By Antonio Dey | HGP Nightly News |
Barbados – Mottley Calls on Commonwealth to Protect Democracy
Barbados Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley has called on the 56-member Commonwealth to lead by example and reaffirm democracy as the most effective path to peace, prosperity, and human development.
Delivering the 68th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference Emilia Lafeaka Memorial Lecture, Mottley cautioned that democracies around the world are “under pressure” — strained by division, digital misinformation, and public mistrust.
“Let us move forward hand in hand with courage and conviction to build a Commonwealth where democracy is not a privilege of the few but the birthright of all,” she urged.
The Barbadian leader emphasized that sustaining democracy requires not only the commitment of governments but also the active participation of citizens, stressing that people live not in concepts, but in the consequences of political decisions.
Belize – Small Island to Vote on Legalizing Marijuana Production
In Belize, residents of Caye Caulker are set to vote on whether to legalize the production of marijuana in their community, three years after a national plan for legalization was shelved.
In 2022, Belize came close to approving recreational marijuana use, but the move was halted following strong opposition from churches and medical professionals.
Now, village councillor Ilia Rado has revived the conversation, proposing a localized referendum to decide whether a regulated cannabis industry should be allowed.
“My community has many needs — from roads and schools to basic utilities like water and electricity. We never have enough revenue to meet those needs,” Rado explained, arguing that a controlled cannabis sector could generate funds for local development.
Middle East – Israel and Hamas Agree to Ceasefire and Prisoner Exchange
In international news, Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas have reached a ceasefire agreement following indirect negotiations in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt — marking the first major step toward ending two years of devastating conflict in Gaza.
Under the deal, Israel will partially withdraw from Gaza, while Hamas will release all remaining Israeli hostages in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners.
The truce, brokered under a U.S.-backed peace initiative led by President Donald Trump, will also see humanitarian aid convoys entering Gaza to assist civilians displaced by the fighting.
Over 67,000 Palestinians have been killed since the war began, with entire neighborhoods reduced to rubble. The ceasefire agreement has been met with widespread relief among both Israelis and Palestinians, offering a glimmer of hope for peace in the war-torn region.
