Benita Keme-Palacio - Greater Belize Media

Belize Advance Key Trade Initiatives At CARICOM’s 59th COTED Meeting

A Belizean delegation, led by Minister of State for Foreign Trade Osmond Martinez, participated in the 59th Regular Meeting of the Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED) in Georgetown, Guyana. The team engaged in important discussions about regional trade.

Among the key topics were efforts to strengthen the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME), with a focus on improving the free movement of skilled workers and updating trade regulations. According to the government, the Belizean delegation also addressed recent changes in import duties on goods important to Belize.

The government said that a major priority for Belize at the meeting was the approval of the Partial Scope Agreement with El Salvador. CARICOM member states agreed to hold a special meeting in early 2025 to finalise this agreement, which was first signed in 2023.

In addition to the discussions, Minister Martinez met with Jamaica’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator Kamina Johnson-Smith, to talk about poultry import requirements. He also discussed the possibility of exporting poultry to Barbados with Kerrie Druard Symmonds, Barbados’ Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, as the country is interested in importing poultry from Belize.

One Dead in RTA, Multiple Injured

Belize Welcomes New Ambassadors from the EU and Panama

On Monday, Governor General, Dame Froyla Tzalam welcomed two newly appointed ambassadors to Belize at the Belize House in Belmopan. Erja Askola, Ambassador of the European Union, and David Castro De Leon, Ambassador of Panama, officially presented their letters of credence.

The Government of Belize said in a statement that both ambassadors expressed gratitude to Belize for its commitment to strengthening international relations, and they “intend to foster these ties throughout their appointment.”

Belize Strengthens Alliances Welcoming Five New Ambassadors

Belize Strengthens Climate Action and Resilience at CDM 13

Belize is strengthening its disaster resilience efforts at the 13th Caribbean Conference on Comprehensive Disaster Management (CDM 13), taking place this week in St. Kitts and Nevis. With the theme “Road to Resilience – Checkpoint 2024: Levelling Up for a Dynamic Future,” the event brings together experts and leaders from across the Caribbean and beyond to share innovative strategies for managing disasters and building resilience in the region.

The Belize delegation, led by Daniel Mendez, National Emergency Coordinator for the National Emergency Management Organisation (NEMO), includes professionals from NEMO, UNICEF, the National Meteorological Service, the United Nations Development Program, Galen University, and others. The delegation is participating in key discussions and workshops focused on advancing disaster risk reduction, climate action, and resilience-building.

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Minister of Blue Economy and Disaster Risk Management, Andre Perez, said in a statement, “The impacts of climate change know no borders, and this conference reminds us that comprehensive disaster management requires collective effort.” He spoke on Belize’s commitment to strengthening resilience in the face of natural disasters, acknowledging that hurricanes, floods, and droughts have continuously tested the country’s resolve.

A key contribution from Belize is the presentation, “Road to Resilience: Child-Centred Shock Responsive Systems from Theory to Action in Belize,” which spotlights the country’s efforts to protect children and adolescents during disasters. The National Meteorological Service is also participating in discussions on early warning systems.

Heightened Police Presence for Christmas Season

As Christmas approaches, police are stepping up efforts to prevent road accidents and crime.

Police Commissioner Chester Williams told News 5 that there is a challenge with dealing with fatal traffic accidents, especially those involving motorcycles. He said, “It is a very challenging one because as much as we try to educate drivers or riders of these motorcycles, we’re still seeing on the part of some of them who are very reckless in how they manoeuvre these motorcycles in the city and on the highways.”

ComPol Williams said that police are working with the Department of Transport to find ways to reduce these incidents.

For crime prevention, police will conduct the usual annual anti-crime campaign. Williams assured the public that over the next couple of weeks, police officers will patrol more actively, especially between 6 and 10 p.m. in business areas and crime hotspots.

“This is done with a view to ensure that those persons who wish to go out and do their Christmas shopping can do so in a crime-free environment,” Williams stated.

