Belize has joined a worldwide initiative aimed at transforming ocean conservation into economic opportunities. Partnering with the African Union and the Global Water Partnership, the country is actively participating in a knowledge-sharing platform centered on the Blue Economy. This innovative approach seeks to generate employment and boost income while ensuring the sustainability of marine ecosystems. The Blue Economy emphasizes responsible practices such as sustainable fishing, strategic marine planning, and innovative financing for ocean-related projects. Belize is not only contributing its own successful strategies but also gaining insights from global partners. Samir Rosado, MSP Process Lead at the Coastal Zone Management Authority and Institute (CZMAI), highlighted the vision of a healthy, resilient ocean that supports economic growth and cultural well-being for all Belizeans. This collaboration is part of a broader global network connecting ocean and water projects worldwide, with the potential to influence policies across the Caribbean and Africa. Throughout the week, officials are expected to exchange ideas, examine practical examples, and identify actionable strategies to make the Blue Economy a reality for all stakeholders.
标签： Belize
伯利兹
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Cotton Tree Residents Charged for Illegal Logging
Four residents of Cotton Tree Village in Belize have been formally charged for the illegal possession of forest produce following the discovery of an unauthorized logging site in the Maya Forest Corridor. The Belize Forest Department revealed that the operation was uncovered on Sunday by rangers from the Wildlife Conservation Society. The site contained significant quantities of mahogany and salmwood lumber, with the individuals found in possession of approximately 112 pieces of mahogany and 85 pieces of salmwood without valid permits. The accused have been identified as Noemi Perez, 44, Wedlyn Maas, 21, Melvin Jesus Maas, 23, and Everardo Maas, 48. Authorities seized two vehicles loaded with the illegal lumber and charged the individuals under Section 19 of the Forest Act for ‘Unlawful Possession of Forest Produce.’ A subsequent operation recovered an additional 30 pieces of mahogany from the surrounding forested area. The Forest Department has called on the public to assist in safeguarding Belize’s forests by reporting suspicious activities to their hotline at 610-1524.
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US Hits 35 Days of Government Shutdown
The United States has reached a critical milestone as the government shutdown enters its 35th day, tying the record for the longest shutdown in the nation’s history. This unprecedented standoff, reminiscent of the 2018 shutdown during President Donald Trump’s first term, stems from a bitter impasse between Trump and congressional Democrats over healthcare and funding priorities. The prolonged gridlock has left hundreds of thousands of federal workers without pay, disrupted essential public services, and created widespread uncertainty across the country. Airports are experiencing significant delays due to staffing shortages, food banks are struggling to meet surging demand, and an estimated 42 million Americans relying on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) are facing growing desperation as their monthly benefits remain in limbo. The shutdown’s ripple effects extend beyond domestic borders, impacting US-funded initiatives in countries like Belize, where programs supported by agencies such as USAID, the State Department, and the Peace Corps have been halted. These initiatives, which focus on climate resilience, education, governance, and security partnerships, are now in jeopardy. Social media accounts for these agencies have remained inactive since October 1, with posts citing the lapse in appropriations. While essential diplomatic and consular functions continue, non-urgent activities like visa processing, exchange programs, and grant disbursements are being handled only “as the situation permits.” With no resolution in sight, the shutdown continues to fuel concerns for both domestic and international stakeholders.
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Fuel Spill in Placencia Clears, Source Still Unknown
The fuel spill that caused alarm among Placencia residents over the weekend has now dissipated, according to the local fire department. However, the source of the spill remains unidentified, raising concerns about the potential for future incidents. Initial tests conducted by the Department of Environment (DOE) confirmed that the substance was gasoline, which spreads rapidly and evaporates more quickly than heavier fuels like oil. Officials estimate that the spill affected approximately 0.3 acres of water in the Placencia Channel. Residents first noticed a strong gasoline odor and a rainbow-like sheen on the water late Saturday evening. Many initially suspected a nearby gas station, but thorough inspections of its pipelines, dispensers, sumps, and tanks revealed no leaks. The DOE indicated that the gas station is located slightly south of the affected area and that the contamination likely originated from another source. Local residents have suggested other possible culprits, including an old crane stationed nearby and a sailboat that reportedly sank two to three months ago. Additionally, there is a boatyard in the vicinity, though officials confirmed no incidents occurred there. The DOE emphasized the need for further investigation to prevent future occurrences. While the immediate environmental threat has subsided, the search for answers continues.
