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  • Unclaimed Winnings of Million Dalla Jackpot Donated

    Unclaimed Winnings of Million Dalla Jackpot Donated

    In an unprecedented redistribution of fortune, the Belize Government Lotteries Limited (BGLL) has channeled an unclaimed million-dollar jackpot from December 2025 toward national betterment initiatives. The substantial prize, which went unclaimed within the stipulated timeframe, has been formally allocated to two prominent nonprofit organizations serving critical community needs.

    The Belize Red Cross and Pathlight Belize have each been granted checks amounting to $55,555.55. This strategic reallocation transforms what would have been an individual’s windfall into a powerful resource for public welfare. BGLL officials emphasized that while the original prize winner failed to materialize, the funds will now achieve a broader societal impact through structured developmental programs.

    Lily Bowman, Director General of the Belize Red Cross, acknowledged the profound significance of this contribution. “This recognition of our work is both gratifying and transformative,” Bowman stated. The infusion of capital arrives at a pivotal moment, enabling the organization to revitalize its emergency response capabilities ahead of the anticipated 2026 hurricane season. Specifically, funds will facilitate the first comprehensive update to the National Intervention Team training program since 2018, ensuring volunteer readiness for rapid emergency deployment.

    Beyond disaster preparedness, the Red Cross will amplify its nationwide health initiatives, blood donation campaigns, psychosocial support services, and water-sanitation-hygiene (WASH) projects across over 100 communities. The donation also strengthens the organization’s capacity to mobilize personnel and solidify its auxiliary role in government-led humanitarian efforts.

    Concurrently, Pathlight Belize will direct its portion toward expanding educational access and leadership development programs for marginalized populations. This investment promises to create lasting opportunities in underserved communities, addressing systemic educational disparities.

    The reallocation, underwritten by RF&G Insurance, demonstrates a innovative model for leveraging unclaimed assets toward public good, setting a potential precedent for future lottery operations.

  • Caribbean Association of Banks joins partners to launch pioneering nature reporting forum to advance sustainable finance

    Caribbean Association of Banks joins partners to launch pioneering nature reporting forum to advance sustainable finance

    In a landmark move for sustainable finance, Caribbean financial institutions have launched the region’s first comprehensive framework for nature-related risk assessment and reporting. The Nature Reporting Preparer Forum, established through a collaborative effort between the Caribbean Association of Banks (CAB), UN Environment Programme Finance Initiative (UNEP FI), and Global Caribbean Blue Carbon (GCBC), represents a transformative approach to environmental stewardship in the banking sector.

    The initiative, which commenced its inaugural session on March 4, 2026, addresses the growing need for financial institutions to integrate nature-related considerations into their risk management frameworks and strategic planning. CAB CEO Wendy Delmar emphasized during her opening address that environmental accountability has become an essential component of regional financial governance, noting that protecting the Caribbean’s unique ecosystems requires concerted action across the banking industry.

    The comprehensive program introduces participants to critical frameworks including the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD) guidelines, the complex relationship between climate change and biodiversity loss, and international biodiversity agreements that shape nature-related actions. The curriculum specifically addresses systemic risks that environmental degradation poses to financial stability and economic resilience in the Caribbean context.

    Over the coming months, the initiative will deliver hybrid technical training sessions, practical workshops, and regional case studies designed to build capacity among Caribbean financial institutions. The program emphasizes peer learning and knowledge sharing, creating a collaborative ecosystem for developing nature-positive financial practices.

    This pioneering effort positions the Caribbean as an emerging leader in sustainable finance, demonstrating how regional banking sectors can proactively address environmental challenges while maintaining economic competitiveness. The initiative marks a significant advancement in aligning financial systems with ecological preservation, potentially serving as a model for other regions facing similar environmental vulnerabilities.

  • St. Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister and Foreign Minister face election petition over dual citizenship

    St. Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister and Foreign Minister face election petition over dual citizenship

    The High Court of Kingstown has commenced proceedings in a pivotal constitutional case that challenges the parliamentary eligibility of Prime Minister Dr. Godwin Friday and Foreign Affairs Minister Dwight Fitzgerald Bramble. The litigation, initiated by Unity Labour Party (ULP) representatives Carlos Williams and Luke Browne, centers on whether the officials’ dual Vincentian-Canadian citizenship violates constitutional mandates prohibiting allegiance to foreign powers.

    Legal arguments presented before Justice Gertel Thom focus on Section 26 of the Constitution of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, which bars individuals acknowledging foreign allegiance from holding elected office. Both officials secured their parliamentary positions in the November 2025 general elections—Friday representing East Kingstown and Bramble the Northern Grenadines—before these citizenship revelations emerged.

