标签： Belize

A recent national weather forecast in Belize has stirred controversy after the National Meteorological Service referred to the body of water off the country’s coast as the ‘Gulf of America,’ a departure from the widely recognized ‘Gulf of Mexico.’ The unexpected terminology caught the attention of listeners, prompting inquiries into its origin. A spokesperson from the Met Service clarified that the term was likely sourced from materials provided by the U.S. National Hurricane Center in Miami. Locally, the area is commonly referred to as ‘the Gulf’ or the ‘Atlantic basin,’ with no internal policy mandating the use of ‘Gulf of America.’ The spokesperson noted that naming conventions fall under the jurisdiction of Belize’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The term ‘Gulf of America’ has gained traction in the United States following an executive order signed earlier this year by President Donald Trump, instructing federal agencies to adopt the name in official communications. However, the change has not been widely accepted internationally. Countries such as Mexico and Caribbean nations, along with global organizations, continue to use ‘Gulf of Mexico.’ Digital platforms like Google Maps now display ‘Gulf of America’ for U.S.-based users, while Mexican users still see the traditional name. Most international maps and weather services have retained the original designation, highlighting the ongoing debate over the renaming.

Jamaica is grappling with unprecedented economic devastation following Hurricane Melissa, which struck the island on October 28, 2025. The Category 4 storm ravaged the nation’s most productive regions, leaving a trail of destruction estimated at $6 to $7 billion—equivalent to nearly 30% of Jamaica’s GDP. Prime Minister Andrew Holness described the catastrophe as a dual crisis, impacting both humanitarian needs and economic stability. Key industries such as agriculture, tourism, and small businesses were among the hardest hit, with thousands of homes destroyed and critical infrastructure severely damaged. The storm’s impact has reignited urgent calls for global climate action, particularly as Jamaica and other developing nations—despite contributing minimally to global emissions—bear the brunt of climate-related disasters. As the international community prepares for COP30, the devastation in Jamaica underscores the dire consequences of inaction and the pressing need for accountability, funding, and sustainable solutions.

Belize has witnessed a significant milestone in regional integration as 45 Caribbean nationals have arrived in the country since the implementation of the CARICOM Free Movement Agreement. The agreement, which came into effect on October 1, 2025, allows citizens of Barbados, Dominica, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines to live, work, and travel freely within Belize. Over the past month, the majority of arrivals have been for short-term purposes such as business, tourism, sports, and diplomacy, while two individuals have opted to stay for employment opportunities. Barbados leads with 34 arrivals, followed by St. Vincent with eight and Dominica with three. Notably, one Dominican national, already employed in Belize prior to the agreement, has been granted indefinite residency. Belize’s Foreign Minister, Francis Fonseca, emphasized the country’s commitment to fostering regional ties, stating that the initiative promotes balanced mobility and economic growth. This development underscores the Caribbean’s efforts to enhance integration and create opportunities across the region.