In a startling revelation, the Iwokrama International Centre disclosed that several Brazilian nationals entered Guyana under the guise of tourists to engage in illegal gold mining within the Iwokrama Rainforest, a protected area. The Centre, established by the Guyana government and the Commonwealth, reported that these individuals fled their operations, leaving behind passports that confirmed their involvement in illicit activities. Two of the miners, Jailson Ferreira Lima and Iago Silva Alves, were apprehended, while others, including Jose Antonio Rodrigues Dos Santos and Jose Dos Santos Silvino, managed to escape. Silvino was later arrested on October 8, along with Flaviano Teixiera-Costa, during a joint operation by the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission, the Guyana Police Force, and Iwokrama Rangers. The Centre emphasized that gold mining is strictly prohibited in the Iwokrama Forest, as outlined in the Iwokrama Act of 1996, and warned that such activities threaten ecological integrity, disrupt local livelihoods, and undermine protected area management systems. The Centre also released images of the environmental damage caused by the illegal mining, including piles of solid waste and cleared forest areas. Collaboration with various governmental agencies has been crucial in addressing these violations, and the Centre remains committed to combating such illegal activities.
分类： world
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News : Zapping…
In a significant development, Guatemala has announced its commitment to deploy 300 police and military personnel to Haiti as part of the Gang Suppression Force (GSF), starting in April 2026. This decision was revealed during the Organization of American States (OAS) session, where Secretary General Albert Ramdin called for accelerated contributions from member states to combat gang violence in Haiti. Meanwhile, Atlantic Global Logistics (AGL) has expressed frustration over a five-year delay in receiving authorization from the Haitian government to commence operations at its $60 million container terminal. Despite being fully equipped and built to international standards, AGL continues to repay loans without generating revenue, highlighting bureaucratic inefficiencies. On the humanitarian front, the Economic and Social Assistance Fund (FAES), with support from Colombia, distributed hygiene and sanitation kits to displaced families in Kenskoff, improving living conditions and disease prevention. In sports, the Haitian junior judo team achieved remarkable success, securing 7 medals, including 3 gold, at the Pan American and Caribbean Cup. Additionally, FAES distributed 27,000 hot meals to displaced families in Port-au-Prince and Pétion-Ville, underscoring ongoing efforts to address food insecurity. Lastly, Presidential Transitional Advisor Smith Augustin embarked on an international tour, attending key conferences in Brazil and the CELAC-EU Summit, signaling Haiti’s active participation in global dialogues.
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Muhammad Ibrahim elected new head of IICA, promises to work across the board for Caribbean region and Latin America
Muhammad Ibrahim of Guyana has been elected as the new Director General of the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), marking a significant milestone in regional agricultural leadership. The decision was finalized during the 23rd Regular Meeting of the Inter-American Board of Agriculture (IABA), held in Brasília, Brazil, and attended by Agriculture ministers from across the Americas. Ibrahim secured the position through a majority vote, defeating Fernando Mattos of Uruguay, who graciously congratulated him on his victory.
In his acceptance speech, Ibrahim expressed deep gratitude and outlined his vision for collaborative progress. ‘We will work together with all countries of the Americas to forge a path of cooperation,’ he stated. ‘I am honored and grateful to have been elected to lead this great institution and recognize the commendable work carried out by outgoing Director General Manuel Otero.’
With over three decades of experience as an agricultural engineer, Ibrahim has dedicated his career to enhancing productivity and resilience in the agricultural sector. His nomination by the government of Guyana underscores his reputation as a seasoned leader in international agricultural management. Ibrahim has pledged to prioritize research, innovative technologies, and sustainable growth to strengthen food security across the Americas.
His leadership will officially commence on January 15, 2026, during a ceremony at IICA’s headquarters in San José, Costa Rica. He will succeed Manuel Otero, whose tenure began in 2018 and was extended through reelection in 2021. Ibrahim’s election signals a new era of cooperation and innovation for IICA, as it continues to address the challenges and opportunities in the agricultural landscape of the Americas.
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‘Gulf of America’ Mention Raises Eyebrows in Belize Weather Forecast
A recent national weather forecast in Belize has stirred controversy after the National Meteorological Service referred to the body of water off the country’s coast as the ‘Gulf of America,’ a departure from the widely recognized ‘Gulf of Mexico.’ The unexpected terminology caught the attention of listeners, prompting inquiries into its origin. A spokesperson from the Met Service clarified that the term was likely sourced from materials provided by the U.S. National Hurricane Center in Miami. Locally, the area is commonly referred to as ‘the Gulf’ or the ‘Atlantic basin,’ with no internal policy mandating the use of ‘Gulf of America.’ The spokesperson noted that naming conventions fall under the jurisdiction of Belize’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The term ‘Gulf of America’ has gained traction in the United States following an executive order signed earlier this year by President Donald Trump, instructing federal agencies to adopt the name in official communications. However, the change has not been widely accepted internationally. Countries such as Mexico and Caribbean nations, along with global organizations, continue to use ‘Gulf of Mexico.’ Digital platforms like Google Maps now display ‘Gulf of America’ for U.S.-based users, while Mexican users still see the traditional name. Most international maps and weather services have retained the original designation, highlighting the ongoing debate over the renaming.
