Benita Keme-Palacio - Greater Belize Media

New Banknotes Coming in 2025

On September 26, the Central Bank of Belize announced the approval of a new series of banknotes. During a press conference this morning, the bank shared that the new notes will be unveiled in January 2025. These new banknotes will be designed with improved features to make them more resistant to counterfeiting.

For those concerned about the current banknotes in circulation, the Central Bank stated that the “current notes will remain valid.”

It was mentioned that before the new banknotes are fully in circulation, there will be a transition period to give the public plenty of time to become familiar with the new design.

Belize Bank Unveils New Brand Icon and Advances Digital Banking

As the oldest and largest bank in Belize, Belize Bank’s legacy celebrated a new shift last night with the launch of “Brand Icon Reveal” at the Belize Bank Business Centre on Albert Street, Belize City. Chairman & CEO of The Belize Bank Limited, Filippo Alario, expressed his honour while unveiling the bank’s new brand identity, describing it as “something small, but… monumental in our view, in terms of significance.” Speaking about the significance of the new symbol, he stated, “Today we are celebrating the launch of a tiny yet mighty digital symbol that embodies who we are, where we are, and where we want to go. Now, you may be thinking, What’s the big deal with something so small?”

Alario humorously added, “I want you all to step on a Lego brick in the middle of the night. I have a five-year-old and a two-year-old, and I can tell you something small can pack a good punch.” He explained that the symbol is more than just a design. “It’s a beacon of who we are, where we’ve been, and where we’re heading. It’s a reflection of our roots, our purpose, and our vision for the future.”

“We all know Belize Bank is the largest and oldest bank in Belize. We’ve been around since 1902… This legacy reflects our unwavering commitment to excellence and resilience.” He highlighted the bank’s deep ties to Belize’s vibrant and diverse culture and its commitment to serving communities. The new symbol, he noted, serves as a reminder to “stay true to our values while celebrating and championing our evolving identity.”

The new icon also symbolises hope and renewed commitment. “It is our renewed commitment to financial inclusion, sustainability, and innovation. We are here to support small businesses, foster economic growth, and empower Belizeans in every corner,” he stated. Alario assured that despite the focus on digitalisation, the human element remains integral to the bank’s mission. “Behind every transaction is a story… a person. We are embracing this digital era to ensure that the way you interact with us is not only digital but also personal.”

In her welcome address, Chief Operations Officer Agatha Ruta spoke on the transformative impact of digital banking in Belize and the region of Central America. She pointed out that digital services have overcome traditional barriers like limited branch access and the lack of trust in banking. Ruta said that digital banking’s “role in reducing poverty and improving economic mobility by offering financial services to those who were previously excluded; digital banking is giving individuals tools to become more independent when it comes to financial services.”

Ruta said that digital loan applications are a significant change, making credit more accessible and less burdensome for many Belizeans. She described this as “a game changer,” allowing people to apply for loans from home for purposes like education or starting a business at “the palm of their hands.”

According to Belize Bank, this shift enhances security and traceability, reducing risks of fraud and money laundering. Its digital strategy has led to a significant shift in how people access financial services. With 75% of customers using digital banking and a 30% conversion rate of previously unbanked individuals, these efforts have made banking more accessible and transparent. The bank’s fully digital loan application, launched in June 2023, offers 24/7 access, secure document signing, and real-time status updates. This service has processed over 19,000 applications and generated 21 million in revenue, showcasing Belize Bank’s commitment to modern banking.

“Your bank should be on your phone, in your pocket, wherever you go, 24/7,” said Alario.

What’s Causing Deforestation in Belize’s Selva Maya Rainforest?

Mesoamerica’s largest tropical rainforest, the Selva Maya, is rapidly disappearing. Stretching across 150,000 square kilometres of Mexico, Guatemala, and Belize, this vital ecosystem is home to diverse wildlife and ancient ruins—but decades of deforestation are threatening its future. Satellite data reveals that large parts of the forest have been cleared in recent decades, with Guatemala’s Petén region experiencing a loss of 23% of its forest cover between 2001 and 2023, and 33% in Petén alone.

As cattle ranching and palm oil plantations expand, experts fear this once-thriving rainforest could vanish unless urgent action is taken. “The spread of cattle ranching has been the major driver of deforestation in Guatemala,” said Diego Incer, a remote sensing expert. Additionally, the rise of palm oil plantations has contributed to the loss, as land dedicated to oil palms surged from 30 square kilometres in 2001 to 860 square kilometres in 2017.

“According to forest cover loss data collected by Landsat satellites and processed by the Global Land Analysis and Discovery (GLAD) laboratory at the University of Maryland, Belize lost 3,020 square kilometres (1,170 square miles) of forest cover between 2001 and 2023, a 17 percent decrease.”

