This week, a high-level Canadian delegation, including Bob Rae, Canada’s Permanent Representative to the UN, and François André Giroux, Canada’s Ambassador to Haiti, met with Vladimir Paraison, Acting Director General of the Haitian National Police (PNH), and senior PNH officials. The discussions centered on Haiti’s ongoing security challenges and the progress of joint operations with the Kenyan-led Multinational Mission. Paraison emphasized the strides made through improved coordination but underscored the complexities of urban operations. Key challenges were identified, including chronic understaffing of the PNH, with fewer than one officer per 1,000 residents, the adaptability of gangs in densely populated areas, and the exploitation of poverty and deportees by criminal groups. The PNH also outlined its urgent needs, such as protective equipment, armored vehicles, and specialized training in counterinsurgency and crisis management. The Canadian delegation reaffirmed its steadfast support and expressed willingness to provide tailored assistance. Both parties agreed on the necessity of a robust operational partnership, international backing, and a comprehensive strategy that balances immediate security measures with long-term stabilization. Paraison expressed satisfaction with the dialogue and reiterated the PNH’s commitment to combating gangs despite resource constraints, emphasizing the dedication of Haitian police officers as citizens determined to protect their nation.
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Government maintains its measures; Melissa is almost a hurricane
The Dominican Republic is bracing for the intensified impact of Hurricane Melissa, with heavy rainfall expected to persist through the weekend, particularly along the southern coast, Barahona province, and surrounding regions. President Luis Abinader has declared the suspension of work in 12 provinces under red alert to mitigate risks to life and property. The decision follows a high-level meeting with Vice President Raquel Peña and emergency officials to coordinate preventive measures and ensure public safety. The Emergency Operations Center (COE), led by Director Juan Manuel Méndez, will reassess the situation on Saturday morning. President Abinader emphasized the prolonged nature of the storm, stating that it is one of the longest-lasting weather events to affect the country in recent history. He assured that all state institutions are mobilized to safeguard vulnerable areas and expedite the return to normalcy. Meteorologist Gloria Ceballos of the Dominican Institute of Meteorology (Indomet) warned that Melissa’s trajectory could shift westward, bringing its cloud cover closer to the southern coast. Authorities have issued advisories against crossing swollen rivers and streams, using bathing facilities, and urged residents to seek shelter if necessary. Emergency shelters have been established in San Juan, San Cristóbal, and the National District, accommodating 61 individuals. While most public and private sectors remain closed, essential services such as pharmacies, supermarkets, fuel stations, and transportation will continue operating to ensure access to vital supplies. A total of 26 provinces are under alert: 12 in red, 11 in yellow, and three in green, reflecting varying levels of anticipated damage.
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Qatar 2025 World Cup : Final selection list for the U-17 Grenadiers
After months of rigorous training and dedication, Haitian coach Eddy César has finalized the 21-player squad that will represent Haiti at the U-17 World Cup in Qatar 2025. This selection marks a significant milestone for the young athletes, who have risen from humble beginnings to now carry the hopes of an entire nation on their shoulders. The team, known as the Grenadiers, comprises players from various academies across Haiti, Jamaica, the USA, Spain, and Switzerland, showcasing a blend of local talent and international exposure. The final roster includes three goalkeepers, seven defenders, six midfielders, and five attackers, each chosen for their exceptional skills and potential. The Grenadiers will face Egypt, England, and Venezuela in the group stage, with matches scheduled for November 4th, 7th, and 10th, 2025. This tournament not only offers a platform for these young players to shine but also serves as a beacon of hope for Haitian football, which has been striving to regain its former glory. The nation eagerly anticipates the team’s performance, as they aim to make history on the global stage.
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Antigua and Barbuda Students in Jamaica to Be Housed at Hotel During Storm
As Tropical Storm Melissa looms over Jamaica, the Government of Antigua and Barbuda has swiftly organized temporary shelter for its students studying in the region. Starting Saturday, October 25, 2025, the students will be accommodated at the prestigious Jamaica Pegasus Hotel for a two-night stay. The arrangement includes complimentary meals—breakfast, lunch, and dinner—with specific restrictions, and rooms will be shared between two students. To avail of this provision, students must present a valid Antigua and Barbuda passport and their student ID. Authorities have assured that the situation will be reevaluated post-storm. In the event of an evacuation, Prime Minister Gaston Browne has pledged to arrange a charter flight to ensure the students’ safe return home. Check-in at the hotel will commence from midday on Saturday.
