In a significant operation on October 17, 2025, the San Ignacio Police conducted a search at a residence on Maya Street, leading to the seizure of a high-powered firearm and a substantial cache of ammunition. The raid resulted in the detention of three individuals who failed to produce a valid firearm license. Among the confiscated items were a GIVATI-brand 9mm rifle-type firearm (serial number GFX0006), two magazines, a drum magazine, 195 rounds of 9mm ammunition, and 20 rounds of .223 ammunition. These were concealed in a bucket within a room of the property. The suspects were transported to the San Ignacio Police Station and are awaiting formal charges related to the possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition. The police have indicated that their investigation is still ongoing.
标签： Belize
伯利兹
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Landmark Tobacco Control Bill Introduced
In a groundbreaking move to safeguard public health, Belize’s Minister of Health and Wellness, Kevin Bernard, unveiled the Tobacco Control Bill 2025 in the House of Representatives on October 17, 2025. Described as a “decisive step” toward protecting the nation’s youth and future generations, the bill aligns with the World Health Organization’s Framework Convention on Tobacco Control. It aims to regulate the sale, advertising, packaging, and labeling of tobacco and nicotine-related products, including e-cigarettes, while banning the tobacco industry’s involvement in health policy decisions. Bernard emphasized the urgency of the crisis, citing WHO data that reveals tobacco kills over eight million people annually, including 1.2 million non-smokers exposed to secondhand smoke. In Belize, 8.7% of adults and 15% of youth aged 13 to 15 use tobacco, with e-cigarette use among teens reaching 12%. The bill, backed by the Cabinet and international health organizations like PAHO and WHO, seeks to prevent the tobacco epidemic through effective legislation. Bernard called on lawmakers to prioritize public health over industry profits, warning of potential resistance from powerful tobacco manufacturers. The bill’s introduction marks the beginning of parliamentary debate, with Bernard urging unity to save lives and protect the nation’s youth.
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Belize Nears “Safe Country” Agreement with the U.S.
Belize is on the brink of finalizing a significant migration agreement with the United States, known as the ‘Safe Third Country Agreement.’ Foreign Minister Francis Fonseca announced that the negotiations are nearing completion, emphasizing that the deal aims to balance Belize’s sovereignty with its humanitarian commitments. Speaking in the House of Representatives, Fonseca addressed concerns and misinformation surrounding the agreement, clarifying its purpose and legal framework. He highlighted Belize’s long-standing adherence to the 1951 UN Refugee Convention and its reputation as a leader in migration and refugee management. The agreement, which includes strict safeguards, would allow the U.S. to transfer asylum seekers to Belize for claim determination under controlled conditions. These safeguards include veto power over transfers, nationality restrictions, annual caps, and considerations of criminal records and professional skills. The deal, initially set for two years, can be suspended or terminated by either party with written notice. Fonseca also noted that the U.S. will provide financial and technical support to strengthen Belize’s asylum system. However, the agreement requires ratification by the Belizean Senate before it can take effect, ensuring compliance with domestic legal procedures. Fonseca stressed that the agreement’s activation will follow detailed implementation planning and will only be used if necessary. He concluded by affirming Belize’s commitment to international law, cooperation with the U.S., and the protection of persecuted individuals, reflecting both compassion and pragmatism.
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Four BDF Officers Commissioned in Guyana After Completing Military Training
In a significant milestone for military collaboration in the region, four officers from the Belize Defence Force (BDF) have successfully completed the rigorous Standard Officer Course 56 (SOC 56) in Guyana. The graduation ceremony, held on October 15, 2025, at Base Camp Ayanganna in Georgetown, marked the culmination of two years of intensive military and academic training. The event saw 31 newly commissioned officers from various forces, including the Guyana Defence Force, the Guyana Police Force, and regional partners like the BDF, receive their badges of rank. Among the graduates, Second Lieutenant Claudio Bolon distinguished himself by securing two prestigious awards: Best International Student and the Commandant, Guyana National Reserve Prize. His fellow BDF graduates—Second Lieutenant Sair Rodriquez, Second Lieutenant Lindon Bolon, and Second Lieutenant Jordi Osorio—also celebrated their achievements. This accomplishment underscores the strengthening ties between Belize and Guyana in defense and security cooperation, while also highlighting the exceptional caliber of BDF personnel on the international stage.
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Man Fined $5,000 for Possessing Jaguar Teeth
In a landmark case highlighting Belize’s commitment to wildlife conservation, Jordan David Woods of Stann Creek has been fined $5,000 for the unlawful possession of two jaguar teeth. The verdict was delivered on October 15th by the Stann Creek District Court, marking a significant enforcement of Section 19 of the Forest Act, Chapter 213 of the Laws of Belize. Woods was also ordered to pay $5 in court costs, with a one-year deadline to settle the fine. Failure to comply by October 15, 2026, will result in a six-month prison sentence. Jaguars, revered as Belize’s national symbol of strength and beauty, are fully protected under the law. Possessing any part of these majestic creatures, including skins, claws, or teeth, without proper authorization is strictly prohibited. The Forest Department lauded the conviction as a pivotal victory in the fight against wildlife crimes. ‘This ruling sends a clear message,’ the Department stated. ‘Belize’s environmental laws are designed to safeguard our wildlife, and violators will face severe consequences.’ The Department also encouraged the public to report illegal wildlife activities or human-wildlife conflicts through the Wildlife Hotline at 610-1524.
