Belize’s Minister of State for Investment, Jorge Espat, is representing the country at the prestigious 30th Extraordinary Meeting of the Forum of Presidents of Legislative Assemblies of Central America, the Caribbean, and Mexico (FOPREL) in Rabat, Morocco. The three-day summit started on November 27. It focused on pressing global issues like security, climate change, and economic development, bringing together top lawmakers from across the region to collaborate and tackle shared challenges.
The Belize delegation, led by Espat, is also participating in courtesy visits with senior Moroccan officials. The delegation’s travel expenses are covered by FOPREL and the Moroccan Parliament.
The event was led by Luis Rolando Redondo Guifarro, Speaker of the National Congress of Honduras and ProTem President of FOPREL. Other distinguished speakers were also present in the discussions.
Several resolutions were passed, including the approval of Morocco’s Parliament as an Associate Member of FOPREL, having held observer status since 2014. Founded in 1994, FOPREL works to improve the laws across its member countries and create ways for the leaders of their legislative bodies to work together on regional issues. It also helps support research and studies related to legislation at the regional level.
Police arrested and charged Jaylil Adanai Clarence E. Usher with the murder of 19-year-old Kean Jamaal Quiros, who was killed on August 11, 2023, in San Pedro Town.
Quiros was shot early in the morning on August 11 after hearing someone shout “Police” outside his door. According to police reports, when Quiros went to check, a gunman opened fire on him.
He was rushed to the polyclinic but sadly died while receiving treatment.
On Thursday, the Department of Transport responded to an assault incident against a traffic warden that took place on November 26, 2024. The incident involved a passenger aboard a bus who targeted a Belize City Council traffic officer.
“Such acts of violence against traffic enforcement officers are unacceptable,” the department said, and reminded the public that these officers have the same powers as Belize Police officers when carrying out their duties.
Thirty-one-year-old Evan Nicholas Cain, a part-time bus conductor and care-giver from Biscayne Village, was remanded to Belize Central Prison until next Wednesday, December 4, 2024. Cain was charged with aggravated assault against traffic officer Kenrick Deshield.
“Any form of aggression toward these officers undermines the rule of law,” the department stated.
The department praised the Belize Police Department for swiftly apprehending the suspect, acknowledging that “quick action underscores the importance of upholding justice.” As a result, the department launched an investigation into the bus company involved and committed to hold them accountable for any violations of their road service permit.
However, the bus company in question had issued its own statement a day prior, stating that it “categorically rejects these allegations as false, misleading, and without merit” and denounced the claims that one of its buses was in violation of any laws. While the company admitted allowing standing passengers at times to keep things moving, it denied that any were onboard during the incident with the traffic officer. The company criticised media outlets for not contacting them for comment, claiming the story was incomplete and damaging to their reputation.
Fu We Transport Service is responding to media reports that alleged the company is operating an unlicensed, uninsured bus with standing passengers.
The company, which is located in Sandhill Village, said in a statement, “We categorically reject these allegations as false, misleading, and without merit,” denouncing the claims that one of their buses was in violation of any laws.
The company insists its buses are fully licensed, insured, and follow all safety regulations. The specific bus in question, which was rented for a temporary assignment, is “in full compliance with regulatory and safety standards,” Fu We Transport Service added. While the company admits that it does sometimes allow standing passengers to keep things moving, it says, “There were no standing passengers onboard during the interaction with the traffic officer, as claimed.” Things took a sour turn when an altercation between a traffic officer and one of their passengers occurred. The passenger was criminally charged.
Fu We Transport Services “strongly condemn any form of violence, especially against enforcement officers.”
Fu We Transport says no media outlet bothered to contact them for comment before running the story. “The story presented to the public is incomplete, skewed, and damaging to our reputation,” the company said. Fu We Transport revealed that the company is taking legal action against this kind of “fake news.”
The Belize National Teachers’ Union (BNTU) is done playing nice. In a fiery statement, the union blasted the Ministry of Education and other authorities for three months of unpaid increments and allowances. The B.N.T.U. says teachers are still waiting on their rural hardship, commuting, and responsibility allowances.
According to the BNTU, the government has been offering nothing but “flimsy excuses” for why these payments haven’t been made. The union made it clear: the situation is out of control. “Time and again our complaints have been met with flimsy excuses,” the union said, calling the issue an annual headache that’s wearing down teachers.
