges and court operations managers. ‘What I am particularly pleased about is that in all the parishes, the senior judges and court operations managers have stepped up as leaders, which is what we expect of them,’ he remarked. ‘They have been strategizing on how to restore services, highlighting the importance of planning and risk mitigation.’ In parishes like Hanover and St James, staff have been actively cleaning up and preparing to reopen facilities. However, in St Elizabeth, the destruction was so severe that ‘there’s nowhere to clean up,’ Sykes noted. Despite losing homes and roofs, many staff members remain committed to their duties. Sykes called for collaboration among stakeholders to support the recovery of the justice system. His visits underscored the critical need for leadership training and disaster preparedness within the judiciary, as staff continue to demonstrate courage and service under challenging conditions. Justice Sykes is scheduled to visit the Westmoreland Parish Court next.
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Ministry intervenes after Barataria North Sec brawl
In the wake of a violent altercation on November 4 involving male and female students outside Barataria North Secondary School, the Education Ministry has swiftly responded by bolstering security measures. Education Minister Michael Dowlath announced on November 6 that additional police patrols have been arranged for several priority schools, including Barataria North Secondary, to ensure student safety. The ministry expressed deep concern over the incident, emphasizing its commitment to addressing indiscipline and disruptive behavior within educational institutions. The school, which had previously been selected for on-campus police presence, is now under heightened scrutiny. The ministry has mobilized various units, such as the School Supervision Division and the Student Support Services Division (SSSD), to implement interventions aimed at fostering a safe and conducive learning environment. An ongoing investigation into the brawl is being conducted, with the ministry advocating for a ‘whole-of-community approach’ to student discipline. This includes engaging parents, guardians, and other stakeholders to reinforce behavioral support systems and encourage positive student engagement. The school’s Parent Teacher Association (PTA) has urged students with relevant information to report it to trusted staff members and reminded them of their responsibility to uphold the school’s reputation. The PTA also cautioned against sharing or posting recordings of such incidents on social media, stressing the importance of handling evidence responsibly.