As the 2025 hurricane season nears its end, Belize is poised to finish slightly below the average in terms of storm activity. Chief Meteorologist Ronald Gordon has provided insights into the season’s performance and addressed ongoing discussions about potential upgrades to the storm classification system. According to Gordon, regional and international agencies, including the National Hurricane Center and the World Meteorological Organization, have unanimously decided against altering the current system. While future changes remain a possibility, the existing framework will stay intact for now. Gordon highlighted that Belize has experienced thirteen named storms this season, one fewer than the typical fourteen. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) had projected a range of thirteen to nineteen storms, placing Belize at the lower end of this spectrum. Gordon emphasized that even a below-average season can be impactful, citing Hurricane Melissa’s significant effects on Jamaica as an example. He reiterated that the current category system, which caps Category 5 storms at winds exceeding 157 miles per hour, remains effective and avoids unnecessary complexity. The season’s final tally will depend on whether any additional storms develop in November.
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PM says ChatGPT estimated 9,000 people at Rabacca rally
Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves of St. Vincent and the Grenadines has ignited a political controversy by using artificial intelligence (AI) to estimate attendance at recent rallies. Speaking at the Unity Labour Party’s (ULP) “Amazing Grace” rally in Rabacca, Gonsalves revealed that ChatGPT, an advanced AI chatbot, was employed to determine that 9,000 people attended the event. He contrasted this with the opposition New Democratic Party’s (NDP) rally in Biabou, dismissing claims of similar attendance as implausible.
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$60K Boost for Early Warning Systems After Hurricane Melissa’s Devastation
In the wake of Hurricane Melissa’s catastrophic impact on the Caribbean, Belize is taking significant steps to bolster its early warning systems. The National Meteorological Service of Belize has received a $60,000 donation of advanced equipment from the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), aimed at enhancing the country’s disaster preparedness and response capabilities. This initiative is part of a broader project that began in July 2024 and is set to continue through December 2026, with additional funding from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the World Food Program. The donated equipment includes computers and communication tools that will be used to generate graphics, produce short forecasts, and collect critical climate data. Ronald Gordon, Chief Met Officer, emphasized the dual focus of the project: improving early warning capabilities to provide actionable information on approaching hazards and collecting long-term climate data to inform future planning and development. Minister of Public Service, Henry Charles Usher, highlighted the importance of training and capacity building for the National Met Service staff and disaster risk management teams across the country. This donation is a key component of the United Nations’ ‘Early Warnings for All’ initiative, which aims to protect everyone on Earth from hazardous weather, water, or climate events by the end of 2027.
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Education Minister Denies Claims of Unpaid Teachers
Belize’s Education Minister, Oscar Requena, has publicly addressed allegations that several teachers have not received their salaries for months. The issue gained traction last Friday when Nadia Caliz, President of the Belize National Teachers Union, raised concerns on social media, questioning why some educators had reportedly gone unpaid for four months and why unexplained deductions appeared in their paychecks. Minister Requena acknowledged the matter, stating that while the concerns are valid, there has been significant misinformation circulating online. He clarified that the issue stemmed from a delay in paying certain teacher allowances, such as hardship and responsibility allowances, as well as salary adjustments, which occurred in December of the previous year. To address this, the Ministry of Education decided to advance salaries to affected teachers, with the understanding that the amounts would later be deducted from their paychecks. Requena admitted that the primary issue was a lack of timely communication between the Ministry and the teachers regarding these deductions. He emphasized that the situation does not reflect a failure to pay salaries but rather a procedural delay and miscommunication.
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Education Leaders Map Out Next Five Years
Belize’s education system is poised for transformation as key stakeholders gather for a pivotal two-day meeting to chart the course for the next five years. Hosted by the Ministry of Education, the Education Sector Plan meeting focuses on evaluating the achievements and challenges of the Belize Education Sector Plan (BESPlan) 2021–2025 and laying the groundwork for the 2026–2030 strategy. Education Minister Oscar Requena emphasized the importance of this collaborative review, highlighting significant progress in areas such as student enrollment across all levels, from preprimary to tertiary education. The meeting aims to identify priorities, address systemic challenges, and craft a comprehensive plan to enhance Belize’s educational landscape. This initiative underscores the government’s commitment to fostering academic excellence and equitable access to education, setting the stage for long-term societal and economic benefits.
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Internal HRCU Report Leak Raises Compliance Concerns
Holy Redeemer Credit Union (HRCU) is grappling with a significant breach of confidentiality following the unauthorized disclosure of an internal audit report. The document, intended solely for senior management and the board, was leaked to Channel 7’s Jules Vasquez, who publicly discussed its contents during his broadcast. HRCU has condemned the leak, stating it violates both the Credit Union Act and the institution’s Code of Conduct. The credit union emphasized that the breach could jeopardize its agreements with regulators and external auditors. In response, HRCU assured its members that all issues highlighted in the audit have been resolved and that robust compliance measures remain in effect. The incident has sparked a broader debate about transparency and accountability within Belize’s financial sector. Questions have arisen regarding Section Thirty-two of the Credit Union Act, which HRCU cited in its statement. Does this section merely restrict HRCU officials from disclosing confidential information, or does it also prohibit media outlets from reporting on leaked documents? Additionally, HRCU has not ruled out legal action against the leaker or the broadcaster. The leak has drawn sharp criticism from Henry Charles Usher, who expressed concern over the potential exposure of personal financial information. Usher urged HRCU to clarify the matter publicly and ensure its response is widely disseminated.
