In a tragic incident on the Puruni River, the bodies of two security guards, along with their assigned firearms, were recovered following a boat mishap. The incident occurred on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, as the aluminum boat capsized while en route from a backdam to Puruni Landing. The deceased have been identified as Patrice Grimmond and Kevis Robin, though their ages and addresses remain undisclosed. According to the Guyana Police Force, the boat capsized around 4 PM, with two other individuals, including the captain, managing to swim to safety. Grimmond’s body was discovered on Tuesday, November 5, while Robin’s was found the following day. Authorities also recovered a shotgun, an AR rifle, and their respective ammunition, all belonging to the security firm. Preliminary examinations revealed no signs of violence on the bodies, which were subsequently transported to the Bartica Hospital Mortuary for post-mortem examinations. The recovered weapons and ammunition have been securely lodged.
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PNCR, VPAC leaders concerned that CCJ President raised appointment of Chancellor of the Judiciary with politician
Leaders from the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) and the Vigilant Political Action Committee (VPAC) have expressed deep concerns over the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) President Justice Winston Anderson’s involvement in discussions regarding the appointment of Guyana’s Chancellor of the Judiciary. The controversy emerged after Justice Anderson reportedly engaged with then-Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton on the matter, raising questions about the CCJ’s impartiality and independence. Norton revealed that Justice Anderson sought his views on the stalemate surrounding the appointment, though he declined to disclose specific details of their conversation. Norton emphasized that he opposed any supersession of Acting Chancellor Yonette Cummings, who later opted for early retirement. President Irfaan Ali subsequently announced that Acting Chief Justice Roxane George would continue as Chancellor, with Justice Navindra Singh acting as Chief Justice. Meanwhile, VPAC Chairman Dorwain Bess has called for an inquiry into alleged interactions between the CCJ and the Guyanese government, citing potential conflicts of interest and threats to the court’s credibility. The Regional Judicial and Legal Services Commission (RJLSC) has acknowledged Bess’s request, but the Guyana Bar Association has yet to respond. The unfolding situation has sparked debates about the CCJ’s role in Guyana’s judicial processes and its adherence to principles of impartiality and transparency.
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At UWI free movement forum, alumnus PM Ralph Gonsalves says delays in solidifying regional integration may undermine the whole
Regional leaders and scholars recently gathered at The University of the West Indies (UWI) Vice-Chancellor’s Forum to address pivotal issues surrounding the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME), free movement, and the broader Caribbean Regionalisation Project. Held on October 21, the event aimed to strengthen unity among Caribbean nations amidst ongoing challenges, according to a press release.
St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ Prime Minister, Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, a UWI alumnus, emphasized the urgency of deeper regional integration. He highlighted the critical need for implementing free movement policies, warning that delays or hesitations by member states could hinder collective progress. Gonsalves urged proactive planning to address demographic and economic challenges, stressing that tackling shared issues is essential for sustainable growth.
Gonsalves identified several pressing concerns threatening regional cohesion, including declining fertility rates, aging populations, and the need for flexible free movement policies tailored to individual island nations. He also raised issues such as trade barriers caused by currency exchange disparities, varying energy costs, and insufficient funding for the CARICOM Development Fund. Additionally, he called for improved airspace management, unified foreign policy strategies, and effective navigation of geopolitical concerns.
The forum, themed “Promises, Passports, and Possibilities: Free Movement, the CSME, and Caribbean Regionalisation,” featured a diverse panel of experts, including diplomats, academics, and policymakers. UWI Vice-Chancellor Professor Sir Hilary Beckles opened the event, framing regional integration as a moral and historical necessity rooted in the shared destiny of Caribbean peoples. He acknowledged progress but noted persistent internal and external challenges that continue to divide the region.
Professor Canute Thompson, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Undergraduate Studies, chaired the forum and reflected on the 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Chaguaramas, questioning whether its promises had been realized. Presentations from key figures such as Dr. Indira Rampersad, Ambassador Anthony Hylton, and Dr. Delroy Beckford evaluated the current state of regional integration, identified obstacles, and explored future steps.
