2025-07-08 - Greater Belize Media

New Highway to Rainforest Paradise Sparks Fears of Environmental Fallout

With the new highway opening up access to the breathtaking rainforests of Mountain Pine Ridge and the Chiquibul Forest Reserve, there’s growing concern that this gateway to nature could also become a gateway to exploitation. While eco-tourism opportunities may be on the horizon, so too is the risk of large-scale land clearing and that could spell trouble for the very infrastructure meant to connect us to these natural wonders. Chief Engineer at the Ministry of Infrastructure Development, Evondale Moody, explains how unchecked development could impact the newly built highway and what’s being done to protect both the road, and the rainforest.

Evondale Moody, Chief Engineer, MIDH

“It is of importance to us because of the drainage structure we have installed along the road and the side drains that we have constructed. The development of these areas will significantly impact our drainage system. So it is important for us to highlight that we are hoping the right agencies manage these assets so that it does not infringe on the investment that we have made for the development of access.”

Paul Lopez

“What is one example of how development in that area could affect your drainage system?”

Evondale Moody

“One key thing I can highlight at this point is what has occurred on the Coastal Highway where we have deforestation. So the significant deforestation along the Coastal Highway created significant impact on our drainage structures because we have excessive rainfall. Normally that rainfall would be absorbed by the vegetation and because we don’t have that vegetation there now it has created runoff and the runoff is also increased in terms of its velocity. Normally the vegetation would slow down that runoff before it reaches the drain. So we were very much concerned if that would happen in the Caracol Road as well, because that area is more of a pine ridge area and you have more siltation. The siltation buildup will create blockage to our drain.”

Paul Lopez

“That type of deforestation, is it case where it impacts if it happens further in the jungle space, or it has to be along the drain or road?”

Evondale Moody

“It basically depends, because it is more impactful if it happens along the corridor of the road. But it can also impact us if it happens away from the road. Does low lying areas are led to a catchment area and those catchments areas are tributaries to other drainage channels that still ends up on the highway or passing through the highway.”

Caracol Road Nears Completion, Unlocking Belize’s Hidden Treasures

If you’ve ever dreamed of cruising through the lush landscapes of Mountain Pine Ridge or exploring the ancient wonders of Caracol, that dream is about to get a whole lot smoother. The Caracol Road Project, one of the country’s most ambitious infrastructure upgrades, is now eighty percent complete, with just the final stretch left to be paved. It’s a project that’s spanned multiple administrations and promises to open up new opportunities for tourism, travel, and trade. But what does this mean for motorists and the environment? Today, we caught up with Chief Engineer at the Ministry of Infrastructure Development, Evondale Moody, for the latest on the roadworks and what’s next for this scenic route into Belize’s heartland.

Evondale Moody, Chief Engineer, MIDH

“At this point we are working on the remaining forty-two kilometers, which is divided into three sections. We call it two A, two B and two C. Two A is the section from Pinol to Guacemallo Bridge. And 2 B is the Guacemallo bridge construction, and 2 C is from Guacemallo to the maya ruin. At this point we have completed two B that was recently completed about two weeks ago. We completed that bridge structure. It is the longest bridge structure in terms of the span going over a river. It is kind of different from the Haulover Bridge, because the Haulover Bridge has a section going over land. But it in terms of span, it is the longest bridge over a river in the country. That would be at a hundred and thirty meters in span. So, that is completed. Remaining is 2 A and 2 C. 2 A, we have completed twelve out of twenty kilometers, so we have approximately eight kilometers to do. That is already up to subgrade level. 2 C we have completed twenty out of thirty kilometers, twenty-two kilometers sorry. So with that we have about nine kilometers left to do on that section. But most of these sections are already built up. So it is just to finish the paving works. So, in summary we are approximately about eighty percent complete if we add all sections together and that project is still within the budget. The original contract price was fifty-eight million. We are still within that budget. We have extended the time for the contractor due excessive rainfall in that part of the country. Those works are expected to be completed in September of this year.”

New Belize Banknotes to Enter Circulation on August 4

The Central Bank of Belize has announced that a new series of banknotes will officially enter circulation on August 4, 2025.

The redesigned currency features updated themes, enhanced security features, and new portraits that reflect Belize’s cultural heritage while reinforcing the integrity of the national currency.

