Orange Walk Police have apprehended and formally charged 24-year-old local laborer Darnell Valentine with possession of controlled substances with intent to distribute following a late-night incident on Progress Street. The arrest occurred in the early hours of January 17, 2026, when patrolling officers witnessed Valentine allegedly discarding a suspicious package as they approached. Law enforcement officials subsequently recovered the bag, which contained four separate packets of a substance believed to be cocaine with a total weight of 2.2 grams. Assistant Superintendent of Police Stacy Smith, Staff Officer for Orange Walk Police, provided official details of the case, confirming that Valentine, a resident of Half Moon Caye Street in Orange Walk Town, now faces serious drug trafficking charges. The incident highlights ongoing law enforcement efforts to combat drug distribution networks in the region, particularly during nighttime operations when such activities frequently occur. The suspect remains in custody as judicial proceedings commence.
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Henry Mojica Busted with Cocaine in OW Club
In a late-night operation on Saturday, January 17, 2026, Orange Walk District police apprehended 22-year-old Henry Mojica following a narcotics discovery at a local nightclub. The arrest occurred at approximately 11:30 p.m. after officers stationed at the establishment observed suspicious behavior from the August Pine Ridge Village laborer.
According to official statements from Assistant Superintendent of Police Stacy Smith, law enforcement personnel conducted a search of Mojica that yielded two transparent plastic bags containing suspected cocaine. The substance, with a total weight of 1.7 grams, was allegedly packaged in a manner consistent with distribution purposes.
The suspect now faces formal charges for possession of controlled drugs with intent to supply—a serious offense under Belizean drug enforcement statutes. Additionally, Mojica has been charged with a mischievous act for allegedly providing authorities with a fictitious identification during the detention process.
ASP Smith emphasized that the arrest demonstrates the continued vigilance of Orange Walk police in monitoring entertainment venues for drug-related activities. The case highlights the ongoing challenges faced by Belizean authorities in combating narcotics distribution within social establishments, particularly in border regions like the Orange Walk District.
The accused remains in custody as judicial proceedings move forward, with the case representing one of several recent drug enforcement actions in northern Belize. Police officials have indicated that similar operations will continue throughout the district’s nightlife establishments.
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Budna Case Heats Up as Pou Pushes Back
A deepening corruption scandal within the Belize Police Department escalated dramatically on Friday as legal representatives for Police Constable Gabriel Pou issued a vehement rebuttal to Commissioner Richard Rosado. The confrontation centers on the controversial Budna kidnapping investigation, with Pou’s attorneys alleging systematic evidence manipulation and political interference.
Pou’s legal team contends their client was coerced into providing falsified testimony, directly challenging Commissioner Rosado’s recent appeal for officers to come forward with information. In a scathing statement, they accused the police commissioner of orchestrating a disingenuous campaign that suppresses critical evidence rather than pursuing transparent truth-finding measures.
Prime Minister John Briceño addressed the mounting controversy during a press briefing, delivering blunt advice to the accused officer: “He needs to go to the DPP [Director of Public Prosecutions]. That’s his right and legal responsibility. He should stop just hurling these accusations. He either steps up or shuts up.”
The Prime Minister revealed that while Cabinet discussions regarding an independent investigator for the Budna case began in December, the process remains with the Attorney General’s office. Briceño emphasized the complexity of establishing proper legal safeguards for such investigations, noting concerns about potential future political weaponization of special investigative powers. “We must ensure that when this is implemented, it can only be utilized for serious investigations that genuinely require independent oversight,” Briceño stated, specifically referencing the Budna case as potentially meeting that threshold.
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Tradition and Ceremony Usher In Legal Year
The Belizean legal community convened in Belize City on January 19, 2026, to formally inaugurate the High Court Legal Year through a ceremony blending tradition with forward-looking judicial vision. The day’s proceedings commenced with a solemn church service at Saint John’s Cathedral, followed by a ceremonial procession along Regent Street led by Chief Justice Louise Blenman and Commissioner of Police Dr. Richard Rosado, accompanied by the Belize Defense Force Band.
In her keynote address, Chief Justice Blenman highlighted transformative achievements in criminal justice administration during the previous legal year. “Our collaborative approach has produced exceptional results in criminal justice reform initiatives,” Blenman stated. “Longstanding backlogs are now behind us, case disposition rates have significantly improved, and historical dissonance among justice sector stakeholders has been substantially mitigated.”
Attorney General Anthony Sylvestre endorsed the judiciary’s progress, acknowledging remarkable case reduction achievements and modernization efforts. He reaffirmed government commitment to continued investment in judicial infrastructure, professional training, and staffing resources. “There is much we in Belize are to be proud of,” Sylvestre addressed the Chief Justice, “and with the vigilance of the judiciary and stakeholders, much more is to be achieved this new legal year.”
William Lindo Jr., President of the Bar Association of Belize, emphasized the critical role of technology in judicial evolution. “We have entered an era where technology is no longer optional but foundational,” Lindo asserted. “E-filing systems, digitalization of court records, and accessible judicial resources are no longer conveniences but necessities integral to transparency and efficiency. Belize cannot afford to be left behind in this digital transformation while preserving the essential human element in justice delivery.”
