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  • Belize Ranks 5th in Regional Clean Energy Report as LAC Output Surges

    Belize Ranks 5th in Regional Clean Energy Report as LAC Output Surges

    As nations across the globe accelerate their transition away from fossil fuels toward low-carbon energy systems, a new 2026 regional energy report highlights strong progress across Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) — with Belize emerging as one of the region’s top performers in renewable electricity generation.

    Released by the Latin American and Caribbean Energy Organization (OLACDE), the latest report tracks regional energy output for January 2026, revealing that total LAC electricity generation hit 171 terawatt-hours (TWh) that month. This marks a 9.6% jump from December 2025, a surge primarily driven by the rebound of hydropower generation after widespread drought and hydrological constraints that had limited output across the region in prior months eased.

    When ranked by the share of total electricity generated from renewable sources, Belize secured the 5th spot in the regional ranking, with 90.9% of its domestic power coming from clean renewable resources in January. Only four LAC nations outperformed Belize: Paraguay, which hit a perfect 100% renewable generation rate, Costa Rica at 97.8%, Uruguay at 96.5%, and Ecuador at 91.6%. Colombia, Brazil and Venezuela also landed in the region’s top tier of renewable energy performers, per the report’s findings.

    Across the entire LAC region, renewables now make up 66% of the total energy mix, with hydropower alone accounting for 44.5% of all regional electricity generation. Natural gas remains the most widely used fossil fuel in the region, making up 23.8% of total output. OLACDE notes that natural gas largely functions as a flexible backup capacity for regional grids that have integrated high levels of variable renewable energy sources like wind and solar.

    Despite the overall strong growth in clean energy, the report also identifies key seasonal vulnerabilities that challenge grid stability across the region. Compared to December 2025, solar generation dropped by 30% in January, geothermal output fell by 36%, and wind generation declined by 11%. OLACDE analysts emphasize that these seasonal fluctuations underscore the critical need for investment in dispatchable energy technologies that can offset the intermittency of variable renewables and keep regional grids stable through changing seasonal conditions.

    Looking at longer-term year-over-year trends, regional electricity output saw a far more modest 1.2% growth in January 2026 compared to the same month in 2025. Hydropower added an extra 10.8 TWh to overall output year-over-year, but lower solar generation pulled total regional output down by 11.2 TWh, offsetting much of the hydropower gain.

  • UWP Senator calls for national reflection on raising boys

    UWP Senator calls for national reflection on raising boys

    In the wake of the fatal killing of local woman Joy St Omer, a senior opposition politician in Saint Lucia has sparked urgent public debate, arguing that outdated and inadequate socialization practices for boys and young men are a root contributor to the nation’s ongoing crisis of femicide and gender-based violence.

    United Workers Party Senator Elisha Norbert, a former educator with a Christian upbringing, laid out his perspective on the drivers of violence against women in an exclusive interview with local outlet St Lucia Times. Drawing on decades of both personal experience and professional observation working with young people, Norbert connected patterns of male violence against women to systemic gaps in how boys are taught to process emotion, cope with setbacks, and respect women.

    Raised in a devout Christian household, Norbert noted his upbringing instilled a core value of care and protection for women. “The Bible teaches us to care for women like fine china,” he explained, adding that women’s innate tendencies toward love, forgiveness, and compassion are too often twisted and exploited by emotionally stunted men in abusive relationships. It is a devastating sight, he said, to watch women continue extending kindness and support to partners even as they endure repeated harm.

    Drawing on his years as a classroom teacher, Norbert pointed to shifting parenting norms that shield boys from the healthy, age-appropriate experience of failure. He cited a common modern example: parents pushing back against coaches for raising their voices at young players during football matches, depriving children of the chance to process disappointment on the field.

    Too many boys today grow up never learning that setbacks are a normal part of life, he argued. They never get the opportunity to lose a game, sit with their frustration, and be guided to process that emotion in a healthy way—learning that it is okay to not win every contest. Over time, this lack of emotional practice leaves men without the regulation skills to handle rejection, conflict, or unmet expectations in adulthood.

