In the wake of Hurricane Melissa’s catastrophic impact, Liberty Latin America Ltd., in collaboration with the Liberty Caribbean Foundation, has swiftly mobilized to deliver critical humanitarian and technical aid to Jamaica. Within just 48 hours of the disaster, a chartered X-Cargo A321 aircraft transported essential supplies, including potable water, non-perishable food, hygiene products, flashlights, residential generators, and vital network restoration equipment to Kingston. This rapid response was made possible through the concerted efforts of partners such as Wesco-Anixter, EFL, IBC Airways – GlobalX, Starlink, Digicomm, Tarana, and Viavi. Aamir Hussain, Chief Technology and Product Officer at Liberty Latin America, expressed deep gratitude for their invaluable contributions. Upon arrival in Kingston, Flow Jamaica’s local operations team immediately began distributing supplies to the most severely affected communities. Stephen Price, Vice President and General Manager of Flow Jamaica, highlighted the seamless coordination between the Miami-based Liberty Latin America and Liberty Caribbean teams, which served as a secondary command center. The Liberty Caribbean Foundation is now urging the public and corporate partners to bolster relief efforts through donations, which will fund food, water, emergency kits, connectivity services, and long-term recovery programs. Contributions can be made securely online at the Liberty Caribbean Foundation’s hurricane relief page. Liberty Latin America, a leading communications company operating across Latin America and the Caribbean, continues to leverage its extensive network and resources to support disaster-stricken communities.
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Ministry of Health targets 10% cut in drinking harm
The Ministry of Health in Barbados has unveiled a comprehensive national strategy aimed at reducing alcohol-related harm by 10% by 2030. Announced by Minister of State for Health and Wellness, Davidson Ishmael, during a workshop hosted by the National NCD Commission, the plan addresses the pervasive cultural normalization of alcohol consumption while emphasizing the urgent need to mitigate its health and societal impacts. Minister Ishmael highlighted that while alcohol is deeply ingrained in Barbadian social life, its excessive use leads to severe consequences, including chronic diseases, mental health issues, and societal problems like violence and domestic abuse. The strategy focuses on public education, early prevention, and stricter policies to regulate alcohol availability and marketing. It aligns with the WHO’s Global Action Plan for NCD Prevention and Control and the SAFER technical package, which includes measures such as strengthening alcohol access restrictions, enforcing drink-driving laws, and limiting alcohol advertising. Suleiman Bulbulia, Chairman of the National NCD Commission, emphasized the challenges of addressing commercial determinants of health, particularly in small island states like Barbados, where industries often prioritize profit over public well-being. He urged NGOs and stakeholders to reject funding from entities that harm public health and advocate for policies that promote healthier lifestyles.
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Two Fires Strike Belize City in One Day
Belize City experienced a challenging day on Thursday, October 30, 2025, as two separate fires broke out, causing damage to both a residential property and a local business. The first incident occurred in the early hours of the morning on Caesar Ridge Road. Clifton Flores, a 56-year-old homeowner, had left his residence just moments before the fire erupted. Upon his return, he was met with the distressing sight of his home engulfed in flames. Firefighters were promptly on the scene and managed to contain the fire. Thankfully, no one was inside the house at the time, and the cause of the fire remains under investigation. Later that evening, around 9:36 p.m., emergency services were called to 303 Deli on Logwood Street. The establishment, owned by 44-year-old Caroline Jones, had been closed for approximately two hours before it was discovered ablaze. Firefighters successfully extinguished the fire, and no injuries were reported. Authorities are currently investigating both incidents to determine the origins and circumstances surrounding these unfortunate events.
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Cane Farmer Shot in Orange Walk
A shocking incident unfolded in San Estevan Village, Orange Walk, on the morning of October 30, 2025, when a 36-year-old cane farmer, Abraham Chan, was shot while working in a cane field. The attack occurred around 7:00 a.m. as Chan and his colleagues were engaged in planting activities. The sudden sound of gunshots caused panic, prompting everyone to flee. Chan, realizing he had been struck by a bullet, was immediately transported to the Northern Regional Hospital for urgent medical attention. Witnesses reported seeing an armed individual fleeing through the cane field shortly after the shooting. Local authorities have launched a thorough investigation into the incident, but no suspects have been identified yet. The community remains on edge as police work to uncover the motive behind the attack and bring the perpetrator to justice.
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Saint Lucia’s Ackeem Auguste shines with maiden T20I 50 as WI sweep Bangladesh
The West Indies men’s cricket team concluded their Dutch Bangla T20 International series with a resounding victory, defeating Bangladesh by five wickets on October 31. This win marked a clean sweep for the West Indies, showcasing their dominance throughout the series. The match featured several strategic changes to the team lineup, including the debut of Ackeem Auguste, a promising Saint Lucian batsman known for his top-order prowess.
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Funding Approved to Improve Belize’s Waste System
The Government of Belize has taken a significant step toward improving the nation’s waste management infrastructure. On October 31, 2025, the Cabinet approved funding to support critical maintenance of existing Solid Waste Management Facilities and to operationalize the Orange Walk and Corozal transfer stations. These stations, once functional, will streamline waste collection and disposal in northern Belize by receiving, sorting, and transferring solid waste to the central landfill. This initiative aims to enhance operational efficiency, reduce illegal dumping, and ensure the uninterrupted functioning of the national solid waste network, which is vital for maintaining community cleanliness and mitigating environmental risks. Currently, some dumpsites, such as the one in Orange Walk, face persistent challenges. When these sites are closed, residents and private collectors resort to dumping garbage in open areas, leading to waste accumulation and environmental hazards that local authorities struggle to manage. The Cabinet emphasized that this funding will secure the continued operation of the country’s Solid Waste Management Facilities, addressing long-standing issues and fostering a cleaner, healthier environment.
