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  • Belize Participates in CARICOM Summit as Regional Leaders Tackle Key Issues

    Belize Participates in CARICOM Summit as Regional Leaders Tackle Key Issues

    From July 5 to 8, 2026, the 51st Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) convened in St. Lucia, bringing together regional leaders to tackle a wide slate of urgent shared challenges. Belize, a core CARICOM member, took part in the high-level gathering, with Prime Minister John Briceño represented by Attorney General Anthony Sylvestre, who headed the country’s official delegation.

    The summit’s agenda centered on four priority topics: advancing regional integration, addressing the accelerating climate crisis, strengthening cross-border security, and mitigating the burdens of a soaring regional cost of living. Beyond these lead issues, heads of government deliberated on a broad spectrum of other pressing concerns, including full implementation of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy, unlocking accessible climate finance for vulnerable small island states, shoring up regional food and nutrition security, advancing global calls for reparations for historical slavery, boosting public health emergency preparedness, improving regional governance frameworks, resolving outstanding border disputes, and assessing recent political and social developments in Haiti and Cuba.

    In a landmark decision announced during the summit, regional leaders formally approved the application of French Guiana to become CARICOM’s eighth Associate Member, marking a significant expansion of the bloc’s regional footprint.

    A closed-door Heads of Government Retreat held on the summit’s sidelines allowed leaders to dive deeper into targeted strategies to curb violent crime, reinforce regional security infrastructure, and roll out coordinated policy responses to ease the cost of living squeeze on Caribbean households. The retreat also addressed institutional matters related to the reappointment of the CARICOM Secretary-General. After deliberation, leaders reached a consensus to request an advisory opinion from the Caribbean Court of Justice to clarify outstanding legal questions tied to the reappointment process.

    For Belize’s delegation, the summit served as a critical platform to advocate for deeper cross-regional integration, enhanced investment in climate resilience across the Caribbean, and unified, coordinated policy action to address the unique systemic challenges facing Small Island Developing States on the global stage. Sylvestre used the gathering to update fellow regional leaders on recent developments in Belize-Guatemala relations and other key domestic priorities for the country.

    Outside of formal plenary sessions, Belize held a series of productive bilateral meetings with delegations from Saint Lucia, Cuba, the Republic of Korea, and Australia. These side talks covered a range of mutual priorities, including collaborative climate action, innovative sargassum management strategies, expanded bilateral trade, targeted technical cooperation, preparations for the upcoming COP31 climate conference, and enhanced joint collaboration in multilateral international forums.

  • Autistic Child Reported Missing After Attending Camp

    Autistic Child Reported Missing After Attending Camp

    A urgent search operation is underway across Antigua and Barbuda after an autistic child disappeared in the days following his attendance at a local community camp on Wednesday. Local law enforcement has issued a widespread public appeal for assistance, sharing critical identifying details to help members of the public recognize the boy. Alongside confirming the child’s diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder, authorities have released an up-to-date photograph of the missing minor, designed to help community members match the child’s current appearance to the information being circulated. The Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda is leading the search effort, and has outlined clear channels for any person holding information about the child’s current location to come forward immediately. Officials are asking anyone who has seen the child or has knowledge of where he may be to either reach out to their closest regional police detachment or contact the central command of the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda without delay, stressing that even the smallest tip could help bring the child safely back to his family. Community organizations across the islands have also shared the appeal to expand its reach, as investigators work to trace the child’s movements after he left the camp earlier this week.

  • OECS marks 45th anniversary with special reception at WTO headquarters in Geneva

    OECS marks 45th anniversary with special reception at WTO headquarters in Geneva

    GENEVA — The Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) has marked a major milestone in its four-and-a-half decade history of regional cooperation, holding a celebratory anniversary reception at the World Trade Organization (WTO) headquarters in Geneva this June.

    Hosted by the OECS Permanent Delegation to Geneva, the festive gathering took place on June 19 inside the WTO’s Atrium, just 24 hours after the bloc’s official annual OECS Day observance. The event drew a diverse cross-section of attendees, including foreign diplomats, representatives from the OECS’ long-standing global partner institutions, and members of the local Caribbean diaspora community, all gathered to honor 45 years of sustained regional integration and collective action across the Eastern Caribbean.

