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  • Belize Argues at ICJ on Guatemala’s Intervention in Sapodilla Cayes Dispute

    Belize Argues at ICJ on Guatemala’s Intervention in Sapodilla Cayes Dispute

    The International Court of Justice (ICJ) convened on November 25, 2025, to hear oral arguments from Belize and Honduras regarding Guatemala’s request to intervene in the ongoing sovereignty dispute over the Sapodilla Cayes, known as Cayos Zapotillos in Honduras. The hearing, presided over by Judge Iwasawa at the Peace Palace, marks a critical juncture in a conflict that began in 2022 over a cluster of islands in the southern Gulf of Honduras. Guatemala’s application to intervene, filed in December 2023, cites Article 62 of the ICJ Statute, which permits third-party involvement if a state’s legal interests may be impacted by the Court’s decision.

    Belize, represented by Special Envoy Assad Shoman, expressed no objection to Guatemala’s intervention, provided it aids the Court in reaching an efficient resolution. Shoman emphasized Belize’s commitment to resolving territorial claims from both Guatemala and Honduras and urged the ICJ to coordinate hearings in the related cases of Guatemala v. Belize and Belize v. Honduras to avoid redundancy. Counsel Ben Juratowitch highlighted the distinct nature of the two cases, noting Belize’s sovereignty claims based on historical conduct since Honduras’ independence. He also contested Honduras’ recent assertion of traditional fishing rights, arguing it falls outside the Court’s jurisdiction under the Pact of Bogotá.

    Honduras, however, vehemently opposed Guatemala’s intervention. Agent Patricia Licona argued that the request is unprecedented and undermines judicial principles. Professors Alejandro del Valle Gálvez and Francisco Pascual Vives criticized Guatemala’s application as a misuse of the intervention mechanism, warning it could introduce unrelated claims into the case. Professor Carlos Jiménez Piernas further asserted that Guatemala lacks a specific legal interest in the dispute.

    The ICJ will reconvene to hear Guatemala’s second round of arguments, with a decision on the intervention request pending.

  • 90-Year-Old Woman Dies in House Fire in San Antonio Village

    90-Year-Old Woman Dies in House Fire in San Antonio Village

    A devastating house fire in San Antonio Village, Toledo, resulted in the tragic death of 90-year-old Lucia Sho on the night of November 25, 2025. The incident occurred just before 11 p.m., but authorities were not alerted until nearly two hours later. Upon arrival, emergency responders found the home completely engulfed in flames, leaving only charred remnants behind. Neighbors attempted to rescue Lucia but were thwarted by the fire’s intensity. Preliminary investigations suggest the blaze originated in the bedroom and rapidly spread throughout the structure. While the exact cause remains undetermined, family members in Dangriga’s New Site Area revealed that the household frequently relied on a kerosene lamp for lighting, raising suspicions that it may have contributed to the disaster. Lucia’s granddaughter-in-law, who resides nearby, recounted hearing her cries before witnessing the catastrophic aftermath. The community’s leader expressed profound sorrow, describing her passing as a significant loss for San Antonio Village.

  • Phillip helps steer Wolfpack into NCAA Sweet 16

    Phillip helps steer Wolfpack into NCAA Sweet 16

    In a thrilling display of skill and determination, Donavan Phillip, the star forward from Saint Lucia, reignited his scoring prowess to propel the North Carolina State Wolfpack men’s soccer team into the NCAA Championship Sweet 16. The match, held on Sunday, November 23, at Dail Soccer Stadium in Raleigh, saw the Wolfpack secure a decisive 2-0 victory over Marshall. Phillip, who had been in a five-game scoring drought, opened the scoring with a header in the second minute, capitalizing on a corner-kick delivered by Riley Moloney. This goal marked Phillip’s 16th of the season, a feat not achieved by a Wolfpack player since 1991, and placed him among the top 10 goal-scorers in the school’s history. Only five players have scored more in a single season since 1961, with Sam Okpodu holding the record of 29 goals in 1982. Moloney, a defender recently named to the All-ACC Freshman team, added to the tally in the 59th minute with a deflected corner-kick that found the back of the net. The Wolfpack now prepare to host UNC Greensboro on November 30, following UNCG’s upset victory over No. 2 seed Virginia. The teams previously met in October, resulting in a 1-1 draw. With six of the 16 seeded teams already eliminated, the tournament promises more excitement as the Wolfpack aim to continue their championship journey.

