In a heartfelt tribute to Kenneth ‘Big Tom’ Flowers, who tragically lost his life a week ago in a suspected crime of passion, his family hosted a unique concert-style wake at their Mopan Street residence. The event, open to all, including those beyond the neighborhood, celebrated Flowers’ life and his recent efforts to foster peace across the city. Bernard ‘Unlmtd’ Cayetano, a close friend and artist, emphasized the importance of unity and positivity during this time. He reassured the public about the event’s security, stating, ‘Big Tom was love, and everyone knows that. We encourage everyone to come out with a positive mentality and pay their respects.’ The wake served as a poignant reminder of the community’s collective grief and the urgent need for change to prevent further loss.
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Belize Secures $12.5M Kuwait Loan to Transform George Price Highway
Belize has taken a significant step toward enhancing its transportation infrastructure with a $12.5 million loan agreement signed with the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development. The funding, secured during the World Bank and IMF Annual Meetings, will be allocated to modernize an 18-mile segment of the George Price Highway, stretching from Belmopan to La Democracia. The ambitious project includes the construction of new service lanes, upgraded bridges, and 16 dedicated bus stop lanes, all aimed at improving safety, efficiency, and convenience for commuters and trade activities. This collaboration builds on a long-standing partnership between Belize and Kuwait, which dates back to the 1990s. Over the decades, the Kuwait Fund has supported Belize in developing critical roadways such as the Southern Highway, the Hummingbird Highway, and the Caracol Road. The agreement was formalized by Belize’s Financial Secretary, Joseph Waight, and Waleed Al-Bahar, Acting Director General of the Kuwait Fund. This initiative underscores Belize’s commitment to advancing its infrastructure and fostering economic growth through strategic international partnerships.
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Venezuela Points to Oil, Not Cocaine, in Latest Dispute with the U.S
In a recent press conference, Venezuela’s Ambassador to Belize, Gerardo Argote, vehemently countered what he described as unwarranted provocations by the United States. Argote argued that the U.S. actions are not genuinely aimed at curbing drug trafficking but are instead a strategic move to control Venezuela’s vast natural resources, including the world’s largest oil reserves, gold, and gas. Citing the latest UNODC World Drug Report, he highlighted that only five percent of cocaine leaving South America via the Pacific passes through Venezuela, with most of it being intercepted. The ambassador called for an end to what he termed U.S. aggression and urged Belize to stand in solidarity with Venezuela, a partner since 1989. He emphasized the long-standing diplomatic and cooperative ties between the two nations, referencing the Petrocaribe program, which has provided significant support to Belize. Argote stressed the need for understanding and solidarity in addressing Venezuela’s current geopolitical challenges.
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Deadly Floods Cut Off Hundreds in Mexico
Mexico is reeling from a catastrophic natural disaster as deadly floods and landslides have left over 300 communities completely isolated. The calamity, triggered by two tropical storms hitting the country’s west coast at the end of an exceptionally heavy rainy season, has claimed at least 64 lives, with dozens still unaccounted for. Rivers surged beyond their banks, hillsides crumbled, and entire villages were engulfed by mud, leaving a trail of destruction in their wake. In Veracruz, one of the hardest-hit regions, 29 fatalities were reported, and more than 300,000 residents were severely impacted. Thousands of soldiers and rescue teams are working tirelessly to reopen blocked roads and deliver essential supplies like food and water to remote areas. However, officials caution that the full extent of the disaster remains unclear. President Claudia Sheinbaum has prioritized road restoration to facilitate rescue and relief efforts, while health teams are on high alert to prevent potential dengue outbreaks. Helicopters are being deployed to transport critical supplies, and the government has pledged unlimited resources to aid the affected regions. The nation now faces a long and arduous recovery process as it confronts the aftermath of this unprecedented flooding.
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Regional Cycling Championship Hits Belize Highways
Belize became the epicenter of Caribbean cycling this weekend as it hosted the prestigious Caribbean Elite Road Cycling Championship for the first time. The event, organized under the Caribbean Cycling Union, attracted top male and female cyclists from over a dozen countries, all vying for glory in the under-23 and elite categories. The championship kicked off with the individual time trials on Saturday, followed by the highly anticipated road races on Sunday.
In the women’s elite time trial, Trinidad and Tobago’s Teniel Campbell emerged victorious with a remarkable time of 28 minutes and 39 seconds, securing the gold medal. She was joined on the podium by Jamaica’s Liori Shape (silver) and Bermuda’s Gabriella Arnold (bronze). In the under-23 women’s category, Cuba’s Lianni Mesa Silviera claimed gold, while Bahamas’ Kami Roach and Sieanna Mackey took silver and bronze, respectively.
The men’s elite time trial saw Bermuda’s Nicholas Narraway dominate with a time of 39 minutes and 25 seconds, earning the gold medal. His teammate Conor White secured silver, and Puerto Rico’s Christopher Fontan took bronze. Belizean fans erupted in celebration as Derrick Chavarria clinched gold in the men’s under-23 time trial, finishing seven minutes ahead of his closest competitor.
