Belize’s lush forests are undergoing a transformative revival, driven by the UK’s Biodiverse Landscapes Fund (BLF). This international initiative is fostering a harmonious balance between conservation and community resilience, showcasing a model of sustainable development. Recently, a UK delegation, including representatives from the British High Commission and the UK Foreign Office, embarked on a three-day tour to witness the tangible impacts of this partnership. They explored key BLF-supported sites such as the Chiquibul and Vaca Forest, as well as local communities like Selena and La Gracia. These areas are at the forefront of biodiversity protection and community empowerment, led by the Wildlife Conservation Society and its partners. The BLF is funding a range of innovative projects, from training fire brigades and equipping communities with drones and water harvesting systems to promoting climate-smart agricultural practices. Additionally, the initiative is enhancing land rights for 50 communities and creating sustainable income opportunities for over two thousand women. This collaboration is not only safeguarding Belize’s rich biodiversity but also fostering economic and social resilience in local populations.
标签： Belize
伯利兹
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Belize Lands Multi-Million Climate Resilience Grant
Belize has been awarded a significant $10 million grant from the Adaptation Fund to launch the SEAM Project (Securing Water Resources through Solar Energy and Innovative Adaptive Management). This ambitious initiative, approved at the Fund’s 45th Board Meeting in Bonn, Germany, is part of a broader global effort to address climate change. The five-year project, set to commence in early 2026, aims to transform rural communities in Belize by providing sustainable water solutions, restoring ecosystems, and diversifying livelihoods. Key components include the installation of solar-powered hybrid water systems to ensure safe and reliable water access, reforestation and agroforestry initiatives to enhance ecosystem resilience, and capacity-building programs for local water boards to promote inclusive governance. The project will directly benefit over 1,800 residents in communities such as Boom Creek, Dolores, Otoxha, and Copper Bank. With a strong emphasis on empowering women and fostering community resilience, the SEAM Project is poised to become a national model for climate adaptation strategies.
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Transport Department Tightens Road Safety with Police Support
In a significant move to bolster road safety, the Transport Department has recently concluded a specialized training workshop designed to enhance the enforcement capabilities of transport personnel. This initiative, a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Transport and the Belize Police Department, aims to foster stronger inter-agency cooperation and improve the overall effectiveness of traffic law enforcement. The ultimate goal is to ensure safer highways for all road users.
Chester Williams, C.E.O. of the Ministry of Transport, emphasized the importance of equipping traffic officers with the necessary skills and knowledge to perform their duties effectively. ‘We are committed to ensuring that every traffic officer in the country, whether from the police, national traffic, or municipal traffic departments, is adequately trained. The days of assigning duties without proper training are over. We must provide our officers with the tools and knowledge they need to excel in their roles,’ Williams stated.
He further highlighted the need for administrative support in empowering employees. ‘When things go wrong, the blame often falls on the officers. However, it is the responsibility of the administration to ensure that employees are equipped to perform their duties. We aim to build a department known for excellence, where high standards become the norm, not the exception,’ Williams added.
This initiative marks a proactive step towards creating a more reputable and efficient transport department, dedicated to maintaining road safety and reducing traffic-related incidents.
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Government Extends MSME Tax Amnesty to December 2025
In a significant move to support small businesses, the Government of Belize has announced the extension of the MSME Tax Amnesty Program until December 31, 2025. The decision, confirmed during a Special Sitting of the House of Representatives on October 17, 2025, aims to provide micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) with additional time to address outstanding tax liabilities and penalties. Under this program, eligible businesses can clear their dues and even qualify for up to one year of business tax exemption. The extension also ensures that pending applications from previous roadshow stops are processed efficiently, allowing all qualifying businesses to receive their Tax Amnesty Certificates. Government officials are encouraging MSMEs to seize this opportunity to formalize their operations and foster sustainable growth. This initiative underscores the government’s commitment to bolstering the small business sector, which plays a vital role in the nation’s economy.
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Sanae Takaichi Becomes Japan’s First Female Prime Minister
In a historic milestone for Japan, Sanae Takaichi has been sworn in as the nation’s first female prime minister. The leader of the Liberal Democratic Party secured the position by a narrow margin, surpassing the required majority by just four votes. Takaichi’s political journey, spanning decades, has been marked by her conservative nationalist ideology and her admiration for the late British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. Former U.S. President Donald Trump recently praised her as ‘a highly respected person of great wisdom and strength.’ Beyond her political persona, Takaichi is a motorcycle enthusiast, a rock music aficionado, and a stepmother to three children. Her ascent to the highest office in Japan was not without challenges; this marked her third attempt after unsuccessful bids in 2021 and 2024. Her victory symbolizes a significant shift in Japan’s political landscape, traditionally dominated by male leaders.
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Tourism Leaders Unite to Promote Multi-Destination Travel
The Central America Travel Market (CATM) 2025, held in San Pedro Sula, Honduras, has emerged as a pivotal platform for showcasing the region’s tourism potential. This year’s event, hosted by Honduras, brought together tourism authorities, international buyers, media representatives, and private sector leaders with a shared goal: to position Central America as a unified, must-visit destination. The event highlighted the region’s vibrant and diverse tourism offerings, emphasizing multi-destination travel experiences that span across countries like Belize, El Salvador, Guatemala, Nicaragua, and Panama. Reizel Vilorio, Honduras’ Vice Minister of Tourism, expressed pride in hosting the event, noting the opportunity to showcase the country’s hospitality and its commitment to regional tourism growth. The event featured business-to-business meetings, pre-tours for international buyers, and discussions on overcoming challenges such as the inconsistent enforcement of the CA-4 treaty, which facilitates free movement across the region. Vilorio emphasized the need for greater collaboration among Central American countries to create complementary tourism packages, encouraging visitors to extend their stays and maximize economic benefits for the region.
