The Opposition isn’t staying quiet about a major regional move. They’re raising concerns over the free movement agreement that Prime Minister John Briceño signed with several CARICOM nations last week in Montego Bay, Jamaica. Now, the PM says it’s just a three-year trial, and that it’s meant to help fill labor shortages here in Belize. But Lead Opposition Senator Patrick Faber isn’t convinced. He’s calling the deal ‘sinister’ and says while the Opposition supports regional integration in principle, free movement needs to be weighed carefully, especially when it comes to job opportunities for Belizeans.
Patrick Faber
Patrick Faber, Lead Opposition Senator
“It means that CARICOM nationals who qualify as skilled workers, artisans as professionals or entrepreneurs will be able to enter Belize without visa and work permit. Artisans with CVQs. It is actually what ITVET should be churning out when they train a carpenter, a welder or train a carpenter or a mechanic. But our ITVETs have not worked the way they are suppose to work, so that put us at a disadvantage. But the ITVETs in the Caribbean are working. The have well qualified welders, well qualified electricians, they have well qualified carpenters and plumbers and they are now able to hop on a boat, plane, train, without a visa, work permit to get the jobs that Belizeans are struggling to get, or if they get, they don’t have the wherewithal or proper skills, because we have failed to produce quality skilled labors in this country. It will also include media workers. All the media people need to be on notice. Those that don’t have qualification in the media realm, they will hire those people. Nurses will be able to come and fill those gaps, teachers and other professionals. We have agreed to put all of that into effect by October first 20205. Let me repeat, we are a hundred percent for regional integration.”
Taiwan took center stage in the Senate as both sides of the aisle came together in a rare show of unity. Government Senator Eamon Courtenay and Opposition Senator Patrick Faber delivered strong statements in support of Taiwan’s right to self-determination and Belize’s long-standing friendship with the island nation. Courtenay called on China to adopt a more mature and enlightened approach, urging an end to threats and pressure against Taiwan. Meanwhile, Faber echoed that support, highlighting Belize and Taiwan’s thirty-six-year diplomatic relationship built on shared values like democracy, human rights, and mutual respect. It was a powerful moment of bipartisan solidarity on the international stage.
Eamon Courtenay
Eamon Courtenay, Senator for Government Business
“We call on the People’s Republic of China to have a more mature and a more enlightened posture with respect to Taiwan. Simply put, the people of Taiwan have a right to self-determination. They have a right to determine their future, they have a right to determine that they wish to exist as a country, separate from the People’s Republic of China. And we call on the People’s Republic of China to desist from the threats and the use of force, and the threats of the use of force in relation to Taiwan and, in fact, to remove its obstacle to Taiwan fully participating in the international organizations of which Belize is a member.”
Patrick Faber
Patrick Faber, Lead Opposition Senator
“I rise on behalf of the opposition to give my full and unwavering support to this important motion, a resolution that affirms Belize’s commitment to democracy, freedom and the unbreakable bond of friendship with the people and government of Taiwan. Belize and Taiwan have shared thirty-six years if strong and meaningful diplomatic ties, but more than that, we have shared a partnership built on mutual respect and shared values, the belief in human rights, self-determination and democratic government. These are not abstract ideals, they are principles that shape our daily lives and strengthen the foundation of our nation.”
Earlier this week, Belize joined three other CARICOM nations in committing to full free movement of people under the CARICOM Single Market and Economy. What does that mean? Well, starting October first, 2025, citizens from participating countries will be able to live and work freely across borders, no special permits needed. The announcement came at the close of the CARICOM Heads of Government meeting in Montego Bay, Jamaica. So, what does this historic step mean for Belizeans? We asked Prime Minister John Briceño for his take.
Prime Minister John Briceño
Prime Minister John Briceño
“As to the free movement of skilled people in CARICOM, we signed on to it but what he said let us have a three year period as we work out the kinks to make people move in and out more freely. If you were to talk to the private sector they would tell you we need more people, we need more workers, not only at the lower level, but middle management and upper management. So, we are hoping that by doing that, maybe instead of bringing people from England or anywhere in the world, our CARICOM brothers and sisters can come to Belize to help with the development of this country. We asked for a three-year period to work that out. We signed on to it.”
