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Haiti Tuesday welcomed the decision of the United Nations Security Council to back a resolution authorising the transition of the Kenyan-led Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission for Haiti into a new Gang Suppression Force (GSF).

The resolution was moved by the United States and Panama and by a vote of 12 in favour to none against, with three abstentions, namely China, Pakistan and the Russian Federation), the Council adopted the text as resolution 2793.

Through the resolution, the Council authorised member states to transition the MSS mission to the GSF for an initial period of 12 months and among other terms, the Security Council has decided that the GSF shall have an authorised personnel ceiling of 5,550, consisting of 5,500 uniformed personnel, comprised of both military and police and 50 civilians.

US Ambassador Michael Waltz said the resolution, undertaken in close collaboration with the Haitian authorities, offered new hope for the French-speaking Caribbean Community (CARICOM) country where criminal gangs have been seeking to overthrow the provisional government since the assassination of President Jovenel Moise in July 2021.

The Central Bank of the Bahamas (CBB) says preliminary indicators are that the domestic economy grew at a moderated paced up through the month August, relative to the year earlier, as performance indicators continued to trend closer to their expected medium-term potential.

‘Notably, tourism output rose at a slower pace, as a result of more constrained activity in the high value-added stopover segment, although the cruise sector earning growth remained buoyant,’ the CBB said in the publication of its Monthly Economic and Financial Developments (MEFD) August 2025 report.

It said the unemployment rate increased for the first quarter of 2025, vis-à-vis the final quarter of 2024, owing in part to a decrease in employed persons, and a rise in the labour force participation rate.

The CBB said that monetary trends for August were marked by a contraction in banking sector liquidity, as the growth in domestic credit outpaced the rise in the deposit base. Further, external reserves decreased, underpinned by net foreign currency outflows through both the public and private sectors.

The Central Bank said that indications are that growth in tourism sector earnings slowed in comparison to 2024, owing to accommodation capacity constraints in the stopover segment. ‘Nonetheless, the cruise segment continued to register year-to-date robust gains and attract foreign investments in the development of onshore private destinations, despite a slowdown in the month of July.’

Official data provided by the Ministry of Tourism showed that for the month of July, total arrivals decreased by 3.3 per cent to 1.1 million visitors, vis-à-vis the same 2024 period. Specifically, sea passengers reduced by 3.8 per cent to 0.9 million. In addition, air traffic declined by 0.9 per cent to 0.2 million.

The CBB said that recent data from the Nassau Airport Development Company Limited (NAD) revealed that total departures, reduced by three per cent to 150,366 in August, relative to the same period last year.

In particular, US departures declined by 5.1 per cent to 130,911. In an offset, non-US departures rose by 14.5 per cent to 19,455.

The CBB said that in the short-term vacation rental market, data provided by AirDNA indicated that in August, total room nights sold rose by one per cent to 55,790.

‘However, given increased inventories, the occupancy rates for both entire place and hotel comparable listings declined to 36.9 per cent and 37. per cent, respectively, from 38.8 per cent and 42.1 per cent in the previous year.

‘The average daily room rate (ADR) for entire place listings increased by 11.8 per cent to US$510.78, compared to the prior year. Likewise, the average daily room rate (ADR) for hotel comparable listings moved higher by 1.1 per cen to US$173.47, relative to the comparative 2024 period.’

The CBB said that based on provisional quarterly estimates compiled by the Bahamas National Statistical Institute, labour market conditions deteriorated over the first quarter of 2025 as against the final quarter of 2024, owing in part to a rise in the number of unemployed persons, and a hike in the labour force participation rate.

In particular, the number of employed persons decreased to 214,725 in the first three months of 2025, relative to 218,240 in previous quarter, although marginally higher than the 213,585 persons recorded in the first quarter of 2024.