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Oppositieleider Guyana Mohamed gearresteerd op verzoek VS; juridische strijd aangekondigd
In a significant development, Guyanese opposition leader and businessman Azruddin Mohamed, along with his father Nazar Mohamed, have been arrested following an extradition request from the United States. The arrests were carried out by the Guyana Police Force under the directive of a magistrate from the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court. The U.S. authorities formally requested the extradition on October 30, 2025, citing the extradition treaty between the U.S. and the U.K., which remains applicable in Guyana under the Fugitives Offenders Act, Cap. 10:04. The charges stem from a federal grand jury indictment released on October 6, 2025, in the Southern District of Florida, accusing the Mohameds of multiple counts of fraud, money laundering, conspiracy, and customs violations related to a gold export and tax evasion scheme estimated at $50 million. According to the indictment, the duo allegedly evaded export taxes and royalties on over 10,000 kilograms of gold between 2017 and June 2024 by using falsified customs declarations and reused export seals. In June 2024, the U.S. Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) placed the Mohameds and their company, Mohamed’s Enterprise, on its sanctions list for tax evasion, gold smuggling, and money laundering. The Guyanese government was notified of the U.S. investigation through diplomatic channels at the time. Mohamed, who leads the opposition party We Invest in Nationhood (WIN), has vowed to contest the charges, claiming they are politically motivated to undermine his growing political movement. He has assembled an international legal team comprising lawyers from Guyana, Trinidad & Tobago, and the U.K. to fight the extradition case. WIN has condemned the arrest as an attack on democratic opposition, expressing confidence in a fair judicial process. The Mohameds are currently detained at the Eve Leary Police Station and will be presented in court under the Fugitives Offenders Act. The Guyanese government has assured that the extradition process will adhere to the Constitution and all applicable laws.
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IN PICTURES (WITH VIDEO): National Dress Parade Creole Day 2025 (Jounen Kwéyòl)
The 2025 Creole Day, locally known as Jounen Kwéyòl, was celebrated with grandeur and cultural pride through a National Dress Parade. This annual event, deeply rooted in the traditions of Creole heritage, showcased a kaleidoscope of vibrant costumes, traditional music, and dance performances. The parade featured participants adorned in elaborate Creole attire, reflecting the rich cultural tapestry of the community. Accompanied by rhythmic beats and soulful melodies, the event highlighted the significance of preserving and promoting Creole culture. The festivities also included culinary delights, with traditional Creole dishes taking center stage. The National Dress Parade not only served as a platform for cultural expression but also fostered a sense of unity and identity among attendees. The event was documented through captivating images and videos, capturing the essence of this joyous celebration.
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LETTER: When Friendship and Money Collide: A Costly Lesson in Trust
Dear Editor,
Trust is a fragile bond, often tested in unexpected ways. Recently, I experienced a situation that shattered my faith in someone I once considered my closest confidante.
A few weeks ago, my best friend requested $100 for lunch. While driving, I used ACB’s peer-to-peer transfer feature on my phone to send the amount. In my haste, I mistakenly added an extra zero, resulting in a $1,000 transfer instead of $100. Realizing my error, I immediately informed her. She laughed and assured me she would return the excess amount “as soon as she reached home.”
Two weeks have passed, and I am still waiting. Since then, I’ve been met with a barrage of excuses: she claimed to have entered her PIN incorrectly, got locked out of her account, and is waiting for the bank to resolve the issue. She even insisted she had already promised to handle it.
At this point, the issue transcends the money itself; it’s about trust. I suggested she withdraw the amount in cash and return it if the transfer was problematic. Yet, my calls remain unanswered.
The thought of involving the police has crossed my mind, but how does one report someone they once called a sister? This person has shared my table, cried on my shoulder, and entrusted me with their deepest secrets.
This ordeal has left me heartbroken but wiser. I’ve learned that money has a unique way of revealing character, often faster than time ever could. A true friend doesn’t hide behind excuses when they’re holding onto something that isn’t theirs.
Signed,
Heartbroken but Wiser -
Budna Abduction Case Lands Right Back with Police
In a surprising turn of events, the high-profile abduction case of Joseph Budna has been handed back to the police, despite widespread calls for an independent investigation. Prime Minister John Briceño announced on Monday that the case would be transferred to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), citing the lack of a legal framework in Belize to establish an independent investigative body. This decision has sparked criticism, as many had hoped for an impartial inquiry, especially given the involvement of a police officer in the case. Constable Barrington Mai, accused of aiding in Budna’s disappearance, has been placed on full-pay suspension after being removed from interdiction. Meanwhile, Commissioner of Police Dr. Richard Rosado, who was on leave during an internal review, was reinstated prematurely in September. Attorney Richard ‘Dickie’ Bradley emphasized the conflict of interest, stating that the police cannot conduct an independent investigation since they are implicated in the case. This development has further eroded public confidence in the handling of the matter.