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Call for united front as Barbados faces climate realities
Barbados is rallying its citizens and global partners to confront the escalating climate crisis with a robust $11.5 billion investment plan aimed at building resilience and ensuring sustainable development. Senator Shantal Munro-Knight, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office, emphasized the urgency of collective action during her address at the Climate Finance for Action Empowerment Partnership workshop held at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre.
Senator Munro-Knight underscored the immediacy of the climate threat, describing it as ‘too urgent, too present, too real, almost too tomorrow.’ She stressed that Barbados, as a Small Island Developing State (SIDS), cannot afford to retreat from the challenge. ‘This is not one the government can do alone,’ she asserted. ‘It requires consensus, innovation, and partnerships to face this crisis head-on.’
The minister highlighted the difficult choices Barbados must make, balancing climate resilience with maintaining essential services like education, housing, and water. She pointed to the country’s strategic initiatives, including the Roofs to Reefs Programme, which links environmental protection from rooftops to reefs, and the Blue Green Development Bank, designed to attract private capital for climate-resilient investments.
Barbados has also implemented innovative financial mechanisms, such as climate budget tagging to track public spending on climate action and amendments to the Procurement Act to ensure sustainable government spending. Additionally, the country’s debt conversion programme has freed up nearly $50 million for a sustainability fund supporting projects across government, private sector, and civil society.
Despite global economic uncertainty, Senator Munro-Knight insisted there can be no retreat from Barbados’ climate commitments. ‘We must continue to think innovatively about how we crowd in and press finance and international agencies for a widening of space,’ she said.
Ricardo Marshall, Director of the Roofs to Reefs Programme, echoed the call for reform, criticizing the global financial system for disadvantaging small island states. He lamented the insufficient financing available for disaster-stricken nations, citing the inadequacy of the COP30 loss and damage fund. Marshall emphasized the need for science-driven policies and innovative financing strategies to build a more resilient Barbados.
Both leaders urged national and international stakeholders to unite in addressing the climate crisis, emphasizing that Barbados’ survival depends on decisive, collective action.
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Delecia Flowers Murdered in Home Invasion
Belize City is reeling from yet another tragic incident of violence against women. On the early morning of October 24, 2025, 35-year-old Delecia Flowers was brutally murdered during a home invasion on Complex Avenue. Her teenage daughter, who was also attacked, survived with head injuries and is currently in stable condition. This shocking event marks the tenth femicide in Belize this year and the third within a single week, following the recent arson attack that claimed the lives of Angelita Magaña and her two children. The nation is once again grappling with the urgent question: why does violence against women persist? Police responded to the scene at approximately 3:30 AM, where they found Flowers with severe head injuries and multiple cut wounds. Despite being rushed to the hospital, she succumbed to her injuries. Authorities are actively investigating the case, speaking to witnesses and exploring all possible motives. Neighbors reported tensions in the area hours before the attack, including a heated altercation involving Flowers’ children and other young men. Family members, including Berry Wade, have taken to social media to demand justice and call for stronger government action to protect women. Belize has seen a troubling surge in violence against women, with nearly 300 incidents reported between August and September 2025. As the investigation continues, the community is uniting to condemn these acts and advocate for an end to gender-based violence.
