In a groundbreaking move for cultural preservation and tourism development, the historic Fort Thomas property in Basseterre, Saint Kitts, is set to become a world-class heritage destination. Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew led the official ground-breaking ceremony for The Symbol of Love Museum and Monuments, a $30 million project poised to redefine the region’s tourism and cultural landscape. The initiative marks a significant milestone for the 8.7-acre site, which has remained dormant for over two decades since its acquisition by the government in 1999. Prime Minister Drew emphasized the project’s dual focus on preserving local heritage and fostering global connections. The development, led by Caribbean developer ABL Inc., will feature two flagship institutions: the Caribbean Museum of History and the International Museum. These museums will highlight the region’s resilience, creativity, and unity while showcasing its ties to global human progress. The site will also include botanical gardens, restaurants, cafés, and replicas of world heritage monuments, creating a seamless blend of education, culture, and leisure. The project, funded entirely through foreign direct investment, follows a lease-to-own model, ensuring accountability and local benefits. It will generate jobs, entrepreneurship opportunities, and renewed vitality for the Fortlands area. Minister of Tourism Marsha Henderson praised the initiative for aligning with the Federation’s sustainable tourism agenda, emphasizing its potential to empower local communities and preserve cultural heritage. The development is expected to position Saint Kitts and Nevis as a regional hub for history, heritage, and human connection, further enhancing its reputation as an innovative and authentic tourism destination.
分类： society
-
Deputy Premier the Honourable Eric Evelyn Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Cooperatives Nevis Island Administration World Food Day Message 2025
On October 16, 2025, Deputy Premier and Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Cooperatives of the Nevis Island Administration, the Honourable Eric Evelyn, delivered a powerful message in observance of World Food Day. This annual event, established by the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in 1979, unites over 150 nations in addressing global food security and the fundamental right to nourishment for all. The theme for 2025, ‘Hand in Hand for Better Foods and a Better Future,’ emphasizes the urgent need for global collaboration to transform agri-food systems and ensure sustainable access to healthy diets. This year’s theme also commemorates the 80th anniversary of the FAO, founded in 1945. Minister Evelyn highlighted the importance of partnerships across governments, organizations, and communities to tackle challenges such as conflict, climate change, and resource scarcity. He underscored the Ministry of Agriculture’s efforts to enhance food security on Nevis, stressing that collaboration is essential to achieving greater food sovereignty. The Minister called for strengthened ties with allied agencies, farmers, fishermen, and educational institutions to promote local production, climate-smart practices, and nutritional education. He urged Nevisians to support sustainable farming and fishing practices, reduce waste, and prioritize locally grown foods. Minister Evelyn concluded with a rallying cry for collective action, emphasizing that a better future for Nevis contributes to a healthier, more equitable world. ‘Hand in Hand, we can make a difference,’ he declared, wishing everyone a Happy World Food Day 2025.
-
Police concerned about violence in schools
Assistant Commissioner of Police Trevor ‘Buju’ Bailey has expressed deep concern over the escalating violence in schools across St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Speaking to iWitness News, Bailey highlighted the urgent need for young people to adopt de-escalation strategies, noting that impulsive behavior often leads to severe consequences. He revealed that a significant portion of these incidents involve young girls, though boys are also culpable. Bailey’s remarks followed a recent stabbing at North Union Secondary School, where a 15-year-old student was critically injured by a 16-year-old classmate. The incident underscores the growing problem of school violence, with reports emerging almost weekly. Bailey emphasized the importance of early intervention, urging parents, counselors, and community institutions to play a proactive role in guiding students. He stressed that addressing behavioral issues before they escalate into serious offenses is crucial for rehabilitation, rather than relying solely on punitive measures. Bailey called for a collective effort to transform troubled youth into model citizens, advocating for counseling and support over punishment.
