Veterans In Sports Inc. has once again demonstrated its commitment to social change with its annual ‘Kick for a Cure’ initiative. This community-driven event, which also marks the official launch of the veterans’ football season, serves as a powerful platform for raising cancer awareness. This year’s edition, held on November 1 and 2 at the Francis Baba Lastic Grounds in Gros Islet, saw 12 teams, each comprising 30 players, compete in the Super Knockout Championship. The Marchand Veterans emerged victorious, defeating the reigning champions Vieux Fort North with a 3-1 scoreline. Lincoln ‘Ice Cream Man’ Philip stole the show with a hat-trick, earning him multiple accolades, including MVP of the Finals and the Tournament, as well as Most Goals of the Tournament. Marchand’s Canicius Philip was also recognized as the Best Goalkeeper. Beyond the competitive spirit, the event carried a profound message, symbolically issuing a ‘red card’ to cancer. With non-communicable diseases accounting for 82 percent of deaths on the island, ‘Kick for a Cure’ served as both a celebration of sport and a call to action for public health. Alvin Malaykan, CEO of Veterans In Sports, emphasized the organization’s goal to encourage regular health checkups, particularly among older men who are often reluctant to seek medical attention. This year, the initiative partnered with the Saint Lucia Cancer Society, which provided on-site medical professionals to offer cancer screening information and address public inquiries. Dr. Tamara Remy, one of the participating professionals, highlighted the event’s timing, coinciding with Men’s Health Month, as an opportune moment to educate and fundraise for cancer awareness.
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The Soufrière Comprehensive Secondary School is having quite a moment in school sports; make that a full-blown season.
The Sulphur City Secondary School (SCSS) has achieved a remarkable milestone by securing playoff spots in all six tournaments organized by the Ministry of Youth Development & Sports for the 2025-2026 term. The school is excelling in various categories, including Under-15 and Under-19 boys’ football, Under-16 and Under-19 girls’ netball, Under-16 boys’ basketball, and Under-16 table tennis. This unprecedented success underscores SCSS’s dominance in youth sports. Meanwhile, District 8, comprising Soufrière and Canaries, continues its reign as two-time Inter-District primary school track and field champions. SCSS has also maintained a near-unbeatable record in schools’ netball for nearly a decade. Their basketball team, despite reaching the finals three consecutive years, is yet to claim the title. However, they are back in the semifinals this Tuesday, with a strong chance of advancing to Thursday’s final, marking their fourth straight appearance. Coach Marc Antoine expressed cautious optimism after their 48–38 quarterfinal victory over Leon Hess Comprehensive Secondary School. He acknowledged the team’s subpar execution but praised their adherence to the game plan. The boys from Sulphur City are determined to return to the finals and secure the championship this time. Antoine, who also coaches the Soufrière Kings in the KFC National Basketball League, emphasized his role in developing young talent from an early age. His goal is to guide the teams as far as possible in the tournaments, with the ultimate aim of reaching the finals.
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Education minister pledges ‘aggressive’ literacy drive
The Ministry of Educational Transformation in Barbados has unveiled an ambitious nationwide literacy campaign, Project SOAR (Strengthen Our Ability to Read), aimed at transforming reading into the country’s ‘superpower’ for future development. Minister Chad Blackman announced the initiative during the launch of Literacy Week at St Giles Primary School, emphasizing that literacy is essential for Barbados to lead globally despite its lack of natural resources. ‘Our strength lies in our ability to think critically and influence global decisions. By teaching our children to read, we are preparing them to lead the world,’ Blackman declared. The campaign, set to roll out aggressively in the coming weeks, targets both children and adults, with a focus on ensuring every child can read by age seven and improving adult literacy rates. The minister highlighted that the programme will be implemented through community centres, schools, and online platforms, making it accessible to all. Blackman stressed the importance of parental involvement, urging caregivers to prioritize reading as a key tool for their children’s success. He also linked poor literacy to societal challenges, such as youth frustration, and called for a collective national effort to achieve full literacy. The initiative will involve collaboration between the government, private sector, and NGOs, marking a significant step toward educational transformation in Barbados.
