The villages of Ladyville and Lord’s Bank in Belize District are at the center of a renewed debate: Should Ladyville become a town? This long-standing idea has gained fresh momentum following a recent community meeting organized by the village councils. With over 12,000 residents and nearly 4,000 households as of 2022, the area is rapidly growing, but so are its challenges—crumbling roads, poor drainage, and rising security concerns. The proposal to elevate Ladyville to town status aims to address these issues by potentially unlocking more funding, improving infrastructure, and giving residents a stronger voice. Lord’s Bank, a neighboring village, has also joined the conversation, with discussions exploring the benefits of merging the two communities. Bernardo Bennett, Chairman of Ladyville, highlighted the practical advantages, noting that many Lord’s Bank residents already conduct business in Ladyville. However, concerns about increased land taxes remain a key consideration. Dolores Balderamos-Garcia, Belize Rural Central Area Representative, emphasized the importance of community involvement and careful planning before any decisions are made. While the idea is still in its early stages, the renewed dialogue signals a potential turning point for the region’s development.
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Economy : 66 new civil servants integrated into the Ministry of Economy and Finance
On November 10, 2025, Haiti’s Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF) officially integrated 66 new civil servants into its ranks. The event marked a significant step in bolstering the institution’s workforce and advancing its mission. The Director of Administrative Affairs and Budget warmly welcomed the newcomers, expressing confidence in their skills, energy, and dedication to excellence. Drawing parallels to the American dream, he emphasized that success within the Ministry is attainable through clear goals, hard work, and adherence to rules, sharing his own journey from humble beginnings to his current leadership role. Each new employee was introduced individually, with many expressing their long-held aspirations to join the Ministry. They pledged to contribute their expertise and commitment to the efficient functioning of the civil service, taking pride in being part of this select group. Jean Bouco Jean Jacques, the Director General, reaffirmed the transparency of the recruitment process, though he acknowledged delays caused by security challenges and budgetary constraints. The event concluded with remarks by Ms. Franceline Herolde, who underscored the principles and responsibilities of civil servants. She highlighted their role in ensuring legality, continuity, impartial service to citizens, and national development, drawing comparisons between the public and private sectors.
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Canada Opens Doors for Belizean Women Entrepreneur
Belizean women entrepreneurs are poised to make a significant leap onto the global stage with the launch of the GRIT Project, an initiative aimed at fostering resilient and inclusive trade. Funded by Global Affairs Canada and spearheaded by Caribbean Export, this four-year program is designed to equip women-led businesses with the tools necessary to compete in international markets. The project offers comprehensive training, market intelligence, and export readiness support, focusing on resilience, inclusion, and scalability. The initiative is expected to benefit over 800 women entrepreneurs across six Caribbean nations, including Belize, with Canada identified as the primary target market. The GRIT Project, which stands for Generating Resilient and Inclusive Trade, is seen as a transformative opportunity for Belizean women to expand their businesses and contribute to the prosperity of their communities. Narda Garcia, CEO of the Office of Prime Minister & Investment, emphasized the significance of the project, stating that ‘grit’ embodies the spirit of Belizean women, who are determined to turn ideas into successful enterprises. The program will also address challenges such as market access and financing, providing a pathway for businesses to meet both domestic and international standards. Shalwa Leslie, a participant from Farm to Perfection, shared her enthusiasm for the project, noting that while the journey will be challenging, it presents a valuable opportunity for growth and international market penetration. Caribbean Export will work closely with entrepreneurs to develop market entry strategies and build capacity, ensuring that businesses are well-prepared for global competition. The GRIT Project is expected to indirectly benefit up to 10,000 women, marking a significant step forward for Belizean businesses on the international stage.
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Belize Bets on Solar for Energy Independence by 2030
Belize is making significant strides toward achieving energy independence by 2030, with solar power at the forefront of its strategy. Currently, the nation relies heavily on electricity imports from Mexico, which account for approximately 50% of its energy supply. However, under the leadership of the Briceño administration, Belize is shifting its focus to renewable energy sources, particularly solar and hydropower.
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Belize Government Lotteries App Removed from Google Play Store
In a surprising turn of events, the Belize Government Lotteries Limited (BGLL) app has been removed from the Google Play Store just one month after its launch. The app, which allowed users to purchase Boledo, Jackpot, and Ordinary Lottery tickets, was initially approved but later flagged for violating Google’s stringent gambling policies. Google prohibits apps that facilitate real-money lottery purchases, leading to the app’s removal. While existing users can still access the app, no future updates will be available. In response, BGLL has launched a web portal offering the same features and security as the app. Interestingly, the app remains accessible on the Apple App Store, as Apple permits licensed gambling apps in Belize. BGLL has assured users of its commitment to providing a seamless experience across platforms, urging Android users to transition to the web portal while iOS users can continue using the app as usual.
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Funglode presents alarming report on femicides in the Dominican Republic
In a groundbreaking event held at the Funglode Auditorium in Santo Domingo, the Global Foundation for Democracy and Development (Funglode) unveiled a comprehensive study titled ‘Femicides in the Dominican Republic: X-ray of Femicidal Violence 2016–2024.’ The report, presented by the Dominican Political Observatory (OPD) under the leadership of Nathanael Concepción, delves into nearly a decade of data on gender-based killings in the country. Former President and Funglode President Dr. Leonel Fernández underscored the critical importance of this research in shaping effective public policies, describing the findings as ‘an urgent call to action and collective responsibility of the State and society.’
