Benita Keme-Palacio - Greater Belize Media

Corozal Police Seize 28 kilogrammes of Cocaine in Sarteneja

Corozal police have confiscated over 28 kilogrammes of suspected cocaine in Sarteneja Village. The operation, which forms part of their ongoing northern operations, resulted in the discovery of 25 parcels of the illicit substance.

Commissioner of Police Chester Williams reported that the house search took place on Wednesday night, following intelligence that led officers to a residence in Sarteneja. “The search led to the discovery of 25 parcels of what we suspect to be cocaine,” he stated.

Three males and one female “are in police custody and are expected to be charged today for drug trafficking,” Williams confirmed. The parcels, along with the individuals apprehended at the scene, have been secured by law enforcement.

Commissioner Williams clarified that this operation differs from a previous case in Chunox Village, where six parcels of cocaine were seized.”A number of persons were detained for that. One person pled guilty when the matter went before the court, and the case was withdrawn against the other,” Williams explained.

US Lists Belize as Major Drug Transit Countries for 2025

Four Caribbean countries have been listed as major drug transit and illicit drug-producing countries for the fiscal year 2025 by the United States. The four countries are Belize, the Bahamas, Jamaica, and Haiti. President Joe Biden clarified that this designation is not a reflection of these governments’ counterdrug efforts, stating, “The list is not a sanction or penalty.”

President Biden explained that the criteria for this designation involve geographic, commercial, and economic factors that facilitate drug transit or production, regardless of a government’s commitment to narcotics control. He noted that recent amendments to the definition now include countries supplying precursor chemicals.

Despite the challenges, Biden highlighted a recent decrease in drug overdose deaths in the US, with an estimated 107,543 deaths in 2023. This represents the first annual decline since 2018, which he attributed to his administration’s efforts while also emphasising the importance of a coordinated global response to the drug crisis.

To combat drug trafficking, Biden’s administration launched a Global Coalition in July 2023, now comprising over 150 countries. He stated, “Every continent is experiencing an alarming increase in the manufacturing, trafficking, and consumption of dangerous illicit synthetic drugs.” Other countries included in the US list are Afghanistan, Bolivia, Burma, China, Colombia, and Mexico, among others.

Belikin or GOB’s Approved 10K Cases of Corona?

10,000 cases of Corona Beer are set to make their way to Belize. It has prompted a wave of debate over the local brewing industry. The government-approved import comes as an effort to address ongoing shortages in the tourism sector, where Belikin has reportedly struggled to keep up with demand.

However, the decision raises questions about the ‘protection’ of local businesses in the face of competition from a global giant.

The Ministry of Agricultural and Food Security has stipulated that the bottles must be labelled ‘Belize Market’ and that the import must occur in stages, with the company required to pay high import duties due to the lack of reduced tariffs for Mexican beer.

The conditional approval has reportedly caused unrest within government circles, as local brewing companies such as Bowen & Bowen have voiced their concerns.

A Lasting Tribute: George Cadle Price Statue Unveiled in Battlefield Park

Belize honoured its first Prime Minister, George Cadle Price, with the unveiling of a statue in Battlefield Park on Wednesday night. Organised by the Government of Belize and the Belize Tourism Board, the event not only celebrates Price’s contributions but also serves as a tribute to his enduring legacy as the ‘Father of the Nation’.

This honour came just ahead of the National Day of Service that pays tribute to Price’s life and service.

The ceremony featured a special message from Cabinet Minister Henry Usher, a musical presentation by Alexander Evans, and closing remarks from Tourism Minister Anthony Mahler. The statue and its perimeter were blessed prior to the unveiling.

The statue was sculpted by Steven Okeke. Standing at 16 feet and 7 inches, it depicts Price in his iconic Guayabera shirt and dress pants, holding a copy of the Belize Times in his left hand to symbolise his commitment to informed leadership. His right hand is raised in an open wave, reflecting his welcoming spirit.

The base of the statue features an inscription: “George Cadle Price, Sunrise: January 1919, Sunset: September 19, 2011. The Rt. Hon. George Cadle Price led the fight for Belize’s independence, transitioning from Belize’s first Premier to its first Prime Minister. He led a title of service to its nation and its people as our ‘Father of the Nation.’ His legacy continues to inspire as we strive for progress and unity.” A QR code that can be seen on the base provides additional information about the statue’s design.

This tribute, and the conversion of Price’s family home to an “immersive educational environment,” serves as a lasting reminder that George Price’s legacy will continue to inspire and resonate with generations to come.

National Day of Service by Hipolito Novelo

Armed Robbers Strike Store, House Burns After Suspicious Visit, Three Youths Stabbed

The Caribbean Chicken Store on Guayana Street, Orange Walk District was targeted in an armed robbery on Tuesday afternoon, September 17. According to the store manager, two men entered the establishment—one armed with a firearm and the other with a knife. The men reportedly demanded money and stole an undisclosed amount of cash. No injuries were reported. The police are now actively searching for the two suspects.

In another incident, a zinc structure on Taylors Alley, Belize City, was reportedly consumed in flames just before 2 o’clock this afternoon. The 15-foot by 12-foot zinc structure belonged to 70-year-old Benjamin Belisle. Belisle stated that a man had visited him around that afternoon, asking for cigarettes. Shortly after, Belisle’s property was seen in flames. No injuries were reported. The house was not insured.

Additionally, police are looking into a stabbing incident in Caye Caulker that left three youths injured. Officers responded to a report at a pier in the village on Tuesday night, September 17. According to the police, 18-year-old Darren Estrada was found with stab wounds. Initial investigations revealed that Estrada and two minors were allegedly attacked by three men armed with machetes while riding their bicycles toward the Bahia Area. Estrada was taken to Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital, while the two minors are reported to be stable.

