The Consulate of Belize in Los Angeles has issued a message addressing the devastating wildfires impacting California, including members of the Belizean diaspora in that state.
It said that, “Minister Anthony Mahler and the entire team at the Ministry of Tourism and Diaspora Relations remain deeply concerned for all those affected by the devastating fires in California, especially our Belizean brothers and sisters facing these difficult circumstances.”
Minister Mahler encouraged individuals to utilise support services such as emergency shelters provided by the Red Cross. He also urged those wishing to make donations to contribute to reputable disaster relief organisations like the Red Cross and the Salvation Army to ensure that aid reaches those most in need.
Additionally, the Consulate shared information on critical services for those impacted, including locating missing loved ones through the Red Cross and obtaining replacements for vital documents such as passports and birth certificates. Belizeans requiring assistance were advised to contact the consulate via email with specific requests.
The Consulate urged Belizeans to remain vigilant, adhere to local authority guidelines, and make use of the available support for their safety and recovery.
The Belize Elite Basketball League (BEBL) posted this on its Facebook account: “Fans Have NO FEAR!!! BEBL 2025 IS NEAR!!!” Facebook users were quick to ask if there would be two leagues.
Back in July, the Hurricanes filed a protest after the Defenders’ game three win, citing a controversial call. The team took nine seconds to cross the halfcourt line, which the officials deemed an eight-second violation after reviewing the Instant Replay System. As a result, Sidibe Bourama’s two points were nullified, time was added back to the clock, and the Defenders were given possession. Despite the drama, the Hurricanes lodged a protest with the BEBL Disciplinary/Protest Committee.
The committee had ruled that using the Instant Replay System for the eight-second violation was against FIBA rules. The Hurricanes expected the final 36 seconds of game three to be replayed before game four, but this was delayed as the Defenders appealed the decision.
In March 2024, the league faced controversy after the Orange Walk Running Rebels withdrew from the 2024 season, citing dissatisfaction with league management and player contract disputes. A central issue was the signing of American player Jeremiah Toney, who was initially listed with the Belmopan Trojans. The Running Rebels claimed B.E.B.L. Commissioner Glenn Gill assured them Toney was not under contract, only to later suspend the player for dual signings. The incident underscored the need for improved communication and stricter adherence to league regulations.
And then there were financial issues. The league requested a 50% reduction in the $5,000-per-game rental fee for the Belize City Civic Centre, citing financial challenges, as the season’s total expenses for three teams reached $90,000. In response, Minister of Sports Rodwell Ferguson announced a $4,000 monthly subsidy from the Sports Council and the Department of Youth Services.
And all the sports drama in 2024 led to a rumoured creation of a second league. Though no official announcement has been made, it is reported that this push is being made by heavyweights in sports with the aim to put Belizeans first in basketball.
Opposition Leader Moses “Shyne” Barrow wants the court to take action against Albert Area Representative Tracy Panton and Phillipa Griffith Bailey.
Barrow, along with key figures of the United Democratic Party (UDP), including Michael Peyrefitte, Shary Medina, Alberto August, and Hugo Patt, are requesting that the court prohibit the respondents and their affiliates, including John Saldivar, Sheena Pitts, Orson J. Elrington, and Hot Off the Press, from publishing or disclosing information related to the UDP’s headquarters, its assets, leadership, and any issues central to ongoing proceedings.
The application also seeks to prevent public actions or communications that could undermine the court’s authority or suggest dual leadership within the UDP.
The applicants allege that the respondents, particularly Panton, have repeatedly disregarded court orders and engaged in conduct prejudicial to the ongoing leadership dispute. Specific actions cited include statements on social media, public appearances, and press releases where Panton purportedly held herself out as the party’s interim leader. The application states that these actions violate prior court orders aimed at maintaining the status quo until the dispute is resolved.
Barrow’s attorney, Dr. Christopher P. Malcolm, wrote the registrar, informing them that the claimants/applicants request that the contempt orders application filed on December 6, 2024, be scheduled for hearing alongside the urgent court orders application submitted on January 15, 2025.
A family dispute led to a murder earlier tonight in Gales Point Manatee Village, Belize District. The victim has been identified as Randy Williams, also known as Randy Bowen. We are told that he was stabbed multiple times.
