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标签： Belize

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  • BDF Soldier and Police Corporal Sentenced to Prison for Perverting the Course of Justice

    BDF Soldier and Police Corporal Sentenced to Prison for Perverting the Course of Justice

    In a landmark ruling that concludes a protracted four-year judicial process, two Belizean law enforcement officers have received custodial sentences for deliberately obstructing justice in the investigation of a fellow soldier’s death. Belize Defence Force (BDF) Private Ramon Alberto Alcoser and Police Corporal Juan Carlos Morales were convicted last month on charges of perverting the course of justice regarding the September 2021 fatal shooting of BDF soldier Jessie Escobar.

    Chief Magistrate Sharon Fraser delivered the sentencing verdict today at Belize City Magistrate’s Court, imposing a term of one year and two months imprisonment on Alcoser, while Morales received a more substantial sentence of one year and eleven months. Both sentences commenced immediately following the court’s decision.

    The case centered on the officers’ conduct following the September 5, 2021 incident in Santa Familia Village that resulted in the death of 29-year-old Escobar during a confrontation. The judicial investigation established that both defendants provided intentionally misleading official statements and omitted critical details about the shooting incident.

    During sentencing proceedings, Morales exhibited visible emotional distress, breaking down in tears while making his mitigation plea. His defense counsel revealed the officer has battled severe psychological difficulties, including suicidal ideation, throughout the legal proceedings. Despite the conviction, Morales attempted to present what he characterized as newly discovered documentation allegedly demonstrating dishonesty by another officer involved in the case. The magistrate acknowledged these submissions but clarified they could not influence the sentencing outcome.

    Defense attorneys for both officers had petitioned the court for non-custodial alternatives, arguing their clients had experienced extreme exhaustion and trauma when providing statements. The court rejected this justification, noting that both officers were in appropriate mental condition and provided their accounts voluntarily mere hours after the incident.

    Attorney Ellis Arnold, representing Morales, confirmed intentions to pursue an appeal against the verdict and sentencing.

  • Know Your Options: Steps to Guarding Against Domestic Violence

    Know Your Options: Steps to Guarding Against Domestic Violence

    BELIZE CITY – New data from the Belize Crime Observatory reveals a complex landscape of domestic violence in the nation, with 1,954 cases reported through October 2025. While this figure represents a notable decrease from the previous year’s 2,788 reports, advocates caution against premature celebration, noting the decline may reflect underreporting rather than actual improvement.

    The statistics indicate that intimate partner violence constitutes more than half of all reported cases, highlighting the pervasive nature of abuse within relationships. However, experts emphasize that domestic violence extends beyond physical harm and intimate partnerships.

    Sheena Gentle, First Vice President of Haven House, provided crucial insight into the multifaceted nature of abuse. “The misconception that domestic violence is solely physical prevents many from recognizing they’re in abusive situations,” Gentle explained. “Abuse manifests through emotional manipulation, psychological control, financial restrictions, social isolation, and intimidation tactics.”

    The spectrum of vulnerable relationships extends beyond romantic partnerships to include parent-child dynamics and elder abuse. Gentle emphasized the importance of trusting one’s instincts: “If someone feels something is wrong in their relationship, that intuition is typically valid. Seeking help should never be delayed by self-doubt.”

    Practical guidance for those experiencing abuse includes documenting incidents, preserving threatening communications, and developing safety plans for escalation scenarios. Experts also stress the importance of establishing boundaries early in relationships and understanding available resources.

    Multiple support systems remain available around the clock. Emergency services can be reached at 911, while specialized assistance is provided through the National Women’s Commission (280-4284) and Haven House Belize (613-4947), with an urgent response line at 672-9628.

  • Food, Housing, and Fuel Lead 2025 Inflation Rise

    Food, Housing, and Fuel Lead 2025 Inflation Rise

    The Statistical Institute of Belize has released its latest economic report, revealing a discernible uptick in the nation’s inflation rate for the first ten months of 2025. Data indicates a 1.2% overall increase in the Consumer Price Index compared to the corresponding period in 2024, signaling a heightened financial burden on households across the country.