    Following Thursday’s case management hearing, Prime Minister Friday offered an optimistic but non-committal assessment, noting the ‘wonderful day’ while deferring legal inquiries to his counsel. The government’s lead attorney, Anand Ramlogan S.C. of Trinidad and Tobago, characterized the proceedings as ‘an interesting, if not amusing experience,’ expressing confidence in their defense based on the elected officials’ ‘overwhelming mandate’ from voters.

    The legal teams represent an international collaboration, with petitioners represented by Stewart Richard Young S.C., Al Elliott, and Carlos James, while the respondents’ defense includes counsel from Trinidad and Tobago and England.

    The court has established an extensive litigation timeline requiring respondent disclosure of election declarations by March 12, 2026, followed by petitioner evidence submission by March 27. Respondents must file replies by May 11, with another management hearing scheduled for May 19. The substantive trial will occur over three consecutive days from July 28-30, 2026.

    This judicial review carries significant constitutional implications, potentially validating the election outcomes or establishing precedent regarding dual citizenship as disqualifying allegiance under Vincentian law.

  • One Paddler Drops Out Early from La Ruta Maya 2026?

    One Paddler Drops Out Early from La Ruta Maya 2026?

    The 2026 Belikin La Ruta Maya Belize River Challenge commenced under a cloud of controversy today as 58 canoe teams launched from San Ignacio’s Hawkesworth Bridge at 7:00 a.m. sharp. This year’s edition of the iconic four-day river race has been marked by significant organizational changes that have drawn substantial criticism from participants and canoe association officials alike.

    The primary point of contention revolves around the relocation of the traditional finish line from the Belcan Bridge to the Grand Resort near Haulover Bridge—a decision that has created considerable friction within the Belizean paddling community. Despite these pre-race tensions, all registered teams honored the competition’s start, embarking on the challenging first leg toward the Banana Bank checkpoint.

    Spectators gathered along the riverbanks in substantial numbers, while additional supporters expressed their enthusiasm through social media platforms. One optimistic supporter posted: ‘The fun, the excitement… good luck to all the paddlers,’ capturing the event’s celebratory spirit.

    The race encountered early drama when the LTH Wave Warriors team suffered a significant setback. Paddler Shane Young Jr. was forced to withdraw from the opening stage after their canoe collided with a submerged tree along the river course. Race organizers immediately addressed the incident through official channels, stating: ‘We’re wishing Shane the best and reminding him that one tough moment doesn’t define the journey. Keep your head up. Tomorrow is another day and another chance on the river.’

    The incident highlights the unpredictable nature of river racing even as the event continues with the remaining teams pushing toward the first stage finish.

  • One Team Drops Out Early from La Ruta Maya 2026?

    One Team Drops Out Early from La Ruta Maya 2026?

    The 2026 Belikin La Ruta Maya Belize River Challenge commenced under a cloud of controversy as 58 canoe teams launched from San Ignacio’s Hawkesworth Bridge at 7:00 a.m. on March 6. The prestigious four-day endurance race began amid significant organizational disputes that had dominated pre-race discussions.

    The competition’s traditional conclusion point has been relocated from the Belcan Bridge to the Grand Resort near Haulover Bridge, a decision that drew substantial criticism from participants and Belize Canoe Association officials alike. Despite these tensions, all teams honored the race commencement, embarking on the initial leg toward the Banana Bank checkpoint.

    Spectators lined the riverbanks in support while social media platforms buzzed with enthusiastic messages for competitors. One supporter captured the spirit online: “The fun, the excitement… good luck to all the paddlers.”

    The race encountered early adversity when the LTH Wave Warriors team struck a submerged tree, forcing paddler Shane Young Jr. to withdraw from the opening stage. Race organizers responded with supportive messaging: “We’re wishing Shane the best and reminding him that one tough moment doesn’t define the journey. Keep your head up. Tomorrow is another day and another chance on the river.”

    The incident marks the first significant setback in this year’s challenging river marathon, which continues through multiple stages along the Belize River ecosystem.

  • Ariza Credit Union champions youth excellence

    Ariza Credit Union champions youth excellence

    Grenada’s athletic landscape witnessed another historic achievement as St David Track Blazers clinched their remarkable eighth consecutive championship title at the 2026 Ariza National Championships. The dominant performance across both track and field events solidified their position as Grenada’s premier athletic institution.

    The two-day national event, organized by the Grenada Athletic Association (GAA) with sponsorship from Ariza Credit Union, served as the official qualifying competition for the upcoming CARIFTA Games. Several athletes achieved the prestigious CARIFTA standards during the championships, earning them the honor to represent Grenada when the country hosts the regional games from April 4-6, 2026.

