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  • Four found dead in vessel at Georgetown wharf

    Four found dead in vessel at Georgetown wharf

    A tragic industrial incident at Georgetown’s Courtney Benn wharf has resulted in the deaths of four maritime workers, casting a somber shadow over Guyana’s port operations. The fatalities occurred aboard the MV Captain Virat, a split barge owned by vessel construction firm Guyana Port Inc., on Wednesday evening around 6:30 p.m.

    According to official statements from the Guyana Police Force, preliminary investigations indicate the victims were conducting routine inspection work within a dry compartment of the engine room when they were suddenly overcome by suspected noxious fumes. The confined space, located in the lower section of the vessel, apparently contained hazardous atmospheric conditions that proved immediately fatal.

    The deceased have been identified as Brandon Deonarine (18), a seaman from Support, East Bank Demerara; Nerwaine Persaud (57), a boat captain from Cummings Lodge, East Coast Demerara; Dominic Alexis (33), a seaman from De Kendren, West Coast Demerara; and Getindra Sanchara (25), an engineer from Cummings Lodge, East Coast Demerara.

    Emergency protocols were activated when fellow crew members raised the alarm, prompting response teams from the Guyana Fire Service and emergency medical technicians to rush to the scene. Despite their efforts, all four men were pronounced dead after being transported to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation. Their bodies currently await post-mortem examinations at the hospital’s mortuary.

    Pritipaul Singh, Jr., Managing Director of Guyana Port Inc., confirmed in an exclusive interview with Demerara Waves Online News that all four victims were company employees. Express profound grief, Singh stated, ‘It is absolutely unfortunate and it is the saddest thing. I am lost for words right now.’ The company has pledged full cooperation with ongoing police investigations.

    The Ministry of Labour and Manpower Planning, under Minister Keoma Griffith, has been notified of the incident and is preparing to launch its own investigation in accordance with the Occupational Safety and Health Act, which mandates prompt employer reporting of workplace incidents.

  • Guyana breaching ICAO rules over failure to release GDF helicopter crash report- Walton-Desir

    Guyana breaching ICAO rules over failure to release GDF helicopter crash report- Walton-Desir

    Guyana’s compliance with international aviation standards has been called into question following allegations that the government has violated the Convention on International Civil Aviation by withholding the official investigation report of a deadly military helicopter crash that occurred over two years ago.

    Amanza Walton-Desir, Leader of the Forward Guyana Movement and former General Counsel to the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority, raised the serious allegation during parliamentary debates on the 2026 national budget. She emphasized that Annex 13 of the International Civil Aviation Convention mandates states to publicly release accident investigation reports within twelve months, or provide annual interim statements if the full report cannot be completed within that timeframe.

    The tragic incident involved a Bell 412 Epi helicopter belonging to the Guyana Defence Force that crashed on December 6, 2023, while transporting five servicemen to an interior location. The accident occurred during a period of heightened tensions between Guyana and Venezuela concerning Venezuela’s longstanding territorial claim to Guyana’s Essequibo Region.

    While acknowledging potential national security considerations that might justify redacting certain sections, Walton-Desir insisted that the families of the deceased servicemen deserve closure and that the aviation industry needs access to the report’s safety findings to prevent future accidents. She made an impassioned plea from the parliamentary floor for the immediate release of the long-overdue document.

    The continued withholding of the crash investigation report represents both a regulatory violation and a significant transparency issue, raising questions about governmental accountability in matters of national security and aviation safety.

  • Heavy Police Watch as UDP Protests SSB

    Heavy Police Watch as UDP Protests SSB

    BELIZE CITY – Under intense police surveillance, the United Democratic Party (UDP) launched its second major demonstration on Thursday, targeting the Social Security Board’s (SSB) involvement in Belize Telemedia Limited’s (BTL) proposed $80 million acquisition of Speednet.

    The protest unfolded outside the SSB headquarters where UDP supporters gathered from 9:00 AM, brandishing placards demanding transparency and opposing the telecommunications merger they warn could negatively impact workers and national contributors. The demonstration occurred despite authorities relocating the SSB’s scheduled meeting to Belmopan, a move opposition leaders characterized as evasive.

    Opposition Leader Tracy Panton emphasized the fundamental right of citizens to voice concerns regarding SSB funds. “Our people don’t get a chance to opt out of paying their social security contributions monthly,” Panton stated. “It is our attempt to get the board members to hear from the people whose money they wish to use for private gains.”

