American tourists planning international travel are likely familiar with the US State Department’s “travel advisories,” which provide information about the risks of visiting regions, totalitarian states, or countries with high crime rates, poor infrastructure, or other challenges.
On March 15, European countries issued a warning cautioning their citizens about the risks of visiting the US. These countries have concluded that under the new regime of Donald Trump, the U.S. has become a place where foreign visitors must ensure their documentation is in order, or they may face serious repercussions.
Germany also warned that having a visa or entry permit doesn’t guarantee entry to the US, and travellers could face arrest or deportation for small issues like overstaying a visa or giving false information.
Other countries, including Denmark and Finland, have expressed concerns about the US’s treatment of transgender and nonbinary travellers. The US entry system only allows visitors to choose “male” or “female,” which can cause problems for those who don’t fit these categories.
Additionally, Canada, the US’s largest source of tourists, has updated its advisory urging extra caution when dealing with US authorities. Tensions between the US and Canada stem from the tariff back-and-forth with President Trump and his comments about making Canada the 51st state.
6G, the next generation of wireless technology, promises to revolutionise communications by merging the physical and digital worlds in ways once seen only in science fiction. Think of some of your favourite movies featuring holographic technology, self-driving cars, or advanced healthcare and transportation systems – all things that seem far beyond our current reality. That’s the vision of 6G. It aims to enhance everything from AI-powered systems and telemedicine to holographic communication, bringing these futuristic concepts closer to everyday life.
However, while the technology holds vast potential, there is significant divergence in how countries are approaching its development. China is not one of those countries.
China is already ahead in the 6G race. The country has set up important rules for 6G and made three key technological standards under the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) in 2024. The country’s 2025 development goals include fostering industries like 6G.
A report in the Chinese journal Scientia Sinica Informationis pointed out that European and American operators are hesitant about advancing 6G, largely due to the slower deployment of 5G in these regions. “European and American operators are not willing to develop 6G due to the relatively lagging 5G deployment,” the report stated. Meanwhile, countries like Japan, South Korea, and China are more optimistic about their future.
How 6G Will Differ from 5G?
The evolution of wireless technology goes back to the time when 2G and 3G helped expand communication through voice and text. When 5G rolled out, it offered improved speeds and connectivity and made things like artificial intelligence (AI) possible. Now, 6G will go further, enabling the ‘fusion’ of human and digital interactions in unprecedented ways. It promises to offer even greater reliability, speed, and lower latency.
6G is expected to boost sectors such as telemedicine, smart cities, and intelligent transport systems. According to experts, 6G will also support technologies like holographic communications and digital twins, which are virtual models of physical objects, systems, or even humans, for real-time applications.
How is 6G Being Developed?
The development of 6G is a global effort, but it requires international agreement on the operational standards that will allow for its widespread implementation. The United Nations’ International Telecommunication Union (ITU) is leading efforts to establish these standards and is aiming to have them in place by 2030. The ITU works alongside other global bodies, such as the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), which brings together standards organisations from across the world, including China, the US, South Korea, and Europe.
Countries like China, Japan, and South Korea are moving quickly. China’s rapid progress could give it an advantage in shaping the future of 6G.
While national research and development efforts are underway, the true test for 6G will come with the alignment of these efforts to create a globally compatible system. Ericsson, a major telecoms company, has projected that pre-commercial trials of 6G could begin as early as 2028, with proof-of-concept demonstrations expected even sooner.
Putting it simply, China is ahead in the race to define 6G, which is leaving the rest of the world to catch up.
57-year-old Carlos Pinto’s unexpected journey at sea left his family in shock. His daughter, Dayna Pinto, told News 5 that she believes he was trying to get home after growing tired of working as a security guard on an island. Without hearing from his boss, Pinto set out on a makeshift raft, taking only his personal belongings, food rations, and a wooden paddle. Dayna explained that her father doesn’t own a cell phone.
“We’d been looking for him since around the time of La Ruta Maya,” Dayna said. “We were told that he went to work out at caye. Upon hearing that, our minds were relaxed a little. We noticed that it was taking a bit too long not hearing from him because we know a day or two is the most that we don’t see him around.”
Dayna confirmed her father’s whereabouts after speaking with her aunt, who assured her Carlos was working on the Caye. Dayna was caught by surprise when she received a call from her uncle, who informed her that Carlos had been found by the Belize Coast Guard (BCG) and taken to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH).
Initial medical assessment by the BCG indicated that his blood pressure was elevated, but aside from that, he was in a “fairly healthy” condition.
“I know that the young man employed him at the time and that he was watching the island for him. He gave me a call right away when he had seen the news,” she said.
The employer told Dayna he was unaware of how Pinto ended up drifting in the sea. Dayna believes her father simply grew tired of waiting and decided to leave. “I guess my dad, at that point, was just tired of being out there, so he decided to pack up his things and come home … I guess he was tired of waiting on the boss to bring him in,” she told News 5.
