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  • UDP Says They Are in “Fit and Fine Fighting Form”

    UDP Says They Are in “Fit and Fine Fighting Form”

    In a strategic move signaling organizational revitalization, the United Democratic Party (UDP) has unveiled a comprehensive restructuring of its executive leadership and committee appointments. Chair Sheena Pitts announced the new configuration during a press conference, emphasizing the party’s commitment to principles of inclusion, consultation, and accountability.

    The reconfigured Central Executive leadership features Tracey Taegar Panton at the helm as Party Leader, supported by Hugo Patt as First Deputy and Miguel Guerra as Second Deputy. Pitts characterized the reorganization as positioning the party in ‘fit and fine fighting form,’ indicating preparedness for upcoming political challenges.

    Significant appointments include Damien Goff assuming chairmanship of Policy and Planning, described by Pitts as the architect behind the party’s operational machinery. The party also established specialized directorates with Anne Marie Williams leading the National Organisation for Women and Melvin Sutherland Jr. taking charge of Youth affairs, signaling renewed focus on demographic representation.

    Geographical representation was strengthened through regional caucus leadership appointments: Dr. Omar Figueroa (West), Godwin Hulse (Central), Alfonso Sanchez (South), and Tony Herrera (North).

    The UDP simultaneously revealed its national campaign leadership structure under Campaign Manager Juliet Thimbrel and established policy platform committees covering critical sectors: health (chaired by Kim Simplice Barrow), tourism (Karen Bevans), banking and financial services (Natalie Goff), national security (Errol Gentle), energy (Lawrence Lopez), infrastructure (Denny Grijalva), and National Health Insurance (Carlos Perrera).

    Concluding with a rallying declaration, Pitts asserted the opposition party’s readiness for forthcoming political engagements, stating unequivocally: ‘UDP is in fine, fit, fighting form. And when I tell you UDP is ready, UDP is ready.’

  • Over 1,300 cannabis plants destroyed as two Laborie men charged

    Over 1,300 cannabis plants destroyed as two Laborie men charged

    In a significant crackdown on narcotics operations, the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force has apprehended and charged two individuals from Laborie following coordinated anti-drug operations conducted on January 10th. The operation, which involved multiple specialized police units, resulted in substantial drug seizures and the destruction of extensive cannabis cultivation sites.

    Authorities executed a search warrant at a residence in Black Bay, Laborie, belonging to Leroy Willie. During the operation, law enforcement officials discovered and confiscated 23.2 pounds of suspected cannabis. Additionally, police recovered EC$765 in cash believed to be proceeds from illicit drug transactions. The seized narcotics have an estimated street value of EC$10,440 according to official police assessments.

    The investigation expanded beyond the residential property as officers conducted thorough searches of the surrounding area. Their efforts led to the discovery of six separate cannabis plantations containing 1,368 cannabis plants. All identified plants were subsequently seized and destroyed by authorities in compliance with Saint Lucia’s drug enforcement protocols.

    Leroy Willie was taken into custody and formally charged with multiple drug-related offenses including possession of a controlled substance, possession with intent to supply, and cultivation of prohibited plants. The operation continued with further investigations leading to the arrest of 44-year-old Glenroy Willie, another resident of the same household, on January 11th. He faces similar narcotics-related charges.

    The successful intervention resulted from a multi-unit collaboration involving officers from the Gangs, Narcotics and Firearms Unit, the Tactical Response Unit, and the Special Services Unit. These units conducted three targeted searches across the Soufrière, Choiseul, and Laborie regions as part of the coordinated effort.

    Both defendants were scheduled to appear before a magistrate on January 13, 2026, to answer to the charges brought against them in what authorities describe as a significant blow to local drug trafficking operations in the region.

  • Rotary Club of Antigua Donates 500 Laptops to Antigua and Barbuda College of Advanced Studies

    Rotary Club of Antigua Donates 500 Laptops to Antigua and Barbuda College of Advanced Studies

    In a significant boost for digital education, the Rotary Club of Antigua has substantially enhanced technological resources for higher education students by donating 500 laptops to the Antigua and Barbuda College of Advanced Studies (ABCAS). This contribution was made through the club’s ongoing Education Through Technology Programme, which aims to bridge the digital divide in tertiary education.

