A fraudulent Facebook account impersonating Belize’s Prime Minister John Briceño has been targeting citizens with a deceptive grant scam. The scammer, using the Prime Minister’s name, photo, and profile, has been messaging individuals with promises of financial assistance through a purported “cashgrant program” funded by the United States and the United Nations. The messages begin with friendly greetings before introducing the fake initiative, claiming it aims to support vulnerable groups such as the disabled, widows, widowers, and the elderly. The impersonator falsely asserts that they have been allocated $50,000 to distribute to selected citizens, further attempting to legitimize the scam by mentioning prior disbursements to friends and other individuals. This scheme follows a well-known pattern of online fraud: building trust, offering financial incentives, and coercing victims into sharing personal information or sending money. The messages are riddled with spelling errors, incorrect phrasing, and inaccurate descriptions of international agencies, all hallmarks of fraudulent communications. This incident is not isolated. In October, the Belizean government warned the public about a fake AI-generated video circulating on social media that encouraged viewers to invest money for quick returns. The video, which featured manipulated images of prominent Belizeans, including Prime Minister Briceño, was entirely fabricated. Authorities have highlighted the increasing prevalence of AI “deepfake” scams, which can convincingly alter voices and faces, and have urged citizens to remain vigilant and avoid sharing personal information or sending money in response to such schemes.
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All schools to close at 1 p.m.
In response to an urgent flood warning issued by the Barbados Meteorological Services, the Ministry of Educational Transformation has announced the early closure of all schools at 1 p.m. today. Parents and guardians are advised to arrange for the prompt collection of their children to ensure their safety amidst the deteriorating weather conditions. The ministry has emphasized its commitment to following updates from the meteorological authorities to determine the appropriate time for schools to reopen. Citizens are encouraged to stay informed through the Ministry’s social media channels, the Government Information Service, and other media partners for real-time updates. The ministry also urges the public to exercise caution and prioritize safety during this period of severe weather.
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Duchess of Edinburgh to Meet Prime Minister Briceno
Sophie Rhys-Jones, the Duchess of Edinburgh, commenced a significant three-day diplomatic visit to Belize, arriving at Philip Goldson International Airport on the evening of November 16, 2025. She was warmly received by a delegation including Governor-General Dame Froyla Tzalam, Ambassador Amalia Mai, and representatives from the Belize Defence Force Honour Guard, underscoring the importance of her visit. The Duchess’s itinerary is packed with engagements aimed at fostering bilateral relations and supporting local initiatives. Her first stop was the Belize Council for the Visually Impaired (BCVI) in Belize City, where she interacted with the community and highlighted the importance of health and social welfare programs. Later in the day, she is scheduled to hold a pivotal meeting with Prime Minister John Briceño to discuss mutual interests and collaborative efforts. The day will culminate with a formal reception at the House of Culture, featuring an investiture ceremony. The Duchess’s visit emphasizes key areas such as health, the empowerment of indigenous women, and the preservation of Belize’s renowned barrier reef. This visit not only reinforces the strong historical ties between Belize, a Commonwealth realm, and the United Kingdom but also showcases the ongoing commitment to shared values and cooperation.
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ALS Patient Becomes First to Control an iPad Using Only His Thoughts
In a historic medical breakthrough, a 65-year-old man with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) has become the first person to control an iPad using only his thoughts. Mark Jackson, a resident of western Pennsylvania, achieved this milestone through an innovative brain-computer interface (BCI) developed by neurotechnology company Synchron. Diagnosed with ALS in 2021, Jackson has experienced significant physical decline, including the loss of mobility in his arms and weakness in his neck. Traditionally, such paralysis would severely limit independence, but Synchron’s implantable BCI has transformed his life by translating his neural signals into digital actions. This technology allows Jackson to navigate apps, select items, and communicate without relying on physical movement or speech. Since receiving the implant, Jackson has regained aspects of his daily routine, including watching television, listening to audiobooks, browsing social media, and sending text messages to his children—all through thought-driven commands. This achievement marks a significant step forward in the field of neurotechnology, offering hope for improved quality of life for individuals with severe physical disabilities.
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Coast Guard Officer Under Investigation for Pistol-Whipping Man
A Belize Coast Guard officer, Eusebio Espinoza Jr, is currently under investigation following the emergence of a video depicting him allegedly striking a man with a pistol during an early morning altercation in Orange Walk Town. The incident, which occurred around 3:00 a.m. on Progress Street, began when a 43-year-old laborer noticed a damaged traffic sign and a woman lying on the ground. As he approached to assist, he reportedly heard someone shout that the driver involved was “about to be shot.” According to reports, Espinoza, 29, then pointed what appeared to be a black pistol at the driver and struck the witness twice in the face, resulting in injuries certified by a doctor as “wounding.” Espinoza fled the scene but was later detained, and a Glock 19 pistol was recovered from his residence. This incident comes just three weeks after Espinoza publicly accused the Northern Regional Hospital of failing to provide timely emergency care following the death of his 92-year-old father. Friends have since taken to social media to defend Espinoza, describing him as a “calm, humble & energetic type of guy” and asserting that he would not act violently without reason.
