Farmers in Cayo District are sitting on mountains of unsold potatoes, hundreds of thousands of pounds, to be exact. They say contraband imports are flooding the market and undercutting their prices. But Agriculture Minister Jose Mai isn’t buying that explanation entirely. He says the real issue might be a risky strategy that backfired: farmers holding onto their crops, hoping to cash in when supply runs low. Now, with prices falling and storage costs rising, the question is—was this a case of market manipulation gone wrong, or are farmers being squeezed by forces beyond their control?
Jose Abelardo Mai
Jose Abelardo Mai, Minister of Agriculture
“Last week my chief agriculture officer and the director of extension met with these farmers from the five miles and seven miles in the Cayo district. At this point they are the only farmers with potatoes. But they have cold storage. I don’t agree with what they do, but I understand why they do it. These farmers store their potatoes and you sell at the end of the crop when nobody has, at a higher price. I think they did manage to balance it well. because you cannot force people to pay a high price. They met and said we have a contraband problem. Contraband has always been there. You have to manage it. Is it that much that you have to lose? BAHA, Supplies Control, Customs are out there and we have not seen much white potatoes on the market. We are telling them that we are controlling it. But storing your potatoes, holding it and raising it until the end of the crop at two dollars a pound is not cutting it for the consumer. The producer deserves the best, but the consumer also deserves the best in quality and price. I think that they missed calculated the time and we control the importation of this and how much is imported. They said hold down the importation until we could sell at two dollars a pound. Potatoes are selling in Orange Walk at one eighty, so when they met with my team we told them that you are selling at two dollars a pound when it is being sold for one eighty in Orange Walk. So the wholesale go to Orange Walk. They were selling at wholesale price at two dollars a pound. So a hundred pound sack was two hundred dollars. And so, I got a call this morning at one of them. I said, but its two dollars a pound and some of these people bought in Orange Walk and put it in a container and now selling at two dollars.”
Belize’s breathtaking marine spaces—the coral reefs, the mangroves, the turquoise waters—are more than just postcard-perfect. They’re vital to our way of life. But right now, they’re in trouble. Climate change is hitting hard, eroding our beaches, damaging habitats, and threatening the wildlife that calls our coast home. That’s why, back in 2022, the Belize Fund for a Sustainable Future was launched—to protect and restore what we’re at risk of losing. This week, journalists from across the country got a behind-the-scenes look at how data, science, and smart investments are helping build a resilient blue economy. So, what does it take to save the sea? Let’s dive in.
Leandra Cho-Ricketts
Dr. Leandra Cho-Ricketts, Executive Director, Belize Fund
“Well a big part of what the Belize Fund does is to provide support through financial support that is, and that’s a very critical source of support needed for Belize. And what enable us to do that is funding coming out of the Blue Bond. So this program is really important for Belize and the work of the Fund is crucial as it is a partner with government in ensuring that the monies we have are invested into Belize and into people on the ground. And that’s a big focus of the fund. Trying to make sure we find the right partners to connect with to support initiatives and projects that can create meaningful. And impactful changes and lasting changes on the ground. So all our grantees, they’re selecting true calls and those calls look at particular areas of priorities and in, and today the areas we’re looking at are directly relating to protection for biodiversity and focus on marine protected area management. So our support is all primarily for those.”
Josue Olive
Josue Olive, Program Manager, Belize Fund
“It has to be competitive. And how do we do competitive? We ensure that the projects that we get are aligned to one, at least one of our four thematic areas, right? Protection for biodiversity, sustainable fisheries, climate resilience, or blue business innovation.”
Belizean football has seen its fair share of stars but few shine quite like Shane Orio. From commanding the goalposts as the national team’s trusted keeper to now shaping young talent off the field, Shane’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. Tonight, we’re heading to the Capital, where his passion for the game lives on through a football academy that’s more than just drills and goals, it’s about building character, discipline, and dreams. In this week’s Look on the Bright Side, Sabreena Daly takes us inside the legacy Shane Orio is creating, one kick at a time.
Sabreena Daly, Reporting
He once defended the goalpost for Belize with pride. Shane Orio’s nearly two-decade career includes leading Belize at World Cup qualifiers and winning an international club title with Puntarenas FC in Costa Rica—the first Belizean to do so. His gloves carried grit and glory, inspiring generations.
Ian Gaynair
Ian Gaynair, Former Teammate
“Everybody loved the way he keeps in the goal. He’s definitely a father figure for football and a leader. He’s a captain. He was a great leader and he really taught me a lot in football.”
For many young athletes, Shane Orio’s name means excellence and determination. His success showed aspiring footballers what dedication looks like and sparked hope across Belize.
Moses Leslie
Moses Leslie, Member, Shane Orio Football Academy
“I’m only 12 year wells, but I knew that Shane used to be one of the best goalkeepers in Belize. Um, he taught me that football is a team sport, another individual one.”
Now, Shane focuses on nurturing Belize’s youth through the Shane Orio Football Academy, which serves boys and girls ages four to thirteen. The academy provides a safe space where kids can build skills, grow confidence, and dream big.
