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  • Scratch & Win Jackpot in Belmopan

    Scratch & Win Jackpot in Belmopan

    A routine purchase at a Belmopan supermarket transformed into a life-altering event for one local resident who struck gold with a scratch-off lottery ticket. The fortunate individual discovered he had won a substantial $50,000 jackpot from a ticket acquired at Carrefour Supermarket, immediately catapulting his financial prospects into new territory.

    In an exclusive interview, the winner described the surreal moment of realization. “I was working essentially, and I couldn’t even believe I was a winner because I usually get the 20x times and such,” he recounted, expressing initial disbelief at his unexpected fortune. “I thought it was just a dollar ticket.”

    The newly minted winner has already formulated practical plans for his windfall, prioritizing financial responsibility over extravagant spending. His strategy includes eliminating outstanding debts, building a robust savings cushion, and celebrating modestly with family. When questioned about his intentions for the considerable sum, he emphasized: “Mainly get some bills paid and savings as well.”

    The celebration will include treating his family to a special meal at a quality restaurant, though the emphasis remains firmly on financial security rather than lavish expenditure. This approach demonstrates a thoughtful perspective on sudden wealth management that financial advisors frequently recommend.

    This incident marks another significant lottery victory for the Belmopan area, highlighting how ordinary daily routines can unexpectedly yield extraordinary outcomes. The winner’s grounded response to his newfound fortune serves as an inspiring example of financial prudence following unexpected monetary gains.

  • Vessel recovered; family believes missing man was caught in US Strike

    Vessel recovered; family believes missing man was caught in US Strike

    Authorities in Saint Lucia have launched a comprehensive investigation following the recovery of vessel wreckage off the Micoud coastline, potentially connected to the disappearance of local fisherman Ricky Joseph. The Royal Saint Lucia Police Force took custody of the maritime debris on February 18, coinciding with family concerns that Joseph might have been caught in recent US military operations in Caribbean waters.

    Assistant Commissioner of Police Luke Defreitas confirmed the evidence remains under examination while emphasizing the investigation currently centers on a missing persons case. “This exhibit is now in the custody of the police,” Defreitas stated. “Our interest in this vessel stems from family assertions that Ricky Joseph may have been aboard, whether as crew member or worker.”

    The development occurs against the backdrop of heightened regional security operations, though police officials maintain cautious neutrality regarding potential connections to US military actions. When questioned about possible links to vessels reportedly destroyed in recent strikes, Defreitas clarified: “We cannot at this time confirm. We are yet to identify the vessel’s registration and ownership. We do not know what obtains with the vessel allegedly destroyed, so we can make no connection between this recovered vessel and any involved in the alleged attack.”

    Investigators are pursuing forensic analysis of the wreckage while coordinating with international partners to establish definitive identification. The case has drawn attention to the complex intersection of local maritime activities and multinational security operations in Caribbean waters.

  • President urges MPs to show resilience as new term begins

    President urges MPs to show resilience as new term begins

    In a solemn ceremony at State House, Barbados President Jeffrey Bostic administered the oath of office to eight parliamentarians commencing their five-year legislative terms, delivering a powerful address emphasizing the profound sacrifices inherent in public service. The newly sworn-in representatives include Peter Phillips (St Lucy), Dwight Sutherland (St George South), Dr. William Duguid (Christ Church West), Dr. Sonia Browne (St Philip North), Toni Moore (St George North), Neil Rowe (St Michael North West), alongside first-time legislators Ryan Brathwaite (St Joseph) and Tyra Trotman (St Michael Central).

    With Prime Minister Mia Mottley, senior cabinet members, and relatives witnessing the proceedings, President Bostic articulated the formidable challenges of parliamentary duty, characterizing the role as exceptionally demanding yet fundamentally selfless. “Commitment to national service in this capacity entails rigorous labor and personal sacrifice,” Bostic asserted. “This represents the ultimate embodiment of civic duty—where individual interests must yield to national priorities.”

    The Head of State issued a compelling charge to the incoming lawmakers, mandating unwavering representation of their constituents and steadfast adherence to Barbados’ core values of excellence, pride, and industry. He further prepared the parliamentarians for the inevitable scrutiny of public life, invoking his signature resilience mantra from his tenure as health minister during the COVID-19 crisis: “There must be no retreat, no surrender. Maintain focus, persevere through challenges, and ultimately bring honor to our nation.”

