In a significant legal development, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in Guyana has announced the discontinuation of tax evasion and false declaration charges against Azruddin Mohamed. The charges, which were related to the undervaluation of a Lamborghini luxury car imported from the United States in 2020, were dropped following a formal extradition request from the U.S. government. The DPP cited international comity, fairness, and legal appropriateness as key factors in the decision. The Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) had initially filed the charges on May 15, 2025, alleging that Mohamed declared the car’s value at $75,300, while its actual worth was $695,000. The GRA’s case was bolstered by evidence from the U.S. Department of Justice, including an invoice and money transfer records. Mohamed and his father, Nazar Mohamed, are also facing an 11-count indictment in the U.S. for wire fraud, mail fraud, and money laundering. Both are currently contesting the extradition request.
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Fonseca Responds to Cabinet Reshuffle: “More Work, But I’m Committed”
In a significant Cabinet reshuffle announced by Prime Minister John Briceño, Minister Francis Fonseca has been entrusted with additional responsibilities, including the leadership of the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, alongside his existing roles in Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade, and Culture. Fonseca, who previously held the education portfolio, expressed his commitment to the new challenges, stating, ‘I respect that decision and look forward to once again working with our dynamic team at the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology and engaging with our education community to address the challenges we face. Obviously this means more work, but I’m committed to doing the best I can in service to the Belizean people.’ The reshuffle, effective from November 17th, has also seen other key changes: Kareem Musa has been reassigned to lead Immigration, Governance, and Labour, while Henry Charles Usher takes over Musa’s former roles in Home Affairs and Enterprise. Jose Abelardo Mai retains his position as Minister of Agriculture and Food Security and has been assigned the Ministry of New Growth Industries. Florencio Marin Jr now oversees Public Service and Disaster Risk Management, with his previous portfolio transferred to Oscar Requena, who returns to Rural Transformation, Local Government, and Community Development. The adjustments have sparked public interest and speculation about the implications for Belize’s governance.
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Saint Lucian man found dead in freshly dug grave in SVG, Police Investigating
Authorities in St. Vincent and the Grenadines have initiated a thorough investigation following the grim discovery of a Saint Lucian man’s body in a freshly dug grave in the Lowmans Leeward Mountains. The deceased has been identified as Lee-Chang Anthony, a 32-year-old farmer who resided in Long Wall, Kingstown. His body was found on the morning of November 9, 2025, prompting immediate action from law enforcement. The Royal Saint Vincent Police have confirmed that a post-mortem examination is scheduled for November 12 to ascertain the precise cause of death. While the circumstances surrounding his demise remain unclear, the police are actively pursuing leads to unravel the mystery. This incident has raised concerns in the local community, highlighting the need for vigilance and swift justice. The investigation continues as authorities work to piece together the events leading to this tragic discovery.
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Alwin Bully’s 1975 classic ‘STREAK’ commemorative staging returns for additional dates by popular demand
The Alwin Bully Foundation Inc. and La Cour des Arts de La Dominique Inc. have announced the revival of the iconic theatrical production, ‘STREAK,’ in honor of the late Dr. Alwin Bully’s 77th birthday. This landmark event celebrates his profound impact on Dominican culture and commemorates the play’s 50th anniversary. Performances are scheduled for November 22 and 23, 2025, at St. Gerards Hall, with additional shows added due to overwhelming public demand during Dominica’s independence celebrations. Originally premiering in 1975, ‘STREAK’ is a romantic comedy that intertwines humor with a poignant social commentary on Dominica’s history during the mid-1970s. The production team faced significant logistical challenges, including restoring the venue’s sound and lighting systems and arranging makeshift backstage facilities at St. Mary’s Academy. Directed by Severin McKenzie and supported by a talented cast and crew, the play blends drama, music, poetry, and dance, showcasing the vibrancy of Dominican cultural expression. This revival not only honors Bully’s artistic legacy but also rekindles appreciation for Caribbean theatre, inviting audiences to relive the dynamic spirit of the 1970s. Organizers emphasize that these performances offer a final opportunity to celebrate a work that continues to inspire and resonate across the Caribbean.
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‘Castries will look like Dubai’: Frederick pitches for reelection
As the general election in Saint Lucia approaches, Housing Minister Richard Frederick is vigorously campaigning to retain his seat in Castries Central. Frederick, who has branded himself as an Independent Labour Candidate, has reaffirmed his alignment with the Saint Lucia Labour Party (SLP). During his tenure, he has served as the Minister for Housing and Local Government under Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre’s administration. Frederick is now facing competition from Rosh Clarke of the United Workers Party and independent candidate Stanley Felix. At a recent gathering of SLP supporters, Frederick emphasized his contributions to the city’s infrastructure, including the construction of vending booths, the redevelopment of Bideau Park, the renovation of Darling Road Plaza, and the creation of an amphitheater in Serenity Park. He attributed the city’s transformation to the SLP government’s efforts, stating that Castries had been neglected between 2016 and 2021. Frederick urged constituents to reelect him, promising further development and even comparing the future of Castries to Dubai. He also took a swipe at his opponent Stanley Felix, highlighting Felix’s previous electoral losses in the constituency. Frederick expressed confidence in his reelection, predicting that he would set a record by winning the seat five times, while Felix would suffer a third defeat.
