June, 2025 - Greater Belize Media

Royal Caribbean’s $600M Mega-Resort in Mexico: Can Belize Benefit?

Royal Caribbean International has unveiled ambitious plans for a $600 million cruise destination in Mahahual, Mexico, a development that could have significant ripple effects across the region, including neighboring Belize.

Dubbed “Perfect Day Mexico,” the project is part of the cruise line’s expansion of its private destinations and is expected to open in fall 2027. With massive infrastructure, themed attractions, and capacity to welcome 20,000 cruise passengers daily, the development is set to quadruple tourism traffic to Mahahual, from 1 million to nearly 4 million visitors annually.

While the scale of Royal Caribbean’s investment presents a major opportunity for the western Caribbean tourism market, it also intensifies competition for countries like Belize that rely heavily on tourism as a pillar of economic growth. In fact, the development comes at a time when Belize’s own tourism industry is showing signs of strain.

Tourism Minister Anthony Mahler recently confirmed that while visitor arrivals have increased by a modest one percent in the first five months of 2025, May saw a notable slowdown, and the months ahead are expected to be “difficult.”

“From the first five months we have seen we are up by one percent. May was a bit soft and I think the next couple of months will be difficult,” said Minister Mahler. “But we will do everything we can to make sure the numbers don’t go down or don’t go down much at all.”

He pointed to global financial uncertainty as a major factor dampening travel demand, particularly for luxury destinations like Belize.

“I just got back from a conference for hotels, and the talk was about the uncertainty all around us. What that creates is a drawing up of liquidity. People’s 401(k)s have been destroyed for the most part, and they don’t have that liquidity in their own lives to take luxury vacations like what Belize offers.”

To add to the headwinds, Canada had issued a travel advisory warning its citizens to exercise “extreme caution” when visiting Belize, citing security concerns. While Minister Mahler downplayed any significant rise in crime, he acknowledged that such advisories can hurt Belize’s image abroad.

“There are times when these things are done for reasons other than anything happening in the country,” Mahler stated. “I don’t see an uptick in crime. But it happens, and we have to continue navigating that. It is not an easy thing to push an industry like tourism forward, especially in these troubling times of global uncertainty.”

With Belize located just south of Mahahual, the development offers both opportunity and risk. On one hand, improved infrastructure and increased cruise traffic to the region could encourage more multi-destination itineraries, allowing visitors to extend their travel into Belize. The upcoming Maya Train, for example, could improve access between Chetumal and Belize’s northern border, enabling tourism spillover through organized tours or shuttle links.

On the other hand, the scale and exclusivity of Perfect Day Mexico could siphon cruise visits away from Belize if cruise lines opt for in-house destinations that offer greater control over passenger experience and spending.

Iran Rejects Trump’s “Ultimate Ultimatum” Claiming “Iran Is Not One to Surrender”

Iran firmly rejected calls for negotiation “under duress” after US President Donald Trump threatened its Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and encouraged Israeli military actions as tensions continue to rise in the region.

“Iran does NOT negotiate under duress, shall NOT accept peace under duress, and certainly NOT with a has-been warmonger clinging to relevance, ” the Iranian mission to the United Nations said on X. “Iran shall respond to any threat with a counter-threat and to any action with reciprocal measures.”

The statement followed Trump’s comments describing Ayatollah Ali Khamenei as an “easy target” and issuing what he called “the ultimate ultimatum.”

Khamenei responded in a national address on Wednesday, stating, “Let the Americans know that the Iranian nation is not one to surrender, and any military intervention on their part will undoubtedly result in irreparable damage.”

Meanwhile, Trump has encouraged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to “keep going” in his campaign against Iran, adding, “He’s a good man, doing a lot.”

A third US aircraft carrier, the USS Ford, was deployed to the eastern Mediterranean, which has added to the American military presence near the conflict zone.

Belize Participates in 61st COMISCA Meeting in Costa Rica

Belize is being represented at the 61st Meeting of the Council of Ministers of Health of Central America and the Dominican Republic (COMISCA) by the Minister of Health and Wellness, Kevin Emmanuel Bernard.

The high-level meeting is taking place in San José, Costa Rica, bringing together health leaders from across the region to strengthen collaboration on key public health priorities, including malaria elimination, HIV and tuberculosis control.

Minister Bernard said that “Belize’s participation reflects its ongoing commitment to regional cooperation and health integration. By engaging with regional counterparts, Belize strengthens its voice in shaping collective health responses, accesses technical expertise, and benefits from shared initiatives such as joint negotiations for medicines and harmonised policies.”

The minister also highlighted how the forum offers Belize a strategic platform to advance its national health priorities. “This forum also provides a strategic platform for Belize to advance national interests, especially in digital health transformation and regulatory innovation, both of which are critical to improving access, efficiency, and equity in healthcare delivery,” he noted.

As part of the official agenda, ministers and their delegations visited Monseñor Víctor Manuel Sanabria Martínez Hospital in Puntarenas. The visit provided insight into Costa Rica’s efforts to modernise and humanise its healthcare system. Delegates toured various hospital departments, including Neonatology, Obstetrics, Pharmacy, the Comprehensive Ambulatory Continuous Care Centre (CICCA), and the Emergency Obstetric-Gynaecological Unit (UEGO). They learnt about the semi-automated pharmacy system, a patient-centred model focused on women and their families, and the country’s progress in digital health transformation.

