Belize’s Journalism Prize Is a Reminder of Why It Matters

“Press freedom is not an abstract principle but a living condition for democracy and development,” said UNDP Deputy Resident Representative Michael Lund during Saturday’s University of Belize Prize for Investigative Journalism ceremony.

That was Lund’s message to the audience as he warned about the state of journalism worldwide. He said, “Around the world, journalists face harassment, intimidation, legal threats, and economic insecurity.”

The ceremony was held at the Belize City House of Culture on the eve of World Press Freedom Day. Every May 3rd since 1993, he added, “serves as a reminder to governments and societies of our duty to respect and uphold freedom of expression as enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.”

This year’s $10,000 top prize was awarded to 7 News/Tropical Vision Ltd. for Taken: The Budna Abduction and the Police Cover-Up. Journalists Jules Vasquez, Brian Castillo and Denver Fairweather shared credit for the investigation.

Greater Belize Media’s News Five was also recognised, with lead reporter Paul Lopez spearheading the Stella Maris Child Drowning investigation. He was joined by Hipolito Novelo, Darrel Moguel, George Tillett, Joel Wesbey and Marion Ali in producing the finalist entry.

Climate Spotlight’s Marco Lopez  and Andre Habet were also finalists with Marine Protected Areas Are Everybody’s Business. Both teams took home $5,000. The fifth annual prize ceremony is set for 8th May 2027.