2025 - Greater Belize Media

Loreto Pelayo Quartet to Debut in Tonight’s Jazz Concert

For those who enjoy the symphonies of jazz music, here’s something you can look forward to tonight. The Loreto Pelayo Quartet is making their debut performance tonight at 7:30 PM at the Bliss Centre for Performing Arts in Belize City.

The band leader, Loreto Pelayo, announced that the concert will feature a special guest performance by renowned YouTuber and saxophonist Naythan Graybeal.

Graybeal is from North Carolina, USA, and the CEO of a New York-based jazz education company, gained global recognition after a viral YouTube video at 17. He now uses his platform to promote jazz and its cultural heritage.

“I’m really happy to share this music with people who are willing to come out,” Pelayo said about the concert. “In this concert, we’re really bringing out jazz standards and video game music, which I feel they aren’t that different from each other.”

Pelayo also shared the inspiration behind the name of his band. “When it comes to the name in jazz, it’s not like in rock music or any other music where you come up with a really cool name. Oftentimes, it’s just the name of the band leader and the number of people who play in it,” he said.

Pelayo, who has led his band through several transitions, said his primary focus has always been to play the type of music he loves—jazz. Despite the challenges of performing jazz, he remains passionate about his craft.

Graybeal, whose expertise in jazz education has inspired many, spoke about the historical significance of the genre. “Jazz is really, technically, America’s only true art form. It’s really a folk music. It originated in the Black American culture during their times of extreme poverty and really escaping slavery. So this was the music that was born out of them expressing their sort of sorrows, and it really evolved into music that spread across the world,” he said.

Pelayo and Graybeal invite all jazz lovers to come and enjoy the band’s debut performance tonight at the Bliss Centre.

The doors open at 7:00 PM, and the concert will run for two hours, wrapping up at 10:00 PM.

Tickets are available for $30 and can be purchased in advance at CY’s Music Store, Premium Wine and Spirits, The Bliss, or reserved directly from Pelayo by calling 630-4537. Tickets will also be available at the door.

Cabinet Approves Key Policies on Health, Elections, and Infrastructure

The cabinet met on Tuesday to discuss several national policies and legislative measures.

Among the decisions was the endorsement of the Belize Health Sector Strategic Plan 2025-2034, a long-term roadmap aimed at addressing critical healthcare challenges, improving resource allocation, and enhancing transparency and accountability within the system.

Cabinet also approved a phased retention package of allowances for public healthcare nurses. This initiative is expected to improve job satisfaction and reduce staff shortages in the sector.

Cabinet also approved amendments to water tariff regulations, extending the current Full Tariff Period from April 1, 2025, to April 1, 2026, ensuring that existing tariffs, fees, and charges remain unchanged until March 31, 2026.

Cabinet reaffirmed its rejection of the 2023 Elections and Boundaries Commission’s re-divisioning proposals, citing their failure to meet constitutional requirements. The minister responsible for elections and the attorney general were tasked with engaging the commission on necessary constitutional amendments for a revised redivisioning plan, with a goal of completing the process within a year.

Additionally, the Belize Building Code will undergo legislative amendments to improve infrastructure resilience, enhance governance, and establish safety standards reflecting Belize’s environmental conditions.

To strengthen financial oversight, Cabinet approved an amendment to the Central Bank of Belize Act to include the Director General of the Financial Services Commission as a member of the Central Bank’s Board of Directors.

Additionally, land tax collection will be transferred to the Belize Tax Service (BTS) over a one-year phased transition. This initiative aims to improve efficiency by integrating tax assessment and collection through the IRIS online platform.

Cabinet also approved policies on fiscal strategy and disaster risk financing, aligning with the World Bank’s Sustainable Development Policy to enhance economic resilience.

Belize Reviews Impact of New U.S. Tariff Policy

The Government of Belize is closely monitoring the new U.S. tariff regime announced by President Donald Trump and is taking steps to assess its potential economic impact.

Trump slapped Belize with a 10% reciprocal tariff.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, officials are analysing the details of the policy shift and will be engaging with relevant stakeholders to safeguard Belize’s economic interests. The ministry’s full statement reads, “The Government of Belize takes note of the new U.S. tariff regime announced yesterday by President Donald Trump. Our officials are currently and rapidly analysing the information and will be consulting with the relevant stakeholders to ensure Belize’s economic interests are safeguarded through bilateral dialogue with U.S. officials and coordination with CARICOM.”

The latest SIB figures show that Belize exported $3.4M to the US in February 2025.

Other Caribbean countries are reacting to Trump’s announcement. Prime Minister Gaston Browne of Antigua and Barbuda expressed concerns about the inflationary consequences for Caribbean nations, highlighting that approximately 80% of Antigua and Barbuda’s trade is tied to the U.S., with most food imports originating there. He warned that higher shipping costs, resulting from new policies affecting vessels built in China, could increase container shipping rates by thousands of dollars, further raising the cost of imported goods.

St. Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves also warned about the potential severe economic consequences for the Caribbean if the U.S. proceeds with a proposal to impose a one million US dollar fee on any Chinese-built vessel calling at U.S. ports.

Belize Engages in Blue Carbon Knowledge Exchange in South Korea

Belize is taking part in the World Bank–KPOK Knowledge Exchange on Blue Carbon, a global forum focused on carbon markets and climate solutions. The event, running from March 31 to April 4, 2025, in Seoul and Jeju, South Korea, brings together experts and country representatives to explore strategies for harnessing blue carbon in climate action.

Representing Belize is Deputy Chief Climate Change Officer Sumeet Betancourt, who is contributing to technical discussions, sharing lessons learned, and presenting Belize’s ongoing work to enhance carbon market readiness.

A statement from the Belize National Climate Change Office reads, “Both blue and green carbon remain priority areas under Belize’s NDCs. Opportunities like these help keep Belize informed and provide valuable guidance as we strengthen our nationally driven approach.”

Burglary Forces Couple to Abandon Plans of Settling in Sarteneja

A couple planning to relocate to Sarteneja Village, Corozal, has been forced to reconsider their future after their home was broken into and essential equipment stolen.

The homeowner said that their solar panels, batteries, water pump, and filtration system were stolen during the break-in.

What made the situation worse, they said, was that the caretaker they hired to watch over the property never informed them of the incident. “The person we hired to watch our house didn’t tell us about the break-in. It was the solar company that told us when they came to do maintenance,” he said.

The couple had just reached the point where they could begin moving their belongings and making Sarteneja their permanent home. However, in light of the burglary, they have now made the difficult decision to put the property on the market. The couple is in communication with Corozal Police.

In the comments section, one person said he experienced a similar incident. The person added, “I had to fight the guy off in my house. He came in with a machete.”

CBU Condemns Threats Against Journalists, Calls for Press Freedom in the Caribbean

The Caribbean Broadcasting Union (CBU) has voiced deep concern over threats against investigative journalist Mark Bassant, who is affiliated with Trinidad and Tobago’s CCN TV-6 and The Express Newspaper. The organisation views this as part of a troubling trend of attacks on press freedom across the region.

The Trinidad Express reports that last week, Bassant received a threatening message after publishing his Sunday Express exposé titled “Secret deals and dirty money…Govt official tied to UK gangster’s illicit empire.” The threat, sent via WhatsApp just before he left his office on Wednesday, warned, “I hope the money you get for the so-called exclusive can support the family when you’re gone.”

Bassant, who has faced threats in the past due to his investigative reporting, acted swiftly by contacting law enforcement within ten minutes of receiving the message. He filed an official police report and alerted the Cyber Crime Unit.

Despite the intimidation attempt, Bassant remains resolute in his commitment to journalism. “I continue to work without fear, and I will not let it deter me,” he affirmed.

The CBU expressed full support for professional media practitioners, particularly those covering politically sensitive issues.

Dr. Anthony Rosado to Take Helm as New Police Commissioner

The Ministry of Home Affairs and New Growth Industries has announced a structured one-month transition period for the appointment of a new Commissioner of Police. At the end of this transition, Dr. Anthony R. Rosado will officially assume the post as the country’s top law enforcement officer.

The Ministry said the transition reflects its “commitment to stability, professionalism, and continuity within the leadership of the Belize Police Department. It ensures that institutional knowledge is preserved, operational priorities remain uninterrupted, and the safety and security of the Belizean people continue to be safeguarded during the change in leadership.”

As part of the transition, an official handing-over ceremony will be held, though further details are expected to be released in the coming weeks.

Dr. Rosado will replace Commissioner Chester Williams, who is expected to take the post as CEO in the Ministry of Constitution and Religious Affairs, Indigenous Affairs and Transportation.

Was Chester Williams Pushed out of the Police Department?

Chester Williams, Belize’s longest-serving Commissioner of Police, is gearing up to become the C.E.O. of the Ministry of Transport. While Williams is excited about this new chapter in his career, a recent letter from Sharole Saldivar, the C.E.O. of Home Affairs, hints at some underlying tension. In the letter, Saldivar told Williams to stop acting as commissioner and only serve as a caretaker during his transition. This means he can’t make any major policy decisions or structural changes in the department. We asked Williams and Minister of Home Affairs Kareem Musa if this suggests he was being pushed out. Here’s what they had to say.

