The Government of Belize (GOB) has announced plans to retain a majority stake in Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) while preparing to divest 33.5% of its shares to the public. Prime Minister John Briceño emphasized that the state’s majority ownership is constitutionally mandated and non-negotiable. However, the divestment process is currently on hold due to BEL’s precarious financial situation. Briceño explained that selling shares under current conditions would result in significant undervaluation, prioritizing financial stabilization before any public offering. The initiative aims to provide Belizeans with an opportunity to invest directly in the nation’s primary power provider, with hopes of widespread participation. The sale will be structured in two phases, with shares valued at approximately 160 million Belize dollars. Briceño also highlighted the importance of securing strong returns for the Social Security Board, with local financial institutions already expressing interest in the offering. The move comes amid a backdrop of excess liquidity in the financial system, estimated at 700 to 800 million Belize dollars.
标签： Belize
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Venezuela Cuts Energy Ties with Trinidad Amid Tensions
In a dramatic escalation of regional tensions, Venezuela has severed all energy ties with Trinidad and Tobago, citing “hostile” actions by its Caribbean neighbor. The decision was announced by Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro during his weekly television address on Monday night. Maduro accused Trinidad of becoming “the aircraft carrier of the US empire” and stated that Venezuela had no alternative but to withdraw from energy agreements established with Port of Spain a decade ago. This move follows the arrival of the US Navy destroyer USS Gravely in Trinidad’s capital for joint training exercises with the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force. While US and Trinidadian officials emphasized that the drills are part of routine security cooperation, Venezuela perceives them as a direct threat to its sovereignty. The USS Gravely is scheduled to remain in port until Thursday, further intensifying the diplomatic rift between the nations.
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World’s Strongest Storm of the Year Bears Down on Jamaica
Hurricane Melissa, now the strongest storm of the year, is poised to strike Jamaica, bringing with it catastrophic and life-threatening conditions. The hurricane, with sustained winds of 175 mph, has been moving northward at a slow pace of around 7 mph, prolonging the period of extreme weather exposure. Meteorologists warn that Melissa could still be a Category 5 hurricane upon landfall, though the exact timing remains uncertain. Thousands of Jamaicans have already been evacuated, but the slow approach has left many in a state of prolonged anxiety and uncertainty. Forecasters predict that Melissa could become the strongest hurricane ever to hit Jamaica, with up to 30 inches of rain and a potential 13-foot storm surge along the southern coast. Similar impacts are expected in parts of Cuba, where rainfall could reach 25 inches and storm surges up to 11 feet. Residents in Kingston describe terrifying conditions, with one British woman reporting a ‘weird roar’ and a Jamaican man noting that the winds are so strong that standing up would be impossible.
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Belizean Students Plead for Help as Hurricane Melissa Nears
As Hurricane Melissa, a Category Five storm, barrels toward Jamaica, Belizean students studying on the island are voicing their distress over the lack of support from their home country. The hurricane, described as the most powerful storm Jamaica has ever faced, has left many students feeling abandoned and unprepared. Among them is a Belizean mother who took to social media to express her desperation, pleading for assistance to secure shelter and essential supplies for herself and her two children. Despite her emotional appeal, no help has arrived.
Isareli Cal, a third-year law student at the University of the West Indies (UWI), shared that while the university has made significant preparations, including distributing care packages and securing the campus, the support from Belizean authorities has been minimal. Cal and other students have resorted to purchasing their own supplies to weather the storm.
In response to the crisis, the National Students’ Union of Belize (NSUB) has launched a fundraising initiative to provide financial aid to affected students. NSUB President Tomas Serrut emphasized the union’s commitment to supporting Belizean citizens during this critical time, calling on the public to contribute to their efforts.
Meanwhile, the Caribbean Commonwealth Student Association, led by Ashley Langford, is coordinating with regional student organizations to gather resources and assist students in need. Langford highlighted the challenges students face in securing basic supplies and stressed the importance of collective action.
Despite the challenges, Belize’s Honorary Consul in Jamaica has opened her home to students seeking shelter, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed that all Belizeans on the island are safe. As Hurricane Melissa approaches, the Belizean community continues to rally together, hoping for the best while preparing for the worst.
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PM Briceño, “Belizean Students in Jamaica Safe Amid Hurricane Melissa”
Belizean Prime Minister John Briceño has assured the public that Belizean students in Jamaica are safe despite the ongoing threat of Hurricane Melissa. In a statement made on October 27, 2025, Briceño highlighted the unique logistical challenges Belize faces in evacuating its students compared to other Caribbean nations. Approximately seventy Belizean students remain in Jamaica, with many sheltered at their schools, the home of Belize’s honorary consul, or designated safe zones. While evacuation is not currently feasible, the government is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of the students. Briceño emphasized that the government is in contact with the students and will provide necessary supplies once the hurricane passes. He also noted that the Ministry of Education is coordinating efforts to assist the students, including funding for those who need to leave Jamaica. Despite the difficulties, the Prime Minister reiterated that the safety of Belizean students abroad remains the government’s top priority.