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Belize’s Paris Cawich Heads to Miss Earth 2025 in the Philippines
Paris Cawich, crowned Miss Earth Belize 2025, is poised to represent her nation at the prestigious 25th Miss Earth Pageant in Manila, Philippines, on November 5. The 20-year-old international business student will depart Belize on Saturday, with a farewell ceremony scheduled at the Philip Goldson International Airport. Cawich’s journey to the global stage is marked by her unwavering commitment to environmental advocacy, a cornerstone of her victory in the national pageant. Reflecting on her evolution from modeling to activism, Cawich shared, ‘My first pageant was more about modeling. Now it’s about advocating for something I hold dear—the environment.’ Her campaign centers on safeguarding Belize’s mangroves and rainforests, with initiatives ranging from school visits and tree planting to engaging social media content aimed at educating youth about environmental stewardship. ‘The Miss Earth pageant is an environmentally based competition, so its main focus is protecting the environment and amplifying our platforms to reach a wider audience,’ she explained. Cawich also hinted at her national costume, inspired by ‘a tree that many Belizeans hold dear,’ showcased in an online video submission. Following in the footsteps of Destiny Wagner, Belize’s historic Miss Earth 2021 winner, Cawich is determined to make her country proud once again.
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Government to Buy Fortis Assets; Opposition Demands Transparency
The Government of Belize has unveiled a strategic initiative to acquire Fortis Inc.’s electricity assets within the country, marking a significant shift in the ownership of key energy infrastructure. The acquisition encompasses Fortis’s 33.3% stake in Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) and its three hydropower facilities on the Macal River—Mollejon, Chalillo, and Vaca. The proposal is set to be presented to the House of Representatives for parliamentary approval on Friday, with the transaction expected to conclude by November 15, 2025. Funding for the purchase will be sourced through a special budgetary allocation, supplemented by a domestic equity and debt offering to offset initial expenditures. The government emphasized that this move aims to secure local control over critical energy resources and reduce electricity costs for consumers. A newly established entity, Hydro Belize Limited, will oversee the acquired assets. Based in San Ignacio, Cayo District, the company will be led by CEO Kay Menzies and governed by an interim board chaired by Ambassador Lynn Young, a seasoned professional with extensive experience in both BEL and Fortis Belize. The government’s advisory team included prominent firms such as NERA Consulting UK, Hallmark Advisory, Marsh LLP, and Sukhnandan Consulting LLC, which played a pivotal role in structuring the deal. However, the announcement has sparked criticism from the United Democratic Party (UDP) Opposition, led by Hon. Tracy Taegar Panton. In a press statement dated October 17, 2025, the UDP labeled the transaction as hasty and lacking transparency, citing the absence of independent valuation, regulatory scrutiny, and public disclosure. The Opposition also warned that the financing mechanism, particularly the use of a special budgetary appropriation, could exacerbate Belize’s national debt, placing an additional burden on taxpayers.
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Citizen Seeks Full Disclosure of Legal Fees in State of Emergency Cases
Civic activist Jeremy Enriquez has formally invoked the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) to compel the Ministry of Home Affairs and New Growth Industries to reveal the extent of public funds expended on legal fees and damages linked to the July 2020 State of Emergency (SOE) detentions. In a detailed seven-page letter dated September 25, 2025, Enriquez addressed Minister Kareem Musa, emphasizing the necessity of transparency for public accountability. He referenced several High Court rulings that deemed the Government’s detentions unlawful, resulting in compensatory and vindicatory damages awarded to 16 claimants. Enriquez highlighted that taxpayers are now burdened with covering both these damages and escalating legal costs.
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US Revokes Visas Over Comments on Charlie Kirk’s Death
In a decisive move, the Trump administration has revoked the visas of at least six foreign nationals following their controversial social media posts celebrating the murder of conservative influencer Charlie Kirk. The U.S. State Department announced the decision on X, stating, ‘The United States has no obligation to host foreigners who wish death on Americans.’ The department also shared screenshots of the offending posts. The individuals affected hail from Argentina, South Africa, Mexico, Brazil, Germany, and Paraguay. Charlie Kirk, 31, co-founder of Turning Point USA and a close ally of Donald Trump, was tragically shot dead while speaking at Utah Valley University on September 10. Trump has since honored Kirk as a ‘martyr’ and posthumously awarded him the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Among those impacted by the visa revocations are South African businessman Nhlamulo Baloyi and Brazilian comedian Tiago Santineli, both of whom confirmed their visas had been canceled after mocking Kirk online.
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Government to Buy Fortis’ Hydro Plants and BEL Stake
In a landmark move set to reshape Belize’s energy sector, Prime Minister John Briceño will announce tomorrow in the House of Representatives that the Government of Belize has reached an agreement with Canadian company Fortis Inc. to acquire its electricity sector assets in the country. The deal includes the purchase of three hydropower plants—Mollejon, Chalillo, and Vaca—located on the Macal River, which collectively supply over a third of Belize’s electricity. Additionally, the government will acquire Fortis’s one-third stake in Belize Electricity Limited (BEL). The Prime Minister emphasized that the acquisition aligns with Belize’s goal of achieving greater control over its power supply and advancing energy independence. The bill, which seeks parliamentary approval for the deal, will be tabled tomorrow. Funding for the acquisition will be sourced through a special budget, with plans to recover costs via a domestic equity and debt offering. Contracts for the Mollejon and Chalillo plants extend until 2050, while Vaca’s contract runs until 2060. Financial specifics will be disclosed when the bill is presented. The deal follows months of negotiations after Fortis initially considered selling its Belize assets to a Honduran company. Prime Minister Briceño expressed satisfaction with the outcome, stating that the agreement ensures Belize’s interests are prioritized.