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  • Wonder Woman Challenge Marks 10 Years of Grit and Competition

    Wonder Woman Challenge Marks 10 Years of Grit and Competition

    BELIZE CITY – The Tenth Annual Wonder Woman Challenge concluded today after three days of intense competition among Belize’s elite female military and law enforcement personnel. The Belize Defense Force emerged victorious in this milestone anniversary event, reclaiming the championship title in what organizers described as the most fiercely contested edition to date.

    The grueling triathlon-style competition, hosted at the Coast Guard headquarters, tested participants’ physical endurance and mental fortitude through a series of extreme challenges. Day one featured the Coast Guard Physical Fitness Test, combining a one-mile ocean swim with a two-mile run. Competitors faced additional adversity on day two as heavy rainfall accompanied a punishing six-mile run followed by tactical obstacle courses in the Coast Guard Medley.

    The final day presented the sunrise march and shoot exercise, evaluating precision and stamina, culminating in the notoriously demanding Coast Guard Crucible. Lance Corporal Suliany Paquiul of the victorious Belize Defense Force unit expressed confidence throughout the competition, stating, ‘What was meant for BDF is meant for BDF. It was a walk in the park for us.’

    Vice Commandant Alma Pinelo of the Belize Coast Guard noted the continuously elevating standards among participants: ‘The energy is really high. Everybody wants to win.’ The sentiment was echoed by Ensign Zarina Francisco, who acknowledged the competitive atmosphere while maintaining confidence in her team’s capabilities.

    The event, now in its tenth year, simulates real-world operational demands faced by women in Belize’s security forces. PC Estephanie Cuc of the Police Department shared an emotional account of persevering through personal tragedy, dedicating her performance to her recently deceased mother.

    Organizers emphasize that the challenge highlights the growing opportunities for women in security careers, requiring strength ‘mentally, physically and spiritually’ according to Pinelo. The decade-long tradition continues to showcase the leadership qualities and indomitable spirit of Belize’s women in uniform.

  • Canada zet in op vrijhandelsovereenkomst met Mercosur tegen herfst

    Canada zet in op vrijhandelsovereenkomst met Mercosur tegen herfst

    Canadian Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu has announced an accelerated timeline for finalizing a comprehensive free trade agreement with the South American Mercosur bloc, targeting completion by fall 2026. The revelation came during the sidelines of the World Trade Organization ministerial conference in Yaoundé, Cameroon, where Sidhu confirmed negotiations would now occur approximately every six weeks.

    Speaking from the Canadian High Commissioner’s residence in New Delhi, Sidhu expressed strong confidence in the negotiation pace, stating: “We are being very ambitious. I believe we can get this done.” The minister has already conducted bilateral discussions with Argentina and Paraguay, with scheduled meetings involving Brazil and Uruguay representatives later this week.

    Diplomatic sources close to the negotiations indicate a potential signing ceremony as early as September or October, marking approximately one year since formal talks resumed. A Brazilian diplomat confirmed the unprecedented speed and positive momentum, characterizing a 2026 agreement as highly probable.

    Canada’s push for diversified trade relationships comes amid ongoing uncertainties surrounding import tariffs imposed by the United States under the Trump administration. South America, particularly Brazil, represents an indispensable trading partner for Canada, making the Mercosur agreement a strategic priority for strengthening economic ties.

    Mercosur (Common Market of the South) comprises full members Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Venezuela (currently suspended due to political and economic reasons). The bloc maintains associate memberships with Chile, Peru, Colombia, Ecuador, and Guyana, while Bolivia is progressing toward full membership status.

    The trade bloc facilitates free movement of goods, services, capital, and people among member states while establishing a common external tariff to regulate foreign trade. Internal trade within Mercosur accounts for substantial portions of member countries’ GDP, significantly driving economic growth and regional cooperation.

    This potential agreement with Canada represents Mercosur’s continued expansion of free trade agreements with external nations, aimed at market liberalization, export stimulation, and enhanced global competitiveness through technological exchange and collaborative economic development.

