In a significant move to alleviate financial pressures on consumers, the government has announced the removal of Value Added Tax (VAT) on eight essential food items. Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves made the declaration during his Independence Address on Monday, confirming that the changes will take effect from November 3. The exempted items include chicken parts, processed cheddar cheese, canned tuna, canned sardines, chicken sausages, cereals, lentils, and health drinks like Ensure and Suppligen. These products will now join other food items already exempt from VAT, such as chicken and turkey wings, back, and neck. The Prime Minister emphasized that this targeted approach aims to provide tangible relief to consumers while ensuring the government can monitor the impact effectively. He projected that the exemption would cost the Treasury approximately EC$8 million annually but assured that the country’s expected economic growth would offset this loss. Gonsalves criticized calls for a blanket VAT reduction, arguing that such measures would cost the government EC$60 million annually and necessitate cuts to essential services or increased taxes elsewhere. He also addressed calls to reduce VAT on domestic electricity, noting that nearly 90% of households already fall below the consumption threshold for VAT. The Prime Minister reiterated his commitment to responsible governance, emphasizing that the government’s approach prioritizes the people’s welfare while maintaining fiscal stability.
博客
-
CAUGHT: Suspected gas station bomber arrested
In a significant breakthrough, law enforcement authorities have apprehended Daniel Alexander Ramirez Peodomo, the prime suspect in the devastating bombing of a Mobil gas station in East Bank Essequibo, Guyana. The arrest followed a swift manhunt initiated after the suspect was identified as the individual responsible for the deadly explosion on Sunday night. The police had earlier offered a GY$5 million reward for information leading to his capture.
According to investigators, Peodomo was arrested at Vergenoegen Side Line Dam, East Bank Essequibo, on Tuesday afternoon. The arrest was made possible through actionable intelligence gathered by the police. A team led by a Superintendent swiftly moved in to detain the suspect, who is now in custody and assisting with ongoing investigations.
The bombing, which occurred on Sunday night, resulted in the tragic death of a six-year-old girl and left four others injured. Surveillance footage and eyewitness accounts revealed that Peodomo had attempted to place a bulky plastic bag in a waste disposal bin near a gasoline pump. When the gas station attendant intervened, he relocated the bag near a cooking gas depot and a parked car. Moments later, the bag exploded, causing widespread destruction and loss of life.
Earlier on Tuesday, police also recovered the clothing Peodomo was wearing during the incident, further strengthening the case against him. The arrest marks a critical step in the investigation, as authorities continue to piece together the events leading up to the attack and determine the suspect’s motives.
The community remains in shock over the incident, with many expressing relief at the swift arrest. Authorities have assured the public that they are committed to ensuring justice for the victims and their families.
-
Roofs Torn Off as Super Hurricane Melissa Hits Jamaica
Super Hurricane Melissa, a catastrophic Category 5 storm, struck near New Hope, St Elizabeth, on Tuesday, unleashing ferocious winds reaching up to 185 mph (295 km/h). The storm caused extensive devastation across the region, with videos capturing roofs torn from buildings, including St Elizabeth Technical High School, and debris scattered everywhere. Residents in St Elizabeth, Westmoreland, Hanover, and St James were advised to stay indoors, even during the brief calm of the storm’s eye. The U.S. National Hurricane Center reported that Melissa’s central pressure of 892 millibars ties it with Hurricane Dorian (2019) and the 1935 Labor Day Hurricane as the strongest Atlantic landfalls ever recorded. The Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management highlighted widespread structural damage, blocked roads, and downed power lines. Emergency teams are prepared to initiate rescue and recovery operations as soon as conditions permit. Melissa is projected to move off Jamaica’s north coast later Tuesday, maintaining its extreme danger as it heads toward the Cayman Islands and southern Bahamas.
