In a daring confrontation that highlights the perils of cross-border trade, a group of Belizean car dealers recently stood their ground against alleged extortion attempts by Mexican transport officials. This incident, captured in a viral video, underscores the risks faced by Belizeans who regularly transport used vehicles from the United States through Mexico to Belize. The journey, often fraught with danger from both bandits and corrupt officials, is a lifeline for many contractors who earn thousands of dollars per trip. However, each journey could potentially be their last. Robert McClaren Jr., one of the dealers involved, recounted the harrowing experience. He explained that the officials demanded a hefty sum of 50,000 pesos, threatening to confiscate their vehicles if they refused to pay. The situation escalated when one of the officials attempted to seize McClaren’s passport and money. The group’s collective resistance and vocal protest eventually drew the attention of local police, who intervened and sided with the Belizeans. The officials were reprimanded, and the dealers were allowed to proceed without further harassment. McClaren emphasized that their defiance and the subsequent police intervention were crucial in ensuring their safe return to Belize. This incident sheds light on the broader issue of corruption and extortion faced by cross-border traders in the region.
标签: Belize
伯利兹
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Transporting Vehicles More Dangerous Than Ever
The lucrative business of transporting used vehicles from the United States to Belize is facing unprecedented challenges, as car dealers report escalating dangers and extortion fees along Mexican highways. While the trade has historically been profitable, with dealers earning thousands of dollars per vehicle, the rising risks are forcing many to reconsider their involvement. Dealers are required to pay legal fees at the Mexican border and a protection fee, known as a pedimento, to cartels for safe passage. However, these payments no longer guarantee security, as extortion points manned by armed civilians have become increasingly common. Robert McClaren, a seasoned car dealer, shared his harrowing experiences, detailing how each trip has become more perilous and costly. He recounted paying thousands in extortion fees at multiple checkpoints, often just minutes after crossing the border. The situation has created significant obstacles for dealers, threatening the viability of this once-thriving trade.
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Lord’s Bank and Ladyville Village Council’s Discuss Becoming a Town
On November 5, 2025, representatives from the Ladyville and Lord’s Bank village councils convened with Belize Rural Central Area Representative, Dolores Balderamos Garcia, to deliberate on the potential merger of the two communities into a single town. This discussion was prompted by recent concerns raised by Ladyville’s Citizen Advisory Committee, which advocated for greater autonomy to address local issues. While the concept of merging the villages has been contemplated for decades, no concrete actions had been taken until now. The meeting provided a platform for both councils to evaluate the benefits and challenges of such a merger, particularly in light of Belize’s evolving municipal landscape and the implications for land tax. Balderamos-Garcia emphasized that the consultation was preliminary and aimed at fostering dialogue rather than imposing decisions. She highlighted the positive reception from the approximately 30 attendees and stressed the importance of broader community engagement in the process. The discussion also touched on the potential advantages of modest property taxes to fund essential services for the expanded community. Balderamos-Garcia reiterated her commitment to inclusive consultations, ensuring that all voices are heard before any decisions are finalized.
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Dump Truck Mishap Turns Deadly in Santa Marta Village
A fatal accident involving a dump truck has left a community in mourning in Santa Marta Village, Orange Walk District. The tragic incident occurred on the evening of November 5, 2025, around 8 p.m. along the Old Northern Highway. According to preliminary reports, 36-year-old Nelson Pech was maneuvering his dump truck, which he had parked earlier, when he noticed his brother signaling him from behind. Upon stopping and exiting the vehicle, Pech and his brother discovered the lifeless body of Julio Flota, a 67-year-old local resident, lying face down with severe injuries to his head and arms. Emergency services were called, and Flota was rushed to the Regional Hospital morgue, where he was pronounced dead shortly before 10 p.m. Authorities are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident, which has raised concerns about road safety in the area. The community is grappling with the loss of a beloved member, as police work to determine the exact cause of the accident.
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Police Investigate Chopping That Left OW Man Unconscious
A violent chopping incident has left a 32-year-old man from Orange Walk fighting for his life, as police launch an investigation to uncover the details of the attack. Juan Diaz was discovered with severe injuries to his head, back, and hands in the early hours of November 5, 2025. According to his father, Juan returned home around 3 a.m., visibly wounded, before collapsing unconscious. The family prioritized rushing him to the Northern Regional Hospital, delaying the notification of authorities. Police were alerted later that morning, arriving at the hospital around 7:30 a.m. to find Juan undergoing emergency treatment. Investigators are now piecing together the events leading up to the attack, with key questions remaining unanswered: Who targeted Juan? What was the motive? And where did the assault occur? The case has sparked concern in the community as authorities work to bring clarity to this shocking act of violence.
