NH International (Caribbean) Ltd, the Trinidad-based construction firm responsible for Saint Lucia’s landmark Halls of Justice project, has reaffirmed its dedication to fostering national development through local partnerships and skills transfer. Executive Chairman Emile Elias is currently in Saint Lucia, conducting site visits and engaging with government and industry stakeholders. His visit highlights NH’s mission to ‘build beyond structures’ by strengthening institutions, professional standards, and local capacity. During a press conference at the Halls of Justice site, Elias emphasized, ‘Our aim is to build facilities that last, but also to help build the capacity and confidence of the people who will sustain them.’ NH International is overseeing several major projects in Saint Lucia, including the EC$143 million Halls of Justice, the Rodney Bay City Centre, and upgrades to the Hewanorra International Airport control tower. Elias noted that NH’s approach is rooted in knowledge sharing and the inclusion of Saint Lucian professionals at every stage of project delivery. ‘In every country where we operate, and especially here in Saint Lucia, we integrate local professionals, engineers, and contractors into every phase of delivery,’ he said. This collaboration ensures that, upon project completion, the island gains not only a building but also a more technically confident construction sector. Saint Lucian engineers are now contributing to NH projects in other Caribbean territories, a testament to the success of this model. NH is also introducing advanced construction technologies to the island, including energy-efficient building systems and digital monitoring tools, while mentoring local teams in internationally recognized safety and quality standards. As part of his visit, Elias will meet with senior government officials to discuss ongoing and future collaborations. Celebrating its 60th anniversary this year, NH International has delivered over US$1 billion in projects across 11 countries.
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Trump: Dagen van Venezolaanse president Maduro zijn geteld
In a recent interview with CBS, U.S. President Donald Trump sent mixed signals regarding the possibility of a military intervention in Venezuela, while simultaneously dismissing talk of ‘war’ and issuing veiled threats against Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro. Trump warned that Maduro’s days as president are numbered, a statement made amidst the buildup of U.S. military forces in the Caribbean. The U.S. has conducted multiple strikes on alleged drug-smuggling vessels in the region, actions that United Nations officials and legal experts argue violate both U.S. and international laws.
When questioned about the potential for war with Venezuela, Trump responded, ‘I doubt it. I don’t think so.’ However, when asked if Maduro’s presidency was nearing its end, he stated, ‘I would say yes. I think so.’ American media outlets have reported that Washington is considering attacks on Venezuelan military installations as part of its war on ‘narco-terrorism.’ While Trump appeared to deny plans for such strikes, he did not entirely rule them out, stating, ‘I wouldn’t be inclined to say that I would do that,’ and ‘I’m not going to tell you what I’m going to do with Venezuela.’
Maduro, who faces U.S. charges of drug trafficking, has accused Washington of using the drug offensive as a pretext to impose ‘regime change’ in Caracas to seize Venezuela’s oil reserves. Over the past weeks, the U.S. military has carried out more than a dozen attacks on ships in the Caribbean and the Pacific, resulting in at least 65 deaths. These actions have drawn criticism from governments across the region.
The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, and human rights organizations have condemned the attacks, which began in early September, as ‘extrajudicial executions,’ even if they targeted known drug smugglers. Washington has yet to publicly provide evidence that the attacked vessels were involved in drug smuggling or posed a threat to the U.S.
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DOE Investigates Reports of Fuel Leak in Placencia Lagoon
The Department of Environment (DOE) has launched a comprehensive investigation into reports of a fuel odor and a multicolored sheen observed in the Placencia Lagoon. The incident came to light late Saturday evening when local residents reported a strong gasoline smell and an oily film on the water’s surface. Concerned about a potential fuel leak, residents alerted authorities, pointing to a nearby gas station as a possible source. One resident described the situation as alarming, stating, ‘The smell of gasoline was overwhelming and persisted through the night, contaminating our lagoon.’
While the gas station in question conducted an internal review and found no discrepancies between fuel received and sold, the DOE has initiated a full inspection to ensure no leaks are overlooked. Preliminary findings from the DOE suggest that the sheen on the water indicates the presence of refined fuel, characterized by high evaporation rates and low viscosity. Officials are currently examining underground sumps and pressurizing fuel lines to rule out pipeline leaks. ‘No leaks have been detected so far,’ the DOE confirmed, but additional checks in surrounding areas are underway to identify any alternative sources of contamination.