    Prime Minister Mottley, addressing the assembly, characterized the new parliamentary session—scheduled to commence Friday—as both promising and arduous. She outlined ambitious plans to enhance legislative reforms initiated in the previous term, particularly emphasizing the strengthened role of parliamentary committees. Mottley advocated for committees to expand their mandate beyond legislative review to include comprehensive examination of critical national issues and institutionalized public consultation mechanisms.

    “Our democratic discourse must transcend social media commentary and call-in programs,” Mottley contended, while acknowledging these platforms’ value in capturing public sentiment. She emphasized establishing formalized citizen engagement processes through specialized subcommittees addressing economic, social, environmental, and governance matters.

    For incoming parliamentarians, the Prime Minister recommended intensive study of Hansard, the official record of parliamentary debates dating to 1946, as an indispensable resource for understanding legislative traditions and responsibilities. Noting technological advancements, Mottley urged modernization of parliamentary record-keeping to ensure accessibility and transparency, concluding with optimistic expectations for the new cohort’s five-year tenure.

  • Portugal signs €24 million deal to supply patrol ships to Dominican Republic

    Portugal signs €24 million deal to supply patrol ships to Dominican Republic

    LISBON – In a significant bilateral defense agreement, Portugal will supply the Dominican Republic with four Tejo-class multipurpose patrol vessels in a transaction valued at €24 million. The Portuguese Ministry of Defense confirmed the arrangement on Thursday, highlighting its strategic importance for maritime security in the Caribbean region.

    The formal signing ceremony is scheduled for Friday at the historic São João Baptista Fort, with Portuguese Defense Minister Nuno Melo and Dominican Defense Minister Carlos Antonio Fernández Onofre presiding over the event. The pact extends beyond a simple vessel transfer, incorporating a comprehensive capability package designed to ensure long-term operational effectiveness.

    This holistic program encompasses maintenance and modernization support, ammunition and spare parts supply, complete technical documentation, and specialized training for both crew members and managerial staff. The initiative aims to fully integrate the ships into the Dominican Navy’s operational framework, enhancing its maritime surveillance and response capabilities.

    Delivery will occur in phased intervals, beginning with the first vessel within 12 months after concluding logistical preparations. Subsequent ships will follow at 20, 30, and 40-month milestones respectively, ensuring a structured transition.

    The Tejo-class patrol ships measure approximately 50 meters in length with a displacement of 345 tons. These versatile platforms have served in the Portuguese Navy since 2016, performing critical functions including maritime patrol, territorial waters monitoring, search and rescue operations, and overall maritime security missions. Their proven design offers the Dominican Republic reliable multi-role capabilities for safeguarding its coastal interests.

  • Young entrepreneurs blend business with giving back

    Young entrepreneurs blend business with giving back

    A new generation of business leaders in Barbados is redefining entrepreneurship by embedding social responsibility directly into their commercial DNA. Through the Barbados Entrepreneurship Foundation’s (BEF) flagship youth program, dozens of student entrepreneurs are systematically channeling profits and talents toward charitable causes, demonstrating that commercial success and community contribution can be powerfully intertwined.

    Celeste Foster, Programs Director at BEF, observes a remarkable trend among participants: “There remains a high interest in young persons not only pursuing entrepreneurial ventures but also donating their profits to charities.” This sentiment was prominently displayed during the foundation’s tenth annual charity event, sponsored by Scotiabank and held at the Sky Mall conference rooms, where students showcased businesses built on philanthropic principles.

    The program’s innovative framework requires participants to contribute through three distinct dimensions: time, talent, and treasure. This holistic approach reinforces that corporate citizenship extends far beyond financial donations alone. “Talent represents the goods or services that they offer, and treasure is a portion of the money that they make during the competition,” Foster explained.

    This year, 35 student-run enterprises made verified charitable contributions through either direct financial donations, service provisions, or volunteer efforts. The actual participation is believed to be even higher, as some contributions are reported retrospectively. To advance in the competition, making a charitable donation is mandatory—a requirement that ensures philanthropy becomes integrated into business operations from inception.

