2025-05-16 - Greater Belize Media

Belize Farmers Use Insects to Fight Pests, Reduce Chemicals

Farmers in rural Belize are getting a boost in their fight against crop-damaging pests—thanks to tiny helpful insects.

The International Regional Organization for Health in Agriculture (OIRSA), in partnership with Resilient Rural Belize (RRB) under the Ministry of Economic Transformation and the Regional Biological Control Program, is supporting farmers to use natural pest control methods. These involve releasing beneficial insects into crop fields to reduce the need for chemical pesticides.

Two of the main insects being used are:

Trichogramma pretiosum, a tiny wasp that attacks the eggs of crop pests, especially borers (insects that burrow into plants).
Green lacewing (Chrysoperla carnea), which feeds on many harmful insects.

This approach helps protect the environment, lowers farming costs, and produces healthier food.

One of the most damaging pests for crops like cabbage, broccoli, and kale is the diamondback moth. Farmers usually rely on a lot of pesticides to control it. But now, by using these helpful insects, they can reduce chemical use, which also lowers the risk of pesticide residues in food and harm to the environment.

As part of this pilot project, 13 farmers will receive support from the RRB program:

2 farmers from Concepcion Vegetable Farmers’ Cooperative Society Ltd. in Corozal
2 from Los Pequeños Agricultores y Ganaderos of Nago Bank Cooperative Society Ltd. in Belize District
9 from Valley of Peace Lagoon Farmers’ Cooperative Society Ltd. in Cayo

The goal is to help more farmers adopt eco-friendly farming methods and grow safer, healthier produce for Belizean families.

DOE Engaged Customs Brokers to Strengthen Environmental Compliance

The Department of the Environment (DOE) brought together customs brokers this week for a two-day engagement in Belize City aimed at improving environmental compliance for imported goods. The event was part of the DOE’s ongoing efforts to align trade practices with national and international environmental standards.

During the sessions, brokers received guidance on the DOE’s permitting processes and Belize’s obligations under key agreements such as the Montreal Protocol and the Basel Convention. Discussions focused on issues like managing plastics, chemicals, and ozone-depleting substances—critical areas for protecting public health and the environment.

The sessions featured interactive presentations and practical tools to help brokers meet regulatory requirements.

Due to high interest, the group was split into two cohorts across the two days, and a virtual session was scheduled for May 24 to accommodate those who couldn’t attend in person.

Belize Receives Medical Equipment Donation from Taiwan

The Ministry of Health & Wellness has received a major boost thanks to a generous donation of medical equipment from Taiwan.

On behalf of the Taiwanese NGO Cao Zhong Zhi Foundation, Taiwan’s Ambassador to Belize, Lily Li-Wen Hsu, handed over the equipment to Belize’s Minister of Health & Wellness, Kevin Bernard.

The donation includes 250 adult wheelchairs, 50 children’s wheelchairs, 80 toilet chairs, 160 aluminium walkers, and 400 aluminium canes. The Taiwanese government also covered all shipping costs, making this valuable contribution possible.

“These supplies will make a real difference in the lives of many Belizeans,” said Minister Bernard, noting that the equipment will help improve healthcare access and support people with mobility challenges.

Taiwan has been a long-standing partner in Belize’s public health efforts. This latest donation is another example of the strong friendship between the two nations and the power of global cooperation in addressing health challenges.

The Government of Belize expressed deep appreciation to the Cao Zhong Zhi Foundation and the people of Taiwan, reaffirming its support for Taiwan’s participation in the World Health Organization (WHO) and the annual World Health Assembly.

This partnership is seen as a model of international collaboration, and Belize looks forward to continued cooperation with Taiwan to strengthen its healthcare system.

Central Bank of Belize Eases Access to Foreign Currency for Services

The Central Bank of Belize has announced a new policy aimed at simplifying the process of accessing foreign currency for service-based transactions. As of May 2, 2025, customers can now purchase foreign currency directly from local banks for certain service payments without first needing approval from the Central Bank.

This change is designed to improve efficiency and make it easier for individuals and businesses to carry out international transactions.