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NOTICE: Night works at Booby Alley
The Ministry of Works has issued a public advisory regarding scheduled night works in Booby Alley. The operations, set to take place tonight, will involve the use of heavy-duty equipment, necessitating heightened caution from the public. Motorists are specifically requested to comply with designated detours and follow all instructions provided by traffic control personnel. The Ministry emphasizes the importance of safety during these operations and appreciates the public’s cooperation in ensuring a smooth and secure process. Residents and commuters in the affected area are encouraged to plan their routes accordingly to minimize inconvenience.
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Google Pulls Belize Lottery App
In a surprising turn of events, Google has removed the ‘Fi We Boledo App’ developed by Belize Government Lotteries Limited (BGLL) from the Google Play Store. The app, which facilitates the purchase of real-money lottery tickets, was flagged during a review for violating Google’s stringent gambling policies, particularly in countries like Belize. While the app was initially approved, this subsequent action has left Android users in a precarious position. Although they can continue using the existing app, future updates will no longer be available, raising concerns about security and functionality. In response, BGLL has launched a web portal to ensure uninterrupted access for its users. This portal mirrors the app’s features, allowing users to log in with their existing accounts and retain all past purchases and winnings. Notably, iOS users remain unaffected, as Apple continues to permit licensed gambling apps in Belize.
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Gonsalves dismisses ‘political rant’ statements by Trinidad housing minister
Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves of St. Vincent and the Grenadines has vehemently dismissed allegations made by Trinidad and Tobago’s junior housing minister, Anil Roberts, labeling them as a “political rant.” Roberts claimed that Gonsalves’ wife and two children received preferential treatment in obtaining government-subsidized housing in Trinidad, a charge Gonsalves refuted during his weekly radio program. He accused Roberts of spreading falsehoods and innuendos aimed at damaging his family’s reputation. Gonsalves emphasized that his family’s housing transactions were legal, ethical, and devoid of any undue influence. He also clarified that his disagreement with Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar over the Caribbean being declared a zone of peace was not a personal attack but a policy critique. Gonsalves suggested that Roberts’ accusations might be politically motivated, aimed at aiding the opposition in St. Vincent’s upcoming general election. He expressed confidence that his Unity Labour Party would secure a decisive victory, citing public disapproval of Roberts’ conduct. The controversy has sparked a broader debate about regional politics, housing policies, and diplomatic relations in the Caribbean.
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EU Approves Five-Year Schengen Visas for Belizeans
In a landmark decision, the European Union has approved five-year multiple-entry Schengen visas for Belizean nationals, effective immediately. This new visa cascade applies to Belizeans holding regular, official, or diplomatic biometric passports, marking a significant enhancement in travel relations between Belize and the EU. Applications can be processed at Schengen embassies in Guatemala or Mexico, offering Belizeans unprecedented ease of access to the Schengen Area. The move represents the most generous application of EU Visa Code rules for a third country, eliminating the need for repeated visa applications as long as the traveler’s biometric passport remains valid. EU officials anticipate that this initiative will foster increased tourism, business opportunities, educational exchanges, and family visits, thereby strengthening cultural and economic ties between Belize and the EU. Belize has warmly welcomed this development, highlighting its potential to deepen people-to-people connections across the regions.
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BIS bereidt zich voor op promotie tijdens carrièrebeurs in Amsterdam
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Trade, and Cooperation (BIS) of Suriname recently hosted an information session to prepare for the country’s participation in the ‘Working in the Caribbean’ career fair, scheduled for April 24–25, 2026, at the Amsterdam RAI. Organized in collaboration with Memory Events B.V. from the Netherlands, the session aimed to inform government bodies, businesses, and institutions about the event and foster coordinated representation of Suriname. Director Henna Soerdjoesing emphasized that the fair presents a unique opportunity to position Suriname as an attractive destination for international professionals. A dedicated Suriname pavilion will be set up at the event, showcasing local businesses, educational institutions, and organizations to a broad audience. The session featured presentations by Geert Nab (CEO) and Myléne van Puffelen (COO) of Memory Events B.V., who detailed the fair’s concept and practical preparations. Attendees actively engaged in discussions, demonstrating keen interest and registering for further participation. BIS aims to lead a strong Surinamese delegation to the fair, which seeks to attract professionals from the Netherlands and the Caribbean to explore career opportunities in the region.