hipolito | Greater Belize Media

Child Raped By Stepfather in Corozal

Police say that a 12-year-old girl was raped by her stepfather in Corozal.

The investigation began on May 29, when a woman and her daughter visited the Corozal Police Station to report a series of incidents involving the child’s stepfather. The girl disclosed that the abuse began in June 2019, when she was allegedly subjected to inappropriate touching and forced contact. She further reported that the abuse escalated to sexual intercourse later that year and occurred again on two separate occasions in 2025.

A medical examination was conducted following the report, and a medical officer confirmed that the minor had been carnally known.

Minister Usher Urges Constructive Dialogue Amid Teachers’ Protests

Minister of Public Service Henry Charles Usher weighed in on the ongoing protest actions by teachers. He said there is need for open and respectful communication between the government and the unions.

Usher stated he supports the unions’ right to express themselves but stressed that dialogue should remain productive. “I believe that they are taking their every opportunity they can to express themselves, which is fine. I don’t have a problem with that,” he said. “But like I say, it’s important to always be discussing it in a productive and a respectful way. We don’t achieve much by just screaming at each other.”

The Minister echoed his preference for meaningful conversation, saying he believes in both sides “talk[ing] to each other, not at each other.” He acknowledged the unions are still awaiting a formal response to their rejection of the government’s latest proposal and confirmed that no official meeting date has been set yet. “I think what is more important is that we can have a reply sent to the unions and then we schedule a meeting for when we can discuss, um, you know, that reply and the response that we receive,” Usher explained.

He noted that despite current tensions, the government is moving ahead with other aspects of negotiations. A meeting is tentatively set for June 18th to discuss and potentially sign a framework for a new round of the collective bargaining agreement. “That’s going to be a whole different set of negotiations and discussions when it comes to what the unions are proposing,” he said.

Belize Monitors U.S. Trade Moves Amid Trump’s Accelerated Tariff Push

As the Trump administration pushes for swift trade concessions from global partners, Belize is navigating a cautious path to safeguard its access to the U.S. market and preserve benefits under the Caribbean Basin Initiative (CBI).

Director General for Foreign Trade, Andy Sutherland, confirmed that while Belize is not currently a primary target of steep tariffs, the country remains actively engaged through diplomatic channels to prevent potential fallout.

A draft letter from the U.S. Trade Representative’s office revealed the administration’s intent to conclude trade negotiations within five weeks. Countries have been asked to submit their “best offer” on tariff and quota reductions, particularly in U.S. industrial and agricultural imports, by Wednesday, in a bid to wrap up talks that began on April 9.

These negotiations followed a 90-day suspension of sweeping tariffs, set to expire on July 8, which had caused turmoil in financial markets.

“So that 90-day timeframe does not apply to Belize because we’re not in any active negotiation with the US or a trade agreement that would define the tariff structures between the US or any other countries,” Sutherland said.

Sutherland added that Belize remains engaged through diplomatic channels. “ We are engaged through the diplomatic channels. Our embassy in Washington DC reaching out to the USTR on re-enstating the benefits under the CBI because all the beneficiary countries under the CBI do not maintain a trade surplus with the US and as such are not in any way infringing on the competitive position of US companies and industry.”

Belizean Students Graduate from Top Universities in Taiwan

Six Belizean students have successfully completed their studies at two of Taiwan’s most respected universities.

On May 27, 2025, Tracy Maria Quetzal, Krissy Constance Sutherland, and Nadir Kevaun Mendoza graduated from Taipei Medical University. Mendoza, who served as Class Representative, was selected to deliver the graduation speech, earning special recognition for his leadership role.

Just days earlier, on May 24, Kristie Sosa, Joshua Vernon, and Sheryl Ann Leslie received their degrees from the Graduate Institute of International Human Resource Development at National Taiwan Normal University.

For years Belizean students have been earning degrees in Taiwan.

Teachers Might Be Arrested, Charged Following Road Blockades

Tne Belize Police Department has been monitoring and responding to two acts of civil disobedience in Southern Belize by members of the Belize National Teachers Union, said Assistant Superintendent Stacy Smith. The incidents, which began around 5:00 AM, are part of the industrial action related to the ongoing salary dispute between the union and the government of Belize.

