In a significant move to address healthcare workforce shortages, Belize has awarded sixty scholarships to students pursuing nursing, pharmacology, and midwifery. This initiative, announced by the Ministry of Health and Wellness, is part of a broader ten-year training plan approved by the Cabinet, with an investment exceeding twenty million dollars. The plan aims to strengthen the ranks of healthcare professionals, including nurses, doctors, and specialists, to build a more resilient public health system. The Ministry has collaborated with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and the Ministry of Education to secure the necessary funding for these scholarships. Minister of Health and Wellness Kevin Bernard emphasized the importance of investing in local talent to prevent the migration of skilled professionals to larger countries. Minister of Education Oscar Requena encouraged recipients to utilize this opportunity to enhance their skills and contribute to Belize’s healthcare system. The IDB’s Country Economist, Camilo Pecha, highlighted the project’s focus on both infrastructure and human capital, marking the official start of a scholarship program that will benefit over thirty public health professionals. This initiative is a critical step toward improving access to quality healthcare and ensuring a sustainable future for Belize’s public health sector.
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Police to step up presence as year-end crime plan rolls out
While Barbados has seen a modest 2% decline in overall reported crime this year, authorities have raised concerns over a significant surge in major offences, including murder, kidnapping, robbery, and endangering life. Acting Police Commissioner Erwin Boyce revealed these findings during a press briefing at the Police Headquarters in Roebuck Street, citing provisional crime statistics up to Monday.
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Breaking the Silence: Inside Belize’s Fight Against Domestic Violence
In a compelling exposé, reporter Paul Lopez delves into the harrowing reality of domestic violence in Belize, shedding light on the systemic challenges faced by survivors. Raisha Nicholson, a 27-year-old mother, shares her ongoing battle for freedom from an abusive relationship, a journey fraught with fear, financial dependency, and inadequate law enforcement responses. Despite filing multiple reports, Nicholson’s pleas for help were met with indifference, leaving her vulnerable and desperate. Her story gained traction only after she turned to social media, sparking a wave of public support and highlighting the urgent need for systemic change. Belize’s domestic violence statistics are alarming, with 1,277 incidents reported in 2024, predominantly affecting women aged 18 to 45. Minister of Health & Wellness Kevin Bernard emphasizes the importance of treating every complaint seriously, while Minister of Human Development Thea Garcia Ramirez underscores the fear that keeps victims trapped in abusive relationships. Nicholson’s courage has inspired other women to speak out, but her case underscores the broader societal issues of victim blaming, financial dependency, and the lack of effective support systems. As Belize grapples with this pervasive issue, the call for community action and policy reform grows louder.
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Central Bank Launches eBook to Drive Financial Inclusion in Belize
The Central Bank of Belize has taken a significant step toward enhancing financial literacy among primary school students by launching the ‘Understanding Financial Institutions and Transactions’ eBook. This initiative, developed in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, aims to integrate financial education into the primary school curriculum across Belize. The eBook, unveiled in Belize City, is designed to make financial concepts accessible and engaging for young learners, particularly those in Standard Two and Standard Three. It features interactive activities that teach practical lessons on budgeting, the role of financial institutions, and essential financial terminology. During a live demonstration, students participated in exercises such as unscrambling words like ‘profit’ and ‘savings,’ showcasing the hands-on approach of the program. Kaylee Balan, a student at St. Martin De Porres Primary School, shared her understanding of budgeting, emphasizing its importance in managing personal finances. Teachers like Ashlee Rodriquez have been trained to implement the eBook’s lessons, equipping students with skills to navigate financial challenges as they grow older. The Central Bank’s efforts build on its 2019 Financial Inclusion Strategy, which initially reached 70% of primary students. With the eBook’s rollout, the bank aims to achieve 100% coverage, ensuring every child in Belize gains a solid financial foundation.
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Belize Launches ‘One Million Trees’ Climate Initiative
Belize has officially launched its groundbreaking ‘One Million Trees’ initiative, a nationwide effort aimed at combating climate change and restoring the country’s natural ecosystems. Spearheaded by the Government of Belize in collaboration with local communities, this ambitious project seeks to plant one million trees over the next decade, focusing on areas severely impacted by the 2024 wildfire season and agro-productive zones. The initiative, also referred to as ‘Greening Belize,’ is part of the country’s updated National Determined Contributions (NDC 3.0) and aligns with its broader landscape restoration strategy. Deputy Chief Forest Officer, John Pinelo, emphasized the program’s holistic approach, which integrates environmental sustainability, economic growth, and community well-being. ‘We cannot just plant trees; we must ensure that communities benefit economically and socially,’ Pinelo stated. The initiative will be managed by the Ministry of Sustainable Development, Climate Change, and Solid Waste Management, alongside the Forest Department, with a focus on the Belize watershed, a critical ecosystem supporting nearly half of the nation’s biodiversity. By fostering community involvement and establishing native species nurseries, Belize aims to set a global example in environmental leadership and climate resilience.
