The family of Chad Joseph, a 26-year-old from Trinidad and Tobago, has accused the U.S. military of killing him in a recent strike on vessels near Venezuela. Joseph, who had been living in Venezuela for several months, informed his family of his plan to return home by boat but never arrived. Reports suggest he was among six individuals on a vessel allegedly involved in drug trafficking, which the U.S. targeted and destroyed. This incident is part of a series of strikes initiated by the Trump administration, resulting in 27 deaths so far. However, the identities of the deceased remain undisclosed, leaving families in distress. Joseph’s mother, Lenore Burnley, expressed her disbelief and anguish, stating, ‘I don’t want to believe that this is my child. Is this really true?’ The family vehemently denies any involvement of Joseph in illegal activities. Another Trinidadian, Rishi Samaroo, from the same fishing village, is also missing and believed to be on the vessel. Trinidad and Tobago’s Defense Minister Wayne Sturge confirmed that the government has not received official confirmation of the victims’ identities and lacks jurisdiction to investigate, as the incident occurred in international waters. Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has supported Trump’s anti-drug efforts, despite criticism from some who view it as undermining CARICOM’s stance on maintaining the Caribbean as a ‘Zone of Peace.’ Legal experts and international observers have questioned the legality of the U.S. military’s actions, arguing that targeting civilians without due process violates international law. Families of the missing have received no communication from the government, adding to their grief and frustration.
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Man Fined $5,000 for Possessing Jaguar Teeth
In a landmark case highlighting Belize’s commitment to wildlife conservation, Jordan David Woods of Stann Creek has been fined $5,000 for the unlawful possession of two jaguar teeth. The verdict was delivered on October 15th by the Stann Creek District Court, marking a significant enforcement of Section 19 of the Forest Act, Chapter 213 of the Laws of Belize. Woods was also ordered to pay $5 in court costs, with a one-year deadline to settle the fine. Failure to comply by October 15, 2026, will result in a six-month prison sentence. Jaguars, revered as Belize’s national symbol of strength and beauty, are fully protected under the law. Possessing any part of these majestic creatures, including skins, claws, or teeth, without proper authorization is strictly prohibited. The Forest Department lauded the conviction as a pivotal victory in the fight against wildlife crimes. ‘This ruling sends a clear message,’ the Department stated. ‘Belize’s environmental laws are designed to safeguard our wildlife, and violators will face severe consequences.’ The Department also encouraged the public to report illegal wildlife activities or human-wildlife conflicts through the Wildlife Hotline at 610-1524.
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Minister Fernandez Gifts U.S. Travel Group Head in Appreciation of Timely Donation to Cedar Grove Primary School
In a heartwarming display of community spirit, Brian Emmanuel Sims, CEO of Got Stamps? Travel LLC, has been recognized for his philanthropic efforts during a recent visit to Antigua and Barbuda. The Hon. H. Charles Fernandez, Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Transportation, and Investment, expressed profound gratitude for Sims’ timely donation of cash, sporting equipment, and school supplies to Cedar Grove Primary School. The gesture came at a pivotal moment for the school, which had recently faced challenges due to vandalism. During a courtesy visit, Minister Fernandez presented Sims with a handcrafted Wari board, a traditional game symbolizing friendship, strategy, and community resilience. Fernandez praised Sims for his commitment to giving back while on vacation, highlighting the personal significance of the school to the CEO. Sims, whose travel company promotes Antigua and Barbuda as a premier destination, shared that the trip deepened his connection to the island. “Antigua has exceeded all our expectations. It only felt right to give back to a place we’ve grown to love,” he remarked. Got Stamps? Travel LLC, based in the U.S., is known for its unique blend of leisure, culture, and philanthropy, ensuring travelers leave destinations better than they found them. The donation not only provided material support but also uplifted the school community during a difficult time. Minister Fernandez emphasized the cultural significance of the Wari board, describing it as a piece of Antigua’s heritage and a symbol of the island’s enduring spirit.