    Tensions escalated when police detained Brian ‘Yellowman’ Audinette, Mesopotamia area campaign commander, prior to the protest’s official commencement. The detention prompted strong reactions from UDP officials, with Mesopotamia Representative Lee Mark Chang accusing authorities of employing “trumped up charges” to suppress dissent.

    The situation intensified as protesters initially breached permitted boundaries, obstructing traffic flow and prompting formal warnings from Senior Superintendent Reymundo Reyes. Despite these tensions, both protestors and police largely maintained restraint, avoiding major confrontations.

    The UDP’s demonstration gained notable momentum with the appearance of Hugo Patt, Corozal North Representative, who joined the march in a rare show of party unity. Multiple UDP representatives from across the country converged on the event, signaling broad opposition to the telecommunications consolidation.

    Protesters eventually shifted their focus to secure Audinette’s release, marching to Belcan Bridge and temporarily blocking traffic. The demonstration concluded successfully from the UDP’s perspective when Audinette was released and greeted as a hero by cheering supporters.

    The ongoing protests represent growing political resistance to the BTL-Speednet merger, with opposition figures framing the issue as a fundamental matter of governmental transparency and fiscal responsibility.

  • Security : The State strengthens its authority and accelerates the fight against insecurity (video)

    Security : The State strengthens its authority and accelerates the fight against insecurity (video)

    The Haitian government has declared an unwavering offensive against pervasive insecurity, positioning public security as the fundamental prerequisite for national stability and economic recovery. During the 35th edition of ‘Tuesdays of the Nation,’ Secretary of State for Public Security Mario Andrésol articulated the administration’s structured and irreversible campaign to restore state authority across the nation.

    Andrésol characterized public security as an absolute strategic priority essential for political normalization, economic revitalization, and democratic restoration. The government’s approach received significant international reinforcement through a strategic cooperation framework signed with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in late July 2025.

    This comprehensive partnership is built upon five interconnected pillars designed to systematically address Haiti’s security crisis. The framework prioritizes enhancing governance and strategic management within public security institutions while simultaneously consolidating the legal and regulatory foundations of the security sector. It further provides direct support to government mechanisms for strategic planning and critical decision-making processes.

    The cooperation additionally focuses on strengthening community resilience against diverse security threats, both criminal and non-criminal in nature. A crucial component involves intensifying operations against transnational organized crime networks while promoting inclusive security measures and ensuring equity in state security operations across all communities.

    The primary objective of this multilateral initiative is to support the Haitian State’s gradual territorial reconquest, specifically targeting the establishment of lasting security in the highly vulnerable West, Artibonite, and Central departments where armed gangs have exerted significant control. To operationalize this strategy, the Office of the Secretary of State for Public Security has convened a specialized team comprising both national and international security experts.

  • Police Detain ‘Yellowman’ Ahead of Protest, Motive Disputed

    Police Detain ‘Yellowman’ Ahead of Protest, Motive Disputed

    BELIZE CITY – Tensions escalated in Belize on February 4, 2026, when police authorities detained prominent activist Brian “Yellowman” Audinett hours before a scheduled public demonstration. The controversial apprehension occurred in the Mesopotamia Division, with Audinett subsequently transported to Queen Street Police Station where he remained detained throughout the morning.

    The incident has ignited a sharp legal and political confrontation between law enforcement and civil rights advocates. Attorney Orson Elrington, representing Audinett, asserts that his client was targeted solely based on his alleged gang affiliations rather than concrete evidence of wrongdoing. Elrington provided detailed accounts indicating Audinett was coordinating protest participation from his constituency when police initiated contact and subsequent detention.

    Contradicting this narrative, Police Commissioner Dr. Richard Rosado presented an entirely different justification for the detention. According to Rosado, Audinett had been disseminating text messages explicitly inciting violence, prompting what he characterized as a necessary law enforcement response. The Commissioner emphasized the police department’s theoretical support for lawful protest while maintaining that Audinett’s actions crossed legal boundaries.

    The conflicting accounts have raised questions about police transparency and protest rights in Belize. Investigators from the GI3 unit, led by Officer Sutherland, are conducting an ongoing investigation into the alleged inflammatory messages. Legal experts note the case highlights the delicate balance between maintaining public order and protecting civil liberties, particularly regarding pre-protest detainments.

    Audinett’s detention period and potential charges remain uncertain as investigations continue. The situation has drawn attention to police protocols regarding protest organization and the evidentiary standards required for preventive detention in potentially volatile situations.

