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  • Fake Winning Numbers Being Sold Online

    Fake Winning Numbers Being Sold Online

    The Belize Government Lotteries Limited (BGLL) has issued a formal public alert regarding a proliferation of fraudulent social media schemes targeting lottery participants. These deceptive operations involve the sale of purported ‘winning numbers’ for Boledo, Ordinary, and Jackpot games in exchange for monetary payment.

    BGLL officials have emphatically stated that advance knowledge of lottery results is fundamentally impossible due to their rigorous security protocols. Each drawing is conducted under stringent controls, including pre- and post-session ball weighing procedures. The process is overseen by senior public officers and independently verified by auditors from Coye and Associates at every event.

    The organization characterizes these fraudulent offers as deliberate public deception designed for illicit financial gain. BGLL further clarified that no authorization exists for lottery ticket sales through social media platforms, messaging applications, or any unofficial channels. Legitimate tickets are exclusively available through approved vendors.

    In their official communication, BGLL underscored the legal implications of participating in these schemes, noting that engagement with or support of such illegal activities may lead to criminal prosecution under Belizean law. The warning comes as part of broader efforts to maintain lottery integrity and protect consumers from financial fraud.

  • Community group urges action as Deux Branches ESIA documents finally made public amid transparency concerns

    Community group urges action as Deux Branches ESIA documents finally made public amid transparency concerns

    A contentious environmental transparency dispute has emerged in Dominica regarding the Deux Branches quarry project, following months of advocacy by environmental activists. The Save Deux Branches initiative has forced the public release of Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIAs) amid mounting allegations that the quarry operation may serve as cover for unauthorized copper mining activities allegedly sanctioned by local authorities.

    The documents’ disclosure method has sparked significant concerns about governmental transparency and community rights. According to reports, the Physical Planning Division provided only three physical copies at their Roseau office, restricting viewing time to 90 minutes per person. Notably, no copies were made available digitally or provided to the Kalinago Territory community, which stands to be most affected by the project scheduled to commence in 2026.

    In response to these access limitations, activists and community members took independent action by scanning, uploading, and distributing the documents themselves. They delivered physical copies to the Kalinago Council office, asserting that environmental information access constitutes a fundamental right rather than a privilege for affected communities.

    With merely seven days remaining for public commentary submission, the situation has intensified into an urgent accountability matter. The assessments themselves reveal multiple concerning discrepancies: project maps indicate the quarry overlaps the Northern Forest Reserve despite official claims of no protected land impact; three ESIA versions contain conflicting factual information; no experts are identified or qualified within the report; and scientific assessments across geological, ecological, and hydrological domains appear substantially superficial.

    Additionally, the documents fail to reference international treaties including the Escazú Agreement and ILO Convention 169, which protect environmental information rights and Indigenous communities’ right to free, prior, and informed consent. The Save Deux Branches initiative urges public review and commentary submission to physicalplanning@dominica.gov.dm before the March 30 deadline, emphasizing that each submission is officially recorded and can influence the decision-making process. Documents are accessible via tinyurl.com/dbESIAfiles.

  • St. Mary’s North Registration Unit relocates

    St. Mary’s North Registration Unit relocates

    ST. JOHN’S, ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA – In a strategic move to bolster electoral participation, the Antigua and Barbuda Electoral Commission (ABEC) has announced the relocation of its St. Mary’s North Registration Unit to a more accessible community location. The new operational base will be situated on Golden Grove Main Road, within the premises previously occupied by the Christian Faith Academy, adjacent to the Dr. Allister Francis Campus.

    This transition, effective from Monday, March 23rd, 2026, represents a significant enhancement in ABEC’s service delivery framework. The commission’s initiative is designed to streamline voter registration processes and improve constituent engagement by situating essential electoral services directly within the community. The relocation eliminates geographical barriers, offering residents expedited access to a comprehensive suite of electoral services, including new voter registrations, transfer applications, and replacement of expired Voter’s ID Cards.

    ABEC’s operational schedule remains consistent with previous arrangements. Constituents can avail themselves of these services from Monday through Thursday, 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM, and on Fridays from 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM. This relocation underscores ABEC’s commitment to fostering democratic participation through improved logistical planning and community-centric service models.

  • Bocage students receive corrective glasses from TEF

    Bocage students receive corrective glasses from TEF

    In a significant educational support initiative, thirteen students from Bocage Secondary School have received prescription eyewear through a charitable program organized by the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF). The vision correction effort originated from comprehensive eye assessments conducted during the Kids Insight Medical Mission in January and February, where medical professionals identified vision impairments and prescribed appropriate corrective lenses.

    The formal distribution ceremony occurred on March 18, 2026, when TEF representatives visited the school to personally deliver the glasses to beneficiaries. For fifth-form student Brandon Abraham, the intervention came after months of academic struggle caused by deteriorating vision. “My eyes started troubling me, started scratching, started watering,” Abraham recounted. He described a particularly alarming incident during an examination: “There was once when I was writing an exam and then I just started seeing blue and I was like, ‘what’s going on with my eyes?’”