The B.N.T.U. says that teachers have done their part by gathering data and answering surveys and believes this has been a “waste of our time.”
“Some may argue that when the payments do come, they do so retroactively, but the Union condemns this practice and demands that any and all retroactive payments be given tax-free.”
The union isn’t backing down this time, saying, “ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!”
The B.N.T.U. says that they are tired of begging for what’s rightfully owed to teachers. The message to the ministry and authorities is clear: “The ball is in your court.”
The Belize Forest Department launched the Selva Maya II project to protect the natural and cultural resources of the Selva Maya, a vast rainforest that spans Belize, Guatemala, and Mexico. This project aims to manage and conserve the area, which is home to rare wildlife and important Mayan cultural sites.
The region faces significant threats like illegal logging, forest fires, and unsustainable farming, so the project focuses on improving the management of conservation areas and restoring natural resources. The initiative is a coordinated effort between the three countries involved, working to address these challenges in a more integrated way.
Funded by the German government with EUR 20.5 million, the project focuses on key protected areas in Belize, including the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve, and other national parks and reserves. These areas are crucial for preserving biodiversity and protecting endangered species like jaguars, howler monkeys, and toucans. The project also aims to improve the management of these areas, promoting sustainable practices such as eco-friendly farming and conservation efforts beyond protected zones. In addition, the initiative supports the development of biocorridors, which help wildlife travel safely between conservation areas.
One of the key objectives of the project is to foster stronger cross-border cooperation between Belize, Guatemala, and Mexico. This includes the formation of a Strategic Coordination Group, where organisations from each country exchange knowledge and strategies for conservation. The project also aims to directly benefit around 15,000 low-income families in the region, many of whom rely on agriculture, forestry, and tourism for their livelihoods. By promoting sustainable practices, the project helps secure these livelihoods while preserving the rainforest.
The project not only helps protect the Selva Maya ecosystem but also supports broader global goals, such as climate action, poverty reduction, and biodiversity conservation. By reducing deforestation, preventing forest fires, and supporting sustainable development, the project contributes to the climate and water regulation of the region. This effort aligns with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including no poverty, gender equality, and life on land.
Over the past few weeks, News Five has uncovered several troubling issues surrounding Caribi Bleu Casino in San Pedro, including its owner’s alleged connection to an illegal gaming spot in Lady Lake, Florida, and the discovery of an unauthorised ATM that dispenses U.S. currency on the casino premises. However, to understand the full context of these developments, it’s essential to explore how casinos operate in Belize, the regulatory frameworks in place, and the multiple authorities overseeing the industry.
While the exact value of Belize’s casino market remains undisclosed, the local industry is undoubtedly significant, bolstered by the influx of half a million tourists in 2023. According to a recent study, the global casino market was valued at $163 billion in 2023, with Latin America contributing an estimated $8.7 billion. This suggests that Belize’s casino industry could be poised for substantial growth, attracting significant investments.
The Road to Opening a Casino in Belize
Belize’s casino industry is governed by a complex regulatory framework, originating from the first recorded legislation, the Gaming Control Act, introduced in 1999. During the National Assembly debate on the bill, then Prime Minister Said Musa noted that the legislation would establish a system for licensing and regulating casinos, allowing the government to impose taxes on gaming revenues. Since then, the Gaming Control Act has undergone multiple amendments, evolving into a comprehensive sixty-one-page document.
To open a casino in Belize, an operator must apply to the Gaming Control Board. Applicants must meet several stringent requirements, including significant investment in a four- or five-star hotel or resort. They must also submit a detailed business plan, provide clearance from the Belize Tourism Board, offer a set of fingerprints for background checks, and secure approval from local authorities such as the area representative, mayor, and the police.
According to Bob Bounahra, Chairman of the Gaming Control Board, “If all the checks are not crossed, you are not getting a license.” He further explained that the clearance from the Belize Tourism Board is crucial to ensure casinos contribute positively to the country’s tourism industry. Additionally, obtaining a no-objection letter from local officials is critical, as the Gaming Control Board relies on their knowledge of local conditions to make informed decisions about casino licensing.
The Role of the Gaming Control Board
The Gaming Control Board, a nine-member body composed of representatives from various government ministries, is tasked with regulating the casino industry, granting and revoking licenses, and ensuring compliance with gaming laws. Bounahra noted that the board conducts compliance checks about two or three times a year, though the Gaming Control Act does not specify the frequency of these visits. The Ministry of Investment’s compliance unit is responsible for performing these on-site checks.