    Mervyn Lord, Chief Executive Officer of Ariza Credit Union, expressed immense pride in supporting the national championships: “We are thrilled that Ariza could contribute to your qualification to represent Grenada at the prestigious CARIFTA Games through our support of the Ariza National Championships. We wish our athletes every success as they prepare to represent Grenada.”

    The credit union extended congratulations to all participating athletes, schools, and clubs for their discipline and competitive spirit that contributed to the event’s overall success. Special recognition was given to the Grenada Athletic Association for their meticulous organization and execution of the national championships.

    Ariza Credit Union reaffirmed its ongoing commitment to supporting youth development and sporting excellence throughout Grenada, demonstrating how corporate sponsorship continues to play a vital role in nurturing athletic talent and national pride.

  • Council of Ministers stresses ECTEL’s role in protecting consumers amid emerging technologies

    Council of Ministers stresses ECTEL’s role in protecting consumers amid emerging technologies

    In an era defined by unprecedented technological acceleration, the Eastern Caribbean Telecommunications Authority (ECTEL) has reinforced its critical role as a regional regulatory body. The organization’s pivotal position in safeguarding consumer interests across member nations was emphasized during its 49th Council of Ministers meeting held February 27, 2026, at Royalton Saint Lucia with virtual participation options.

    Honourable Konris Maynard, Chair of ECTEL’s Council of Ministers and Minister for Information, Communications & Technology of St. Kitts and Nevis, articulated the organization’s strategic importance during opening remarks. “The significance of ECTEL’s role in the regulatory landscape has never been more important,” Maynard stated, highlighting the challenges posed by artificial intelligence advancement and rapidly evolving markets.

    The assembly marked the inaugural participation of Honourable Phillip Jackson, Minister for Innovation and Digital Transformation in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, who received formal welcome to the Council. Minister Maynard expressed anticipation for collaborative efforts, noting the value of fresh perspectives and expertise in navigating digital transformation challenges.

    ECTEL’s Managing Director, Mr. David A. Cox, presented significant organizational milestones during his official report. The Council granted formal approval to the organization’s Strategic Plan, establishing a framework for forthcoming budget planning and resource allocation processes. This development signals a structured approach to addressing regional telecommunications and digital policy matters.

    A key agenda item involved comprehensive review of findings from ECTEL’s Digital Inclusion Survey (DIS), which assessed how residents and households within member states access and utilize digital technologies. The research identified both substantial progress in digital accessibility and persistent barriers preventing full participation in the digital economy, providing evidence-based guidance for future policy initiatives.

    The Council serves as ECTEL’s supreme governing body, exercising ultimate decision-making authority. Its mandate encompasses ensuring effective implementation of the ECTEL Treaty, fostering competitive market environments, promoting equitable and affordable service pricing, and maintaining telecommunications service quality throughout the Eastern Caribbean region.

  • ‘Proud moment’ as Tuff Gong relaunches in Kingston

    ‘Proud moment’ as Tuff Gong relaunches in Kingston

    Kingston’s iconic Tuff Gong International recording studio has been triumphantly relaunched, with Grammy-winning artist Stephen Marley heralding the occasion as “a proud moment for Jamaica and Jamaican culture.” The historic facility, originally established as Federal Records by the Khouri family (Lebanese-Jamaican pioneers in the music industry), officially reopened its doors on March 5 at its Marcus Drive location following extensive renovations.

    The revitalized studio now boasts cutting-edge recording technology complemented by distinctive Marley-themed decor. The lobby features an impressive photographic gallery honoring Bob and Rita Marley alongside other legendary artists who have recorded within these hallowed walls. Beyond professional recording spaces, the facility incorporates recreational amenities including a pool table, pinball machine, and table tennis board to foster creative relaxation among musicians.

    Stephen Marley emphasized the cultural significance of this revival, stating: “This is not about the Marley family—we do it for Jamaica and the culture. It’s a proud moment for all of us.” He fondly recalled recording seminal albums like ‘Joy And Blues’ and ‘One Bright Day’ here during the 1990s as part of Ziggy Marley and The Melody Makers.

    The reopening ceremony attracted music industry luminaries with deep connections to the studio, including Cedella Marley (CEO of Tuff Gong International), iconic singers Marcia Griffiths and Judy Mowatt—who together with Rita Marley formed Bob Marley’s legendary harmony group The I Three. Mowatt emotionally recounted recording her first songs at the facility when it operated as Federal Records in the late 1960s, noting “I always felt so comfortable here because it was like my home working with the Marleys.

