Janae Matute, a 24-year-old artist and entrepreneur from Belize, has become a symbol of resilience and creativity. Despite living with cerebral palsy, Janae has defied all odds, running two successful businesses—Creative Toes Art Gallery and Creative Toes Unique Treasures—using only her toes. Her journey began a decade ago when she became the center of a landmark medical malpractice case that not only changed her life but also set a precedent in Belize and the Caribbean Court of Justice. Today, Janae is not just surviving; she’s thriving, using her platform to advocate for the differently-abled community. Recently honored as an Ambassador for Ms. Wheelchair Texas, Janae aims to improve accessibility and inclusion for people with disabilities, both in the U.S. and her home country of Belize. Her story is a testament to the power of faith, determination, and creativity. Janae’s message to the world is clear: ‘Be strong, courageous, and don’t let anyone tell you that you are not enough because you are.’
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OPINION: I Must be a Fool!
By Yves Ephraim
In a rare departure from my usual focus on principles over political rhetoric, I find myself compelled to address the recent statements made by the Minister of Public Works. The minister’s remarks, broadcasted on the radio, attempted to justify his refusal to step down amidst calls for an independent investigation into an alleged $15 million scam.
The minister presented two key arguments: first, that the notion of a $15 million scam was fabricated by the Opposition; and second, that individuals seeking clarity could request documentation through the Information Commissioner. These claims, however, raise significant questions. Was it not the Honourable Prime Minister who initially referenced the $15 million scandal? Furthermore, how can the Information Commissioner provide answers without an official inquiry? The Prime Minister himself has admitted to not fully understanding the depth of this issue, leaving one to wonder where the Commissioner would source the necessary information.
This situation evokes memories of my secondary school days, when I would often gaze out the classroom window, only to fail miserably in the subsequent pop quiz. Am I missing something here, or is this another instance of being the ‘dunce’? The public deserves transparency and accountability, yet the minister’s defense seems to obfuscate rather than clarify. Can someone provide the correct answers to ensure we all pass this critical test of governance?
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FLASH : Possible deployment of Rwandan security forces in Haiti…
In a significant development on the sidelines of the 46th Ministerial Conference of the International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF) in Kigali, Rwanda, Haitian Foreign Minister Jean-Victor Harvel Jean-Baptiste engaged in a bilateral meeting with Rwandan Foreign Minister Olivier Jean Patrick Nduhungirehe. The discussions centered on addressing Haiti’s escalating security crisis, which has hindered institutional stability and the prospect of free, credible elections. Both ministers emphasized the urgent need for collaborative efforts to restore peace and order in Haiti. A key focus of the meeting was the potential deployment of Rwandan security forces to support Haitian authorities. This initiative aligns with United Nations Security Council Resolution 2793 (2025), which established the Gang Suppression Force (GSF). The ministers agreed to continue technical and political consultations to finalize the modalities of this deployment, whether within a bilateral or multilateral framework. Additionally, the talks explored the possibility of opening a Haitian diplomatic mission in Kigali and dispatching a Rwandan fact-finding mission to Port-au-Prince. The latter would gather critical data to enhance security cooperation between the two nations in combating criminal gangs and terrorism. This meeting marks a pivotal step in fostering international collaboration to address Haiti’s security challenges.
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LIVE: Choir Festival in honour of St. Cecilia 2025
In the ever-evolving landscape of digital communication, social media platforms have emerged as pivotal tools reshaping how individuals interact online. The integration of features like sharing, tweeting, pinning, and more has not only enhanced user engagement but also fostered a more interconnected digital ecosystem. These platforms, which include giants like Twitter, Facebook, and Pinterest, have become essential for both personal and professional communication. The ability to instantly share content across global networks has democratized information dissemination, allowing users to amplify their voices and reach broader audiences. Moreover, the continuous innovation in social media technology, such as the introduction of AI-driven algorithms and advanced analytics, has further personalized user experiences, making digital interactions more relevant and impactful. As these platforms continue to evolve, they are expected to play an even more significant role in shaping the future of digital communication, influencing everything from marketing strategies to social movements.
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Leptospirosis outbreak declared in Jamaica
Jamaica is currently grappling with a significant outbreak of leptospirosis in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, as confirmed by Health Minister Dr. Christopher Tufton. The minister revealed that six suspected deaths have been reported, with nine confirmed cases and 28 suspected or probable cases identified between October 30 and November 20. This surge in cases marks a stark increase compared to the two to 21 cases recorded over the previous 34 months. Dr. Tufton attributed the outbreak to the conditions created by Hurricane Melissa, which heightened the risk of exposure to contaminated water and soil. Leptospirosis, a disease typically transmitted through contact with urine or bodily fluids of infected animals, has now been detected in eight parishes: St Ann, St Mary, St James, Hanover, Westmoreland, St Elizabeth, St Catherine, and Trelawny. The health minister emphasized the urgent need for public awareness and preventive measures to curb the spread of the disease.
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Have you made plans yet? This is the weather forecast for the weekend
The Dominican Republic is set to experience a notable shift in weather conditions this weekend, with temperatures expected to plummet across much of the country. This sudden drop is attributed to the influx of cooler air masses originating from the Atlantic Ocean, as highlighted by meteorological analyst Jean Suriel in his latest weather update.