The Central Bank confirmed that the exchange rate remains unchanged at BZ$2 to US$1. The new notes are part of a broader modernisation effort aimed at improving public confidence and safeguarding against counterfeiting.

Since January, the Central Bank has been actively engaging with schools, businesses, financial institutions, and the general public through educational and outreach initiatives. These efforts are designed to ensure a smooth transition and to familiarise Belizeans with the new banknote features.

While the new banknotes will be available at all domestic banks starting August 4, they may not be immediately accessible at all ATMs, as machines are still being configured to handle the new designs.

The current banknotes will remain legal tender for the time being, and the public is encouraged to deposit them at financial institutions as part of a gradual phase-out process.

Baby Emiliano Needs Your Help

Seven-month-old Baby Emiliano Flores is slowly losing the ability to move and is in need of urgent medical intervention.

Baby Emiliano has been diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), a rare genetic condition that affects approximately 1 in 6,000 children.

His parents, Lyzanni and Emil Flores, appeared on Open Your Eyes this morning alongside neurologist Dr Marco Mendez to share their son’s story and appeal to the public for help.

Born on 7 December 2025, Baby Emiliano was discharged from hospital as a healthy newborn. But weeks later, his parents began noticing something was off. “He wasn’t completing his motor skills as every other baby should do,” Emil said. “We were very excited about the birth of our newborn, so we were looking forward to these special moments. Unfortunately, after that, everything has been in and out of hospitals.”

“Almost immediately when I held the baby, the baby just wrapped around my hand… And immediately that diagnosis comes to mind,” Dr Mendez added.

SMA is caused by a mutation in the SMN1 gene, which is critical for motor neurone survival. Without it, muscles weaken rapidly. “Slowly, the child will be starting to lose many of his motor skills,” explained Dr Mendez. “They are not able to move at all, depending on the severity.”

Lyzanni added, “He couldn’t move his feet, his thighs, or over his shoulders. It has been very heartbreaking because we expected to enjoy this time with our son, as he is our first son.”

Despite the devastating diagnosis, SMA Type 1, the most severe form, there is hope. A one-time gene therapy exists that can drastically improve Baby Emiliano’s chances. But the treatment comes at a cost of approximately $2 million USD.

Dr Mendez explained that time is critical. “The more time that passes, those neurones die because they don’t have the protein to maintain them,” Dr Mendez said. “If the baby doesn’t get the treatment, in two years, he’s going to die.”

The family has launched a GoFundMe campaign and is asking for public support. “Every contribution, no matter the size, brings us one step closer to giving Emiliano a chance at a brighter, healthier life,” they stated in the GoFundMe account.

To help Baby Emiliano, donations can be made through GoFundMe or the parent’s bank accounts in Belize. The family can also be reached directly at 615-5735 or 614-9302.

Shyne Barrow Supports 13th Amendment

UDP Leader Moses “Shyne” Barrow supports the Briceño Administration’s Belize Constitution (Thirteenth Amendment) Bill, 2025. Barrow’s statement came after the tragic murders of Evadnie Jones and her disabled son, Luke Jones, on the south side of Belize City.

“The 13th Amendment that was introduced recently may not be perfect legislation. I encourage the government to consider the suggestions of the different stakeholders to make the legislation as good as practical; however, the time has come to put measures in place to neutralise domestic terrorism,” Barrow said.

“We cannot continue to live in a Belize where murder is the easiest crime to get away with,” Barrow stated. “We know who the gang leaders are, yet we allow them to act with impunity.”

The proposed 13th Amendment bill introduces several significant changes to Belize’s legal framework in the fight against crime. One key provision allows the Governor General, acting on the advice of the National Security Council, to declare any part of the country a “special area.” In these zones, certain constitutional rights, such as freedom of movement and protection from warrantless searches, could be suspended to address security threats. The bill also proposes the creation of a specialised “Gun and Gang Court,” which would combine the powers of both the Magistrate and High Courts to expedite the prosecution of gang-related cases. Additionally, the legislation includes a retroactive clause that would validate all past States of Emergency and regulations, even those previously declared unlawful, by deeming them constitutional under the new law.

Barrow said, “I do not encourage the breach of anyone’s civil rights; however, we are in dire need of Bukele-esque policies that will put the civil rights of innocent mothers and law-abiding citizens before that of heartless murderers.”

