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  • Jesse House paint Leon Hess red yet again

    Jesse House paint Leon Hess red yet again

    Mindoo Phillip Park witnessed an extraordinary display of athletic prowess as Leon Hess Comprehensive Secondary School hosted its annual track and field championships. The event was marked by historic performances, with seven meet records broken and a commanding victory for the defending champions, Jesse House.

    Jesse House secured a resounding overall title with a massive haul of 1,066 points, decisively outpacing second-place Bourne House at 839 points. Ellis House claimed third with 739 points, followed by the host team, Leon House, with 718 points.

    The competition featured a series of record-shattering performances across various age divisions. In the Intermediate 2 class, Bourne’s Dante Zephirin set a blistering new standard in the 200m, clocking in at 24.4 seconds. The junior boys’ division saw exceptional talent from Jn Dave Forde of Jesse, who led a sweep in the 400m with a time of 1:10 before claiming gold in the 200m at 27.5 seconds.

    Multiple athletes emerged as triple champions, demonstrating remarkable versatility. Jesse’s Tajiri Isidore dominated the Intermediate 3 boys’ division, securing gold in the 100m (12.4s), 200m (26.0s), and 400m (1:03.0). Neah Mortley showcased her distance running prowess for Jesse in the junior girls’ category, winning the 400m (1:13.6), 800m (2:51.2), and 1200m (5:01.9).

    The senior divisions featured equally impressive performances. Ellis’s J’Lani Mitchell seamlessly transitioned to senior competition, winning both the 100m (12.0s) and 200m (24.7). Jesse’s Akaiah Weeks, the defending 800m champion, demonstrated her endurance by claiming triple gold in the 400m (1:05.5), 800m (2:44.7), and 1500m (6:42.0).

    Relay events provided thrilling conclusions to the meet, with Jesse House particularly dominant in the 4x100m and 4x400m competitions across multiple divisions, further cementing their overall championship victory.

  • Rubio Defends U.S. Removal of Maduro at CARICOM Summit

    Rubio Defends U.S. Removal of Maduro at CARICOM Summit

    U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio delivered a robust defense of America’s military operation to depose Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro during a high-stakes meeting with Caribbean leaders on Wednesday. Addressing the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) summit in St. Kitts and Nevis, Rubio asserted that both Venezuela and the broader region had significantly benefited from the controversial intervention.

    In closed-door discussions with the 15-member bloc, Rubio acknowledged potential disagreements while maintaining an uncompromising position. “Irrespective of how some of you may have individually felt about our operations and our policy toward Venezuela,” he stated according to an official transcript, “Venezuela is better off today than it was eight weeks ago.”

    The Secretary’s comments came amid lingering concerns from several Caribbean governments regarding the legality of Maduro’s capture and implications for regional sovereignty. Rubio dismissed these apprehensions, pointing to what he characterized as ‘substantial progress’ under interim authorities following the U.S. takeover of Venezuela’s oil sector.

    The diplomatic encounter revealed divergent regional perspectives. Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar publicly endorsed U.S. military operations in the southern Caribbean, confirming discussions had extended to Haiti and Cuba alongside Venezuela. When questioned about potential extrajudicial killings during counter-narcotics operations, she cited legal advice clearing the actions.

    Contrasting views emerged from CARICOM leadership, with Chairman and St. Kitts Prime Minister Terrance Drew warning of a ‘decisive hour’ for the region amid global realignments. Jamaica’s Prime Minister Andrew Holness separately highlighted concerns about Cuba’s deteriorating humanitarian situation, noting potential ramifications for regional migration patterns and economic stability.

    The exchange occurs against the backdrop of President Trump’s recent celebration of the Venezuela operation as ‘an absolutely colossal victory’ for U.S. security during his State of the Union address.

  • Cheaper Fuel Brings Relief as Other Costs Climb

    Cheaper Fuel Brings Relief as Other Costs Climb

    Belize’s economic landscape presented a mixed picture at the start of 2026, with the Statistical Institute of Belize reporting a near-flat national inflation rate of just 0.04% for January compared to the previous year. This marginal increase indicates remarkable stability in the overall cost of living, masking significant fluctuations across different consumer sectors.

