Carib Scope

标签： Belize

伯利兹

  • Belize Among Top Alcohol Consumers in the Americas

    Belize Among Top Alcohol Consumers in the Americas

    Belize faces a mounting public health emergency as new data reveals the nation ranks among the highest per-capita alcohol consumers in the Western Hemisphere. Beyond cultural celebrations, excessive drinking has evolved into a destructive pattern fueling addiction, non-communicable diseases, and domestic violence across the Central American nation.

    The Ministry of Health and Wellness convened a critical stakeholder forum this week to address the alarming trends. Medical experts presented disturbing findings indicating children are typically introduced to alcohol before age ten, with habitual drinking patterns solidifying during teenage years.

    Recovering addict Lee Henkis provided a harrowing firsthand account, tracing his substance abuse journey to childhood exposure. “My stepfather had me light cigarettes and clean marijuana for him under the house,” Henkis revealed. “It affected my life greatly—I lost educational opportunities, family trust, and ultimately myself.”

    The accessibility and affordability of alcohol, particularly potent illicit varieties known locally as “badman” or “fire water,” exacerbate the crisis. Felicia Hill of Remar Belize addiction recovery center emphasized, “The cheap alcohol is very accessible. People need to realize the damage it causes to health and mentality.”

    Dr. Lila Estephan, Non-Communicable Disease Coordinator for Belize’s health ministry, framed alcoholism as a medical condition rather than moral failing. “Alcoholism is a disease, an addiction—we cannot blame the consumer,” she stated.

    Henkis, now sober for two-and-a-half years through Remar Belize’s program, represents hope for recovery. The nonprofit organization, operational since the 1990s, continues helping Belizeans overcome dependency while advocating for stricter enforcement of age verification laws and public awareness campaigns.

  • Salvation Army Celebrates Christmas with 400 Children

    Salvation Army Celebrates Christmas with 400 Children

    BELIZE CITY, BELIZE – December 4, 2025 – The Holy Redeemer Parish Hall transformed into a vibrant Christmas wonderland this morning as the Salvation Army hosted its annual celebration for 400 children from across Belize City. The event, fueled by year-round donations to the organization’s iconic red kettles, provided toys, treats, festive performances, and a warm meal to young attendees whose faces radiated with joy and excitement.

    Major Marc Eddy Momplaisir, District Officer of the Salvation Army, emphasized that beyond the material gifts, the event carried a profound message of worth and divine love. “I want them to understand that they are valuable and that God loves them,” Momplaisir stated. “We are sharing love and respect with our time, hoping they learn to make other people happy as well.

    This year’s celebration incorporated a powerful theme of resilience and community support. Guest speaker Dr. Sharmayne Saunders delivered an inspirational address centered on the concept that “hope marches on,” encouraging children to become beacons of hope for others in their community. “We want children to understand that just as one person helps you, you are there to help others as well in any little thing that you do,” Saunders explained.

    The event stands as one of the most anticipated on the Salvation Army’s annual calendar, demonstrating the tangible results of public generosity. Organizers highlighted the ongoing need for community support as requests for similar events continue to pour in from other regions. The Salvation Army’s kettle drive continues throughout the Christmas season, with organizers emphasizing that every contribution, regardless of size, makes a significant difference in expanding their outreach and bringing magical moments to children across the nation.

  • Salvation Army Calls for Compassion, Not Combat

    Salvation Army Calls for Compassion, Not Combat

    In a powerful appeal to national consciousness, The Salvation Army has issued a clarion call for collective compassion over conflict. As Belize approaches the peak Christmas season with escalating community needs, the organization emphasizes that its life-changing services remain entirely dependent on public support.

    The organization’s multifaceted impact spans nationwide operations including nutritional assistance programs, elder care initiatives, disaster response coordination, educational after-school projects, and the cherished annual Christmas celebration for children. These programs operate throughout the year despite heightened visibility during holiday periods.

    Dave Vasquez, Advisory Board Member, provided comprehensive insight into the organization’s permanent infrastructure: “While Christmas highlights our work, The Salvation Army maintains continuous operations supporting vulnerable communities. Our annual children’s event remains a cornerstone commitment, but represents just one facet of our annual mission.”

