标签： Belize

The Belize Coast Guard is marking a significant milestone this week as it celebrates its 20th anniversary. What began in 2005 as a small team with a grand vision has evolved into a world-class maritime security force. To commemorate this achievement, a special symposium was held, bringing together founding members, senior officers, and international partners. The event not only reflected on two decades of dedicated service but also charted the course for the future of maritime security in Belize. Francis Usher, CEO of the Ministry of Defense, highlighted the remarkable progress of the Coast Guard, attributing its success to consistent government investment, collaboration with various ministries and NGOs, and unwavering support from regional and international allies. Usher also shared a firsthand account of the Coast Guard’s heroic efforts, recounting how they recently saved the lives of four civilians whose vessel was in distress. This story underscored the critical role the Coast Guard plays in safeguarding Belize’s waters and its people. The symposium served as a testament to the organization’s growth and its ongoing commitment to protecting the nation’s maritime interests.

A month after the tragic murder of 35-year-old Delecia Flowers in her Belize City home, her family remains in anguish, grappling with the emotional and psychological toll of her untimely death. Flowers was fatally attacked during a home invasion in late October, which also left her teenage daughter hospitalized with severe head injuries. Her brother, Delroy Moody, expressed the family’s ongoing struggles in an interview with News Five, stating, ‘We are still going through a lot of little tribulations right now.’ Moody revealed that the family has received minimal updates from authorities regarding the investigation, leaving them in the dark. ‘Nobody is saying anything. My mom hasn’t even called or talked to me about it,’ he lamented. Flowers, one of ten siblings, is the second in the family to have passed away. As the 16 Days of Activism against gender-based violence begins, Moody reflected on the broader societal issue, emphasizing the role of substance abuse in fueling violence. ‘Drugs and alcohol play a big role in it,’ he noted, sharing his personal commitment to non-violence in his own marriage. The family’s plea for justice underscores the urgent need for accountability and support in addressing violent crimes in Belize.

A tragic incident on the George Price Highway in Roaring Creek Village has led to the arrest of 47-year-old Michael McFadzean from Teakettle Village, Belize. McFadzean has been charged with Manslaughter by Negligence, Causing Death by Careless Conduct, and Driving Without Due Care and Attention following the death of 70-year-old Daniel Puerto. The accident occurred on November 16, 2025, when Puerto was reportedly sitting on the highway and was struck by a minivan driven by McFadzean. Albert Budd, a close friend of Puerto, recounted the harrowing moments leading up to the crash, stating that Puerto was run over a second time by a police vehicle. Assistant Superintendent of Police Stacy Smith confirmed that the collision happened after 10:25 PM and that the minivan has been impounded for further investigation. A notice of intended prosecution has been issued to McFadzean.

On the morning of November 25, 2025, Belize City launched the 16 Days of Activism against gender-based violence with a poignant flag-raising ceremony. This nationwide campaign, themed ‘Prevent to Protect: Ending Gender-Based Violence Begins With Us,’ aims to heighten awareness and bolster prevention efforts. Sixteen symbolic flags were raised, each representing a day of activism and honoring survivors of gender-based violence, serving as a stark reminder of the lives impacted and a rallying cry for collective action. Deputy Mayor Eluide Miller led the Belize City Council’s delegation, joined by Minister Thea Garcia-Ramirez, representatives from the Ministry of Human Development, Family Support and Gender Affairs, the National Women’s Commission, and members of the Child Advisory Body and the Youth Shadow Council. Following the ceremony, a march from the Civic Centre to the House of Culture saw leaders, activists, students, and citizens unite in solidarity. Minister Garcia-Ramirez emphasized the importance of reporting abuse, urging the public to move beyond social media comments and seek proper channels for assistance. Student advocates highlighted the role of social media in spreading awareness and the need to recognize subtle signs of abuse. The campaign comes amidst alarming statistics, with over 19,000 cases of femicide reported across Latin America and the Caribbean in the past five years, according to ECLAC’s Gender Equality Observatory.

The Belize City Council has unveiled ambitious plans to construct a floating boardwalk along the Southern Foreshore, following a comprehensive feasibility study conducted by Dutch engineering firm Blue21. The proposed structure, designed to stretch from the Bliss Centre for the Performing Arts to King Street, aims to create a vibrant public space while simultaneously safeguarding the city’s seawall from erosion. The innovative design has been rigorously tested against extreme weather conditions, including hurricane-level waves and winds, confirming its technical viability. Although funding remains unsecured, Mayor Bernard Wagner has championed the project as a cornerstone of his vision for a climate-resilient Belize City. He highlighted the potential of the currently underutilized site to transform into a hub for recreation, tourism, and local entrepreneurship. The initiative, which first gained traction in 2023, has garnered support from the European Union. Public opinion, however, is divided. While some residents applaud the project for its modern appeal and potential economic benefits, others argue that pressing issues such as infrastructure development, low-income housing, and poverty alleviation should take precedence over such ambitious endeavors.