    Beyond official remarks and networking, the celebration shone a spotlight on the Eastern Caribbean’s rich cultural heritage, featuring a special musical performance by two talented Antiguan and Barbudan artists. Acclaimed pannist Khan Cordice, who previously headlined the OECS’ 44th anniversary recital in 2024, returned to lead a steelpan performance, accompanied by fellow musician Khadijah Simon on keyboard. The performance gave attendees a vivid showcase of the region’s distinctive cultural identity.

    In an official press release announcing the event, the OECS noted that the reception was far more than a celebratory gathering: it served as a deliberate moment for reflection on the bloc’s progress over 45 years, and a tribute to the shared unity and collective identity that bind its 11 member states together.

    The event also underscored the critical work of the OECS Permanent Delegation in Geneva, which was first established in 2005 to strengthen the bloc’s voice and representation within the WTO. Since its founding, the permanent mission has carried out core functions that directly serve OECS member states: it monitors ongoing negotiations and policy developments across WTO bodies, analyzes emerging issues that impact the Eastern Caribbean, prepares official reports for bloc leadership, and drafts and submits policy proposals to WTO committees and governing councils on priority matters affecting member states.

    The Geneva reception forms one part of a broader series of 45th anniversary observances organized by the OECS, which seek to highlight the organization’s ongoing work to deepen regional cooperation and advance the collective interests of Eastern Caribbean nations in global multilateral forums.

  • LBB en ACT Guianas versterken bescherming zeeschildpadden op Braamspunt

    LBB en ACT Guianas versterken bescherming zeeschildpadden op Braamspunt

    Two leading environmental organizations in Suriname have formalized a new collaborative agreement to ramp up conservation efforts for vulnerable sea turtles and fragile coastal habitats across the country. The Suriname Forest Service (Dienst ‘s Lands Bosbeheer, LBB) and the Amazon Conservation Team Guianas (ACT Guianas) signed the cooperation protocol on July 8, marking the start of targeted on-the-ground conservation work that will launch immediately.

    Acting head of LBB Romeo Lala emphasized that the new partnership creates a structured framework to expand existing sea turtle protection work by uniting the resources, expertise, and local connections of both organizations alongside community stakeholders. Minu Parahoe, regional director of ACT Guianas, described the signing as the foundation for deeper long-term collaboration, noting that the initiative will build on proven conservation strategies ACT has successfully deployed in other Guiana Shield countries.

    The first concrete milestones of the partnership are already on track to be realized in the coming days at Braamspunt, one of Suriname’s most critical sea turtle nesting sites. A permanent field outpost will be opened there to serve as the central hub for all monitoring, coordination, and protection activities throughout the 2026 sea turtle nesting season. In addition to the field post, teams will complete the setup of a dedicated hatchery designed to protect at-risk nests that are threatened by ongoing coastal erosion, seasonal flooding, and human disturbance.

    This specialized hatchery will prioritize nests of the critically endangered aitkanti (olive ridley) sea turtle, a species whose Braamspunt nesting habitat is under extreme pressure from constant shifting of the local coastline, driven by natural geomorphological processes. Several weeks ago, the first batch of collected aitkanti eggs was already transferred to a temporary controlled incubation facility managed by Suriname’s Nature Management department. After roughly 60 days of development under regulated conditions, the newly hatched baby sea turtles will be released onto the sands of Braamspunt to begin their journey to the Atlantic Ocean.

    ACT Guianas’ involvement in this project is part of its broader regional conservation initiative called *Ancestral Tides*, which operates across coastal areas of the Guiana Shield and other regions where the organization works. The program integrates rigorous scientific monitoring, meaningful engagement of Indigenous and local coastal communities, and hands-on protection measures to reverse population declines of threatened sea turtle species. Both organizations report that this combined approach has already delivered measurable results in other regions, including higher nest survival rates and increased odds of juvenile sea turtles reaching maturity. The model will be adapted to the unique ecological conditions of Suriname’s coast for local implementation.