    Vasquez detailed multiple engagement pathways for prospective supporters, emphasizing that financial contributions represent just one form of support. The organization maintains operational centers across multiple districts including Hattieville and Cayo, delivering comprehensive services ranging from educational outreach to clothing distribution through dedicated donation spots.

    “Board membership requires significant temporal investment,” Vasquez acknowledged, “but we welcome volunteers at any capacity level. Whether contributing financially, donating goods, or volunteering occasionally, every form of support sustains our mission of holistic community support.”

  • T&T PM Blames Venezuelan Criminals for Rising Crime

    T&T PM Blames Venezuelan Criminals for Rising Crime

    Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar of Trinidad and Tobago has identified cross-border criminal operations as the primary driver behind escalating violent crime in the nation. In official statements released December 4, 2025, the Prime Minister specifically pointed to “sanction-busting Venezuelan criminals” who she alleges are collaborating with domestic drug traffickers.

    The announcement coincides with confirmed plans for deploying advanced US radar technology in Tobago. According to Persad-Bissessar, this surveillance system will significantly enhance detection capabilities for various illegal activities originating from Venezuela, including crude oil smuggling, narcotics and weapons trafficking, and human trafficking operations.

    In a pointed critique of previous administrations, the Prime Minister questioned the effectiveness of earlier radar systems that failed to identify unauthorized ship-to-ship transfers of sanctioned Venezuelan oil within Trinidad’s territorial waters. Official documents reportedly identified Trinidad as the point of origin for some of these illicit oil shipments.

    Persad-Bissessar emphasized that the new radar infrastructure will substantially strengthen national security protections beyond previous capabilities. This development occurs against the backdrop of expanded US military presence throughout the Caribbean region and increased pressure campaigns targeting Venezuela.

    Recent weeks have seen US forces execute over twenty operations against suspected Venezuelan drug trafficking organizations. While expressing support for these anti-narcotics efforts, the Prime Minister explicitly denied any possibility that Trinidad and Tobago would serve as a staging ground for military strikes against Venezuela.

  • Recovering Addict Says He Was Introduced to Alcohol at Age Nine

    Recovering Addict Says He Was Introduced to Alcohol at Age Nine

    A startling personal account from Belize has highlighted the severe public health crisis of early-age substance exposure. Lee Henkis, now in recovery, reveals he was first introduced to alcohol, cigarettes, and marijuana at just nine years old by an adult within his household.

    Henkis describes how substance use derailed his academic potential and personal life. “It affected my life profoundly,” he stated. “I demonstrated strong aptitude in biology, but negative social influences led me toward destructive habits of drinking and smoking, resulting in severe self-neglect.” His addiction eventually eroded family trust and precipitated mental health struggles, compounded by a diabetes diagnosis three years ago.

    His path to recovery began at Remar Belize, a rehabilitation facility co-directed by Felicia Hill. Hill identifies accessibility and affordability as primary drivers of addiction. “The inexpensive alcohol varieties remain highly accessible,” Hill explained. “Individuals must recognize the severe damage these substances inflict on both physical health and mental wellbeing.”

    This testimony emerges alongside concerning data indicating numerous Belizeans initiate alcohol consumption before age ten, often continuing into adolescence. Hill advocates for heightened community responsibility, urging retailers to rigorously verify age through official identification.

    Health authorities emphasize that alcohol dependence constitutes a medical condition rather than mere behavioral failure. Dr. Lila Estephan, Non-Communicable Disease Coordinator at Belize’s Ministry of Health and Wellness, clarified: “Alcoholism is a legitimate disease. Blaming consumers misunderstands the condition’s clinical nature.”

    Henkis mourns childhood friends lost to excessive alcohol consumption, recalling their consumption of high-potency, inexpensive alcohol known locally as “badman,” often consumed nearly undiluted. Having maintained sobriety for two and a half years, his story now serves as both warning and inspiration within Belize’s public health landscape.

