作者: admin

  • Belize on Alert After Gang Members Escape Prison in Guatemala

    Belize on Alert After Gang Members Escape Prison in Guatemala

    Belize has been placed on high alert following the escape of twenty high-profile gang members from a maximum-security prison in Guatemala. The fugitives, affiliated with the infamous Eighteenth Street gang, are considered highly dangerous, and authorities fear they may attempt to cross into Belize due to its proximity to Guatemala. The Belize Police Department was notified of the escape on October 11, 2025, and has since intensified border surveillance and operational efforts to prevent their entry. ASP Stacy Smith, a staff officer, emphasized the gravity of the situation, urging residents in border areas to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities immediately. The public has been warned to avoid contact with the escapees and to assist law enforcement by providing any relevant information. This incident has raised significant security concerns, as the Eighteenth Street gang is known for its violent activities and transnational operations. Belizean authorities are collaborating with Guatemalan counterparts to track and apprehend the fugitives, while also bolstering national security measures to ensure public safety.

  • Appeal Hearing for Convicted Attorney Oscar Selgado Underway

    Appeal Hearing for Convicted Attorney Oscar Selgado Underway

    The Court of Appeal convened today to hear arguments in the high-profile case of Oscar Selgado, a 56-year-old attorney convicted last year for abetment to murder. Selgado was found guilty of allegedly orchestrating a hit on Marilyn Barnes, a Belizean woman, though the act was never carried out. The court ruled that his actions had crossed legal boundaries, leading to his conviction and a ten-year prison sentence. Today, Selgado’s legal team, led by attorneys Arthur Saldivar and Darrell Bradley, presented arguments to overturn the conviction. The hearing raised critical legal questions, including the reliance on a key statement from Giovanni Ramirez, the individual Selgado allegedly hired. The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) conceded that without Ramirez’s statement, the prosecution’s case would have collapsed. Notably, Ramirez’s statement was admitted during a voir dire, despite his refusal to testify in person due to fears for his safety. Selgado’s lawyers argued that this violated the Evidence Act, as the prosecution failed to provide adequate protection or alternative testimony options for Ramirez. Additionally, they highlighted the absence of crucial evidence, such as a phone allegedly containing incriminating recordings, which was never recovered before the trial. After hours of deliberation, the panel of judges reserved their decision for a later date. Selgado remains incarcerated pending the outcome of this appeal, which could potentially alter the course of his case.

  • Police Investigate Sudden Death of 9-year-old Girl

    Police Investigate Sudden Death of 9-year-old Girl

    A tragic incident has shaken the community of Belize City, as authorities investigate the sudden death of a nine-year-old girl, Evadne Martinez. The young girl reportedly collapsed at a residence near the intersection of Linda Vista Street and Police Street on the evening of Saturday, October 11, 2025. Emergency responders rushed her to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (K.H.M.H.), where medical personnel attempted to resuscitate her. Unfortunately, their efforts were unsuccessful, and Evadne was pronounced dead. While it is known that the child had a history of asthma, the exact cause of her sudden demise remains undetermined. Police have initiated a thorough investigation, and a post-mortem examination has been scheduled to ascertain the precise cause of death. ASP Stacy Smith, the Staff Officer overseeing the case, confirmed these details, emphasizing the need for clarity in this heartbreaking situation. The community mourns the loss of young Evadne, as questions linger about the circumstances surrounding her untimely passing.

  • Police ID Man Found Dead Near Foreshore

    Police ID Man Found Dead Near Foreshore

    In a significant development in the ongoing investigation into a mysterious death in Belize City, authorities have identified the deceased as 30-year-old Adrian Victor Bood, a Belizean national with no fixed address. Bood’s body was discovered floating near the Southern Foreshore on October 12, 2025. His sister has officially confirmed his identity, providing some closure to a case that has sparked widespread curiosity and concern. According to police, there are currently no indications of foul play or violence on the body. ASP Stacy Smith, the Staff Officer handling the case, revealed that Bood was known to reside in the streets of downtown Belize City, a fact corroborated by several local residents. However, his specific details remain unclear, prompting authorities to appeal to the public for assistance. Individuals with relatives matching the description are urged to visit the Raccoon Street or Queen Street Police Station with photographs to aid in the identification process. Investigators are still working to determine the circumstances surrounding Bood’s death, and updates will be provided as new information emerges.

  • Family Hosts Concert-Style Wake for ‘Big Tom’

    Family Hosts Concert-Style Wake for ‘Big Tom’

    In a heartfelt tribute to Kenneth ‘Big Tom’ Flowers, who tragically lost his life a week ago in a suspected crime of passion, his family hosted a unique concert-style wake at their Mopan Street residence. The event, open to all, including those beyond the neighborhood, celebrated Flowers’ life and his recent efforts to foster peace across the city. Bernard ‘Unlmtd’ Cayetano, a close friend and artist, emphasized the importance of unity and positivity during this time. He reassured the public about the event’s security, stating, ‘Big Tom was love, and everyone knows that. We encourage everyone to come out with a positive mentality and pay their respects.’ The wake served as a poignant reminder of the community’s collective grief and the urgent need for change to prevent further loss.