‘Correspondingly, the unemployment rate rose to 10.8 per cent in the first quarter from nine per cent in the prior quarter, and 8.7 per cent in the comparable period of 2024. Further, the youth unemployment rate increased by 2.9 percentage points to 20.9 per cent in the review quarter, as compared to same quarter of the preceding year.’

In August, the reduction in external reserves moderated to US$74.7 million from the US$92.4 million in the previous year, for an ending balance of US$2,888 million.

The CBB said underlying this outturn, the Central Bank’s net sale to commercial banks tapered to US$52.3 million, from US$75.4 million a year earlier. Similarly, commercial banks’ net foreign currency outflow to their customers declined to US$53.9 million, from US$85.8 million in the same period of 2024.

Meanwhile, the Central Bank’s net foreign currency outflow to the public sector widened to US$31.4 million, from US$23.9 million in the preceding year.

The Central Bank said that as economic indicators converge closer to their medium-term growth potential, the domestic economy is forecasted to expand at a slower pace in 2025, compared to 2024, mainly in line with tourism sector performance.

‘Notably, performance in the stopover segment-which is partially linked to movements in the US-sourced market-is expected to register moderated gains, against the backdrop of accommodation constraints and more subdued consumer confidence in the US. However, the cruise sector is expected to sustain robust growth-albeit a less dominant weight in earnings estimates.

‘Further, new and ongoing foreign investment projects, with a significant focus on onshore cruise attractions, are expected to provide impetus to the construction sector. Notwithstanding this, downside risks to the outlook have risen, due to increased tariffs on international trade, and uncertainties related to the major economies’ trade policies, which have the potential to slow tourism demand, and constrain global growth.’

The CBB said that other exogenous risks to the outlook remain relevant, including the direct and indirect effects of heightened geopolitical tensions and elevated global oil prices.

With the highly anticipated Test series against India on the horizon, West Indies vice-captain Jomel Warrican has expressed a quiet confidence in his team’s preparations, emphasising a focus on the present moment and the hard work being put in on the training grounds in Ahmedabad.

West Indies vice-captain Jomel Warrican

The Caribbean squad has been acclimatising for the past couple of days, and Warrican, a left-arm spinner who could play a pivotal role in the subcontinental conditions, believes the intensive camp has been beneficial.

‘It’s given us a lot of confidence, me as a left-arm spinner,’ Warrican stated.

While he acknowledged the past success of left-arm spinners against the Indian batting line-up, he was quick to dismiss any notion of relying on history.

‘It’s impressive that left-arm spinners have done well against India, but at the same time, you can’t live too much in the past. You have to be in the present and just focus on the job at hand.’

The team’s preparation has been thorough, featuring two demanding all-day sessions designed to simulate the rigours of a Test match. According to Warrican, every department is being fine-tuned.

‘The batsmen have been doing a lot of drills, whether it be sweeping, playing off the back foot, for our defensive or lofty shot, just backing the game plan,’ he explained.

The bowlers, too, are leaving no stone unturned. ‘The spinners or the pacers, or should I say the bowlers, have been hitting their lengths on target very consistently, doing a lot of spot bowling as well, and then taking that into bowling against the batsmen.’

Underpinning the intense physical work is a clear mental philosophy instilled by the coaching staff. The message is to play with freedom and enjoyment.

‘The coaches have really instilled in us to be free and back your game plans and enjoy your cricket,’ Warrican shared. ‘Any time you step on a field, don’t be tense. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself. Just try and enjoy the moment and live in the moment. Just have some fun while you’re playing, but still be aware of what’s happening around you.’

The Belize government is moving ahead with the establishment of a gun and gang court with Home Affairs Minister, Kareem Musa, saying that the acts of gun violence that occurred over the last weekend ‘are unacceptable’.

‘First, I extend my sincere condolences to the families of those who lost their loved ones over the weekend. We grieve with you, and we are committed to holding those responsible accountable.

Home Affairs Minister, Kareen Musa

‘The events of this weekend reinforce what we already know. Belize needs a dedicated response to the crisis of gun and gang violence. That is why our government has advanced the amendment to create a specialized gun and gang court,’ Musa said.