-
Shallow’s vision: building a stronger, more united North Leeward
North Leeward, spanning from Fitz Hughes to Gordon Yard, is poised for transformation as communities seek sustainable growth, renewed energy, and a stronger voice in national development. At the forefront of this pivotal moment is Dr. Kishore Shallow, a leader whose dedication to service, strategic vision, and passion for people-centered progress make him uniquely suited to drive meaningful change. With a proven track record in sports administration and management, Dr. Shallow brings discipline, effective execution, and tangible results—qualities essential for the region’s future. His leadership promises a North Leeward that is more connected, empowered, and resilient. Dr. Shallow’s vision extends beyond immediate needs, focusing on youth and sports development as pathways to discipline, teamwork, and opportunity. He plans to upgrade facilities, expand training programs, and provide mentorship to young people, ensuring they have the tools to build successful futures. Economically, Dr. Shallow emphasizes agriculture, tourism, and small business creation, aiming to unlock the region’s full potential. Improved infrastructure, community-based projects, and support for local entrepreneurs are central to his strategy for sustainable growth. Education also remains a cornerstone of his vision, with a focus on modern classrooms, mentorship, and lifelong learning opportunities for all residents. Dr. Shallow’s leadership philosophy is rooted in collaboration, unity, and progress, ensuring that North Leeward moves forward as a stronger, more cohesive community. His approach is not about division or empty promises but about delivering real, lasting progress. With Dr. Shallow at the helm, North Leeward is set to become a model of sustainable development and opportunity.
-
Nieuwe Afro-Caraïbische Educatie Academie wil kennisherstel en trots versterken
The Afro-Caribbean Education Academy (ACEA) was officially launched on Saturday evening, marking a significant milestone in the empowerment of Afro-Surinamese communities. Positioned as a knowledge and awareness institute, ACEA focuses on historical education, entrepreneurship, cultural identity, and community strengthening. Uriël Sabajo of the National Reparations Commission Suriname, Netherlands branch, described the academy as a “new chapter in the restoration of knowledge, identity, and dignity within our communities.” Barryl Biekman, representing the National Platform for the Slavery Past (LPF), hailed the initiative as a “historic step” for Suriname. The LPF contributed to the academy’s library by donating twenty publications and five thesis copies to bolster national consciousness. Program Manager Elviera Waterberg outlined five training modules, including financial and digital skills, emphasizing that “our history does not begin with slavery. Black people have invented, led, and contributed to the world throughout the centuries.” Speakers from organizations such as NAKS, Frimangronplein, FOLS, and the Rastafari movement highlighted the importance of language, identity, mental resilience, and intergenerational collaboration. FOLS Chairman Marcellino Nerkust stated, “Reparation also means dignity and mental strength—our youth must know they descend from fighters.” ACEA Chairman Armand Zunder announced that starting in 2026, subjects like artificial intelligence and Sranan Tongo will be formally integrated into the curriculum, citing significant international interest in the academy’s model. Visitors praised the launch as “a beginning that must not end” and called for a dynamic, future-oriented curriculum. Guest of honor Chas Mijnals pledged ongoing support and underscored the value of Sranan Tongo in education and entrepreneurship. The first cohort of students will commence their studies on November 8, with the organization heralding the launch as a promising and symbolically powerful start to a new educational movement within the Afro-Surinamese community.
-
Fire Destroys Two Homes in Seine Bight
A destructive fire swept through Seine Bight Village in the Stann Creek District on Monday afternoon, leaving two homes completely destroyed and a third partially damaged. The incident occurred around 2:05 p.m., prompting a swift response from local authorities. Upon arrival, officers found two wooden houses fully engulfed in flames, with a third structure already partially burnt. One of the destroyed homes belonged to Talisha Tamara Castillo, a 30-year-old housekeeper and mother of three, who fortunately was not present at the time of the fire. The partially damaged property is owned by Therese Martinez, a 53-year-old Customs Officer, who reported significant losses estimated at $150,000. While the value of the other two homes remains undetermined, authorities have confirmed that no injuries were sustained. Investigations into the cause of the fire are ongoing.
-
US carries out strikes on four vessels in Eastern Pacific, killing 14
The US military has executed three targeted strikes on four vessels in the eastern Pacific, reportedly used for narcotics trafficking, resulting in 14 fatalities and one survivor. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth announced the operations, stating they were conducted under President Trump’s directive. The vessels, operated by groups labeled as Designated Terrorist Organizations (DTOs), were intercepted along known drug trafficking routes. Intelligence indicated the boats were carrying narcotics. The strikes occurred in international waters, with no US personnel harmed. US Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM) initiated search-and-rescue protocols for the survivor, with Mexican authorities coordinating the rescue. Hegseth emphasized the strikes as part of a broader campaign against drug trafficking networks, equating these groups to terrorist organizations like al-Qaida. He vowed to track, network, and eliminate such threats. The operations mark a significant escalation in US military action against transnational criminal groups, raising legal and ethical questions about the use of lethal force outside declared war zones. Concerns have also emerged regarding regional implications, particularly with Mexico’s involvement in the rescue. Pentagon publications and social media have shared visuals of the strikes, reinforcing claims of the vessels’ ties to DTOs. The administration asserts these intelligence-driven operations aim to disrupt organizations linked to rising narcotics-related deaths in the US. Reactions from other governments and international bodies remain pending, with analysts awaiting further details and independent verification.
