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  • TOGABO: Masked Thieves Use Stolen Backhoe in Daring ATM Heist Attempt

    TOGABO: Masked Thieves Use Stolen Backhoe in Daring ATM Heist Attempt

    In a brazen early-morning raid that has shocked the small community of Togabo, a crew of heavily masked thieves carried out a carefully coordinated attempt to break into a freestanding ATM, using a stolen heavy construction backhoe to execute their plan. Local law enforcement confirmed that the suspects first stole the backhoe from an unsecured nearby construction site earlier that night, before driving the heavy machine directly to the ATM location, which sits along a lightly traveled commercial corridor on the edge of town.

    Surveillance camera footage from nearby businesses captured the entire sequence of the heist attempt, showing the masked criminals maneuvering the backhoe to ram the reinforced concrete foundation of the ATM enclosure repeatedly in an effort to dislodge the machine and access its cash reserves. Neighbors reported hearing loud crashing noises shortly before 2 a.m. local time, but many initially mistook the sounds for late-night construction work and did not contact police until several minutes after the suspects had arrived.

    Despite their sustained efforts over nearly 15 minutes, the would-be thieves ultimately failed to breach the ATM’s reinforced security casing, leaving the machine structurally intact and all stored cash undisturbed. After abandoning their unsuccessful attempt, the crew fled the scene in an unmarked, dark-colored pickup truck that has not yet been located by investigators. The stolen backhoe was left parked at the heist site, with visible damage to its front loader from repeated impacts with the ATM structure.

    Local police have launched a full investigation into the incident, asking any members of the public who may have seen suspicious activity in the area overnight, or who have any dashcam footage or other information related to the heist attempt, to come forward. Investigators are also reviewing additional surveillance footage from surrounding properties to identify more details about the suspects and their getaway vehicle. Community leaders have expressed surprise at the level of coordination displayed by the thieves, noting that brazen heavy-equipment heists are extremely rare in the quiet Togabo area.

    Local business owners in the corridor have since increased overnight security patrols, and police have stepped up random patrols of remote ATM locations across the region to deter similar attempted robberies in the wake of the incident.

  • Community Soup Kitchen Begins Reconstruction After Months of Delays

    Community Soup Kitchen Begins Reconstruction After Months of Delays

    For years, a beloved community soup kitchen has served as a lifeline for thousands of vulnerable residents facing economic and personal hardship, offering warm meals and critical social support to those who need it most. Now, after months of unexpected setbacks that put plans on hold, the organization has cleared the final barrier to begin a transformative reconstruction project, following the removal of the aging temporary shipping container that has housed its operations up to this point.

    When complete, the upgraded, purpose-built facility will equip the soup kitchen to dramatically expand its reach across the local community. Organizers say the new space will allow the program to welcome a greater number of guests each day for hot, nutritious meals, while also creating room for additional wrap-around community support services that address the root causes of food insecurity and hardship.

    The initiative could not move forward without the generous backing of a coalition of local corporate and institutional partners, which organizers have publicly recognized for their commitment to the project. Key sponsors include CIBC Caribbean, the national Social Protection Board, Kings Antigua, and 2M Heavy Enterprises, all of which have contributed funding, resources, and expertise to make the rebuild possible.

    Since its launch, the soup kitchen has grown into one of the community’s most vital support institutions, counting hundreds of local families and unhoused individuals among the regular guests who rely on its services. While construction is now set to get underway, organizers have not yet released a projected timeline for completion or announced a firm date when the soup kitchen will reopen its doors to guests in the new facility.

  • Ocean Academy Rejects Call to Surrender Licence as Government Plans Rival School

    Ocean Academy Rejects Call to Surrender Licence as Government Plans Rival School

    On the small Caribbean island of Caye Caulker, a well-established independent non-profit high school is standing its ground against a government push to end its operations, as authorities move forward with plans to launch a competing public secondary institution on the island. Ocean Academy, a beloved community-centered secondary school that has served local students for years, has formally rejected a formal request from Belize’s Ministry of Education to voluntarily revoke its operational license, confirming it will remain an independent educational provider for the island’s community.

    School leadership confirmed to local outlet News 5 that ministry representatives explicitly stated the upcoming government-run secondary school would operate with no formal affiliation or partnership with Ocean Academy, leaving the independent institution with no clear role in the new public project. Following a series of consultations with parents of current students, alumni, and other key community stakeholders, the school’s governing body voted unanimously to reject the government’s request.

