A tragic accident near Hattieville on the George Price Highway has reignited concerns about road safety in Belize. The crash, which occurred on the evening of October 9, 2025, has highlighted longstanding issues with the highway’s infrastructure, including inadequate lighting, missing reflectors, and the blinding glare of oncoming vehicles’ high beams. These factors have made nighttime travel perilous, prompting calls for immediate action. Chester Williams, CEO of the Ministry of Transport, addressed these concerns in a recent statement. He revealed that discussions with the Ministry of Infrastructure are ongoing regarding the installation of proper road markings and reflectors. However, Williams emphasized that the government is currently focused on rehabilitating the George Price Highway, making it impractical to implement temporary safety measures. He urged drivers to exercise greater caution, particularly in poorly lit areas, and to avoid speeding when visibility is compromised. This incident underscores the urgent need for comprehensive safety improvements on one of Belize’s most heavily traveled routes.
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BBA President Fires Back at Transport Ministry Over Consolidation Claims
In a recent development, Phillip Jones, the newly appointed President of the Belize Bus Association (BBA), has publicly refuted claims made by the Ministry of Transport regarding the association’s stance on bus operator consolidation. This comes after Chester Williams, the CEO of the Ministry, stated that the BBA no longer represents a significant portion of bus operators in the context of the ministry’s consolidation plans. Jones, in his first interview with News Five since assuming his role, emphasized that while most operators are participating in the audit process, they have not yet committed to the consolidation initiative.
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Religious Affairs Ministry Meets with Council of Churches
In a significant move to deepen collaboration between the government and religious communities, Minister Louis Zabaneh, who oversees both Transport and Religious Affairs, convened a pivotal meeting with the Belize Council of Churches on October 10, 2025. This meeting marked the beginning of a broader initiative to extend their partnership beyond the traditional realm of education into other societal sectors. Zabaneh emphasized the importance of open communication and understanding the concerns of various religious groups, including evangelical and Muslim communities, to better integrate their needs into government policies. The discussions focused on identifying new areas of cooperation and establishing a clear work plan with specific objectives. Zabaneh highlighted the potential for impactful partnerships that could address diverse community issues, reflecting a commitment to inclusive governance and societal progress.
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Bishop Urge Continued Church/State Dialogue on Social Issues
In a recent address following a significant meeting, Bishop Phillip Wright, President of the Belize Council of Churches, emphasized the importance of maintaining an ongoing dialogue between the church and the state. He highlighted the necessity of this collaboration in addressing evolving social issues, particularly in light of the church’s involvement in the recent cannabis referendum in Caye Caulker. Bishop Wright underscored that such dialogues are crucial for fostering mutual understanding and consensus on contentious matters. He expressed optimism about the evolving relationship between the church and the government, viewing it as a vital mechanism for navigating new challenges and ensuring the well-being of the nation. The Bishop’s remarks reflect a broader commitment to strengthening the long-standing partnership between religious and governmental entities, which he believes is essential for societal progress.
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Skip the Lines, Your Favorite Lottery Games Are Now on Your Phone!
In a groundbreaking move, Belize Government Lotteries Ltd. has launched the Fi We Boledo App, transforming the way lottery enthusiasts engage with their favorite games. This innovative platform allows users to play Boledo, Ordinary Lottery, and Jackpot games directly from their smartphones, eliminating the need for physical tickets and long queues. Payments are securely processed through Digi Wallet, and winnings are instantly transferred to the user’s Digi Wallet or bank account, ensuring a seamless and efficient experience. Janel Espat, Managing Director of Belize Government Lotteries, emphasized that the app aims to attract a younger, tech-savvy demographic, broadening the customer base beyond the traditional audience of individuals aged forty and above. Espat also confirmed that the initiative was developed in full consultation with sales distributors, who fully supported the transition to digital. This strategic shift not only modernizes the lottery system but also aims to boost sales by making the games more accessible and convenient for a wider audience.
