The Belize Government Lotteries Limited’s million-dollar jackpot from last year continues to raise eyebrows as the identities of the fourteen winners remain shrouded in secrecy. While the lottery celebrated the jackpot as a significant achievement, the lack of transparency surrounding the winners has fueled skepticism and concerns about accountability. Critics argue that withholding the winners’ identities could undermine public trust in the system.
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Was El Celaso Road Part of the 2020 Belama Land Grab?
In Belize District, the long-standing issue of El Celaso Lane in Belama Phase Three has resurfaced, raising questions about land ownership and political promises. Residents had anticipated the opening of this overgrown and inaccessible road, with politicians from both major parties pledging to clear it. However, it has been revealed that the land has been privately owned since 2020, sparking concerns about its inclusion in the 2020 Belama land grab.
Back in 2020, when the People’s United Party (P.U.P.) assumed office, the government froze land payments amid allegations that the United Democratic Party (U.D.P.) was distributing parcels to voters. Hundreds of lots were subsequently reclaimed, including some in Belama. Yet, residents are now questioning whether every piece of land was returned, particularly El Celaso Lane.
Britney Gordon of News Five investigated the matter, posing the question to former U.D.P. Freetown standard bearer Orson Elrington. Elrington expressed uncertainty, stating that the decision lies with the Ministry of Lands. He emphasized his commitment to helping first-time landowners secure parcels, given the scarcity of available land in the area.
Several residents claim that U.D.P. campaigners, including Elrington, had assured them that opening the road would be a priority. Elrington, however, could not recall whether this specific parcel was among those sold in 2020, maintaining that his focus has always been on land allocation.
In 2021, the P.U.P. administration launched an investigation into the sale of land parcels under the U.D.P., questioning whether proper protocols were followed. Albert Vaughn, P.U.P. chairperson of Freetown and a former city councilor, stated that, to his knowledge, the sale of El Celaso Lane did not undergo the full process. This raises the question of why the land has not been returned.
Elrington reiterated that land sales are processed by the Ministry of Natural Resources, and he supports opportunities for first-time landowners. However, the community continues to call on the government to re-purchase the land and fulfill the long-standing promise to open the road.
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New Spirit Route Brings Belize Closer to South Florida
Belize’s tourism industry has received a significant boost with the launch of Spirit Airlines’ new nonstop route connecting Fort Lauderdale, South Florida, and Belize. The inaugural flight touched down at Philip Goldson International Airport on November 21, 2025, marking a pivotal moment for the country’s travel sector. Tourism Minister Anthony Mahler hailed the development as a game-changer, emphasizing its potential to enhance accessibility, attract more visitors, and stimulate economic growth. With introductory fares starting at just $85 one-way and flights operating three times a week—on Mondays, Fridays, and Saturdays—the route promises affordable travel options for both Belizeans and Americans. U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Katharine Beamer expressed enthusiasm for the strengthened ties between the two nations, highlighting opportunities for tourism, shopping, and cultural exchange. Minister Mahler underscored the importance of airlift capacity in driving tourism, likening it to hotel development. He also noted that Spirit Airlines’ entry into the market would foster competition, keeping legacy carriers’ pricing in check and making Belize a more accessible destination. The launch comes at a critical juncture for Belize’s tourism sector, which has experienced a slowdown in visitor arrivals compared to the previous year. To address this, the Ministry of Tourism and the Belize Tourism Board are set to hold a press briefing next week to review key initiatives, analyze recent trends, and outline strategies for the remainder of the year. This new route not only signals confidence in Belize’s tourism potential but also paves the way for sustained growth and diversification in the industry.
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Government Grants Temporary Residencies for Foreign Investors
In a strategic move to enhance its global business appeal, Belize has announced a groundbreaking initiative to offer temporary residencies to foreign investors. This decision, spearheaded by the Prime Minister’s Office, aims to dismantle bureaucratic barriers and position Belize as a more inviting and competitive hub for international business. Narda Garcia, CEO of the Ministry of Investment, emphasized the necessity of this shift, highlighting the challenges investors currently face. She noted that many investors endure cumbersome processes when establishing businesses in Belize, which deters investment and hampers economic growth. The government is now focused on streamlining these procedures to foster a more business-friendly environment. Detailed requirements for the residency program are set to be discussed in an upcoming meeting, with the goal of making the process more transparent and efficient. This initiative marks a significant step in Belize’s efforts to transform its business landscape and attract global capital.
