分类: society

  • Belize Takes Part in ILO Regional Meeting on Decent Work

    Belize Takes Part in ILO Regional Meeting on Decent Work

    Belize played a pivotal role in the 20th American Regional Meeting of the International Labour Organization (ILO), held in the Dominican Republic from October 1 to 3, 2025. The gathering, which brought together over 300 delegates from governments, businesses, and labor organizations, centered on promoting decent work, social justice, and inclusive development across the Americas. Belize’s delegation, led by Minister Florencio Marin Jr., CEO Valentino Shal, and Labour Commissioner Rissela Dominguez-Patt, actively participated in the discussions. Representing employers was Kim Aikman from the Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry, while Ella Waight from the National Trade Union Congress of Belize advocated for workers’ rights. The meeting culminated in the Punta Cana Declaration, a regional commitment to fostering democracy, peace, and decent work. The outcomes are expected to shape Belize’s Decent Work Country Programme for 2024 to 2029, potentially enhancing job opportunities, workplace safety, and labor policy decision-making for Belizeans.

  • Orthotic and prosthetic care stakeholder engagement

    Orthotic and prosthetic care stakeholder engagement

    In a significant move to bolster support for the amputee community, Hon. Andy Williams, Member of Parliament for St George South, has partnered with Trinidad and Tobago Orthotics and Prosthetics (The Amputee Centre) to organize a pivotal stakeholder engagement event. Scheduled for Friday, 17 October 2025, at the Trade Centre Annex in Grand Anse, St George, this gathering aims to foster collaboration, disseminate critical information, and address the pressing needs of individuals and families reliant on orthotic and prosthetic care across Grenada, Carriacou, and Petite Martinique. The event, commencing at 10 am, will feature an in-depth presentation and interactive discussion designed to advance the accessibility and quality of support services for amputees. Participants are encouraged to contribute their insights and experiences, as collective efforts are essential to building a more inclusive and supportive future for the community. This initiative underscores the commitment of local leaders and organizations to enhancing the lives of those affected by limb loss, ensuring they receive the care and resources necessary to thrive.

  • SIB Celebrates Statistics Week with Interactive Exhibit at UB

    SIB Celebrates Statistics Week with Interactive Exhibit at UB

    The Statistical Institute of Belize (SIB) launched its annual celebration of Caribbean Statistics Day and Statistics Week 2025 with an engaging exhibition at the University of Belize Gymnasium. The event, held on October 15, brought together students, government ministries, statutory bodies, and partner organizations to demonstrate the pivotal role of data in shaping national policies and development strategies. Primary school students from the Cayo District participated actively, gaining insights into how statistics narrate Belize’s growth and challenges. This year’s theme, ‘Improving Lives Through Statistics: Strengthening and Innovating Together,’ underscores the importance of data in fostering a more inclusive and resilient Belize. The week-long celebration, running from October 14 to 17, features a series of activities designed to enhance data literacy, transparency, and innovation. The festivities will culminate with SIB’s annual Data Users Conference on October 17 at the Belize Biltmore Plaza, where key reports from the 2022 Population and Housing Census, including the Migration Report and the Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) Report, will be officially released.

