2025-06-17 - Greater Belize Media

National Bus Plan Hits Speed Bumps as Minister Defends Vision

There’s a bit of a shake-up happening in Belize’s public transportation sector. Today, Doctor Louis Zabaneh took to the podium at the Biltmore, hoping to clear the air, and maybe calm a few engines, over his ministry’s bold plan to launch a national bus company. While the Belize Bus Owners Association is pumping the brakes, raising concerns and resistance, Minister Zabaneh says not so fast, claiming many operators, especially in the south and west, are already on board. With a January 2026 launch date in sight, the ministry is already crunching numbers and valuing assets, but there’s one big piece of the puzzle still missing: the money. Financial talks are set for later this week, and in the meantime, bus owners want to see the receipts, specifically, a breakdown of what’s in it for them. So, we asked the Minister: will they share those details?

Dr. Louis Zabaneh, Minister of Transport

“Well absolutely and then again this is what, when I spoke to Mr. Shaw I said we discussed these two or three times already, we cannot give them that information until we do the evaluation. We need the data, the information, otherwise it would be guestimates. When it is off they will see , oh you see you are giving us wrong information and trick us. We have to do this thing the right way. Give us the time that is necessary for the auditors to do their work and then present us with the data and we can take that data and provide proper information. We have information on the cost structure, on how a small operator compares to a large operator and what would likely be the cost structure for the consolidated company. When you have that you can give them a comparison. You can say this is what you are doing right now. This is what the national company is doing and based on your shares see what your income will look like and you can give them that info. But, it needs a few more months of information coming in that you can rely on.”

Bus Operators Responds to Concerns of Buses Speeding

While bus operators are calling for a breakdown of profits and dividends tied to the proposed national bus company, everyday commuters are calling for something much simpler, better service. From overcrowded buses to reckless driving, passengers say the current system is long overdue for a tune-up. One of the biggest complaints? Buses racing each other on the highway. Well, today we got the chance to ask a bus operator directly: why does this keep happening? Joel Armstrong, owner of Armstrong Bus Line, had just wrapped up a meeting with Minister Zabaneh when he stuck around to answer our questions. Here’s what he had to say.

Joel Armstrong, Bus Operator

“One of the biggest problem we encounter is too much permits. I have a four thirty run in the morning, just before the election. They gave a run, four thirty in the morning from Orange Walk, then they give a man front of me, four twenty and I am suppose to move four thirty. So the man drive out of terminal and wait and so when I come out four thirty he go in front of me. So what am I suppose to do, wait for him or pass him? So the problem is scheduling. Just like when you go out there even the village bus the race. I don’t know why they are racing, but they are racing. My road service says I am suppose to leave Pallotti at five twenty. When I reach about fifteen pass, the next bus is suppose to leave when I reach, but because he has two three bus he stay right there and wait. And he would say, my bus can run faster than your one. So the small man will never try to race, because if you race you run the risk of breaking a machine and not everybody like speed. Then there is that part from the commuters, bueno, bonito and rapidity. It means, cheap, fast and quick. We have all sort of commuters they watch your bus and say that is turtle on the road. They are not looking for safety.”

Conductors and Drivers Accused of Stealing from Employers

The debate over Belize’s proposed national bus company is picking up steam, and this time, it’s all about the bottom line. The Belize Bus Owners Association is sounding the alarm, claiming that without a fare hike, the new company won’t turn a profit. But Transport Minister Louis Zabaneh isn’t buying it. He says the goal isn’t just profit, it’s better service at a better price. And according to him, the real reason some operators aren’t seeing the returns they expect? Well, that’s a whole other story.

Dr. Louis Zabaneh, Minister of Transport

“From our perspective, what the national company will be able to do, because it will have a wider spread between revenue and cost and when I say revenue go up I don’t mean price go up. What I mean is that the money that should be for the company is coming into the company bank account. What is happening right now is that a lot of people, especially conductors and drivers, are stealing the money. Let us be plain. That means your revenue could have been up here. So now you will get more of your money. It does not mean prices will go up. It just means what is due to the owners of these buses is coming to them. But,. Because your cost go down and you have a bigger margin there is less pressure to increase prices. If you are doing this for public purpose then what do you want, give them the best service for a lower cost. So, this is the only way we can ensure in the longer run that we don’t have pressures to increase prices, which I think the press release, we have discussed this two or three times, ignored from the discussions we have had before.”

