Belize is at a pivotal moment in its technological evolution, as highlighted during the Digital Leadership Conference held in Belize City on November 13, 2025. Experts emphasized the urgent need for businesses and individuals to adapt to the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) to remain competitive in a rapidly changing global landscape. Dr. Dionne Chamberlain, Managing Director of Chamberlain Consulting Limited, revealed that while AI is projected to displace 70 million jobs globally by the end of 2026, it will simultaneously create over 300 million new roles, resulting in a net gain of 90 million jobs. This underscores the necessity for Belizeans to embrace reskilling and digital literacy. Maynor Larrieu, Managing Director at Avant Garde, noted that Belize is still in the early stages of AI adoption, particularly in sectors like Business Process Outsourcing (BPO), which employs over 20,000 Belizeans. Christian Junior, CEO of Rhics UK, stressed that effective training can turn AI from a threat into an opportunity. Sonia Ceballos, Managing Director at Socias Limited, highlighted AI’s potential to optimize repetitive tasks, enabling small businesses to focus on growth. However, the conference also addressed the environmental costs of AI, including its significant water and energy consumption. Susannah Hill, a sustainable computing consultant, warned that AI data centers consume millions of gallons of water daily, raising sustainability concerns. To mitigate these impacts, users are encouraged to adopt eco-friendly practices, such as using chatbots judiciously, leveraging offline features, and advocating for sustainable AI development.
标签： Belize
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Flash Flood Alert Issued as Rivers Rise Across Belize
Belize is grappling with escalating flood risks as torrential rains persist across the nation, prompting the government to issue a Flash Flood Alert. The warning, now in effect, covers inland West, central regions, the central coast, and inland southern areas of Belize. Authorities have identified critical flood-prone zones, including the Belize River at More Tomorrow and downstream communities, the Sibun River at Freetown Sibun, and the Sittee River at Kendal. The Golden Stream River at Hellgate in Region 11 is also under threat. Reports indicate that river levels are surging, with the Mopan River near Benque Viejo Town and the Macal River at the Vaca Facility already spilling over. The Belize River is nearing flood stage at More Tomorrow, while the Sibun River has surpassed flood levels. The Sittee River is at bankfull stage, signaling imminent overflow. High-risk zones marked red on the forecast map face the most severe danger, while orange areas have medium to high potential. Communities in lime-green-yellow zones are advised to remain vigilant despite lower risks. Officials are urging residents to stay updated on weather developments and avoid travel near rivers and low-lying areas. The situation underscores the urgent need for preparedness as the country braces for potential devastation.
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Belize Slaps Five-Year Ban on Tree-Cutting Permits to Save Forests
In a decisive move to address forest degradation, the Belizean government has imposed a five-year moratorium on the issuance of Short-Term Forest Licenses and Petty Permits for tree cutting on national lands. Effective December 1, 2025, this sweeping measure aims to curb unsustainable extraction practices and protect the nation’s dwindling forest resources. The decision, spearheaded by the Minister in consultation with the Cabinet and supported by the Belize Forest Department, responds to alarming evidence of forest stock depletion, exacerbated by wildfires, illegal logging, and the overharvesting of young trees. While new permits on national lands will cease entirely, applications for tree harvesting on leased lands will face stricter scrutiny, prioritizing conservation. During the moratorium, the Forest Department will conduct a comprehensive assessment of forest stock, develop a National Forest Replenishment Plan, and promote sustainable alternatives like bamboo and reusable steel scaffolding. Officials emphasize that this pause will allow degraded forests to recover, enhance wildlife habitats, and bolster resilience against environmental threats, ultimately safeguarding Belize’s ecological and economic future.
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Free Vaccine Rollout Aims to Stop Deadly Pneumonia
In a significant public health initiative, the Ministry of Health and Wellness in Belize has introduced the PCV-13 vaccine, offering it free of charge at public health facilities nationwide. This campaign aims to safeguard the country’s most vulnerable populations—children and the elderly—from severe infections such as pneumonia, meningitis, and sinus diseases. Health authorities have underscored the urgency of this measure, citing studies that reveal 40% of healthy children and 10% of healthy adults carry the bacteria responsible for these illnesses. Dr. Liliane Middleton, a representative from the Ministry, highlighted the vaccine’s long-term efficacy, stating, ‘A single dose of PCV-13 provides lifelong protection. Vaccination is the most effective way to protect our families, communities, and ourselves.’ The World Health Organisation reports that pneumococcal diseases claim the lives of approximately 300,000 children under five annually, with the majority of fatalities occurring in developing nations. To mitigate this risk in Belize, the Ministry has ensured widespread accessibility to the vaccine, encouraging families to visit their nearest health center or mobile clinic to receive the immunization at no cost. Dr. Middleton reiterated, ‘The vaccine is available at all public health centers and mobile clinics. Anyone interested can simply request it, and it will be administered free of charge.’