    A granular analysis of the report pinpoints the primary drivers of this inflationary pressure. The most significant surges were recorded in two fundamental categories critical to daily living. Expenditures on food and non-alcoholic beverages escalated by 1.9%, while costs associated with housing, utilities, and fuels witnessed a more pronounced jump of 2.4%. This trend underscores the growing cost of securing basic necessities for the average Belizean family.

    Among the specific items, the price of butane gas emerged as a standout, experiencing a dramatic 8.4% year-over-year increase. In practical terms, this inflation translates to an additional expenditure of nearly ten Belize dollars for every 100-pound tank, placing further strain on household budgets.

    The inflationary experience was not uniform across all districts. Geographic disparities were evident, with San Pedro Town registering the highest cumulative price increases nationally. Conversely, Independence Village presented a unique case as the sole municipality to document a net decrease in consumer prices, offering a contrasting economic narrative within the nation.

  • Mia Mottley Named in Forbes’ 100 World’s Most Powerful Women

    Mia Mottley Named in Forbes’ 100 World’s Most Powerful Women

    Barbadian Prime Minister Mia Mottley has secured her position among the world’s most influential leaders by earning a coveted spot on Forbes’ 2025 roster of the 100 Most Powerful Women. This prestigious recognition celebrates female pioneers who exert substantial influence across global political, financial, technological, and cultural landscapes.

    Since her historic 2018 election as Barbados’ first female premier, Mottley has emerged as a formidable voice in international climate justice advocacy. Her compelling 2021 address to the United Nations General Assembly demanding urgent environmental action garnered global attention and earned her the United Nations Environment Programme’s ‘Champion of the Earth for Policy Leadership’ honor.

    Mottley’s transformative leadership precipitated Barbados’ transition to a parliamentary republic in November 2021, severing constitutional ties with the British monarchy and ushering in a new era of sovereignty. Her administration has demonstrated particular boldness in Caribbean regional affairs, vigorously defending regional autonomy through firm negotiations with Washington and pioneering the implementation of enhanced free movement agreements with Belize and other nations to bolster economic integration.

    The Forbes list, which commands collective economic influence exceeding $37 trillion and impacts over one billion people globally, features Mottley alongside Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, music icons Taylor Swift and Beyoncé Knowles-Carter, Skims founder Kim Kardashian, and the creative forces behind Netflix’s record-breaking K-Pop animated film ‘Demon Hunters’.

  • New U.S. Sanctions Hit Venezuela Following Oil Tanker Seizure

    New U.S. Sanctions Hit Venezuela Following Oil Tanker Seizure

    The United States intensified its campaign against the Venezuelan government on Thursday by imposing fresh sanctions targeting close relatives of President Nicolás Maduro and six petroleum shipping companies. This decisive action follows a dramatic military operation that resulted in the seizure of the oil tanker ‘Skipper’ off Venezuela’s coastline.

    Video footage from the raid depicted U.S. special forces rappelling from helicopters onto the vessel’s deck, a maneuver characterized by Maduro’s administration as ‘brazen international piracy.’ The confiscated tanker is now being escorted to an American port.

    The newly sanctioned individuals include three nephews of First Lady Cilia Flores, two of whom carry previous U.S. drug trafficking convictions and have been officially designated as narcotics operatives within Venezuela. This move signals Washington’s continued focus on disrupting alleged corruption networks linked to the Maduro regime.

    According to intelligence reports from Reuters, American authorities are preparing to intercept additional tankers transporting Venezuelan crude oil. Approximately thirty vessels currently face U.S. sanctions, creating a maritime quarantine effect that may force numerous ships to remain in port to avoid potential confiscation.

    The Trump administration has significantly amplified pressure on Caracas through both economic measures and military presence. Recent months have witnessed enhanced U.S. naval deployments throughout the Caribbean basin, accompanied by lethal strikes against vessels suspected of narcotics trafficking. This multi-faceted approach represents the most comprehensive challenge to Venezuela’s leadership in decades.