  • Salvation Army Celebrates Christmas with 400 Children

    Salvation Army Celebrates Christmas with 400 Children

    BELIZE CITY, BELIZE – In a heartwarming display of community spirit, The Salvation Army hosted its cherished annual Christmas Party on December 4, 2025, bringing festive cheer to 400 local children. The Holy Redeemer Parish Hall underwent a magical transformation into a winter wonderland complete with gift distributions, festive performances, and nourishing meals that created lasting memories for attendees.

    Major Marc Eddy Momplaisir, District Officer for The Salvation Army, emphasized that the event’s success stems entirely from year-round contributions by compassionate Belizean citizens. ‘Our iconic red kettles serve as vessels of hope,’ Momplaisir stated. ‘Every coin donated directly fuels transformative community initiatives including this celebration that has become intergenerational for many families.’

    The event transcended mere festivities by delivering powerful messages of empowerment. Guest speaker Dr. Sharmayne Saunders, addressing the young audience, championed resilience and self-belief. ‘My fundamental message is one of hope—that regardless of current circumstances, you possess the capacity to overcome adversity and achieve greatness,’ Saunders articulated. She emphasized that incremental efforts and positive actions collectively shape brighter futures.

    With the seasonal kettle donation drive continuing throughout the holiday period, The Salvation Army reaffirms its commitment to converting public generosity into tangible hope and Christmas magic for children and families across Belize.

  • Price Spike Hits Belizean Staple in time for Christmas

    Price Spike Hits Belizean Staple in time for Christmas

    A culinary crisis is emerging across Belize as the nation’s iconic rice and beans dish faces unprecedented price inflation, threatening both household budgets and cultural traditions. Recent market data reveals a dramatic spike in bean prices, with standard sacks escalating from approximately $190 to $230 within weeks—a increase exceeding 20%. Retail consumers are bearing an even heavier burden, facing prices as high as $260 per sack when purchasing smaller quantities from local vendors.

    The economic impact extends beyond individual households to affect food vendors and small-scale eateries nationwide. Market analysts point to a troubling convergence of limited domestic production capabilities and escalating regional demand as primary drivers behind the price surge. This has pushed retail prices for prepared beans to approximately $3.00 per pound, transforming what was once considered an affordable daily staple into an increasingly costly necessity.

    For Belizean society, the implications transcend mere economics. Rice and beans represents a fundamental aspect of national identity, cultural heritage, and culinary tradition. The dish serves as both nutritional foundation and cultural touchstone for families across socioeconomic strata. As prices continue their upward trajectory, concerns mount regarding food security and the preservation of cultural dietary practices.

    Consumers and industry stakeholders alike are monitoring market developments with heightened apprehension, hoping for stabilization before the national dish becomes inaccessible to ordinary citizens. The situation underscores broader challenges within regional food supply chains and agricultural production systems that warrant urgent policy consideration.

  • Taiwan Confident U.S. Will Approve Lai Transit, Foreign Minister Says

    Taiwan Confident U.S. Will Approve Lai Transit, Foreign Minister Says

    Taiwanese Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung expressed strong confidence on Monday that the United States would authorize transit arrangements for President William Lai’s upcoming diplomatic journey to Latin America. Minister Lin indicated that ongoing communications between Taipei and Washington have progressed positively, suggesting that stopovers in U.S. territory would not present logistical or diplomatic complications.

    During an exclusive interview, Minister Lin elaborated on the anticipated travel plans, stating, “Based on our constructive dialogue with American counterparts, we maintain optimism that transit through the United States will be facilitated in the coming months, enabling our presidential delegation to proceed with visits to allied nations in Latin America.”

    Beyond bilateral U.S.-Taiwan relations, Minister Lin addressed escalating regional tensions stemming from recent remarks by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi regarding potential military involvement in response to Chinese aggression toward Taiwan. The Foreign Minister characterized the current geopolitical climate as potentially requiring “approximately one year to stabilize” and emphasized that no party would benefit from further escalation of hostilities.

    “It would be contrary to Beijing’s strategic interests to intensify this conflict,” Lin asserted, highlighting the mutual disadvantages of heightened military posturing in the Asia-Pacific region. The comments arrive amid increased diplomatic activity and security discussions among regional powers concerning Taiwan’s status and stability.

