In a significant move to bolster national security, Haiti has appointed Divisional Commissioner Pierre Louis Cangé as the new Coordinator of Presidential Security. The official ceremony took place on November 3rd, 2025, at the National Palace, presided over by the Commander-in-Chief of the Haitian National Police (PNH), Mr. André Jonas Vladimir Paraison. Cangé was promoted to the rank of Inspector General during the event, marking a pivotal moment in his career. The occasion was attended by prominent figures, including Inspector General Jean Maurest Étienne, Director of Personnel, and Inspector General Jacques Joël Orival, Central Director of Administrative Police, alongside National Palace staff and police officers. Post-ceremony, Commander Paraison and Director Orival introduced Cangé to the Secretary General of the National Palace, Ms. Marie Élisabeth Régine Joseph Haddad, who commended Paraison’s achievements and extended her support to the newly appointed Coordinator. This appointment underscores Haiti’s commitment to enhancing security measures at the highest levels of government.
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MIREX announces postponement of Summit of the Americas
The Dominican Republic’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MIREX) has announced the postponement of the Tenth Summit of the Americas, originally slated to be held in the country. This decision follows a thorough evaluation of the regional landscape and was made in close collaboration with key partners, including the United States, the Organization of American States (OAS), and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB).
In an official statement, MIREX highlighted that the delay aims to foster more productive outcomes for the summit, given the current obstacles to hemispheric dialogue and the aftermath of severe weather events that have affected several Caribbean nations. The Dominican government assured that the resources already allocated for the event will be preserved and reallocated for the rescheduled summit, which will align with other regional meetings planned in the country.
MIREX underscored that since being selected as the host nation in 2022, the Dominican Republic has diligently fulfilled all organizational requirements set by the OAS. The ministry noted that the postponement will allow for broader consultations to determine a new date and to incorporate recently elected democratic governments into the discussions. The statement reaffirmed the country’s unwavering commitment to multilateralism, regional cooperation, and integration as central tenets of its foreign policy.
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Government Open to Dialogue Amid PSU Threats of Strike
The Government of Belize has expressed its willingness to engage in discussions with the Public Service Union (PSU) and employees of the Belize Tax Service (BTS) following reports of potential strike action. The unrest stems from the department’s transition into the Statutory Authority for Revenue Administration (SARA), a new statutory body aimed at modernizing revenue management. Minister of Public Service, Henry Usher, emphasized that while no formal strike notice has been issued, the government is committed to addressing employee concerns. Usher highlighted that the transition to SARA is part of a long-term public sector reform initiative, not an abrupt change. He assured employees that those unwilling to join SARA would have opportunities to continue their roles in other public service sectors. The government remains open to dialogue with the PSU and public officers to resolve the issues amicably.
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FLASH : Cap
A recent inspection of the Cap-Haïtien prison by the Association of Volunteers for the Reintegration of Prisoners (AVRED-Haiti) has unveiled a dire humanitarian crisis. The facility, designed to accommodate 500 inmates, currently houses 841 individuals, including 30 women, 16 minors, and 795 men. This severe overcrowding exacerbates the already deplorable living conditions, with cells lacking ventilation, light, and basic sanitation. The prison’s clinic, in a state of disrepair, is staffed by only one doctor and one nurse, leaving 20 inmates suffering from infectious and skin diseases without proper medical care. The kitchen is unsanitary, toilets are overflowing, and the main building is cracked and dilapidated, posing a risk of collapse. AVRED-Haiti has condemned the flagrant violations of human rights, including the lack of legal assistance, inadequate healthcare, food insecurity, and the absence of educational or reintegration programs. The association has called for urgent intervention by the State and its partners to address these issues and uphold the dignity of those deprived of their liberty.
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CARICOM agencies assist in unified recovery operations in Jamaica after category 5 Hurricane Melissa
In the wake of the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa, Caribbean Community (CARICOM) member states have rallied together to provide aid and financial support to Jamaica for its emergency response and rebuilding efforts. A coordinated regional response is being led by key agencies, including the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA), the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), and the Caribbean Institute for Meteorology and Hydrology (CIMH).
