Carib Scope

作者： admin

  • Public sector workers, pensioners to get bonus next week

    Public sector workers, pensioners to get bonus next week

    In a significant move fulfilling its key election commitment, the newly elected New Democratic Party (NDP) administration in St. Vincent and the Grenadines has announced the distribution of substantial tax-free bonus payments to public sector workers. Prime Minister Godwin Friday confirmed at a Friday press conference in Kingstown that the Treasury has been instructed to process these payments by January 30.

    The comprehensive economic relief package, totaling approximately EC$22 million, will benefit an estimated 12,000 individuals across various employment categories. Contrary to initial expectations, the government has expanded eligibility to include daily-paid workers, part-time employees, and pensioners – groups that were not originally contemplated in the campaign promise.

    Payment structure demonstrates a progressive approach with lower-income workers receiving proportionally greater benefits. Permanent and non-established public servants will each receive EC$2,000, while pensioners are allocated EC$1,500. Daily-paid workers earning between EC$500 and EC$1,000 monthly will receive EC$1,000 bonuses – effectively representing 100-200% of their regular monthly income.

    Prime Minister Friday emphasized that this initiative directly addresses the “crushing cost-of-living pressures” exacerbated by the COVID-19 crisis. The administration characterizes the payout not as a government expense but as an economic stimulus measure that will put “money back in people’s pockets in a big way” to stimulate additional spending.

    The Prime Minister acknowledged that while some critics, including Opposition Leader Ralph Gonsalves, have accused the NDP of voter deception regarding the bonus promise, his administration remains focused on delivering tangible support to the most vulnerable populations. Further measures addressing employment, training, and assistance for indigent persons are expected to be announced in the upcoming budget.

  • Deadly Ambush at BWS Warehouse Leaves Family Mourning

    Deadly Ambush at BWS Warehouse Leaves Family Mourning

    The quiet village of Lord’s Bank in Belize was shattered by violence in the early hours of Friday, January 23, 2026, when security officer Darwin Valerio, 35, was fatally ambushed while on duty. The tragedy occurred at the Belize Water Services warehouse compound where Valerio and a colleague were conducting routine overnight security operations.

    According to investigative reports, the attack unfolded when Valerio’s coworker temporarily left their security booth to perform standard perimeter patrols. During this brief window, multiple assailants scaled the facility’s secured fencing and launched a surprise assault on Valerio, who was reportedly engaged in a telephone conversation with a relative at the time of the attack.

    Gunfire erupted approximately at 1:00 AM, alerting local residents and prompting emergency response. Police units arriving on scene by 1:30 AM discovered Valerio lying face down with multiple gunshot wounds. Despite rapid transportation to Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital, medical personnel were unable to save the security officer’s life.

    Hayden Brown, Chief Human Resources Officer at Belize Water Services, described the coordinated security protocols typically followed by guards, including communication systems to notify each other during rotations. ‘My sense was that one guard had indicated to the other that he was going to do rounds, and I believe that’s when the incident happened,’ Brown stated, noting the perpetrators had already fled before the responding guard could intervene.

    The Valerio family received the devastating news about an hour after the shooting. Ismae Valerio, the victim’s mother, recounted the heartbreaking moment she learned of her son’s death through a call from his girlfriend. ‘My heart started beating, but I was not expecting that call at that time,’ she shared emotionally.

    Domingo Valerio, the father, visited the crime scene and gathered preliminary information indicating three individuals had scaled the fence to carry out the attack. ‘We leave it in the police hands and justice supposed to take its course,’ he stated, adding philosophical resignation that ‘if it doesn’t, then the good Lord knows.’

    Family members remembered Darwin as a humble, respectful young man deeply connected to his family and cultural heritage. His mother described his daily ritual of calling after shifts to assure her of his safe journey home. His father, a traditional drummer, highlighted how Darwin embraced his Garifuna roots and family values.

    Belize Water Services has expressed profound solidarity with the grieving family, emphasizing that although Valerio was employed through a private security firm, he was considered part of the BWS community. The company has initiated a comprehensive security review and is collaborating closely with law enforcement authorities, who are examining surveillance footage to identify the perpetrators.

    The investigation continues as police urge anyone with information to come forward, while a community mourns the loss of a dedicated professional killed simply for doing his job.

  • Dorian Anthony Beats Second Murder Charge

    Dorian Anthony Beats Second Murder Charge

    In a dramatic courtroom reversal, twenty-year-old Dorian Denver Anthony has been declared not guilty in the 2023 shooting death of Trenton Webster, marking his second successful defense against murder charges. The case collapsed when the prosecution’s sole eyewitness, Webster’s wife, completely retracted her initial statement identifying Anthony as the perpetrator.