    Founder Heidi Curry explained the decision was rooted in deep community ties and widespread support for Ocean Academy’s unique educational model. “We have generations of alumni who deeply value their Ocean Academy diplomas and the reputation that comes with the school’s seal,” Curry said in an interview. “Parents are also consistently enthusiastic about our hands-on experiential learning framework, our specialized programs, and the unique curriculum we have built over the years. As a non-profit rooted in this community, we listened to what our stakeholders wanted, and we made the decision to keep moving forward on our independent path.”

    The standoff comes as Ocean Academy is already navigating significant post-disaster recovery challenges. The school’s original campus suffered months of disruptive closures after severe flooding left widespread mold damage across the building. After extensive structural repairs and renovations to the upper floors of the campus, most students were able to return to in-person learning at the main site in April 2026. To adapt to the remaining damage, school administrators repurposed one upstairs classroom into new office space and restrooms, and the entire contaminated ground floor was permanently abandoned. This overhaul has left the school two classrooms short of its needs, forcing one group of students to continue attending classes at an off-site location as the region’s annual rainy season approaches.

    To address the immediate classroom shortage while the school works toward a long-term solution of building a permanent new campus, Ocean Academy has unveiled plans to construct two modular movable classrooms on a nearby parcel of land. Curry noted that the school has already secured preliminary permission to use the temporary site, and has partnered with an architect to design the movable structures, ensuring that any investment in the facilities can be repurposed for the permanent campus down the line. “We designed the buildings to be movable so that every dollar we invest will benefit our students for years to come, rather than being locked into a site we won’t use long-term,” Curry explained.

    To fund both the temporary movable classrooms and the future purchase of a larger plot for a permanent campus, the school has launched a public fundraising campaign branded as Ocean Academy 2.0. Early responses from the donor community have already been promising, with one donor already committing a $25,000 pledge that will go toward a down payment on the future permanent campus property. The proposed new permanent site would allow the school to add long-missing athletic facilities, including a basketball court, volleyball court, and running track, amenities the current campus has never had the space to accommodate.

    The school has launched a dedicated website for the initiative, where it will post regular updates on fundraising progress for the movable classrooms, and will eventually share full details of the land purchase agreement once terms are finalized. As the government moves ahead with its plans for the new public school, Ocean Academy remains committed to continuing its 501(c)(3) educational mission on the island, backed by widespread community support.

  • Autism Belize: ‘There’s Still a Lot More to Learn About Autism’

    Autism Belize: ‘There’s Still a Lot More to Learn About Autism’

    A recent incident at a Belizean preschool has thrown a long-simmering issue back into the public spotlight: the widespread lack of neurodiversity awareness and accessible support for autistic students across the country’s education system. On Friday, June 20, 2026, three autistic children attending Anglican Diocesan Preschool were reportedly sidelined during the institution’s annual graduation ceremony, pushing the urgent need for systemic change to the top of local advocacy agendas.

    A family member of one of the three students confirmed to local media that the ceremony’s seating arrangement placed the autistic children entirely behind the main graduate seating block, positioning them out of clear sight of most parents and event attendees. The deliberate separation has reignited longstanding concerns from disability advocates about how neurodivergent students are marginalized by educational institutions that lack foundational training on supporting autism.

    Christie Almeida, founder of leading national advocacy group Autism Belize, emphasized that the incident is unlikely to have stemmed from intentional malice. Instead, she framed it as a clear symptom of deep-rooted gaps in public and institutional understanding of neurodiversity that persist across most Belizean schools. Almeida drew a key distinction between formal equality and targeted equity in education, noting that meaningful inclusion requires far more widespread education about autism and neurodivergent needs than the system currently offers.

    Almeida pointed out that repeated missteps like this highlight a critical need for improved, ongoing communication between school leadership, classroom educators and the families of children on the autism spectrum. She called on institutions to proactively engage with autistic people and their families to co-design inclusive practices, rather than making unilaterial decisions that exclude students. “All we can ask is that there is some level of flexibility and that you consult us as parents. Have a sit down, have a discussion, and let’s talk about how best we can involve your child,” Almeida said. “This isn’t something for us to shy away from. Let’s have these conversations and figure out how we support each other.”

    To address the recurring gaps in support for neurodivergent students, Almeida highlighted the transformative role that certified, trained classroom aides could play in supporting teachers who often lack the resources or training to accommodate autistic learners. She made a formal policy call for government-funded specialized aide positions, noting that many low- and middle-income Belizean families cannot afford private, one-on-one support for their children. “If government takes it on, it would be a significant cost, but it is something we need to work towards,” she said.

