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  • FLASH : Melissa will become a hurricane today, flood expected

    FLASH : Melissa will become a hurricane today, flood expected

    The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has issued a hurricane watch for Haiti’s southwestern peninsula, extending from the Dominican Republic border to Port-au-Prince, as Tropical Storm Melissa is expected to intensify into a hurricane on October 25, 2025. Currently located approximately 385 km southwest of Port-au-Prince at 16.3°N latitude and 75.0°W longitude, Melissa is moving slowly west-northwest at 6 km/h. Forecasts predict a northward and northeastward turn by Monday, potentially bringing the storm near or over Jamaica and eastern Cuba in the coming days. Melissa is anticipated to produce torrential rainfall, with accumulations of 15 to 25 inches (38 to 63 cm) in southern Hispaniola and up to 35 inches (88 cm) in Haiti’s Tiburon Peninsula. This deluge is expected to trigger life-threatening flash floods and landslides, severely damaging infrastructure and isolating communities. Maximum sustained winds of 110 km/h (70 mph) are expected to strengthen rapidly, with Melissa likely becoming a major hurricane by Sunday. The Haiti Hydro-Meteorological Unit (UHM) has maintained an orange alert for several departments, including the South, Southeast, Grand’Anse, Nippes, West, and the Central Plateau. Additionally, the Haitian Maritime and Navigation Service (SEMANAH) has suspended all coastal activities due to hazardous swells. Authorities urge residents to remain vigilant, avoid waterways, and follow safety guidelines to mitigate risks during this critical period.

  • Police Investigate Mysterious Death of Elderly Woman in Fresh Pond

    Police Investigate Mysterious Death of Elderly Woman in Fresh Pond

    Belize authorities are currently investigating the mysterious death of 72-year-old Linda Morgan, whose body was discovered in the bathroom of her home in the Fresh Pond Community near Burrell Boom, Belize District, on the early hours of Thursday, October 23, 2025. Morgan was found with cut wounds on her legs, raising suspicions about the circumstances surrounding her demise. Police confirmed that there were no signs of forced entry into the residence, and Morgan did not live alone, adding complexity to the case. During a press briefing, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Stacy Smith revealed that officers were called to the scene at approximately 3:00 AM and were led to the bathroom, where Morgan’s unresponsive body was discovered. The forensic unit has processed the scene, collecting several exhibits, and investigators are recording statements from potential witnesses. A post-mortem examination has been scheduled to determine the official cause of death, while police continue to follow leads in this perplexing case. No information regarding Morgan’s medical history has been released at this time.

  • Police Hunt Killer as Family Cries for Justice

    Police Hunt Killer as Family Cries for Justice

    Belize City is reeling from a tragic home invasion that claimed the life of 35-year-old Delecia Flowers and left her teenage daughter hospitalized. The incident occurred in the early hours of October 24, 2025, on Complex Avenue, where police responded to reports of a burglary around 3:30 a.m. Upon arrival, officers discovered two injured women inside the residence. Both were rushed to the hospital, but Flowers succumbed to her injuries, while her daughter remains in stable condition.

    Assistant Superintendent of Police Stacy Smith confirmed that investigators are pursuing multiple leads to identify the perpetrator of what she described as a ‘heinous offence.’ Despite ongoing efforts, no motive has been established, and police have not addressed reports of a prior altercation involving Flowers’ son and a group of young men hours before the attack.

    The victim’s family has taken to social media to demand justice, expressing their grief and frustration. A relative lamented, ‘Nobody knows how we feel right now… The government and the police, they need to do something about it. They’re taking women’s lives like they’re dog, cat, and rat.’ The relative also shared the emotional toll of witnessing the aftermath of the attack, expressing hope for her niece’s recovery so she can provide crucial details about the incident.

    Authorities have not yet determined whether the crime was a targeted attack or linked to gender-based violence, stating only that the investigation is ongoing. The community remains on edge as police work to bring the perpetrator to justice and prevent further tragedies.