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Court Throws Out Shyne’s Case Over ‘UDP Red’
The Supreme Court has dismissed a legal challenge brought by Moses ‘Shyne’ Barrow regarding the use of the color red in the 2025 general election, deeming the case ‘moot’ and filed with ‘unreasonable delay.’ Barrow, alongside co-claimant Alberto August, had contested the Elections and Boundaries Commission’s (EBC) decision to allow candidates aligned with Tracy Panton’s Alliance for Democracy to use the United Democratic Party’s (UDP) signature red. Barrow argued that these candidates were not genuine UDP members and accused the EBC of ‘acting in bad faith.’
Justice Hondora, presiding over the case, ruled that the matter had been ‘overtaken by events’ since the election had concluded without any challenges to the results. The judge emphasized that revisiting the EBC’s decision at this stage ‘serves no useful purpose.’ Barrow had also sought to prevent Panton’s candidates from identifying themselves as UDP members, but he later conceded that this request was no longer relevant.
The court further criticized the delayed handling of the case, noting that while Barrow filed the application on March 3, it remained inactive until July. Justice Hondora stressed that acting ‘promptly’ requires more than just filing an application and leaving it unattended. With Tracy Panton now serving as the Leader of the Opposition, the court found no practical reason to revisit the EBC’s decision.
Barrow and August were represented by attorney Matthew L. Morris, while the EBC was represented by Hector Guerra of Marine Parade Chambers. The ruling effectively closes the chapter on this contentious issue, allowing the political landscape to move forward.
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Hostage Remains Returned as Israel Faces Prison Abuse Scandal
Israel has received the remains of another deceased hostage from Gaza, as part of a US-brokered ceasefire agreement that began last month. The coffin, transferred through the Red Cross, was taken to Israel’s national forensics lab for identification. This follows the handover of three bodies on Sunday, including one killed during Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attack on Israel. Earlier attempts to return remains had strained the ceasefire, with Hamas claiming to have returned three bodies on October 28, which Israel could not confirm. In response, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered immediate strikes in Gaza, resulting in at least 104 Palestinian deaths, including many children. Despite these tensions, the ceasefire has largely held, with U.S. President Donald Trump describing it as ‘very solid’ in a recent interview. Concurrently, Israel is grappling with a growing scandal involving alleged abuse of Palestinian detainees at the Sde Teiman military prison. The army’s top legal officer, Maj. Gen. Yifat Tomer-Yerushalmi, was arrested over suspicions related to the unauthorized release of a video showing the abuse. The facility, which has been criticized for harsh treatment, is set to be phased out, and the video’s airing has sparked widespread outrage.
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Belizean Students Pick Up Semester Where They Left Off
In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, which struck Jamaica on October 28, 2025, Belizean students are gradually resuming their academic pursuits. Initially, they are attending online classes as universities prepare to reopen for in-person sessions. Bernard Pitts, President of the Belize Students Association of Jamaica (BELSAJ), confirmed that all Belizean students are safe and accounted for. Pitts highlighted the government’s relief efforts, which included distributing 75 to 100 packages to students. However, many students are still grappling with financial difficulties exacerbated by the storm. Pitts emphasized the need for additional financial assistance, as students have exceeded their budgets due to emergency preparations and travel expenses. He also urged the Belizean public to support those affected in Jamaica. Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm with winds reaching 185 mph, caused widespread devastation across the Caribbean, resulting in at least 67 deaths and tens of billions of dollars in damages. Jamaica reported 32 fatalities, while Haiti and the Dominican Republic recorded 34 and 1 death, respectively. Cuban authorities evacuated approximately 700,000 people, with hundreds experiencing flooding and property damage. Education Minister Dana Morris Dixon expressed the collective grief and pain felt across Jamaica during this challenging period.