The updated policy delegates more authority to domestic banks, allowing them to process foreign currency requests for payments or transfers to non-residents for specified services valued up to BZ$100,000. Among the approved service categories are accounting, architectural, audiovisual, communication, computer, embassy, engineering, financial, information, legal, postal and courier, and scientific and technical services.

To access foreign exchange under the new framework, customers must present a valid invoice or service contract to their bank. Transactions that exceed BZ$100,000 or do not fall within the approved categories will still require prior approval from the Central Bank, in line with Exchange Control Direction Number 20, which was recently gazetted.

This move is part of the Central Bank’s ongoing efforts to modernise and streamline Belize’s exchange control system.

UDP Acknowledges Petition for Council Meeting, Cites Signature Irregularities

Acting Chairman of the United Democratic Party (UDP), Alberto August, has responded to a petition calling for a meeting of the National Party Council (NPC). The package of signed documents was submitted to the party under the heading “Petition to Convene a Meeting of the National Party Council.”

In a letter addressed to Tracy Panton, Leader of the Opposition, August confirmed receipt and offered an explanation for the delayed response.

August attributed the delay to the party’s recent focus on its engagement with the People’s Constitution Commission (PCC) on the National Constitution Reform Project. He noted that the party’s contribution to the PCC was only finalised recently, marking the end of the Commission’s active operations with the submission of its report to the Prime Minister.

In addressing the petition, August explained that the party undertook a verification process of the submitted signatures, comparing them against internal party records. He revealed that the process was hampered by missing supporting information in several instances. Among the discrepancies cited were three individuals from Belize Rural Central, including one identified as “Vice Chair,” who, according to party rules, is not constitutionally a member of the NPC. Additionally, signatures from three persons in Lake Independence did not match official records, and thirteen petitioners listed as members of the Central Executive Committee (CEC) were not on record as such.

Despite these issues, August acknowledged that a meeting of the NPC is long overdue. However, he pointed out that under Article 7 (6) of the party’s Constitution, there is no fixed timeline for convening such meetings. He emphasized that, due to the current internal dynamics of the UDP, the party leadership is exercising “constitutional caution” to ensure that any such meeting is conducted with maximum consensus and unity.

Prime Minister Briceño Visits Statistical Institute of Belize

Prime Minister John Briceño visited the Statistical Institute of Belize (SIB), where he received a comprehensive update on the country’s data and statistical progress.

The Prime Minister was welcomed by SIB Director-General Diana Castillo and her management team. He was joined by Minister of State in the Ministry of Economic Transformation, Dr. Osmond Martinez, along with CEO Carlos Pol, Senior Investment and E-Governance Officer Ian Courtney, and Prime Ministerial Aide Vaughn Gill.

During the visit, SIB officials briefed the Prime Minister on key initiatives, including new efforts to measure poverty, trade in services, producer prices, and ocean-related economic activity. They also discussed plans for the upcoming 2025–2026 Household Budget Survey and ongoing projects such as the KOICA-funded initiative to strengthen Belize’s national statistical system.

The Prime Minister was also updated on recent achievements like the rebasing of GDP, adoption of new labour statistics standards, and the development of new data tools such as the Multidimensional Poverty Index and food insecurity estimates.

Belize’s rising performance in global data rankings was also highlighted. The country has improved in both the World Bank’s Statistical Performance Indicators (SPI) and the Open Data Inventory (ODIN), reflecting the SIB’s push for better data access and transparency.

The visit ended with a tour of SIB’s departments, where the Prime Minister got a firsthand look at innovations in data collection, processing, and dissemination.

Belize’s DFC CEO Elected to ALIDE Board of Directors

The Development Finance Corporation (DFC) of Belize is celebrating a major milestone with the election of its Chief Executive Officer, Henry N. Anderson, to the Board of Directors of ALIDE—the Latin American Association of Development Financing Institutions—for the 2025–2027 term.

Anderson, who was initially appointed to the ALIDE Board in 2024, is among a select group of Caribbean representatives serving at this regional level. Over the past year, he has been instrumental in strengthening Caribbean representation within ALIDE, championing sustainable financing strategies, and highlighting the unique development needs of small island developing states.

