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In response to escalating security concerns around the Corozal Free Zone, the Belize Coast Guard has significantly bolstered its patrols and surveillance efforts. Rear Admiral Elton Bennett, Commandant of the Belize Coast Guard, emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating that the threats are genuine and deeply rooted in illicit trade activities. While the Coast Guard has not yet confirmed the involvement of cartel operatives in the recently seized cargo, Bennett underscored that the individuals behind these operations are undoubtedly engaged in illegal trade. The seized cargo, found outside the designated Free Zone area along the riverside, was suspected to be en route to Mexico, prompting the Coast Guard’s intervention. Bennett clarified that the Coast Guard does not operate within the Free Zone itself, limiting their direct oversight of cargo storage and shipment dynamics. However, the discovery of unauthorized cargo movements has raised significant alarms, leading to heightened security measures. Despite the operation, no individuals were detained, and the specific groups responsible remain unidentified. The Coast Guard’s proactive stance aims to curb criminal networks and ensure the safety and integrity of the region’s trade activities.

In a recent announcement, Prime Minister John Briceño addressed the Public Utilities Commission’s approval of a 13.5% increase in water rates, set to take effect in the coming year. Briceño acknowledged the hardship this decision may impose on citizens but emphasized its necessity due to rising inflation and the urgent need for critical infrastructure projects. He explained that the tariff adjustment is vital to fund $130 million in capital investments, including $20 million allocated for water and sewage system expansions in key areas like San Pedro, Caye Caulker, and Placencia. These regions, Briceño noted, are significant economic drivers attracting substantial investment, making their development a priority. While expressing regret over the increase, the Prime Minister stressed that the move is unavoidable to ensure the country’s long-term growth and sustainability.

As Garifuna Settlement Day approaches, Belizeans are immersed in celebrations, from dancing to Punta music to savoring traditional dishes. For Daisy Mae Valencio and her daughter Marsha, the holiday is a time to honor their heritage through culinary craftsmanship. In their Belize City kitchen, the duo prepares authentic Garifuna delicacies, with cassava pudding—locally known as plastic cake—stealing the spotlight. This dense, sticky dessert, made from grated cassava, coconut milk, sugar, and spices, is a testament to their cultural legacy. Daisy Mae, a seasoned cook with over three decades of experience, learned the recipe from her mother and now passes it down to Marsha. The mother-daughter team emphasizes the importance of fresh ingredients and precise spice blends, including nutmeg, cinnamon, and ginger, to achieve the perfect flavor. Despite the labor-intensive process, they find joy in preserving their traditions and sharing their culture with the community. As Daisy Mae notes, the demand for their homemade dishes is unwavering, ensuring that Garifuna culinary traditions remain alive for future generations.

On November 18, 2025, Belize welcomed a new culinary experience with the opening of Caribica Soul, a food stall in Digi Park. Owned by Arton Williams, a seasoned restaurateur with over three decades of experience in the United States, Caribica Soul offers a unique fusion of Caribbean and soul food. Williams aims to blend the rich flavors of Caribbean cuisine with the comforting essence of soul food, creating a dining experience that transcends cultural boundaries.

Williams explained that Caribica Soul is more than just a restaurant; it’s a celebration of diverse cultures. He has developed a proprietary multi-seasoning blend, drawing inspiration from various Caribbean regions and Mexico. This seasoning, along with his signature ‘Sweet Daddy Tea’—a natural blend of ginger and lemon—will be manufactured in Belize, marking a significant step in local entrepreneurship.

The opening of Caribica Soul is not just a culinary event but also a cultural milestone for Belize. By introducing international flavors to the local market, Williams hopes to elevate Belize’s culinary scene on a global scale. The restaurant’s unique offerings and commitment to natural ingredients promise to make it a standout destination in Digi Park.

In a significant breakthrough, Belizean authorities have formally charged 25-year-old Gian Eldred Waight in connection with the brutal murder of Canadian businesswoman Marty Ann Thorne. The shocking crime, which occurred on November 10, 2025, in the quiet community of Bullet Tree Falls, Cayo, left residents in disbelief. Thorne, the beloved owner of Raw Spa Cabañas, was found stabbed to death, a tragedy that deeply affected the tight-knit community. Waight, a local construction worker, was apprehended in Guatemala and extradited to Belize, where he was arrested on November 17. Thorne, known for her kindness and generosity, had been a long-time resident of Belize, making her untimely death even more devastating. As the investigation progresses, the community remains hopeful that justice will be served in this heart-wrenching case.

The community of Belize is in mourning following the tragic death of Dawn Bernard, a 60-year-old school warden at St. Luke Methodist Primary School, who was set on fire by her common-law husband, Frederick Wagner. The incident, which occurred on November 10, 2025, marks the thirteenth femicide reported in Belize this year, highlighting the ongoing issue of domestic violence in the country. Bernard, described as a beloved and vibrant member of her community, succumbed to her injuries after being rushed to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital. Wagner, 35, was arrested and charged with attempted murder and use of deadly means of harm following a swift investigation by the Belize Police Department’s gender-based violence response unit. Bernard’s cousin, Suzette Marsden, shared heartfelt memories of her, describing her as a fun-loving yet strong-willed individual who demanded respect. The community, known for its close-knit nature, has been left in shock, with neighbors expressing their grief and disbelief over the loss of a woman who was often the life of the neighborhood. This tragic event serves as a grim reminder of the urgent need for stronger measures to combat domestic violence in Belize.

A Belize Coast Guard officer, Eusabio Espinoza, is under intense scrutiny following allegations of assaulting a 43-year-old laborer in Orange Walk. The incident, which occurred around 3 a.m. on Sunday on Progress Street, involved Espinoza reportedly using a Glock 19 pistol, a weapon not issued by the Coast Guard, to strike the victim. Espinoza fled the scene but was later apprehended by authorities. The victim is now demanding justice for the attack. This case has drawn significant attention, especially as Espinoza had recently accused the Northern Regional Hospital of negligence in the death of his 92-year-old father. Coast Guard Commandant Rear Admiral Elton Bennett confirmed that Espinoza is currently on active duty while awaiting the charge sheet, which will trigger an internal administrative process. Bennett emphasized that once the charge sheet is received, the Coast Guard will determine the appropriate disciplinary actions, separate from any criminal charges Espinoza may face.

In a significant legal development, Nicaraguan surgeon Dr. Carlos Soborio Coze has been exonerated after a Belize court dismissed the charges against him. The 51-year-old general surgeon, previously employed at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (K.H.M.H.), was accused of administering a harmful substance to a colleague during a social event. However, Chief Magistrate upheld a ‘no case’ submission presented by Coze’s attorney, Dickie Bradley, citing insufficient evidence to support the prosecution’s claims. The court highlighted critical inconsistencies in witness testimonies, unresolved questions regarding video evidence, and the absence of a definitive connection between the substance and the accused. Without concrete proof of administration, the charges were deemed unsustainable. Following the ruling, Dr. Coze was released from custody on Monday afternoon, marking the end of a contentious legal battle.