As the nation commemorates its 47th anniversary of independence, Most Reverend Kendrick J. Forbes, Bishop of Roseau, delivered a poignant reflection on the theme, “47 Years of Progress and Purpose.” This milestone serves as an opportunity to celebrate the nation’s achievements while acknowledging the ongoing challenges in social, political, and cultural spheres. Over the past five decades, significant strides have been made in education, healthcare, and economic sectors. The education system has expanded access to knowledge, while healthcare advancements have enhanced the quality of life for many. Tourism and agriculture have emerged as key drivers of economic growth, underscoring the nation’s resilience and collective effort. However, the Bishop emphasized that challenges such as unemployment, rising violent crime, and the need for inclusivity remain pressing concerns. He called for a culture of transparency, accountability, and civic engagement to strengthen the nation’s moral and ethical foundations. The Bishop also highlighted the impact of AI and social media on societal values, urging responsible and equitable use of these technologies. Drawing from the teachings of the Gospel, he stressed the importance of love, compassion, and justice in fostering a united and hopeful society. Looking ahead, the Bishop encouraged investment in programs that promote ethical leadership, community service, and social responsibility. He concluded by reminding the nation that true progress is measured not only by economic growth but by the strength of its moral fabric. He called for a collective commitment to building a nation that embodies the principle of “all for each and each for all,” reflecting the love and teachings of Christ for a brighter future.
分类： society
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Authorities to Conduct Necropsy After Jaguar’s Death on Burrell Boom Road
In a tragic incident on Burrell Boom Road, a jaguar was struck and killed by a vehicle on Monday. Wildlife authorities swiftly responded to the scene, aided by vigilant local residents and the Burrell Boom Police Station. One concerned citizen remained at the site to protect the carcass until officials arrived. While initial reports suggest the jaguar was hit by a vehicle, a comprehensive necropsy will be conducted to determine the precise cause of death. This procedure will also provide valuable data to support ongoing conservation efforts aimed at monitoring and protecting Belize’s jaguar population. The Belize Tapir Project, The Belize Zoo & Tropical Education Center, and the Belize Forest Department have collectively expressed their appreciation for the public’s prompt reporting of the incident and their unwavering commitment to wildlife preservation.
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Bromfietser komt om bij aanrijding te Bronsweg
A tragic accident occurred this afternoon on Bronsweg, between the first and second bridges, resulting in the death of a scooter rider. Initial reports from the police indicate that the incident involved a collision between a van and a scooter. The impact caused the scooter to catch fire and become completely engulfed in flames. The identity of the victim remains unknown at this time. Upon receiving the report, police and a medical examiner promptly arrived at the scene. The medical examiner officially confirmed the death of the scooter rider, after which the body was taken into custody for further investigation. The incident has raised concerns about road safety in the area, with authorities expected to conduct a thorough review of the circumstances leading to the collision.
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New Tourism Project Near Sarteneja Gets Green Light
A groundbreaking tourism and housing initiative near Sarteneja Village in Corozal has received official approval from Belize’s Department of the Environment. The project, spearheaded by Sarteneja South Winds Limited, will proceed under stringent environmental and social safeguards to preserve the region’s natural resources and cultural heritage. While only Phase 1 has been greenlit, subsequent phases will require additional approvals contingent on the developers’ adherence to established regulations.
Sarteneja South Winds Limited, a Belizean-registered company established in 2012, is backed by international investors and remains in good legal standing. The development is primarily targeted at foreign retirees and investors but will also offer benefits to local residents.
To ensure sustainability, the project mandates the use of a deep aquifer for water supply, separate from the community’s source, to prevent shortages. Additionally, a solar farm will be constructed in Phase 2 to alleviate strain on the national power grid. Certain ecologically sensitive areas, such as the third canal near Cayo Falso, will remain untouched and designated as private nature reserves. Traditional fishing spots will also be preserved for community use.
Environmental protection measures include a ban on septic tanks for homes, archaeological monitoring during construction, and a performance bond to ensure compliance with the project’s guidelines. This development aims to balance economic growth with environmental stewardship and community well-being.