    The entire Guiana Shield coastline, stretching from Guyana’s Shell Beach through Suriname to French Guiana, is recognized as one of the most geodynamically active coastal systems on Earth. Constant tidal action and sediment carried downstream from the Amazon Basin create continuous change: mudflats, mangrove forests, and sandy nesting beaches shift constantly, eroding in some areas and accumulating new land in others. While this dynamic process is natural, it has put Braamspunt, a primary aitkanti nesting ground in Suriname, at heightened risk, with large sections of nesting beach eroding away in recent years.

    LBB and ACT Guianas acknowledge there is no simple fix for these natural geomorphological changes. For as long as Braamspunt remains a key nesting site for threatened sea turtle populations, the two organizations will continue their coordinated efforts to safeguard nests, boost juvenile survival rates, and protect the broader coastal ecosystem that supports these iconic marine species.

  • BEEP Awards $110,000 to 22 Belizean Startups

    BEEP Awards $110,000 to 22 Belizean Startups

    On July 8, 2026, the Belize Enterprise Empowerment Project (BEEP) announced the results of its final startup funding cohort, awarding a collective BZ$110,000 in seed capital to 22 emerging small businesses across the Central American nation. Each selected venture will receive BZ$5,000 in targeted seed funding to scale operational capacity, tap into new domestic and regional markets, and speed up their growth trajectory, marking the conclusion of BEEP’s startup support initiative.

    The 22 funded businesses span a diverse range of sectors that form the backbone of Belize’s growing economy, covering creative industries, sustainable agriculture, tourism, agro-processing, professional business services, light engineering and manufacturing, and information technology. Notably, women-led enterprises account for more than two-thirds of the recipients – 15 out of 22 total startups – a breakdown that aligns with BEEP’s long-standing priority of reducing systemic barriers for women entrepreneurs and closing the gender gap in Belize’s small business ecosystem.

    BEEP is a multi-stakeholder MSME empowerment initiative funded by the CARICOM Development Fund and implemented on the ground by the Belize Trade and Investment Development Service (BELTRAIDE). Beyond direct financial grants, the program delivers comprehensive support to micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), including tailored business development training, one-on-one mentorship from industry leaders, and access to expanded networking opportunities that many early-stage founders struggle to secure independently.

    Narda Garcia, Board Chair of BELTRAIDE, emphasized that the successful outcome of this final cohort underscores the transformative power of cross-sector collaboration. Garcia noted that the initiative would not have achieved its impact without coordinated partnership between national government bodies, established financial institutions, and private-sector stakeholders, all working together to nurture a more dynamic and inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem in Belize.

    Ishmael Quiroz, Executive Director of BELTRAIDE, echoed this perspective, framing local entrepreneurship as a foundational pillar of long-term national economic development. Quiroz pointed out that thriving small businesses drive sustained innovation, create new local jobs, and expand the country’s overall economic output beyond traditional core industries.

    This final funding round brings BEEP’s total track record of MSME support to an impressive scale. Prior to approving this cohort, the program had already extended financial and developmental support to 73 MSMEs across the country – including established exporters, growing maturing businesses, and earlier cohorts of startups – disbursing a total of approximately BZ$678,000 in grants to date.

  • Trinidad, Georgetown chambers of commerce to set up trade complaints desk, lobby govts

    Trinidad, Georgetown chambers of commerce to set up trade complaints desk, lobby govts

    On Wednesday, 8 July 2026, two leading regional business representative bodies – the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) of Guyana and the Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Industry and Commerce (TTCIC) – formalized a landmark agreement to establish a joint trade complaints desk designed to eliminate long-standing non-tariff barriers that have hampered cross-border commerce between the two CARICOM member states.

    The agreement, signed at a joint press briefing by TTCIC President Karen Yip Chuk and GCCI President Kathy Smith, establishes a structured framework for addressing persistent trade frictions that have blocked market access for producers on both sides. Speaking to reporters after the signing ceremony, TTCIC Chief Executive Officer Dr. Vashti Guyadeen outlined that the new mechanism will operate via a standardized data collection template, allowing business stakeholders from both countries to submit formal complaints about trade barriers. The joint desk will then track these issues and compile empirical evidence to inform targeted solutions.

