The Ministry of Health and Wellness (MoHW) in Belize has reassured the public about the safety of the nation’s drinking water, despite alarming findings from the Statistical Institute of Belize’s (SIB) Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey 7 (MICS7). The survey, released on Friday, revealed elevated levels of E. coli in household drinking water samples across both rural and urban areas. SIB Statistician Wendy Benavides highlighted that contamination was detected not only in tap water but also in purified water from dispensers and household containers, attributing the issue to potential source contamination or improper storage practices. She urged residents to maintain cleanliness in their water storage systems to mitigate risks. However, the MoHW emphasized that its own extensive monitoring data, collected from over 4,000 samples annually across Belize Water Services (BWS) systems, purified water facilities, and handpumps, confirms the water’s safety. The Ministry follows World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines for microbial testing, including E. coli, and implements immediate corrective measures when issues arise. Belize Water Services also distanced itself from the survey results, stating that MICS7 procedures did not align with international water-quality standards and reaffirming that its daily monitoring ensures a safe, reliable, and potable water supply.
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Caribbean Development bank head urges fresh collaborations to scale funding throughout the Caribbean and Africa
At the 2025 African Investment Forum (AIF) Market Days in Rabat, Morocco, Daniel M. Best, President of the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), delivered a compelling keynote address, urging stakeholders to harness innovative partnerships to drive large-scale investments in Africa and the Caribbean. Speaking under the theme “Bridging the Gap: Mobilizing Private Capital to Unlock Africa’s Full Potential,” Best emphasized the transformative power of Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), blended finance, and strategic alliances in overcoming shared challenges such as fiscal constraints, climate change, and infrastructure deficits.
Best highlighted that capital is a tool for development, not an end in itself. He stressed that well-structured partnerships go beyond building assets—they foster confidence, create jobs, and drive inclusive growth. Drawing on examples like Dominica’s geothermal energy project and the Caribbean Catastrophe Risk Insurance Facility, he underscored the critical role of Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) in de-risking projects and attracting private investment.
The CDB President called for enhanced collaboration between Africa and the Caribbean in areas such as project development, PPP structuring, and climate resilience investments. He noted that platforms like the AIF provide invaluable opportunities to align stakeholders, share successful models, and scale impactful solutions.
Best also participated in a panel discussion with prominent development leaders, exploring how innovative financing mechanisms and risk-sharing strategies can bridge the investment gap in key sectors like energy, transportation, and healthcare. The discussions reaffirmed the importance of strategic cooperation and meticulous planning in fostering sustainable growth across both regions.
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Semi-Pro Playoff chase heats up, relegation fight stays alive
The Saint Lucia Semi-Professional Football League is witnessing a thrilling climax as teams battle for playoff spots and fight to avoid relegation. On Tuesday, November 26, Gros Islet and Central Castries played to a 1-1 draw at the Francis Baba Lastic Grounds, leaving Central Castries clinging to the fourth playoff position. Gros Islet, with two games remaining, needs just one point to secure their playoff berth. Meanwhile, Vieux Fort South, in their debut Tier 1 season, secured second place after a 2-0 victory over champions La Clery, who have already clinched the top spot. The race for the final playoff positions remains tight, with Mabouya Valley and Canaries still in contention. At the bottom of the table, Soufrière’s 3-1 win over Choiseul intensified the relegation battle. Choiseul, despite a recent 2-0 victory over already-relegated South Castries, must secure at least a draw against Gros Islet in their final match to avoid dropping to Tier 2. The league’s final matches promise high drama as teams vie for glory and survival.
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Zesde Kinderchirurgische darmmissie levert tien succesvolle operaties op
The Diakonessen Hospital has successfully completed its sixth pediatric intestinal surgery mission, marking a significant milestone in healthcare for children with complex intestinal conditions. Conducted from November 10 to 24, the mission saw ten children undergo surgeries, with seven already discharged safely. The initiative, a collaboration between Surinamese and Dutch specialists, not only enhances pediatric care but also strengthens the expertise of the local medical team.
Led by local surgeon Anuska Jewbali and Dutch pediatric surgeon Justin de Jong, the mission has been an annual event at the Diakonessen Hospital since 2020, following its inception in 2007. The program aims to provide life-changing surgeries for children who would otherwise struggle to access such specialized care abroad, thereby improving their quality of life. Additionally, the mission facilitates intensive knowledge transfer to Surinamese specialists and healthcare staff, fostering long-term improvements in local pediatric surgical capabilities.
