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  • WIN writes House Speaker about electing Opposition Leader

    WIN writes House Speaker about electing Opposition Leader

    In a significant political development, the We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) party has formally requested the Speaker of the National Assembly, Manzoor Nadir, to convene a meeting for the election of the Opposition Leader. This move follows the swearing-in of WIN leader Azruddin Mohamed as a parliamentarian on Monday, November 3, 2025. Mohamed, who is currently on GY$150,000 bail pending a magistrate’s hearing regarding a U.S. extradition request for alleged wire fraud and money laundering, expressed confidence in his election as Opposition Leader. He emphasized that WIN is the primary opposition party and expects the Speaker to facilitate the process promptly. Mohamed expressed concern that the election did not occur during Monday’s parliamentary session, as he had anticipated. Historically, the Opposition Leader has not been elected at the first sitting of the National Assembly. WIN parliamentarian Tabita Sarabo-Halley confirmed that the party submitted a formal letter to the Speaker, signed by all WIN parliamentarians, urging the immediate election of the Opposition Leader in accordance with Guyana’s Constitution. Speaker Nadir acknowledged the request but indicated that formal notices would need to be issued, though the election could occur before the next parliamentary session. APNU parliamentary leader Dr. Terrence Campbell stressed the constitutional importance of the Opposition Leader’s role, expressing hope for a swift resolution. Meanwhile, Mohamed’s swearing-in ceremony was marked by a display of defiance, as he pumped his fist at the government benches, which included Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo and Attorney General Anil Nandlall. Jagdeo later made a light-hearted remark about Mohamed’s ability to use parliamentary devices while facing extradition. Mohamed also revealed plans to nominate two individuals to replace APNU-backed Election Commissioners, though he withheld their identities. The WIN leader’s arrival in a Lamborghini, allegedly imported at a reduced declared price to evade taxes, further fueled controversy. Mohamed criticized the governing People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPPC) for appointing one of its members as Deputy Speaker instead of adhering to the convention of selecting an opposition member, accusing the PPPC of seeking a ‘one-state government’ and ‘full-blown dictatorship.’ APNU’s Campbell defended their decision not to support Sarabo-Halley, citing the PPPC’s majority as insurmountable.

  • News : Zapping…

    News : Zapping…

    Haiti is navigating a critical juncture in its political and social spheres, with significant developments in governance, justice, and humanitarian efforts. Patrick Pélissier, the Minister of Justice and Public Security, has emphasized stringent measures to ensure the integrity of the upcoming elections. A budget of 3 billion gourdes has been allocated for the 2025-2026 fiscal year to fund political parties, with a firm stance that only candidates demonstrating exemplary moral conduct will be permitted to participate. This move aims to curb the influence of illicit funds in campaign financing and restore public trust in the electoral process.

    In a separate but equally pressing matter, Officer Sévère Aly, accused of raping a 16-year-old girl in police custody, has been referred to the General Inspectorate of the Haitian National Police (IGPNH) for an administrative hearing. Following the hearing, he was transferred to the Central Directorate of the Judicial Police (DCPJ), marking the transition from an administrative investigation to a formal judicial inquiry. This case underscores the ongoing challenges in ensuring accountability within law enforcement.

    Amidst these developments, the European Union has released €2 million in humanitarian aid to support communities affected by Haiti’s escalating gang violence. The funds will be directed toward providing food aid and assistance to displaced persons, addressing the urgent needs of those forced to flee their homes due to the crisis.

    On the diplomatic front, Anthony Dessources, Haiti’s Ambassador to Canada, met with students from the University of Ottawa Student Club (CEHUO) on October 30, 2025. The meeting highlighted the club’s efforts to promote Haitian values and support Haitian students at the university. Ambassador Dessources expressed his commitment to fostering stronger ties between the Haitian diplomatic mission and student organizations in Canada.

    In a significant humanitarian initiative, the FAES distributed 15,000 hot meals to internally displaced persons in Port-au-Prince and Pétion-Ville on November 1, 2025, as part of its Kantin Mobil (KM) program. The meals were distributed across multiple locations, reaffirming FAES’s dedication to supporting vulnerable populations with dignity and consistency.

