Aubrey Norton, leader of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR), has strongly criticized the United States military for conducting airstrikes on vessels allegedly involved in drug trafficking in the Caribbean Sea. Norton, a former Foreign Service Officer and Political Scientist, expressed his disapproval during a press conference on Friday, October 24, 2025. He argued that the US has the capability to apprehend suspected traffickers and bring them to trial rather than resorting to lethal force. Norton emphasized the importance of upholding the rule of law both domestically and internationally, stating that the PNCR opposes drug trafficking but insists on legal measures to combat it. His remarks followed a statement by 11 former Caribbean Community (CARICOM) leaders, who suggested that the Ship-Rider Agreement with the US should be utilized to pursue drug traffickers through legal channels. The US has conducted 10 airstrikes so far, resulting in 43 fatalities, including two Trinidad and Tobago nationals. While the Trinidad and Tobago government has supported US actions, Guyana has advocated for the Caribbean to remain a zone of peace, endorsing efforts to combat narco-trafficking while preserving sovereignty. The deployment of the USS Gerald Ford and additional military assets to the region has raised concerns about potential US intentions to influence regime change in Venezuela.
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APNU’s parliamentary leader is a PNCR member; not foisted on party- Norton
Dr. Terrence Campbell, the leader of A Partnership for National Unity’s (APNU) 12 parliamentarians, has been confirmed as a member of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR). However, PNCR leader Aubrey Norton declined to specify when Dr. Campbell joined the party, stating that such details were irrelevant. Norton also dismissed claims that Dr. Campbell, a city businessman, was imposed on the party as a senior parliamentary figure despite being a newcomer compared to long-standing members. Norton emphasized that Dr. Campbell’s selection was based on his business acumen and commitment to the party’s cause, noting that he had been actively engaged with the PNCR for over two years. Norton further explained that the APNU parliamentary group comprises a balanced mix of six newcomers and six experienced individuals, a strategic decision aimed at fostering effective leadership. Dr. Campbell’s political journey includes his departure from A New and United Guyana (ANUG) and the civic group Reform, Inform, Sustain, Educate (RISE) in 2019, following calls to boycott his fast food business. He was also considered as a consensus presidential candidate by the Alliance For Change (AFC) and claimed to have been invited by Dr. Irfaan Ali to be his prime ministerial running mate in the 2020 elections, a claim Ali denied. Norton revealed that, except for Dr. David Hinds of the Working People’s Alliance, all other APNU parliamentarians are PNCR members. Reflecting on the recent general elections, Norton attributed APNU’s poor performance to alleged voter bribery by an unnamed political party. The People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPPC) secured 36 seats, while APNU won 12. Norton chose not to return to the National Assembly, opting instead to focus on his role as PNCR leader and prepare for the party’s upcoming internal elections.
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Kaylei John-Baptiste Of Baptist Academy Named Top CSEC Student 2025
In a momentous announcement, Clare Browne, the Director of Education, revealed the names of the top three performers in the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations for June 2025. These exceptional students, recognized for their academic excellence, were assessed by the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC).
Leading the pack is Kaylei John-Baptiste from Baptist Academy of Antigua, who achieved remarkable results across 20 subjects, securing 18 Grade I distinctions, alongside one Grade II and one Grade III. Close behind is Kha-lique Harris of Saint Joseph’s Academy, who excelled in 22 subjects, earning 17 Grade I distinctions, four Grade II, and one Grade III. Nayima Lewis, also from Baptist Academy of Antigua, demonstrated outstanding performance in 21 subjects, with 16 Grade I distinctions and five Grade II results. However, one of Nayima’s subjects remains under review by CXC due to an unresolved query.
The selection of the top CSEC student is based on the number of Grade I distinctions attained, highlighting the candidates’ academic prowess. Director Clare Browne extended heartfelt congratulations to the trio, their families, and their respective schools for the unwavering support that contributed to their scholastic success. This recognition underscores the dedication and hard work of these students, setting a benchmark for future scholars.