Veteran Bus Operator Says Plan Could Work—If It’s Fair

As the conversation around Belize’s proposed national bus company rolls on, we caught up with someone who’s been in the driver’s seat of the industry for years, Joel Armstrong of Armstrong Bus Line. He’s a veteran member of the Belize Bus Owners Association, and while the group has been vocal in its opposition, Armstrong’s take was a bit more measured. He told us he’s still listening and learning, but if the playing field is fair for everyone, he thinks the plan could actually work.

Joel Armstrong, Bus Operator

“Buying into the plan, I always believe in listening so that I can learn. I have had one on ones with the minister and in public. It is a good plan while it is applied in the right way and you have responsible people. We tend to think one sided. That is to say Vaughn is my friend so I will give you better opportunity and we nuh wah worry about him, he is small time. We need to be on a level playing field and make everybody get equal. You wont say like how this man could get five bus we will just squeeze Mr. Armstrong out and make him a janitor. We need to give everybody, everybody is valuable. That is the way I believe as a human. We all work together. We are all one chain and once one pop everything shattered.”

Desperate Search for Guatemalan Child Missing in Belize

Tonight, there’s a developing and deeply concerning story out of western Belize. A desperate search is underway for thirteen-year-old Lizzie Suntecum, a primary school student who vanished from the San Jose Roman Catholic School compound on Monday afternoon. Lizzie, who was supposed to remain on campus for the school feeding program, reportedly told a friend her aunt would be picking her up just before one p.m. But when she didn’t return to class, the school quickly alerted her family. Lizzie and two of her siblings make the daily cross-border journey from Melchor to attend school in San Jose Succotz, a routine that’s common in the area, but one that adds a complex layer to this already troubling situation. Her mother is from Melchor, while her father’s family lives in Succotz. We spoke with Lizzie’s grandmother by phone earlier today. Here’s what she had to say.

On the Phone: Oralia Rosado, Grandmother of Missing Child

“We went to see the principal what happened and the principal say they don’t know nothing, only the children saying that she told a student that at twelve forty-five her aunt will come and get her. When the teacher noticed she hadn’t come in class, the principal call the mom and from hat time we hear she disappeared. I know there is a warden and the school has camera and they say that they don’t see her. Only the students saying that she told her that 12:45 her aunt will come and get her, but she don’t have any aunt, only the man have an aunt in San Felipe named Sandra and she was around this weekend. I don’t know if she takes her.”

Paul Lopez

“And the school since they have a warden and cameras, you suspect they would have seen when she left the campus?”

On the Phone: Oralia Rosado

“The principal knows that the children in the feeding program they don’t go out from school, they stay there. How they will not know what happened. The person that has her, please release her. We are desperate. Thank you.”

This afternoon the family was informed that Lizzie was seen using the restroom at Westrac in Roaring Creek Village. They have since made their way to the business establishment to request surveillance footage. We will continue to follow.

Belize Upskills Social Workers to Safeguard Children

Belize is taking a big step forward in protecting its most vulnerable citizens, its children. On Monday in Belize City, the Department of Human Services launched a national training program aimed at sharpening the skills of frontline social workers. It’s a week-long initiative designed to help these professionals produce stronger, court-ready reports, key tools in cases involving custody, adoption, and child protection. The training is being led by social policy expert Doctor Greg Nunez, with support from UNICEF, and it’s all about making sure every child’s best interest is front and center.

Shanti Morrison-Novelo, Director, Belize Family Court

“If we are to be concerned about the best interest of children, then we must be serious in continued education and training that impact the paramount consideration in all cases. To properly serve families and children, the court requires accurate reports, social workers who understand the importance of law and its legal requirements. Without continued training for social officers, we will have failed our society at large. I am most grateful for the desk review and subsequent review of the court-mandated social reports, the SIRs. They focus on ensuring accuracy, objectivity, and an adherence to establishing standards for social workers and the practice. In final, if we are serious about the work we do, my recommendations are as follows. To ensure that we have enhanced training for report writers on standardized report writing and objective assessments, continued training for social officers in capacity building, continued training on court practices and procedures for social workers.”

