Mexico blocked a U.S. military deportation flight from landing due to a paperwork issue and miscommunication with the U.S. Defence Department on Thursday, which delayed plans to return illegal immigrants. While two other flights to Guatemala went ahead, the flight headed for Mexico was stopped.
Mexico’s president, Claudia Sheinbaum, reaffirmed that her country has not agreed to accept non-Mexican asylum seekers, despite the U.S. reinstating the “Remain in Mexico” program.
In a statement, Mexico’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said, “Mexico has a very good relationship with the United States government, and we cooperate with respect for our sovereignty on a wide range of issues, including migration.” It added, “When it comes to repatriations, we will always welcome the arrival of Mexicans to our territory with open arms. Mexico embraces you.”
Before taking office, President Trump vowed to carry out mass deportations, focusing first on criminal immigrants, and to enforce stricter immigration rules and checks. He also sent 1,500 active-duty troops to the southern border to increase military presence there.
The U.S. government’s recent review of foreign aid programs has placed funding for key projects at risk. Local organisations focused on youth programs, better governance, and crime prevention, funded by the U.S. under CARSI, may lose their funding.
Recent reports indicate that local NGOs in Belize were recently notified that CARSI-funded projects would be put on hold as part of a broader foreign assistance review.
The halt in funding follows a series of executive orders signed by the newly inaugurated 47th U.S. President, Donald J. Trump. The orders include a review of various foreign assistance programs, and this includes CARSI.
The review process is reportedly to ensure whether these programs align with the U.S.’s recent national interests.
What is CARSI?
The Central America Regional Security Initiative (CARSI) has been an important and major support towards civil society and good governance in Belize, Panama, and Costa Rica. Since its inception in 2012, the U.S. government has invested over $12 million in programs targeting issues such as crime prevention, transparency, and youth empowerment. CARSI has funded initiatives to address the root causes of criminal behaviour, improve governance, and strengthen the rule of law in these countries.
The most recent CARSI grantees in Belize include:
Galen University – Project to strengthen good governance and transparency at the municipal level.
UNDP Belize – Project to strengthen governance for transparency and accountability.
RET International—Project to Nurture Connections by Empowering Parents, Teachers, and Adolescents for Healthy Relationships
Love Foundation – Project to promote youth engagement in political action and advancing integrated municipalities.
A Critical Moment for Regional Cooperation
While the CARSI initiative is not solely responsible for the region’s security challenges, its funding has played a crucial role in fulfilling its purpose. Under President Barack Obama’s administration in 2013, CARSI, along with other security investments, helped Central American governments make streets safer, strengthen the rule of law, and protect human rights. The United States took a broad, coordinated approach to fighting transnational crime and improving safety and opportunities for people across the region.
This latest freeze comes on the heels of other significant cuts in foreign aid programs, including the suspension of funding for the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). The impact of these cuts on public health and community programs could be severe, with experts warning that halting such assistance could lead to setbacks in progress made against HIV/AIDS and other critical global challenges.
“This is a matter of life or death,” said Beatriz Grinsztejn, IAS President. “It makes no sense to suddenly stop this incredible catalyst of our global progress towards ending HIV as a threat to public health and individual well-being.”
U.S. President Donald Trump’s executive order freezing foreign aid funding has now impacted the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). This makes yet another affected foreign project that raises global concerns.
The International AIDS Society (IAS) says this action will affect the lives of over 20 million people who rely on the program for HIV treatment.
On his first day in office, Trump signed an order halting new foreign aid spending. This was followed by a “stop-work order” on January 24, which froze funding to PEPFAR, including existing grants and contracts.
“This is a matter of life or death,” said Beatriz Grinsztejn, IAS President. “It makes no sense to suddenly stop this incredible catalyst of our global progress towards ending HIV as a threat to public health and individual well-being.”
Since its launch in 2003, PEPFAR has saved 26 million lives and invested over $110 billion in the global fight against HIV. The IAS is calling on policymakers to restore funding, stressing that without it, HIV could resurge and lives will be lost.
Police are investigating a shooting that was reported this morning in Belama Phase 2, Belize City. Officers investigated reports of gunfire near Jackfruit Crescent.
A landlord revealed that one of his tenants found bullet holes in her back door and fridge.
Senator Collet Montejo, 55, also reported damage to his Chevy Colorado after two bullets struck his truck—one hitting the tailgate and the other the side. Montejo, Vice President of the Senate, was unharmed. Police found eight shell casings at the scene, but no injuries were reported.