  • New CEO for Home Affairs to Be Announced Soon

    New CEO for Home Affairs to Be Announced Soon

    The Ministry of Home Affairs in Belize is poised for a significant leadership transition as Prime Minister John Briceño prepares to announce a new Chief Executive Officer. Current Minister Oscar Mira confirmed the impending appointment during a Thursday interview with CTV3, indicating that the selection process has reached its final stages.

    While National Security CEO Francis Usher continues to serve as acting CEO for the ministry, this interim arrangement appears likely to conclude soon. Minister Mira revealed that substantive discussions with the Prime Minister have already occurred, resulting in a formal recommendation being submitted for consideration.

    “I have engaged in thorough discussions with the Prime Minister, and we have reached a mutual understanding,” Mira stated. “The CEO designation is expected to be finalized imminently, pending the completion of standard administrative procedures. Although I have presented my recommendation, the ultimate appointment authority rests with the Prime Minister, who exclusively determines CEO positions.”

    Minister Mira expressed confidence in the recommendation’s reception, noting that Prime Minister Briceño is “viewing the proposal very favorably.” He emphasized that all preliminary assessments and background verification processes have been satisfactorily completed, leaving only the official announcement pending.

    According to sources within government circles, Rear Admiral Elton Bennett, currently serving as Commandant of the Belize Coast Guard, features among seven shortlisted candidates under consideration for the prestigious role.

    The leadership vacuum emerged following the departure of former CEO Sharole Saldivar, whose exit timing appears to have coincided with Minister Mira’s assumption of ministerial responsibilities, though precise details regarding her departure remain unspecified.

  • Two Men Slain in Vicious Robbery

    Two Men Slain in Vicious Robbery

    Authorities have launched a comprehensive investigation into a fatal armed robbery that resulted in the deaths of two delivery personnel on Thursday. The victims, identified as driver Raynard Garbutt Jr. and his coworker Robert Crawford, were discovered deceased after their Recinos Sarita distribution truck was targeted and abandoned along the Hummingbird Highway.

    Recinos Imports Ltd., the employing company, issued an official statement expressing profound sorrow: “On behalf of our entire organization and Sarita Division, we extend our deepest sympathies to the bereaved families during this devastating time.”

    The tragedy has triggered an outpouring of grief from relatives and community members. Azlyn Flo, mother of the slain driver Garbutt, delivered an emotional tribute through social media platforms, describing her son as a “hard-working, loving, humble baby boy” whose life was brutally cut short. She directly addressed the perpetrators, condemning their actions that left her one-month-old granddaughter fatherless.

    Additional family members echoed these sentiments, highlighting the broader societal implications of violent crime targeting working individuals. One relative emphasized how the incident exemplifies how “foolish violence disrupts lives engaged in honest labor,” noting the particular tragedy of robbing a child of paternal guidance and support.

    Former educators also joined the memorial expressions, with one of Garbutt’s previous teachers recalling him as a communicative and non-disruptive student whose potential was extinguished through “senseless violence.” The case continues to develop as law enforcement agencies pursue active investigative leads.

  • Fuel Prices Remain Frozen as Inflation Heats Up

    Fuel Prices Remain Frozen as Inflation Heats Up

    In a striking economic contradiction, Belize maintains frozen fuel prices despite global oil market declines, creating a policy dilemma where the very mechanism funding social welfare programs simultaneously drives inflationary pressures. With West Texas Intermediate crude trading at $57.79 per barrel amid global supply concerns and geopolitical tensions, Belizean drivers continue paying premium prices due to government-mandated price controls.

    The Briceño administration defends this approach as fiscally necessary, arguing that fuel taxes generate $50-60 million annually critical for funding education initiatives, nutritional programs, scholarships, and National Health Insurance. Prime Minister John Briceño explicitly stated that reducing fuel taxes would create a massive budget shortfall, asking critics to identify alternative revenue sources before considering reductions.

