The Government of Belize has launched a Special Electricity Committee (SEC) to develop a National Electrical Energy Mix Master Plan. Its goal is to secure a reliable, affordable and sustainable electricity supply.
The SEC’s main focus is to diversify Belize’s energy sources, cut reliance on imported power and push for more renewable energy.
Belize currently imports approximately 50% of its electricity from Mexico’s Comisión Federal de Electricidad (CFE). Belize generates a substantial portion of its electricity from renewable sources. As of 2022, renewables made up 53% of the country’s total gross electricity generation. Of the energy produced locally, 90% came from renewable sources, mainly hydropower and biomass, and solar energy played a smaller role in the mix.
As part of its mandate, the committee will revise Belize’s Least Cost Expansion Plan, assess energy demand over the next 2, 5 and 10 years, and ensure strong technical and stakeholder input.
Priority actions include a national grid study, the assessment of renewable potential and battery storage, and identifying short-term solar-plus-battery projects. The SEC will also explore energy interconnection with Mexico and Guatemala and recommend creating an Independent System Operator to oversee grid reliability.
“This Committee is not just a technical body—it is a national effort to ensure every Belizean has access to reliable, affordable, and sustainable electricity. The work of the SEC is critical as Belize transitions to a resilient energy future,” said Dr Leroy Almendarez, CEO of the Ministry of Public Utilities.
It may not be the first time you’ve heard of squatting in Belize. People tend to think that if you occupy land for some years, you can claim property rights.
The truth is more complex. And the law is quite clear.
While squatting is illegal, many still move onto unoccupied land, sometimes national, sometimes private, hoping time will tip ownership in their favour. But according to the Ministry of Natural Resources, squatters have no such right, and it’s the landowner’s responsibility to act.
In a 2020 statement, t , stating “The Ministry of Natural Resources hereby reminds the public that squatting on national land or private land is illegal.”
It added, “Any person who is found in the unlawful occupation of national land is guilty of an offence under the National Lands Act, Chapter 191 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 2000-2003. While it is the responsibility of private landowners to remove trespassers from their land, the Ministry reiterates that, under the Summary Jurisdiction (Offences) Act, Chapter 98 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 2000, trespassing on private lands is illegal and subject to removal at the expense of trespassers.”
While there’s no official count on how many people are squatting in Belize, the issue has long been a concern, particularly in fast-growing urban areas and rural pockets where enforcement is weak.
Some cases have involved foreign nationals, including undocumented immigrants.
And yet, in areas like Belama in Belize City, development is accelerating, and so too is opportunity.
With a new NHI clinic going up, streets being paved, and plots rapidly cleared for construction, Belama is booming. But for some, that boom signals not just growth but also the opportunity to stake a claim, legally or not.
The most recent land dispute that we know off is over Parcel No. 5268 in the Belama Phase 5 area.
Francisco Salinas is being accused of squatting on a 1,139.94 square metre private parcel owned by Belize City Deputy Mayor Eluide Miller. According to a legal warning letter dated July 10, issued by attorney William Lindo on Miller’s behalf, Salinas admitted on April 29 to a contracted researcher that he had built a house on the land without permission.
“In or around the 29th April, 2025 you admitted to Mr. Samuel Calles, our contracted researcher, that you are trespassing on the Property and have also built a house without the permission of our Client,” the letter states.
The firm has given Salinas until July 25 to vacate the land and remove all structures or face High Court proceedings for possession, damages, interest, and legal costs.
The property is in the Caribbean Shores/Belize Registration Section, and a land certificate was issued to Miller on March 17, 2025.
News Five has confirmed that in the Belama area, many former squatters have already gone through the process of regularisation with the assistance of the area representative’s office, acquiring or purchasing their lots. This includes engaging with authorities and applying for titles. In most cases, this process has been ongoing for the past four years.
While isolated incidents remain, officials stress that anyone occupying land must go through the proper legal channels.
