Carib Scope

标签： Belize

伯利兹

  • PUC to Declare “Emergency Situation”

    PUC to Declare “Emergency Situation”

    In a decisive move to address a burgeoning energy crisis, the Belizean Cabinet has authorized the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) to declare an emergency situation. This declaration, announced on October 20, 2025, underscores the severity of the nation’s energy challenges, which are deemed beyond its reasonable control. To mitigate the crisis, the Cabinet has approved the procurement of 80 megawatts of solar generation capacity and a 50-megawatt natural gas ethane project proposed by Energy Transfer. These initiatives aim to stabilize Belize’s power supply and enhance its energy resilience amid growing concerns over reliability and cost.

    In a related development, the Cabinet has endorsed an agreement between the Government of Belize and Fortis Inc. of Canada for the acquisition of Fortis’s electricity sector assets in Belize. Prime Minister John Briceño has tabled a Bill in Parliament seeking authorization for the purchase of three hydropower plants and Fortis’s 33.3% stake in Belize Electricity Limited (BEL). This legislative move is expected to bolster the nation’s energy infrastructure and ensure greater control over its power resources.

    Beyond energy, the Cabinet has made several other significant decisions. These include extending tax exemptions for Belize Sugar Industries Limited (BSI) and Belize Cogeneration Energy Limited (BELCOGEN) under the Sugar Industry and Cogeneration Project Act of 2012. Additionally, the Minister of Foreign Affairs has been authorized to finalize negotiations on a Safe Third Country Agreement with the United States, which will be sent to the Senate for ratification.

    Other approved measures include funding for electrifying primary schools in San Carlos and Indian Church, hosting a Regional Intellectual Property Workshop in March 2026, revising domestic copyright laws post-accession to five WIPO treaties, modernizing the licensing framework for motorcycle dealers, allocating $2 million for bus terminal rehabilitation, and reducing import duties on electric and hybrid vehicles to 10% to promote cleaner transportation.

  • St. John Vianney Students Support Breast Cancer Awareness

    St. John Vianney Students Support Breast Cancer Awareness

    In a heartwarming display of community spirit, students and faculty at St. John Vianney RC School rallied together this October to support breast cancer awareness. Their efforts culminated in a $125 donation to the Belize Cancer Society (BCS), raised through the school’s “Pinktober Casual Day” event. The initiative was spearheaded by Zoila Audinett, a breast cancer survivor and advocate, with the unwavering support of the school’s principal, parents, and staff. Audinett, recognized as one of BCS’s Breast Cancer Awareness Champions in 2016, personally presented the donation to BCS President Kim Simplis Barrow. Barrow expressed profound gratitude, highlighting Audinett’s inspiring journey and leadership. “Zoila’s resilience and dedication in motivating her students and colleagues are a powerful testament to hope and strength,” Barrow remarked. The Belize Cancer Society also commended the school for its role in promoting early detection and providing support to those affected by the disease.

  • Moist and Unstable Weather Conditions Persist Across Belize

    Moist and Unstable Weather Conditions Persist Across Belize

    Belize remains under the influence of moist and unstable weather conditions, as reported by the National Meteorological Service. Scattered showers and thunderstorms are prevalent across much of the country, with cloudy skies interspersed with brief sunny intervals. Coastal, central, and northern regions are particularly affected, experiencing persistent rainfall and thunderstorms. While shower activity is expected to diminish by evening, it is likely to redevelop later tonight, primarily in southern and coastal areas. Meanwhile, a tropical wave in the eastern Caribbean Sea is generating intense showers and thunderstorms. Although this system does not currently pose a direct threat to Belize, forecasters indicate that environmental conditions could become more conducive to the formation of a tropical depression or storm in the coming days. Authorities are vigilantly monitoring the situation. Similar weather patterns are anticipated to persist through Tuesday and into the night.

  • “Belize Is Not Ready”: Panton Warns Against ‘Safe Third Country’ Deal with U.S.

    “Belize Is Not Ready”: Panton Warns Against ‘Safe Third Country’ Deal with U.S.

    Opposition Leader Tracy Taegar Panton has issued a stark warning regarding Belize’s potential agreement to become a ‘Safe Third Country’ for U.S. asylum seekers. In a recent press release, Panton emphasized that Belize’s immigration and asylum systems are ill-prepared to handle such an influx, citing chronic understaffing, insufficient funding, and inadequate resources. She cautioned that the proposed deal could pose significant national, social, and security risks to the country. The agreement, which is nearing finalization, would allow the U.S. to send asylum seekers to Belize while their refugee claims are processed. While the government argues that the deal balances humanitarian concerns with national sovereignty, Panton has called for immediate public consultations and full disclosure of the terms before any binding commitments are made. Foreign Minister Francis Fonseca confirmed that negotiations are advanced and highlighted safeguards such as limits on transferees, nationality restrictions, and Belize’s veto power over admissions. However, Panton and her UDP Parliamentarian Caucus remain unconvinced, urging the government to pause and reassess the potential consequences.

  • Siblings and Child Injured in Highway Crash

    Siblings and Child Injured in Highway Crash

    A devastating accident occurred on the Phillip Goldson Highway on Saturday, October 20, 2025, resulting in injuries to four individuals, including two siblings and a young child. The incident took place at mile 16 around 3:00 PM when a maroon GMC Terrain, driven by 25-year-old Tamron Brooks, veered off the road and collided with a tree. Authorities reported that Brooks lost control of the vehicle while navigating a curve, leading to the crash. Emergency responders arrived to find the vehicle severely damaged and its occupants in need of immediate medical attention. Tamron Brooks sustained knee injuries, while his sister, 20-year-old Tamia Brooks, suffered a deep facial laceration and leg pain. Their relative, 44-year-old Riva Ellis, reported back pain, and her three-year-old granddaughter, Keanie Betancourt, sustained a forehead laceration and a suspected broken arm. All victims were promptly transported to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH) for treatment. The crash has raised concerns about road safety on the Phillip Goldson Highway, prompting calls for increased vigilance and preventive measures.