    Statistical Institute of Belize data reveals the policy’s inflationary impact: gasoline and other fuels rank among the top inflation drivers, with household goods and services costing 1.2% more from January to October 2025 compared to the same period last year.

    The situation contains significant political irony. As Opposition Leader in 2017-2018, Briceño vehemently criticized the previous administration’s fuel taxation approach, accusing them of creating uncompetitive economic conditions and exacerbating living costs. He specifically promised during his opposition years to maintain fuel prices below $7 per gallon and reduce taxes if global prices increased.

    Now governing since November 2020, Briceño’s administration has not only maintained the price fixation policy but ceased publishing price change notifications. The Prime Minister now emphasizes achieving balance between social program funding and economic pressures, suggesting future tax adjustments might occur only after improved tax collection and economic growth provide alternative revenue streams.

  • Belize Tightens Free Zone Security in ‘Northern Fortress’

    Belize Tightens Free Zone Security in ‘Northern Fortress’

    The Government of Belize has initiated a comprehensive security enhancement program dubbed ‘Operation Northern Fortress’ to address growing concerns about organized crime infiltration at the northern border region. This $8 million initiative represents a significant escalation in border protection measures, featuring strengthened cooperation with Mexican authorities and increased military presence along the Rio Hondo waterway.

    In a strategic governmental reorganization, Prime Minister John Briceño has merged the Enterprise ministry with Home Affairs, placing Minister Oscar Mira at the helm of the security operation. Minister Mira has committed to regular consultations with Free Zone leadership to ensure business operations can continue without security concerns.

    The Belize Coast Guard has intensified patrols along the border river, resulting in recent interdictions of illicit cargo staged outside the Free Zone perimeter, believed to be destined for Mexican criminal networks. While authorities acknowledge they cannot yet confirm specific criminal organizations behind these operations, the increased vigilance reflects the seriousness of the threat.

    Concurrent with these operational changes, the government has inaugurated new infrastructure developments to support security efforts. The recently completed Santa Elena/Corozal Free Zone Access Road has been designed to improve safety, traffic management, and operational efficiency. To further bolster security capabilities, the Corozal Free Zone investors have donated an All-Terrain Vehicle valued at $39,813.18 to enhance police patrols within the zone and along the border area. Additionally, a dedicated headquarters facility has been established for Belize Defense Force personnel stationed in the region.

    Minister Mira emphasized that these measures extend beyond symbolic gestures, noting that security breaches have previously endangered businesses, officers, and civilians. The strategy emerged from bimonthly interagency meetings involving customs, immigration, police, military, agricultural health authorities, and Free Zone management, where candid discussions about security challenges yielded practical solutions.

  • Government Tightens Free Zone Security Push

    Government Tightens Free Zone Security Push

    The Belizean government has launched a significant security enhancement initiative for the Corozal Free Zone and surrounding border regions, marking a coordinated effort between national defense and domestic security agencies. This strategic move represents a concrete implementation of the broader Plan Belize 2.0 framework aimed at fortifying national stability.

    In a ceremonial handover on December 11, 2025, security officials received newly constructed living quarters for deployed military personnel and an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) specifically designated for enhanced patrol operations within the free trade area and along the perimeter borders. This equipment transfer symbolizes the operational synergy between the Ministry of Defense & Border Security and the Ministry of Home Affairs & Enterprise.

    Florencio Marin Jr., Minister of Border Defense & Border Security, emphasized the critical nature of inter-ministerial cooperation in addressing transnational security challenges. “This collaborative approach demonstrates our commitment to maintaining Belize’s security integrity through practical measures,” Minister Marin stated during the handover ceremony.

    The initiative stands as a testament to successful public-private partnership models, highlighting open communication channels and shared objectives between government entities and private stakeholders. While these measures represent substantial progress, questions remain regarding their sufficiency in completely securing Belize’s most active border marketplace against persistent security vulnerabilities.