  • Brief Detention Turns Yellowman into Protest Hero

    Brief Detention Turns Yellowman into Protest Hero

    In a dramatic turn of events that has intensified political tensions in Belize, prominent opposition figure Brian “Yellowman” Audinett was temporarily detained by authorities on February 4, 2026, only to emerge as a symbolic hero for protest movements. The United Democratic Party member, who had previously led demonstrators into the BTL compound earlier in the week, found himself confined during planned protests before being released by midday.

    Audinett’s detention raised immediate questions about political motivations versus public safety concerns. The activist walked onto the Belcan Bridge just before noon to rejoin fellow protesters, his brief incarceration having transformed him into a rallying figure for the movement. In exclusive statements to reporters, Audinett vehemently denied allegations of inciting violence or having gang affiliations, asserting his detention was purely politically motivated to prevent his participation in peaceful demonstrations.

    The opposition figure specifically challenged Police Commissioner Chester Williams to produce evidence supporting any claims that he had sent threatening messages or organized violent activities through Facebook or other platforms. Despite his detention, Audinett acknowledged that police treated him respectfully during his time at Queen Street police station, noting they were “just doing their job.”

    The incident has escalated into a legal confrontation, with Audinett announcing plans to sue the Belize Police Department for what he characterizes as unlawful detention intended to suppress legitimate political protest. The controversy centers around ongoing demonstrations against government policies regarding the acquisition of Smart, which protesters claim will benefit only a select few rather than the broader Belizean population.

    This development highlights growing tensions between opposition groups and the administration, with Audinett’s transformation from detainee to protest symbol underscoring the complex dynamics of political expression and law enforcement in Belize’s current climate.

  • Solidarity gathering held in Castries for Venezuela

    Solidarity gathering held in Castries for Venezuela

    Castries became part of an international wave of dissent on Tuesday as citizens gathered to denounce recent US military actions in Venezuela and demand the repatriation of detained President Nicolás Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores. The emotionally charged demonstration, organized collaboratively by the Venezuelan Embassy in Saint Lucia and the Saint Lucia Solidarity Movement with Venezuela, commemorated the one-month anniversary of the controversial January 3rd operation.

    Protesters brandished poignant “Bring Them Back” placards while vocally rejecting military aggression against sovereign nations. The gathering simultaneously functioned as a memorial honoring Venezuelan citizens who perished defending their nation’s territorial integrity against what organizers characterized as a “vile, illegal and disproportionate” assault.

    This event in Saint Lucia’s capital represented one node in a sprawling network of over 100 coordinated international demonstrations occurring simultaneously across global cities. The widespread protests served to reinforce mounting opposition to the military intervention authorized by US President Donald Trump, which involved precision strikes across northern Venezuelan territory and resulted in the capture and transfer of the Venezuelan leadership to American custody.

    The military operation and subsequent detainment have ignited intense diplomatic discourse worldwide, with many nations questioning the legal foundations and geopolitical implications of cross-border military actions against elected leadership. The Castries demonstration highlighted growing concerns about sovereignty violations and the normalization of military interventions in regional conflicts.

  • Unions Protest at SSB Headquarters, Draw Line from Party Politics

    Unions Protest at SSB Headquarters, Draw Line from Party Politics

    BELIZE CITY – In a significant display of labor mobilization, Belize’s National Trade Union Congress (NTUCB) staged an unsanctioned protest outside the Social Security Board headquarters on February 4, 2026, despite being denied official permission by authorities. The labor action occurred alongside but deliberately separate from a demonstration organized by the opposition United Democratic Party (UDP), creating a complex tableau of dissent.

    Union leaders emphasized their demonstration focused exclusively on worker rights and transparency regarding management of Social Security funds, explicitly distancing themselves from political party agendas. NTUCB President Ella Waight asserted the protest represented workers’ constitutional rights, stating, “We need to ensure there is public consultation. Citizens must understand the risks and benefits to make sober decisions.”

    The protest gained substantial momentum with participation from multiple influential unions, including the Belize Communications Workers for Justice and the powerful Belize National Teachers’ Union (BNTU). BNTU President Nadia Caliz characterized their involvement as a calculated response to growing discrepancies in Social Security management, noting, “When you know your power you don’t rush. It’s the silence that is deadly.”

    Tensions escalated when UDP supporters moved toward the Social Security Board compound, which union leaders said endangered workers inside the building. Waight condemned this development as unacceptable, stating it prevented Social Security Board employees from joining the protest due to safety concerns.