The Department of Youth Services (DYS) is taking steps toward a sustainable future after securing a $50,000 grant from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The funding will fuel a series of youth-driven initiatives focused on raising climate change awareness and promoting action in environmental conservation and sustainability.
“The grant will facilitate a series of interactive educational activities, including youth-focused community events, digital campaigns, and forums that highlight the importance of environmental conservation and sustainable living,” said the Ministry of Youth, Sports, and Transport.
Key projects include the “Our Future, Our Planet” digital campaign, which already engaged student participation across eleven schools. The department also hosted a Climate Change Youth Forum, where students showcased innovative solutions at a Project Design Competition.
During that forum, Muffles College students took the top three spots, with their projects ranging from eco-bricks made from plastic waste to coconut husk-based water filtration systems. The first-place winners, Gianna Flowers, Adir Castillo, and Alexandra Blanco, presented Solar Synergy Schools, which focused on reducing carbon emissions in classrooms by replacing traditional lighting with solar-powered LED systems.
The second-place Husk Flow, developed by Leilani Tun, Jarel Cordova, and Ziraili Narvallez, focuses on using coconut husks to create affordable water filtration systems for rural areas.
Meanwhile, the Eco Bricks team, including Marcel Riverol, Brianna Castillo, and Marvin Flores, seeks to repurpose plastic waste into sustainable building materials.
The latest report from the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF) reveals that Belize has exceeded expectations, achieving “Fully Compliant” ratings for 38 out of 40 key anti-money laundering measures. Belize now holds the strongest technical compliance ratings worldwide, surpassing Qatar.
This achievement follows nearly two years of rigorous evaluation and collaboration among Belize’s national authorities. “Now Belize has entered into what is called a regular follow-up process. This is essentially the gold standard. This is where we want to be,” said Leni Ysaguirre-McGann, Director of the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU).
Ysaguirre-McGann says that the FATF and similar organisations use “a system of peer pressure” to get countries to follow their rules. If a country doesn’t comply, it gets put through a review or follow-up process and might even be placed on a grey or black list, which can harm its reputation and relationships with other countries.
According to Ysaguirre-McGann, Belize’s success is crucial for its economic and business viability. “We want to operate in this financial system,” Ysaguirre-McGann said. She pointed out the importance of staying compliant with international financial standards to avoid being blacklisted or greylisted.
The power struggle within the United Democratic Party (UDP) continues, this time with Omar Figueroa shifting his support to Moses “Shyne” Barrow after initially backing Tracy Taegar-Panton. Figueroa now plans to run for the UDP under Barrow’s leadership after meeting with him on Thursday night.
Figueroa had previously written a letter on October 28th, praising Panton’s efforts at unity within the party and suggesting a national leadership convention. However, this convention never materialised.
On January 23, Figueroa, alongside his constituency committee, pledged support for Barrow as the UDP leader. According to Alberto August, UDP Deputy Chair, Figueroa wants to run in the elections as a UDP candidate and sees Barrow as the UDP leader again.
Figueroa’s shift in support came less than two weeks after Ivan Puerto, another supporter of Tracy Panton, stepped down as the standard bearer for Corozal Bay. Puerto had been a prominent figure at the Panton-led Unity Convention in October. On the same day Figueroa publicly backed Panton, Elodio Aragon Jr., the UDP standard bearer for Orange Walk East, also pledged his support to her. However, when News 5 spoke to Aragon today, he confirmed that he still fully supports Panton.
Epworth Methodist Primary School in Dangriga is setting a powerful example in Belize’s “More” campaign. The school is proving that education can be both creative and community-driven. Launched over a year ago, the initiative encourages schools to go beyond traditional teaching methods and embrace creativity, inclusivity, and community engagement.
Recognised this week by Minister of Education Francis Fonseca, the school has embraced the challenge to “do more” by engaging students in innovative activities that go beyond the classroom. “The challenge was for everyone in education to do more and be more for education in Belize,” he stated. “And so we’re very, very proud to go over to Epworth Methodists and to acknowledge the work that they have been doing in their community in terms of education.”
The school’s students have shown remarkable involvement, particularly through the school’s environmental club, art, music, and sewing clubs.
In the fertile fields of Belize, a crop that should be a symbol of agricultural success has become the backdrop for a growing crisis. Carrot farmers across the country, particularly in the northern districts of Orange Walk and Corozal, are watching helplessly as their bumper harvests wither away unsold.
