分类： politics

In a significant departure from tradition, Belize’s National Assembly has officially introduced a new institutional logo, marking the end of its long-standing reliance on the national Coat of Arms for representation. The legislative body announced the comprehensive rebranding initiative on December 12, 2025, establishing a visual identity that directly reflects its institutional character rather than using broader national symbols.

The previous emblem, Belize’s historic Coat of Arms featuring a shield with logging tools, figures of a woodcutter and sailor, and the national motto “Sub Umbra Floreo” (Under the Shade I Flourish), had served as the Assembly’s identifying mark for decades. This symbol had appeared across all official documentation, the National Flag, and even the ceremonial Mace carried by the Speaker during proceedings.

The newly adopted design prominently features the actual National Assembly building, creating a direct visual connection to the institution it represents. This strategic shift aims to establish a distinct identity specifically for the legislative branch while maintaining respect for national heritage.

Complementing the visual change, the Assembly has issued comprehensive branding guidelines detailing specific requirements for fonts, color schemes, and application standards to ensure consistent and professional implementation across all official platforms and documents.

The redesign has received full endorsement from the highest levels of government, with the Prime Minister and Cabinet expressing unanimous support for the initiative. Administrative responsibility for the logo’s management, protection, and authorized usage has been formally assigned to the Clerk of the National Assembly, ensuring proper governance of the new symbol.

Barbadian Prime Minister Mia Mottley has secured her position among the world’s most influential leaders by earning a coveted spot on Forbes’ 2025 roster of the 100 Most Powerful Women. This prestigious recognition celebrates female pioneers who exert substantial influence across global political, financial, technological, and cultural landscapes.

Since her historic 2018 election as Barbados’ first female premier, Mottley has emerged as a formidable voice in international climate justice advocacy. Her compelling 2021 address to the United Nations General Assembly demanding urgent environmental action garnered global attention and earned her the United Nations Environment Programme’s ‘Champion of the Earth for Policy Leadership’ honor.

Mottley’s transformative leadership precipitated Barbados’ transition to a parliamentary republic in November 2021, severing constitutional ties with the British monarchy and ushering in a new era of sovereignty. Her administration has demonstrated particular boldness in Caribbean regional affairs, vigorously defending regional autonomy through firm negotiations with Washington and pioneering the implementation of enhanced free movement agreements with Belize and other nations to bolster economic integration.

The Forbes list, which commands collective economic influence exceeding $37 trillion and impacts over one billion people globally, features Mottley alongside Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, music icons Taylor Swift and Beyoncé Knowles-Carter, Skims founder Kim Kardashian, and the creative forces behind Netflix’s record-breaking K-Pop animated film ‘Demon Hunters’.

The United States intensified its campaign against the Venezuelan government on Thursday by imposing fresh sanctions targeting close relatives of President Nicolás Maduro and six petroleum shipping companies. This decisive action follows a dramatic military operation that resulted in the seizure of the oil tanker ‘Skipper’ off Venezuela’s coastline.

Video footage from the raid depicted U.S. special forces rappelling from helicopters onto the vessel’s deck, a maneuver characterized by Maduro’s administration as ‘brazen international piracy.’ The confiscated tanker is now being escorted to an American port.

The newly sanctioned individuals include three nephews of First Lady Cilia Flores, two of whom carry previous U.S. drug trafficking convictions and have been officially designated as narcotics operatives within Venezuela. This move signals Washington’s continued focus on disrupting alleged corruption networks linked to the Maduro regime.

According to intelligence reports from Reuters, American authorities are preparing to intercept additional tankers transporting Venezuelan crude oil. Approximately thirty vessels currently face U.S. sanctions, creating a maritime quarantine effect that may force numerous ships to remain in port to avoid potential confiscation.

The Trump administration has significantly amplified pressure on Caracas through both economic measures and military presence. Recent months have witnessed enhanced U.S. naval deployments throughout the Caribbean basin, accompanied by lethal strikes against vessels suspected of narcotics trafficking. This multi-faceted approach represents the most comprehensive challenge to Venezuela’s leadership in decades.

The Ministry of Home Affairs in Belize is poised for a significant leadership transition as Prime Minister John Briceño prepares to announce a new Chief Executive Officer. Current Minister Oscar Mira confirmed the impending appointment during a Thursday interview with CTV3, indicating that the selection process has reached its final stages.

While National Security CEO Francis Usher continues to serve as acting CEO for the ministry, this interim arrangement appears likely to conclude soon. Minister Mira revealed that substantive discussions with the Prime Minister have already occurred, resulting in a formal recommendation being submitted for consideration.

“I have engaged in thorough discussions with the Prime Minister, and we have reached a mutual understanding,” Mira stated. “The CEO designation is expected to be finalized imminently, pending the completion of standard administrative procedures. Although I have presented my recommendation, the ultimate appointment authority rests with the Prime Minister, who exclusively determines CEO positions.”

Minister Mira expressed confidence in the recommendation’s reception, noting that Prime Minister Briceño is “viewing the proposal very favorably.” He emphasized that all preliminary assessments and background verification processes have been satisfactorily completed, leaving only the official announcement pending.

According to sources within government circles, Rear Admiral Elton Bennett, currently serving as Commandant of the Belize Coast Guard, features among seven shortlisted candidates under consideration for the prestigious role.

The leadership vacuum emerged following the departure of former CEO Sharole Saldivar, whose exit timing appears to have coincided with Minister Mira’s assumption of ministerial responsibilities, though precise details regarding her departure remain unspecified.