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  • Kaylei John-Baptiste Of Baptist Academy Named Top CSEC Student 2025

    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.

  • Top Three CSEC 2025 Students Named

    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.

  • Mother Comes Forward to Reveal Domestic Abuse and Trauma

    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.

  • Mexico Hands Over Chinese Drug Boss to U.S.

    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.

  • Election campaign finance reporting must prohibit disclosure of donors- Norton

    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.

  • Caribbean Export offers up to EUR€100 000 in co-financing for Saint Lucian SMEs

    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.

  • Saint Lucia growing as an adventure tourism destination

    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.

  • Fight to Fatal Home Invasion?

    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.

  • Belize Calls for Caribbean to Remain “Zone of Peace” Amid U.S. Strikes

    Belize Calls for Caribbean to Remain “Zone of Peace” Amid U.S. Strikes

    In the wake of recent U.S. military strikes in Caribbean waters, Belize has called for the region to remain a ‘zone of peace.’ The strikes, which targeted vessels allegedly involved in drug trafficking, have resulted in numerous fatalities and raised concerns among CARICOM nations. Belize’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Francis Fonseca, expressed deep concern over these actions, describing them as ‘extrajudicial’ and emphasizing the need for adherence to international law. Fonseca highlighted the importance of maintaining peace in the Caribbean, a sentiment echoed by other CARICOM members. He stressed that while drug and human trafficking are serious issues, any response must respect legal processes and international conventions. Meanwhile, Trinidad and Tobago has confirmed the arrival of the USS Gravely, a U.S. Navy guided-missile destroyer, for a five-day visit. The ship, carrying approximately 300 sailors, will engage in joint training exercises with the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force. This deployment coincides with increased U.S. security activity in the region, further intensifying concerns over regional stability.

  • Afgetreden RvC meldt: SRD 49 miljoen tegoed op Staat bij bestuurswisseling

    Afgetreden RvC meldt: SRD 49 miljoen tegoed op Staat bij bestuurswisseling

    In a significant leadership transition, the outgoing Board of Commissioners (RvC) of Surzwam N.V. officially handed over control to the newly appointed Board during a special meeting held on Thursday. The ceremony, attended by both Boards, marked the formal transfer of documents, financial records, and responsibilities. Pertap Bissumbhar, the outgoing Chairman, passed the financial and administrative documents to his successor, John Lecton, the new President-Commissioner. Key documents included the annual accounts, with the 2024 report still in draft form, a summary of debtors and creditors revealing Surzwam N.V.’s receivables of approximately SRD 49.5 million from the State and SRD 1.5 million from private debtors, and outstanding obligations worth around SRD 5 million, including SRD 920,000 in unpaid salaries and emoluments over the past three months. The outgoing RvC emphasized that both the previous and current governments were timely informed about the company’s precarious financial situation. Additionally, a detailed report on the ‘Winti Wai’ project, executed in collaboration with the presidential task force “Development Winti Wai & Pontbuiten,” was handed over. The project, which involved maintenance work on the Pararivier, was 80% completed, achieving an estimated 50% cost savings for the government. The remaining 20% was executed via a pontoon due to limited accessibility from the riverbank. An updated inventory list, including equipment acquired in October 2020, was also provided, along with correspondences regarding two land applications, one of which has already been allocated to a third party, against which Surzwam N.V. has formally objected. The outgoing RvC noted that plans to commence sand extraction (fill and sharp sand) have been delayed due to a lack of resources, impacting this and other projects.