Belize’s Women’s Volleyball National Team has achieved a historic milestone by securing a bronze medal at the Central American Games, often referred to as the Olympics of the region. This marks the first time the team has advanced to the semi-finals and clinched a medal in the tournament, which is held every four years. The team’s triumphant return to Belize was celebrated at the Belize Olympic House, where News Five captured the emotional moments and insights from the players and their head coach. Lawrence Bennett, the team’s head coach, expressed immense pride in the players, highlighting their resilience despite injuries and illnesses during the competition. Team captain Nelissa Ramirez emphasized the team’s dedication, with rigorous training sessions twice daily. Shantel Arnold, a senior team member, shared her joy in concluding her 18-year national team career on a high note. Herdie Castillo reflected on the thrilling yet exhausting experience of representing Belize and competing against other nations. This achievement not only marks a significant moment for Belizean volleyball but also inspires future generations of athletes.
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NGC Launches Calendar for November Celebrations
As November approaches, Belize is gearing up for a month-long celebration of Garifuna culture, with the National Garifuna Council (NGC) Belize City branch announcing a packed calendar of events. The festivities commence on October 25th with the Miss Garifuna Belize City Pageant, setting the stage for a series of cultural highlights. Key events include a panel discussion on November 11th, a tribute to T.V. Ramos on November 13th, and a vibrant music and food festival on November 18th. The grand finale will be the Yurumein reenactment on November 19th, marking the historic arrival of the Garifuna people in Belize. Raphael Martinez, President of NGC Belize City, shared details of the celebrations, emphasizing the significance of the reenactment and the community’s efforts to make this year’s events even more spectacular. The festivities will take place at the Belize Civic Center compound, featuring traditional Garifuna cuisine, music, and dance. Denise Casamiro, a member of NGC Belize City, also highlighted the upcoming pageant and cultural bash, inviting everyone to immerse themselves in Garifuna traditions.
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New Eco-Economy Center Set for Belize City
Belize City is poised to become a hub for sustainable economic education with the establishment of the country’s first Center for Blue and Green Economy. Located at ITVET Belize City, the project is a collaborative effort between the Government of Belize and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), with an investment of nearly two million dollars. The initiative aims to transform an existing structure into a state-of-the-art training facility, equipping Belizeans with the skills needed for emerging job markets in sustainability and environmental management. The groundbreaking ceremony, held on October 23, 2025, marked the official start of this transformative project. Minister of Education Oscar Requena highlighted the center’s focus on preparing young people, particularly women, for careers in renewable energy, marine resource management, and sustainable construction. The facility will feature advanced laboratories, including a GIS lab and an engineering lab, and will be designed to meet green building certification standards. IDB Country Representative Karla Gonzalez emphasized the center’s role in addressing skill gaps and fostering innovation in education. This project is part of a broader government strategy to enhance technical and vocational training across Belize, contributing to national development and economic resilience.
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Immigration Proposes Strategic Plan to Improve Services
The Ministry of Immigration in Belize has taken a significant step toward addressing long-standing issues with its services by unveiling a comprehensive strategic plan. On October 23, 2025, the ministry hosted a stakeholder consultation in Belize City to present the draft plan, which aims to streamline processes, improve transparency, and enhance overall service delivery. The initiative, nearly a year in the making, involved extensive internal discussions with staff across regions, from Toledo to San Pedro and the Banque border. The plan focuses on key areas such as improving human resource performance, addressing service deficiencies, strengthening enforcement, and refining the refugee support system. Tanya Santos, CEO of the Ministry of Immigration, emphasized the importance of stakeholder input, inviting feedback from public and private sector partners, international organizations, civil society, and other government agencies. The consultation marks a pivotal moment in the ministry’s efforts to modernize and optimize its operations, with the goal of resolving persistent challenges faced by users of immigration services.