Carlos is now receiving treatment at KHMH, with his blood pressure being monitored. “I was amazed because like how my dad was on that thing, and nothing happened to him at the time… Sea rough sometimes,” Dayna added.
According to Rear Admiral Elton Bennett, Commandant of the Belize Coast Guard, Pinto “seemed quite contented on board that little raft that he was on drifting out at sea.”
A fire broke out early this morning at a two-storey wooden building located at the intersection of Victoria and Castle streets. The blaze started around 6:00 a.m., and fire crews responded and managed to extinguish the flames shortly after.
Footage from the scene shows the building destroyed by the fire. Reports indicate that the property was abandoned and had no access to electricity.
Neighbours reported seeing a squatter occasionally entering the building. Fire officials suspect the fire may have been caused by something brought into the property.
No injuries have been reported at this time. Investigations are ongoing to determine the exact cause of the fire.
Police are investigating a fatal road traffic accident that occurred on the Hummingbird Highway on Monday night, which claimed the life of 26-year-old Michael Daniels.
Daniels and his friends had just finished football practice in Saint Margaret’s Village and were heading home to Valley Community when he lost control of his silver Mitsubishi and crashed into a culvert.
In a statement shared on social media, the family stated: “Our hearts are heavy today as we mourn the sudden loss of Michael Daniels.” The family described Daniels as a “kind and gentle young man who will forever be remembered for the joy he brought to the hearts of all those who loved him.”
On Monday, the Belize Coast Guard rescued a man approximately 17 miles south of Belize City, near Blue Field Range, in the Caribbean Sea. The man was calmly sitting in a bucket on top of a round metal makeshift raft.
The Coast Guard appealed to the public for assistance by sharing pictures of the man when he was found after he could not provide any identification.
After the rescue, the man was transported to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital, and the Coast Guard was able to contact a family member.
In a social media post, the family member expressed gratitude for the Coast Guard’s efforts, stating, “HE IS FINE SO FAR.”
According to Rear Admiral Elton Bennett, Commandant of the Belize Coast Guard, reports came in around 5:00 p.m. of a man drifting on a makeshift vessel. Bennett explained that when they located the individual, he appeared in a “state of uncertainty as it relates to his address” and had a fishing line in the water. “He wasn’t communicating freely; he was sort of hesitant in communicating with us. Apparently, he was last seen three weeks ago, so we don’t know exactly where he was or what mental state he was in.”
The man had with him a black school bag, a smaller bag hanging on his back and two white buckets. In the photos shared by the Coast Guard on social media, the man appeared calm and gazing out at the water. Bennett said the man “seemed quite contented on board that little raft that he was on drifting out at sea.”
Bennett added that it was very fortunate that the team was able to locate the man before night had set in. “We don’t know what would have been the unfortunate situation that he would have encountered at night, out there drifting around.”
President Donald Trump announced today that any nation purchasing oil or gas from Venezuela will face a 25% tariff on trade with the United States. In a statement on Truth Social, Trump cited Venezuela’s hostility towards the U.S. and claimed the country had sent criminals, including gang members, to the U.S. without providing evidence.
“Venezuela has been very hostile to the United States and the Freedoms which we espouse. Therefore, any Country that purchases Oil and/or Gas from Venezuela will be forced to pay a Tariff of 25% to the United States on any Trade they do with our Country,” Trump said in a post on Truth Social.
This news follows reports that President Trump plans to postpone the tariffs he previously announced, including a 25% levy on imports of pharmaceuticals, cars, and lumber. These tariffs, originally scheduled to take effect on April 2, coincide with Trump’s planned announcement of reciprocal tariffs on other countries.
Ironically, Venezuela remains a key oil supplier, with the U.S. purchasing $5.6 billion worth of oil in 2024, according to CNN. Venezuelan oil still flows into the U.S. due to a joint-venture licence granted to Chevron. Originally set to expire on April 3, the licence has now been extended to May 27 after Trump’s meeting with Chevron CEO Mike Wirth and other oil executives.
According to CNN, analysts suggest the tariff could primarily target China, the largest importer of Venezuelan oil.
Despite decades of progress, tuberculosis (TB) remains one of the deadliest infectious diseases, claiming millions of lives worldwide. On March 24, World TB Day serves as a reminder of the urgent need to eradicate this silent killer. The 2025 theme, “Yes! We Can End TB: Commit, Invest, Deliver,” calls on global leaders and communities to intensify efforts, tackle drug resistance, and ensure that no one is left behind in the fight against TB.
What is Tuberculosis?
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), TB is a contagious disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis, primarily affecting the lungs, though it can spread to other parts of the body, including the kidneys, brain, and spine. TB is transmitted through the air when a person with active TB coughs, sneezes, or speaks, releasing tiny droplets containing the bacteria. Inhaling these germs can lead to infection.
There are two stages of TB: latent and active. In latent TB, the bacteria remain dormant in the body without causing symptoms, and the person is not contagious. However, in active TB, the bacteria multiply, leading to symptoms such as persistent cough, chest pain, fatigue, weight loss, fever, and night sweats. If left untreated, TB can be fatal.
