The Ministry of Education has expressed profound sorrow and heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, colleagues, and students of the late Ms. Claudia Toussaint, Assistant Principal at Pierre Charles Secondary School. Ms. Toussaint, who joined the school in 2002, dedicated her entire career to the institution, leaving an indelible mark on the education community. Known for her unwavering commitment and passion, she was a beacon of inspiration to all who knew her. Ms. Toussaint’s selfless dedication to her students’ well-being and her role as a teacher, administrator, and mentor earned her immense love and respect. Her passing has created a void that will be deeply felt, but her legacy of dedication and impact will endure. The Ministry stands in solidarity with her family, the school staff, and students during this challenging time, offering prayers for strength and comfort in her cherished memory. Rest in Eternal Peace, Educator.
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Global EITI board asked to intervene in impasse over local civil society representation
The Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI), a global anti-corruption watchdog, has been called upon to intervene in a growing dispute over the selection of civil society representatives in Guyana’s local EITI chapter, GYEITI. The controversy centers on allegations that the Guyana government is exerting undue influence over the process, undermining the independence required by EITI standards. Policy Forum Guyana (PFG), alongside EITI chapters from Trinidad and Tobago, Suriname, and Australia, has formally requested the EITI Board to issue a public statement condemning the government’s actions. The Board is set to meet this week in Armenia. The civil society groups argue that the government’s approach violates the EITI Standard 2023, which mandates the independence of all sectors involved in the Multi-Stakeholder Group (MSG). The Ministry of Natural Resources has been accused of monopolizing the selection process, despite already controlling the GYEITI Secretariat’s financial, staffing, and communications decisions. Earlier this year, the ministry appointed Dr. Ivor English as the convenor of civil society organizations, a move criticized by PFG and other groups. The organizations are demanding a return to compliance with EITI standards, including the reconvening of previous MSG co-chairs to oversee the selection process. They also recommend an early validation of Guyana’s adherence to EITI requirements. The dispute highlights broader concerns about the government’s influence over civil society and its commitment to transparency in the extractive industries.
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DGS nabs first place at second annual public speaking competition in disaster risk management
The Disaster Management Office (ODM) successfully concluded its second annual Public Speaking Contest on Disaster Risk Management, held on November 14, 2025, at their headquarters. The event showcased the talents of five students from various high schools, emphasizing the importance of disaster preparedness and resilience. Participants included Osa-Marie Hunter from Convent High School, Niola Alleyne from Wesley High School, Kherna Stevens from Northeast Comprehensive School, Kaelan Matthew from St. Mary’s Academy, and Tamar Winston from Dominica Grammar School. Tamar Winston emerged as the winner, with Kaelan Matthew and Kherna Stevens securing second and third places, respectively. Minister of National Security Rayburn Blackmoore addressed the students, commending their dedication to research and encouraging them to remain proactive in environmental stewardship. The ODM expressed gratitude to participating schools, educators, parents, and sponsors Springfield Trading Ltd., H.H.V. Whitchurch, and Do It Center for their support. The contest highlighted the students’ commitment to fostering a culture of disaster resilience and served as a platform for youth engagement in critical societal issues.
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New Year, New Water Prices
In a significant development for Belize, the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) has approved a 13.5% increase in the Mean Water Rate (MWR) for Belize Water Services Limited (BWSL), effective next year. This adjustment, though lower than the 20% hike initially proposed by BWSL, will lead to an approximate 5.5% rise in customers’ monthly water bills. The PUC emphasized that the new pricing structure aims to ensure fairness, particularly for low-consumption households. Notably, the current flat rate of $8.72 for usage up to 1,000 gallons will be replaced with a per-gallon charge, marking a shift toward more equitable billing practices. Additionally, the PUC has greenlit a $130 million capital investment program designed to upgrade infrastructure, enhance water production, improve energy efficiency, and bolster security measures. A further $20 million has been allocated to expand water production and storage facilities in Placencia, Caye Caulker, and San Pedro, addressing the demands of growing populations. BWSL has also been authorized to increase contributions for water main extensions, with caps set at $6,000 on the mainland and $10,000 on the islands. While household water bills will see an uptick, the PUC has opted not to raise other administrative fees. Commercial water use, however, remains under the jurisdiction of the National Integration Water Resources Authority (NIWRA) and was not addressed in this decision. These changes follow a comprehensive review of BWSL’s 2026 Full Tariff Review Proceedings, which included public consultations and rigorous assessments of technical and financial data.
