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Belizeans residing on the island of Caye Caulker are on Wednesday voting to decide whether marijuana should be legalised for production and sale three years after the process had been shelved.

In 2022, Belize almost legalised recreational marijuana with the government being forced to re-think its position, despite have legislation ready.

The authorities faced a backlash from churches and some medical practitioners and despite plans for a national referendum, the cost forced the idea to be shelved.

Now, three years later, the debate is back, but on a smaller stage with Caye Caulker’s village councilor, Ilya Rosado, securing an island-wide vote to decide if the community should allow a regulated cannabis industry.

‘My community has many needs and most of that are things like infrastructure. I have people in my community living without water and electricity. We need proper streets. Our schools need help in terms of their own facilities, their own infrastructure, and we never have enough revenue to be able to render the assistance that I’d like to help,’ Rosado has said.

Caye Caulker is a small, laid-back Caribbean island in Belize known for its relaxed ‘Go Slow’ motto, beautiful turquoise waters, and vibrant atmosphere, offering activities like snorkeling, diving, and sailing near the Belize Barrier Reef.

The island has a car-free policy, with golf carts and bicycles as the main modes of transport, and is a popular destination for backpackers and travelers seeking a slower pace of life

The Belizeans are voting on the question ‘Should the government of Belize pass legislation to create a responsible, regulated and taxable legal cannabis industry on the island of Caye Caulker, with a portion of the revenue going directly for the benefit of Caye Caulker and its residents?’.

There are 1, 444 registered voters in Caye Caulker Village and the Chief Elections Officer, Josephine Tamai, said normally the trend for a referendum is that ‘you have a lower vote there not, but because I know that this issue is one that is very dear to residents of Caye Caulker so I’m hoping that persons will come out to cast their vote.

‘We know that the result would be as majority, so whatever the result is, majority of the persons would’ve voted for either a yes or a no vote. I want to stay at home thinking that their voices will be heard, I want to encourage them to come out because that is the only way either your yes or no votes will be counted if you come out and cast your votes.’

Tamai said the poll will be monitored by individual non government organizations (NGO) to keep the exercise free of political interference.

She says given that Caye Caulker is a relatively small constituency, she anticipates that the results will be known quickly.

The London-based Commonwealth Secretariat Wednesday said that it has officially launched the Commonwealth Model Law on Digital Trade designed to modernise trade rules, strengthen competitiveness, and drive inclusive growth in the digital economy.

In a statement, it said that the launch took place in Jamaica during the Caribbean Telecommunications Union’s (CTU) late last month.

‘The launch in the Caribbean is not the end, but the start of a new phase of action. The Commonwealth Secretariat has committed to supporting member states through a regional pilot programme that encourages peer-to-peer knowledge exchange and cooperation between member states.

‘In addition, work has begun on the development of regional digital trade roadmaps to promote interoperability of laws across borders, strengthen regional economic corridors, and integrate supply chains into global networks,’ the statement said.

It said that the model law is accompanied by an implementation guide and aligns with te Commonwealth Secretariat’s 2025-2030 Strategic Plan, which aims to boost economic resilience across its member countries.

‘The Commonwealth Model Law on Digital Trade responds to the reality that most existing trade laws were designed for a paper-based economy, while many of today’s businesses operate digitally, across jurisdictions, and in real-time. Part of the appeal of the Commonwealth’s role is that its 56 member countries already trade with each other, and many of those countries also share a common legal system,’ the statement said.

The Secretariat noted that the model law saves time and cost for legislative drafters by providing an easily customisable template that can accommodate adaptation to local context as well as existing legislation and regulations.

‘It provides governments with a harmonised framework to legally recognise electronic communications, contracts, signatures, and transferable digital records. Once implemented, businesses can replace outdated, manual processes with faster, cheaper, and more secure digital trade systems.’

Adviser and head of the Commonwealth Connectivity Agenda at the Commonwealth Secretariat, Rajiv Babooram, said digital trade does not succeed on technology alone.

‘It requires trust, certainty, and legal frameworks that make an electronic document as valid as one printed and stamped, a digital signature as enforceable as one written by hand, and an online transaction as secure as one done face-to-face. Legal reform is not an option; it is the foundation on which our digital economy must be built.’