The study, coordinated by researcher Flor Esmirna Batista Polo, revealed alarming statistics: 706 femicides were recorded between 2016 and 2024, with victims spanning all age groups, from infants to elderly women. In 2024 alone, 73 cases were reported, 89% of which were classified as intimate partner femicides, leaving 77 children orphaned. The data also highlighted the methods of violence, with 53% of the murders committed using bladed weapons and 37% involving firearms. Additionally, 18 cases ended in femicide-suicides, a troubling trend on the rise. Batista Polo emphasized that the persistence of these figures indicates a failure of current policies to bring about structural change.
A panel discussion titled ‘Where Are We and Where Are We Going?’ followed the presentation, featuring representatives from government, academia, and civil society, including Rosalba Ramos, Juliana O’Neal, Ana Iris Linares, Susi Aquino Grauteraux, and Patricia Liranzo. The panelists unanimously called for enhanced institutional coordination, improved prevention strategies, and educational initiatives promoting equality and respect. Key proposals included the development of a georeferenced risk prediction system, early warning protocols, and ongoing training for justice and security personnel.
The event concluded with a resounding call to action, urging stronger national efforts to prevent, address, and penalize gender violence. Attendees were encouraged to utilize existing support services, such as the Ministry of Women (212), 911 Emergencies, and Life Line (809-200-1202), to seek help and report incidents.
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Succotz Chairman Demands the Return of Cancha
In Succotz Village, a heated debate has erupted over the fate of the community’s beloved cancha, a once-thriving public space now transformed into a welcome center for tourists. Village Chairman Armando Ventura Cocom is leading the charge to reclaim the cancha for the villagers, arguing that the government’s decision to repurpose the space was made without proper consultation or transparency.
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Belize Adventist College Welcomes New Smart Classroom
Belize Adventist College in Corozal has taken a significant leap into the future of education with the inauguration of its state-of-the-art Smart Classroom. This innovative space, equipped with advanced technology, aims to empower students with the digital skills necessary to excel in a rapidly evolving world. The initiative, supported by the Corozal Think Tank and the Government of Belize, includes a donation of fifteen new computers, a 3D printer, and a year’s supply of filaments, alongside access to specialized training programs. Lincoln Blake, Director of the Investment Policy and Compliance Unit, highlighted the broader vision of integrating digital learning across the country, emphasizing the importance of embracing technologies like cloud computing and blockchain as part of the fourth industrial revolution. Minister of Human Development Thea Garcia-Ramirez underscored the transformative potential of digital education in fostering critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills, while also promoting gender equality by ensuring equal access to technology for all students. Minister of Community Development Florencio Marin Jr. framed the initiative as a long-term investment in Belize’s future, preparing the next generation to take on leadership roles and contribute meaningfully to society. This project marks a pivotal step in bridging the digital divide and equipping young Belizeans with the tools to thrive in the global digital economy.
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Empowering Young Women in Leadership to Charge in Belize
Belize has taken a significant step toward gender equality in politics with the launch of the Young Women in Leadership initiative. Spearheaded by the Women’s Parliamentary Caucus, this groundbreaking program aims to inspire and empower young women across the Caribbean to pursue public leadership roles. At the inaugural ceremony on November 12, 2025, Carolyn Trench-Sandiford, President of the Senate, emphasized the importance of this initiative in a nation often divided by political differences. She highlighted that empowering young women is a cause that transcends political boundaries and requires collective support. Trench-Sandiford shared compelling statistics, noting that while the global percentage of women in parliament has risen from 11.3% in 1995 to 27.2% in 2025, Belize still lags behind with only 19.5% female representation. This translates to one woman for every five parliamentarians, starkly contrasting the fact that women constitute half of Belize’s population. She stressed the need for visible female role models in the National Assembly, quoting Marian Wright Edelman: ‘You can’t be what you can’t see.’ Trench-Sandiford argued that young women must witness a diverse and inclusive parliament to feel inspired and empowered to enter political life. The initiative seeks to bridge this gap by showcasing women who share their backgrounds and visions for Belize, fostering a new generation of leaders.
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Young Women Connected, Young Women Contributing
The Young Women in Leadership program in Belize is making waves by uniting passionate young women from across the nation to foster learning, leadership, and mutual support. Centered around the theme ‘Youth: Empowered, Connected, and Thriving for National Development’, the initiative underscores the critical role of women in societal progress. Tracy Taegar-Panton, Leader of the Opposition, expressed her enthusiasm for participating in this transformative event. She highlighted the importance of creating broader opportunities for women in public life, stating, ‘We can lead and we must be heard.’ Reflecting on her own journey, Taegar-Panton shared her pride in being elected as the first female Leader of the Opposition, a milestone she views as a collective victory for all women in Belize. She emphasized that this initiative is not just about individual success but about empowering the 51% of women who contribute to nation-building in various capacities—from political organizations to family nurturing. The program aims to inspire young women to take active roles in shaping Belize’s future, ensuring the nation reaches its full potential for generations to come.