Shane Orio
Shane Orio, Founder, Shane Orio Football Academy
“It has always been one of my goals to come back home and share my experience with kids. Beyond that, I want to offer them the same opportunities that were given to me when I was young. The difference now is that I’m offering these opportunities at a younger age to help with their development and future goals.”
Another key figure in Belizean football and a close friend of Shane Orio is Ian Gaynair. Like Orio, Gaynair has been a major inspiration for young players through his dedication on and off the field. Their shared passion for the sport and for developing new talent highlights the importance of bridging the gap between today’s leaders and tomorrow’s stars.
Ian Gaynair
“Shane comes from a very professional background and behavior, so he has a lot to offer. I think it’s an honor for me, Shane, and some other ex-national team players to give back by having our own little academy. Around Belize, we don’t have many places like this, especially football academies at a semi-professional level. Most coaches are just trying, but many are not at the level to know exactly what they’re doing.”
For any young footballer, exposure beyond Belize is a big deal. This July, four U-13 players will travel to Costa Rica to develop their skills. The chance was made possible through Orio’s long-standing ties in the region. It’s a moment of growth—both for the players and the dream behind the academy.
Shane Orio
“At the U-13 level, our main measuring stick so far is that we’ve been back-to-back champions in Belmopan—that’s one indicator. But for me, the real test will be in Costa Rica: seeing how the players perform physically on the pitch, how they manage tactically, and most importantly, how they handle the mental side of the game. Will they be able to cope with the tough days and challenges ahead? For me, this trip will be a learning experience for all of us, but especially for the players—to see where they need to grow and what adjustments they need to make if they want to reach a professional level one day.”
Moses Leslie
“It’s a great opportunity. It shows me how far I’ve come, from playing football in my yard to now getting the chance to go to Costa Rica. When I’m out there, I hope to improve and grow as a player and maybe even get scouted by a football team in Costa Rica.”
Ahmad Neal
Ahmad Neal
“It means a lot because I’ve never gone abroad or out of the country before—not even for vacation. I’ve never left Belize. This means a lot because there are a lot of opportunities in Costa Rica.”
Shane Orio’s story is more than personal success—it’s the foundation of a legacy that will shape Belizean football for years to come. From guarding the net to mentoring youth, he’s creating pathways and opening doors. And if you ask him, with all the success and accolades he’s earned, the legacy he hopes to leave is one of giving back to his home.
Shane Orio
“The legacy that I want to leave is the legacy of giving back to the kids, giving back to Belize. I played with a lot of players from different countries, and some were able to settle in Costa Rica—foreigners, again. Some foreigners settled in Honduras, and I also played in Guatemala, where some foreigners settled as well. But my dream was always to come back home, at least to help the kids, to help the athletes, to help the country.”
Like a goalkeeper, still guarding the net, Shane Orio is protecting Belize’s football’s future– ready to pass the ball to the next generation and watch them make the game their own. Looking on the Bright Side, I’m Sabreena Daly
A sus 50 años, Margarita Ávila, una jardinera beliceña, volvió al país tras ser deportada por autoridades migratorias de Estados Unidos. Ávila llegó a Ciudad de Belize el lunes 23 de junio, más de tres meses después de haber sido detenida por el Servicio de Inmigración y Control de Aduanas (ICE).
La madre de nueve hijos, dos de ellos menores de edad, tomó la difícil decisión de firmar su orden de deportación para salir del centro de detención donde temía morir.
“Sentía que si no salía pronto, no saldría viva. Fue lo más duro dejar a mis hijos, pero no podía soportarlo más”, compartió Ávila.
Ahora se encuentra en casa de sus padres, mientras trata de reconstruir su vida lejos de la familia que dejó atrás. Su esposo y los menores permanecen en Estados Unidos.
La presidenta del Sindicato Nacional de Maestros de Belize (BNTU), Nadia Caliz, señaló que la reciente propuesta del Gobierno será evaluada por su membresía, no por los líderes sindicales.
“Nos están ofreciendo 8.5 por ciento, ya sea como 4.5 y 4 […]. Pensé que habíamos acordado que lo llevaríamos a nuestra membresía y luego avanzaríamos a partir de ahí. Pero ahora que el gobierno se adelantó y lo hizo público, nuevamente será una decisión que nuestros miembros deberán tomar”, expresó.
Caliz dijo que ella, al igual que el presidente del PSU, Dean Flowers, tiene solo un voto, y que la base tendrá la última palabra. Indicó que el Gobierno aclaró que la propuesta no implica nuevos impuestos, sino que se ajusta a lo que pueden costear, ya que no estaba presupuestado inicialmente.
“Estamos analizando una propuesta de dos años: un año con 4.5 y el otro con 4 por ciento”, explicó.
Pidió al público respeto por la decisión que tomen los sindicatos: “Si lo aceptan, no los odien ni se les opongan por ello.”
