Belize’s under-19 boys’ basketball team has clinched a bronze medal at the 2025 Central American Games, marking a significant achievement for the nation. Despite facing numerous challenges, the young Jaguars showcased exceptional skill and determination, defeating Guatemala with a final score of 85-72. Tevaughn Dawson emerged as the standout player, contributing 27 points and 10 rebounds to the team’s victory. Ranked ninth in the Americas and first in Central America, the team was a strong contender for gold. However, limited resources and scheduling conflicts prevented several key players from participating, impacting their chances. Jacob Leslie, President of the Belize Basketball Federation, will provide insights into the team’s journey and the obstacles they overcame in an upcoming interview on News at Noon. While the victory is celebrated, it is tinged with regret over what could have been.
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Belize Police Department Embraces Non-Lethal Alternatives
The Belize Police Department has taken a significant step toward modernizing its approach to law enforcement by integrating non-lethal alternatives into its operations. On October 29, 2025, officers participated in a comprehensive training session focused on the use of pepper balls and other non-lethal rounds. These tools are designed to de-escalate dangerous situations without resorting to deadly force, offering a safer option for both officers and suspects. Unlike traditional live ammunition, which can result in severe injuries or fatalities, pepper balls temporarily incapacitate individuals by causing pain and disorientation, minimizing the risk of permanent harm. This shift reflects a broader trend in policing to prioritize safety and reduce unnecessary violence. The training exercise emphasized practical skills, ensuring officers are well-equipped to handle high-pressure scenarios effectively. A video documenting the session is set to be released tomorrow, providing further insight into this progressive initiative.
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Government sends heavy equipment to restore farmlands affected by Storm Melissa
In response to the devastation caused by Tropical Storm Melissa, the Dominican Republic’s Ministry of Agriculture has deployed a comprehensive recovery operation in the nation’s primary agricultural regions. Heavy machinery, including backhoes, bulldozers, mechanical shovels, and trucks, has been mobilized to clear debris and restore access to affected farmlands. Specialized teams have also been assigned to prune damaged vegetation and clear obstructed areas, providing critical support to local producers. Minister Limber Cruz has emphasized the urgency of assessing and repairing inter-parcel roads to minimize crop losses and ensure timely transportation of produce to markets. This initiative is a key component of the government’s broader strategy to protect the national food supply and revive agricultural productivity. The storm, which escalated into a Category 5 hurricane, inflicted significant indirect damage across multiple provinces, including San Cristóbal, Peravia, San José de Ocoa, Barahona, and Monte Plata, with ongoing evaluations to determine the full extent of the impact.
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President moet oordelen over ontheffing ovj Rathipal
In a significant development within the legal system, Prosecutor General Gracia Paragsingh has officially relieved Reshmi Rathipal, a public prosecutor, of her duties. The decision, announced on Wednesday, October 29, comes as a formal dossier has been submitted to President Jennifer Simons, urging her to take appropriate measures against Rathipal. The Public Prosecution Service (OM) has stated that this action was deemed necessary due to issues related to the official’s performance. Further steps in this matter remain pending, subject to the discretion of the competent authority. The Prosecutor General’s decision was made in consultation with the OM’s Management Team. While awaiting the President’s final decision, Rathipal has been temporarily suspended from her position. This move underscores the OM’s commitment to maintaining integrity and accountability within its ranks.
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Italië verhoogt bijdrage voor duurzaam energieproject in Pusugrunu
Suriname has secured an additional €100,000 in funding from the Italian government for its sustainable energy initiative in the village of Pusugrunu. This supplementary support augments the previously approved €652,000 allocated for the development of renewable energy infrastructure to benefit the local community. The commitment was formalized during the 4th Joint Commission Meeting between Italy and CARICOM member states, held recently in New York. Suriname was represented by Ambassador Sunil Sitaldin, the Permanent Representative to the United Nations, as confirmed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Business, and International Cooperation. The project, titled ‘The Provision of Renewable Energy Electrification Solutions for the Villages of Pusugrunu,’ falls under the Italy-CARICOM Memorandum of Understanding signed in March 2023. Italy has pledged a total of USD 16.3 million for 19 sustainable projects across the region, addressing areas such as climate resilience, deforestation, coastal protection, and clean water access. In November 2025, a delegation from Suriname’s Ministry of Natural Resources will visit Pusugrunu to update the community on the project’s initiation phase and final technical preparations.
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Grace jabs Shevern over party leaders’ vaccine mandate stance
The political landscape in North Windward has become increasingly heated as Grace Walters, the Unity Labour Party’s (ULP) candidate and a Hospital Administrator, clashed with her opponent, Shevern John of the New Democratic Party (NDP), over the contentious COVID-19 vaccine mandate. The mandate, implemented in 2021, led to the dismissal of hundreds of public sector workers, a decision that has become a focal point in the upcoming general elections scheduled for November 27.
