The Confederation of North, Central American, and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) has announced crucial details for the 2026 FIFA U-17 World Cup qualifiers. The men’s regional qualifiers are scheduled to take place from February 3 to 12, 2026, across six venues in Honduras, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Panama, Trinidad and Tobago, Costa Rica, and Guatemala. A total of 34 member associations will participate in the tournament, which will follow a single-round format. Teams will be divided into eight groups, with each team playing against the others in their group once. The eight group winners will secure their spots in the FIFA U-17 World Cup. The official draw for the competition is set for October 21, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time, and will be streamed live on CONCACAF’s official YouTube channel. Teams will be seeded into five pots based on their CONCACAF U-17 Men’s rankings as of April 2025, with the highest-ranked teams in Pot 1 and the lowest in Pot 5. For the U-17 Women’s qualifiers, the first round will run from January 24 to February 2, 2026, with matches held in Aruba, Bermuda, Curaçao, and Nicaragua. Thirty nations will compete, with the top six group winners and two best runners-up advancing to the finals. The women’s draw will take place on October 15, 2025, also live on CONCACAF’s YouTube channel.
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The country registers 123 maternal deaths this year
As of week 39, the Ministry of Public Health’s epidemiological surveillance system has documented 123 maternal deaths, marking a 9% decrease compared to the 135 cases recorded in 2024. Health authorities project a continued downward trend in maternal and infant mortality rates by 2025. However, this overall improvement is overshadowed by significant regional disparities. Provinces such as Santiago, La Altagracia, and Distrito Nacional have reported increases in maternal deaths, with 22, 14, and 7 cases respectively. These figures underscore ongoing challenges in the accessibility and quality of obstetric care, particularly in high-demand areas. Maternal mortality serves as a critical indicator of healthcare quality and is influenced by social determinants like poverty, systemic inefficiencies, and inadequate primary care. Most maternal deaths occur within the public health system, raising concerns about the effectiveness of healthcare personnel and support networks. On the infant mortality front, 1,331 deaths have been reported, reflecting a 22% reduction from the previous year’s 1,700 cases. While provinces like El Seibo, Monseñor Noel, and Monte Plata have shown progress, others such as Independencia, Bahoruco, and Sánchez Ramírez continue to face challenges due to limited healthcare infrastructure. Neonatal mortality, a key measure of perinatal care, has decreased by 16%, from 1,378 to 1,145 deaths. Significant improvements were observed in Monseñor Noel (-63%), Duarte (-43%), San Cristóbal (-39%), Puerto Plata (-38%), and La Altagracia (-35%). However, alarming increases were noted in San José de Ocoa (150%), Independencia (100%), Bahoruco (71%), and Hato Mayor (64%), albeit with smaller absolute numbers. The neonatal group remains the most vulnerable, accounting for the highest number of infant deaths. For nearly three decades, monitoring maternal and infant mortality indicators has been a persistent challenge. Maternal deaths are tracked by hospital committees and reported to the Department of Epidemiology. Experts emphasize the need for greater integration of specialized professionals in public healthcare centers to address these critical issues effectively.
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Deadly Highway Crash Near Hattieville Claims Two Lives
A catastrophic accident unfolded late Thursday night on the George Price Highway near Hattieville, resulting in two fatalities and multiple injuries. The incident occurred just before midnight at mile fourteen, where a Ford F-150 pickup, driven by 40-year-old Osman Pineda, collided with the rear left wheel of a Freightliner truck. The violent impact caused the Ford to lose control, swerve into the opposite lane, and crash head-on into an oncoming Nissan. Tragically, the two occupants of the Nissan, Othoniel Vasquez Moreno, a Mexican Belizean national, and Amisadai Valdez Dominguez, a Mexican national, were pronounced dead at the scene. Emergency responders worked tirelessly to extricate the victims from the wreckage, but their efforts were in vain. Pineda sustained minor injuries, while his wife and their two young children—a five-year-old and a nine-month-old baby—were rushed to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH) for urgent medical attention. The bodies of Moreno and Dominguez were transported to the KHMH morgue for post-mortem examinations. The accident has left the community in shock, raising concerns about road safety on this busy highway.
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Deadly Crash Sparks Safety Concerns on George Price Highway
A tragic accident near Hattieville on the George Price Highway has reignited concerns about road safety in Belize. The crash, which occurred on the evening of October 9, 2025, has highlighted longstanding issues with the highway’s infrastructure, including inadequate lighting, missing reflectors, and the blinding glare of oncoming vehicles’ high beams. These factors have made nighttime travel perilous, prompting calls for immediate action. Chester Williams, CEO of the Ministry of Transport, addressed these concerns in a recent statement. He revealed that discussions with the Ministry of Infrastructure are ongoing regarding the installation of proper road markings and reflectors. However, Williams emphasized that the government is currently focused on rehabilitating the George Price Highway, making it impractical to implement temporary safety measures. He urged drivers to exercise greater caution, particularly in poorly lit areas, and to avoid speeding when visibility is compromised. This incident underscores the urgent need for comprehensive safety improvements on one of Belize’s most heavily traveled routes.