-
Shooting Victim Ryan Hyde Dies
Ryan Hyde, a resident of Roaring Creek, tragically passed away on October 28, 2025, after sustaining a gunshot wound to the head in Cotton Tree Village. The incident occurred on Friday night when an unidentified assailant approached Hyde and fired a single shot. He was initially rushed to the Western Regional Hospital before being transferred to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital for advanced medical care. Despite efforts, Hyde succumbed to his injuries.
Hyde had a contentious history with the law. In 2018, he pleaded guilty to stealing 220 feet of copper wire from a SMART compound in Corozal, resulting in a $1,000 fine. However, his legal troubles escalated when he and Coast Guard officer Denzel Wagner were charged with the attempted murder of farmer Jose Amilcar Najera, who was shot in Belmopan on December 21, 2017. Hyde remained in police custody during this period.
The circumstances surrounding the shooting remain under investigation, with authorities yet to identify the perpetrator or determine a motive. Hyde’s death has sparked discussions about crime and justice in the region, particularly given his controversial past.
-
SLBMC launches annual flu vaccination drive to protect staff and patients
The Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre (SLBMC) has initiated its yearly Flu Vaccination Drive, emphasizing the critical role of prevention as the flu season approaches. This initiative, spearheaded by the hospital’s Infectious Disease and Employee Health teams, aims to encourage healthcare professionals to take the lead in safeguarding themselves, their patients, and their families from influenza. Dr. Margrethe Belle, Administrative Head of the Infectious Diseases Employee Health Division and an Infectious Disease Specialist at SLBMC, highlighted the significance of vaccination as a simple yet impactful measure of care. She noted that healthcare workers frequently interact with individuals who are particularly susceptible to severe flu-related complications, making vaccination essential for both personal and public health. The flu vaccine, she emphasized, is a safe and effective tool to curb the spread of infections and maintain the resilience of the hospital community. While the campaign primarily targets hospital staff, Dr. Belle underscored the importance of vaccination for all, especially those with chronic conditions, older adults, and individuals with compromised immune systems. Philis Humphreys-Harris, a nurse with SLBMC’s Infectious Disease/Employee Health team, urged both staff and the broader public to embrace vaccination with confidence. She explained that the flu virus evolves annually, making vaccination crucial for reducing illness severity, preventing complications, and protecting vulnerable populations. Nurse Humphreys-Harris shared her personal experience, stating that she has remained flu-free since receiving her 2024 flu shot, a testament to the vaccine’s efficacy. The flu vaccine is accessible at health centers island-wide and through healthcare providers. SLBMC’s staff vaccination drive will continue for several weeks, with employees encouraged to seize the opportunity to stay protected. Dr. Belle concluded by emphasizing that healthcare workers’ proactive approach to vaccination sets a powerful example for the community, reinforcing the idea that prevention begins with individual responsibility.
-
Melissa makes landfall in southwestern Jamaica with winds of 185 mph
Hurricane Melissa, one of the most powerful storms ever recorded in the Atlantic Basin, has made a devastating landfall in southwestern Jamaica near New Hope. With maximum sustained winds reaching an unprecedented 185 mph (295 km/h) and a central pressure plummeting to 892 mb (26.34 inches), the hurricane has created an extremely dangerous and life-threatening situation. Authorities have issued urgent warnings for residents to remain sheltered as the eye of the storm passes, emphasizing that winds will intensify rapidly once the eye moves on. The safest measures include staying in an interior room without windows, avoiding areas prone to falling trees, and using mattresses or helmets for additional protection. The storm’s current location is approximately 25 miles southeast of Negril, Jamaica, and 145 miles south of Guantanamo, Cuba, moving north-northeast at 9 mph (15 km/h). The next update will be provided at 2:00 PM EDT (18:00 UTC).