In an upcoming parliamentary session scheduled for Wednesday, 18 November 2025, Opposition Leader Emmalin Pierre and Member of Parliament Clarice Modeste are poised to challenge the government on a range of critical issues. The session, set to take place in the Lower House or House of Representatives, will see Pierre and Modeste address pressing matters concerning public projects, cannabis policy, and agricultural support. Pierre’s inquiries will focus on the status of the newly established Cannabis Commission, the government’s stance on cannabis legalization and decriminalization, and the restructuring of the Marketing and National Importing Board (MNIB). Additionally, she will seek transparency regarding the distribution of funds from the Caribbean Catastrophe Risk Insurance Facility (CCRIF) to local farmers and fishermen. Meanwhile, Modeste will question Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell on the progress of the Waltham Land Expansion Project, the renovation status of the Victoria Hotel, and the development of key farm roads, including the Red Mud and Mt Cenis to Brothers routes. These questions, listed on the Order Paper, will precede ministerial statements, highlighting the opposition’s commitment to holding the government accountable for its policies and projects.
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Charge Against Nicaraguan Doctor Dismissed
In a significant legal development, the Belize City Magistrates Court dismissed charges against Nicaraguan doctor Carlos Saborio Coze, 51, on November 17, 2025. Coze had been accused of administering a noxious substance to a Venezuelan nurse at Little John’s Restaurant on November 13, 2024. The nurse claimed to have seen surveillance footage suggesting Coze tampered with his unattended drink and later experienced a loss of awareness until December 2. However, the Chief Magistrate upheld a no-case submission by Coze’s attorney, Richard “Dickie” Bradley, citing critical gaps in the prosecution’s case. Bradley highlighted the absence of immediate medical tests and the lack of evidence linking Coze to the alleged act. The court ruled that the prosecution failed to meet the legal threshold required to proceed with the trial, leading to the dismissal of all charges.
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Antigua & Barbuda Resort Celebrated for Regional Leadership in Sustainable Tourism
Curtain Bluff, a renowned resort in Antigua & Barbuda, has been honored with the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) Environmental Sustainability Award at the 2025 Caribbean Hospitality Industry Exchange Forum (CHIEF) in Barbados. This accolade celebrates the resort’s unwavering dedication to environmental conservation, community empowerment, and sustainable tourism practices. Additionally, Curtain Bluff recently achieved Green Globe Platinum Certification, becoming the first property in Antigua to earn this distinction, marking a decade of continuous progress in sustainability.
For over 63 years, Curtain Bluff has pioneered a sustainable tourism model that integrates environmental protection, resource efficiency, and community engagement. The resort has implemented innovative systems for water management, energy conservation, and waste reduction, while actively supporting the Old Road community through educational programs, youth initiatives, and long-term development projects. These efforts have positioned Curtain Bluff as a leader in Caribbean sustainability and garnered international recognition.
Curtain Bluff’s commitment extends to protecting Antigua’s delicate ecosystems through advanced technologies like desalination, wastewater treatment, and natural cooling designs. The resort also promotes guest awareness of sustainability, encouraging responsible behavior and fostering authentic connections with the island’s culture and environment.
Beyond environmental efforts, Curtain Bluff has deeply invested in the Old Road Village, supporting local families through scholarships, school programs, youth sports, and the Old Road Fund. The resort’s initiatives also include eliminating single-use plastics, partnering with local farmers and fishermen, and implementing advanced water systems like reverse osmosis and greywater reuse.
Craig Marshall, Chairman of the Antigua & Barbuda Hotels and Tourism Association (ABHTA), praised Curtain Bluff’s achievements, calling it an inspiring example for the region. Anique Goodwin, Green Globe administrator for Curtain Bluff, expressed pride in the recognition and urged others to embrace sustainable practices to protect the island’s future.
With over six decades of dedication to environmental stewardship and community upliftment, Curtain Bluff continues to set the standard for sustainable tourism in Antigua & Barbuda and the wider Caribbean.