    “Honestly, I believe society is raising weak men,” Norbert said. “We’ve lost a lot in the way we raise our men, and I think we’re reaping the rewards of that. It’s detrimental to the stability of a man’s emotional regulation, and they lash out with their might and their strength and their rage that has never been controlled.”

    To reverse this trend, Norbert is calling for a broad, nationwide conversation in Saint Lucia focused on rethinking how boys are raised and educated. The core priority, he says, must be redirecting greater investment and attention to building boys’ emotional intelligence from an early age, equipping them to handle life’s challenges without turning to violence.

  • BTIA President Efrén Pérez Ratified for Second Term Atop Regional Tourism Federation

    BTIA President Efrén Pérez Ratified for Second Term Atop Regional Tourism Federation

    In a significant development for Central America and the Caribbean tourism sector, Efrén Pérez, current president of the Belize Tourism Industry Association, has secured unanimous approval to serve a second consecutive term as president of the Federation of Tourism Chambers of Central America and the Dominican Republic (FEDECATUR). The official ratification was announced during the III Ibero-American Forum on Sustainable Tourism, Innovation, and Development, a high-profile industry gathering hosted in San Pedro Sula, Honduras that drew hundreds of stakeholders including tourism leaders, public sector representatives, global intergovernmental body delegates, and private sector executives from across the Ibero-American region.

    FEDECATUR’s Board of Directors highlighted the key achievements of Pérez’s first term to justify their unanimous decision to re-appoint him. During his initial mandate, Pérez spearheaded meaningful progress in institutional strengthening for the regional federation, and advanced a cohesive regional policy agenda focused on three core pillars: cross-market tourism integration, environmentally sustainable tourism practices, and industry innovation through new technologies and business models.

    Speaking after the confirmation, Pérez framed the renewed mandate as a collective vote of confidence in the shared vision of a more connected, competitive, and fully integrated tourism economy across Central America and the Dominican Republic. “Our ongoing commitment remains centered on amplifying the voice of the private tourism sector across the region, and building a strategic, constructive partnership with regional governments,” Pérez stated. “Together, our goal is to drive inclusive economic growth, expand quality job opportunities, and deliver long-term prosperity for local communities that depend on tourism.”

    For his second term, FEDECATUR has already laid out a clear policy roadmap. Key priorities include expanding and deepening public-private sector dialogue on regional tourism challenges, upgrading air and land transportation connectivity across member states, lowering regulatory barriers that hinder cross-border visitor mobility, and embedding sustainable development as a non-negotiable core pillar of all regional tourism policy. The federation also plans to strengthen collaborative ties with international tourism bodies and multilateral institutions to access funding, technical expertise, and global market opportunities for member stakeholders.

    As the leading representative body for the organized private tourism sector across eight nations, FEDECATUR counts Belize, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, and the Dominican Republic among its core membership. The organization works to align industry priorities, advocate for policy reforms that benefit regional tourism, and position Central America and the Dominican Republic as a cohesive, competitive global tourism destination.

  • Doctors Benjamin and Mansoor Appointed to Lead Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre Board

    Doctors Benjamin and Mansoor Appointed to Lead Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre Board

    Following its recent weekly policy meeting, the Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda has given formal approval to a slate of leadership appointments for statutory and advisory bodies falling under the Ministry of Health, Wellness, Environment and Civil Service Affairs. The changes mark a key step in the government’s ongoing institutional renewal agenda, launched in the wake of the general election held on April 30 this year.

    The most high-profile of the confirmed appointments is the new leadership team for the board of the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre, the country’s leading public healthcare facility. Dr. Philmore Benjamin will take on the role of executive chairman, with Dr. Edward Mansoor stepping into the position of deputy chairman. Completing the 10-member board are Martin Camacho, who will serve as board secretary, alongside regular members Dr. Karen Josiah, Randy Agrippa, Kasmin Green, Akeem Edwards, and Kiva Dean. Two senior public health officials will hold ex officio seats on the board: Kevin Silston from the national Medical Benefits Scheme, and Chief Medical Officer Dr. Kamara De Castro.