    According to Dr. Guyadeen, the two organizations aim to fully launch the joint desk within a three-month timeline. Beyond the core complaint-handling function, TTCIC is prioritizing key updates to existing agricultural trade protocols, specifically those governing shipments of pineapple crowns, eddoes, and peppers. The new body will also develop a dedicated process to resolve cross-border taxation disputes, with Dr. Guyadeen emphasizing that addressing these long-running issues will require sustained, ongoing engagement rather than one-off interventions.

    GCCI President Kathy Smith echoed the urgency of the partnership, noting that the agreement itself would not have been necessary if cross-border trade for key Guyanese exports – including pineapples, honey, and red peppers – already operated without restrictions. A joint working group from both chambers is scheduled to convene in two weeks to aggregate data on outstanding trade issues before formal outreach to the Guyanese and Trinidad and Tobago national governments and relevant regulatory agencies. Smith added that the alliance will launch a cross-sector lobbying campaign to bring both public and private sector stakeholders on both sides of the border into alignment on the reform agenda.

    One of the most persistent disputes on the agenda dates back almost 20 years. Guyana has long pushed Trinidad and Tobago to revise its 1935 Beekeeping and Bee Products Act, a regulation that bans the transit of foreign-produced honey into the twin-island nation, introduced originally to prevent the spread of pathogens that could devastate local bee colonies. Successive Trinidad and Tobago governments, from both the People’s National Movement and the United National Congress, have pledged to amend the law following years of lobbying from Guyana, Grenada, and CARICOM leadership. However, TTCIC President Yip Chuk noted that the existing regulation has technical merit, pointing to the risk of catastrophic collapse of local bee populations if disease is introduced. She added that final decisions on the rule must be informed by technical assessments from Trinidad and Tobago’s Ministry of Agriculture and leading industry technical experts.

  • ABEC participates in International Course on Artificial Intelligence and Elections in India

    ABEC participates in International Course on Artificial Intelligence and Elections in India

    St. John’s, Antigua — In a significant step toward modernizing electoral operations and building institutional expertise, the Antigua and Barbuda Electoral Commission (ABEC) has sent two of its staff members to take part in a prestigious international training program centered on the integration of artificial intelligence into election management, as of July 8, 2026.

    Kisher Esprit, Assistant to ABEC’s Human Resource and Training Officer, and Joycelyn Peters, a Data Entry Clerk II, are the commission’s official representatives at the five-day Certificate Course on Artificial Intelligence, Elections and Democratic Governance. Hosted by the India International Institute of Democracy and Election Management (IIIDEM), the program is being held on IIIDEM’s New Delhi campus from July 6 to July 10, 2026.

    This training participation is not an isolated initiative for ABEC, but rather a core part of the commission’s long-term strategy to prioritize continuous professional development, embrace global knowledge sharing, and adopt proven best practices from electoral bodies around the world. The overarching goal of these efforts is to steadily raise the quality of electoral services delivered to voters and stakeholders across Antigua and Barbuda.

    By engaging with cross-border insights and cutting-edge innovative approaches to election administration, the two participating officers are expected to bring back actionable knowledge that will strengthen multiple internal processes at ABEC. Key areas set to benefit include staff training frameworks, human resources development, standardized data management protocols, and the development of guidelines for the responsible deployment of emerging technology in day-to-day electoral operations.

    ABEC has publicly expressed its sincere gratitude to the program organizers and their international partner networks for curating this high-value learning opportunity. The commission confirmed it is already preparing to integrate the new skills and insights gained by its staff into its core work, with the aim of further advancing its mandate to deliver impartial, highly professional, and publicly trusted electoral services for the nation.

  • Noor Ahmad returns as Kings announce overseas signings

    Noor Ahmad returns as Kings announce overseas signings

    As the 2026 Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) prepares to get underway, the Saint Lucia Kings have made a major move to strengthen their title defense, announcing the addition of five impactful international players to their upcoming campaign. These new international recruits will join a core group of 13 locally selected West Indian players that the franchise, nicknamed the “Boys in Blue,” locked in earlier this year, completing the full squad for the season.