A new U.S. intelligence assessment has found that recent American airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear program destroyed only one of three targeted enrichment sites, NBC News reports.
While the strike on the Fordo facility dealt a major blow, potentially setting Iran’s nuclear work there back by up to two years, the other two sites, Natanz and Isfahan, suffered less damage and could resume enrichment activities within months.
The limited damage comes after President Donald Trump rejected a broader plan for sustained strikes that would have targeted three additional sites over several weeks. Officials say Trump opposed an extended campaign due to his policy to limit U.S. involvement overseas and concerns about casualties.
Despite Trump’s public claim that Iran’s key enrichment sites were “completely obliterated,” the intelligence suggests Tehran could rebuild parts of its program if talks for a new nuclear deal stall.
There are ongoing discussions in Washington and Tel Aviv about whether more strikes may be needed if Iran tries to restart operations at the less-damaged sites. Iran maintains its nuclear ambitions remain strictly civilian.
Police in western Belize are investigating the tragic death of a young woman who was fatally stabbed in the Spanish Lookout community on Wednesday night.
Authorities say they were called out around 9:37 p.m. on July 16, where they discovered the lifeless body of 20-year-old Claritza Rosalee Granillo Rodriguez lying on a veranda with multiple stab wounds.
Preliminary reports indicate that an argument broke out among people living in the same home, during which Claritza was allegedly attacked and killed by her brother-in-law.
She was rushed to the hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival.
En Swift Hall, una pequeña pero decidida multitud se reunió para una consulta pública sobre el controvertido Proyecto de Ley de la Decimotercera Enmienda. La administración Briceño sostiene que esta ley busca restaurar el orden en comunidades golpeadas por la delincuencia, sin embargo, varios ciudadanos manifestaron su temor a que conceder demasiado poder a las fuerzas de seguridad pueda abrir la puerta a abusos.
Durante la sesión, ciudadanos, legisladores, oficiales de policía, sindicatos y organizaciones no gubernamentales participaron de un intercambio abierto de opiniones. Raymond Gongora planteó una de las principales inquietudes: “Respecto a la Decimotercera Enmienda, ¿podría preguntar a alguien del panel que ha mencionado ‘bloquear’ áreas de pandillas que aclare qué significa eso? Cuando dicen que ‘bloquearán’ una zona, ¿aplica para todos los ciudadanos que viven allí o se dirige específicamente a pandilleros?”
Otros asistentes mostraron su apoyo a la propuesta. Molly Castillo comentó: “A veces dicen que los beliceños somos como un barril de cangrejos: cuando vemos que algo va bien, queremos que vaya mal. Avancemos, no retrocedamos. Por eso apoyo la Decimotercera Enmienda.”
Keith Yearwood justificó la medida como necesaria ante la violencia reciente: “Cuando vi que nuestros ancianos y discapacitados perdieron la vida, hace apenas dos o tres semanas, y nadie habla de ellos, supe que debíamos actuar. Estas medidas pueden parecer drásticas, pero no podemos quedarnos de brazos cruzados. Hay que hacer algo.”
Pero no todos están convencidos. Walter Gillett expresó su preocupación por la falta de controles: “He estado escuchando, y escucho a la gente preguntar: ¿quién será el control y el equilibrio para garantizar que las fuerzas de seguridad no abusen de esto? Hablemos de eso. Porque ahora mismo, incluso antes de que se implemente esta ley, ya estoy viendo abusos por parte de las fuerzas de seguridad. Entonces, ¿quién los hará responsables? ¿Quién vigilará a la policía?”
En respuesta, el subcomisionado de policía Bart Jones aseguró que no se dará carta blanca a la fuerza pública: “Deben existir salvaguardas. Debe haber sospecha razonable de que los detenidos estén vinculados al crimen, y en cuanto al uso de la fuerza, la policía solo podrá emplearla si es estrictamente necesaria. No es un cheque en blanco para derribar puertas. Debe haber controles.”