Both incidents involved teachers using vehicles to block roads at junctions in Dangriga and Bella Vista, respectively. ASP Smith stated, “The department appreciates and the country most appreciates that whilst teachers have their right to freedom of expression, which I understand to mean in this instance them registering their discontent, them expressing their right cannot be done in such a way that infringes on the rights of others.”

She said that “a relevant right in this instance is the right to freedom of movement, which is impacted by the blockage of roads, which certainly prevents citizens from getting from one point to another or to organize the day, and it may also have a cascading effect on their personal plans and the provision of emergency services by respective authorities.”

The department exercised restraint and discretion by giving the teachers “up to two hours to remove their vehicles and disperse,” according to ASP Smith. “It was only after this request was not met that actions were taken and the actions that were taken were very measured.”

The police are reviewing relevant laws, including the Criminal Code, the Motor Vehicle and Road Traffic Act, and the Control of Public Meetings and Public Processions Act, to identify offenses such as “obstructing the free flow of traffic, unlawful assembly, obstruction of the officers in the execution of their duties, and aggravated assault.”

ASP Smith stressed that the police commissioner has emphasized the importance of ensuring “all actions that are taken are measured, respectful, and in alignment with effective and lawful management of civil dissent.” She added, “While the department recognizes the importance of democracy to a healthy nation, the actions that are taken in pursuance to democracy must be done within the confines of the law.”

The police have warned that teachers involved in blocking the roads may face arrest and charges if they continue to obstruct public order.

Gun Dealers Say Firearms Board Deadline Retaliatory

A recent directive from the Firearms and Ammunition Control Board (FACB) requiring all licensed gun dealers and company gun licence holders to submit a full inventory of their firearms and ammunition by June 11, 2025, has sparked criticism from members of the firearms community.

The notice said, “The Firearms and Ammunition Control Board informs Company Gun Licence holders and Gun Dealers to submit an inventory of their stock of firearms and ammunition to this office by June 11, 2025, to the above email address. The Board also advises that physical checks of inventory will commence in the month of June 2025.”

While the move may be seen as part of routine regulatory oversight, some gun dealers believe the timing is retaliatory, particularly following public criticism of the current licensing system by gun dealer Abner Murillo, owner of Lock N’ Loaded.

Murillo, speaking recently on News 5, cited the Tropic Air hijacking as a case where a licensed firearm holder helped prevent a potentially deadly situation. He argued that responsible gun ownership plays a critical role in public safety and expressed frustration with what he described as an increasingly burdensome and inconsistent licensing process.

“The way to stop evil is to give people a licensed weapon, simple as that,” Murillo said. “People are frustrated, but they don’t want to speak up. Every day, people come into my store complaining.”

Murillo also criticised the FACB for allegedly revoking instructor licences without justification and for failing to honour previously approved certifications when the licensing authority transitioned from the police department to the FACB. He claims that qualified instructors, including himself, have been unfairly targeted.

“They revoked licences left, right, and centre… It just seems like I am going to benefit this one and victimise that one. That’s how it feels,” he added.

The FACB responded by defending its updated procedures, stating that the changes are intended to improve due diligence and close administrative loopholes. The Board also clarified that only one valid ID is required for applications and acknowledged the logistical challenges faced by rural applicants.

Exembajador Beliceño Comparece en Tribunal Superior por Cargos de Violación

El exembajador beliceño Alexis Rosado compareció hoy en el Tribunal Superior, donde fue formalmente acusado de violación, asalto sexual y asalto agravado. El caso surge de alegaciones que anteriormente fueron tratadas en tribunales menores, pero que ahora han sido elevadas al Tribunal Superior para juicio.

El abogado Richard “Dickie” Bradley, quien representa a Rosado, explicó que el procedimiento fue una acusación formal estándar y parte del proceso judicial usual para delitos graves. “Esto fue solo una acusación formal regular. Nada especial, nada fuera de lo ordinario,” declaró Bradley.