    Leading the group of returning fan favorites is Afghan left-arm wrist-spinner Noor Ahmad, who was instrumental to the Kings claiming their maiden CPL championship title in 2024. During that title-winning run, Ahmad delivered a standout performance, claiming 22 wickets throughout the tournament — including several crucial breakthroughs in the final held in Guyana. After opting to skip the 2025 CPL to compete in other global T20 franchise leagues, his return is widely viewed as a major boost to the side’s title defense hopes.

    New Zealand wicketkeeper-batter Tim Seifert is also making his way back to the Saint Lucia franchise for the upcoming season. A veteran of CPL competition, Seifert turned heads with his explosive batting in the 2025 tournament, hitting a blistering century off just 40 deliveries at the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground. That innings tied Andre Russell’s 2018 record for the fastest hundred in CPL history, cementing Seifert’s reputation as one of the most dangerous hitters in the league.

    The Kings have also added two top-tier Sri Lankan international talents to their batting and bowling lineups: Maheesh Theekshana and Charith Asalanka. Theekshana, a world-class spin bowler, brings elite versatility and consistent performance to both powerplay and death over scenarios, giving the franchise a match-winning weapon across all stages of an innings. Asalanka, meanwhile, adds valuable depth to the batting order and brings proven captaincy experience to the dressing room, a quality that franchise leaders expect will pay dividends throughout the busy tournament schedule.

    Completing the five-player group of overseas signings is United States-based fast bowler Shadley van Schalkwyk. The speedster is expected to thrive in the seam-friendly conditions that characterize Saint Lucia’s home ground at Daren Sammy Cricket Ground, and will look to use the CPL platform to showcase his talents on a global franchise stage.

    Below is the full confirmed 18-player squad for the Saint Lucia Kings ahead of the 2026 CPL season: Roston Chase, Jewel Andrew, Matthew Forde, Kamil Pooran, Darron Nedd, Mckenny Clarke, Joshua Bishop, Damion Joachim, Keon Gaston, Amari Goodridge, Johann Jeremiah, Ackeem Auguste, Noor Ahmad, Tim Seifert, Maheesh Theekshana, Charith Asalanka, Shadley van Schalkwyk.

  • Destination Spotlight: St. Kitts and Nevis

    Destination Spotlight: St. Kitts and Nevis

    Tucked in the heart of the Caribbean, the twin-island nation of St. Kitts and Nevis has emerged as a standout destination for travelers seeking a layered, personalized vacation that blends rich history, untouched natural beauty, and carefully curated luxury—all without the overcrowding that plagues many popular Caribbean getaways. Unlike single-island destinations that force visitors into a one-note travel rhythm, this paired archipelago delivers two distinct, complementary experiences in a single trip, letting adventurers and relaxation seekers alike craft an itinerary that matches their mood.

    On St. Kitts, the larger of the two islands, visitors find a dynamic mix of historic depth and outdoor energy that caters to travelers eager to explore. The island’s capital, Basseterre, strikes a perfect balance between old-world charm and modern vibrancy, with cobblestone historic districts sitting alongside bustling commercial corridors. At Port Zante, the island’s main entry point for cruise and leisure travelers, guests can browse local artisan shops, sample authentic Caribbean street food and fine coastal dining, and immerse themselves in the daily hum of island life.

    One of St. Kitts’ can’t-miss landmarks is Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that stands as one of the most significant historic sites in the entire Caribbean. Built centuries ago during the colonial era, the fortress offers sweeping panoramic views of the surrounding ocean and neighboring islands, alongside walking trails that wind through preserved historic structures. For nature lovers, the dormant Mount Liamuiga volcano offers challenging, rewarding hiking trails through rainforest landscapes, while the iconic St. Kitts Scenic Railway follows the route of 19th-century sugar industry rail lines, carrying passengers through rolling countryside and past sweeping coastal vistas.

    When the sun goes down, the island comes alive at The Strip in Frigate Bay, a popular stretch of beach bars, restaurants, and live music venues that draws both visitors and locals for late-night socializing. Between hiking, sailing on catamarans along the coast, lounging on golden-sand beaches, and exploring historic sites, St. Kitts keeps active travelers engaged from sunrise to sunset.