Minister of Public Infrastructure, Energy and Utilities, Domestic Transport, Information, Communication and Technology and Posts in St Kitts and Nevis, Konris Maynard, in endorsing the model law, cited the efficiency gains for the government and the enhanced global competitiveness for his country’s businesses.

‘I am happy to advise that St Kitts and Nevis will be the first country in the Caribbean to pilot the Commonwealth Model Law on Digital Trade, and we are looking forward to paving the way ahead for regional alignment’.

For his part, Antigua and Barbuda’s Minister for Information, Broadcasting, Telecommunications and Information Technology, Melford Nicholas, said the ‘Caribbean region holds significant potential for innovative, bankable business ideas and we need is for MSMEs to be able to reach international markets.

‘To make this happen we must put in place the legal framework that creates a business-friendly environment by reducing compliance costs and seamless processing of transactions, by companies large and small, to reach global markets.’

The Commonwealth Secretariat said that the economic case for adoption is compelling. The updated Quantitive Analysis of the Move to Paperless Trade Report shows that full implementation of digital trade frameworks across the Commonwealth could generate up to US$1.2 trillion in efficiency and growth gains by 2026, including US$90 billion in additional intra-Commonwealth trade.

For businesses, particularly micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), legal modernisation translates into faster transaction times, reduced compliance burdens, and access to new markets.

Real-world examples prove the business case. In jurisdictions that have reformed similar laws, transaction times have been reduced from months to hours, costs have dropped by as much as 80 per cent and productivity has increased by 60 per cent, it added.

Suriname is seeking to become the first country in the world to issue Internationally Transferred Mitigation Outcomes (ITMOs), a new mechanism within the Paris Climate Agreement, similar to carbon credits and is looking to the German-based Deutsche Bank for assistance.

A delegation from the Frankfurt based multinational investment bank and financial services company, held talks on Tuesday with President Jennifer Greelings-Simons to explore possibilities for cooperation.

According to the Communications Service Suriname (CDS), the government’s information and communication service responsible for disseminating information to the public, the meeting was also attended by the Minister of Oil, Gas and Environment, Patrick Brunings.

It said that the bank delegation is in the Dutch-speaking Caribbean Community (CARICOM) country to assess the country’s preconditions and potential in this area.

‘While the delegation conducts its investigation, we are examining how we can better protect our forests, what mechanisms we already have in place, and, above all, how any proceeds can be spent responsibly,’ said Brunings.

He said that ITMOs, although related to carbon credits, are a new international instrument under the Paris Agreement.

‘The value of one ITMO is around US$25, and Suriname has an estimated 4.5 million ITMOs to trade,’ Brunings said, adding that the ‘revenues must be used for environmental projects. ‘Suriname must therefore not only protect its forests but also make clear how the resources are being used,’ Brunings said.

The meeting proposed the establishment of a technical team with representatives from various ministries and experts, under the supervision of an oversight committee including the Head of State.

CDS said that the team will investigate the feasibility of ITMO projects and oversee the process and Brunings said it could be installed ‘as soon as possible.

‘We want to proceed carefully, but it looks promising. The world of carbon credits is developing rapidly, and Suriname now has a serious potential partner who is considering our options..

‘If we approach this project properly, we’ll start with US$25 per ITMO, but in the long run, the sky’s the limit,’ Brunings said, adding ‘that depends on how seriously we, as Surinamese, take protecting our environment’.

‘We don’t want to rush anything, but the outlook is positive. The world of carbon credits is constantly evolving, including in terms of regulations. With Deutsche Bank, we now have a serious partner who is investigating feasibility. If it turns out we’re ready for the next step, this could be the start of something promising,’ he said.

Silver medalist Akeem Stewart was showered with praises on his return home on Monday from the recently concluded World Para Athletics Championships in India.

Stewart, who finished second in the men’s F44 discus with a season’s best throw of 59.64 metres, was met by officials from the Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs (MSYA)and the Sport Company of T and T (SporTT) at the Piarco International Airport.

Akeem Stewart copped silver at the just concluded World Para Athletics Championships

An ecstatic Stewart was satisfied with his performance, as it was his first medal since 2017.

‘I was sick leading up to the games, and it looks bad on an athlete to prepare, train hard and not perform. Winning this is something I really wanted. Silver is a steppingstone in the right direction,’ Stewart said.

Minister of Sport and Youth Affairs, Phillip Watts spoke highly of Stewart.

