Carib Scope

标签： Belize

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  • Trump Claims Venezuelan Oil, Land, and Assets Are Stolen

    Trump Claims Venezuelan Oil, Land, and Assets Are Stolen

    Venezuela has launched formal diplomatic protests through the United Nations Security Council following incendiary statements by former U.S. President Donald Trump that have escalated tensions between the two nations. The controversy erupted when Trump utilized his Truth Social platform to announce what he characterized as “the largest Armada ever assembled in the South American theater” encircling Venezuelan territory.

    In his social media declaration, Trump asserted that Venezuela must return “all oil, land, and other assets that they previously stole from us” before the naval blockade would be lifted. The former president further escalated rhetoric by labeling the Maduro administration a “foreign terrorist organization” and proclaiming a comprehensive embargo on all sanctioned oil tankers attempting to enter or depart Venezuelan waters.

    The Venezuelan government responded with vigorous diplomatic countermeasures, issuing an official condemnation on Wednesday that characterized Trump’s statements as “grotesque threats” and violations of international law. Venezuelan officials accused the United States of pursuing a campaign of resource appropriation through military intimidation tactics.

    In a significant escalation, Caracas has formally notified the President of the UN Security Council, citing specific violations of UN Resolution 3314, which prohibits acts of aggression between sovereign states. The Venezuelan communication additionally declared the closure of national airspace to unauthorized military aircraft, positioning the move as a defensive measure against perceived U.S. aggression.

    The developing situation represents one of the most severe deteriorations in U.S.-Venezuela relations in recent years, with implications for regional stability and global energy markets given Venezuela’s status as a major oil-producing nation.

  • Own a Piece of Power: Hydro Belize Shares Go Public

    Own a Piece of Power: Hydro Belize Shares Go Public

    The Government of Belize has initiated a groundbreaking public share offering for Hydro Belize Limited, marking a significant milestone in national energy sector democratization. Starting December 18, 2025, Belizean citizens will have the unprecedented opportunity to acquire ownership stakes in the nation’s critical hydroelectric infrastructure, comprising the Mollejon, Chalillo, and Vaca power facilities along the Macal River.

    This transformative initiative follows the government’s recent acquisition of these assets from Canadian utility Fortis Inc. The offering presents 50% of Hydro Belize’s total shares exclusively to the Belizean public at $29 per share, representing a total valuation of $119 million. Prime Minister John Briceño emphasized this strategic move enhances national energy security while enabling citizens to participate directly in essential economic infrastructure.

    The initial 30-day offering period prioritizes individual investors, including teachers, military personnel, and ordinary citizens seeking investment opportunities. The remaining 50% government-held shares will subsequently become available to institutional investors, including the Social Security Board and credit unions, pending regulatory approval from the Financial Services Commission.

    Prime Minister Briceño characterized the offering as a deliberate wealth distribution mechanism, stating: ‘We want the Belizean public to benefit from these shares. This represents a conscious effort to democratize ownership of national assets while strengthening our energy independence.’ The tiered investment approach ensures primary access for individual citizens before expanding to institutional participants, creating a unique model of public-private asset management in the Caribbean region.

  • PM Briceño Eyes Breakthrough in Sugar Negotiations

    PM Briceño Eyes Breakthrough in Sugar Negotiations

    Prime Minister John Briceño has expressed cautious optimism regarding the resolution of ongoing negotiations between cane farmers and Belize Sugar Industries (BSI), despite the absence of a finalized commercial agreement. The delayed sugar crop season approaches amid mounting concerns over labor shortages and escalating production costs that threaten the industry’s stability.

    In an exclusive statement, PM Briceño revealed that while substantive progress has been made, both parties remain engaged in determining the duration of the agreement. The Belize Sugar Cane Farmers Association (BSCFA) has advocated for a seven-year contract term, while BSI prefers a shorter commitment period. The Prime Minister emphasized the presence of ‘goodwill on both sides’ to reach a mutually beneficial arrangement that serves farmers, millers, and the national economy.