    The Cabinet’s approvals extended beyond the hospital’s governing board to two other critical public institutions under the health ministry portfolio. Veteran nurse Margaret Smith was named as the new chair of the Antigua and Barbuda Nursing Council, the statutory body tasked with upholding professional training and practice standards for the country’s nursing workforce, and guaranteeing consistent high-quality care for patients across all healthcare settings. Dan Lee Phillip was also appointed as chairman of the board for the National Solid Waste Management Authority, the agency responsible for public waste collection, disposal and environmental sanitation across the nation.

    Director General of Communications Maurice Merchant publicly confirmed the full list of appointments during a post-Cabinet media briefing held on Friday. He clarified that all nominations for the roles were first submitted to Cabinet for review by Health Minister Sir Molwyn Joseph, before receiving final formal approval. Merchant emphasized that the appointments are not isolated personnel changes, but an integrated part of the new administration’s broader plan to strengthen core public sector institutions after taking office following the general election.

  • Ladies Night at Sabina Park: Free Entry for Women to 2nd ODI of the Sri Lanka Series

    Ladies Night at Sabina Park: Free Entry for Women to 2nd ODI of the Sri Lanka Series

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Cricket West Indies (CWI) has launched a fan-focused inclusive initiative to boost attendance and celebrate women supporters, announcing free general entry for all women attending the second One-Day International (ODI) between the West Indies and Sri Lanka at Kingston’s iconic Sabina Park on Saturday, June 6. Billed as a unique “Cricket in the Day, Party in the Night” experience, the special Ladies Night promotion is a core addition to CWI’s ongoing “WI OUTSIDE!” international home series campaign, which centers on re-engaging lapsed fans, building vibrant match-day culture, and amplifying the distinct electric energy that defines Caribbean cricket.

    Women seeking to claim the complimentary offer can collect free general stand tickets directly from the Sabina Park box office ahead of the match’s start. The promotion does not extend to premium Fan Zone or Party Stand seating. The opening pitch is scheduled for 2:30 p.m., with organizers encouraging early arrival to soak in a full afternoon of competitive cricket before the venue shifts to after-match party mode, featuring curated DJ sets, exclusive drink deals, and giveaways including tickets to the upcoming T20 International series against Sri Lanka.

    For the host West Indies team, the match carries added competitive stakes: the side will look to extend its strong recent ODI form and build critical series momentum in front of a cheering home crowd, setting the stage for a thrilling under-lights contest.

    CWI Chief Executive Officer Chris Dehring explained that the Ladies Night initiative aligns with the organization’s dual goals of expanding access to top-tier cricket and delivering dynamic, fan-first entertainment experiences. “Ladies Night is about celebrating and rewarding the women who continue to stand with West Indies cricket, while crafting an enjoyable, memorable outing for both first-time attendees and long-time fans,” Dehring shared in an official statement. “As part of our “WI OUTSIDE!” campaign, we’re calling on everyone to gather, show their West Indian pride, and feel the unmatched excitement that only live international cricket can deliver.”

    The promotion comes on the heels of a wildly successful ISSA Day held during the opening ODI of the series on June 3, where hundreds of Jamaican school students attended the match for free through a partnership between CWI and the Jamaica Inter-Secondary Schools Sports Association (ISSA). Dehring noted that the turnout from that event was deeply encouraging, mirroring CWI’s broader push to make cricket accessible to young fans across the Caribbean this summer.