    Following the distribution, Abraham expressed profound relief: “God has blessed me with this new pair of glasses to see again, to see well.”

    Tamara Amos, TEF Technical Officer for Community Projects, emphasized the program’s significance within the organization’s youth development framework. “We are happy to be here today to deliver the glasses to the well-deserving students,” Amos stated, noting that the initiative falls under the broader Kids Insight programme that has benefited children nationwide. “The TEF is really happy and elated to be part of such a wonderful initiative,” she added.

    School Principal Cuthbert Elizee welcomed the intervention as a critical academic support measure. “We know that those glasses are going to go a long way in enhancing the students’ learning,” Elizee remarked. He highlighted the often-overlooked connection between vision problems and academic performance: “We know over the years the students have been doing poorly, and it is not because they are not intelligent and they are not bright. But their vision has been impacted and as a matter of fact, they are unable to see, to be able to read, to be able to write and do their tests and so on.”

    The timing proved particularly crucial for three fifth-form students preparing for imminent CXC regional examinations. Principal Elizee expressed the school’s profound gratitude, stating: “I don’t think words can adequately say how we feel about the support that we are receiving for our children.”

  • Belize Eyes El Salvador as New Market for Local Farm Products

    Belize Eyes El Salvador as New Market for Local Farm Products

    Belize is establishing a groundbreaking agricultural trade pathway that will transport domestic farm products through Guatemala to reach markets in El Salvador. This strategic initiative follows successful diplomatic negotiations between high-ranking officials from the participating nations.

    Agriculture Minister Rodwell Ferguson recently convened with Guatemalan counterparts to finalize logistical arrangements for the seamless transit of Belizean commodity containers through Guatemalan territory. Both parties characterized the discussions as exceptionally constructive, marking a significant milestone toward operationalizing this new trade artery.

    A formal bilateral agreement between Belize’s Ministry of Agriculture and El Salvador, facilitated through its diplomatic representative in Belize, is slated for signing before April’s conclusion. This pact will explicitly outline the specific agricultural products designated for export under the arrangement.

    The Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and New Growth Industries emphasized in an official communiqué that this endeavor constitutes a pivotal component of its comprehensive strategy to identify and develop fresh market opportunities for Belizean agricultural producers. “El Salvador represents a neighboring nation that currently imports substantial quantities of food products,” the ministry noted. “Our market access dialogues with Salvadoran authorities have yielded particularly promising outcomes to date.”

  • Portvale workers off the job for a second day

    Portvale workers off the job for a second day

    The Portvale sugar factory in Barbados has been plunged into renewed industrial action as approximately 50 employees initiated an unexpected walkout. The labor disruption emerged when United Workers’ Union (UWU) members, under the leadership of General Secretary Caswell Franklyn, were instructed to leave the premises after reporting for their scheduled shifts. According to sources familiar with the situation, the directive for workers to return home stemmed from a pre-existing arrangement involving a separate labor organization, though specific details regarding this arrangement remain undisclosed. This development triggered a chain reaction, with remaining UWU-affiliated staff subsequently withdrawing their labor in solidarity. Plant operations have been significantly impacted by the work stoppage. Management and union representatives have convened an emergency meeting to address the escalating situation, with stakeholders anticipating further clarification once discussions conclude. The incident highlights ongoing tensions within Barbados’s industrial relations landscape and raises concerns about production continuity at the vital sugar processing facility.

  • Actieheld Chuck Norris overleden op 86-jarige leeftijd

    Actieheld Chuck Norris overleden op 86-jarige leeftijd

    Hollywood mourns the loss of an entertainment icon as Chuck Norris, the legendary martial artist and actor renowned for his tough-guy persona in films and television, has passed away peacefully at age 84. His family confirmed the news through an official statement posted on his Instagram account this Friday, noting he was surrounded by loved ones at the time of his passing.

    Norris rose to international fame through his remarkable career that spanned over three decades, beginning with his iconic showdown against Bruce Lee in the 1973 classic “The Way of the Dragon.” His performance in the Roman Colosseum scene launched him into stardom, leading to more than two dozen films where he typically portrayed rugged individualists, soldiers, law enforcement officers, and American heroes who tackled criminals, freed prisoners of war, and combated terrorism.

    Beyond his filmography, Norris became a cultural phenomenon through the internet-era “Chuck Norris Facts”—humorous memes exaggerating his invincibility and machismo that spread virally across the globe. These satirical jokes, such as “Chuck Norris doesn’t do push-ups, he pushes the Earth down,” cemented his status as a pop culture legend.

    From 1993 to 2001, Norris captivated television audiences as Sergeant Cordell Walker in the hit series “Walker, Texas Ranger,” further solidifying his tough-guy image. Time Magazine recognized him in 1985 as “the ultimate tough guy” and praised his undisputed superstar status within the action genre.

    Born Carlos Ray Norris on March 10, 1940, in Ryan, Oklahoma, Norris overcame a challenging childhood characterized by shyness and non-athleticism. His transformation began through his service in the U.S. Air Force and martial arts training in South Korea, where he developed into a six-time undefeated World Professional MiddleWeight Karate Champion.