  • Party Leader Panton Poised for Prime Minister

    Party Leader Panton Poised for Prime Minister

    Belizean politics has entered a transformative era with Tracy Panton’s groundbreaking election as the first female leader of a major political party in the nation’s history. On November 30th, at the UDP National Leadership Convention held at Bird’s Isle, Panton received unanimous endorsement from party delegates, marking a definitive turning point after five years of internal strife that had weakened the United Democratic Party’s foundation.

    In her acceptance speech as Opposition Leader, Panton struck a resonant chord of gratitude and determination, addressing thousands of supporters with a powerful message: ‘Rock bottom is not the tomb. It is, my friends, the turning point.’ Her ascent represents not merely a personal achievement but a fundamental disruption of Belize’s longstanding ‘old boys’ club’ political culture.

    The convention results demonstrated overwhelming support for Panton’s leadership slate. Attorney Sheena Pitts achieved a historic victory as the first female party chairman, decisively defeating former National Security Minister John Saldivar (326 votes to 99) and long-serving party member Roosevelt Blades. Businessman John Castillo similarly secured victory over former Labour Commissioner Ivan Williams with 300 votes to 183.

    This political milestone arrives three decades after Belize signed the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, which identified twelve critical areas for advancing gender equality. While progress has been made in several domains, two areas remain particularly challenging: eliminating violence against women and increasing female representation in decision-making roles.

    The current parliamentary composition underscores this gender imbalance—only three women sit among 28 elected representatives. Analysis reveals that even when women achieve electoral success, they frequently receive ministerial appointments that don’t reflect their capabilities. Historical patterns show female representatives consistently appointed as ministers of state rather than full ministers, a trend established by former PUP Prime Minister Said Musa in 1998 and continued by UDP leaders including the late Sir Manuel Esquivel and Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow.

    Panton’s leadership embodies the culmination of decades of advocacy by Belize’s Women’s Movement. As a graduate of the Women in Politics (WIP) Project’s third cohort—an initiative that trained 100 women for political participation—she represents the tangible results of systematic investment in female leadership development.

    Regionally, Panton’s achievement aligns with a growing Caribbean trend of female political leadership. From Dominica’s late Prime Minister Dame Eugenia Charles (1980-1995) to contemporary leaders like Trinidad and Tobago’s Kamla Persad-Bissessar and Barbados’s Mia Amor Mottley, women have demonstrated exceptional governance capabilities. Mottley, now serving her second term, has particularly distinguished herself through policy effectiveness and decisive leadership.

    Panton’s leadership philosophy, which she describes as ‘competent, capable and compassionate,’ offers Belize an opportunity to embrace transformative governance that values equality, incorporates diverse perspectives, and champions family-centered policies. Her historic election signals that after thirty years of gradual progress since the Beijing Declaration, Belize may finally be ready to fully embrace women’s leadership in the political sphere.

  • OWT Council: Don’t Use Santa Mailbox for Trash

    OWT Council: Don’t Use Santa Mailbox for Trash

    The Orange Walk Town Council has issued a public appeal for civic responsibility following the improper misuse of a cherished Christmas installation. Authorities reported that the specially designed Santa Claus mailbox, positioned as a centerpiece in Central Park’s holiday display, has been found contaminated with refuse instead of children’s heartfelt letters.

    The vibrant red and yellow mailbox serves as a designated drop point for youngsters to post their Christmas wishes to Santa. However, recent inspections revealed it had been treated as a public waste receptacle, compromising its intended festive purpose.

    In an official statement, the Council emphasized: “We respectfully urge community members to cease disposing of garbage in this mailbox at Central Park. This installation constitutes an integral component of our Christmas decorations. We continue to welcome children to deposit their letters to Santa here.”

    The appeal highlights ongoing challenges municipalities face maintaining public decorations during holiday seasons. The incident represents both a sanitation concern and a disregard for community traditions that bring joy to local children during the festive period.

    Town officials remain hopeful that public cooperation will preserve the mailbox’s purpose throughout the holiday season, ensuring the tradition remains accessible and enjoyable for all children participating in this Christmas custom.