In a surprising turn of events, Minister Henry Charles Usher has reportedly declined to accept his newly assigned ministerial portfolio, which includes the Ministry of Home Affairs. This position was previously held by his brother, Kareem Musa. According to insider sources from the Cabinet, Minister Usher expressed a strong preference to continue leading the Ministry of Public Service, Governance, and Disaster Risk Management. In light of this decision, the Ministry of Home Affairs has been reassigned to Belmopan Area Representative Oscar Mira, who will now oversee this department in addition to his existing responsibilities in National Defence and Border Security. This development marks a significant shift in the Cabinet’s leadership structure, with further updates expected as the situation unfolds.
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Visserijsector onder zware druk door illegale praktijken en hoge kosten
Suriname’s once-thriving fishing industry is now grappling with severe challenges, positioning itself as one of the most fragile links in the agricultural chain, according to the Fishermen’s Collective. The sector is under intense international pressure to meet stricter standards for sustainable and transparent fishing practices, with Suriname being closely monitored. Illegal fishing has emerged as the most significant threat to the industry’s future, prompting repeated warnings from European buyers. They have emphasized the need for stricter enforcement to avoid potential export bans to Europe and other key markets. The collective has stressed that offenders must be held accountable, as the consequences of an export prohibition would be catastrophic. Europe and North America have placed Suriname’s fishing practices under a microscope, demanding precise documentation of catch origins and measures to protect fish species and habitats. Non-compliance, including illegal fishing or mishandling of protected species, could result in severe repercussions, such as export restrictions. Meanwhile, fishermen, processors, and exporters are struggling with rising operational costs, including fuel and electricity prices, while government support remains largely absent. Although the president expressed a positive outlook during earlier discussions with the new administration, tangible measures are yet to materialize. A recent meeting between the Fishermen’s Collective and the parliamentary committee on Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries highlighted critical issues, including maritime safety, licensing policies, outdated legislation, and the surge in illegal fishing. Despite the grim outlook, the collective remains hopeful, citing Suriname’s rich fishing grounds that can meet local food needs and contribute to economic growth—provided the sector is protected and managed sustainably. The collective anticipates that the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries will soon introduce clear policies to address current challenges and provide meaningful support to the industry, ensuring the responsible use of the nation’s natural resources for present and future generations.
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Weather forecast: Showers and thunderstorms will mark the weekend in the Dominican Republic
The Dominican Institute of Meteorology (Indomet) has forecasted a weekend filled with heavy rainfall, isolated thunderstorms, and mild temperatures across the Dominican Republic. This weather pattern is attributed to a nearly stationary frontal system located north of the country, combined with east/northeast winds and a trough at various atmospheric levels. On Friday, the east/northeast wind and the influence of a cold front will trigger passing showers in La Altagracia, El Seibo, La Romana, and Hato Mayor. Later, localized downpours and isolated thunderstorms are expected to spread to Monte Plata, San José de Ocoa, Monseñor Nouel, La Vega, Santiago, San Juan, Santiago Rodríguez, Dajabón, and Elías Piña. By evening, rainfall will intensify, particularly in provinces along the Atlantic coast. Saturday is predicted to be the wettest day of the weekend, with unstable conditions due to the lingering cold front and an upper-atmospheric trough. Showers and thunderstorms will begin early in the morning along the Atlantic coast, escalating to moderate or heavy downpours in the afternoon, accompanied by gusty winds. The most affected areas will include Monte Cristi, Puerto Plata, Espaillat, María Trinidad Sánchez, Santiago, La Vega, La Altagracia, La Romana, Monte Plata, San Pedro de Macorís, Santo Domingo, San Cristóbal, and surrounding regions. Rainfall will taper off as night falls. On Sunday, the frontal system will weaken, transforming into a trough. While this will slightly reduce rainfall intensity, moderate downpours with thunderstorms and gusty winds will persist, particularly in El Seibo, Hato Mayor, Monte Plata, Sánchez Ramírez, San Cristóbal, and the southeast, northeast, north, and Central Mountain Range areas.
