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  • Is Belize Prepared to Welcome US Troop Under Shield of America?

    Is Belize Prepared to Welcome US Troop Under Shield of America?

    As the U.S.-led Shield of America security initiative continues to take shape across Latin America and the Caribbean, Belize is taking a cautious, deliberate approach toward deepening security cooperation with Washington, Prime Minister John Briceño has confirmed. The initiative was first rolled out publicly in March 2025, when former U.S. President Donald Trump hosted a high-profile summit for regional leaders in Florida to launch the plan. Notably, Belize was not among the countries invited to that initial gathering.

    The Shield of America initiative is framed as a response to growing transnational security threats, particularly the expansion of criminal networks and drug cartels that have destabilized communities across the region. For Belize, which already faces persistent incursions from Mexican cartel operations, the prospect of increased security support and training is broadly appealing, Briceño acknowledged. But he stressed that Belize will not rush into any agreement that could compromise the nation’s sovereignty or core interests.

    Following a brief meeting with U.S. Ambassador to Belize André Bauer on October 21, 2026, Briceño told reporters that the government is prioritizing a thorough technical review of the proposal before making any commitments. “We just had a brief discussion just now with the ambassador and the colonel,” Briceño said. “What we’ve just talked briefly about it and I’m having the technical people to meet. We’re asking the CEO for National Security along with the Commandant for the BDF and the admiral for the Coast Guard to be able to meet with them and to see what can, what is workable.”

    Briceño reaffirmed that Belize has long been open to additional support to counter cartel activity. “We know we need help. We’ve been always saying that we need – there’s more training to be able to control any kind of attempt from the cartels, especially in Mexico to be able to come into Belize. So we will see what can work and whatever that can work in our interest and in the interest of the region, we’re prepared to do our part.”

    When pressed by a reporter about whether Belize would follow the lead of neighboring Guatemala, which has rejected the possibility of hosting U.S. troops on its soil citing constitutional restrictions on foreign military presence, Briceño declined to give a definitive answer ahead of the technical review. “Well, as, as I said, let the technical people speak first, and after that I’ll be able to answer you better,” he noted.

    The cautious stance from Belize reflects a broader trend across the region, where many governments are balancing the need for increased security assistance against concerns over national sovereignty and the long-term implications of deepening military cooperation with the United States. For now, Belize’s leadership is clear: any agreement must align with the country’s specific security needs and protect its national interests before it can move forward.

  • Belize’s Energy Future Hinges on Renewables

    Belize’s Energy Future Hinges on Renewables

    By 2026, Belize finds itself at a critical crossroads for its national energy sector, as rising operating costs continue to push Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) toward financial strain and leave local households facing steadily climbing monthly power bills. While the government notes that Belize still maintains one of the most affordable electricity rates across the Caribbean, the state-owned utility has struggled to keep rates stable as operational expenses grow far faster than revenue. To address this growing crisis, national Energy Minister Michel Chebat has framed expanded local renewable energy generation, particularly utility-scale solar power, as the most viable long-term solution for both stabilizing BEL’s finances and delivering cost relief to consumers.

    Chebat emphasized the government’s progress in keeping power costs low in a recent public interview, noting that Belize currently ranks as the second-cheapest Caribbean nation for electricity, a testament to existing policy efforts. Following a recent emergency declaration over the sector’s growing financial instability, the government has prioritized the rapid deployment of new solar generation capacity. Minister Chebat confirmed that 14 megawatts of new solar capacity is scheduled to come online by December 2026, with an additional expansion bringing total new capacity to 30 megawatts by July 2027. He has pledged to hold both BEL and its contracted construction partners accountable to meet these strict deployment deadlines.

    When pressed whether the cost savings from this first round of solar projects would be enough to offset the massive accumulated losses BEL has incurred operating as a publicly oriented utility rather than a purely profit-driven capitalist enterprise, Chebat admitted the initial savings will not be sufficient to turn the company’s fortunes around alone. However, he outlined broader plans for much larger-scale renewable energy expansion: after the initial projects are completed, an additional 80 megawatts of solar generation developed in partnership with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) will come online, a development Chebat says will drive a dramatic turnaround in BEL’s financial position.

    Beyond domestic policy, BEL CEO Leroy Almendarez recently used a meeting of regional energy ministers to call for deeper cross-border cooperation among Caribbean nations to address the shared energy sector challenges driving up costs across the region.