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Police Marine Unit recovers stolen vessel parts, launching multiple investigations
The Police Marine Unit (PMU) of Saint Lucia has made significant progress in combating maritime theft, recovering multiple stolen vessel components and investigating a series of maritime incidents across the island. These developments were outlined in a press release issued by the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force (RSLPF) on October 20, 2025. Collaborating closely with the Marine Investigation and Intelligence Unit (MIIU), the PMU successfully retrieved parts belonging to a French-owned pirogue that had been reported stolen in Martinique. The operation was initiated after French authorities alerted local police on October 8, leading to a two-day search in Monkey Town, Ciceron. During the operation, officers executed several search warrants and discovered the stolen components in an abandoned house. Among the recovered items were two grey fenders, an orange bailer, a black boathook, two boat masts (one black and one grey), and a Yamaha throttle controller. Additionally, a black Mercury outboard engine was seized. In a subsequent incident on October 17, PMU officers responded to reports of a potentially stolen French vessel at Marigot Bay. They located a fiberglass pirogue lacking visible registration details, which was subsequently towed to the PMU base for further investigation. On October 19, another joint operation with the MIIU led to the interception of a vessel suspected of carrying illegal goods at the Castries Fisheries Complex. One individual was detained for questioning, and the case was referred to the Customs Department. The PMU has emphasized its commitment to enhancing maritime security through intensified patrols and has urged mariners to adhere to safety, security, and registration regulations. The public is encouraged to report suspicious maritime activities by contacting the PMU at 456-3870.
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Powerful Quake Shakes Costa Rica, No Major Damage Reported
A significant seismic event rattled southern Costa Rica on the evening of October 22, 2025, as a 6.0 magnitude earthquake struck the region. The quake, which occurred at a depth of 31 kilometers, was centered approximately 62 kilometers south of San José. The tremors were felt across a wide area, from Quepos near the epicenter to Puerto Limón, over 140 kilometers away. Residents reported intense but brief shaking, with lights swaying and objects falling from shelves. Despite the widespread impact, authorities have confirmed no casualties or major structural damage. Emergency teams are currently assessing buildings and monitoring for potential aftershocks. Experts caution that the precise magnitude and epicenter may be revised as additional data becomes available. Costa Rica, located on the seismically active boundary between the Cocos and Caribbean tectonic plates, is no stranger to such geological activity, making it one of the most earthquake-prone areas in the Western Hemisphere.
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Regional Tourism Leaders Unite in San Pedro Sula for CATM 2025
Central America is experiencing a tourism renaissance, with over 26 million visitors in 2024 generating $20 billion in revenue and supporting nearly 3 million jobs. The region’s rich culture, adventurous landscapes, and affordability have made it a global hotspot. This momentum continues at the Central America Travel Market (CATM) 2025, hosted in San Pedro Sula, Honduras. The event brings together over 150 exhibitors, international buyers, and tourism leaders to foster collaboration and promote multi-country travel. CATM 2025 highlights the region’s diversity, with countries like Belize showcasing sustainable tourism and cultural experiences, while El Salvador emphasizes safety and adventure. Guatemala has already announced its plans to host CATM 2026, promising an event rooted in tradition and natural beauty. The event underscores the importance of regional cooperation, as Vice Minister of Tourism of Honduras Reizel Vilorio noted, ‘If we work together, we can encourage tourists to stay longer.’ With visitor numbers expected to rise by 6% in 2025, Central America’s tourism industry is poised for continued growth.
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Tropical Storm Melissa prompts evacuations across Dominican provinces
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic – In response to the ongoing impact of Tropical Storm Melissa, the Dominican Civil Defense has initiated emergency measures to safeguard affected communities. Nearly 50 individuals have been relocated to two collective centers: 10 at the Hermano Suárez Stadium in San Juan province and 32 at the Sabaneta Technological Center in Santiago Rodríguez province. These shelters are equipped with essential services, including food and security, provided in collaboration with Supérate, Economic Dining Halls, and the National Police. Emergency teams are actively monitoring vulnerable areas, issuing preventive alerts, and conducting tree pruning to mitigate risks. Coordination with Prevention, Mitigation, and Response Committees (CPMR) at provincial and municipal levels ensures a unified response. Authorities have urged residents in high-risk zones to remain vigilant and avoid unnecessary travel. Heavy rainfall is forecasted to begin this Thursday and may persist until next Friday, prompting the placement of 24 provinces on alert—eight in red, thirteen in yellow, and three in green, including the National District. COE director Juan Manuel Méndez has emphasized the importance of staying home for safety while preventive measures remain in effect.
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Fire service opens new $33.5m HQ at The Pine
The Barbados Fire Service has inaugurated its new $33.5 million headquarters in The Pine, St Michael, marking a significant upgrade in the nation’s emergency response infrastructure. Government officials have assured nearby schools, including Ann Hill School, Irving Wilson School, and Wilkie Cumberbatch Primary, that their operations will not be disrupted by emergency sirens or vehicle movements. Minister of Home Affairs Wilfred Abrahams emphasized that strict protocols are in place to ensure the safety and comfort of students. For instance, sirens will only be activated once emergency vehicles have cleared a certain distance from the schools. Abrahams also highlighted efforts to familiarize students with the new station and the work of firefighters, including a mentorship initiative akin to a ‘Big Brother’ program. The new complex, which houses the Bridgetown Fire Station, the Fire Prevention and Code Enforcement Unit, and the Emergency Ambulance Service, initially cost $30 million but saw an additional $3.5 million due to supply chain disruptions and structural enhancements for storm resilience. Abrahams described the facility as a ‘transformational milestone’ for Barbados’ emergency response system, featuring a digitized dispatch center that will soon integrate with a proposed E911 system for real-time coordination. The complex is named after three former Chief Fire Officers—Velmo Cadogan, Chesterfield Mayers, and Wilfred Marshall—to honor their legacies. Prime Minister Mia Mottley praised the headquarters as a symbol of national transformation and a testament to her administration’s commitment to building ‘the best Barbados possible’ despite past fiscal challenges. She also reflected on the 2010 Campus Trendz tragedy, emphasizing the need for stronger fire safety enforcement and regular inspections of older buildings.