Belize’s Institute for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (ITVET) is set to undergo a transformative $1.9 million rehabilitation project, aimed at bolstering its capacity to produce skilled professionals for the workforce. The initiative, announced by Minister of Education, Science & Technology, Oscar Requena, is funded through a collaborative effort between the Inter-American Development Bank and the Ministry of Education. The project will focus on renovating a building within the ITVET campus in Belize City, equipping it with two state-of-the-art laboratories: a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) lab and an engineering lab. These facilities are designed to prepare students for careers in the burgeoning blue and green economy sectors. Minister Requena emphasized the project’s potential to attract more young people, particularly women, to technical and vocational training, thereby addressing critical areas of national development. Additionally, the government is partnering with the Millennium Challenge Corporation to enhance infrastructure and equipment across ITVET institutions nationwide, ensuring the delivery of high-quality technical education. The initiative underscores Belize’s commitment to fostering a skilled workforce and empowering its youth with practical, career-oriented education.
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FLASH : Melissa promises to be devastating in Haiti
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has issued a critical update on Tropical Storm Melissa, warning of severe and prolonged weather conditions in Haiti. As of 5:00 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time on October 24, 2025, the storm’s center was located approximately 445 km southwest of Port-au-Prince, with coordinates at 16.0 degrees north latitude and 75.5 degrees west longitude. Melissa is nearly stationary but is expected to drift northeast and northward later in the day, followed by a westward trajectory from Saturday through Monday. The storm is forecasted to bring heavy rainfall of 20 to 35 cm across southern Haiti, the Dominican Republic, and Jamaica, with potential for life-threatening flash floods and landslides. Southern Haiti is particularly at risk, with significant damage to infrastructure and prolonged isolation of communities anticipated. Maximum sustained winds are currently near 75 km/h, with higher gusts, and the storm is expected to strengthen into a hurricane by the weekend. The Maritime and Navigation Service of Haiti (SEMANAH) has suspended all coastal activities in the southern region due to dangerous swells. A Hurricane Watch is in effect for Haiti’s southwest peninsula, and multiple departments have been placed on orange alert. Authorities are urging residents to take immediate precautions, including avoiding watercourses, securing important documents, and staying informed through reliable sources.
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Panton Warns Belize Becoming “Dumping Ground”
In a scathing critique of the recently signed ‘Safe Third Country’ Agreement between Belize and the United States, Opposition Leader Tracy Panton has raised alarms over its potential consequences for Belize’s sovereignty and social infrastructure. Speaking at a UDP press conference on October 23, 2025, Panton condemned the lack of transparency surrounding the deal, which was signed on October 20 without public consultation or parliamentary debate. She described the secrecy as a troubling pattern of the Bricenio administration.
The agreement permits the U.S. to transfer asylum seekers from Central America (excluding Guatemala) and CARICOM nations to Belize for processing. While the Belizean government asserts it will retain full discretion over admissions and receive financial and technical support from the U.S., Panton questioned the absence of full disclosure. ‘The comprehensive text, including annexes, transitional arrangements, and cost-sharing commitments, remains undisclosed,’ she stated.
Panton also expressed concerns about Belize’s capacity to handle the influx of asylum seekers, pointing to underfunded immigration systems and strained social services. ‘How many asylum seekers will Belize accommodate? 5,500? 5,000? It’s anyone’s guess,’ she remarked, highlighting unresolved issues related to housing, healthcare, education, legal representation, and societal integration.
She further criticized the government for failing to consult civil society, border communities, and parliamentarians, emphasizing that such lack of transparency is unacceptable in a democracy. Panton argued that Belize, already grappling with domestic challenges, is ill-equipped to take on additional burdens. She warned that the agreement risks undermining Belize’s independence and could transform the nation into a ‘dumping ground’ for migrants rejected by other countries.