    This report is adapted from a transcript of an evening television newscast originally published online.

  • New Agreement Targets More Mexican Visitors to Central America

    New Agreement Targets More Mexican Visitors to Central America

    In a landmark move to strengthen regional travel collaboration and drive tourist arrivals across Central America, two leading tourism industry bodies have signed a strategic cooperation agreement at the 2026 Centroamérica Travel Market hosted in Guatemala City.

    The deal, signed October 21 by the Federation of Chambers of Tourism of Central America (FEDECATUR) and Mexico’s National Association of Travel Agents (AMAV), lays the groundwork for closer connections between Mexican travel sellers and tourism operators across all seven Central American markets and the Dominican Republic.

    Efren Perez, president of FEDECATUR, explained that the partnership goes far beyond basic information sharing, opening avenues for joint funding access, skills training programs and cross-regional tourism development projects that will strengthen the competitiveness of the Central American tourism brand globally. Under the agreement, 1,200 active Mexican travel agents will receive specialized, up-to-date training on the unique attractions and offerings of each member destination – including Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Costa Rica, Panama, and the Dominican Republic – equipping them to more effectively market the region to Mexican travelers and international visitors booking through Mexican agencies.

    Perez emphasized that private-sector collaboration like this agreement is critical to expanding the regional tourism ecosystem, unlocking shared growth and helping Central America stand out in an increasingly competitive global travel market.

    For his part, Levi Williams Manzanares, president of AMAV, described the pact as one of the most significant tourism cooperation agreements the region has seen in recent years, noting that it will deliver tangible benefits to all 1,200 member agents across Mexico by expanding their product offerings and opening new revenue streams.

    Beyond the agreement with AMAV, FEDECATUR also signed a second cooperation deal with the International Association of Tourism Corporation during the Guatemala City event, which will also support access to cooperative funding for training programs and cross-regional tourism infrastructure projects. Industry leaders expect the new partnerships to deliver a measurable increase in Mexican visitor arrivals to Central America over the next three years, while strengthening the overall resilience and competitiveness of the regional tourism sector.

  • Is politiek synoniem van belang?

    Is politiek synoniem van belang?

    Every political maneuver, every carefully laid strategic plan in global politics, is rooted at its core in the pursuit of vested interests. What remains striking, however, is that even the most high-profile powerbrokers, along with rank-and-file politicians of every standing, consistently deny this fundamental truth. Across the board, political leaders uniformly insist their actions are never for personal gain — they claim to act solely in the interest of the public. Yet, while politicians and their inner circles grow increasingly wealthy, ordinary citizens are left to fight over the leftover crumbs of prosperity. Political rhetoric grows more polished, more romanticized by the day, but widespread economic hardship persists for everyday people.

    Decades ago, Suriname was promised a prosperous future built on its gold and bauxite reserves. After generations of extraction, the public has little to show for these vast natural resources, thanks in large part to the hidden agendas of cunning political actors who have siphoned off benefits for themselves. Just a few days ago, it was revealed that a major international gold mining multinational operating in Suriname pulled in more than 70% of all gold extracted over the past decade, worth a staggering $6.6 billion, that was injected into the national economy. On paper, that sounds like a substantial contribution to growth, but why has the general public seen no tangible benefits from this windfall?

    Today, a new wave of optimistic rhetoric is sweeping the nation, this time centered on the promise of Suriname’s emerging offshore oil and gas industry. Starting from 2028, we are told, oil and gas extraction will transform Suriname’s economy into one so prosperous that even the United States and Europe will envy its growth. Leading global financial institutions, including the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund, have produced studies and projections to back these bold claims. Just recently, the World Bank projected that based on 2028 first-year production estimates, Suriname could achieve economic growth as high as 20% that year — outpacing even neighboring Guyana’s impressive growth forecasts.

    These are staggering numbers that capture the public imagination, but critical details about behind-the-scenes arrangements are being deliberately obscured. A complex web of national and international legal networks has been quietly constructed to direct the vast majority of expected profits from the new oil industry toward hidden, private destinations. High-level collusion between political elites and corporate interests keeps ordinary citizens in the dark about these arrangements, leaving them to celebrate what little incremental gains they are thrown while the largest rewards flow to a small, connected few.