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Dominica to commemorate International Men’s Day (IMD) on November 19: ‘From boys to leaders: Inspiring the next generation of Dominican men’
Dominica is set to join the global community in commemorating International Men’s Day (IMD) on November 19, 2025. This year’s observance, themed ‘From Boys to Leaders: Inspiring the Next Generation of Dominican Men,’ aligns with the international focus on ‘Supporting Men and Boys.’ The Ministry of Health, Wellness, and Social Services emphasized that IMD serves as a platform to address challenges faced by men and boys, advocate for gender equality, and celebrate their societal contributions. The 2025 theme underscores the importance of mentorship, empowerment, and leadership development among young men, reflecting the government’s commitment to promoting positive masculinity, responsible leadership, and community engagement. Key objectives for the national celebration include highlighting male role models, creating safe spaces for men to discuss social issues, and advancing mentorship programs to foster personal and professional growth. As part of the festivities, the Ministry launched the #MensDayDominica campaign, encouraging participants to wear blue, share photos of male figures on social media, and express gratitude to men in their lives. The initiative aims to reduce isolation, enhance emotional well-being, and strengthen social bonds. The Ministry expressed hope that such efforts will continue to raise awareness about men’s and boys’ issues and reinforce their vital role in achieving gender equality.
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Residents Warn of Hazardous Lamp Post
Residents of Santa Cruz, Santa Elena, in the Cayo District are voicing urgent concerns over a hazardous lamp post that poses a significant risk to the community. Elihu Yacab, a local representative, revealed that residents have repeatedly alerted him about the unstable structure, which he highlighted in a live video. Despite these efforts, no remedial action has been taken. Yacab emphasized, “The lamp post is in a precarious state and could collapse at any moment. Immediate intervention is crucial to avert a potential disaster.” Mayor Earl Trapp of San Ignacio/Santa Elena acknowledged the issue, stating that he has escalated the matter to the relevant authorities and will provide updates. Stella Armstrong, a community member, pointed out that the soil surrounding the lamp post has been eroding for the past two years, further exacerbating the danger. She expressed particular concern for the nearby Santa Cruz Primary School, located just 75 yards away, as the lamp post stands at a key access point to the school. Despite the growing alarm, authorities have yet to implement any visible measures to secure the post, leaving residents anxious and frustrated.
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One Week After Bullet Tree Stabbing, Suspect Arrested
In a significant development, Belizean authorities have arrested 25-year-old Gian Eldred Waight, a construction worker from Cayo, in connection with the brutal murder of Canadian businesswoman Marty Ann Thorne. The arrest took place in Guatemala, where Waight was detained and subsequently handed over to Belizean police. Thorne, the cherished owner of Raw Spa Cabañas in Bullet Tree Falls, had been a long-time resident of Belize, deeply embedded in the local community. The shocking incident occurred one week prior to the arrest, leaving friends and neighbors in profound grief. Michael Waight, a neighbor and long-time friend of Thorne, expressed his devastation, recalling her as a kind and gentle soul who had no known enemies. ‘Ms. Thorne was a good person, very friendly, like family. I never saw her with enemies,’ he said. As the investigation continues, the motive behind the attack remains unclear, leaving those close to Thorne searching for answers.
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Chef Maureen St. Jean to Represent Antigua and Barbuda at Festival de la Gastronomie in Saint Martin
Chef Maureen St. Jean, the Executive Sous Chef at COCOS Hotel Antigua, is set to represent Antigua and Barbuda at the prestigious Festival de la Gastronomie in Saint Martin on November 22. Renowned for her unique blend of local and international culinary expertise, Chef Maureen will bring her signature style and passion to the regional stage. With over 20 years of experience, her journey began at the Antigua and Barbuda Hospitality Training Institute, followed by stints at top resorts such as St. James’s Club and Curtain Bluff. At COCOS Hotel, she continues to innovate Antiguan cuisine while mentoring the next generation of chefs. Her dedication was recognized early on with the ABHTA Employee of the Year Award in 2006, and she remains a proud ambassador for Antiguan flavours. The tourism and hospitality community in Antigua and Barbuda is fully supporting her as she prepares to highlight the island’s rich culinary heritage in Saint Martin.