    “It was truly inspiring to see hundreds of school children pack Sabina Park for ISSA Day on Wednesday, getting to experience international cricket first-hand as part of our commitment to free entry for kids all summer,” Dehring added. “We hope to see that same bright energy and enthusiasm from the women of Jamaica on Saturday night. We want Sabina Park buzzing, so we encourage women across the country to take advantage of this special offer, bring their friends and family, and help us build an unforgettable atmosphere as the Maroon Men take on Sri Lanka.”

    Beyond the Ladies Night promotion, CWI has extended its youth accessibility commitment across the entire remaining home series. For all upcoming matches hosted across Jamaica, Antigua and Barbuda, Guyana, Barbados, and Trinidad and Tobago, any child aged 16 and under will receive free general admission when accompanied by an adult holding a paid match ticket.

  • Republic Bank’s Five for Fun lands in Barbados

    Republic Bank’s Five for Fun lands in Barbados

    Barbados has marked a new milestone for Caribbean grassroots cricket, as the Republic Bank Five for Fun youth cricket programme officially launched on the island this week, drawing hundreds of excited primary school students and leading sporting stakeholders to the ceremony. After rolling out to successful editions across five other Caribbean nations — St. Lucia, Guyana, Grenada, Trinidad and Tobago, and St. Kitts and Nevis — the 2026 expansion brings the popular initiative to Barbados for its first ever season, with 60 primary schools across the island already confirmed to participate.

    Tailored specifically for children aged 7 to 12, the Five for Fun programme is built on core principles of accessibility, joy, teamwork, and foundational skill-building, designed to introduce young participants to cricket in a low-pressure, engaging outdoor setting. The symbolic launch event took place on May 27 at Bridgetown’s iconic Sir Garfield Sobers Gymnasium, drawing a roster of notable guests including senior leadership from the Barbados Cricket Association (BCA), former West Indies international cricketers Vasbert Drakes and Kurt Wilkinson, current Barbados and West Indies national team player Chemar Holder, and student delegations from five local primary schools: Bayley’s Primary, Blackman and Gollop Primary, Good Shepherd Primary, West Terrace Primary, and Luther Thorne Memorial Primary. Senior leadership from Republic Bank Barbados, including Managing Director and CEO Carlene Seudat and senior management team members Steven Jordan, Sharon Zephirin, Joy Inniss, and Sasha Shillingford, also joined the ceremony to mark the occasion.

    Wendell Coppin, BCA’s Manager of Cricket Operations and Development, opened remarks by welcoming the cross-sector partnership, noting the programme’s core mission to nurture the next generation of regional cricket talent. “This year marks an exciting milestone as Republic Bank ‘Five for Fun’ makes its debut in Barbados. The Barbados Cricket Association is proud to partner with Republic Bank and Cricket West Indies in delivering this all-important primary school initiative,” Coppin said. “We are thrilled to have close to 60 schools participating in this inaugural year, with scheduled training sessions being conducted by coaches from the National Sports Council alongside Barbados Cricket Association coaches. Students will also have the unique opportunity to interact with and be inspired by visits from national senior team cricketers throughout the programme.”

    Coppin added that the initiative is expected to be a transformative boost to local grassroots cricket, with regional playoffs and a national championship on the horizon. “We believe this initiative will play an important role in strengthening grassroots cricket development in Barbados, and we are eagerly anticipating Zonal Playoff matches and the National Festival Finals carded for October, where the students will have the opportunity to showcase their progress and celebrate the spirit of the game,” he said.

    BCA Chief Executive Officer Paul Skinner echoed that praise, emphasizing that the Five for Fun programme is far more than a youth tournament — it is a core pillar of Barbados’ long-term national cricket development strategy. “This programme is not a standalone initiative, but a key component of the national cricket development strategy. Through the collaborative efforts of the Barbados Cricket Association and Cricket West Indies (CWI), alongside the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Sport, cricket clubs, and other sporting and cricketing organisations, we are committed to ensuring that the talented boys and girls emerging from this programme are provided with the training opportunities and competitive pathways necessary for both individual and collective growth,” Skinner explained. “It remains essential that national stakeholders continue to work together to ensure that cricket development pathways across the region are properly resourced, strengthened, and sustained for future generations.”

