In a recent press briefing, Cordel Hyde, the Minister of Natural Resources, addressed mounting concerns over a controversial land acquisition process and the strikingly low valuation of prime beachfront property. The case in question involves Sherene Garbutt, whose lease application for 22 acres in the Malacate Beach area remained stagnant for years, while a later application swiftly reached the minister’s desk. Minister Hyde clarified that Garbutt was never legally entitled to the land, dismissing her request for its return. He also defended the valuation of the property at just $10,000, emphasizing that government land sales are subsidized to make land accessible to ordinary citizens, rather than being priced at market value. When questioned about potential favoritism or conspiracy within the ministry, Hyde acknowledged the complexity of processing thousands of applications, citing delays and external pressures as common challenges. He further revealed that the individual involved in the acquisition, Mr. Price, has opted to return the land to the government amidst the controversy, with a full refund of his payment. The minister’s explanations have sparked debates over transparency and fairness in land allocation processes.
标签： Belize
伯利兹
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Opposition’s ‘Who Thief Budna’ Shirts Stir Debate
In a bold political statement, members of the Opposition made waves in the House today by donning T-shirts emblazoned with the phrase ‘Who Thief Budna’. This provocative message directly references the controversial abduction of Joseph Budna in August 2025. The move elicited a spectrum of reactions, with some viewing it as a powerful gesture of solidarity, while others criticized the Opposition’s strategy and questioned their advisors. Undeterred by the backlash, Opposition Leader Tracy Panton amplified the message during her address on the government’s Fortis acquisition. Panton’s remarks underscored the Opposition’s determination to keep the Budna case in the public eye, refusing to let it fade into obscurity. She challenged the government to address the unresolved questions surrounding the abduction, highlighting what she described as the Prime Minister’s sensitivity to political scrutiny. The ‘Who Thief Budna’ campaign has become a focal point in the ongoing political discourse, reflecting the Opposition’s commitment to holding the government accountable.
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SIB Reveals 2022 Census Insights: Migration Shifts and Poverty Realities
The Statistical Institute of Belize (SIB) concluded its annual Statistics Week with a significant event—the Data Users Conference in Belize City. This gathering brought together policymakers, researchers, and development partners to discuss the transformative role of data in shaping Belize’s future. The highlight of the conference was the release of two pivotal reports from the 2022 Population and Housing Census: the Migration Report and the Multidimensional Poverty Index Report. These documents provide a comprehensive analysis of population movement, living conditions, and social well-being across the nation. Diana Castillo, Director General of the SIB, emphasized the importance of these findings in guiding policy decisions. The Migration Report revealed that 45,644 Belize residents, or 11.5% of the population, were born abroad, primarily in Honduras, El Salvador, and Guatemala. The average age of foreign-born residents is 43, compared to 23 for native-born Belizeans. Lesley Criz, an SIB statistician, noted that most migrants come to Belize for employment opportunities, while younger Belizeans often leave for education or family reunification. The Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) highlighted that 26.6% of Belizeans face poverty beyond income, with factors such as housing, food security, and education access playing significant roles. Rural areas and the Toledo District are particularly affected, with the Maya community experiencing the highest levels of poverty. Christian Orellana, Manager of the Census & Surveys Department, pointed out that lack of internet access and ICT resources is a major contributor to poverty. The conference provided a platform for stakeholders to identify these disparities and strategize solutions for a more equitable future.
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Animation Bootcamp Empowers Women in Belize
In a landmark achievement for digital education in Belize, twenty-three women from southern Belize have graduated from a specialized animation bootcamp. This initiative, part of the Taiwan-Belize Women Economic Empowerment project, aims to foster creative digital skills and innovation among women and girls. The program, which concluded at Bella Vista Government Secondary School, follows successful sessions in Orange Walk, Corozal, and Belize City last year. Over three months, participants created impactful animations on critical topics such as road safety, autism awareness, gender equality, and environmental protection. Dr. Louis Zabaneh, Area Representative for Dangriga, emphasized the importance of blending creativity with education to unlock endless opportunities. He highlighted the shift from traditional memorization-based learning to practical, transformative skills that benefit society. Andrew Su, Chief of the Taiwan Technical Mission in Belize, praised the participants for their creativity and effort, noting the rapid progress they made in producing their own animated videos. The bootcamp culminated in an animation competition, with the winning project focusing on road safety—a pressing issue in Belize. Juanita Lucas, Principal of Bella Vista Government Secondary School, expressed pride in her students’ accomplishments and stressed the need for innovative educational initiatives. This program not only provides a platform for creative expression but also opens doors to Belize’s growing Orange Economy, offering women new pathways to economic empowerment.
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Autopsy Confusion Adds to Faber Family’s Grief
The Faber family, already grappling with the devastating loss of two loved ones, now faces additional anguish due to confusion surrounding an autopsy. Shamar Faber, a victim of a tragic shooting near the KHMH in March, passed away on Tuesday, just ten days after his mother, Sheneile, was brutally murdered and left in a garbage drum. The family had planned a joint funeral for Sunday but encountered a significant obstacle when they were informed that Shamar’s body required an autopsy, despite already possessing a death certificate. This raised fears of a postponed funeral. However, in a sudden turn of events, the autopsy was canceled on the eve of the funeral, leaving the family in a state of bewilderment and frustration. Shawnette Tillett, Shamar’s aunt, expressed her distress, revealing that no clear explanation was provided for the cancellation. She recounted being told that the KHMH failed to supply necessary medical documents, halting the process. The family remains in limbo, unable to proceed with funeral arrangements or access Shamar’s body, while the funeral home faces financial losses due to the uncertainty. The lack of communication and clarity from authorities has compounded the family’s grief, leaving them searching for answers in an already unbearable situation.