Dr. Rampersad highlighted deficiencies in regional data collection, which hinder effective policymaking. Ambassador Hylton emphasized the need for enforcing legal frameworks through the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), referencing the landmark Shanique Myrie case. Dr. Beckford advocated for aligning national laws with regional treaty obligations, cautioning against superficial integration efforts.
The event, broadcast live on UWItv, reignited discussions on CARICOM’s integration efforts over five decades since the Treaty of Chaguaramas.
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Workshop in Antigua and Barbuda Focuses on Fighting Mosquito-Borne Diseases
The Ministry of Health, Wellness, Environment, and Civil Service Affairs, in partnership with the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) and Direct Relief, has launched a pivotal Vector Control and Public Health Workshop. Held at the Harrison Centre, the event is themed ‘Building Resilient Communities: Integrating Public Health Strategies for Vector Control, Epidemiological Surveillance, and Disease Prevention.’ The workshop convenes public health experts, environmental officers, and community health workers to bolster national capabilities in combating vector-borne diseases. Attendees are exploring integrated vector management, public health education, and community engagement, alongside advanced surveillance tools and data collection systems for early detection of diseases like dengue, chikungunya, and Zika. Key figures at the opening ceremony included Minister of State Hon. Michael Joseph, Permanent Secretary Stacey Gregg-Paige, Chief Health Inspector Sharon Martin, and Deputy Chief Health Inspector Daryl Spencer. Minister Joseph highlighted the workshop’s significance in enhancing the region’s capacity to address vector-borne disease threats, emphasizing the importance of knowledge-sharing and collaboration. This initiative is part of the broader OECS Direct Relief Project, which seeks to strengthen health systems’ resilience across the Caribbean by improving preparedness and response to climate-sensitive health challenges. Ministry officials expressed gratitude to OECS Direct Relief for their ongoing support in advancing Antigua and Barbuda’s public health priorities.
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Cultural Group Demands Outstanding Carnival Payments
The RT Performers, a prominent local cultural group, are calling on Carnival organizers to settle outstanding fees for performances delivered at national events more than six months ago. Group leader Renee Thomas expressed deep frustration, stating that repeated attempts to contact officials have been ignored. ‘We’ve been waiting over five to six months for payment from the Treasury Department for events we proudly performed at,’ she said. ‘This is disrespectful to the artists, the effort, and the children who are the future of our culture.’
Renowned for their vibrant portrayals of traditional Antiguan and Caribbean characters, RT Performers highlighted that the delayed payments, amounting to over EC$5,000, have left their members, many of whom are young artists, feeling disheartened and undervalued. ‘This isn’t just about money; it’s about respect for the creative sector,’ Thomas emphasized in her statement to Antigua.News.
Efforts to reach Minister of Festivals Daryll Matthew for comment were unsuccessful. The group’s plea underscores broader concerns about the treatment of cultural performers and the need for timely recognition and compensation for their contributions to national events.
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Belizeans Face Flight Uncertainty as U.S. Shutdown Grounds More Flights
The ongoing U.S. federal government shutdown, now in its fifth week, has led to widespread flight cancellations and delays, raising concerns for Belize’s tourism industry. Over 2,000 flights were disrupted today, with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announcing traffic reductions at 40 major airports. The FAA predicts up to 4,000 daily flights could be affected by next week as operations are scaled back to alleviate pressure on unpaid air traffic controllers. Belizeans with travel plans to the U.S. are receiving alerts about potential disruptions. American Airlines has issued a temporary waiver for change fees, allowing passengers booked between November 7–14 to rebook without penalty, provided the origin and destination remain unchanged. Evan Tillett, Director of the Belize Tourism Board, stated that the situation is being closely monitored, with United Airlines confirming that international flights will remain unaffected. The shutdown, which began on October 1, has already impacted food aid programs and left hundreds of federal workers unpaid. Nick Daniels, president of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association, warned that the situation is deteriorating and urged Congress to reopen the government.
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Will the ICJ Confirm Belize’s Sovereignty Over the Sapodilla Cayes?