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OPINION: Why Saint Lucia’s ministers still hold power – and why the constitution says they should
Last week, Saint Lucia’s Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre announced the dissolution of Parliament, invoking Section 55(4) of the Constitution. This move, which paves the way for a general election, sparked debates over the authority of Deputy Prime Minister Ernest Hilaire, who subsequently issued ministerial statements. Critics questioned the legitimacy of his actions, arguing that the executive branch had effectively ceased to exist with the dissolution. However, this interpretation is a misconception rooted in a misunderstanding of the constitutional framework. The Constitution of Saint Lucia remains the supreme law, and its provisions ensure the continuity of government functions during such transitional periods. The dissolution of Parliament, as outlined in Section 40, halts legislative activities but does not dismantle the executive branch. Ministers, including the Prime Minister, retain their roles under the ‘caretaker’ convention, ensuring the day-to-day governance of the country. The Governor General, while vested with executive authority, typically acts on the advice of the Prime Minister, reflecting Westminster conventions. This constitutional continuity allows ministers to exercise their powers until the new Parliament convenes. The debate over the legitimacy of initiatives like the VAT-free holiday and the St. Jude Hospital ceremony during this period is thus unfounded. The Constitution, supported by legal precedents and conventions, provides a clear framework for governance during dissolution, ensuring stability and continuity in Saint Lucia’s democratic processes.
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Public works minister: Housing Recovery Project sees over 69 million total distributed to housing beneficiaries
In a significant step toward enhancing housing resilience in Dominica, the Ministry of Public Works, Public Utilities, and the Digital Economy, represented by Minister of State Chekira Lockhart-Hypolite, handed over 22 newly constructed resilient homes to families in Bellevue Chopin. The ceremony, held on Monday, marked a milestone in the Housing Recovery Project, funded by the World Bank. Lockhart-Hypolite revealed that over $69 million had been distributed to 386 beneficiaries, addressing one of the project’s major challenges: land ownership. Many beneficiaries initially lacked clear land titles, but the ministry successfully regularized titles for 170 families at no cost, covering surveying and registration fees to ensure they could secure their new homes. Originally, beneficiaries were to receive $50,000 each, but this amount was deemed insufficient to meet Dominica’s resilience standards. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit, the grant was increased to $141,000, with final units costing $151,000. Lockhart-Hypolite emphasized that this investment was crucial for ‘building back better.’ Finance Minister Dr. Irving McIntyre, representing the Prime Minister, highlighted the government’s commitment to housing as a central pillar of national development. He noted that the 22 homes were part of thousands of housing interventions delivered by the administration over the years, reflecting thoughtful planning and strategic investment in citizens’ well-being. McIntyre stressed that safe shelter is a human right and a foundation for economic and social advancement, ensuring families can live securely and focus on their goals.
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Grenada High Commission re-established in Ottawa, Canada
In a significant diplomatic move, Grenada has officially reopened its High Commission in Ottawa, Canada, on November 14, 2025. This marks the return of Grenada’s independent diplomatic presence in Canada after decades of representation through the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), which ceased operations in 2011. The reestablishment ceremony was attended by key officials, including Grenada’s newly appointed High Commissioner to Canada, His Excellency Sylvester Quarless, who formally presented his credentials to Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on September 17, 2025. The event also saw the presence of Hon. Joseph Andall, Grenada’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Trade & Export Development, alongside former High Commissioners George Griffith and Jennifer Hosten-Craig. Representatives from Global Affairs Canada, the Diplomatic Corps, and the Grenadian Diaspora joined the celebrations, highlighting the importance of this milestone. High Commissioner Quarless emphasized Grenada’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with Canada and fostering deeper ties with the Grenadian diaspora. The High Commission aims to engage the diaspora community in Canada to leverage their skills, knowledge, and resources for Grenada’s development. Hon. Andall expressed gratitude to the Canadian government and people for hosting the High Commission, acknowledging Canada’s longstanding support through initiatives like the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) and the Canada-Caricom Strategic Partnership. The newly reestablished High Commission, located at 350 Sparks Street, Suite 1210, Ottawa, is poised to serve as a vital bridge between Grenada and its diaspora, ensuring the preservation of Grenadian culture and heritage for future generations.