Explicó que el siguiente paso involucrará a ambas partes, la defensa y la fiscalía, acordando el conjunto completo de deposiciones, que incluye declaraciones, pruebas, y reportes médicos y de expertos. “Queremos asegurarnos de que todos estemos en la misma página con la evidencia”, agregó.

Bradley confirmó que Rosado está actualmente en libertad bajo fianza, que fue fijada en aproximadamente $8,000 a $10,000. “La fianza es solo una salvaguarda procesal,” señaló Bradley. “Asegura que el acusado regrese al tribunal. Tienen que haber razones convincentes para quitar la libertad de alguien”.

La próxima comparecencia en el tribunal está programada para el 24 de junio de 2025, donde el tribunal abordará asuntos procedimentales preliminares mientras el caso avanza.

Former Ambassador Arraigned in High Court on Sexual Assault Charges

Former Belizean ambassador Alexis Rosado appeared in the High Court today, where he was formally arraigned on charges of rape, sexual assault, and aggravated assault. The case stems from allegations that were previously addressed in the lower courts but have now been elevated to the High Court for trial.

Attorney Richard “Dickie” Bradley, who is representing Rosado, explained that the proceeding was a standard arraignment and part of the usual judicial process for serious offences. “This was just a regular arraignment. Nothing special, nothing out of the ordinary,” Bradley stated.

He explained that the next step will involve both sides, the defence and prosecution, agreeing on the full set of depositions, which includes statements, exhibits, and medical and expert reports. “We want to make sure we are all on the same page with the evidence,” he added.

Bradley confirmed that Rosado is currently out on bail, which was set at approximately $8,000 to $10,000. “Bail is just a procedural safeguard,” Bradley noted. “It ensures that the accused returns to court. There have to be compelling reasons to take away someone’s freedom.”

The next court appearance is scheduled for June 24, 2025, where the court will address preliminary procedural matters as the case moves forward.

The former ambassador’s case has drawn public attention due to the nature of the allegations and his previous high-profile diplomatic role.

Critical Wastewater Policy Update Underway in Belize

The Department of the Environment (DOE) convened a key stakeholder meeting today to advance the update of Belize’s National Wastewater Policy. The aim is to strengthen wastewater management and safeguard environmental and public health.

Participants included representatives from government agencies, the private sector, academia, and civil society. Together, they are working to address longstanding challenges in wastewater treatment and disposal, which continue to pose serious risks to Belize’s rivers, groundwater, and coastal ecosystems.

As Belize’s population grows, so does the demand for clean water and the risk of untreated wastewater polluting the environment. While the country has made progress, the DOE acknowledges the need for a more comprehensive and modernised policy.

The revised National Wastewater Policy will expand to cover industrial and agricultural wastewater and include climate adaptation measures that align with both national goals and international environmental standards.

The updated policy is especially critical to protecting the country’s drinking water sources, such as rivers and wells, and to reducing waterborne diseases linked to polluted water.

Belize Assumes Regional Leadership of FEDECATUR for 2025–2026

Belize has taken on a key leadership role in regional tourism as the Belize Tourism Industry Association (BTIA) assumes the Pro Tempore Presidency of the Federation of Chambers of Tourism of Central America (FEDECATUR) for the 2025–2026 term.

Under the guidance of BTIA President Efren Pérez, Belize will now lead the principal private-sector tourism body representing Central America and the Dominican Republic. The appointment marks a milestone for the country’s tourism sector and highlights Belize’s growing influence in promoting regional integration and sustainable tourism.

“This is more than just a leadership role,” Pérez said. “It is an opportunity to reinforce unity among our member nations and align efforts that will enhance multi-destination tourism, sustainable development, and economic resilience across our shared region.”

The newly appointed FEDECATUR board for 2025–2026 includes:

President: BTIA, Belize

Vice President: CANATUR, Costa Rica

Secretary: CASATUR, El Salvador

Treasurer: CAMTUR, Guatemala

Vocal I: CANATURH, Honduras

Vocal II: CAMTUR, Panama

Vocal III: ANASORES, Dominican Republic

Observer Member: Nicaragua