He said that the court is designed to process gun-related and gang-related cases ‘swiftly, firmly, and within the law.

‘Once passed, we intend to increase the penalties for first-time offenders from five years to 10 years. And for second-time offenders, that penalty will extend from 15 to 20 years. The court will focus solely on these matters, removing them from an already overburdened magistracy,’ Musa said.

Police said among those killed over the last wekend were 25-year-old Gaston Barrow, who was killed in an ambush that left another man, Hance Card, seriously injured, while two women escaped unharmed. Forty-three-year-old Moses Almendarez was also gunned down and 34-year Keyon Cleland was stabbed during a dispute with a store owner

Acting Commissioner of Police, Bart Jones, told reporters that the preliminary investigations into the more than half a dozen shootings, including near a school, that led to multiple fatalities, were gang related.

Jones in offering his condolences to families that lost loved ones because of the violent acts, warned criminals that the law will come down hard and is assuring the public that officers will respect the rights of law-abiding citizens.

‘I want to express the departments concerns to the many family or Belizeans who may have been or still shaken by the level of violence that occurred within their respective communities. This is something that the department cannot countenance and we will put decisive action to address this situation,’ Jones told a news conference.

‘As we are meeting now, we have commanders in the next room. We are meeting to strategise on how we are going to arrest this situation. We are going to see in the coming days targeted intelligence-led operation combined with our efforts with the Leadership Intervention Unit to try and mitigate or immediate some of the actions or the causes of some of these violence in the streets.’

Jones said that the police will also be looking at the investigative files as it relates to the gang offenses to see if charges can be preferred against some of these gang leaders who law enforcement believe ‘are behind this senseless violence.

‘The department will not stand to and allow citizen security to be further eroded and we will certainly, as I said, take decisive actions to address the situation. We, aforehand, want to beg on the public’s patience and support because some of our actions may to some degree impact on the lives of law-abiding citizens in terms of our checkpoints, in terms of our searches, but we will at best try to minimize the lessening effects of the non-participating public in this kind of acts of violence.

‘To the criminals, we say that we will be decipher after you with maintaining the, within the confines of the law, of course. And so we want you to remember as well that these acts of violence does not also put your family at risk because the risk of retaliation. So if you think about taking up the gun, you have to remember as well that your families can be impacted by the violence in retaliation.’

But Jones said he does not think that time has come as yet for a sate of emergency (SoE) to be declared in Belize.

‘Well, the issue of SOE, while many may think that it is the, from the department, the department does not do SoE proclamations. And so we will continue to do what we are doing and improve where we can.

‘As it is often said, the greatest room is the room for improvement. So we’ll be improving where we can to address the situation. The matter of SOE, if and when that comes, then we will deal with that accordingly.’

Jones said that having spoken to the commanders and other stakeholders ‘I am firm of the view that we are not there yet in terms of an SOE. So we will try to see what we can do to arrest the situation’.

The President of the Grenada Union of Teachers (GUT), Jude Bartholomew, is urging the government to resume the payment of allowances that were removed from principals of both primary and secondary schools after the government enforced the latest collective bargain for teachers.

‘The Grenada Union of Teachers in the last negotiating cycle, we negotiated a benefit for principals, nobody wanted to be principal because principals were the lowest paid, the pay was even lower than teachers who were in the system,’ Bartholomew told a news conference.

GUT president Jude Bartholomew

‘We successfully negotiated to bring up the pay and grade of principals, the primary schools principals from H to I and secondary schools principals from I to J and what the principals are saying, even while they receive payment of the new grade, somehow in the Ministry of Education have gotten rid of the allowances,’ he added.

‘The principals are saying it is unjust, it’s unfair,’ said Bartholomew who recommended that the government restore the allowances in recognition of World Teachers Day which will be commemorated globally on October 5.