Despite the board’s oversight, one pressing concern in the casino industry is the risk of money laundering. According to a 2009 study by the Financial Action Task Force, casinos are a high-risk sector for money laundering activities. As a result, Belize’s Money Laundering and Terrorism (Prevention) Act includes casinos in its scope, with the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) overseeing compliance with anti-money laundering laws.
In addition to the FIU, the Gaming Control Board conducts its own compliance assessments, receiving monthly financial reports from casinos. While Bounahra stated that the board does not directly monitor financial transactions, he emphasised the importance of progress in anti-money laundering efforts, noting, “We were at zero before taking over this last board in 2021, and now we’re almost there.”
The Unauthorised ATM at Caribi Bleu Casino
Amidst these regulations, one question continues to loom: How did Caribi Bleu Casino manage to operate an unauthorised ATM that dispenses U.S. dollars on its premises? According to the Exchange Control Regulations Act, establishments that deal in foreign currency must receive authorisation from the Central Bank of Belize. Additionally, the Payment Systems Act requires a license for operating ATMs, which must be clearly displayed within the establishment.
News Five’s investigation revealed that Caribi Bleu Casino’s ATM was dispensing U.S. currency, but the casino does not have the necessary authorisation from the Central Bank of Belize. Bounahra, when asked about the ATM, stated that the Gaming Control Board does not have authority over such matters, as the Central Bank is responsible for regulating payment systems and foreign currency dealings.
As we continue our investigation into Caribi Bleu Casino, many questions remain unanswered. Did the Central Bank of Belize authorise the casino to operate the ATM and deal in U.S. currency? Has the casino been subject to proper regulatory oversight, and are authorities aware of any potential money laundering risks associated with its operations?
News Five is committed to uncovering the truth and will continue to seek answers from the relevant authorities.
Following News Five’s previous explosive interview with San Pedro’s Mayor Wally Nunez about allegations of up to two hundred golf cart permits issued to Caribi Bleu Casino, News Five has uncovered new revelations, including video footage that raises further concerns about the casino’s operations. Our latest investigation has exposed that Caribi Bleu Casino may not only be involved in questionable golf cart permit dealings but is also illegally operating an ATM that dispenses U.S. currency without the necessary authorisation.
In our previous report, News Five challenged Mayor Nunez about the claims that Caribi Bleu had been granted an excessive number of golf cart permits. The mayor firmly denied the allegations, asserting that only twenty golf carts were approved for the casino as part of a renewal process for existing permits.
Today, we were given access to the San Pedro Town Council’s Vehicle Master List, which reveals a total of 14,467 registered vehicles on Ambergris Caye. However, the list only indicates the number of registered vehicles, not how many permits were issued. After a thorough search, we found that Caribi Bleu Casino had twenty golf carts registered under the name “Caribi Bleu Limited” as of May 28, 2024—confirming the mayor’s claim that the casino holds twenty permits.
Despite this, our investigation continues to raise questions. The Vehicle Master List does not show the full extent of permits granted to businesses, so we cannot yet confirm if additional permits were issued to Caribi Bleu outside of the official record. Furthermore, during a visit to the casino’s premises, News Five discovered multiple golf carts being stored in a neighbouring building currently under development. Although Caribi Bleu’s spokesperson denied that any golf carts were stored there, video footage from early October painted a different picture, showing several golf carts parked on the first floor of the building.
The most alarming revelation, however, involves an ATM inside Caribi Bleu Casino that dispenses U.S. dollars. Under Belize’s Exchange Control Regulations Act, any establishment dealing in foreign currency must be authorised by the Central Bank. In a covert operation, a bank card was used to withdraw funds from the casino’s ATM, which promptly dispensed two U.S. bills. Our investigation has confirmed that Caribi Bleu Casino does not have the necessary Central Bank authorisation for the ATM, violating both the Exchange Control Regulations Act and the Payment Systems Act, which requires a license for ATM operations. Failure to comply with these regulations could result in heavy fines, jail time, or administrative penalties.
