2025 - Greater Belize Media

Unions, Government Resume Salary Negotiations as Protest Looms

Negotiations between the Joint Unions Negotiating Team (JUNT) and the Government of Belize resumed today in Belize City, as tensions mount over salary adjustments and wage demands. At the heart of the deadlock is the unions’ demand for an 8.5% salary adjustment and the reinstatement of two frozen increments, key issues for public officers, teachers, and managers represented by JUNT.

The latest round of talks is taking place at the ITVET compound, with government representatives opting to present their third proposal orally, rather than in writing.

This move has raised eyebrows among union leaders who have expressed growing frustration over the lack of meaningful progress.

Senior government officials present at the meeting include Minister of the Public Service Henry Charles Usher, Minister of Education Oscar Requeña, and Deputy Prime Minister Cordel Hyde. Representing the unions were BNTU President Nadia Caliz, PSU President Dean Flowers, and APSSM President Sharon Fraser, alongside other executive members.

While discussions remained behind closed doors, the outcome of this session could prove critical. The Joint Unions have already signaled their growing impatience, planning a major public demonstration for this Saturday to pressure the government into meeting their demands.

The 8.5% adjustment has long been a flashpoint between the unions and the government. Initially cut during the pandemic as part of austerity measures, the unions argue that restoration is long overdue and essential amid rising living costs. Meanwhile, the government maintains it must balance wage adjustments against fiscal sustainability.

2025 Fisher of the Year Announced

Hector Martinez Sr. of Riversdale, Placencia, has been named Belize’s 2025 Fisher of the Year. The announcement was made today during the Wildlife Conservation Society’s (WCS) annual ceremony. This year’s award ceremony took a closer look at natural solutions to boost climate resilience and protect Belize’s rich biodiversity.

Martinez, who has been fishing for over 35 years, was nominated by his daughter, Isela Martinez. She proudly accepted the award on his behalf, as he was busy preparing for the start of lobster season.

“It’s a proud moment,” she said. “I’ve always wanted to fill out this application to nominate him, but I’ve never had the courage because I was like, ‘What if he doesn’t win?’ But it’s a proud moment for us for sure… I think he deserves this award.”

WCS also recognised two outstanding fishers, including 74-year-old Felipe Tun from Chunox in Corozal and 51-year-old David Elijio from Dangriga. Tun said, “I’m happy to be part of this and part of the association. I’m looking forward to this year’s season opening.” Elijio added, “It caught me as a surprise, but it feels good.”

Today’s award ceremony is part of the Fisher Folk Month.

Flood Alert Issued for Belize River, Low-Lying Areas Amid Heavy Rains

The National Hydrological Service has issued a flood warning for the Belize River at More Tomorrow, along with a general flood alert for low-lying areas across the country, as rainfall associated with a tropical wave continues to impact river levels nationwide.

According to the afternoon flood forecast, increased water levels are expected in the northern, central, and inland regions of Belize, with several rivers and streams already experiencing above-normal levels.

In Region 7, rivers such as the Rio Hondo and New River are projected to rise significantly at key points including Blue Creek North, Santa Cruz, San Antonio, and Caledonia.

In Region 9, above-normal levels are expected on the Mopan River at Benque Viejo Town and the Macal River at San Ignacio, although Fortis hydro facilities are not expected to spill. The Belize River, in particular, poses a concern, with flood-stage levels forecasted at More Tomorrow and elevated levels at Double Run.

Further south, Region 11 is also experiencing rising waters. The Sibun River at Freetown Sibun, the Southern Lagoon at Gales Point, the Sittee River at Kendal Bridge, and rivers on the eastern slopes of the Maya Mountains are all showing above-normal levels. In addition, branches of the Monkey River at Swasey and Bladen, the Deep River at Medina Bank, and southern rivers such as the Rio Grande, Moho, and Temash are also expected to remain high.

The Sarstoon River in Region 13 is similarly under flood alert due to elevated water levels.

This latest flood alert follows earlier warnings issued by the National Meteorological Service of Belize, which placed the country under a Small Craft Caution due to gusty winds and an Excessive Rainfall Watch. Although no tropical cyclone formation is expected in the North Atlantic Basin over the next 48 hours, the ongoing tropical wave continues to deliver heavy rain that is contributing to the flooding risk.

Authorities are urging residents in flood-prone communities, both urban and rural, to remain vigilant, monitor official updates, and take precautionary measures to protect lives and property.