Reporter
“We have people here already.”
Prime Minister John Briceño
“This is where now it is being signed through treaty, through CARICOM and so we are saying that we will work it through over the course of the next three years. Look at the attorneys, the local attorneys were saying oh the attorneys from the Caribbean will flood Belize. That did not happen. In every aspect there has never been flood in Belize, but the truth we need more workers, we need skilled laborers in Belize, more skilled laborers. That is no offense to Belizean laborers, cause we have very good laborers. So I don’t want you to go twist my words, because we have very good skilled laborers in Belize. But, we need more. The economy has been growing fast and we cant keep up. The only way we can continue the growth and meet these needs is by having the proper laborers, theone that works form the bottom to the top to maintain a minimum of five percent GDP growth.”
Even as Belize takes a significant move toward regional unity with the new CARICOM free movement agreement, there’s a growing concern that’s hard to ignore. Could this open-door policy make Belize a hotspot for illegal migration into the U.S.? Immigration officials have already turned away several Jamaican nationals over suspicions about their real intentions. So, with borders set to open wider, is Belize at risk of becoming a regional transit point? Prime Minister John Briceño says the country must stay vigilant and protect its national interest.
Prime Minister John Briceño
Prime Minister John Briceño
“Unfortunately the United States Government holds us responsible when anybody comes here and they try to get across the U.S., which is unfair and unfortunate. We have seen a number of Jamaicans, who have every right to come and visit Belize, every single right and they can stay in Belize if they wish, as a CARICOM national. Unfortunately, many of them come to Belize and disappear and there are many instances you find out that they are across the U.S. or arrested. So we have to protect our interest and do everything possible to discourage that type of illegal migration into the United States. So that is the only reason we do that.”
Justice Winston Anderson made history as he was sworn in on Sunday as the fourth President of the Caribbean Court of Justice during a formal ceremony in Montego Bay, Jamaica. The oath was administered by Jamaica’s Governor-General, Sir Patrick Allen, just ahead of the Forty-ninth CARICOM Heads of Government Meeting. Justice Anderson, a Jamaican national and the first from his country to serve on the CCJ bench, used his remarks to highlight the court’s role in promoting justice, human rights, and sustainable development across the region. He emphasized that his leadership would be part of a broader movement to strengthen the rule of law in the Caribbean.
Winston Anderson
Winston Anderson, President, Caribbean Court of Justice
“I, Winston Charles Anderson, having been appointed a president of the Caribbean Court of Justice, do hereby swear that I will faithfully exercise the Office of President of the Caribbean Court of Justice without fear or favor, affection or ill will and in accordance with the code of judicial conduct, so help me God. It was just over fifteen years ago, on June 15th, 2010, that I was sworn in as a judge of the Caribbean Court of Justice at King’s House in Kingston, Jamaica. On that Tuesday morning, today’s event would not have been within the reach of my most active imagination. And yet, by the providence of Almighty God, I met the support of family, friends and colleagues. I stand here with humility and preparedness to serve as the fourth president of the Caribbean Court of Justice.”
The event drew top regional leaders, including CARICOM Secretary-General Dr. Carla Barnett, Prime Ministers Andrew Holness and John Briceño, and outgoing CCJ President Justice Adrian Saunders. Doctor Barnett described the role of CCJ President as one of great responsibility, requiring wisdom, integrity, and leadership in a rapidly changing world. Justice Saunders praised Anderson’s track record, noting his involvement in over 200 appeals and his authorship of more than 30 legal opinions. Prime Minister Holness called the appointment a proud moment for Jamaica and the region, citing Anderson’s deep legal expertise and commitment to Caribbean jurisprudence.
