Carib Scope

标签： Belize

伯利兹

  • Is Belize really better off, or just feeling better?

    Is Belize really better off, or just feeling better?

    As Belize approaches the new year, Prime Minister John Briceño has presented an ambitious assessment of national progress, highlighting significant improvements across multiple sectors. The government’s initiatives have reportedly generated increased employment opportunities with sustainable wages, enhanced public safety, and strengthened educational and healthcare infrastructure. Particular emphasis has been placed on rural development, with villages receiving paved roads, improved drainage systems, clean water access, and technology-equipped classrooms.

    The administration points to two flagship programs as evidence of economic momentum: GST-free weekends that have stimulated tens of millions in consumer spending, and the public share offering of Hydro Belize Ltd., which has attracted hundreds of Belizean investors within days of its launch. The Prime Minister characterizes these developments as transformative steps that will keep profits circulating within the local economy for generations.

    However, beneath this official optimism, critical questions emerge regarding the depth and sustainability of these gains. Analysts are examining whether the reported progress adequately addresses persistent challenges including cost of living pressures, crime rates, and equitable distribution of resources. The contrast between government achievements and underlying structural issues presents a complex picture of Belize’s current development trajectory, suggesting that while short-term indicators appear positive, long-term solutions require continued attention.

  • BEL Warns of Financial Strain Despite Tariff Increase

    BEL Warns of Financial Strain Despite Tariff Increase

    Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) has received regulatory approval for increased electricity tariffs effective January 1st, yet company officials warn the approved rates fall significantly short of addressing their financial challenges. The Public Utilities Commission authorized a rate increase of 3 cents per kilowatt-hour to be implemented over a thirty-month period, substantially less than the nearly 5 cents over twenty-four months that BEL had requested.

    The discrepancy between requested and approved rates creates a projected $19 million shortfall for the utility company. BEL’s financial statements reveal mounting pressures including substantial debts to power producers, increasing local liabilities, and over $80 million in emergency expenditures for gas turbines deployed to prevent widespread blackouts.

    According to company statements, these emergency measures prevented potentially severe service interruptions that could have resulted in up to two hours of daily power outages across Belize. Meanwhile, delays in solar energy projects have cost consumers approximately $53 million in lost potential savings according to company estimates.

    While BEL has committed to enhanced operational controls and greater transparency, the utility reserves the right to pursue additional cost recovery mechanisms in the future. The situation presents an ongoing challenge for Belize: balancing reliable electricity service with affordability for consumers amid rising infrastructure costs and transition to renewable energy sources.

  • Belize Marks 8 Years of Offshore Oil Ban, But Will It Last?

    Belize Marks 8 Years of Offshore Oil Ban, But Will It Last?

    Belize commemorates the eighth anniversary of its groundbreaking Petroleum Operations (Maritime Zone Moratorium) Act, legislation that permanently halted offshore oil exploration in its territorial waters. This environmental milestone originated from widespread public opposition that emerged in 2010 when petroleum concessions were initially granted to multiple companies.

    The movement gained unprecedented momentum through a coalition of environmental organizations, concerned citizens, and international supporters including prominent figures like actors Morgan Freeman and Ted Danson. Their collective efforts culminated in a historic legislative victory on December 30, 2017, establishing one of the world’s most comprehensive offshore drilling bans.

    Despite earlier attempts to force a government-sanctioned referendum through voter signatures—which faced significant procedural challenges—the coalition organized an independent ‘People’s Referendum’ that demonstrated overwhelming public support for marine protection. The sustained advocacy ultimately compelled political action, resulting in the moratorium’s formal adoption.

    In a significant reinforcement of the policy, the Briceño administration amended the legislation in 2023 to mandate a national referendum before any potential repeal or amendment. Constitutional Minister Henry Charles Usher confirmed the government’s commitment to maintaining the ban while ensuring meaningful public consultation regarding petroleum exploration matters.

    The nation now faces ongoing deliberations about balancing economic development with environmental stewardship, particularly given Belize’s dependence on marine ecosystems that support more than half its population through tourism and fisheries. As global energy demands evolve, the durability of Belize’s environmental safeguard remains a subject of both celebration and cautious observation.

  • Who Tore Down Calcutta’s Christmas Tree?

    Who Tore Down Calcutta’s Christmas Tree?

    The tranquil community of Calcutta Village has been shaken by a deliberate act of destruction targeting its central Christmas tree during the early hours of December 30, 2025. According to eyewitness accounts, the meticulously decorated tree—adorned with ornaments contributed by local residents—stood intact at approximately 3:00 a.m. but was discovered demolished less than sixty minutes later.

    Village Chairperson Alex Tzub expressed profound dismay at the incident, confirming that significant portions of the tree structure were fractured and numerous decorative elements were either shattered or forcibly dispersed across the vicinity. Despite the damage, Tzub affirmed the community’s determination to restore the display symbolizing seasonal unity.

    This episode represents the latest within an escalating sequence of vandalism incidents troubling the village. Tzub highlighted preceding criminal activities including targeted attacks on vehicle windshields and glass doors near the community center, indicating a persistent pattern that has evaded resolution due to insufficient evidence or eyewitness testimony.