  • Ex-Partner Sets House on Fire; Mother and Child Die

    Ex-Partner Sets House on Fire; Mother and Child Die

    A devastating act of domestic violence has resulted in the deaths of a mother and her six-year-old son in San Felipe Village, Orange Walk. The incident occurred early this morning when their home was deliberately set ablaze. The alleged perpetrator, 34-year-old Francisco Godoy, is the ex-common-law husband of 35-year-old Angelita Magaña. Witnesses reported seeing the house engulfed in flames around 3:00 a.m. Inside the home were Angelita, her son Tishan Godoy, her daughter, and her current partner, Miguel Novelo. Novelo recounted waking to a loud noise and seeing Godoy fleeing from a room on fire. Angelita and her daughter managed to escape, but Tishan tragically perished in the inferno. Firefighters later discovered the charred remains of Angelita and her son. Godoy, who also sustained burns, is currently under police guard at the hospital. The St. Michael RC School expressed profound sadness over the loss of Tishan, a student, and Angelita, a dedicated school helper. The community is rallying around the surviving family members, especially Angelita’s older daughter, who is fighting for her life.

  • Stepfather Sets Family on Fire

    Stepfather Sets Family on Fire

    A devastating incident of domestic violence unfolded in San Felipe Village early this morning, resulting in the tragic deaths of a mother and her young son. The victims, 35-year-old Angelita Majana and her 6-year-old son, Tishan Godoy, were fatally burned while they slept in their home. Angelita’s daughter, Shadia Majana, and her common-law husband, Miguel Novelo, survived the attack but sustained severe burns and are currently hospitalized. According to police reports, Shadia informed investigators that her former stepfather, Francisco Godoy, entered the home during the night, poured gasoline on the family, and set them ablaze before escaping the scene. Godoy, who also suffered burn injuries, was later apprehended and is now under police guard at a hospital. Authorities have initiated a comprehensive investigation into this heinous crime, which has shocked the local community.

  • Ceasefire in Peril? Israel Strikes Gaza, Halts Aid After Accusing Hamas of Truce Violations

    Ceasefire in Peril? Israel Strikes Gaza, Halts Aid After Accusing Hamas of Truce Violations

    The fragile ceasefire between Israel and Gaza is under threat following renewed hostilities, as Israel launched air strikes and suspended humanitarian aid, accusing Hamas of breaching the U.S.-mediated truce. The ceasefire, which had brought a temporary halt to over two years of conflict, now hangs in the balance. Israeli military officials reported that Hamas fighters in Rafah attacked Israeli forces with rocket-propelled grenades and sniper fire, prompting retaliatory strikes in southern Gaza. Additional violations, including fire directed at Israeli troops beyond the designated withdrawal boundary, were also cited. At least eight people were killed in the Israeli strikes across Gaza. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered an immediate halt to aid deliveries, stating they would remain suspended until further notice. Hamas denied the accusations, with its military wing, the Al Qassam Brigades, claiming no knowledge of the attacks and reaffirming its commitment to the ceasefire. Netanyahu convened high-level security consultations with Defense Minister Israel Katz and military chiefs, vowing to respond forcefully to Hamas. Katz warned that Hamas would face severe consequences for any truce violations. The escalation coincides with calls from far-right members of Netanyahu’s coalition to resume full-scale war. Meanwhile, Hamas announced it had recovered the body of an Israeli hostage and would return it if conditions permit.

  • Moist and Unstable Conditions to Prevail Across Belize

    Moist and Unstable Conditions to Prevail Across Belize

    The National Meteorological Service (NMS) of Belize has announced that the country is expected to experience moist and unstable weather conditions today, with scattered showers and thunderstorms likely in certain regions. While no weather advisories are currently in effect, meteorologists are closely monitoring tropical activity in the Atlantic and Caribbean regions. According to the U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC), a tropical wave near the Windward Islands is producing a broad area of showers and thunderstorms. This system is projected to move westward into the Caribbean Sea early next week, with potential gradual development over the coming days. Although the tropical wave poses no immediate threat to Belize, the NMS remains vigilant and will continue tracking its progress. The NHC has assigned the system a 10% chance of formation within 48 hours and a 30% chance over the next seven days. Residents are encouraged to stay updated through official weather channels as the situation evolves.

  • CARICOM Reaffirms Caribbean as a “Zone of Peace” Amid Security Concerns

    CARICOM Reaffirms Caribbean as a “Zone of Peace” Amid Security Concerns

    In a significant move to address escalating security concerns, the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining the Caribbean as a ‘Zone of Peace.’ This declaration came during a recent meeting of the Heads of Government, where leaders expressed growing unease over increased military and security activities in the region. While Trinidad and Tobago reserved its position, the majority of CARICOM members emphasized the importance of dialogue and peaceful conflict resolution. The regional body also highlighted its ongoing efforts to combat narcotrafficking and the illegal trade of small arms, stressing the need for international cooperation and adherence to international law. CARICOM leaders reiterated their unwavering support for the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and safety of Caribbean nations and their people. Although the statement did not explicitly name any specific country or external actor, it comes amid heightened U.S.-led operations and renewed debates about foreign intervention and border disputes. This reaffirmation aligns with the principles of the 1979 Havana Declaration, which advocated for a Caribbean free from military confrontation and external interference.