Hurricane Erick Strengthens to Category 1

Hurricane Erick is rapidly intensifying off Mexico’s Pacific coast and is forecast to make landfall as a major hurricane by Thursday. It is expected to bring life-threatening flooding, storm surges, and mudslides to southern coastal regions of Mexico.

The US National Hurricane Centre (NHC) reported that Erick became a Category 1 hurricane earlier today, with maximum sustained winds of 85 mph (140 kph), and is located about 130 miles (205 km) south-southeast of Puerto Ángel, Oaxaca. It is moving northwest at 8 mph (13 kph).

“Rapid strengthening is expected today, and Erick may reach major hurricane strength when it approaches the coast of southern Mexico Thursday,” the NHC warned.

Rainfall of up to 20 inches is forecast in Oaxaca and Guerrero. Hurricane warnings have been issued for parts of Guerrero and Oaxaca, including Acapulco.

Despite current rains in Belize, Erick is not to blame for it, according to the National Meteorological Service of Belize (NMS). Being that it is in the Pacific, “Erick is not going to have any effect on us. The approaching rains will be based on a tropical wave moving towards us,” a meteorologist from NMS told News 5.

Although Hurricane Erick is not expected to impact Belize, the Met Office reports that the country will experience unsettled weather conditions.

According to the latest forecast, skies will remain mostly cloudy throughout today and tonight. While only isolated showers are expected during the morning, rainfall and thunderstorms are forecast to increase across the country by this afternoon, particularly over northern and central regions.

Later tonight, showers, periods of rain, and thunderstorms will become more widespread, with the heaviest activity expected in southern areas.

National Bus Plan Hits Speed Bumps as Minister Defends Vision

There’s a bit of a shake-up happening in Belize’s public transportation sector. Today, Doctor Louis Zabaneh took to the podium at the Biltmore, hoping to clear the air, and maybe calm a few engines, over his ministry’s bold plan to launch a national bus company. While the Belize Bus Owners Association is pumping the brakes, raising concerns and resistance, Minister Zabaneh says not so fast, claiming many operators, especially in the south and west, are already on board. With a January 2026 launch date in sight, the ministry is already crunching numbers and valuing assets, but there’s one big piece of the puzzle still missing: the money. Financial talks are set for later this week, and in the meantime, bus owners want to see the receipts, specifically, a breakdown of what’s in it for them. So, we asked the Minister: will they share those details?

Dr. Louis Zabaneh, Minister of Transport

“Well absolutely and then again this is what, when I spoke to Mr. Shaw I said we discussed these two or three times already, we cannot give them that information until we do the evaluation. We need the data, the information, otherwise it would be guestimates. When it is off they will see , oh you see you are giving us wrong information and trick us. We have to do this thing the right way. Give us the time that is necessary for the auditors to do their work and then present us with the data and we can take that data and provide proper information. We have information on the cost structure, on how a small operator compares to a large operator and what would likely be the cost structure for the consolidated company. When you have that you can give them a comparison. You can say this is what you are doing right now. This is what the national company is doing and based on your shares see what your income will look like and you can give them that info. But, it needs a few more months of information coming in that you can rely on.”

Bus Operators Responds to Concerns of Buses Speeding

While bus operators are calling for a breakdown of profits and dividends tied to the proposed national bus company, everyday commuters are calling for something much simpler, better service. From overcrowded buses to reckless driving, passengers say the current system is long overdue for a tune-up. One of the biggest complaints? Buses racing each other on the highway. Well, today we got the chance to ask a bus operator directly: why does this keep happening? Joel Armstrong, owner of Armstrong Bus Line, had just wrapped up a meeting with Minister Zabaneh when he stuck around to answer our questions. Here’s what he had to say.

Joel Armstrong, Bus Operator

“One of the biggest problem we encounter is too much permits. I have a four thirty run in the morning, just before the election. They gave a run, four thirty in the morning from Orange Walk, then they give a man front of me, four twenty and I am suppose to move four thirty. So the man drive out of terminal and wait and so when I come out four thirty he go in front of me. So what am I suppose to do, wait for him or pass him? So the problem is scheduling. Just like when you go out there even the village bus the race. I don’t know why they are racing, but they are racing. My road service says I am suppose to leave Pallotti at five twenty. When I reach about fifteen pass, the next bus is suppose to leave when I reach, but because he has two three bus he stay right there and wait. And he would say, my bus can run faster than your one. So the small man will never try to race, because if you race you run the risk of breaking a machine and not everybody like speed. Then there is that part from the commuters, bueno, bonito and rapidity. It means, cheap, fast and quick. We have all sort of commuters they watch your bus and say that is turtle on the road. They are not looking for safety.”