Jamaica’s Prime Minister and CARICOM Chairman, Dr. Andrew Holness, announced on November 2 that discussions with regional partners had focused on enhancing coordination for Jamaica’s recovery. The talks emphasized mobilizing regional assistance, reconstructing resilient infrastructure, and safeguarding public health.
CDEMA’s Executive Director, Elizabeth Riley, expressed confidence in the agency’s efforts, which include collaboration with the Caribbean Development Partners group—a platform involving UN entities, private sector representatives, civil society, and member states. A Rapid Needs Assessment Team (RNAT) from CDEMA, comprising specialists from organizations like UNICEF, the World Food Programme (WFP), and PAHO, is currently in Jamaica conducting multi-sector evaluations. These assessments will inform the government’s strategies across critical areas such as agriculture, education, health, infrastructure, and tourism.
The Caribbean Disaster Relief Unit (CDRU), composed of military, police, and firefighting personnel from across the region, remains on standby for potential deployment. Additionally, the Caribbean Operational Support Team (COST) is prepared to assist with ongoing recovery efforts.
CDB President Daniel Best reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to Jamaica’s recovery, emphasizing the importance of regional unity. During his visit to Kingston, he highlighted the need for coordinated resource allocation and psychosocial support for citizens and first responders, describing the initiative as a fully integrated post-disaster response.
Other regional institutions, including the CARICOM Development Fund (CDF), The University of the West Indies (UWI), and the Caribbean Aviation Safety and Security Oversight System (CASSOS), are also contributing to ensure a comprehensive and effective recovery process.
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Tsunami drill at MBIA: Wednesday, 5 November 2025
The Grenada Airports Authority (GAA) has announced a Tsunami preparedness drill scheduled to take place at the Maurice Bishop International Airport (MBIA) on Wednesday, 5 November 2025, from 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM. This initiative is part of the GAA’s commitment to enhancing disaster readiness and ensuring the safety of airport users in the face of potential natural disasters. The drill coincides with World Tsunami Awareness Day, highlighting the importance of global awareness and preparedness for such catastrophic events. The exercise will last approximately 1.5 hours, during which normal airport operations will continue uninterrupted. Flights will not be affected, and the airport will remain open to the public. In the unlikely event of an actual emergency during the drill, the simulation will be halted immediately, and standard emergency protocols will be activated. The GAA has urged the public to remain calm and informed, emphasizing that any emergency-like activities observed during this period are part of the planned exercise. The authority expressed gratitude to travelers, airport stakeholders, and the local community for their cooperation and understanding as they work to bolster safety measures and emergency response capabilities. This drill underscores the GAA’s proactive approach to disaster management and its dedication to safeguarding the well-being of all airport users.
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Two Suspects Wanted for Robbing UNO Gas Station
Authorities in Belize City are on the hunt for two individuals implicated in a brazen armed robbery at the UNO gas station located at mile 1.5 on the Philip Goldson Highway. The incident occurred on Friday, November 3, 2025, leaving the community on edge. According to reports, the station manager, Eric Chi, was preparing to make a deposit when he was accosted by one of the suspects, who brandished a firearm and forced him to the ground. An accomplice on a motorcycle assisted in the theft of a substantial amount of cash before both fled the scene. While initial estimates suggest that up to $50,000 was stolen, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Hilberto Romero, Head of the National Crime Investigation Branch, has yet to confirm the exact figure. Romero revealed that the suspects were allegedly lying in wait at a nearby parking lot before targeting the manager. Police are currently examining surveillance footage to aid in the identification and apprehension of the suspects. The investigation remains ongoing as law enforcement seeks to bring the perpetrators to justice.
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Ministry Clarifies Teacher Payment “Misinformation”
The Ministry of Education has refuted claims that teachers in Belize were left unpaid, following concerns raised by the Belize National Teachers’ Union (BNTU). Minister of Education Oscar Requena clarified in a recent interview that the issue stemmed from delayed allowances and communication gaps rather than unpaid salaries. The controversy dates back to December, when some teachers experienced delays in receiving hardship, responsibility, and salary adjustment allowances. To address this, the ministry issued advance salaries, with the understanding that the amounts would later be deducted from future payments. Requena acknowledged that the lack of timely communication from the financial center may have caused confusion when the deductions were processed. He emphasized that the ministry is actively collaborating with the BNTU to resolve the matter swiftly. The ministry has assured stakeholders that efforts are being made to prevent such misunderstandings in the future. News 5 has reached out to the BNTU for further comment.