    The demonstration highlighted broader opposition to the proposed Speednet acquisition and unresolved severance payments for former Belize Telecommunications Limited employees. Emily Turner of the Communications Workers emphasized the connection: “If BTL already owes a debt to its former employees, it needs to settle it before any acquisition.”

    Support extended beyond traditional labor circles, with healthcare workers, youth representatives, and professionals joining the action. Andrew Baird, past president of the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital Authority Union, called it “a matter of national interest,” while youth representative Ashley Langford emphasized the protest’s significance for future generations of workers.

    Union leaders concluded by reaffirming their commitment to non-political worker advocacy, insisting their demands centered on transparency, consultation, and protection of worker contributions to the Social Security system.

  • Family Alleges Ambush in Fatal La Democracia Shooting

    Family Alleges Ambush in Fatal La Democracia Shooting

    A devastating shooting in La Democracia village has left a family in mourning and raised questions about longstanding internal conflicts. Twenty-one-year-old Paul Smith Jr., a figure previously known to law enforcement, was fatally shot on Tuesday in what relatives describe as a premeditated ambush.

    The incident occurred shortly after Smith engaged in a heated argument with his girlfriend. According to eyewitness accounts, armed assailants emerged from nearby bushes and opened fire. Smith sustained multiple gunshot wounds to his chest, abdomen, and arms. Despite being rushed to Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital alongside his injured companion Tyrece Allen, Smith succumbed to his injuries during treatment.

    Smith’s cousin, Tamara Gillett, provided a harrowing account of the incident: “We heard the gunshots from inside our house. When we rushed outside, we learned our cousin had been shot. Initially we hoped the injuries were minor, but then we received the devastating news that he had died.”

    The deceased had a complex history with the judicial system. Previously charged with offenses ranging from firearms possession to attempted murder, Smith had been acquitted in 2024 for the 2022 killing of La Democracia resident Tyreak August. Following his release from Belize Central Prison less than six months ago, his attorney Ronell Gonzalez had encouraged Smith to pursue a positive path forward.

    Family members acknowledge Smith’s troubled past but maintain that his death resulted from internal family tensions rather than random violence. Gillett revealed: “This was a family issue that escalated unnecessarily. There had been previous attempts on his life—they shot his mother, shot another cousin, and even burned down his sister’s house.”

    Despite his controversial background, relatives remember Smith’s positive qualities. Cousin Angel Estrada reflected: “Regardless of everything, we knew his goodness. We’re not saying he was perfect, but we recognized his value as a person.”

    Law enforcement officials have detained multiple suspects for questioning, though no formal arrests have been made as investigations continue. The case highlights ongoing concerns about violence resolution and the complex social dynamics within communities.

  • Saint Lucia’s Cooper elected Concacaf VP

    Saint Lucia’s Cooper elected Concacaf VP

    In a landmark development for Caribbean football governance, Saint Lucia Football Association President Lyndon Cooper has achieved an unprecedented electoral victory by securing the position of CONCACAF Vice President for the Caribbean region. This historic appointment marks the second consecutive year that Cooper has broken new ground in international football administration, following his groundbreaking election as Caribbean Football Union president in 2023.

    The election occurred during CONCACAF’s 41st Ordinary Congress in Managua, Nicaragua, where Cooper assumed his new role without opposition. The congress convened the confederation’s senior leadership alongside delegates from all 41 member associations, creating a significant gathering of football’s power brokers in North and Central America and the Caribbean.

    The event simultaneously celebrated a decade of leadership under CONCACAF President and FIFA Vice President Victor Montagliani. Addressing the assembly, Montagliani highlighted the confederation’s progress while looking ahead to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted jointly by CONCACAF members Canada, Mexico, and the United States.

    Montagliani extended congratulations to the six CONCACAF nations that have already secured World Cup qualification while offering encouragement to Jamaica and Suriname as they prepare for March’s FIFA Play-Off Tournament. The Canadian leader praised member associations for their role in transforming CONCACAF’s operational foundations and reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to elevating standards across the region.

    During working sessions, member associations approved CONCACAF’s 2026 budget and addressed statutory matters aligned with the confederation’s strategic priorities. Montagliani emphasized that the organization’s rebuilt foundation now enables long-term planning and confident investment, declaring this a pivotal moment to ‘break through ceilings’ while maintaining unity and integrity.