    The official handover ceremony was attended by key figures including Hon. Daryll Matthew, Minister of Education, Sports and the Creative Industries, alongside Rotarians and ABCAS leadership. Minister Matthew publicly acknowledged and commended the Rotary Club for its sustained dedication to advancing educational opportunities throughout the nation.

    Rotary Club of Antigua President Elisa Graham emphasized the critical nature of digital proficiency in contemporary society during her address. “Digital literacy has evolved into an essential competency, equally vital as traditional reading and writing skills,” Graham stated. “Our program is strategically designed to prepare students for full participation in an increasingly digitalized global environment, ensuring they remain competitive and equipped for future challenges.”

    Dr. E. Jonah Greene, President of ABCAS, highlighted the practical implications of this donation, noting that numerous students historically struggled with inconsistent access to computers, adversely affecting their ability to complete coursework and engage actively in their studies. To maximize equitable distribution, the college will implement a structured loan system for the new devices, a approach expected to significantly improve academic engagement and performance outcomes.

    This educational initiative is bolstered by a enduring international partnership with the Bellevue Breakfast Rotary Club based in Washington State, USA, whose multi-year support has been instrumental in sustaining the technology program. The Rotary Club of Antigua further reiterated its commitment to collaborative efforts with educational institutions and government bodies, emphasizing education’s pivotal role in national development strategies.

    As a constituent member of Rotary International, the Antigua chapter aligns with the global organization’s mission focused on humanitarian projects, educational advancement, and sustainable community development worldwide.

  • Rotary Club donates 500 laptops to support tertiary education in Antigua and Barbuda

    Rotary Club donates 500 laptops to support tertiary education in Antigua and Barbuda

    In a significant boost for digital education access, the Rotary Club of Antigua has partnered with Washington state’s Bellevue Breakfast Rotary Club to deliver 500 laptops to students at the Antigua and Barbuda College of Advanced Studies. This initiative represents the latest phase of Rotary’s enduring Education Through Technology programme, which has been providing critical computer resources to educational institutions throughout Antigua and Barbuda since 2008.

    The technology donation comes at a pivotal moment as the college experiences substantial enrollment growth following the government’s decision to eliminate tertiary education fees. College administrators have developed a strategic deployment plan that will distribute the devices across all five campus locations through an organized loan system. This approach specifically targets students who lack personal computing equipment, ensuring equitable access to digital learning resources.

    Rotary officials have confirmed that this initial donation represents just the beginning of their expanded commitment, with an additional 1,500 laptops anticipated to arrive in the near future. This substantial technology infusion aims to dramatically enhance digital infrastructure throughout the tertiary education sector.

    Education authorities have enthusiastically endorsed the contribution, recognizing its transformative potential for digital accessibility, online learning capabilities, and comprehensive student support services. The partnership demonstrates how international service organizations can effectively collaborate to address educational technology gaps in developing nations, creating meaningful opportunities for students who would otherwise face digital exclusion in their academic pursuits.

  • Family Returns to Burnt Home, Mourns Beloved Dog

    Family Returns to Burnt Home, Mourns Beloved Dog

    A Belizean family is confronting profound loss and the arduous journey of rebuilding after a devastating house fire claimed their residence and beloved pet. Ambar Ayala and Hilton Classen, along with their young daughter Kelly, returned from an urgent overseas trip to discover their home completely destroyed by flames.

    The family’s canine companion, Lana Lu, perished in the blaze, adding emotional devastation to their substantial material losses. Preliminary assessments indicate the structure suffered catastrophic damage, rendered unsalvageable by both the intense fire and water used by firefighters to contain the inferno.

    In an official statement, the family expressed profound appreciation for the rapid emergency response and overwhelming community support that has emerged following the tragedy. A neighbor has provided temporary accommodation as the family begins navigating recovery efforts.

    Compounding their situation, the family revealed their insurance coverage had not yet become active when the fire occurred. This has prompted the establishment of a GoFundMe campaign to facilitate rebuilding efforts, alongside requests for essential donations including clothing and hygiene products.

