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  • FLASH : After Venezuela, Trump’s next target would be Cuba

    FLASH : After Venezuela, Trump’s next target would be Cuba

    In a stunning development with profound geopolitical implications, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores entered a plea of not guilty to all charges during their initial appearance at the Southern District of New York court on Monday, January 5, 2026. The hearing before 92-year-old Judge Alvin Hellerstein marked the first judicial proceeding since their controversial capture by U.S. military forces in Caracas just two days prior.

    Maduro, addressing the court in Spanish, identified himself as the legitimate president of Venezuela and characterized his transfer to the United States as an act of kidnapping from his home territory. His statement was promptly interrupted by Judge Hellerstein, who indicated that procedural formalities would take precedence over political declarations at this initial stage.

    The Venezuelan leader is being represented by prominent attorney Barry Pollack, known for his high-profile defense of WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange. Pollack has announced intentions to challenge the legality of Maduro’s military apprehension and subsequent transfer to U.S. jurisdiction, setting the stage for a complex legal battle with significant international law implications.

    Meanwhile, President Donald Trump, speaking aboard Air Force One on Sunday, indicated that Cuba would be the next focus of his administration’s foreign policy initiatives. Trump declared that ‘Cuba is ready to fall’ and suggested that without revenue from Venezuelan oil partnerships, the Cuban government would face severe economic challenges. The American president explicitly endorsed the Venezuela operation as a model for potential future actions against Cuba.

    In a remarkable expansion of stated geopolitical ambitions, Trump also reiterated his administration’s interest in acquiring Greenland, citing national security concerns and questioning Denmark’s capacity to administer the territory effectively. The president suggested concrete action on Greenland could materialize within approximately two months.

    The administration’s declared sphere of interest appears to extend beyond these specific targets, with additional statements suggesting potential future concerns regarding Panama, Colombia, Mexico, and Canada, signaling a potentially transformative period in Western Hemisphere relations.

  • Henry Gordon, UDP Stalwart and Pastor, Passes Away

    Henry Gordon, UDP Stalwart and Pastor, Passes Away

    Belize’s political and religious communities are mourning the passing of Henry Gordon, a foundational figure who shaped the nation’s democratic landscape while maintaining profound spiritual influence. The former United Democratic Party Secretary General and Senator died on January 5, 2026, leaving behind a legacy spanning decades of public service.

    Gordon’s political career reached its zenith during the critical early-to-mid 1990s period when he served as UDP Secretary General, a tenure that established the organizational foundation for the party’s landmark 2008 electoral triumph. Following this victory, religious institutions including the Council of Churches and Evangelical Association appointed him as their designated Church Senator, recognizing his unique ability to bridge faith and governance.

    His professional journey demonstrated remarkable versatility: from his early role as Chief Meteorologist to his later work as a respected pastor and political strategist. UDP Leader Tracy Panton memorialized Gordon on social media, highlighting his “integrity, commitment, and deep sense of duty to nation-building.”

    The depth of Gordon’s influence became evident through the testimony of his protégé, current Church Senator Louis Wade, who described him as both mentor and ideological compass. Wade recalled how Gordon’s weekly newspaper column “In Search of Truth” and his Krem Radio discussions with intellectuals like Evan X Hyde and Dr. Taeger shaped national discourse through a Judeo-Christian lens.

    “He walked both the halls of power yet maintained a relationship with God,” Wade noted, comparing Gordon to biblical figures who navigated political and spiritual realms simultaneously. Gordon famously carried both the Bible and Belize’s Constitution, asserting they worked synergistically to build a democratic society protecting individual freedoms, religious liberty, and conscience rights.

    Wade committed to continuing Gordon’s tradition of addressing political issues from informed Christian perspectives, acknowledging he was “walking in the giant footsteps” of his mentor whose impact transcended political boundaries and touched countless lives across Belize.

  • Dominica agrees to host third-country refugees under U.S. agreement

    Dominica agrees to host third-country refugees under U.S. agreement

    In a significant diplomatic development, Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit of Dominica has confirmed a new bilateral arrangement with the United States concerning refugee processing. The agreement, announced during a press conference, establishes Dominica as a transfer destination for certain refugees when the U.S. is unable to repatriate them to their countries of origin.

    This arrangement emerges from sustained dialogue between the two nations, particularly following the U.S. imposition of partial visa restrictions on Dominican citizens in December 2025. Prime Minister Skerrit characterized the pact as a mutual compromise, underscoring its importance for broader bilateral relations.