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Global Glamour Meets Controversy at Miss Universe 74
The 74th Miss Universe pageant has been marred by controversy just days into the event, as tensions escalated during a sashing ceremony on Tuesday. The drama began when a Thai pageant director, who also serves as a Vice President of the Miss Universe Organization, publicly reprimanded Miss Mexico, Fátima Bosch, for missing a sponsored photoshoot earlier in the day. Witnesses reported that the confrontation turned hostile, with the director allegedly calling Bosch ‘dumb’ in front of other contestants and staff. The incident prompted Bosch to walk off the set, followed by several delegates in a show of solidarity, including the reigning Miss Universe. Among them was Belize’s Isabella Zabaneh, whose foundation later confirmed she was safe and remained committed to representing her country with dignity. The fallout has been significant, with at least twelve countries—including Fiji, Somalia, Kenya, and Mongolia—reportedly withdrawing from the competition. As the situation continues to unfold, questions linger about the underlying issues within the organization and the future of this year’s pageant.
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PROSPER Brings Jobs, Hope to Toledo and Stann Creek
In a significant move to bolster economic resilience and create sustainable opportunities, the PROSPER initiative was officially launched in Belize’s Toledo and Stann Creek districts. The event, held at Toledo Bible College in Yemeri Grove, brought together key stakeholders, including representatives from the International Labour Organization (ILO), the European Union, and the Government of Belize. PROSPER, which stands for Participation, Ownership, and Sustainable Progress for Economic Resilience, is a four-year project with a budget of nearly nine million Belize dollars. It aims to empower local communities by fostering entrepreneurship, generating employment, and enhancing social inclusion, particularly among youth, women, and indigenous groups. ILO Deputy Director Noortje Denkers underscored the initiative’s alignment with Belize’s Decent Work Country Program, emphasizing the organization’s dedication to job creation and rural development. Leroy Martinez from the Ministry of Economic Transformation reiterated the government’s commitment, while Minister Florencio Marin Jr. highlighted PROSPER’s integration into the broader national agenda under Plan Belize. This initiative marks a transformative step toward building stronger, more resilient communities in southern Belize.
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Six Belizean Athletes Score Major Olympic Funding
Six talented Belizean athletes have been granted a significant financial boost through the Olympic Solidarity Program, marking a pivotal moment in their journey toward Olympic glory. The program, administered by the International Olympic Academy, provides $18,000 monthly to support the training and development of these promising individuals. Each athlete will receive $1,500 per month, supplemented by additional funds to help cover living expenses, bringing their total monthly support to approximately $3,000. This initiative aims to enable them to focus full-time on their athletic pursuits as they strive to qualify for the 2028 Olympics.
Allan Sharp, President of the Belize Olympic and Commonwealth Games Association, emphasized the strategic focus on individual sports, which offer a more feasible path to Olympic qualification for smaller nations like Belize. He highlighted the challenges faced by team sports, which often require substantial financial investment and are limited in participation at international events.
The six athletes, evenly split between male and female participants, have already demonstrated exceptional talent at the junior level in regional competitions. Nyasha Harris, a track and field athlete, expressed her gratitude for the scholarship, noting its role in supporting her training, travel, and daily expenses as she aims to improve her personal best times. Similarly, Derrick Chavarria, a cyclist, shared his aspirations to compete in Europe, where he hopes to gain experience and challenge himself against the world’s best.
While the scholarships target individual athletes, team sports in Belize will also benefit from over $900,000 in funding over the next two months. This dual approach underscores the nation’s commitment to fostering athletic excellence across all disciplines. Shane Williams of News Five reports on this transformative development for Belize’s sporting future.
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Douglas Langford Makes NCAA Division I Debut
Belizean basketball prodigy Douglas Langford Jr. has etched his name in history by making his NCAA Division I debut for the San Jose State University Spartans. On Monday, Langford took to the court against the Utah Utes in a season opener, marking a monumental moment for his family and Belizean basketball. His father, Douglas Langford Sr., expressed immense pride and excitement, describing the experience as deeply emotional. He emphasized the importance of unwavering parental support in nurturing children’s dreams, no matter how ambitious. Langford Jr. now joins an elite group of Belizean athletes who have competed at the Division I level, including Kirk “Shabba” Smith and Keith “Superman” Acosta. Fans can catch Langford in action on CBS against Stanford on December 13, or on ESPN Plus this Saturday as the Spartans face UC Santa Barbara.
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Belizean-American Fatally Shot in California
A tragic incident unfolded in Lancaster, California, early Saturday morning, resulting in the fatal shooting of a 19-year-old Belizean-American Marine. The victim, identified as Lance Corporal Tevon Wade from Rosamond, was attending a Halloween party at a vacant business building when the altercation occurred. Authorities from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department responded to a call at approximately 12:45 a.m. on the 100 block of West Avenue I, near Division Street, where they discovered Wade with multiple gunshot wounds to his upper body. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Investigators revealed that the shooting ensued after a fight erupted inside the event. The suspect, who remains unidentified, fled the scene in an unknown direction. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed Wade’s cause of death as multiple gunshot wounds, officially classifying the case as a homicide. Friends and fellow Marines have since expressed their grief, remembering Wade as a disciplined and kind individual. A GoFundMe campaign, initiated by Justin Calderon, Wade’s senior Marine, seeks to support his family, as Wade was the primary breadwinner. The suspect is still at large, and the investigation continues.
