Benita Keme-Palacio - Greater Belize Media

SIB Reports Belizeans ‘Feeling’ Financially Better

According to the Statistical Institute of Belize (SIB), Belizeans are feeling a bit more optimistic about the economy as the country’s Consumer Confidence Index (CCI) in Belize rose slightly by 0.9% in November 2024, reaching 44.7, up from 44.3 in October.

This marks a recovery after a dip in previous months.

The CCI measures how consumers feel about the economy, their personal financial situation, and their willingness to make significant purchases like homes or cars. An index above 50 indicates general optimism, while anything below signals more pessimism.

SIB reports that the rise in November was driven by improvements in consumers’ views of both their current financial situations and their expectations for the future. The ‘Present’ component, reflecting current financial sentiments, increased by 3.6%, while ‘Expectations’ about future conditions grew by 3.5%. However, consumer sentiment regarding major purchases of durable goods, such as appliances and vehicles, saw a decline of 5.8%.

Urban areas saw a more significant boost in confidence, especially in future expectations, with an increase of 7.1%. Rural areas also showed optimism, though more modestly, with a 0.7% increase.

While men experienced a notable 4.9% rise in confidence, particularly about their present financial situation, women saw a slight decline of 2.9%, due to lower confidence in making large purchases.

Age-wise, younger groups, especially those aged 18-24, reported the highest increase in confidence, with a 5.7% rise. However, those aged 25-34 saw a drop of 7.1%.

The index reflects shifting moods in the country, with a general trend toward optimism but cautious outlooks on major spending, according to the SIB.

Accused Murderers Appear in Court

No plea was taken from 29-year-old car dealer Jovannie Jones and 23-year-old Jerwin Segura this morning when they were arraigned in Belize City. The duo was charged with the double murder of Felix Martinez and Adelita Gillett, which took place outside Crooked Tree Village on Monday night.

Police Commissioner Chester Williams says there is no indication that robbery was the motive.

Police believe the murder is linked to a failed car deal. The couple reportedly met someone to collect money when Gillett, counting it in the back seat, was ambushed.

The victims were found dead inside their Chevy Equinox SUV.

The accused are scheduled to return to court on March twentieth.

84-Year-Old Man Killed After Collision with Bus

An 84-year-old man lost his life this morning after being struck by a bus on the Thomas Vincent Highway in southern Belize. Cecilio Caal, a resident of San Roman Village, was reportedly riding his bicycle when he was hit by a 2007 Toyota Costa Bus that was driven by 65-year-old Domingo Torres.

Initial police investigations reveal that Caal was flung off the bike some thirty feet away from the site. The accident occurred between miles 27 and 28 of the highway. Reports indicate that Caal was travelling in the opposite direction but veered into the bus’s lane.

Police found his bike crushed under the rear of the bus, while the vehicle itself sustained damage.

Declining Pass Rates in Caribbean Students Raise Alarms

A troubling trend emerged last year when nearly 200,000 students across the Caribbean sat for the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate exams, with only 4.9% passing five or more subjects, including crucial subjects like Mathematics and English. According to Lilia Burunciuc, World Bank Director for the Caribbean, the low pass rate in Mathematics—just 36%—is raising alarms among parents and educators.

“The cumulative effects of years of poor educational outcomes are deeply concerning, especially given the well-established links between education and negative societal impacts such as crime,” said Paula-Anne Moore, spokesperson for the Group of Concerned Parents in Barbados.

Burunciuc points to a deeper issue: a systemic crisis in foundational learning. Many students leave primary school without mastering essential skills like literacy and numeracy, which severely hampers their ability to succeed in secondary school and beyond. This gap not only affects individual students but also underminwrutees economic growth by creating a less skilled workforce.

Burunciuc added that inequality in access to quality education further exacerbates the problem. In places like Guyana, overcrowded schools and a lack of resources limit students’ learning experiences, while in Belize, technical training programs makes a prime example that reflects this problem as well. Reuel Black, manager of the ITVET in the Belize District, said that Belizean students often lack the necessary foundation in mathematics and physics to grasp complex subjects like solar energy systems.

Black also pointed out the challenge of keeping students focused: “Some students stay on their telephones, and you have to actually tell them to pay attention.”

According to Burunciuc, the World Bank is working closely with Caribbean nations to address these challenges. Through initiatives like the Jamaica Education Project and the expansion of technical training in Guyana, the Bank is helping to improve teaching, upgrade facilities, and expand access to quality education across the region.

Guatemalan Potato Varieties Could Transform Belize

A team from the Ministry of Agriculture is exploring new potato varieties in Guatemala that could transform the country’s farming industry. Led by Minister José Abelardo Mai, the delegation is currently visiting potato farms in Poptún, Guatemala, to explore new potato varieties for processing markets. The ministry said it “focuses on adding value to other perishable crops, aiming to create long-term solutions for farmers.”

As part of their two-day visit, the delegation’s focus is on addressing the challenges faced by Belize’s potato and carrot farmers, particularly issues of market access and oversupply. One exciting opportunity lies in Guatemala’s white potatoes, which are processed by major companies like Frito-Lay into popular products such as potato chips. With Belize’s similar climate and altitude, these varieties could thrive locally and offer a new revenue stream for farmers.

The ministry’s push to add value to perishable crops could turn challenges into profitable opportunities, helping farmers reduce losses and improve their financial future. The delegation will return on January 24 after meeting with experts and seeing the successful farming methods up close.

Belize Advances Forensic Science

Belize is stepping up its crime-fighting efforts with a game-changing advancement in forensic technology. The National Forensic Science Service (NFSS). The Belize National Forensic Science Service (NFSS) has announced the installation of a cutting-edge Applied Biosystems RapidHIT ID instrument in its new Rapid DNA Section.