    A paramount consideration in the negotiations was national security. Skerrit explicitly stated that meticulous protocols have been established to prevent the transfer of individuals deemed violent or who might pose a threat to Dominica’s security. This safeguard, he noted, was received positively by the U.S. State Department.

    The Prime Minister framed the agreement as a strategic decision made in the interest of the Dominican people. He emphasized that his government’s primary duty is to protect the welfare of its citizens, specifically their continued access to lawful travel, educational opportunities, employment in the U.S., and the maintenance of family ties. This agreement, therefore, is presented as a measure to safeguard these vital interests while fostering governmental cooperation.

    Skerrit concluded that this partnership not only deepens the longstanding relationship with the United States but also solidifies Dominica’s reputation as a willing and reliable international partner.

  • Belizean Students Gets Boost in Return to Jamaica

    Belizean Students Gets Boost in Return to Jamaica

    Belizean students pursuing their education in Jamaica have been granted essential financial assistance from their home government to recover from the economic impact of Hurricane Melissa. The unexpected natural disaster had forced many scholars to exhaust their personal savings on emergency provisions, evacuation travel, and temporary accommodation, creating significant financial strain as they prepared to resume full in-person classes for the new academic term.

    Bernard Pitts, President of the Belizean Student Association of Jamaica, confirmed the receipt of governmental funds. While the disbursement process is currently underway, arrangements have been made for both students remaining in Jamaica during the break and those returning in January. The assistance program addresses the practical challenges of fund distribution, particularly for students without local bank accounts.

    When questioned about the allocation of these resources, Pitts clarified that the financial support would primarily cover essential living expenses including food, accommodation, and transportation—the same areas where students had incurred unexpected costs during hurricane preparations. The funding will effectively replace depleted emergency budgets, enabling scholars to regain financial stability and focus on their academic pursuits without the burden of unforeseen hurricane-related expenditures.

  • Placencia Garbage Woes Ease as Road Works Start

    Placencia Garbage Woes Ease as Road Works Start

    The persistent garbage disposal crisis plaguing Placencia Village appears headed for resolution following the formalization of a critical infrastructure contract. Torrential rainfall throughout December had rendered access roads to the municipal waste site completely impassable, creating severe logistical challenges for sanitation operations.

    The environmental emergency forced village authorities to implement temporary disposal measures at the entrance perimeter, generating significant concerns among local residents and commercial establishments regarding public health implications and environmental contamination risks.

    Substantial progress emerged this week when Area Representative Rodwell Ferguson confirmed the execution of a comprehensive rehabilitation contract valued at approximately $30,000 BZD. The agreement resulted from coordinated negotiations between the Placencia Village Council, the Ministry of Rural Transformation, and community stakeholders during a weekend summit in Santa Cruz.

    Infrastructure improvements will focus on complete roadway enhancement to the Seine Bight dumpsite facility, strategically located near Santa Cruz Village. Ferguson acknowledged the Ministry of Rural Transformation’s responsive intervention while contextualizing the challenges facing regional infrastructure development.

    “The Ministry of Infrastructure operates with limited equipment resources while confronting simultaneous demands from multiple villages throughout the district,” Ferguson explained. “Recent weeks have presented exceptional precipitation patterns that exacerbated existing transportation vulnerabilities. Our approach prioritizes addressing the most critical needs as they emerge within our operational constraints.”

    The remediation initiative represents a proactive response to mounting community concerns and demonstrates effective collaboration between local governance and national agencies. Construction crews commenced work immediately following contract formalization, signaling imminent relief for the peninsula’s waste management difficulties.

  • Belize Aligns with CARICOM as Venezuela Faces Political Upheaval

    Belize Aligns with CARICOM as Venezuela Faces Political Upheaval

    In a decisive regional response to Venezuela’s political transformation, Belize has formally aligned its position with the CARICOM Heads of Government following Saturday’s military operations that resulted in the removal of President Nicolás Maduro. The Central American nation, having monitored military buildups in the southern Caribbean for four months, now urges restraint and adherence to international law while calling for constructive dialogue to restore constitutional order reflective of Venezuelan citizens’ will.

    United Nations Under-Secretary-General Rosemary DiCarlo addressed the Security Council, characterizing the situation as developing during “a grave time” following the January 3rd United States military intervention. According to DiCarlo’s assessment, US forces conducted operations across Caracas and northern states including Miranda, Aragua, and La Guaira, though casualty figures remain undetermined.