  • Senator Warns Government Taking Bigger Cut as Fuel Prices Rise

    Senator Warns Government Taking Bigger Cut as Fuel Prices Rise

    BELMOPAN – A prominent Belizean senator has raised serious concerns over the government’s increasing fuel tax revenue amid soaring global oil prices, accusing authorities of capitalizing on economic hardship. Business Senator Kevin Herrera delivered a stark warning in the Senate, revealing that government tax collections per barrel of fuel have surged by approximately 66% as oil prices climbed from $60 to $100 per barrel.

    According to Herrera’s detailed analysis, when crude oil traded at $60 per barrel, the government collected approximately $27 per barrel in taxes and duties, representing about 45% of the acquisition cost. With current prices hovering around $100 per barrel, the government’s take has escalated to roughly $45 per barrel—equivalent to approximately $6 per gallon at the pump for Belizean consumers.

    The senator criticized the automatic revenue increase mechanism built into Belize’s fuel tax structure, where taxes are calculated as a percentage of price rather than a fixed amount. This design ensures that government revenues rise proportionally with global oil prices, creating what Herrera characterized as an ‘unconscionable’ windfall for government coffers while citizens struggle with increased costs.

    Herrera called for immediate adjustments to the tax structure to alleviate the burden on drivers, arguing that since the government collects significantly more without implementing any policy changes, it should demonstrate compassion by reducing tax rates.

    In response to growing concerns, Prime Minister John Briceño stated in a recent News Five interview that his administration had already sacrificed approximately $60 million in potential fuel tax revenue, though the government has not directly addressed Herrera’s specific calculations or allegations of profiteering.

    The developing situation highlights the delicate balance between government revenue needs and economic relief for citizens during global energy market turbulence.

  • Joel Santos: scheduled maintenance on power plants does not compromise supply

    Joel Santos: scheduled maintenance on power plants does not compromise supply

    The Dominican Republic’s Minister of Energy and Mines, Joel Santos, has publicly addressed the nation’s scheduled maintenance program for its power generation infrastructure, confirming these planned outages are a strategic component of regular system operations and do not threaten the country’s electricity supply.

    Minister Santos elaborated that these critical maintenance activities are deliberately scheduled during the period of lowest consumer demand, which spans from January through April. This strategic timing ensures maximum plant availability and reliability during the high-consumption season from May to October.

    A key component of this maintenance cycle involves the temporary shutdown of the Punta Catalina 2 unit, a 360-megawatt facility, which will remain offline until April 30th. This follows a similar scheduled maintenance procedure completed earlier this year at its sister unit, Punta Catalina 1. Santos was quick to clarify that this specific outage constitutes less than 10% of the nation’s total installed thermal generation capacity, which stands at approximately 4,400 megawatts, and therefore does not represent a significant reduction in overall system capacity.

    To alleviate public concern, the Minister detailed the robust diversity of the national grid. He highlighted substantial contributions from hydroelectric sources (approx. 450 MW), wind power (providing 150-350 MW during nighttime hours), and solar energy, which delivers nearly 1,500 MW during peak daylight hours. This diversified energy mix ensures continuous and reliable power delivery despite the temporary absence of any single plant.

    Santos acknowledged that taking a lower-cost facility like Punta Catalina offline necessitates the temporary activation of higher-cost generation units, a standard procedure within the complex operation of any national electricity system. He reaffirmed that the paramount priority is completing all maintenance on schedule to guarantee plant readiness for the impending surge in summer demand, which is projected to reach up to 4,300 megawatts.

    Furthermore, the Minister announced the phased integration of the new natural gas-fired Energía 2000 plant in Manzanillo. With a total capacity of 411 megawatts, approximately 290 MW are already contributing to the grid during its testing phase, with the remaining capacity expected to be fully operational by late May or early June, providing additional resilience.

    Concluding his remarks, Minister Santos emphasized the government’s commitment to transparent communication, stating that keeping the population well-informed is crucial for fostering public understanding and confidence in the management of the national electricity system.