Para algunos, la consulta dejó claro que el debate debe ir más allá de endurecer leyes. Sylvia Marin, del sindicato BNTU, reflexionó: “Así como se nos dijo que los maestros no deben castigar físicamente, y eliminamos el castigo corporal, encontramos mejores formas de guiar a los estudiantes, de construir, no de destruir. Lo mismo aplica aquí. Quienes asuman esta responsabilidad deben ejercerla correctamente. Enfoquémonos en rehabilitar, no solo en encarcelar.”
Walter Gillett cerró con un llamado a la reflexión: “Lo que no veo es que los responsables regresen a las comunidades para entender por qué los jóvenes recurren al crimen. Belize es un país rico en recursos, nunca debimos llegar a esto. Pero el problema es que la riqueza no llega a todos.”
El ministro Francis Fonseca, presidente interino del Comité de Asuntos Constitucionales de la Asamblea Nacional, defendió la consulta pública sobre el Proyecto de Ley de la Decimotercera Enmienda, calificándola como una parte esencial del proceso democrático.
Fonseca subrayó la importancia de abrir espacios para que la ciudadanía y distintos sectores expresen sus opiniones y sugerencias antes de que el proyecto regrese al Parlamento. “Creo que es un proceso importante, y espero que los beliceños valoren que esto es parte del proceso legislativo. Este proyecto debe pasar por el Comité de Constitución y Asuntos Exteriores. Hacemos esta consulta para escuchar a la ciudadanía, organizaciones, grupos de interés, para escuchar sus opiniones. Cómo mejorar el proyecto, qué enmiendas hacer antes de que vuelva a la Cámara de Representantes. Es un proceso sano, la democracia en su mejor expresión”, afirmó.
El Comité de Asuntos Constitucionales seguirá recopilando opiniones para determinar posibles ajustes al polémico proyecto de ley, que busca ampliar los poderes de seguridad en áreas con alta criminalidad.
El abogado Richard “Dickie” Bradley lanzó duras críticas contra el Proyecto de Ley de la Decimotercera Enmienda, cuestionando severamente su impacto sobre los derechos fundamentales de los ciudadanos beliceños.
En declaraciones contundentes, Bradley expresó su preocupación por el rumbo que podría tomar el país si se aprueba esta reforma constitucional. “Es realmente increíble que en 2025 estemos considerando interferir con los derechos y libertades fundamentales de los beliceños al proponer un cambio constitucional que efectivamente dice: una vez que la policía viene por ti, no tienes derechos. Eso suena como algo sacado de una película nazi o de un régimen comunista, no de Belize”, señaló.
Para Bradley, esta iniciativa es contraria a la esencia de la Constitución: “Es difícil aceptar que esto es lo que hemos llegado como nación. La Constitución debe proteger al pueblo, no quitarnos protecciones. Es asombroso”, afirmó.
El abogado también cuestionó la narrativa de que los detenidos tienen acceso a defensa legal: “Y seamos honestos, hablar de abogados y crimen es una distracción. Las personas que están siendo detenidas no pueden pagar un abogado. Solo dieciséis han demandado con éxito. Dieciséis. El resto ni siquiera puede soñar con pagar los honorarios legales”.
Bradley cerró su crítica subrayando lo irreal que le resulta ver que esta propuesta avance en Belize: “No bebo ni fumo marihuana, pero escuchar esto, ver que esto sucede en Belize, se siente como estar en un semi-estupor. Es impactante que esta sea nuestra realidad”.
The crowd at Swift Hall today wasn’t huge, but the message was loud and clear. Belizeans showed up to speak out during a public consultation on the controversial Thirteenth Amendment Bill. The Briceño administration says the bill is all about restoring order in crime-ridden communities. It would give security forces expanded powers, including the ability to operate in so-called ‘special zones’ without needing warrants. It also proposes a dedicated gun and gang court; and, perhaps most controversially, it aims to retroactively legalize all past states of emergency, shielding them from court challenges. But inside Swift Hall, many voices raised a red flag, warning that this kind of unchecked power could open the door to abuse. And it wasn’t just those in the room, online users also chimed in with strong opinions. News Five’s Paul Lopez was there and brings us the story from the ground.
