After months away from the National Assembly, Orange Walk South Area Representative José Mai returned to his seat today. Mai underwent shoulder surgery and a knee replacement during his medical leave. He says he has not fully recovered, but he is well enough to represent
Police are investigating a shooting that left a thirty-one-year-old tour guide, Jean Villatoro hospitalized after he reportedly came upon a group of masked men near a supermarket in northern San Pedro early Friday morning. According to reports, around two forty a.m. Villatoro heard a noise
The dispute between longtime Finnegan Market vendor Aaron Castillo and the Belize City Council is now headed for a legal challenge. After the council enforced a stop order and locked Castillo out of his two businesses, Jun’s Meat Shop and Supermarket, his attorney, Orson Elrington,
A basketball court, a ball and a group of young men determined to make the best of what they have. Last night, a video showed these youths playing basketball at the St. John’s court with barely enough light to see the basket. They say they
Belize is looking for new ways to finance development while protecting the environment and preserving Indigenous heritage. At the second Green and Blue Finance Forum in Punta Gorda, stakeholders explored how sustainable funding could strengthen communities, agriculture, small businesses and the orange economy. Belize also
lo Finding a local business online could soon become much easier. Twenty-five-year-old entrepreneur Brianny Palacio has launched Find It 501, a searchable digital directory that connects consumers with companies across Belize. Palacio says her own challenges as a business owner inspired her to create a
Lo Could a higher hotel tax make Belize a harder sell for visitors? Government is considering raising the accommodation tax from nine to twelve-point-five percent, but the tourism industry is pushing back. Hoteliers warn that the increase could raise vacation costs, drive visitors to competing
For fifteen students across Belize, the new school year will come with fewer financial worries. This morning, the Belize Hotel Association awarded educational grants through its Partners in Education program, helping families working in tourism and hospitality cover tuition, textbooks, uniforms and transportation. News Five’s
The Social Security Board (SSB) held a media mixer to address questions about fund management, reporting a $45 million surplus alongside a warning about rising pension commitments. SSB Chief Executive Officer Jerome Palma described the mixer as an effort towards transparency, aiming to clear up public
Belize is set to access US$40 million this year under a US$100 million concessionary loan from Taiwan, but the Briceño administration says the money is not tied to any specific project. Prime Minister John Briceño said in today’s Special Sitting of the House of Representatives that