-
Belize Participates in ILO Regional Meeting on Decent Work and Social Justice
Belize played a pivotal role at the 20th American Regional Meeting (AmRM) of the International Labour Organization (ILO), held from October 1 to 3, 2025, in Punta Cana. The event, themed ‘Advancing Decent Work, Social Justice, and Inclusive Development,’ brought together over 300 delegates from across the Americas, including government officials, employers, and workers’ representatives. The Belize delegation was led by Hon. Florencio Marin Jr., Minister of Rural Transformation, Community Development, Labour, and Local Government, alongside key figures such as Mr. Valentino Shal, CEO, and Ms. Rissela Dominguez-Patt, Labour Commissioner. Representing employers was Ms. Kim Aikman, CEO of the Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI), while Ms. Ella Waight, President of the National Trade Union Congress of Belize (NTUCB), advocated for workers’ interests. The tripartite meeting focused on addressing critical labor issues, including job creation, social protection, and the transition from informal to formal employment. Delegates concluded the event by adopting the Punta Cana Declaration, a landmark commitment to promoting democracy, peace, and decent work. The declaration aligns with the ILO’s Strategic Plan 2026–2029 and the Centenary Declaration for the Future of Work, emphasizing the need for collaborative efforts to tackle challenges such as inequality, informality, and climate-related employment shifts.
-
Senators call on men to embrace new family leave rights
In a landmark move to redefine fatherhood and promote gender equality, Senators have urged men to fully utilize the newly passed Family Leave Bill. The legislation, described as a transformative opportunity, allows fathers to take three weeks of leave within the first six months of their child’s life, with at least two weeks to be used in the initial three months. Government Senator Lindell Nurse emphasized that this law is a call for men to embrace their roles as fathers, providing emotional support to mothers and fostering stronger family bonds. He cautioned against misusing the leave for leisure, stressing its purpose in nurturing family life. Independent Senator Roshanana Trim highlighted the Bill’s broader cultural impact, framing it as a step toward liberating men from outdated notions of masculinity and enabling them to participate fully in caregiving. She noted that the Bill challenges traditional gender roles, fostering a more balanced and dignified family dynamic. Senator Andwele Boyce praised the legislation but pointed to systemic delays in the court system that often hinder fathers from being present in their children’s lives. He called for urgent reforms to address these inefficiencies, emphasizing the importance of strong family structures for national development. Boyce also commended private sector entities that already support family care responsibilities, urging others to follow suit. The Family Leave Bill is seen not just as legislative progress but as a cultural shift toward recognizing care as a shared human responsibility, reshaping modern family life for the better.
-
Construction advances on Santo Domingo’s Sports Boardwalk ahead of 2026 Games
Santo Domingo is set to witness a transformative urban development with the ongoing construction of the Sports Boardwalk, a flagship initiative under the Santo Domingo Integrated Plan. Spearheaded by Mayor Carolina Mejía and supported by President Luis Abinader, this project aims to revitalize 1.7 kilometers of the city’s iconic seawall. The first phase of the endeavor focuses on creating a vibrant public space that combines sports, leisure, and community engagement. Betsy Luciano, supervisor of the Infrastructure Department, recently provided updates on the project, emphasizing the installation of bleachers, beach volleyball courts, and two terraced food courts. Additionally, plans include the development of outdoor sidewalks, benches, and streetlights to enhance accessibility and aesthetics. Construction engineer Jorge Lerebours outlined further enhancements, such as the expansion and renovation of the parking lot, alongside the construction of a soccer field, paddle tennis court, amphitheater, and skate park. Mayor Mejía has projected that a significant portion of the Sports Boardwalk will be completed by April 2026, coinciding with the Central American and Caribbean Games, marking a milestone in the city’s urban renewal efforts.