    A short 45-minute boat ride across a calm channel brings visitors to Nevis, a smaller island that operates at a far gentler pace, designed for travelers looking to disconnect and recharge. Where St. Kitts buzzes with energy, Nevis leans into quiet intimacy and unhurried exploration, making it a haven for anyone seeking escape from the chaos of daily life.

    Nevis’ signature landscape is defined by its lush, green rolling hills, secluded cove beaches, world-class botanical gardens, and deep-rooted Caribbean cultural heritage. Its capital, Charlestown, is a quiet, charming town with preserved colonial architecture, tree-lined historic streets, and a strong sense of local identity that feels untouched by mass tourism. Rising dramatically in the island’s center, Nevis Peak creates one of the most recognizable skyline silhouettes in the entire Caribbean, a constant backdrop for every beach walk and countryside drive.

    For couples planning a romantic retreat, travelers prioritizing wellness and mindfulness, or anyone simply craving a quiet break from busy schedules, Nevis delivers the tranquil, immersive experience many seek from a Caribbean vacation.

    What makes St. Kitts and Nevis such a perfect fit for modern travelers is its intentional contrast. Unlike homogeneous island destinations that offer little variation, this twin-island pairing lets visitors switch between energy and relaxation in the same trip. One day, you can hike a volcanic peak, explore a 17th-century fortress, and dance to live reggae at a beach bar on St. Kitts. The next, you can cross the channel to lounge on a empty secluded beach, wander tropical gardens, and savor slow, farm-to-table meals on Nevis. This flexibility appeals to a wide range of travel styles: it is equally ideal for romantic getaways, cultural history deep dives, wellness retreats, adventure trips, and travelers who prefer smaller, more refined destinations over crowded, commercialized resort hubs.

    As more travelers move beyond the standard all-inclusive beach vacation to seek personalized, varied experiences, St. Kitts and Nevis stands out as a Caribbean gem that delivers the best of all worlds.

  • Dominica Council on Ageing calls for justice following death of elderly man

    Dominica Council on Ageing calls for justice following death of elderly man

    A shocking violent death of an elderly Dominica citizen has sparked urgent calls for accountability and greater public vigilance around protecting vulnerable older people across the island nation. On June 27, the remains of 83-year-old Kenneth Charles, a resident of Canefield, were uncovered in a public manhole running alongside the Canefield highway, prompting swift condemnation and mourning from the Dominica Council on Ageing (DCOA).

    In an official public statement, the advocacy group for senior citizens described Charles’ killing as a brutal, senseless act, and extended its deepest condolences to the families, friends and loved ones of Charles and a second recently deceased individual. The body of that second person, who had been reported missing for an extended period, was recently found in the Castle Bruce area, marking the second tragic death of a member of the community in a short time frame.

    The DCOA’s core demand following the incident is clear: every person responsible for Charles’ death must face full legal accountability. Beyond calls for justice, the organization has urged the Dominican public to adopt a more vigilant, community-focused approach to protecting older adults and other marginalized, vulnerable groups across the country.

    “ We further call on all of us to be caring, vigilant and concerned about such incidences and look out for those who are vulnerable,” the statement read.

    As the investigation moves forward, legal proceedings have already resulted in an arrest in Charles’ case. Thirty-two-year-old Aljai Liverpool was formally charged with Charles’ murder on July 2, and is currently being held on remand at the Dominica State Prison as the case progresses through the judicial system.

    Beyond the immediate incident, the DCOA used the moment to reaffirm the critical, irreplaceable role that senior citizens have played in building modern Dominica. The organization emphasized that older generations laid the social and economic foundation for the country’s current development, and as such, they deserve consistent, proactive support to age with dignity and safety. “Our seniors have paved the way for us as far as possible, we are to assist and empower them to live life to the fullest. They are our treasure and gems. Let us protect them at all times. May they rest in peace,” the statement added.

    In closing, the DCOA stressed that this tragic incident should serve as a national reminder that protecting the safety, well-being and rights of older Dominicans is a collective responsibility shared by every member of society.