  • Antigua and Barbuda: 4.1 magnitude earthquake recorded offshore

    Antigua and Barbuda: 4.1 magnitude earthquake recorded offshore

    A moderate seismic event measuring 4.1 on the Richter scale was detected in the Eastern Caribbean region on Friday evening, according to official reports from the Seismic Research Centre (SRC) at the University of the West Indies. The tremor occurred at precisely 5:26 p.m. local time, with preliminary data indicating a significant depth of 142 kilometers beneath the Earth’s surface.

    The earthquake’s epicenter was initially calculated at coordinates 17.94 degrees north latitude and 63.46 degrees west longitude, placing the seismic activity approximately 201 kilometers southeast of St. John’s, Antigua and Barbuda. The event was similarly positioned about 107 kilometers southeast of Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis, and roughly 188 kilometers southeast of Brades, Montserrat.

    Authorities confirmed that no immediate damage to infrastructure or injuries to residents have been reported across the affected region. The considerable depth of the seismic event, combined with its offshore location, significantly reduced potential impact on populated areas.

    The SRC issued a technical note clarifying that the initial location data was automatically generated through advanced computer algorithms. Scientists emphasized that these preliminary readings may undergo refinement following comprehensive seismological analysis, which is standard procedure for seismic monitoring agencies.

    Eastern Caribbean nations, situated along active tectonic boundaries, regularly experience such seismic activity due to the complex interaction of the Caribbean and North American plates. The region maintains robust monitoring systems to track and analyze these geological phenomena.

  • Senate Divided Over Sugar Industry Tax Exemptions

    Senate Divided Over Sugar Industry Tax Exemptions

    BELMOPAN – March 27, 2026 – The Belizean Senate witnessed intense legislative confrontation today as lawmakers clashed over proposed amendments to the Sugar Industry Act that would prolong substantial tax and duty exemptions for Belize Sugar Industries (BSI), the nation’s sole sugar processing facility.

    The government’s lead representative, Senator Eamon Courtenay, presented a compelling economic argument for the measure, emphasizing BSI’s critical role in the national economy. “This legislative support is essential to maintain the factory’s operational viability,” Courtenay stated during the session. “As the only facility currently processing sugarcane, it generates not just sugar but also molasses and bagasse – all vital commodities that significantly contribute to Belize’s economic stability.”

    However, the proposal encountered formidable opposition from both labor and political factions. Union Senator Glenfield Dennison challenged the fundamental premise of the exemptions, questioning whether multinational corporations or local farmers would truly benefit. “We must critically examine whether we’re advocating for multinational interests at the expense of farmers’ rights,” Dennison asserted, highlighting unfulfilled Fairtrade premium obligations to cane growers.

    Opposition Senator Patrick Faber delivered even more forceful opposition, urging unanimous rejection of the bill. Faber detailed the extensive scope of the proposed concessions, which would eliminate withholding taxes on dividends and interest while exempting the company from customs, excise, and stamp duties for an additional decade.

    Despite vigorous objections, the legislation passed with eight affirmative votes against four rejections, with one senator absent from the critical decision that will shape Belize’s agricultural fiscal policy for the coming decade.

  • Police Say Evidence Points to “Accidentally Self-Inflicted” Shooting of Camalote Man

    Police Say Evidence Points to “Accidentally Self-Inflicted” Shooting of Camalote Man

    Authorities in Belize are continuing their investigation into the tragic shooting death of Andy Suazo, which occurred on March 17 in Camalote. While evidence currently suggests the incident resulted from an accidental self-inflicted discharge, police officials emphasize the case remains open and active.

    According to police reports, the incident took place while Suazo was socializing with a friend on a private property. During the encounter, a firearm unexpectedly discharged, striking Suazo in the upper torso. Despite being rushed to medical facilities for emergency treatment, he succumbed to his injuries.

    Assistant Superintendent Stacy Smith provided details at a recent police briefing, confirming that investigators have collected multiple witness statements, including formal caution statements, and completed a comprehensive post-mortem examination. All findings have been compiled into an official case file awaiting further judicial guidance.

    “Current evidence indicates the shooting may have been accidentally self-inflicted,” Smith stated. “However, we want to emphasize this is not a closed investigation. Our inquiries into this matter continue.”

    Police have confirmed recovery of the firearm involved in the incident and determined the weapon to be illegally possessed. The investigation continues to examine all circumstances surrounding the tragic event.

