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  • Young man shot dead in La Panse

    Young man shot dead in La Panse

    A lethal shooting incident in the La Panse district of Castries has intensified community apprehensions regarding public safety amid escalating violence across Saint Lucia. The tragedy unfolded on Monday evening between approximately 8:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m., claiming the life of a young male under circumstances that remain under investigation.

    Emergency personnel from the Saint Lucia Fire Service confirmed responding to the scene where they discovered the victim displaying catastrophic penetrating injuries to both head and thoracic regions. Medical responders documented the individual lying supine beneath a mango tree, presenting unambiguous signs of mortality upon their arrival.

    While authorities have yet to formally disclose the identity of the deceased as of reporting time, the incident has provoked profound distress among local inhabitants. A 57-year-old community member conveyed to St. Lucia Times: “Having lived through decades in this community, I never witnessed such brutality during my upbringing. This pervasive violence is utterly unacceptable and deeply troubling.”

    The episode has exacerbated existing fears regarding personal security, with residents reporting diminished confidence in safety even during daylight hours. Preliminary accounts from neighborhood witnesses suggest the shooting may have connections to inter-community tensions, with speculation that the victim was potentially fleeing altercations originating in adjacent areas when confronted.

    This incident represents another data point in what locals describe as an alarming pattern of violent occurrences across the island nation, raising urgent questions about crime prevention strategies and community safety initiatives.

  • Ishmael outlines vision for a healthier nation, declares NCD war

    Ishmael outlines vision for a healthier nation, declares NCD war

    Barbados is embarking on a radical transformation of its national healthcare system, with Minister of State Davidson Ishmael announcing a comprehensive strategic overhaul during the Budget debate. The government is allocating over $395 million to shift from a reactive, hospital-centric model to a proactive, community-based wellness approach, marking a significant reprioritization of public health infrastructure.

    A cornerstone of this initiative is the full implementation of a nationwide Health Information System, designed to eliminate longstanding inefficiencies. Minister Ishmael directly addressed the persistent issue of misplaced patient notes and canceled procedures, vowing to make physical record losses obsolete by 2026. This digital modernization will enable seamless patient data transfer across healthcare facilities, remote appointment management, and data-driven policy formulation through advanced analytics.

    Substantial capital investments include a monumental $400 million expansion of the Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH), increasing its capacity by 40% with dedicated burns and oncology units. Simultaneously, $185 million is earmarked for upgrading polyclinics into comprehensive Community Health Service hubs, bringing specialized care closer to residential areas.

    The minister declared a “frontal assault” on non-communicable diseases (NCDs), which account for approximately 83% of adult fatalities in Barbados. Citing these as largely preventable conditions linked to lifestyle factors, Ishmael revealed the staggering economic impact—$375 million to $825 million annually spent on NCD treatment. Reducing this burden would free hundreds of millions for reinvestment in education, agriculture, and infrastructure.

    Ishmael challenged citizens to increase physical activity, setting a national target of 10% reduction in inactivity by 2030. While praising budget allocations, he advocated for more aggressive policies making nutritious foods more affordable and accessible, pledging collaboration with the Ministry of Finance to expand the “healthy basket of goods” program.

    The minister also highlighted critical mental health services, revealing that Lifeline Barbados’ 24-hour hotline has fielded over 12,000 calls since inception. He issued a direct appeal to Barbadian men to abandon poor health-seeking behaviors and prioritize preventive screenings rather than waiting for critical health emergencies.

    Framing healthcare as the foundation of national prosperity, Ishmael concluded that “the health of a nation is the wealth of its nation,” positioning this comprehensive reform as essential for Barbados’ future development.

  • Three CARICOM Competition Commissioners recently sworn in

    Three CARICOM Competition Commissioners recently sworn in

    In a significant advancement for Caribbean regional governance, the Regional Judicial and Legal Services Commission (RJLSC) has inaugurated three new commissioners to the CARICOM Competition Commission (CCC). The swearing-in ceremony, presided over by RJLSC Chairman Honourable Mr. Justice Winston Anderson on March 13, 2026, marks a pivotal step in strengthening the framework of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME).

    The newly appointed commissioners—Mr. David Miller of Jamaica, Ms. Ayiesha De Coteau Sammy of Trinidad and Tobago (resident in the Virgin Islands), and Mr. Joel Allen of Jamaica—were formally sworn in pursuant to the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas. Their induction signifies the region’s commitment to enforcing fair market practices, protecting consumer rights, and enhancing economic cooperation among member states.