Conductors and Drivers Accused of Stealing from Employers

The debate over Belize’s proposed national bus company is picking up steam, and this time, it’s all about the bottom line. The Belize Bus Owners Association is sounding the alarm, claiming that without a fare hike, the new company won’t turn a profit. But Transport Minister Louis Zabaneh isn’t buying it. He says the goal isn’t just profit, it’s better service at a better price. And according to him, the real reason some operators aren’t seeing the returns they expect? Well, that’s a whole other story.

Dr. Louis Zabaneh, Minister of Transport

“From our perspective, what the national company will be able to do, because it will have a wider spread between revenue and cost and when I say revenue go up I don’t mean price go up. What I mean is that the money that should be for the company is coming into the company bank account. What is happening right now is that a lot of people, especially conductors and drivers, are stealing the money. Let us be plain. That means your revenue could have been up here. So now you will get more of your money. It does not mean prices will go up. It just means what is due to the owners of these buses is coming to them. But,. Because your cost go down and you have a bigger margin there is less pressure to increase prices. If you are doing this for public purpose then what do you want, give them the best service for a lower cost. So, this is the only way we can ensure in the longer run that we don’t have pressures to increase prices, which I think the press release, we have discussed this two or three times, ignored from the discussions we have had before.”

Veteran Bus Operator Says Plan Could Work—If It’s Fair

As the conversation around Belize’s proposed national bus company rolls on, we caught up with someone who’s been in the driver’s seat of the industry for years, Joel Armstrong of Armstrong Bus Line. He’s a veteran member of the Belize Bus Owners Association, and while the group has been vocal in its opposition, Armstrong’s take was a bit more measured. He told us he’s still listening and learning, but if the playing field is fair for everyone, he thinks the plan could actually work.

Joel Armstrong, Bus Operator

“Buying into the plan, I always believe in listening so that I can learn. I have had one on ones with the minister and in public. It is a good plan while it is applied in the right way and you have responsible people. We tend to think one sided. That is to say Vaughn is my friend so I will give you better opportunity and we nuh wah worry about him, he is small time. We need to be on a level playing field and make everybody get equal. You wont say like how this man could get five bus we will just squeeze Mr. Armstrong out and make him a janitor. We need to give everybody, everybody is valuable. That is the way I believe as a human. We all work together. We are all one chain and once one pop everything shattered.”

Desperate Search for Guatemalan Child Missing in Belize

Tonight, there’s a developing and deeply concerning story out of western Belize. A desperate search is underway for thirteen-year-old Lizzie Suntecum, a primary school student who vanished from the San Jose Roman Catholic School compound on Monday afternoon. Lizzie, who was supposed to remain on campus for the school feeding program, reportedly told a friend her aunt would be picking her up just before one p.m. But when she didn’t return to class, the school quickly alerted her family. Lizzie and two of her siblings make the daily cross-border journey from Melchor to attend school in San Jose Succotz, a routine that’s common in the area, but one that adds a complex layer to this already troubling situation. Her mother is from Melchor, while her father’s family lives in Succotz. We spoke with Lizzie’s grandmother by phone earlier today. Here’s what she had to say.

On the Phone: Oralia Rosado, Grandmother of Missing Child

“We went to see the principal what happened and the principal say they don’t know nothing, only the children saying that she told a student that at twelve forty-five her aunt will come and get her. When the teacher noticed she hadn’t come in class, the principal call the mom and from hat time we hear she disappeared. I know there is a warden and the school has camera and they say that they don’t see her. Only the students saying that she told her that 12:45 her aunt will come and get her, but she don’t have any aunt, only the man have an aunt in San Felipe named Sandra and she was around this weekend. I don’t know if she takes her.”

Paul Lopez

“And the school since they have a warden and cameras, you suspect they would have seen when she left the campus?”

On the Phone: Oralia Rosado

“The principal knows that the children in the feeding program they don’t go out from school, they stay there. How they will not know what happened. The person that has her, please release her. We are desperate. Thank you.”

This afternoon the family was informed that Lizzie was seen using the restroom at Westrac in Roaring Creek Village. They have since made their way to the business establishment to request surveillance footage. We will continue to follow.

Belize Upskills Social Workers to Safeguard Children

Belize is taking a big step forward in protecting its most vulnerable citizens, its children. On Monday in Belize City, the Department of Human Services launched a national training program aimed at sharpening the skills of frontline social workers. It’s a week-long initiative designed to help these professionals produce stronger, court-ready reports, key tools in cases involving custody, adoption, and child protection. The training is being led by social policy expert Doctor Greg Nunez, with support from UNICEF, and it’s all about making sure every child’s best interest is front and center.

Shanti Morrison-Novelo, Director, Belize Family Court

“If we are to be concerned about the best interest of children, then we must be serious in continued education and training that impact the paramount consideration in all cases. To properly serve families and children, the court requires accurate reports, social workers who understand the importance of law and its legal requirements. Without continued training for social officers, we will have failed our society at large. I am most grateful for the desk review and subsequent review of the court-mandated social reports, the SIRs. They focus on ensuring accuracy, objectivity, and an adherence to establishing standards for social workers and the practice. In final, if we are serious about the work we do, my recommendations are as follows. To ensure that we have enhanced training for report writers on standardized report writing and objective assessments, continued training for social officers in capacity building, continued training on court practices and procedures for social workers.”