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‘CCRAF on the Road’ brings regional agriculture movement to Saint Lucia
The Caribbean Climate Resilience and Agriculture Forum (CCRAF) has launched its first on-the-ground initiative, ‘CCRAF on the Road,’ in Saint Lucia, marking a significant shift from virtual engagements to direct community interactions. The week-long event, which began on October 20, is part of CCRAF’s 10th anniversary celebrations and is organized by the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA). The initiative aims to promote climate-smart farming and community resilience through a series of activities, including school visits, technical exchanges, policy dialogues, and youth engagement. Gregg Rawlins, IICA’s representative to the OECS and Eastern Caribbean States, emphasized the importance of this hands-on approach, stating, ‘We’re not just sharing knowledge — we’re taking the process to the ground, to people on the ground.’ The program also focuses on building regional networks and showcasing local innovations that advance Saint Lucia’s resilience goals. Dr. Chaney St Martin, CCRAF coordinator, highlighted the initiative’s community-driven approach, noting the need for more action and less talk. The Saint Lucia leg of the tour is supported by various sponsors and partners, including the World University Service of Canada and the Caribbean Confederation of Credit Unions. Bradley St Ange, permanent secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture, underscored the importance of engaging youth in agriculture, given the aging farmer population. Following Saint Lucia, the CCRAF on the Road tour will continue to St Vincent and the Grenadines and Dominica, expanding its outreach across the Eastern Caribbean.
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‘Every Woman and Child Deserves Safety’
The devastating deaths of 35-year-old Angelita Magaña and her six-year-old son, Tishan Godoy, in a suspected arson attack have reignited urgent calls to address gender-based violence in Belize. Authorities believe the fire was deliberately set by Magaña’s ex-partner, Francisco Godoy, who had recently been released from prison after serving time for domestic violence against her. Magaña had sought a restraining order just days before the incident but was unable to secure one due to timing constraints, according to Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Stacy Smith.
The Ministry of Human Development, the Office of the Special Envoy for the Development of Families and Children, and the National Women’s Commission issued a joint statement condemning the act as “an appalling case of femicide.” The agencies expressed profound sorrow and outrage, emphasizing that the tragedy underscores the persistent and devastating impact of gender-based violence in the country.
In their statement, the government partners called for a collective national response to end violence against women and children, urging communities to foster a culture of zero tolerance. They also reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening protection systems and reminded the public that help is available for those in need. “Every woman and child deserves to live in safety, dignity, and peace,” the statement declared.
This incident has highlighted the urgent need for systemic changes and greater community involvement to combat domestic violence and ensure the safety of vulnerable individuals.
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Chief Sec happy for more carnival flights, wants pro-active CAL in 2026
In a significant move to accommodate the influx of visitors for the Tobago carnival festivities, Caribbean Airlines Ltd (CAL) has confirmed the addition of 3,200 seats to the airbridge. This supplement to the existing 18,792 seats, available from October 22-29, includes the deployment of an additional Boeing 737 aircraft. The initiative aims to alleviate travel congestion and ensure smoother journeys for masqueraders, artists, and the general public attending the event.
Chief Secretary Farley Augustine expressed his relief during a media briefing at the Shaw Park Complex on October 21, acknowledging the efforts of Minister Davendranath Tancoo and the CAL board. Augustine highlighted that the additional seats were secured after persistent advocacy, addressing earlier complaints from stakeholders about flight shortages. Bandleaders, who had faced challenges in securing flights for their masqueraders, have now been able to finalize their bookings.
Augustine emphasized the need for proactive planning by CAL for future high-traffic events, urging the airline to prepare well in advance for peak seasons such as Easter, Tobago carnival, and the summer months. He also credited Tobago West MP Joel Sampson, Tobago East MP David Thomas, and Secretary for Culture and Antiquities Zorisha Hackett for their roles in this development. The Office of the Chief Secretary further acknowledged Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, Minister Tancoo, and Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation Eli Zakour for their contributions.