    President Donald Trump confirmed the “large scale strike against Venezuela, and its leader” via social media, later stating during a press conference that the US would administer the country until “a safe, proper and judicious transition” could be implemented. The ousted Venezuelan government has condemned the action as military aggression and a flagrant violation of the UN Charter.

    Notably, Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores are currently detained in New York facing serious criminal charges brought by US authorities. As Belize reiterates its commitment to maintaining a “Zone of Peace” in the region, the government has confirmed the safe return of all Belizean students previously studying in Venezuela.

    The unfolding crisis raises fundamental questions about regional stability when constitutional norms are challenged, the appropriate extent of CARICOM’s defense of rule of law without exacerbating tensions, and potential ramifications for Belize’s security, economic interests, and diplomatic relations should Venezuela’s turmoil persist.

  • Majority of Bus Operators Buy Shares in National Bus Company

    Majority of Bus Operators Buy Shares in National Bus Company

    The transformative National Bus Company initiative has officially commenced operations, marking a significant milestone in public transportation reform. This groundbreaking public-private partnership between the government and private bus operators promises substantial improvements including enhanced passenger safety, modernized terminal facilities, and the introduction of new buses across routes within the next two to three years.

    Transport CEO Chester Williams provided a comprehensive progress update, revealing that the majority of existing bus operators have elected to purchase shares and formally join the nationalized system. The program offers three distinct participation options: complete cash-out compensation, full equity investment, or a hybrid approach combining partial investment with partial compensation.

    Notably, operators who decline participation will maintain operational authority alongside the new system, ensuring commuters experience service upgrades without reduction in available transportation options. Williams confirmed that independent auditors have completed thorough company valuations, with each operator receiving individualized consultations and detailed financial assessments before making their participation decisions.

    The successful implementation represents a collaborative approach to public transportation modernization, balancing government oversight with private sector expertise to create a more efficient, safe, and reliable national bus network for all commuters.

  • Dominica Music Awards 2025: A night of pride, legacy, and global vision

    Dominica Music Awards 2025: A night of pride, legacy, and global vision

    The InterContinental Dominica Cabrits Resort & Spa served as the magnificent backdrop for the 2025 Dominica Music Awards (DMA), an evening that brilliantly showcased the island nation’s rich musical heritage and contemporary creativity. Produced by Creole Heartbeat, this prestigious event united artists, producers, cultural ambassadors, industry specialists, and enthusiastic music aficionados in a grand celebration of Dominican music’s dynamic spirit and international influence.

    The ceremony distributed honors across 24 competitive categories while simultaneously presenting Lifetime Achievement Awards and Special Honours, highlighting the extraordinary depth and diversity of Dominica’s musical landscape. From promising emerging artists to established legendary figures, the DMA reaffirmed music’s dual role as both cultural bedrock and significant economic contributor to the island nation.

    Among the evening’s most celebrated winners were Shelly, who secured both Male Artist of the Year and Songwriter of the Year awards, while Bouyon Barbie Faithii earned Female Artist of the Year honors. The collaborative album ‘Electric Room’ by Shelly & Signal Band received Album of the Year recognition, with the same artists winning Music Video of the Year for ‘Bye to the Old Me.’ Signal Band themselves claimed Band of the Year honors.

    The awards spanned multiple genres including Soca, Bouyon, Reggae/Dancehall, Calypso, Cadence-Lypso, and Kompa/Zouk, demonstrating the remarkable variety within Dominican music. Additional category winners included Pudaz (Bouyon Artist), Colton T (Reggae/Dancehall Artist), Joy (Calypso Artist), and Extasy (Kompa/Zouk Artist).

    A particularly moving segment featured the Office of the Prime Minister Lifetime Achievement Awards, which paid homage to seven cultural pioneers whose contributions have fundamentally shaped Dominican music: Ophelia Olivacce-Marie and Fitzroy Williams (Cadence-Lypso), David Benjamin (Traditional Music), Nasio Fontaine (Reggae), Ian Jackson (Calypso & Songwriting), Jerry Lloyd (Gospel), and Keith Goddard (Bouyon).

    Special Honours included the Felix Henderson Award presented to Sonia Magloire Akpa and the Iconic Award bestowed upon Khrisna ‘Dada’ Lawrence. The event also recognized contemporary influencers including DJ MJ (DJ of the Year), Jael Joseph (Social Media Influencer of the Year), and Asa Bantan (Promoter/Event of the Year for Breakfast Fete).

