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In a tragic incident on November 16, 2025, 70-year-old Daniel Puerto lost his life after being struck by a minivan on the George Price Highway in Roaring Creek Village. The driver, 47-year-old Michael McFadzean from Teakettle Village, was arrested and charged on November 25 in connection with the accident. According to police reports, Puerto was either seated on the roadway or attempting to cross it when the collision occurred. Witnesses stated that Puerto, who appeared to be intoxicated, was dragged a short distance by the vehicle. McFadzean now faces serious charges, including Manslaughter by Negligence, Causing Death by Careless Conduct, and Driving Without Due Care and Attention. Authorities are continuing their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Coconut oil has long been a cornerstone of Belizean culinary tradition, infusing dishes like rice and beans, stewed meats, and more with its rich, tropical flavor. In Biscayne Village, the Rasta Family Pot restaurant, run by Francine and Darwin August, has elevated this tradition by crafting their own homemade coconut oil from coconuts grown on their farm. This farm-to-table approach not only ensures quality but also preserves a cultural heritage deeply rooted in Belizean life.

Belize City witnessed a powerful display of solidarity as activists, community leaders, and citizens marched through the streets on November 25, 2025, marking the launch of the Sixteen Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence. This year’s campaign, themed ‘UNiTE to End Digital Violence Against All Women and Girls,’ highlights the escalating threat of technology-fueled abuse, including cyberbullying, AI-generated deepfakes, and online stalking. These digital attacks often spill into real life, causing physical harm and even death. Shockingly, fewer than 40% of countries have laws addressing cyber harassment, leaving 1.8 billion women and girls unprotected. Belize, while having cyberbullying laws, faces calls to strengthen its legal framework to better safeguard women. Minister of Human Development Thea Garcia-Ramirez emphasized the need for stricter laws and shared responsibility in combating gender-based violence. Belize’s local theme, ‘Prevent to Protect: Ending Gender-Based Violence Begins with Us,’ underscores the urgency of the issue. The campaign’s launch coincided with alarming statistics: 1,454 reported cases of gender-based violence in the first eight months of 2025, with over 1,000 committed by intimate partners and 90% of victims being women. Young girls remain particularly vulnerable, facing daily threats of violence and harassment. Participants in the march, including students Keara Perrera and Jasmin Navarro, voiced their fears and called for greater protection. Keara suggested leveraging social media to raise awareness and educate the public. The Sixteen Days of Activism will continue until December 10, with Belize joining global efforts to end violence against women, both online and offline. The message is clear: ending gender-based violence is a collective responsibility.

Belize has taken a significant step forward in data collection with the launch of the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS), a comprehensive initiative supported by UNICEF. This landmark survey, which involved over 5,000 households, marks the first major update in data for the country in fifteen years. The $1.9 million project, primarily funded by UNICEF, covers 126 indicators across critical areas such as health, education, child protection, and gender equality. Wendy Benavides, a statistician at the Statistical Institute of Belize, highlighted the survey’s innovative inclusion of new topics like foundational learning skills for children aged 7-14, mental health for individuals aged 15-24, reproductive healthcare, child discipline, and attitudes toward domestic violence. The survey employed five distinct questionnaires tailored to different household members, including women aged 15-49, men aged 15-49, and children under 5 and 5-17, with mothers or caregivers responding on behalf of the children. For the first time, children were directly involved in activities measuring reading and arithmetic skills, following parental consent. This extensive data collection aims to provide Belize with robust insights to inform policy-making and track progress in key societal areas.

The Belize Coast Guard is marking a significant milestone this week as it celebrates its 20th anniversary. What began in 2005 as a small team with a grand vision has evolved into a world-class maritime security force. To commemorate this achievement, a special symposium was held, bringing together founding members, senior officers, and international partners. The event not only reflected on two decades of dedicated service but also charted the course for the future of maritime security in Belize. Francis Usher, CEO of the Ministry of Defense, highlighted the remarkable progress of the Coast Guard, attributing its success to consistent government investment, collaboration with various ministries and NGOs, and unwavering support from regional and international allies. Usher also shared a firsthand account of the Coast Guard’s heroic efforts, recounting how they recently saved the lives of four civilians whose vessel was in distress. This story underscored the critical role the Coast Guard plays in safeguarding Belize’s waters and its people. The symposium served as a testament to the organization’s growth and its ongoing commitment to protecting the nation’s maritime interests.