标签: Belize

伯利兹

  • DOE Investigates Reports of Fuel Leak in Placencia Lagoon

    DOE Investigates Reports of Fuel Leak in Placencia Lagoon

    The Department of Environment (DOE) has launched a comprehensive investigation into reports of a fuel odor and a multicolored sheen observed in the Placencia Lagoon. The incident came to light late Saturday evening when local residents reported a strong gasoline smell and an oily film on the water’s surface. Concerned about a potential fuel leak, residents alerted authorities, pointing to a nearby gas station as a possible source. One resident described the situation as alarming, stating, ‘The smell of gasoline was overwhelming and persisted through the night, contaminating our lagoon.’

    While the gas station in question conducted an internal review and found no discrepancies between fuel received and sold, the DOE has initiated a full inspection to ensure no leaks are overlooked. Preliminary findings from the DOE suggest that the sheen on the water indicates the presence of refined fuel, characterized by high evaporation rates and low viscosity. Officials are currently examining underground sumps and pressurizing fuel lines to rule out pipeline leaks. ‘No leaks have been detected so far,’ the DOE confirmed, but additional checks in surrounding areas are underway to identify any alternative sources of contamination.

  • You Can Be A Millionaire!

    You Can Be A Millionaire!

    Belizeans are being offered a thrilling opportunity to become millionaires as the Belize Government Lotteries Limited (BGLL) introduces a special $1 million jackpot game. This limited-time event allows participants to select a 4-digit sequence for a $5 ticket, with the grand draw scheduled for Saturday, December 20, 2025, at noon from the BGLL drawing office in Belmopan. In the event of multiple winners, the jackpot will be divided equally among them. Last year, 14 lucky winners shared the prize, each taking home $71,000. BGLL describes the game as a celebration of Belize’s journey, community spirit, and commitment to giving back. Tickets are now available starting November 3, 2025, and remain valid for 30 days after the draw. Participants are reminded to ensure their paper tickets are fully legible, with the QR code and ticket number intact, to claim their prize.

  • Price of Sugar to Increase Soon

    Price of Sugar to Increase Soon

    Belize is on the brink of a significant increase in sugar prices as the government steps in to support its beleaguered cane farmers. Marco Osorio, chairman of the Sugar Industry Control Board, acknowledged the potential burden on local consumers but emphasized the dire circumstances facing the agricultural sector. Farmers have been grappling with escalating costs, climate change impacts, and the recent outbreak of Fusarium wilt in sugarcane crops. Osorio stated that the government deems this price adjustment both necessary and overdue, aiming to provide much-needed financial relief to the industry. Earlier this year, leaders from Belize’s four sugarcane producers’ associations highlighted a ‘critical and unprecedented crisis’ in the sector. They proposed specific measures, including raising the prices of Molasses C and B, allocating a portion of the price increase to a Cane Sustainability Fund, and adjusting electricity tariffs for bagasse energy sales to support sustainability initiatives. The latest Cabinet meeting also discussed regulating prices for plantation white and brown sugar while considering the removal of price controls on retail packaged sugar. Exact figures for the price adjustments remain undisclosed.

  • Hurricane Melissa: A Wake-Up Call the World Will Probably Ignore at COP30

    Hurricane Melissa: A Wake-Up Call the World Will Probably Ignore at COP30

    Hurricane Melissa, a catastrophic storm that ravaged the Caribbean in late October 2025, has left a trail of destruction across Jamaica, Haiti, and Cuba. With recovery efforts underway, the disaster has reignited urgent discussions about the escalating intensity of tropical cyclones in an era of global warming. Haiti has reported 31 fatalities, with 21 individuals still missing, primarily in the southern regions. Jamaica’s Prime Minister Andrew Holness confirmed 28 deaths, cautioning that the toll may rise in the coming days. Cuba, while reporting no fatalities, evacuated over 735,000 residents due to severe flooding. The storm’s timing is particularly poignant as it precedes the COP30 climate summit in Brazil, set to begin on November 6. Experts argue that warmer oceans, fueled by climate change, are intensifying hurricanes, disproportionately affecting poorer nations that contribute least to global emissions. Despite Jamaica’s catastrophe bond releasing $150 million for relief, the Caribbean faces a staggering $100 billion investment need to build resilience against future disasters, as repeated storms exacerbate debt burdens.

  • Trump Says U.S. Not Heading to War with Venezuela

    Trump Says U.S. Not Heading to War with Venezuela

    In a recent interview with CBS’ 60 Minutes, U.S. President Donald Trump downplayed the possibility of a military conflict with Venezuela, asserting that President Nicolás Maduro’s tenure may soon conclude. When questioned about the likelihood of war, Trump responded, “I doubt it. I don’t think so,” though he criticized Venezuela for treating the U.S. “very badly.” Despite these remarks, the U.S. has significantly increased its military presence in the Caribbean Sea over the past two months, citing efforts to combat drug trafficking. Operations have targeted suspected smuggling vessels, resulting in at least 64 fatalities since early September, according to CBS News. Trump defended these actions, stating that each intercepted boat prevents thousands of drug-related deaths. “Every single boat that’s shot down kills 25,000 on drugs and destroys families across our country,” he claimed. Venezuela, however, accuses the U.S. of using the anti-drug campaign as a pretext for regime change, aiming to oust Maduro. Trump dismissed these allegations, emphasizing that the operations address “many things.” This interview marked Trump’s first appearance on 60 Minutes since 2020, when he walked out of an interview with Lesley Stahl, accusing CBS of bias. He later sued Paramount, CBS’s parent company, over a 2024 election segment featuring then-Vice President Kamala Harris. The edited 28-minute interview aired on CBS, with the extended version and transcript available online.

