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  • US’ removal of Maduro hasn’t reduced Venezuela’s territorial threat – Ali

    US’ removal of Maduro hasn’t reduced Venezuela’s territorial threat – Ali

    President Irfaan Ali of Guyana has declared that the removal of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro by United States forces has not diminished the territorial threat posed to Guyana’s mineral-rich Essequibo Region. Addressing the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) annual officers conference at Base Camp Ayanganna, Commander-in-Chief Ali emphasized that despite significant political changes in Venezuela, Guyana must remain prepared, vigilant, and ready to defend its sovereignty.

    The American military operation that captured Maduro and extradited him to face trial in the U.S. over drug and weapons charges has led to unexpected diplomatic developments. Interim Venezuelan President Delcy Rodríguez, previously known for aggressive rhetoric against Guyana and strong anti-American sentiment, has surprisingly established warm relations with U.S. President Donald Trump. This shift has resulted in freed political prisoners, amended laws to attract American oil investments, and the release of $500 million from seized Venezuelan oil assets.

    President Ali cautioned against interpreting Venezuela’s internal changes as reduced external threats. ‘The present situation in Venezuela does not remove or diminish the threat to Guyana’s territory,’ he stated, highlighting that preparedness should not be mistaken for provocation. The Guyanese leader reinforced that maintaining military readiness across land, sea, and air domains is essential national policy, not aggression.

    The address referenced recent tensions, including a March 2025 incident when the Venezuelan Navy entered Guyana’s Stabroek Block, informing exploration vessels they were in ‘undemarcated Venezuelan waters’ before withdrawing after several hours. Ali emphasized that Guyana’s expansive military cooperation agreements with the United States, Britain, and France would not come at the expense of political independence or territorial sovereignty.

    ‘We cannot outsource sovereignty,’ President Ali asserted. ‘We cannot subcontract our defense and we cannot assume that any fairy godmother or godfather will always appear at a decisive moment.’ The president committed to maintaining friendly relations with all nations while insisting that cooperation must be grounded in respect for Guyana’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.

    ExxonMobil CEO Darren Woods recently indicated that reduced naval patrols could create a ‘more friendly environment’ for potential hydrocarbon exploration in the northwestern Stabroek Block nearer to Venezuela, highlighting the continuing economic implications of the territorial dispute.

  • Govt rules out releasing GDF helicopter crash report

    Govt rules out releasing GDF helicopter crash report

    In a definitive stance announced Thursday evening, the Guyana government has officially declined to publicize the investigative report concerning the December 2023 helicopter crash that resulted in the deaths of five military personnel. Aviation Minister Deodat Indar addressed the National Assembly, clarifying that the Bell 412Epi helicopter was engaged in an active military mission when it catastrophically crashed in a remote, densely forested region of the country’s interior. Minister Indar emphasized the operation’s classified nature, stating, ‘The flight operation at the time when it happened was a military operation. I repeat. It was a military operation. It was not a civilian flight.’ This declaration came directly in response to calls from opposition leader Amanza Walton-Desir of the Forward Guyana Movement, who accused the government of violating Article 13 of the Convention on International Civil Aviation. Minister Indar countered this allegation by invoking the Chicago Convention, which categorizes aircraft utilized in military, customs, and police services as ‘State aircraft.’ He challenged critics to identify any nation that routinely discloses sensitive information pertaining to military operational incidents, framing the decision as a standard matter of national security protocol. This announcement marks the first explicit government position on the long-debated report, which had previously been under review by the Cabinet. The crash claimed the lives of highly decorated servicemen, including Lt. Col. Michael Charles, Retired Brigadier Gary Beaton, Colonel Michael Shahoud, Lieutenant Colonel Sean Welcome, and Staff Sergeant Jason Khan. Two personnel, Lieutenant Andio Crawford and Corporal Wayne Jackson, survived the incident. Despite international aviation conventions urging transparency, the government maintains that its obligation to protect state and military secrets supersedes public disclosure demands in this specific context.