The unified message from judicial, legal, and government leadership underscored a collective commitment to developing a more robust, efficient, and responsive justice system serving the needs of the Belizean populace as the new legal year commences.
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Telecom Rate Freeze Pending; AG Awaits Directive
BELIZE CITY – The Belizean government’s highly anticipated plan to implement a year-long freeze on telecommunications rates has encountered an administrative delay, with the Attorney General’s office confirming it has not yet received formal instructions to draft the necessary legislation.
Attorney General Anthony Sylvestre addressed reporters outside the High Court on Monday, revealing that despite Prime Minister John Briceño’s announcement last week regarding the proposed statutory instrument, his department awaits official drafting instructions to begin the legal process. The planned measure would temporarily lock current phone and internet service prices while merger negotiations between telecommunications providers BTL and SMART continue.
Sylvestre emphasized the standard procedural protocol, stating, “We act on instructions. A particular ministry may have an issue, so we will receive drafting instructions and would draft a rule or statutory instrument based on that instruction, ensuring it complies with the constitution and other prevailing laws.”
The Attorney General confirmed that the proposed BTL acquisition will receive comprehensive discussion during Tuesday’s Cabinet meeting. When pressed by reporters regarding the Prime Minister’s potential participation in these discussions – given his family’s partial ownership of SMART – Sylvestre declined to speculate, noting that Cabinet had not yet collectively examined the matter.
“The discussion will take place tomorrow at Cabinet. We don’t know what will happen tomorrow,” Sylvestre stated, adding that he wished to avoid venturing down “what could eventually be a rabbit hole” regarding procedural specifics ahead of the formal meeting.
The development highlights the complex interplay between regulatory oversight, market consolidation, and consumer protection in Belize’s telecommunications sector, with the government attempting to balance competitive market forces with affordable public access to essential services.
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Briceño Pulls Plug on 13th Amendment, Gun Court Still in Play
In a significant policy reversal, the Briceño administration has formally terminated its pursuit of the Thirteenth Amendment to Belize’s Constitution as a mechanism to address the nation’s crime epidemic. The decision follows extensive nationwide consultations that revealed insufficient public and parliamentary support for the constitutional overhaul.
Attorney General Anthony Sylvestre confirmed the administration’s shift in strategy, indicating that while the comprehensive amendment package has been shelved, certain components—notably the establishment of a specialized Gun Court—remain under consideration through alternative legislative pathways.
“The ministry of Home Affairs and AG’s ministry are consulting and considering this matter,” Sylvestre stated. “A final product has not been determined as yet regarding what will be the next step—whether that will be an amendment to the criminal code or the Crime Control and Criminal Justice Act.”
The Attorney General emphasized that any legislative measures derived from the original amendment proposal would require thorough parliamentary deliberation and additional public consultation. He specifically noted that the potential implementation of a Gun Court, once contemplated as part of the constitutional amendment, could potentially be enacted through regular statutory legislation rather than constitutional reform.
Sylvestre declined to provide further specifics pending final decisions, but unequivocally stated: “The Thirteenth Amendment or parts of the Thirteenth Amendment will no longer be pursued.” The ultimate determination regarding which elements might be preserved through alternative legislation rests with parliamentary committees and elected representatives.
This development represents a notable recalibration of the government’s approach to criminal justice reform, shifting from comprehensive constitutional change to targeted legislative measures that can be implemented through established parliamentary processes.
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Jerry Enriquez Wins Leave to Sue JLSC
In a significant legal development, social advocate Jerry Enriquez has secured High Court authorization to challenge the Judicial and Legal Services Commission’s rejection of his formal complaint. The judicial body had previously dismissed Enriquez’s submission in late 2025, a decision the activist contends disregarded substantial and compelling evidence.
The High Court’s approval enables Enriquez to pursue formal judicial review proceedings against the JLSC, marking a notable escalation in the confrontation between civil society and Jamaica’s judicial oversight mechanism. Attorney General Anthony Sylvestre acknowledged the historical precedent of such challenges, revealing this isn’t the commission’s first courtroom encounter.
Sylvestre referenced a prior case that progressed to the Caribbean Court of Justice involving allegations against Justice of Appeal Awich. The Jamaican Bar Association had previously sought removal proceedings against Awich for alleged misconduct concerning delayed judgment delivery, though the JLSC initially declined to advance those proceedings. That case established important procedural precedents regarding the commission’s accountability mechanisms.
The current litigation raises fundamental questions about complaint adjudication transparency within Jamaica’s judicial oversight framework. Legal observers anticipate this case could potentially reshape how the JLSC evaluates future misconduct allegations and complaint dismissals.
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Sugar Cane Season Opens with High Hopes for Successful Harvest
Belize’s sugar industry has officially launched its 2026 harvesting season with renewed optimism following a devastating previous year marked by agricultural disease and climate challenges. The ceremonial commencement took place at the Belize Sugar Industries compound in Tower Hill, Orange Walk, bringing together farmers, industry executives, and government representatives.