  • 49 Pounds of Weed Seized at Police Checkpoint

    49 Pounds of Weed Seized at Police Checkpoint

    In a significant drug interdiction operation, law enforcement authorities have apprehended three individuals following the seizure of 49 pounds of suspected cannabis during a highway checkpoint on Monday night, October 20, 2025. The operation, conducted by the Mobile Interdiction Unit and Highway Interdiction Team, unfolded when a silver Ford Escape approached the checkpoint. Upon being informed of the officers’ intent to search the vehicle, the driver attempted to flee, leading to a pursuit and eventual interception. Two male occupants managed to escape, but a thorough search of the vehicle revealed multiple parcels of suspected cannabis. Two women, Whitney Doris Alford, 21, from Unitedville, and Lisa Marie Gonzalez, 31, from Santa Elena, were detained at the scene. Francisco Ernesto Landaverde, 23, from San Ignacio, later surrendered to authorities. All three individuals—Alford, Gonzalez, and Landaverde—have been formally charged with possession of controlled drugs with intent to supply. This operation underscores the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to combat drug trafficking and illegal distribution networks.

  • Multi-Day Onslaught of Heavy Rain and Damaging Winds Forecast To Batter Jamaica as Melissa Approaches

    Multi-Day Onslaught of Heavy Rain and Damaging Winds Forecast To Batter Jamaica as Melissa Approaches

    The National Hurricane Center (NHC) has raised alarms as Tropical Storm Melissa gains momentum in the Caribbean, with predictions indicating it will escalate into a major hurricane by the weekend. As of 5 p.m. EDT, Melissa was positioned approximately 215 miles southeast of Kingston, Jamaica, and 225 miles southwest of Port-au-Prince, Haiti. The storm is advancing northward at a sluggish pace of 2 mph, boasting maximum sustained winds of 65 mph and higher gusts, with a minimum central pressure of 995 millibars. A Hurricane Watch and Tropical Storm Warning are currently active for Jamaica and southwestern Haiti, with the NHC emphasizing the urgency of completing life-saving preparations. Forecasters anticipate Melissa will unleash life-threatening flash flooding and landslides across Jamaica, southern Haiti, and parts of the Dominican Republic starting late Saturday. Rainfall estimates range from 15 to 25 inches, with localized areas potentially receiving up to 35 inches, particularly on Haiti’s Tiburon Peninsula. The NHC has highlighted the risk of catastrophic flooding in southern Haiti and significant threats in Jamaica and the southern Dominican Republic. Hurricane-force winds are expected to impact Jamaica by late Sunday or early Monday, preceded by tropical-storm-force winds. Additionally, a life-threatening storm surge of 5 to 10 feet above ground level is predicted along Jamaica’s south coast, accompanied by destructive waves. Melissa’s slow progression exacerbates concerns, as prolonged heavy rain and wind could intensify flooding and landslide risks. The storm is projected to move westward through Monday, potentially affecting Jamaica before shifting north and northeast toward eastern Cuba by midweek. Authorities in Jamaica and Haiti are urging residents to stay informed and expedite emergency preparations. For updates, the NHC recommends visiting hurricanes.gov.

  • United Nations Day 2025 message

    United Nations Day 2025 message

    Simon Springett, the United Nations Resident Coordinator for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, delivered a poignant message commemorating the 80th anniversary of the United Nations. In his address, Springett reflected on the UN’s enduring mission to foster international cooperation, peace, and sustainable development. He emphasized the organization’s pivotal role in addressing global challenges, from climate change to social inequality, and underscored the importance of collective action in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Springett also highlighted the UN’s historical achievements while acknowledging the evolving complexities of the modern world. His message served as both a celebration of the UN’s legacy and a call to action for renewed commitment to its principles. The statement was published by NOW Grenada, which clarified that it is not responsible for the opinions or content expressed by contributors.

  • IDB bevestigt steun tijdens strategisch overleg met president Simons

    IDB bevestigt steun tijdens strategisch overleg met president Simons

    President Jennifer Simons of Suriname recently held a strategic meeting with Adriana La Valley, the country representative of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), at the Presidential Cabinet. The discussions centered on the government’s development vision for the next three years and the priorities aimed at preparing Suriname for a new phase of economic growth. The IDB reaffirmed its commitment as a development partner, expressing readiness to collaborate on projects that foster a prosperous, inclusive, and sustainable future for the nation. La Valley highlighted the focus on exploring strategic programs to accelerate economic growth and sustainable development, stating, ‘It was an honor to hear directly from the president about her vision for the country’s future. We continue to seek ways to contribute to this administration’s priorities.’ President Simons emphasized the importance of thorough preparation for the anticipated financial boost from the oil and gas sector, stressing economic diversification as a prerequisite. Key sectors such as tourism, agriculture, and entrepreneurship were identified as vital pillars for sustainable growth and employment, with particular attention to opportunities for youth. La Valley commended the government’s clear direction, noting, ‘Suriname is not only preparing for economic progress but also for a future where every citizen actively contributes to the country’s growth.’