    As of June 24, 2026, Anglican Diocesan Preschool has not responded to multiple requests for comment from local outlet News 5 on the incident, leaving the preschool’s official position unstated.

  • Former Athlete on Trial for Alleged Sexual Abuse of Daughter

    Former Athlete on Trial for Alleged Sexual Abuse of Daughter

    A high-profile criminal trial has gotten underway at a national High Court, where a one-time competitive athlete faces multiple serious criminal charges connected to claims he sexually abused his own minor daughter over a 12-month period. Presided over by Justice Ann Marie Smith, the proceeding is being decided by an all-female jury, with the defendant pleading not guilty to three total offences: two counts of aggravated serious indecency and one charge of indecent assault.

    Prosecution lawyers lay out that the alleged abuse unfolded while the child was under the accused’s direct care, spanning from April 2022 through April 2023. The young complainant took the witness stand this week to share her account of the alleged incidents, telling the court that every reported attack occurred when her father’s girlfriend was not present at the family home.

    In her testimony, the girl also opened up about the persistent fear that has kept her from returning to live with her father after she was relocated to stay with her grandmother following the allegations coming to light. During aggressive cross-examination lead by defence counsel Wendel Alexander, who suggested the child had been coached by third parties to fabricate the damaging claims against her father, the complainant stood firm. She flatly denied the assertion and reaffirmed that every detail of her statement to the court was entirely truthful.

    As of the latest update from the courtroom, the trial remains ongoing, with both sides expected to present closing arguments in the coming days before the jury begins deliberations to reach a verdict.

  • Brunings: Eerste verkoop carbon credits; onderhandelingen met Bayer en Siemens in afrondende fase

    Brunings: Eerste verkoop carbon credits; onderhandelingen met Bayer en Siemens in afrondende fase

    Suriname is on the cusp of a landmark milestone in its climate finance development, with advanced preparations underway for its first-ever international carbon credit offering, according to Minister of Oil, Gas and Environment Patrick Brunings. The first binding sales agreements could be signed as early as next month, Brunings announced during budget debates in the country’s National Assembly.

    Brunings confirmed that the Surinamese government has already finalized a partnership with Deutsche Bank to oversee the trading process for the carbon credits, putting the multi-year development project on track for its launch. Preliminary discussions with potential buyers are already in motion, with major global industrial players Bayer and Siemens among the entities that have expressed interest in purchasing credits.

    “We are now in the final stretch,” Brunings said of the multi-year initiative to develop the country’s carbon credit market. He added that he will travel abroad in early July to conclude the final negotiating rounds, and did not rule out that the first sales contracts will be executed immediately during those talks.

    Currently, Suriname holds approximately 4.8 million verified carbon credits ready to be offered to international buyers. The country is targeting a gold standard price point of around $25 per credit, though negotiators will aim to secure a higher rate during buyer discussions, Brunings noted.

    For context, carbon credits are tradable certificates that allow countries or private companies to offset their greenhouse gas emissions by funding carbon sequestration and conservation projects. Suriname is one of a small handful of nations globally that are carbon-negative – meaning the country sequesters more carbon than it emits – thanks to its vast, intact old-growth forest landscapes. This unique ecological position allows Suriname to generate sustainable revenue from protecting its natural forest ecosystems through the global carbon market.

    In a key transparency and development commitment, Brunings emphasized that all proceeds from the carbon credit sales will not be directed to the general national treasury. Instead, 100% of the revenue will be allocated to two core priorities: ongoing environmental conservation initiatives across the country, and community development for Suriname’s Indigenous and tribal peoples, who are the primary stewards of much of the nation’s forest lands.

    To ensure transparent and accountable management of these new funds, the Surinamese government is establishing a dedicated governance framework for carbon credit revenue. The planned structure includes an oversight body led by key cabinet ministers and the president, a technical working group to assess and approve proposed projects, and a multi-stakeholder commission with representation from Indigenous and tribal communities, the private sector, and other relevant interest groups.

    Brunings noted that the projected revenue from carbon credit sales will also provide critical financial support for high-priority public projects that currently place a heavy strain on the country’s national budget.

    The upcoming carbon credit launch aligns closely with the national climate strategy Suriname unveiled at the COP30 climate conference held in Belém, Brazil earlier this year. At that summit, the government reaffirmed its commitment to balancing inclusive economic growth with the preservation of its status as one of the world’s most heavily forested and carbon-negative nations.