Sabino Yam, a farmer from Patchakan Village in Corozal, sums up the frustration felt by many: “It is the selling of the carrots we are having a problem with right now. I have contacted some of my buyers, and they are not buying.”
A market oversaturated with carrots, compounded by competition from cheaper, imported Mexican produce, has left many local farmers with no buyers—and low income.
Oversupply, Competition, Contraband, or Seasonal Fluctuations?
The oversupply problem can be traced back to the unpredictable weather patterns of 2024. After a drought in the latter half of 2023 delayed planting schedules, farmers found themselves all harvesting at the same time in December. This created a glut in the market. Andrew Mejia, acting director of extensions for the Ministry of Agriculture, says the surplus is due to the unfortunate timing of planting and harvesting.
However, many farmers believe there’s another issue at play: the illegal influx of Mexican carrots. “I have not seen much. As a result, I can conclude that this contraband is passing through the border,” Yam said. Despite official statements denying any new imports from Mexico, locals suspect contraband produce is flooding the market, driving prices down and further undercutting Belizean growers. “We have our doubts. We think that contraband has something to do with how they are not buying carrots from us right now,” says José González, a farmer in Indian Creek Village.
Minister of Agriculture, Jose Abelardo Mai, denied claims of contraband carrots, stating that Belize does not import carrots when there is enough local supply. He said, “The Ministry of Agriculture has never and will never issue importation permits when we are harvesting carrots.” Mai explained that the issue is seasonal, with all crops maturing at once, leading to high supply and slow sales. He added, “As for contraband, the Ministry of Agriculture does not control contraband. We try to work with customs, immigration… We closed borders. Up to now, we haven’t seen enough evidence of illegal import of carrots because the quality is known.”
A Creative Solution as a Lifeline for Farmers
Well, hard times often bring about the most innovative ideas. In response to the surplus, the Belize Marketing and Development Corporation (BMDC) has teamed up with Silk Grass Farms to introduce a new solution: all-natural carrot juice.
This fresh, vitamin-packed drink is made from locally grown carrots and a taste of Belize’s agricultural pride. It is not just another beverage; it represents a potential lifeline for farmers struggling with unsold produce.
“It’s more than just juice—it’s a taste of Belize, straight from the farm to your table,” the BMDC said. ““By choosing this refreshing drink, you’re supporting local farmers and embracing the goodness of healthy, Belizean-made products.”
A Long-Term Vision: Diversification for Stability
Beyond immediate solutions like the carrot juice project, the Ministry of Agriculture is working on a broader, long-term strategy to ensure the stability of Belize’s farming industry. In January, a delegation led by Minister José Abelardo Mai visited Guatemala, where they explored innovative farming practices and new crop varieties that could transform Belize’s agricultural landscape.
With plans to introduce new potato varieties that can be processed by major companies like Frito-Lay, the ministry is looking to diversify the country’s agricultural portfolio, making farmers less reliant on single crops like carrots.
The ministry said in an official statement that it “focuses on adding value to other perishable crops, aiming to create long-term solutions for farmers.” By exploring new varieties and processing opportunities, Belize’s farmers could access new revenue streams and markets, potentially avoiding the overproduction and market saturation seen with carrots.
The ministry says that diversification offers the potential for a more resilient agricultural industry, less vulnerable to the whims of nature and market forces.
As Belizeans sip on a glass of Belizean-made carrot juice, they are reminded that the country’s agricultural future depends on both innovation and a commitment to supporting the hard-working farmers who are its backbone.
Punta Gorda is on the brink of transformation with new opportunities aimed at improving the lives of its residents. Earlier this week, the town launched its first USpace at the Punta Gorda Public Library. This space provides locals access to digital tools and training.
According to Toledo East Area Representative Dr. Osmond Martinez, this initiative is just the beginning. “There is only one secret to get people out of poverty, and that is through education,” he said. He added, “That’s how you will increase human capital. That’s how you will become innovative. That’s how we will start to attract investments.”
Dr. Martinez told News 5 of ongoing projects in the town. “Young boys and girls, a lot of opportunities are coming for Punta Gorda,” he said. These include a new marina, a call centre set to begin operations soon, and efforts to boost the local tourism sector.
“There are a lot more opportunities that are coming that we need to prepare our young people to be ready for it. And young people, please make use of it,” Dr. Martinez added.
