Benita Keme-Palacio - Greater Belize Media

From Sea to Stadium: Belize Fisherman’s Baseball Dream Comes True

A 19-year-old from Belize City is about to have his dream come true. Delbert Hinds has spent his whole life working as a fisherman, but now he is heading to Japan to play baseball.

Hinds first picked up a baseball in 2021 when he attended a national team tryout. He was supposed to go fishing that day, but his coach, Rene Habet, convinced him to try out. “I didn’t expect nothing from it,” Hinds stated, but after putting in the work, he began to get noticed. “People started saying ‘good job’, and that built up my self-esteem.”

That hard work has now landed him a three-month contract with a minor league team in Japan. Hinds’ performance, combined with his determination, earned him the chance to play overseas. This could open the door to a professional career. “Hard work beats talent every time,” Hinds added.

His rise in the sport is backed by mentors Jermaine Crawford of the Belize Baseball League and Japanese coach Kazuhiro Shiiba.

Shiiba helped Hinds improve his pitching speed to an impressive 90mph. “Delbert has the potential to go far in Japan,” Shiiba said, adding that the minor league team has a system to support international players and help them advance.

For Hinds, this opportunity is about more than just baseball. Living with his mom, he’s determined to support her in the future. “My goal is to get signed and support my family,” he said.

His trip to Japan is set for April, with all expenses covered by a generous donor from Belize.

Mopan Maya Language Celebrated with ‘Ah Nene’ Yum’ Book Launch

The Little Prince has found a new voice through the Mopan Maya language. The story is more than just a world-famous one; it is now a symbol of Belize’s Mopan Maya language preservation and celebration.

On March 28, 2025, the University of Belize’s Punta Gorda campus hosted the launch of Ah Nene’ Yum, the first-ever Mopan Maya translation of the beloved French novella.

The two-year project, led by Mopan Maya speakers Elvia Bo and Stanley Peck, with linguistic support from Nicole Hober, is a major step in safeguarding a language spoken by approximately 11,000 people in Belize, according to Maya Leaders of Southern Belize. Bo and Peck are both certified in Mopan writing.

“One of the ways in which languages can be safeguarded and promoted is through books and written materials,” the Maya Culture Belize said in a social media statement. “The Mopan translation of The Little Prince aims to contribute towards this goal for the Mopan Maya language in Belize.”

The story is a timeless tale of love, loss, friendship, and the human connection to nature that has found a unique place within the Mopan Maya community. The lessons embedded in the story—especially those dealing with loneliness, relationships, and the environment—resonate deeply in today’s world.

“It is a timeless story that also speaks to the pressing issues of the 21st century, such as climate change and social and cultural challenges,” Maya Culture Belize added.

The Ah Nene’ Yum translation of Le Petit Prince, originally written by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, was made possible by the Jean-Marc Probst Foundation. The foundation funded the printing of over 1,000 copies of the book, which will be distributed across Belize.

Maya Culture Belize also stated that an audiobook of the translation was recorded with the help of Mopan Maya students and teachers from San Jose Village in Toledo, which will make the book accessible to a wider audience.

The launch even drew community members together to celebrate this achievement and encourage further engagement with the Mopan Maya language.

Belize Mourns the Loss of Dr James F. Garber, Renowned Archaeologist

The Institute of Archaeology Belize has announced the passing of Dr James F. Garber, a distinguished archaeologist who made significant contributions to the study of Belize’s ancient history. The Institute expressed deep sorrow at the loss in a social media statement, recalling Garber’s significant contributions to Maya archaeology.

The institute said, “Jim first came to Belize as a graduate student in the late 1970s when he worked with Dr. David Freidel at Cerros in Chetumal Bay. During his time at Cerros, Jim was a key participant in the excavation of Structure 5C-2nd, or what has become known as the Mask Temple at Cerros.”

The Institute stated his PhD dissertation on Maya material culture marked the beginning of a long career dedicated to Belize’s cultural heritage.

After completing his Ph.D., Dr Garber joined Texas State University, where he continued his work on Maya settlements. His research extended to Ambergris Caye, Blackman Eddy, and Cahal Pech, and he later collaborated with the Institute of Archaeology on projects at St George’s Caye, Belize’s first capital.

The Institute praised Garber for his “lifelong dedication” and his lasting impact on Belize’s archaeological understanding.

“Throughout his long and accomplished career, Dr Garber contributed significantly to our knowledge of Belize’s prehistoric and historic past,” the institute said.

The institute added, “It is for these many contributions, and especially for his lifelong dedication to the study of Belize’s cultural heritage, that we will forever remain grateful as we mourn the passing of our friend and colleague.”

CARICOM’s First Border Control Programme Kicks Off in Belize

Belize is hosting the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME) National Border Control Officers Attachment Programme, supported by the Eleventh European Development Fund (EDF) under the “Strengthening the Framework of CARICOM Integration” programme.

The importance of border officers in ensuring smooth trade and travel, as well as their critical role in regional security, was presented by Amalia Mai, the CEO for Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade, and Culture, in her welcome address. “This programme is designed to equip participants with the essential knowledge, skills, and tools to excel in this critical role,” an official statement stated.