    Vested interests are carefully cultivated by global powers from the U.S. and Europe, strategically mapped out across resource-rich regions of the world. The U.S., China, Europe, and Russia are not inherently permanent enemies; instead, they maintain a careful balance of power to protect their own shared economic and strategic interests. These major powers insert themselves into every region where valuable natural resources are found, often pitting smaller nations against one another to emerge as the ultimate beneficiaries. In some cases, they even foment political instability within developing countries to create opportunities for profit. While public rhetoric may be filled with threats and warnings, when it comes to trade, security, and economic interests, these competing powers readily set aside differences to secure their shared gains.

    With the discovery of massive new oil reserves off Suriname’s coast and preparations for production already underway, Suriname is steadily emerging as a strategically important player for energy security across the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and beyond. This new development also presents Suriname with an opportunity to gain greater influence in international diplomacy and the global energy landscape.

    Against this backdrop, it is critical that Suriname gets its domestic affairs in order ahead of assuming the rotating presidency of CARICOM this coming January. As the old saying goes, well begun is half done. Suriname must seize this unique opportunity to fulfill the responsibilities of the CARICOM presidency in a way that advances and protects the nation’s core interests.

    Every domestic institution that supports the president in this role must receive the full backing and resources it needs to succeed. This collective strength is essential for Suriname to present a unified, credible front on the global stage and strengthen its standing among the community of nations.

    By Ettie Patra

  • CATM 2026: Why International Travel Buyers Are Choosing Belize

    CATM 2026: Why International Travel Buyers Are Choosing Belize

    As the 2026 edition of the Centroamerica Travel Market (CATM) draws to a close in Guatemala City, a wave of international travel industry professionals is packing their bags for Belize, lured by the destination’s growing reputation as a must-visit Central American gem. For travel sellers, there is no better strategy to promote a destination than to experience its offerings firsthand – and that is exactly what these delegates are setting out to do.

    CATM 2026 follows a structured format that combines industry networking, educational conference sessions, and pre- and post-event regional tours. This year, Belize beat out other regional destinations to secure the spot as the official post-conference tour, and the travel buyers who signed up say the choice was an easy one.

    Speaking with News Five reporter Benita Keme-Palacio on the final day of the Guatemala City conference, delegates shared their individual motivations for selecting Belize as their post-conference destination, from growing client demand to personal curiosity about the country’s unspoiled natural and cultural attractions.

    One European buyer noted that interest in Belize has spiked among Scandinavian and Canadian travelers, who often pair visits to Belize with trips to neighboring Guatemala. “I hear it’s a beautiful small Caribbean nation, and I need to see it for myself so I can accurately describe it to my clients,” he explained.

    An Argentine delegate echoed that sentiment, saying that consumer demand for Belize has grown steadily in his home market, and the trip will give him the on-the-ground knowledge to promote the destination more effectively to Argentinian travelers.

    For another buyer whose client base is largely made up of American travelers, Belize already ranks as their second-best-selling destination in Central America, thanks to the country’s world-class diving opportunities. The post-conference trip will allow them to explore new properties and activities to expand the range of offerings they can present to their customers.

    Multiple delegates spoke to their excitement about exploring specific attractions in Belize. One frequent seller of Belize travel packages is particularly looking forward to visiting the laid-back island of Caye Caulker and the ancient Maya archaeological site of Lamanai, and is eager to experience the country’s sunny beaches and warm climate firsthand. Another delegate, who already fell in love with Belize on a past visit, returns this year to explore the less-visited Toledo District, saying Belize “has everything – there’s always more to discover.”

    For a first-time visitor to Belize, the draw was the chance to cross a new Central American country off his list, having already explored Nicaragua, El Salvador, and Guatemala. The stunning coastal landscapes he saw online reminded him of his home in Roatán, and he said he’s been eager to visit the iconic Great Blue Hole ever since he first learned about the natural landmark.

    Delegates will depart Guatemala City for Belize on Friday, where they will spend two days touring key attractions, meeting local hospitality operators, and getting the firsthand experience they need to confidently sell Belize to international travelers. As the global tourism industry continues to rebound from the impacts of the pandemic, destination experiences like this CATM post-conference tour are a critical tool for emerging tourism markets like Belize to grow their international visitor base and boost their reputation as a top-tier travel destination.

