Belize played a pivotal role in the 20th American Regional Meeting of the International Labour Organization (ILO), held in the Dominican Republic from October 1 to 3, 2025. The gathering, which brought together over 300 delegates from governments, businesses, and labor organizations, centered on promoting decent work, social justice, and inclusive development across the Americas. Belize’s delegation, led by Minister Florencio Marin Jr., CEO Valentino Shal, and Labour Commissioner Rissela Dominguez-Patt, actively participated in the discussions. Representing employers was Kim Aikman from the Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry, while Ella Waight from the National Trade Union Congress of Belize advocated for workers’ rights. The meeting culminated in the Punta Cana Declaration, a regional commitment to fostering democracy, peace, and decent work. The outcomes are expected to shape Belize’s Decent Work Country Programme for 2024 to 2029, potentially enhancing job opportunities, workplace safety, and labor policy decision-making for Belizeans.
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3000 People Sue Johnson & Johnson Over Baby Powder Cancer Claims
In a landmark legal battle, over 3,000 individuals in the UK have filed a lawsuit against Johnson & Johnson, alleging that the company’s talc-based baby powder caused cancer. The plaintiffs claim that the product was contaminated with asbestos, leading to cases of ovarian cancer and mesothelioma. The lawsuit, lodged in London’s High Court, accuses the pharmaceutical giant and its subsidiaries of concealing the risks for decades. Lawyers argue that Johnson & Johnson was aware that the talc used in its products originated from asbestos-containing mines but continued to market the powder until its removal from UK shelves in 2023. Michael Rawlinson KC, representing the claimants, stated that the company “suppressed critical information” and “lobbied regulators” to safeguard its brand. He emphasized that the powder’s fine particles, when shaken into the air, posed a significant inhalation risk, potentially exposing users to harmful substances. Among the plaintiffs is Patricia Angell, whose husband Edward died of mesothelioma in 2006. Despite never having worked with asbestos, Edward used the baby powder daily, and talc was noted in his autopsy report alongside asbestos strains. Johnson & Johnson has vehemently denied the allegations, with its former consumer health division, Kenvue, asserting that the product adhered to safety standards and was asbestos-free. A company spokesperson expressed deep sympathy for cancer patients but stressed the importance of factual accuracy. The case is anticipated to draw widespread attention as it progresses through the legal system.
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Orthotic and prosthetic care stakeholder engagement
In a significant move to bolster support for the amputee community, Hon. Andy Williams, Member of Parliament for St George South, has partnered with Trinidad and Tobago Orthotics and Prosthetics (The Amputee Centre) to organize a pivotal stakeholder engagement event. Scheduled for Friday, 17 October 2025, at the Trade Centre Annex in Grand Anse, St George, this gathering aims to foster collaboration, disseminate critical information, and address the pressing needs of individuals and families reliant on orthotic and prosthetic care across Grenada, Carriacou, and Petite Martinique. The event, commencing at 10 am, will feature an in-depth presentation and interactive discussion designed to advance the accessibility and quality of support services for amputees. Participants are encouraged to contribute their insights and experiences, as collective efforts are essential to building a more inclusive and supportive future for the community. This initiative underscores the commitment of local leaders and organizations to enhancing the lives of those affected by limb loss, ensuring they receive the care and resources necessary to thrive.
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Two Trinidadians Killed in U.S. Strike Off Venezuela
Two Trinidadian fishermen from Las Cuevas were tragically killed in a U.S. air strike off the coast of Venezuela earlier this week, as reported by Guardian Media Newsroom. The victims have been identified as Chad “Charpo” Joseph, 26, and a man known only as Samaroo. The incident has ignited widespread anger and sorrow among their families, who vehemently deny any involvement of the men in drug trafficking.
U.S. President Donald Trump, announcing the strike on social media, claimed the targeted vessel was engaged in narcotics trafficking and linked to illicit narcoterrorist networks. This strike is part of Washington’s ongoing anti-drug operations in the Caribbean, aimed at disrupting Venezuela-based trafficking routes.