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Guatemala Issues Guidance on “Correct Use” of National Map Including Belize
In a significant move addressing a long-standing territorial dispute, Guatemala’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued official guidelines on the ‘correct use’ of the national map, particularly in relation to Belize. The guidelines emphasize the representation of the Adjacency Line, which separates Guatemala from the territory currently administered by Belize, while the dispute remains unresolved at the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
The ministry mandates that all official maps must include the Adjacency Line, represented by a dotted line, accompanied by a safeguard note stating: ‘Diferendo territorial, insular y marítimo pendiente de resolver’ (‘Territorial, insular, and maritime dispute pending resolution’). This measure underscores the ongoing nature of the dispute and the need for accurate representation.
Furthermore, the guidelines specify the terminology to be used, prohibiting terms such as ‘border,’ ‘limit,’ ‘dividing line,’ ‘border zone,’ and ‘Belizean territory.’ Instead, the ministry instructs the use of ‘Línea de Adyacencia’ (Adjacency Line), ‘Zona de Adyacencia’ (Adjacency Zone), and ‘territorio administrado por Belice’ (territory administered by Belize). These directives aim to maintain clarity and neutrality in official communications.
The issuance of these guidelines reflects Guatemala’s commitment to formalizing its stance on the territorial dispute while awaiting the ICJ’s resolution. The move is expected to influence public and institutional practices, ensuring consistency in how the national map is portrayed.
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Ocean Oasis Hotel officially opens its doors to the public today
The Ocean Oasis Hotel Dominica, a new 4-star luxury hotel, officially opened its doors to the public today, November 14th, at 3:00 P.M. Located in Castle Comfort on the southwest coast of Dominica, the hotel features 37 oceanfront rooms and a lavish two-bedroom Presidential Suite, all designed with contemporary aesthetics and offering panoramic ocean views. The property also includes a casino, spa, conference center, multipurpose room, gym, waterfront pool, and direct pier access, catering to both leisure and business travelers.
The hotel’s development was facilitated under Dominica’s Citizenship By Investment (CBI) Programme, which aims to boost the island’s economy through foreign investment. Owner Floyd Capitolin emphasized the hotel’s role in addressing the island’s shortage of high-quality accommodations, stating, ‘We are bringing top-of-the-line, first-class rooms to Dominica, comparable to those in Dubai or developed countries.’
Capitolin highlighted the hotel’s diverse amenities, including two in-house dining venues, curated nature and water-based activities, and a mini-spa, ensuring a premium experience for guests. The opening ceremony was marked by a sense of pride and optimism, as the hotel aims to attract both local and international visitors seeking relaxation, dining, and event hosting opportunities.
The Ocean Oasis Hotel is poised to enhance Dominica’s tourism sector, offering a blend of luxury and accessibility in a picturesque coastal setting.
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‘Tinder Swindler’ Simon Leviev freed in Georgia
Simon Leviev, the infamous con artist whose exploits were chronicled in the Netflix documentary *The Tinder Swindler*, has been released from custody in Georgia after Germany withdrew its extradition request. Leviev, whose real name is Shimon Yehuda Hayut, had been detained for two months following his arrest on September 15 at Batumi airport under an Interpol red notice issued by German authorities. His lawyer, Mariam Kublashvili, confirmed his release on Friday, stating that the case against him was fully closed and that he faced no conditions, bail, or travel restrictions. German prosecutors had pursued Leviev over allegations that he defrauded a Berlin woman of €50,000 ($58,000) after meeting her on Tinder. However, the case was reportedly dropped due to a lack of evidence. Leviev gained notoriety between 2017 and 2019 for posing as a wealthy heir on Tinder, deceiving women into lending him substantial sums of money, which he never repaid. His elaborate scams, which included fabricated luxury lifestyles, bodyguards, and private jets, became a textbook example of ‘catfishing.’ The 2022 Netflix documentary highlighted the stories of his alleged victims, estimating that he defrauded individuals in Norway, Finland, and Sweden of approximately $10 million. Leviev’s release marks a controversial turn in a case that has drawn global attention to the dangers of online romance fraud.
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Will the UDP Get Its Reset on November 30th?