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Hurricane Melissa Leaves Jamaica with Over $6 Billion in Losses
Jamaica is grappling with unprecedented economic devastation following Hurricane Melissa, which struck the island on October 28, 2025. The Category 4 storm ravaged the nation’s most productive regions, leaving a trail of destruction estimated at $6 to $7 billion—equivalent to nearly 30% of Jamaica’s GDP. Prime Minister Andrew Holness described the catastrophe as a dual crisis, impacting both humanitarian needs and economic stability. Key industries such as agriculture, tourism, and small businesses were among the hardest hit, with thousands of homes destroyed and critical infrastructure severely damaged. The storm’s impact has reignited urgent calls for global climate action, particularly as Jamaica and other developing nations—despite contributing minimally to global emissions—bear the brunt of climate-related disasters. As the international community prepares for COP30, the devastation in Jamaica underscores the dire consequences of inaction and the pressing need for accountability, funding, and sustainable solutions.
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Belize Sees 45 Arrivals Since CARICOM’s Free Movement Began
Belize has witnessed a significant milestone in regional integration as 45 Caribbean nationals have arrived in the country since the implementation of the CARICOM Free Movement Agreement. The agreement, which came into effect on October 1, 2025, allows citizens of Barbados, Dominica, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines to live, work, and travel freely within Belize. Over the past month, the majority of arrivals have been for short-term purposes such as business, tourism, sports, and diplomacy, while two individuals have opted to stay for employment opportunities. Barbados leads with 34 arrivals, followed by St. Vincent with eight and Dominica with three. Notably, one Dominican national, already employed in Belize prior to the agreement, has been granted indefinite residency. Belize’s Foreign Minister, Francis Fonseca, emphasized the country’s commitment to fostering regional ties, stating that the initiative promotes balanced mobility and economic growth. This development underscores the Caribbean’s efforts to enhance integration and create opportunities across the region.
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Caribbean strengthens regional coordination on climate and land management finance
Government representatives from 12 Caribbean nations gathered in Barbados from October 30 to 31, 2025, to strengthen regional collaboration on climate resilience and sustainable land management. The meeting, organized in partnership with the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and the Green Climate Fund (GCF), aimed to advance coordinated action in response to escalating climate challenges. This initiative follows decisions made at the 4th Ministerial Council of the Partnership Initiative for Sustainable Land Management (PISLM) in Grenada on June 18, 2025, where ministers emphasized the need for a robust regional framework to access global climate financing effectively. Hon. Adrian Forde, Chairman of the PISLM Ministerial Council and Barbados’ Minister of Environment and National Beautification, Blue and Green Economy, highlighted the disproportionate impact of climate change on the Caribbean. Despite contributing minimally to global emissions, the region faces severe losses in lives, livelihoods, infrastructure, and development gains. Minister Forde called for “concessional, rapid, and predictable finance” to address these challenges, citing the Bridgetown Initiative as a model for immediate resource access during crises. He also expressed solidarity with Jamaica, acknowledging the nation’s ongoing struggles and policy challenges. Dr. Ronen Francis, PISLM Executive Director, reiterated the organization’s commitment to restoring degraded lands, enhancing ecosystem services, and improving livelihoods. He emphasized the interconnected challenges faced by the region, including recent devastation in Jamaica, Haiti, and the Bahamas, as well as prolonged dry spells during the 2025 rainy season. Dr. Francis stressed the importance of collaboration among governments, development partners, and communities to achieve sustainable land management and drought resilience. The meeting also showcased progress in GEF-funded projects, including the SOILCARE initiative, Integrated Landscape Management in Carriacou, and the Caribbean Drought Initiative. PISLM continues to play a pivotal role in translating global environmental commitments into actionable local strategies, ensuring climate-resilient livelihoods and ecosystem restoration across the Caribbean.
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Grenada Bill establishes PISLM for Caribbean Small Island Developing States
In a landmark move for environmental sustainability, the Parliament of Grenada has passed the Partnership Initiative for Sustainable Land Management (PISLM) for Caribbean Small Island Developing States (CSIDS) Bill, 2025. This legislation, introduced by the Leader of Government Business, Honourable Phillip Telesford, on November 4, 2025, formalizes Grenada’s ratification of the regional agreement establishing the PISLM Secretariat. The Secretariat will spearhead science-based, climate-smart land management strategies across the Caribbean.