Paul Lopez, Reporting
It was not a full house at Swift Hall today, where lawmakers, police officers, union reps, NGOs, and everyday Belizeans came together for a frank and open conversation about the Thirteenth Amendment Bill. The big question on the table? How to bring back safety and order in communities where crime has taken hold.
Randall Sheppard
Randall Sheppard, Assistant Solicitor General, Office of Attorney General
“As it states at e18 A (2), that the governor general on the advice of the national security council may by order publish in the Gazette, declare any area in Belize a special area in the interest of public safety or order for the purpose of preventing, detecting or controlling crime.”
One of the biggest sticking points in today’s discussion? The level of power the bill gives to security forces in these so-called ‘special areas’, including the ability to carry out operations without a warrant. That raised some serious eyebrows. And while some attendees backed the bill as a tough but necessary move, others weren’t so sure, voicing strong concerns about potential abuse of power.
Raymond “Footie” Gongora
Raymond “Footie” Gongora, Belize City Resident
“The thirteenth amendment, could I ask anybody from the panel that says they will have some gang areas locked down, what that means? Anybody could tell me what that means when they say they will lock down this area? Is it all the citizens in that area or just the gangs you the target?”
Molly Castillo
Molly Castillo, Belize City Resident
“Sometime they say we Belizean dah wah barrel a crab, anything we see the guh good dah like we wah ih go wrong. Mek we guh forward and not backward. I support the 13th Amendment, thank you.”
Keith Yearwood
Keith Yearwood, Belize City Resident
“When I saw the elderly and disabled got their lives taken away from them and I hear no one mention of their lives that just happen two three weeks ago, we have to take measures. It might sound drastic, but something has to get done.”
Walter Gillett
Walter Gillett, Belize City Resident
“I listen, unu seh bout, who is going to be a check and balance to ensure it does not get abused by the security force? Let us talk about that. And I see abuse happen with the security force right now before this law get implemented. So, who is going to be there to check the abuse. Who is going to police the police?”
The conversation didn’t stop at Swift Hall; Belizeans also took to social media to share their thoughts on the Thirteenth Amendment, and let’s just say, opinions were mixed. We asked, and you responded. Back inside the consultation, Deputy Commissioner of Police Bart Jones tried to ease some of the public’s concerns. He explained that while the bill gives police more authority in designated ‘special areas,’ there are still checks in place. Officers, he said, must have reasonable suspicion before taking action, something he insists will help prevent abuse of power.
Bart Jones
Bart Jones, Deputy Commissioner of Police
“All other safeguards must be in place. There must be reasonable suspicion that these persons who are detained are connected with the crime situation at hand and as well in terms of the use of force, the police can only use such force as is reasonably necessary in the situation. So it is not cart blanche for the police to go out there, knock down doors. There has to be safeguard in place for the police to operate.”
Outside of the proposed amendment is a much bigger question, what are lawmakers doing to address the root cause of crime in these high-risk communities?
Sylvia Marin
Sylvia Marin, Representative, Belize National Teachers Union
“Just like you guys said teachers are not suppose to punish and you remove corporal punishment from teachers and we found ways in which we can work with out students and build them and not break them. That is the same way we can do. You are entrusted with that, you are entrusted in doing that. Build them so we can have a better responsibility. Promote rehabilitation, not incarceration.”
Walter Gillett
Walter Gillett, Belize City Resident
“I don’t see the people implementing it go back into the community to find out why these youths are leading to crime. I think the country is full with wealth and we should have never been down this road. But the wealth is being shared with a few.”
Alfonso Noble
Alfonso Noble, Talk Show Host
“It is my belief that targeted, social intervention will be a greater and more effective way of addressing the crime situation.”