    Skinner extended particular gratitude to programme sponsor Republic Bank for its sustained investment in Caribbean youth. “To Republic Bank, we extend our sincere gratitude, as this initiative would not be possible without your unwavering commitment and shared belief in youth development. Your investment in the young people of Barbados and the wider Caribbean through the sport of cricket will not only be reflected in future appearances on some of the world’s biggest cricketing stages, but also in the cultivation of responsible, innovative, and progressive citizens who will make meaningful contributions to the advancement of our society,” he said.

    One of the most celebrated announcements of the launch came with a special financial incentive for all participating young cricketers: every student taking part in the programme will receive a brand-new RightStart savings account from Republic Bank Barbados pre-loaded with BBD $50, a reveal that drew enthusiastic applause from the student audience. Additional incentives are planned for top-performing teams: every member of the inaugural national championship-winning team will receive an extra BBD $200 deposited to their accounts, while runners-up will each get a BBD $150 credit.

    Seudat, Republic Bank Barbados’ CEO, spoke to the outlet’s long-term commitment to youth and community development across the Caribbean, framing the partnership as an investment in the region’s future. “At Republic Bank, we believe that building strong communities starts with investing in our youth. Today’s launch is not just about cricket. It is about opportunity, development, and shaping the future of our region, one child at a time,” Seudat said. “Here in Barbados and the West Indies, cricket is more than a sport. It is part of our identity. It is woven into our culture, our history, and our pride as a people. We have produced world-class players who have carried the West Indies flag with distinction. Players like Shai Hope, Carlos Brathwaite, Jason Holder, and Hayley Matthews, who began their journeys just like the children gathered here today, with a bat, a ball, and a dream.”

    The programme’s timeline kicks off with school-based training and coaching sessions running through June and July 2026. Zonal playoffs are scheduled for September 2026, with the National Festival Finals set to take place in October 2026. The launch ceremony was hosted by Republic Bank Barbados Ambassador Joel Manning. With the Barbados launch, the Republic Bank Five for Fun Programme has completed its 2026 rollout across all six planned Caribbean territories, cementing its status as one of the region’s most ambitious grassroots youth cricket initiatives in recent years.

  • BYD announced as Official Car Partner of CPL 2026

    BYD announced as Official Car Partner of CPL 2026

    Global new energy vehicle leader BYD has locked in its return as the Official Car Partner for the 2026 edition of the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL), marking a key milestone in the brand’s ongoing expansion across the Caribbean region.

    The 2026 CPL tournament will host matches across eight Caribbean nations, including six of BYD’s core regional markets: Jamaica, Trinidad & Tobago, Guyana, Barbados, Antigua & Barbuda, and Saint Lucia. This partnership is built around aligning BYD’s core brand pillars of innovation, sustainability, and forward-thinking mobility with the cultural identity of the Caribbean, tying the company’s regional growth strategy to one of the area’s most beloved and high-profile sporting events.

    To maximize engagement with cricket fans and local communities, BYD has planned a full slate of cross-channel activations tied to the tournament. Beyond prominent branding and vehicle showcases across host stadiums, the brand will roll out interactive fan experiences, targeted digital marketing campaigns, and in-dealership events that bring the excitement of CPL directly to local consumers. In-dealership initiatives include official CPL viewing parties, exclusive test drive promotions, and limited-access fan experiences designed to create multiple touchpoints for consumers to explore BYD’s full lineup of electric vehicles.

    One of the most anticipated initiatives of the partnership is the “Wrap the Future: BYD x CPL Design Challenge”, a creative competition open to artists and designers across the Caribbean. The challenge invites participants to create custom vehicle wrap designs that merge three themes: the excitement of Caribbean cricket, the unique cultural identity of the region, and the future of sustainable mobility. Winning entries will be printed and applied to actual BYD vehicles, which will then be displayed at tournament matches, regional roadshows, and across the brand’s digital and social media channels, giving local creatives a high-profile platform to showcase their work.

