分类： society

A contentious public consultation unfolded in Red Bank Village regarding a proposed Scarlet Macaw sanctuary in the Maya Mountains, highlighting deep divisions between conservation efforts and community land rights. The government’s initiative to establish a protected feeding ground for hundreds of endangered Scarlet Macaws has sparked significant local opposition after suggestions emerged that some farmers might face relocation.

Local tour guide Basilio Mes emerged as a vocal advocate for the sanctuary, revealing that concerns began early last year when private individuals began surveying the macaw feeding hills. “Myself and several guides approached the village council,” Mes explained, “unaware that the Ministry of Sustainable Development had already initiated protection discussions for these critical habitats.”

The consultation revealed the complex balance between ecological preservation and community access. Mes emphasized that private ownership of the hills would severely impact local livelihoods: “The people of Redbank would lose access entirely once these lands go into private hands. We’re advocating for a sanctuary model that maintains sustainable access for guides, villagers, and farmers alike.”

Historical context provided by Mes illustrated dramatic population declines, from thousands of birds to mere hundreds, attributing this decrease to human encroachment into natural habitats. The proposed sanctuary represents both a conservation imperative and a socioeconomic challenge for residents whose livelihoods depend on access to these traditional lands.

Belizean authorities have achieved a significant development in the high-profile murder investigation of Mark Gabourel, a 55-year-old man killed on January 2nd. Police have apprehended a second suspect, 29-year-old Shaylon Santos, who now faces murder charges alongside previously charged 25-year-old Wilhem Coye from Camalote.

The case has taken a notable turn given Santos’s legal history. He was previously tried for the 2017 homicide of 18-year-old Keonia Ara but was ultimately acquitted in 2022. This prior involvement with the justice system adds complexity to the ongoing investigation.

Minister of Home Affairs and Enterprise Oscar Mira addressed the nation regarding the case, emphasizing the government’s commitment to law enforcement. “We are allocating all necessary resources to pursue these individuals,” Minister Mira declared. “A small criminal element cannot be permitted to hold our nation hostage. We will ensure full enforcement of the law is applied.”

The Minister revealed that surveillance technology played a crucial role in solving this case, noting that cameras installed throughout the capital provided critical evidence. While acknowledging the need for expanded surveillance infrastructure, Minister Mira also highlighted the essential role of community cooperation in law enforcement efforts, criticizing those who witness crimes but only report them on social media rather than to authorities.

In response to escalating security concerns, Chon Saan Palace restaurant in Belize City has implemented stringent new delivery protocols to safeguard its employees from increasing criminal activities. Business proprietor Lee Mark Chang has made the difficult decision to restrict delivery services to certain high-risk neighborhoods following a series of violent incidents targeting delivery personnel.

The establishment had previously ceased deliveries to the Pelican and Antelope Street extension zones after drivers experienced muggings, physical assaults, and even a fatal incident several years ago. Recently, the Lake Independence area has emerged as another concerning location with multiple security breaches reported.

Under the revised safety framework, customers residing in designated risk zones are now required to meet delivery drivers at predetermined, secure locations along main thoroughfares. This strategic approach ensures both staff and customers can conduct transactions in mutually agreeable, well-trafficked areas that minimize vulnerability to criminal elements.

Chang emphasized that while these measures might inconvenience some patrons, employee welfare remains the paramount consideration. The restaurant owner expressed hope that community understanding would prevail given the grave circumstances necessitating these protective actions. This development highlights broader urban safety challenges affecting service industry workers in certain Belize City districts.

Belize’s primary healthcare institution, Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH), is approaching a critical leadership resolution following an extended period without permanent executive direction. The hospital’s top position has remained unoccupied since mid-October when former Chief Executive Officer Chandra Cansino’s contractual term concluded.

Health and Wellness Minister Kevin Bernard has officially confirmed that the hospital’s Board of Governors now holds complete responsibility for determining the new appointment. Minister Bernard’s statement reveals that five qualified candidates have been shortlisted for comprehensive evaluation, with formal interviews scheduled imminently. The selection committee anticipates concluding the recruitment process before January concludes.

During this transitional phase, the Ministry has implemented temporary administrative oversight to maintain operational continuity at the nation’s crucial medical referral center. While both internal and external candidates are under consideration, informed sources within KHMH administration suggest two prominent contenders have emerged: former Acting CEO Timothy Seguro and Financial Controller Sharine Reyes, who reportedly enjoys substantial support among board representatives.