Prime Minister John Briceño
Prime Minister John Briceño
“The unique and aspirational goals of the CCJ cast in its mission at the establishment twenty years on without question, has been realized in even greater measure than the ratifying heads in February 2001 could have envisioned. Unlike any other appellate courts, the judges of the CCJ have this unique ability and role to also sit in the court’s original jurisdiction, fleshing out for greater clarity the provisions of the treaty at issue. And also playing the role of the first instant judges, listening to live evidence as judges of facts. But the CCJ has, during the twenty-year growth spurt, done more than this, that is to say, hearing cases. The fascinating achievements of the court during this period is catalogued and well documented on the court’s webpage, outlining the court’s leading role in developing Caribbean jurisprudence and promoting legal education, judicial independence and access to justice in the Caribbean.”
Justice Anderson will serve a term of up to seven years, succeeding Justice Saunders in leading the region’s highest court.
The Trump administration’s push for global tariffs is shaking up trade around the world. Countries are scrambling to respond without triggering a full-blown trade war. Back in May, the U.S. hit pause on tariffs for over seventy-five nations, giving them a ninety-day window to negotiate. But now, that grace period is closing fast. Earlier this month, Washington issued a new ultimatum: submit trade deal offers or face the tariff hammer. While the global economy holds its breath, Belize may have a bit more room to exhale. Minister of State in the Ministry of Finance, Christopher Coye, says CARICOM is in talks with the U.S., and Belize isn’t expected to take a major hit.
Christopher Coye
Christopher Coye, Minister of State, Ministry of Finance
“What I understood in discussions with government officials. Basically that we fall off until July. We basically sit tight until July as that ninety-day period expires. That ninety-day period was to provide an opportunity for the US realtor to negotiate and seek to conclude arrangements with their main trading partners, the top twenty trading partners, Belize or even Belize, as a part of Ka, the entirety of Kako actually. It does not rise to the level of that top twenty. So when that time comes, I believe it’ll be more of a discussion between the US and more so than just us and Belize.”
She’s making waves from the other side of the world in Taiwan, proudly wearing her Belize Defense Force badge. In fact, many of you may have already seen her interview on social media, catching attention not for speaking Belizean Creole, but for confidently speaking Mandarin. That’s twenty-six-year-old Reevie Ysaguirre. She’s been hard at work in Taiwan for the past four years, hitting the books military-style. On Wednesday, she officially received her undergraduate degree in Foreign Languages from the Republic of China Military Academy. And while she admits the journey hasn’t been easy, she says it’s been worth every struggle after the overwhelming support she has received from back home. We caught up with her earlier today to talk about her journey so far, and what’s next.
Reevie Ysaguirre
Reevie Ysaguirre, BDF Cadet
“During my four years in Taiwan, what kept me motivated was the fact that I know that I am exactly where my dad wanted to be. Because before he passed, he always wanted me to study in Taiwan. And he was the one who told me to go apply in the BDF because I might get an opportunity to study abroad, so that was something that motivated me and kept me pushing because, of course, many times I felt like giving up, and I said, Hey, I am honouring my dad; I cannot give up. This semester was like six months, and every summer and winter we had training. and I did special forces training, various weapon training, EMT 1 training, and I was also one of the training officers for the recruit training that they had. Don’t let fear hold you back, because sometimes it might seem impossible; you might say, Oh, I am just a young lady; their training is too rigorous for me, but if you push yourself, then you’ll be able to see your true abilities. And my advice to young women who want to join or are afraid to join is: assert yourself because the BDF has a lot of opportunities, and it is up to you to know how to take advantage of these opportunities. I hope that all the women in the force can find that and use that to push them towards their best abilities within the force.”
Reevie Ysaguirre is now entering the final leg of her studies as she prepares to take on her specialization course in the coming months. This means her stay in Taiwan will be extended by about a year more.
Belize is opening a new chapter in regional trade, and it starts with a handshake. This morning, business leaders from Belize and Trinidad and Tobago came together to break down trade barriers and build new opportunities. The two nations kicked off a three-day trade mission right here in Belize City, aiming to strengthen ties and boost economic growth. News Five’s Britney Gordon has the story from the Fort George Hotel.