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Health Enters COP30 Climate Talks
As the world grapples with the escalating effects of climate change, the focus has often been on deforestation and carbon emissions. However, the 30th Conference of the Parties (COP30) in Belém, Brazil, has shifted the spotlight to a critical yet often overlooked aspect: human health. The conference kicked off with the launch of the Belém Health Action Plan, the first-ever global framework dedicated to safeguarding health in the face of climate change.
The Belém Health Action Plan outlines actionable steps for nations to fortify their health systems against the mounting pressures of climate-related challenges. These include extreme heatwaves, deteriorating air quality, food insecurity, and the rise of climate-sensitive diseases, all of which are increasingly affecting populations worldwide. Health systems are struggling to keep pace with these demands, underscoring the urgent need for robust adaptation strategies.
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), emphasized that health has historically been sidelined in climate discussions. ‘For too long, health has been a footnote in climate negotiations,’ he stated. Echoing this sentiment, UN Climate Change Executive Secretary Simon Stiell highlighted the intrinsic link between climate action and daily life priorities. ‘Humanity can only win this global climate fight if we connect stronger climate actions to people’s top priorities. And there are few higher priorities than our health,’ he remarked.
To bolster this initiative, over 35 philanthropic organizations have committed $300 million in funding. These resources will be directed toward addressing extreme heat, air pollution, and climate-sensitive infectious diseases. Additionally, the funds will enhance health data systems, enabling more effective emergency responses and the development of long-term resilience strategies.
The Belém Health Action Plan marks a pivotal moment in global climate policy, recognizing health as a cornerstone of climate adaptation. As nations work to implement its recommendations, the plan promises to reshape how the world addresses the intersection of climate change and public health.
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Budna Investigation: ‘Too Late to Put the Genie Back in the Bottle’
The Joseph Budna abduction case has taken a contentious turn, with Attorney Arthur Saldivar accusing the State of irreversible mismanagement and deliberate concealment of critical information. Saldivar likened the situation to “trying to put the genie back in the bottle,” emphasizing that the government’s actions have created a pattern of secrecy that the court must now address. He revealed that the government has filed two strikeout applications, a move he described as a standard tactic to delay or dismiss the proceedings. Saldivar further asserted that the State has withheld essential evidence, including unaltered video footage, and highlighted the failure of police officers to act as a significant part of the case. “When individuals with a legal duty fail to act, it constitutes an offense,” he stated. The case regained public attention this week when Director of Public Prosecutions Cheryl-Lynn Vidal confirmed receiving the case file from Prime Minister John Briceño. Vidal described the file as “less than nothing,” noting that it lacks sufficient evidence to warrant any arrests. Saldivar argued that the file should have been sent to the DPP immediately after the August 23 incident, which would have mitigated the ensuing controversy. Budna, abducted in Orange Walk in August, remains imprisoned in Guatemala, while Constable Barrington Flowers, accused of aiding the abduction, denies all allegations and is currently on full-pay suspension.
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Venezuela Mobilises Military as US Forces Build in Caribbean
Venezuela has initiated a comprehensive military mobilization in reaction to the increasing deployment of US forces in the Caribbean. Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino López declared the activation of land, air, naval, and reserve units, labeling the move as a countermeasure against what he termed an ‘imperialist threat.’ This strategic maneuver, directed by President Nicolás Maduro, also involves the Bolivarian Militia, a civilian reserve established by the late President Hugo Chávez. The escalation follows the arrival of the USS Gerald R. Ford, the US Navy’s largest aircraft carrier, accompanied by a formidable strike group comprising warships, fighter jets, and thousands of military personnel. While the US justifies its deployment as a crackdown on drug trafficking, Venezuelan authorities perceive it as a veiled attempt at regime change. President Trump has recently acknowledged CIA activities in Venezuela and previously hinted at potential military interventions, although US officials assert no immediate plans for such actions. Venezuela’s military response is part of its ‘Independence Plan 200,’ a comprehensive strategy integrating military, militia, and police forces. Despite Maduro’s claim of over 8 million reservists, experts remain skeptical about both the numbers and their operational readiness. CNN reports that the US military presence in the region now surpasses 15,000 personnel.