He said besides resuming the payment of allowances to principals, the union also wants the teachers who are acting as principals to receive some form of payment for their service to the education system.

Bartholomew called on the government to pay the seniority allowance to teachers who complete teachers colleges. He said that payment has been in a collective agreement clause over the years and administrations have failed to make this payment to those who qualify for it.

‘Only one set of people who received that, once you finish college as a qualified teacher and you pass three appraisals you should be receiving the seniority allowance and it has not been paid across administrations.it should not stop until Government has a new pay and grade for teachers,’ he said.

West Indies elected to bowl after winning the toss against Nepal in the third T20I of the Unity Cup here at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Tuesday.

WEST INDIES Playing XI:

Kyle Mayers, Karima Gore, Ackeem Auguste, Keacy Carty, Amir Jangoo (wk), Jason Holder, Fabian Allen, Akeal Hosein (Capt), Navin Bidaisee, Jediah Blades, Ramon Simmonds

Simmonds and Gore replace Zishan Motara and Jewel Andrew

Debuts: Karima Gore

NEPAL Playing XI:

Rohit Paudel (Capt), Kushal Bhurtel, Kushal Malla, Sundeep Jora, Aarif Sheikh, Gulsan Jha, Lokesh Bam (wk), Mohammad Aadil Alam, Sompal Kami, Karan KC, Shahab Alam

Umpires: Buddhi Pradhan, Vinay Kumar

TV Umpire: Akbat Ali

Reserve Umpire: Durga Subedi

Match Referee: Narayanan Kutty

The World Bank Tuesday said it has approved a new project to reduce flood risk in St. Lucia’s most vulnerable communities.

The Washington-based financial institution said that the US$25 million St. Lucia Urban Resilient Flood Investment Project is expected to benefit an estimated 67,000 St. Lucians.

The bank’s International Development Association (IDA), which provides grants and zero to low-interest loans to help countries finance projects that support economic growth, reduce inequalities and improve living conditions, is funding the project.

The World Bank said St. Lucia faces serious risks from hurricanes, storm surges and heavy rainfall and that the country’s steep terrain and densely populated coastal areas make flooding a major concern, particularly as climate change leads to more intense and frequent storms.

It said flood risk is highest in St. Lucia’s low-lying coastal zones, where nearly 60 per cent of the population live and where key infrastructure like airports, the seaport and major roads are located. Castries, the capital, and Anse La Raye, a fishing village, are especially vulnerable to flooding.

‘This project equips St. Lucia with the tools it needs to better manage and reduce the risks of flooding,’ said Lilia Burunciuc, the World Bank’s Director for the Caribbean.

‘By strengthening disaster preparedness and investing in climate-resilient infrastructure, Saint Lucia is taking important steps to safeguard its people, economy and vital assets from the growing impacts of climate change,’ she added.

The project aims to reduce flood risk in selected areas and strengthen the government’s ability to manage climate-related risks. Importantly, it will focus on Castries, Anse La Raye and their river basins.

‘Infrastructure investments in Castries and Anse La Raye aim to enhance resilience to flooding and climate hazards. Rather than relying solely on traditional engineering solutions like drainage improvements and flood walls, the approach also incorporates nature-based measures such as green corridors and river restoration.

‘Project investments are designed to establish economic opportunities which enable job creation. By the end of the project, 66,400 people are expected to benefit from climate-resilient infrastructure and improved government capacity for managing climate-related risks.’

The World Bank said that the project will also seek to improve the government’s capacity to manage climate impacts, support engineering designs for flood mitigation and enhancing early warning systems and community coordination.

Preparation for this project benefited from financial support from the European Union, the frame of the EU Resilient Caribbean (EUReCa) Programme, which is managed by the Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery (GFDRR). This reflects a broader international partnership to build resilience across the Caribbean.

Guyana has officially launched GuyExpo 2025 calling for large and small-scale businesses and entrepreneurs to take the opportunity to showcase their products to local and international customers.