    The village leadership is urgently appealing to residents for collaborative vigilance and information regarding these destabilizing acts. Tzub emphasized that such events tarnish the reputation of the entire community beyond its administrative bodies, stressing the necessity of collective action to identify perpetrators and prevent further occurrences in the traditionally peaceful locality.

  • 72 Children, One Reality: Cancer in Belize

    72 Children, One Reality: Cancer in Belize

    BELIZE CITY – A deeply personal story of one child’s cancer battle has catalyzed national awareness around pediatric oncology in Belize, where official health data reveals 72 children have received cancer diagnoses over the past five years. These diagnoses create profound emotional distress and impose severe financial burdens on affected families, exposing systemic healthcare challenges in the Central American nation.

    Amidst this crisis, structured support mechanisms are emerging. The Belize Cancer Society has positioned itself as a critical intervention agency, providing comprehensive assistance with medical logistics, international travel coordination, and financial aid. “The moment a child receives a cancer diagnosis, families experience complete overwhelm. Our mission at the cancer center is to immediately step into that chaos with structured support,” explained Kim Simplis Barrow, President of the Belize Cancer Society.

    The organization facilitates navigation through complex healthcare systems and ensures timely access to treatment. “We deliver essential information and guide families through every step—from Belize to overseas care centers. Our response is typically immediate, without unnecessary delays,” Barrow emphasized.

    On the governmental front, Dr. Natalia Largaespada Beer, Technical Advisor at the Ministry of Health and Wellness, confirmed that chemotherapy treatments are fully funded at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital, with the government having eliminated the General Sales Tax on cancer medications to reduce financial barriers.

    Significant treatment advancements have emerged from pandemic-driven innovations. A coalition of healthcare providers now delivers specialized chemotherapy within Belize—a development initially necessitated by international border closures but now becoming a permanent enhancement to domestic care capabilities.

    Despite these improvements, critical limitations persist. Complex diagnostics and long-term treatment protocols still require international referrals, creating additional strain on families. Addressing this gap, a transformative project is underway: construction of a new pediatric cancer wing, supported by St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, scheduled for completion in 2027. This facility promises to localize comprehensive childhood cancer care, fundamentally transforming treatment accessibility in Belize.

    “This initiative represents a monumental shift—it’s about bringing complete childhood cancer care home to Belize,” Barrow stated, highlighting the project’s potential to revolutionize pediatric oncology in the nation.

  • Ombudsman Swazo Reacts to Exit

    Ombudsman Swazo Reacts to Exit

    In a development that has raised questions about governmental transparency, Belize’s outgoing Ombudsman Major Herman Gilbert Swazo (Ret’d) has expressed surprise at the non-renewal of his contract, which concludes on December 31, 2025. The seasoned official learned of the decision through an email delivered on December 24 from Cabinet Secretary Stuart Leslie, who conveyed the government’s appreciation for Swazo’s three years of dedicated service without addressing contract renewal prospects.

    Swazo revealed to News 5 that the correspondence made no mention of reengagement possibilities despite his prior requests for continuation. “The letter did not in any way or form, in my view, address reengagement,” Swazo stated. “To me, that implies then that I am not going to be reengaged.” The timing and delivery method of the notification added to the unexpected nature of the communication.

    During his tenure, Swazo maintained several public positions on governance matters, including freedom of information requests. When questioned whether these actions might have influenced the non-renewal decision, Swazo emphasized his strict adherence to legal parameters. “I took a solemn oath to abide by the Constitution and to do right in all manner of people,” he affirmed. “I operated within the confines of the law, and that is what I did.”

    Contradicting Swazo’s interpretation, Cabinet Secretary Stuart Leslie provided clarification to News Five, characterizing the letter as standard procedural communication marking the conclusion of an existing agreement. Leslie indicated that no definitive decision regarding Swazo’s potential contract renewal has been finalized by the National Assembly, suggesting the situation remains fluid rather than conclusively terminated.

    Despite the uncertainty surrounding his professional future, Swazo maintains no regrets about his tenure, asserting that his commitment to constitutional principles and rule of law guided every action during his service as Belize’s Ombudsman.

  • Several Archeological Sites Across Belize Defaced

    Several Archeological Sites Across Belize Defaced

    Belize’s archaeological authorities have issued a forceful public warning following a series of vandalism incidents at protected historical sites, with the ancient Mayan complex of Xunantunich becoming the latest target of destructive graffiti tagging. The Institute of Archaeology emphasized that such acts inflict permanent damage on the nation’s cultural heritage and violate strict preservation laws.

    Dr. Melissa Badillo, Director of the Institute of Archaeology, expressed profound disappointment at the recurring vandalism despite ongoing educational initiatives. “It is deeply disheartening to witness visitors engaging in such destructive behavior,” Dr. Badillo stated. “We maintain continuous awareness programs with schools, tour operators, local communities, and researchers precisely to prevent these occurrences.”