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Belize’s Paris Cawich Heads to Miss Earth 2025 in the Philippines
Paris Cawich, crowned Miss Earth Belize 2025, is poised to represent her nation at the prestigious 25th Miss Earth Pageant in Manila, Philippines, on November 5. The 20-year-old international business student will depart Belize on Saturday, with a farewell ceremony scheduled at the Philip Goldson International Airport. Cawich’s journey to the global stage is marked by her unwavering commitment to environmental advocacy, a cornerstone of her victory in the national pageant. Reflecting on her evolution from modeling to activism, Cawich shared, ‘My first pageant was more about modeling. Now it’s about advocating for something I hold dear—the environment.’ Her campaign centers on safeguarding Belize’s mangroves and rainforests, with initiatives ranging from school visits and tree planting to engaging social media content aimed at educating youth about environmental stewardship. ‘The Miss Earth pageant is an environmentally based competition, so its main focus is protecting the environment and amplifying our platforms to reach a wider audience,’ she explained. Cawich also hinted at her national costume, inspired by ‘a tree that many Belizeans hold dear,’ showcased in an online video submission. Following in the footsteps of Destiny Wagner, Belize’s historic Miss Earth 2021 winner, Cawich is determined to make her country proud once again.
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VES: Gezondheidszorg centraal in jaarrede; samenhang en uitvoeringskracht blijven onbenoemd
In the 2025 State of the Nation Address, the President of Suriname dedicated nearly 20% of the speech to healthcare, outlining key priorities such as strengthening primary care through Regional Health Services (RGD) and emergency clinics, advancing digitalization, reforming the State Hospital Fund (SZF), the Bureau of Public Health (BOG), and the Suriname Medicines Bureau (BVGS), and enhancing nursing and medical capacity. Specific attention was given to pediatrics, mental health, inland healthcare, and financial reward systems. However, the Association of Economists in Suriname (VES) criticized the address for lacking coherence, arguing that the listed priorities remained disjointed without a unifying framework, mirroring the shortcomings of previous administrations. VES emphasized the need for an integrated approach in its periodic publication INZICHT. The VES advocates for a shift from the traditional model of primary care to integrated care units, where prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and aftercare are systematically linked by disease profile. This approach promises greater cohesion, measurable outcomes, and cost control. For instance, ‘s Lands Hospitaal could evolve into a specialized Mother and Child Center, consolidating perinatal care, pediatric care, and gynecology to enhance quality, outcomes, and resource efficiency. Similarly, the Psychiatric and Neurological Center Suriname could become a national hub for mental, neurological, and addiction care, reducing wait times and improving treatment results. The VES also proposed linking RGD posts and emergency clinics to specialized care pathways for conditions like diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, infections, cancer, lung disorders, eye conditions, and movement disorders, making prevention an integral part of the care process. This model would optimize personnel deployment, create jobs, and enable higher salaries. The SZF could transition to bundled payments, rewarding quality and outcomes rather than volume, while the BOG could become a national data and knowledge center, eliminating the need for a separate healthcare authority. Specialized centers in Paramaribo would serve as hubs for a broader network, with hospitals in Atjoni, Wanica, and Albina playing key roles. Telemedicine and digitalization would extend high-quality care to inland areas. Care pathways would address the shortage of nurses and specialists by leveraging foreign expertise and better coordination, creating thousands of jobs for nurses, lab technicians, dietitians, physiotherapists, medical-technical staff, and data analysts. This approach would increase patient capacity, improve care quality, and provide financial room for better staff compensation. While the State of the Nation Address presented fragmented priorities, the VES’s care pathway model offers a cohesive and sustainable alternative, capable of modernizing Suriname’s healthcare system and ensuring its affordability.
