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  • Vreedzaam vraagt in openbrief Simons helderheid gouddiefstal Grassalco

    Vreedzaam vraagt in openbrief Simons helderheid gouddiefstal Grassalco

    In a formal open letter to President Jennifer Simons, National Assembly member Jennifer Vreedzaam has called for immediate clarification regarding the alleged theft of gold at the state-owned company N.V. Grassalco. Reports of discrepancies in the company’s gold reserves have raised significant concerns about transparency and accountability. Vreedzaam, representing the Para district where Grassalco is headquartered, emphasized the company’s critical role in the economic and social development of the region, particularly for the indigenous communities in the Maripaston area, where gold mining operations are conducted. She highlighted the initial promise of ‘fair benefit sharing’ and sustainable, mercury-free mining, which has yet to materialize in meaningful community participation. Vreedzaam stressed the need for a thorough investigation into the alleged theft, citing potential systemic failures in Grassalco’s management and internal controls. She referenced Article 13 of the Anti-Corruption Act, which prohibits actions causing financial harm to state institutions, and posed a series of critical questions. These included inquiries into contractual transparency, financial oversight, governance protocols, and the handling of the incident. Additionally, she questioned the application of FPIC (Free, Prior, and Informed Consent) protocols to ensure the rights of indigenous communities. Vreedzaam urged prompt and comprehensive responses to these issues, underscoring the public’s right to accountability and integrity in state operations.

  • BEL Crew Heads to Jamaica to Help Restore Power After Hurricane Melissa

    BEL Crew Heads to Jamaica to Help Restore Power After Hurricane Melissa

    A specialized team from Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) has embarked on a mission to Jamaica to aid in the restoration of power infrastructure devastated by Hurricane Melissa. The Category 5 hurricane struck Jamaica on October 28, 2025, unleashing winds surpassing 180 miles per hour and causing extensive damage to homes, businesses, and critical utilities, particularly in the central and western parishes. The BEL crew, led by Line Supervisor Tyrone Reynolds, includes skilled Power Line Technicians Kareem Lopez, Perr Tillett, Ethan Alvarado, Bladimir Alvarez, Adolfo Oliva, and Kendale August. They will collaborate with other regional teams under the Caribbean Electric Utility Services Corporation (CARILEC) to expedite the recovery process. BEL CEO John Mencias emphasized the company’s commitment, stating, ‘We stand in solidarity with our Jamaican brothers and sisters by joining our thoughts and prayers with our actions.’ This initiative underscores the regional cooperation and resilience in the face of natural disasters.

  • Farmer Mauled to Death by Bush Hog in Blue Creek

    Farmer Mauled to Death by Bush Hog in Blue Creek

    A devastating farming accident in the Blue Creek Community has resulted in the death of 57-year-old Peter Dyck. The incident occurred on the morning of November 12, 2025, when Dyck attempted to climb onto a moving bush hog operated by a 15-year-old minor. Tragically, he slipped and fell beneath the machine, sustaining fatal injuries. Emergency services rushed Dyck to the Northern Regional Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries. Local police in Orange Walk are actively investigating the circumstances surrounding this unfortunate event. The community has been left in shock, and authorities are emphasizing the importance of safety protocols in agricultural operations to prevent such tragedies in the future.

  • Officers Found Guilty of “Fabricating Statements” in Jesse Escobar Shooting

    Officers Found Guilty of “Fabricating Statements” in Jesse Escobar Shooting

    In a landmark verdict, two law enforcement officers have been found guilty of perverting the course of justice in connection with the 2021 fatal shooting of off-duty BDF soldier Jesse Escobar. BDF Private Ramon Alcoser and Police Corporal Juan Carlos Morales were convicted after a magistrate determined that their statements regarding the incident were “entirely fabricated.” The ruling came after video evidence from the Branch Mouth Stop & Shop Store in Santa Familia unequivocally demonstrated that Escobar neither behaved aggressively nor attempted to disarm the officer who shot him. Director of Public Prosecutions Cheryl-Lynn Vidal hailed the decision as “extremely important,” emphasizing that the magistrate dismissed the defense’s argument that the officers were too “tired” and “hungry” to provide accurate statements. Vidal stated, “The recording clearly showed that Jesse never reached out to grab anyone’s gun and was not acting aggressively toward the shooter.” She further underscored that the conviction serves as a stern warning to law enforcement officers who might consider distorting the truth. “This case sends a clear message that such behavior will not be tolerated in the future,” Vidal added. Both officers have been remanded in custody pending their sentencing next month.

  • The Budna File: ‘A File Full of Empty Words’

    The Budna File: ‘A File Full of Empty Words’

    In a scathing critique of the police investigation into the abduction of Joseph Budna, Cheryl-Lynn Vidal, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), has labeled the case file as ‘less than nothing.’ Vidal, who received the file last week, expressed her disappointment, stating that she had anticipated a thin file but was shocked by the lack of substantive information. ‘I apologize as director for saying this, but I was expecting nothing. What I was not expecting was less than nothing,’ Vidal remarked. She emphasized that her office is currently reviewing the file as a team but noted that, based on the information provided, no arrests can be made at this time. ‘Very few people saw anything, and what they saw, they are not too sure about,’ she explained. The case was handed over to the DPP by Prime Minister John Briceño, who opted against an independent investigation due to the Attorney General’s advice that there was no legal framework to support it. Budna was abducted in Orange Walk in August, and while Constable Barrington Flowers was initially accused of aiding in the abduction, he has since been moved to full-pay suspension and denies all allegations. Budna remains incarcerated in a Guatemalan prison.

