Jeremy Enriquez, a prominent social activist, has filed a second Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request targeting the allocation of the Constituency Development Fund. Despite facing legal challenges with his initial request, Enriquez remains steadfast in his mission to promote transparency and accountability within the government. His latest submission, directed to the Office of the Prime Minister, seeks detailed information on how funds are distributed across electoral divisions, how they are utilized, and the mechanisms in place to ensure accountability. Enriquez emphasized that these requests are not frivolous but are aimed at holding the government to its promise of good governance, as outlined in their political manifesto. He stressed that secrecy breeds corruption and called for a shift away from this culture. This move comes amidst growing public scrutiny over government spending and the need for greater fiscal transparency.
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Dominican Republic reaffirms support for Guatemala’s democracy and urges OAS action
The Dominican Republic has reiterated its unwavering support for Guatemala’s democratic process and President-elect Bernardo Arévalo, following the August 2023 elections, which were widely acknowledged as free and fair by international observers. In a virtual address to the Permanent Council of the Organization of American States (OAS), Dominican Foreign Minister Roberto Álvarez condemned recent efforts to undermine the presidential and vice-presidential mandates in Guatemala through dubious legal tactics. Álvarez underscored that such maneuvers not only infringe upon the sovereignty of the Guatemalan people but also contravene the democratic principles outlined in the Inter-American Democratic Charter. He echoed President Luis Abinader’s stance that no governmental authority has the right to override the electorate’s will, emphasizing that the Dominican Republic would refuse to recognize any de facto government arising from a violation of constitutional order. Álvarez called on the OAS and the global community to take decisive action to safeguard democratic institutions in Guatemala and across the Americas, leveraging all available mechanisms within the OAS framework and the Inter-American Democratic Charter.
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Enriquez Challenges JLSC After Complaint Dismissal
In a recent development, social activist Jeremy Enriquez has announced his intention to challenge the Judicial and Legal Services Commission (JLSC) after it dismissed his complaint against Justice Tawanda Hondora. The complaint, filed earlier this year, alleged misconduct by Justice Hondora in an injunction case. Enriquez expressed frustration over the lack of transparency in the investigation process, stating that the JLSC failed to communicate the steps being taken or involve him in the proceedings. After months of waiting, Enriquez sought a judicial review, only to receive a letter from the JLSC stating that the complaint did not meet the threshold for further investigation. Surprised and dissatisfied with the outcome, Enriquez has vowed to appeal the decision in court, reigniting a legal battle that underscores broader concerns about accountability within the judicial system.
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PSU Speaks Out Following Tragic Death of Elderly Man
The tragic death of 92-year-old Eusebio Espinoza Senior at Northern Regional Hospital has sparked widespread outrage, prompting Public Service Union (PSU) President Dean Flowers to address the systemic issues plaguing Belize’s healthcare system. Flowers emphasized that while healthcare workers are often blamed for such incidents, the root causes lie in chronic underfunding, inadequate resources, and overwhelming workloads. He highlighted the dire conditions faced by medical staff, including doctors working seven consecutive night shifts and nurses forced into double shifts due to staffing shortages. Additionally, Flowers pointed to severe shortages of essential supplies, such as syringes, gauze, and effective medications, despite the Ministry of Health and Wellness (MOHW) operating with its largest budget in history. He criticized the involvement of unqualified pharmaceutical importers and called for government accountability, urging the public to recognize the immense challenges faced by healthcare workers rather than attributing blame to them. This incident has reignited debates over whether the tragedy resulted from individual negligence or systemic failures within Belize’s healthcare infrastructure.
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Emotional Team Belize Regroups to Make History in Guatemala
Belize’s U-19 basketball team has etched their names in history by clinching a bronze medal at the 2025 Central American Games in Guatemala City. Despite the absence of their four top players, the young Jaguars showcased resilience and determination, securing victories against El Salvador, Honduras, and Guatemala twice. Their journey was not without challenges, as they faced a heartbreaking loss to Panama. Coaches Stephen Williams and Jacob Leslie played a pivotal role in rallying the emotionally charged team, refocusing their efforts on bringing home a medal. Jacob Leslie, President of the Basketball Federation, expressed immense pride in the team’s performance, emphasizing their heart and dedication. Head Coach Stephen Williams recounted the emotional locker room scene, where the players’ tears reflected their passion for the game. Point Guard Devin Moody and Lead Scorer Jason Orozco shared their determination to represent Belize with pride, while Wing Player Tevaughn Dawson highlighted the importance of continued support and resources to nurture future generations of Belizean basketball talent. This historic achievement not only celebrates the team’s success but also serves as an inspiration for the nation’s sporting future.
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Dominican government mobilizes aid for citizens affected by Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica
In response to the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, the Dominican Republic has swiftly initiated support measures for its citizens residing in Jamaica, particularly in the Montego Bay region. Acting on directives from President Luis Abinader and Foreign Minister Roberto Álvarez, the government has prioritized the safety and welfare of its nationals abroad. The Dominican Embassy in Jamaica, under the leadership of Ambassador Manuel Antonio Durán, conducted a thorough assessment of the situation. While no Dominican citizens were reported injured or killed, the hurricane caused significant property damage and loss of personal belongings due to its intense winds and torrential rains. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MIREX) has announced plans to coordinate humanitarian aid delivery in collaboration with the Ministry of Defense. This initiative underscores the Dominican Republic’s foreign policy commitment to safeguarding its citizens overseas. Additionally, the Embassy has pledged to maintain continuous communication with Jamaican authorities, relief organizations, and the Dominican community to ensure their ongoing safety and recovery.
