标签： Belize

In San Jose Succutz, residents are voicing their discontent over the state of their village’s welcome centre, which they claim no longer feels like a community asset. Armando Cocom, the newly elected village chairman, has taken up the fight to regain control of the facility, alleging that it has become restricted and is being managed by an unaccountable committee. This has left villagers feeling excluded and frustrated, unable to access the centre freely. Cocom revealed that even he, as chairman, has been denied access to the building, stating, ‘You have to pay for the use, and I don’t even have access to it, being the chairman of the village.’ He emphasized the need for the centre to be returned to community control, citing a recent incident where he was unaware of an eye checkup event held at the facility. ‘When it comes to health issues and things that are going to happen in my village, I should be informed of that,’ Cocom said. He stressed that while the committee may have its reasons for managing the centre, they must respect his role as village chairman and involve him in decision-making processes.

Belize City experienced a nearly 12-hour power outage on Tuesday, leaving residents and businesses grappling with the consequences. The blackout, which began at 12:32 a.m., was caused by a transmission line fault near the West Lake Substation on the George Price Highway, according to Belize Electricity Limited (BEL). The affected areas spanned Belize City up to Mile 1 on the Phillip Goldson Highway and Mile 1 on the George Price Highway. Power was partially restored by 2:30 a.m. and fully restored by 12:11 p.m. The outage disrupted daily life, with residents resorting to traditional methods like heating irons on comals and frying pans to complete household chores. Businesses, particularly those reliant on refrigeration, faced significant challenges. Chef Ainsle, who had a backup generator, expressed relief but noted that a longer outage would have been costly. A juice vendor shared that customers were understanding, though his ice supply melted quickly. BEL commended its staff and contractors for their swift response in restoring power.

In a bold move to address the rising number of fatalities on Belize’s highways, the Ministry of Transport has announced a series of stringent measures aimed at enhancing road safety. Chester Williams, the Chief Executive Officer of the ministry, revealed that the government is investing in advanced technology, including speed guns, body cameras for officers, and dash cameras for patrol vehicles. These dash cameras, in particular, are expected to play a pivotal role in monitoring driver behavior during traffic stops and capturing evidence of drivers attempting to evade law enforcement. Williams emphasized that the footage obtained from these devices will be crucial for prosecuting offenders. Additionally, the ministry is preparing to present amendments to traffic laws to the House of Representatives, which will introduce harsher penalties for drunk driving. In some cases, drivers could face the revocation of their licenses for life. Williams underscored the importance of responsible driving, stating that holding a driver’s license is a privilege, not a right, and must be exercised with due care and responsibility.

In response to a surge in road fatalities, Belize’s Ministry of Transport has announced plans to establish a specialized motorcycle driving school. The initiative comes after a particularly deadly weekend, where four lives were lost and several others injured in separate traffic accidents. The ministry aims to address the alarming trend of reckless motorcycle driving, particularly among young riders, by providing comprehensive training on safe operation and adherence to road safety laws. Chester Williams, the Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Transport, expressed deep concern over the persistent disregard for safety measures despite graphic media coverage of accidents. He emphasized the need for a multi-faceted approach, including legislative reforms, stricter enforcement, and targeted sensitization campaigns to foster a behavioral shift among the youth. The driving school, set to be operational by next year, will be managed by certified institutions that will also issue licenses to successful applicants. This initiative underscores the government’s commitment to curbing road accidents and promoting safer driving practices.

In a historic achievement for Belize, Bishop Philip S. Wright has been elected as the Archbishop of the Church in the Province of the West Indies. This marks the second time a Belizean bishop has been chosen for this prestigious role since 1934. The announcement was made during the 42nd Provincial Synod held in the Bahamas. Bishop Wright, who has served as the leader of the Anglican Diocese of Belize for nearly two decades, described the moment as “overwhelming” and vowed to continue his service with humility and dedication.

In his address, Bishop Wright expressed his profound gratitude, stating, “You never imagined a day like this would come… It gives me an opportunity to serve the church I love, the church to which I have devoted the majority of my life.” His election has been widely celebrated, with Tracy Panton, Leader of the Opposition, extending her congratulations on behalf of the United Democratic Party and her family. She praised Bishop Wright’s “extraordinary leadership, spiritual depth, and unwavering devotion to the service of God’s people.”

As Archbishop-elect, Bishop Wright emphasized the importance of youth engagement and the church’s role in addressing regional issues during his speech at the synod. His elevation is seen as a significant milestone for both Belize and the Anglican community in the West Indies.

Residents of Belize City experienced a significant power outage in the early hours of November 11, 2025, following a major transmission line fault. The disruption, which began around 12:30 a.m., was attributed to a damaged utility pole near the Westlake Substation at Mile 8 on the George Price Highway. Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) confirmed that adverse weather conditions further hindered repair efforts. Despite these challenges, BEL initiated immediate restoration work, successfully restoring power to several neighborhoods, including Belama (Phases 1, 2 & 4), Bella Vista, Buttonwood Bay, and Coral Grove by 2:31 a.m. However, as of the latest update, parts of Belize City remained without electricity, with BEL projecting full restoration by 12 noon, pending safe conditions to re-energize the transmission line. The outage also temporarily impacted eRide bus services across the city.

Attorney Orson ‘OJ’ Elrington is scheduled to stand trial in 2026 following allegations of rape dating back to January 2023. The trial is set to commence on February 23, 2026, and conclude on March 6, 2026. The accusations stem from an incident where a woman in her mid-20s reported meeting Elrington at a nightclub and subsequently visiting his home, where she claims the assault occurred. Former Commissioner of Police Chester Williams disclosed that the woman alleged she lost consciousness and awoke in a semi-nude state next to Elrington, with no recollection of the events. Elrington has consistently denied the allegations. He was formally charged with rape in March 2024 and released on $8,000 bail. Elrington is being defended by Senior Counsel Hubert Elrington and attorney Alifah Elrington.