Earth Observatory reported that Belize-born Emil Cherrington, a NASA scientist, explains that much of the deforestation is driven by farmers clearing land for crops and livestock. However, the article added that forests may have also degraded due to other factors—such as fires, insect infestations, or hurricanes—can also appear as forest cover loss, especially in protected areas like the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve, said Santos Chicas, a Belizean remote sensing scientist based at Kyushu University who has studied Belize’s susceptibility to wildfires.

Although deforestation rates have slowed in recent years, from 100 square kilometres per year between 1980 and 2010 to about 80 square kilometres per year, experts, including Edgar Correa from the Belize Forest Department, stress that the rate needs to decrease further to meet international climate goals by 2030.

Efforts to monitor forest loss are underway, with NASA’s SERVIR program helping Belize improve its monitoring tools. Cherrington noted that protected areas in Belize have been effective at reducing deforestation, although illegal farming continues along the border with Guatemala.

Cherrington added, “But this is a country where I see deep interest across a broad spectrum of society and government in tapping into remote sensing data and keeping forests intact.”

Multilingual Children’s Books Launched at Lake I Public Library

Today, author Karryn Dawson launched her children’s books Dream Powers: Where Dreams Become Adventures and Less is More: Faith-Driven Progress for Service Providers at the Lake Independence Public Library in Belize City. The event blends imagination, faith, and entrepreneurship, offering something for everyone—from children to parents, educators, and service providers.

Dawson’s first book, Dream Powers, is inspired by her dreams and encourages children to make their dreams a reality and lead the way to success. It is available in both Spanish and French, aiming to reach a wider audience. Her second book, Less is More, offers a faith-driven perspective on redefining success through purpose, impact, and balance.

The event also celebrates Dawson’s dedication to creativity and her work with Quiet Collab Solutions Limited.

Today is International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), “Globally, 1 in 3 women experience physical and/or sexual violence in their lifetime.” To raise awareness, the Ministry of Public Service, Political and Constitutional Reform, and Religious Affairs launched the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence in Belmopan this morning. The event began at the Belmopan roundabout and will run from November 25 to December 10, focusing on supporting women and girls affected by violence.

Mayor of Belmopan, Pablo Cawich, stressed the need for collective action, saying, “It is essential that we all come together to address this critical issue.” He pointed out that the statistics and stories are reminders that many women continue to suffer in silence. “These 16 days are not just a symbolic moment; they are a call to action, a reminder that every effort, no matter how small, contributes to creating safer, more equitable spaces for all,” Mayor Cawich added.

The President of the National Women’s Commission, Thea Garcia Ramirez, also spoke at the event, stating, “We must prevent violence, support survivors, and challenge the societal norms that perpetuate gender inequality.” She explained that when women are “indoctrinated” into violent behaviours, they grow up thinking such actions are “okay.” She stressed on the need to change this culture in Belize, urging people not to “hide behind tradition or culture.”

A key moment of the ceremony was the raising of an orange flag, which symbolised hope and unity for a violence-free Belize. Attendees wore orange to support the campaign’s theme: #NOEXCUSE.

Over the next two weeks, various events, such as workshops and community discussions, will take place to continue the fight against gender-based violence.

Motorcycle Accident Victim Identified

Earlier today we reported on a fatal road traffic accident that occurred at Mile 45 on the George Price Highway on Saturday night. The accident involved two persons on a motorcycle, both of whom were reportedly not wearing protective helmets.

Initial reports indicated that one rider was seen motionless on the highway, while the other appeared to be critically injured but still breathing on the ground.

This afternoon, the Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), Hilberto Romero, reported more details on this incident. He said that police found the two men lying on the road with injuries. “They were identified as Roy Martinez and Kenny Garcia,” said Romero.

ACP, Hilberto Romero confirmed that both men were taken to the hospital, where Martinez later succumbed to his injuries. Garcia is currently in stable condition. “It appears that they lost control of the motorcycle,” Romero stated. When asked if they collided with another vehicle, he replied, “I’m not aware of that; it seems they lost control.”

Another Fatal Motorcycle Accident

Why was Libertad Couple Targeted?

Police are investigating a shooting incident that occurred on Sunday night, November 24, in the Libertad Village, Corozal. Edwin Gomez and his common-law wife, Reina Tobar, were rushed to the hospital with gunshot wounds.

Assistant Commissioner of Police Hilberto Romero told reporters that Gomez said he was at home when he heard his dogs barking. “He came out to make checks. That is when he heard several gunshots and realised he was shot… The person followed him and fired more shots,” Romero said.