  • ABEC Officials Selected to Serve on CARICOM Election Observer Missions in St. Vincent & the Grenadines and St. Lucia

    ABEC Officials Selected to Serve on CARICOM Election Observer Missions in St. Vincent & the Grenadines and St. Lucia

    The Antigua and Barbuda Electoral Commission (ABEC) has announced that two of its senior officials have been chosen by the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) to participate in Election Observer Missions for the upcoming General Elections in St. Vincent and the Grenadines and St. Lucia. Commissioner Clovis St. Romain has been appointed to serve as a member of the CARICOM Election Observer Mission for the General Elections in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, scheduled for November 27, 2025. His role will reinforce CARICOM’s dedication to fostering free, fair, and transparent electoral processes across the Caribbean. Meanwhile, Mr. Ian S. Hughes, Supervisor of Elections, has been selected as Chief of Mission for the CARICOM Election Observer Mission to the General Elections in St. Lucia on December 1, 2025. In this capacity, Mr. Hughes will provide leadership and oversight to the observer team, ensuring adherence to CARICOM’s established guidelines and principles of impartiality. H.E. Arthur G. B. Thomas, Chairman of ABEC, emphasized the significance of these appointments, stating, ‘Our continued selection for these missions reflects the trust placed in us and our commitment to building organizational capacity. Each deployment is both an affirmation of our institutional credibility and an opportunity to enhance the technical competencies of our team.’ ABEC remains steadfast in its support of regional democratic processes, with the participation of Commissioner St. Romain and Mr. Hughes underscoring the Commission’s expertise, professionalism, and contributions to strengthening electoral systems across the Caribbean.

  • The Village of Vibes at Julees: Where Art Week Explodes in Color, Culture & Cuisine

    The Village of Vibes at Julees: Where Art Week Explodes in Color, Culture & Cuisine

    Antigua & Barbuda Art Week 2025 is set to captivate audiences with the debut of the Art & Cultural Village at Julees Restaurant, a dynamic addition to this year’s national festivities. This innovative outdoor space will bring together color, culture, cuisine, and imagination, creating a vibrant hub of creativity unlike any other. The Village will spotlight artpreneurs—the creative entrepreneurs driving Antigua & Barbuda’s cultural economy—with over 25 local and regional artists showcasing their talents in mediums ranging from oil and acrylic paintings to handmade fashion, jewelry, and miniature architectural pieces. Photography exhibits will blend nostalgia with futuristic visions, while culinary artists offer Caribbean-inspired brunches, tasting flights, and homemade treats. The signature chARTcuterie workshop will allow participants to paint and sip, creating a full sensory experience. Opening Night on Thanksgiving evening, November 27, will feature a posthumous tribute to Vaughn Walter, MBE, a cultural architect and festival visionary, alongside a screening of the film “Once In An Island.” The week will also include Students’ Day on November 28, led by New Jersey–based Antiguan artist Odessa Whitlock, and a “Chalk the Village” competition for young artists. Saturday will host a Costume Building Workshop and Barbuda Eats, a special tapas menu by a Barbudan chef. The event concludes on Sunday with “Brunching with the Arts,” live music, fashion, dance, and the chARTcuterie Experience, where guests can sip, paint, and snack. Art Week 2025 promises to be an immersive celebration of creativity, community, and Caribbean culture.

  • Jamaica Hit by Deadly Leptospirosis Outbreak After Melissa

    Jamaica Hit by Deadly Leptospirosis Outbreak After Melissa

    Jamaica is grappling with a severe health crisis as a deadly outbreak of leptospirosis has emerged in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa. Health officials have confirmed six fatalities and are investigating 28 additional suspected cases. The outbreak, which began in late October, has been linked to the catastrophic flooding and landslides caused by the Category 5 hurricane that struck the island on October 28th. Stagnant water left in the storm’s wake has created ideal conditions for the spread of the bacterial disease. Health Minister Dr. Christopher Tufton emphasized the heightened risk of exposure to contaminated water and soil, particularly for farmers, cleanup workers, and emergency responders. Public health teams are actively warning residents, especially those relying on river water, about the dangers. The outbreak adds to the already significant challenges Jamaica faces as it assesses the full extent of the storm’s destruction, which has caused an estimated $8.8 billion in physical damage, equivalent to 41% of the country’s 2024 GDP.