This announcement follows earlier concerns raised by TOCO president Dexter Sandy, who had appealed for additional transportation options to ensure the success of the carnival. With the airbridge now bolstered, the Tobago carnival, scheduled from October 24-26, is set to welcome a larger number of participants and visitors, marking a tangible improvement in the island’s airlift capacity during one of its most celebrated cultural events.
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Man being questioned after pregnant mom found dead
Authorities are currently interrogating a man linked to the tragic death of a woman whose body was discovered in a densely vegetated area near Munnings Road on Wednesday morning. Sources close to the investigation revealed to The Tribune that the victim is Lauren Saunders, a 28-year-old mother of two who was seven months pregnant. Saunders had been reported missing since Sunday. While the police have yet to formally confirm the identity of the deceased, they are actively questioning a suspect in connection with the case. The partially decomposed body was found by officers from the Criminal Investigation Department shortly after 8 a.m., following a tip-off. Authorities have stated that the victim’s identity will be officially confirmed once her next of kin have been notified. Additionally, an autopsy will be performed to ascertain the exact cause of death. The case has sparked widespread concern in the community, with many calling for swift justice.
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Rain fails to dampen Blue Food Festival
Despite the relentless downpour, the annual Tobago Blue Food Festival at the Bloody Bay Recreation Ground on October 19 was a resounding success, drawing hundreds of enthusiastic attendees. The festival, which celebrates the versatility of the root crop dasheen, offered a vibrant array of traditional blue food dishes, innovative creations like dasheen ice cream, and a bustling indigenous craft market. A highlight of the event was the interactive display by the Wildlife Association of Tobago, where visitors had the rare opportunity to interact with snakes, caimans, monkeys, and parrots, sparking delight and countless photo opportunities. The lively entertainment lineup featured Tobago’s October carnival Junior Calypso Monarch Koquice Davidson, alongside renowned soca artistes Shurwayne Winchester and Farmer Nappy, ensuring a festive atmosphere. Vendors and patrons alike remained undeterred by the weather, with smiles and umbrellas aplenty, making the event a testament to Tobago’s resilient spirit and rich cultural heritage.
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UWI law dean lauds students’ excellence: Integrity worth more than grades
The Faculty of Law at the University of the West Indies (UWI), St Augustine, celebrated a historic milestone on October 17, 2025, as it honored a record number of students for their exceptional academic achievements. The Evening of Excellence ceremony, held at the university, not only recognized academic success but also highlighted a transformative shift within the legal education community. Dean Dr. Alicia Elias-Roberts, addressing an audience of students, parents, and colleagues, praised the awardees as the most accomplished cohort in recent memory. She noted a significant increase in the number of students graduating with first-class honors, making the Dean’s Honor List, and receiving special awards for excellence. Statistics revealed that 18 first-year, 28 second-year, and 41 third-year students made the Dean’s List, while 38 law students graduated with first-class honors—a milestone Dr. Elias-Roberts described as evidence of a rising culture of excellence. In her speech, the dean emphasized the importance of resilience, integrity, and a commitment to justice, qualities she deemed essential in a rapidly evolving legal landscape shaped by artificial intelligence and innovation. She also highlighted the faculty’s growing partnerships with international organizations such as the UNDP, Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), and the JB Fernandes Memorial Trust, which support initiatives like the Human Rights Legal Aid Clinic and internship opportunities in development financial law. These collaborations, she said, bridge academia and real-world impact, providing students with invaluable exposure and opportunities to serve communities. The ceremony also featured a personal message from Dr. Elias-Roberts, urging graduates to remain humble and grounded, emphasizing that integrity and professionalism define a person more than academic grades. The event honored numerous achievers, including Solange Joseph, Reshad Ahmed, Jehoshua Williams, and Kreshaun Gordon, who graduated with first-class honors and received special recognition from the Law Society executive. The dean concluded by reminding graduates that their LLB degrees carry a responsibility to lead, serve, and advocate for the marginalized, shaping the next generation of ethical and compassionate legal professionals. The ceremony, which included an address by Attorney General John Jeremie, celebrated not only academic success but also the broader mission of preparing lawyers to be stewards of justice in a changing world.