Questions abound regarding the origins of the U.S. currency dispensed by the ATM and whether Caribi Bleu’s operations are being properly scrutinised by the authorities. Has the Gaming Control Board conducted adequate compliance checks? And are they ensuring that Caribi Bleu adheres to anti-money laundering regulations? These are just some of the questions that remain unanswered.
As we continue our investigation, the story of Caribi Bleu Casino and its potentially illegal activities is far from over. News Five will keep digging to uncover the full extent of these troubling developments.
Ambergris Caye, one of Belize’s most popular tourist destinations, is facing a growing traffic issue as golf carts continue to flood the island. Locals have long expressed frustration over the sheer volume of these vehicles, particularly during the busy tourist season. However, new reports suggest that the very officials tasked with regulating the island’s traffic problem might be inadvertently contributing to it.
A recent investigation by News Five uncovered claims that a new company on the island, Caribi Bleu, was granted an unusually large number of golf cart permits. According to sources, the company received as many as two hundred permits earlier this year. This raises questions about the transparency of the island’s permit issuance process, especially when officials have been vocal about the need to curb the number of golf carts on Ambergris Caye.
San Pedro’s Town Mayor, ‘Wally’ Nunez, denies these allegations. In an interview, Nunez stated that the company, formerly known as Monetta, only applied for a renewal of the twenty golf cart permits they held as part of their resort operations. “There has been no approval for any more golf carts other than the twenty,” Nunez said. He also emphasised that the permits were granted to replace old carts and that the company had no more than twenty carts registered.
During a visit to the Caribi Bleu property, News Five spotted over a dozen golf carts parked in the company’s lot, each with a license plate. But what raised further concerns was video footage showing several additional golf carts stored away in a nearby warehouse, seemingly in excess of the official number.
Despite these findings, Nunez maintained that the carts observed were all registered. “We haven’t had any proof per se that there are any other golf carts that are not registered,” he stated, adding that the council’s staff actively monitors the situation. He also acknowledged that some individuals had tried to bribe their way into obtaining golf cart permits, a practice he condemned, stressing that anyone caught offering bribes would be fired.
The issue of golf cart permits has become more contentious due to the moratorium the San Pedro Town Council imposed earlier this year, limiting the issuance of new permits. This makes existing permits even more valuable and raises concerns over how easily they can be manipulated.
Beyond the allegations surrounding golf cart permits, News Five investigated further into the operations of Caribi Bleu Casino. An LLC by the name Caribi Bleu International Limited was registered in the United States as part of American Conglomerate, LLC. The company’s manager, Rima Ray, also operates an internet café in Florida. Allegations have surfaced that Ray’s internet cafe is operating illegal slot machines. According to local sources, Ray is a prominent sponsor of the San Pedro Pirates Football Club, with the Caribi Bleu logo prominently displayed on the team’s jerseys and promotional materials.
When asked about his relationship with Ray, Area Representative Andre Perez, who has previously spoken out about the need for tighter control on golf cart imports, denied any personal knowledge of the businessman. Meanwhile, Ray has yet to respond to requests for comment from News Five.
As the investigation continues, locals on Ambergris Caye remain concerned about the future of their island’s traffic woes and whether the regulations meant to control it are being manipulated by those with the right connections. With golf cart permits in high demand, the transparency of the issuance process will likely be a key issue for both residents and visitors alike in the months to come.
At a conference today in Belize City, Governor of the Central Bank of Belize Kareem Michael highlighted Belize’s strong economic recovery post-pandemic. “The Belizean economy has proven itself to be resilient. We have weathered the covid pandemic, the oil price shock coming out of the Russia-Ukraine war, and the weather shocks from Hurricane Lisa in 2022, and other adverse climate-related events. Today we can confidently say that since the onset of the pandemic and these additional external shocks, our economy has fully recovered.”
Michael noted that real GDP per person in 2023 surpassed pre-pandemic levels, reaching higher than what it would have been without these disruptions. He pointed out that growth is now more widespread across sectors, contrasting with previous years affected by challenges like weather and high fertiliser costs.
The Central Bank of Belize projects the economy to grow by about 7% in 2024, outperforming growth expectations for other Central American and Caribbean nations and exceeding the global average of 2.1%. “In Belize’s case, the Central Bank of Belize expects that growth will be around 4.1%, again exceeding the global growth and the Latin American Caribbean region growth, and this should be above what the IMF says is our long growth potential output, which is again 2.5%,” Michael stated.