Britney Gordon, Reporting
With global trade winds shifting, Belize is looking closer to home for stronger economic ties. As U.S. tariffs continue to ripple through small economies, regional collaboration is more important than ever. That’s why the Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry has teamed up with its Trinidad and Tobago counterpart to launch a three-day trade mission, right here in Belize City. The goal is to break down barriers and unlock new opportunities across the Caribbean. Vashti Guyadeen, CEO of the Trinidad and Tobago Chamber, shared insights at today’s kickoff session.
Vashti Guyadeen
Vashti Guyadeen, C.E.O., Trinidad & Tobago Chamber of Industry & Commerce
“So this event we started planning for the event more than three months ago, and it was guided by market intelligence and the request of our members. The idea behind this is to help our members expand into new markets that they feel that they could make a difference. So we are focusing, we have a small delegation of just roughly ten companies from the agriculture services as well as creative industries that are looking to expand into the Belizean market. So we are here for roughly three days and it’s more so where we are also looking for joint ventures. So it’s sustainable trade within the region, focusing on the CARICOM countries.”
Belize and Trinidad and Tobago are taking their trade ties to the next level. At today’s event, the Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry signed a major agreement with its Trinidadian counterpart, one that promises to break down trade barriers and open the flow of market information between the two nations. Minister of State Christopher Coye says the partnership builds on a strong foundation, but there’s still plenty of room to grow.
Christopher Coye
Christopher Coye, Minister of State, Ministry of Finance
“I think we exported, I think the number was around ninety-seven million last year to. To Trinidad and we import quite a bit less. But the opportunity is there for increased trade among both countries.”
Also attending the event was the Belize Coalition of Service Providers, which provided technical expertise about the local market to the visiting delegation. The president of the Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Industry and Commerce shares her goals for the three-day mission.
Sonji Chase-Pierre
Sonji Chase-Pierre, President, Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Industry & Commerce
“Following this opening ceremony, we are actually going to go into our business to business meetings where through our counterpart, the Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry, they were able to partner linkages with business persons who would be paired with our delegates and further discussions on where we see trade and investment opportunities. What we are looking for as an outcome of this mission is to solidify the curriculum and single marketing economy where we could forge alliances and promote regional and economic trade between our islands and within CARICOM, because we really believe, as your minister said that there is greater resilience in shared and collaborations between the countries within CARICOM.”
In today’s unpredictable global economy, small nations like Belize are learning that strength lies in unity. That’s why forging strong regional alliances isn’t just smart, it’s essential. These partnerships help build resilience, ensuring that when global shocks hit, countries like ours can weather the storm and keep moving forward. It’s all about creating a Caribbean community that thrives together.
Vashti Guyadeen
“ We have engaged in ventures before, but this time it’s different because it’s structured. Also today, you will see a signing what we call a Trade and Business Alliance agreement with the Belizean Coalition of Services Providers and the Belize Chamber of Commerce. Why are we signing these agreements? These agreements are meant to deepen trade between both countries and to provide a structure. So it’s not just an agreement that would sit on a shelf, but the idea behind it is to have an action plan where we have deliverables over the course of the next three to five years.”
According to Chase-Pierre, there is no timeframe in the agreement. She believes that through mutual participation, it will remain an enduring partnership.
Sonji Chase-Pierre
“It is perpetual. It is not just as we said in our speeches, a ceremonial sign in. It is an intention to forge relationships, and we believe that the two business organizations in Belize, which are represented by the Belize Chamber of Commercial Industry and the Belize Services, will be able to afford their members and our members the opportunities for those partnerships. The whole idea behind the agreements will be to provide market access. We will be providing market access information, market intelligence information in Trinidad and Tobago. We will be looking for business partners with our counterparts in Belize and linking them with those counterparts.”
Over the course of the trade mission, the nations will also discuss the path forward to creating more bold partnerships that can inspire other regional partners. Britney Gordon for News Five.
The meeting was attended by members of Belize’s agriculture, service, and trade sectors.
It’s a story of unimaginable pain, incredible strength, and a dream that refused to die. Fifteen years ago, Damari Tesucun was just fourteen when she survived a tragic electrocution that claimed her aunt’s life and left her with severe burns over nearly half her body. She lost a leg, but not her will to live, or to serve others. Fast forward to today, Damari is walking a very different path—across the graduation stage, proudly receiving her medical degree. Now, she’s on a mission to become a burn surgeon, using her own journey to help others heal. News Five’s Paul Lopez has a remarkable story of resilience and purpose.