  • Abinader announces humanitarian aid for Jamaica, Cuba and Haiti

    Abinader announces humanitarian aid for Jamaica, Cuba and Haiti

    In a significant humanitarian effort, the Dominican Republic has initiated aid deliveries to Caribbean nations severely affected by Hurricane Melissa. President Luis Abinader revealed the details during his weekly program, *LA Semanal con la Prensa*, on Monday. The first consignment of aid has already reached Jamaica via air transport, with additional supplies en route by sea. The president also confirmed plans to extend assistance to Cuba and Haiti, with coordination efforts currently in progress. The Ministry of Defense, spearheading the operation, is set to release a comprehensive report by Thursday, detailing the types and quantities of aid dispatched. Abinader emphasized the government’s commitment to supporting neighboring countries during this crisis. Additionally, the Dominican Embassy in Jamaica is actively monitoring the situation of approximately 2,200 Dominican nationals residing there, many of whom are employed in tourism and construction sectors. In collaboration with the airline Arajet, the government is facilitating the repatriation of those seeking to return home, although the exact number of returnees remains undetermined.

  • Constitution Day holiday moved to Monday, November 10

    Constitution Day holiday moved to Monday, November 10

    The Dominican Republic’s Ministry of Labor has announced a significant adjustment to the observance of Constitution Day, originally scheduled for Thursday, November 6. In accordance with Law 139-97, which governs the transfer of public holidays, the celebration has been officially shifted to Monday, November 10, effectively creating a long weekend for workers across the nation. The Ministry clarified that Thursday, November 6, will remain a regular working day, with employees expected to resume their duties on Tuesday, November 11, following the extended break. This change applies uniformly to both public and private sector institutions, ensuring compliance with national labor regulations. The adjustment aims to provide citizens with a more convenient holiday schedule while maintaining productivity and adherence to legal standards.

  • Community Shaken as Arnaldo Vellos Gunned Down in Corozal

    Community Shaken as Arnaldo Vellos Gunned Down in Corozal

    The tranquil town of Corozal was thrust into turmoil early Friday morning when 72-year-old Arnaldo Vellos was brutally gunned down outside his residence. The incident occurred as Vellos was preparing to leave his yard, only to be ambushed by several assailants who fired multiple shots, leading to his untimely death. The shocking nature of the crime has left the community reeling, compounded by the fact that Vellos is the uncle of Corozal Mayor Rigoberto Vellos. Authorities are now delving into the possibility that Vellos may have been entangled in an illicit drug operation, a theory that has gained traction following initial investigations. Assistant Commissioner of Police Hilberto Romero disclosed that Vellos was targeted as he approached his vehicle, and the suspects, all known to law enforcement, are currently being sought. The incident has sparked widespread concern and raised questions about the underlying motives behind such a cold-blooded execution.

  • Farmer Shot in San Estevan; Police Investigate Motive

    Farmer Shot in San Estevan; Police Investigate Motive

    A farmer in San Estevan, Orange Walk, is currently recovering after being shot on his farm on the afternoon of November 2, 2025. The incident has left the community in shock as authorities work diligently to uncover the circumstances surrounding the attack. Details remain limited, with investigators yet to determine whether the shooting was a targeted act or a random occurrence. Assistant Commissioner of Police Hilberto Romero, Head of the National Crime Investigation Branch, provided an update on the ongoing investigation. According to Romero, the victim, Abraham Chan, was engaged in farm work when he heard a loud bang and realized he had been shot. Chan promptly sought medical attention and is now in stable condition. Police have detained several suspects, but no charges have been filed as of yet. When questioned about the motive, Romero stated that investigators are pursuing multiple leads but have not yet established a definitive reason for the attack. The case continues to develop as authorities work to bring clarity to this unsettling event.