  • Belize Secures $12.5M Kuwait Loan to Transform George Price Highway

    Belize Secures $12.5M Kuwait Loan to Transform George Price Highway

    Belize has taken a significant step toward enhancing its transportation infrastructure with a $12.5 million loan agreement signed with the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development. The funding, secured during the World Bank and IMF Annual Meetings, will be allocated to modernize an 18-mile segment of the George Price Highway, stretching from Belmopan to La Democracia. The ambitious project includes the construction of new service lanes, upgraded bridges, and 16 dedicated bus stop lanes, all aimed at improving safety, efficiency, and convenience for commuters and trade activities. This collaboration builds on a long-standing partnership between Belize and Kuwait, which dates back to the 1990s. Over the decades, the Kuwait Fund has supported Belize in developing critical roadways such as the Southern Highway, the Hummingbird Highway, and the Caracol Road. The agreement was formalized by Belize’s Financial Secretary, Joseph Waight, and Waleed Al-Bahar, Acting Director General of the Kuwait Fund. This initiative underscores Belize’s commitment to advancing its infrastructure and fostering economic growth through strategic international partnerships.

  • Venezuela Points to Oil, Not Cocaine, in Latest Dispute with the U.S

    Venezuela Points to Oil, Not Cocaine, in Latest Dispute with the U.S

    In a recent press conference, Venezuela’s Ambassador to Belize, Gerardo Argote, vehemently countered what he described as unwarranted provocations by the United States. Argote argued that the U.S. actions are not genuinely aimed at curbing drug trafficking but are instead a strategic move to control Venezuela’s vast natural resources, including the world’s largest oil reserves, gold, and gas. Citing the latest UNODC World Drug Report, he highlighted that only five percent of cocaine leaving South America via the Pacific passes through Venezuela, with most of it being intercepted. The ambassador called for an end to what he termed U.S. aggression and urged Belize to stand in solidarity with Venezuela, a partner since 1989. He emphasized the long-standing diplomatic and cooperative ties between the two nations, referencing the Petrocaribe program, which has provided significant support to Belize. Argote stressed the need for understanding and solidarity in addressing Venezuela’s current geopolitical challenges.

  • Deadly Floods Cut Off Hundreds in Mexico

    Deadly Floods Cut Off Hundreds in Mexico

    Mexico is reeling from a catastrophic natural disaster as deadly floods and landslides have left over 300 communities completely isolated. The calamity, triggered by two tropical storms hitting the country’s west coast at the end of an exceptionally heavy rainy season, has claimed at least 64 lives, with dozens still unaccounted for. Rivers surged beyond their banks, hillsides crumbled, and entire villages were engulfed by mud, leaving a trail of destruction in their wake. In Veracruz, one of the hardest-hit regions, 29 fatalities were reported, and more than 300,000 residents were severely impacted. Thousands of soldiers and rescue teams are working tirelessly to reopen blocked roads and deliver essential supplies like food and water to remote areas. However, officials caution that the full extent of the disaster remains unclear. President Claudia Sheinbaum has prioritized road restoration to facilitate rescue and relief efforts, while health teams are on high alert to prevent potential dengue outbreaks. Helicopters are being deployed to transport critical supplies, and the government has pledged unlimited resources to aid the affected regions. The nation now faces a long and arduous recovery process as it confronts the aftermath of this unprecedented flooding.

  • Regional Cycling Championship Hits Belize Highways

    Regional Cycling Championship Hits Belize Highways

    Belize became the epicenter of Caribbean cycling this weekend as it hosted the prestigious Caribbean Elite Road Cycling Championship for the first time. The event, organized under the Caribbean Cycling Union, attracted top male and female cyclists from over a dozen countries, all vying for glory in the under-23 and elite categories. The championship kicked off with the individual time trials on Saturday, followed by the highly anticipated road races on Sunday.

    In the women’s elite time trial, Trinidad and Tobago’s Teniel Campbell emerged victorious with a remarkable time of 28 minutes and 39 seconds, securing the gold medal. She was joined on the podium by Jamaica’s Liori Shape (silver) and Bermuda’s Gabriella Arnold (bronze). In the under-23 women’s category, Cuba’s Lianni Mesa Silviera claimed gold, while Bahamas’ Kami Roach and Sieanna Mackey took silver and bronze, respectively.

    The men’s elite time trial saw Bermuda’s Nicholas Narraway dominate with a time of 39 minutes and 25 seconds, earning the gold medal. His teammate Conor White secured silver, and Puerto Rico’s Christopher Fontan took bronze. Belizean fans erupted in celebration as Derrick Chavarria clinched gold in the men’s under-23 time trial, finishing seven minutes ahead of his closest competitor.

    The road races on Sunday were equally thrilling. In the women’s elite race, Teniel Campbell once again showcased her prowess, breaking away from the lead group to secure her second gold medal of the championship. The men’s elite race was a nail-biter, with Dominican Republic’s Alexander Germoso edging out Belize’s Oscar Quiroz and Guadeloupe’s Benjamin Leny in a sprint finish. Germoso, Quiroz, and Leny all clocked the same time of 3 hours, 49 minutes, and 58 seconds.

    Derrick Chavarria continued his stellar performance, finishing fourth overall in the men’s elite race and securing his second gold in the under-23 category. The event concluded with Belizeans celebrating their athletes’ achievements and the successful hosting of this major regional sporting event.

  • LIU Keeps Dawson’s Vision Alive With Sports Movement

    LIU Keeps Dawson’s Vision Alive With Sports Movement

    The William Dawson Sprite/Digi Basketball Tournament has returned for its third season, officially launching on Friday night at Birds Isle. The event, which honors the late William Dawson, former Chairman of the Leadership Intervention Unit (LIU), brought together organizers, sponsors, participants, and Dawson’s family members. With twenty teams competing for the championship, the tournament promises to be a thrilling showcase of talent and community spirit.