The National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA) launched its ‘Love Where You Live’ cleanup initiative in October, marking a significant step toward fostering cleaner and healthier communities. Spanning three weeks, the campaign focused on the Villa Area, encompassing Dickenson Bay Street, Anchorage Road, and Fort James Drive. Through meticulous efforts, the NSWMA team revitalized the neighborhood, setting a new standard for environmental stewardship.
分类： society
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the most difficult moments, we must stand by the people
In the wake of Hurricane Melissa, Cuban authorities, led by President Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, have acknowledged the severe and ongoing challenges faced by the eastern provinces. During a National Defense Council (CDN) working session in Santiago de Cuba, Díaz-Canel emphasized the persistent disruptions to essential services, including electricity and drinking water, and the extensive damage to housing and infrastructure. He called for strengthened local management and increased citizen participation to aid recovery efforts. Manuel Marrero Cruz, head of the Economic and Social Body of the CDN, outlined the priorities, including caring for the affected, restoring basic services, and addressing the chronic water shortage exacerbated by the hurricane. The restoration of electricity and communications is progressing, with brigades from across the country working tirelessly. However, many communities remain isolated due to damaged roads and bridges. Housing recovery is a significant challenge, with over 47,000 homes confirmed damaged. The agricultural sector is also focusing on intensive planting of short-cycle crops to recover food supplies. Authorities are also addressing the spread of arboviruses, particularly chikungunya, with vector control measures and community involvement. Despite the difficulties, officials remain optimistic, emphasizing transparency and community decision-making in aid distribution and recovery efforts.
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Environment Ministry certifies 28 new nature guides to boost ecotourism
In a significant step toward promoting ecotourism and environmental conservation, the Ministry of Environment, through its Vice Ministry of Protected Areas and Biodiversity, has certified 28 young residents from Monseñor Nouel and Loma de Blanco as nature interpreter guides. The graduation ceremony was held at Lomas del Cielo Ecocamping, located near Valle Nuevo National Park, and was attended by government authorities, institutions, and community leaders. The initiative aims to strengthen sustainable tourism and biodiversity preservation in the region. The comprehensive 112-hour training program, conducted in collaboration with the Civil Defense Risk Management School, covered essential topics such as environmental interpretation, ecological education, visitor management, trail safety, and conservation techniques. Graduates expressed that the certification has transformed their empirical knowledge into professional-level expertise, enabling them to contribute more effectively to the ecotourism sector. Local leaders, including José Alberto De Jesús, president of Asoguiemonb, emphasized that ecotourism is emerging as a vital economic driver for the province, fostering both environmental and community development.
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Foul odour persists in Ashton Hall despite repeated complaints
For over a year, residents of Ashton Hall, St Peter, have been grappling with an unbearable stench emanating from a nearby pig farm, despite repeated complaints to authorities and assurances of improved waste management. The pungent odor, described as a major disruption to daily life, continues to affect the community, leaving locals frustrated and desperate for a resolution. The piggery owners, who had pledged last December to enhance their waste management practices, expressed confusion over the ongoing issue, claiming they regularly clean the premises and use disinfectants like Jeyes Fluid. However, residents argue that the smell persists, particularly from a gully behind the pig pens, and has severely impacted their quality of life. Franklin Corbin, an 87-year-old retiree, lamented that the stench forces him to retreat indoors, even on his patio, while Rodney Bovell highlighted the challenge of enjoying meals during peak odor times. Concerns have also been raised about the area’s designation as a Zone One water catchment, which supplies water to northern parishes. Despite visits from health inspectors and suggestions for improvements, the problem remains unresolved, leaving residents to endure the ongoing nuisance.
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No Charges for Wilson Hernandez’s Death, Domestic Violence History Revealed
In a controversial turn of events, charges against Christy Guzman for the fatal shooting of Wilson Hernandez have been withdrawn. The incident, which occurred two months ago in Belmopan, Belize, has reignited discussions on domestic violence and self-defense. Guzman, 21, was initially charged with manslaughter after surveillance footage showed her handling a gun moments before Hernandez was shot during a domestic dispute. However, the charges were dropped due to insufficient evidence contradicting her claim of acting in self-defense to protect her aunt, Dalia Vellos, from Hernandez’s alleged assault. Vellos, who handed Guzman the firearm, has come forward to share her side of the story, revealing a history of domestic abuse in her relationship with Hernandez. She presented screenshots of threatening messages and emphasized that the shooting was an act of survival, not premeditation. The case has sparked public outcry and calls for stronger measures against domestic violence in Belize, especially following recent high-profile cases of violence against women. Authorities, including the Director of Public Prosecutions, have yet to comment on whether the case will be revisited in light of new evidence.