Tropical Wave Brings Rainfall Across Belize

The National Meteorological Service of Belize is warning of increased rainfall and gusty winds as a tropical wave moves across the country.

According to the official 6:00 a.m. weather forecast, a Small Craft Caution is in effect due to occasionally gusty winds along coastal waters. Operators of small vessels are advised to exercise caution while at sea.

The Met Service has also issued an Excessive Rainfall Watch for the next 24 to 48 hours, cautioning that heavy showers and thunderstorms could lead to localised flooding in vulnerable areas. Residents are urged to monitor the weather and stay tuned to official updates.

In its Tropical Weather Outlook, the Met Service noted that no tropical cyclone formation is expected in the North Atlantic Basin within the next 48 hours.

The public is advised to remain alert and follow guidance from national authorities as the system continues to develop.

Ecuador’s Most Wanted Drug Lord Recaptured in Hidden Bunker

Ecuadorian security forces have recaptured Adolfo “Fito” Macías Villamar, the country’s most wanted fugitive and notorious drug lord, ending a months-long manhunt that began after his dramatic prison escape earlier this year.

Macías, leader of the feared Los Choneros gang, was found hiding in an underground bunker beneath a luxury home in Manta, on Ecuador’s Pacific coast. The 10-hour joint operation by police and military personnel ended without gunfire. Authorities uncovered the bunker behind a disguised trapdoor in the stone floor of the three-storey home, leading to a concealed room equipped with air conditioning, a bed, and a refrigerator.

Fito had been serving a 34-year sentence for murder and drug trafficking when he escaped from La Regional prison in Guayaquil in January 2024, allegedly with help from two prison guards. His breakout triggered deadly prison riots, a nationwide state of emergency, and intensified scrutiny of Ecuador’s crumbling prison system and rising gang violence.

Fito’s gang, Los Choneros, has been blamed for turning Ecuador from a peaceful nation into one of the most violent in Latin America, forging ties with Mexico’s Sinaloa cartel and importing brutal tactics such as decapitations and public executions.

He is also suspected of ordering the 2023 assassination of presidential candidate Fernando Villavicencio, a crime that shocked the nation and drew international condemnation.

Authorities say Fito offered no resistance upon capture and was flown to Guayaquil under heavy guard, where he is now being held in La Roca, a maximum-security prison.

Government Rent Spending: Old News or Ongoing Problem?

Prime Minister John Briceño says there’s nothing surprising about the government spending over two million dollars a year on office rentals. According to him, this isn’t a new issue, and his administration is already working on solutions. But here’s the thing: while the PM points to plans like a new judiciary center in Lake Independence and a future government office campus, there’s still no clear timeline for when these projects will actually break ground. Briceño also highlighted that the government pays twenty-two thousand dollars a month to rent just one building, money he admits could easily cover a mortgage instead. So, if the problem is well known and the cost is so high, why is progress so slow?

Prime Minister John Briceño

“We are working on that. We are starting to work on our building, a judiciary center right here on Lake Independence Boulevard, along with Social Security. And we are getting some investments from other bond holders to build a huge campus to be able to put something there. So, we are working on that. We want to get partner with the private sector or ourselves. Look at this place right here with 5Cs, the government pays for that. We pay twenty-two thousand dollars rent a month. That can pay a mortgage. So we are working on that. You are not coming with nothing new. When we look and I don’t have the exact number, but when you see where we were in 2020 and where we are today and how much more rentals we have been getting, it is not much.”

Is the government doing enough to cut wasteful spending, or just talking about it? And how long should taxpayers wait for real change?

Police Minister Supports Diverting Rent Money to Office Construction

Fifteen thousand dollars a month, that’s what the Ministry of Home Affairs is paying just to rent office space in Belmopan. That’s a hefty price tag, and today we asked Minister Kareem Musa the big question: who’s getting those rental checks, and wouldn’t it make more sense for the government to invest that money in building its own offices? Here’s what he had to say.

Kareem Musa, Minister of Home Affairs

“We currently occupy the first floor on constitution drive. I believe this property belongs to Abbadis. I think Special Effects are the owners of the property. Just so you know the last administration was paying more. We were able to negotiate a reduction in the amount of rent that was payable under COVID, we were able to get a reduction. But no doubt the landlord is behind us for an increase because of COVID. So, I just want to make that point.”

