The Chilean National Television Council (CNTV) has sparked widespread criticism for its decision to prohibit a campaign addressing violence against women, citing the ongoing electoral process as justification. Social organizations and government officials have condemned the move, arguing that it undermines efforts to combat gender-based violence and disregards Chile’s international commitments. The Network of Feminist Journalists and Communicators issued a statement declaring, ‘We will not accept that the protection of women be subordinated to electoral calculations.’ They emphasized that the CNTV’s decision, based on vague reasoning, trivializes the severity and urgency of gender violence and sets a dangerous precedent for relativizing women’s rights. Antonia Orellana, the Minister for Women and Gender Equity, labeled the council’s decision as misguided. She highlighted that campaigns against gender violence have historically been broadcast on November 25th, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, regardless of electoral periods. The controversy has reignited debates about the prioritization of women’s rights in Chile and the role of media in addressing societal issues.
分类： society
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Suspected fourth member of Louvre robbery gang arrested
In a dramatic turn of events, authorities have detained an individual at the Anti-Bandit Brigade headquarters, accusing them of organized robbery and criminal association. These charges mirror those faced by three other suspected gang members already under prosecution. Meanwhile, three additional individuals—a man and two women—were apprehended today, though the specifics of their arrests remain undisclosed. The arrests are linked to a high-profile theft at the Louvre’s Apollo Gallery on October 19, where intruders broke in through a window and made off with priceless jewelry, including necklaces, earrings, a corsage, and a tiara once owned by Empresses Eugénie, Marie Louise of Austria, Marie Amelie, and Hortense. Despite the arrests and substantial evidence collected at the scene, the stolen artifacts, deemed irreplaceable in heritage and historical value, remain missing. This incident has reignited concerns over the security of cultural landmarks in France, particularly the Louvre, which safeguards over half a million artworks, with approximately 36,000 on public display.
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REOI — Consultancy for design and installation of irrigation systems on farms in Grenada
The Government of Grenada, in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and funded by the Global Environment Facility, is launching a significant initiative under the Climate-Resilient Agriculture for Integrated Landscape Management (CRA) Project. The project aims to enhance agricultural sustainability through the design and installation of advanced irrigation systems across Grenada’s farms. The selected consulting firm will be tasked with developing water-efficient irrigation solutions, including drip and microsprinkler systems, tailored to both flat and sloping terrains. Additionally, the firm will provide comprehensive training on system design, installation, operation, and maintenance. The assignment is scheduled to run from January 26, 2026, to April 30, 2026. Interested firms must demonstrate a proven track record in similar projects, technical expertise in irrigation design, and a history of delivering high-quality work. Submissions, limited to 20 pages in PDF format, must be made via the Central Procurement Unit’s e-procurement platform or email by December 10, 2025. This initiative underscores Grenada’s commitment to sustainable agriculture and climate resilience.
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Belize City Council Plans to Build Floating Boardwalk
The Belize City Council has unveiled ambitious plans to construct a floating boardwalk along the Southern Foreshore, following a comprehensive feasibility study conducted by Dutch engineering firm Blue21. The proposed structure, designed to stretch from the Bliss Centre for the Performing Arts to King Street, aims to create a vibrant public space while simultaneously safeguarding the city’s seawall from erosion. The innovative design has been rigorously tested against extreme weather conditions, including hurricane-level waves and winds, confirming its technical viability. Although funding remains unsecured, Mayor Bernard Wagner has championed the project as a cornerstone of his vision for a climate-resilient Belize City. He highlighted the potential of the currently underutilized site to transform into a hub for recreation, tourism, and local entrepreneurship. The initiative, which first gained traction in 2023, has garnered support from the European Union. Public opinion, however, is divided. While some residents applaud the project for its modern appeal and potential economic benefits, others argue that pressing issues such as infrastructure development, low-income housing, and poverty alleviation should take precedence over such ambitious endeavors.
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16 Days of Activism: CARICOM Secretary-General calls for end to digital abuse against women and girls
The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has joined the global initiative to mark the annual 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, running from November 25 to December 10. Secretary-General Dr. Carla Barnett emphasized the pressing need to address both traditional and emerging forms of violence against women and girls, particularly in the digital realm. In her campaign message, Dr. Barnett highlighted the escalating threat of digital abuse, including online harassment, deepfake attacks, and technology-facilitated violence, which are undermining women’s rights and safety in virtual spaces. She reaffirmed CARICOM’s dedication to fostering safe and inclusive societies where women and girls can thrive. The campaign aligns with four key observances: International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women (November 25), Human Rights Defenders’ Day (November 29), World AIDS Day (December 1), and Human Rights Day (December 10). Dr. Barnett stressed that violence continues to deprive women and girls of their fundamental human rights, perpetuated by harmful gender norms, stigma, and impunity. This year’s theme, “UNiTE to End Digital Violence against All Women and Girls,” sheds light on the alarming rise of online abuse. UN Women reports that 1.8 billion women and girls globally lack legal protection from technology-facilitated violence, with fewer than 40% of countries having relevant legislation. Dr. Barnett warned that artificial intelligence and online anonymity have exacerbated the spread of abuse, making it more targeted and harder to detect. Deepfake pornography, in particular, disproportionately impacts women. She also pointed to the rise of the “manosphere”—online communities promoting toxic masculinity and misogyny—as a growing threat to gender equality, with real-world consequences for culture, careers, and safety. To combat these challenges, Dr. Barnett called for multifaceted strategies, including legislative reform, greater representation of women in digital spaces, swift removal of harmful content, public education on gender equality, and youth-focused digital literacy programs. Prevalence surveys conducted in five CARICOM Member States between 2017 and 2019 revealed that up to one in two women aged 15–64 had experienced violence, underscoring the urgent need for comprehensive national responses. CARICOM Member States are advancing measures to address violence against women and girls by strengthening legal frameworks, promoting gender equality, and enhancing survivor support systems. The CARICOM Secretariat supports these efforts through training for frontline professionals, including police, healthcare workers, and social service providers. Dr. Barnett concluded by honoring the courage of survivors, amplifying their voices, and reaffirming CARICOM’s commitment to justice and equality. She emphasized that ending violence against women is not only a moral and human rights imperative but also a prerequisite for sustainable development and prosperity. With over half of the region’s 16 million citizens being women and girls, CARICOM reiterated its collective responsibility to create safe, inclusive, and equitable societies where every woman and girl can live free from fear and violence.
