In a resounding display of international consensus, the United Nations General Assembly has once again urged the United States to terminate its long-standing economic embargo on Cuba. The resolution, passed on October 29, 2025, garnered support from 165 nations, with only seven opposing and 12 abstaining. This annual vote, a tradition spanning over three decades, underscores the global community’s persistent disapproval of the embargo, which has been in effect since the Cold War era. The embargo restricts most commercial and financial interactions between the U.S. and Cuba, a policy critics argue inflicts collective punishment on the Cuban people. Despite the overwhelming support for the resolution, the U.S., alongside Israel, Argentina, Hungary, North Macedonia, Paraguay, and Ukraine, voted against it. Belize was among the nations advocating for the embargo’s end. Notably, this year’s vote reflects a slight shift from the previous year, when 187 countries supported the resolution and only the U.S. and Israel opposed it. The U.S. attempted to justify its stance by accusing Cuba of deploying troops to support Russian forces in Ukraine—a claim vehemently denied by Cuban officials. Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez condemned the embargo as a punitive measure, while U.S. Deputy Ambassador to the UN, Jeff Bartos, defended the policy, emphasizing Washington’s commitment to holding Cuba’s communist regime accountable. While the UN vote carries significant symbolic and political weight, it lacks the authority to lift the embargo, a decision that remains the sole prerogative of the U.S. Congress.
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Update: Fourth body found in St Elizabeth, Jamaica
In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, authorities in St Elizabeth have confirmed the discovery of a fourth body, bringing the total death toll linked to the storm to four. Superintendent Coleridge Minto, head of the St Elizabeth Police, provided the latest update to the media. According to SP Minto, the victims include three males and one female. Two of the deceased men have been identified as 35-year-old Davion Johnson and 57-year-old Glenroy Johnson. Preliminary investigations suggest that Davion Johnson drowned, while Glenroy Johnson may have succumbed to a heart attack. Additionally, two bodies were recovered from Gallon Beach, one of whom has been identified as 57-year-old Darlene Bambridge. Prior to the hurricane’s landfall, three individuals had already lost their lives in storm-related incidents—two were crushed by falling trees, and one was electrocuted. The police continue their investigations as the community grapples with the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa.
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Hope, Athanaze shine as Windies Seal T20I Series
The West Indies have clinched an unassailable 2-0 lead in the Dutch-Bangla T20 International Series against Bangladesh, securing back-to-back victories in a commanding display. Entering the series with only one win in five bilateral matchups this year, the Caribbean side showcased their resilience and skill to claim their second series triumph of 2025. The Bir Shreshtho Flight Lieutenant Matiur Rahman Cricket Stadium was packed with enthusiastic supporters, adding to the electric atmosphere.
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Venezuela Declares Trinidad PM “Persona Non Grata”
In a dramatic escalation of diplomatic tensions, Venezuela has officially declared Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister, Kamla Persad-Bissessar, ‘persona non grata.’ The decision, ratified by Venezuela’s National Assembly on October 29, 2025, prohibits Persad-Bissessar from entering Venezuelan territory and brands her as unwelcome. This move comes in response to her outspoken endorsement of U.S. military operations targeting suspected drug-trafficking vessels in the Caribbean. ‘I have no sympathy for traffickers; the U.S. military should kill them all, violently,’ Persad-Bissessar stated earlier this month, sparking outrage in Venezuela. The Venezuelan government has vehemently criticized these military strikes as unlawful and a direct threat to regional peace and sovereignty. Reports suggest that at least 57 individuals have lost their lives in 13 separate attacks, though no concrete evidence has been presented to link the victims to drug trafficking. In a retaliatory measure, Venezuela has suspended a significant gas agreement with Trinidad and Tobago, accusing the island nation of aligning itself with U.S. military interests. Concurrently, Trinidad and Tobago is reportedly preparing to deport hundreds of undocumented Venezuelan migrants. While the timing of this action has raised eyebrows, government officials assert that the deportation plan has been in the works for two months, independent of the current diplomatic rift.
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Tax Reform Delayed, SARA Now Set for 2027
Belize’s ambitious tax reform initiative has encountered a significant delay, with the launch of the Semi-Autonomous Revenue Authority (SARA) now rescheduled for 2027. Originally anticipated to roll out sooner, the government has extended the timeline to allow for a one-year grace period before the transition begins. During this interim phase, the Belize Tax Services Department will continue its operations without disruption. Authorities are currently finalizing critical details, including staff salaries, insurance benefits, and job roles, to ensure a smooth transition to SARA. This reform is a cornerstone of Belize’s broader strategy to modernize its tax collection and management systems, promising enhanced efficiency and user-friendliness through digital platforms like the IRIS Belize Portal. However, the delay has sparked concerns among stakeholders, particularly the Public Service Union (PSU), which represents many affected employees. The PSU has criticized the lack of adequate consultation and raised alarms about potential impacts on workers, operational costs, and national revenue. Tensions escalated recently when the PSU’s letter to the Prime Minister reportedly went unanswered for weeks, fueling speculation of a possible strike. The government’s decision to postpone SARA’s implementation reflects a more cautious approach, though it remains uncertain whether this will alleviate the growing discontent among union members.
