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标签： Belize

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  • City Hall Touts Transit Progress as Commuters Brave Heat and Rain

    City Hall Touts Transit Progress as Commuters Brave Heat and Rain

    When Belize City launched its electric bus pilot program in July 2024, it marked a bold step toward sustainable public transit for the coastal Central American city. Two years on, city leaders are celebrating a key milestone: the small fleet of two electric buses has already carried nearly 400,000 passengers, proving strong local demand for cleaner, accessible public transportation. But for daily commuters relying on the new service, one critical oversight has turned everyday trips into an uncomfortable gamble: a lack of functional, weather-protected bus stop infrastructure leaves riders waiting in extreme heat or sudden heavy rain, with nowhere to shelter.

    Deputy Mayor Eluide Miller recently acknowledged that this gap is a valid, pressing concern for residents, confirming that the city has now finalized plans to address the long-standing issue. The first major improvement will be a state-of-the-art new sheltered bus stop constructed at the high-traffic Battlefield Park location in central downtown Belize City, a project set to break ground in the near term.

    Looking beyond the initial pilot phase, Miller outlined a multi-term strategy to overhaul the city’s entire bus stop network. The current council has committed to advancing upgrades through the end of its term, and Miller emphasized that the next incoming city council will need to allocate dedicated ongoing resources to both modernize existing stops and build new facilities to support planned route expansions for the growing electric bus fleet.

    Miller explained that the limited scope of the initial pilot program explains why infrastructure upgrades were not prioritized from the start. The initiative was designed as a test bed to evaluate whether electric buses could operate reliably and effectively in Belize’s climate and urban context, with only a small number of vehicles deployed initially. Comprehensive infrastructure upgrades were not baked into the original pilot’s limited scope and budget.

    As Belize City pushes forward with its transition to electric public transit, the infrastructure upgrade plan signals a shift from testing the viability of e-mobility to scaling the service into a fully functional, resident-focused public resource, addressing the most immediate pain point for daily users.

  • CitCo Seeks New Funds for Capital Projects

    CitCo Seeks New Funds for Capital Projects

    Eight months out from Belize’s upcoming municipal elections, the Belize City Council has sparked public and political debate with a proposal to issue a $46 million municipal bond, part of which will secure $16 million in fresh financing for critical city-wide infrastructure and capital projects.

    Deputy Mayor Eluide Miller has moved quickly to address growing concerns over the timing of the bond initiative, the city’s spending priorities, and its ability to shoulder nearly half a billion Belizean dollars in municipal debt, framing the proposal as a responsible restructuring of existing obligations rather than a reckless new borrowing spree ahead of the election cycle.

    Miller, speaking on behalf of the current Bernard Wagner-led administration, emphasized that the council carries a strong fiscal track record that backs its ability to manage the new debt structure. Only $16 million of the total $46 million bond represents new capital for projects, he explained: the remaining $20 million covers existing short-term debt that the council is refinancing into longer-term instruments with maturities of five to ten years, a move designed to ease near-term fiscal pressure and create more flexible repayment terms.

    The deputy mayor highlighted that even during two of the most severe shocks to Belize’s economy in recent history—the global COVID-19 pandemic and Hurricane Lisa, which battered the country in 2022—the Belize City Council never missed a single interest or principal payment on its existing outstanding debt. He added that the council has consistently maintained and properly managed required reserve funds, including an interest reserve fund and a sinking fund, to ensure all future debt obligations can be met.

    Miller argued that municipal bonds are standard, legitimate financial tools designed explicitly to allow local governments to fund large-scale capital improvements that benefit the public. He also noted that Belize City municipal securities have a long-standing positive reputation in regional financial markets, which currently hold ample liquidity that the council can leverage to advance development in the city. He added that the current administration has also worked to successfully attract both public and private sector investment to Belize City, which he described as one of the most attractive investment offerings in the current market.

    Critics and observers, however, have raised questions about the political timing of the bond proposal, which comes just months before voters head to the polls to elect a new municipal council. The timing has led to questions about whether the initiative is aligned with long-term public interests, or if it is a pre-election move designed to fund popular projects ahead of the vote.

    This report is adapted from a transcript of a televised evening newscast.

  • Belize Welcomes First Asylum Seeker Under U.S. Deal

    Belize Welcomes First Asylum Seeker Under U.S. Deal

    Nearly nine months after formalizing a controversial Third Safe Country agreement with the United States, the Central American nation of Belize has marked a major milestone in the implementation of the policy: it has welcomed its first asylum seeker under the pact. The individual, a Haitian national, arrived in the country several weeks ago and has now begun the multi-step process of integrating into Belizean society, according to senior government officials.

