In a heartfelt tribute to Kenneth ‘Big Tom’ Flowers, who tragically lost his life a week ago in a suspected crime of passion, his family hosted a unique concert-style wake at their Mopan Street residence. The event, open to all, including those beyond the neighborhood, celebrated Flowers’ life and his recent efforts to foster peace across the city. Bernard ‘Unlmtd’ Cayetano, a close friend and artist, emphasized the importance of unity and positivity during this time. He reassured the public about the event’s security, stating, ‘Big Tom was love, and everyone knows that. We encourage everyone to come out with a positive mentality and pay their respects.’ The wake served as a poignant reminder of the community’s collective grief and the urgent need for change to prevent further loss.
标签: Belize
伯利兹
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Belize Secures $12.5M Kuwait Loan to Transform George Price Highway
Belize has taken a significant step toward enhancing its transportation infrastructure with a $12.5 million loan agreement signed with the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development. The funding, secured during the World Bank and IMF Annual Meetings, will be allocated to modernize an 18-mile segment of the George Price Highway, stretching from Belmopan to La Democracia. The ambitious project includes the construction of new service lanes, upgraded bridges, and 16 dedicated bus stop lanes, all aimed at improving safety, efficiency, and convenience for commuters and trade activities. This collaboration builds on a long-standing partnership between Belize and Kuwait, which dates back to the 1990s. Over the decades, the Kuwait Fund has supported Belize in developing critical roadways such as the Southern Highway, the Hummingbird Highway, and the Caracol Road. The agreement was formalized by Belize’s Financial Secretary, Joseph Waight, and Waleed Al-Bahar, Acting Director General of the Kuwait Fund. This initiative underscores Belize’s commitment to advancing its infrastructure and fostering economic growth through strategic international partnerships.
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Venezuela Points to Oil, Not Cocaine, in Latest Dispute with the U.S
In a recent press conference, Venezuela’s Ambassador to Belize, Gerardo Argote, vehemently countered what he described as unwarranted provocations by the United States. Argote argued that the U.S. actions are not genuinely aimed at curbing drug trafficking but are instead a strategic move to control Venezuela’s vast natural resources, including the world’s largest oil reserves, gold, and gas. Citing the latest UNODC World Drug Report, he highlighted that only five percent of cocaine leaving South America via the Pacific passes through Venezuela, with most of it being intercepted. The ambassador called for an end to what he termed U.S. aggression and urged Belize to stand in solidarity with Venezuela, a partner since 1989. He emphasized the long-standing diplomatic and cooperative ties between the two nations, referencing the Petrocaribe program, which has provided significant support to Belize. Argote stressed the need for understanding and solidarity in addressing Venezuela’s current geopolitical challenges.
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Deadly Floods Cut Off Hundreds in Mexico
Mexico is reeling from a catastrophic natural disaster as deadly floods and landslides have left over 300 communities completely isolated. The calamity, triggered by two tropical storms hitting the country’s west coast at the end of an exceptionally heavy rainy season, has claimed at least 64 lives, with dozens still unaccounted for. Rivers surged beyond their banks, hillsides crumbled, and entire villages were engulfed by mud, leaving a trail of destruction in their wake. In Veracruz, one of the hardest-hit regions, 29 fatalities were reported, and more than 300,000 residents were severely impacted. Thousands of soldiers and rescue teams are working tirelessly to reopen blocked roads and deliver essential supplies like food and water to remote areas. However, officials caution that the full extent of the disaster remains unclear. President Claudia Sheinbaum has prioritized road restoration to facilitate rescue and relief efforts, while health teams are on high alert to prevent potential dengue outbreaks. Helicopters are being deployed to transport critical supplies, and the government has pledged unlimited resources to aid the affected regions. The nation now faces a long and arduous recovery process as it confronts the aftermath of this unprecedented flooding.
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Regional Cycling Championship Hits Belize Highways
Belize became the epicenter of Caribbean cycling this weekend as it hosted the prestigious Caribbean Elite Road Cycling Championship for the first time. The event, organized under the Caribbean Cycling Union, attracted top male and female cyclists from over a dozen countries, all vying for glory in the under-23 and elite categories. The championship kicked off with the individual time trials on Saturday, followed by the highly anticipated road races on Sunday.
In the women’s elite time trial, Trinidad and Tobago’s Teniel Campbell emerged victorious with a remarkable time of 28 minutes and 39 seconds, securing the gold medal. She was joined on the podium by Jamaica’s Liori Shape (silver) and Bermuda’s Gabriella Arnold (bronze). In the under-23 women’s category, Cuba’s Lianni Mesa Silviera claimed gold, while Bahamas’ Kami Roach and Sieanna Mackey took silver and bronze, respectively.