Zimbabwe Considers Debt-for-Climate Swaps Amid Financial Crisis

Zimbabwe’s creditors are exploring a debt-for-climate swap as part of efforts to restructure the nation’s $21 billion arrears. Raul Fernandez, the United Nations Development Program project manager for climate development, noted that discussions with various development partners indicate “an option that they are willing to consider.” He highlighted the need for “action from the government” and a commitment to structural reforms to move forward.

Debt-for-climate swaps allow developing countries to reduce their external debts in exchange for commitments to invest in climate or marine conservation projects. Fernandez noted that such arrangements “can lead to substantial debt reduction” and may improve payment conditions for Zimbabwe, which has a “window of opportunity” to secure climate finance.

A recent example is Belize, which signed a debt-for-nature swap with The Nature Conservancy in November 2021. This agreement reduced Belize’s external debt by 10 percent of its GDP and significantly improved prospects for marine protection.

Zimbabwe has been locked out of international capital markets since 1999 due to a debt default, resulting in escalating interest payments. In 2022, the nation sought assistance from Akinwumi Adesina, president of the African Development Bank, and Joaquim Chissano, the former leader of Mozambique, to initiate restructuring talks with creditors, including the Paris Club and World Bank. Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube did not respond to enquiries outside of office hours.

Belize Strengthens Alliances Welcoming Five New Ambassadors

Today, Belize embraced international collaboration as Governor General Froyla Tzalam welcomed five newly appointed ambassadors—an initiative poised to enhance the nation’s global partnerships.

The ambassadors who presented their letters of credence included Maria Clara Girbau Ronda from Spain, Beliz Celasin Rende from Türkiye, Amr Abdelwareth from Egypt, Jorge Rosado La Torre from Peru, and Dr. Hardy Boeckle from Germany.

In a press release, the Government of Belize stated that the ambassadors “each expressed their hopes of forging stronger bonds with Belize during their tenure.”

Georgia Woman Dies of ‘Preventable’ Infection Due to State’s Abortion Laws

A 28-year-old Georgia mother died from a preventable infection after being denied urgent medical care due to the state’s stringent abortion laws. A state investigation concluded that her death was “preventable” had she received timely treatment.

Thurman’s death raised serious concerns about the dangers posed by such legislation and its impact on women’s health.

In August 2022, Thurman sought an abortion after being denied the procedure in Georgia due to a law prohibiting abortions after six weeks of pregnancy. She travelled to a North Carolina clinic, where she received medication to terminate her pregnancy. However, complications arose when she did not expel all the foetal tissue.

Thurman experienced heavy bleeding and severe pain, ultimately losing consciousness at home. When she arrived at Piedmont Henry Hospital in Stockbridge, doctors did not perform a necessary dilation and curettage (D&C) due to Georgia’s stringent laws surrounding abortion.

According to Propublica, doctors waited 20 hours to operate as they monitored Thurman’s condition, during which her health deteriorated. Her blood pressure dropped, and her organs began to fail. By the time she underwent surgery, it was too late. Thurman passed away from complications.

Georgia’s law defines a medical emergency narrowly, allowing abortions only when a woman’s life is at risk.

In interviews with over three dozen OB-GYNs in states with strict abortion laws, ProPublica found that the “vague and conflicting language” surrounding medical exceptions creates serious challenges for healthcare providers. Doctors said “their judgement could be called into question under the threat of prison time.”

Association of Defence Attorneys Officially Registered in Belize

The Association of Defence Attorneys has officially registered as a professional organisation dedicated to defending human rights and enhancing legal practices. In an official statement, the Association declared it is “dedicated to the promotion and protection of human rights, the Belize Constitution, and the enhancement of legal defence practices within the country.”

In its statement, the Association confirmed the election of its first Executive Committee, comprising of:

President: Dickie Bradley
Vice President: Audrey Matura
Secretary: Oj Elrington
Treasurer: John Nembhard
Membership Director: Lynden Jones
Education Director: Leeroy Banner
Communications Director: Rachel Montejo
Ethics Director: Emerita Anderson
Pro Bono Director: Dale Cayetano
Public Policy Director: Arthur Saldivar
Immediate Past President: Michelle Trapp

The formation of the association in March 2020 was aimed at addressing these critical issues. Attorney Dickie Bradley emphasised back then the need for lawyers to advocate for the rights of the poorer population in Belize. “Police officers are in fact peace officers. They are there to protect us. They are not there to chance us and take advantage of us,” he stated.

The Association of Defence Attorneys stands ready to promote human rights, provide continuing legal education, advocate for fair legal practices, support legal aid services, and foster ethical standards among attorneys.

New Firefighting Equipment Arrives in Western Belize

The Government is enhancing wildfire protection for vulnerable communities by delivering over $320,000 in firefighting equipment to Billy White, Santa Familia, Duck Run 1 and 3, and Los Tambos. This initiative is part of the “Building Climate Change Resilience and Social Integration of Displaced People in Settlements of Western Belize” project.

Additionally, $300,000 was invested in upgrading the Los Tambos Primary School to meet hurricane shelter standards.

Launched in February 2022, this project, funded by a BZ$4,600,000 EU grant in partnership with the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), aims to strengthen resilience in five Western Belize communities. Key components include constructing five hurricane shelters, a polyclinic, and improving water systems. The project also involves installing culverts and drainage in two communities.

Recent donations feature chainsaws, axes, and fire-resistant gear such as pants, gloves, boots, helmets, radios, and more to aid wildfire response. Given this year’s unprecedented fires, providing these essential tools is crucial.

The project aligns with Sustainable Development Goals and is set to conclude by December 2024, with a polyclinic and community centre in Duck Run 1 expected to serve over 5,000 residents by late 2024.