Romero confirmed that one suspect is in custody in connection with the shooting.

He added, “Both victims remain in stable condition at the hospital.” When asked about the motive for the shooting, Romero stated, “We do not have a motive at this point. Investigations are ongoing to determine the cause of the incident.”

Rising Rivers Threaten Multiple Regions

Germany Plans Mass Shelter Expansion as Tensions with Russia Escalate

Germany is preparing a list of bunkers that could provide emergency shelter for civilians in the event of conflict escalation. The country’s interior ministry revealed that basements, subway stations, and private properties might be converted into shelters, with a special app detailing their locations. Currently, there are 579 public shelters with a capacity for around 480,000 people. According to the most recent data obtained in December of 2023, Germany’s population is 84,669,326.

This move comes as a result of growing tensions with Russia and rising calls for faster expansion of civil protection measures.

According to NATO’s Admiral Rob Bauer, Russia’s army has grown in size, but its overall quality has deteriorated. “The quality of those forces has gone down,” he said, citing poor training and outdated equipment. The comments came after reports of up to 12,000 North Korean combat troops being sent to assist Russia.

Arsalan Bilal, a hybrid warfare expert, warned that Russia’s hybrid warfare tactics against the West are “very real” and have long-lasting effects. He explained that Russia has been combining military and non-military strategies to weaken Western security, using methods like sabotage. “The damage is very real,” Bilal said.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte discussed possible paths to end the war in Ukraine. Erdogan has previously mediated peace talks, including the 2022 Black Sea grain deal, and proposed a peace plan this month, which was rejected by Russia.

Five European countries, including Germany, France, and the UK, are increasing their support to strengthen Ukraine’s defence capabilities. The move follows the growing involvement of North Korean troops in the war and a shift in U.S. policy to allow Ukraine to use longer-range missiles against Russia.

Netanyahu Approves Ceasefire Deal with Hezbollah

Netanyahu Approves Ceasefire Deal with Hezbollah

The Israeli cabinet is ready to vote on a ceasefire deal with Lebanon on Tuesday after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu gave the plan his approval “in principle.” Netanyahu signalled his potential support during a security consultation with Israeli officials on Sunday night. The proposed deal aims to end the fighting between Israel and Hezbollah and is expected to pass in the cabinet vote.

While Israeli officials signal that talks are progressing, a Lebanese official revealed a ceasefire could be announced “within 24 hours.” But the deal has sparked sharp divisions in Israel. Far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir blasted the agreement as a “big mistake” and a “historic missed opportunity” to wipe out Hezbollah.

Residents in northern Israel and southern Lebanon have voiced concerns, with some fearing the ceasefire might be a repeat of the 2006 agreement that allowed Hezbollah fighters to return to the border. Nizan Zeevi, a resident of northern Israel, described the potential deal as a “surrender agreement” that could allow Hezbollah’s special forces to move closer to his home.

U.S. envoy Amos Hochstein, who has been involved in the negotiations, said the ceasefire is “within our grasp,” with hopes that it could lead to a 60-day cessation of hostilities.

However, tensions are still high, and both sides continue to exchange fire, with Israel’s Home Front Command warning of increased rocket fire ahead of the vote.

UN Sec. Gen. on COP29: “I had hoped for a more ambitious outcome”

After two weeks of tough negotiations, the COP29 summit concluded on November 23 with a compromise on climate financing. Despite calls from developing countries for financial aid to increase from $100 billion to $1 trillion, delegates agreed on only $300 billion in annual funding by 2035.

“This document is nothing more than an optical illusion,” said Indian delegate Chandni Raina.

While some developing countries, particularly small island nations, criticised the pledge as inadequate, this new commitment will replace the current $100 billion annual goal, which expires in 2025.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed disappointment, saying, “I had hoped for a more ambitious outcome… to meet the great challenge we face,” but acknowledged the agreement as a “base on which to build.”

The summit’s focus was supposed to be on reducing fossil fuel emissions, but little progress was made in that aspect. Instead, delegates settled on increasing climate finance, though small island nations, which are most vulnerable to climate change, voiced frustration over being excluded from discussions.

Hosted by oil-rich Azerbaijan, the summit faced difficulties, including protests from the AOSIS group representing small island states. These countries warned that the funding falls short of their needs, with some calling for at least $500 billion.

Climate scientists warn that without drastic emissions reductions, global warming could exceed 1.5°C by the early 2030s, leading to irreversible environmental damage.

The only positive outcome was the agreement on a global carbon credit market, which could help fund clean energy projects and reforestation efforts, benefiting countries like Guyana and Colombia.

While leaders say that COP29’s final outcome leaves much to be desired, attention now turns to next year’s summit in Brazil.