The investigation into the high-profile Joseph Budna abduction case has been reassigned to the Belize Police Department, following a brief period under the jurisdiction of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). This shift comes after weeks of public outcry demanding an independent inquiry, a request initially supported by the government. However, Belizean law does not permit private investigations, leading to the case’s return to the police. Critics argue that this move raises concerns about impartiality, as police officers may now be tasked with investigating their own colleagues. Public Service Minister Henry Charles Usher defended the decision, emphasizing the DPP’s constitutional independence and its role in determining whether criminal charges should be pursued. Usher clarified that the DPP’s involvement is not a form of interference but a necessary step to ensure transparency and accountability. The case has sparked widespread debate about the integrity of the investigative process and the need for legal reforms to address public concerns.
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Public Service Minister says GOB Did Not Take Ombudsman to Court
The Government of Belize (GOB) has refuted claims that it initiated legal proceedings against Ombudsman Gilbert Swaso following his push for enhanced transparency. The controversy stems from a Freedom of Information request filed by social activist Jeremy Enriquez earlier this year, seeking details on legal fees related to a redistricting case. When the request was denied, Enriquez approached the Ombudsman, who subsequently ordered the Attorney General (AG) to partially disclose the information. The AG has since appealed this decision, bringing the matter before the courts. Public Service Minister Henry Charles Usher addressed the situation, emphasizing that the appeal is a standard legal process rather than a direct confrontation with the Ombudsman. Usher stated, ‘This is not about taking the Ombudsman to court; it’s about ensuring the decision aligns with legal requirements. Appeals are a normal part of dispute resolution.’ The Minister also criticized media portrayals of the issue as misleading, reiterating the Government’s commitment to lawful procedures.
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Is GOB Undermining Good Governance by Taking the Ombudsman to Court?
The Government of Belize (GOB) is under fire from the National Trade Union Congress of Belize (NTUCB) for its decision to take the Office of the Ombudsman to court. NTUCB President Ella Waight expressed deep concern and disappointment, labeling the move as a direct affront to the principles of good governance. Waight emphasized that the government’s action contradicts its commitments under the Plan Belize 2020, which pledged to uphold transparency and accountability. The NTUCB has publicly declared its solidarity with the Ombudsman, stressing the importance of this issue to public interest. Additionally, the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital Authority Workers Union has joined the call for full disclosure, arguing that public funds must always remain subject to public scrutiny. Both unions warn that a lack of transparency erodes democracy and undermines trust in public institutions. The legal costs associated with the case, drawn from consolidated funds, have further fueled criticism, prompting calls for the government to reconsider its course of action.
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Chief Meteorologist Urges Vigilance Despite Calm Forecast
As November progresses, many Belizeans are questioning whether the threat of hurricanes has finally subsided. Chief Meteorologist Ronald Gordon, however, emphasizes that vigilance remains crucial. While the recent passage of the first cold front last week is a positive indicator, Gordon reminds the public that the official hurricane season extends until November 30th, with the potential for storms forming even beyond that date. Currently, the weather outlook is calm, but Gordon stresses the importance of staying prepared. Reflecting on the possibility of a catastrophic storm like Hurricane Melissa impacting Belize, Gordon acknowledges the country’s vulnerability. Historically, Belize has endured severe hurricanes, with major storms recurring every 20 to 30 years. The last significant event was Hurricane Dean in 2007, which, although not making direct landfall, still affected the northern regions. Gordon’s message is clear: while the immediate forecast is reassuring, complacency is not an option in a region prone to such natural disasters.
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Belize Will Likely End Hurricane Season Slightly Below Average
As the 2025 hurricane season nears its end, Belize is poised to finish slightly below the average in terms of storm activity. Chief Meteorologist Ronald Gordon has provided insights into the season’s performance and addressed ongoing discussions about potential upgrades to the storm classification system. According to Gordon, regional and international agencies, including the National Hurricane Center and the World Meteorological Organization, have unanimously decided against altering the current system. While future changes remain a possibility, the existing framework will stay intact for now. Gordon highlighted that Belize has experienced thirteen named storms this season, one fewer than the typical fourteen. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) had projected a range of thirteen to nineteen storms, placing Belize at the lower end of this spectrum. Gordon emphasized that even a below-average season can be impactful, citing Hurricane Melissa’s significant effects on Jamaica as an example. He reiterated that the current category system, which caps Category 5 storms at winds exceeding 157 miles per hour, remains effective and avoids unnecessary complexity. The season’s final tally will depend on whether any additional storms develop in November.
