Since 2020, Belize has been pushing to diversifying its economy through the Ministry of New Growth Industries, moving beyond traditional sectors like seafood, citrus, banana, and sugar. Emerging industries such as cohune, hemp, seaweed, and film are now in focus, with value-added products and public-private
On the second day of the Belize Investment Summit, the focus was on Belize’s role in the global economy. Inspired by George Price’s vision of a mixed economy, Minister Francis Fonseca highlighted Belize’s position at the crossroads of CARICOM, Central America, and Mexico. Which presents
This month, we’re shining a light on stories of second chances, and few are as inspiring as Kenroy Young’s. At just nineteen, his life took a turn that landed him behind bars. Fast forward to today, and Kenroy is leading the charge as National Youth
Belize has joined a collective of Latin American and Caribbean nations in voicing concern over the deployment of extra-regional military forces in the region. The statement, issued by the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC), was signed by 19 member states, including Belize,
The National Trade Union Congress of Belize (NTUCB) has strongly condemned what it describes as “apparent police complicity” in the abduction of Joseph Budna. The union said it is “deeply disturbed by the complete abandonment of due process and the rule of law” after video
United Democratic Party Leader Shyne Barrow has written to Prime Minister John Briceño demanding the release of "unedited surveillance footage from August 22" from the area directly capturing when Joseph Budna was abducted from Orange Walk Town. Barrow is requesting the video footage of six government
As public pressure mounts for the release of surveillance footage capturing the abduction of Joseph Budna in Orange Walk, attorney and former journalist Audrey Matura is cautioning against making the video public before the investigation concludes. In late August, News 5 called for the release of
The Belize Association of Defence Attorneys (ADA) is calling for an independent and transparent investigation into the abduction of Joseph Budna. The kidnapping occurred on the night of August 22, 2025, in Orange Walk Town, just steps away from a police station. The ADA expressed deep concern
The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) has committed an $8 million financing package to support Belize’s efforts to expand labour force participation and improve employability across key sectors. The agreement was signed during the Belize Investment Summit held in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, by Prime Minister
For the first time since explosive video footage emerged showing the abduction of Joseph Budna outside the Orange Walk Police Station, Commissioner of Police Dr. Richard Rosado has responded directly to News 5. The Commissioner urged the public to allow investigators to complete their work. “Kindly allow