    Overseeing on-the-ground execution of the full campaign is regional automotive group ATL Automotive, whose local teams across the Caribbean will coordinate with BYD to ensure consistent, large-scale delivery of all activations across every host market.

    Stephen Hector, Group Strategic Marketing and Digital Growth Director at ATL Automotive, emphasized the natural alignment between BYD’s brand mission and CPL’s cultural standing in the region. “Cricket remains one of the Caribbean’s greatest passions, and for BYD, this partnership creates a unique opportunity to connect with audiences through a platform that blends innovation, entertainment, energy, and community spirit,” Hector said. “As a global leader in electric mobility, BYD is proud to align with one of the region’s most dynamic sporting properties, reinforcing our commitment to smarter and more sustainable transportation while engaging fans across the Caribbean in meaningful ways. This partnership is a natural fit for BYD as a brand built on innovation and forward-thinking mobility, and we are excited about the opportunities this season will bring both on and off the field.”

    Dr. Tara Wilkinson-McLean, Head of Partnerships for the Caribbean Premier League, echoed that enthusiasm, welcoming BYD back to the 2026 tournament. “BYD’s commitment to innovation, sustainability and community engagement align perfectly with the values of the CPL and our vision for the continued growth of the tournament across the Caribbean,” Wilkinson-McLean noted. “The partnership goes beyond traditional sponsorship, creating exciting opportunities for fans to engage with the brand through unique activations, experiences and initiatives such as the ‘Wrap the Future’ design challenge. We look forward to working closely with BYD and ATL Automotive to deliver a memorable campaign that celebrates both Caribbean cricket and the future of mobility.”

    Founded to accelerate the global transition to sustainable transportation, BYD is a world-leading manufacturer of electric vehicles and new energy mobility solutions, with operations in more than 100 countries and regions worldwide. This collaboration marks a key step in the brand’s strategy to embed itself within Caribbean communities while growing its market share in the region’s expanding electric vehicle sector. The partnership is expected to drive both broad brand awareness and tangible commercial growth for BYD across all participating markets, while adding new layers of fan engagement to the 2026 CPL tournament.

  • Antigua and Barbuda to Establish Dedicated Night Court for Traffic Offences

    Antigua and Barbuda to Establish Dedicated Night Court for Traffic Offences

    A landmark policy shift aimed at tackling mounting delays in traffic case processing and worsening road safety risks is moving forward, after the national Cabinet gave formal approval to launch a dedicated after-hours court for traffic offenses.

    Under the new plan, individuals accused of traffic violations will no longer need to wait for standard weekday court hours to have their cases adjudicated. The approval of this specialized court comes after a recommendation from Attorney General Sir Steadroy Benjamin, which the full Cabinet accepted as a targeted solution to two growing crises: a crippling backlog of unresolved traffic cases and persistent public anxiety over road safety, Communications Director General Maurice Merchant confirmed in a public announcement Friday.

    Merchant noted that the decision came after weeks of extensive deliberations among Cabinet members, who reviewed recent data showing steady increases in both reported traffic offenses and road accidents across the country. Alongside these rising incident numbers, officials also examined the ballooning inventory of traffic cases that have been stuck in the traditional court system, waiting months or longer for resolution.

    Cabinet members have repeatedly raised alarms about the growing frequency of traffic violations and crashes, highlighting their devastating toll on public safety, private and public property, and the efficiency of the national justice system. After reviewing all available data, members reached a consensus that the traditional court structure was no longer adequate to handle the volume of traffic matters, and that a more focused, expedited approach was critical to eliminate unnecessary delays in resolving these cases.

    Beyond clearing existing backlogs, the new night court initiative is designed to strengthen overall compliance with traffic laws. By ensuring that offenders are held accountable quickly rather than facing months of delay before their cases are heard, officials expect the court system will act as a stronger deterrent to dangerous driving behavior, ultimately reducing the number of accidents and violations across the country. Work is now expected to begin on implementing the new court structure, with further details on operational timelines to be released in coming weeks.