‘Akeem has once again proven that resilience, dedication, and the heart of a champion are the true hallmarks of a titan.

‘His silver medal is not just a personal victory but a beacon of inspiration for our entire nation,’ Watts said.

‘On behalf of the Government and the proud citizens of T and T, I extend our deepest congratulations. We are immensely proud of his achievement on the world stage, and the Government remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting our athletes as they continue to fly our flag high.’

Jamaica has formally submitted its candidature for re-election to Category C of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council, with elections scheduled for December 2025.

Under Secretary for the Foreign Trade Division in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade and Jamaica’s Ambassador to the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), Esmond Reid, said that Jamaica is actively seeking the support of the IMO membership in its bid for re-election to Category C of the Council.

‘We hope to have the opportunity to continue to contribute to global oceans advocacy and the work of the IMO Council,’ he said, pointing out that the Caribbean country has made significant strides in advancing its marine stewardship mandate.

He said a noteworthy achievement is Jamaica’s progress in safeguarding 15 per cent of its territorial waters at the national level, alongside its active role in advancing regional cooperation through the draft CARICOM Ocean Policy.

‘We also celebrate achievements on the international stage, including the consensual adoption of the Nice Declaration at the Third United Nations Ocean Conference in June 2025, and the milestone ratification by over 60 countries of the High Seas Treaty earlier this month,’ the Under Secretary said.

Reid said that this historic step has paved the way for the agreement’s entry into force in January 2026, marking a significant milestone in regional maritime cooperation.

‘Looking ahead, Jamaica will continue to play an active and valuable role in the international maritime sector, both as a trusted partner of the IMO and four other international partners,’ he said.

Meanwhile, Ambassador Reid noted that the 30th Session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP 30), scheduled for November in Belém, Brazil, presents a critical opportunity to advance the climate-ocean nexus.

He also pointed out that, as host country of the International Seabed Authority and the only Caribbean small island developing state represented on the High-Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy, ‘Jamaica reaffirms its commitment to championing ocean governance within the multilateral arena’

A High Court Wednesday granted Housing Minister Dr. David Lee bail in the sum of one million dollars (One TT dollar=US$0.16 cents) less than 24 hours after he was arrested by police on charges relating to tax exemption for parliamentarians on a luxury vehicle.

Businessman Hugh Leong Poi, who was also arrested with Lee, was also granted TT$600,000 bail.

The two men appared before Master Lisa Singh-Phillip where the minister was granted bail with one surety, while Leong Poi was granted bail with his named surety approved by the court.

Prime Minister Kamla Persad says she remains confident that the courts will ‘deliver a just result’ with respect to Lee, who along with the businessman, had been taken into custody by police on Tuesday.

The Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) says it will launch the second edition of its Panorama of Productive Development Policies in Latin America and the Caribbean 2025 report on Thursday.

It said that the publication not only reiterates the need to scale up and improve these policies to drive the productive transformation required for the region and escape the low-growth trap in which it is mired, but also sets forth specific ways to achieve it.

The report will be presented by ECLAC’s Executive Secretary, José Manuel Salazar-Xirinachs, and Marco Llinás, Director of the Division of Production, Productivity and Management.

The report provides for a diagnostic overview of productivity in Latin America and the Caribbean, including data on labour productivity per worker, per hour, by sector, by firm size, and by territory, among other key indicators. It also examines recent experiences in productive development policies across the region.

It also delves into three complementary strategic dimensions, namely science, technology and innovation (STI) policies; cluster initiatives and other forms of productive coordination; and green and inclusive productive development policies.

In addition to analysing the region’s situation in each of these areas, the report provides a series of recommendations on how countries and subnational territories can strengthen and scale up their productive development policies to foster the needed transformation.

To overcome the low-growth trap, ECLAC said the report underscores the urgent need to redouble efforts to promote the productive transformation of regional economies through productive development policies that can boost productivity and enable higher, sustained, inclusive and sustainable growth.

Health Minister Dr. Christopher Tufton says he welcomes the conclusion of a report by the Integrity Commission(IC) even as he expressed ‘regret’ at ‘any hurt or reputational damage that may have resulted from the prolonged public scrutiny.

‘I am, however, pleased that the IC has reported no illegality by any party involved, and I am relieved that the report brings clarity to the facts. Throughout this process, I have remained focused on fulfilling my duties as Minister of Health and Wellness and on advancing the public health agenda in the best interest of the Jamaican people,’ he said in a statement.