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Top Three CSEC 2025 Students Named
Clare Browne, the Director of Education, has proudly revealed the names of the top three achievers in the June 2025 Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate Examinations (CSEC), conducted by the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC). The standout students are Kaylei John-Baptiste from Baptist Academy of Antigua, Kha-lique Harris from Saint Joseph’s Academy, and Nayima Lewis, also from Baptist Academy of Antigua. Kaylei excelled in 20 subjects, securing Grade I in 18, Grade II in one, and Grade III in another. Kha-lique tackled 22 subjects, achieving Grade I in 17, Grade II in four, and Grade III in one. Nayima demonstrated remarkable performance in 21 subjects, with Grade I in 16 and Grade II in five, though one of her results is currently under review by CXC due to an ongoing query. The selection of the top CSEC student is based on the number of Grade Ones attained. Director Browne extended heartfelt congratulations to the students, their parents, and their respective schools for the unwavering support that contributed to their academic success.
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Mother Comes Forward to Reveal Domestic Abuse and Trauma
In Belize, domestic violence remains a pervasive issue, with women bearing the brunt of this societal scourge. According to the Belize Crime Observatory, 90% of domestic violence victims are women, with 1,715 cases reported so far this year—a staggering increase of over 400 cases compared to 2024. Intimate partner violence accounts for more than 60% of these incidents, highlighting a deeply entrenched problem. Recent tragedies, such as the death of Angelita Magaña and her two children, have reignited public outrage and exposed the systemic failures in protecting victims. For one mother, home was far from a sanctuary. She recounted the terror of being assaulted by her partner while her children watched helplessly. ‘I begged him to stop, but he kept pushing me to the ground. My kids were crying and banging on the door,’ she shared. Her 7-year-old son even intervened by taking a knife from the abuser and throwing it out a window to protect her. Beyond physical abuse, the emotional torment was equally devastating. Her abuser repeatedly demeaned her, saying, ‘Nobody will want you with all those kids; you’re fat and ugly,’ leaving her feeling worthless and trapped. Experts emphasize that psychological abuse often reinforces victims’ sense of entrapment, making it harder for them to seek help. This mother admitted, ‘I was naive and dependent on him; I had no friends and was too ashamed to tell my family.’ Globally, the World Health Organization estimates that 30% of women experience physical or sexual violence in their lifetime, with profound impacts on their health and well-being. These harrowing stories and alarming statistics underscore the urgent need for systemic reforms to protect women and children and address the lasting trauma of domestic violence.
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Mexico Hands Over Chinese Drug Boss to U.S.
In a significant international law enforcement operation, Mexican authorities have extradited Zhi Dong Zhang, a Chinese national accused of orchestrating one of the largest global drug trafficking networks, to the United States. Known by his alias “Brother Wang,” Zhang faces allegations of distributing vast quantities of cocaine and fentanyl, substances that have been central to the global addiction crisis and overdose epidemic. Authorities estimate that Zhang’s network moved over 1,000 kilograms of cocaine and nearly 2,000 kilograms of fentanyl annually, while laundering more than $150 million in illicit proceeds. Zhang’s arrest in Mexico last year was followed by a dramatic escape in July, during which he used a forged passport to flee to Cuba. His attempt to enter Russia was thwarted when he was detained for illegal entry and subsequently returned to Cuba, where he was recaptured. Zhang’s extradition marks a pivotal moment in the U.S. government’s intensified efforts to combat international drug trafficking. Investigators revealed that Zhang collaborated with criminal organizations across Central America, Europe, China, and Japan, leveraging ties with powerful Mexican cartels to facilitate his operations. His extradition coincides with mounting U.S. pressure on China to curb the production of precursor chemicals used in fentanyl manufacturing. President Donald Trump has indicated that this issue will be a central topic in his upcoming meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
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Election campaign finance reporting must prohibit disclosure of donors- Norton
In a recent press conference, Aubrey Norton, Chairman of A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), emphasized the necessity of maintaining donor confidentiality in election campaign finance reporting. Despite the Representation of the People Act mandating political parties to submit post-election financial reports to the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), Norton argued that such disclosures could deter potential donors who fear government retribution. He highlighted the need for campaign financing reforms that ensure donor anonymity, stating, ‘Many contributors explicitly do not want their identities publicized due to societal fears of government.’ Norton also questioned the historical adherence to these reporting requirements, suggesting that new laws should be developed with stakeholder involvement to guarantee confidentiality. He further criticized Guyana’s state-dominated economy, noting that the government is the primary allocator of resources, with limited private sector activity. The United States-based Carter Center has urged all political parties to comply with the Representation of the People Act, emphasizing the importance of transparency and accountability in the electoral process. Other international observer missions have echoed these concerns, particularly regarding the misuse of state resources during election campaigns.