A man on a bicycle was knocked down a few minutes ago in Belize City. The incident occurred on mile 1 1/1 on the George Price Highway. The victim has been identified as 40-year-old Keron Ysaguirre of Fabers Road. He was on a bicycle when the incident happened.
He is able to speak and said he had no issues breathing. Ysaguirre complained of back pain.
The driver did not stop and render aid.
Police officers remain on the scene. 911 was called, and BERT officials were informed that they wouldn’t be able to arrive on the scene because their ambulance was at another emergency site.
The BERT ambulance eventually arrived. Ysaguirre was taken to the hospital for treatment.
The Caye Caulker Village Council has reiterated its commitment to ensuring equitable access to public beach areas and maintaining community spaces for both locals and visitors. In a statement issued today, the Council said that all individuals, regardless of their resources or connections, must be held to the same standard under the law.
The Council says it has proactively addressed the closure of two public beach areas and one street, adding that access to these spaces is a right for all Belizeans and visitors. “We agree unanimously, as does the law, that beach access must be available to all Belizeans and visitors. Furthermore, these areas are nationally owned areas that exist for the benefit of everyone in our community. For us this means visitors and locals alike,” the statement noted.
The statement explained that the council has engaged with government authorities and other stakeholders over the past two years. Key actions included:
September 6, 2022: A meeting was held with CEO Paul Thompson to address initial complaints.
2023: The Council engaged with the Ministry of Natural Resources and met with Deputy Prime Minister Cordel Hyde to seek support in addressing the issues. The ministry conducted inspections of waterfront properties to assess compliance with national laws.
December 6, 2023: A formal letter was sent to Deputy Prime Minister Hyde requesting further information to assist the Council in resolving these issues.
March 2024: Following inspections, several properties were identified as being in violation of the law. The Council informed property owners of these violations and initiated dialogue to find resolutions.
The council says it has acted decisively when barriers were placed to restrict access to the beach and street areas.
“We cannot continue to allow the slow degradation of Caye Caulker’s public beach access. There is a due process with proper procedures and permission for the use of national land and beautification,” the Council stated. preservation.
The State of Emergency (SoE) in Trinidad and Tobago has been extended for three months following a parliamentary decision late Monday night. The extension was approved after Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley raised the motion, which was debated by both government members and the opposition.
The SoE, initially declared on December 30, was enacted after the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service provided credible intelligence about the likelihood of reprisal killings following a mass shooting in Laventille that weekend. The original declaration, set for 15 days, required parliamentary approval for any extension.
During the debate, Prime Minister Rowley explained that the SoE did not restrict the rights of law-abiding citizens.
National Security Minister Fitzgerald Hinds reported significant results from the SoE’s implementation. He noted that the country recorded 12 murders so far in 2025, representing a 50% reduction compared to the same period in 2024.
Hinds also confirmed that 137 individuals remained in custody out of more than 500 detained during SoE operations. He assured citizens that the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force was actively patrolling communities, with plans to increase their presence in the coming days.
An event to honour Father of the Nation George Cadle Price was held today at his family house on Pickstock Street in Belize City. To celebrate his life and legacy, a compilation of his letters preserved at the Belize Archives was launched under the title Good Belizeans. The compilation includes correspondences during his life as a political leader during which he addressed various topics, including independence.
A botanical garden featuring species from Belize’s flora was created at the residence.
A street exhibit was also opened, showcasing Price’s communications and other elements of his enduring legacy.
Known as the Father of the Nation, Price led Belize to independence in September 1981 and became the country’s first prime minister. He would have turned 106 today.
January 15, the birthday of George Cadle Price, has been a national holiday for four years. Belizeans have taken to social media to say, “Happy George Price Day.” Prime Minister John Briceño stressed the profound significance of the phrase, “Those four simple words,” to all Belizeans, describing it as a call to service and an opportunity to honour the legacy of service. While reflecting on and honouring the profound contributions of George Price, PM Briceño also acknowledged the many Belizeans who stood alongside Price in the fight to defend the nation.
In visiting Price’s historic home, Briceño expressed the honour he felt in reflecting on Price’s values and way of life, which continue to serve as a guide for his own commitment to serving Belize.