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Youths Lead Disaster Preparedness in Corozal
As Hurricane Melissa continues to make headlines across the region, a beacon of hope shines in San Roman, Corozal. On Friday, October 27, 2025, dozens of young Belizeans gathered for the second National Youth Forum on Disaster Risk Reduction. This event, far from being just another meeting, is a testament to the proactive spirit of the youth in Belize. These students are not merely discussing the potential dangers of hurricanes, floods, and earthquakes; they are actively engaging in hands-on training to safeguard their communities through strategic planning and swift action. The atmosphere was electric with inspiration, as these young leaders demonstrated their commitment to making a tangible difference. Daniel Mendez, the National Emergency Coordinator, emphasized the importance of youth involvement in disaster resilience. He highlighted that Belize, no stranger to the devastating effects of natural disasters, relies on the unity and service of its people to overcome these challenges. Mendez stressed that the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) is not just about responding to emergencies but also about educating and preparing citizens to reduce risks. He praised the youth for their innovative use of technology, their ability to spread accurate information, and their role in inspiring responsible actions within their communities. Whether it’s through social media awareness, organizing cleanup drives, or developing community emergency plans, the contributions of these young Belizeans are making a significant impact.
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PM Briceño: Budna Case Likely Heading to DPP
Prime Minister John Briceño has indicated that the controversial Budna investigation is likely to be transferred to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). Speaking to reporters on October 27, 2025, Briceño stated, ‘I think it’s time to pass it on to the DPP and let them deal with it,’ adding that he would formally recommend this course of action to the Cabinet. The Prime Minister’s remarks come amid growing public demands for greater transparency and accountability in the handling of the case. When questioned about the possibility of an independent investigation, Briceño clarified that Belize lacks the legal framework to establish such a body, a provision that exists in Jamaica. ‘The Attorney General has pointed out that there is no law allowing the formation of an independent investigative body in Belize,’ he explained. While acknowledging that a special review had been considered, Briceño emphasized that the case would ultimately end up with the DPP regardless. ‘Maybe it’s something we have to look at for the future,’ he added, hinting at potential legal reforms. The Prime Minister’s decision reflects the government’s effort to address public concerns while navigating the limitations of the current legal system.
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BWEL Supervisor Escapes Major Charges in Marion Jones Shooting
In a significant development in the Marion Jones Sporting Complex shooting case, Shevaughn Anthony Gotoy, a BWEL supervisor, has had several serious criminal charges dismissed. The incident, which occurred on January 31, 2025, during a football game, resulted in three injuries and the death of 39-year-old Brandon Baptist. Gotoy, 30, was initially accused of firing his licensed firearm in self-defense after allegedly being shot at first. The chaotic scene caused widespread panic among spectators. On October 27, 2025, Gotoy appeared in court before Magistrate Mannon Dennison, where the court officially withdrew multiple charges, including attempted murder and use of deadly means of harm. The decision followed a memorandum dated August 22, instructing the case to proceed summarily on two counts of grievous harm related to the injuries of John Grinage and Kameron Williams. Gotoy had initially faced eight charges tied to the shooting of Grinage, Williams, and Gerson Mena. However, no charges were ever filed in connection with Baptist’s death, and no one has been held accountable for it. Police reports indicate the shooting occurred around 9:15 p.m. during a football match after an argument among a group of men. Baptist, Grinage, and Williams were all rushed to the KHMH, where Baptist was pronounced dead. Gotoy surrendered to police on February 2, accompanied by his attorney, and his licensed firearm was sent for forensic analysis. During questioning, Gotoy admitted to firing at Baptist, claiming self-defense. The case has now been narrowed down to two charges, with Gotoy’s trial set to begin on January 12, 2026.
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Hung Jury in Viral Police Abuse Trial
A high-stakes legal battle has reached a critical juncture at the High Court in Belize City, where a jury remains deadlocked in the trial of two former police officers accused of egregious misconduct. Jason Shawn, 51, and Leslie Martinez, 44, both ex-members of the Belize Police Department, face charges of willful oppression stemming from a disturbing incident in April 2020. Prosecutors allege that the officers encountered a couple engaged in intimate activity in an abandoned house and, rather than handling the situation professionally, coerced the couple to continue while recording the act. The video was later shared in a police WhatsApp group, eventually going viral and igniting widespread public outrage. The trial, which began on October 20, 2025, has seen testimony from key witnesses, including the couple involved and a fellow officer granted immunity for his testimony. Despite extensive deliberations, the jury—comprising eight women and one man—remains divided, with five jurors favoring conviction and four opposing. Justice Candace Nanton has urged the jury to continue deliberations, emphasizing the need for a unanimous verdict. Defense attorney Leroy Banner maintains his clients’ innocence, while Crown Counsel Robert Lord leads the prosecution. The case has drawn significant public attention, raising questions about police accountability and the broader implications for law enforcement integrity. Updates will follow as the jury’s deliberations progress.
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PM Briceño Defers on CitCo’s Outsourcing Plan
Prime Minister John Briceño has addressed inquiries regarding a proposed outsourcing plan for cleaning services in Belize City, a move that could transfer responsibilities from the Belize City Council to a private contractor. While acknowledging the potential cost savings, PM Briceño admitted he was not fully briefed on the specifics of the plan. Currently, the Belize City Council spends over $33,000 weekly on grass maintenance and other cleaning tasks. Mayor Wagner and the contractor argue that outsourcing could reduce these expenses. When questioned whether this signals a return to privatization—reminiscent of former Mayor Bradley’s absorption of SEL and its employees—PM Briceño deferred, stating, “That’s a discussion for the mayor. I really don’t know; I just found out.” He emphasized that while he supports the initiative in principle, the final decision rests with City Hall. The Prime Minister’s cautious stance reflects the complexity of balancing fiscal efficiency with public sector responsibilities.