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3 OECS leaders support Grenada’s position on US radar request
The leaders of three member states of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) have pledged their unwavering support to Grenada, regardless of its decision regarding a contentious request from the United States. The US has sought permission to temporarily install a radar system at the Maurice Bishop International Airport (MBIA) and deploy military assets near the island. This development was discussed at a press conference in Kingstown, St. Vincent, attended by Prime Ministers Ralph Gonsalves of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Roosevelt Skerrit of Dominica, and Phillip J. Pierre of St. Lucia. Grenada’s Prime Minister, Dickon Mitchell, has yet to make a final decision on the matter, emphasizing the complexity of the technical and geopolitical considerations involved. The US has been increasing its military presence off Venezuela’s coast, citing efforts to combat drug trafficking. However, critics argue that the radar installation is a strategic move to pressure Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. Gonsalves highlighted the delicate balance Grenada must strike between economic interests, particularly its reliance on US-based airlines and medical schools, and principles of non-intervention. He affirmed that any decision made by Mitchell would be respected, acknowledging the challenging nature of the situation. The leaders also expressed solidarity with Antigua and Barbuda, which has already declined a similar request. The press conference concluded with the trio endorsing Gonsalves for a sixth term as prime minister in the upcoming general election.
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West Indies suffer heavy defeat in series decider against Bangladesh
In a commanding display of cricketing prowess, Bangladesh triumphed over the West Indies in the third and final One-Day International (ODI) held in Mirpur on October 23. The victory sealed a 2–1 series win for the hosts, marking a significant milestone in their cricketing journey. The West Indies, donning their iconic maroon jerseys, faced an uphill battle from the very beginning. Bangladesh’s opening duo, Soumya Sarkar and Saif Hassan, laid a solid foundation with a blistering partnership, amassing 176 runs without loss by the 25-over mark. Sarkar’s elegant 86-ball 86 and Hassan’s aggressive 80 off 72 deliveries set the stage for a formidable total. Despite a valiant effort by the West Indies’ bowlers, particularly Akeal Hosein, who claimed four wickets for 41 runs, Bangladesh posted a challenging 296 for eight. The West Indies’ fielding lapses, including several dropped catches, compounded their difficulties. Chasing a record target, the Windies’ innings faltered early, with key batsmen Alick Athanaze and Ackeem Auguste falling cheaply. The collapse continued, and the team was eventually dismissed for a meager 117, resulting in a crushing 179-run defeat. The series loss underscores the challenges faced by the West Indies in the ODI format. Attention now shifts to the upcoming three-match T20I series between the two teams, commencing on October 27, as the Windies aim to redeem themselves.
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Maduro Flaunts Russian Missiles Against Trump’s Military Threats
In a bold response to escalating tensions with the United States, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has announced the deployment of over 5,000 Russian-made Igla-S anti-aircraft missiles across the nation. Maduro emphasized that these short-range weapons, capable of targeting drones, helicopters, and low-flying aircraft, have been strategically positioned in “every mountain, town, and city” to fortify Venezuela’s air defenses. This move comes amid heightened U.S. military presence in the Caribbean, where approximately 4,500 Marines and sailors have been stationed to combat alleged drug-trafficking networks. U.S. President Donald Trump has acknowledged authorizing covert CIA operations in Venezuela and hinted at potential land-based military actions. Despite the growing friction, Trump has denied pursuing a regime change in Venezuela. The situation underscores the deepening geopolitical rift between the two nations, with Maduro framing the missile deployment as a necessary shield against external aggression.
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Political expression not ‘a weapon to harm or intimidate others’ — COP
In a recent statement, Commissioner of Police Enville Williams addressed growing public concerns over rising tensions during the election season in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. While acknowledging the right to political expression as a fundamental democratic principle, Williams emphasized that such freedoms must not be weaponized to harm or intimidate others. He firmly stated, ‘No election, no political contest, and no difference in opinion should ever lead us to raise a hand, a stone, or a voice in anger against our fellow Vincentian.’
The statement, titled ‘Commissioner of Police Addresses Political Violence,’ did not cite specific incidents of violence but highlighted the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force’s (RSVGPF) commitment to monitoring and addressing any disorderly behavior with fairness and professionalism. Williams assured the public that the RSVGPF remains impartial, dedicated to upholding the Constitution and protecting all citizens, irrespective of political affiliation.