    The trial before Justice Nigel Pilgrim took an unexpected turn when the key witness disavowed her previous testimony, stating under oath that she had never actually seen the shooter. This forced the prosecution to treat her as a hostile witness, significantly weakening their case. Justice Pilgrim subsequently ruled her earlier inconsistent statement inadmissible as evidence.

    With no forensic evidence, eyewitness testimony, or circumstantial links connecting Anthony to the crime, the prosecution conceded defeat. Defense attorney Dr. Lynden Jones successfully argued for a no-case submission, which the judge approved after just four days of trial proceedings.

    Justice Pilgrim expressed grave concerns about witness intimidation, noting the witness appeared “terrified” during testimony. He highlighted the critical failure of Belize’s justice system, pointing out that the Justice Protection Act of 2006 remains non-operational nearly two decades after its passage. The judge emphasized the urgent need for a functional witness-protection program to prevent similar judicial failures.

    While Anthony walks free from this charge, he remains in custody awaiting trial for a separate murder case in Belmopan. His legal history includes a previous acquittal at age seventeen for the killing of sixty-one-year-old Emert Flowers, demonstrating a pattern of murder charges that ultimately fail to result in conviction.

  • Power supply Sectors of the National District that will be affected this Saturday by a scheduled blackout

    Power supply Sectors of the National District that will be affected this Saturday by a scheduled blackout

    Residents across multiple sectors in the National District are set to experience a temporary power interruption this Saturday as the Eastern Electricity Distribution Company (Edeeste) executes a comprehensive maintenance operation. The work will center on the crucial César Nicolás Penson Substation and is scheduled for a four-hour window from 8:20 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on January 24.

    The ambitious initiative involves coordinated efforts from three specialized Edeeste departments: Substation Maintenance, Network Maintenance, and Large Customer Metering. The scope of work is extensive, encompassing preventive maintenance and critical upgrades to enhance grid reliability. Crews will perform essential vegetation management (pruning) along major thoroughfares including César N. Penson, México, Pedro H. Ureña, and Bolívar avenues, as well as Uruguay, Luisa Ozema Pellarano, and Socorro Sánchez streets.

    Technicians will execute a complex procedure to fully de-energize and take transformer T01 out of service, facilitating the safe disconnection of transformer T02 from the 138 kV outdoor circuit breaker output. Simultaneously, a modernization project will upgrade the macro metering system on circuit CNP809. A separate metering point on Arístides Fiallo Cabral Street, adjacent to Mahatma Gandhi Avenue, will undergo standardization to improve accuracy and monitoring.

    A second standardization project will commence on Benito Juárez Street near Mexico Avenue, specifically targeting circuit CNP803. This operation will include strategic load transfers between transformers, thorough cleaning and conditioning of circuit exit gantries, and the installation of new components at various circuit exits to bolster system integrity.

    The maintenance will directly impact eight primary circuits: CNP802, CNP803, CNP804, CNP805, CNP806, CNP807, CNP808, and CNP809. Consequently, neighborhoods including Gascue, Don Bosco, Miraflores, Villa Juana, Villas Agrícolas, Villa Consuelo, and Ciudad Nueva should anticipate the scheduled service disruption.

    Edeeste emphasizes that these proactive measures are designed to significantly reduce the potential for future technical incidents and power fluctuations across the associated network once the substation is fully re-energized. The company has formally apologized for any inconvenience caused to its customer base, stressing that the outage is strictly confined to the announced four-hour period. This maintenance event underscores Edeeste’s ongoing commitment to modernizing infrastructure, enhancing service quality, and ensuring a stable electricity supply for the communities it serves.

  • Police Commissioner Named in Budna Abduction Lawsuit

    Police Commissioner Named in Budna Abduction Lawsuit

    In a significant legal development, Belize’s Police Commissioner Dr. Richard Rosado has been formally named as a defendant in a constitutional lawsuit filed against the Government of Belize. The substantial 74-page claim, initially submitted in September by attorneys Arthur Saldivar, Michelle Trapp, and Emmertice Anderson, represents social media commentator Joseph Budna, who remains detained in Guatemala following what he describes as an unlawful abduction from Belizean territory.

    The litigation presents serious allegations against high-ranking police officials, including Commissioner Rosado, with attorneys asserting potential obstruction of justice during the investigation’s critical early phases. Central to the legal challenge are discrepancies regarding surveillance footage that Commissioner Rosado reportedly referenced, yet allegedly cannot produce for verification.

