In a significant move to bolster sustainable development, the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) and the Inter-American Development Bank Group (IDB Group) have renewed their strategic partnership, committing $1 billion over the next five years to support Suriname and Guyana. The agreement, formalized through a memorandum of understanding (MoU), focuses on key sectors including transportation, energy, urban development, education, rural development, health, and resilience. This collaboration aims to drive inclusive growth, enhance regional connectivity, and build climate resilience in both nations. IsDB President Dr. Muhammad Al Jasser emphasized the commitment to transformative projects that improve livelihoods and promote shared prosperity. IDB Group President Ilan Goldfajn highlighted the partnership’s potential to unlock co-financing opportunities and foster inclusive growth. Beyond Suriname and Guyana, the partnership will also benefit other member countries with significant Muslim populations, promoting trade, investment, and sustainable transportation solutions. Both institutions reaffirmed their dedication to knowledge sharing and impactful development solutions, strengthening cooperation among Latin America, the Caribbean, Gulf States, and other stakeholders.
博客
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Bees kill man
A fatal incident involving a swarm of bees occurred on Wednesday morning in the Enterprise backlands of East Coast Demerara, Guyana, resulting in the death of a 67-year-old man. The victim, identified as Lennox “Mikey” Luke from Kitty, Greater Georgetown, was accompanied by 29-year-old Selwyn Dean, a construction worker from the same area, when the attack took place. The two men were reportedly cleaning and erecting a fence on Luke’s property between 9:30 AM and 10:45 AM when the bees suddenly emerged. While Dean managed to escape with minor injuries, Luke fell to the ground and was overwhelmed by the swarm. Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT) and personnel from the National Agricultural Research Institute (NARI) responded to the scene, using smoke to disperse the bees. Luke was transported to Enmore Regional Hospital in an unconscious state but was pronounced dead shortly after receiving treatment at approximately 11:20 AM. The body has been transferred to Jerricks Funeral Home, where an autopsy is pending. Authorities have photographed the scene and are continuing their investigation into the tragic event.
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Death of British Man Under Investigation
Authorities in Belize have initiated a thorough investigation following the tragic death of a British national, Eric Leonard Storey, 52, who was discovered unconscious near a hotel in Caye Caulker on Tuesday. Storey had reportedly checked into the Casa Vista Hotel on the island’s north side just one day prior to the incident. According to preliminary reports, several witnesses in the vicinity heard a loud thud and subsequently found Storey lying motionless on the ground. He was immediately transported to the Caye Caulker Health Clinic, where medical professionals attempted to revive him. Despite their efforts, Storey succumbed to his injuries later that evening. The circumstances surrounding his injuries and the duration of his stay in Belize remain unclear. Assistant Superintendent of Police Stacy Smith stated, ‘No information has been ascertained in relation to that. It’s an ongoing investigation.’ The case has drawn significant attention, with local authorities working diligently to uncover the truth behind this mysterious death.
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British national fatally shot in Garrand, Babonneau
A tragic incident unfolded in Garrand, Babonneau, Saint Lucia, on the evening of October 28, when 26-year-old British national Kenrelle O’Flaherty was fatally shot. The Royal Saint Lucia Police Force (RSLPF) reported that officers from the Babonneau Police Station were dispatched to the scene after receiving reports of a lifeless body along the roadway at approximately 10:50 p.m. Upon arrival, law enforcement discovered O’Flaherty with visible gunshot wounds. A medical practitioner later pronounced him dead at the scene. O’Flaherty, a resident of Anguilla, was reportedly visiting Saint Lucia at the time of the incident. The RSLPF has initiated a homicide investigation to uncover the circumstances surrounding his death. Authorities are urging anyone with relevant information to contact the Major Crimes Unit at 456-3754 or 456-3756, or to submit an anonymous tip via the Crime Hotline (555) or the RSLPF Crime Hotline App. The investigation remains ongoing as law enforcement seeks to bring clarity and justice to this devastating event.
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Student Cleared in Princess Margaret School Assault Allegation
A male student at Princess Margaret School has been exonerated after being falsely accused of assaulting his form teacher during a classroom incident last week. Initially, the student was alleged to have inappropriately touched the teacher, which reportedly led to the teacher slapping him. The boy returned home with visible swelling, prompting his parents to intervene. They firmly maintained their son’s innocence and demanded a thorough investigation. A meeting on Tuesday involving school officials, the teacher, and the parents concluded that the student was not responsible for the alleged act. Instead, a female student later admitted to being the one who touched the teacher. Despite the exoneration, the boy’s mother revealed that the teacher has not apologized, and her son was humiliated in front of his classmates. The family is now considering legal action and expects the Ministry of Education to address the issue. The ministry has confirmed that it is currently reviewing the case.