“This cutting-edge technology will allow for in-country rapid DNA testing for crime scene samples, human remains, and disaster victim identification for urgently needed investigative or identification needs” in as little as 90 minutes, NFSS stated. “This investment of taxpayers’ dollars into the expansion of the NFSS’s scope represents a solid commitment by the Government of Belize in advancing the nation’s forensic investigative capacity.”

According to the NFSS, streamlining identification processes, the technology frees up resources for more complex cases like sexual assault evidence or in-depth crime scene investigations and will even ease case backlogs and free up resources for more complex investigations.

It is set to be fully operational in the next three months.

PM Briceño: Belize Receives Minimal Financial Aid from the U.S.

Following his inauguration, U.S. President Donald Trump wasted no time putting his agenda into action, signing a series of executive orders that could affect countries around the world, including Belize.

One significant move by Trump was the suspension of U.S. foreign assistance for the next 90 days, as part of an effort to address what he termed a “cost-of-living crisis” and to reassess financial commitments abroad. Trump also reaffirmed his “America First” stance, continuing policies that prioritise U.S. interests over global partnerships.

While Prime Minister John Briceño says that Belize receives minimal financial aid from the U.S., he believes the country won’t feel significant effects from Trump’s executive orders. “We do not get a lot of financial assistance from the U.S. We were awarded and signed a contract with the Millenium Corporation, MCC. The MCC is a private entity, not a government entity,” Briceño said, despite it being funded by the U.S. government.

Briceño stated that the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) funding was already allocated prior to Trump taking over office.

“When we signed a compact, that money had already been set aside. So, I believe we will be fine. We will still have access to that money. So, whether the MCC will get more funding for signing other compacts in other countries, I hope it could be worked out, because I think the MCC is doing a great job in different countries,” he added.

Additionally, Trump’s administration has decided to replace the U.S. ambassador to Belize with a Chargé d’affaires. When asked about this, Briceño responded, “That is for their country to decide. We have been without an ambassador… It is up to them. We hope they put in an ambassador.” He compared countries like the Bahamas that have also been without an ambassador for years, pointing out that this decision is within the U.S.’s discretion.

PM Briceño Says Trump’s Claim on Panama Canal is “Good Politics”

In response to President Donald Trump’s repeated claims about China controlling the Panama Canal, Belizean Prime Minister John Briceño has firmly rejected the notion, expressing strong support for Panama’s sovereignty. Briceno asserted, “Panama is a sovereign country, and the canal belongs to Panama.” He said that his government stands “one hundred percent” behind Panama.

Trump had suggested that China “operates” the canal, citing Chinese investments and infrastructure projects in the region. However, Briceño dismissed the idea of the United States taking military action to claim control, saying, “I don’t see that happening.”

Briceño characterised Trump’s statements as more about political posturing, stating, “It is good politics, good to say, but I don’t think he will go through with that.”

Panama, which has controlled the canal since 1999, operates the waterway through its Panama Canal Authority. While Chinese companies have invested heavily in the region, including managing key ports, the claim that China directly controls the canal remains unfounded. Briceño made it clear that “Our support is one hundred percent with Panama. Panama is a sovereign country, and the canal belongs to Panama.”

New Belize Currency Notes to Be Revealed Thursday

Belizeans will get their first glimpse of the country’s redesigned currency notes this Thursday. The Central Bank of Belize is set to unveil the new bills, which will feature images of two national heroes: George Cadle Price and Phillip Goldson.

As previously reported, the Central Bank says that the new notes are more modern and include enhanced security features to prevent counterfeiting.

Prime Minister John Briceño told reporters this morning, “I know what to expect. It is a beautiful note. We have been using our two national heroes, George Price and Phillip Goldson, and we have them in different denominations.”

This redesign follows an announcement made in November 2024 by the Central Bank, which confirmed that the new currency designs would be revealed in January 2025. Despite the fresh look, the redesign will not affect the value of Belize’s money, reassuring the public that the currency will continue to hold its value.

“I know some people will say, We don’t have the queen. Well, the queen is dead, and that has nothing to do with the Belize dollar; it is based on our economy and the amount of U.S. reserves; that is not the pound; it is the U.S. dollar.” Briceño said.

The currency change, which has been in the works for some time, is expected to be well received by the public, as the new notes will not affect the value of money.

First Dog Infected with Screwworm, Concerns Rising

Five case of New World Screwworm has been confirmed in Belize, and one of them includes a dog infection. The growing number of cases has raised major concerns for the country’s cattle industry. The first case was reported less than a month ago in the Toledo District. Since then, 4 more infections have been confirmed within the Crique Sarco village and San Pedro Columbia Village in the Toledo District.

Luis Pook from the Ministry of Agriculture told News 5 that these five cases include infections from 4 cattle and one dog. Pook stated that the minister has a team on the ground to monitor the cases. “We suspect that bats have something to do with the possibility that there are more cases popping up, because whenever you have some bats that bite the animals, they cause wounds, and the wounds attract the flies,” Pook said.

The ministry also suspects that a second or third generation of screwworm flies may be active in the two affected communities.

Prime Minister John Briceño reassured the public that protocols with Mexico are in place to manage cattle exports. “What is important is that we have worked out a protocol with the Mexicans on how to export our cattle,” he said. Briceño added that the condition does not affect the meat, as cattle can be treated and restored to health within days.

“This is not something that affects the meat. If you see the animal with the screwworm, you cure it, and five days later it is a healthy animal.”

Briceño added, “The plan is we have a coral area where we inspect the animal in Belize, and it goes over to the Mexican side, and they inspect. If they see any animal with signs of screwworm, they send it back; we cure it, and five or six days later we can send it back.”

The strict inspection system between Belize and Mexico ensures that infected animals are returned for treatment and then re-exported.