    While the aggregate numbers suggest price stability, Belizean households faced substantial increases in essential categories. The food sector experienced noticeable inflation, with fresh meats, bakery products, and beverages including coffee and juices all recording higher prices. Stewed pork demonstrated the most dramatic surge, escalating by nearly 18% year-over-year.

    The housing and healthcare sectors similarly trended upward, with rental costs climbing and medical expenses becoming more burdensome. Surgical fees rose approximately 6%, while pharmaceutical products and physician services also saw increased pricing. Household energy costs climbed as well, with the standard 100-pound LPG cylinder reaching $130.63—representing a $5 increase from January 2025.

    Substantial relief arrived at gasoline stations nationwide, where significant price reductions provided counterbalance to other inflationary pressures. Premium gasoline prices declined by $1.12 per gallon, regular gasoline dropped by $1.03, and diesel fuel decreased by $0.52 per gallon.

    Regional analysis revealed considerable disparities across Belize’s districts. Punta Gorda recorded the highest inflation rate at 2.6%, driven by increased costs for food, liquefied petroleum gas, and personal items. Conversely, Orange Walk experienced deflation at -1.9%, benefiting from both reduced fuel prices and decreased costs for locally grown produce including tomatoes, carrots, and beans.

    The period between December 2025 and January 2026 actually saw a 0.5% decrease in overall prices, primarily attributable to the declining fuel costs that helped stabilize the nation’s economic outlook.

  • U-20 World Cup 2027 Qualifier : Our Grenadiers crush Anguilla’s Rainbow Warriors [0-7]

    U-20 World Cup 2027 Qualifier : Our Grenadiers crush Anguilla’s Rainbow Warriors [0-7]

    In a spectacular display of youthful talent, Haiti’s U-20 national football team commenced their CONCACAF Champions League qualifying campaign with an emphatic 7-0 victory against Anguilla on February 26, 2026. The match, held at Curaçao’s Rinaldo Jean Francisca Stadium, showcased the Grenadiers’ formidable offensive capabilities as they dominated their opponents from start to finish.

    Under the strategic guidance of Cuban coach Raul Gonzalez Triana, Haiti’s starting lineup featured a blend of domestic academy products and international prospects. The team’s composition included players from Haiti’s Real Hope Academy, ASC, and SLG Academy, alongside talents from Jamaica’s Mount Pleasant and American side Orlando City SC.

    The scoring commenced early with Franco Celestin finding the net in the 10th minute, establishing immediate control. Will Armstrong Lecomte doubled the advantage just five minutes later, capitalizing on Celestin’s assist. Despite maintaining overwhelming possession throughout the first half, Haiti entered halftime with a comfortable 2-0 lead.

    Following the interval, Nikolai Pierre emerged as the standout performer, delivering two clinical headers in the 57th and 70th minutes. Celestin secured his brace in the 76th minute via a penalty conversion, demonstrating his scoring prowess. The final stages witnessed additional goals from substitutes Kervens Romulus Junior (84th minute) and Clavens Exantus (90+3 minute), completing the comprehensive victory.

    The result positions Haiti favorably in Group D standings, currently holding second place with three points from one match. Curaçao leads the group with six points from two matches, while Saint Vincent and the Grenadines also maintain three points. Haiti’s upcoming fixtures include crucial encounters against Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (February 28), Guyana (March 2), and group leaders Curaçao (March 4).

    This commanding performance not only demonstrates Haiti’s promising football development pipeline but also establishes strong momentum for their qualification journey toward the 2027 FIFA U-20 World Cup.

  • BTL Cuts Out the Middleman, Offers Severance Directly to Worker

    BTL Cuts Out the Middleman, Offers Severance Directly to Worker

    In a significant corporate development, Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL) has announced it will voluntarily provide severance packages to all qualifying former employees, including those whose claims technically fall outside the statutory six-year limitation period. The company’s legal representative, Kileru Awich, confirmed this decision during a press briefing on February 26, 2026.

    Awich emphasized that while BTL maintains its legal position regarding statutory limitations, the telecommunications provider has chosen to extend payments as a gesture of good faith. This move comes despite the complete breakdown of negotiations with the Belize Communication Workers for Justice (BCWJ) union, primarily due to disagreements over interest calculations on back payments.