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) is set to conduct public hearings from November 24 to 26, 2025, in The Hague, Netherlands, to address Guatemala’s request to intervene in Belize’s sovereignty claim over the Sapodilla Cayes. Belize initially filed the case against Honduras three years ago, seeking the ICJ’s declaration of its sovereignty over the islands, which are located at the southern end of the Belize Barrier Reef in the Gulf of Honduras.
Guatemala, which submitted its application last year, argues that the case intersects with its own territorial claim over Belize, also pending before the ICJ. Guatemala asserts a ‘clear legal interest’ in the matter, citing its longstanding sovereignty claim over the Sapodilla Cayes, and warns that the ICJ’s decision could impact its case.
The hearings will include three rounds of oral arguments, with Guatemala presenting its case on Monday and Wednesday, and Belize and Honduras responding on Tuesday and Wednesday.
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CIIE 2025: Handel als brug naar een gedeelde, welvarende toekomst
The China International Import Expo (CIIE) 2025, held in Shanghai, has once again proven to be a cornerstone of global trade and economic collaboration. With its largest exhibition space to date and a record number of exhibitors, the event attracted 4,108 foreign participants from 155 countries and regions, showcasing over 430,000 square meters of innovation and opportunity. The expo, themed ‘New Era, Shared Future,’ featured 461 new products, technologies, and services, highlighting advancements in new materials, energy, and environmental protection technologies. Chinese Premier Li Qiang, during the opening ceremony, emphasized the importance of maintaining equality and mutual benefit in international trade. He called for fairness and justice in global economic governance and reaffirmed China’s commitment to high-quality development and openness. Li also highlighted China’s role in promoting the Global Governance Initiative and improving the WTO-based multilateral trading system. The event coincided with the release of the World Openness Report 2025 and the World Openness Index at the Hongqiao International Economic Forum, further solidifying Shanghai’s position as a hub for international economic dialogue. The CIIE not only celebrates the ancient tradition of trade but also paves the way for a future of shared prosperity and innovation.
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Dr. Kenneth Darroux is now interim CEO of Dominica Hospital Authority
Dr. Kenneth Darroux, former Health Minister of Dominica, has been appointed as the interim Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Dominica Hospital Authority. He succeeds Nancy Francis, a St. Lucian national, who served in the role for two years. Dr. Darroux expressed gratitude for Francis’s foundational work, which set the authority on a path toward prosperity. He acknowledged the challenges of stepping out of semi-retirement to take on this critical role but emphasized his readiness to address the complexities of managing a national hospital. Dr. Darroux, who has served as a patient, medical doctor, intern, Health Minister, and deputy director of the hospital board, brings a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare system to his new position. Since assuming the role, he has been actively engaging with staff across all levels to identify issues and gather insights. He plans to present a detailed report to the Minister of Health outlining necessary steps to steer the hospital in the right direction. A key focus for Dr. Darroux is restoring public trust in the Dominica China Friendship Hospital (DCFH), which has faced criticism despite significant investments in modern facilities and advanced medical equipment. He highlighted the importance of motivated and satisfied staff in delivering quality healthcare and revealed plans to hire a PR consultant to improve the hospital’s public image. Dr. Darroux’s extensive career in healthcare and politics, including his current role as Minister of Foreign Affairs, underscores his commitment to strengthening Dominica’s health systems and disaster resilience.
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LETTER: How Do Men Feel Walking Hand in Hand With Half-Naked Women?
In a thought-provoking letter to the editor, Cheryl Baptiste raises pressing questions about the decline of modesty in contemporary society. She reflects on the increasing trend of women wearing revealing clothing in public spaces, accompanied by men who seem indifferent to the attention it garners. Baptiste contrasts this with the dignified manner in which previous generations carried themselves, emphasizing pride and class in their attire. She challenges both men and women to reconsider their choices: men, to reflect on the kind of attention they desire when their partners are the center of stares, and women, to question whether self-worth truly depends on the amount of skin shown. Baptiste calls for a revival of self-respect and pride in public presentation, arguing that streets, malls, and airports are not runways or beaches. Her message is a plea for a return to modesty and dignity in how we present ourselves in shared spaces.