In a tragic incident on Burrell Boom Road, a jaguar was struck and killed by a vehicle on Monday. Wildlife authorities swiftly responded to the scene, aided by vigilant local residents and the Burrell Boom Police Station. One concerned citizen remained at the site to protect the carcass until officials arrived. While initial reports suggest the jaguar was hit by a vehicle, a comprehensive necropsy will be conducted to determine the precise cause of death. This procedure will also provide valuable data to support ongoing conservation efforts aimed at monitoring and protecting Belize’s jaguar population. The Belize Tapir Project, The Belize Zoo & Tropical Education Center, and the Belize Forest Department have collectively expressed their appreciation for the public’s prompt reporting of the incident and their unwavering commitment to wildlife preservation.
作者: admin
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Bromfietser komt om bij aanrijding te Bronsweg
A tragic accident occurred this afternoon on Bronsweg, between the first and second bridges, resulting in the death of a scooter rider. Initial reports from the police indicate that the incident involved a collision between a van and a scooter. The impact caused the scooter to catch fire and become completely engulfed in flames. The identity of the victim remains unknown at this time. Upon receiving the report, police and a medical examiner promptly arrived at the scene. The medical examiner officially confirmed the death of the scooter rider, after which the body was taken into custody for further investigation. The incident has raised concerns about road safety in the area, with authorities expected to conduct a thorough review of the circumstances leading to the collision.
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MSME Tax Amnesty Extended
The Government of Belize has announced an extension of the MSME Tax Amnesty Programme, providing small business owners with additional time to settle their tax obligations and benefit from financial relief. The programme, now extended until December 31, 2025, offers micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) the opportunity to clear outstanding business tax penalties and interest while qualifying for up to one year of tax exemption. This extension aims to ensure that all eligible businesses can process their applications and receive their Tax Amnesty Certificates. The government has also adjusted the schedule for upcoming roadshow sessions to facilitate this process. The San Pedro session will now be held on November 4 at the Lion’s Den, followed by Caye Caulker on November 5 at the Community Center, and Punta Gorda on November 7 at the St Peter Claver Parish Hall. Businesses seeking assistance can contact BELTRAIDE’s Small Business Development Center or the Investment Policy and Compliance Unit. This initiative underscores the government’s commitment to supporting small businesses and fostering economic recovery.
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New Tourism Project Near Sarteneja Gets Green Light
A groundbreaking tourism and housing initiative near Sarteneja Village in Corozal has received official approval from Belize’s Department of the Environment. The project, spearheaded by Sarteneja South Winds Limited, will proceed under stringent environmental and social safeguards to preserve the region’s natural resources and cultural heritage. While only Phase 1 has been greenlit, subsequent phases will require additional approvals contingent on the developers’ adherence to established regulations.
Sarteneja South Winds Limited, a Belizean-registered company established in 2012, is backed by international investors and remains in good legal standing. The development is primarily targeted at foreign retirees and investors but will also offer benefits to local residents.
To ensure sustainability, the project mandates the use of a deep aquifer for water supply, separate from the community’s source, to prevent shortages. Additionally, a solar farm will be constructed in Phase 2 to alleviate strain on the national power grid. Certain ecologically sensitive areas, such as the third canal near Cayo Falso, will remain untouched and designated as private nature reserves. Traditional fishing spots will also be preserved for community use.
Environmental protection measures include a ban on septic tanks for homes, archaeological monitoring during construction, and a performance bond to ensure compliance with the project’s guidelines. This development aims to balance economic growth with environmental stewardship and community well-being.
