July 27, 2025 - Greater Belize Media

Trump Announces Trade Deal with the European Union

U.S. President Donald Trump announced today a new trade agreement with the European Union that will impose a 15 percent tariff on most European goods entering the United States, including cars.

The deal was struck days before the 1 August tariff deadline following talks with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. “It’s a very powerful deal, it’s a very big deal, it’s the biggest of all the deals,” Trump said this morning.

Von der Leyen confirmed that some goods, such as aircraft components, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals, would be excluded. She also clarified that the new tariff would not be added on top of existing duties.

Trump had previously threatened a 30 percent tariff if no agreement was reached. The 15 percent rate is higher than the 10 percent sought by the EU.

As part of the deal, the EU has agreed to purchase 750 billion dollars’ worth of US energy and invest an additional 600 billion dollars into the American economy. ABC News reported that Trump also stated the EU would be “purchasing hundreds of billions of dollars worth of military equipment.”

BDF Strengthens Ranks with Legal and Culinary Graduates

The Belize Defence Force (BDF) concluded two key training programs, the Military Paralegal Course and the Cooking Cadre, on Friday. Over the past eight weeks, participants were trained in legal and culinary disciplines critical to the operational strength of Belize’s security forces.

The BDF said in a social media statement, “These outstanding individuals have displayed remarkable resilience, teamwork, and passion across two vital areas of training.”

The Cooking Cadre focused on culinary skills, nutrition, and meal planning to support the well-being of personnel. “Their creativity in the kitchen elevated each dish… it’s a service to those who serve,” the BDF added.

Meanwhile, trainees in the Military Paralegal Course covered Military Law, Constitutional and Administrative Law, Court Reporting, and more. The course prepares them to provide legal support across the BDF, Coast Guard, Police Department, Immigration, Customs, and Fisheries.

NCFC: “No One Is Above the Law”

The Ministry of Human Development and the National Commission for Families and Children (NCFC) have strongly condemned all acts of sexual violence against children. In a joint statement, the Ministry and NCFC expressed “deepest outrage and unequivocal condemnation” of such crimes, calling for swift investigations, timely sentencing, and stronger protections for children.

It said, “Recent reports of heinous assaults on minors, including both boys and girls, highlight the urgent need for stronger community vigilance, swift justice, and comprehensive protection mechanisms for our nation’s most vulnerable citizens.”

It added, “No individual, whether an ordinary citizen or a high-ranking official, is above the law. Perpetrators of sexual violence against children must face the full weight of justice.”

The organisations are calling for immediate investigations into all child sexual abuse allegations and appropriate sentencing that prioritises children’s safety.

The most recent report involves former Benque Viejo mayor and ex-ambassador Said Badi Guerra, 50, who was released on a $10,000 bail with two sureties. Guerra is facing charges of sexual assault, harm, and procuring defilement by threat in a case involving a 16-year-old male.

Guerra denies the allegations. Meanwhile, the teenager spoke to News 5, stating, “I find it so unfair for all he did to me. At no moment I gave him consent, and he just took over me, and I feel violated.”

The minor’s mother provided News 5 with photos of the injuries her son sustained during the alleged rape.