    Attorney Saldivar maintains that including the commissioner was necessary, citing fundamental questions about evidence handling and investigative transparency. The case highlights concerning delays in transferring investigation files to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), who reportedly received inadequate documentation months after the incident occurred.

    Critical evidence includes four separate surveillance cameras under government control—Banquita’s House of Culture, court security footage, social security cameras, and police station recordings—all of which allegedly contain relevant footage that has not been properly accounted for in official investigations.

    With the constitutional challenge now formally encompassing the nation’s top law enforcement official, unresolved questions regarding missing evidence, delayed judicial reviews, and potential political interference continue to mount. Saldivar characterizes the situation as ‘suspect’ and suggestive of systematic concealment, noting that the matter should have been referred to the DPP immediately following the August 23rd incident.

    The case represents growing scrutiny of Belize’s judicial processes and could have profound implications for police accountability and governmental transparency in the Central American nation.

  • Independent Senators Say Bill Undermines Accountability

    Independent Senators Say Bill Undermines Accountability

    A contentious legislative proposal from the government is facing unanimous opposition from Belize’s four independent senators, creating a significant parliamentary standoff. The National Assembly Powers, Privileges and Immunities Bill has drawn particular criticism for its Section 16(2), which would mandate public officers to obtain consent before disclosing documents or providing testimony to the Senate regarding state affairs.

    NGO Senator Janelle Chanona has declared the provision fundamentally unconstitutional, stating she consulted with multiple parliamentary speakers internationally who found no rational basis for such measures within democratic frameworks. The senators’ primary concern centers on the Governor General’s role, noting that since this position acts on executive advice, the very officials potentially under investigation could effectively control what information becomes available to oversight bodies.

    Business Senator Kevin Herrera illustrated the practical implications, warning that investigations into executive corruption could be obstructed by a single refusal justified under the overly broad term ‘affairs of state.’ Church Senator Louis Wade raised additional concerns about the Governor General’s lack of independent professional resources to make informed disclosure decisions, while Union Senator Glenfield Dennison stated his firm and unambiguous opposition to the legislation.

    The collective rejection by all four independent senators represents a significant challenge to the government’s legislative agenda and places substantial pressure on policymakers to reconsider the controversial provisions. The outcome will potentially redefine the balance of power between governmental branches and determine the Senate’s future effectiveness as an accountability mechanism.

  • Zeven nieuwe gezondheidsassistenten versterken zorg Medische Zending

    Zeven nieuwe gezondheidsassistenten versterken zorg Medische Zending

    PARAMARIBO – In a significant boost to rural healthcare infrastructure, seven Healthcare Assistants (GZA) from Medical Mission Primary Health Care Suriname have successfully completed their accredited training program and are now prepared for deployment to the nation’s interior regions. The graduates received their official certification during a ceremony held on Thursday.

    The comprehensive GZA training program holds dual accreditation, being formally recognized by the Ministry of Education, Science and Culture while also meeting the legal standards established by the Ministry of Health. Following their official swearing-in ceremony, these newly qualified healthcare professionals will be immediately assigned to serve within Medical Mission’s operational coverage areas.

    Health Minister André Misiekaba emphasized the critical importance of well-trained medical personnel for strengthening primary healthcare services, particularly in remote and underserved regions. “These healthcare assistants will serve as the first point of contact for medical assistance in village communities, providing accessible and essential healthcare services to residents,” Minister Misiekaba stated during the certification event.

    The training journey presented considerable challenges, including significant disruptions and delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite these obstacles, all seven participants demonstrated remarkable perseverance and successfully completed the rigorous program.

    Herman Jintie, Director of Medical Mission, highlighted the indispensable role these healthcare assistants play within the primary healthcare framework of Suriname’s interior. “GZAs form an irreplaceable component of our healthcare delivery system in remote areas,” Jintie affirmed. The organization additionally expressed gratitude to the Spring Health Foundation for their substantial support throughout the training initiative.

  • Senate Debates $200 Million Supplementary Bills

    Senate Debates $200 Million Supplementary Bills

    The Belizean Senate engaged in heated deliberations today concerning two supplementary appropriation bills amounting to $200 million, previously approved by the House of Representatives in November. Government officials, led by Senator Eamon Courtenay, defended the necessity of these allocations, characterizing them as essential for both retrospective expenditures and forward-looking national priorities.

    Senator Courtenay detailed the comprehensive allocation plan, emphasizing critical investments across multiple sectors. “These appropriations combine funding for public and security officer salaries, healthcare infrastructure, the University of Belize, sports ministries, and passport services,” he stated. Notably, the bills designate substantial resources for police department enhancements and the Ministry of Rural Transformation and Community Development. An additional $1.5 million is allocated to Blue Economy and Disaster Risk Management initiatives, alongside significant nationwide roadwork projects.