Jewbali emphasized the nationwide scope of the mission, with children from across Suriname being referred for treatment. The hospital’s care team handled all pre-operative preparations, ensuring a seamless process. Conducting these surgeries locally offers multiple advantages, including significant cost savings compared to overseas treatment and enabling young patients to remain close to their families during the often emotionally challenging recovery period. The pediatric ward operates with 24-hour parental participation, further enhancing the quality of care.
The surgeries addressed conditions such as anorectal malformations, intestinal atresias, Hirschsprung’s disease, and esophageal atresias. Patients ranged in age from two months to ten years, with all procedures deemed successful. The medical team included Dutch pediatric nursing specialist Marijke Voskeuil, responsible for post-operative care; Shirley Sussenbach, a senior operating room assistant from the Netherlands; and local specialists such as I. Thakoer, a pediatric radiologist, and Y. M. Chou-Lie, an anesthesiologist.
The Diakonessen Hospital’s leadership expressed pride and gratitude for the mission’s success, highlighting the importance of sustainable collaboration and structured knowledge exchange to further strengthen pediatric surgical care in Suriname.
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Owner of Miss Universe Charged with Alleged Drug Trafficking
Raúl Rocha, the president and co-owner of the Miss Universe Organization, has been formally charged with alleged involvement in drug, weapons, and fuel trafficking between Guatemala and Mexico. The allegations surfaced in a report by Telemundo, prompting Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum to address the issue during her morning briefing. She urged the Fiscalía General de la República to clarify whether an investigation or arrest warrant exists for Rocha, emphasizing the need for transparency in such cases. Sheinbaum stated, ‘If there is an investigation into this person, the authorities must report it. If there’s an ongoing investigation, then it should be known that there is one on behalf of the authority.’ According to the newspaper Reforma, Rocha is accused of leading a network that smuggles fuel across the Usumacinta River. The operation reportedly involves transporting fuel via boats and then distributing it through tanker trucks from Chiapas and Tabasco to Querétaro. Sheinbaum also stressed that the allegations should not overshadow Mexico’s recent Miss Universe victory, stating, ‘That is independent of the young woman who won the contest. It’s like they want to join both issues. They want to take away her merit.’ The case has drawn significant attention, raising questions about the intersection of high-profile individuals and criminal activities.
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ICJ Concludes Hearings on Guatemala’s Bid to Intervene in Sapodilla Cayes Case
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has concluded public hearings on Guatemala’s application to intervene in the ongoing sovereignty dispute over the Sapodilla Cayes (Cayos Zapotillos). The hearings, held from November 24 to 26 at the Peace Palace in The Hague, centered on Guatemala’s request to participate in the case between Belize and Honduras under Article 62 of the ICJ Statute. Represented by Ambassador Ana Cristina Rodríguez Pineda, Guatemala argued that its interests could be significantly impacted by the Court’s eventual ruling. Belize, represented by Special Envoy Assad Shoman, expressed no objection to Guatemala’s intervention. In contrast, Honduras vehemently opposed the application, labeling it as “redundant and an abuse of the institution of intervention” and urging the Court to reject it. The Sapodilla Cayes, situated in southern Belizean waters, have long been a focal point of regional geopolitical tensions. The ICJ case aims to resolve the competing sovereignty claims between Belize and Honduras, with Guatemala’s involvement adding further complexity to the decades-old territorial dispute. The Court will now deliberate on Guatemala’s request, with a decision to be announced at a future public sitting.
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American Airlines Flight Makes Emergency Landing at PGIA
An American Airlines flight bound for El Salvador was forced to make an emergency landing at Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport (PGIA) in Belize earlier today. The incident occurred around midday when the aircraft’s captain reported an engine malfunction. Despite the alarming situation, the plane landed safely without any injuries or fatalities. Passengers were promptly evacuated and remained inside the airport terminal as they awaited further instructions regarding their travel plans. Emergency response teams, including fire and rescue personnel, were swiftly deployed as a precautionary measure. Authorities emphasized that the landing was conducted primarily as a safety protocol, and no additional issues were reported post-landing. While American Airlines has yet to release an official statement, airline officials are expected to provide further details on the cause of the engine problem. The incident has drawn significant attention, with local and international media closely monitoring developments.