  • Mayor Defends Barricade Move Amid Hangar Access Debate

    Mayor Defends Barricade Move Amid Hangar Access Debate

    In a recent development in Belize City, Mayor Bernard Wagner has acknowledged the City Council’s procedural misstep in erecting barricades at the Hangar area two months ago. The barriers, which were removed following a legal challenge by resident Rommel Berges, sparked widespread debate over public access and security concerns. Berges, who signed a neighborhood petition, claims he was misled into believing the petition aimed to enhance security rather than restrict access. Mayor Wagner emphasized the importance of adhering to legal procedures, citing Section 24, 3 of the Belize City Council Act, which mandates public notification and consideration of residents’ written representations before any street closures. The initial decision to install the barricades was based on a petition from Home Park residents citing security and erosion concerns. However, recent police briefings and a review of local news archives reveal no significant crime incidents in the area for the past two decades. The controversy has drawn comparisons to the Belizean Beach saga, where former politician Anthony ‘Boots’ Martinez faced public backlash for blocking access to a public beach. Martinez has questioned the disparity in public pressure between the two cases, suggesting underlying issues of class and privilege. Meanwhile, Belize City residents Moses Sulph and Alex Sanker have voiced their concerns, with Sulph advocating for full public access and Sanker lamenting the influence of money and power in shaping public policy. Mayor Wagner has indicated that the barricades may be reinstated following procedural corrections, ensuring the council’s actions align with legal requirements. News Five continues to monitor the situation as it unfolds.

  • Who Pushed for Hangar Barricades? Mayor Says He Can’t Recall

    Who Pushed for Hangar Barricades? Mayor Says He Can’t Recall

    In a recent interview, Belize City Mayor Bernard Wagner was questioned about the origins of the proposal to install barricades at the Hangar, a decision approved by the City Council. When pressed to identify the individual who brought the petition to the council, Mayor Wagner stated he could not recall, attributing the decision to a collective effort by the council. He emphasized that the area remains accessible to the public by foot, dismissing concerns about it being entirely closed off. The mayor explained that the issue has been under deliberation since 2022, driven by residents’ concerns and the impact of climate change on the area. He acknowledged the financial constraints preventing the city from constructing a protective wall, suggesting that residents might need to collaborate on a solution. While the mayor reaffirmed the government’s responsibility, he stressed the importance of finding common ground with residents to ensure quality of life. When asked about alternative solutions to security concerns, Mayor Wagner noted that previous attempts, including barricades and private landownership, had proven ineffective.

  • Former PUP Candidate Lands $33K Weekly City Contract

    Former PUP Candidate Lands $33K Weekly City Contract

    In a significant development, former PUP candidate Lawrence Ellis has secured a substantial weekly contract worth $33,000 with the Belize City Council. His company, Reliable Waste Solutions, will now oversee grass-cutting operations across the city’s 733 streets. Mayor Bernard Wagner highlighted the council’s long-standing challenges in maintaining the city’s green spaces, citing inefficiencies and substandard work from previous efforts. The new contract, Wagner claims, will not only improve the quality of grass-cutting services but also save the council millions annually. This decision, however, has sparked public scrutiny due to the hefty price tag and the political connections involved. Wagner defended the move, emphasizing the financial benefits and the oversight mechanisms in place to ensure the company’s performance.

  • Uncle of Corozal Mayor Shot Dead Outside Home

    Uncle of Corozal Mayor Shot Dead Outside Home

    The tranquil community of Corozal Town was thrust into turmoil early this morning following the tragic shooting of Arnaldo “Colo” Vellos, the uncle of Corozal Mayor Rigoberto Vellos. The incident occurred outside Vellos’s residence in the Finca Solana area, where he was reportedly ambushed by two unidentified assailants. According to eyewitness accounts, Vellos had momentarily returned to his home to retrieve a forgotten item when the attackers opened fire, fatally wounding him. The shocking event has left the community in mourning and seeking answers. Local law enforcement has launched a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the killing. Meanwhile, Arturo Guy, a close friend of the deceased, shared his disbelief and sorrow, describing Vellos as an honest and amiable individual who led a clean lifestyle. Guy expressed his determination to uncover more details about the incident, emphasizing that Vellos had no known conflicts or enemies. The tragic loss has underscored the need for increased security measures in the area, as residents grapple with the unsettling reality of such violence occurring in their midst.

  • Four-Year-Old Dies After Falling Into Well

    Four-Year-Old Dies After Falling Into Well

    A heart-wrenching incident unfolded in San Narciso on Thursday evening, as a family outing turned into a devastating tragedy. Rigel Primiños, a four-year-old boy, lost his life after accidentally falling into an uncovered well while visiting his grandparents. The incident occurred around 3:30 p.m. when Rigel was last seen playing in the yard. His grandfather raised the alarm upon discovering the well cover open and Rigel’s sandals floating inside. Despite the relentless efforts of villagers and rescue teams, who worked tirelessly for hours, the young boy’s body was eventually recovered. Rigel, who would have celebrated his fifth birthday in January, was the elder of two siblings, leaving behind a three-year-old sister. His body has been transported to Belize City for a post-mortem examination. The community mourns this profound loss, and heartfelt condolences are extended to the grieving family during this unimaginably difficult time.