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Activate Data Protection law to prevent repeat of political, malicious use of ‘cash grant’ personal data- EU Observer Mission
The European Union Election Observation Mission (EUEOM) has issued a final report on the September 1 general and regional elections in Guyana, urging the government to activate the 2023 Data Protection Act. The move aims to prevent the recurrence of politically motivated misuse of personal data, particularly information collected for cash grant processing. The report, published on Tuesday, highlights that the absence of enforced data protection legislation allowed for unchecked doxing and the exploitation of government-held personal data for political gains. The EUEOM emphasized the need for the establishment of a publicly accountable Data Protection Office to safeguard voters’ personal information from unauthorized publication and political misuse. This recommendation comes amidst the government’s push for public servants to register for the Digital Identity Card, despite the lack of a commencement order for the Digital Identity Card Act and the Data Protection Act. The report also criticized the incumbent People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPPC) for allegedly using mobile phone numbers of cash grant recipients to solicit votes, a practice deemed inconsistent with Guyana’s international commitments, including the EU-Latin America and Caribbean Joint Declaration on a Digital Alliance. The EUEOM noted that police failed to take action against PPP/C activists accused of profiling individuals from We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) political party events, leading to intimidation and unwarranted publicity. The report, already presented to the Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) and political party representatives, calls for the appointment of a Data Commissioner and the establishment of a Data Protection Office, which are yet to be realized. The 2023 Data Protection Act, praised for its alignment with international standards, mandates individual consent for personal data use and protects against unwarranted profiling. The EUEOM’s recommendation references Article 17 of the United Nations International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which safeguards against arbitrary interference with privacy.
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Belize and Guyana Team Up for Climate Action
At the COP30 summit in Brazil, Belize and Guyana demonstrated how small nations can lead significant climate action. During a joint side event titled “Building Climate Resilience in Belize and Guyana,” the two countries unveiled a collaborative initiative to combat climate change by sharing expertise, technology, and strategies. The partnership focuses on addressing rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and forest conservation. Belize’s Minister of Sustainable Development, Orlando Habet, emphasized the challenges faced by nations like Belize, which contribute minimally to climate change but struggle to secure necessary funding. Guyana showcased its internationally acclaimed Low Carbon Development Strategy, which focuses on forest protection and carbon market management. Belize, on the other hand, highlighted its community-driven climate planning, Biennial Transparency Report, and the newly proposed Carbon Markets Initiative Bill. Guyana’s Minister Vanessa Benn called for bold action, noting that Caribbean nations are pushing forward with ambitious mitigation and adaptation plans despite insufficient financial support. “We are not waiting to act,” she asserted, underscoring the urgency of the climate crisis.
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Exclusive: Large Quantity of Contraband Seized Near Corozal Free Zone
In a significant development along Belize’s northern border, the Belize Coast Guard has intercepted a large quantity of contraband goods near the Corozal Free Zone. Rear Admiral Elton Bennett, Commandant of the Belize Coast Guard, revealed exclusive details about the operation in an interview with News Five. Bennett highlighted the increasing challenges in the northern region, particularly along the Rio Hondo River, which serves as a boundary between Belize and Mexico. He emphasized the Coast Guard’s intensified efforts in the area, culminating in a major seizure on October 12. The contraband, discovered on the Belizean riverbank, was believed to be en route to Mexico. Despite the successful operation, no suspects were apprehended as they fled the scene. The seized items were promptly handed over to the Police and Customs Departments under the supervision of a Justice of the Peace. Bennett expressed concerns about the movement of goods in and out of the Corozal Free Zone, noting that the Coast Guard’s jurisdiction does not extend within the Free Zone itself. He speculated that the contraband originated from the Free Zone, raising questions about its security dynamics. The incident has drawn sharp criticism from Leader of the Opposition Tracy Panton, who called for urgent action to address what she described as rampant corruption and criminal influence in the Free Zone. Panton warned that Mexican criminal elements, allegedly supported by politically connected individuals, were controlling operations, including the clearance of goods and the imposition of illicit fees. She highlighted a pervasive culture of fear among business owners and employees, who remain silent due to intimidation. Panton stressed that illegal activities, such as drug trafficking and counterfeit cigarette trade, pose a direct threat to national security and Belize’s international reputation. The seizure underscores the pressing need for enhanced oversight and security measures in the region.