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.
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Public Road or Private Property? The Hangar Controversy Exposed
In Belize City, a contentious land dispute has erupted over ‘The Hangar,’ a seafront stretch that has long served as a public road. A group of influential residents, including prominent figures like Louis Leslie and JRD Holdings Limited, sought to subdivide and privatize the area, citing concerns over safety, coastal erosion, and property protection. Their application, submitted to the Ministry of Natural Resources on August 23, 2024, aimed to convert the public road into private property, a move unprecedented in the region. However, the application was swiftly rejected, as the land is government-owned and only the legal landowner can initiate such subdivisions. Despite the rejection, the residents have defended their actions, arguing that severe coastal erosion threatens their homes and that privatization is necessary to fund seawall repairs and manage the area. Critics, however, question whether the proposal is driven by conservation or exclusivity. The Belize City Council, meanwhile, approved a separate request to restrict vehicular access to the Hangar, limiting public entry. Mayor Bernard Wagner clarified that the Council’s decision was based on resident petitions and does not involve land ownership. The controversy highlights the tension between public access and private interests, raising questions about governance, environmental protection, and community priorities.
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Caribbean Deep in Recovery Mode after Melissa
The Caribbean region is grappling with the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, which has left a trail of destruction across several nations. Jamaica, one of the hardest-hit areas, is now in recovery mode as international aid begins to arrive. The storm, initially a catastrophic hurricane, has been downgraded to a post-tropical cyclone with sustained winds of 85 mph. Transport Minister Daryl Vaz announced that over 20 cargo flights are expected to deliver essential relief supplies. ‘The primary challenge at this stage is ensuring efficient logistics to reach the most severely affected regions,’ Vaz stated during a morning briefing. He also confirmed that eight to ten US helicopters are en route to assist in the relief efforts. Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay, which sustained damage due to its proximity to the hurricane’s path, is set to reopen for commercial flights on Saturday, allowing tourists to depart the island. Local Government Minister Desmond McKenzie reported that approximately 7,000 people remain in 430 shelters across Jamaica, a significant decrease from the peak of over 15,000 during the storm. Tragically, the death toll continues to rise, with at least 50 fatalities attributed to the storm. In Jamaica, 19 deaths have been confirmed, but officials anticipate this number will increase. In Haiti, authorities have reported at least 30 deaths and 20 missing persons, with 23 fatalities, including 10 children, resulting from severe flooding in Petit-Goâve, where a river burst its banks.
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Got a Bright Idea? Government Backs Plan to Protect Belizean Creativity
The Belizean government has endorsed a groundbreaking initiative aimed at protecting the intellectual property (IP) of its citizens. The National Intellectual Property Strategy, spearheaded by the Belize Intellectual Property Office (BELIPO) with support from international experts, seeks to safeguard inventions, music, art, and business ideas. BELIPO serves as the national registry, assisting Belizeans in securing their creative works and business innovations while advising the government on IP laws and raising public awareness about IP rights. A National IP Strategy Committee, comprising representatives from the government, private sector, academia, and civil society, will oversee the implementation of this initiative, ensuring diverse voices contribute to its development. This strategy empowers individuals, from farmers with innovative tools to musicians with original compositions, to legally protect their ideas and transform them into tangible success.
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Dominican’s strength and determination celebrated as nation marks 47 years of independence
As Dominica marks its 47th year of independence, Honourable Octavia Alfred, Minister of Education, Human Resource Planning, Vocational Training, and National Excellence, has lauded the nation’s advancements, attributing them to the resilience, creativity, and determination of its people, particularly the youth. Addressing the National Youth Rally on Thursday, Alfred underscored the pivotal role of young Dominicans in driving the country’s development. She described the number 47 as symbolic, blending the energies of four, representing stability and hard work, and seven, symbolizing spirituality and introspection. Alfred highlighted the transformation of Dominica’s education system since independence, from traditional chalkboards to modern smart boards and the proliferation of digital learning platforms. She emphasized the expansion of educational access, technical and vocational training, and lifelong learning opportunities. Alfred urged the youth to align their ambitions with national development initiatives, such as the International Airport, Geothermal Energy Plant, and Cabrits Marina, as well as projects in tourism, construction, and the digital economy. She also noted significant improvements in school attendance, with primary school rates soaring from 48 percent two decades ago to 94 percent today, thanks to government safety net programs costing over $4 million annually. Academic performance has also seen remarkable gains, with Dominica surpassing the regional average in 30 out of 32 CSEC CXC subjects and achieving a 93 percent pass rate in vocational training. Alfred reaffirmed the government’s commitment to equipping youth with essential life skills, including digital and financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and civic responsibility. She reflected on Dominica’s resilience in the face of economic uncertainty, natural disasters, and the global pandemic, expressing hope for a future shaped by innovation, integrity, and environmental respect. The rally concluded with awards presented to schools, students, and groups for their contributions.