  • Education Minister attends KIX LAC Hub Regional Meeting 2025

    Education Minister attends KIX LAC Hub Regional Meeting 2025

    The 2025 KIX LAC Hub Regional Meeting, held in Antigua, Guatemala from June 18–20, brought together over 100 education leaders from Latin America, the Caribbean, and beyond. Organized by the Knowledge and Innovation Exchange (KIX) Latin America and Caribbean (LAC) Hub, the event aimed to address critical challenges in foundational learning and educational equity. Attendees included representatives from Dominica, El Salvador, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, St Vincent and the Grenadines, St Lucia, Belize, and Bolivia. The meeting highlighted the exacerbated educational disparities caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, which left millions of children excluded from learning systems. Key discussions centered on ensuring access to quality foundational learning as a cornerstone for educational justice and holistic development. The event featured keynote speeches, interactive workshops, and thematic panels, including a Ministerial Panel titled ‘Learning and Foundational Competencies: Policies, Innovations, and Challenges.’ Three primary focus areas were identified: prioritizing educational challenges across Global Partnership for Education (GPE) member countries, sharing successful strategies from GPE KIX research projects, and fostering multi-sector partnerships to develop evidence-based solutions. The meeting culminated in the signing of the Antigua Commitment by Ministers of Education, SUMMA, and the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS). This milestone reaffirmed the region’s dedication to creating a more equitable, inclusive, and just educational sector. SUMMA, the leading education research and innovation lab for Latin America and the Caribbean, alongside OECS, spearheads the KIX LAC Hub, promoting knowledge exchange and innovative solutions. The outcomes of the meeting will inform early childhood education policies, pedagogical strategies, and inclusive financing mechanisms. Supported by the Ministry of Education of Guatemala, the event was a collaborative effort between the Global Partnership for Education (GPE), Canada’s International Development Research Centre (IDRC), SUMMA, and OECS. Since its inception in April 2020, the KIX LAC Hub has been instrumental in strengthening education systems across the region.

  • Flash Flood Watch in effect until 4pm.

    Flash Flood Watch in effect until 4pm.

    A severe weather system has prompted the Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Office to issue a flash flood watch for low-lying and flood-prone areas, effective until 4 PM today. The persistent trough responsible for the heavy rainfall has already deposited over 2 inches of rain in some regions within the past six hours, with an additional 2–4 inches expected in the next 12 hours. Residents in vulnerable areas, particularly near All Saints School, are urged to prepare for potential flooding and be ready to relocate to higher ground if conditions deteriorate or a Flash Flood Warning is issued. The National Office of Disaster Services (NODS) has advised against driving or walking through floodwaters, emphasizing the life-threatening risks involved. NODS has also mobilized its district disaster coordinators and volunteers, placing them on standby to open shelters if necessary. Authorities are encouraging individuals who may need shelter to move early to ensure their safety. Local media outlets will continue to provide updates, and residents are advised to stay informed. For those interested in advertising opportunities, the most visited news site in Antigua offers customizable digital marketing packages. Contact details are available for further inquiries.

  • Chief Cultural Officer to represent Grenada at Liangzhu Forum in China

    Chief Cultural Officer to represent Grenada at Liangzhu Forum in China

    Kelvin Jacob, Chief Cultural Officer at Grenada’s Ministry of Tourism, Creative Economy, and Culture, is set to make a significant mark on the global stage as he attends the Third Liangzhu Forum in Hangzhou, China, from October 18 to 20, 2025. The forum, initiated by Chinese President Xi Jinping during the Third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation in 2023, has emerged as a premier platform for fostering cultural diversity, heritage conservation, and international exchange. This year’s theme, “Revitalisation of Civilisation: Cultural Heritage and Diversity of Human Cultures,” highlights the critical role of cultural identity in promoting global unity and mutual understanding. Jacob’s participation underscores Grenada’s growing influence in cultural diplomacy. He has been invited to deliver the Feature Address at the World Poetry, Dance, Music, and Visual Art Salon, a highly anticipated segment of the forum. His presentation, titled “Shared Beauty, Shared Civilisation,” will explore how cultural exchange and artistic expression can bridge divides and foster global creativity and cooperation. Beyond the forum, Jacob’s itinerary includes cultural and educational visits to key Chinese cities, including Yiwu, Beijing, and Shanghai, where he will engage in discussions on heritage preservation, cultural tourism, and creative industry development. This trip represents a pivotal moment for Grenada, showcasing its cultural leadership in the Caribbean and its contributions to global civilisation.

  • Temporary road closure at Morne Longue Road, St Andrew

    Temporary road closure at Morne Longue Road, St Andrew

    The Ministry of Infrastructure, Public Utilities, Civil Aviation and Transportation has announced a temporary closure of Morne Longue Road in St Andrew, effective from Monday, 20 October to Friday, 24 October 2025. The road will be closed daily between 9 pm and 9 am to facilitate urgent repairs on the Acrow Panel Bridge. These repairs are deemed critical to ensure the safety of the public and to maintain the structural stability of the bridge. During the closure, traffic management protocols will be implemented to reduce disruptions. Motorists are urged to adhere to diversion signs and utilize alternative routes. Pedestrians are also advised to exercise heightened caution in the vicinity. The Ministry has expressed regret for any inconvenience caused and seeks the public’s understanding and cooperation in this matter.