  • Welsh fined for drug possession; two others convicted for Larceny

    Welsh fined for drug possession; two others convicted for Larceny

    In a recent development in St. Kitts, Randolph Welsh of Lower Monkey Hill has been convicted and fined for multiple drug-related offenses. Welsh faced charges on August 15, 2025, for possession of cannabis and cocaine with intent to supply, followed by additional charges on August 21, 2025, for possession of methamphetamine and intent to supply. Welsh pleaded guilty to all charges and was fined EC$5,000, with a three-month deadline for payment. Failure to comply will result in a six-month imprisonment. The sentence was issued on November 10, 2025, by Her Honour Ms. Yasmine Clarke at the Basseterre Magistrate’s Court. In a separate case, Marsha Graham of Shadwell and Althea France of Bird Rock were convicted for larceny. Graham was fined EC$1,500 and ordered to pay EC$250 in compensation, while France faced fines of EC$1,500 for each of her two charges and EC$550 in compensation. Both must pay within specified deadlines or face three months’ imprisonment. Their sentences were handed down by His Honour Reynold Benjamin on October 27, 2025, at the same court.

  • Human Skeletal Remains Found in Orange Walk

    Human Skeletal Remains Found in Orange Walk

    A chilling discovery in the Orange Walk District has prompted a thorough police investigation. On the morning of November 12, 2025, human skeletal remains were found near the Orange Walk Bypass. The remains were located inside a small wooden house approximately half a mile from the main road. The grim find was reported by a passerby, who noticed the body in an advanced state of decomposition. Authorities have confirmed that DNA testing will be conducted to identify the deceased as the investigation progresses. The case has drawn significant attention, with local residents and social media users expressing concern over the unsettling discovery.

  • Waste management upgrades ongoing with four new trucks delivered to DSWMC today

    Waste management upgrades ongoing with four new trucks delivered to DSWMC today

    Dominica is taking significant strides to improve its waste management system with the acquisition of four new garbage trucks by the Dominica Solid Waste Management Corporation (DSWMC). These vehicles, received during a formal handover ceremony, will be strategically distributed across the island, covering the north, north-eastern, south, south-eastern, and central regions. This initiative aims to address long-standing challenges in waste collection and disposal, enhancing efficiency and service delivery. Florian Mitchell, General Manager of DSWMC, emphasized the importance of this development, noting that the corporation has already received six trucks and expects two more by December. Mitchell highlighted the critical role of public cooperation, urging residents and commercial entities to adhere to waste management protocols, such as sorting waste and following collection schedules. He also addressed specific issues in Roseau City Centre, calling on businesses to use authorized waste haulers and avoid improper disposal practices. Meanwhile, Cozier Frederick, Minister for Environment, Rural Modernisation, Kalinago Upliftment, and Constituency Empowerment, outlined ongoing investments in landfill infrastructure and recycling initiatives. Frederick stressed the need for public education campaigns to foster environmental consciousness and ensure citizens understand their responsibilities. Both officials underscored the importance of collective action in maintaining Dominica’s reputation as the ‘Nature Island.’

  • Man Claims Cockroach Told Him to Kill Two

    Man Claims Cockroach Told Him to Kill Two

    A shocking incident in Albuquerque, New Mexico, has left the community in disbelief after a 25-year-old man allegedly claimed a cockroach instructed him to commit a double homicide. Alexis Hernandez was arrested on the night of November 12, 2025, following the fatal shooting of one man and the stabbing of another inside a residence. According to the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office, Hernandez confessed to the crimes, stating he received an “encrypted message” from a cockroach that compelled him to act. Deputies arrived at the scene around 10:30 p.m. after reports of gunfire. They found Hernandez at the door, armed with a firearm and a Marine Corps sabre. He reportedly told officers he was a Marine and “had to do what he had to do.” Inside the home, authorities discovered one victim with gunshot wounds and another with stab wounds in an attached apartment. Two young children were also present but remained unharmed. The case has raised questions about mental health and the bizarre nature of the alleged motive, leaving investigators and the public alike searching for answers.

  • UK halts some intelligence sharing with US over Caribbean drug boat strikes

    UK halts some intelligence sharing with US over Caribbean drug boat strikes

    The United Kingdom has reportedly ceased sharing intelligence with the United States regarding suspected drug trafficking vessels in the Caribbean, citing concerns over the legality of US military strikes. According to CNN, the UK government has decided to withhold this information to avoid complicity in what it deems illegal actions. Since September, US strikes on these vessels have resulted in at least 70 fatalities. The UK, which controls several Caribbean territories, previously assisted the US in identifying suspect vessels for interception by the US Coast Guard. However, the UK has now stopped this cooperation, fearing that its intelligence might be used to target boats for lethal strikes. British officials believe these strikes violate international law, a view echoed by the UN’s human rights chief, Volker Türk, who labeled them as “extrajudicial killings.” The UK’s decision marks a significant departure from its closest ally and intelligence-sharing partner, reflecting growing skepticism over the US campaign’s legality. Canada, another key US ally, has also distanced itself from the policy, refusing to allow its intelligence to be used for targeting strikes. Colombian President Gustavo Petro has similarly suspended intelligence sharing with US agencies until the attacks cease. The Trump administration defends the strikes, arguing they are legal under the Law of Armed Conflict, but this stance has been challenged by international law experts and senior US defense officials, including Admiral Alvin Holsey, who questioned the strikes’ legality and offered to resign.