    The event garnered notable regional attention, with the presence of Virgin Islands Premier Honourable Dr. Natalio Wheatley, underscoring the political significance of the appointments. Addresses were delivered by key figures including Justice Anderson, who emphasized the critical responsibilities of the new commissioners, and Professor Andrew Downes, Chairman of the CCC, who highlighted the necessity of robust competition policy for regional integration. Premier Wheatley also expressed his support, wishing the appointees success in their new roles.

    The RJLSC congratulated the commissioners and affirmed confidence in their ability to contribute effectively to the development and implementation of competition law within the CARICOM community.

  • Barbadian surgeon offers specialist urology consultations at Bayview Hospital this March

    Barbadian surgeon offers specialist urology consultations at Bayview Hospital this March

    In a significant development for Barbados’ healthcare landscape, Bayview Hospital announces a specialized urology clinic from March 24-26, 2026, featuring London-based consultant Dr. Jonathan Noël. The distinguished Barbadian urological and robotic surgeon from Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust will offer comprehensive consultations addressing prostate health, kidney stones, and urinary conditions that frequently remain untreated.

    Dr. Noël’s homecoming represents more than mere medical consultation—it embodies a dedicated mission to bridge healthcare disparities. Having completed advanced training in the UK and United States following his education at the University of the West Indies, the surgeon brings specialized expertise particularly relevant to Caribbean patients. His extensive experience working with diaspora communities in South London provides unique insights into prostate health patterns affecting Caribbean and West African populations.

    The initiative addresses a critical health emergency: prostate cancer ranks as the predominant male cancer throughout the Caribbean, with alarming increases among men under 50. Dr. Noël emphasizes the clinic’s focus on reaching previously underserved populations, particularly those hesitant to initiate conversations about urological health. ‘Many patients delay discussions due to apprehension,’ he notes, ‘yet early engagement fundamentally transforms outcomes.’

    Beyond prostate screening, the clinic provides diagnostic services for kidney stones, hematuria, and urinary incontinence—including specialized attention for female patients. Dr. Noël advocates strongly for proactive intervention: ‘Addressing minor concerns promptly prevents them from evolving into complex medical challenges.’

    The three-day program offers PSA blood testing, results interpretation, and personalized management plans. Perhaps most significantly, it creates a judgment-free environment where patients can discuss sensitive health issues without time constraints—an opportunity rarely available in standard medical appointments.

    With Caribbean cancer rates escalating and diagnoses occurring at progressively younger ages, this initiative represents a timely intervention in regional healthcare. Appointments can be scheduled through Bayview Hospital’s patient care coordination team.

  • ‘A Thinking City’: Taiwan’s Vision for AI-Powered City Life

    ‘A Thinking City’: Taiwan’s Vision for AI-Powered City Life

    Taipei has become the global epicenter for urban innovation as the 2026 Smart City Summit & Expo (SCSE) showcases groundbreaking artificial intelligence systems transforming urban management. The event, attracting representatives from 174 cities across 53 nations, demonstrates how AI is evolving from supportive technology to the central nervous system of modern municipalities.

    At the heart of the exposition stands the AI City Pavilion, featuring the world’s first integrated ‘Sovereign AI’ architecture developed by Taiwanese tech leaders ASUS and Foxconn. This five-layer digital infrastructure creates autonomous urban intelligence capable of processing city-specific data without international transmission. The system represents a paradigm shift toward municipalities that actively think, respond, and adapt to challenges in real-time.

    Parallel to the AI focus, the Net Zero City Expo highlights mandatory climate initiatives now being implemented across Taiwan’s transport, energy, and urban planning sectors. The integration of digital twins, 5G networks, and real-time environmental monitoring demonstrates how cities can simultaneously advance technological capability while pursuing sustainability goals.

    The summit emphasizes practical deployment over theoretical concepts, showcasing operational robotics including quadruped mechanical hounds and gliding drones designed for disaster response. These systems perform atmospheric monitoring and chemical detection at emergency sites, while firefighting robots assess dangerous conditions before human intervention.

    Transportation innovation moves beyond electrification to intelligent mobility, with AI-optimized bus routes and predictive algorithms serving even rural areas. For disaster-prone regions, the technology offers transformative potential through AI-powered drones that map catastrophe zones and predict flood risks within seconds.

    International delegations, including representatives from Belize, are exploring how these technologies might address their unique urban challenges. Belmopan Mayor Pablo Cawich acknowledged both the promise and implementation hurdles, noting that while resistance to change exists, the potential benefits justify pursuing smart city adaptations.