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France’s ex-president Sarkozy goes to jail
PARIS, France — Nicolas Sarkozy, the former French president, is set to begin his prison sentence on Tuesday, marking a historic moment as he becomes the first former head of state from an EU country to be incarcerated. Sarkozy, who led France from 2007 to 2012, was convicted in late September for his involvement in a criminal conspiracy to secure illegal campaign funding from the late Libyan dictator Moamer Kadhafi during his 2007 presidential bid. Despite appealing the verdict and decrying it as an “injustice,” Sarkozy will be held at La Sante prison in Paris. In a defiant statement following his conviction, Sarkozy declared, “If they absolutely want me to sleep in prison, I will sleep in prison — but with my head held high.” This makes him the first French leader to face imprisonment since Philippe Petain, the Nazi-collaborating head of the Vichy regime, who was jailed after World War II. Sarkozy is expected to be placed in solitary confinement, occupying a nine-square-meter cell to minimize interaction with other inmates and prevent unauthorized photography. The presiding judge, Nathalie Gavarino, emphasized the “exceptional gravity” of the offenses, ordering his incarceration even as he appeals. Sarkozy’s legal team is likely to seek his release immediately, but the court retains the authority to deny it if there are concerns about evidence tampering or witness intimidation. If released, he could be placed under judicial supervision or house arrest with an ankle tag. Sarkozy’s legal troubles have mounted since his 2012 re-election loss, including a prior graft conviction. In the Libyan case, prosecutors alleged that his aides struck a deal with Kadhafi in 2005 to fund his campaign, with promises to restore Kadhafi’s international image. However, the court acquitted Sarkozy of charges related to embezzlement, corruption, and illicit campaign financing. Despite losing his Legion of Honour distinction, Sarkozy retains some support on the French right, with his son Louis Sarkozy urging supporters to rally outside their family home. The case has also sparked controversy, with the presiding judge receiving death threats, prompting President Emmanuel Macron to condemn such actions as “unacceptable.” La Sante prison has housed notable figures, including Venezuelan militant Carlos the Jackal and French model agent Jean-Luc Brunel, who was found dead in his cell in 2022.
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Trini’s changing eating habits take a bite out of food industry
The dining landscape in Trinidad is undergoing significant shifts as economic pressures force consumers to rethink their spending habits. A recent investigation by Newsday reveals that many residents are opting for cost-effective and convenient meal options, with some even skipping lunch altogether to save money. One woman shared that she primarily eats breakfast and dinner, often resorting to inexpensive, filling meals like packaged ramen or pasta due to exhaustion after work. She noted that cooking at home has become equally expensive, with grocery bills quickly adding up, leaving her in a ‘no-win situation.’
Another individual highlighted the challenge of balancing affordability and taste, often choosing street food like doubles, pies, or pholourie when on a tight budget. For larger meals, he seeks out restaurants offering generous portions of curry, KFC, or creole cuisine. Similarly, a working woman explained that she brings homemade lunches to work to save money and avoid the limited variety at nearby eateries, occasionally indulging in creole food or junk food for variety.
Food writer Franka Philip attributes these changes to a combination of rising food prices, job losses, and consumer fatigue with repetitive options. She noted that food courts and malls have been particularly affected, with many stalls closing or changing hands. However, food hubs like Woodbrook Yard and Food Square remain popular, especially on weekends, though business has not fully recovered to pre-pandemic levels. Philip also pointed out that established restaurants with consistent quality continue to attract loyal customers, particularly for Sunday lunches after church.
Street food remains a cornerstone of Trinidadian culture, with locations like the Food Strip in Queen’s Park Savannah and Eddie Hart Grounds in Tacarigua bustling on weekends. Shira Mohammed, founder of Restaurant Week TT, observed a post-pandemic shift from fine dining to casual, family-style restaurants and sports bars. She emphasized the enduring appeal of street food, which offers affordability, variety, and a taste of local culture. Mohammed also noted the growing reliance on food delivery services, which, despite their cost, have become a staple for many consumers.
Overall, the food industry in Trinidad is navigating a complex landscape, with economic challenges reshaping consumer behavior and forcing businesses to adapt to new realities.