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Honduras President Underscores Unity at Travel Market 2025
The Central America Travel Market 2025, hosted in San Pedro Sula, Honduras, has become a focal point for regional tourism collaboration. The event’s second day featured dynamic business-to-business meetings and networking sessions, but the highlight was the unexpected visit of Honduras’ President, Xiomara Castro. Her presence not only highlighted national pride in hosting the event but also reinforced Honduras’ dedication to fostering tourism growth both domestically and across Central America. President Castro toured the exhibition floor, engaging with private sector representatives and regional stakeholders, including Belize’s Pro Tempore of FEDECATUR, Efren Perez. Vice Minister of Tourism Reizel Vilorio emphasized that the President’s participation symbolized unity and collective effort, showcasing Central America’s potential as a premier global travel destination. Vilorio noted that Castro’s visit underscored the government’s support for the private sector and its commitment to developing tourism products that benefit the entire region. The President expressed her admiration for the event’s scale and the collaborative spirit among participants, further solidifying the region’s reputation as a hub for innovative tourism initiatives.
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Central America Targets Connectivity Fix to Boost Regional Tourism
Central America is taking significant steps to address its connectivity challenges, which have long hindered the growth of its tourism sector. Despite marketing itself as a unified, multi-destination region, the lack of seamless air and land routes continues to restrict travelers’ ability to move freely between countries. Efren Perez, Pro Tem President of the Federation of Central American Tourism Chambers and President of the Belize Tourism Industry Association, emphasized the importance of this issue during a recent regional meeting. Key organizations such as the Central American Tourism Agency and FEDECATUR are collaborating to develop solutions that improve cross-border access, revisit the CA-4 Agreement, and strengthen partnerships with regional airlines. Perez highlighted that these efforts are part of a broader strategy to make travel within the region more accessible, encourage longer stays, and elevate Central America’s position on the global tourism map. During the meeting, Perez also discussed the need for regional immigration reforms and the integration of the private sector into promotional strategies. He provided an example of how travelers moving from Honduras to Belize might not require a round-trip ticket if they are engaging in multi-destination travel, which is a key focus of the region’s tourism promotion. Perez stressed the importance of balancing border security with the need to maintain a smooth flow of tourists. The private sector is actively working with government agencies to propose solutions that enhance connectivity and improve the overall tourism experience. These initiatives are expected to be a central topic in ongoing regional discussions, with the goal of fostering a more integrated and attractive tourism market in Central America.
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Sandals Halcyon health fair focuses on breast cancer and more
In a significant initiative to promote health and wellness, Sandals Halcyon Beach Resorts partnered with the Ministry of Health, Wellness, and Elderly Affairs to organize a health fair on October 22. This event was part of the global observance of Breast Cancer Awareness Month and aimed to provide a wide range of health services to the resort’s employees. Shannelle Coore, the HR manager at Sandals Halcyon, emphasized the importance of the health fair, stating that it is an annual event designed to offer accessible health services and information to all team members. The fair covered various aspects of health, including breast cancer awareness, sexual health, mental health, and more. Coore highlighted the critical role of a healthy workforce, noting that educating employees on health measures can positively impact their families as well. The event was not limited to line staff but was open to the entire workforce, ensuring comprehensive participation. Shirlan Edward, a family life educator at the Ministry of Health, expressed her department’s satisfaction in bringing essential services to the resort’s staff. The health fair included services such as blood pressure and blood sugar testing, pap smears, breast screenings, rapid testing for infectious diseases, dental screenings, and body measurements by the nutrition unit. Additionally, the event featured an information table on environmental health and mental health nurses available for consultations. Edward stressed the importance of mental health awareness, particularly in the workplace, and noted that the Ministry of Health has been actively involved in various activities throughout October to raise awareness about breast cancer. These activities included pink Fridays and collaborations with schools and workplaces like Sandals Halcyon Beach Resorts. The health fair ran from mid-morning until late afternoon, providing an invaluable opportunity for the resort’s team members to prioritize their health and well-being.