  • Beckles slams PM over protest stance: ‘a threat’

    Beckles slams PM over protest stance: ‘a threat’

    On the eve of a planned national shutdown called by community activists, Trinidad and Tobago’s Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles delivered a fiery rebuke of Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar during a pro-democracy candlelight vigil hosted by the People’s National Movement (PNM) in San Juan on Wednesday, framing the Prime Minister’s remarks on the protest as a direct threat to ordinary citizens.

    The shutdown call, organized by activist Alyssa Phillip, emerged as a public response to two recent high-profile police-related events: the fatal shooting of Joshua Phillip, and the charging of his common-law wife Kaia Sealy, who was also wounded in the incident and now lives with partial paralysis. The action calls on all residents to stay home and reflect on the incident, turning national attention to police conduct and rising public safety concerns.

    Addressing the gathered crowd, Beckles called attention to Persad-Bissessar’s public response to the protest, where the Prime Minister stated that those who wished to protest or shut down the country were free to do so, but reminded participants they would still be responsible for their monthly living expenses. Beckles argued that this offhand comment carried a darker subtext. “What is she really telling you? It is more than that. It is a threat,” Beckles told attendees. She also noted that Persad-Bissessar herself organized a national shutdown when she served as opposition leader in 2018, saying she would be waiting to see how the Prime Minister would respond to the current wave of public discontent.

    Beckles also turned criticism to the government’s recently implemented Emergency Powers Regulations (Legal Notice No 40 of 2026), which established 15 “No Protest Zones” across the country, including the area surrounding Parliament. Beckles pushed back on the restriction, arguing that public protest outside the seat of government is a longstanding and normal part of democratic discourse. “If you’re a politician and you can’t take picong and you can’t pass in front of the Parliament and take criticism, you shouldn’t be a politician,” she said. She warned that the government’s pattern of restricting speech, monitoring social media activity, and targeting activists and political opponents crosses into authoritarian territory. “When a government threatens its citizens every day… it is a dictatorship and we need to wake our people up,” she added.

    The opposition leader also called out the Prime Minister’s treatment of her former trade union allies, who helped form a coalition that brought the United National Congress (UNC) into power. Multiple trade unions have publicly called for the “No Protest Zone” order to be rescinded, but Beckles said Persad-Bissessar has dismissed their demands, telling unions they should focus solely on securing benefits for their members. “The Prime Minister does not even recognise her partners that were responsible for her getting into office,” Beckles said.

    The evening’s vigil was dedicated to the young lives lost to the country’s ongoing crime crisis, with Beckles asking attendees to raise their candles in honor of a growing list of child victims. These included 14-month-old Shermaya Jada Motilal, killed by her father in a 2024 domestic dispute; two-year-old missing Tobago child Angelo Tobias Plaza; 23-month-old Akini Kafi; and nine-year-old J’Layna Armstrong. “They were children, our children. Children whose parents sang to them. Tonight we remember them. We remember every child, every young person, every woman. We think of every parent who lost a child because that is what tonight is all about,” she said.

    Beckles also rejected the government’s framing of crime as a problem limited exclusively to PNM-held constituencies, pointing to a recent spate of high-casualty killings in southern constituencies held by the ruling UNC, including a triple murder and a double murder in Penal that left seven people dead in less than 24 hours, with the double homicide occurring in Persad-Bissessar’s own constituency. “Crime knows no colour, crime has no race. When a criminal decides that he wants to come for you he doesn’t know about the boundaries… You feel a bullet has a boundary? You feel a bullet knows whether the victim is UNC or PNM?” Beckles asked.