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No incidents reported despite yellow-level weather alerts
Trinidad and Tobago remained unscathed by severe weather incidents as of October 18, despite the activation of two yellow-level alerts for adverse weather and hazardous seas. The TT Meteorological Service (Met Office) provided an update at 3:30 PM, confirming that the hazardous seas alert, initiated at 8:00 PM on October 17, was scheduled to conclude at 4:00 PM on October 18. Simultaneously, the adverse weather alert #2, which commenced at 12:00 PM on October 18, is expected to persist until 10:00 PM on October 20. The Met Office reported that showers and isolated thunderstorms had swept across both islands, resulting in heavy downpours and gusty winds, particularly in Tobago. The agency attributed these conditions to an active tropical wave traversing the region, maintaining a moist and unstable atmosphere. Intermittent rainfall, potentially heavy and accompanied by thunderstorms, is forecasted to continue through Monday. While brief respites may occur, the atmosphere remains conducive to impactful weather activity. Authorities have advised residents to secure loose outdoor objects, remain vigilant in flood-prone areas, and stay informed about changing weather conditions. The Ministry of Rural Development and Local Government emphasized the importance of awareness and preparedness, urging the public to identify emergency shelters and know their local Disaster Management Co-ordinating Unit hotline numbers. The Office of Disaster Preparedness and Management (ODPM) reinforced these messages, particularly for individuals with disabilities, encouraging them to prepare emergency kits and personal safety plans. Despite the warnings, no weather-related incidents have been reported.
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Tancoo claims PNM collapsed as debate ends prematurely
In a dramatic turn of events during the marathon budget debate in the House of Representatives, Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo declared that the People’s National Movement (PNM) had ‘fallen’ after no opposition MP rose to respond to a government speaker. The debate, which began at 10 am on October 17 and concluded at 2:22 am on October 18, is set to resume on October 21 with a detailed examination of revenue and expenditure by the Standing Finance Committee. The session featured 14 speakers, alternating between opposition and government MPs, until it reached Claxton Bay MP Hansen Narinesingh, who delivered his maiden speech. Speaker Jagdeo Singh congratulated Narinesingh and then turned to the opposition benches, only to find no one willing to speak. Tancoo seized the moment, criticizing the PNM for abdicating its responsibility, particularly noting the absence of opposition leader Pennelope Beckles. He accused the opposition of having ‘nothing to say’ and praised the budget as ‘excellent.’ House Leader Barry Padarath later issued a statement titled ‘PNM Collapses in 2026 Budget Debate,’ highlighting the opposition’s failure to continue the debate despite having five members yet to speak. Padarath described the PNM’s inaction as a clear sign of their inability to analyze and respond to the national budget, suggesting that the party had ‘collapsed’ under the pressure.
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Divali Nagar comes to a close
The National Council of Indian Culture’s Divali Nagar, a nine-night cultural extravaganza, concluded on October 19 in Chaguanas, Trinidad. The event, which celebrated the rich traditions of Indian culture, featured a variety of performances, culinary delights, and artistic displays. Among the distinguished attendees were President Christine Kangaloo, her husband Kerwyn Garcia, Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles, Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo, and Leader of Government Business Barry Padarath. Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar was scheduled to deliver a speech on the closing night, adding a significant political touch to the festivities. The festival of lights, Divali, will be celebrated nationwide on October 20, with traditional Indian dishes and the lighting of thousands of deyas (oil lamps) marking the occasion. The Divali Nagar also showcased vibrant performances by the Bollywood Dance Company and the Arkash and Sheetal Carl & Group, who captivated the audience with their dynamic routines. Visitors enjoyed the intricate mehndi (henna) designs displayed by Ariya Gobin and Amara Persad, while chutney singer Katelin Sultan, bmobile’s youngest brand ambassador, engaged with attendees at the company’s booth. The event was a testament to the enduring cultural heritage and communal spirit of Trinidad’s Indian community.