  • Deadline Looms: Fishermen Defiant on Monitoring Mandate

    Deadline Looms: Fishermen Defiant on Monitoring Mandate

    As the October 2026 implementation deadline for a new mandatory vessel tracking system approached, commercial fishing communities across Belize raised fierce opposition to the policy, forcing the national government to delay rollout to address stakeholder concerns.

    The policy, introduced by the Ministry of Blue Economy and Marine Conservation, requires all commercial stone crab and shark fishing vessels to install a 24/7 Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) tracked by the Belize Coast Guard. Government officials have framed the mandate as a critical step to boost fishery regulation enforcement, prevent illegal fishing, and improve emergency response capabilities for vessels operating at sea. What was designed as a common-site pilot program to test ocean management, however, quickly sparked backlash from the fishing groups that would be most impacted by the new rule.

    Leading the opposition is the Caye Caulker Fishers Association, which represents the vast majority of stone crab fishers in the region. Following an association-wide meeting last week, members voted unanimously to reject the mandate, saying the government imposed the requirement without any meaningful prior consultation with working fishers. Association president Ian Forte outlined a host of unresolved questions that have left fishermen deeply concerned about the policy’s implications, ranging from long-term costs to personal privacy.

    “These aren’t unreasonable demands — these fishermen just want clarity before they are forced to install a permanent tracking device on their only source of income,” Forte explained. Among the top concerns are unresolved questions about who will cover ongoing subscription fees for the monitoring service after the pilot program concludes, and who is responsible for repairing or replacing damaged devices. Forte also noted that many small-scale fishing operators use their vessels for multiple purposes beyond commercial stone crab or shark fishing, including recreational trips and private tourism charters. The current VMS mandate requires 24/7 continuous tracking, meaning even non-fishing activity will be monitored and stored by authorities.

    Forte drew a parallel to road transport policy to illustrate the privacy concerns, noting that a proposal to mandate GPS trackers on all private passenger vehicles to curb drunk driving would spark widespread public outrage. “This is the same principle. Why should fishing vessel owners surrender all their location data, all the time, without any explanation or consent?” he asked.

    The Caye Caulker association sent a formal letter to the Department of Fisheries requesting an immediate pause on implementation to hold collaborative consultations that address fishermen’s questions before the policy moves forward. The Southern Fishermen Association, which represents the majority of the targeted shark fishing operations, has also issued a full rejection of the unmodified mandate.

    In response to the organized opposition, Beverly Wade, Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Blue Economy and Marine Conservation, confirmed late on the original implementation deadline that rollout of the VMS requirement would be postponed. The delay will give government officials time to hold additional consultations with fishing stakeholders to address their concerns before moving ahead with the pilot program.

  • Police Investigate Crash Involving Minister’s Government Vehicle

    Police Investigate Crash Involving Minister’s Government Vehicle

    In an incident reported on October 21, 2026, a government vehicle assigned to Cabinet Minister Henry Charles Usher overturned on the Philip Goldson Highway close to Mile Two following a sudden tire blowout, according to initial official accounts.

    The Ministry of the Public Service confirmed that the vehicle, a Ford F-150 pickup truck, was carrying Usher and his driver back from a set of official engagements in the town of San Ignacio earlier that day. Following the completion of the work trip, the driver dropped Usher off at his private residence before continuing to his own home. It was during this final leg of the journey, near the Mile Two roundabout, that the front tire suffered an abrupt blowout that caused the pickup to lose control and flip.

    Despite the severe damage the vehicle sustained in the crash, emergency responders confirmed the driver walked away from the wreckage without any injuries, a outcome that officials have called fortunate. Local law enforcement was dispatched to the crash site immediately after the incident was reported, and investigators have launched a formal probe to confirm the cause of the blowout and document all details of the accident, in line with standard protocols.

    Following government protocol for incidents involving public assets, the Ministry of the Public Service also submitted a formal incident report to the country’s Assets and Utilities Management Unit. In a public statement released after the crash, the ministry issued a reminder to all drivers operating government-owned vehicles to prioritize heightened caution when traveling on public roads, especially during periods of heavy rain, which can create hazardous driving conditions that increase the risk of tire damage and accidents. The statement further reaffirmed the government body’s ongoing commitment to safeguarding public resources and upholding full accountability for all activity related to official government business.