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Guyana readies supplies for hurricane-ravaged Jamaica, deployment personnel on standby
In response to the catastrophic aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm, the Guyanese government has initiated a comprehensive relief effort to assist Jamaica. The Civil Defence Commission (CDC) announced on Thursday that critical supplies, including generators, tarpaulins, and chainsaws, are being prepared for immediate dispatch. This decision emerged from a high-level coordination meeting led by Prime Minister Mark Phillips, involving the Private Sector Commission (PSC), the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), and the CDC. The initiative underscores a collaborative government-private sector effort to address the urgent needs of affected communities. Colonel Nazrul Hussain, CDC Director-General, indicated that Guyana is also poised to send electricity utility workers through the Caribbean Electric Utility Services Corporation (CARILEC) to aid in restoring power, which remains severely disrupted. Over 70% of Jamaica’s transmission lines are non-operational, leaving 490,000 customers without electricity. The GDF is expected to deploy in the coming days to assist with relief operations, including search and rescue missions and the restoration of essential services. The CDC, in partnership with regional organizations like the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA), reaffirmed Guyana’s commitment to providing technical, logistical, and humanitarian support as recovery efforts evolve. The Private Sector Commission has also appealed to the Guyanese public and private sector for donations to bolster relief initiatives, emphasizing the critical role of financial contributions in aiding affected families.
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Tourism sector records strong growth as St. Kitts and Nevis Prepares for 2026
The tourism industry in St. Kitts and Nevis is experiencing robust growth, with significant increases in both air and cruise arrivals, as the nation gears up for its 2026 strategic objectives. Tourism Minister Marsha Henderson highlighted these positive trends during a recent stakeholder meeting, emphasizing key achievements such as an 18% rise in seat capacity, a 10% increase in visitor arrivals from January to September 2025, and a 29% surge in cruise arrivals compared to the previous season. Cruise passenger spending also climbed from $135 to $145 per person. Henderson underscored accessibility as a cornerstone of tourism expansion. As the government prepares its 2026 national budget, which will outline development priorities, Henderson described the stakeholder sessions as crucial for reflecting on accomplishments, identifying areas for improvement, and refining strategies for future goals. Tourism remains a vital economic driver for the Federation, benefiting related industries and sustaining economic activity. The minister outlined three core objectives for the sector: building resilience to external shocks, promoting year-round visitation to reduce seasonal vulnerabilities, and ensuring sustainable growth rooted in community partnerships. The Ministry has aligned its policies with this vision, updating the National Tourism Strategy to guide development through 2026 and beyond. Efforts include professionalizing the sector through initiatives like the Lifeguard Policy, which enhances visitor safety, and legislative amendments to the Prescribed Areas Act to support diverse tourism-related businesses. Cross-ministerial collaborations with the Ministries of Environment, Public Infrastructure, and Energy aim to strengthen sustainability through waste management, renewable energy adoption, and coastal conservation practices. As global travel trends evolve, St. Kitts and Nevis is poised to build on these achievements, ensuring tourism remains a sustainable and inclusive economic engine.
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104 road fatalities for the year
Guyana has reached a grim milestone in 2025, with road fatalities climbing to 104, following the tragic death of a 15-year-old schoolboy in Success, East Coast Demerara. The incident occurred on Thursday morning when Navindra Mahes, a student of Annandale Secondary School, was struck by a car driven by a 35-year-old female police lance corporal. According to the Guyana Police Force (GPF), the collision happened as Mahes attempted to cross the Success Public Road using a pedestrian crossing. He sustained severe head injuries and a fractured right leg, succumbing to his injuries at 9:56 a.m. while receiving treatment at Georgetown Public Hospital. The driver has been placed under close arrest as investigations continue. This year’s fatality count surpasses the 100 deaths recorded during the same period in 2024, underscoring a pressing need for enhanced road safety measures. The incident has reignited public concern over traffic safety and the enforcement of road regulations in Guyana.
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Saint Lucia calls for Caribbean unity in driving sustainable trade agenda
Saint Lucia has issued a compelling call for Caribbean nations to redefine their economic trajectories by embracing sustainable trade and bioeconomy strategies. This initiative aims to align climate action with innovation, value creation, and global competitiveness. The two-day workshop, titled ‘Crafting a Sustainable and Inclusive Trade and Bioeconomy Agenda for CARICOM,’ held from October 29–30 at the Harbor Club, focused on five key thematic sessions designed to drive regional transformation through sustainable trade and bioeconomic development. These sessions included: defining the nexus between trade, climate, and the Caribbean bioeconomy; exploring innovation, digital trade, and AI; unlocking the ocean economy; building resilient food systems; and financing the bioeconomy and green industrial policy. Permanent Secretary Janelle Modeste-Stephen emphasized the critical role of trade policy in facilitating access to green technologies, promoting regional value addition, and ensuring the free movement of environmental goods and services across borders. She highlighted that sustainable trade is not just a pathway but a necessity for the survival and prosperity of small island states. The workshop aimed to shape a unified regional strategy for sustainable trade, climate resilience, and bioeconomic transformation. Modeste-Stephen warned that the Caribbean is at a historic turning point, facing overlapping global crises such as climate change, rising protectionism, and the impact of trade wars. She stressed the need for decisive action, unity, and creativity to navigate these challenges and position the Caribbean as a leader in sustainable and inclusive trade and bioeconomy.