The road races on Sunday were equally thrilling. In the women’s elite race, Teniel Campbell once again showcased her prowess, breaking away from the lead group to secure her second gold medal of the championship. The men’s elite race was a nail-biter, with Dominican Republic’s Alexander Germoso edging out Belize’s Oscar Quiroz and Guadeloupe’s Benjamin Leny in a sprint finish. Germoso, Quiroz, and Leny all clocked the same time of 3 hours, 49 minutes, and 58 seconds.
Derrick Chavarria continued his stellar performance, finishing fourth overall in the men’s elite race and securing his second gold in the under-23 category. The event concluded with Belizeans celebrating their athletes’ achievements and the successful hosting of this major regional sporting event.
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LIU Keeps Dawson’s Vision Alive With Sports Movement
The William Dawson Sprite/Digi Basketball Tournament has returned for its third season, officially launching on Friday night at Birds Isle. The event, which honors the late William Dawson, former Chairman of the Leadership Intervention Unit (LIU), brought together organizers, sponsors, participants, and Dawson’s family members. With twenty teams competing for the championship, the tournament promises to be a thrilling showcase of talent and community spirit.
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Economy : BRH presents Haiti’s progress to the IMF
On October 13, 2025, during the Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank, the Bank of the Republic of Haiti (BRH) engaged in high-level discussions with IMF officials to highlight Haiti’s economic advancements and future collaboration prospects. The meeting, held in Washington, D.C., featured Ronald Gabriel, Governor of the BRH, and Alfred Métellus, Haiti’s Minister of Economy and Finance, alongside key IMF representatives including Nigel Clarke, Deputy Managing Director; André Roncaglia, Executive Director for Haiti; and Camillo Tovar, Mission Chief. The discussions centered on the second review of the Staff Monitored Program (SMP) and explored avenues for continued support in Haiti’s economic and institutional reforms. Governor Gabriel outlined Haiti’s significant achievements, such as maintaining zero monetary financing to ensure fiscal discipline, enhancing the prudential framework with anti-money laundering measures, stabilizing the exchange rate, advancing financial inclusion strategies, and bolstering foreign exchange reserves. These efforts underscored Haiti’s commitment to macroeconomic stability and institutional strengthening. The meeting reinforced the collaborative spirit between Haiti and the IMF, paving the way for sustained reforms and economic recovery.
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OECS installs free movement billboards in Grenada’s capital
In a significant move to bolster regional integration, the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) has unveiled two vibrant billboards in St. George’s, Grenada, as part of a broader public awareness campaign. This initiative, launched in collaboration with the OECS 11th EDF Regional Integration for Growth, Harmonisation, and Technology (RIGHT) Programme and the International Organization for Migration (IOM), marks the 44th anniversary of the OECS Economic Union. The billboards serve as a vivid reminder to Grenadians of their rights to free movement, residence, and employment across the OECS member states using only a valid national ID card.
During the unveiling ceremony, Grenada’s ambassador to CARICOM and OECS Commissioner, H.E. Aaron Moses, emphasized the profound impact of this integration. He highlighted that OECS citizens now enjoy unrestricted movement, indefinite stay, and access to essential services such as education, healthcare, and social security benefits. Representing the United Nations, Ms. Fiona Sandy, the UN Country Coordination Officer for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, lauded the OECS Commission and IOM for their efforts in promoting regional unity and resilience. She underscored the importance of this integration for the safety, security, and rights of Caribbean citizens.
The OECS Commission has also encouraged Grenadians to scan a QR code featured on the billboards to explore further details about their rights and opportunities under the free movement regime. This campaign not only commemorates a historic milestone but also reinforces the vision of shared prosperity and sustainability across the Caribbean region.
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A farewell to Sol-o — Remembering Solomon Fairbairn
The passing of Solomon Fairbairn, a beloved resident of Lowmans Hill, has left the community in mourning. Sol-o, as he was affectionately known, succumbed to cancer, marking yet another loss for this tight-knit village. His life was a testament to resilience, community, and the enduring spirit of Lowmans Hill.
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Puntacana Group partners with Ministry of Health to promote voluntary blood donation
In a significant move to address critical healthcare needs, the Puntacana Group has joined forces with the Dominican Republic’s Ministry of Health and the National Blood Center to enhance voluntary blood donation efforts. This collaboration, formalized through a three-year agreement, aims to strengthen community outreach and improve access to blood donation services in the eastern region, home to over 1.3 million residents. The initiative will organize regular blood drives across Puntacana Group’s subsidiaries and affiliated companies, coupled with awareness campaigns to emphasize the importance of consistent and voluntary donations. Additionally, the program will upgrade donation facilities to ensure a seamless and positive experience for donors. Registered voluntary donors under the National Blood Center program will gain access to blood components for immediate family members, while Puntacana employees can activate this benefit in emergencies by providing a substitute donor. This partnership highlights the vital role of corporate social responsibility in fostering solidarity, saving lives, and promoting collective well-being in underserved areas.