    The company’s counsel revealed that over 500 severance requests are currently being processed under Section 183 of Belize’s Labour Act. This provision covers employees with at least five continuous years of service terminated without cause, plus those with ten years who resigned and qualify for gratuity-equivalent payments.

    Awich notably stated that the decision represents no admission of liability by BTL, but rather a practical resolution to benefit former workers. The announcement follows sustained protests by BCWJ outside BTL’s headquarters demanding severance payments, with additional demonstrations expected due to the collapsed negotiations.

    The legal counsel shared that some union-represented workers have independently contacted BTL expressing willingness to accept the company’s terms, highlighting divisions within the former employees’ group regarding the negotiation strategy.

  • Fisheries Department Levels Up with High-Tech Data Training

    Fisheries Department Levels Up with High-Tech Data Training

    The Belize Fisheries Department has completed a comprehensive 10-day training initiative marking a significant technological advancement in marine resource management. The specialized program, “R Studio Training for Fisheries Data Analysis,” represents a strategic shift toward data-driven conservation approaches in the face of mounting environmental challenges.

    Conducted through a collaborative partnership between the Ministry of Blue Economy and Marine Conservation and the University of Belize, the training was led by Dr. Arlenie Rogers, an assistant professor specializing in marine affairs and fisheries science. Participants gained practical expertise in utilizing R programming language to process complex fisheries datasets, perform sophisticated statistical analyses, and generate advanced visualizations for monitoring marine ecosystem changes.

    This capacity-building initiative addresses critical pressures including climate change, habitat degradation, and increasing fishing activity in Belizean waters. The transition from basic record-keeping to advanced computational analytics enables more transparent, science-informed policymaking for sustainable fisheries management.

    Financial support for the program was provided through the Government Strategic Allocation project, with funding mechanisms from the Belize Fund for a Sustainable Future and additional backing from the Blue Bond and Finance Permanence Unit. This investment underscores the national commitment to strengthening marine governance frameworks and developing comprehensive Marine Spatial Plans for long-term ecological preservation.

  • Trump acknowledges US campaign has damaged fishing industry

    Trump acknowledges US campaign has damaged fishing industry

    President Donald Trump’s declaration during his State of the Union address has revealed unintended consequences of U.S. maritime security operations, acknowledging significant damage to Caribbean fishing industries while touting successes in drug interdiction. The president credited his administration’s military campaign with virtually eliminating aquatic drug trafficking routes into the United States, but simultaneously noted the collateral impact on regional fishing activities.

    The remarks arrive during a period of heightened anxiety among Caribbean fishing communities, particularly in Saint Lucia where recent drone strike incidents have resulted in fatalities including two Saint Lucian nationals. Local fishermen now operate under increased apprehension, with many reconsidering their traditional livelihood due to safety concerns.

    Caribbean fishing practices—which frequently involve pre-dawn operations and multiple engines for safety—are being misinterpreted by security authorities as suspicious behavior, creating dangerous ambiguities for legitimate workers. Generations of maritime tradition now face unprecedented pressure as enforcement tactics designed for criminal networks increasingly affect ordinary fishermen.

    While the administration frames these operations as essential for combating drug cartels, terrorism, and foreign interference in the Western Hemisphere, the practical implementation raises serious humanitarian questions. The designation of cartels as terrorist organizations and characterization of fentanyl as a weapon of mass destruction have justified intensified surveillance, but potentially at the cost of civilian welfare.

    The situation has prompted calls for Caribbean governments to seek clarified operational protocols and assurances from Washington regarding the protection of innocent maritime workers. The central concern remains whether security measures adequately distinguish between illegal trafficking and legitimate economic activities that sustain coastal communities.

  • This is a pivotal moment for CARICOM, says Chairman Drew

    This is a pivotal moment for CARICOM, says Chairman Drew

    Prime Minister of Saint Kitts and Nevis Dr. Terrance Drew, serving as Chair of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), has declared the region stands at a critical juncture amid escalating global challenges. Addressing fellow leaders at the 50th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government on February 24, Dr. Drew outlined a precarious international landscape defined by geopolitical strife, volatile energy markets, supply chain disruptions, climate-induced disasters, and economic instability.