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CARPHA and UWI Step In to Support Jamaica
In the wake of Hurricane Melissa’s devastation, the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) has swiftly mobilized a high-level team to assist Jamaica. Led by Executive Director Dr. Lisa Indar, the team includes representatives from CARICOM, CDEMA, the Caribbean Development Bank, and the Caribbean Institute for Meteorology and Hydrology. Their primary objective is to assess and address the urgent public health needs across the island. Dr. Indar has already met with Prime Minister Andrew Holness and Health Minister Dr. Christopher Tufton to strategize CARPHA’s response. The team has also conducted visits to hospitals and shelters in the most severely affected parishes, including St. Elizabeth, St. James, Trelawny, Manchester, Hanover, and Westmoreland. Concurrently, the University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona campus, has rolled out a series of support measures for students impacted by the hurricane. These include the provision of safe spaces, psychosocial services, flexible academic arrangements, and a significant 50% tuition discount for the first semester. Additionally, face-to-face classes at the western campus have been postponed to ensure the safety and well-being of students and staff.
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Fewer Babies and Rising Deaths from Chronic Illnesses in Belize
In 2024, Belize experienced significant shifts in its health landscape, characterized by declining birth rates, escalating chronic illnesses, and a concerning number of preventable deaths. According to the latest data from the Belize Health Information System, the country recorded only 5,791 births, marking the lowest figure since 1984. Notably, 14% of these births were to adolescent mothers aged 10 to 19, with a nearly even gender distribution among newborns. Concurrently, Belize reported 2,384 deaths, with men accounting for 60% of fatalities. Chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and cerebrovascular disease were the leading causes of death across all age groups, with cancer alone responsible for 404 new diagnoses and 285 deaths. Breast, cervical, and prostate cancers were the most prevalent, disproportionately affecting individuals over 60, particularly women. Diabetes and hypertension also saw a rise, with 1,372 new diabetes cases and 2,264 new hypertension cases diagnosed in 2024. Infectious diseases remained a challenge, with 244 new HIV infections and 1,186 dengue fever cases reported. Mental health issues were highlighted by 27 suicide deaths, predominantly among males, while road traffic incidents claimed 132 lives, with young men aged 20 to 39 being the most affected. These trends underscore the urgent need for targeted health interventions and public safety measures in Belize.
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Miss Universe Belize Joins Walkout at Sashing Ceremony
The Miss Universe sashing ceremony in Bangkok, Thailand, took an unexpected turn as several contestants, including Miss Universe Belize Isabella Zabaneh, staged a walkout. The incident unfolded during a livestreamed event when Miss Universe Mexico 2025, Fátima Bosch, was publicly confronted by Nawat Itsaragrisil, Vice President for Asia and Oceania of the Miss Universe Organisation (MUO) and head of the local organizing committee. Nawat questioned Bosch for skipping a sponsor shoot and insufficiently promoting Thailand as the host country, leading to visible discomfort and her eventual departure. Several contestants followed in solidarity, with Nawat attempting to restore order by calling for security and warning participants to sit down if they wished to continue in the competition. Bosch later described Nawat’s actions as ‘disrespectful,’ emphasizing the importance of empowering women and protecting their voices. Reigning Miss Universe Victoria Kjær Theilvig also walked out, posting on Instagram about the significance of standing up for oneself and setting boundaries. The MUO issued a statement reaffirming its commitment to collaboration with local partners and confirming that all scheduled events would proceed as planned. The 74th Miss Universe coronation is set for November 21.