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Elias, president-commissaris Staatsolie:
During the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders of Staatsolie, the Surinamese state-owned oil company, Rudolf Elias was officially appointed as the new President-Commissaris. The meeting, held at the Cabinet of the President, also confirmed the remaining members of the new Board of Commissioners (RvC). The newly appointed RvC includes Sergio Akiemboto, Aroon Samjhawan, Chantal Doekhie, Edgar Caffé, Ewald Poetisi, and Rudy Chin Jen Sem, succeeding the previous team led by Gonda Asadang, as reported by the Suriname Communication Service.
Elias, who served as the General Director of Staatsolie from 2014 to 2021, brings extensive experience to the role, strengthening the company’s strategic oversight during a critical phase of growth in both onshore and offshore oil and gas operations. The new board will collaborate with the executive team to ensure professional governance and sustainable value creation for Surinamese society.
Sergio Akiemboto, a member of the RvC, emphasized the importance of close cooperation between the board, the executive team, and the state as the primary shareholder. “The RvC represents the shareholder and safeguards the state’s direction and vision within Staatsolie. At the same time, our role is to oversee, monitor, and advise, enabling the executive team to fulfill its responsibilities effectively,” Akiemboto stated. He also highlighted the significance of transparency and sustainable development, noting that oil revenues should be used to strengthen other sectors such as education, agriculture, and tourism, fostering a resilient and diversified economy.
General Director Annand Jagesar reported that Staatsolie is performing strongly both financially and operationally. “Our production, refining, and offshore activities are on track. The Gran Morgu project, expected to enable Suriname to produce 220,000 barrels of oil per day by 2028, is progressing on schedule and within budget.” Jagesar added that the project will not only generate direct income through royalties and taxes but also contribute to local employment and business development. “Local content development is crucial. We aim for Surinamese workers and businesses to actively participate in this growing sector.”
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Planning and Development Authority launches training initiative
In a significant move to bolster construction safety and align with global best practices, Grenada’s Planning and Development Authority (PDA) has unveiled the ‘Check Consultant Clause’ under the Regional Building Code. This innovative framework mandates an independent third-party technical review for complex or large-scale developments, ensuring that qualified engineers or architects oversee critical design stages. The initiative aims to mitigate structural and foundational risks, which have recently plagued projects both locally and regionally.
At a recent press conference, PDA Chairman Kenrick Fullerton underscored the importance of this measure, stating, ‘This is not merely about compliance; it’s about safeguarding lives, protecting investments, and fostering public trust in our construction practices. It also supports Grenada’s national resilience agenda.’
To facilitate the rollout, the PDA has partnered with Hon. Tony Gibbs, a renowned regional engineer and author of the Check Consultant implementation guidelines. Gibbs will spearhead a series of technical training sessions and stakeholder seminars in collaboration with the Architectural Society, the Grenada Institute of Professional Engineers (GIPE), and local financial institutions. These sessions will cover Grenada’s multi-hazard environment, including wind, earthquake, and structural safety, while guiding professionals on integrating the Check Consultant process into project workflows.
The first training session is scheduled for Tuesday, 18 November 2025, from 9 am to 1 pm, with both in-person and virtual attendance options. The agenda includes technical briefings on multi-hazard design principles, procedural guidance on the Check Consultant framework, and a Q&A segment for professionals and financial institutions. Participation is mandatory for engineers and architects seeking to qualify as Check Consultants, while financial institutions are strongly encouraged to attend due to the potential impact on construction financing and risk assessment.
This initiative is part of the PDA’s broader modernization efforts, which include the adoption of national Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) procedures and the Fast-Track Review Policy. These measures aim to enhance efficiency, transparency, and public accountability in Grenada’s development sector. For further details or to confirm attendance, stakeholders can contact the PDA Front Desk via email or phone.