Belize Volleyball Association Prepares for 2025

The Belize Volleyball Association (BVA) held a full-day meeting on Saturday in Belize City with volleyball associations, clubs, teams, and officials. The meeting covered plans for the upcoming year, including national championships, talent development, training seminars, and international tournaments.

The BVA said that the key stakeholders also discussed improving administration and local competitions and strengthening collaboration with partners.

The meeting was facilitated by BVA President Allan Sharp and the Executive Board of Administration.

In a separate post, the BVA expressed appreciation for the active participation of everyone involved and for Caribbean Motors’ support.

Trump Threatens 100% Tariffs on BRICS Nations

President-elect Donald Trump has threatened to impose 100% tariffs on BRICS countries if they create a new currency to compete with the US dollar. In a post on Truth Social, Trump warned that these countries must commit to not creating a new currency or backing one to replace the dollar or face severe tariffs and lose access to the US market.

BRICS, which includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, and new members like Iran and Egypt, has been exploring alternatives to the US dollar for trade. However, Russian President Vladimir Putin has downplayed the idea, stating that the group is not currently focused on creating a common currency.

Donald Trump Wins 2024 U.S. Presidential Election

Brazil’s President Lula proposed a South American currency in 2023 to reduce reliance on the US dollar, but economic and geopolitical differences make its adoption unlikely.

Trump’s threat follows his recent pledge to raise tariffs on goods from Mexico, Canada, and China as part of his “America First” policy.

Experts warn that Trump’s proposed tariffs could escalate global trade tensions, with potential consequences for inflation and international trade.

Mexico Threatens Retaliation Over Trump’s Proposed Tariffs

President Biden Pardons Son Hunter 2 Weeks Before Leaving Office

President Joe Biden announced on Sunday that he has pardoned his son, Hunter Biden, who was facing sentencing this month for federal tax and gun convictions. The pardon, which is “full and unconditional,” means Hunter will not face prison time. It covers his tax and gun offences, as well as any federal crimes he may have committed from January 1, 2014, to December 1, 2024, including his work with the Ukrainian company Burisma.

The pardon came just weeks before Biden leaves office, overturning previous statements where he said he would not intervene in his son’s legal troubles. The timing of the pardon, following special counsel Jack Smith’s dismissal of cases against Trump, has added fuel to the debate. Both Biden and Trump now claim that their cases show how the justice system has been politicised.

Biden explained that he issued the pardon because he believes Hunter was “selectively, and unfairly, prosecuted” and that the charges were politically motivated. “I believe raw politics has infected this process,” the president said. However, critics, including former President Donald Trump, called the pardon an “abuse” of power. Trump supporters now argue that Biden’s use of pardons is no different from Trump’s controversial pardons during his presidency.

Hunter Biden has faced scrutiny for his business dealings abroad and his struggles with addiction. His lawyers notified the courts of the pardon, which will cancel upcoming sentencing hearings. In response, Hunter said he accepted the pardon and vowed to help others still struggling with addiction. This move marks the end of a six-year legal saga for Hunter Biden.

Kamala Harris Delivers Concession Speech

UDP Backs Up BNTU’s ‘Enough is Enough’

The United Democratic Party (UDP) is supporting the Belize National Teachers’’ Union (BNTU) against the Government of Belize. On Thursday, the BNTU blasted the Ministry of Education and other authorities over three months of unpaid increments and allowances. In its statement, the BNTU said teachers are still waiting on their rural hardship, commuting, and responsibility allowances.

BNTU Blasts M.O.E.: “Enough is Enough!”

Today, the UDP issued its own statement saying that the party “agrees with the BNTU that ‘enough is enough’—four years is enough time for the government to have ironed out recurrent challenges that lead to delay in payment of increments, rural hardship, community, and responsibility allowances.”

“Teachers were promised a twenty percent (20%) salary increase; instead, their salary was cut, their increment frozen, and thousands had their license revoked,” said the UDP. It added that, “Inflation the last four years has been backbreaking and higher than any period in the history of Belize.”

