A devastating road accident in Belmopan has resulted in the untimely death of an 18-year-old student. The incident occurred on Thursday, October 16, at approximately 5:20 p.m. at the intersection of Saint Jude and Saint Matthews Streets. Upon arrival, law enforcement discovered a severely damaged bus and a motorcycle submerged in a nearby drain. Preliminary investigations indicate that the bus, operated by 23-year-old Jonathan Estrada from San Ignacio Town, was traveling on Saint Matthews Street when it collided with the motorcycle, which was descending Saint Jude Street. The motorcycle was driven by Jonni Cano, who was accompanied by his friend Jamin Patt, both students from the Stann Creek District. The collision forcefully ejected both riders from the motorcycle. Emergency responders rushed the injured students to the Western Regional Hospital. Tragically, Cano was declared dead upon arrival, while Patt’s current condition remains undisclosed. Estrada emerged from the crash unscathed. Authorities are continuing their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident.
标签： Belize
伯利兹
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Body of Missing Man Found in Macal River
A grim discovery in the Macal River has prompted a thorough investigation by local authorities. The body, found on October 16, 2025, is believed to be that of Edward Rupert Rodney Burke, a 50-year-old British national who was reported missing just a day earlier on October 15. The decomposed remains were retrieved from the river and have since been transferred to the National Forensic Science Service morgue for a post-mortem examination to ascertain the cause of death. As of now, the circumstances leading to Burke’s demise remain unclear, and the investigation is ongoing. The case has drawn significant attention, with authorities working diligently to uncover the truth behind this tragic incident.
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Madagascar’s Leader Flees Amid Gen Z Protests
Madagascar has witnessed a dramatic political transformation as Colonel Michael Randrianirina assumed the presidency following a military intervention that ousted former President Andry Rajoelina. The change in leadership comes after weeks of escalating protests led by the country’s youth, who demanded urgent action on pressing issues such as unemployment, inflation, and systemic corruption. Social media platforms were instrumental in rallying support and amplifying the voices of dissent. During his swearing-in ceremony, Randrianirina hailed the protesters as catalysts for change and vowed to implement sweeping reforms, including drafting a new constitution, revising electoral processes, and investigating the mismanagement of the state-owned utility company. He also committed to forming an interim government and organizing elections within two years. The Constitutional Court defended the transition, attributing the crisis to constitutional deficiencies rather than labeling it a coup. Additionally, Randrianirina signaled a shift in foreign policy by engaging in discussions with Russian officials to explore enhanced bilateral cooperation.
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Maduro Accuses U.S. of Using CIA to Topple His Government
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has publicly accused the United States of orchestrating a covert operation to destabilize his government. Speaking at a rally in Caracas on Thursday, Maduro claimed that the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) has been deployed to Venezuela under the pretext of combating drug trafficking, but with the true objective of regime change. This assertion follows U.S. President Donald Trump’s acknowledgment of CIA activities in the region.
Maduro described this as the most explicit threat from a U.S. administration to date, vowing that Venezuela would resist any foreign intervention. He alleged that the CIA has been actively undermining Venezuela for over two decades, supporting coups across Latin America. Maduro also accused Washington of employing psychological tactics to sow division and fear among Venezuelans, while emphasizing the unity of the country’s leadership and citizens.
Furthermore, Maduro suggested that Venezuela’s abundant natural resources, including oil, gas, and gold, are the primary drivers of U.S. interference. He framed the situation as part of a broader pattern of U.S. interventionism in the region, aimed at securing economic and geopolitical advantages.
The Venezuelan president’s remarks have escalated tensions between the two nations, raising concerns about the potential for further destabilization in the region. This development comes amid ongoing economic and political challenges in Venezuela, which has been grappling with hyperinflation, shortages, and international sanctions.
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San Ignacio Police Seize High-Powered Weapon, Ammunition
In a significant operation on October 17, 2025, the San Ignacio Police conducted a search at a residence on Maya Street, leading to the seizure of a high-powered firearm and a substantial cache of ammunition. The raid resulted in the detention of three individuals who failed to produce a valid firearm license. Among the confiscated items were a GIVATI-brand 9mm rifle-type firearm (serial number GFX0006), two magazines, a drum magazine, 195 rounds of 9mm ammunition, and 20 rounds of .223 ammunition. These were concealed in a bucket within a room of the property. The suspects were transported to the San Ignacio Police Station and are awaiting formal charges related to the possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition. The police have indicated that their investigation is still ongoing.
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Landmark Tobacco Control Bill Introduced
In a groundbreaking move to safeguard public health, Belize’s Minister of Health and Wellness, Kevin Bernard, unveiled the Tobacco Control Bill 2025 in the House of Representatives on October 17, 2025. Described as a “decisive step” toward protecting the nation’s youth and future generations, the bill aligns with the World Health Organization’s Framework Convention on Tobacco Control. It aims to regulate the sale, advertising, packaging, and labeling of tobacco and nicotine-related products, including e-cigarettes, while banning the tobacco industry’s involvement in health policy decisions. Bernard emphasized the urgency of the crisis, citing WHO data that reveals tobacco kills over eight million people annually, including 1.2 million non-smokers exposed to secondhand smoke. In Belize, 8.7% of adults and 15% of youth aged 13 to 15 use tobacco, with e-cigarette use among teens reaching 12%. The bill, backed by the Cabinet and international health organizations like PAHO and WHO, seeks to prevent the tobacco epidemic through effective legislation. Bernard called on lawmakers to prioritize public health over industry profits, warning of potential resistance from powerful tobacco manufacturers. The bill’s introduction marks the beginning of parliamentary debate, with Bernard urging unity to save lives and protect the nation’s youth.