Kareem Musa, Minister of Home Affairs

“His record speaks for itself. I think you can look at his entire tenure in office. It has been an accomplished record. He has done so much, not just in terms of reducing crime, but for the welfare of the police officers in our department. And so it’s a difficult thing because. I know the commissioner still has a lot of life left in him. He’s only fifty-one years old. But the Prime Minister and myself discussed the future because we certainly would never want to lose our commissioner and his capabilities, his capacity. As last year we had the most traffic fatalities probably in the history of the country. Commissioner can back me up on that. And we can see where even while he was commissioner, sharing with us at the cabinet level, a lot of strategies that can be put in place to make our highways a lot safer. During this transition period, while it is that we would hope for a seamless, smooth transition, there are certain actions and certain decisions that can be made that can affect the department moving forward. And so it was just a reminder in terms of the transition, It has cost implications for transfers. It has cost implications for promotions. Let us try to make the transition as smooth as possible because not necessarily the new commissioner of police would agree to these transfers, and so we have to make sure that we preserve the status quo as best as possible. And so that’s how I see the letter just saying, let us preserve the status quo as we transition.”

Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police

“ I’m not a person that likes adversities like other adversities in terms of executing my duties and getting into conflict with persons who are not complying with the law or even with the media. I could deal with that. But when it comes to having conflict within the workplace I don’t like that at all. As much as I enjoyed and loved being a police officer, and believe you me this has been my career. I worked thirty-three years to be where I am, and I was extremely unpleased with the letter. And like you rightly said, the CEO has no legal authority to have wrote the letter that she did. I had already explained to our minister Kareem what I intend to do before leaving. We discussed and we agreed on certain things. And so I was surprised by the letter nonetheless to be able to avoid any. Fighting in-house fighting I decided that you know what, it’s best I pack up and leave and move over to my new era of responsibility.”

Chester’s Last Week as Commissioner of Police?

In an interview today, Williams confirmed that this might be his last week as Commissioner of Police. He shared his plans to revamp the Transport Department and enforce stricter road safety laws in Belize. Minister of Home Affairs Kareem Musa also weighed in, noting that Williams’ departure might temporarily affect the department’s media relations.

Reporter

“So Friday will be your last day in the Commissioner’s office?”

Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police

“ I’m hoping that it is going to be my last day. I’m excited about moving over to the Ministry of Transport, Constitutional Reform, indigenous People Affairs, and Religion of Affairs. It is going to be a new challenge for me and I’m the type of person from the time I know myself growing up, I have always embraced challenges and I always ensure that whatever task is given to me, that I do it to the best of my ability that I develop a passion and love for it. And I do believe that once that is done, then you are going to be successful at whatever task. And so I am grateful to the Prime Minister for the opportunity being given to me to move over to that ministry and I assure him that I will do my utmost best, making sure that we improve road safety in particular in this country.”

Kareem Musa, Minister of Home Affairs

“I work very closely with the commissioner, with the deputies of our department, with the assistant commissioners of our department. I have a good relationship with all of them. In my opinion, it’s going to be a smooth transition. Yes. You might say to yourself that you will not have the level of relationship that the media has with the Commissioner of Police because I think that the future commissioner is a lot more reserved, so to speak. And so perhaps we would need to fill the void because this is by far the most transparent commissioner. But we need to continue to fill that void to make sure the media gets the information that it needs each and every day. And so filling that void perhaps with a public relations officer, I don’t think anybody could have done a better job than the commissioner in terms of representing what is taking place within our department and the crime statistics. And so moving forward you could see greater. Involvement of other personnel an academic, as you said, Dr. Rosado and greater strategy. Not that this commissioner didn’t have great strategy. We have everything. Yes, we have all the results to prove it, so it’ll be a continuation of the good strategy that our commissioner has put in place.“

Santiago Garcia was Murdered, not Stabbed in Self Defense

Thirty-one-year-old Kenroy Kelvin Smith has been arrested and charged with the murder of 20-year-old Santiago Garcia. Smith is accused of fatally stabbing Garcia on Sunday night in Pomona Village, Toledo. On Monday, Assistant Commissioner of Police Hilberto Romero explained, ‘Santiago Garcia and Jason Sharp went to Smith’s residence to buy cannabis. An altercation broke out, leading to a fight. Smith then pulled out a knife and inflicted injuries on both men.’ Garcia’s sister, Melissa Lemus, revealed that Smith had been threatening her brother for about a year. ‘We know it was a threat from years ago… he was telling other people that he would do something to my brother,’ she said. Both Sharp and Garcia were taken to the hospital with stab wounds. While Sharp received treatment, Garcia was sadly pronounced dead.

Mellissa Lemus, Sister of Deceased

“We believe that what happened, we just want justice because he was a kind person. If you would maybe ask friends out there, coworkers, ageable people, they will tell you he was respectful. He was honest and he was very, very kind to people. I don’t understand why they would have done that to him. It just hurts us because my grandfather has already passed March twelfth, and we received bad news end of month, nearly end of month. It was March thirtieth which was my birthday. It was a very big shock, like I told you.”