    The bilateral agreement, signed by the Belizean and U.S. governments in October 2025, designates Belize as a third safe destination where asylum seekers intercepted while attempting to reach the United States can be relocated to have their claims processed. While the Belizean Ministry of Foreign Affairs holds lead negotiating and coordination responsibility for the agreement, the country’s Ministry of Immigration and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) share on-the-ground duties for supporting arriving asylum seekers.

    In a public update on the policy’s first active case, Belize’s Immigration Minister Kareem Musa outlined the critical role his department plays in the process. “Our refugee department, along with the UNHCR, are responsible for integrating those individuals into society, providing shelter for them, providing food for them, helping them to get on their feet with the different process and integrating into the Belizean society,” Musa explained.

    Musa also detailed the vetting framework laid out in the official memorandum of understanding (MOU) governing the agreement, which gives Belize full authority to reject any relocated asylum seeker based on national security priorities. Under the terms of the pact, U.S. authorities provide Belize with 72 hours advance notice before any asylum seeker is relocated by flight. During that window, Belizean officials conduct a full background check to screen for potential risks. If authorities identify any concerns about an individual, the government retains the explicit right to deny entry and landing permission to the asylum seeker, Musa confirmed.

  • No Endorsement from Musa Ahead of PUP Convention

    No Endorsement from Musa Ahead of PUP Convention

    Ahead of the People’s United Party (PUP) upcoming Belize City municipal convention, Caribbean Shores Area Representative Kareem Musa has announced he will remain neutral in the race for the party’s mayoral nomination, framing his non-endorsement stance as a commitment to upholding the democratic spirit of the internal selection process.

    Two contenders, Allan Pollard and Eluide Miller, are currently competing to secure the PUP mayoral candidacy ahead of the nationwide municipal elections scheduled for March 2026. While Musa has already publicly thrown his full support behind Kirkland Smith, a career educator from the Caribbean Shores district running for a different position, he says he will not pressure convention delegates to pick one mayoral candidate over the other.

    In comments to reporters, Musa emphasized that delegates deserve the autonomy to cast their votes independently, without influence from sitting elected officials. He acknowledged that both Pollard and Miller represent standout young talent within the PUP, pointing to their existing accomplishments in early political careers as proof of their value to the party.

    “We in Caribbean Shores will leave it up to the delegates,” Musa said. “This is a democratic process and I will not impress on the delegates, any of them, on who I think that they should vote for.”

    Musa, who considers himself a senior member of the PUP, outlined his two core priorities moving forward regardless of the convention’s outcome. Once a winner is selected, he will commit all his efforts to helping the nominee secure victory in the general municipal election to become Belize City’s next mayor. For the candidate who falls short in the nomination race, Musa says he will work to lift up and encourage them, noting that even unsuccessful contenders have significant contributions to make to the party and Belizean politics long into the future.

    This report is adapted from a transcribed broadcast evening newscast, originally published ahead of the 2026 municipal nomination cycle.

  • National Campaign Pushes Belizeans Toward Healthier Habits

    National Campaign Pushes Belizeans Toward Healthier Habits

    On July 24, 2026, Belize’s Ministry of Health and Wellness joined forces with the Taiwan Embassy in Belize to launch a new public health initiative called “Belize Moves,” a nationwide campaign designed to encourage everyday physical activity and reduce the burden of preventable lifestyle-related illnesses across the Central American nation.

    The official launch ceremony took place on a Thursday evening at Sir George Brown Park in Belmopan, the country’s capital, where senior health officials and diplomatic partners outlined the urgent need for the program. Public health data shows non-communicable diseases (NCDs) including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, certain cancers, and hypertension are responsible for roughly 65% of all annual deaths in Belize, placing enormous strain on families, local communities, and the country’s public health system.

    Unlike many fitness initiatives that focus on structured gym routines or high-intensity workouts, Belize Moves centers on small, accessible, easy-to-adopt movement changes that people of all ages and ability levels can integrate into their daily lives. “Belize Moves is more than a program. It is a commitment to prevention, a commitment to healthier communities and a commitment to creating opportunities for every Belizean to live a longer, healthier and more active life,” said Kevin Bernard, Belize’s Minister of Health and Wellness, during the launch event.

    Bernard emphasized that behind the stark mortality statistic are real people whose lives are upended by entirely preventable conditions. “Non-communicable diseases… continue to place a very heavy burden on our families, communities, and our health system. As highlighted during the Belize Moves workshop this week, NCDs account for approximately sixty-five percent of all deaths in our country. Behind each statistic is a mother, a father, a brother, a sister, a friend or a neighbor whose life has been impacted by preventable illnesses,” he added.