Israel and Hamas have reached a ceasefire agreement to end the 15-month conflict in Gaza. The agreement includes an exchange of Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners, marking a potential resolution to a war that has destabilised the Middle East.
The ceasefire comes after months of negotiations brokered by Egyptian and Qatari mediators with U.S. backing, finalised just before the inauguration of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump on January 20. Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff, collaborated with outgoing President Joe Biden’s team to expedite the deal, with Trump warning of severe consequences if hostages were not released.
The conflict escalated on October 7, 2023, when Hamas-led gunmen breached Israeli security barriers, killing 1,200 soldiers and civilians and abducting over 250 hostages. In response, Israel launched a military campaign in Gaza, resulting in over 46,000 deaths, according to Gaza health officials, and leaving the territory devastated.
The deal may alleviate domestic outrage in Israel over the October 7 security failure, which led to the deadliest day in the nation’s history. Additionally, the agreement follows Israel’s targeted killings of top leaders from Hamas and Hezbollah, which bolstered its position amid broader regional tensions involving Iran-backed proxies in Lebanon, Iraq, and Yemen.
“In our region. Mr. President, Belize rejects the continued denial of self-determination of the Palestinian people and calls for the eradication of the system of colonial domination and apartheid being imposed upon them, as Belize stated to the International Court of Justice,” he said.
Minister Fonseca added, “In the recent advisory opinion, Israel could not be permitted to continue flouting one of the most fundamental principles of international law with impunity.”
In November 2023, Belize severed diplomatic ties with Israel. Belize also withdrew its approval for Einat Kranz-Neiger to serve as Israel’s Ambassador to Belize. All operations of the Israeli Honorary Consulate in Belize and the appointment of its Honorary Consul were suspended. Belize also suspended its Honorary Consulate in Tel Aviv.
The Belize Department of Transport, led by Deputy Chief Transport Officer Peter Williams, conducted a one-day traffic enforcement training for members of the newly established Highway Interdiction Team (HIT) on Tuesday.
The training emphasised key procedures, including issuing traffic violation tickets and conducting vehicle checkpoints, equipping officers with critical skills to enhance road safety and operational effectiveness.
HIT, launched by the Belize Police Department in collaboration with the Ministry of Home Affairs and New Growth Industries, aims to address traffic law enforcement while combating serious crimes such as drug trafficking, human smuggling, and the illegal transport of firearms.
Tackling Road Fatalities and Crime
In 2024, Belize recorded 115 road traffic-related deaths and an alarming increase in crimes linked to drug operations. Minister of Home Affairs Kareem Musa stressed the dual focus of the HIT team: enforcing traffic laws and targeting transnational crimes.
“And so it is my hope that this team, this Highway Interdiction Team, will also play a significant role in curbing the number of traffic fatalities and traffic accidents,” Musa stated.
Commissioner of Police Chester Williams said that Belize’s highways are often exploited by local and international criminals for illegal activities. The HIT is tasked with deterring these operations and ensuring highway safety.
Strategic Deployment and Expansion
The initial team of 14 officers will be stationed across key locations, with plans to expand as new recruits join. Special focus will be placed on the northern and southern regions, where criminal activities such as drug plane landings and contraband smuggling are prevalent.
Musa added, “And so it is expected that along the northern border we will be seeing a lot of the highway interdiction team, as well as in the south, where we have a lot of pain landings. Yes, it is in very remote areas in Dolores, where we have most of the pain landings. But hopefully this year we can get our forward operating base established in Dolores, along with the U.S. Embassy.”
Tools and Legislative Support
Essential tools like speed guns, breathalysers, and vehicle inspection equipment are being secured to enable the team to carry out their duties effectively. Williams also noted ongoing discussions to amend road traffic regulations, enhancing enforcement capabilities. “As long with other equipment that will be used to inspect and search vehicles on the spot, those are things that the Embassy we’ll be providing to the team so that they can be able to discharge it in the best way they can. We are currently in discussion I think should be finalized by now, the different amendments to the road traffic regulation hat will deal with the issue of the use of fertilizers and strengthening some of the land.”
