Carib Scope

标签： Belize

伯利兹

  • Will the ICJ Confirm Belize’s Sovereignty Over the Sapodilla Cayes?

    Will the ICJ Confirm Belize’s Sovereignty Over the Sapodilla Cayes?

    The International Court of Justice (ICJ) is set to conduct public hearings from November 24 to 26, 2025, in The Hague, Netherlands, to address Guatemala’s request to intervene in Belize’s sovereignty claim over the Sapodilla Cayes. Belize initially filed the case against Honduras three years ago, seeking the ICJ’s declaration of its sovereignty over the islands, which are located at the southern end of the Belize Barrier Reef in the Gulf of Honduras.

    Guatemala, which submitted its application last year, argues that the case intersects with its own territorial claim over Belize, also pending before the ICJ. Guatemala asserts a ‘clear legal interest’ in the matter, citing its longstanding sovereignty claim over the Sapodilla Cayes, and warns that the ICJ’s decision could impact its case.

    The hearings will include three rounds of oral arguments, with Guatemala presenting its case on Monday and Wednesday, and Belize and Honduras responding on Tuesday and Wednesday.

  • Man Ambushed and Shot at in Unitedville

    Man Ambushed and Shot at in Unitedville

    A violent ambush in Unitedville, Cayo, left a 38-year-old construction worker critically injured on Thursday night. Kevin Trapp, the victim, was returning home around 8:40 p.m. when two unidentified assailants approached his vehicle. One of the attackers fired multiple shots, striking Trapp several times. A family member rushed him to San Ignacio Community Hospital, where he is currently in stable condition. Trapp has a history with law enforcement; in 2021, he was charged with possession of cannabis with intent to supply after police discovered 70 packets of cannabis, a digital scale, and $288.50 BZD during a home search. Authorities are investigating the motive behind the attack, which has raised concerns about safety in the area.

  • World Bank Confirms $150 Million Disaster Payout to Jamaica After Melissa

    World Bank Confirms $150 Million Disaster Payout to Jamaica After Melissa

    In a significant move to aid Jamaica’s recovery from the catastrophic impact of Hurricane Melissa, the World Bank has confirmed a $150 million payout under its catastrophe bond. This financial injection, the first full payout triggered by Jamaica’s 2024 bond, is a critical step toward rebuilding the nation’s shattered infrastructure and economy. However, the funds represent only a fraction of the estimated $6 to $7 billion in damages—nearly one-third of Jamaica’s annual GDP—caused by the Category 5 storm. The hurricane’s ferocity claimed 32 lives, left thousands homeless, and severed access to essential services in rural areas, with 36,000 people urgently requiring food aid. The payout, activated by pre-agreed parametric triggers linked to the storm’s central pressure and path, highlights the role of innovative financial tools in disaster risk management. World Bank Vice President Jorge Familiar praised Jamaica’s proactive approach as a model for enhancing financial resilience in climate-vulnerable nations. Despite the payout, the disaster underscores the growing disparity between financial preparedness and the escalating scale of climate-induced destruction. As Jamaica transitions from recovery to reconstruction, World Bank Vice President Susana Cordeiro Guerra emphasized the opportunity to build more resilient infrastructure and leapfrog toward sustainable development.

  • Gunmen Tie Up Bullet Tree Man, Steal His Truck

    Gunmen Tie Up Bullet Tree Man, Steal His Truck

    A harrowing home invasion unfolded in Bullet Tree Village early Friday morning, leaving a local welder bound and robbed of his possessions. The incident occurred around 2:15 a.m. on November 7, 2025, when 38-year-old Roger Reimer, a Belizean welder, was ambushed by two armed men upon entering his residence on Guana Belly Road. According to police reports, one of the assailants brandished a pistol, forcing Reimer inside. The attackers proceeded to bind his hands and feet with tape before demanding money. They reportedly made off with $300 in cash, several personal belongings, and Reimer’s 2013 dark grey Dodge Ram 1500, valued at $45,000. The stolen vehicle, bearing license plate C-15217, remains at large as authorities intensify their search. The incident has left the small community on edge, with residents calling for increased security measures. Police have urged anyone with information to come forward as the investigation continues.

  • Four Men Charged for Illegal Logging near Doubloon Lagoon

    Four Men Charged for Illegal Logging near Doubloon Lagoon

    In a significant crackdown on environmental violations, four individuals have been formally charged with illegal logging activities near Doubloon Lagoon in the Orange Walk District. The incident, which unfolded on November 5, 2025, was brought to light by the Corozal Sustainable Future Initiative (CSFI) enforcement team. The team intercepted the group as they were unloading logwood posts from a red tractor into a white GMC truck. Notably, the men were unable to produce any valid permits or licenses authorizing the extraction or transportation of the wood.

    Authorities swiftly seized the vehicles involved, along with a chainsaw, a tractor battery, and approximately 100 logwood posts as evidence. The accused, identified as Martin Rosado, Diego Santos, Chad Vargas, and Aldair Correa, have been charged under Section 19 of the Forest Act for the unlawful possession of forest produce.

    This case follows closely on the heels of another illegal logging incident reported on November 2, 2025, where rangers from the Wildlife Conservation Society detained four individuals from Cotton Tree Village. The Forest Department has issued a stern reminder to the public about the legal ramifications of unauthorized logging. ‘Harvesting, transporting, or possessing forest produce without the necessary permits is a criminal offence,’ the department stated, urging citizens to report any suspicious activities to safeguard Belize’s precious forests.