  • Indiase lerares die honderden leercentra heeft opgericht wint Global Teacher Prize

    Indiase lerares die honderden leercentra heeft opgericht wint Global Teacher Prize

    Indian educator and activist Rouble Nagi has been awarded the prestigious $1 million Global Teacher Prize for her transformative work establishing hundreds of learning centers and creating educational murals in underserved communities across India. The ceremony took place during the World Governments Summit in Dubai on Thursday, where Dubai’s Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum presented the honor.

    Nagi’s Rouble Nagi Art Foundation has established over 800 learning centers nationwide, providing structured education to both out-of-school children and those already enrolled in formal education systems. Her innovative approach includes painting educational murals on slum walls that teach literacy, numeracy, science, and history through visual storytelling.

    In her acceptance speech, Nagi reflected on her journey that began 24 years ago with 30 children in a small workshop and has since impacted over one million young lives. “Each step has only motivated and inspired me to get every child in India into school,” she stated. “As a child, it was my dream to see every child attend school, and as you grow older and make that dream come true for as many children as possible, it’s a very humbling experience.”

    The Varkey Foundation, established by GEMS Education founder Sunny Varkey, administers the annual award. Varkey praised Nagi as representing “the very best of what teaching can be: courage, creativity, compassion, and an unshakeable belief in every child’s potential.” He noted that her work has “not only transformed individual lives but strengthened families and communities.”

    Nagi plans to utilize the prize money to establish a vocational training institute offering free skill development programs. The award received endorsement from UNESCO’s Assistant Director-General for Education Stefania Giannini, who emphasized that Nagi’s recognition “reminds us of a simple truth: teachers matter.”

    Now in its tenth year, the Global Teacher Prize has previously honored educators including a Kenyan teacher who donated most of his earnings to the poor, a Palestinian teacher promoting non-violence education, and a Canadian educator working with Inuit students in remote Arctic communities. Last year’s recipient was Saudi teacher Mansour al-Mansour for his work with underprivileged communities.

  • Politic : The Council of the State University of Haiti denounces and contests

    Politic : The Council of the State University of Haiti denounces and contests

    PORT-AU-PRINCE – The Council of the State University of Haiti (CUEH) has issued a formal condemnation of the Executive Branch’s recent establishment of a regulatory body for higher education, declaring it an unconstitutional violation of institutional autonomy. In an official statement, the council characterized the move as a fundamental breach of legal hierarchy that undermines Haiti’s constitutional framework.

    The controversy centers on the Decree of March 11, 2020, concerning the organization and modernization of higher education, which the CUEH maintains contradicts constitutional principles enshrined in Articles 32, 208, and 209 of Haiti’s 1987 Constitution. According to the council, these provisions guarantee the autonomy and independence of the State University of Haiti (UEH), making the executive’s unilateral actions legally invalid.

    Documented opposition to the decree dates back to November 2020 when the CUEH adopted a resolution warning public authorities against implementation and demanding suspension. Subsequent communications from the Rectorate of UEH to executive authorities in August and November 2025 requested institutional dialogue, decree suspension, and commitment to national consultation on higher education reforms.

    The situation escalated dramatically when the Council of Ministers adopted the decree on December 18, 2025, followed by its official publication in ‘Le Moniteur’ on December 30, 2025, and the subsequent establishment of the regulatory body. While acknowledging the legitimate need for higher education regulation, the CUEH asserts that these actions severely compromise constitutional guarantees and exacerbate existing institutional, social, and security crises.

    The council warns that these practices undermine institutional stability, jeopardize non-profit higher education’s public service mission, and potentially damage both public and private higher education sectors along with national socio-economic development. Historically, the UEH has positioned itself as a defender of democratic principles against authoritarian ambitions throughout Haiti’s political history.

    The CUEH demands immediate withdrawal of the March 11, 2020 decree and all related administrative measures while issuing a solemn appeal to the executive branch, political actors, and civil society – particularly academic sectors – to commit to profound higher education reforms based on dialogue, consultation, and national interest.

    Reaffirming its commitment to democratic principles, the council pledged to continue protecting UEH as an autonomous institution it describes as ‘a true national treasure.’ The statement was formally endorsed by Rector Dieuseul Prédélus in his capacity as President of the University Council.