    His career received a significant boost when actor Steve McQueen encouraged him to emphasize his physical presence over dialogue. Beyond acting, Norris founded his own martial arts style, Chun Kuk Do, in 1990 and established the nonprofit Kickstart Kids program to build youth confidence through martial arts training.

    A proud patriot, conservative, and devout Christian, Norris collaborated with the National Rifle Association and authored several books, including memoirs and fiction novels. While his films occasionally faced criticism for their violent content, Norris consistently defended the action genre as a medium for storytelling where good ultimately triumphs over evil.

    Chuck Norris leaves behind an enduring legacy as an icon of resilience, strength, and determination, beloved by millions of fans worldwide who will remember his contributions to both entertainment and martial arts.

  • Ministry of Health joins with the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre to Recognize World Down Syndrome Day

    Ministry of Health joins with the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre to Recognize World Down Syndrome Day

    The Ministry of Health, Wellness, Environment, and Civil Service Affairs of Antigua and Barbuda, in partnership with the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre, is leading national observances for World Down Syndrome Day on March 20th. This global recognition spotlights the ongoing efforts to advance public understanding and societal acceptance of individuals with Down syndrome.

    Aligning with this year’s international theme centered on acceptance and inclusion, the Ministry has reinforced its dedication to creating equitable pathways to comprehensive healthcare, educational opportunities, and essential social services. The initiative emphasizes that these rights must be universally accessible, irrespective of an individual’s abilities.

    Public engagement is identified as a cornerstone of this mission. Citizens are encouraged to actively participate in building a more inclusive community by demonstrating solidarity, confronting and dismantling existing stigmas, and honoring the accomplishments of those with Down syndrome.

    In a formal statement, the Ministry expressed profound gratitude to the nation’s healthcare professionals, dedicated caregivers, and relentless advocacy organizations. These groups are acknowledged for their pivotal role in safeguarding the rights and enhancing the quality of life for people with Down syndrome, serving as the backbone of support and progress in this vital area of public health.

  • Antigua Marks International Day of Forests with Focus on Economic Value of Forestry

    Antigua Marks International Day of Forests with Focus on Economic Value of Forestry

    The International Day of Forests, established through a United Nations General Assembly resolution in 2012, achieves global recognition each March 21st. This carefully selected date aligns with the vernal equinox phenomenon, representing seasonal transformation through nearly equal daylight and darkness across both hemispheres. The astronomical event occurs biannually, with the second equinox taking place approximately six months later in September.

    Central to this international observance is the mission to enhance public understanding regarding the multifaceted value of diverse forest ecosystems. The initiative promotes worldwide conservation strategies and sustainable management practices for wooded areas and individual trees alike.

    For the 2026 commemoration, the thematic focus “Forests and Economies” underscores the indispensable economic functions forests perform beyond conventional timber harvesting and renewable resource extraction. These natural systems fundamentally underpin agricultural productivity, strengthen community resilience, protect vital watershed infrastructure, and harbor immense biodiversity including potential pharmaceutical resources. The economic contributions extend far beyond direct employment and revenue generation, encompassing countless ecosystem services that form the foundation of sustainable development.

    In recognition of this year’s theme, the Ministry of Agriculture’s Forestry Division has scheduled official ceremonies for Monday, March 23rd, with primary activities concentrated in the Body Pond’s Area. This coordinated celebration highlights the intersection of environmental conservation and economic policy, emphasizing how forest preservation directly correlates with national prosperity.

  • Child Abuse Cases in Belize Top 1,000 Each Year

    Child Abuse Cases in Belize Top 1,000 Each Year

    Belize has initiated a major nationwide effort to address its escalating child abuse crisis through the Blue Teddy Bear Campaign, a collaborative initiative uniting government agencies, law enforcement, and international partners. The campaign emerges as official data reveals more than 1,000 new child abuse cases enter the national system annually, prompting urgent action from authorities.

    The National Commission for Families and Children (NCFC) is spearheading the initiative alongside UNICEF, the Ministry of Human Development, and the Belize Police Department. Thea Garcia-Ramirez, Minister of Human Development, emphasized the severity of the situation, stating, ‘Annually, we document over a thousand new cases of children entering our system, primarily victims of abuse and neglect. We must reverse this trend.’

    While increased public reporting has contributed to the rising statistics, officials note disturbing patterns in abuse distribution. Girls predominantly suffer sexual abuse, while boys experience higher rates of neglect and physical violence. Police Superintendent Elroy Carcamo reported additional concerns regarding children engaging in inappropriate nighttime activities and rising incidents of both traditional bullying and cyberbullying.

    The campaign specifically addresses harmful social media practices that jeopardize victims’ privacy. NCFC Executive Director Shakira Sutherland condemned the sharing of minors’ identifying information online, noting this practice severely impacts children’s mental health and discourages reporting. Maria Elena Contreras, NCFC Chairperson, reinforced that child protection constitutes a collective community responsibility rather than solely a governmental mandate.