    The successful execution of the DMA was made possible through substantial support from numerous sponsors including the Office of the Prime Minister, Republic Bank Limited, KFC Dominica, Dexia, Josephine Gabriel, NCCU, Q95, and many others, reflecting a collective dedication to advancing Dominican music on the world stage.

    Established with the mission to celebrate, honor, and professionalize Dominican music, the Dominica Music Awards continues to elevate local talent while strategically positioning the island’s music industry within global markets. Through its recognition of artistic excellence, cultural preservation, and industry innovation, the DMA plays a crucial role in strengthening Dominica’s creative economy and inspiring future generations of musical talent.

  • Basketball Uniting Belize District Communities

    Basketball Uniting Belize District Communities

    BELIZE DISTRICT – After three months of intense competition, the William Dawson Sprite Basketball Tournament has concluded with Tuff Enuff emerging as champions, securing a $5,000 prize. What began as a modest six-team event in 2015 has evolved into a significant community fixture, now featuring twenty teams competing for substantial cash awards.

    The tournament, established by the late William Dawson, serves a purpose far beyond athletic competition. Its core mission focuses on diverting at-risk youth from gang involvement through structured sports intervention. Tournament Coordinator Douglas Hyde confirmed the strategy’s effectiveness, noting, “These teams have demonstrated that through sports, they are willing to channel their energy onto the basketball court rather than engage in violence against one another.”

    Community impact has been substantial, with Hyde observing unprecedented collaboration between previously divided neighborhoods. “Some of these players didn’t communicate before. They avoided certain areas. Now we’re seeing genuine partnerships and friendships that have developed over years of tournament participation,” he reported.

    The competition showcased elite talent from across Belize District, with players expressing personal connections to the event. Tournament MVP Francis Arana from Tuff Enuff emphasized its significance: “As someone from the neighborhood, this tournament represents something our community anticipates annually. It allows youth from challenged areas to showcase their talents and redirect their focus.”

    When questioned about the tournament’s effect on reducing gang violence, Arana responded affirmatively: “It helps tremendously by keeping youth actively engaged in basketball. They spend their time practicing and anticipating weekend games rather than lingering on street corners.”

    Godfrey Arnold, Top Scorer from runner-up team Don One, echoed this sentiment, describing the tournament as a premier event that fills a void in Belize’s sporting calendar.

    The tournament’s future received strong endorsement from Oscar Mira, Minister of Home Affairs, who witnessed the championship games. Minister Mira committed continued government support, stating: “Sports uniquely bring communities together in ways nothing else can. These community-based programs provide young people with alternatives and must continue. We will ensure they receive our ongoing support.”

    Final rankings awarded Don One $3,000 for second place, Warriors $1,500 for third, and Class $1,000 for fourth, completing a tournament that successfully blended athletic excellence with social transformation.

  • GGMC suspends operations of more than 100 Brazilian gold miners

    GGMC suspends operations of more than 100 Brazilian gold miners

    In a significant enforcement action, the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) has immediately suspended operations for 107 Brazilian gold miners following a major joint operation in Georgetown that resulted in gold seizures and identification of undocumented individuals.

    The regulatory body announced the sweeping suspensions on Monday, January 5, 2026, just two days after coordinated operations involving GGMC, the Ministry of Natural Resources’ Compliance Unit, and the Guyana Police Force. The suspended miners, predominantly based in Georgetown with some from Bartica, have lost all permissions to operate pending further engagement with regulatory authorities.

    This crackdown follows a January 2 public notice requiring named individuals to present themselves to the GGMC. The Commission emphasized that the suspensions are without prejudice to additional regulatory or enforcement actions that may be pursued lawfully.

    The Ministry of Natural Resources, while declining to specify the quantity of gold seized, characterized the operation as part of ongoing efforts to combat illegal mining and precious metal trading. ‘During these operations, several undocumented individuals were processed, gold was seized, and the verification of persons of interest was successfully completed,’ the ministry stated.

    The Guyana government maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy toward illegal mining activities, with officials warning that similar operations will be conducted nationwide to ensure compliance with mining regulations. The ministry urged public cooperation in reporting suspicious activities related to illegal mining and trading.

    This action aligns with President Irfaan Ali’s recent warnings that gold miners caught under-declaring production could face dredge deregistration, while foreign offenders—primarily Brazilians—could face prosecution and expulsion. The President had previously indicated Guyana’s commitment to partnering with the United States to combat gold smuggling that potentially empowers undemocratic forces.