标签： Belize

Jamal Galves, Belize’s renowned marine conservationist, is set to receive the Wildlife Rescue Award from the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) at the Animal Action Awards ceremony in London on October 16, 2025. Known affectionately as the ‘Manatee Man,’ Galves has dedicated his life to protecting endangered manatees and marine ecosystems, earning global acclaim for his unwavering commitment. His journey began at the age of 11 when he met Dr. James ‘Buddy’ Powell, a prominent conservationist who became his mentor and inspired his lifelong mission. Reflecting on his early days, Galves shared, ‘I had no shoes, no degree – just questions and a desire to help. Dr. Powell invested his time, energy, and belief in me, and never treated my questions as a burden.’ Azzedine Downes, President and CEO of IFAW, praised Galves, stating, ‘Jamal’s dedication to manatee conservation is extraordinary. From a young volunteer to Belize’s foremost marine rescuer and educator, his work embodies selfless dedication and an unrelenting spirit.’ Galves currently serves as Belize Programme Coordinator for the Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute and leads the national marine stranding network. His contributions include training thousands of boat captains and tour guides, as well as establishing Belize’s first marine life rescue and education center. Notably, Dr. Powell nominated Galves for the award before his passing. Galves expressed, ‘Knowing he thought I was deserving of this accolade means more than any recognition I could ever receive. My greatest achievement will always be knowing he was proud of me.’

Mexico is grappling with a devastating humanitarian crisis as torrential rains from Hurricane Priscilla and Tropical Storm Raymond have caused catastrophic floods and landslides, leaving at least 47 people dead and 38 others missing. The states of Veracruz, Hidalgo, and Puebla have been the hardest hit, with Veracruz reporting 18 fatalities, Hidalgo 16, and Puebla 12. Rescue operations are underway, with the Mexican Army, Air Force, and National Guard mobilizing to deliver essential supplies, including food, water, and medical aid, to affected areas. In some regions of Veracruz, floodwaters surged to over 12 feet after rivers overflowed, exacerbating the destruction. President Claudia Sheinbaum visited the impacted towns on Sunday to assess the damage and coordinate relief efforts. The Civil Protection agency has confirmed the ongoing search for missing individuals, while rescue teams work tirelessly to evacuate residents and provide emergency care. The dual tropical systems have now dissipated, but the aftermath continues to pose significant challenges for recovery and rebuilding.

In a shocking turn of events, twenty high-ranking members of the notorious Barrio 18 gang orchestrated a daring escape from Guatemala’s Fraijanes II maximum-security prison in the early hours of Saturday, October 11, 2025. The facility, located in the municipality of Fraijanes, is specifically designed to incarcerate the country’s most dangerous criminals, making this incident particularly alarming.

On October 12th, Belize joins the Americas in commemorating Indigenous Peoples’ Resistance Day, a day dedicated to celebrating the resilience, culture, and enduring legacy of Indigenous communities. This significant occasion replaces the outdated narrative of ‘discovery’ with a focus on resistance, acknowledging that the lands Christopher Columbus encountered in 1492 were already inhabited by thriving societies. For decades, the day was observed as Columbus Day, but a deeper understanding of history has led to a profound shift in perspective, redefining the day to honor Indigenous peoples who resisted colonization and preserved their way of life. In Belize, the day pays tribute to the country’s two main Indigenous groups: the Maya and the Garifuna. The Maya, one of the region’s oldest civilizations, continue to uphold ancestral practices such as farming, spiritual ceremonies, and community traditions. Belize is home to three distinct Maya groups: the Yucatec Maya, the Mopan Maya, and the Ketchi Maya, each maintaining their own language, customs, and cultural identity while sharing deep historical and spiritual ties to the land. Many Mestizos in Belize also carry Maya ancestry, a legacy of intermarriage between Indigenous peoples and Spanish settlers during and after colonization, forming a unique cultural identity that connects Mestizo communities to Maya heritage. The Garifuna, descendants of West and Central Africans who intermarried with Indigenous Caribbean peoples on the island of St Vincent in the 17th century, are also honored today. Their culture, recognized by UNESCO in 2001 as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity, is celebrated for its language, music, dance, storytelling, and communal rituals. Beyond cultural expression, the Garifuna play a vital role in local governance, education, and the defense of ancestral lands, ensuring their heritage and identity remain alive for future generations. Today’s observance serves as a reminder of the need to protect Indigenous rights, cultural heritage, and land security, while also calling for reflection on Belize’s multi-ethnic identity and shared history.

Authorities in the old capital are probing a tragic incident that unfolded on Simon Lamb Street, where two individuals were found dead in a two-story residence. The event, which took place shortly before noon, has been preliminarily classified as a suspected murder-suicide. The victims, identified as 26-year-old Keira Gentle and 27-year-old Harrison Arnold, were discovered in separate locations within the home—Gentle on her bed and Arnold on the floor. A black 9mm pistol was found near the scene, further corroborating the initial findings. Surveillance footage from the vicinity captured the sound of multiple gunshots, adding weight to the theory of a violent altercation. Law enforcement officials are focusing their investigation on a potential domestic dispute as the underlying cause of the tragedy. The community has been left in shock as details continue to emerge, with police urging anyone with relevant information to come forward.