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You Can Be A Millionaire!
Belizeans are being offered a thrilling opportunity to become millionaires as the Belize Government Lotteries Limited (BGLL) introduces a special $1 million jackpot game. This limited-time event allows participants to select a 4-digit sequence for a $5 ticket, with the grand draw scheduled for Saturday, December 20, 2025, at noon from the BGLL drawing office in Belmopan. In the event of multiple winners, the jackpot will be divided equally among them. Last year, 14 lucky winners shared the prize, each taking home $71,000. BGLL describes the game as a celebration of Belize’s journey, community spirit, and commitment to giving back. Tickets are now available starting November 3, 2025, and remain valid for 30 days after the draw. Participants are reminded to ensure their paper tickets are fully legible, with the QR code and ticket number intact, to claim their prize.
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Price of Sugar to Increase Soon
Belize is on the brink of a significant increase in sugar prices as the government steps in to support its beleaguered cane farmers. Marco Osorio, chairman of the Sugar Industry Control Board, acknowledged the potential burden on local consumers but emphasized the dire circumstances facing the agricultural sector. Farmers have been grappling with escalating costs, climate change impacts, and the recent outbreak of Fusarium wilt in sugarcane crops. Osorio stated that the government deems this price adjustment both necessary and overdue, aiming to provide much-needed financial relief to the industry. Earlier this year, leaders from Belize’s four sugarcane producers’ associations highlighted a ‘critical and unprecedented crisis’ in the sector. They proposed specific measures, including raising the prices of Molasses C and B, allocating a portion of the price increase to a Cane Sustainability Fund, and adjusting electricity tariffs for bagasse energy sales to support sustainability initiatives. The latest Cabinet meeting also discussed regulating prices for plantation white and brown sugar while considering the removal of price controls on retail packaged sugar. Exact figures for the price adjustments remain undisclosed.
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Circle of Friends presents inclusive sexual health education and book at Caribbean Disability Conference
Beverley LeBlanc, representing the Circle of Friends, took center stage at the Caribbean Disability Conference held at the Wyndham Hotel in Barbados from October 17 to 22. LeBlanc showcased a groundbreaking exhibit featuring an activity book in Braille and social stories developed by educators, designed to revolutionize inclusive sexual health education for individuals with disabilities. The initiative underscores the importance of providing comprehensive, age-appropriate, and empowering sexual health information tailored to the needs of the disabled community. The exhibit garnered significant attention, with Guyana expressing immediate interest in adopting these innovative resources. LeBlanc emphasized the critical role of regional collaboration in advancing inclusive education and ensuring equitable access to accurate information for all learners. Looking ahead, teacher training workshops are planned for the coming year to promote the widespread implementation of these tools in schools and community settings across the Caribbean.
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Hurricane Melissa: A Wake-Up Call the World Will Probably Ignore at COP30
Hurricane Melissa, a catastrophic storm that ravaged the Caribbean in late October 2025, has left a trail of destruction across Jamaica, Haiti, and Cuba. With recovery efforts underway, the disaster has reignited urgent discussions about the escalating intensity of tropical cyclones in an era of global warming. Haiti has reported 31 fatalities, with 21 individuals still missing, primarily in the southern regions. Jamaica’s Prime Minister Andrew Holness confirmed 28 deaths, cautioning that the toll may rise in the coming days. Cuba, while reporting no fatalities, evacuated over 735,000 residents due to severe flooding. The storm’s timing is particularly poignant as it precedes the COP30 climate summit in Brazil, set to begin on November 6. Experts argue that warmer oceans, fueled by climate change, are intensifying hurricanes, disproportionately affecting poorer nations that contribute least to global emissions. Despite Jamaica’s catastrophe bond releasing $150 million for relief, the Caribbean faces a staggering $100 billion investment need to build resilience against future disasters, as repeated storms exacerbate debt burdens.