    The Institute highlighted the severe legal consequences for damaging protected monuments, including fines reaching $75,000 Belize dollars or imprisonment for up to five years. Dr. Badillo acknowledged the challenges of monitoring visitor behavior, particularly in high-traffic tourist areas, while emphasizing the shared responsibility of both local and international visitors.

    “We’ve documented incidents involving both Belizean citizens and foreign tourists,” Dr. Badillo noted. “Our message is unequivocal: this destructive behavior is universally unacceptable and carries serious legal ramifications.”

    The Institute urges all visitors to respect site regulations, follow guidance from archaeological rangers and certified tour guides, and immediately report any suspicious activity to help preserve Belize’s irreplaceable archaeological treasures for future generations.

  • Family of Ten Left Homeless After Early Morning Fire

    Family of Ten Left Homeless After Early Morning Fire

    A devastating early morning fire has left a ten-member family homeless in Guinea Grass Village, Orange Walk, destroying their residence and all personal possessions. The blaze erupted approximately at 6:00 AM on December 30, 2025, when resident Jose Mejia, 25, awoke to the smell of smoke and discovered flames emerging from an unoccupied bedroom.

    Mejia recounted the rapid escalation of the emergency in a telephone interview, describing his frantic efforts to evacuate nine other family members including multiple young children and a 45-year-old father-in-law. Despite the swift spread of the fire, all occupants managed to escape with only minor injuries reported, including a slight burn to Mejia’s foot sustained during the rescue operation.

    The family attributes the fire’s origin to an electrical malfunction involving an outlet on a structural post. Fire department personnel arrived after the structure had sustained extensive damage, preventing salvage of any belongings. Mejia described attempts to rescue clothing and other items that were ultimately consumed by the advancing flames.

    The household, comprising children ranging from four to fifteen years old alongside young adults, now faces complete destitution. With no possessions remaining, the family has issued a public appeal for assistance as they confront the overwhelming task of rebuilding their lives. Community members wishing to provide support may contact the family at +501 656-2143 or +501 606-0666.

  • Calcutta Village Condemns Vandalism of Christmas Tree

    Calcutta Village Condemns Vandalism of Christmas Tree

    The Calcutta Village Council has issued a strong condemnation following the deliberate destruction of the community’s Christmas tree in a pre-dawn act of vandalism on December 30, 2025. Council Chairperson Alex Tzub confirmed the incident occurred between 3:00 AM and 3:45 AM, during which the publicly decorated tree was forcibly torn down and extensively damaged.

    Eyewitness accounts indicate the tree remained fully intact at 3:00 AM but was discovered shattered on the ground shortly before 4:00 AM. The vandalism resulted in broken branches, shattered ornaments, and decorations violently removed from the tree. Many of these decorations had been donated by local residents as part of community holiday celebrations.

    Chairperson Tzub characterized the perpetrators as ‘bad minded people’ and confirmed ongoing efforts to restore the tree using salvageable decorations. ‘We are trying to put back everything together if possible,’ Tzub stated during a telephone interview. ‘But if not, we’ll still put it up again.’

    The Christmas tree incident appears connected to a broader pattern of vandalism affecting the village in recent weeks. Tzub reported multiple incidents occurring near the community center, including vehicle windshields and glass doors being damaged by projectiles. ‘This vandalism has been happening a while, and we cannot catch them red-handed,’ Tzub acknowledged, highlighting the challenge facing village authorities.

    The council chairperson has issued a public appeal for residents to assist in monitoring and reporting suspicious activities to help prevent future incidents of property destruction.

  • Family Seeks Justice After Dangriga Machete Killing

    Family Seeks Justice After Dangriga Machete Killing

    A Stann Creek family is confronting profound grief and mounting frustration as they seek resolution in the brutal machete killing of 41-year-old Linden Kelly, whose death has exposed deepening concerns about community safety and judicial delays in Dangriga Town.

    Seven days following Kelly’s tragic passing from injuries sustained during a December 19th altercation in the Rivas Estate area, his relatives have issued an urgent appeal to law enforcement authorities. Despite the initial detention of two individuals connected to the violent incident, no formal charges have been filed, leaving the family in a state of anguish and uncertainty.

    Austin Williams, brother of the deceased, articulated the family’s distress in an emotional telephone interview. “We are looking at people who just killed a man and they’re walking around like killing in Dangriga is legal,” Williams stated, highlighting the perceived impunity that has compounded their trauma. The situation has been particularly devastating for Kelly’s elderly mother, who simultaneously grieves her son’s death while experiencing genuine fear for her personal safety.

    While acknowledging his brother’s previous encounters with the justice system, Williams emphasized that past transgressions should not negate the pursuit of justice. “Everyone to their family, they’re good. We don’t know what he was doing on the streets, but yes, he did serve his time,” he remarked, drawing a distinction between Kelly’s completed past sentences and the current unresolved homicide.

    The investigation’s progress has stalled according to family accounts, with police reportedly attributing delays to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions. This bureaucratic impasse has left the Kelly family caught between mourning their loss and demanding accountability, with Linden Kelly’s funeral scheduled for the approaching Sunday amid these unresolved circumstances.