The Belize Red Cross Society has issued an urgent humanitarian appeal in response to the catastrophic aftermath of Hurricane Melissa. The storm, which struck Jamaica on October 28 and Cuba the following day, has left a trail of destruction across the region. Homes have been flattened, infrastructure severely damaged, and widespread power outages reported. Hundreds of families have been displaced, with many in dire need of shelter, clean water, food, and medical assistance. The Belize Red Cross has activated its National Emergency Response Mechanism to address the crisis. However, officials emphasize that the scale of the disaster necessitates immediate financial support. The organization is calling for cash donations to fund emergency shelter, food, hygiene supplies, medical services, and psychosocial support. Director General Lily Bowman has urged individuals, businesses, and the international community to respond swiftly to this critical situation.
分类: society
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Guyana readies supplies for hurricane-ravaged Jamaica, deployment personnel on standby
In response to the catastrophic aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm, the Guyanese government has initiated a comprehensive relief effort to assist Jamaica. The Civil Defence Commission (CDC) announced on Thursday that critical supplies, including generators, tarpaulins, and chainsaws, are being prepared for immediate dispatch. This decision emerged from a high-level coordination meeting led by Prime Minister Mark Phillips, involving the Private Sector Commission (PSC), the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), and the CDC. The initiative underscores a collaborative government-private sector effort to address the urgent needs of affected communities. Colonel Nazrul Hussain, CDC Director-General, indicated that Guyana is also poised to send electricity utility workers through the Caribbean Electric Utility Services Corporation (CARILEC) to aid in restoring power, which remains severely disrupted. Over 70% of Jamaica’s transmission lines are non-operational, leaving 490,000 customers without electricity. The GDF is expected to deploy in the coming days to assist with relief operations, including search and rescue missions and the restoration of essential services. The CDC, in partnership with regional organizations like the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA), reaffirmed Guyana’s commitment to providing technical, logistical, and humanitarian support as recovery efforts evolve. The Private Sector Commission has also appealed to the Guyanese public and private sector for donations to bolster relief initiatives, emphasizing the critical role of financial contributions in aiding affected families.
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104 road fatalities for the year
Guyana has reached a grim milestone in 2025, with road fatalities climbing to 104, following the tragic death of a 15-year-old schoolboy in Success, East Coast Demerara. The incident occurred on Thursday morning when Navindra Mahes, a student of Annandale Secondary School, was struck by a car driven by a 35-year-old female police lance corporal. According to the Guyana Police Force (GPF), the collision happened as Mahes attempted to cross the Success Public Road using a pedestrian crossing. He sustained severe head injuries and a fractured right leg, succumbing to his injuries at 9:56 a.m. while receiving treatment at Georgetown Public Hospital. The driver has been placed under close arrest as investigations continue. This year’s fatality count surpasses the 100 deaths recorded during the same period in 2024, underscoring a pressing need for enhanced road safety measures. The incident has reignited public concern over traffic safety and the enforcement of road regulations in Guyana.
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ERC proposes counselling for social media woman for racist remarks – ERC
The Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) announced on Thursday that Jennifer Ally, a woman summoned for making racially insensitive remarks on social media, has expressed her willingness to cooperate with the Commission to address the concerns arising from her public statements. The ERC has proposed a series of social interventions, including psychosocial counselling and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) training, aimed at fostering greater understanding, respect, and responsible communication in the public sphere. While the investigation into her remarks continues, the Commission emphasized that these measures are part of its broader mandate to promote harmony and good relations among Guyana’s diverse ethnic groups. The ERC also stated that it will closely monitor Ms. Ally’s future public engagements to ensure sustained commitment to respectful discourse. Although the ERC lacks prosecutorial authority, it may refer matters requiring legal enforcement to the Guyana Police Force under Article 212D (j) of the Constitution. The Commission reiterated its dedication to mediation, conciliation, and arbitration as tools to resolve conflicts and foster social unity. This case follows a similar incident earlier this year involving Daniel ‘Baby Skello,’ who was arrested for blasphemous libel after failing to respond to the ERC’s summons regarding offensive content in a song.
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RSLPF to receive new K9 as investigation into Tyson’s death continues
The Royal Saint Lucia Police Force (RSLPF) is poised to enhance its K9 unit with the addition of a new police dog early next year. This development comes as the force continues its investigation into the untimely death of K9 Officer Tyson earlier this year. Police Commissioner Verne Garde confirmed during a press conference on October 30 that arrangements have been finalized with French authorities for the donation of the new K9. The official handover is scheduled for January 26, 2026. Preparations are already in progress to ensure a seamless integration, including specialized training for handlers and the establishment of formal operational protocols for canine management. Additionally, Commissioner Garde has requested formal transportation arrangements for the K9 through the Office of the Permanent Secretary, and a budget has been allocated for the construction of a new K9 facility at La Toc within the Police Training School. Meanwhile, the RSLPF remains committed to uncovering the cause of Tyson’s death. While initial toxicology reports ruled out rat bait poisoning, further comprehensive tests are being conducted to determine the exact cause. Assistant Commissioner of Police Dr. Mashama Sealy assured that a detailed report will be provided once the results are available. Despite this loss, the RSLPF’s K9 unit remains active, with K9 Voyu currently assisting in narcotics detection, search operations, and security duties.