The November 13-16 event will be held under the theme ‘Transformation Through Entrepreneurship and Innovation’ and Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister, Susan Rodrigues said this year’s event will have new features to enhance its impact describing GuyExpo as both a legacy and a living platform that must evolve with the country’s rapidly changing economy.

Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce Susan Rodrigues addressing the launch of GuyExpo 2025.

‘Guyexpo is unmatched in terms of exposure; it offers a rare platform to showcase products and services not only to local consumers but to international investors and partners,’ Rodrigues told the ceremony on Monday night, noting that even with the changes, the exposition will still promote the economy’s dynamism while preserving its core identity.

‘We are creating a dedicated space for businesses and investors to engage in serious conversation about collaboration and expansion.

‘The vision is not only to sustain the legacy but to reimagine and elevate this national showcase, ensuring that it remains relevant to the dynamism of the economy while preserving its core identity,’ she said

She said this networking component will be supported by the Guyana Office for Investment (Go-Invest), whose expertise will be pivotal in linking entrepreneurs with investors.

‘The physical layout of the expo will also undergo a transformation, while the traditional elements that Guyanese have come to cherish, such as the vibrant food courts, the children’s area and tourism village, will remain. These features will be enhanced for greater prominence and impact,’ Rodrigues explained.

The organisers say businesses that have grown with GuyExpo in the past three decades will also be honoured, while illuminated signs and improved directional systems will be introduced.

‘GuyExpo is unmatched in terms of exposure. It offers a rare platform to showcase products and services not only to local consumers but to international partners and investors,’ Rodrigues stressed, encouraging private sector players to seize the opportunity.

Rodriques said that while GuyExpo is being supported by the government, the private sector will be integrally involved in the trade exhibition that was first launched in 1995 and has been the longest-standing trade expo in Guyana, attracting hundreds of exhibitors each year.

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has unveiled a five year strategic plan that sets out a ‘bold agenda’ towards advancing health and well-being across the Americas, including the Caribbean.

The 2026-31 strategic plan approved at the ongoing PAHO’s 62nd Directing Council, under the theme ‘Together toward a Healthier Americas for All,’ followed extensive consultations with countries and stakeholders, and commits to transformative health outcomes over the next six years, tackling noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), mental health, health security, fragmented health systems and services, and the elimination of communicable diseases, amongst others.

‘The COVID-19 pandemic taught us that the Region of the Americas is stronger when we work together,’ said PAHO Director, Dr. Jarbas Barbosa.

‘This strategic plan harnesses our collective strength to build resilient health systems, reduce disease burden, and improve health and well-being for all across the Americas,’ he added.

PAHO said that the plan builds on lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic, which exposed gaps in health systems while highlighting the power of joint action. It targets measurable impacts in countries, such as reducing maternal mortality, reversing rising suicide rates, and eliminating diseases like leprosy and Chagas.

At the heart of the strategic plan are five strategic objectives that will guide regional health action through 2031, namely accelerating efforts toward health for all, addressing the social determinants of health, environmental challenges, and risk factors as well as building resilient health systems for universal access to health and universal health coverage based on primary health care.

It is also intended to accelerate the disease elimination agenda and better prevent and treat communicable diseases, noncommunicable diseases, and mental health conditions, prevent, prepare, detect, and respond better to health emergencies and bolster the leadership, governance, and performance of PAHO to advance the regional health agenda and deliver technical cooperation that drives public health impact in countries.

PAHO said that the 2026-2031 plan introduces an integrated approach to health for all and features an updated results-based management framework and a streamlined results framework.

It reduces the number of outcomes and indicators while enhancing measurability and transparency.

‘Indicators with realistic, evidence-based targets will sharpen our focus and enable PAHO and its Member States to work towards tangible health outcomes,’ Dr Barbosa added.

To accelerate impact, the plan’s streamlined results framework with evidence-based indicators is supported by high-impact interventions, or ‘accelerators,’ to drive measurable progress and systemic transformation across multiple impact targets and dimensions of health development.