    Distinguished attendees included Opposition Leader Mark Golding, Parliament Member Anthony Hylton, alongside renowned musicians Richie Stephens, Lukie D, Sangie Davis, keyboardist Robbie Lyn, percussionist Bongo Herman, and bass guitarist Donald Dennis. The studio’s legacy includes recordings by international stars such as Brazil’s Gilberto Gil, Alpha Blondy of Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal’s Youssou N’Dour, and Ireland’s Sinead O’Connor, cementing its status as a global music heritage site.

  • Shaquane Gordon and Asharria Ulett among five Jamaican winners on Juco Day 2

    Shaquane Gordon and Asharria Ulett among five Jamaican winners on Juco Day 2

    Jamaican collegiate athletes delivered a spectacular performance, securing five individual national titles on the final day of the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Indoor Championships in Topeka, Kansas. The event showcased exceptional talent from Caribbean competitors, particularly in sprint and hurdle events.

    Shaquane Gordon of Odessa College, a former ISSA Champs gold medalist, captured the men’s 60m hurdles crown with a dominant time of 7.69 seconds. His victory marked a Jamaican podium sweep, with Matthew Sullivan (Hinds Community College, 7.82s) claiming silver and Shevon Depass (Western Texas College, 7.83s) taking bronze.

    Barton County College’s Asharria Ulett mirrored this success in the women’s equivalent, blazing to victory in 8.25 seconds. She was followed by teammate Camoy Binger (8.40s) in second place, demonstrating Barton County’s hurdle program dominance.

    Central Arizona College’s Mickayla Gardner emerged victorious in the women’s 200m, achieving a personal best of 23.44 seconds. Meanwhile, Jayval Wright of Hinds Community College made history in the men’s 200m, setting both a personal best and new NJCAA record with his blistering 20.62-second finish.

    Keandro Gordon of Barton County rounded out Jamaica’s gold medal performances by capturing the men’s 600m title in a facility record time of 1:16.91, eclipsing the previous mark set in 2023.

    The championships also featured several notable podium finishes from Jamaican athletes across various disciplines. Barton County’s Chavez Penn added a silver medal in the triple jump (15.96m) to his high jump gold from Friday’s competition. Deijanae Bruce (Odessa College) earned silver in the women’s high jump, clearing 1.72m alongside gold medalist Kahdijah Bailey of Iowa Western.

  • Trump offers LatAm leaders US missile strikes to hit drug cartels

    Trump offers LatAm leaders US missile strikes to hit drug cartels

    DORAL, United States — In a significant policy address, U.S. President Donald Trump called upon Latin American nations to deploy military force against drug cartels, which he characterized as a spreading ‘cancer.’ Speaking at his Doral golf club near Miami on Saturday, Trump proposed that the U.S. could provide missile strikes to target narcotics leaders, emphasizing the precision of such operations.

    The president, who is concurrently managing heightened tensions with Iran, articulated a robust strategy for advancing U.S. interests in the Western Hemisphere. He asserted that communist-led Cuba was in its ‘last moments of life’ and advocated for stringent measures by regional allies to combat organized crime. The White House formally inaugurated a 17-nation ‘counter cartel’ coalition, described as a collective commitment by governments to employ ‘hard power’ against security threats.

    ‘We’re working with you to do whatever we have to do. We’ll use missiles. You want us to use a missile? They’re extremely accurate,’ Trump told right-wing leaders from Latin America and the Caribbean. He audibly mimicked the sound of a missile strike to illustrate his point, stating, ‘That’s the end of that cartel person.’

    This initiative builds upon Trump’s previous engagements in the region, including efforts to oust Venezuela’s authoritarian leader Nicolas Maduro and collaborate with his replacement, Delcy Rodriguez, to secure Venezuelan oil reserves for American interests.

    Attendees at the ‘Shield of the Americas’ summit included Argentina’s libertarian President Javier Milei, Ecuador’s Daniel Noboa, and El Salvador’s Nayib Bukele, known for his extensive crackdown on gangs. Noboa declared on social media that the era of impunity for organized crime was over, emphasizing that criminal networks could no longer operate across borders without consequences.

    Irene Mia, a Latin America expert at the International Institute for Strategic Studies, noted that escalating cartel violence has affected previously stable countries like Ecuador and Chile. This deteriorating security landscape has contributed to recent right-wing electoral victories in the region and reduced opposition to U.S. intervention, Mia explained.

    Trump urged regional leaders to utilize military capabilities to eradicate criminal organizations, warning that failure to act would allow the threat to metastasize. ‘The only way to defeat these enemies is by unleashing the power of our militaries,’ he stated.