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Lottery Boom Fuels Healthcare Expansion in Belize
Belize is witnessing a transformative surge in its healthcare sector, fueled by the unprecedented success of its national lottery system. Belize Government Lotteries Ltd. (BGLL) has reported staggering sales of over $108 million in its inaugural year, with projections indicating a rise to $137 million in the current year. This cumulative figure of nearly $245 million in just two years is not only a testament to the lottery’s popularity but also a critical funding source for national projects, particularly healthcare. Through the National Health Insurance (NHI) program, BGLL has already contributed $22 million to expand primary care services across the country. Janel Espat, Managing Director of BGLL, highlighted the lottery’s role in generating revenue, stating, ‘Our first calendar year, our sales were a hundred and eight million dollars. We are hoping, by all indications, that for the second year our sales will be a hundred and thirty-seven million dollars.’ The funds are disbursed to the government, with the Ministry of Finance determining their allocation. Dr. Ramon Figueroa, General Manager of NHI, emphasized the significance of this financial boost, noting that the NHI rollout, which began in 2001, has historically been constrained by funding limitations. The lottery’s contributions have enabled the expansion of primary care to regions like Orange Walk and the Cayo District, despite challenges posed by the latter’s dispersed population. This innovative funding mechanism is paving the way for nationwide healthcare improvements, marking a significant milestone in Belize’s public health journey.
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Triumphant PPP Region 4 Chairman, Vice Chairman promise to include WIN, APNU
In a landmark electoral triumph, the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPPC) has secured the Chairmanship and Vice Chairmanship of Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica), Guyana’s most densely populated region. The newly elected Chairman, Clemsford Belgrave, and Vice Chairman, Deoraj Nauth, have pledged to prioritize regional development in alignment with the central government’s agenda while ensuring inclusivity in decision-making processes.
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Shooting leaves one injured in abandoned hotel
A violent shooting erupted early Thursday morning at the former Pam Village Hotel in the El Batey area of Sosúa, Puerto Plata, leaving one man critically injured. The incident, which occurred during a conflict between illegal occupants of the abandoned complex, involved a group of individuals arriving in a white Sonata vehicle and opening fire on those present. The victim, identified as Miguel de la Rosa, 39, known as “La Barba,” sustained multiple gunshot wounds and is in critical condition at Ricardo Limardo Hospital. Authorities have linked the shooting to an internal dispute among squatters vying for control and management of the occupied apartments. A man referred to as “Amparo” was also implicated in the altercation, alongside others who fled the scene. The attackers abandoned their vehicle, which is now under investigation. The Pam Village Hotel, abandoned years ago, has become a hub for illegal activities, including drug trafficking, and a source of escalating violence in the tourist-heavy area. Local residents have expressed concerns over the deteriorating safety, calling for police intervention. Three individuals have been arrested so far, with the National Police continuing their investigation to identify the perpetrators and clarify the motives behind the confrontation.
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A20: een dag van vrijheid, identiteit en veerkracht
On the Day of the Maroons, the political party A20 paid heartfelt tribute to the history, struggles, and cultural richness of Suriname’s Maroon communities. Emphasizing the significance of October 10th, A20 declared it not merely a day of remembrance but a celebration of freedom, identity, and resilience. The Maroons, descendants of enslaved Africans, courageously broke free from the chains of slavery, forging historic peace treaties with colonial authorities in the 18th and 19th centuries. These agreements recognized their freedom and autonomy, laying a foundation of justice and acknowledgment in Suriname’s history. A20 highlighted that the Maroons are not a marginalized group but a proud and active force within society, contributing significantly to education, governance, arts, and entrepreneurship. The party pledged its commitment to equal opportunities, infrastructure development, and sustainable collaboration with Maroon communities. A20 also celebrated the preservation of Maroon culture, including their music, dance, spirituality, crafts, language, and culinary traditions, which are integral to Suriname’s heritage. The party expressed gratitude to André Pakosie, a Maroon historian and cultural activist, whose efforts led to the official recognition of this day. A20 concluded with a call for unity, envisioning a Suriname where every culture thrives, every voice matters, and every community shapes its future with pride and freedom.
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Natio sleept gelijkspel uit het vuur tegen Guatemala
In a tightly contested match at the Franklin Essed Stadium, the Surinamese national team managed to salvage a 1–1 draw against Guatemala in their World Cup qualifier on Friday evening. Despite dominating possession with over 60% of the ball, Suriname struggled to convert their control into clear scoring opportunities, registering only five shots on target compared to Guatemala’s two. The first half ended goalless, but Guatemala broke the deadlock in the 75th minute through Darwin Lom, who capitalized on a defensive lapse to put his team ahead. Suriname, however, refused to concede defeat. In a bold tactical shift, they substituted three defenders for additional attackers, pushing aggressively for an equalizer. Their persistence paid off in the 94th minute when Virgil Mididjan capitalized on a poorly cleared corner, slotting the ball into the bottom right corner to level the score. The draw keeps Suriname’s hopes alive for advancing to the next round of World Cup qualifiers. The team now anxiously awaits the outcome of the match between El Salvador and Panama, which will determine their position in the group standings.