    The diplomatic partnership with the Taiwan Embassy in Belize supports the government’s broader goals to strengthen primary healthcare and improve chronic disease prevention and management across the country. “Together, we are strengthening primary healthcare, enhancing the prevention and management of chronic disease, and promoting healthier lifestyles. This partnership reflects our shared commitment to improving public health and achieving the goals of the Belize Moves initiative. As a close friend and a development partner of Belize, Taiwan remains committed to deepening our cooperation and advancing the health and well-being of the Belizean people,” said H.E. Amino Chi, Taiwan’s Ambassador to Belize.

    The campaign will roll out structured activities across multiple sectors of Belizean society to drive broad participation. Local primary and secondary schools will integrate the initiative into their health curricula, hosting health fairs, delivering evidence-based nutrition education, and organizing age-appropriate fitness challenges for students. Employers across the public and private sectors will be encouraged to develop tailored workplace wellness programs that support both physical activity and mental well-being for their staff.

    Bernard stressed that the long-term success of the initiative depends on widespread public participation, calling on every Belizean to join the movement and encourage those around them to adopt small, healthy changes. “I invite every Belizean to be part of this journey. Take a walk, join a fitness activity, choose healthier foods, get screened, and most importantly, encourage your families and friends, neighbors, and coworkers to do the same,” he said. “Because when one Belizean moves, a family benefits. When a community moves, a nation benefits. When Belize moves, Belize grows stronger, healthier, and more resilient.”

    Public health leaders hope Belize Moves will evolve from a targeted campaign into a sustained national movement, helping households, schools, workplaces, and local communities embed long-term healthy habits and reduce preventable illness across the country.

  • Public Service Union Marks 104 Years with Renewed Call for Unity

    Public Service Union Marks 104 Years with Renewed Call for Unity

    On July 24, 2026, Belize’s Public Service Union (PSU) marked a historic milestone: 104 years of unwavering advocacy for the nation’s public sector workers. Founded in 1922, the union has cemented its role as a foundational force in Belizean labor, consistently defending worker rights and pushing for improved working conditions and benefits across all public service departments. As the organization enters its 105th year of operation, it is gearing up to host its 104th Annual General Meeting (AGM) in mid-August, centered on the unifying theme “One Vision, One Voice, One Union: PSU, One Hundred Four Years Strong.”

    PSU President Dean Flowers opened up about the union’s enduring legacy and current priorities in remarks ahead of the gathering, noting that the organization has been instrumental in shaping the trajectory of Belizean society and national development since its early days. For the first time in the union’s history, the 2026 AGM will be held on weekdays, scheduled for August 13 and 14, a strategic shift designed to boost member turnout. Organizers hope the mid-week scheduling will allow more rank-and-file members to attend, engage with the union’s work, and deepen their understanding of core trade union principles.

    Flowers emphasized that solidarity, a core value of the PSU, is far more than a rhetorical buzzword. “Solidarity is not shouting the word. Solidarity is hitting the ground. Solidarity is standing shoulder to shoulder when we need to do that on the pavement,” he told attendees of the pre-AGM announcement. The event will also include internal leadership elections for multiple key positions within the union: aside from Flowers’ current post, which will not be up for contention until next year, ballots will be cast for first vice president, assistant general secretary, national treasurer, two counselor seats, and three trustee seats. Nominations for these roles are currently open, and Flowers has encouraged committed members with a deep understanding of trade union organizing to put their names forward.

    Beyond the election cycle, Flowers urged aspiring union leaders to leverage the PSU’s ongoing training programs, which are offered year-round to build capacity among members interested in taking on leadership roles. He stressed that broad, engaged participation from the union’s membership base is critical to addressing the pressing challenges facing modern public sector workers in Belize. Among the most pressing issues the union is currently tackling are the ongoing transition related to the Staff Authority and Retirement Act (SARA), uncertainties surrounding the status of terminal workers, and ongoing fights to protect and expand employee benefits for all public officers.

    As the PSU celebrates more than a century of worker advocacy, its leadership has reiterated that collective solidarity remains the most powerful tool to advance the interests of Belize’s public service workforce, ahead of the August general meeting.

  • Four Belizeans Receive Free Education from St. John’s Credit Union

    Four Belizeans Receive Free Education from St. John’s Credit Union

    In celebration of its 80th year of service to communities across Belize, St. John’s Credit Union (SJCU) has launched a landmark expansion of its education support program, awarding four-year full high school scholarships to a record-breaking group of four local students—the largest cohort of recipients in the initiative’s history.