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SC Hubert Elrington Suspended for 6 Months Over Grave Misconduct
In a significant ruling, the General Legal Council (GLC) has suspended Senior Counsel Hubert Elrington from practicing law for six months due to grave professional misconduct. The decision, announced on November 21, 2025, also requires Elrington to pay $6,000 in restitution to Orpha Martinez, the complainant in the case. The Council found that Elrington accepted $6,000 from Martinez to file a claim against Scotia Bank Belize but failed to initiate the legal action for several years. Additionally, he neglected to keep Martinez informed and breached his commitment to repay the funds as part of a settlement agreement. Elrington attempted to defend himself by arguing that the matter was resolved and that the complaint was statute-barred due to its age. He also highlighted his 50-year legal career and voluntary legal services as mitigating factors. However, the Council dismissed these arguments, emphasizing his failure to uphold professional standards and previous commitments. The sanctions, imposed under Section 16(2) of the Legal Profession Act, aim to preserve public trust in the legal profession. The suspension will last six months and could be extended if the restitution remains unpaid.
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BREAKING: Former UDP Senator Charged with Sexual Assault
In a significant development, former UDP Senator Macario Coy has been formally charged with sexual assault. The case came to light after a 36-year-old Belizean teacher filed a report with the police on November 7, 2025, alleging that she had been assaulted by Coy on November 4. Following the investigation, Coy voluntarily surrendered to the Punta Gorda Police Formation on November 21, accompanied by his legal counsel, and was promptly charged with the offense. Coy made his initial court appearance shortly thereafter, where he was granted bail set at $3,000. The case has been adjourned, with the next hearing scheduled for January 20, 2026. This incident has sparked widespread attention and raised questions about accountability and justice in high-profile cases.
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Vieux Fort South awaits a new chapter
The political landscape in Vieux Fort South, Saint Lucia, is heating up as four candidates officially entered the race for the December 1 general election. Nomination day on November 21 saw the submission of candidacy papers by Danny Butcher of the Saint Lucia Labour Party (SLP), Leanna “Lady Lee” Johannes-Paul of the United Workers Party (UWP), and independent candidates David “Apa” Charles and Choix Melchoir. Butcher, the first to arrive at the nomination center, led a vibrant parade with a music truck and a large entourage, setting a celebratory tone for the day. He expressed his emotional connection to the SLP and gratitude to the children of Bruceville, who pooled funds to cover his $500 nomination fee. Butcher emphasized his commitment to a peaceful campaign, focusing on the SLP’s plans and respecting diverse views. Meanwhile, Lady Lee, a former radio announcer, urged her supporters to vote for progress, highlighting the need for change in the constituency. Independent candidates Croix and Apa also completed their nominations, with Apa addressing the lack of development in Vieux Fort as his primary motivation. Vieux Fort South, an SLP stronghold for 28 years, faces a pivotal moment as former Prime Minister Kenny Anthony steps down after decades of representation.
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Confucius Institute at TAMCC wins Digital Application and Practice Exemplary Case Award
On November 16, the results of the first-ever ‘Confucius Institute Digital Application and Practice Case Collection Event’ were unveiled. This event, a collaborative effort between the Chinese International Education Foundation and the University of Science and Technology Beijing, highlighted groundbreaking digital initiatives within the global network of Confucius Institutes. Out of over 1,200 participating institutions, only 20 were honored with the ‘Demonstration Case Award.’ Among the distinguished recipients was the Confucius Institute at TAMCC, recognized for its innovative case titled ‘Integrated Audio-Visual Storytelling, Intelligent Communication: A Digital Communication Practice of the Confucius Institute.’ This case was selected as one of the ‘2025 Confucius Institute Digital Application and Practice Demonstration Cases,’ marking it as a global exemplar of digital innovation in Chinese language education. At the award ceremony, Zhao Lingshan, Vice Chair and Secretary-General of the Chinese International Education Foundation, presented the accolade to the TAMCC team. The winning case, themed ‘Smartly Empowered Civilisation,’ explores novel approaches to international Chinese education in the digital era. It addresses challenges such as limited outreach and low audience engagement by developing a digital model that integrates AI technology, short-video production, digital magazines, and multi-platform operations. This model has enabled the creation and dissemination of diverse content, reaching a broad audience with precision. Over the past two years, the institute has produced 13 theme songs for various events, including Marryshow Day at TAMCC and the 2025 World Chinese Conference, leveraging the fusion of music and visual media to enhance cultural communication. Additionally, the institute has released 20 bilingual promotional videos and launched the digital magazine ‘Four Seasons at the Confucius Institute,’ distributed across platforms like YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, WeChat, Bilibili, and Xiaohongshu. These efforts have garnered nearly 200,000 views and over 5,000 interactions, showcasing the institute’s successful digital communication strategy. The institute has also been awarded the ‘Outstanding Organisation Award’ in the HSK Short Video Competition for two consecutive years, further cementing its reputation as a leader in digital innovation. The ‘Four Seasons of the Confucius Institute’ magazine has become a vital resource for Grenadians to learn about Chinese culture, offering a replicable model for international Chinese education. This award underscores the high regard for the Confucius Institute at TAMCC’s achievements in digital development and cultural communication. Moving forward, the institute plans to expand its ‘Integrated Audio-Visual Storytelling’ project, further integrating AI into teaching and cultural activities, and contributing to the high-quality development of China-Grenada cultural exchange and international Chinese education.