  • NDP offers public servants 50% tax off vehicles

    NDP offers public servants 50% tax off vehicles

    The New Democratic Party (NDP) has announced a series of policies aimed at alleviating the financial burden on citizens of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, particularly public sector workers and families. Opposition Leader Godwin Friday unveiled these measures during a radio interview on Hot 97 FM, emphasizing their potential to address the ongoing cost-of-living crisis. Among the key proposals is a 50% duty concession on vehicle purchases for public servants with at least 10 years of service, a policy designed to enhance mobility and reduce transportation costs. This initiative builds on a previous suggestion by Central Kingstown MP St. Clair Leacock and aims to extend benefits previously reserved for higher-ranking officials. Additionally, the NDP plans to introduce two VAT-free shopping days annually in August and December, offering citizens a reprieve from the 16% VAT rate. The party also announced a special duty-free concession of up to EC$20,000 for creatives to procure equipment, supporting the growth of the creative industries. Furthermore, families will receive a EC$500 ‘baby bonus’ upon the birth of a child, alongside a review of maternity leave policies to extend the current three-month period to six months. These measures, according to Friday, are practical and achievable, with the potential to significantly improve the quality of life for Vincentians.

  • Police Hunt Trio After Brazen Uno Gas Station Heist

    Police Hunt Trio After Brazen Uno Gas Station Heist

    Authorities in Belize City are actively pursuing three suspects following a daring daylight robbery at the Uno gas station located on the Philip Goldson Highway. The incident occurred on the afternoon of October 31, 2025, at mile one and a half. According to police reports, Eric Chi, the station manager, was preparing to make a deposit when he was accosted by an armed individual. A second suspect, arriving on a motorcycle, seized a substantial amount of cash before fleeing the scene. Assistant Commissioner Hilberto Romero, head of the National Crime Investigation Branch, provided details of the ongoing investigation. He confirmed that the suspects were observed waiting in a nearby parking lot before targeting Chi. While the possibility of an inside job is being considered, no concrete evidence has been uncovered yet. Surveillance cameras in the area are expected to aid in identifying the perpetrators. The police are urging anyone with information to come forward as they continue their search for the suspects.

  • Did Alcohol Play a Role in Fatal Weekend Motorcycle Crashes?

    Did Alcohol Play a Role in Fatal Weekend Motorcycle Crashes?

    Two separate motorcycle accidents over the weekend have left two men dead, raising questions about the role of alcohol and speeding in these tragic incidents. The first crash occurred on Saturday in the La Loma Luz area of the Cayo district, where Gerson Fuyub lost control of his motorcycle, collided with a cement structure, and later succumbed to his injuries. Authorities are awaiting toxicology reports to determine if alcohol was a factor. Later that same day, another fatal accident took place on the Hummingbird Highway, involving Jorge Gonzalez, who also lost control of his motorcycle and died from his injuries. Assistant Commissioner Hilberto Romero emphasized that investigations are ongoing to determine the exact causes, with speeding and alcohol consumption being primary concerns. These incidents serve as a stark reminder of the dangers on the road and the importance of safe driving practices.

  • Residents Push for Hangar’s Closure, Politician Pushes Back

    Residents Push for Hangar’s Closure, Politician Pushes Back

    A heated debate over public access to the Hangar seafront in Belize City has escalated, pitting residents against local politicians. A group of residents is advocating for restricted access, citing concerns over security and coastal erosion. Belize City Mayor Bernard Wagner has labeled the gatherings along the seafront as ‘invasions,’ emphasizing the need to protect residents’ quality of life. However, Fort George Area Representative Henry Charles Usher has voiced strong opposition, arguing that the area should remain accessible to the public as one of the few beachfront spaces available to Belizeans.

    The conflict dates back to 2022 when residents first petitioned to block vehicular traffic on the seafront road. The Belize City Council initially rejected the request, but in August 2024, residents shifted their strategy, applying to the Ministry of Lands to subdivide and purchase the street. While they cited environmental and security concerns, documents suggest their intent was to privatize the area. By 2025, armed with a letter from the Commissioner of Police and community support, the council approved the closure to vehicles, though Mayor Wagner claims the decision was collective and cannot recall who initiated the petition.

    Complicating matters, the street was named in honor of the late city engineer Henry C. Fairweather in 2013. His surviving relatives have expressed outrage, arguing that restricting public access would dishonor his legacy. Meanwhile, Mayor Wagner maintains that his focus is on safeguarding residents from disruptive gatherings. The controversy highlights the tension between public access and private interests, with no clear resolution in sight.