The men’s elite time trial saw Bermuda’s Nicholas Narraway dominate with a time of 39 minutes and 25 seconds, earning the gold medal. His teammate Conor White secured silver, and Puerto Rico’s Christopher Fontan took bronze. Belizean fans erupted in celebration as Derrick Chavarria clinched gold in the men’s under-23 time trial, finishing seven minutes ahead of his closest competitor.
The road races on Sunday were equally thrilling. In the women’s elite race, Teniel Campbell once again showcased her prowess, breaking away from the lead group to secure her second gold medal of the championship. The men’s elite race was a nail-biter, with Dominican Republic’s Alexander Germoso edging out Belize’s Oscar Quiroz and Guadeloupe’s Benjamin Leny in a sprint finish. Germoso, Quiroz, and Leny all clocked the same time of 3 hours, 49 minutes, and 58 seconds.
Derrick Chavarria continued his stellar performance, finishing fourth overall in the men’s elite race and securing his second gold in the under-23 category. The event concluded with Belizeans celebrating their athletes’ achievements and the successful hosting of this major regional sporting event.
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LIU Keeps Dawson’s Vision Alive With Sports Movement
The William Dawson Sprite/Digi Basketball Tournament has returned for its third season, officially launching on Friday night at Birds Isle. The event, which honors the late William Dawson, former Chairman of the Leadership Intervention Unit (LIU), brought together organizers, sponsors, participants, and Dawson’s family members. With twenty teams competing for the championship, the tournament promises to be a thrilling showcase of talent and community spirit.
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Police Say No Prior Domestic Violence in Suspected Murder-Suicide
Belize City authorities are currently probing a tragic incident involving the deaths of 26-year-old Keira Gentle and 27-year-old Harrison Arnold. The two were discovered shot dead in a residence on Simon Lamb Street on Saturday, just before midday. Assistant Superintendent of Police Stacy Smith confirmed that a licensed black nine-millimeter pistol, registered to Arnold, was found at the scene. Initial investigations suggest that the pair were in a relationship but had separated prior to the incident. Audio recordings from the vicinity captured the sound of more than five gunshots, accompanied by an argument moments before the tragedy. Despite these findings, Smith emphasized that there are no prior reports of domestic violence involving the individuals in the police database. The case remains under investigation as authorities work to uncover the full circumstances surrounding this devastating event.
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Authorities Monitor Threat from 20 Escaped Guatemalan Gang Members
Belizean authorities are on high alert following the escape of 20 high-profile gang members from Guatemala’s Fraijanes II maximum-security prison on October 11, 2025. The fugitives, identified as members of the notorious 18th Street Gang, are linked to serious crimes including murder, extortion, and drug trafficking. Belize’s proximity to Guatemala has heightened concerns that the escapees may attempt to cross the border, prompting a coordinated response from law enforcement agencies. Assistant Superintendent of Police Stacy Smith emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, ‘These individuals are extremely dangerous and must be treated as such.’ The Belize Police Department has implemented strategic operational measures to prevent the fugitives from entering the country. Guatemalan authorities, in collaboration with Interpol and the FBI, have launched a nationwide manhunt, sharing photos and detailed information about the escapees to aid in their capture. Smith also called for public vigilance, urging citizens to report any sightings or information that could assist in apprehending the suspects. The incident underscores the ongoing challenges of cross-border crime and the need for regional cooperation in addressing such threats.
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No Motives Yet in Fatal Shooting of PC Oswald Young
Authorities are still piecing together the circumstances surrounding the tragic killing of Police Constable Oswald Young, a 42-year-old officer with 23 years of service, who was fatally shot in Unitedville, Cayo, on the evening of Friday, October 13, 2025. The incident occurred around 9:30 p.m. as Young awaited transportation to Belize City, where he was due to report for duty at the Belama Precinct Four Police Station. According to Assistant Superintendent of Police Stacy Smith, Young, who was in uniform at the time, was approached by an unidentified male who fired multiple shots, leaving him with fatal gunshot wounds. Smith confirmed that while no motive has yet been established, the police are actively pursuing several leads in their investigation. ‘We are following up on various theories presented to us,’ Smith stated, emphasizing the commitment to bringing those responsible to justice. The community remains in shock as they mourn the loss of a dedicated officer who had served Belize for over two decades.
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No Signs of Foul Play in Body Found, Police Say
Authorities in Belize City are appealing to the public for assistance in identifying a man whose body was discovered floating in the waters near Southern Foreshore on Sunday, October 14, 2025. According to Assistant Superintendent of Police Stacy Smith, the deceased is described as a dark-complexioned male who was found unresponsive in the sea. Preliminary investigations have revealed no indications of foul play or violence, and no significant identifying marks were observed on the body. Police are urging individuals who may have missing relatives matching this description to visit either the Raccoon Street or Queen Street Police Station with photographs to aid in the identification process. The case remains under investigation as authorities work to determine the circumstances surrounding the man’s death.