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Is Belize City’s “Hangar” at the Centre of a Secret Land Grab?
In a surprising turn of events, the Belize City Council recently removed concrete barricades that had blocked access to the popular seafront hangout known as the ‘Hangar,’ reopening the area to vehicles. However, this move has sparked concerns over a potential secret land grab involving Belize’s wealthy elite. According to a highly placed source, there may be a covert plan to transfer publicly-used seafront land to private hands. Court documents, government receipts, and land records obtained by our newsroom reveal that prominent individuals are listed as clients in a provisional subdivision approval issued last year for parcels along the same coastline. The council had initially blocked public access to the area in August, citing concerns over loitering and crime. However, questions have arisen about whether the true motive was to secure highly valuable seafront property for private ownership. Sources suggest that the barricading of the Hangar could be part of a long-term strategy to decommission the seafront road, potentially transforming a public space used by fishers, swimmers, and ordinary Belizeans into private property. The situation raises concerns about the loss of public access to Belize City’s coastline, with many questioning who is truly behind the push to close off the Hangar. Stay tuned for more details tonight at 6 PM on GBM.
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FLASH : 41 victims, 13 missing (provisional report from Melissa)
Hurricane Melissa has left a trail of destruction in Haiti, with the latest provisional report confirming 41 fatalities and 13 individuals still missing. The storm, which initially threatened the Caribbean nation, has now moved southwest toward Bermuda, leading to a gradual decrease in humidity and rainfall over the next 48 hours. Despite this, the Haitian Hydrometeorological Unit (UHM) has maintained various alert levels across multiple departments due to ongoing risks of heavy rain and high waves. The departments of Grand’Anse, Nippes, and South remain under red alerts, while others like West and South-East have been downgraded to orange alerts. The Civil Protection Directorate has reported significant flooding, particularly in the West, where the La Digue River overflowed, causing widespread damage and loss of life. In Grand’Anse, a motorcycle accident resulted in injuries and a missing passenger. Over 13,900 people have sought refuge in 121 active shelters, with conditions in these facilities being closely monitored to ensure access to basic necessities. The agricultural sector has also been severely impacted, with banana plantations, fruit trees, and other crops suffering extensive damage. Road infrastructure has been heavily affected, with several routes blocked by fallen trees and floodwaters. Urgent repairs are needed to restore traffic flow and facilitate aid delivery. Health concerns are rising, with reports of diarrhea cases in shelters and a shortage of drinking water in some areas. The Haitian government and international aid organizations are mobilizing resources to address the immediate needs of the affected population and to begin the long process of recovery and rebuilding.
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Ali welcomes Islamic Development Bank, IDB Group’s $1 billion financing for Suriname, Guyana development
In a significant move to bolster sustainable development in South America, the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) and the Inter-American Development Bank Group (IDB Group) have pledged $1 billion over the next five years to support Suriname and Guyana. The announcement was made during President Irfaan Ali’s official visit to Saudi Arabia, where he expressed gratitude for the global confidence in Guyana’s leadership and development strategy. The two institutions also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to formalize their renewed partnership, which will focus on key sectors including transportation, energy, urban development, education, health, and resilience. IsDB President Dr. Muhammad Al Jasser emphasized the bank’s commitment to empowering member countries and fostering partnerships that drive sustainable development. Similarly, IDB Group President Ilan Goldfajn highlighted the collaboration’s potential to unlock co-financing opportunities and improve lives in the region. Beyond Suriname and Guyana, the partnership aims to enhance cooperation in other member countries with significant Muslim populations, promoting inclusive growth and climate resilience. President Ali described the initiative as part of Guyana’s success story, showcasing the nation’s positive global engagement and innovative diplomacy. The IsDB, headquartered in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, and the IDB Group, a leading financier in Latin America and the Caribbean, reaffirmed their shared commitment to knowledge sharing and impactful development solutions.
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Carpenter injures butcher
A violent altercation in Meten-Meer-Zorg, West Coast Demerara, resulted in a butcher sustaining injuries at the hands of a carpenter, according to local authorities. The incident unfolded on the evening of Sunday, October 26, 2025, around 9:20 PM. Preliminary reports from the Guyana Police Force reveal that the 33-year-old butcher was injured during a confrontation with a 32-year-old carpenter, both residents of the same community. Law enforcement officers swiftly responded to the scene, apprehended the suspect, and transported both individuals to the Leonora Police Station. The injured butcher was initially treated at the Leonora Cottage Hospital before being transferred to the West Demerara Regional Hospital for comprehensive medical care. Authorities have recovered the suspected weapon and are continuing their investigation into the matter.