  • Justice Yonette Cummings goes into early retirement, Justice George-Wiltshire continues as Acting Chancellor and Justice Singh as Acting Chief Justice

    Justice Yonette Cummings goes into early retirement, Justice George-Wiltshire continues as Acting Chancellor and Justice Singh as Acting Chief Justice

    In a significant development within Guyana’s judicial system, President Irfaan Ali announced on Friday, October 24, 2025, that Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards, the Chancellor of the Judiciary, will proceed on pre-retirement leave starting October 27, followed by early retirement. This decision comes at her own request, which the President approved after careful consideration. Justice Roxane George-Wiltshire will continue to serve as Acting Chancellor, while Justice Navindra Singh will remain in his role as Acting Chief Justice. Justice Singh was also sworn in as a member of the Judicial Service Commission earlier that day. President Ali expressed his gratitude to Justice Cummings for her decades of dedicated service to the judiciary and the people of Guyana. This announcement follows recent controversies, including concerns raised by the People’s Progressive Party Civic-led administration about the Court of Appeal’s decisions in political cases, which were later overturned by the Caribbean Court of Justice. Additionally, the opposition APNU has questioned the political neutrality of Acting Chief Justice Singh. The transition marks a pivotal moment for Guyana’s legal framework, with implications for judicial independence and public trust.

  • Drugs and Firearm Seized in Dangriga

    Drugs and Firearm Seized in Dangriga

    In a significant early morning operation on October 20, 2025, law enforcement authorities in Dangriga Town seized a substantial cache of illegal drugs and a firearm. The raid, conducted at approximately 4:00 a.m. at a residence on Magoon Street, uncovered a nine-millimeter pistol, 45 rounds of ammunition, 462 grams of cannabis, 41 grams of suspected crack cocaine, and 787 grams of cocaine. The operation culminated in the arrest of 56-year-old Charles Peebles, a resident of Magoon Street. Peebles faces multiple charges, including ‘Kept Firearm Without a Gun Licence,’ ‘Kept Ammunition Without a Gun Licence,’ and several counts of ‘Possession of Controlled Drugs with Intent to Supply.’ This operation underscores the ongoing efforts by local authorities to combat drug trafficking and illegal firearm possession in the region.

  • BAS urges vet lab to boost livestock, poultry health

    BAS urges vet lab to boost livestock, poultry health

    The Barbados Agricultural Society (BAS) has issued a stark warning about the escalating animal health risks faced by livestock and poultry farmers, emphasizing the urgent need for a veterinary laboratory to provide essential diagnostic support. Speaking at a press briefing held at BAS headquarters in Beckles Hill, Chief Executive Officer James Paul underscored the critical role such a facility would play in ensuring the sustainability of the agricultural sector. “A modern and developed poultry industry cannot thrive without access to laboratory facilities,” Paul asserted. He highlighted the importance of accurate diagnosis and treatment for farm-related issues, stating, “These facilities are indispensable for correctly identifying problems and developing effective solutions.” Paul also pointed out that farm challenges extend beyond feed and bird suppliers, encompassing environmental conditions, management practices, and stress levels. “We must prioritize the establishment of veterinary laboratories to safeguard the viability of our poultry and livestock sectors,” he added. Currently, Barbados lacks private laboratories equipped to deliver comprehensive animal diagnoses. Paul stressed the necessity of specialized equipment to address threats like diseases and viruses effectively. “Without proper facilities, we risk being unable to respond to critical health issues,” he warned. Farmers currently rely on visual assessments, which Paul described as inadequate. “We need to move beyond what we can see and focus on what we cannot. This is where a well-equipped lab and a skilled pathologist come into play,” he explained. Paul revealed that such facilities existed in the past and that BAS is collaborating with the government to restore them. However, Chief Veterinary Officer Dr. Mark Trotman declined to comment on the proposal.