-
In Too Cool’s trial, Bailey says ‘more care’ needed when dealing with mentally ill people
Assistant Commissioner of Police Trevor ‘Buju’ Bailey, a key figure in crime prevention, emphasized the importance of exercising heightened care when dealing with individuals suffering from mental illness. His testimony came during the trial of Christopher ‘Too Cool Chris’ Jones, a prominent DJ and radio personality, who is facing charges of wounding in connection with the shooting of Kevin Patterson in Kingstown on July 4, 2024. Jones claims he acted in self-defense, alleging that Patterson was reaching for a weapon in his bag, which was later found to contain a knife and a box cutter. However, the prosecution argues that Jones’ actions were malicious and did not constitute self-defense. Bailey, summoned by the defense, shared insights into police protocols when interacting with mentally ill individuals. He noted that police recruits are trained by the Ministry of Health on how to handle such situations, and workshops are regularly conducted for frontline officers. Bailey stressed the need for calm communication and assured assistance when dealing with mentally ill persons, acknowledging that reasoning may not always be possible due to incoherence. He also discussed the use of licensed firearms, stating that their primary purpose is protection and crime prevention, and that any use of a firearm in such situations would be subject to investigation. The trial, presided over by Senior Magistrate Tammika McKenzie, is set for a verdict on December 10, with the possibility of an earlier decision.
-
Training in Goede Agrarische Praktijken versterkt landbouw in Para
In observance of World Food Day, celebrated globally on October 16, the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries (LVV) organized a three-day training program for farmers in the Para district. The event, held from October 13 to 15, focused on Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), a methodology aimed at promoting sustainable, safe, and efficient food production. The sessions took place in the multifunctional hall of the Para center and were led by LVV experts. Twelve farmers with at least five years of experience participated in the training, which emphasized improving production processes, food safety, and environmentally friendly cultivation methods. During the closing ceremony, LVV Deputy Director Maitrie Jagroep highlighted the importance of collaboration and knowledge sharing in strengthening the agricultural sector. ‘We are using this opportunity to exchange ideas and work together toward better food and a brighter future. Sustainable agriculture and certification are key concepts in this endeavor,’ Jagroep stated. The training underscores the ministry’s commitment to professionalizing and enhancing capacity within the agricultural sector. This initiative aligns with the goals of World Food Day, which this year is celebrated under the theme ‘Better Food for a Better Future.’
-
Lawsuit Looms as Lands Department Faces Backlash Over Property Mix-Up
A Belizean woman from Independence Village, Sherene Garbutt, is preparing to take legal action against the Lands Department after discovering that a 22-acre parcel of land she was in the process of acquiring was sold to another party. Garbutt had obtained official permission to survey the land in May 2022, completed the survey in August 2022, and applied for a lease, only to learn earlier this year that the land had been sold to someone else. She claims that the survey she paid for was used to issue the title to the new owner. The Ministry of Natural Resources offered Garbutt $6,500 to cover her survey costs in exchange for signing an agreement to prevent future lawsuits, but she refused, demanding either the original land or a comparable parcel in the same area. Garbutt asserts that this incident represents a blatant breach of due process and undermines her legitimate expectations. The Lands Department has acknowledged the case but maintains that completing a survey and applying for a lease does not guarantee ownership. Garbutt’s legal battle highlights systemic issues in land administration and raises concerns about transparency and fairness in property transactions.
-
Corozal Residents Fix Roads After Years of Neglect
In a remarkable display of community resilience, residents of Corozal’s Little Belize, Viva Esperanza, and Chunox have banded together to address years of neglected road infrastructure. Frustrated by the lack of government action, locals have pooled resources—money, machinery, and manpower—to repair roads that have long been in disrepair. While Area Representative Florencio Marin Jr. and the Ministry of Infrastructure Development initiated some improvements earlier this year, villagers argue these efforts fell far short of what was needed. The community is now urging the government to prioritize upgrades along the San Estevan to Chunox route. Franz Olfert, a resident, shared with News Five that the dire state of the roads left them with no choice but to act independently. Neighbors contributed funds, hired equipment, and began repairs, driven by a shared goal of ensuring safer and more accessible travel for all. Despite their efforts, Olfert emphasized that the funds raised—$5,000 from Little Belize and $1,000 from Chunox—are insufficient for comprehensive repairs. He hopes media attention will spur government intervention to address the critical condition of the roads.