The sector faced significant setbacks during the 2025 season when Fusarium disease severely impacted northern cane fields, substantially reducing crop yields. Compounding these difficulties, exceptionally heavy rainfall damaged transportation infrastructure critical for moving harvested cane to processing facilities, resulting in an unusually delayed start to this year’s season.
Mac McLachlan, General Manager of Belize Sugar Industries, acknowledged the ongoing recovery process while expressing confidence in the industry’s direction. “We’re not back to where we need to be,” McLachlan stated, “but we are expecting more cane this year than we had last year.” The government allocated three million dollars for emergency intervention, enabling pesticide treatment across 54,000 acres of cane land to combat the fungal disease.
Climate-related challenges further complicated the recovery effort, with excessive rains rendering many sugar roads virtually impassable. Vladimir Puck, Chairperson of the Corozal Sugar Cane Farmers Association, emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts among farmers, government agencies, and milling operations in addressing these multifaceted challenges.
A significant development this season involves intensified focus on crop diversification strategies and investment in more resilient cane varieties that offer improved sugar yields. Prime Minister John Briceño reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the industry’s revitalization, noting his personal oversight of sugar-related ministries and reference to a comprehensive 120-million-dollar investment plan.
Price fluctuations have added another layer of complexity to the industry’s recovery. While 2024 established a record price of ninety dollars and ninety-five cents per ton, the following year witnessed a sharp decline. Salvador Martin, Chairperson of the Belize Sugar Cane Farmers Association, maintained a cautiously optimistic outlook, noting improved testing results and anticipating better pricing conditions for the current season.
Consumers should prepare for increased sugar prices this year, according to Dr. Osmond Martinez, Minister of State in the Ministry of Economic Development. The price adjustment aims to support farmer profitability while addressing cross-border contraband issues stemming from regional price disparities.
The industry encourages farmer participation in individual testing programs that evaluate crop quality and provide incentives for higher-quality production, representing another step toward comprehensive sector recovery.
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Lawyer denounces YouTube for blocking videos with Dominican National Anthem
SANTO DOMINGO – A significant controversy has emerged in the Dominican Republic regarding the accessibility of the country’s national anthem on digital platforms. Prominent attorney Jaime Bobadilla brought attention to YouTube’s automated Content ID system, Interstreet Records, which has systematically removed videos containing performances of the Dominican National Anthem under allegations of intellectual property infringement.
Bobadilla expressed profound astonishment at these takedowns, characterizing them as an assault on fundamental national symbols. Through a widely circulated video on his social media account, the legal expert articulated that compositions of national significance should remain exempt from conventional copyright enforcement mechanisms.
The Dominican Ministry of Culture has promptly responded to these developments, initiating a formal investigation through its legal division. Official statements confirm that governmental authorities are examining the precise circumstances surrounding these content removals. Culture officials have reiterated the established legal position that the Dominican National Anthem, created by poet Emilio Prud’Homme with musical composition by José Reyes, exists as national property without copyright protection or commercial ownership constraints.
This incident has ignited broader conversations concerning the balance between digital platform policies and the preservation of cultural heritage. The blocking of these patriotic recordings has raised questions about automated content moderation systems and their ability to recognize culturally significant material that should remain in the public domain. The situation continues to develop as government institutions engage with platform representatives to resolve this conflict between technological enforcement and national identity preservation.
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2026 World Cup : FIFA ranking of Haiti and its opponents (+ schedule)
As the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches, Haiti’s national football team, known as Les Grenadiers, has demonstrated incremental progress in the global standings. The latest FIFA rankings released on January 19th show Haiti climbing one position to 83rd place worldwide with 1294.49 points, while maintaining their 8th-place standing within the CONCACAF region behind Jamaica’s 1362.46 points.
The upcoming tournament presents a formidable challenge for the Caribbean nation, who face particularly demanding opponents in Group C. Haiti will commence their campaign against Scotland on June 13th, 2026, at Boston’s Gillette Stadium. The Scottish team currently occupies 38th position globally with 1506.77 points, representing European football’s characteristically competitive style.
Their second match on June 19th at Philadelphia’s Lincoln Financial Field pits them against five-time world champions Brazil, ranked 5th worldwide with 1760.46 points. The historical record between these teams reveals Brazil’s dominance, with four comprehensive victories in senior competitive matches dating from 1974 to 2016.
The group stage concludes on June 24th at Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium against Morocco, Africa’s football powerhouse and 2022 World Cup semi-finalists. Currently ranked 8th globally with 1736.57 points, Morocco presents another significant challenge. Notably, Haiti has no prior competitive history against either Morocco or Scotland at senior level.
The only bright spot in Haiti’s historical record against these opponents came in 1999, when their under-20 squad secured a 4-3 victory against Brazil’s youth team—a reminder that football occasionally produces unexpected outcomes despite overwhelming odds.