  • JCNP and PM meeting over parade management issues

    JCNP and PM meeting over parade management issues

    Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis is set to mediate a high-stakes meeting today with the Junkanoo Corporation of New Providence (JCNP) amidst escalating tensions over the management of this year’s national Junkanoo parades. The conflict arose after Youth, Sports, and Culture Minister Mario Bowleg announced that only two official parades—Boxing Day and New Year’s Day—would be managed by the newly established Parade Management Committee, sidelining private events. Calvin Greene, deputy chair of the committee, confirmed that preparations are underway, including the selection of judges and the formulation of rules aligned with the committee’s vision. However, major Junkanoo groups affiliated with the JCNP, such as Saxons, One Family, and Roots, have expressed concerns about the government’s intervention, warning it could fragment the Junkanoo community. Toby Austin, chairman of Saxons, emphasized the extensive planning and sponsorship efforts that go into the parades, questioning the National Junkanoo Committee’s (NJC) ability to match the JCNP’s expertise. Duane Ellis of Roots and Vernon Rolle of One Family echoed calls for unity, hoping for a resolution that preserves the tradition’s integrity. Rolle also defended the JCNP against allegations of mismanagement, while Greene remained optimistic about audience turnout. The outcome of today’s meeting could determine the future of Junkanoo, a cherished Bahamian cultural event.

  • New parking arrangements for Blue Food Festival

    New parking arrangements for Blue Food Festival

    The Tobago Blue Food Festival, an annual celebration of the island’s culinary heritage, is poised to commence on October 19 at the Bloody Bay Recreation Ground. Kern Cown, CEO of the Tobago Festivals Commission Ltd (TFCL), unveiled the preparations during a press conference at the Office of the Chief Secretary in Scarborough on October 16. Addressing past logistical challenges, particularly concerning shuttle services and parking, Cown emphasized the commission’s commitment to enhancing the patron experience. Six designated parking zones have been established to accommodate festival-goers, with Parking Zone A located within the venue on a first-come, first-served basis. Additional parking facilities include the Bloody Bay Beach Facility, Carrington Lot, Parlatuvier Community Centre, Parlatuvier Primary School, and the Cyd Gray Complex in Roxborough. Parking will open at 8 am, complemented by shuttle services starting at 9 am. A premium shuttle service from Market Square in Scarborough will depart at 10 am and 10:30 am, while the Public Transport Service Corporation (PTSC) will offer a paid shuttle at noon. The festival promises a vibrant lineup of activities, including a petting zoo, children’s corner, arts and crafts section, food court, and live entertainment. Renowned artists Farmer Nappy and Shurwayne Winchester are set to headline the event, alongside local performers. The festival, which celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2024, was established in 1998 to honor the versatility of dasheen, a staple root crop in Tobago’s cuisine.

  • Bandits force man to take them home with him

    Bandits force man to take them home with him

    In a series of alarming incidents, armed bandits carried out coordinated robberies in Trinidad, leaving victims traumatized and authorities scrambling for answers. The first incident occurred in Glencoe on the night of October 16, when a 58-year-old man was ambushed on his way home from the Princes Casino at West Mall. At the corner of Rodney Road and Schullere Street, the victim encountered a silver SUV blocking his path. Two masked assailants, one armed with a cutlass and the other with a gun, forced their way into his vehicle, demanding he drive them to his residence. Once there, the bandits tied up the man and his 24-year-old son, ransacked the home, and fled with $11,000 in cash, a high-end iPhone, and the victim’s SUV. The son managed to free himself and his father, prompting a police response that led to the interception of the stolen vehicle in St. James. One suspect is in custody, assisting with the investigation. In a separate but similarly brazen attack the same night, a San Juan woman was robbed in Woodbrook. As she approached her car on Fitt Street, two men accosted her, stealing $25,000 worth of jewelry and $15,000 in gold bracelets before fleeing in a silver Nissan Almera. Authorities are actively pursuing the suspects in both cases, highlighting a concerning trend of violent robberies in the region.