Reflecting on past instances of political violence, Williams urged citizens to avoid repeating ‘the dark moments of our history.’ He called for unity, restraint, and mutual respect among supporters of all political parties, emphasizing that symbols of democratic choice should unite rather than divide. ‘Let love, not anger, guide your steps,’ he implored, encouraging Vincentians to uphold peace as a collective responsibility.
Williams concluded by reaffirming the police force’s readiness to safeguard the rights, safety, and peace of all residents, while reminding the public that maintaining harmony is a shared duty. ‘Together, let us prove once again that we are one people, under one flag, guided by the spirit of love and unity,’ he said.
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Esav vraagt president om directe ingreep in strafzaak Pikin Saron
The Indigenous Platform Unity Solidarity Alliance and Progress (Esav) has submitted a petition to President Jennifer Simons, demanding the immediate release or pardon of five Indigenous men involved in the Pikin Saron legal case. Esav also called for a fully independent and transparent investigation into the deaths of Martinus Wolfjager and Ivanildo Dijksteel, urging accountability for those responsible. Additionally, the platform advocated for the establishment of a Ministry of Indigenous Affairs. The petition highlights the escalating tensions over land rights in Pikin Saron, which reached a boiling point on May 2, 2023, when residents took drastic measures after repeated protests, negotiations, and petitions failed to yield results. This led to the hostage-taking of officials and the burning of vehicles and buildings. During the police intervention, two Indigenous men lost their lives. The five suspects initially received an eight-year prison sentence, with their appeal still pending. A separate case against seven police officers suspected of involvement in the deaths of Wolfjager and Dijksteel is also ongoing. Esav further demanded a thorough police investigation into the disappearance of a third Indigenous man during the incident, a review of the proposed 5-kilometer zone around Indigenous villages, formal recognition of demarcation maps for each Indigenous village through VIDS, full acknowledgment of self-determination rights and cultural heritage, and an immediate investigation into environmental pollution in Maripaston and tensions surrounding Grassalco in Pikin Saron and Bigi Poika. The petition was received at the President’s Cabinet by Chief of Staff Sergio Akiemboto, who emphasized that no land rights issue worldwide has been fully resolved within a single term. However, he suggested the necessity of a temporary law to immediately halt or strictly regulate land distribution in Indigenous and Maroon residential areas to prevent a recurrence of Pikin Saron. Esav also presented the same petition to National Assembly Chairman Ashwin Adhin.
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Vehicles collide, power line destroyed in Vide Boutielle accident
A severe collision between two vehicles occurred on the afternoon of October 23 on Vide Boutielle Road in Castries, near Allied Sales and Monchery Tires. The incident, which took place around 4:00 p.m., involved a silver Suzuki Grand Vitara and an older model blue Isuzu NPR truck. The collision caused the truck to veer into multiple power poles, resulting in significant damage to the vehicle, the poles, and the surrounding power lines. Emergency services promptly arrived at the scene to manage the aftermath. The extensive damage to the power infrastructure has raised serious concerns about potential power outages. Residents in the Vide Boutielle and La Clery areas are advised to prepare for possible disruptions in their electricity supply as repair efforts are underway.
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Chancellor Yonette Cummings resumes duty, Chief Justice George yet to occupy High Court Chambers
In a significant development within Guyana’s judiciary, Acting Chancellor Yonette Cummings has officially resumed her duties following a period of vacation leave. This move has facilitated the return of Justice Roxane George-Wiltshire to her role as Acting Chief Justice. During Chancellor Cummings’ absence, Justice George-Wiltshire had temporarily assumed the responsibilities of the Chancellor of the Judiciary, while Justice Navindra Singh was elevated to the position of Acting Chief Justice. However, as of Thursday, October 23, 2025, Chief Justice George-Wiltshire has not yet reoccupied the Chief Justice’s Chambers, located at the north-western end of the High Court complex. Sources indicate that she has chosen to utilize the High Court’s conference room on the south-eastern end instead. The reasons behind this decision remain unclear, and Attorney General Anil Nandlall has not responded to inquiries regarding the matter. This transition marks a pivotal moment in the judiciary’s leadership, raising questions about the operational dynamics within the High Court.