  • LIVE: Mas Camp 5th February 2026

    LIVE: Mas Camp 5th February 2026

    Trinidad and Tobago’s celebrated cultural showcase, Mas Camp Live, is now accessible to worldwide audiences through a complimentary digital broadcast. The event’s organizers have partnered with streaming platform ComeSeeTV to deliver real-time coverage of tonight’s festivities without any subscription requirements or paywalls.

    This strategic digital initiative marks a significant expansion for the traditionally location-bound carnival celebration. By utilizing EventMappers’ streaming technology, the production enables interactive viewer participation alongside the conventional broadcast. The move represents the ongoing digital transformation within cultural entertainment sectors, particularly for carnivals facing audience limitations due to geographical constraints.

    The high-definition stream promises to deliver the vibrant spectacle of Mas Camp’s traditional performances, costume exhibitions, and musical presentations. This accessibility solution arrives during peak carnival season, offering international enthusiasts front-row access to Trinidad’s rich cultural heritage regardless of their physical location.

    Event organizers emphasize that this digital approach complements rather than replaces the live experience, serving as both an accessibility solution for overseas supporters and a technological trial for future hybrid events. The broadcast maintains the authentic atmosphere of Mas Camp while introducing global audiences to Trinidad’s distinctive carnival traditions.

  • SSB Board Requests More Information Before Speednet Vote

    SSB Board Requests More Information Before Speednet Vote

    In a significant development for Belize’s telecommunications sector and national economy, the Social Security Board (SSB) has postponed its decisive vote on Belize Telecommunications Limited’s (BTL) proposed acquisition of Speednet. The much-anticipated meeting, which was strategically moved from Belize City to Belmopan on February 5, 2026, to circumvent potential protests by United Democratic Party (UDP) supporters, concluded without a resolution. Board directors conducted a comprehensive review of the preliminary transaction details, paying particular attention to the potential ramifications for the social security fund and broader economic implications. Following extensive deliberations, the board determined that insufficient information was available to reach an informed decision. Officials emphasized that the deferral signifies no approval has been granted at this juncture, with the board requesting additional documentation and analysis before reconsidering the multimillion-dollar telecommunications merger that has generated substantial concern among workers and social security contributors nationwide.

  • Former BTL Workers Ramp Up Pressure for Severance

    Former BTL Workers Ramp Up Pressure for Severance

    Belize City, Belize – Former employees of Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL) have intensified their campaign for severance payments allegedly owed for decades, creating a significant corporate standoff. The Belize Communications Workers for Justice (BCWJ), representing over 170 former telecom workers, staged renewed protests outside BTL headquarters this week.

    The dispute centers on severance entitlements that date back to 1994, when BTL transitioned to a contributory pension scheme. Despite a ruling from the Caribbean Court of Justice supporting the workers’ claims, compensation remains unresolved. Protest organizers Emily Turner and Michael Augustus, both former union presidents, delivered a clear ultimatum to management: prioritize worker settlements over corporate expansion plans, including the proposed Speednet acquisition.

    Financial estimates of the liability vary considerably. While BTL Chairman Markhelm Lizarraga has cited approximately $14 million, the BCWJ contends the actual figure could approach $50 million due to accumulating obligations. The situation is further complicated by revelations that BTL may have spent over $20 million on legal fees fighting these severance claims – potentially exceeding the settlement amount itself.

    Adding to the tension, protesters expressed disappointment with the current Communication Workers Union’s silence regarding their cause. Turner noted that despite formal requests for support, the union has remained observant rather than actively supportive. Augustus, who helped revitalize the union during his leadership, emphasized their determination to avoid returning to what they characterize as previous eras of union complacency.

    Authorities have limited planned protest activities, denying permission for demonstrations scheduled for February 6th – the same day BTL promised to deliver a response regarding the severance payments. The developing situation highlights ongoing tensions between corporate ambitions and worker rights in Belize’s telecommunications sector.

  • Workers’ Severance Fight Now Also About Protest Rights

    Workers’ Severance Fight Now Also About Protest Rights

    A labor dispute in Belize has expanded beyond unpaid severance into a fundamental struggle for protest rights, according to the Belize Communications Workers for Justice (BCWJ). The organization claims law enforcement authorities have systematically curtailed their demonstration permissions, triggering fresh concerns about freedom of assembly.

