A catastrophic accident unfolded late Thursday night on the George Price Highway near Hattieville, resulting in two fatalities and multiple injuries. The incident occurred just before midnight at mile fourteen, where a Ford F-150 pickup, driven by 40-year-old Osman Pineda, collided with the rear left wheel of a Freightliner truck. The violent impact caused the Ford to lose control, swerve into the opposite lane, and crash head-on into an oncoming Nissan. Tragically, the two occupants of the Nissan, Othoniel Vasquez Moreno, a Mexican Belizean national, and Amisadai Valdez Dominguez, a Mexican national, were pronounced dead at the scene. Emergency responders worked tirelessly to extricate the victims from the wreckage, but their efforts were in vain. Pineda sustained minor injuries, while his wife and their two young children—a five-year-old and a nine-month-old baby—were rushed to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH) for urgent medical attention. The bodies of Moreno and Dominguez were transported to the KHMH morgue for post-mortem examinations. The accident has left the community in shock, raising concerns about road safety on this busy highway.
标签： Belize
伯利兹
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Deadly Crash Sparks Safety Concerns on George Price Highway
A tragic accident near Hattieville on the George Price Highway has reignited concerns about road safety in Belize. The crash, which occurred on the evening of October 9, 2025, has highlighted longstanding issues with the highway’s infrastructure, including inadequate lighting, missing reflectors, and the blinding glare of oncoming vehicles’ high beams. These factors have made nighttime travel perilous, prompting calls for immediate action. Chester Williams, CEO of the Ministry of Transport, addressed these concerns in a recent statement. He revealed that discussions with the Ministry of Infrastructure are ongoing regarding the installation of proper road markings and reflectors. However, Williams emphasized that the government is currently focused on rehabilitating the George Price Highway, making it impractical to implement temporary safety measures. He urged drivers to exercise greater caution, particularly in poorly lit areas, and to avoid speeding when visibility is compromised. This incident underscores the urgent need for comprehensive safety improvements on one of Belize’s most heavily traveled routes.
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BBA President Fires Back at Transport Ministry Over Consolidation Claims
In a recent development, Phillip Jones, the newly appointed President of the Belize Bus Association (BBA), has publicly refuted claims made by the Ministry of Transport regarding the association’s stance on bus operator consolidation. This comes after Chester Williams, the CEO of the Ministry, stated that the BBA no longer represents a significant portion of bus operators in the context of the ministry’s consolidation plans. Jones, in his first interview with News Five since assuming his role, emphasized that while most operators are participating in the audit process, they have not yet committed to the consolidation initiative.
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Religious Affairs Ministry Meets with Council of Churches
In a significant move to deepen collaboration between the government and religious communities, Minister Louis Zabaneh, who oversees both Transport and Religious Affairs, convened a pivotal meeting with the Belize Council of Churches on October 10, 2025. This meeting marked the beginning of a broader initiative to extend their partnership beyond the traditional realm of education into other societal sectors. Zabaneh emphasized the importance of open communication and understanding the concerns of various religious groups, including evangelical and Muslim communities, to better integrate their needs into government policies. The discussions focused on identifying new areas of cooperation and establishing a clear work plan with specific objectives. Zabaneh highlighted the potential for impactful partnerships that could address diverse community issues, reflecting a commitment to inclusive governance and societal progress.
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Bishop Urge Continued Church/State Dialogue on Social Issues
In a recent address following a significant meeting, Bishop Phillip Wright, President of the Belize Council of Churches, emphasized the importance of maintaining an ongoing dialogue between the church and the state. He highlighted the necessity of this collaboration in addressing evolving social issues, particularly in light of the church’s involvement in the recent cannabis referendum in Caye Caulker. Bishop Wright underscored that such dialogues are crucial for fostering mutual understanding and consensus on contentious matters. He expressed optimism about the evolving relationship between the church and the government, viewing it as a vital mechanism for navigating new challenges and ensuring the well-being of the nation. The Bishop’s remarks reflect a broader commitment to strengthening the long-standing partnership between religious and governmental entities, which he believes is essential for societal progress.
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Skip the Lines, Your Favorite Lottery Games Are Now on Your Phone!
In a groundbreaking move, Belize Government Lotteries Ltd. has launched the Fi We Boledo App, transforming the way lottery enthusiasts engage with their favorite games. This innovative platform allows users to play Boledo, Ordinary Lottery, and Jackpot games directly from their smartphones, eliminating the need for physical tickets and long queues. Payments are securely processed through Digi Wallet, and winnings are instantly transferred to the user’s Digi Wallet or bank account, ensuring a seamless and efficient experience. Janel Espat, Managing Director of Belize Government Lotteries, emphasized that the app aims to attract a younger, tech-savvy demographic, broadening the customer base beyond the traditional audience of individuals aged forty and above. Espat also confirmed that the initiative was developed in full consultation with sales distributors, who fully supported the transition to digital. This strategic shift not only modernizes the lottery system but also aims to boost sales by making the games more accessible and convenient for a wider audience.