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Belize Launches Million-dollar Jackpot, Questions Loom
The Belize Government Lotteries (BGLL) has announced an exciting opportunity for citizens to try their luck at winning a million-dollar jackpot. Tickets for this special lottery game are now available at BGLL agents across the nation, with online sales commencing on November 5 via the Fi We Boledo app. Priced at just $5 per ticket, participants can select a four-digit combination for a chance to win the grand prize, which will be drawn on December 20 in Belmopan. In the event of multiple winners, the prize will be divided equally. Winners can claim their rewards starting December 22, but must act quickly as tickets are only valid for 30 days post-draw. A notable aspect of this initiative is that all profits will be directed to charitable causes. However, questions have been raised regarding the transparency of the process. The BGLL has stated that profits will be donated to a charitable organization chosen by its Board, but specifics such as the selection criteria, beneficiary organizations, and the timeline for announcements remain unclear. Additionally, concerns have been voiced about whether BGLL will publish an independently audited report detailing ticket sales, administrative costs, prize payouts, and the exact amount donated. The 30-day validity period for tickets has also been questioned, especially for a one-time, high-stakes game. While the lottery offers a thrilling chance to win big, the lack of detailed information has left some Belizeans skeptical about the initiative’s transparency and accountability.
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Marco Rubio backs postponement of Summit of the Americas
The United States government has extended its gratitude to Dominican President Luis Abinader for his cooperation in hosting the rescheduled Summit of the Americas, now set for 2026 in the Dominican Republic. Originally planned for this year, the event was postponed following a collaborative decision involving the Dominican government, the U.S., the Organization of American States (OAS), and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB).
In an official statement, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio praised President Abinader for his leadership and dedication to regional collaboration. Rubio underscored Washington’s support for the rescheduling, noting that the delay will provide participating nations with additional time to develop robust proposals and foster broader consensus on shared objectives.
The 2026 summit will center on fortifying regional partnerships, advancing democratic governance, enhancing security cooperation, and promoting sustainable development across the hemisphere. Both governments emphasized that the postponement ensures more effective planning, paving the way for tangible outcomes that will benefit citizens throughout the Americas.
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Agribusiness : Ayitika Haiti Wins Silver Medal in the Gourmet Category for its 70% Dark Chocolate «Amelonado-Criollo»
In a remarkable achievement for Haitian agribusiness, Ayitika Haiti has been awarded the silver medal in the ‘Gourmet’ category at the 30th Salon du Chocolat in Paris. The accolade was bestowed upon their 70% dark chocolate, ‘Amelonado-Criollo,’ during the 4th International Chocolate Competition organized by the Agency for the Promotion of Agricultural Products (AVPA). The event, held from October 29 to November 2, 2025, featured 240 exhibitors from over 20 countries, showcasing 170 unique chocolate varieties. Jean Chesnel Jean, the visionary agronomist and founder of Ayitika, expressed his ambition to compete in additional international competitions, particularly in the United States and Canada, with the goal of securing a gold medal for Haiti in the near future. The Ayitika team is now preparing for the Montreal Chocolate Show, scheduled for November 20-23, 2025. Ayitika’s success is rooted in its ‘root-to-bar’ approach, which ensures high-quality chocolate by meticulously overseeing every stage of production, from cacao tree selection to final product. Supported by the Knowledge and Freedom Foundation (FOKAL), Ayitika collaborates with more than 2,500 cacao-producing families, ensuring the authenticity and excellence of its offerings. The Haitian-Canadian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCIHC) also extended its congratulations, highlighting Ayitika’s role in promoting a positive and modern image of Haiti on the global stage. This achievement not only underscores Ayitika’s expertise but also celebrates the talent and perseverance of Haitian artisans, inspiring a new generation of entrepreneurs.
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Body of Norwegian man recovered by Navy in Cabarete
In a tragic incident, the body of a Norwegian national was recovered from the waters off Cabarete, near the Velero Hotel in Sosúa, Puerto Plata province, on Monday afternoon. The Dominican Republic Navy reported that the discovery was made around 2:40 p.m. by the interceptor boat Elnath, approximately two miles from the shore. The victim, identified as 49-year-old Jonas Ovedal, was a resident of Tenares. His remains were transported to the Puerto Plata dock, where forensic pathologist Dr. Miguel Cuevas conducted an initial examination in the presence of judicial authorities. According to the medical report, Ovedal died from drowning. His body was subsequently transferred to the National Institute of Forensic Sciences (INACIF) for a detailed autopsy. Authorities are continuing their investigation to determine the exact circumstances leading to his death.