  • Chastanet previews potential UWP Cabinet

    Chastanet previews potential UWP Cabinet

    Allen Chastanet, the Political Leader of the United Workers Party (UWP), has provided a glimpse into his prospective Cabinet should the party emerge victorious in the upcoming elections. Speaking at the UWP manifesto launch last weekend, Chastanet emphasized the party’s determination to reclaim four key constituencies: Dennery North, Dennery South, Micoud North, and Micoud South. He assured supporters that the candidates representing these areas would secure prominent roles in his Cabinet. Chastanet outlined specific ministerial assignments, including Bradley Marcelle Fulgence (Dennery North) as Minister for Agriculture and Gaming, Benson Emile (Dennery South) as Minister for Health, and Elisha Norbert (Micoud North) as Minister for Education. For his own constituency, Micoud South, Chastanet confidently declared, “Of course, the people of Micoud South, you will have the PM, your PM.” Throughout the event, Chastanet underscored the importance of unity within the UWP, asserting that only a cohesive party could effectively lead the nation. His remarks exuded confidence in the UWP’s ability to triumph on December 1, with the presented team poised to govern and guide Saint Lucia into its next chapter.

  • Dominican Republic to allow US to use facilities for anti-drug ops

    Dominican Republic to allow US to use facilities for anti-drug ops

    The Dominican Republic has authorized the United States to utilize restricted areas at the San Isidro Air Base and Las Americas International Airport for logistical operations, including refueling and the transport of equipment and personnel. This decision, announced by President Luis Abinader during a press conference, comes as part of the US’s intensified efforts to combat alleged drug trafficking networks, which have reportedly resulted in over 80 fatalities. The announcement coincided with a visit by US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to Santo Domingo, where he emphasized Washington’s commitment to counter-narcotics missions, describing them as a critical step toward regional security. Hegseth stated that the US is prepared to take aggressive measures to dismantle narco-terrorist operations, which he claims threaten stability in the Caribbean and beyond. This development follows the US designation of Venezuela’s alleged Cartel de los Soles as a foreign terrorist organization, providing legal justification for expanded military actions against Venezuelan authorities. The US has already conducted strikes on suspected drug smugglers, destroying more than 20 vessels allegedly used for trafficking. However, critics argue that these operations lack transparency, as Washington has not publicly disclosed evidence linking the targets to narcotics smuggling. The US has also deployed significant military assets to the region, including the world’s largest aircraft carrier and strategic bombers, escalating tensions with Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, who accuses the US of using anti-drug efforts as a pretext for regime change. Maduro denies any involvement in drug cultivation, asserting that Venezuela is merely a transit route for Colombian cocaine. Meanwhile, the Dominican Republic has actively collaborated with US anti-drug initiatives, recently seizing 500 kilograms of cocaine in a joint operation.

  • Captin CC says if you seek loyalty, better ‘Buy a Dog’

    Captin CC says if you seek loyalty, better ‘Buy a Dog’

    ST JAMES, Jamaica – Captin CC, a rising dancehall artist from Montego Bay, is making waves with his latest comedic yet thought-provoking single, ‘Buy a Dog.’ The track serves as the lead single from his highly anticipated EP, *Unresolved*, slated for release on February 3, 2026.

  • Marathon Insurance Brokers donates $2m to support hurricane-impacted residents in St Elizabeth

    Marathon Insurance Brokers donates $2m to support hurricane-impacted residents in St Elizabeth

    In a significant move to aid recovery efforts in St Elizabeth, Jamaica, Marathon Insurance Brokers has donated $2 million to assist residents whose homes were severely damaged by Hurricane Melissa. The contribution was officially handed over to Floyd Green, Member of Parliament for St Elizabeth South West, during a ceremony at the company’s Kingston office. The event was attended by Marathon’s President and CEO Levar Smith, Executive Vice President of Corporate and Regulatory Affairs Keisha Burgher, and Sales Manager Joseth Brown.

    Smith emphasized the importance of corporate Jamaica’s involvement in the relief efforts, stating, ‘We are a part of this country’s fabric. When our people hurt, we hurt.’ He also highlighted the critical role of insurance in providing a safety net for families and businesses, enabling faster recovery post-disaster.

    Marathon Insurance Brokers reaffirmed its commitment to supporting clients, communities, and the nation throughout the rebuilding process. MP Green lauded the company for its swift response, noting that Marathon was among the first to offer assistance. ‘This is the ethos of Marathon — to stand with the Jamaican people in their greatest time of need,’ he said.

    Green described the devastation in St Elizabeth South West as unprecedented, with over 20,000 residents directly affected and the majority suffering significant damage to their homes. He reported that nearly all of the 40 impacted communities in his constituency experienced destruction affecting over 90% of their housing stock. ‘Capital towns like Black River have been completely wiped off the map,’ he added, underscoring the severe losses to businesses and livelihoods.

    Nationally, preliminary assessments indicate that more than 120,000 homes across Jamaica sustained damage during Hurricane Melissa, highlighting the widespread impact of the disaster.