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Tropical Storm Melissa leaves over a million without water in the Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic is grappling with the devastating aftermath of Tropical Storm Melissa, which has wreaked havoc across the nation. The Emergency Operations Center (COE) revealed that the storm has damaged 183 homes, displaced 915 individuals, and forced 61 people into emergency shelters. Additionally, 19 communities have been cut off due to the storm’s impact, while critical infrastructure has suffered significant damage. Over 1.1 million residents are currently without access to clean drinking water, exacerbating the crisis. The National Institute of Drinking Water and Sewerage (INAPA) reported that 56 aqueducts were severely affected, with 53 completely non-operational and three partially functioning. This disruption has impacted more than 610,000 users. Furthermore, the CAASD suspended operations at the Isa Mana and Duey systems due to water turbidity, leaving an additional 405,000 residents in Santo Domingo Oeste, Pedro Brand, Los Alcarrizos, and parts of the National District without water. The Ministry of Public Works (MOPC) has mobilized emergency teams to clear debris, remove fallen trees, and reopen blocked roads. Landslides have disrupted key routes, including the Cabrera–Loma Alta highway in María Trinidad Sánchez and the El Manaclar road in Peravia. Cleanup efforts are ongoing in Barahona, Pedernales, San Juan, Monte Plata, and Duarte. In Greater Santo Domingo, the overflow of Bonavides Creek caused severe flooding and landslides, damaging numerous homes. Neighborhoods such as Arroyo Hondo, Villas Agrícolas, Capotillo, and Herrera witnessed evacuations and structural damage. Similar conditions were reported in San Cristóbal, Barahona, and San José de Ocoa, where rising rivers have isolated several communities.
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Jamaica declares state of emergency ahead of Tropical Storm Melissa
The Jamaican government has initiated a nationwide state of emergency in hospitals and ordered the closure of schools as Tropical Storm Melissa approaches the Caribbean region. The U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC) warns that the storm could intensify into a hurricane over the weekend, posing significant risks to Jamaica, Haiti, and eastern Cuba. Health Minister Christopher Tufton announced the suspension of elective surgeries and non-urgent hospital admissions to prioritize resources for potential storm-related emergencies. Families of stable patients have been urged to temporarily relocate them, while 702 healthcare professionals have been mobilized across the country to bolster emergency response efforts. The national emergency center has been fully activated in coordination with regional health authorities. Simultaneously, the Ministry of Education has suspended all in-person classes in public and private institutions to ensure the safety of students and staff. According to the NHC, Melissa is currently located 345 km southeast of Kingston and 440 km southwest of Port-au-Prince, with sustained winds of 85 km/h and moving northwest at 7 km/h. The storm is expected to bring torrential rains, powerful winds, and hazardous coastal surges. In the Dominican Republic, over 647,000 people are without drinking water due to rainfall disrupting supply systems, while Haiti remains on high alert for flooding and landslides in vulnerable areas.
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Recensie: Hariandi Todirijo – Liliek en de onzichtbare spuiter
Hariandi Todirijo, a multifaceted artist known for his work as a poet, writer, and photographer, has emerged as the winner of the 2023 Donner/Self Reliance Writing Contest with his novella, ‘Liliek en de onzichtbare spuiter.’ Originally trained in technological sciences, Todirijo later found his calling in journalism, contributing to publications like ‘de Ware Tijd.’ His literary prowess was further recognized in 2022 when he was nominated for the Ibis Prize in both prose and poetry categories.
The novella, spanning 104 pages, is distinguished by its use of Surinamese-Dutch, a variant of the Dutch language, interspersed with words from Sranan and Surinamese-Javanese. This linguistic choice not only enriches the narrative but also highlights the cultural diversity of Suriname. The story is set in Lelydorp, a town in Suriname, and is believed to take place in the latter half of the 20th century. References to Suralco’s mining activities and beverages like Spur Cola from Canada Dry provide a vivid historical backdrop.
‘Liliek en de onzichtbare spuiter’ is the first literary work to offer an insider’s perspective on Lelydorp. The protagonist, Liliek, a curious boy, becomes fascinated by tales of an ‘invisible sprayer’ haunting the public cemetery on Schotelweg. Despite his father’s knowledge of the area, Liliek embarks on a personal investigation, uncovering the deep-seated fears and reverence for spiritual forces within the community.
Todirijo masterfully builds suspense, keeping readers engaged until the very end. The dialogues are authentic, reflecting the community’s speech patterns. The novella explores themes of tradition, faith, and curiosity, presenting a universal story rooted in Surinamese reality. Liliek’s character, driven by a thirst for knowledge and a sense of community, resonates with young readers.
The book is set to be presented on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, at B.S. Het Park at 7:00 PM. ‘Liliek en de onzichtbare spuiter’ is not just a literary achievement but also a cultural tribute to the spiritual and cultural richness of Lelydorp.