In a bold political statement, members of the Opposition made waves in the House today by donning T-shirts emblazoned with the phrase ‘Who Thief Budna’. This provocative message directly references the controversial abduction of Joseph Budna in August 2025. The move elicited a spectrum of reactions, with some viewing it as a powerful gesture of solidarity, while others criticized the Opposition’s strategy and questioned their advisors. Undeterred by the backlash, Opposition Leader Tracy Panton amplified the message during her address on the government’s Fortis acquisition. Panton’s remarks underscored the Opposition’s determination to keep the Budna case in the public eye, refusing to let it fade into obscurity. She challenged the government to address the unresolved questions surrounding the abduction, highlighting what she described as the Prime Minister’s sensitivity to political scrutiny. The ‘Who Thief Budna’ campaign has become a focal point in the ongoing political discourse, reflecting the Opposition’s commitment to holding the government accountable.
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SIB Reveals 2022 Census Insights: Migration Shifts and Poverty Realities
The Statistical Institute of Belize (SIB) concluded its annual Statistics Week with a significant event—the Data Users Conference in Belize City. This gathering brought together policymakers, researchers, and development partners to discuss the transformative role of data in shaping Belize’s future. The highlight of the conference was the release of two pivotal reports from the 2022 Population and Housing Census: the Migration Report and the Multidimensional Poverty Index Report. These documents provide a comprehensive analysis of population movement, living conditions, and social well-being across the nation. Diana Castillo, Director General of the SIB, emphasized the importance of these findings in guiding policy decisions. The Migration Report revealed that 45,644 Belize residents, or 11.5% of the population, were born abroad, primarily in Honduras, El Salvador, and Guatemala. The average age of foreign-born residents is 43, compared to 23 for native-born Belizeans. Lesley Criz, an SIB statistician, noted that most migrants come to Belize for employment opportunities, while younger Belizeans often leave for education or family reunification. The Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) highlighted that 26.6% of Belizeans face poverty beyond income, with factors such as housing, food security, and education access playing significant roles. Rural areas and the Toledo District are particularly affected, with the Maya community experiencing the highest levels of poverty. Christian Orellana, Manager of the Census & Surveys Department, pointed out that lack of internet access and ICT resources is a major contributor to poverty. The conference provided a platform for stakeholders to identify these disparities and strategize solutions for a more equitable future.
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Animation Bootcamp Empowers Women in Belize
In a landmark achievement for digital education in Belize, twenty-three women from southern Belize have graduated from a specialized animation bootcamp. This initiative, part of the Taiwan-Belize Women Economic Empowerment project, aims to foster creative digital skills and innovation among women and girls. The program, which concluded at Bella Vista Government Secondary School, follows successful sessions in Orange Walk, Corozal, and Belize City last year. Over three months, participants created impactful animations on critical topics such as road safety, autism awareness, gender equality, and environmental protection. Dr. Louis Zabaneh, Area Representative for Dangriga, emphasized the importance of blending creativity with education to unlock endless opportunities. He highlighted the shift from traditional memorization-based learning to practical, transformative skills that benefit society. Andrew Su, Chief of the Taiwan Technical Mission in Belize, praised the participants for their creativity and effort, noting the rapid progress they made in producing their own animated videos. The bootcamp culminated in an animation competition, with the winning project focusing on road safety—a pressing issue in Belize. Juanita Lucas, Principal of Bella Vista Government Secondary School, expressed pride in her students’ accomplishments and stressed the need for innovative educational initiatives. This program not only provides a platform for creative expression but also opens doors to Belize’s growing Orange Economy, offering women new pathways to economic empowerment.
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Autopsy Confusion Adds to Faber Family’s Grief
The Faber family, already grappling with the devastating loss of two loved ones, now faces additional anguish due to confusion surrounding an autopsy. Shamar Faber, a victim of a tragic shooting near the KHMH in March, passed away on Tuesday, just ten days after his mother, Sheneile, was brutally murdered and left in a garbage drum. The family had planned a joint funeral for Sunday but encountered a significant obstacle when they were informed that Shamar’s body required an autopsy, despite already possessing a death certificate. This raised fears of a postponed funeral. However, in a sudden turn of events, the autopsy was canceled on the eve of the funeral, leaving the family in a state of bewilderment and frustration. Shawnette Tillett, Shamar’s aunt, expressed her distress, revealing that no clear explanation was provided for the cancellation. She recounted being told that the KHMH failed to supply necessary medical documents, halting the process. The family remains in limbo, unable to proceed with funeral arrangements or access Shamar’s body, while the funeral home faces financial losses due to the uncertainty. The lack of communication and clarity from authorities has compounded the family’s grief, leaving them searching for answers in an already unbearable situation.
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World Food Day Highlights Urgent Hunger Crisis
On October 17, 2025, Rome hosted the global observance of World Food Day, coinciding with the 80th anniversary of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). This year’s theme, ‘Hand in hand for better foods and a better future,’ underscored the urgent need for collective action to address the escalating hunger crisis. Leaders, partners, and youth advocates from across the globe convened to emphasize the importance of building resilient, inclusive, and sustainable food systems. The event highlighted the devastating impact of extreme weather, climate shocks, economic instability, and widening inequality, which have left hundreds of millions facing hunger and billions unable to afford nutritious meals. Pope Leo XIV delivered a poignant address, drawing attention to the plight of vulnerable populations in regions such as Ukraine, Gaza, Haiti, Afghanistan, Mali, the Central African Republic, Yemen, and South Sudan. He called on the international community to share in the suffering of those deprived of basic necessities like food, water, and healthcare. The event served as a stark reminder of the urgent need for global solidarity to combat hunger and inequality, urging immediate action to secure a better future for all.