    A critical challenge identified involves the acute shortage of manual labor, exacerbated by bureaucratic delays in work permit approvals rather than increased charges. Briceño acknowledged that government ministries require improved efficiency in processing labor applications to address immediate harvesting needs.

    Looking beyond immediate negotiations, the Prime Minister outlined a comprehensive modernization strategy derived from recent commission of inquiry recommendations. This includes transitioning toward mechanized harvesting, introducing new fungus-resistant cane varieties, and implementing advanced agricultural techniques. These long-term solutions aim to create gradient fields that facilitate water runoff during rainfall, ultimately enhancing operational efficiency and profitability across the industry.

    The government has committed to facilitating financial support for farmers to undertake replanting initiatives and adopt technological innovations. This holistic approach seeks to transform Belize’s sugar sector into a more resilient, productive, and competitive industry capable of withstanding environmental and economic pressures.

  • PM Briceño Eyes Transparency Law After Budna Investigation Fallout

    PM Briceño Eyes Transparency Law After Budna Investigation Fallout

    In response to mounting public criticism over the mishandled investigation into Joseph Budna’s abduction case, the Belizean government under Prime Minister John Briceño is advancing legislative measures to enhance governmental accountability. Cabinet-level deliberations have focused on establishing an independent investigative mechanism, drawing inspiration from successful Caribbean models, with Jamaica’s system receiving particular attention.

    Prime Minister Briceño emphasized the administration’s commitment to developing a transparency framework that avoids political weaponization. “We’ve conducted extensive Cabinet discussions recognizing the need to examine effective Caribbean models rather than exclusively American approaches,” Briceño stated. “While many Belizeans are familiar with American television portrayals of law enforcement, we’re particularly interested in Jamaica’s successful implementation of independent oversight.”

    The proposed legislation aims to create safeguards preventing current and future governments from exploiting the investigative process for political targeting. Briceño reiterated this critical balance, noting that the system must maintain independence while preventing partisan manipulation against political opponents. The initiative represents a direct response to the Budna investigation fallout, which exposed significant deficiencies in current accountability mechanisms.

    This policy shift signals the administration’s attempt to restore public confidence through institutional reforms rather than temporary measures, potentially establishing new standards for governmental transparency in Belize’s political landscape.

  • Captain Soberanis Named Acting Coast Guard Commandant

    Captain Soberanis Named Acting Coast Guard Commandant

    In a significant leadership transition within Belize’s national security apparatus, Captain Gregory Soberanis has been designated as the Acting Commandant of the Belize Coast Guard. This interim appointment follows the reassignment of Rear Admiral Elton Bennett, the former Commandant, who has been elevated to the position of Chief Executive Officer within the Ministry of Home Affairs and Enterprise.

    The Ministry of National Defense and Border Security formally announced the strategic personnel shift this week, emphasizing its commitment to maintaining operational continuity. Captain Soberanis, who previously served as Vice Commandant, will helm the coast guard’s operations pending a formal confirmation process by Prime Minister John Briceño’s administration.

    Government officials expressed unequivocal confidence in Captain Soberanis’s capabilities to ensure both stability and effectiveness during this transitional phase. The ministry’s statement highlighted the critical nature of seamless leadership changes within institutions fundamental to Belize’s maritime security and border protection framework. This development represents the latest in a series of strategic appointments aimed at strengthening national security governance under the current administration.

  • Historic Swing Bridge Secures $28M Upgrade Thanks to Japan

    Historic Swing Bridge Secures $28M Upgrade Thanks to Japan

    In a significant bilateral development, the Governments of Japan and Belize have formalized a $28 million Belize dollar agreement to reconstruct the iconic Belize City Swing Bridge—the last manually operated swing bridge in Central America. The funding, provided through Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), marks a major milestone in cultural preservation and climate-resilient infrastructure development.