  • U.S Issues Security Alert For Citizens Worldwide including Antigua and Barbuda

    U.S Issues Security Alert For Citizens Worldwide including Antigua and Barbuda

    The U.S. Department of State has issued a comprehensive worldwide security alert, calling for American citizens across the globe to exercise heightened vigilance. This advisory places particular emphasis on elevated risks throughout the Middle East region, though it explicitly notes that threats extend beyond this geographical area.

    According to official communications, U.S. diplomatic installations worldwide have been targeted, prompting concerns about potential attacks on American interests abroad. The advisory specifically identifies groups sympathetic to Iran as potential actors who may target facilities and locations associated with the United States or American citizens internationally.

    Travel disruptions are anticipated due to periodic airspace closures that may occur with little notice. The State Department strongly recommends that all U.S. citizens abroad adhere to security guidance provided by their nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.

    The Department has implemented multiple channels for disseminating critical security information. Citizens are encouraged to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) at step.state.gov to receive real-time security alerts. Additional communication channels include the ‘U.S. Department of State – Security Updates for U.S. Citizens’ channel on WhatsApp and detailed destination-specific information available at travel.state.gov/destination.

    This advisory represents one of the most extensive global security warnings issued in recent years, reflecting heightened tensions and potential retaliation against U.S. interests worldwide. The State Department emphasizes that all Americans traveling or residing internationally should carefully review travel advisories and remain aware of their surroundings regardless of their location.

  • Open Letter from a Grieving Mother Antigua and Barbuda:

    Open Letter from a Grieving Mother Antigua and Barbuda:

    In a powerful public statement, Asabi Charles has given voice to the collective anguish of families across Antigua and Barbuda who have lost children to unsolved violent crimes. Having endured 586 days of personal grief since the loss of her daughter Achazia James, Charles articulates the profound pain that resonates through communities witnessing repeated tragedies among their youth.

    The recent deaths of additional young people have intensified calls for systemic action, with Charles emphasizing that these losses represent more than statistical data—they were promising individuals with names, dreams, and loving families. The statement specifically memorializes Yenifer Bridge, Brianna Clark, Omari Lewis, Chantel Crump, Vonde Bowers, and others whose lives ended prematurely.

    Charles identifies these cumulative tragedies as constituting a national crisis rather than isolated incidents. She issues a formal appeal to the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda, the Attorney General, and all relevant authorities, demanding urgent accountability, transparency, and justice for affected families.

    The emotional address highlights how unresolved cases generate widespread fear, frustration, and feelings of institutional abandonment within communities. Charles maintains faith in eventual justice while calling for national vigilance against desensitization to youth violence. Her message concludes with solidarity for bereaved families and a commitment to continued protection and support for the nation’s young people.

  • RGPF investigate structural fire at Grand Etang Road, St. George’s

    RGPF investigate structural fire at Grand Etang Road, St. George’s

    GRENADA – A significant firefighting operation was launched in the early hours of Friday, March 27, 2026, after a blaze tore through a derelict historic building in St. George’s. The Royal Grenada Police Force (RGPF) has officially opened an investigation into the incident, which occurred at the site of the former St. James Hotel, also historically known as the old CID building, located on Grand Etang Road.

    Emergency services were alerted to the scene at approximately 3:43 a.m. Upon arrival, fire crews discovered the two-story abandoned structure completely consumed by intense flames. Responding with immediate effect, the Grenada Fire Department mounted a large-scale suppression effort. Firefighters successfully deployed an estimated 11,000 gallons of water to gain control over the inferno and prevent its spread, ultimately extinguishing the threat without damage to adjacent properties.

    In the wake of the incident, the RGPF has issued a renewed public safety advisory. Authorities are urging heightened vigilance and responsible behavior from citizens, emphasizing the current severe dry season conditions that substantially elevate fire risks across the nation. The police force underscored the importance of community cooperation in minimizing potential hazards.

    For residents seeking clarity on legal burning protocols and fire safety guidelines, officials have directed the public to consult directly with the Ministry of Agriculture, the local Fire Department, or any nearby police station for authoritative information and assistance.