2025 - Greater Belize Media

Keyren Tzib: From Coastguard to Convict to Graduate

You might remember her name. Back in 2015, Tzib, a former coastguard sailor, was charged with the attempted murder of a fellow officer. Just a year later, she faced another serious charge, manslaughter, after a domestic dispute ended in the stabbing death of her boyfriend in Lord’s Bank. Fast forward nearly a decade, and Tzib is back in the headlines, but this time, for something entirely different. She’s now one of several inmates who just graduated from a rehabilitation program at the Ashcroft Rehabilitation Center inside the Belize Central Prison.

Keyren Tzib, Inmate, Belize Central Prison

“For me, I am here at Kolbe Foundation; however, this wasn’t my plan or destination. I set high standards for myself and when I was shocked at having to receive the designation of inmate in prison, I became shattered. I gathered the parts of my life throughout this course and steps five through eight taught me how to do that. I became responsible for things in and out of my control and accepted powerlessness so I can work on the inner me. By the time I reached step nine, justice, I felt my personal breakthrough. At night I pray to God, my higher power, to help me. The road was filled with hard punishments but I kept my heart absorbed in Christ, while trusting for justice and hoping for deliverance. At steps eleven and twelve, I began accepting culpability for where I am and who I am. Where I am is not where I want to be. I pray often and have a faithful confidence in God’s love for me. As I go on in life, I try every day to be humble and to cultivate the nine fruits of God’s spirit. These virtues have been a great and positive help for me. My plan is to keep centered in Christ and to become compassionate and trusting that God’s victory is certain for them that keep their minds and hearts safe upon Him.”

BDF and Coast Guard Step Up to Defend Belize’s Natural Resources

New recruits are on the way to both the Belize Defense Force and the Belize Coast Guard, and they’re not just preparing for traditional threats. In this era of climate change, protecting Belize’s land and sea is more important than ever. From stopping poachers in their tracks to seizing illegal fishing gear, these men and women are stepping up to defend not just borders, but biodiversity. It’s a tough job, and it takes all hands on deck. But with more boots hitting the ground soon, Belize is doubling down on its commitment to safeguard its natural resources.

Brigadier General Azariel Loria, Commander, B.D.F.

“We have sent for the applications, we have gathered quite a number of them. I believe, if I’m not mistaken, that we wanted to kick it off this month. But we were still battling with the budget and the resources per se we’re trying to get, more ammunition more weapons and the equipment that have not arrived as yet. It will be at the end of September, if anything.”

Reporter

“About how many new soldiers are you guys hoping to add the ramps with the intake?”

Brigadier General Azariel Loria

“We have been giving authority to recruit a hundred and fifty and as soon as we culminate with a hundred and fifty, we are going to recruit another a hundred and fifty So it wll be a double intake.”

Reporter

“And like the BDF, I believe you guys are also getting a new recruitment squad.”

Captain Gregory Soberanis, Vice Commandant, Belize Coast Guard

“I believe that is that is on a projected forecast. We’ll see how that will play out. Once that is confirmed, I’m sure coast Guard from the Coast Guard headquarters. That information will be shared with the media houses.”

Soldiers Demand Better Housing Conditions

For years, there have been promises, plans to upgrade the living and working conditions of our Belize Defense Force soldiers. But tonight, frustration is boiling over. A member of the B.D.F. has taken to social media, sharing a raw and emotional post about the deplorable conditions soldiers are still enduring. In the post, they describe cold nights in makeshift shelters and even sleeping soaked when rain seeps through the roof and walls. The soldier is now calling on the Minister of Defense to urgently investigate. In response, Brigadier General Azariel Loria, Commander of the B.D.F., has provided an update on the improvements that are in the pipeline.

Brigadier General Azariel Loria, Commander, B.D.F.

“Our installations. It’s no secret and I can’t say I’m not tired of saying that those were dilapidated. And the Ministry of Defense came up with intend to refurbish the basis, the military basis. There are not much, about four or five of them, of which the media knows that we have been doing. We have refurbished. We’re in the process of getting for weather camp refurbished at Price Barracks. I believe that we have the barrack rooms. Brand new barrack rooms to withstand a category five hurricane. The brand new dining facility. The at the moment we are paving the parade square is not fully done yet, still in the process, but we’re trying to catch up. The forest has been in existence for more than forty, over forty years. And we are still trying to catch up because we have failed to maintain our bases. So that is what we’re doing now, and we are trying to, to rebuild permanent infrastructure or infrastructure that will that will be easily maintained. And we’re getting rid of the, these in huts. Everything that has to do with zinc. We don’t want to build our soldiers in such places especially when it comes to June, to November, December. We kinda languish, but with such development, I believe that will be no more. We will be in a better position to house our soldiers and look after their welfare.”

Belize Hosts Landmark Caribbean Water Conference

Today marked the official media launch of the Thirty-fourth Annual Caribbean Water and Wastewater Conference, and it’s a big deal. Hosted right here in Belize, this year’s event is more than just a gathering of experts, it’s a call to action. Here’s Tanya Arceo with the following story.