Paul Lopez

“Do you think it is high time we stop paying people’s mortgages and loans at the bank with these rental fees?”

Kareem Musa

“I am absolutely a huge supporter and advocate for that position. Obviously that is going to require a financial institution, whether a local institution or foreign, coming in to provide a very substantial loan. We are looking in the range of forty to sixty million dollars to create a government campus that can house all of these offices. That is something we need to focus on. I agree, overtime it is going to be worth it so if we can enter into a public, private partnership whereby you pay this very same rent for a period of twenty to thirty years but after that you become the owners of it, I think that makes a lot more sense and is the direction the government is going to be looking at.”

Tax Transparency or Public Shaming? PM Weighs In

Prime Minister John Briceño isn’t pleased with the Belize Tax Service’s recent move to publish the names of tax defaulters. While the agency says it’s within its legal rights, the PM believes the list should have stayed private. He argues that many small businesses end up in tax trouble not because they’re dodging payments, but because they simply don’t understand the filing process. And while the government can’t legally erase tax debts, Briceño says they’ve been stepping in to help, negotiating lower penalties and interest rates to ease the burden. But is naming and shaming tax defaulters a fair way to enforce compliance, or does it risk crushing the very small businesses the government claims to support? PM Briceño insists his administration isn’t out to hurt entrepreneurs.

Prime Minister John Briceño

“It is unfortunate that it was made public. And I am speaking for myself. It should not have been made public. We should have continued working with them. As you know there has been tremendous growth in the economy over the past four years and nobody can dispute the fact. And it is unfortunate and some small businesses in many instances because they don’t know how to file their taxes are in problems. But we stepped in. We stepped in whenever they asked us to help. We cannot write off taxes. It is only the National Assembly. But how do we help, we will try to negotiate with the Belize Tax Service to try to lower the interest tor the penalties to make it more affordable. We do not want to get anybody out of business. We want more businesses and entrepreneurs. That is why we have been working closely with BELTRAIDE for them to be able to thrive in this economy.”

G.O.B. and Joint Unions are Back at the Negotiation Table

All eyes are on Belize City tomorrow, where government and union negotiators are set to meet once again. On the table? That long-standing demand for an eight-and-a-half percent salary adjustment. The government is expected to present its counterproposal and today, we asked Prime Minister John Briceño what the unions can expect. Here’s what he had to say.

Prime Minister John Briceño

“What I have said with the unions, I will not comment. I want the ministers and deputy prime minister to be in charge of that. They will meet with the unions tomorrow as opposed to just sending the letter. We will meet with them, give them the letter and we hope that they are going to accept. We think we have been bending over trying to accommodate it as best as we can. But we are trying to do something not only for the unions but for the country, because at the end of the day it is all of us tax payers that have to pay that bill.”

Are the Unions Getting a Raw Deal—or Just What They Voted For?

Is the government truly out of money or out of ideas? And should voters hold themselves accountable when promises go unmet? Former Opposition Senator Mike Peyrefitte isn’t holding back when it comes to the ongoing standoff between Belize’s unions and the government. Teachers, public officers, and their managers are still locked in a dispute with the Briceño administration over an eight-and-a-half percent salary adjustment and other unmet demands. But Peyrefitte says the unions shouldn’t be surprised. In his view, the People’s United Party government has failed to grow the economy since taking office in 2020, and now it’s struggling to meet its financial obligations. He points out a tough truth: many public officers voted for this government. Peyrefitte accuses the administration of painting a “rosy picture” of economic success while failing to deliver on promises, especially financial ones. He challenges anyone to name a single new, viable industry that has boosted the economy under the current leadership.

Mike Peyrefitte, Returning Chairman, U.D.P.

“With the unions, well, we could have told them that. The PUP paints this rosy picture of a government that’s flush with cash and doing so well and yet they can’t meet their legal obligations to the unions. Well I say this as well, too, for some of the people in the public service. You also get the government that you vote for. A lot of them voted PUP. This is their government, so they must ask themselves why their government is not helping them and they must see the government that they elected. They are deceptive and they don’t plan on keeping their promises any at all, especially their financial promises. I totally believe them, that they don’t have it. They have not grown this economy since they came to government in 2020. They have done nothing, name me one new growth industry that’s viable that has added to this economy. Name me one. They have done nothing to grow the economy, they have done nothing to generate revenue.”