    The multi-year scholarships are designed to remove financial barriers for talented young learners who demonstrate strong academic potential, significant unmet financial need, and clear commitment to advancing their long-term personal and career goals. Unlike many one-time education grants, this program covers all costs associated with four years of high school, extending far beyond basic tuition to ensure recipients have every resource needed to thrive.

    Shanelle Reneau, Chief Executive Officer of SJCU, explained the expanded scope of the 2024 scholarship program in a recent broadcast interview. “This year, we increased the total number of awards significantly,” Reneau said. “Each student receives $1,700 that is paid directly to their high school to cover full tuition. On top of that, we provide all required school supplies, and add targeted academic support when it’s needed. If a recipient struggles with any subject, we arrange free tutoring to help them get back on track. Our whole goal is to set these students up for the highest possible chance of success throughout their entire high school journey.”

    For the awardees, the scholarship represents a life-changing opportunity to pursue their ambitions without financial strain. Prince Perez, one of the 2026 recipients, shared his excitement and gratitude for the award, saying, “I am really happy and really grateful for getting this award. I hope I get to make my parents, myself, and everyone proud.” When asked about his future career aspirations, Perez explained he plans to build a career working with Belize’s iconic marine environment, following in the footsteps of his family. “I like science and IT. And in the future I wanted to be a marine tour guide. I saw a lot of my family members do it, like my grandfather, my uncles, and some of my aunties. But I like to be like them ’cause I love the ocean and marine life.”

    Fellow recipient Ivan Mendez noted that the award has already shaped his approach to his education, pushing him to maintain high academic standards and engage more deeply with his learning. “It has helped me mold myself into always keeping those grades and involving myself more in my education,” Mendez said. For future applicants considering applying for the program next year, Mendez offered simple, encouraging advice: “Just keep your grades up and apply to any scholarship that is available to you. No matter what all you need to do, just apply and maybe just believe that you will be accepted.”

    SJCU officials emphasized that the expanded scholarship program aligns with the credit union’s core mission, which has centered on supporting members and strengthening local communities through access to opportunity since its founding 80 years ago. Recipients were reminded that the award is both a valuable opportunity and a responsibility to continue striving for academic and personal excellence throughout their high school careers.

    The scholarship initiative is just one part of SJCU’s 80th anniversary celebrations, which will take place this November. The organization has planned a full slate of community-focused events to mark the milestone, alongside highlighting its new facility, upgraded member services, and ongoing commitment to growing its impact and serving the Belizean community more effectively in the decades ahead.

    This report is adapted from a transcript of an evening television news broadcast.

  • Haile Selassie Celebration Returns Saturday Night

    Haile Selassie Celebration Returns Saturday Night

    After months of anticipation, one of Belize’s most beloved cultural and musical gatherings is making its return to the capital this weekend. On Saturday night, the 134th annual Haile Selassie Earthstrong Night Celebration will bring together reggae enthusiasts, cultural practitioners, and entire communities for an evening rooted in shared identity, history, and collective unity, centered around the gathering’s core message of “One Love”.

    Long-time event organizer Ras Reuben emphasized that the annual celebration goes far beyond a simple night of live music. While great performances remain a central draw, the gathering is first and foremost a tribute to the legacy of Haile Selassie I, a figure considered a divine leader within Rastafarian culture, and an opportunity to reinforce the power of collective solidarity among Belizeans. “This is King Selassie’s Earth Day, his 134th Earthstrong, and we celebrate this every year,” Reuben explained in prepared remarks for the upcoming event.

    This year’s lineup features a diverse roster of talented local and regional acts, spanning live bands, DJs, and solo performers. Headlining the night will be Kenny Gladden and the New Creation Band, alongside sets from DJ Black, Brick City, and Jahlock. Additional performers include Ras Sherman, Ras Jalac, Bongo Farai, Reddadan, Unlimited, and Ras Indio, with many more artists set to make appearances throughout the evening. Reuben noted that these names only represent a portion of the talent slated to take the stage.

    The 2026 celebration will be hosted at BTL Park, running from 6:00 PM to midnight on Saturday. Organizers have designed the event to be fully family-friendly, encouraging attendees to bring children and extended family members to experience the full range of cultural activities on offer. Beyond live music, the gathering will feature a wide selection of traditional Belizean food and beverage vendors, giving attendees the chance to fully immerse themselves in local cultural traditions.

    Reuben extended a sincere note of gratitude to everyone who made the 2026 event possible, including community supporters, volunteers, and official sponsors whose contributions have kept this long-running annual tradition alive. “Blessed love,” Reuben said, inviting all members of the public to join the gathering for a night of reflection, celebration, and connection.