Clive Hendricks Charged, Remanded After Checkpoint Shootout

A Belize City man is behind bars tonight after a dramatic encounter with police that ended in gunfire. Forty-four-year-old Clive Hendricks, a construction worker from Pickstock Street, is accused of opening fire on officers at a checkpoint earlier this month. Police say they returned fire, injuring Hendricks in the hand before he fled the scene. He was later caught, treated at the K.H.M.H., and today, appeared in court, his hand still bandaged, where he was formally charged with aggravated assault with a firearm. Hendricks pleaded not guilty and was remanded to prison, with a return date set for August twelfth.

Caribbean Sprinter Delivers Hope, One Pint at a Time

It’s a story of connection, compassion, and community—powered by a water taxi. Caribbean Sprinter isn’t just moving passengers between islands; it’s helping save lives. In partnership with the Island Donors Squad, the company has been quietly supporting blood donation trips from Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker to Belize City. And just recently, that effort made a big difference for one beloved island resident, affectionately known as the ‘Coconut Lady.’ Thanks to quick coordination with Emmanuel Pentecostal Church and two generous donors, she received the blood she needed just in time. But the mission didn’t stop there. A donor drive at the church brought in twenty new blood donors and offered free health checks, with a few lucky participants winning hemoglobin tests from Ambergris Hope Hospital. It’s all part of a growing movement to boost voluntary blood donation across Belize. And with the next drive set for July fifth, the call is out: give blood, give hope, and help keep this life-saving momentum going.

Drivers Must Reapply Under New Bus System

And we’re back to our headline story, Belize’s proposed national bus company. One of the big questions raised at today’s media briefing with Transport Minister Louis Zabaneh was about job security. Specifically: what happens to the bus drivers and conductors already working in the industry? Well, the short answer? There are no guarantees. Minister Zabaneh made it clear, anyone hoping to work with the new company will have to go through a screening process. Only the most qualified candidates will be hired. So, for many in the industry, the road ahead might come with a few unexpected turns.

Dr. Louis Zabaneh, Minister of Transport

“We are not going to say that you are all guaranteed to get jobs, because that is going to be reckless. We have to have a certain standard as to persons employed in the company. So you come in and meet those standards, do those interviews, have your qualifications. You are a driver and you drive properly, you pass certain interviews that will speak to your character. We are having a very dangerous situation where drivers are texting, they park and hang out and drink liquor. We know these things. So we have to have certain standards of who can come in and work with this company in the best interest, in terms of safety, and the comfort of our people.”

Paul Lopez

“It is left to be asked, why should I buy into this if I already have a job as a driver, conductor and I am already in the industry and now you are telling me I have to go through a screening process to determine if I will still keep my job or walk out of it unemployed.”

Dr. Louis Zabaneh

“Right, that is where government has a responsibility to commuters and country to say if you want to stay out of it fine, there is others who have decided to join. I believe that anybody who takes that stand it is because they are afraid of a certain standard and they are the ones we don’t want in the industry.”

Independent Bus Operators Must Meet National Standards

And before we wrap up this story tonight, let’s clear up one more question that’s been circling the national bus company conversation: can current bus owners choose to stay independent? The answer, according to Transport Minister Louis Zabaneh, is yes, they can continue operating under the existing system. But there’s a catch. He made it clear that whether you’re in or out of the new company, the standards will be the same. So, if you’re hitting the road, you’ll need to meet the same level of service and accountability expected from the national fleet.

Dr. Louis Zabaneh, Minister of Transport

“What is likely to occur, we don’t know the future, but the south and west will be all on board. The south and west will likely be owners of national and a few in the north will come on board. We are hoping everyone will come on board. But if the south and west is shaping up there is no reason for those two regions to come fully on board. We don’t want to exclude anybody from the market because they could take us from court. We have a case right now with James and Floralia. So we are not excluding anybody they can have their permits. But even for people there now, we are ramping up our enforcement and rules, eight now as we speak.”

Bus Operator

“What will happen when the road service time comes up. Will you still renew the road service permit?”

Dr. Louis Zabaneh

“It will be renewed anyone that is not a member of the national company.”

Bus Operator

“So the persons hat don’t agree.”

Dr. Louis Zabaneh

“They will continue to operate.”

Bus Operator

“So you will renew it back?”

Dr. Louis Zabaneh

“Once they are meeting the eighteen conditions.”

Minister Zabaneh says he will continue to meet with induvial bus owners to respond to their questions and concerns.