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BBA President Fires Back at Transport Ministry Over Consolidation Claims
In a recent development, Phillip Jones, the newly appointed President of the Belize Bus Association (BBA), has publicly refuted claims made by the Ministry of Transport regarding the association’s stance on bus operator consolidation. This comes after Chester Williams, the CEO of the Ministry, stated that the BBA no longer represents a significant portion of bus operators in the context of the ministry’s consolidation plans. Jones, in his first interview with News Five since assuming his role, emphasized that while most operators are participating in the audit process, they have not yet committed to the consolidation initiative.
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Religious Affairs Ministry Meets with Council of Churches
In a significant move to deepen collaboration between the government and religious communities, Minister Louis Zabaneh, who oversees both Transport and Religious Affairs, convened a pivotal meeting with the Belize Council of Churches on October 10, 2025. This meeting marked the beginning of a broader initiative to extend their partnership beyond the traditional realm of education into other societal sectors. Zabaneh emphasized the importance of open communication and understanding the concerns of various religious groups, including evangelical and Muslim communities, to better integrate their needs into government policies. The discussions focused on identifying new areas of cooperation and establishing a clear work plan with specific objectives. Zabaneh highlighted the potential for impactful partnerships that could address diverse community issues, reflecting a commitment to inclusive governance and societal progress.
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Bishop Urge Continued Church/State Dialogue on Social Issues
In a recent address following a significant meeting, Bishop Phillip Wright, President of the Belize Council of Churches, emphasized the importance of maintaining an ongoing dialogue between the church and the state. He highlighted the necessity of this collaboration in addressing evolving social issues, particularly in light of the church’s involvement in the recent cannabis referendum in Caye Caulker. Bishop Wright underscored that such dialogues are crucial for fostering mutual understanding and consensus on contentious matters. He expressed optimism about the evolving relationship between the church and the government, viewing it as a vital mechanism for navigating new challenges and ensuring the well-being of the nation. The Bishop’s remarks reflect a broader commitment to strengthening the long-standing partnership between religious and governmental entities, which he believes is essential for societal progress.
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Skip the Lines, Your Favorite Lottery Games Are Now on Your Phone!
In a groundbreaking move, Belize Government Lotteries Ltd. has launched the Fi We Boledo App, transforming the way lottery enthusiasts engage with their favorite games. This innovative platform allows users to play Boledo, Ordinary Lottery, and Jackpot games directly from their smartphones, eliminating the need for physical tickets and long queues. Payments are securely processed through Digi Wallet, and winnings are instantly transferred to the user’s Digi Wallet or bank account, ensuring a seamless and efficient experience. Janel Espat, Managing Director of Belize Government Lotteries, emphasized that the app aims to attract a younger, tech-savvy demographic, broadening the customer base beyond the traditional audience of individuals aged forty and above. Espat also confirmed that the initiative was developed in full consultation with sales distributors, who fully supported the transition to digital. This strategic shift not only modernizes the lottery system but also aims to boost sales by making the games more accessible and convenient for a wider audience.
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Lottery Boom Fuels Healthcare Expansion in Belize
Belize is witnessing a transformative surge in its healthcare sector, fueled by the unprecedented success of its national lottery system. Belize Government Lotteries Ltd. (BGLL) has reported staggering sales of over $108 million in its inaugural year, with projections indicating a rise to $137 million in the current year. This cumulative figure of nearly $245 million in just two years is not only a testament to the lottery’s popularity but also a critical funding source for national projects, particularly healthcare. Through the National Health Insurance (NHI) program, BGLL has already contributed $22 million to expand primary care services across the country. Janel Espat, Managing Director of BGLL, highlighted the lottery’s role in generating revenue, stating, ‘Our first calendar year, our sales were a hundred and eight million dollars. We are hoping, by all indications, that for the second year our sales will be a hundred and thirty-seven million dollars.’ The funds are disbursed to the government, with the Ministry of Finance determining their allocation. Dr. Ramon Figueroa, General Manager of NHI, emphasized the significance of this financial boost, noting that the NHI rollout, which began in 2001, has historically been constrained by funding limitations. The lottery’s contributions have enabled the expansion of primary care to regions like Orange Walk and the Cayo District, despite challenges posed by the latter’s dispersed population. This innovative funding mechanism is paving the way for nationwide healthcare improvements, marking a significant milestone in Belize’s public health journey.
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Triumphant PPP Region 4 Chairman, Vice Chairman promise to include WIN, APNU
In a landmark electoral triumph, the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPPC) has secured the Chairmanship and Vice Chairmanship of Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica), Guyana’s most densely populated region. The newly elected Chairman, Clemsford Belgrave, and Vice Chairman, Deoraj Nauth, have pledged to prioritize regional development in alignment with the central government’s agenda while ensuring inclusivity in decision-making processes.