    Emily Turner, organizer for BCWJ, detailed the escalating situation during a recent address to supporters. Initially granted six days of approved protests, the group received unexpected notification from the Raccoon Street police station revoking permissions for subsequent days. According to Turner, authorities provided a formal cancellation order denying their right to protest on Tuesday and Wednesday without substantive explanation.

    The labor group submitted a new application with the legally required forty-eight hour notice for Friday demonstrations, which was similarly denied. This series of rejections prompted BCWJ to file an official appeal with the Commissioner of Police, arguing that the fundamental right to peaceful protest cannot be arbitrarily revoked without justification.

    Turner emphasized the organization’s commitment to peaceful demonstrations, distancing the union from other political actions while expressing frustration with the United Democratic Party’s (UDP) approach to the situation. The National Trade Union Congress of Belize (NTUCB) president reportedly expressed extreme dissatisfaction with the UDP’s handling of the protest approvals.

    The developing situation represents a significant escalation from the original dispute over long-awaited severance pay for former BTL workers. Now, the confrontation has broadened to encompass constitutional rights to assembly and expression, setting a potentially far-reaching precedent for labor relations and civil liberties in Belize.

  • Benyati Brandon Charged for Murder of Paul Smith Jr.

    Benyati Brandon Charged for Murder of Paul Smith Jr.

    In a significant development to a brutal daylight shooting, Belizean authorities have formally charged 27-year-old laborer Benyati Brandon with murder and attempted murder. The charges stem from a February 3rd incident in La Democracia Village that claimed the life of 21-year-old Paul Smith Jr. and injured 24-year-old Tyrece Lewis Allen.

    The fatal encounter occurred around 10:30 a.m. when Smith was ambushed in what family members describe as a targeted attack. Relatives confirmed the victim had been out of prison for less than six months following his acquittal in a high-profile 2022 murder case, though he had previous encounters with law enforcement.

    Emotional testimony from Smith’s cousin, Tamara Gillett, revealed deep-seated familial tensions that may have contributed to the tragedy. “They laid wait for him in the bush on the second lane,” Gillett stated, explaining that Smith had been in the area to meet his girlfriend following a recent altercation.

    Police investigation utilized surveillance footage from the area, which ultimately led to Brandon’s apprehension. The suspect was transported from Hattieville to Belize City Magistrate’s Court, where he faced arraignment before Chief Magistrate Deborah Rogers. Represented by defense attorney Orson “OJ” Elrington, Brandon was denied bail due to the severity of the charges and remanded to Belize Central Prison until his next court appearance scheduled for May 18, 2026.

    The case has highlighted ongoing concerns about violent crime and cyclical violence within communities, particularly involving individuals with previous justice system involvement.

  • Murder Charge Reduced in Crooked Tree Case

    Murder Charge Reduced in Crooked Tree Case

    In a significant development within Belize’s judicial proceedings, Maurice Usher Jr., 45, has formally admitted guilt to manslaughter charges concerning the death of Crooked Tree Village resident Geoffrey Crawford. The defendant’s change of plea occurred during trial proceedings before Justice Derick Sylvester, reversing his initial not guilty stance on the more severe murder charge originally filed against him.

    Legal representatives indicate this strategic shift followed comprehensive consultation with court-appointed defense attorney Oscar Selgado. Judicial authorities have mandated the preparation of multiple evaluative documents prior to determining sentencing parameters. These include a comprehensive Social Inquiry Report, Psychiatric Assessment, Victim Impact Statement, and personal character testimonials.

    The Supreme Court has established a February 19, 2026 deadline for submission of these crucial documents. Sentencing hearings are calendared for March 3, 2026, during which the court will consider both the circumstances of the offense and the defendant’s background. Usher remains detained pending judicial disposition.

    This case originates from October 2021, when Crawford was last observed departing his residence in his distinctive red Nissan Pathfinder. The elderly victim’s disappearance prompted extensive search operations culminating in the tragic discovery of his remains concealed within a shallow burial site. Usher represents the sole individual formally implicated in connection with Crawford’s untimely death.