Tanya Arceo, Reporting

Belize is hosting a major regional event that’s all about connection, collaboration, and clean water. This year, the 34th Annual Caribbean Water and Wastewater Conference is coming to our shores and leading the charge is Cornelio Acosta, Executive Chairman of Belize Water Services. At today’s media launch, Acosta called it a landmark moment for the country. The theme this year— ‘Engineering Progress Together: Collective Action for a Connected Region’, isn’t just about pipes and pumps. It’s about unity. It’s about working across borders, sectors, and disciplines to build a more sustainable future for the Caribbean.

Cornelio Acosta, Executive Chairman, Belize Water Services

“The thirty fourth annual Caribbean Water and Wastewater Conference will be more than just a meeting of professionals it will be a gathering of purpose driven partners from technical sessions and innovative showcases to youth forums and policy round tables we will come together to build together a more connected a resilient and more secure water secure Caribbean”

Representing the Caribbean at today’s launch was Candice Santana, President of the CWWA. She’s not just leading the organization; she’s leading with purpose. Santana stood as a powerful voice for the region, championing resilience, innovation, and equal access to water and sanitation for all.

Candice Santana, President, CWWA

“United by one mission to advance the sustainable management of water, waste water and solid waste for the benefit of our people, the Caribbean development and of course our environment. And this year we are especially proud to mark a historic milestone, for the very first time the CWWA conference will be held on the mainland of Central America in the warm, resilient, vibrant, colorful nation of Belize this is a proud moment for you”

Tanya Arceo for News Five

Kristina Romero Takes Helm as Women’s Commission Launches New NWC Chapter

Belize made history today with the launch of the newly restructured National Women’s Commission, and it was more than just a formal gathering. At the heart of the event was the official appointment of Kristina Romero as the Commission’s new president. Romero, known for her passion and advocacy, now takes the lead in shaping the national agenda on women’s issues. But that wasn’t the only big moment. The commission also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Office of the Special Envoy, headed by Rossana Briceño. This agreement sets the stage for stronger collaboration between the two offices as they work together to support women, families, and communities across Belize.

Thea Garcia Ramirez, Minister, Human Development Families and Gender Affairs

“It was the swearing-in of the National Women’s Commission, the commission deploy and we have a new president Kristina Romero who is now the chair person and president of the National Women’s Commission and we had a signing of memorandum of understanding. The special envoy she was here to sign that as well and that is basically a document that will provide the framework of how we will be collaborating her office and the ministry on matters that pertain to advocacy and policy.”

Kristina Romero, President, National Women Commission

“Today we had the induction of a newly appointed commission it is a very unique experience because we have commissioners from all over Belize so it will make the work easier for us when we’re looking at policy and advising the government we will be able to take in consideration perspectives of the different demographics of Belize in prior years we did have collaboration from other districts but this time around, this term that will last for two years we have representation from all districts.”

Garifuna Beats and Language Revival at Leo Bradley Library

This afternoon, the Leo Bradley Library turned into a vibrant hub of culture and connection, as the sounds of Garifuna music fill the air. It’s all part of a unique “Train the Trainer” session hosted at the Belize National Library Service. The focus was a powerful initiative called Garifuna Language Retrieval Through Music, a creative and meaningful way to revive a language rich with history and identity. And leading the charge is Angela Palacio, the driving force behind today’s session. We caught up with her earlier to learn more about this cultural revival in action.

Angela Palacio, Organizer

“The summer program started on Monday from nine to nine every day and every day we taught them something different about the aspect of Garifuna, including songs and stuff like that. Yesterday we had at guest appearance, Mr. Josh Arana taught them about drumming and music. And today we have Mr. James Lovell, teaching them gar true songs and you hear them pronouncing the words, right? They’re doing a great job.”

Britney Gordon

“And how receptive have they been to that and on the other activities that they’ve been doing throughout, are they learning? Are they advancing? Are they enjoying it?”

Angela Palacio

“They learn so quickly. I prepared a lot of informative things for them to do. And the first day Mr. James said, you’re gonna teach the all that. They won’t be able to do it, man. They suck it up. I almost went out of material to teach them, so they’re very excited.”

GOB Announces GST-Free Back-to-School Weekends

Cabinet has declared that no General Sales Tax (GST) will be charged on eligible goods purchased during two designated periods: from Thursday, July 31st to Saturday, August 2nd, and again from Friday, August 15th to Sunday, August 17th, 2025.

According to the government, this is part of the government’s promise to help households cope with rising back-to-school expenses and stimulate local business activity. During these weekends, the standard 12.5% GST will be waived at the point of sale for a range of items, including school supplies, uniforms, shoes, and other essential goods.

Retailers registered for GST are required to ensure their point-of-sale systems are ready to apply the exemption. Receipts for purchases made during these weekends should clearly show a GST rate of zero percent, or indicate that the item is non-taxable.