  • Collision protection installed at new Demerara River bridge

    Collision protection installed at new Demerara River bridge

    Guyana’s Ministry of Public Works announced Wednesday, June 24, 2026 that a purpose-built collision protection system for the Bharrat Jagdeo Demerara River Bridge has been successfully completed and put in place, marking the finalization of a key permanent safety upgrade for the critical national infrastructure.

    According to official statements from the ministry, the installation project was wrapped up on June 18, 2026, delivered by the CRCCI-CRCCCL-CRBG Joint Venture, the contracted firm responsible for the works. The specialized system has been fitted around the main tower pile caps that sit beneath the water surface of the Demerara River, addressing a core safety risk for the river-crossing structure.

    The core function of the new system is to shield the bridge’s most vital substructural components from accidental damage caused by wayward vessel collisions. Engineering design allows the system to absorb and dissipate the kinetic force of a collision before that force can reach the main tower pile caps and other key supporting structures, preventing severe structural damage that could threaten the bridge’s integrity and disrupt navigation.

    As a key active shipping corridor in Guyana, the Demerara River has seen consistent vessel traffic since the bridge opened to traffic. Official data shows that 4,323 vessels have already passed safely under the bridge span, underscoring the ongoing demand for reliable navigation access and the urgent need for enhanced protection for the crossing.

    Ministry officials emphasized that the collision protection system is an integrated part of the bridge’s permanent safety and protection framework. Beyond safeguarding the structure itself, the upgrade will boost the overall resilience of the crossing, create safer operating conditions for marine traffic transiting near the bridge’s main span, and lay a solid foundation for the stable long-term operation of this major national infrastructure asset.

  • ‘Constitutional Independence’ or Pure Secrecy? EBC Defers FOIA

    ‘Constitutional Independence’ or Pure Secrecy? EBC Defers FOIA

    A growing transparency crisis has emerged in Belize’s electoral process, after the national Elections and Boundaries Commission (EBC) formally rejected a Freedom of Information (FOIA) request seeking critical details on the country’s long-overdue electoral redistricting effort. The request was filed by prominent social activist Jeremy Enriquez, who has accused the commission of intentionally stonewalling public access to information that directly impacts the democratic representation of all Belizean voters.

    Enriquez submitted his formal FOIA application on June 8, 2026, asking for a full range of unredacted records related to the redistricting process. Among the materials he sought were timelines for the completion of the project, the methodology being used to redraw electoral boundaries, details of third-party consultants contracted for the work, all public and private expenditures associated with the process, draft boundary proposals, and official correspondence between EBC leadership and government officials. Two weeks after the request was filed, on June 22, the EBC delivered its formal response – a refusal to release any of the requested documents, backed by three layers of legal objection.

    The response, signed by EBC Chairman Oscar Sabido, laid out the commission’s position. First, the commission claimed the total volume of records requested was unreasonably excessive. Second, it argued that releasing the documents could interfere with ongoing active litigation that lists Enriquez, the Attorney General of Belize, and the EBC itself as involved parties. Most notably, the EBC asserted that it is not legally required to comply with the FOIA at all, claiming it does not fit the legislation’s definition of a “Ministry” or “Prescribed Authority” bound by freedom of information rules.

    To back up this core claim, the commission directly cited Section 88 of the Constitution of Belize, which states: “In the exercise of its functions, the Commission shall not be subject to the direction or control of any other person or authority and shall, subject to the provisions of this Constitution, act in accordance with the Representation of the People Act or any other law, rule or regulation relating to elections.” In its formal conclusion, the EBC stated it would defer any compliance with the access request under Section 17 of the FOIA until a court of law issues a formal ruling confirming the commission is legally required to provide the requested information. In plain terms, the EBC will not release any documents until it is compelled to do so by a judicial order.

    The rejection leaves Enriquez with very few formal avenues to challenge the decision. The standard process for contesting an unlawful FOIA denial is to file a complaint with the Office of the Ombudsman, the independent body tasked with overseeing transparency and government accountability. However, that position has remained entirely vacant since December 2025, when the government declined to renew the contract of former Ombudsman Major (Ret’d) H. Gilbert Swaso. To date, no permanent replacement has been appointed, leaving the oversight body unable to process complaints.

