In a significant corporate development, Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL) has announced that its Chief Executive Officer, Ivan Tesucum, has been placed on a 10-day leave effective immediately. This decision follows an internal disciplinary process initiated by the company’s Board of Directors. The Board reviewed a formal complaint lodged against Tesucum, which was thoroughly examined by a disciplinary committee. While the committee concluded that the complaint lacked legal grounds, it identified a related issue that necessitated action. After carefully considering Tesucum’s response and ensuring due process, the Board decided to enforce the leave as a precautionary measure. Tesucum is expected to resume his duties on November 14, 2025. In the interim, BTL will operate under temporary leadership. Both Tesucum and the company have been formally notified of the decision, and the organization remains focused on maintaining operational continuity.
标签： Belize
伯利兹
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Government Moves to Raise Sugar Prices Amid Farmer Struggles
In a significant move to address long-standing challenges in the sugar industry, the Belizean government has announced plans to raise sugar prices for the first time in decades. The decision, spearheaded by Marco Osorio, Chairman of the Sugar Industry Control Board, comes in response to mounting pressures faced by sugarcane farmers, including soaring production costs, climate-related disruptions, and the recent outbreak of fusarium wilt disease. The last price increase for brown sugar occurred in 2001, while plantation white sugar saw its last adjustment in 2016. Osorio emphasized that the proposed hike is essential to provide much-needed relief to farmers, who have endured financial strain for years. However, he acknowledged that the move could burden consumers, particularly households. The exact new prices for packaged sugar remain under review, as officials aim to strike a balance between supporting the industry and minimizing the impact on local consumers. The government’s decision reflects a broader effort to stabilize the sugar sector and ensure its sustainability amid evolving economic and environmental challenges.
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Sugar Price Adjustment Could Slow Contraband Trade
In a strategic move to combat the rampant contraband sugar trade, Belize is considering a significant adjustment to local sugar prices. Marco Osorio, Chairman of the Sugar Industry Control Board, has highlighted the persistent issue of smuggling, driven by the substantial price disparities between Belize and its neighboring countries, Mexico and Guatemala. Osorio suggests that increasing domestic sugar prices could potentially reduce the flow of illegal trade, though he acknowledges that it may not completely eradicate the problem. The illicit sugar trade primarily benefits smugglers, leaving local farmers and the sugar industry at a disadvantage. As the government deliberates on the proposed price adjustments, the industry remains hopeful that this measure will provide some much-needed relief and stability.
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CCJ Ends Oversight in Maya Land Rights Case
After a decade of judicial oversight, the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) has formally concluded its monitoring role in the implementation of the 2015 Consent Order, a landmark agreement recognizing the land rights of Belize’s indigenous Maya people. The decision marks a significant milestone in a long-standing legal battle that has shaped the discourse on indigenous rights in the region. However, the court’s announcement has been met with mixed reactions. While the CCJ acknowledged progress in the case, Maya leaders expressed profound dissatisfaction. Attorney Leslie Mendez criticized the Belizean government for its perceived lack of commitment and alleged bad faith throughout the process. Conversely, government attorney Andrew Marshalleck emphasized the complexities of balancing Maya land rights with the interests of other Belizean citizens. Justice Winston Anderson, in his closing remarks, underscored the importance of these rights as essential tools for dignity, development, and peaceful coexistence, rather than mere historical artifacts. The case highlights the ongoing challenges in reconciling indigenous rights with broader national interests.
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Garifunaduou Takes Center Stage at High School Battle of the Drums
As October 2025 came to a close, the Belize City Civic Center was alive with rhythm and cultural pride during the Thirteenth Annual High School Battle of the Drums. This vibrant event brought together seven schools from the southern districts and Belize District, showcasing the rich Garifuna heritage through music and dance. The competition was intense, with electrifying beats and an enthusiastic crowd that celebrated the cultural diversity of Belize.
Darius Avila, President of the Battle of the Drums, emphasized the event’s significance in preserving Garifuna culture within the high school system. ‘It helps us bring out new Garifuna drummers and singers, enhancing cultural diversity,’ he said. The event not only highlights Garifuna traditions but also fosters unity among students from various cultural backgrounds.
Participants like Terence Lewis and Kayden Sanchez from Ladyville Technical High School shared their mix of nervousness and excitement, while Shanthon Sankey, a returning participant, expressed his love for the culture and the joy of the experience. Ramon Cervantes, Minister of State in the Ministry of Education, praised the initiative, noting its role in empowering youth and strengthening cultural traditions. ‘It is something that we as a nation should embrace,’ he stated.
The High School Battle of the Drums continues to be a cornerstone event for promoting cultural awareness and youth engagement in Belize, leaving an indelible mark on all who participate and attend.