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Nippes : Strengthening of security at the Central of inputs and medication
The Nippes Health Directorate (DSNI) in Haiti has launched a comprehensive initiative to bolster the security, transparency, and efficiency of managing medical supplies and medications for healthcare institutions across the department. Spearheaded by Dr. Esther Ceus Dumont, the Departmental Health Director, the initiative includes structural upgrades and enhanced oversight at the Departmental Supply Center (CDAI), a critical hub for storing essential health products provided by the Ministry of Health and its partners.
To further strengthen security, the DSNI has introduced a dedicated video surveillance operator to continuously monitor activities at the CDAI, supplementing the existing camera system. This measure ensures round-the-clock vigilance and safeguards the integrity of medical supplies. Dr. Dumont also convened a meeting with CDAI staff to emphasize the importance of individual and collective responsibility in managing health resources, stressing the need for professionalism and transparency.
Additional measures include upgrading the monitoring system, enhancing physical security around the facility, and providing ongoing staff training on ethical and technical aspects of supply management. These efforts aim to establish stricter controls, improve traceability, and create a secure working environment, ensuring that health products are effectively distributed to institutions and ultimately benefit the local population.
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Belize Harnesses Science to Safeguard Fisheries
Belize is taking decisive steps to protect its marine ecosystems by leveraging scientific research to ensure the sustainability of its fisheries. Recognizing the critical role of healthy fisheries in food security, cultural heritage, employment, and the blue economy, the Ministry of Blue Economy and Marine Conservation recently collaborated with the Fisheries Department to host a technical workshop. Led by renowned marine scientist Dr. Kendra Karr, the workshop analyzed decades of data, dating back to 1977, on Belize’s most valuable marine species: lobster, conch, and finfish. The initiative aims to develop updated fisheries management plans that balance ecological health with economic viability. The event brought together fishers, researchers, and government officials to ensure that decisions are informed by both scientific evidence and local expertise. Rigoberto Quintana, Fisheries Administrator, emphasized the importance of updating outdated management plans, particularly for lobster and conch, which have not been revised since 2014. Valdemar Andrade, Executive Director of T.A.S.A., highlighted the economic significance of species like conch and lobster, which contribute 25-30% of the national catch from the Turneffe Atoll. Belize’s commitment to sustainable fisheries underscores the need for cross-sector collaboration, transparency, and data-driven decision-making. As the nation advances its Blue Economy vision, these efforts aim to secure resilient and profitable fisheries for future generations.
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Upturn What does the IMF report say about the Dominican Republic’s economy?
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has formally recognized the Dominican Republic’s robust economic recovery and underlying resilience, attributing this positive trajectory to effective government policies and key sectoral growth. In its concluding assessment of the 2025 Article IV consultation, the Executive Board highlighted how strategic monetary and fiscal measures, coupled with expansions in credit, exports, and tourism, have fortified the nation’s macroeconomic performance.
Economic projections outlined in the report anticipate growth accelerating to 4.5% in 2026, with a subsequent convergence toward the country’s long-term potential growth rate of 5%. This follows a period of moderated expansion in late 2024 and early 2025, influenced by global financial uncertainty. Despite these headwinds, inflation has remained well-anchored, hovering near the central bank’s target range of 4% (±1%) and is forecast to average 3.7% for 2025.
The IMF’s analysis further indicates a strengthening external position, deemed consistent with fundamental economic principles. The current account deficit is expected to narrow to 2.5% of GDP this year, buoyed by robust export earnings and steady remittance flows. Notably, this deficit is projected to be fully financed by foreign direct investment (FDI), underscoring international investor confidence.
Fiscal health is also on an upward path, with government deficit and debt levels set to decline gradually. This fiscal consolidation is driven by anticipated reductions in losses from the electricity sector and more efficient targeting of energy subsidies. These reforms are poised to generate significant fiscal space for planned increases in public investment.