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Traffic violations are a constant on Dominican streets
The Dominican Republic’s Law No. 63-17 on Mobility, Land Transportation, Traffic, and Road Safety was enacted to enhance road safety and reduce traffic accidents. However, widespread non-compliance and lax enforcement have rendered the law largely ineffective. Citizens frequently violate key provisions, such as parking in prohibited areas, excessive honking, and driving under the influence, while authorities fail to implement the necessary measures to curb these behaviors.
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LETTER: Eustace “Gatoux” Harris, a local pan builder deserves a national award this coming Independence
In a heartfelt letter to the editor, a passionate advocate for recognizing unsung heroes has highlighted the remarkable contributions of Eustace ‘Gatoux’ Harris, a master steelpan builder and tuner whose work has shaped the cultural landscape of Antigua. The writer, Alex, emphasizes the importance of honoring individuals like Harris during their lifetime, ensuring they can fully appreciate the accolades they deserve. Harris, a veteran in the craft since the early 1970s, has built and tuned pans for renowned steelbands such as Halcyon Steel Orchestra, Superstars, Geomonites, and Harmonites, while also mentoring students in various communities. Steelpan building, though often overlooked, is a demanding profession requiring exceptional skill, dedication, and precision, particularly when preparing for competitions. Despite their behind-the-scenes role, pan builders are indispensable to the music industry, much like songwriters. As Antigua approaches its 44th Independence anniversary, Alex calls for Harris to receive a national award and formal recognition from the Cultural Department for his invaluable contributions to the nation’s cultural heritage. This acknowledgment, Alex argues, is long overdue and would serve as a fitting tribute to Harris’s lifelong dedication and artistry.
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Suriname en Guyana willen krachten bundelen voor groei
In a significant move to bolster bilateral cooperation, Suriname’s Minister of Economic Affairs, Entrepreneurship, and Technological Innovation, Andrew Baasaron, met with Guyana’s Minister of Tourism, Industry, and Commerce, Susan Rodrigues, during Baasaron’s official visit to Guyana. The meeting, held on Wednesday, focused on enhancing joint tourism initiatives and exploring economic synergies between the two nations. A key discussion point was the development of combined tourism packages that would position Suriname and Guyana as a unified destination. The ministers explored opportunities to integrate eco-tourism and adventure tourism in the hinterlands with cultural and urban experiences. Rodrigues emphasized the potential of leveraging their shared natural and cultural wealth to offer unique travel experiences to both regional and diaspora visitors. Baasaron highlighted tourism as a critical growth sector within Suriname’s economic diversification strategy, citing collaboration with Guyana as a pathway for joint marketing, improved air connectivity, and investments in the tourism value chain. Beyond tourism, the ministers also discussed industrial development and entrepreneurship. Rodrigues shared Guyana’s experiences with small business incubators and industrial zones, expressing openness to knowledge-sharing with Suriname. Both ministers identified opportunities for joint ventures in establishing incubators and processing facilities. Baasaron extended an invitation to Rodrigues to lead a trade mission to Suriname, aiming to further strengthen trade relations and pave the way for new investments in tourism and agro-industry. The ministers underscored that their collaboration extends beyond economic interests, serving as a model for regional partnership within CARICOM, focused on shared growth, innovation, and inclusive development.
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Teen Killed in Fatal Motorcycle Collision in Belmopan
A devastating road accident in Belmopan has resulted in the untimely death of an 18-year-old student. The incident occurred on Thursday, October 16, at approximately 5:20 p.m. at the intersection of Saint Jude and Saint Matthews Streets. Upon arrival, law enforcement discovered a severely damaged bus and a motorcycle submerged in a nearby drain. Preliminary investigations indicate that the bus, operated by 23-year-old Jonathan Estrada from San Ignacio Town, was traveling on Saint Matthews Street when it collided with the motorcycle, which was descending Saint Jude Street. The motorcycle was driven by Jonni Cano, who was accompanied by his friend Jamin Patt, both students from the Stann Creek District. The collision forcefully ejected both riders from the motorcycle. Emergency responders rushed the injured students to the Western Regional Hospital. Tragically, Cano was declared dead upon arrival, while Patt’s current condition remains undisclosed. Estrada emerged from the crash unscathed. Authorities are continuing their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident.
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Body of Missing Man Found in Macal River
A grim discovery in the Macal River has prompted a thorough investigation by local authorities. The body, found on October 16, 2025, is believed to be that of Edward Rupert Rodney Burke, a 50-year-old British national who was reported missing just a day earlier on October 15. The decomposed remains were retrieved from the river and have since been transferred to the National Forensic Science Service morgue for a post-mortem examination to ascertain the cause of death. As of now, the circumstances leading to Burke’s demise remain unclear, and the investigation is ongoing. The case has drawn significant attention, with authorities working diligently to uncover the truth behind this tragic incident.