    ‘We are gradually gathering the fragments of our lives,’ the family stated. ‘Any assistance in reconstructing our foundation will significantly contribute to our healing process from this profound tragedy.’ Local supporters may also contribute directly to Ambar Ayala’s Belize Bank account: 196112010220000.

  • Assemblee mist quorum, ABOP-fractie tekent uit onvrede presentielijst niet

    Assemblee mist quorum, ABOP-fractie tekent uit onvrede presentielijst niet

    Suriname’s National Assembly encountered an unexpected political standstill on Wednesday as lawmakers failed to convene a scheduled parliamentary session due to insufficient attendance. The session was abruptly postponed after coalition partner ABOP, alongside VHP faction members, refused to sign the attendance registry, preventing the government from achieving the mandatory quorum required for legislative proceedings.

    Only 25 parliamentarians officially registered their presence, falling short of the 26-member threshold necessary for conducting official business. The dramatic development exposed deepening fractures within the ruling coalition, particularly surrounding the suspension of Grassalco director Wensly Rozenhout, an ABOP party member implicated in the disappearance of approximately 4 kilograms of raw gold valued at over $400,000 from the state-owned company’s vaults.

    NDP faction leader Rabin Parmessar expressed astonishment at ABOP’s maneuver, stating: ‘ABOP has surprised us by not providing quorum.’ According to parliamentary sources, ABOP Chairman Ronnie Brunswijk explicitly instructed his faction members to boycott the attendance registry signing process before the session’s commencement, a directive that was systematically followed.

    The gold disappearance incident, which remains unresolved despite governmental inquiries, has triggered significant internal discord. Rozenhout’s provisional suspension stems from his alleged failure to provide satisfactory explanations to government investigators regarding the missing precious metals.

    Parmessar noted that with ABOP’s participation, the coalition commands 28 seats—two above the quorum requirement—but without them, legislative proceedings become impossible. The NDP leader indicated that had he received advance notice of ABOP’s intention to withhold quorum, he would have prevented absences within his own faction. Assembly President Ashwin Adhin formally postponed the session after clerk Ruth de Windt read aloud the names of legislators who had signed the attendance registry.

  • NEBL Back After 5-Year Break, $100K at Stake

    NEBL Back After 5-Year Break, $100K at Stake

    Belize’s premier basketball competition, the National Elite Basketball League (NEBL), makes its triumphant return following a five-year suspension caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The revamped league announced an unprecedented $100,000 prize pool, establishing what officials believe to be the largest cash prize in Belizean sports history.

    Karim Juan, Operations Manager for NEBL, emphasized that the league’s relaunch and rebranding symbolizes a fresh beginning and renewed stability after the abrupt cancellation of the 2020 season. “The rebranding back to NEBL was more trying to symbolize a new start, symbolize stability,” Juan stated, highlighting efforts to restore confidence among players, fans, and sponsors.

    The substantial prize money distribution will award $70,000 to the championship team and $30,000 to the runners-up. Juan provided assurances that the prize fund is securely guaranteed despite ongoing sponsorship negotiations.

    Seven franchises have committed to participate: Corozal Spartans, Orange Walk Running Rebels, Belize City Defenders, San Pedro Tiger Sharks, Belmopan Trojans, Cayo Western Ballaz, and EZ Investments Griga Dream Ballers. The season will maintain the conventional home-and-away structure with each team playing 12 regular season games.

    Notable regulatory changes include permitting three non-resident players per roster, accommodating Belizean athletes residing overseas. To ensure competitive balance, the league will assume financial responsibility for transportation, security, medical services, and promotional activities for all teams.

    The season commences on February 20 at the Belize City Civic Center with a doubleheader event featuring additional entertainment programming for spectators.

  • BTL Chairman Puts Price Tag on CCJ 2025 Severance Ruling

    BTL Chairman Puts Price Tag on CCJ 2025 Severance Ruling

    Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL) is confronting substantial financial repercussions following a groundbreaking judicial decision by the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ). Company Chairman Markhelm Lizarraga disclosed during a recent press briefing that the telecommunications provider anticipates disbursing between $11 million and $15 million in severance payments to former employees.