    The opposition, spearheaded by Senator Patrick Faber, launched stringent criticism against the Briceño administration’s fiscal management. While acknowledging the importance of addressing national priorities, Faber condemned the government’s procedural approach. “The manner of presenting these bills indicates deficient planning and budgetary incompetence,” he asserted. Faber suggested the government may be intentionally presenting optimistic initial budgets only to later introduce substantial supplementary allocations to address overlooked deficiencies.

    The fundamental dispute centers not on the allocations themselves but on budgetary planning integrity. The government maintains these supplements are necessary for comprehensive national development, while the opposition contends they reveal systemic planning failures that undermine budgetary credibility. The outcome of these deliberations will significantly impact Belize’s fiscal trajectory for the coming year.

  • Fraud Wave Hits Belizean Businesses as Legal Loopholes Shield Scammers

    Fraud Wave Hits Belizean Businesses as Legal Loopholes Shield Scammers

    Belize’s commercial sector faces a mounting crisis as sophisticated credit card scams exploit legislative deficiencies, costing enterprises substantial financial losses. A comprehensive investigation reveals that systemic legal gaps enable fraudsters to operate with near impunity, compelling business owners to absorb the financial impact while perpetrators evade justice.

    The situation has reached critical mass with multiple prominent companies coming forward. Chon Saan Palace restaurant, ticketing platform KwiqPass, and transportation provider Caribbean Sprinters have collectively lost thousands to coordinated fraud operations. Their shared experience underscores a pattern of vulnerability affecting Belize’s growing digital economy.

    At the heart of the problem lies a jurisdictional dilemma: Belizean authorities require formal complaints from international cardholders—who typically receive bank reimbursements—to initiate prosecution. This procedural barrier effectively neutralizes law enforcement response, creating a safe haven for financial criminals.

    According to Delroy Fairweather, Public Relations Manager at KwiqPass, “The current framework mandates that cardholders themselves must file complaints locally before police can pursue charges for money laundering or obtaining property by deception. Without this, our hands are tied.”

    The modus operandi typically involves targeting vulnerable demographics, particularly elderly foreign nationals seeking online promotions. As one anonymous former BPO employee explained, “Scammers exploit this thirst for ‘free’ offers, harvesting personal information through deceptive registrations and fraudulent callbacks.”

    Historical precedent suggests legislative intervention could prove effective. Jamaica confronted similar challenges during 2007-2009 by implementing stringent anti-fraud measures: criminalizing possession of “lead lists,” imposing 25-year sentences for credit card fraud, and enabling asset seizure. These reforms successfully disrupted criminal networks.

    Businessman and legislator Lee Mark Chang advocates for similar measures in Belize: “I’m urging governmental action to institute tougher penalties. This ongoing fraud damages our local economy, and we need immediate legislative action to deter these crimes.”

    Prime Minister John Briceño has acknowledged the urgency, stating, “We must ensure police pursue these cases aggressively. If current penalties prove insufficient, we stand ready to strengthen them.”

    While political will appears growing, affected businesses continue investing heavily in cybersecurity measures as stopgap protection. The collective call for comprehensive legal reform grows louder as losses mount, highlighting the critical need for updated financial crime legislation in Belize’s digital age.

  • Senator Herrera Warns: Merger Risks Telecom Monopoly

    Senator Herrera Warns: Merger Risks Telecom Monopoly

    In a striking address concluding today’s virtual Senate session, Business Senator Kevin Herrera issued a stern warning regarding the proposed acquisition of Speednet by Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL). Herrera characterized the merger as a “state-sponsored execution of competition” disguised under corporate rhetoric about efficiency and strategic consolidation.

    The Senator drew sharp historical parallels to Belize’s previous telecom monopoly in the late 1990s, noting that BTL once enjoyed profit margins of fifty cents on every dollar earned—a period marked by exorbitant pricing that burdened consumers. Herrera emphasized that returning to a single provider system would represent a voluntary return to the restrictive conditions that took decades to overcome.

    Responding to BTL’s justification that the merger represents a necessary survival strategy against potential market entry by global satellite provider Starlink, Herrera dismissed this reasoning as “dangerous delusion.” He argued that eliminating local competition rather than fostering innovation would render BTL “a larger, slower, and more bureaucratic target” against international giants.

    The Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry has called for continued transparent consultations with thorough examination of competitive impacts, urging BTL to publicly address mounting concerns. As national consultations progress, Herrera maintains that Belizeans deserve better than reverting to monopolistic structures and challenges BTL to justify the deal before the public.