In Las Cuevas, Joseph’s relatives and friends have condemned the attack as unjust and inhumane. His mother, Lenore Burnley, asserted that her son was not a trafficker and criticized the U.S. for destroying the vessel instead of intercepting it. Joseph’s grandmother, Christine Clement, revealed that her grandson had been living in Venezuela for three months and had previously survived another boat attack, describing the latest strike as an act of ‘wickedness.’
Local residents have also expressed outrage, questioning the legality of the U.S. action. Kern, one of Joseph’s friends, stated, ‘What the U.S. is doing there, I think it is inhumane.’
The deaths bring the regional toll to 27 from five U.S. air strikes since Trump ordered military operations in the Caribbean Sea. Despite mounting criticism, Washington has vowed to continue its campaign.
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Trump Confirms CIA Operations in Venezuela
In a significant development, former US President Donald Trump has publicly confirmed his authorization of CIA operations within Venezuela. This admission has ignited a fierce response from Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, who denounced the move as part of a broader strategy by Washington to orchestrate coups in the region. Trump justified the decision by alleging that Venezuela had released prisoners into the United States and was a major source of drug trafficking. This revelation comes on the heels of recent US military strikes in the Caribbean, which targeted suspected drug vessels and resulted in 27 fatalities. United Nations experts have condemned these actions as ‘extrajudicial executions.’ In response, Maduro called for peace, declaring ‘no war, yes peace,’ and initiated military drills near Caracas. Venezuela’s foreign minister further criticized the US deployment of warships and fighter jets as acts of aggression and intimidation. According to The New York Times, the CIA’s mandate permits independent operations or coordination with broader US military efforts in Venezuela.
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GHTA celebrates members’ success at 32nd Annual World Travel Awards
The Grenada Hotel and Tourism Association (GHTA) has proudly announced the remarkable achievements of its members at the 32nd Annual World Travel Awards, held on October 4, 2025, at the Sandals Grande Saint Lucian in St. Lucia. This prestigious event, renowned for celebrating excellence in the global travel, tourism, and hospitality industries, highlighted Grenada’s exceptional contributions to Caribbean hospitality. Several of the island’s top resorts were honored with distinguished awards, further cementing Grenada’s reputation as a premier destination. Among the winners, Sandals Grenada Resort & Spa was named Grenada’s Leading All-Inclusive Resort 2025, while Spice Island Beach Resort claimed the title of Grenada’s Leading Beach Resort 2025. Calabash Luxury Boutique Hotel continued its winning streak, securing Grenada’s Leading Boutique Hotel 2025 for the 11th consecutive year. Six Senses La Sagesse earned dual accolades as Grenada’s Leading Green Hotel 2025 and Grenada’s Leading Resort 2025, and Silversands Grenada was recognized as Grenada’s Leading Wedding Resort 2025. Arlene Friday, CEO of GHTA, emphasized that these awards reflect the unwavering dedication of Grenada’s hospitality sector to excellence, innovation, and sustainability. She noted that these achievements not only elevate Grenada’s global profile but also inspire the industry to continue setting new standards for luxury and authenticity in the Caribbean. The GHTA commended its members for their outstanding contributions and their role in enhancing Grenada’s position as a world-class tourism destination.
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SIB Celebrates Statistics Week with Interactive Exhibit at UB
The Statistical Institute of Belize (SIB) launched its annual celebration of Caribbean Statistics Day and Statistics Week 2025 with an engaging exhibition at the University of Belize Gymnasium. The event, held on October 15, brought together students, government ministries, statutory bodies, and partner organizations to demonstrate the pivotal role of data in shaping national policies and development strategies. Primary school students from the Cayo District participated actively, gaining insights into how statistics narrate Belize’s growth and challenges. This year’s theme, ‘Improving Lives Through Statistics: Strengthening and Innovating Together,’ underscores the importance of data in fostering a more inclusive and resilient Belize. The week-long celebration, running from October 14 to 17, features a series of activities designed to enhance data literacy, transparency, and innovation. The festivities will culminate with SIB’s annual Data Users Conference on October 17 at the Belize Biltmore Plaza, where key reports from the 2022 Population and Housing Census, including the Migration Report and the Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) Report, will be officially released.