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‘CCRAF on the Road’ brings regional agriculture movement to Saint Lucia
The Caribbean Climate Resilience and Agriculture Forum (CCRAF) has launched its first on-the-ground initiative, ‘CCRAF on the Road,’ in Saint Lucia, marking a significant shift from virtual engagements to direct community interactions. The week-long event, which began on October 20, is part of CCRAF’s 10th anniversary celebrations and is organized by the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA). The initiative aims to promote climate-smart farming and community resilience through a series of activities, including school visits, technical exchanges, policy dialogues, and youth engagement. Gregg Rawlins, IICA’s representative to the OECS and Eastern Caribbean States, emphasized the importance of this hands-on approach, stating, ‘We’re not just sharing knowledge — we’re taking the process to the ground, to people on the ground.’ The program also focuses on building regional networks and showcasing local innovations that advance Saint Lucia’s resilience goals. Dr. Chaney St Martin, CCRAF coordinator, highlighted the initiative’s community-driven approach, noting the need for more action and less talk. The Saint Lucia leg of the tour is supported by various sponsors and partners, including the World University Service of Canada and the Caribbean Confederation of Credit Unions. Bradley St Ange, permanent secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture, underscored the importance of engaging youth in agriculture, given the aging farmer population. Following Saint Lucia, the CCRAF on the Road tour will continue to St Vincent and the Grenadines and Dominica, expanding its outreach across the Eastern Caribbean.
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Sanae Takaichi schrijft geschiedenis als eerste vrouwelijke premier van Japan
Sanae Takaichi has been elected as Japan’s first female prime minister, marking a historic milestone in the nation’s political landscape. The 63-year-old conservative hardliner secured her position through a decisive vote within the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), which holds a majority in parliament. Takaichi, a former Minister of Internal Affairs and Communications and a close ally of the late Shinzo Abe, is renowned for her staunch advocacy of national security, traditional family values, and economic revitalization through technological innovation. In her inaugural address, Takaichi emphasized a vision of ‘continuity with reform,’ pledging to bolster Japan’s defense capabilities amid escalating tensions with China and North Korea. Simultaneously, she vowed to prioritize economic issues such as purchasing power, digital transformation, and family support in a nation grappling with aging demographics and declining birth rates. Her election shatters Japan’s long-criticized male-dominated power structure, with Takaichi asserting that ‘women in leadership should not be an exception but the norm.’
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Princess Hotel Says It remains ‘Open and Fully Operational’
In a recent development, the Princess Casino Belize City has issued a statement affirming its operational status following confusion caused by the Belize Tourism Board’s (BTB) announcement of the closure of the Ramada Belize City Princess Hotel. The casino management emphasized that it remains open and fully operational, continuing to provide a safe and enjoyable experience for its patrons. This clarification comes in response to the BTB’s decision to close the hotel under Section 28(2)(b) of the Hotel and Tourist Accommodation Act, which allows for the cancellation of a license or closure of a hotel due to the proprietor’s failure to obtain or renew a license. The BTB’s notice was published on October 17, 2025, leading to public uncertainty. The casino’s statement aims to reassure customers and the general public of its uninterrupted services and commitment to excellence in entertainment.
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‘Every Woman and Child Deserves Safety’
The devastating deaths of 35-year-old Angelita Magaña and her six-year-old son, Tishan Godoy, in a suspected arson attack have reignited urgent calls to address gender-based violence in Belize. Authorities believe the fire was deliberately set by Magaña’s ex-partner, Francisco Godoy, who had recently been released from prison after serving time for domestic violence against her. Magaña had sought a restraining order just days before the incident but was unable to secure one due to timing constraints, according to Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Stacy Smith.
The Ministry of Human Development, the Office of the Special Envoy for the Development of Families and Children, and the National Women’s Commission issued a joint statement condemning the act as “an appalling case of femicide.” The agencies expressed profound sorrow and outrage, emphasizing that the tragedy underscores the persistent and devastating impact of gender-based violence in the country.
In their statement, the government partners called for a collective national response to end violence against women and children, urging communities to foster a culture of zero tolerance. They also reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening protection systems and reminded the public that help is available for those in need. “Every woman and child deserves to live in safety, dignity, and peace,” the statement declared.
This incident has highlighted the urgent need for systemic changes and greater community involvement to combat domestic violence and ensure the safety of vulnerable individuals.
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STATEMENT: Sen. Delbert Paris calls for ‘Immediate revocation of SRO No. 39 of 2025 to protect citizens’ right to vote’
In a bold move to protect democratic rights, Hon. Delbert R. Paris has formally requested the Chairman of the Electoral Commission of Dominica to revoke Statutory Rule and Order (SRO) No. 39 of 2025. This controversial regulation limits acceptable forms of identification for voter registration and confirmation to passports, driver’s licenses, and social security cards, effectively disenfranchising thousands of Dominican citizens.