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From vulnerability to agency
Imagine being an 11-year-old, terrified of having contracted a sexual disease and too afraid to confide in a parent or guardian. Where would you turn? While pastors and religious leaders are often more familiar figures than social workers, a recent poll of older teens in Grenada revealed a troubling reality: not a single respondent identified religious leaders or churches as a source of information on sexual reproductive health (SRH).
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Democratic People’s Movement: We move together!
On Sunday, 16 November 2025, Peter David officially launched the Democratic People’s Movement (DPM) in a historic event that marked a turning point for Grenada. Addressing a diverse audience, David declared that the movement is no longer just an idea but a tangible force for change. He emphasized unity, action, and progress as the core principles of the DPM, urging Grenadians to move beyond division and stagnation.
David acknowledged the challenges Grenada faces, including political division, economic struggles, and social inequality. He shared stories from his travels across the country, where he listened to the concerns of citizens—parents worried about their children’s future, business owners battling economic hardships, and a general frustration with the status quo. He framed the DPM as a grassroots movement, born from the shared hope of rebuilding a nation that honors its past while embracing a brighter future.
The DPM’s philosophy centers on the belief that a nation’s strength lies in the participation of all its people, not just a select few. David outlined three key commitments: ‘Work that pays and stays,’ ‘Food that feeds us,’ and ‘Healthcare that reaches you.’ These pillars aim to address unemployment, food security, and healthcare accessibility, ensuring a better quality of life for all Grenadians.
David also highlighted the need for economic resilience, particularly in the face of global challenges that disproportionately affect small island states. He called for strategic partnerships, sustainable investment, and policies that protect Grenada’s sovereignty and dignity. The movement’s Progressive Agenda for Empowerment (PAE) will be unveiled in the coming weeks, focusing on youth empowerment, small business support, and agricultural revitalization.
In a passionate conclusion, David invoked the spirit of unity and courage, urging Grenadians to join the movement and shape its future. He emphasized that the DPM is not about leaders or parties but about ideas, policies, and action. The event concluded with a call to action: ‘First, we question. Then, we organize. Finally, we move forward, together.’
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Electoral Officer announces that the process of voter confirmation is proceeding with no interruptions
The Electoral Office has issued a clarification regarding the ongoing voter confirmation process, emphasizing that it remains uninterrupted despite the temporary suspension of new voter registrations. In a recent statement, the Office addressed public concerns and misinformation, confirming that voter confirmation activities are proceeding as planned until the October 15, 2026, deadline. The suspension of new voter registrations, announced last week, does not affect the confirmation process, which allows registered voters to verify, update, or amend their personal information. The Office highlighted the distinction between the two processes: voter registration, which is currently on hold, is for individuals not yet listed on the Voters Register, while voter confirmation is for those already registered. To facilitate the confirmation process, designated centres across all constituencies remain operational during specified hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM, and Saturday from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. The Electoral Office encourages all registered voters to complete their confirmation before the deadline. For further assistance, the public can contact the Electoral Office hotline at 617-9595 or 275-8164. The Office is located at the commissions building on Jewel Street, Roseau, in the Commonwealth of Dominica.
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Arbeider overlijdt na instorting metalen wand in Avanavero
A tragic incident occurred in the Avanavero area on Saturday, resulting in the death of a 34-year-old construction worker, C.W. The fatal accident took place during welding and construction activities when a heavy metal wall, measuring approximately four by seven meters, unexpectedly detached and toppled onto him. C.W. was working alongside two colleagues on the project at the time of the incident. Despite immediate efforts to rescue him using a loader, he was found in critical condition and rushed to the RGD clinic. Unfortunately, he was pronounced dead upon arrival. Due to a language barrier, medical staff were unable to gather sufficient information, prompting the Apoera police to take over the investigation. C.W.’s identity was confirmed through his Chinese passport. As no doctor was available in Apoera, the body was transferred to the Mungra Medical Center in Nickerie after consultation with the Public Prosecutor’s Office, where the death was officially confirmed. Authorities have stated there is no evidence of foul play, and the body has been released to the victim’s family.
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Minister Zabaneh: 150 New Buses for NBC Operators
The Belizean government is making significant strides in modernizing its national bus system, with Transport Minister Dr. Louis Zabaneh announcing the acquisition of 150 new buses. This initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance public transportation and improve commuter experiences. Dr. Zabaneh recently concluded an official visit to Taiwan and South Korea, where he, alongside Energy Minister Michel Chebat, engaged with bus manufacturers and studied advanced inter-city transit systems. The visit aimed to gather insights and determine the optimal bus mix for the new public-private partnership (PPP) being formed. Dr. Zabaneh highlighted that international manufacturers are receptive to Belize’s proposal, which will replace the current fleet used by 21 bus operators who have voluntarily joined the PPP. Drawing parallels with Taiwan’s experience in 2002, Dr. Zabaneh noted the similarities in challenges faced and the solutions implemented. The ministry is adhering to Cabinet’s timeline, with plans to finalize PPP participants by year-end and present the first draft of the PPP agreement and protective legislation by the next Cabinet meeting. The National Bus Consolidation Pro Tempore Advisory Committee is actively advancing the transition, with 71% of operators on board and audits underway to prepare an opening balance sheet by mid-November. The new Consolidated National Bus Company is set to commence operations on January 1, 2026, ensuring a transparent and efficient transition.