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PM says ChatGPT estimated 9,000 people at Rabacca rally
Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves of St. Vincent and the Grenadines has ignited a political controversy by using artificial intelligence (AI) to estimate attendance at recent rallies. Speaking at the Unity Labour Party’s (ULP) “Amazing Grace” rally in Rabacca, Gonsalves revealed that ChatGPT, an advanced AI chatbot, was employed to determine that 9,000 people attended the event. He contrasted this with the opposition New Democratic Party’s (NDP) rally in Biabou, dismissing claims of similar attendance as implausible.
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$60K Boost for Early Warning Systems After Hurricane Melissa’s Devastation
In the wake of Hurricane Melissa’s catastrophic impact on the Caribbean, Belize is taking significant steps to bolster its early warning systems. The National Meteorological Service of Belize has received a $60,000 donation of advanced equipment from the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), aimed at enhancing the country’s disaster preparedness and response capabilities. This initiative is part of a broader project that began in July 2024 and is set to continue through December 2026, with additional funding from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the World Food Program. The donated equipment includes computers and communication tools that will be used to generate graphics, produce short forecasts, and collect critical climate data. Ronald Gordon, Chief Met Officer, emphasized the dual focus of the project: improving early warning capabilities to provide actionable information on approaching hazards and collecting long-term climate data to inform future planning and development. Minister of Public Service, Henry Charles Usher, highlighted the importance of training and capacity building for the National Met Service staff and disaster risk management teams across the country. This donation is a key component of the United Nations’ ‘Early Warnings for All’ initiative, which aims to protect everyone on Earth from hazardous weather, water, or climate events by the end of 2027.
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Education Minister Denies Claims of Unpaid Teachers
Belize’s Education Minister, Oscar Requena, has publicly addressed allegations that several teachers have not received their salaries for months. The issue gained traction last Friday when Nadia Caliz, President of the Belize National Teachers Union, raised concerns on social media, questioning why some educators had reportedly gone unpaid for four months and why unexplained deductions appeared in their paychecks. Minister Requena acknowledged the matter, stating that while the concerns are valid, there has been significant misinformation circulating online. He clarified that the issue stemmed from a delay in paying certain teacher allowances, such as hardship and responsibility allowances, as well as salary adjustments, which occurred in December of the previous year. To address this, the Ministry of Education decided to advance salaries to affected teachers, with the understanding that the amounts would later be deducted from their paychecks. Requena admitted that the primary issue was a lack of timely communication between the Ministry and the teachers regarding these deductions. He emphasized that the situation does not reflect a failure to pay salaries but rather a procedural delay and miscommunication.
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Education Leaders Map Out Next Five Years
Belize’s education system is poised for transformation as key stakeholders gather for a pivotal two-day meeting to chart the course for the next five years. Hosted by the Ministry of Education, the Education Sector Plan meeting focuses on evaluating the achievements and challenges of the Belize Education Sector Plan (BESPlan) 2021–2025 and laying the groundwork for the 2026–2030 strategy. Education Minister Oscar Requena emphasized the importance of this collaborative review, highlighting significant progress in areas such as student enrollment across all levels, from preprimary to tertiary education. The meeting aims to identify priorities, address systemic challenges, and craft a comprehensive plan to enhance Belize’s educational landscape. This initiative underscores the government’s commitment to fostering academic excellence and equitable access to education, setting the stage for long-term societal and economic benefits.
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Internal HRCU Report Leak Raises Compliance Concerns
Holy Redeemer Credit Union (HRCU) is grappling with a significant breach of confidentiality following the unauthorized disclosure of an internal audit report. The document, intended solely for senior management and the board, was leaked to Channel 7’s Jules Vasquez, who publicly discussed its contents during his broadcast. HRCU has condemned the leak, stating it violates both the Credit Union Act and the institution’s Code of Conduct. The credit union emphasized that the breach could jeopardize its agreements with regulators and external auditors. In response, HRCU assured its members that all issues highlighted in the audit have been resolved and that robust compliance measures remain in effect. The incident has sparked a broader debate about transparency and accountability within Belize’s financial sector. Questions have arisen regarding Section Thirty-two of the Credit Union Act, which HRCU cited in its statement. Does this section merely restrict HRCU officials from disclosing confidential information, or does it also prohibit media outlets from reporting on leaked documents? Additionally, HRCU has not ruled out legal action against the leaker or the broadcaster. The leak has drawn sharp criticism from Henry Charles Usher, who expressed concern over the potential exposure of personal financial information. Usher urged HRCU to clarify the matter publicly and ensure its response is widely disseminated.