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Lottery Boom Fuels Healthcare Expansion in Belize
Belize is witnessing a transformative surge in its healthcare sector, fueled by the unprecedented success of its national lottery system. Belize Government Lotteries Ltd. (BGLL) has reported staggering sales of over $108 million in its inaugural year, with projections indicating a rise to $137 million in the current year. This cumulative figure of nearly $245 million in just two years is not only a testament to the lottery’s popularity but also a critical funding source for national projects, particularly healthcare. Through the National Health Insurance (NHI) program, BGLL has already contributed $22 million to expand primary care services across the country. Janel Espat, Managing Director of BGLL, highlighted the lottery’s role in generating revenue, stating, ‘Our first calendar year, our sales were a hundred and eight million dollars. We are hoping, by all indications, that for the second year our sales will be a hundred and thirty-seven million dollars.’ The funds are disbursed to the government, with the Ministry of Finance determining their allocation. Dr. Ramon Figueroa, General Manager of NHI, emphasized the significance of this financial boost, noting that the NHI rollout, which began in 2001, has historically been constrained by funding limitations. The lottery’s contributions have enabled the expansion of primary care to regions like Orange Walk and the Cayo District, despite challenges posed by the latter’s dispersed population. This innovative funding mechanism is paving the way for nationwide healthcare improvements, marking a significant milestone in Belize’s public health journey.
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Ombudsman’s Office to Issue Decision Soon on FOIA Review Request
Nearly a month after public interest advocate Jeremy Enriquez petitioned the Ombudsman to review the Attorney General’s denial of his Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request, the Ombudsman’s Office has signaled that a formal decision will be announced early next week. Enriquez confirmed to The Reporter that he was personally contacted by the Ombudsman on Thursday, informing him of the impending determination. His September 10 letter, submitted on September 11, 2025, sought a review under Sections 35, 37, and 39 of the FOIA after the Attorney General’s Ministry refused to disclose legal fees paid to attorneys representing the State in redistricting-related litigation. The Ministry’s September 2 refusal cited Section 28(1) of the Act, arguing that disclosure could adversely affect the Government’s interests in ongoing or potential legal proceedings. Enriquez contested this, asserting that the exemption was misapplied and that transparency in public expenditure is crucial for accountability. His request seeks detailed information on payments made to attorneys or law firms retained by the State since January 1, 2025, in connection with his constitutional challenge to electoral boundaries. Enriquez maintains that such disclosures do not reveal privileged legal strategies and have precedent in prior government releases. The Ombudsman’s decision could order the Ministry to release the information or justify the exemption. If the refusal is upheld, Enriquez has indicated he may pursue judicial review. This ruling will set a significant precedent for access-to-information disputes in Belize, particularly regarding government legal expenditure and constitutional litigation.
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Credit Reporting System Launched to Expand Access to Finance
The Central Bank of Belize has unveiled a groundbreaking initiative with the establishment of a national Credit Reporting System (CRS), a significant leap forward in the nation’s financial infrastructure. This system aims to enhance access to credit for Belizeans, particularly benefiting micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) and households. CRIF Information Services Limited, the licensed credit bureau, will spearhead the collection and dissemination of borrowers’ credit data from banks, credit unions, and other lending institutions. This move is poised to address longstanding information gaps, enabling lenders to make more informed decisions on creditworthiness. Governor Kareem Michael hailed the CRS as a transformative measure toward financial inclusion and stability, emphasizing its role in fostering fairness and transparency in lending practices. By allowing individuals to build verifiable credit histories, the system will serve as ‘reputational collateral,’ unlocking financial opportunities previously inaccessible. Over time, the CRS is expected to lower borrowing costs by enabling financial institutions to better assess risk and reward responsible borrowers. Additionally, it will standardize information sharing among lenders, fostering competition and enhancing the efficiency of the credit market. In compliance with the Credit Reporting Act, CRIF is mandated to ensure stringent privacy and accuracy safeguards for all stored credit information. The system is slated to become operational in early 2026, following thorough data integration and security compliance testing.
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Belize Judiciary Issues First-Ever AI Use Guidelines for Courts
In a landmark move for Belize’s judicial system, the Honourable Chief Justice, Madam Louise Esther Blenman, has unveiled Practice Direction No. 18 of 2025, focusing on the Ethical Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Court Proceedings. Effective as of August 12, 2025, this directive marks the first of its kind in the nation, setting a precedent for the integration of technology within legal frameworks. The Practice Direction provides comprehensive guidelines for Judges, Magistrates, Registrars, Attorneys-at-Law, and all court participants, emphasizing responsible and ethical AI utilization. It delineates permissible applications of AI in legal research, document drafting, and court submissions, while underscoring the critical importance of maintaining accuracy, safeguarding confidentiality, and ensuring full transparency. Notably, the directive reaffirms that human users retain ultimate accountability for any AI-generated content, reinforcing the judiciary’s dedication to modernization and innovation.