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Education Minister attends KIX LAC Hub Regional Meeting 2025
The 2025 KIX LAC Hub Regional Meeting, held in Antigua, Guatemala from June 18–20, brought together over 100 education leaders from Latin America, the Caribbean, and beyond. Organized by the Knowledge and Innovation Exchange (KIX) Latin America and Caribbean (LAC) Hub, the event aimed to address critical challenges in foundational learning and educational equity. Attendees included representatives from Dominica, El Salvador, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, St Vincent and the Grenadines, St Lucia, Belize, and Bolivia. The meeting highlighted the exacerbated educational disparities caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, which left millions of children excluded from learning systems. Key discussions centered on ensuring access to quality foundational learning as a cornerstone for educational justice and holistic development. The event featured keynote speeches, interactive workshops, and thematic panels, including a Ministerial Panel titled ‘Learning and Foundational Competencies: Policies, Innovations, and Challenges.’ Three primary focus areas were identified: prioritizing educational challenges across Global Partnership for Education (GPE) member countries, sharing successful strategies from GPE KIX research projects, and fostering multi-sector partnerships to develop evidence-based solutions. The meeting culminated in the signing of the Antigua Commitment by Ministers of Education, SUMMA, and the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS). This milestone reaffirmed the region’s dedication to creating a more equitable, inclusive, and just educational sector. SUMMA, the leading education research and innovation lab for Latin America and the Caribbean, alongside OECS, spearheads the KIX LAC Hub, promoting knowledge exchange and innovative solutions. The outcomes of the meeting will inform early childhood education policies, pedagogical strategies, and inclusive financing mechanisms. Supported by the Ministry of Education of Guatemala, the event was a collaborative effort between the Global Partnership for Education (GPE), Canada’s International Development Research Centre (IDRC), SUMMA, and OECS. Since its inception in April 2020, the KIX LAC Hub has been instrumental in strengthening education systems across the region.
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Flash Flood Watch in effect until 4pm.
A severe weather system has prompted the Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Office to issue a flash flood watch for low-lying and flood-prone areas, effective until 4 PM today. The persistent trough responsible for the heavy rainfall has already deposited over 2 inches of rain in some regions within the past six hours, with an additional 2–4 inches expected in the next 12 hours. Residents in vulnerable areas, particularly near All Saints School, are urged to prepare for potential flooding and be ready to relocate to higher ground if conditions deteriorate or a Flash Flood Warning is issued. The National Office of Disaster Services (NODS) has advised against driving or walking through floodwaters, emphasizing the life-threatening risks involved. NODS has also mobilized its district disaster coordinators and volunteers, placing them on standby to open shelters if necessary. Authorities are encouraging individuals who may need shelter to move early to ensure their safety. Local media outlets will continue to provide updates, and residents are advised to stay informed. For those interested in advertising opportunities, the most visited news site in Antigua offers customizable digital marketing packages. Contact details are available for further inquiries.
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Chief Cultural Officer to represent Grenada at Liangzhu Forum in China
Kelvin Jacob, Chief Cultural Officer at Grenada’s Ministry of Tourism, Creative Economy, and Culture, is set to make a significant mark on the global stage as he attends the Third Liangzhu Forum in Hangzhou, China, from October 18 to 20, 2025. The forum, initiated by Chinese President Xi Jinping during the Third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation in 2023, has emerged as a premier platform for fostering cultural diversity, heritage conservation, and international exchange. This year’s theme, “Revitalisation of Civilisation: Cultural Heritage and Diversity of Human Cultures,” highlights the critical role of cultural identity in promoting global unity and mutual understanding. Jacob’s participation underscores Grenada’s growing influence in cultural diplomacy. He has been invited to deliver the Feature Address at the World Poetry, Dance, Music, and Visual Art Salon, a highly anticipated segment of the forum. His presentation, titled “Shared Beauty, Shared Civilisation,” will explore how cultural exchange and artistic expression can bridge divides and foster global creativity and cooperation. Beyond the forum, Jacob’s itinerary includes cultural and educational visits to key Chinese cities, including Yiwu, Beijing, and Shanghai, where he will engage in discussions on heritage preservation, cultural tourism, and creative industry development. This trip represents a pivotal moment for Grenada, showcasing its cultural leadership in the Caribbean and its contributions to global civilisation.