    For Enriquez and other transparency advocates, the entire situation underscores a pattern of excessive secrecy around an electoral process that carries profound constitutional implications. Redistricting, the process of redrawing electoral district boundaries, directly shapes whether Belizean voters receive equal representation in government, as population shifts can leave some districts overrepresented and others underrepresented without timely updates. In a pre-response interview on June 10, Enriquez already criticized the government’s approach to the process, stating, “No more of this secrecy with which this government tends to operate.” The Belizean government has made a public commitment to complete the full redistricting process by the end of 2026, but the lack of public access to internal process details has cast new doubt on the transparency and fairness of the upcoming final product.

  • Elon Musk is No Longer a Trillionaire

    Elon Musk is No Longer a Trillionaire

    Just two weeks after making history as the world’s first person to reach a $1 trillion net worth, Elon Musk has fallen below the iconic trillion-dollar threshold, driven by a steep correction in SpaceX’s publicly traded shares and new regulatory constraints on a large block of his Tesla stock.

    Musk notched his place in the record books on June 12, when SpaceX’s long-awaited $75 billion initial public offering pushed his estimated total wealth to $1.1 trillion. In the days following the IPO, roaring investor demand sent SpaceX shares climbing, pushing Musk’s peak net worth to an unprecedented $1.45 trillion earlier this month.

    That momentum has reversed sharply in recent trading. From its post-IPO high, SpaceX’s stock has tumbled roughly 31 percent, wiping out hundreds of billions of dollars in the company’s overall market capitalization and carving a massive chunk out of Musk’s personal fortune. The aerospace firm makes up the largest single share of Musk’s current wealth, so its stock volatility has an outsized impact on his net worth calculations.

    The drop in SpaceX valuation was not the only factor behind Musk’s fall from the trillionaire club. Last week, the billionaire surrendered $7.1 billion worth of Tesla shares to cover exercise costs for stock options granted under his controversial 2018 Tesla compensation package. After a high-profile court battle over the approval of the package, the converted shares are now classified as restricted stock. Under the terms of the agreement, Musk will forfeit these holdings if he steps down from his role as Tesla’s chief executive before January 2028, meaning they cannot be counted as fully liquid, unrestricted assets in his net worth calculation.

    As of market close on Tuesday, independent estimates put Musk’s total net worth at approximately $962 billion. Even with the decline, Musk retains his title as the world’s richest person by a substantial gap, with his nearest competitor trailing by hundreds of billions of dollars.

    Market analysts have long pointed out that the vast majority of Musk’s wealth is held in equity stakes in his two flagship companies, rather than cash or liquid low-volatility assets. This structure means his net worth is extremely sensitive to swings in public market sentiment, with billion-dollar gains or losses occurring in days in response to stock price moves. Many market watchers expect further volatility in Musk’s net worth going forward, as both SpaceX and Tesla continue to face shifting investor demand and industry headwinds.

  • Emergency Repairs Underway After Sinkhole Appears on Highway

    Emergency Repairs Underway After Sinkhole Appears on Highway

    On June 24, 2026, a sudden road collapse at the 17.5-mile marker of Belize’s Hummingbird Highway triggered an immediate closure of the affected stretch, launching urgent emergency repair work while officials issue safety warnings for all passing motorists.

    Local residents who first spotted the sinkhole raised urgent alarms about the hazard, telling local outlet News 5 that the depression is both large and deep enough to swallow a heavy commercial truck if any vehicle attempts to drive over the damaged area. The unanticipated collapse has disrupted regular traffic flow along the critical highway, forcing commuters and commercial transport operators to rearrange their travel plans on short notice.

    Engineers from the country’s Ministry of Infrastructure Development and Housing (MIDH) completed an initial inspection of the collapse site shortly after the sinkhole was reported. Their assessment confirmed that the metal culvert installed beneath the highway at this location remains structurally sound. Instead, the failure is traced to the road surface and the supporting fill material positioned above the culvert, which eroded and gave way unexpectedly to create the sinkhole.

    Crews of construction and maintenance workers have already mobilized to the site, with the first priority being stabilizing the damaged area to prevent any further expansion of the collapse before full repairs get underway. In an official statement published after the incident, MIDH emphasized that the agency is pulling out all stops to speed up the repair process, while still adhering to strict safety protocols to protect both workers and the traveling public.

    To avoid incidents, transportation officials are urging all motorists planning to travel along this corridor to plan ahead and use marked alternative routes whenever possible. Any drivers who must travel near the work zone are instructed to follow all directions from on-site maintenance crews and traffic management personnel.

    MIDH has confirmed that it will release new public updates promptly as work progresses, including a formal notification when the damaged section of the highway is fully repaired and reopened to all vehicular traffic.