    This report is adapted from a transcribed evening television news broadcast, with original Kriol language statements rendered in standard spelling for clarity.

  • The 10-Year Manhunt Is Over for Costa Rica’s Most Wanted

    The 10-Year Manhunt Is Over for Costa Rica’s Most Wanted

    After 10 years of relentless cross-border investigative work, Costa Rican law enforcement has brought a close to one of the country’s highest-profile manhunts, capturing top fugitive Alejandro Arias Monge — widely known by his criminal alias “Diablo” — during a major tactical operation in early July 24, 2026. The high-stakes raid unfolded before dawn on Friday at a remote rural farm located in Sarapiquí, a district of central Costa Rica’s Heredia Province.

    When tactical officers from the country’s Judicial Investigation Agency moved in to secure the property, they were met with immediate heavy gunfire from armed members of Arias Monge’s criminal network. A protracted exchange of fire between officers and the suspects continued for approximately 60 minutes before authorities gained full control of the site.

    The operation left five tactical unit members with injuries, four of whom were reported to be in stable condition as of the latest update from authorities. One injured officer, however, required transfer to a specialized medical facility for urgent care. During the confrontation, one additional suspect identified by the alias “Coco Guácimo” was killed in the crossfire.

    Beyond the capture of Arias Monge, law enforcement secured two more high-profile arrests: senior ranking members of his criminal organization, including Jonathan Pérez Méndez, who goes by the alias “Tan.” Investigative sources confirm Pérez Méndez had been positioned as the heir apparent to take over leadership of the network if Arias Monge was ever caught or killed.

    Authorities also confiscated a cache of dangerous weapons and surveillance equipment during the raid, including multiple AK-47-style assault rifles, a range of sidearms, and drone technology that investigators believe the criminal network used to track and monitor police movements ahead of potential operations.

    Arias Monge first vanished from authorities’ radar back in 2016, when he failed to appear for a court hearing following his release from pre-trial detention. In the decade he remained at large, investigators have tied him to a string of serious transnational crimes, including large-scale drug trafficking, coordinated money laundering operations, multiple connected homicides, and direct threats against active law enforcement officers. Officials note that all allegations against Arias Monge have not yet been adjudicated in a court of law.

    The decade-long search for the fugitive drew significant international backing, with the United States offering a reward of up to $500,000 for information leading to his capture through the U.S. State Department’s Transnational Organized Crime Rewards Program. U.S. authorities had previously designated Arias Monge as the leader of a violent criminal syndicate that operated across multiple countries in Central America, making his capture a priority for regional security.

  • ‘He Has Never Lived a Normal Life’: Rodwell Ferguson Speaks on Son’s Arrest

    ‘He Has Never Lived a Normal Life’: Rodwell Ferguson Speaks on Son’s Arrest

    In an emotional first public address Thursday, Stann Creek West Area Representative Rodwell Ferguson opened up about his son Stoney Ferguson’s recent arrest following a violent altercation with law enforcement in Placencia, revealing the decades of severe health challenges that have shaped his son’s daily life.

    Stoney Ferguson, 30-something, was taken into police custody on July 18, after authorities say he failed to comply with orders to stop at a routine police checkpoint in the popular coastal town. What began as a traffic stop quickly escalated, according to police reports, resulting in verbal abuse against officers, a short vehicle pursuit through Placencia, and significant damage to a police vehicle.

    While Rodwell Ferguson made clear that he in no way defends or condones his son’s alleged actions toward law enforcement, he pushed for the public to understand the context of lifelong health struggles that have left Stoney living with constant chronic pain and volatility. The lawmaker stressed that respect for police is a non-negotiable principle, noting officers were simply carrying out their official duties the night of the confrontation.

    “From the day he was born, he has never lived a normal life,” Ferguson told reporters. He explained that Stoney developed severe, life-threatening asthma in infancy, spending the majority of his early childhood years admitted to hospital rather than living at home with his family. The health struggles did not end there: eight years prior to the arrest, Stoney suffered a catastrophic accident after falling from a breadfruit tree, which left him with a broken back.

    Due to deeply held religious beliefs, Stoney refused the invasive back surgery that doctors recommended to repair the injury, opting instead to manage the condition through non-invasive pain management. The choice has left him living with unrelenting severe daily pain that often triggers intense irritability, his father explained.

    Despite these ongoing obstacles, Ferguson emphasized that his son has worked tirelessly to maintain full independence, supporting himself by selling fresh fruits and vegetables to local residents and visitors in Placencia.

    Ferguson acknowledged that his son will face the full legal consequences of his actions during the July 18 incident, but he is asking the public and the justice system to take his long-documented health challenges into consideration as the legal process moves forward.