  • Why Will MIDH Leave Road Section Near Old Belize Unpaved?

    Why Will MIDH Leave Road Section Near Old Belize Unpaved?

    Scheduled for a year-long open-air trial to address persistent ground stability issues, a 1.2-kilometer stretch of the George Price Highway near Old Belize will remain unpaved for the next 12 months as Belize’s Ministry of Infrastructure Development and Housing (MIDH) tests an innovative road reinforcement solution. For years, this section between Burton Canal and Old Belize has suffered repeated sinking driven by ongoing soil consolidation, forcing repeated repairs and raising long-term safety and maintenance concerns. Rather than applying a standard asphalt overlay that would likely crack and sink again within a few years, MIDH has opted to trial a geocell reinforcement system to deliver a more durable fix.

    Evondale Moody, MIDH’s Chief Engineer, explained that the project combines comprehensive geotechnical subgrade improvements with the novel geocell approach. The system consists of interconnected honeycomb-shaped black platforms that are filled with compacted aggregate, creating a rigid, load-distributing base that is designed to slow and minimize future soil consolidation and settlement. Unlike traditional paving projects that lay asphalt immediately after base work, MIDH will leave the reinforced stretch covered only in gravel to allow for real-world testing. Regular traffic will be permitted to run over the section for 12 months, giving engineers the opportunity to monitor settlement rates, structural performance, and long-term stability of the geocell system before a final paving decision is made.

    The geotechnical trial is part of the broader Lot One segment of the George Price Highway Rehabilitation Project, which covers infrastructure upgrades along the corridor from Belize City to Hattieville. Cisco Constructions has been tapped as the primary contractor for the work. In addition to the road base trial, the project scope includes a major hydraulic upgrade in the same area: the replacement of an undersized existing culvert that connects the nearby lagoon to the Caribbean Sea with a full bridge structure. To maintain two-way traffic flow throughout the bridge construction, a temporary traffic diversion will be built around the work zone.

    This adaptive testing approach reflects MIDH’s shift toward data-driven infrastructure upgrades, prioritizing long-term durability over quick completion for problematic stretches with a history of ground failure. Officials noted that the findings from the one-year trial will also inform the design of future road projects across Belize that face similar soil stability challenges.

  • Swing Bridge Replacement Uncovers Bigger Infrastructure Problem

    Swing Bridge Replacement Uncovers Bigger Infrastructure Problem

    In what was meant to be a straightforward infrastructure upgrade for Belize City’s aging Swing Bridge, an unexpected discovery has forced city officials to rewrite their project plans and add unanticipated work to the agenda. As of October 21, 2026, what was initially designed as a temporary detour bridge at Hyde’s Lane has already been reclassified as a permanent crossing, a shift that has opened the door to a far more serious problem.

    Chief Engineer Evondale Moody of the Ministry of Infrastructure Development and Housing (MIDH) explained that the project team encountered a critical issue when preparing to connect the new Hyde’s Lane crossing to Regent Street West. A detailed structural assessment of the existing bridge along that corridor revealed the structure was in significantly worse condition than pre-project surveys had indicated. The decay was severe enough that engineers ruled out any patching or minor repairs, concluding that full demolition and complete reconstruction are the only safe path forward.

    “This was originally planned as a temporary crossing to keep traffic moving during the main Swing Bridge replacement, but we’ve made the call to keep it as a permanent addition to the city’s transportation network,” Moody stated in an interview broadcast on local evening television. “Right now, the Hyde’s Lane bridge project is roughly 75% complete. We’ve finished 120 feet of the 160-foot bridge deck, and crews are actively working on the northern approach that will connect the structure to North Front Street and Hyde’s Lane itself.”

    Work on the southern end of the crossing has hit delays, however, as the contractor adjusts the project timeline to incorporate the unplanned demolition and replacement of the failing Regent Street West bridge. Once the reconstruction is complete, the new permanent Hyde’s Lane crossing will offer two access points on the southern bank of Haulover Creek: one off East Collet Canal and a second off West Collet Canal, creating more flexible traffic flow for city motorists.