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Cadence-Lypso is still vibrant and touching lives, says Ophelia
Dominica’s iconic ‘Lady of Song,’ Ophelia Olivaccé-Marie, made a triumphant return to the World Creole Music Festival (WCMF) after a six-year hiatus, delivering a performance that reaffirmed the enduring vitality of Cadence-Lypso. The legendary artist, who has been a cornerstone of the festival since its inception, took to the stage on the second night of the 25th edition, captivating the audience with her timeless melodies and vibrant African attire. Despite a brief 30-minute set, Olivaccé-Marie expressed satisfaction, stating, ‘I managed to express myself and brought back the songs that people loved me for.’ Her performance, marked by enthusiastic audience participation, reinforced her belief that Cadence-Lypso remains a powerful medium for cultural expression. ‘I heard them sing, I saw them dance. It helped me understand that Cadence-Lypso is still alive and still touching people,’ she remarked. Beyond her musical contributions, Olivaccé-Marie addressed the challenges faced by the African diaspora in reconnecting with their heritage. She highlighted the lack of cohesion as a significant barrier, urging collective understanding and unity. ‘Our past is our roots, the foundation upon which we build. Without understanding where we come from, our journey forward will be difficult,’ she emphasized. She called for inspiration, passion, and leadership to bridge these gaps, asserting that progress is achievable when the majority moves forward together.
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ABWU and Airport Services Antigua Sign New Collective Bargaining Agreement
The Antigua and Barbuda Workers’ Union (ABWU) has successfully negotiated a new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) with Airport Services Antigua (ASA), effective from August 1, 2025, to July 31, 2028. This landmark agreement promises significant benefits for workers, including a 9% wage increase over the three-year period, ensuring fairer compensation as ASA strengthens its market position. Additionally, the CBA introduces increased allowances for Call-Out, Laundry, and Honey Bucket services, addressing employees’ daily needs more comprehensively. Looking forward, the ABWU has prioritized the establishment of a comprehensive health insurance policy for staff in the next round of negotiations, reflecting its commitment to the long-term well-being of its members. Fernando Samuel, Senior Industrial Relations Officer, expressed optimism about future negotiations, highlighting the company’s growth and the anticipated benefits for staff. The ABWU continues to advocate for fair wages, improved working conditions, and greater security for workers across all sectors.
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Jamaica reels from Hurricane Melissa as island suffers historic devastation
Jamaica is grappling with unprecedented devastation after Hurricane Melissa, the most intense storm in the island’s recorded history, unleashed its fury overnight. The hurricane left a trail of destruction, crippling power and communication networks across the nation. Journalist Nick Davis painted a grim picture of the aftermath, reporting catastrophic flooding, mudslides, and extensive roof damage. He likened the force of the winds to palm trees being ‘tossed like toothpicks,’ underscoring the storm’s ferocity. In Montego Bay, Local Government Minister Desmond McKenzie disclosed that parts of the city were entirely isolated as rivers surged up to five meters. Critical infrastructure, including hospitals and government offices, was inundated, forcing the evacuation of a homeless shelter. Rescue operations are ongoing but face significant challenges due to blocked roads and downed power lines. While no fatalities have been confirmed, communication with several parishes remains limited, raising concerns about the full extent of the damage. Amid the chaos, moments of hope emerged. McKenzie shared that three babies were safely delivered during the storm, one of whom he affectionately dubbed a ‘Melissa baby.’ He hailed these births as a testament to Jamaica’s resilience ‘even in the darkest hours.’ Hurricane Melissa has since moved on to Cuba, where it brought torrential rain and storm surges with winds reaching 185 km/h. The storm is now tracking northeast toward the Bahamas and Bermuda, prompting authorities to issue warnings for destructive winds and coastal flooding. In Jamaica, residents have begun the arduous task of clearing debris and checking on neighbors, showcasing the community’s enduring spirit of unity in the face of disaster.
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Simmons Captures a Double at Pre-Independence Table Tennis Open
The Antigua and Barbuda Table Tennis Association (ABTTA) successfully hosted its Pre-Independence Table Tennis Open on Saturday, October 25, at the Multipurpose Cultural & Exhibition Centre. The event, designed as a preparatory platform for the ANOCES Table Tennis Championships scheduled for November 7–9 in Grenada, drew significant attention and participation.
Mekhi Simmons emerged as the star of the tournament, delivering a stellar performance across both the U19 and Open categories. His remarkable control and poise captivated the audience, earning him widespread acclaim. In the U19 Final, Simmons triumphed over Emmanuel Stout in straight sets, with scores of 11–7, 11–4, 11–4. Later in the evening, he clinched the Open title in a gripping match against Sandra Joseph, securing victory with scores of 11–8, 11–9, 9–11, 11–2. The match was a testament to Simmons’ blend of power, patience, and precision.
ABTTA President praised the participants for their dedication and competitive spirit, stating, ‘This event underscores the growing passion for table tennis in Antigua and Barbuda. Our mission is to provide opportunities for players of all levels—from school beginners to national athletes—to compete, develop, and enjoy the sport.’
With the Pre-Independence Open concluded, the ABTTA is now focused on preparing the national team for the ANOCES Championships. The Association aims to leverage the positive momentum from recent domestic and regional competitions to achieve success on the international stage.
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Asphalt Works Advance in Tyrells and Bathlodge as Road Upgrades Continue
In a significant move to enhance local infrastructure, road improvement crews have commenced extensive resurfacing operations on key routes in Tyrells and Bathlodge. This initiative is a crucial component of the government’s broader islandwide infrastructure upgrade program, aimed at addressing long-standing transportation challenges. Local residents have expressed optimism about the project, highlighting its potential to alleviate persistent issues such as potholes and flooding, which have plagued the areas for years, particularly during heavy rainfall. The ongoing efforts are expected to improve road safety, reduce vehicle damage, and enhance overall connectivity, marking a pivotal step toward sustainable urban development in the region.