Newly sworn-in Minister of State for Foreign Trade Marconi Leal Jr also delivered his address surrounding the importance of border officials in tourism, trade, and economic growth, despite global challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

Belize is the first CARICOM member state to host this week-long initiative, which will be replicated across other CARICOM states in the coming weeks.

Nine Years of Growth: Sheep and Goat Project Ends in Belize

A closing ceremony was held on Monday to mark the conclusion of the Taiwan ICDF Breeding Sheep and Goat Production and Guidance System Enhancement Project (Phase II). The ceremony was hosted by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security, and Enterprise (MAFSE) at the National Sheep and Goat Breeding Centre in Central Farm, Cayo District. It celebrated the successful completion of a nine-year initiative that enhanced Belize’s sheep and goat industry.

The event “marked a historical milestone of the Breeding Sheep & Goat Industry in Belize but also highlighted the country’s growth within this sub-sector,” the ministry said in a press release.

According to the ministry’s press release, the combined investment of BZ $12,337,108.00 from Taiwan ICDF and the Government of Belize resulted in significant growth within the sector, contributing to a 100% increase in production over the last decade.

“The project’s achievements included the construction of a state-of-the-art National Sheep and Goat Breeding Centre in Central Farm, the importation of genetic stock of sheep and goats, the training of over 900 farmers, teachers, students, and technicians, the establishment of a traceability system and the establishment of a functioning local market for sheep and goat products and by-products,” the ministry said in its statement.

Key Stakeholders Convene for High-Level Meeting Focused on Maritime Safety in Belize

Government officials and key stakeholders in Belize are stepping up efforts to ensure safer waters after a series of alarming maritime incidents. A high-level meeting convened on Friday was led by Michel Chebat, the Minister of the Ministry of Public Utilities, Energy, and Logistics.

The session included key stakeholders such as the Belize Coast Guard (BCG), Belize Tourism Board (BTB), and the Tourism Police Unit (TPU).

The primary goal of the meeting was to discuss recent maritime casualties and how to prevent further tragedies. In an official statement, the Belize Port Authority stated, “The meeting highlighted the need for both immediate and long-term actions to protect lives, enforce lawful maritime operations, and safeguard the marine environment.”

The focus is not just on preventing accidents but also on enforcing lawful maritime operations and protecting the marine environment for the future.

ComPol Williams Discusses Bulletproof Vests for Officers

In response to concerns about police officers not wearing bulletproof vests during certain operations, Commissioner of Police Chester Williams acknowledged the importance of having such protective gear. “We do understand that bulletproof vests are a necessity, and we have tried our best to obtain some recently,” Williams stated.

He explained that acquiring enough vests is challenging due to their high cost. “The cost of bulletproof vests is expensive, but at the same time, I must say it is far less than if an officer were to be killed in the line of duty,” he said.

Williams said that the department is actively working towards acquiring more vests. “It is more effective for us to be able to get these vests, and so it is something that we have to discuss and see what we can do to make sure that every police officer has one,” he added.

Hand Grenade Found in San Pedro

Commissioner of Police, Chester Williams, confirmed this morning that a police team discovered a hand grenade in an abandoned building north of San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, during a search operation conducted shortly after 8 a.m.

“That search led to the discovery of a hand grenade inside one of the rooms,” Williams said. “That grenade is currently at a secure location.”

Williams said that the Belize Defence Force (BDF) bomb experts have been notified and are expected to arrive in San Pedro shortly “to examine the grenade and to destroy it in San Pedro,” Williams added.

Drug Plane Update: “we have not found anything to incriminate those two officers”

Police continue investigating a drug trafficking operations in southern Belize after a drug plane was discovered burnt after landing on a makeshift airstrip near Graham Creek, Toledo, close to the Guatemalan border.

On Friday, BDF Commander Brigadier General Azariel Loria confirmed the plane’s connection to a drug ring and stated that the investigation is ongoing, with one suspect from a nearby village detained. Loria said, “It’s a drug trafficking network that we’re trying to dismantle in the south.”

The Police Commissioner, Chester Williams, told reporters today that a team of police and the Belize Defence Force (BDF) responded to the area and discovered the plane’s burnt remains. Williams confirmed that there “was no cargo.”

Williams added that the operation team remained in the area to continue their investigation. Two individuals were eventually detained near the site of the plane’s landing. “Those two persons are currently in police custody being questioned,” Williams confirmed.

Williams also addressed reports that two police officers were detained in connection with the incident. According to Williams, the two men were brought in for questioning to determine whether they were connected to the incident. “We had two police officers who were brought in for questioning… It was just done with a view to see if, in fact, the information obtained was accurate and to see if there was any involvement of these officers,” Williams said.

“So far, the investigation has probed into this matter, and we have not found anything to incriminate those two officers as it relates to the plane landing,” Williams added.

Belize City Shooting Leaves One in Critical Condition

A shooting incident occurred earlier today on Iguana Street Extension, leaving one person injured. According to Assistant Commissioner of Police Hilberto Romero, the victim was identified as Coby Ledlon.

Lenon was rushed to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH) for treatment. “He is listed at the KHMH in a critical condition at this time,” Romero said.

Romero confirmed that initial investigations revealed the victim was in the area when two individuals approached him, and one fired shots at him.

Romero also clarified that the shooting is believed to be linked to an ongoing internal feud in the area. “This is an internal feud with persons in the area,” he said.

Romero added that three persons are in police custody for questioning.