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Hurricane Melissa significantly damages four major Jamaican hospitals
Jamaica’s healthcare infrastructure has been dealt a severe blow following the devastating impact of Category 5 Hurricane Melissa, which struck the island on October 28. At least four major hospitals have sustained significant damage, as confirmed by Dr. Christopher Tufton, Jamaica’s Minister of Health and Wellness. The hurricane made landfall in New Hope, Westmoreland, around midday, unleashing its fury on critical facilities across the island. Among the affected institutions are Noel Holmes Hospital in Hanover, Black River Hospital in St. Elizabeth, Cornwall Regional Hospital in St. James, and Falmouth Hospital in Trelawny. The Cornwall Regional Hospital, in particular, saw substantial damage to its nurses’ quarters, which had been repurposed for other uses. Dr. Tufton noted that relocation efforts are underway, though some are delayed due to ongoing rainfall. He emphasized the fluidity of the situation, stating, ‘A lot is happening, and it’s unfolding as we speak, so it’s hard to give specifics.’ The Ministry of Health and Wellness has activated emergency protocols, with Black River Hospital experiencing severe disruptions to its services. Patients were preemptively relocated as a precautionary measure. The Ministry is collaborating with the Southern Regional Health Authority and parish emergency services to stabilize operations. Despite the challenges, healthcare workers are reportedly working tirelessly to ensure patient care and safety. Social media images reveal extensive damage, including a roof torn off at Savanna-la-Mar Hospital in Westmoreland, further underscoring the hurricane’s destructive force.
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Opposition Demands Answers on Silver Palm Approval
The approval of the Silver Palm development, a major real estate project on Ambergris Caye, Belize, has sparked significant controversy and opposition. The project, approved in December 2024 under a Limited Level Environmental Study, bypassed public consultation, raising questions about transparency and environmental safeguards. Critics, including the Opposition, are demanding answers from the Department of the Environment (DOE) and Chief Environmental Officer Anthony Mai. They question why a full Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) was not conducted, why key NGOs were excluded, and why objections from the Fisheries Department and the Ministry of the Blue Economy were reportedly disregarded. In an interview, Mai defended the decision, stating that the project’s size—270 acres—fell just below the 300-acre threshold requiring an EIA. He emphasized that the project underwent review by a smaller group within the National Environmental Appraisal Committee (NEAC) and was granted clearance with strict conditions. Despite claims that the development is primarily a subdivision project, promotional materials depict it as a luxury, ready-to-build community with modern infrastructure. The Opposition insists on full transparency, the release of all project documents, and a halt to work until a comprehensive EIA is completed and made public.
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Trinidad PM says Caricom not a reliable partner
Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has firmly stated that her country will not be coerced or manipulated in its security efforts, accusing certain Caribbean Community (Caricom) nations of aligning with Venezuela amidst escalating regional tensions. During a live interview on the Crime Watch programme with Ian Alleyne, Persad-Bissessar expressed disappointment with Caricom’s reliability, emphasizing that some member states have prioritized Venezuela over Trinidad and Tobago. She vowed that no external entity would pressure or blackmail her administration in its fight against crime and drug trafficking. This statement comes amid heightened security concerns in the Caribbean, including increased U.S. military presence and allegations of Venezuelan-backed drug cartels. The U.S. has deployed a nuclear-powered submarine, reconnaissance aircraft, and destroyers to the region, conducting airstrikes against suspected traffickers. While Trinidad and Tobago supports these efforts, Venezuela has accused the U.S. of destabilizing the region. Persad-Bissessar denied claims of colluding with Washington to undermine Venezuela, stressing that her government has not engaged in energy-related negotiations with Caracas. She also highlighted Trinidad and Tobago’s domestic security challenges, including rising crime rates, and announced plans to extend the state of emergency declared in July. The Prime Minister reaffirmed her administration’s commitment to regional security and international anti-narcotics initiatives, while maintaining solidarity with the Venezuelan people.
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Feinstein’s Fraud Case Over Stake Bank Hits Pause
The high-profile fraud case involving developer Michael Feinstein and the contentious Stake Bank project has been postponed, marking another twist in a legal saga that has captivated Belize. Scheduled to commence in the High Court on October 29, 2025, the proceedings were abruptly delayed as Feinstein’s British legal team sought a stay to appeal a prior decision barring the submission of new evidence. Justice Susan Goonetilleke adjourned the case pending a ruling from the Court of Appeal on the matter.
The dispute traces back to April 2024, when Atlantic Bank Limited accused Feinstein and Stake Bank Enterprises of fraud, alleging that $62 million in financing for a cruise port development was misused. The bank claims Feinstein unlawfully transferred a 23.5-acre island extension to his personal name rather than the company’s. Outside the courtroom, Feinstein lashed out at his adversaries, labeling them “banksters” and accusing financial institutions and government officials of conspiring to seize control of the multimillion-dollar project.
Adding to the controversy, the Government of Belize recently moved to compulsorily acquire 23.4 acres of Stake Bank Island, a decision Feinstein’s group has denounced as unlawful and lacking public interest, particularly given the presence of other port facilities like the Port of Belize. This latest delay prolongs a legal battle that continues to raise questions about transparency, accountability, and the future of the Stake Bank development.
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Road Rehabilitation Underway on long stretch of road in Bathlodge
The Ministry of Works in Antigua and Barbuda is currently spearheading a significant road rehabilitation project in Bathlodge, a community that has long grappled with deteriorating infrastructure. This initiative, which focuses on a crucial access road serving numerous residents, is set to transform the area’s transportation network. The project was necessitated by years of wear and tear, exacerbated by heavy rainfall, which had rendered the road unsafe and challenging to navigate. Local resident Maria Vanessa Browne expressed relief, describing the road’s previous condition as ‘horrid’ and highlighting the anticipated benefits of the upgrades. Minister of Health, Wellness, and the Environment, Sir Molwyn Joseph, alongside other officials, recently inspected the ongoing work, underscoring the government’s commitment to infrastructure development. This project is part of a broader effort by the Ministry of Works to enhance road networks across Antigua and Barbuda, ensuring safer and more accessible travel for motorists and pedestrians alike.