The United Democratic Party (UDP) is poised to embark on a critical journey of renewal and unity at its upcoming convention on November 30th, 2025. After enduring over a year of internal strife, leadership disputes, and fragmented campaigns, the party is determined to reset its trajectory ahead of the 2027 municipal and 2030 general elections. UDP leader Panton expressed optimism, stating she is ‘very encouraged’ by the support from delegates and emphasizing that the convention will chart a path forward for the party’s unification and rebuilding. The event is expected to endorse a new executive to steer the UDP’s recovery following its fractured performance in the March 12th general elections, where internal divisions led to multiple candidates contesting the same constituencies. However, concerns have emerged over the party’s failure to meet a constitutional requirement to circulate convention documents 21 days in advance. Despite this, Panton remains resolute, asserting the UDP’s readiness to form a united front and serve as a robust opposition to the current administration. Notably, the convention will proceed without Moses ‘Shyne’ Barrow, who lost both his constituency and leadership role in the March elections. Panton, if elected as party leader, would make history as the first woman to lead a major political party in Belize.
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West Indies U-19s set for England
The West Indies Under-19 cricket team is set to face England in a pivotal seven-match Youth One Day International (ODI) series, commencing this Sunday in Grenada. This series marks a critical juncture in their preparation for the ICC Under-19 World Cup, scheduled for early next year. Head coach Rohan Nurse expressed optimism about the team’s development, emphasizing the importance of this series in refining skills and strategies. The squad, buoyed by a recent 4-3 series victory over Sri Lanka, aims to build on that momentum as they take on another formidable opponent. The team has seen some adjustments since their last outing, with three players returning or earning their spots based on standout performances. DeShawn James rejoins after recovering from injury, while Kunal Tilokani and Tanez Francis secured their places following impressive showings at the regional Under-17 tournament. Meanwhile, players like Afraz Ali Buhdoo, Micah Greenidge, and Pajay Nelson will miss this series but remain in contention for the final World Cup squad. Nurse highlighted the team’s resilience and fighting spirit during the Sri Lanka series, noting that these qualities are essential for success. He also stressed the need for consistency and focus across all departments—batting, bowling, and fielding—to gain a competitive edge. With the World Cup looming, this series against England is a vital step in shaping a cohesive and competitive unit capable of excelling on the international stage. The team management, including assistant coaches Jerome Taylor and Nikita Miller, is focused on fostering a performance-driven environment while instilling professionalism and clarity of roles among the players.
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High Court rules GRA cannot claim more taxes on Azruddin Mohamed’s Lamborghini, other vehicles in civil court
In a landmark ruling on Friday, November 14, 2025, High Court Judge Gino Persaud declared that the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) cannot legally impose additional taxes on luxury vehicles imported by businessman and politician Azruddin Mohamed. The case centered on a 2020 Lamborghini Aventador SVJ Roadster and two 2021 Toyota Land Cruisers, for which the GRA had sought to claim GY$421,057,712 in additional taxes. Judge Persaud ruled that once goods are cleared and taxes paid, the GRA lacks the legislative authority to reassess taxes under the Customs Act or its Fifth Schedule. This decision was based on several local legal precedents cited by Mohamed’s legal team, led by attorneys Siand Dhurjon and Damien Da Silva. The judge also granted an order of Certiorari to quash the GRA’s tax impositions and its demand for the surrender of the vehicles. Additionally, the GRA was ordered to pay GY$750,000 in legal costs to Mohamed by December 31, 2025. The ruling highlighted the GRA’s repeated attempts to delay proceedings, including filing multiple affidavits and applications, which the judge deemed an abuse of the court’s process. The case underscores the limitations of post-clearance tax assessments and reinforces the legal protections for importers once taxes are settled.
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FLASH : Terrorists killed and wounded, weapons and ammunition seized, PNH helicopter set on fire
On November 14, 2025, a significant police operation unfolded in Haiti’s Cul-de-Sac plain, involving specialized units, armored vehicles, and three troop transport helicopters. The operation, which began on the evening of November 13, led to intense clashes between law enforcement and terrorists, causing widespread panic among the local population. According to Divisional Inspector Garry Desrosiers, spokesperson for the Haitian National Police (PNH), at least seven terrorists were killed, and numerous others were injured. Authorities also confiscated several assault weapons and ammunition, including a high-precision .50 caliber American Barrett sniper rifle, known for its ability to penetrate thick steel plates at long distances. Notably, there were no casualties among the PNH officers. However, a PNH helicopter was destroyed during the operation. The aircraft, which was supporting ground units in the Croix-des-Bouquets area, experienced a suspected mechanical failure, prompting a forced landing. The eight officers on board were safely evacuated, and the helicopter was intentionally set on fire to prevent it from falling into terrorist hands. This operation underscores the ongoing challenges Haiti faces in combating terrorism and maintaining public safety.