Accelerators build on existing frameworks and proven methods, offering tangible opportunities to scale up interventions rapidly and effectively. Finally, the Plan includes mechanisms for agile and transparent adjustments in response to evolving circumstances.

The PAHO director thanked member states for their collaboration in developing and approving the plan, saying it signals a ‘renewed regional cooperation’ and affirms countries’ commitment to improving health and well-being for all.

‘By working together, we can overcome current challenges and accelerate progress toward health for all people in the Americas,’ he added.

Meanwhile, PAHO has also unveiled a sculpture paying tribute to the health workers of the Americas for their resilience and dedication during the COVID-19 pandemic that left a deep mark with more than three million deaths in the region, representing approximately 43 per cent of the global toll.

‘This sculpture is a profound expression of gratitude, remembrance, and solidarity. It is a moment to pause, reflect, and honor those who sustained us during one of the most devastating health challenges of our time,’ said Dr. Barbosa.

PAHO said during the emergency, overwhelmed hospitals and shortages of essential supplies pushed health systems to the brink of collapse. Nevertheless, the response of health personnel was exemplary. In addition to their work in hospitals and intensive care units, health professionals maintained the continuity of essential services: administering vaccines, delivering medicines, and ensuring care for priority groups such as children, pregnant women, and older adults.

Dr. Barbosa said the recognition is dedicated to all health workers in the region, incduing nurses, doctors, technicians, and volunteers, who ‘demonstrate every day that their knowledge, skills, heart, and spirit are devoted to protecting people, especially when they most need to regain their health and well-being.’

The tribute also recalled the leadership of the late Dominican, Dr. Carissa Etienne, former PAHO Director, who guided the organization’s response to the pandemic with timely decisions focused on protecting health workers.

The sculpture stands as a permanent reminder of the courage and humanity demonstrated during the pandemic and as a call to strengthen health systems in preparation to face future challenges.

The design of the piece reflects PAHO’s institutional values-equity, excellence, solidarity, respect, and integrity-and symbolizes the interdependence of all health workers on the frontlines of combating disease.

The piece was originally conceived in 2006 for World Health Day by artist Gilles Collette, who used to work for PAHO. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, it was deemed timely to transform this symbol into a three-dimensional bronze sculpture, reigniting its message as a tribute to health workers across the Americas.

Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretary General, Dr. Carla Barnett has praised the contributions of young people in the socio-economic development of the region.

‘Across the CARICOM, youth are making waves in every sector. They are championing climate resilience and are at the forefront of promoting social equity. Caribbean youth are driving cultural pride and digital innovation, redefining,’ Barnett said in a message marking Caribbean Youth Day 2025

She said that the occasion provides an opportunity to recognise and celebrate the vital contributions of young people across the region ‘whose energy, creativity, and resilience are essential to the future prosperity of our region’.

She said that in recognition of their evolving realities and aspirations, the Caribbean Youth Development Plan (CYDAP), which acknowledges young people as active agents of change, has been revised to ensure its currency and relevance.

Additionally, a Regional Youth Development Structure is being established to facilitate meaningful ongoing youth engagement and to bridge the intergenerational gap.

The CARICOM Secretary General also applauded ‘the remarkable talent of our young people, including those who represent us with such dignity and pride on the regional, and global stag’ noting their ‘vibrant participation’ at the recent staging of the Caribbean Festival of Arts (CARIFESTA XV) held in Barbados in August this year.

‘Our young people are vital partners in development. Investing in their skills, talents, and aspirations is fundamental to achieving the broader regional goals of sustainable development, social justice, and regional integration.’

Barnett said that she is urging all stakeholders, governments, civil society, the private sector, and the youth themselves, to renew their commitment to creating an environment where young people can contribute to and participate in decision-making processes, and lead initiatives for positive change.

‘Their voices, perspectives, and actions are crucial in shaping a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable Caribbean,’ she added.