Healthcare observers emphasize the significance of this appointment as KHMH confronts persistent operational challenges including staff allocation constraints, budgetary limitations, and service delivery optimization. The new CEO will inherit responsibility for steering the institution through these complex healthcare management issues while maintaining quality patient care standards.

Hospital administration officials stress that despite apparent frontrunners, the selection process remains actively competitive with no predetermined outcome. The final decision will reflect comprehensive assessment of each candidate’s qualifications and strategic vision for the institution’s future development.

The nation of Belize confronts a profound dual loss this week with the passing of two distinguished figures who shaped critical sectors of national development. Michael J. ‘Mike’ Heusner, a visionary in eco-tourism and sport fishing, and Dr. Francis Gary Longsworth, a transformative healthcare leader, have both died, leaving enduring legacies.

Heusner, renowned as the longtime steward of Belize River Lodge, was instrumental in establishing Belize’s global reputation as a premier destination for angling and nature-based tourism. A pioneering conservationist, he advocated for sustainable practices for decades, serving in pivotal roles with the Belize Audubon Society and various tourism boards. His groundbreaking work was formally recognized in 2018 when he was named an Oceana Ocean Hero. Minister of Tourism Anthony Mahler and the Belize Tourism Board have publicly honored Heusner, crediting him for inspiring generations and fundamentally shaping the nation’s tourism identity.

Simultaneously, the medical community grieves the loss of Dr. Francis Gary Longsworth, the former Chief Executive Officer of the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH). Dr. Longsworth passed away following a brief illness. His career began in academia as a biology lecturer before he pursued medicine at the University of the West Indies. Returning to Belize, he ascended to lead KHMH, where his tenure was marked by significant advancements, most notably the establishment of the Neonatal-Pediatric Intensive Care Unit. Colleagues universally describe him as a calm, approachable, and deeply dedicated leader. His commitment extended beyond the hospital walls through his service on the HelpAge Belize board and relentless efforts to enhance national medical services. He is survived by his former wife, Luz, and their two adult children. His passing marks the end of an era defined by compassionate and progressive healthcare leadership.

A devastating wildlife-vehicle collision on Belize’s Hummingbird Highway has resulted in the death of a pregnant Baird’s tapir, the country’s national animal, marking the first recorded tapir road mortality of 2026. The incident occurred near Sibun Bridge late Monday night and was reported by staff from The Rainforest Lodge at Sleeping Giant.

Conservation organization The Belize Tapir Project confirmed the tragic event after performing a necropsy that revealed the deceased female was carrying a full-term calf weighing approximately 20 pounds. This single collision effectively claimed two lives from the vulnerable species.

The growing infrastructure development throughout Belize has created increasing dangers for wildlife as expanded roadways fragment their natural habitats. Conservation experts emphasize that these transportation corridors present lethal obstacles for animals while simultaneously creating hazardous conditions for motorists.

This recent incident represents the third tapir fatality documented in this particular area, amplifying calls from environmental advocates for improved wildlife protection measures. Conservation groups are urging implementation of specialized infrastructure including wildlife crossings, underpasses, and more ecologically-conscious road planning to mitigate future tragedies.

The Belize Tapir Project issued a statement framing this loss as a somber reminder of the urgent need for coexistence strategies: “As we move forward in 2026, let this loss renew our commitment to safer roads for both people and wildlife.”

A significant environmental and social debate is unfolding in Red Bank as local tour guides and residents advocate for governmental approval of a second Scarlet Macaw sanctuary within the Maya Mountains region. This proposed conservation area aims to safeguard crucial feeding territories for hundreds of Scarlet Macaws while simultaneously enhancing ecotourism opportunities.

The initiative, however, faces opposition from community members concerned about potential displacement following remarks from Minister Orlando Habet of the Ministry of Sustainable Development. The ministry has previously engaged with village leadership regarding hill conservation measures, creating uncertainty about future land access.

Basilio Mes, a local tour guide and prominent advocate for the sanctuary, emphasized the dual benefits of protected status. “This sanctuary represents a critical opportunity for both species preservation and sustainable community development,” Mes stated. He highlighted the alarming population decline, noting that thousands of birds previously inhabited areas that now host merely hundreds, attributing this reduction to human encroachment into natural habitats.

The proposed sanctuary model specifically addresses access concerns by allowing continued, regulated use of the hills by Red Bank residents, farmers, and tour operators. This approach aims to balance ecological protection with the preservation of traditional livelihoods through sustainable resource collection practices. The outcome of this proposal could establish significant precedents for community-involved conservation efforts throughout Belize.