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High Commissioner Croney delivered keynote at LSME Annual Convocation
Her Excellency Rachér Croney, Grenada’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, graced the London School of Management Education (LSME) Annual Convocation as the Guest of Honour on Tuesday, 16 September 2025. The prestigious event, held at The Mayfair in Romford, celebrated the academic accomplishments of LSME graduates and acknowledged their contributions to the field of management education. High Commissioner Croney delivered an inspiring keynote address to the graduates, their families, and distinguished guests from academia and diplomacy. She highlighted the significance of their achievements, stating, ‘Today is not just a ceremony—it’s a milestone. It’s the day your hard work, perseverance, and belief in yourself converge into one defining moment.’ She urged the graduates to embrace leadership as a choice, emphasizing integrity, empathy, and impact. The ceremony included the presentation of diplomas, special recognitions, and speeches from LSME leadership, such as Principal Dr Sarita Parhi and Board Chair Professor Stephen McKinney. High Commissioner Croney also commended LSME’s efforts in recruiting international students and discussed potential partnerships, including scholarships. The event underscored the strong educational and cultural ties between Grenada and the UK, reflecting the international character of modern management education. The High Commission for Grenada expressed its commitment to fostering equitable access and increased opportunities for Grenadians to study in the UK.
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Carriacou Historical Society announces new board of directors
The Carriacou Historical Society and Museum has unveiled its newly appointed Board of Directors, signaling a pivotal moment in the institution’s mission to preserve and promote the cultural heritage of Carriacou. This leadership transition follows the extensive damage caused by Hurricane Beryl in July 2024, which necessitated significant rebuilding and expansion efforts. The museum, a cornerstone of Carriacou’s cultural identity, is now poised to embark on a transformative journey with the support of its community, volunteers, and the global diaspora. The newly appointed board members, whose roles span various strategic and operational domains, include Bryan A. Whyte as President, David Mark, MBE, as 1st Vice President, and Majella Mark, MBA, as Director of International Affairs and Special Projects. Other key appointments include Patricia John as Treasurer and Benaiah Matheson as Director of Diaspora Engagement. To enhance its outreach, the museum has launched new social media platforms on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, LinkedIn, and BlueSky, aiming to connect with diverse audiences and amplify the visibility of Carriacou’s rich cultural history. Majella Mark emphasized the board’s commitment to safeguarding the island’s artifacts and stories while fostering global connections. For updates, the public is encouraged to follow @carriacoumuseum on all platforms or visit www.carriacoumuseum.gd.
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Liberty Caribbean Foundation mobilises relief for Jamaica
In response to the catastrophic impact of Hurricane Melissa, the Liberty Caribbean Foundation has launched a comprehensive regional relief initiative to aid affected communities across Jamaica. The foundation, a charitable arm of Flow and Liberty Business, has coordinated with regional crisis teams and partners across Liberty Latin America to deploy essential supplies, including food, water, emergency kits, and connectivity solutions, as soon as safe access is granted by local authorities. Ensuring the safety of staff remains the top priority, with teams actively verifying the well-being of all employees. Relief shipments are poised to commence at the earliest opportunity, pending official clearance. Inge Smidts, CEO of Liberty Caribbean, emphasized the foundation’s commitment to supporting both employees and the broader community, stating, ‘Our first duty is to our people and to the communities who rely on us. We are prepared to deliver immediate relief and stand with these communities throughout their recovery.’ The foundation is collaborating closely with national and local authorities, community organizations, and trusted relief partners to ensure efficient and targeted assistance, avoiding duplication and prioritizing the most vulnerable populations. Simultaneously, Liberty Caribbean’s crisis-management teams are focused on restoring critical communications infrastructure and supporting employee welfare. Smidts highlighted the foundation’s long-term commitment, noting, ‘Recovery will be a sustained effort. Beyond emergency supplies, we are dedicated to partnering with local organizations on rebuilding and resilience initiatives.’ Hurricane Melissa, which made landfall in southwestern Jamaica on October 28 as a Category 5 hurricane with winds reaching 185 mph, tied with Hurricane Dorian (2019) and the 1935 ‘Labour Day’ hurricane as the strongest Atlantic hurricane on record by wind speed. The Liberty Caribbean Foundation is calling for public and corporate support to scale relief operations. Donations will directly fund the procurement and delivery of essential supplies and support long-term recovery programs in the hardest-hit areas. Secure donations can be made online at https://www.libertycaribbeanfoundation.org/hurricane-relief.
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PSU Declares Trade Dispute, Intends to Engage in Industrial Action
The Public Service Union (PSU) has officially declared a trade dispute with the Government of Belize, citing concerns over the proposed transformation of the Belize Tax Services Department (BTSD) into a semi-autonomous entity called the Semi-Autonomous Revenue Authority (SARA). PSU President Dean Flowers announced the decision following a union meeting, stating that the Minister of Labor would be given a 21-day notice of the union’s intent to initiate industrial action. Flowers emphasized that industrial action could escalate to strikes if the dispute remains unresolved. The union’s primary grievance revolves around what it perceives as a lack of consultation and transparency in the transition process. Flowers stressed that the BTSD is a public institution, and the government has a responsibility to engage in meaningful dialogue with stakeholders. Additionally, Flowers disputed claims that BTSD staff support the move to SARA, citing a survey that revealed widespread dissatisfaction among employees and the Belizean public. The PSU’s declaration underscores growing tensions over the proposed reforms and raises the possibility of significant disruptions in public services.
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The Secret Fight for Hangar, and Why Every Belizean Should Care
In a startling development in Belize City, the removal of concrete barricades at Hangar has unveiled a deeper, more contentious issue: the potential privatization of a cherished public seafront. Over the weekend, the Belize City Council discreetly dismantled the barriers that had blocked access to this popular area for two months. This action occurred just days before a court hearing that could have compelled the Council to address allegations of unlawful road closure.
