A farmer in San Estevan, Orange Walk, is currently recovering after being shot on his farm on the afternoon of November 2, 2025. The incident has left the community in shock as authorities work diligently to uncover the circumstances surrounding the attack. Details remain limited, with investigators yet to determine whether the shooting was a targeted act or a random occurrence. Assistant Commissioner of Police Hilberto Romero, Head of the National Crime Investigation Branch, provided an update on the ongoing investigation. According to Romero, the victim, Abraham Chan, was engaged in farm work when he heard a loud bang and realized he had been shot. Chan promptly sought medical attention and is now in stable condition. Police have detained several suspects, but no charges have been filed as of yet. When questioned about the motive, Romero stated that investigators are pursuing multiple leads but have not yet established a definitive reason for the attack. The case continues to develop as authorities work to bring clarity to this unsettling event.
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NDP offers public servants 50% tax off vehicles
The New Democratic Party (NDP) has announced a series of policies aimed at alleviating the financial burden on citizens of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, particularly public sector workers and families. Opposition Leader Godwin Friday unveiled these measures during a radio interview on Hot 97 FM, emphasizing their potential to address the ongoing cost-of-living crisis. Among the key proposals is a 50% duty concession on vehicle purchases for public servants with at least 10 years of service, a policy designed to enhance mobility and reduce transportation costs. This initiative builds on a previous suggestion by Central Kingstown MP St. Clair Leacock and aims to extend benefits previously reserved for higher-ranking officials. Additionally, the NDP plans to introduce two VAT-free shopping days annually in August and December, offering citizens a reprieve from the 16% VAT rate. The party also announced a special duty-free concession of up to EC$20,000 for creatives to procure equipment, supporting the growth of the creative industries. Furthermore, families will receive a EC$500 ‘baby bonus’ upon the birth of a child, alongside a review of maternity leave policies to extend the current three-month period to six months. These measures, according to Friday, are practical and achievable, with the potential to significantly improve the quality of life for Vincentians.
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Police Hunt Trio After Brazen Uno Gas Station Heist
Authorities in Belize City are actively pursuing three suspects following a daring daylight robbery at the Uno gas station located on the Philip Goldson Highway. The incident occurred on the afternoon of October 31, 2025, at mile one and a half. According to police reports, Eric Chi, the station manager, was preparing to make a deposit when he was accosted by an armed individual. A second suspect, arriving on a motorcycle, seized a substantial amount of cash before fleeing the scene. Assistant Commissioner Hilberto Romero, head of the National Crime Investigation Branch, provided details of the ongoing investigation. He confirmed that the suspects were observed waiting in a nearby parking lot before targeting Chi. While the possibility of an inside job is being considered, no concrete evidence has been uncovered yet. Surveillance cameras in the area are expected to aid in identifying the perpetrators. The police are urging anyone with information to come forward as they continue their search for the suspects.
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Did Alcohol Play a Role in Fatal Weekend Motorcycle Crashes?
Two separate motorcycle accidents over the weekend have left two men dead, raising questions about the role of alcohol and speeding in these tragic incidents. The first crash occurred on Saturday in the La Loma Luz area of the Cayo district, where Gerson Fuyub lost control of his motorcycle, collided with a cement structure, and later succumbed to his injuries. Authorities are awaiting toxicology reports to determine if alcohol was a factor. Later that same day, another fatal accident took place on the Hummingbird Highway, involving Jorge Gonzalez, who also lost control of his motorcycle and died from his injuries. Assistant Commissioner Hilberto Romero emphasized that investigations are ongoing to determine the exact causes, with speeding and alcohol consumption being primary concerns. These incidents serve as a stark reminder of the dangers on the road and the importance of safe driving practices.
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Residents Push for Hangar’s Closure, Politician Pushes Back
A heated debate over public access to the Hangar seafront in Belize City has escalated, pitting residents against local politicians. A group of residents is advocating for restricted access, citing concerns over security and coastal erosion. Belize City Mayor Bernard Wagner has labeled the gatherings along the seafront as ‘invasions,’ emphasizing the need to protect residents’ quality of life. However, Fort George Area Representative Henry Charles Usher has voiced strong opposition, arguing that the area should remain accessible to the public as one of the few beachfront spaces available to Belizeans.
The conflict dates back to 2022 when residents first petitioned to block vehicular traffic on the seafront road. The Belize City Council initially rejected the request, but in August 2024, residents shifted their strategy, applying to the Ministry of Lands to subdivide and purchase the street. While they cited environmental and security concerns, documents suggest their intent was to privatize the area. By 2025, armed with a letter from the Commissioner of Police and community support, the council approved the closure to vehicles, though Mayor Wagner claims the decision was collective and cannot recall who initiated the petition.