“This is an honor I deeply appreciate,” Anderson said. “Our region faces complex and urgent challenges—but also holds immense opportunity. I am committed to working with ALIDE and its members to expand access to development finance and champion innovative solutions that move our people and economies forward.”

Alleged Teacher Misconduct in Belmopan

Serious allegations of sexual misconduct involving a primary school teacher in Belmopan have been made.

According to a complaint by a parent, explicit images and videos allegedly sent by a female teacher were discovered on the personal device of a Standard 6 student. The content is said to have been shared directly through messaging apps. The teacher in question has reportedly been suspended since March, but parents claim that no formal investigation or criminal charges have been initiated to date.

The lack of response from school authorities and management has triggered growing frustration. Concerned parents allege that the administration has remained silent, failing to report the incident to the police or the Department of Human Services, despite the serious nature of the allegations.

The parent is now demanding swift intervention from the Belize Police Department and relevant child protection agencies to ensure student safety.

Signs of Peace? Ministry and Teachers Union Ease Tensions After Week of Protest

After weeks of heated tension, there may finally be a thaw in the standoff between the Ministry of Education and the Belize National Teachers Union (BNTU). The conflict reached a boiling point last week when teachers took to the streets of Belmopan, protesting the government’s decision to raise salaries for Cabinet members and government CEOs—a move that sparked outrage among educators still fighting for fairer wages. But this week brought a shift in tone. On Tuesday, union leaders met with government officials at the House of Culture, where they laid out their demands during a formal negotiation session. While no final agreement has been reached, the atmosphere appears to be cooling. Today, instead of marching in protest, teachers from across the country gathered in celebration. The Ministry of Education hosted a lively International Teachers’ Day event at Excalibur Adventure Park, bringing educators together in a show of unity and appreciation. We stopped by the celebration to hear from Education Minister Oscar Requena, who shared his thoughts on the day’s significance and the ongoing dialogue with the union.

Oscar Requena, Minister of Education

“ Today we are celebrating national Teachers Day. Today we take the opportunity to thank our teachers across the country for all the hard work, the dedication and commitment that they have to educating our young minds. The way the activities are carried out is that this year is the Ministry of Education responsibility. So the Ministry of Education is sponsoring and organizing the activities. And we are happy to say that we have teachers from across the country here today. It’s a time when we all come together, when we all celebrate the great work, the great commitment of our teachers. And really it’s just a day where, we take the opportunity to say thank you to our teachers for all that they do.”

Britney Gordon

“And what’s your message to teachers on teachers’ day amid the chaos?”

Oscar Requena

“I don’t think that there is any chaos. We are working together and my message is a message of gratitude, a message of continued collaboration support. We have a duty as Belizeans to continue to educate our children. Our teachers play a very important role in nation building, and I want to personally, on behalf of the Ministry of Education, on the government of Belize, to sincerely express my gratitude for all the hard work, the commitment, and the dedication that our teachers bring to the classroom every single day.”

In regional news, the Government of Mexico has announced a ten percent salary increase for teachers in recognition of International Teachers Day.

Education Minister Reaffirms Support for Teachers and Ongoing Dialogue

At today’s International Teachers’ Day celebration, Education Minister Oscar Requena took a moment to recognize the dedication and hard work of teachers across Belize. He also reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to maintaining open and constructive dialogue with the Belize National Teachers’ Union. Requena emphasized that the government values the role of educators and is actively engaged in discussions to address their concerns. He assured that collaboration with the union remains a top priority as they work toward meaningful solutions.

Oscar Requena, Minister of Education

“As I made it very clear to our teachers this morning, we are all partners in this business of education and we are here to support our teachers as the ministry of education, we have a responsibility to continue to provide, the support, the collaboration, so that at the end of the day, we can, certainly continue to motivate our teachers, continue to ensure that they have the necessary tools and that they are properly equipped and supported to carry out their duties in the classroom.”

Britney Gordon

“Has there been any conversation with the Prime Minister regarding Tuesday’s outcome and the notice of a strike?”

Oscar Requena

“Absolutely. The Prime Minister has been briefed by the joint negotiating team of our side. And certainly, this discussion is going to continue. On Tuesday, we go to the Cabinet, and we will further the conversation.”