    The ceremonial signing occurred in Belize City with Japanese Ambassador H.E. Kenichiro Tanaka and Belize’s Foreign Minister Francis Fonseca exchanging notes, while Prime Minister John Briceño signed alongside JICA’s Chief Representative Hiromi Nai. The project represents one of the most substantial preservation investments in Belize’s recent history, targeting a structure originally installed in 1923 that has become both functional infrastructure and cultural artifact.

    Prime Minister Briceño emphasized the project’s dual significance: “We are preserving a rich cultural relic while anticipating the harsh realities of construction in a flood-prone area. Although the new bridge won’t mechanically swing, its identity remains intact—connecting our past with future priorities of public safety, economic continuity, and climate resilience.”

    Infrastructure Minister Julius Espat contextualized the bridge within the broader George Price Rehabilitation Project, noting that planning began immediately after the current administration took office in 2021. The Swing Bridge constitutes the fourth segment of this comprehensive infrastructure initiative.

    JICA’s regional representative Hiromi Nai, operating from El Salvador, highlighted the project’s alignment with Japan’s development priorities: “This grant agreement commemorates JICA Belize’s 26th anniversary while advancing our focus on climate resilience. Our commitment extends beyond infrastructure to human resource development and agricultural industry promotion.”

    Belize City Mayor Bernard Wagner celebrated the agreement as “the convergence of vision, partnership, and political will,” describing the bridge as “the beating heart of downtown Belize City” that connects both geographic communities and historical eras. During the anticipated two-year construction period, traffic will be rerouted via a temporary bridge at Hyde’s Lane and North Front Street.

    The project represents a sophisticated balance between historical preservation and modern engineering, ensuring this symbol of national pride will continue serving Belizeans for generations while withstanding environmental challenges.

  • Belcan Bridge Project Advances; Bids Open January

    Belcan Bridge Project Advances; Bids Open January

    The protracted Belcan Bridge initiative in Belize has entered a new phase of development, with the bidding process scheduled to commence in January 2025. This critical infrastructure project has been officially restored under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Infrastructure Development and Housing (MIDH) following what Minister Julius Espat characterizes as persistent and successful lobbying efforts.

    Minister Espat clarified the ministerial transition, emphasizing that the project’s relocation from Belize City Council oversight to MIDH control resulted from strategic advocacy rather than protest. “We call it lobbying,” Espat stated during press inquiries. “We are proud that MIDH is the ministry responsible for infrastructure. We have proven that with time. We have the capability, we have experience, we have working relationships with external partners.”

    The project, originally conceived in 2021 as an MIDH initiative, encountered complications during the City Council’s tenure as executing agency, including allegations of design plagiarism involving a Lebanese firm. Minister Espat confirmed that MIDH would revert to utilizing its original bridge design to circumvent ongoing copyright concerns, stating firmly: “I only defend the Belizean professional and I stand with that at all times.”

    When questioned about potential intergovernmental friction with city authorities, Espat dismissed such notions, noting that the Belize City Council remains appreciative of the infrastructure investment. “We started this from 2021. It was our initiative to look out for the city, and we started it from scratch. I don’t think they can be unhappy,” Espat remarked, emphasizing the dual benefit for both Belize City and the nation at large.

    The Minister acknowledged Prime Minister Dean Barrow’s ultimate authority in the jurisdictional decision, confirming that the project’s green light must originate from the executive level before MIDH can commence implementation.

  • Biggest Road Project Yet? $86M Upgrade from City to Hattieville

    Biggest Road Project Yet? $86M Upgrade from City to Hattieville

    The Belizean government has unveiled plans for a transformative infrastructure initiative: an $86 million comprehensive upgrade of the critical 25-kilometer roadway connecting Belize City to Hattieville. This ambitious project represents one of the most significant transportation investments in recent national history, targeting enhanced road safety, improved drainage systems, and structural reinforcement along this heavily trafficked commuter corridor.