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Belizean Drivers Face Growing Threats While Travelling Through Mexico
Belizean drivers and car dealers are increasingly encountering perilous situations while traveling through Mexico, with a surge in incidents involving criminal organizations and corrupt law enforcement. A recent viral video on social media captured a Belizean car dealer in a tense confrontation with Mexican police officers, who demanded money and attempted to seize his vehicle. The driver, who sat on the hood of his car to prevent its confiscation, later confirmed that only a small sum of $15 Belize was taken. However, the incident underscores the broader dangers and communication challenges faced by Belizeans in Mexico. This is not an isolated case. In Veracruz, three Belizean car dealers were kidnapped by the JNCG cartel and held hostage for seven hours, released only after their families paid $500 USD each in ransom. Another group of seven Belizeans traveling through Tuxpan, Veracruz, was extorted by local police, who demanded $1,500 USD per person before eventually settling for a total of 7,000 pesos ($750 USD). These incidents highlight the persistent risks of extortion, language barriers, and cartel threats that Belizeans face while navigating Mexican roads.
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Police Seize Over Half Ton of Cocaine in 2025 Crackdown
Law enforcement agencies in Saint Lucia have reported significant drug seizures from January to October 2025, focusing on cannabis cultivation and cocaine trafficking. Data from the police crime management system highlights heightened efforts along major smuggling routes. The Royal Saint Lucia Police Force’s official report underscores cocaine trafficking as the most pressing threat, with over half a metric ton intercepted in the first five months. While synthetic drugs remain less prevalent, authorities emphasize the need for vigilance at entry points. May saw a notable decline in interdiction activity, possibly indicating a temporary lull or a shift in smuggling strategies. The breakdown of seized substances includes 105.653 kg of cannabis, 8,345 cannabis plants, 30 seedlings, 1,214.26 kg of cannabis resin, 585.227 kg of cocaine, 0.378 kg of ecstasy, and 1.045 kg of crystal meth. These developments occur as crime reduction becomes a hot-button issue between the island’s leading political parties ahead of the upcoming general election.
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NTUCB Demands Government Retract Case Against Ombudsman
The National Trade Union Congress of Belize (NTUCB) has issued a strong appeal to the Belizean government, urging it to withdraw its legal case against the Office of the Ombudsman. The union contends that the government’s decision to take the Ombudsman to court undermines public accountability and good governance principles. NTUCB President Ella Waight expressed deep concern and disappointment, stating that the move directly challenges the Ombudsman’s role in safeguarding citizens’ rights and promoting transparency in public administration. The legal dispute originated from a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request by activist Jeremy Enriquez, who sought details on taxpayer-funded legal fees in constitutional cases. After the Attorney General’s Ministry refused to disclose the information, the Ombudsman recommended partial disclosure. The government’s subsequent decision to challenge this recommendation in court has sparked widespread criticism. Waight emphasized the union’s unwavering support for the Ombudsman, vowing to hold the government accountable for its actions. The NTUCB has called for an immediate reconsideration of the legal proceedings, stressing the importance of upholding good governance practices.
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Offbeat sports season starts with a bang at Pointe Seraphine
On Saturday evening, November 1, Duty Free Pointe Seraphine in Saint Lucia became a vibrant hub of diverse sporting activities as the Ministry of Youth Development & Sports officially inaugurated the 2025–2026 Alternative Sports Season. The event showcased an eclectic mix of non-traditional sports, including chess, darts, paintball, surfing, racecars, BMX, vehicular audio, and video games, all aimed at bringing these lesser-known disciplines into the limelight. The season, which will run through March, seeks to elevate sports that often lack formal organization or mainstream recognition. The launch featured interactive booths hosted by national federations for mixed martial arts, chess, pools, esports, paintball, and surfing, allowing attendees to engage directly with these sports and witness elite practitioners in action. Highlights of the evening included the display of the Invest Saint Lucia Toyota Supra MK4, a dominant force in regional drag racing, and the popular esports booth, which drew significant attention from younger participants. Minister for Youth Development & Sports, Kenson Casimir, and Invest Saint Lucia chairman, Lyndon Arnold, delivered remarks emphasizing the importance of fostering alternative sports. To ensure the sustainability of these sports beyond the five-month season, the ministry has already initiated capacity-building efforts, including a seminar in September focused on governance, financial management, and strategic planning for clubs and associations.