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Belize Nears “Safe Country” Agreement with the U.S.
Belize is on the brink of finalizing a significant migration agreement with the United States, known as the ‘Safe Third Country Agreement.’ Foreign Minister Francis Fonseca announced that the negotiations are nearing completion, emphasizing that the deal aims to balance Belize’s sovereignty with its humanitarian commitments. Speaking in the House of Representatives, Fonseca addressed concerns and misinformation surrounding the agreement, clarifying its purpose and legal framework. He highlighted Belize’s long-standing adherence to the 1951 UN Refugee Convention and its reputation as a leader in migration and refugee management. The agreement, which includes strict safeguards, would allow the U.S. to transfer asylum seekers to Belize for claim determination under controlled conditions. These safeguards include veto power over transfers, nationality restrictions, annual caps, and considerations of criminal records and professional skills. The deal, initially set for two years, can be suspended or terminated by either party with written notice. Fonseca also noted that the U.S. will provide financial and technical support to strengthen Belize’s asylum system. However, the agreement requires ratification by the Belizean Senate before it can take effect, ensuring compliance with domestic legal procedures. Fonseca stressed that the agreement’s activation will follow detailed implementation planning and will only be used if necessary. He concluded by affirming Belize’s commitment to international law, cooperation with the U.S., and the protection of persecuted individuals, reflecting both compassion and pragmatism.
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Four BDF Officers Commissioned in Guyana After Completing Military Training
In a significant milestone for military collaboration in the region, four officers from the Belize Defence Force (BDF) have successfully completed the rigorous Standard Officer Course 56 (SOC 56) in Guyana. The graduation ceremony, held on October 15, 2025, at Base Camp Ayanganna in Georgetown, marked the culmination of two years of intensive military and academic training. The event saw 31 newly commissioned officers from various forces, including the Guyana Defence Force, the Guyana Police Force, and regional partners like the BDF, receive their badges of rank. Among the graduates, Second Lieutenant Claudio Bolon distinguished himself by securing two prestigious awards: Best International Student and the Commandant, Guyana National Reserve Prize. His fellow BDF graduates—Second Lieutenant Sair Rodriquez, Second Lieutenant Lindon Bolon, and Second Lieutenant Jordi Osorio—also celebrated their achievements. This accomplishment underscores the strengthening ties between Belize and Guyana in defense and security cooperation, while also highlighting the exceptional caliber of BDF personnel on the international stage.
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Man Fined $5,000 for Possessing Jaguar Teeth
In a landmark case highlighting Belize’s commitment to wildlife conservation, Jordan David Woods of Stann Creek has been fined $5,000 for the unlawful possession of two jaguar teeth. The verdict was delivered on October 15th by the Stann Creek District Court, marking a significant enforcement of Section 19 of the Forest Act, Chapter 213 of the Laws of Belize. Woods was also ordered to pay $5 in court costs, with a one-year deadline to settle the fine. Failure to comply by October 15, 2026, will result in a six-month prison sentence. Jaguars, revered as Belize’s national symbol of strength and beauty, are fully protected under the law. Possessing any part of these majestic creatures, including skins, claws, or teeth, without proper authorization is strictly prohibited. The Forest Department lauded the conviction as a pivotal victory in the fight against wildlife crimes. ‘This ruling sends a clear message,’ the Department stated. ‘Belize’s environmental laws are designed to safeguard our wildlife, and violators will face severe consequences.’ The Department also encouraged the public to report illegal wildlife activities or human-wildlife conflicts through the Wildlife Hotline at 610-1524.
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Belize’s Paris Cawich Heads to Miss Earth 2025 in the Philippines
Paris Cawich, crowned Miss Earth Belize 2025, is poised to represent her nation at the prestigious 25th Miss Earth Pageant in Manila, Philippines, on November 5. The 20-year-old international business student will depart Belize on Saturday, with a farewell ceremony scheduled at the Philip Goldson International Airport. Cawich’s journey to the global stage is marked by her unwavering commitment to environmental advocacy, a cornerstone of her victory in the national pageant. Reflecting on her evolution from modeling to activism, Cawich shared, ‘My first pageant was more about modeling. Now it’s about advocating for something I hold dear—the environment.’ Her campaign centers on safeguarding Belize’s mangroves and rainforests, with initiatives ranging from school visits and tree planting to engaging social media content aimed at educating youth about environmental stewardship. ‘The Miss Earth pageant is an environmentally based competition, so its main focus is protecting the environment and amplifying our platforms to reach a wider audience,’ she explained. Cawich also hinted at her national costume, inspired by ‘a tree that many Belizeans hold dear,’ showcased in an online video submission. Following in the footsteps of Destiny Wagner, Belize’s historic Miss Earth 2021 winner, Cawich is determined to make her country proud once again.