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Caribbean Export offers up to EUR€100 000 in co-financing for Saint Lucian SMEs
Saint Lucia has unveiled a groundbreaking co-financing initiative designed to empower small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in their journey toward green transition and digital transformation. The Building Resilient Innovation for Digital & Green Enterprises (BRIDGE) programme, spearheaded by the Caribbean Export Development Agency (Caribbean Export) with backing from the European Union’s Global Gateway initiative, offers co-financing of up to €100,000 to eligible SMEs. This initiative aims to bolster innovation and resilience in the region’s business landscape. To ensure local businesses can capitalize on this opportunity, Caribbean Export will host a capacity-building session titled ‘Expanding Access to Finance’ on October 27 at Coco Palm, Rodney Bay, starting at 9:00 a.m. The session will feature interactive discussions, providing participants with practical insights into financial services and products tailored for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). Attendees will explore diverse financing options, including commercial banking, credit unions, microfinance, equity financing, and grant opportunities. Additionally, a past grant beneficiary will share their experience, offering valuable perspectives on the application process and the transformative impact of funding. The event will also introduce the EU-funded BRIDGE Grant Facility, detailing its application process, eligibility criteria, and priority areas such as support for women and youth-led businesses, digital transformation, and green transition. Caribbean Export’s broader goal is to enhance SME competitiveness and export readiness across the region. The sessions will equip participants with essential skills for crafting effective grant proposals, covering topics such as the grant lifecycle, key components of successful applications, and practical writing techniques.
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Saint Lucia growing as an adventure tourism destination
For nearly two decades, Saint Lucia has proudly held the title of the Caribbean’s premier honeymoon destination, a distinction it has successfully defended for 17 consecutive years. Earlier this month, the island reaffirmed its status by winning the Caribbean’s Leading Honeymoon Destination award at the World Travel Awards, hosted on its shores. However, in recent years, Saint Lucia has been quietly transforming its tourism landscape, expanding beyond its romantic allure to embrace the burgeoning adventure tourism market. This strategic shift has gained momentum, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, as travelers increasingly seek meaningful, nature-driven experiences after prolonged periods of confinement. Saint Lucia’s diverse natural attractions, including the world’s only drive-in volcano, the iconic twin Pitons, lush rainforest trails, and exhilarating zipline tours, have positioned the island as a top contender in adventure tourism. Since 2022, it has been recognized as the Caribbean’s Leading Adventure Tourism Destination by the World Travel Awards for four consecutive years. Dr. Ernest Hilaire, Minister for Tourism, attributes this success to a deliberate national strategy aimed at diversifying the tourism sector and fostering community involvement. ‘Adventure tourism encourages visitors to engage with local communities, whether through hiking, bird watching, or climbing the Pitons,’ Hilaire explained. ‘This approach ensures we avoid over-reliance on a single sector and offer a broader range of experiences.’ The government’s commitment to this vision includes upcoming projects such as underwater sculpture parks, scenic lay-bys in coastal communities like Canaries, and the enhancement of other nature-based attractions. This shift not only enriches the visitor experience but also ensures that economic benefits extend beyond resorts, fostering community growth and sustainability.
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Fight to Fatal Home Invasion?
A devastating home invasion in Belize City has resulted in the death of 35-year-old Delecia Flowers and left her teenage daughter severely injured. The incident occurred in the early hours of October 24, 2025, on Complex Avenue. Police reports indicate that an intruder forcibly entered the residence around 3:00 a.m., launching a violent attack on Flowers and her daughter. Upon arrival, officers discovered the teenager with significant head injuries and Flowers unconscious. Both were urgently transported to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH), where Flowers tragically succumbed to her injuries at 4:48 a.m.
Investigations have revealed that the attack may have been preceded by a confrontation involving Flowers’ teenage son. Witnesses report that on the evening of October 23, the young man was engaged in a heated argument with a group of six individuals. The altercation reportedly turned physical, prompting Flowers’ daughter to intervene in defense of her brother. During the scuffle, she allegedly struck one of the assailants. Following the confrontation, the group departed the scene but not without issuing verbal threats toward the siblings.
The Belize Police Department is expected to provide further details during a media briefing scheduled for later today. This incident has sent shockwaves through the community, raising concerns about escalating violence in the area. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.