Honourable Kerryne James, Minister for Climate Resilience, the Environment, and Renewable Energy, emphasized Grenada’s leadership within Caricom and the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS) in addressing climate change through evidence-based institutions. The PISLM for CSIDS is the sole indigenous intergovernmental organization tasked with aiding Caribbean SIDS in fulfilling their obligations under the UNCCD and the Barbados Programme of Action (BPOA).
Under this new framework, Grenada will collaborate with international partners such as the Green Climate Fund (GCF), Global Environment Facility (GEF), and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) to enhance institutional capacity and provide training for over 100 local farmers, wardens, and extension officers in sustainable land management practices. The initiative aims to restore 300 hectares of degraded land, improve food security, and bolster rural livelihoods.
Minister James highlighted the transformative potential of PISLM, stating, ‘By supporting this bill, we are not merely hosting an institution — we are hosting hope. Hope for sustainable agriculture; hope for climate-smart livelihoods. And hope for a Caribbean region that manages its land wisely and secures its future with resilience and dignity.’
The Partnership Initiative for Sustainable Land Management has expressed its gratitude to the government and people of Grenada, Carriacou, and Petite Martinique for their unwavering support, marking this as a pivotal moment in the region’s journey toward sustainable development.
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‘It’s going to take us years to build back’
In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, the parish of Westmoreland, Jamaica, has been left in a state of utter devastation, with community leaders likening the destruction to a war zone. Bishop Oneil Russell, president of the Cooke Street Benevolence Society, expressed his profound grief and concern over the extensive damage inflicted by the Category 5 hurricane, which struck on October 28. The storm ravaged communities including Cooke Street, Coke Street, Lower Darling Street, and Queen Street in Savanna-la-Mar, the parish capital.
Russell, who also serves as a justice of the peace and a minister of religion, described the scene as ‘devastating,’ with homes reduced to rubble, zinc roofs torn apart, and essential infrastructure obliterated. Despite the absence of reported fatalities, the scale of destruction has left residents grappling with the loss of homes, belongings, and basic necessities such as water, electricity, and communication.
As a trained first responder, Russell remained in the community during the storm, witnessing firsthand the ferocity of Melissa. He recounted the harrowing experience of seeing houses disintegrate and his own church, The Ark of the Covenant Apostolic Church, flattened. ‘It is going to take us years to build back,’ Russell lamented, emphasizing the urgent need for increased aid and support from government agencies and relief organizations.
Russell has been actively assisting his community by sharing his home Internet service, providing clothing, and offering financial support for food and medical needs. However, he stressed that psychological assistance is also crucial for residents traumatized by the disaster. ‘We need people like the medics in the community,’ he urged, highlighting the lack of official assessments and aid in some areas.
Tyress Small, a resident of Darling Street, shared his own harrowing tale of survival. He was forced to flee his home when the roof was torn off, braving the storm to seek shelter with a family member. Small, like many others in his community, is now homeless and reliant on external assistance to rebuild his life.
As relief efforts continue, with the United States delivering food and water to the Llandilo Community Centre, the road to recovery for Westmoreland remains long and arduous. The resilience of its residents, however, shines through as they band together to support one another in the face of unimaginable loss.
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Repair Campaign founder urges UK to increase support for Jamaica in wake of Hurricane Melissa
Denis O’Brien, the founder of The Repair Campaign, a movement advocating for reparatory justice in the Caribbean, has urged the UK Government to significantly increase its support for Jamaica following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa. In a media release on Thursday, O’Brien highlighted the historical exploitation of Jamaica by the UK, emphasizing the lasting impact of colonialism on the island’s vulnerability to extreme weather events. He stated, ‘The UK extracted billions of pounds’ worth of wealth from Jamaica over centuries, exploiting enslaved people and the country’s natural resources. Colonialism has left Jamaica’s environment severely compromised, making it more susceptible to disasters like Hurricane Melissa.’ O’Brien pointed out that the Jamaican government estimates the cost of recovery at approximately £5 billion, while the UK has pledged only £7.5 million so far. He described this amount as ‘simply not good enough’ and called for urgent action to address both the immediate humanitarian crisis and long-term rebuilding efforts. While acknowledging the efforts of British High Commissioner Alicia Herbert and her team in mobilizing support, O’Brien stressed that the UK must commit to reparatory justice to enhance the Caribbean’s climate resilience. ‘Extreme weather events are becoming more frequent, and the countries least responsible for the climate crisis are bearing the brunt of its effects. Reparatory justice is essential for Jamaica and the wider Caribbean to build resilience for future generations. The UK must act now,’ he declared.