According to the UDP, “Like Prime Minister Briceno, the Governor of the Central Bank recently painted a glowing picture about the state of the economy. The UDP then questioned, “Why then has the government failed to deliver the bare minimum to teachers of Belize?” They pointed out that “not only have increments and allowances been withheld, but funding for training and scholarships to teachers has been cut while study leave with pay has been suspended.”

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On Friday, Belize’s Minister of Education, Francis Fonseca, addressed concerns from the Belize National Teachers’ Union (BNTU) about unpaid increments and allowances. He said, “This is a matter that goes back to 2018. Our government, our Ministry of Education, working along with the Treasury Department and the Accountant General, have brought all of that from 2018 up to 2023.” Fonseca added that MOE continues to resolve outstanding issues for 2023 and 2024. “BNTU knows this because we have the meetings with them to discuss this matter,” he said.

Education Minister Addresses BNTU’s Demand for Unpaid Allowances

Rights, Health, Action: The Global Push to End AIDS

The world can end AIDS—but only if we protect everyone’s rights, says the World Health Organisation (WHO). This World AIDS Day (December 1st) is focused on the theme, “Take the Rights Path: My Health, My Right!” WHO calls for global leaders and citizens to tackle inequalities and focus on human rights to end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.

In Belize, the National AIDS Commission celebrated World AIDS Day on Friday. Enrique Romero, the Executive Director, highlighted that the government now provides free HIV medications and preventive supplies. However, he stressed that ending HIV requires more than just medical solutions. Romero said, “One of the critical barriers is the fact that young people can consent to have sex at the age of sixteen, but they cannot access health services until they are eighteen. So that disparity creates a huge barrier.”

WHO reports that in 2023, about 39.9 million people lived with HIV, with 1.3 million new infections. WHO emphasises that everyone should have access to HIV prevention, treatment, and care without discrimination. Stigma and discrimination, especially for vulnerable groups like men who have sex with men, sex workers, and people in prisons, remain major barriers to care.

WHO also stated that new technologies, like mobile health apps and biomedical tools such as PrEP, will help, but stigma continues to be an obstacle.

WHO continues its commitment to the 95-95-95 goals—diagnosing 95% of people with HIV, ensuring 95% of them receive treatment, and achieving viral suppression for 95% of those on treatment. This World AIDS Day, WHO urges everyone to support the rights and health of people living with HIV, so they can say, “My Health, My Right!”

National Aids Commission Celebrates World Aids Day

Drug-Resistant “Superbugs” Claims 1.3 Million Deaths Annually

Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) is not a future problem—it’s happening right now. At the Fourth Global High-Level Ministerial Meeting on Antimicrobial Resistance in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Director-General of the UN World Health Organisation Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus gave a serious warning. He said, “AMR doesn’t just threaten to make the medicines on which we depend less effective; it’s happening now.” He stated that the problem isn’t just a future risk but instead a current crisis, with “1.3 million people every year” dying because of superbug infections.

As drug-resistant “superbugs” spread, modern medicine is at risk, making even common infections harder to treat. This year’s World AMR Awareness Week, which took place from November 18 to 24, observed the theme “Educate. Advocate. Act now.”

WHO warns that without immediate intervention, the world could lose the ability to fight infections that have been treatable for decades. Ghebreyesus stated, “AMR doesn’t just threaten to make the medicines on which we depend less effective; it’s happening now.”

AMR is not just a human health issue, according to WHO’s Dr. Hanan Al Balkhy. It impacts multiple global sectors, including food production, animal care, and the environment. She warned that AMR is a heavy burden, particularly in conflict zones, where people lack basic health resources.

The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) is working to reduce the use of antimicrobials in farming, as around 70% of antibiotics are used in agriculture. FAO’s initiatives, such as RENOFARM, aim to improve farming practices and reduce the need for antimicrobials, which will ultimately protect both human and animal health.

As Dr. Al Balkhy said, “Bacteria have one aim in life. They’re going to survive,” and it’s crucial to stay ahead of this threat to preserve public health and medical advancements.