    The financial obligation stems from a CCJ ruling delivered in 2025 that resolved a protracted legal dispute between BTL and retired workers. The controversy centered on the company’s longstanding practice of considering pension benefits as replacement for severance pay, a position supported by collective bargaining agreements and internal pension structures.

    Former employees successfully challenged this interpretation, arguing that it contravened Belize’s Labour Act. The litigation progressed through multiple judicial tiers, culminating in the CCJ’s definitive judgment that severance constitutes an irreducible statutory entitlement that cannot be superseded by pension arrangements unless explicitly accounted for.

    Lizarraga characterized the financial impact as an “unforeseen event” that the company is actively “honoring.” He emphasized BTL’s commitment to complying with the judicial mandate, stating: “For those that we have been informed are legally qualified to receive it, we will be dispersing; we’re going to be following the law.

    Bernard Pitts Jr., a former BTL employee involved in the case, clarified that the litigation transcended monetary considerations. “The law is very clear on what severance is, and it is different from what a pension is,” Pitts explained. “The issue really stemmed from when the CBA was amended to have the severance subsumed by the pension. That is not correct. And that was one of the things we were fighting for.”

    The ruling affects hundreds of former workers and represents the culmination of years of judicial proceedings, establishing significant precedent regarding labor rights in the Caribbean region.

  • Second Arrest in Murder of Delivery Truck Driver

    Second Arrest in Murder of Delivery Truck Driver

    Belmopan law enforcement authorities have formally apprehended and charged a second individual in connection with the tragic homicide of Caribbean Chicken delivery driver Mark Gabourel. The 55-year-old victim was fatally shot on January 7th during an apparent robbery attempt on Mountain View Boulevard.

    According to official police reports, the incident occurred while Gabourel was accompanied by a 15-year-old assistant during his delivery route. Two assailants on a motorcycle intercepted the delivery vehicle and initiated gunfire, striking Gabourel. Security footage indicates the suspects attempted to forcibly access the truck’s cabin before fleeing the scene. Despite immediate medical transportation to Western Regional Hospital, Gabourel succumbed to his injuries.

    This violent episode represents the second murder targeting delivery personnel within recent months, sparking substantial concern within the local business community. The Business Chamber of Spanish Lookout joined several Belmopan enterprises in condemning what they characterized as ‘senseless acts of violence’ against service workers.

    Investigative progress accelerated when surveillance footage from adjacent businesses circulated extensively across social media platforms. Digital sleuths noted distinctive similarities in perpetrator attire—including helmets, clothing, and footwear—potentially linking the suspects to prior criminal activity in Armenia Village.

    Prominent Belmopan attorney Arthur Saldivar has publicly encouraged witness cooperation, emphasizing that ‘community members must undertake necessary actions to ensure collective safety.’ Concurrently, City Councillor Sanie Cal proposed establishing a business-funded reward program for information leading to further arrests.

    Following the initial charging of 25-year-old Wilhem Coye from Camalote Village last Friday, authorities have now formally accused 29-year-old construction worker Shaylon Melvin Santos of Teakettle Village with murder charges. Assistant Superintendent of Police Stacy Smith confirmed ongoing investigative developments during a press briefing.

  • LIVE FROM 7PM: Electoral Reform Coalition Forum on visa bonds and visa restrictions

    LIVE FROM 7PM: Electoral Reform Coalition Forum on visa bonds and visa restrictions

    Viewers anticipating tonight’s live broadcast are advised of important technical information regarding stream accessibility. The scheduled transmission is set to commence at 7:00 PM local time, with a live video feed embedded directly within the hosting platform.

    Technical support guidance has been proactively issued to ensure optimal viewing experiences. Should users encounter any display irregularities or failure to load the video player, the primary recommended troubleshooting step involves refreshing the web page. This simple action typically resolves most common streaming issues by reloading the content delivery components.

    The provision of a direct video embed represents a continuation of efforts to enhance digital accessibility for remote audiences. This approach eliminates the need for external applications or complex viewing procedures, allowing seamless access through standard web browsers on multiple device types.

    Organizers emphasize that these preparatory instructions are standard practice for live digital events and reflect commitment to viewer convenience rather than anticipation of technical difficulties. The broadcast will proceed as scheduled barring any unforeseen technical complications.