    In a follow-up Facebook post published after the vigil, Beckles warned that the current trajectory of government action represents a dangerous pattern of oppression, demonization, and vilification of marginalized communities. She argued that rather than addressing the root causes of rising violent crime, Persad-Bissessar has instead chosen to launch verbal attacks on communities like East Port of Spain and Laventille. She pointed to the recent police disruption of a planned peace walk on Port of Spain’s Piccadilly Street as evidence of the government’s heavy-handed approach, noting that the Prime Minister’s rhetoric gives cover for targeting entire communities based on their location. “This is institutionalised discrimination against citizens whose only perceived crime is where they live,” she said.

    Beckles concluded by alleging that cultural groups rooted in marginalized communities are being systematically sidelined by the current administration, pointing to the reported cancellation of this year’s Best Village program, a long-standing cultural institution that emerged from those communities. She also noted that many artists and organizers involved in pan music, Carnival, and other major national cultural events have yet to receive promised government payments, even as public funds are directed to wealthy political allies of the ruling party. “These actions leave me with the perception that those who built and sustain our national identity in these communities are now being punished and pushed aside by Kamla,” she said.

  • Trouble in prison after inmates miscalculate SoE’s end

    Trouble in prison after inmates miscalculate SoE’s end

    A wave of inmate unrest sparked by widespread misinformation about the expiration of a national state of emergency forced authorities to suspend all public and legal visits at Trinidad and Tobago’s Eastern Correctional and Rehabilitation Centre (ECRC) on Wednesday, multiple official and institutional sources have confirmed.

    The chaos erupted shortly after scheduled visiting hours kicked off at 9 a.m., when dozens of detainees became increasingly agitated after learning they would not be released as they had expected. The incorrect belief that the ongoing state of emergency (SoE) would end on June 3 had spread through informal channels among the inmate population, leading many to anticipate imminent release. When that expectation went unmet, detainees launched repeated disruptive actions that derailed normal facility operations for hours.

    Prison insiders told local media outlet the Express that the unrest unfolded in at least two to three separate outbursts throughout the morning. Inmates engaged in escalating disorderly conduct, including sustained loud commotion and the throwing of human waste, as tensions climbed across the facility. Administration officials made multiple attempts to restore order and resume pre-scheduled visits, but each effort was met with renewed unrest.

    By 1 p.m., with safety risks mounting for both visiting members of the public and on-duty correctional staff, prison management made the call to suspend all visitations indefinitely. The suspension extended even to confidential meetings between defense attorneys and their incarcerated clients, a rare step that underscored the severity of the situation.

    In an official statement released the same day, the Prison Officers’ Association (POA), the union representing correctional staff across the country, confirmed it had been notified of the unrest immediately after it began. “Our understanding is that a number of detainees, believing they were due to be released today (Wednesday), became agitated and engaged in disruptive behaviour at various times throughout the day,” the association said.

    The POA voiced full backing for the decision to halt visitor access, framing the move as an unavoidable step to protect all people inside the facility. “In the interest of maintaining order and ensuring the safety of all concerned, prison management took the decision to suspend visits to the facility. We support this decision as the safety and security of both detainees and visitors must remain the primary consideration during any period of unrest within a correctional institution,” the statement read.

    The union also praised on-duty officers for their measured response to the volatile situation, commending their “professionalism and restraint in managing a challenging situation and for their continued commitment to maintaining the security and stability of the institution.”

    When contacted for comment by reporters on Wednesday, acting Commissioner of Prisons Carlos Corraspe confirmed he had received initial updates about the unrest but had not yet received a full formal report from ECRC leadership. “At this point in time, I have been given some information about it, but nothing confirmed. I am still awaiting final reports across the ECRC and the other prisons,” Corraspe said.

    Investigations into the unrest quickly traced the root of the misinformation to false claims circulating widely on social media platforms, which claimed the SoE was scheduled to end on June 3. In a corrective statement released Wednesday, the Office of the Attorney General clarified that the state of emergency will actually remain in effect until midnight on June 17, 2026, putting an end to the false release expectations that triggered the disturbance.