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Does Japan’s First Female Prime Minister Signal Real Change for Women?
Japan has made history with the appointment of Sanae Takaichi as its first female prime minister, marking a significant milestone in a nation where political leadership has traditionally been male-dominated. While her ascent to power is celebrated by some as a breakthrough for women’s representation, it has also sparked debate over whether her leadership genuinely advances gender equality. Critics highlight Takaichi’s conservative stance on issues such as same-sex marriage, separate surnames for married couples, and female succession in the imperial family, arguing that her policies reinforce traditional norms rather than challenge them. A 21-year-old Japanese citizen remarked, ‘Everyone’s saying this is a great opportunity for women’s empowerment, but I think that’s a very naive interpretation. She perpetuates the patriarchal system.’ Japan’s struggle with gender equality remains evident, as it ranks 118th out of 148 nations in the World Economic Forum’s 2025 Gender Gap Index, with women holding only 15.7% of parliamentary seats. Despite these concerns, some view Takaichi’s appointment as a symbolic victory. Naomi Koshi, Japan’s youngest-ever female mayor, stated, ‘There is great significance in Ms. Takaichi becoming prime minister. It lowers psychological barriers for women and girls to see leadership as normal.’ However, skeptics argue that her policies align closely with those of her male predecessors, raising questions about the depth of change her leadership represents.
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Trump Claims Middle East Allies Ready to Move Into Gaza if Ceasefire Fails
Former U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a stark warning to Hamas, asserting that Middle Eastern allies are prepared to deploy military forces into Gaza should the group breach the current ceasefire agreement. While Trump refrained from specifying the nations involved, he publicly acknowledged Indonesia for its regional backing. In a post on Truth Social, Trump emphasized his directive to both these allies and Israel to hold off on immediate action, expressing cautious optimism that Hamas would adhere to its commitments. “I told these countries, and Israel, ‘NOT YET!’ There is still hope that Hamas will do what is right,” he stated, adding that any violation would trigger a response that is “FAST, FURIOUS, & BRUTAL!”. Concurrently, U.S. Vice President JD Vance, during his visit to Israel, conveyed measured confidence in the ceasefire’s sustainability. “We’re in a very good place,” Vance remarked to reporters, though he acknowledged the complexities of Hamas disarmament and the prolonged efforts to recover Israeli hostages trapped under rubble. Vance also unveiled plans for a U.S.-led Civilian Military Cooperation Centre in Israel, aimed at coordinating humanitarian aid and reconstruction efforts. The facility will house 200 American troops, though none will be deployed into Gaza.
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Lawmakers Get Days to Read Coastal Bill
In a race against time to meet Belize’s Blue Bond commitments, the Senate has tentatively approved a new coastal management bill, though concerns over its rushed process and lack of stakeholder feedback have sparked debate. The legislation, designed to modernize Belize’s approach to coastal and ocean conservation, aims to align with international best practices and replace the outdated 1998 Coastal Zone Management Act. However, environmental groups and opposition senators have expressed frustration over the limited time given to review the bill. Senator Janelle Chanona highlighted that the final draft was shared just days before the Senate debate, despite over a year of consultations. Opposition Senator Patrick Faber praised the bill’s intent but criticized its execution, calling the rushed parliamentary process concerning. Senator Eamon Courtenay, Leader of Government Business, initially defended the extensive consultation process, citing 50 meetings with 400 participants across 17 coastal communities. However, after acknowledging the concerns raised, Courtenay agreed to a committee review of proposed amendments before final passage. The bill must be passed by November 4, 2025, to meet critical international milestones.
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MSME Tax Amnesty Extended Until End of 2025
The Government of Belize has officially prolonged the MSME Tax Amnesty Programme until December 31, 2025, as revealed during a Special Sitting of the House of Representatives on October 17. This initiative, spearheaded by the Office of the Prime Minister in collaboration with BELTRAIDE, the Investment Policy and Compliance Unit (IPCU), the Belize Tax Service (BTS), the Belize Companies and Corporate Affairs Registry (BCCAR), the Economic Development Council (EDC), and the Ministry of Local Government and City and Town Councils, aims to provide small businesses with extended opportunities to benefit from significant tax relief measures. The extension allows eligible Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) additional time to settle outstanding business tax penalties and interest, and to qualify for up to one year of business tax exemption. It also ensures the processing of pending applications from previous Roadshow events, guaranteeing that all qualified MSMEs receive their Tax Amnesty Certificates. The next Tax Amnesty Roadshow event is scheduled for October 27 at the Belmopan Civic Center, with adjusted dates for San Pedro (November 4), Caye Caulker (November 5), and Punta Gorda (November 7) to maximize participation. The Government has commended the numerous MSMEs that have already enrolled in the programme, taking crucial steps toward formalizing and expanding their businesses. For further details, business owners can reach out to BELTRAIDE’s Small Business Development Center (SBDC Belize) at 280-3195 or sbdc@beltraide.bz, or the Investment Policy and Compliance Unit (IPCU) at 880-4728 / 880-4729 or belizeInvestment@invest.gov.bz.