At the 30th Conference of the Parties (COP 30), the Caribbean region has issued a pressing call for intensified global climate action. Dr. Colin Young, Executive Director of the Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (CCCCC), emphasized the urgent need for faster and more ambitious efforts to combat rising global temperatures. Speaking on behalf of CARICOM, Dr. Young highlighted the critical juncture the world has reached, with current temperatures hovering around 1.3 degrees Celsius, perilously close to the 1.5-degree threshold set by the Paris Agreement. Last year, this threshold was temporarily exceeded, underscoring the gravity of the situation. Dr. Young stressed that while the Paris Agreement’s goals remain attainable, achieving them requires unprecedented global cooperation and accelerated action. The Caribbean, a region particularly vulnerable to climate change, is advocating for heightened climate ambition to safeguard its future and mitigate the devastating impacts of global warming.
标签： Belize
伯利兹
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Belize’s Tourism Sector Holds Steady Despite U.S. Flight Chaos
Despite widespread flight cancellations and operational challenges in U.S. airports, Belize’s tourism industry remains resilient. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) faced significant issues, including air traffic control shortages and equipment failures, exacerbated by the prolonged federal government shutdown. These disruptions could have further strained Belize’s tourism sector, which already saw an 8.6% decline in overnight tourist arrivals in September. However, Efren Perez, President of the Belize Tourism Industry Association (BTIA), reported no surge in hotel booking cancellations. Instead, stakeholders have proactively diversified their focus to non-U.S. markets, mitigating potential losses. Perez emphasized the importance of adapting marketing strategies and leveraging regional opportunities, such as the recent Central American Travel Market, which attracted European, South American, and Mexican tour operators. Additionally, Air Canada’s upcoming flights to Belize are expected to bolster tourism. While the current situation appears challenging, Perez remains optimistic about the sector’s ability to recover and thrive.
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Salvation Army Launches Kettle Drive to Feed 1,000 Kids
The Salvation Army has officially launched its annual kettle drive in Belize City, marking the beginning of a campaign dedicated to spreading holiday cheer to those in need. This year, the organization aims to provide Christmas meals and gifts to nearly 1,000 children across Belize, while also supporting the elderly with vouchers for essential holiday purchases. Major Marc Eddy Momplaisir, the Salvation Army’s District Officer, emphasized the campaign’s mission of love, compassion, and hope, stating that all funds raised will remain within Belize to directly benefit local communities. The initiative seeks to raise $100,000, a target that fell short by 25% last year due to tighter budgets. However, Major Momplaisir remains optimistic, urging stakeholders, partners, and Belizeans to unite in achieving this goal. The first donor, career educator Maria Coyi, highlighted the importance of supporting the Salvation Army’s efforts to ensure children experience a memorable Christmas. Volunteers will be stationed at high-traffic locations throughout the holiday season, encouraging passersby to contribute to this meaningful cause.
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Three-on-Three Madness Takes Over Civic Center
The Belize Civic Center is set to transform into a vibrant hub of athleticism and community spirit this weekend as the Belize Global Elite Academy organizes a two-day, three-on-three basketball tournament. Over three hundred young players will showcase their skills in this high-energy event, which aims to foster talent and give back to the community. Kashief Thomas, co-founder of the academy, shared his vision for the event, emphasizing its dual purpose of promoting basketball and nurturing young dreams. Thomas, a Belizean native who credits basketball for his personal and professional success, is passionate about creating opportunities for the next generation. The event will feature free meals, basketballs, jerseys, backpacks, and shoes for participants, ensuring an inclusive and celebratory atmosphere. Thomas, now a successful entrepreneur in the U.S., hopes to inspire others to pursue their dreams and contribute to their communities. The tournament kicks off at 8 a.m. on both Saturday and Sunday, promising a weekend of excitement and camaraderie.
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Zarah Castillo’s Inspiring Journey of Hope and Healing
In a world often overshadowed by adversity, Zarah Castillo’s story stands as a beacon of hope and determination. A young nail technician from Belize City, Zarah’s life took an unexpected turn in 2023 when a tragic accident left her with a severe spinal injury, confining her to a wheelchair. Yet, her narrative is not one of despair but of gratitude, perseverance, and an unrelenting pursuit of her dreams. Zarah aspires to become an attorney, a goal she continues to chase with unwavering resolve.