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Latin America Caribbean Development Bank hosts regional business matchmaking forum
The Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean (CAF) has announced that over 205 international purchasing organizations from the United States, Europe, Asia, and Latin America have registered for its upcoming Business Matchmaking Forum. Titled ‘Latin America and Caribbean Business Matchmaking Forum: Connection to the Global Market,’ the event is set to take place on January 29-30, 2026, at the Panama Convention Centre in Panama City. Exporters from the Caribbean region are encouraged to participate, with registration open until December 22, 2025. This forum is a key component of CAF’s International Economic Forum – Latin America and the Caribbean 2026, which aims to bring together over 2,500 leaders from various sectors, including business, investment, government, and international development agencies. The event seeks to analyze the region’s economic prospects, identify strategic opportunities, and enhance Latin America and the Caribbean’s global geopolitical standing. Confirmed delegations of buyers include representatives from countries such as Germany, Argentina, Brazil, Canada, the United States, and Mexico, among others. These buyers are actively seeking suppliers across industries like agrifood, textiles, chemicals, manufacturing, cosmetics, software, and construction materials. CAF anticipates facilitating over 4,000 targeted meetings between buyers and approximately 300 Latin American and Caribbean exporters. Each participating business will have between 16 and 28 pre-arranged meetings, streamlining what would typically take weeks of travel and individual outreach into just a day and a half. Sergio Díaz-Granados, Executive President of CAF, emphasized the forum’s significance, stating, ‘This Business Roundtable is a concrete opportunity for entrepreneurs from Latin America and the Caribbean to establish commercial and business partnerships with buyers actively seeking products and services from our region.’ The forum’s agenda will cover critical topics such as trade and investment flows, air connectivity, tourism, artificial intelligence, clean energy, sustainable mining, and the energy transition. Participation in the Business Matchmaking Forum is free for all entrepreneurs, with registered exporters gaining access to professional matchmaking services, special discounts on airfare and hotel stays, and dedicated follow-up support to maximize commercial opportunities. Exporting firms from the Caribbean and Latin America are invited to register at www.matchmaking-forum-caf.com until December 22, 2025, as spaces are limited.
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Girls Foundation and BossLady introduce a career and leadership summit for young women
In a collaborative effort to inspire and equip the next generation of female leaders, the Girls Foundation and The Influential BossLady® have joined forces with St Joseph’s Convent to present MOMENTUM: FUTURE FORGE. This groundbreaking career and leadership summit is designed to empower young women to craft meaningful and impactful futures. Scheduled for November 26 at St Joseph’s Convent, the event aims to provide attendees with the tools, insights, and inspiration needed to navigate their professional and personal journeys with confidence and purpose. By fostering a supportive environment and offering valuable resources, MOMENTUM: FUTURE FORGE seeks to break barriers and create opportunities for young women to thrive in leadership roles across various industries.
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Coast Guard Commandant “Embarrassed” After Officer Charged With Attempted Murder
Belize Coast Guard Commandant Admiral Elton Bennett has publicly expressed his disappointment and embarrassment following the arrest and charging of one of his officers, Brian Chiac, with attempted murder and other serious offenses. The incident occurred in the early hours of Monday morning on Gibnut Street in Belize City, where an argument between Chiac and his common-law wife, Jessica Pou, turned violent. Pou was reportedly stabbed multiple times and threatened with death before being rushed to the hospital for urgent medical attention.
Admiral Bennett, speaking to News Five, emphasized that such behavior is contrary to the values upheld by the Coast Guard. ‘This is certainly not what the Coast Guard stands for. We frown upon men who take advantage of women,’ he stated. Bennett assured the public that the law would take its full course without any special consideration for Chiac’s position within the Coast Guard. He also confirmed that Chiac would face an internal disciplinary process separate from the criminal trial. ‘Because he was charged, he needs to be placed on interdiction. We have already initiated that process to request his interdiction from duty. We will not wait for the criminal case to be completed,’ Bennett explained.
While acknowledging that this was not the first report involving Chiac, Bennett stressed that such incidents are ‘not normal’ within the Coast Guard. ‘For the most part, our men are good role models, good citizens, and good husbands and fathers. So this is very unusual for a member of the Coast Guard to be caught up in a situation like this,’ he added. The case has drawn significant public attention, highlighting concerns over domestic violence and the conduct of public officials.