The disease is treatable with a long course of antibiotics. According to the Ministry of Health and Wellness (MOHW), the treatment can last up to 180 days of medication. However, drug-resistant forms of TB, such as multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB), are more difficult and expensive to treat, according to the WHO. TB remains a major global health threat, especially in low- and middle-income countries.
What do Tuberculosis Cases Look Like in Belize?
Cases at a global level are astronomical, with the WHO reporting that TB claimed 1.25 million lives in 2023, with 10.8 million people falling ill from the disease. However, since 2000, global efforts have saved 79 million lives.
In Belize, the Ministry of Health and Wellness (MOHW) released its annual TB report for 2023 on World TB Day, revealing that the country recorded 71 new TB cases, with 10 relapses and 9 deaths due to the disease. The distribution of cases showed that Belize City accounted for the highest number, with 25 male cases and 6 female cases. The least affected district was Orange Walk, with just 3 female and 4 male cases. The ministry also reported that men are disproportionately affected, making up three out of every four cases.
The Epidemiology Unit, which compiles health data and oversees disease surveillance, is focusing efforts on improving early detection, effective treatment, and public awareness to reduce the incidence of TB. The ministry continues to train healthcare workers across the country to combat the disease more effectively.
As part of World TB Day activities, information booths were set up at various health centres, including Belize City’s Cleopatra White Polyclinic, Punta Gorda Community Hospital, and the Western and San Ignacio Community Hospitals, to raise awareness and encourage early screening.
The Consequences of Declining Foreign Funding
The declining international funding for TB efforts is a growing concern, as it threatens to hinder progress toward achieving global targets to end TB by 2030. This funding reduction follows several executive orders signed by the 47th U.S. President, Donald Trump, which cut back on health programme support for low-income countries.
Since its effect, health authorities have warned that the cuts to the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) under the Trump administration could lead to a global surge in tuberculosis (TB) cases and deaths. WHO also raised alarms, stating that these funding reductions put millions of lives at risk, as many countries rely on foreign aid for TB prevention, testing, and treatment.
Belize is one of the many countries that rely on foreign aid, which is reflected in the United Nations Development Programme’s partnership with the Global Fund supporting its HIV and Health Strategy 2022–2025, which contributed to the Strategic Plan 2022–2025 and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. UNDP helps ensure the effective management and implementation of Global Fund grants, acting as interim Principal Recipient (PR) when needed.
However, the tuberculosis programme in Belize remains active, with the team continuing its efforts to educate the Belizeans, conduct successful early detections and surveillance, and ensure treatment for those who need it.
“Eliminating TB requires a comprehensive approach,” the Ministry of Health and Wellness stated in its 2023 Tuberculosis report. The bottom line is understanding what TB is, the facts, how to prevent its spread and how to treat it properly. These are key points that make a difference in ending this global health challenge.
Commissioner of Police Chester Williams discussed his upcoming departure from office during this morning’s press brief in Belmopan. He shared with the media that he has been preparing the department to ensure a smooth transition for the incoming police commissioner.
“I believe that he’s capable; he should be able to continue from where I am leaving off.” Williams said the department has “pledged” its support for the incoming commissioner.
Before his departure, Williams took the opportunity to address a few key issues, including the importance of confidentiality, personal differences, and the need to avoid undermining one another, especially the new commissioner. “That’s the reason why the department was so successful. Under my leadership, I focused more on what needs to be done,” Williams explained.
He added, “Whoever is going to be the new commissioner, they cannot undermine it. They must work together because they have one common objective, which is to make this country safe.”
Williams is set to transition to a new role as the Chief Executive Officer for the Ministry of Transport, where he has committed to prioritising his new responsibilities. “If I should move over to the Ministry of Transport, there’s a lot there to be done.”
It is expected that Deputy Commissioner of Police Dr Richard Rosado will be appointed as the next Commissioner of Police.
Belize’s Senior Men’s National Football Team faced a heavy defeat against Costa Rica in a Gold Cup preliminary match on Friday night. The team lost the game with a 7-0 score. In a postgame press conference, head coach Charles Slusher explained that the result was expected due to the team’s lack of organisation.
Slusher pointed out that organised football requires preparation, and when key players decided not to participate at the last moment, it severely impacted the team’s performance. “I did everything that I could to have my core players who know our playing style, who know the system, and who can keep the ball,” Slusher said.
He added that, although the team had previously played well because of the quality of their core players, the last-minute changes disrupted their ability to play effectively. “When these guys last minute decided not to be there, they really hurt the country; they don’t hurt me, for whatever reason. It would have been better if a month ago you’d said that you don’t want to play, and I would have respected everybody, because at least that gives me a month to work with new players and get them to understand so we can be prepared,” he stated.
Despite the loss, Slusher expressed pride in the players who did show up, stating, “I can hold up my head because I am not a miracle worker, and that’s why I could say categorically, I am proud of all those guys out there.”