Complicating matters, the street was named in honor of the late city engineer Henry C. Fairweather in 2013. His surviving relatives have expressed outrage, arguing that restricting public access would dishonor his legacy. Meanwhile, Mayor Wagner maintains that his focus is on safeguarding residents from disruptive gatherings. The controversy highlights the tension between public access and private interests, with no clear resolution in sight.
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Is Belize Tax Service’s Transition to SARA Being Pushed Back?
The Belize Tax Service Department’s planned transition to a Semi-Autonomous Revenue Authority (SARA), initially slated for December 2025, is now facing significant delays. The Briceño administration announced this major reform in July, aiming to modernize the tax system as part of broader public service reforms. However, the move has been met with strong opposition from the Public Service Union (PSU), which claims it was excluded from the decision-making process and fears the loss of employee benefits. PSU President Dean Flowers recently declared a trade dispute after the government failed to address their concerns. Public Service Minister Henry Charles Usher has acknowledged the issues, emphasizing the need for dialogue with employees and stakeholders. He revealed that the transition is now expected to occur in late 2026, pending resolution of the disputes and completion of necessary preparatory steps. This delay underscores the complexities of implementing large-scale reforms while balancing employee welfare and administrative efficiency.
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Budna Abduction Investigation Back with Police Amid Scrutiny
The investigation into the high-profile Joseph Budna abduction case has been reassigned to the Belize Police Department, following a brief period under the jurisdiction of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). This shift comes after weeks of public outcry demanding an independent inquiry, a request initially supported by the government. However, Belizean law does not permit private investigations, leading to the case’s return to the police. Critics argue that this move raises concerns about impartiality, as police officers may now be tasked with investigating their own colleagues. Public Service Minister Henry Charles Usher defended the decision, emphasizing the DPP’s constitutional independence and its role in determining whether criminal charges should be pursued. Usher clarified that the DPP’s involvement is not a form of interference but a necessary step to ensure transparency and accountability. The case has sparked widespread debate about the integrity of the investigative process and the need for legal reforms to address public concerns.
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Public Service Minister says GOB Did Not Take Ombudsman to Court
The Government of Belize (GOB) has refuted claims that it initiated legal proceedings against Ombudsman Gilbert Swaso following his push for enhanced transparency. The controversy stems from a Freedom of Information request filed by social activist Jeremy Enriquez earlier this year, seeking details on legal fees related to a redistricting case. When the request was denied, Enriquez approached the Ombudsman, who subsequently ordered the Attorney General (AG) to partially disclose the information. The AG has since appealed this decision, bringing the matter before the courts. Public Service Minister Henry Charles Usher addressed the situation, emphasizing that the appeal is a standard legal process rather than a direct confrontation with the Ombudsman. Usher stated, ‘This is not about taking the Ombudsman to court; it’s about ensuring the decision aligns with legal requirements. Appeals are a normal part of dispute resolution.’ The Minister also criticized media portrayals of the issue as misleading, reiterating the Government’s commitment to lawful procedures.
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Is GOB Undermining Good Governance by Taking the Ombudsman to Court?
The Government of Belize (GOB) is under fire from the National Trade Union Congress of Belize (NTUCB) for its decision to take the Office of the Ombudsman to court. NTUCB President Ella Waight expressed deep concern and disappointment, labeling the move as a direct affront to the principles of good governance. Waight emphasized that the government’s action contradicts its commitments under the Plan Belize 2020, which pledged to uphold transparency and accountability. The NTUCB has publicly declared its solidarity with the Ombudsman, stressing the importance of this issue to public interest. Additionally, the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital Authority Workers Union has joined the call for full disclosure, arguing that public funds must always remain subject to public scrutiny. Both unions warn that a lack of transparency erodes democracy and undermines trust in public institutions. The legal costs associated with the case, drawn from consolidated funds, have further fueled criticism, prompting calls for the government to reconsider its course of action.
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Chief Meteorologist Urges Vigilance Despite Calm Forecast
As November progresses, many Belizeans are questioning whether the threat of hurricanes has finally subsided. Chief Meteorologist Ronald Gordon, however, emphasizes that vigilance remains crucial. While the recent passage of the first cold front last week is a positive indicator, Gordon reminds the public that the official hurricane season extends until November 30th, with the potential for storms forming even beyond that date. Currently, the weather outlook is calm, but Gordon stresses the importance of staying prepared. Reflecting on the possibility of a catastrophic storm like Hurricane Melissa impacting Belize, Gordon acknowledges the country’s vulnerability. Historically, Belize has endured severe hurricanes, with major storms recurring every 20 to 30 years. The last significant event was Hurricane Dean in 2007, which, although not making direct landfall, still affected the northern regions. Gordon’s message is clear: while the immediate forecast is reassuring, complacency is not an option in a region prone to such natural disasters.