    The BEF’s decade-long initiative has successfully cultivated an entrepreneurial ecosystem that emphasizes practical business skills, mentorship, and real-world venture experience. Program activities typically culminate in competitions evaluating innovation, sustainability, and social impact.

    Most encouragingly, the program demonstrates significant lasting impact beyond the competition period. Approximately 80% of surveyed participants indicated intentions to continue their business ventures long after the formal program concludes. Social media monitoring reveals numerous businesses from previous cohorts that remain operational and successful, confirming that participants are effectively transitioning into sustainable employment through entrepreneurship.

  • Wereldleiders bespreken kansen en risico’s van AI op grote top in India

    Wereldleiders bespreken kansen en risico’s van AI op grote top in India

    The fourth Global Artificial Intelligence Summit in New Delhi witnessed significant diplomatic engagement as world leaders gathered to address the rapidly evolving AI landscape. United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres and French President Emmanuel Macron delivered keynote addresses emphasizing the need for global cooperation and equitable access to artificial intelligence technologies.

    Guterres issued a stark warning against allowing AI’s future to be determined by “the whims of a handful of billionaires,” advocating instead for a $3 billion global fund to ensure open access to AI systems. He emphasized that technological development must not exacerbate existing inequalities between developed and developing nations.

    French President Macron articulated Europe’s balanced approach, stating: “Europe is not a place of blind trust in regulation, but rather an ecosystem that fosters innovation and investment while maintaining safety standards.” He reaffirmed France’s commitment to collaborative rule-making with international partners including India.

    The summit, notable as the first global AI conference hosted by a developing nation, provided India with a platform to showcase its emerging AI capabilities. Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted recent launches of indigenous AI models, asserting that “AI solutions successful in India can be deployed globally.” He emphasized India’s belief in open systems and shared benefits, noting that millions of young Indian minds could contribute to making AI safer and more effective.

    A notable absence was Microsoft founder Bill Gates, who withdrew his participation shortly before his scheduled speech amid ongoing questions about his associations with the late financier Jeffrey Epstein. A representative from the Gates Foundation attended in his place.

    Despite India’s rise to third place in Stanford University’s global AI competitiveness ranking, experts acknowledge the country still faces significant challenges in competing with AI superpowers the United States and China. The five-day conference, concluding Friday, continues to serve as a critical forum for discussing AI’s potential benefits while addressing its associated risks and ethical considerations.

  • Weekly “Fish Fry” Coming to North Front Street?

    Weekly “Fish Fry” Coming to North Front Street?

    The Belizean government is moving forward with plans to establish a vibrant fish market and weekly culinary event on North Front Street, as announced by Tourism Minister Anthony Mahler. This long-discussed initiative aims to create a dedicated space where both residents and tourists can converge to enjoy authentic local cuisine and immerse themselves in Belizean culture.

    Minister Mahler revealed that the concept was inspired by his international travels, particularly observations of fish markets in the United States. “Whenever I travel, I make it a point to visit local fish markets,” Mahler stated. “This exposure sparked the idea that Belize should develop its own premium fish market destination for people to experience.”

    The envisioned market will feature numerous small booths offering freshly caught seafood alongside traditional Belizean favorites. According to Mahler, visitors will be able to enjoy local specialties including fry jacks, flour tortillas, and beans at any time of day within the fish market environment.

    A distinctive component of the project will be the introduction of a weekly “fish fry” event, drawing inspiration from Caribbean traditions where communities gather around fried fish and local dishes accompanied by music and entertainment. While the minister expressed enthusiasm for the cultural and economic potential of the initiative, specific operational details and an official opening timeline remain undetermined at this stage.

  • Environment : Risk Management Actions Three-Year Operational Plan 2024-2027

    Environment : Risk Management Actions Three-Year Operational Plan 2024-2027

    Haiti has unveiled a comprehensive Three-Year Operational Plan (2024-2027) to address the nation’s escalating vulnerability to natural disasters and complex crises. This landmark initiative represents the first actionable framework derived from the National Disaster Risk Management Plan (2019-2030), emerging as the Caribbean nation faces increasingly frequent and overlapping environmental shocks that outpace community recovery efforts.