The report commends the Dominican Republic’s two decades of solid macroeconomic performance, achieved through the continual strengthening of policies and institutions. This foundation positions the nation favorably to navigate external risks, including volatile global financial conditions and vulnerability to natural disasters. The IMF specifically urged authorities to maintain prudent fiscal policies, increase public investment in line with the medium-term budgetary framework, and fully implement the Electricity Pact to ensure sectoral resilience and mitigate fiscal risks.
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UN Urges Leaders to Protect, Educate, Empower Every Child
On November 21, 2025, millions worldwide commemorated World Children’s Day, a pivotal occasion to reaffirm the commitment to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, established in 1954. UN Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized the urgent need for global leaders and citizens to prioritize children’s access to education, healthcare, protection from violence, and freedom of expression. Guterres highlighted the escalating threats to children’s rights, including climate change, inequality, displacement, and emerging online dangers. He underscored that poverty, conflict, and familial responsibilities are depriving countless children of their fundamental rights, including the right to life. Guterres called for collective action to create a safe, equitable world for all children, stressing that the future hinges on how society nurtures the next generation. The UN’s message resonated globally, urging individuals to amplify children’s voices and advocate for their rights.
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FLASH : 2 Americans accused of conspiracy against Gonâve Island
In a shocking development, two young men from North Texas have been indicted by a federal grand jury for conspiring to invade Gonâve Island, a Haitian territory with a population of 87,000. Gavin Rivers Weisenburg, 21, of Allen, and Tanner Christopher Thomas, 20, of Argyle, were charged on November 20, 2025, by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Texas. The indictment alleges that between August 2024 and July 2025, the duo plotted to recruit and lead a mercenary force to carry out a violent and depraved invasion of the island. Their plans included purchasing a sailboat, firearms, and ammunition, as well as recruiting homeless individuals from Washington, D.C., to form their unit. The men’s sinister objectives involved murdering all male inhabitants to enslave women and children for sexual exploitation. To execute their plan, Weisenburg and Thomas took concrete steps, such as learning Haitian Creole, enrolling in training courses, and even enlisting in the U.S. Air Force to acquire military skills. Weisenburg also traveled to Thailand to complete a sailing course. Additionally, both men face charges of producing child pornography, a related offense included in the indictment. If convicted of conspiracy to commit murder abroad, they could face life imprisonment, while the child pornography charges carry a potential sentence of 15 to 30 years. The case is the result of a joint investigation by the FBI, the U.S. Air Force Office of Special Investigations, and the Celina Police Department, with Assistant District Attorney Ryan Locker leading the prosecution. The District Attorney’s Office emphasized that an indictment does not equate to guilt, and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven otherwise in court.
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Belizean Youths Lead Climate Action on World Children’s Day
On World Children’s Day, Belizean youth took center stage in advocating for climate action and disaster resilience, emphasizing the urgent need to address the escalating impacts of climate change. Spearheaded by UNICEF’s World Children’s Day Takeover initiative, young voices like Youth Ambassador Beyoncé Villafranco engaged with national leaders to discuss strategies for disaster risk reduction, child protection, and building climate resilience. Belize, like many Caribbean nations, faces increasing threats from extreme weather events, as evidenced by the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica. UNICEF’s Jenna Hoare highlighted the organization’s multi-sectorial toolkit, developed in partnership with the Belizean government, which provides practical guidance for disaster preparedness, response, and recovery, ensuring child protection remains a priority. The Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency and Belize’s National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) are also collaborating to enhance regional standards. NEMO’s Daniel Mendez emphasized the importance of empowering youth through initiatives like the School Disaster Leadership Team, which trains students in emergency procedures and fosters their active participation in disaster planning. UNICEF’s approach underscores the transformative potential of youth as innovators and leaders in disaster readiness. By integrating children into resilience-building efforts, Belize is fulfilling its commitments under the Convention on the Rights of the Child and its constitutional duty to protect vulnerable groups. As Villafranco concluded, climate change and disasters are real, but so is the power of preparedness and youth advocacy.