Paul Lopez, Reporting
Fifteen years ago, Damari Tesucun’s life changed in an instant. She was just fourteen when a tragic accident struck, she and her aunt were adjusting an antenna when it touched a high-tension wire. Her aunt died on the spot. Damari survived, but barely. She spent five weeks in intensive care at Shriner’s Hospital, fighting to recover from severe burns. Doctors had to amputate one of her legs, and she later had to learn how to walk again using a prosthetic limb. In a 2015 interview, Damari shared the pain and strength it took to get through that life-altering moment.
Damari Tesucun
Damari Tesucun, Burn Victim (File: April 15th, 2015)
“Seeing my family go through this pain made me realize how important life is and how important being in a family is and the role of a mother and father that takes place. I wanted to somehow take off that pain from them and just carry it myself, but it was difficult, because it was my mother, she has to feel the pain I was going through. I couldn’t do anything but pray for them, pray that he gives us this peace, that tranquility we need for that moment.”
But Damari’s story didn’t end there, not even close. Just over a week ago, ten years after she first shared her journey with us, she reached an incredible milestone. Damari graduated with a medical degree from I-Shou University’s School of Medicine for International Students in Taiwan. Now, she’s well on her way to achieving her dream of becoming a burn surgeon, turning her own pain into purpose.
Damari Tesucun
Damari Tesucun, Medical School Graduate
“Graduating feels surreal. Looking back I feel very grateful for the scholarship opportunity I got and I can see how much I have grown, both academically and personally. I face many challenges, but each step helps me grow. I have become very stronger now. So I feel very grateful and honored and humbled that I have gotten to this place.”
Even after all she’s been through, Damari Tesucun’s journey hasn’t been without new challenges. While studying in Taiwan, she received a new prosthetic, but as she tells it, that upgrade came with complications. The device led to painful pressure ulcers, adding yet another hurdle to her already incredible path. But true to form, Damari didn’t let it stop her. Her determination to become a burn surgeon remains as strong as ever.
Damari Tesucun
“So, I had wounds and despite having those wounds I still had to go to school, I still had to go to the hospital and I was in so much pain and I remember I had to go to the doctor for an appointment and when I got there the doctor told me I had to rest for two weeks and I told him that is not even a possibility. Missing two weeks of school means I would lose so many learning opportunities and my grade would be affected.”
Despite being in constant pain, Damari pushed through her surgical training, determined not to give up. Painkillers offered little relief, but she kept going. And when she finally walked across the stage to receive her medical degree, with her proud parents by her side in Taiwan, every struggle felt worth it.
Damari Tesucun
“From a very tender age, at four years old I knew this is the path I wanted to take and when I was in my accident I was in a burn hospital, Shriners Burn Hospital for Children in Texas. I was surrounded by amazing burn surgeons, doctors and they really inspired me, giving me the best healthcare I could have ever experienced. When I got to that point, I knew that burn surgery was something I wanted to do. I am still on that path, hopefully I can accomplish it soon.”
Tesucun must sit a license exam and complete an internship to practice as a medical physician. She’s not stopping here. With her sights set on becoming a burn surgeon, she’s diving into even more training to make that dream a reality. Her message is simple but powerful: no matter what life throws at you, stay focused, stay driven, and never let go of your dreams.
Damari Tesucun
“I want people to never stop dreaming, to never stop pursuing their goals, even if the journey may seem difficult, we stay committed to our dream and work tirelessly towards it. We cannot lose sight of it, even if obstacles threaten to shatter them. We must keep working and pursuing our goals.”
From entrusting her life into the hands of medical doctors fifteen years ago, to becoming one herself, life has come full circle for Damari Tesucun. And throughout those years, one message has remained steadfast. She shared it in 2015.
Damari Tesucun
“You can do everything and what the bible says you can do everything through Christ who strengthens us.”
And again, when we spoke with her recently.
Damari Tesucun
“Like I always say, we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us.”
