标签： Belize

In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, which struck Jamaica on October 28, 2025, Belizean students are gradually resuming their academic pursuits. Initially, they are attending online classes as universities prepare to reopen for in-person sessions. Bernard Pitts, President of the Belize Students Association of Jamaica (BELSAJ), confirmed that all Belizean students are safe and accounted for. Pitts highlighted the government’s relief efforts, which included distributing 75 to 100 packages to students. However, many students are still grappling with financial difficulties exacerbated by the storm. Pitts emphasized the need for additional financial assistance, as students have exceeded their budgets due to emergency preparations and travel expenses. He also urged the Belizean public to support those affected in Jamaica. Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm with winds reaching 185 mph, caused widespread devastation across the Caribbean, resulting in at least 67 deaths and tens of billions of dollars in damages. Jamaica reported 32 fatalities, while Haiti and the Dominican Republic recorded 34 and 1 death, respectively. Cuban authorities evacuated approximately 700,000 people, with hundreds experiencing flooding and property damage. Education Minister Dana Morris Dixon expressed the collective grief and pain felt across Jamaica during this challenging period.

San Pedro Town experienced a significant power outage on the evening of Sunday, November 4, 2025, following a transformer malfunction near Ramon’s Village Resort. The incident, which occurred shortly after 6:00 p.m., left the town in complete darkness. Residents reported hearing what they described as an explosion-like sound, raising concerns about the severity of the issue.

Belize Electricity Limited (BEL), the national electricity provider, issued an official statement explaining the cause of the outage. The disruption was attributed to a hardware fault on the overhead section of the 34.5 kV sub-transmission line, a critical infrastructure component that supplies power to the island. This line connects San Pedro to the national grid through a combination of submarine, underground, and overhead systems.

Compounding the problem, BEL’s San Pedro Gas Turbine, which typically serves as a backup power source, could not be activated. The turbine relies on the same damaged transmission line, rendering it ineffective during the outage. Additionally, adverse weather conditions further delayed restoration efforts, prolonging the inconvenience for residents.

Despite these challenges, BEL managed to restore power to the area, bringing relief to the affected community. The incident underscores the vulnerabilities in the island’s power infrastructure and highlights the need for robust backup systems to mitigate future disruptions.

The President of the Belize National Teachers’ Union (BNTU), Nadia Caliz, has vehemently criticized Education Minister Oscar Requena for his handling of the ongoing teacher pay controversy. In a late-night Facebook livestream, Caliz labeled Requena’s explanation as “nonsense” and “disrespect to the highest level,” expressing deep frustration over what she described as misinformation and a lack of transparency. Caliz refuted Requena’s claim that salary deductions were due to advance payments made in December, asserting that no such agreement existed with the union. She clarified that the payments were long-overdue increments and allowances, not advances. Additionally, Caliz highlighted that some teachers have yet to receive salaries dating back to June, July, September, and October. Beyond the financial delays, Caliz condemned the lack of respect and transparency toward educators, many of whom are facing severe financial hardships. She emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating that some teachers are being forced to vacate their homes due to unpaid rent. The union is demanding accountability and warning that this issue will not be ignored. Caliz vowed, “We’re going to get to the bottom of this. There’s a storm on the horizon, and this time, it’s a big one.”

The tranquil town of Corozal was thrust into turmoil early Friday morning when 72-year-old Arnaldo Vellos was brutally gunned down outside his residence. The incident occurred as Vellos was preparing to leave his yard, only to be ambushed by several assailants who fired multiple shots, leading to his untimely death. The shocking nature of the crime has left the community reeling, compounded by the fact that Vellos is the uncle of Corozal Mayor Rigoberto Vellos. Authorities are now delving into the possibility that Vellos may have been entangled in an illicit drug operation, a theory that has gained traction following initial investigations. Assistant Commissioner of Police Hilberto Romero disclosed that Vellos was targeted as he approached his vehicle, and the suspects, all known to law enforcement, are currently being sought. The incident has sparked widespread concern and raised questions about the underlying motives behind such a cold-blooded execution.

A farmer in San Estevan, Orange Walk, is currently recovering after being shot on his farm on the afternoon of November 2, 2025. The incident has left the community in shock as authorities work diligently to uncover the circumstances surrounding the attack. Details remain limited, with investigators yet to determine whether the shooting was a targeted act or a random occurrence. Assistant Commissioner of Police Hilberto Romero, Head of the National Crime Investigation Branch, provided an update on the ongoing investigation. According to Romero, the victim, Abraham Chan, was engaged in farm work when he heard a loud bang and realized he had been shot. Chan promptly sought medical attention and is now in stable condition. Police have detained several suspects, but no charges have been filed as of yet. When questioned about the motive, Romero stated that investigators are pursuing multiple leads but have not yet established a definitive reason for the attack. The case continues to develop as authorities work to bring clarity to this unsettling event.