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.
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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.
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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.
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COMMENTARY: World Creole Music Festival – Celebrating culture, heritage, and community
The World Creole Music Festival, a cornerstone of Dominica’s cultural identity, recently celebrated its 25th anniversary, marking a significant milestone in the island’s cultural evolution. This premier event has solidified Dominica’s reputation as the Caribbean’s hub for Creole music and heritage, blending rhythm, language, and identity into a vibrant celebration that resonates both locally and globally.
The festival’s origins trace back to 1995, when the United Workers’ Party (UWP) government revitalized the vision for a cultural festival. The National Development Corporation (NDC) board, under the leadership of Chairman Oliver J. Seraphin, played a pivotal role in establishing the Cadence Festival, later known as the Cadence-Zouk Festival. Key contributors included prominent figures such as McCarthy Marie, Stanley Georges, and Sobers Esprit, who worked tirelessly to bring the festival to life. The establishment of the Dominica Festivals Commission in 1996 further institutionalized the event, ensuring its long-term success.
Over the years, the World Creole Music Festival has grown into a cultural phenomenon, attracting thousands of visitors annually and significantly boosting Dominica’s hospitality sector. Beyond its economic impact, the festival serves as a platform for preserving and promoting Creole music genres like Cadence-Lypso, Zouk, and Bouyon. It also fosters unity among Dominica’s diaspora and strengthens regional cultural ties.
As the festival looks to the future, there is a renewed focus on expanding its global vision. Proposals include incorporating Creole crafts, culinary showcases, and artisan markets to deepen its cultural reach. The event stands as a testament to collaboration, creativity, and community spirit, celebrating the shared identity of Creole communities worldwide.
Oliver J. Seraphin, a key architect of the festival, reflects on its legacy: ‘The World Creole Festival was born from a shared vision — to honor the richness of Creole culture and position Dominica as its global stage. Its legacy belongs to the people, artists, and visionaries who continue to nurture its spirit.’
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$3 Million Boost for Greener, Deforestation-Free Farming
Belize has been awarded a significant BZD $3 million grant from the Italian government, aimed at promoting sustainable and deforestation-free agricultural practices. This funding, provided by the Italian Ministry of Environment and Energy Security, is designed to support initiatives that encourage environmentally friendly farming methods, thereby protecting Belize’s forests and natural ecosystems. Additionally, the grant seeks to enhance market access for local producers, connecting them with both national and international markets that prioritize eco-friendly and responsibly sourced products. The grant will bolster the Sustainable and Inclusive Belize Program, which is already supported by the Inter-American Development Bank. This collaborative effort is expected to advance sustainable agriculture, create new opportunities for small businesses, and alleviate the strain on forested regions. The Government of Belize emphasizes that the initiative aims to make agriculture more environmentally sustainable and economically viable, enabling farmers to thrive without resorting to deforestation and expanding market opportunities for local produce. However, as the project commences, questions remain regarding the management of the funds and whether small-scale farmers will receive equitable benefits or if larger agribusinesses will dominate the allocation.
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STATEMENT: Dominica Freedom Party (DFP) on the passing of Mr. Julius Timothy
The Commonwealth of Dominica is in mourning following the passing of Julius Timothy, a revered public servant, on October 19, 2025. Timothy, a multifaceted leader, dedicated his life to the betterment of Dominica through his contributions in business, politics, and governance. As the Managing Director of AC Shillingford and Company Limited, a prominent Roseau-based business, Timothy played a pivotal role in the island’s economic landscape. His political career was equally distinguished, serving as the Parliamentary Representative for the Roseau North Constituency from 1995 to 2014. During this period, he held the position of Minister of Finance, Industry, and Planning under the United Workers Party (UWP) administration from 1995 to 2000. In 2005, Timothy joined the Dominica Labour Party and was appointed as a Minister in the Roosevelt Skerrit-led administration, a role he held until 2014. Beyond politics, Timothy was a staunch advocate for industry and commerce, serving as President of the Dominica Association of Industry and Commerce (DAIC) and contributing to various statutory boards and committees, including the Credit Union Movement. A passionate sportsman, Timothy also made significant contributions to the development of sports on the island. The Dominica Freedom Party (DFP) has expressed its deepest condolences to Timothy’s family, friends, the staff of AC Shillingford and Company Limited, the people of the Roseau North Constituency, and the entire nation of Dominica. The DFP remembers Timothy as a selfless leader whose legacy will continue to inspire future generations. May his soul rest in eternal peace.