    The strategic blueprint, developed by Haiti’s National Disaster Risk Management System through its Permanent Secretariat and Directorate General of Civil Protection with international support, adopts a multi-hazard approach to safeguard vulnerable populations. With a sobering 7.2 INFORM risk index rating for 2024, the plan acknowledges that over 93% of Haiti’s territory and 96% of its population face exposure to at least two major hazards simultaneously, including hurricanes, floods, earthquakes, landslides, and droughts.

    This operational framework organizes disaster management around four strategic pillars: enhanced risk knowledge, improved risk governance, strategic risk investment and transfer mechanisms, and comprehensive preparedness and response systems. Unlike conventional development plans, this initiative focuses exclusively on integrating risk criteria into national planning while addressing all disaster management components from mitigation through recovery.

    The plan’s implementation will mobilize central government operational levels through specialized committees handling sectoral risk management and emergency response coordination via the National Emergency Operations Center. This coordinated approach becomes increasingly critical as Haiti’s deteriorating socio-economic conditions, including widespread armed violence and mass internal displacement, further exacerbate the population’s vulnerability to environmental threats.

    By adopting principles of gender equality, inclusion, human security, and good governance, the 2024-2027 plan aims to build collective and territorial resilience toward the 2030 vision of comprehensive protection for lives and property against Haiti’s multiple risk exposures.

  • GARFIN cancels BRAVIO betting company licence

    GARFIN cancels BRAVIO betting company licence

    Grenada’s financial regulatory body has terminated the operating license of the nation’s last remaining international betting company, marking the culmination of a multi-year legislative transformation. The Grenada Authority for the Regulation of Financial Institutions (GARFIN) officially revoked Bravio Ltd.’s authorization effective immediately, according to a notice published in the February 13, 2026 Government Gazette.

    The regulatory shift began in 2021 when the former New National Party administration repealed the International Betting Act Cap 151A, which had previously governed such operations. This legislative action was further reinforced in 2023 through the International Companies (Repeal Act) (Validation) Bill, enacted by the current Dickon Mitchell Administration.

    The 2023 legislation specifically addressed the validation status of international companies that had failed to meet statutory requirements for continued operation under the Companies Act, Chapter 58A following the revocation of the International Companies Act, Chapter 152. The bill established provisions for listed international companies to continue business operations in compliance with the updated regulatory framework.

    Executive Director Denis Felix of GARFIN formally announced the cancellation, citing Section 10 of the International Betting Act Cap. 151A as the legal basis for the action. The public notice advised citizens and potential business partners to acknowledge this regulatory development and adjust their dealings accordingly.

    This decisive action represents the final implementation of Grenada’s comprehensive restructuring of its international financial services regulatory environment, effectively closing the chapter on international betting operations within the country’s jurisdiction.

  • Selling Iguana? Be Ready to Pay Up $10K

    Selling Iguana? Be Ready to Pay Up $10K

    Authorities in Belize have implemented stringent measures to protect the native iguana population during its critical breeding period, imposing fines of up to $10,000 for individuals caught trafficking or possessing iguana meat. The annual closed season, which extends from February 1 through June 30, represents a vital conservation window designated by the Belize Forestry Department to ensure species survival.

    Victoria Chi, Chief Forest Officer, emphasized that this protective ban coincides with the reptiles’ most vulnerable biological phase when they are actively reproducing to replenish their numbers. “This timeframe specifically aligns with their breeding cycle, which unfortunately also coincides with peak consumer demand for egg-bearing iguanas,” Chi explained, highlighting the ecological rationale behind the seasonal restriction.

    While the Forestry Department doesn’t conduct direct population monitoring, it maintains an active Iguana Conservation Program in partnership with the San Ignacio Hotel. This initiative provides rehabilitation services for injured iguanas frequently recovered from illegal hunting operations, with recovered specimens eventually reintroduced to their natural habitats.

    Enforcement efforts will be significantly intensified through coordinated patrols with national police departments, particularly targeting known wildlife trafficking hotspots including La Democracia, Hattieville, and Sandhill intersections. Chi urged public compliance with the seasonal ban, stating: “This closure exists for important ecological reasons. We must collectively learn to respect these conservation measures.”

    The department encourages citizens to report suspected illegal hunting activities through the dedicated tip line 610-1524 to support enforcement operations during this critical conservation period.