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Derelict Vehicles Removed as National Clean-Up Continues
The National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA) has taken a proactive stance in addressing urban blight by launching a comprehensive initiative to remove derelict vehicles across the nation. This effort is part of a broader clean-up campaign aimed at enhancing public health, improving environmental conditions, and restoring aesthetic appeal to urban and suburban areas. Derelict vehicles, often abandoned in public spaces, have long been a source of concern due to their potential to harbor pests, leak hazardous fluids, and detract from community well-being. The NSWMA’s initiative involves collaboration with local governments, law enforcement, and environmental agencies to identify, tag, and remove these vehicles efficiently. Authorities have emphasized the importance of community involvement, urging residents to report abandoned vehicles and participate in neighborhood clean-up efforts. This campaign underscores the NSWMA’s commitment to sustainable waste management and its role in fostering cleaner, safer, and more livable communities. The initiative is expected to have a significant impact on reducing urban pollution and promoting environmental stewardship.
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Nicaraguan Man Alleges Belize NGO Scam Left Him Facing Death Threats (Pt. 4)
In a significant turn of events, the Human Rights Commission of Belize (HRCB) has exonerated a former employee accused of involvement in a scam targeting Nicaraguan refugee Eric Omar Hernández Cruz. The allegations, which surfaced earlier this year, claimed that Cruz was defrauded and subsequently faced death threats by individuals linked to two Belizean NGOs. The HRCB’s internal investigation, prompted by a referral from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), concluded on October 2, 2025, with no evidence found to substantiate the claims. HRCB President Leo Bradley Jr. stated that the complainants failed to provide critical details, corroborating documentation, or direct testimony, and declined to participate in interviews. The former employee, who was terminated earlier due to funding cuts rather than misconduct, was declared ‘fully exonerated’ and acknowledged to have suffered personal and reputational distress. Meanwhile, Cruz, who fled Belize after reporting the threats, passed away in Mexico in mid-September due to health complications. The HRCB has reaffirmed its commitment to improving internal systems to ensure fairness and confidentiality in handling future complaints.
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Antigua and Barbuda to Host Caribbean Travel Marketplace 2026
The Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association (CHTA) has announced that Antigua and Barbuda will host the 44th edition of the Caribbean Travel Marketplace (CTM) from May 12 to 15, 2026. This decision follows the successful partnership established during the 2025 event and highlights CHTA’s confidence in the dual-island nation’s leadership and commitment to advancing Caribbean tourism. CTM, the region’s largest tourism forum, serves as a platform for regional suppliers to connect with global buyers, fostering business growth, strengthening partnerships, and showcasing the innovation and resilience of the Caribbean’s visitor economy. CHTA President Sanovnik Destang emphasized the pride in continuing the collaboration with Antigua and Barbuda, citing its dedication to excellence and regional partnership. Antigua and Barbuda’s proven ability to host world-class conferences was recently recognized with the title of ‘Caribbean’s Best Meetings and Conference Destination’ by the World Travel Awards. The nation has demonstrated its capabilities by hosting major events such as Marketplace 2025, the OAS Conference, and preparations for the upcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting. Colin C. James, CEO of the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority, expressed pride in hosting CTM once again, emphasizing the country’s strong infrastructure, modern facilities, and vibrant culture. Marketplace 2026 will feature enhancements, including expanded accommodation options and venue optimization, reflecting CHTA and Antigua and Barbuda’s shared commitment to delivering an exceptional experience for delegates. Regional and international air connectivity will remain a strategic focus, with continued collaboration among government partners, aviation stakeholders, and tourism officials. CHTA also extended solidarity to Jamaica in its recovery efforts, reaffirming its commitment to all member destinations and activating its Disaster Response Fund to support regions impacted by Hurricane Melissa. Vanessa Ledesma, CHTA CEO, highlighted the event’s role in strengthening partnerships, supporting business development, and advancing Caribbean tourism. Registration details and travel information for CTM 2026 will be released in the coming months.