    The exposition continues through the week, demonstrating how AI and sustainability initiatives can collaboratively create more resilient, efficient, and responsive urban environments worldwide.

  • U-17 WC Morocco 2026 Qualifications : Our Grenadières defeated by Puerto-Rico [3-1] (video)

    U-17 WC Morocco 2026 Qualifications : Our Grenadières defeated by Puerto-Rico [3-1] (video)

    In a critical qualifying match for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Morocco 2026, Haiti’s young national team, known as the Grenadières, suffered a significant 3-1 setback against Puerto Rico. The match, played at the Costa Rican Football Federation’s Field No. 1 in Alajuela, Costa Rica, has complicated Haiti’s path to the global tournament.

    The Puerto Rican squad, nicknamed the ‘Coqui Warriors,’ established control late in the first half. Striker Mia Colon broke the deadlock in the 43rd minute, slotting home the opening goal. The momentum continued for Puerto Rico just before halftime when Colon was fouled inside the penalty area, resulting in a spot-kick. Giselle Falcon calmly converted the penalty in the 45th minute, doubling the lead.

    Haiti’s captain, Miya Larco, provided a momentary spark of hope for her team. Merely a minute after conceding the second goal, Larco unleashed a powerful right-footed strike from outside the box, finding the net and cutting the deficit to 2-1 before the break.

    Despite a resilient effort in the second half, the Grenadières could not find an equalizer. Puerto Rico sealed their victory in the 67th minute when Michaela Poidomani scored, restoring a two-goal cushion and securing all three points for her team.

    Head Coach Frenoy Baptiste made several tactical substitutions in the second half, bringing on players like Krystel Châtelain and Adjani Kamanzi-Mondestin to alter the game’s dynamics, but the changes were unable to reverse the outcome.

    This result places immense pressure on the Haitian team. With only the group winner and the two best second-place finishers across three groups advancing from the CONCACAF qualifiers, Haiti now sits at the bottom of Group B with zero points from one match. Their upcoming fixture against a dominant United States team, which demolished Bermuda 18-0, is now a must-win encounter. The Grenadières’ final group match will be against Bermuda on March 22.

  • CARPHA convenes regional stakeholders for antimicrobial resistance partnership meeting

    CARPHA convenes regional stakeholders for antimicrobial resistance partnership meeting

    PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad and Tobago – The Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) convened a landmark regional summit in early March 2026, mobilizing international health organizations to address the escalating crisis of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) throughout the Caribbean region. Held at CARPHA’s headquarters, this strategic gathering united key global health partners to coordinate a reinforced defense against one of modern medicine’s most pressing challenges.

    The high-level meeting, orchestrated by the UK Department of Health and Social Care with financial backing from the Fleming Fund, served as a critical juncture for evaluating current progress and aligning future strategies. Participants included senior representatives from the UK Health Security Agency, the International Centre for Antimicrobial Resistance Solutions, and the Pan American Health Organization/WHO, creating a multidisciplinary coalition against AMR.

    CARPHA’s Executive Director Dr. Lisa Indar underscored the gravity of the situation, stating: ‘Antimicrobial resistance presents a severe and escalating danger to Caribbean health security. Our collaborative partnerships are essential for building regional capabilities to detect, monitor, and counter AMR through coordinated, sustainable approaches.’

    The technical discussions focused on four pivotal areas: enhancing regional laboratory networks, advancing integrated AMR surveillance systems, developing healthcare workforce competencies, and identifying opportunities for combined technical and financial assistance to member states. These conversations addressed specific regional vulnerabilities including limited laboratory infrastructure, professional staffing shortages, and the transnational spread of drug-resistant infections.

    Looking forward, CARPHA and its partners announced plans to expand regional initiatives through broader laboratory services, improved data exchange protocols, and implementation of the One Health framework that interconnected human, animal, and environmental health sectors. The conclusions from this summit will directly influence future investments under the Fleming Fund and other global health security programs, ensuring sustained advancement toward regional resilience against antimicrobial resistance.

  • PM Skerrit: ‘Nobody’ in the country will stop the completion of the airport

    PM Skerrit: ‘Nobody’ in the country will stop the completion of the airport

    Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit has emphatically declared that Dominica’s long-awaited international airport will reach completion by December 2027, dismissing what he characterizes as deliberate attempts to obstruct the landmark infrastructure project. The announcement came during a recent Town Hall assembly at Newtown Primary School, where Skerrit addressed growing public interest in the development timeline.