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“Srefidenki moet Suriname opnieuw leren vooruitdenken”
The Srefidenki Conference, inaugurated on Monday in the Congress Hall, marks the beginning of a three-day national dialogue aimed at restoring Suriname’s capacity for forward-thinking. President Jennifer Simons emphasized that the country is at a pivotal juncture, where not only immediate repairs are needed but also a collective vision to guide its future. Organized by Sync Dynamics with support from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), the conference is the first in a series of nationwide consultations set to continue until mid-2026. Its ambitious goals include formulating a shared Vision Suriname 2050, establishing a roadmap for 2026–2030, and laying the groundwork for a widely supported National Social Compact. President Simons highlighted that while Suriname is in a ‘repair phase,’ addressing urgent issues in education, economy, and public health, the real challenge lies in crafting a clear path toward a stable and prosperous society. The government seeks broad consensus, engaging with the private sector, producers, educational institutions, and civil society groups. Marvin Pollack, Director of Sync Dynamics, urged participants to set aside their titles and institutional interests, framing the conference as a national moment for citizens to collaboratively envision Suriname’s future. The IDB’s representative, Adriana La Valley, underscored Suriname’s unique potential, rooted in its diversity, heritage, and natural wealth, while stressing the importance of investing in human capital, innovation, and modern economic structures. The Srefidenki Conference serves as a test case for national unity and long-term planning, aiming to shift Suriname from crisis management to a culture of proactive thinking.
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Bangladesh’s Ousted Prime Minister Sentenced to Death
In a landmark verdict, Bangladesh’s former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has been sentenced to death by the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) for her role in the violent suppression of student protests in 2024. The court found her guilty of crimes against humanity, including incitement and failure to prevent the deadly crackdown, which the United Nations estimates claimed up to 1,400 lives, primarily due to gunfire by security forces. Hasina, who has been living in exile in New Delhi, India, since being ousted in August 2024, denounced the verdict as “biased and politically motivated” in a statement released through a public relations firm. She also claimed she was denied a fair trial, stating, “I was given no fair chance to defend myself in court, nor even to have lawyers of my own choice represent me in absentia.” The ICT also sentenced former Home Affairs Minister Asaduzzaman Khan to death, while a former police chief received a five-year sentence after cooperating as a state witness. The court held Hasina accountable for inciting violence, issuing orders, and failing to take punitive measures against the perpetrators. Bangladesh’s interim government has requested her extradition from India, though New Delhi has yet to respond. The case has drawn international attention, raising questions about justice, political motivations, and the legacy of Hasina’s leadership.
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Browne Says Antigua Positioned for First-Class Expansion on British Airways Routes
Prime Minister Gaston Browne of Antigua and Barbuda has expressed confidence in the nation’s ability to secure additional first-class seats on British Airways flights, citing the rapid growth of its luxury hotel sector as a key driver. Speaking on the *Browne and Browne* show, Browne emphasized that the expansion of high-end accommodations is reshaping Antigua’s market profile, making a compelling case for airlines to enhance their premium offerings.
Browne projected that within the next five to ten years, Antigua will emerge as a significantly more attractive destination, with the influx of luxury properties directly influencing the availability of first-class air travel. “As those luxury properties take root and are completed, we will have more luxury rooms, and you’re going to get more first-class seats,” he stated.
The Prime Minister’s remarks followed a suggestion from hotelier Andrew Michelin, who urged Antigua to actively pursue a first-class cabin on British Airways routes. Michelin argued that Antigua’s hospitality offerings have surpassed those of many regional competitors, positioning the island as a prime candidate for expanded premium services.
Michelin highlighted Antigua’s growing appeal to high-net-worth visitors, its direct UK connections, and the increasing popularity of Barbuda as factors that bolster its case for premium airlift. He also noted the island’s enhanced regional connectivity through LIAT and the presence of upscale properties like Jamwe Bay as additional justifications for a first-class service.
Browne endorsed Michelin’s proposal, stating that Antigua’s upward tourism trajectory and its emergence as a high-value Caribbean destination create a strong foundation for airlines to increase their premium seating capacity. The Prime Minister’s vision underscores the nation’s commitment to elevating its global standing in luxury travel and hospitality.