Past GST relief days, such as last year’s Christmas GST holiday, saw thousands of shoppers benefit from lower prices on everyday goods. Authorities are encouraging consumers to plan ahead and verify that receipts reflect the waived tax during checkout.

Five Belizean Beauty Brands Showcase at Top US Expo

Five Belizean cosmetic brands participated in the 22nd edition of COSMOPROF North America, which is the leading business-to-business beauty exhibition in the Americas. The three-day event, held from July 15 -17 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Centre in Las Vegas, brought together top beauty innovators from around the world.

Representing Belize were IKooma, Nika’s Sea Moss, Barranco Botanics, Southern Queen Products, and Naturally Belize Products. Their participation is supported by BELTRAIDE and The Nature Conservancy as part of a broader strategy to strengthen Belize’s blue economy and expand access to international markets.

“We are here to showcase the seaweed value-added products that Belize has to offer… We are here to give them the opportunity to explore, network, see what’s out there, and grow their businesses.”

Lorcia Moore, owner of Naturally Belize Coconut Products, called the experience “eye-opening” and said she gained insights into “innovative packaging” to improve her brand. “For Naturally Belize, this means we’re going to be expanding our product lines and seeing better packaging and collaborations, so it’s for sure growth and development.”

Southern Queen Products founder Reena Usher added, “This journey has opened opportunities… that will elevate and grow our brand’s products.” She said this experience has left her inspired after learning of even more opportunities and creating a “very good collaboration” with her “seaweed sisters.”

Nika’s Sea Moss said this has been a first-time experience for her to showcase her brand’s products abroad at such a large scale. It’s an experience that has also left her motivated and “overjoyed.”

Meanwhile, the founder of Barranco Botanics shared that the experience has been nothing short of “amazing”. She said, “My mind was blown,” and is bringing back home innovative ideas to improve her brand and products.

The event concludes today.

Familia Exige Justicia por Apunalado en Santa Martha

Una familia en Orange Walk clama justicia tras el brutal ataque a Miguel Ángel Valladares, quien fue apuñalado múltiples veces el domingo por la noche en la aldea Santa Martha. El presunto agresor, identificado como Jairo Godoy, sigue detenido en la estación de policía de Orange Walk mientras avanzan las investigaciones.

Desde el Hospital Regional del Norte, Martina Emerlinda Valladares, madre de la víctima, relató entre lágrimas la gravedad de las heridas de su hijo: “Quiero justicia para mi hijo porque no es justo que mi hijo esté en el hospital. Mi hijo está marcado de por vida. El doctor me dijo que le perforaron el pulmón, el estómago. Gracias a Dios y a los doctores mi hijo regresó, está vivo y puedo verlo abrir los ojos aunque sea poquito.”

“Quiero saber si realmente está enfermo mental y si tiene documentos, porque siempre que la policía lo detiene, lo sueltan. Y sigue haciendo lo que hace, siempre riéndose. Apunaló a mi hijo y al día siguiente estaba riéndose mientras mi hijo se moría en el hospital. No es justo lo que hizo.”

Heidy Anahí Melgar, pareja de Miguel Ángel y madre de su hijo de dos años, explicó que su esposo fue a buscarla a la casa de su madre, donde había una celebración, cuando ocurrió el ataque. “Sé que ellos tenían un problema desde hace tiempo. No se llevan bien,” dijo Melgar, quien teme por su familia si Jairo queda libre.

Mientras tanto, Miguel Ángel permanece hospitalizado y su familia promete seguir luchando para que se haga justicia y se presenten cargos formales contra el agresor.

Joven Asesinada en Casa de Spanish Lookout

Cuando el hogar deja de ser un lugar seguro. En Spanish Lookout, un hecho desgarrador pone en evidencia cuán frágil puede ser la tranquilidad en espacios compartidos. Claritza Granillo Rodriguez, una joven hondureña de veinte años, fue brutalmente apuñalada presuntamente por su cuñado tras una discusión por música a alto volumen.

La tragedia ocurrió la noche del miércoles en la vivienda que compartía con su esposo y cuatro familiares varones dentro de un aserradero donde los hombres trabajaban. Según el informe policial, el grupo estaba compartiendo después de la jornada laboral cuando la situación se tornó violenta.

Las autoridades llegaron a la escena poco después de las 9:30 p.m. y encontraron a Rodriguez sin vida en la veranda de la casa, con múltiples heridas de arma blanca. Fue trasladada de emergencia al hospital, pero solo se pudo certificar su fallecimiento.

Tres hombres fueron detenidos tras el crimen, pero el principal sospechoso, su cuñado Eris Gavarette, se dio a la fuga. Tras un operativo de búsqueda, la policía confirmó hoy que logró capturarlo.

Rodriguez y su familia eran casi desconocidos para la comunidad de Spanish Lookout. Hasta ahora, los intentos de contactar a sus parientes no han tenido éxito y los dueños de la propiedad restringieron el acceso a los medios de comunicación.

Este hecho deja interrogantes sobre la convivencia en espacios donde las tensiones y la violencia doméstica pueden esconderse tras muros de silencio.