Today’s public consultation process ran throughout the course of the day.
La semana pasada se anunció un hallazgo arqueológico que podría cambiar la historia de Caracol: la posible tumba del primer rey de esta antigua ciudad maya. Junto a sus restos, arqueólogos encontraron exquisitas obras de arte y joyería que ofrecen una rara ventana a la élite maya.
“En lo profundo de las selvas de Belize, arqueólogos han descubierto la tumba de un antiguo gobernante maya repleta de artefactos intrincadamente elaborados”, explicó el equipo de investigación.
Rumaru Ku, arqueólogo del Instituto de Arqueología, destacó la importancia de estos objetos: “Esta persona encontrada allí era uno de los gobernantes de la dinastía. No fue enterrado con objetos comunes. Los artículos con los que fue sepultado eran de materiales muy exclusivos, de alta gama. En cuanto a cerámica, normalmente encuentras muchas en todas partes del sitio. Estas cerámicas son importantes porque no solo están pintadas, sino que son policromadas, lo que significa que tienen diferentes diseños”.
Los artefactos incluyen pendientes de jade y detallados trabajos en hueso, ahora resguardados en instalaciones seguras. Un equipo especializado está digitalizando cada pieza para garantizar su preservación y compartir su historia con futuras generaciones.
Katherine Coye, Oficial de Investigación y Cumplimiento del Instituto de Arqueología, explicó el proceso: “Una forma en que podemos preservar perfectamente un artefacto tal como fue encontrado es mediante fotogrametría digital. Este proceso consiste en tomar varias fotografías desde todos los ángulos posibles del objeto, y el programa básicamente las une creando un pequeño modelo”.
Desde hace dos años, el Instituto trabaja en la digitalización de la Colección Nacional de Belize. El objetivo es acercar la historia a toda la población mediante la plataforma Access 501 del Ministerio de Educación.
“Ya sea que sea solo un pequeño fragmento de maceta o si es un artefacto magnífico como una máscara de jade. Todas estas cosas se consideran parte de la colección nacional. Sin embargo, algunas cosas no se pueden manipular de la manera que necesitamos para la fotogrametría”, puntualizó Coye.
Gracias a estos esfuerzos, hoy cualquier persona puede explorar virtualmente estas reliquias y conocer más sobre el esplendor de la civilización maya.
At today’s public consultation on the Thirteenth Amendment Bill, we caught up with Francis Fonseca, there in his role as interim chair of the National Assembly’s House Committee on Constitution Affairs. Fonseca emphasized just how important this consultation process is, not just for transparency, but for shaping the next steps in this major constitutional proposal. So, what happens after the public has had its say?
Francis Fonseca, Interim Chair, House Committee for Constitution Affairs
“I think it is an important process and I hope the Belizean people appreciate that what we are doing here is a part of the legislative process. This is a part of the House Committee for Constitution and Foreign Affairs, which this bill has to go through, the Thirteenth Amendment has to go through that committee, holding a public consultation so that we can hear from members of the public, organizations or individuals, interest group, so that we can hear directly from them, their views on the bill. How we can make the bill more effective, what we can do to make the bill more effective. What we can do to make amendments at the house committee level before it goes back to the House of Representatives. I think it is a very healthy process, democracy at its best, affording our citizens the opportunity to speak directly to the house committee members on the substance of this bill.”
Paul Lopez
“How will you determine at the end of it whether there is a majority objecting to the bill and what is the course of action then?”
Francis Fonseca
“I think we are taking careful, copious notes of everything that is recorded. We have to report back to the house committee. Of course we have to report to our Cabinet on the state of the bill and I think coming out of those discussions we will be able to determine where people stand, where the public stands on this bill and I think any government wants to ensure we are not doing something the public is totally against. But if there is an opportunity to refine the bill, to improve it, to make it more effective and at the same time achieve our stated objective, then we will find that middle ground.”