    The CARICOM Chairman issued a stark warning that small island developing states face unprecedented risks of marginalization and fragmentation in this turbulent environment. He articulated a central philosophy guiding the regional body: “In such a world, fragmentation breeds vulnerability. By contrast, togetherness generates resilience.” This principle formed the foundational theme for high-level discussions throughout the week-long summit.

    Dr. Drew emphasized that Caribbean resilience cannot be achieved through isolated national efforts but requires disciplined cooperation and unified determination. He highlighted that CARICOM’s core tenets—collaboration, functional integration, economic coordination, and collective self-reliance—were specifically designed to shield smaller nations from global shocks.

    With persistent supply chain uncertainties and mounting external pressures, the Prime Minister asserted that deeper regional integration has evolved from desirable to absolutely vital. He called for deliberate collective action to enhance food and energy security, strengthen regional security partnerships, and coordinate economic strategies.

    Drawing on historical precedent, Dr. Drew reminded attendees that the Caribbean has previously confronted and overcome adversity by leveraging shared institutions and maintaining a unified voice in international affairs. The 50th Regular Meeting served as a working session focused on substantive coordination, collective problem-solving, and reinforcing CARICOM’s structures for the benefit of all Caribbean citizens.

  • Skelet aangetroffen langs zijweg van Javaweg in Lelydorp

    Skelet aangetroffen langs zijweg van Javaweg in Lelydorp

    Authorities in Lelydorp have launched a comprehensive investigation following the grim discovery of human skeletal remains on Wednesday afternoon. The finding occurred approximately 300 meters along a private roadway branching off Javaweg, marking a significant development in local law enforcement activities.

    Police units responded to an urgent notification regarding potential human remains in the vicinity of address number 188 along Javaweg. Upon arrival at the specified location, officers encountered a complete human skeleton with a particularly disturbing feature—the skull was deliberately covered with a sweater, adding an unsettling dimension to the discovery.

    The immediate perimeter was secured as a controlled crime scene, with forensic specialists and relevant authorities promptly notified to initiate detailed examination procedures. The comprehensive forensic investigation aims to determine crucial details including cause of death, approximate time since death, and potential identification markers.

    Current investigations face significant challenges as the individual’s identity remains completely unknown. The circumstances surrounding the placement of the remains and the distinctive characteristic of the covered skull have prompted investigators to consider various possibilities, including criminal activity.

    Local law enforcement officials have confirmed the ongoing nature of the investigation, emphasizing their commitment to utilizing all available scientific and traditional investigative methods to establish the facts surrounding this case. The community awaits further developments as authorities work to unravel the mystery behind these unsettling remains.

  • CARICOM LEADERS ENTER CRUCIAL CAUCUS AT 50TH HEADS MEETING IN ST. KITTS

    CARICOM LEADERS ENTER CRUCIAL CAUCUS AT 50TH HEADS MEETING IN ST. KITTS

    BASSETERRE, St. Kitts and Nevis – February 26, 2026 – Caribbean Community leaders have entered a pivotal closed-door caucus session during the 50th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government, marking a decisive moment for regional integration efforts. The high-stakes deliberations in Basseterre are addressing sensitive policy matters that could significantly shape the future trajectory of the 15-member regional bloc.

    As the landmark golden anniversary summit continues, heads of government are grappling with potentially contentious agenda items that require delicate diplomatic navigation. The closed caucus format allows for frank discussions on issues central to strengthening CARICOM’s multilateral framework and advancing collective interests.

    The outcomes of these confidential deliberations are anticipated to influence regional policies across multiple sectors, including trade, security, and economic cooperation. This strategic gathering represents one of the most significant political conferences in the Caribbean this year, bringing together leaders from across the region to address shared challenges and opportunities.

    The 50th anniversary summit serves as both a celebration of CARICOM’s five decades of regional cooperation and a critical forum for determining the organization’s path forward in an increasingly complex global landscape. Decisions made during these sessions could have far-reaching implications for Caribbean integration and the bloc’s international positioning.