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90-Year-Old Woman Dies in House Fire in San Antonio Village
A devastating house fire in San Antonio Village, Toledo, resulted in the tragic death of 90-year-old Lucia Sho on the night of November 25, 2025. The incident occurred just before 11 p.m., but authorities were not alerted until nearly two hours later. Upon arrival, emergency responders found the home completely engulfed in flames, leaving only charred remnants behind. Neighbors attempted to rescue Lucia but were thwarted by the fire’s intensity. Preliminary investigations suggest the blaze originated in the bedroom and rapidly spread throughout the structure. While the exact cause remains undetermined, family members in Dangriga’s New Site Area revealed that the household frequently relied on a kerosene lamp for lighting, raising suspicions that it may have contributed to the disaster. Lucia’s granddaughter-in-law, who resides nearby, recounted hearing her cries before witnessing the catastrophic aftermath. The community’s leader expressed profound sorrow, describing her passing as a significant loss for San Antonio Village.
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Gadsby-Dolly: Probe dead lizards in school lunch boxes
Former Trinidad and Tobago Education Minister Dr. Nyan Gadsby-Dolly has urged an investigation into a Central Trinidad caterer following reports of dead lizards discovered in roti intended for school meals. The incident, reported by the Trinidad Guardian on November 25, involved rotis supplied by a Freeport-based roti maker to a company contracted under the National School Dietary Services Limited (NSDSL). The contamination was reportedly detected before the meals reached students. This is not the first time the caterer has faced scrutiny; their services were previously suspended due to concerns over water quality at their facility. Dr. Gadsby-Dolly expressed deep concern, emphasizing that over 62,000 students across Trinidad and Tobago rely on state-provided breakfast and lunch. She called for updated protocols and a thorough investigation, noting that the supplier had allegedly faced similar issues in the past. Education Minister Dr. Michael Dowlath has pledged to follow up on the matter. The NSDSL’s School Nutrition Programme (SNP) serves approximately 54,000 breakfasts and 79,000 lunches daily to over 800 schools, relying on 68 caterers nationwide. The programme aims to provide a significant portion of the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) of nutrients through structured menu planning and strict adherence to food safety guidelines.
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Penal students to get government laptops on November 27
The Ministry of Education in Trinidad and Tobago is set to commence the distribution of laptops to students, starting on November 27. This initiative, announced in a media release on November 26, will first benefit students of Penal Secondary School. The distribution ceremony will be attended by Education Minister Dr. Michael Dowlath, senior ministry executives, and other government officials.
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MP Floyd Green partners with Tank-Weld to provide hurricane relief to families in St Elizabeth South West
In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, Member of Parliament for St Elizabeth South West, Floyd Green, collaborated with Tank-Weld Metals Ltd to spearhead a comprehensive relief initiative across seven severely affected communities. The operation, executed through the South West St Elizabeth Hurricane Relief Command Centre, involved the distribution of 700 care packages, over 75 cases of water, 500 high-quality sleeping bags, and 400 solar-powered lanterns. These supplies were sourced with the support of partners such as Dick’s Sporting Goods and Waldron Wealth, while logistics and fuel assistance were provided by MJ Trucking and FESCO, respectively. The relief team traversed Newcombe Valley, Beacon, Galleon, Fyffes Pen, Cambridge, Oxford, and Compound, ensuring aid reached families grappling with housing damage, loss of belongings, and prolonged power outages. Minister Green emphasized the critical nature of the intervention, particularly in addressing the widespread devastation to the electrical system, including the Maggotty power generation plant. Sarah Bicknell of Tank-Weld Metals Ltd underscored the company’s commitment to aiding recovery with dignity and comfort. The effort was bolstered by a dedicated volunteer team, praised by Kenneisha Campbell, Coordinator of the Relief Command Centre, for their heart and teamwork. The initiative now moves into its second phase, focusing on rebuilding homes, clearing roads, and restoring stability to the constituency.
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Portland principal helps community ‘press’ forward after Hurricane Melissa
In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, Adli Lewis, the principal of Seaside Primary School in Portland, Jamaica, has garnered widespread acclaim for his innovative efforts to support the community. Recognizing the struggles faced by families left without power, Lewis transformed the school into a vital resource center, offering ironing facilities for parents and students alike.