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Belize Sends Aid to Students Abroad After Hurricane Melissa
In response to the catastrophic aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, the Belizean government has launched a significant relief effort to assist its citizens abroad, particularly students in Jamaica and Cuba. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has dispatched a shipment of essential supplies to approximately seventy-five Belizean students in Jamaica. These packages, containing crucial hygiene products and non-perishable food items, were transported via a Jamaica Defense Force aircraft that had sought refuge in Belize during the storm. This initiative underscores the spirit of regional cooperation in times of crisis. In Kingston, Belize’s Honorary Consul is personally managing the distribution of these supplies, while in Santiago de Cuba, students are receiving aid through the coordination of Belize’s Embassy in Havana. Foreign Minister Francis Fonseca expressed profound gratitude to the Jamaican government for their support, emphasizing Belize’s commitment to the welfare of its students and solidarity with Jamaica’s recovery efforts. Reassuringly, all Belizean students in both countries have been confirmed safe.
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CARPHA Leads Health Response After Hurricane Melissa
In the wake of Hurricane Melissa’s catastrophic impact on Jamaica, the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) has taken a leading role in addressing the ensuing health crisis. The hurricane has left a trail of devastation, claiming lives, destroying homes, and disrupting livelihoods. CARPHA emphasizes that Jamaica’s suffering resonates across the Caribbean, underscoring the need for a unified regional response. Beyond the immediate physical damage, the storm has escalated significant health risks, including unsafe drinking water, food contamination, potential disease outbreaks, and mental health challenges. CARPHA is collaborating with key partners such as the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency, Jamaica’s Ministry of Health, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), and other regional stakeholders to prioritize public health in the recovery process. The agency is deploying critical resources, including medical supplies, rapid test kits, personal protective equipment (PPE), and field hospital infrastructure. Additionally, CARPHA is spearheading efforts to prevent the spread of diseases like dengue and leptospirosis. A key focus of the agency’s mission is to assist Jamaica in rebuilding more resilient health systems to better withstand future crises.
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Belize Scores 15 Medals at Central American Games
Belizean athletes have returned home with a remarkable tally of fifteen medals from the 2025 Central American Games held in Guatemala City. The delegation, comprising 116 athletes and 39 officials across 20 disciplines, showcased exceptional performances, marking a historic milestone for the nation. While the sole gold medal was secured in the men’s Nine-Ball Billiards category, Belize also celebrated significant achievements in basketball, volleyball, and canoeing. Allan Sharp, the newly appointed President of the Belize Olympic and Commonwealth Games Association, expressed immense pride in the team’s accomplishments. He highlighted the bronze medals in basketball and volleyball, along with multiple medals in canoeing and billiards. Sharp emphasized that Belize’s medal count, relative to its population, outperformed several larger nations, underscoring the country’s growing prowess in regional sports.
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Still No Response to Belize Volleyball’s International Protest
The Belize Volleyball Association remains in limbo as it awaits a response from the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) and other governing bodies regarding a formal complaint filed against Head Referee Tatiana Villalobos. The controversy stems from the men’s bronze medal match at the Central American Games, where Villalobos, a Costa Rican official, awarded a decisive point to Panama in the fifth set despite clear evidence that the ball had gone out of bounds. Her decision, coupled with her dismissive attitude toward objections from Belizean players and her own side judge, sparked emotional outbursts and ultimately handed Panama the victory. Allan Sharp, President of the Belize Volleyball Association, has expressed profound frustration, labeling the incident as a grave injustice to both Team Belize and the integrity of volleyball. Sharp has called for a thorough investigation and disciplinary action against Villalobos, emphasizing that such errors undermine the sport’s credibility. He highlighted the momentum Belize had built during the match, describing it as a thrilling contest until the referee’s controversial calls altered the outcome. The Belize Volleyball Association has formally requested the FIVB to review the incident and ensure accountability to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
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A Single Parents Alliance Support for Families in Need
In Belize, the challenges faced by single parents are immense, often involving the dual burdens of financial strain and emotional exhaustion. Studies reveal that single parents are more susceptible to burnout, anxiety, and social isolation. However, a beacon of hope has emerged in the form of the Single Parents Alliance (SPA), a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering single mothers and fathers across the country. Founded by Marie Muñoz, SPA aims to restore dignity and provide much-needed support to families navigating the complexities of single parenthood. The organization’s initiatives are rooted in three core pillars: advocacy, mentorship, and spirituality, with a strong emphasis on educational wellness, particularly literacy. Marie’s mother, Dr. Rosaline Bradley, a reading specialist, conducted research in Belize City schools, uncovering alarming literacy gaps among students. This finding spurred the creation of SPA’s literacy program, which now sees over thirty children gathering at the Leo Bradley Library to enhance their reading skills. The program not only offers educational support but also provides free snacks and mentorship from dedicated volunteers like Jemiah Villanueva, who is passionate about fostering a love for reading. For single mother Adriana Nuñez, SPA’s efforts are a lifeline, ensuring her children have the tools to build a brighter future. Through its holistic approach, SPA is transforming lives, one family at a time, proving that with support, resilience can flourish and dreams can become reality.