  • Free Zone Businessman Survives Targeted Shooting Near City

    Free Zone Businessman Survives Targeted Shooting Near City

    A targeted shooting on the George Price Highway near Belize City has left two men hospitalized, raising concerns about escalating tensions in the region. Nitin Buxani, a 39-year-old businessman, and his driver, Rene Arnold, were ambushed near the Eight Mile Community as their Chevrolet pickup truck was riddled with bullets. Authorities recovered nearly two dozen shell casings from the scene, with ten bullet holes found in the windshield alone. Investigators believe the shooter was positioned on a pedestrian ramp before opening fire. The motive remains unclear, though speculation points to Buxani’s business dealings in the Corozal Free Zone, where trade disputes with Mexico have reportedly intensified. With cartel influence prevalent along the northern border, the incident has sparked fears of organized crime involvement. Police have yet to confirm any direct links. Paul Lopez reports on this developing story.

  • San Pedro Killer Found Guilty of Double Murder

    San Pedro Killer Found Guilty of Double Murder

    Anthony Carballo Jr., also known as ‘Lee Pena,’ has been found guilty of a double murder that shocked the community of San Pedro. The 31-year-old was convicted by Justice Candace Nanton on two counts of murder for the execution-style killings of Deon Faber and Allen Martinez. The crime occurred on March 21, 2019, in broad daylight at approximately 1:45 p.m. Carballo, one of four prisoners brought to Belize City for the trial, awaits his sentencing scheduled for November 7, 2025. During the sentencing hearing, Justice Nanton will consider Carballo’s mitigation plea and hear testimony from two character witnesses. Originally, Carballo was charged alongside Darrell Grant, who was acquitted due to insufficient evidence. Prosecutors argued that the two men acted together, but surveillance footage and circumstantial evidence pointed solely to Carballo as the shooter. The case relied heavily on over 40 video clips and a statement from Faber’s wife, who tragically passed away during the pandemic. In her 2019 statement, she recounted the harrowing moment when two men stormed her home. Faber ran inside, and Martinez attempted to shield her before both were fatally shot. Although the actual murder was not captured on camera, the footage showed the suspects arriving and fleeing the scene moments after the gunfire. Carballo remained silent throughout the trial, while Grant claimed he was merely present to purchase marijuana and had no involvement in the killings. The sentencing on Friday will determine the length of Carballo’s prison term.

  • Mayor Wagner Led Motion to Block Hangar Access

    Mayor Wagner Led Motion to Block Hangar Access

    In a surprising turn of events, Belize City Mayor Bernard Wagner has come under scrutiny for his role in a motion to block vehicular access to the Hangar, a prominent seafront area. Despite initially claiming he couldn’t recall who initiated the petition during an August council meeting, official minutes reveal that Mayor Wagner himself proposed the motion, which was seconded by Deputy Mayor Eluide Miller. This decision marks a stark reversal from a 2022 council meeting where a similar petition was rejected. Back then, councilors argued that the area should remain a public reserve, emphasizing the need for increased policing rather than restricted access. Mayor Wagner now defends the motion as a measure to enhance the quality of life for residents, citing concerns about noise and disturbances. However, critics question the transparency of the decision-making process and its implications for public access. The council’s shift in stance has sparked debate over the balance between private interests and public rights, leaving many to wonder what has changed since 2022.

  • Former BTL Workers Win Landmark Severance Case

    Former BTL Workers Win Landmark Severance Case

    In a landmark decision on November 6, 2025, the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) ruled in favor of ten former employees of Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL), affirming their entitlement to severance pay under the Belize Labor Act. This ruling overturned a previous decision by the Court of Appeal, marking a significant victory for labor rights in Belize. The case has sparked widespread discussion about its implications for both the public and private sectors, particularly regarding compliance with labor laws. Valentino Shal, CEO of the Ministry of Labor, emphasized the importance of the ruling, stating that it is currently under review to assess its broader impact on Belize’s labor market. Shal highlighted the need for careful examination to ensure compliance across all sectors, including those transitioning from severance schemes to pension plans. The decision is expected to set a precedent for future labor disputes and reinforce the enforcement of workers’ rights in Belize.

  • CCJ Ruling on BTL Still Being Examined by Ministry of Labor

    CCJ Ruling on BTL Still Being Examined by Ministry of Labor

    The Ministry of Labor in Belize is currently examining a landmark ruling by the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) regarding severance payments for retired employees of Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL). The CCJ’s decision, issued on November 6, 2025, mandates BTL to comply with Belize’s Labor Act by compensating ten former employees. This ruling has sparked nationwide discussions on its implications for workers’ rights and employer obligations. Section 183 of the Labor Act stipulates that employees with five years of continuous service are entitled to one week’s wages per year of service, while those with over ten years of service are owed two weeks’ wages per year. Valentino Shal, CEO of the Ministry of Labor, emphasized the ruling’s significance, stating that it sets a precedent and will be integrated into labor advisories and collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) to safeguard workers’ rights. Shal also noted that the ruling supersedes any contractual attempts to waive severance rights, even in union-regulated agreements. The Ministry is conducting a comprehensive review of labor laws to ensure compliance with the CCJ’s decision.