The report came just over five years after the IC opened an investigation into allegations regarding the development and implementation of a social marketing campaign, during the period January 2016 – December 2020.

The campaign, named Jamaica Moves, is part of the health ministry’s coordinated national response to the increased incidence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). The ministry explained that the campaign was designed to educate, engage, and build supportive environments, with the goal of reducing NCDs by 25 per cent by the year 2025.

In its report, the IC said its director of investigation found that a total of 15 contracts, with a cumulative value of J$78.5 million (One Jamaica dollar=US$0.008 cents) were awarded to Market Me over the period January 2017 to March 2021.

Fourteen of those contracts, with a cumulative value of J$73.6 million, were awarded by the health and wellness ministry, while the other contract, valued at J$4.9 million, was awarded by the National Family Planning Board by way of the direct contracting procurement methodology.

The matter became controversial after it emerged that Tufton and one of the principals of Market Me had a friendship before he became health minister.

But in its report, the IC found that Tufton had introduced Market Me to the ministry as the company’s proposal for the Jamaica Moves campaign fit with his view on lifestyle and wellness issues.

The Commission said that while its director of investigation saw no evidence that Tufton was directly involved in the award of a contract to Market Me, his ‘actions could reasonably be considered to have indirectly influenced the engagement of Market Me, which ultimately resulted in that entity being awarded contracts of just under $80,000,000’.

The IC cited Tufton for a conflict of interest and also described as ‘a serious irregularity’ the health ministry’s decision to enter into a contract with the marketing company ‘on the basis of the receipt of an unsolicited proposal’.

The has recommended that the health and wellness ministry refrains from ‘the improper use of the direct contracting procurement methodology and ensure that this methodology is utilised only within the parameters of the Public Procurement Act and the attendant regulations, guidelines and circulars’.

Additionally, it recommends that the ministry ensures that at all times it has in place a comprehensive procurement plan which facilitates value for money, prudent financial management, and which allows the ministry to plan more effectively in the procurement of goods, works and services, while adhering to international best practices and applicable laws and procurement guidelines.

‘It is further recommended that the ministry ensures the execution of proper procurement planning as a critical and important first step in the procurement cycle to avoid, inter alia, the occurrence of engaging in the ad hoc acquisition of goods and services, as well as eliminating the need to reimburse a contractor for expenditure incurred during contract implementation and between contracts,’ the Commission added.

It also recommended, in relation to Tufton, that the matter be referred to the Speaker of the House of Representatives.

But in his statement, Tufton said that ‘this matter has remained in the public domain for several years and, at times, has cast unfair doubt not only on my own integrity but also on the reputations of others involved, including members of the Ministry and legitimate contractors.

‘I regret any hurt or reputational damage that may have resulted from the prolonged public scrutiny,’ he said, adding ‘I am, however, pleased that the IC has reported no illegality by any party involved, and I am relieved that the report brings clarity to the facts.

‘The Commission’s findings have helped to clarify the facts and put to rest years of speculation, allowing the public to have a clear and accurate understanding of the matter. I respect the processes now before the Speaker of the House and shall remain committed to serving with integrity, accountability, and an unwavering focus on national development,’ Tufton added.

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has launched new guidelines designed to support health workers and other professionals in identifying and responding to vaccine misinformation,, which it describes as a growing phenomenon that threatens to undermine confidence in immunization and jeopardize public health progress across the region.

The guides provide practical tools for key audiences, including health workers, national immunization program managers, health communicators, journalists, educators, and content creators, to strengthen their capacity to recognize and counter false or misleading messages about vaccines.

‘Studies have shown that exposure to vaccine misinformation, even for a short period of time, can negatively influence people’s perceptions and their decision to get vaccinated,’ said Daniel Salas, Executive Manager of the Special Programme for Comprehensive Immunization al PAHO.

‘Even individuals who have been vaccinated in the past can be negatively influenced by misinformation.’

The documents outline common strategies used to spread false information, such as using data without scientific evidence, appealing to strong emotions, promoting conspiracy theories, discrediting experts or institutions, and selectively using true information to make false claims appear legitimate.

They also offer guidance on identifying red flags in misleading materials, including frequent spelling or grammatical errors, sensationalist headlines, and the excessive use of capital letters or exclamation marks.