    Moody acknowledged that the added work will require a full closure of Regent Street West during construction, which will likely cause temporary traffic disruptions across central Belize City. He emphasized that the unexpected step is non-negotiable to deliver a safe, long-lasting transportation network that can handle projected traffic volumes once the full, wider Swing Bridge replacement project gets underway. Despite the added work, the MIDH still projects that the main Hyde’s Lane bridge construction will wrap up on schedule, between November 15 and November 30, 2026.

  • MARAD’s communication systems inadequate- MV Barima COI Commissioner

    MARAD’s communication systems inadequate- MV Barima COI Commissioner

    Three months after the deadly capsizing of the MV Barima ferry off Guyana’s Essequibo Coast, a public Commission of Inquiry (COI) into the July 18 tragedy has uncovered worrying deficiencies in the communication infrastructure of the country’s Maritime Administration (MARAD).

    The inquiry, convened to investigate the causes and response to the incident that claimed lives off the coast 10 miles from mainland Guyana, convened Wednesday to hear testimony from key maritime figures, including senior MARAD staff and first responders who participated in the immediate search and rescue operation. Retired Rear Admiral Hayden Pritchard of the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force, one of five independent maritime experts appointed by President Irfaan Ali to lead the probe, delivered a stark assessment of MARAD’s current communication setup after reviewing details provided by acting Harbour Master Romain Seurattan.

    Seurattan told the commission MARAD currently relies on a basic suite of tools: desktop computers, Very High Frequency (VHF) radios, cellular phones, and handheld portable radios. After reviewing the list, Pritchard, drawing on decades of maritime experience, characterized the agency’s communication capabilities as unacceptably sparse for a regulatory and response body responsible for commercial and passenger ferry traffic along Guyana’s coast.

    When invited to offer his own recommendations for upgrading and expanding the existing equipment to close gaps, Seurattan declined to comment on what upgrades would be appropriate for the agency, noting he could not speak to systemic changes at the leadership level. He instead confirmed that recommendations for improvements had previously been submitted to his senior leadership, and offered to share a copy of the earlier document with the commission. Seurattan also told the inquiry that major maritime incidents are rare at Guyana’s ports, and when they do occur, incident reports are routinely passed up the chain of command to the Director General of Maritime Safety.

    Further testimony from a frontline MARAD staff member reinforced Pritchard’s concerns about communication failures. Shamar Morrison, a trainee pilot who participated in the search and rescue operation after the MV Barima capsized, told the commission that weak, unreliable signal often makes inter-vessel and ship-to-shore communication at sea a major challenge. To address this persistent issue, Morrison formally recommended the agency adopt SpaceX’s Starlink satellite internet system to expand connectivity across Guyana’s maritime domain.

    Morrison also added that during the rescue mission, he had no ability to communicate with airborne aircraft supporting the operation, and confirmed that the pilot boat he was aboard lacked a VHF aviation band tuned to connect with Guyana Defence Force Air Corps aircraft. He could not say whether the MV Barima itself carried equipment to communicate with military aircraft.

    Beyond infrastructure gaps, the trainee pilot detailed his role in the immediate rescue, where he pulled the ferry’s captain and first mate from the water, wrapping them in blankets to prevent life-threatening hypothermia after their extended time in the ocean. He told the commission he had received formal search and rescue and medical training through certifications from MATPAL and EnerMech Guyana, and had coordinated closely with Retired Coast Guard Commander John Flores, who leads MARAD’s Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC). When laying out his rescue protocol training, Morrison noted he instructed his fellow response team members to avoid maneuvering rescue vessels too close to people in the water, to prevent accidental collisions that could leave survivors unconscious or unresponsive. Pritchard, responding to his account, acknowledged that Morrison appeared better trained for search and rescue operations than other members of the response team.

    Morrison, who is scheduled to complete both practical and theoretical examinations to earn full MARAD pilot certification, also revealed a previously unreported instruction from senior political leadership during the rescue. He told the commission that Public Works Minister Juan Edghill, who was on site during the response effort, explicitly instructed rescue personnel to avoid taking photographs of the incident that could be leaked to the press. Morrison quoted Edghill as saying, “guys, just focus on what you’re doing and try not to release any pictures, because we don’t want to create any stir in the media.”

    The ongoing COI is expected to continue hearing testimony from witnesses and experts in the coming weeks, before releasing a full public report on the causes of the capsizing and recommendations for regulatory and operational changes to prevent similar tragedies in the future.