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COP30 Tiptoes “Dangerously Close” to 1.5°C Threshold
As the 30th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30) unfolds in Brazil, Caribbean nations are sounding the alarm over the escalating climate crisis. The summit, themed “The Forest COP,” emphasizes the urgent need to protect the Amazon and combat global warming. With global temperatures already at 1.3°C, the world is perilously close to breaching the 1.5°C threshold, a critical limit set by the Paris Agreement. Dr. Colin Young, Executive Director of the Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre, highlighted the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica as a stark reminder of the Caribbean’s vulnerability. “Warmer oceans and rising temperatures are fueling monstrous hurricanes that our infrastructure cannot withstand,” he warned. Dr. Young stressed that small nations lack the resources to build resilience alone and called on developed countries to fulfill their promises of climate finance and support. CARICOM nations are demanding tangible actions, including early-warning systems and resilient infrastructure, rather than mere rhetoric. Dr. Young emphasized the need for accelerated global efforts, urging the international community to act with greater ambition to mitigate the climate crisis before it’s too late.
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$24M San Pedro-Based Casino Empire Crumbles Following News 5 Investigation
In a dramatic turn of events, the $24 million casino empire of Rima Ray, owner of Caribi Bleu Casino in San Pedro, Belize, has crumbled following a comprehensive investigation by News 5. Ray, a prominent American casino operator, is now incarcerated in the United States, facing serious charges including fraud, illegal gambling, and operating an unauthorized gaming business.
Ray’s downfall began in July 2025 when a routine traffic stop in the U.S. led to the discovery of over $300,000 in cash hidden in his Tesla. Police bodycam footage, released this week, captures the moment officers uncovered the money, which Ray claimed was proceeds from the sale of part of his casino business in Belize. Twenty days later, he was arrested in Sumter County on a $50,000 bond.
The arrest is the culmination of a months-long U.S. investigation, but Ray’s name first came under scrutiny in Belize in 2024 after News 5 exposed irregularities at Caribi Bleu Casino. This prompted Belizean authorities to launch their own investigation, which revealed an unauthorized ATM dispensing U.S. currency and raised questions about Ray’s extensive list of golf cart permits on the island.
The Central Bank of Belize and the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) subsequently initiated probes into Ray’s operations. Although he faced no charges in Belize at the time, the Ministry of Finance revoked the gaming license for GMK Sky Limited, the company operating Caribi Bleu Casino, on July 25, 2025. The public was advised to cease all business dealings with the entity, and operations were ordered to halt immediately.
Reports now estimate the value of Ray’s illegal operations at $24 million. He is set to be prosecuted under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organization Act (RICO), marking a significant blow to his once-thriving casino empire.
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Here’s One Way You Can Join the Season of Giving
The Salvation Army has officially launched its annual Kettle Drive, a charitable initiative designed to bring warmth, meals, and holiday cheer to children and families in need across Belize. The campaign, which began this morning, aims to raise $100,000 to provide Christmas dinners and gifts for nearly a thousand children in the region. Major Marc Eddy Momplaisir, the District Officer for the Salvation Army, emphasized the significance of the drive, stating, ‘It is a joy. It is really love. So having Kettle launching today in Belize, it means love. It means compassion. You see hope, and you see children who are already happy because they believe the Salvation Army will bring something to them.’ All funds raised will remain in Belize, directly supporting over 800 children, with the potential to extend aid to a thousand in other communities. Last year’s campaign achieved 75% of its target, but Momplaisir remains optimistic about this year’s goal, urging stakeholders, partners, and Belizeans to unite in their efforts. Volunteers will be stationed near banks and superstores in the coming weeks, encouraging donations to ensure that every coin contributes to brightening the holidays for children and the elderly.
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‘Use It or Be Punished?’ Bishop Martin Students Threatened Over MOE-Issued Chromebooks
A recent initiative by Belize’s Ministry of Education (MOE) to distribute Chromebooks to students at Bishop Martin High School (BMHS) has sparked controversy and raised concerns among parents and students. The devices, part of the Skills for the Future Program, aim to provide equitable access to digital learning tools and support Belize’s transition to a more technologically advanced educational system. However, the mandatory use of these Chromebooks has led to friction within the school community.
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Belizeans Face Flight Uncertainty as U.S. Shutdown Grounds More Flights
The ongoing U.S. federal government shutdown, now in its fifth week, has led to widespread flight cancellations and delays, raising concerns for Belize’s tourism industry. Over 2,000 flights were disrupted today, with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announcing traffic reductions at 40 major airports. The FAA predicts up to 4,000 daily flights could be affected by next week as operations are scaled back to alleviate pressure on unpaid air traffic controllers. Belizeans with travel plans to the U.S. are receiving alerts about potential disruptions. American Airlines has issued a temporary waiver for change fees, allowing passengers booked between November 7–14 to rebook without penalty, provided the origin and destination remain unchanged. Evan Tillett, Director of the Belize Tourism Board, stated that the situation is being closely monitored, with United Airlines confirming that international flights will remain unaffected. The shutdown, which began on October 1, has already impacted food aid programs and left hundreds of federal workers unpaid. Nick Daniels, president of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association, warned that the situation is deteriorating and urged Congress to reopen the government.