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Study: Urgent need for more frontline staff to support youth justice reform
A recent study conducted by Professor Dwayne Devonish of the University of the West Indies at Cave Hill has revealed that Barbados is not yet fully prepared to implement its newly enacted Child Justice Act. Despite significant progress in developing a child-centred justice system, the country faces substantial hurdles in operational readiness. The report, exclusively obtained by Barbados TODAY, highlights that resource limitations, infrastructural deficiencies, and insufficient institutional coordination are major barriers to the Act’s full implementation. The research evaluated operational capacity, legal clarity, and organisational preparedness within the child protection and justice sectors. While the law’s intent—focusing on rehabilitation, diversion, and safeguarding children’s rights—aligns with international standards, the necessary support systems and resources lag behind. Key challenges include inadequate staffing levels, insufficient child-friendly facilities for interviews and rehabilitation, and weak information-sharing systems. To address these issues, the study proposes the establishment of a Child Justice Steering Committee to oversee national coordination and progress. Additionally, it recommends regulatory clarifications, targeted recruitment and training, and investment in suitable infrastructure. The report also advocates for a shared electronic information system to enhance data exchange and case monitoring. Strengthening inter-agency protocols and public awareness campaigns are further emphasized to ensure the Act’s success. While Barbados has laid a strong legislative foundation, the study underscores the need for enhanced implementation infrastructure, capacity building, and leadership. A structured monitoring and evaluation framework, coupled with dedicated funding, is essential to transform the nation’s approach to youth justice, prioritizing rehabilitation and child protection.
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Shooting during Storm Melissa leaves six injured in Hainamosa
The National Police of Santo Domingo has launched a manhunt for Hancer Manuel Lantigua Pérez, alias “La Bolanta” or “El Gatillero,” following a violent shooting incident during an illegal street party. The event, which took place on the night of October 23 in the Los Pinos sector of Hainamosa, occurred amidst heavy rainfall from Tropical Storm Melissa. The suspect allegedly fired multiple shots, injuring six individuals during a heated argument at the gathering. The victims, identified as Rosa Arelis Tejada Tavárez (40), Amanda María Peña Carvajal (28), Perla Maciel Calderón Ramírez (24), Jesús Manuel Gómez López (27), Sixto Lorenzo Batista Espinal (38), and Ricauy Lebrón Montero (38), sustained gunshot wounds to various parts of their bodies. Authorities recovered six 9-millimeter shell casings and two bullets from the scene, which are being analyzed by the Scientific Police. The Central Directorate of Investigation (Dicrim), in collaboration with the Public Prosecutor’s Office, is working to uncover the full details of the incident and apprehend the suspect, who remains at large. The National Police has urged “La Bolanta” to surrender and face the charges against him.
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Belize City Man Denied Bail in Domestic Threat Case
A Belize City man, Toney White, 31, has been denied bail following a domestic dispute that escalated into serious threats against his ex-partner, Raisha Nicholson, and their children. Nicholson alleges that White threatened to kill her and burn down her house after a heated argument. She claims that her initial attempts to seek help from the police were ignored, prompting her to turn to social media. Her Facebook post detailing the incident quickly went viral, leading to swift action by authorities. According to Nicholson, White threw a coconut at her during the altercation, narrowly missing her, and repeatedly threatened her life and the lives of their children. Police apprehended White two days later, and he now faces three charges: aggravated assault with a dangerous instrument, threats of death, and threats to damage property. During the court hearing, prosecutors emphasized the need to send a strong message against domestic violence. White, who has no prior convictions and is a father of three, argued for bail but was denied by the magistrate. He retains the right to apply to the High Court for bail. Nicholson recounted the harrowing incident, stating that she was waiting for her children to return from a nearby store when the threats occurred. She expressed frustration with the initial police response, noting that her calls for help were disconnected multiple times. Ultimately, she received assistance after reaching out to a relative who is a police officer. The case has sparked widespread attention, highlighting the urgent need for effective responses to domestic violence.
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New One-Stop Shelter for Domestic Violence Victims in the Pipeline
In Belize, domestic violence remains a pervasive issue, with over 1,700 cases reported to the police as of September 2025. However, this figure likely underestimates the true scale of the problem, as many victims hesitate to come forward due to fear of retaliation or societal stigma. Assistant Superintendent of Police Stacy Smith emphasizes the importance of reporting such incidents, assuring victims that help is available and that their safety is a priority. The police department is actively working to enhance support systems for victims, including the development of a groundbreaking one-stop shelter. This facility will integrate essential services such as human services, healthcare, education, and law enforcement under one roof, streamlining access to critical resources for survivors. The project has secured funding and identified a location, with the design phase currently underway to ensure the building meets its intended objectives. ASP Smith urges victims and those aware of domestic violence situations to report them, as law enforcement can only intervene when incidents are formally documented. This initiative reflects Belize’s commitment to addressing domestic violence comprehensively and providing victims with the support they need to rebuild their lives.