Tras recibir la tercera propuesta salarial del Gobierno de Belize, el presidente del Sindicato de Servicios Públicos (PSU), Dean Flowers, dijo que la decisión final estará en manos de la membresía.
“Como siempre, queremos reconocer las continuas discusiones de buena fe por parte del equipo gubernamental. No estaban todos presentes, pero tenían una representación adecuada. En la medida de lo posible, mantuvimos discusiones cordiales y de buena fe”, señaló Flowers.
Si bien reconoció que el gobierno cumplió su promesa de presentar una contrapropuesta, subrayó que él tiene solo un voto. “No se trata de si yo estoy conforme, sino de si mis miembros lo están”, dijo.
La propuesta será presentada a los miembros del sindicato para su evaluación. “Es una propuesta mejorada y una que presentaremos a nuestros miembros, con la esperanza de superar el estancamiento”, añadió.
Con el plazo de 21 días por vencer el domingo, Flowers espera que se logre una resolución antes de esa fecha.
Después de semanas de negociaciones prolongadas, el Gobierno de Belize presentó una nueva propuesta salarial al Equipo de Negociación Conjunta de los Sindicatos (JUNT). La oferta contempla un ajuste del 8.5% a entregarse en etapas, con el primer aumento del 4.5% programado para octubre de este año.
El viceprimer ministro Cordel Hyde, al salir de la reunión del jueves, reconoció la extensión del proceso. “Ha sido un largo camino que comenzó el trece de mayo. Si me hubieras preguntado en ese entonces si tomaría tanto tiempo llegar a este punto, hubiera dicho que no,” expresó.
Hyde reiteró que el gobierno mantiene su compromiso con el incremento propuesto, incluyendo los aumentos congelados durante los próximos dos años y otros beneficios aún no detallados.
“Nos hemos comprometido con eso […] Esperemos que puedan conseguir el apoyo de sus miembros y que superemos este estancamiento”, añadió.
La propuesta ahora queda en manos de los sindicatos, quienes deberán decidir si aceptan este nuevo esquema.
More Belizeans are finding jobs, according to the latest Labour Force Survey, which shows the national unemployment rate dropped to 2.1% in April 2025, down from 3.0% a year earlier.
The number of people employed grew by nearly 14,000, while 1,182 fewer Belizeans reported being jobless. “Only 46.9 per cent of working-aged women [were] a part of the workforce, compared to 72.3 per cent of working-aged men,” SIB reported.
The total labour force reached 183,368, and participation rose to 59.1%. Most employed persons worked in retail, tourism, public services, and agriculture. Informal employment remained high at 37.5%, especially in trade and farming.
On average, employed Belizeans earned $1,498 per month, up by $71 from last year. The underemployment rate stood at 1.8%, with women slightly more affected.
Toledo recorded the highest unemployment rate at 4.1%, while Belize and Cayo districts tied for the lowest at 1.4%. Overall, labour underutilisation, which includes the jobless, underemployed, and those ready to work, stood at 5.0%, down from 8.7% in April 2024.
Belize’s economy grew by 2.0% in the first quarter of 2025, according to preliminary Gross Domestic Product (GDP) figures released by the Statistical Institute of Belize. The total value of goods and services produced from January to March stood at $1.486 billion, up $29.5 million from the same period in 2024.
Growth was driven by the tertiary sector, particularly in ‘Accommodation and food services’ and ‘Financial and insurance services’. The latter rose by 12.6% to $118.4 million, while the hospitality industry grew by 12.2%, supported by a 5.2% rise in cruise passengers and a 1.9% increase in overnight visitors.
In contrast, the primary sector shrank by 10.8% to $126 million, as “reduced outputs recorded for all three of the country’s major agricultural crops” weighed on performance. Sugarcane production plunged by 29.7% due to the impact of fusarium, while citrus and banana output also declined.
The secondary sector contracted by 8.7%, largely from a 20.4% drop in manufacturing. “Citrus concentrate output fell by almost two-thirds,” and sugar production dropped 36.9%. However, electricity and water production rose by 9% and 1.5%, respectively.
A brazen armed robbery in broad daylight rattled residents of Orange Walk Town this afternoon.
According to witnesses who were near the scene, the incident unfolded around 1:30 p.m. in the busy vicinity of Fort Cairns Market. Witnesses say they noticed suspicious activity involving a blue pickup truck and a masked man approaching it with a hammer.
“Suddenly, another masked man appeared with a gun and fired a shot at the pickup truck,” one witness told News 5. “That’s when we realised it was a robbery happening right in front of us.”
Panic ensued as nearby vehicles attempted to reverse and flee the scene. One vehicle, occupied by Mayor Ladrick Sheppard, was rammed by another in the chaos. During the commotion, robbers shattered the windows of the targeted pickup truck and forcibly opened the doors.
The assailants made off with two bags before fleeing in a small white getaway vehicle. The attackers, all masked, were described as tall and dark-skinned. Two women and a male driver were in the targeted vehicle; all escaped without physical harm but were visibly shaken.
