A Nicaraguan refugee, Eric Omar Hernández Cruz, has come forward with allegations of being scammed and threatened in Belize, prompting a response from the Human Rights Commission of Belize (HRCB). Cruz claims he paid $500 to two men for ‘amnesty documents’ and later faced life-threatening intimidation. HRCB has clarified the roles of the accused individuals, emphasizing its commitment to transparency and accountability. One of the men was an administrative assistant for HRCB, terminated due to budgetary cuts, while the other worked with Help for Progress and was also dismissed. HRCB stated it was informed of the allegations by UNHCR in June 2025, though the initial report was received in March. Cruz reported the threats to the police, suspecting the two men were behind them. HRCB noted this is the first instance of such allegations involving asylum seekers. The case remains under investigation, with further updates expected.
分类： society
-
Staatsolie helpt Huize Prinses Margriet met renovatie lekkende daken
A generous donation of $80,000 from Staatsolie Maatschappij Suriname N.V. has brought much-needed relief to the residents of Huize Prinses Margriet, a senior living facility in Suriname. The funds were used to completely renovate the leaking roofs of the high-rise flats, addressing a long-standing issue that had plagued the residents for years. The project, executed by TCF N.V. under the supervision of the facility’s management, has not only provided dry living spaces but also restored a sense of dignity and peace to the elderly residents. Marjon Ferrier-Dilweg, the chairperson of the board, emphasized that Staatsolie’s contribution went beyond mere repairs: “It has given our residents their peace of mind back.” The official opening ceremony was led by Staatsolie’s director, Annand Jagesar, alongside a resident and the facility’s management team. Jagesar highlighted that the initiative aligns with Staatsolie’s commitment to social responsibility, stating, “Our seniors have contributed to society throughout their lives. A safe living environment is not a privilege but something they deserve.” Established nearly 56 years ago by the Reformed Church of Suriname, Huize Prinses Margriet has long been a haven for elderly individuals, offering them a secure and welcoming home. With the roof renovation now complete, the board can focus on further developing the facility and enhancing care for its residents.
-
Dodds Prison hosts Q in the Community for the first time
In a groundbreaking move, the Barbados Prison Service (BPS) unveiled its ‘Q in the Community’ program on Thursday at the Dodds Prison Retail Outlet in St Philip. This event marked the first of its kind as part of a month-long series of activities aimed at fostering community engagement. Superintendent of Prisons, DeCarlo Payne, revealed that the initiative had been in the pipeline since October of the previous year. ‘We initially approached CBC with the idea of hosting Q here, but they informed us that their schedule was fully booked until 2025. What you’re witnessing today is the realization of that vision, now coming to fruition in 2025,’ Payne elaborated. The program underscores BPS’s commitment to innovative community outreach and rehabilitation efforts.
-
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
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
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
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.
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
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
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.