    Financed through a collaborative funding model, the project secures $69 million via loan arrangements with the Caribbean Development Bank, supplemented by a $17 million contribution from the Government of Belize. Chief Engineer Evondale Moody of the Ministry of Infrastructure Development and Housing confirmed the project’s exceptional scale, acknowledging it may constitute the most expensive per-mile road construction endeavor in contemporary Belizean infrastructure development.

    Engineer Moody elaborated on the financial structure, clarifying that the Caribbean Development Bank loan encompasses not only primary construction costs but also incorporates provisions for ancillary social programs mandated under the loan agreement. The government’s allocation will primarily facilitate utility relocation and land acquisition procedures—essential components for project implementation.

    The procurement process is currently underway, with contractor bids scheduled for submission on January 21st. An independent consultant will conduct rigorous evaluation of all proposals before the ministry presents final recommendations to the Caribbean Development Bank for formal approval. This transparent bidding and evaluation framework aims to ensure optimal contractor selection for this nationally significant infrastructure enhancement.

  • George Price Highway Set for Modern Transformation

    George Price Highway Set for Modern Transformation

    The Belizean government has initiated a comprehensive modernization project for the critical George Price Highway, addressing long-standing infrastructure deficiencies through a multi-faceted engineering approach. Chief Engineer Evondale Moody of the Ministry of Infrastructure Development and Housing (MIDH) presented detailed technical specifications to both senators and media representatives this week.

    The ambitious renovation encompasses multiple strategic interventions along the entire corridor. Within urban sections, the project will implement hot mix overlays on Cemetery Road and complete drainage system overhauls to mitigate chronic flooding issues. The Western Avenue approach will be transformed into a four-lane boulevard with new concrete sidewalks and dedicated drainage channels to address Mirab catchment flooding.

    Significant geotechnical challenges require innovative engineering solutions, particularly near Old Belize where differential settlement has caused pavement instability. The remediation plan includes installing pile raft systems and board piles to establish rigid foundation support. Critical bridge infrastructure will see complete replacement of the structurally compromised Burdon Canal crossing, requiring temporary bridge construction during rehabilitation.

    The scope extends beyond urban centers through Hattieville, featuring construction of retaining walls, box culverts, and roundabout reconstruction. The Hector Creek Bridge will be fully replaced as part of the comprehensive resilience upgrade. This infrastructure enhancement represents one of Belize’s most substantial roadway modernization initiatives, targeting improved transportation reliability, flood resilience, and long-term structural integrity for a vital national artery.

  • Crackdown in Lake-I: Officers Flood Streets After Attacks

    Crackdown in Lake-I: Officers Flood Streets After Attacks

    Belize City has launched a comprehensive security mobilization in response to a disturbing escalation of gang-related violence in the Lake Independence district. The heightened police activity comes after a series of shootings that shocked the community, including an incident on December 10th where three civilians—two minors and a sixty-year-old woman—were wounded by gunfire near La Croix Boulevard. This violence occurred merely one week after the tragic killing of fifteen-year-old Eric Reyes on Park Street.

    In an exclusive interview, Eastern Division Commander Senior Superintendent Reymundo Reyes outlined the strategic response to the crisis. “Our operational recalibration extends beyond Lake Independence to encompass the entire city,” Reyes stated. “We have reorganized our patrol patterns and significantly increased ground operations to ensure resident safety.”

    The security crackdown involves a multi-unit approach combining regular police forces with specialized teams. The Belize Defense Force (BDF) has been deployed to high-risk areas, working alongside the Gang Operation Unit, Special Patrol Unit, and Mobile Interdiction Unit. Tactical operations include systematic searches of vacant properties aimed at disrupting criminal networks and seizing illegal firearms and narcotics.

    Superintendent Reyes confirmed the operations are yielding positive results, noting that a small criminal element remains responsible for most violence. “We are targeting these specific individuals on a daily basis,” he emphasized. The security initiative will continue through the remainder of the year as authorities work to restore public safety and community stability.