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UWI Mona students plan sit-out over decision to resume classes less than a week after Hurricane Melissa
Students at the University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona campus, are organizing a peaceful sit-out on Monday to protest the institution’s decision to resume in-person classes in the wake of Hurricane Melissa’s devastation. In an open letter issued on Sunday, a coalition of students demanded a one-week pause in academic activities and the adoption of a hybrid learning model to support those still recovering from the storm’s impact. The letter condemned the university’s decision as “irresponsible” and “tone-deaf,” highlighting that many students remain displaced, lack access to essential utilities, and are emotionally unprepared to return to studies. The protest is framed as an act of solidarity with peers in western Jamaica, a region severely affected by the hurricane, where thousands are still in shelters and critical hospitals remain non-functional. Official reports cited in the letter reveal that 25,000 people are displaced, and at least 28 Jamaicans have lost their lives due to the disaster. The students expressed concern that the university has yet to assess the full extent of the impact on its student body, including those who may be homeless, injured, or deceased. They criticized the administration for reopening the campus “prematurely,” arguing that it disregards the physical and emotional toll of the crisis. Comparisons were drawn with other institutions, such as the University of Technology (UTech), which has indefinitely suspended in-person classes, and UWI’s Western Jamaica Campus, which delayed reopening by a week. The letter also condemned the Mona campus for demanding rent payments for accommodations students were forced to evacuate, labeling it a “class issue” and a “profound abdication of empathy.” The mental strain on students was emphasized, with the letter describing a “frozen mental and emotional state” caused by trauma and uncertainty. The group urged students to exercise their “agency to resist” by abstaining from classes on Monday, concluding with a call to “resist the insensitivity and impracticality of this decision.” The letter was signed by multiple students.
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Teachers Must Be at the Heart of Education Reform
Educators in Barbados have emphasized the critical role of teachers in driving the nation’s education reform, urging the government to prioritize their needs and contributions. This call was made during the John Cumberbatch Memorial Lecture, an annual event held as part of the Barbados Union of Teachers’ (BUT) Teachers’ Week observance. Under the theme ‘Teachers: The Heart of Educational Transformation,’ BUT President Rudy Lovell asserted that teachers are the true catalysts of change, bridging the gap between policy and practice. He highlighted their indispensable role in maintaining educational continuity during crises, from economic downturns to the COVID-19 pandemic, and stressed that education is not merely about knowledge transfer but shaping the future of Barbados. Lovell called for significant investments in teacher training, mental health support, safe working conditions, and better resources, emphasizing that transformation is impossible without equipping educators with the necessary tools. He also advocated for the reinstatement of full-term vacation leave to pre-2014 levels, noting the importance of rest for educators’ well-being. Dr. Hyacinth Harris, former president of the Association of Public Primary School Principals, echoed these sentiments, advocating for teacher empowerment and inclusion in decision-making processes. She emphasized that transformation must be co-created, not imposed, and that valuing the teaching profession is essential for meaningful reform. Both speakers underscored that the success of future generations hinges on the strength and support of today’s teachers.
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Youth steer the Barbados Landship toward a new era
The Barbados Landship Association commemorated its 162nd anniversary with a vibrant church service at St Mary’s Church, blending reverence for its rich history with a forward-looking emphasis on youth involvement. Under the theme ‘Moving Upstream Still,’ the event highlighted the crucial role of young people in preserving and rejuvenating this quintessentially Barbadian cultural institution. Wayne Worrrell, coordinator of the Barbados Landship Programme, paid tribute to stalwarts like Admiral Vernon Watson and Commander Leon Marshall, whose unwavering commitment has sustained the organization. He underscored the significance of generational continuity, stating, ‘Over the past few years, we’ve worked tirelessly to ensure the Landship remains accessible to a new generation of youth. Without these dedicated individuals, we would have had nothing to build upon.’ The celebrations saw members of the Barbados Landship Association parade to Jubilee Gardens, joined by a robust contingent from the Barbados Youth Advance Corps (BYAC). Worrrell expressed gratitude to the BYAC, saying, ‘Thank you for always showing up and representing.’ Canon Sonia Hinds, officiating minister and chaplain of the Barbados Landship Association, lauded the youth’s participation, remarking, ‘These are the young people we believe, through God, will carry the Barbados Landship Association forward for the next 15 years and beyond.’ The event culminated in a display of the Landship’s signature maneuvers at Jubilee Gardens, symbolizing both tradition and renewal. Canon Hinds added, ‘We are thrilled that instead of staying home with tablets and cellphones, you are here worshipping and giving thanks for 162 years of the Barbados Landship.’