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World Food Day Highlights Urgent Hunger Crisis
On October 17, 2025, Rome hosted the global observance of World Food Day, coinciding with the 80th anniversary of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). This year’s theme, ‘Hand in hand for better foods and a better future,’ underscored the urgent need for collective action to address the escalating hunger crisis. Leaders, partners, and youth advocates from across the globe convened to emphasize the importance of building resilient, inclusive, and sustainable food systems. The event highlighted the devastating impact of extreme weather, climate shocks, economic instability, and widening inequality, which have left hundreds of millions facing hunger and billions unable to afford nutritious meals. Pope Leo XIV delivered a poignant address, drawing attention to the plight of vulnerable populations in regions such as Ukraine, Gaza, Haiti, Afghanistan, Mali, the Central African Republic, Yemen, and South Sudan. He called on the international community to share in the suffering of those deprived of basic necessities like food, water, and healthcare. The event served as a stark reminder of the urgent need for global solidarity to combat hunger and inequality, urging immediate action to secure a better future for all.
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Teen Killed in Fatal Motorcycle Collision in Belmopan
A devastating road accident in Belmopan has resulted in the untimely death of an 18-year-old student. The incident occurred on Thursday, October 16, at approximately 5:20 p.m. at the intersection of Saint Jude and Saint Matthews Streets. Upon arrival, law enforcement discovered a severely damaged bus and a motorcycle submerged in a nearby drain. Preliminary investigations indicate that the bus, operated by 23-year-old Jonathan Estrada from San Ignacio Town, was traveling on Saint Matthews Street when it collided with the motorcycle, which was descending Saint Jude Street. The motorcycle was driven by Jonni Cano, who was accompanied by his friend Jamin Patt, both students from the Stann Creek District. The collision forcefully ejected both riders from the motorcycle. Emergency responders rushed the injured students to the Western Regional Hospital. Tragically, Cano was declared dead upon arrival, while Patt’s current condition remains undisclosed. Estrada emerged from the crash unscathed. Authorities are continuing their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident.
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Body of Missing Man Found in Macal River
A grim discovery in the Macal River has prompted a thorough investigation by local authorities. The body, found on October 16, 2025, is believed to be that of Edward Rupert Rodney Burke, a 50-year-old British national who was reported missing just a day earlier on October 15. The decomposed remains were retrieved from the river and have since been transferred to the National Forensic Science Service morgue for a post-mortem examination to ascertain the cause of death. As of now, the circumstances leading to Burke’s demise remain unclear, and the investigation is ongoing. The case has drawn significant attention, with authorities working diligently to uncover the truth behind this tragic incident.
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Madagascar’s Leader Flees Amid Gen Z Protests
Madagascar has witnessed a dramatic political transformation as Colonel Michael Randrianirina assumed the presidency following a military intervention that ousted former President Andry Rajoelina. The change in leadership comes after weeks of escalating protests led by the country’s youth, who demanded urgent action on pressing issues such as unemployment, inflation, and systemic corruption. Social media platforms were instrumental in rallying support and amplifying the voices of dissent. During his swearing-in ceremony, Randrianirina hailed the protesters as catalysts for change and vowed to implement sweeping reforms, including drafting a new constitution, revising electoral processes, and investigating the mismanagement of the state-owned utility company. He also committed to forming an interim government and organizing elections within two years. The Constitutional Court defended the transition, attributing the crisis to constitutional deficiencies rather than labeling it a coup. Additionally, Randrianirina signaled a shift in foreign policy by engaging in discussions with Russian officials to explore enhanced bilateral cooperation.
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Maduro Accuses U.S. of Using CIA to Topple His Government
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has publicly accused the United States of orchestrating a covert operation to destabilize his government. Speaking at a rally in Caracas on Thursday, Maduro claimed that the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) has been deployed to Venezuela under the pretext of combating drug trafficking, but with the true objective of regime change. This assertion follows U.S. President Donald Trump’s acknowledgment of CIA activities in the region.
Maduro described this as the most explicit threat from a U.S. administration to date, vowing that Venezuela would resist any foreign intervention. He alleged that the CIA has been actively undermining Venezuela for over two decades, supporting coups across Latin America. Maduro also accused Washington of employing psychological tactics to sow division and fear among Venezuelans, while emphasizing the unity of the country’s leadership and citizens.
Furthermore, Maduro suggested that Venezuela’s abundant natural resources, including oil, gas, and gold, are the primary drivers of U.S. interference. He framed the situation as part of a broader pattern of U.S. interventionism in the region, aimed at securing economic and geopolitical advantages.
The Venezuelan president’s remarks have escalated tensions between the two nations, raising concerns about the potential for further destabilization in the region. This development comes amid ongoing economic and political challenges in Venezuela, which has been grappling with hyperinflation, shortages, and international sanctions.