PAHO said given the vital role that health workers play as the most trusted source of information on immunization, the materials include recommendations on how to respond with empathy and transparency to patients who express doubts or fears due to misinformation. PAHO said it has also developed tailored guidance for journalists, offering suggestions on how to provide balanced, evidence-based coverage of vaccination while avoiding the inadvertent spread of anti-science narratives.

For educators, the guides propose classroom activities to help strengthen students’ media, digital, and health literacy, encouraging them to critically assess the information they encounter on social media and other platforms.

The guidelines emphasize that combating misinformation must go hand-in-hand with broader efforts to build trust and increase vaccination coverage.

‘Human behavior is complex, and while addressing misinformation is essential, it’s not a silver bullet,’ Salas said.

‘In areas with low coverage, we encourage countries to apply tools such as microplanning and the guidance on social and behavioral drivers of vaccination to gain a deeper understanding of community perceptions, social norms, and potential logistical barriers.’

PAHO said that through the publication of these new guides, it aims to support countries of the Americas, including the Caribbean in strengthening vaccine confidence, reinforcing national immunization programs, and sustaining the region’s long-standing leadership in vaccination, one of the greatest public health achievements in the Americas.

Prime Minister Kamla Persad says she remains confident that the courts will ‘deliver a just result’ with respect to her Housing Minister, Dr. David Lee, who along with a businessman, had been taken into custody by police on Tuesday.

‘We have respect for the courts of the land. Minister Lee was acquitted of these allegations before. Now that the charges have been relaid we have confidence in the courts to deliver a just result,’ she said in a brief statement.

On Tuesday, the police said that judicial warrants had been issued for the ‘apprehension’ of Lee and businessman Hugh Leong Poi.

The statement gave no details why the warrants were issued , but added that ‘in accordance with the legal mandate and without delay, both individuals were taken into custody by officers of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service, and are presently undergoing standard processing procedures.

‘The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service remains committed to upholding the rule of law and executing all judicial instructions with integrity, impartiality, and procedural rigour,’ the statement said.

Opposition Leader, Pennelope Beckles, has called on Prime Minister Persad Bissessar to immediately inform the country whether Lee will continue to serve as a minister of Government while facing criminal charges.

‘The PNM is calling on the Prime Minister to act in accordance with established protocols, in the face of the issuance of an arrest warrant for Dr Lee. Public trust and confidence in the integrity of the Cabinet must be protected. Leadership demands accountability,’ the party said in a release signed by Beckles.

‘Due process and respect for the rule of law are cornerstones of our democracy, and every citizen is entitled to a fair trial before the courts. However, public confidence in the integrity of the Cabinet and the governance of Trinidad and Tobago must also be protected,’ said Beckles, who is also an attorney.

She recalled that when former attorney general Anand Ramlogan SC and former national security minister Jack Warner were both arrested while serving in previous Persad Bissessar-led governments, they were immediately removed from office.

Prior to the April 28 general election, Lee was cleared of fraud charges related to tax exemptions on his vehicle as a parliamentarian.

Acting Chief Magistrate Christine Charles dismissed the charges of conspiracy to defraud and misbehaviour in public office after upholding a no-case submission presented by Lee’s legal team, led by Wayne Sturge and Mario Merritt.

The magistrate ruled that the prosecution presented insufficient evidence to sustain the charges or proceed to trial. She also acquitted Leong Poi of Sport Outlet Limited, who faced a joint charge with Lee for conspiracy to defraud.

In September 2022, authorities accused the pair of conspiring to defraud the state of TT$1.4 million (One TT dollar=US$0.16 cents) in tax revenue related to the importation of a Mercedes Benz G63 AMG, valued at over two million dollars.

The charges involved TT$293,094.02 in Value Added Tax (VAT), TT$298,650 in motor vehicle tax, and TT$824,548.62 in customs duty.

Prosecutors had alleged that Lee falsely claimed ownership of the vehicle to benefit from tax exemptions granted to MPs. The alleged offences occurred between 24 March and 8 June 2019.

Meanwhile, Lee remained under the care of medical professionals at the Port of Spain General Hospital on Tuesday night after complaining of feeling unwell following his arrest.

The Trinidad Express newspaper reported Wednesday that shortly after his arrest, Lee complained of feeling unwell and was taken to the Port of Spain General Hospital, after he had what may have been a panic attack.