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Caribbean Educators Push for Higher Standards
The Caribbean higher education sector is undergoing a critical evaluation as the Caribbean Area Network for Quality Assurance in Tertiary Education (CANQATE) convenes its 21st Annual Conference. This landmark event has drawn over 175 education experts, policymakers, and innovators from 15 Caribbean nations to deliberate on enhancing quality assurance mechanisms in tertiary institutions. Deputy Chief Education Officer Terry Westby-Langford emphasized the significance of this gathering, stating, ‘We have a room full of experts sharing their experiences and innovations to navigate the complex landscape of higher education quality assurance.’ A central theme of the conference is the imperative to prioritize students in all accreditation reforms. Dr. Pablo Flores of John Paul the Great College underscored this point, asserting that all efforts must ultimately serve the learner. ‘If we maintain this focus, it will be a tremendous service to Belize and beyond. However, losing sight of the student jeopardizes the entire process,’ he cautioned. The challenge of modernizing standards is compounded by rapid technological advancements, particularly in artificial intelligence (AI). Dr. Ruby Allen from the University of Trinidad and Tobago highlighted the stagnation in regional standards, which have remained largely unchanged since 2010. She called for a collaborative regional effort to update these standards, ensuring they are relevant and effective in the contemporary educational landscape. Westby-Langford also stressed the importance of maintaining the credibility and cross-border recognition of qualifications, a critical factor in a globalized world. The conference, which continues this week, aims to chart a path forward for Caribbean higher education that is both innovative and student-centered.
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UK Intelligence-Sharing Report Denied by T&T Prime Minister
Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has vehemently denied a CNN report alleging that the United Kingdom is withholding intelligence from the United States regarding anti-drug operations in the Caribbean. In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter) on Thursday, Persad-Bissessar labeled the report as ‘fake news’ and accused it of being part of a broader effort to undermine regional efforts to combat narco-trafficking and organized crime. She emphasized that U.S. Secretary of State Antony Rubio has also refuted the claims internationally. The Prime Minister criticized local media outlets for irresponsibly circulating the false report, stressing her government’s commitment to maintaining strong cooperation with the U.S. in addressing transnational criminal networks. Persad-Bissessar highlighted the ongoing challenges posed by drug cartels, which continue to destabilize the Caribbean, and underscored efforts to enhance national security systems to combat drug trafficking, firearms smuggling, and human trafficking. She warned that illicit trade has fueled decades of violence and instability in the region. The CNN report had claimed that the UK paused intelligence sharing with the U.S. due to concerns over the legality of military strikes against suspected drug vessels in the Caribbean, which reportedly resulted in numerous casualties and prompted skepticism from other U.S. allies, including Canada and Colombia.
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BREAKING: Belizean Arrested and Charged for Labour and Sex Trafficking
In a significant development, Reyna Urbina, a 46-year-old Belizean from the Orange Walk District, has been arrested and charged with two counts of labour trafficking and two counts of sex trafficking. The arrest was carried out by the Anti-Trafficking in Persons (ATIPS) Police Unit of the Belize Police Department. Urbina is accused of trafficking two adult women from Central America, subjecting them to forced labour and sexual exploitation. Following her arrest, Urbina was granted bail set at $10,000 with two sureties. She is required to adhere to stringent conditions, including surrendering all travel documents, obtaining court permission before leaving the country, avoiding any contact with complainants or prosecution witnesses, and signing in at the Orange Walk Police Station every Wednesday and Friday. The case has been adjourned to January 16, 2026. This arrest was the result of a coordinated effort involving the ATIPS Police Unit, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, the Immigration Department, the Department of Human Services Alternative Care Unit, INTERPOL Belize, and several supporting NGOs. Authorities are urging the public to report any suspected human trafficking activities by calling 911, the Department of Human Services at 0-800-PROTECT, or Crime Stoppers Belize at 922 or via the P3 Tips App.