    Reflecting on historical context, the Prime Minister noted that multiple administrations since the Frank Baron and E.O. LeBlanc eras had pursued—yet failed to achieve—the construction of an international airport for the Caribbean nation. He specifically referenced former Prime Minister Dame Mary Eugenia Charles’ unsuccessful attempts, acknowledging her determination while emphasizing the project’s historical challenges.

    Skerrit revealed unprecedented financial preparations behind the current initiative, disclosing that his government had systematically saved $5 million monthly toward an International Airport Development Fund. By the time Hurricane Maria struck in 2017, this dedicated account had accumulated approximately $260 million—sufficient funds to fully finance the airport without future debt obligations for Dominican citizens. The catastrophic hurricane necessitated reallocation of these resources toward national recovery efforts.

    The Prime Minister strongly criticized project opponents, suggesting they predominantly comprise retired individuals or citizens with children residing overseas. He asserted that those seeking to impede progress have diminished stakes in Dominica’s long-term development. Currently, over 100 Dominican workers are employed at the construction site, representing tangible economic benefits already emerging from the project.

    Despite operating in what he described as ‘the most difficult period’ for such undertakings, Skerrit remained resolute about the 2027 deadline, positioning the airport as critical infrastructure that would transform Dominica’s connectivity and economic prospects for generations to come.

  • Hon. Randy Baltimore Says He Is ‘Humbled’ by Strong Mandate in St. Philip North

    Hon. Randy Baltimore Says He Is ‘Humbled’ by Strong Mandate in St. Philip North

    Randy Baltimore has achieved a resounding triumph in the St. Philip North by-election, securing a clean sweep across all seven polling divisions. The newly elected representative extended profound gratitude to his constituents, characterizing the victory as a collective accomplishment rather than a personal one.

    In his address to supporters, Baltimore emphasized, “The confidence you have placed in me is truly humbling. This achievement belongs to every supporter, volunteer, and every individual who believed in our shared vision for a stronger constituency.” The politician immediately shifted focus to governance, asserting that the work of development was already underway and would continue without interruption.

    Senior figures from the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP) celebrated the outcome as a powerful electoral endorsement. Senator Michael Freeland interpreted the result as evidence of Baltimore’s genuine connection with the electorate, noting the campaign had been “well fought” and the victory “well earned.” Freeland further emphasized the significant responsibilities that accompany the victory, expressing confidence in Baltimore’s capacity to meet these challenges.

    Additional congratulations came from Education Minister Daryll Matthew, who highlighted the candidate’s hard work and commitment as fundamental to his success. Senator Kiz Johnson characterized the win as “emphatic,” suggesting it signals growing momentum within the ABLP. The by-election was necessitated by the retirement of longstanding MP Sir Robin Yearwood, with Baltimore’s performance representing one of the party’s strongest showings in the constituency’s history.

  • Join Us As We Travel “Across Borders”

    Join Us As We Travel “Across Borders”

    Greater Belize Media (GBM) is set to transport viewers on an unprecedented visual journey through Central America with the premiere of its groundbreaking travel series “Across Borders” tonight at 7:30 PM on Channel 5.

    Hosted by the charismatic Sabreena Daly, this five-episode production breaks new ground by showcasing destinations that remain largely unexplored by Belizean travelers despite their geographical proximity. The series represents a significant investment in regional cultural education and entertainment programming.

    The inaugural episode features Daly’s first-ever expedition to Honduras, where she immerses herself in the country’s natural wonders and cultural tapestry. Viewers will witness breathtaking footage of majestic waterfalls, traverse pristine national parks, and explore the vast expanse of Honduras’ largest lake through Daly’s authentic encounters.

    Executive producers describe the series as a bridge-building initiative designed to foster greater regional awareness and appreciation. “Many Belizeans frequently travel to North America or Europe while overlooking the incredible diversity right next door,” explained a GBM spokesperson. “This series reveals the stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage that make our neighboring countries must-visit destinations.”

    Beyond traditional television broadcasting, GBM has embraced multi-platform distribution strategies. The series will simultaneously stream on News 5 Live’s Facebook page and Greater Belize Media’s official YouTube channel, ensuring accessibility for digital audiences. Subsequent episodes will air weekly every Tuesday evening in the same primetime slot.

    The production team employed state-of-the-art cinematography techniques to capture the region’s beauty, utilizing drone footage for aerial perspectives and intimate cultural exchanges to highlight local traditions. This technical excellence combined with Daly’s engaging presentation style promises to set a new standard for travel programming in the region.