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Orange Walk Woman Charged for Human Trafficking
In a significant development, 46-year-old Reyna Urbina from Orange Walk, Belize, has been arrested and charged with multiple counts of human trafficking. The Anti-Trafficking in Persons Police Unit took action on November 11, 2025, accusing Urbina of both labor and sex trafficking. Authorities claim she exploited two adult women from Central America for forced labor and sexual purposes. Urbina has been released on a $10,000 bail under stringent conditions, including the surrender of her travel documents, mandatory bi-weekly police check-ins, and a prohibition on contacting any witnesses. The case is scheduled for a court hearing on January 16, 2026. This arrest was the culmination of a collaborative effort involving the Belize Police Department, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, Immigration, Human Services, INTERPOL Belize, and several non-governmental organizations. Officials emphasize that this case highlights Belize’s dedication to safeguarding victims and holding traffickers accountable.
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Mother Declared Unfit for Trial After Mental Health Battle
In a landmark decision on November 13, 2025, a Belizean jury unanimously declared Natalie Palacio unfit to stand trial due to severe mental illness. The verdict, delivered at a fitness hearing presided over by Justice Candace Nanton, concluded a prolonged legal saga surrounding Palacio, who was accused of maiming her seven-year-old son in 2022. The jury, composed of nine members—three men and six women—based their decision on expert testimony from former psychiatric doctor Alejandro Matus-Torres, who conducted three evaluations over the past year. Matus-Torres concluded that Palacio suffers from active psychosis and is incapable of understanding court proceedings or instructing legal counsel. Justice Nanton accepted the verdict, dismissing the maim charge and ensuring Palacio will not face further legal action in this matter. Palacio, who had been out on bail since her arraignment in 2022, allegedly struck her son in the eye during an incident in Easter 2022, resulting in permanent vision loss. She claimed she ‘only stung him’ after he dropped a baby and had not seen her children since. This case underscores the pivotal role of mental health evaluations in Belize’s justice system, bringing closure to a deeply troubling chapter.
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Justice Pilgrim Faces Tough Call in Child Cruelty Case
Justice Nigel Pilgrim is at the center of a challenging legal decision as he prepares to sentence Michael Cowo, a 36-year-old man who pleaded guilty to child cruelty in the High Court last month. Cowo admitted to leaving his two-year-old son home alone, a decision he now deeply regrets. His defense attorney, Dr. Lynden Jones, is advocating for leniency, proposing a suspended sentence, mandatory counseling, and a curfew. Cowo’s family, including his mother, sister, and common-law wife, have also pleaded for mercy, portraying him as a devoted father who made a grave error. However, prosecutors are steadfast in their demand for the mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years, emphasizing the severity of the crime and the need to deter such behavior. The incident, which occurred three years ago, involved the toddler being found wandering the streets at 4 a.m., distressed and crying. Justice Pilgrim has postponed the sentencing to November 21 to carefully consider all arguments. Cowo’s emotional plea to the court—’I am truly sorry. I know I can’t undo what I did, but please be merciful. I miss my family. I just want to see my son.’—has added a poignant layer to the case. The court’s decision will not only determine Cowo’s fate but also set a precedent for how such cases are handled in the future.
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Raising Standards, Ensuring Quality, and Empowering Students
The Caribbean Area Network for Quality Assurance in Tertiary Education (CANQATE) is currently hosting its 21st Annual Conference, drawing educators and policymakers from across the region. The event, held in November 2025, aims to bolster the quality of tertiary education and enhance student outcomes. This year’s conference focuses on modernizing academic standards, ensuring accountability, and preparing students for future challenges. Over 175 participants from 15 Caribbean countries are attending, sharing innovative, data-driven approaches to quality assurance in higher education. Dr. Pablo Flores, Dean of John Paul the Great College in Belize, emphasized the importance of keeping students at the center of educational reforms, stating that their success is the ultimate goal of higher education. Another critical discussion revolves around updating regional academic standards to keep pace with rapid advancements in technology, artificial intelligence, and digital learning. Dr. Ruby Allen, Vice President of the University of Trinidad and Tobago, highlighted the need for unified regional efforts to develop standards that reflect the evolving educational landscape. Terry Westby-Langford, Deputy Chief Education Officer, stressed the importance of maintaining the credibility and recognition of Caribbean qualifications internationally, ensuring that graduates are equipped to meet global demands. The conference continues to foster collaboration among Caribbean nations, aiming to create a cohesive approach to quality assurance that empowers students for the future.
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Les Cayes : Launch of a regional office for issuing police certificates
In a significant move to improve public service accessibility, the Central Directorate of the Judicial Police (DCPJ), led by Inspector General Justin Marc, unveiled a new regional office in Les Cayes on November 12, 2025. This facility, established within the Southern Departmental Directorate, is specifically designed to issue police certificates to residents of the Greater South region. The initiative aims to eliminate the need for long, expensive, and perilous trips to Port-au-Prince, offering a local alternative that saves time, money, and effort for southern residents. The opening ceremony was attended by prominent local figures, including Government Commissioner Wilnair Dormevil, Les Cayes Mayor Claire Daphnée France, Court Dean Jocelyn Lucian, Bar Association President Wousevel Louis, and Marc Gregor of the Anti-Narcotics Brigade (BLTS). This development underscores the Haitian National Police’s (PNH) dedication to enhancing service quality, fostering better citizen relations, and advancing modern, efficient, and accountable police governance.