“The lines have been crossed! The government must immediately put in place the necessary legislation to assure not another innocent mother perishes at the hands of the bloodthirsty.”

The 13th Amendment has drawn criticism from civil society and legal groups, who warn it could erode constitutional rights. A public consultation is scheduled for July 16th at Swift Hall in Belize City.

T&T PM Pledges Tougher Laws on Vices and Noise

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar says her administration is preparing a sweeping legislative agenda aimed at tackling social issues ranging from substance abuse and gambling to noise pollution and pension reform.

Speaking at a United National Congress (UNC) public meeting, Persad-Bissessar announced plans to raise the legal age for marijuana and gambling to 25 and the legal age for alcohol consumption to 21. She said the proposed changes are part of a broader government strategy to address addiction and reduce the social harm caused by these substances.

“These are not just vices; they are public health and societal concerns,” the prime minister told supporters. “We intend to take firm, responsible action.”

The Prime Minister also committed to introducing legislation to regulate the use of fireworks. The new laws would restrict fireworks to specific days and time periods, a move intended to reduce disruption to residents, pets, and the elderly.

She also took aim at music trucks, which she described as a public nuisance. Upcoming legislation, she said, will introduce a mandatory cut-off time for events using amplified music in public spaces, including trucks. Exceptions would be made for national festivals, but Persad-Bissessar stressed that excessive noise must be brought under control.

“We need a more balanced approach to entertainment and public peace,” she added.

“I’ve Built This From the Ground Up”: Small Business Owner Speaks Out After Employee Theft Allegations

A former employee of Flo’s Pristine Services is wanted by police following reports of missing items from a client’s home.

Florina Arzu, the business owner, told News Five the incident occurred on June 27 at a residence in Belize City. The theft allegations are towards 26-year-old Samara Moody from Belize District. Arzu stated that Moody had been employed with the company for six months and was assigned to that client under a full-time contract.

“Since then, we have been trying to reach out to Samara, let her come in and just return the items, but to no avail,” Arzu stated. “I reached out to people on her social media, just anybody who’s connected to her, to just advise her to just come in and not make the situation worse than it already is because she does have two little ones to honestly think of.”

Despite several attempts to resolve the matter privately, the situation escalated and is now under police investigation. Arzu maintains that Moody’s cooperation could “de-escalate” the situation.

“This affects me emotionally and mentally,” Arzu added. “I’ve built my business from the ground up… My reputation lies at hand, and I don’t want any of my clients to ever feel unsafe in their own space.”

Police have issued a wanted poster for the accused. Anyone with information on Samara Moody’s whereabouts are advised to contact the nearest police station.

Trump Escalates Trade War with New Tariffs Targeting 14 Countries

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has reignited global trade tensions by announcing steep new tariffs on 14 countries, warning they could face duties of 25% to 40% starting August 1 unless they make trade concessions.

The move, part of Trump’s broader strategy to pressure trading partners into boosting U.S. exports and relocating manufacturing to the United States, marks a significant escalation in his ongoing trade agenda. Countries targeted include key U.S. allies such as Japan and South Korea, as well as Southeast Asian economies like Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand.

In near-identical letters to the leaders of affected countries, Trump said he was committed to “more balanced and fair TRADE” and left the door open for exemptions if countries eliminate tariffs and reduce trade barriers. He warned of further tariff increases if retaliatory measures are taken.

The highest tariffs, 40%, will hit Laos and Myanmar, while others, including Cambodia, Thailand, and South Africa, face rates between 30% and 36%. All were previously subject to a 10% baseline duty.

Asian officials responded cautiously. Japan called the move “truly regrettable,” while South Korea and Malaysia said they would intensify negotiations to secure more favourable trade terms before the deadline. However, experts say the region’s ability to present a unified response is limited due to differing national interests.

Analysts believe many countries may have to accept some level of tariff pain, as Trump’s measures appear more permanent than previously expected.

Do You Support the Controversial Thirteenth Amendment?

On Monday, Police Commissioner Dr. Richard Rosado asked Belizeans to support the 13th Amendment, following the murders of Evadnie and Luke Jones on Cedar Street on the south side of Belize City.

He said, “I want to beg and implore the public to support the police department as a united front as resolute support for the amendment for the gang and gun laws being proposed in the 13th Amendment of the constitution. I do believe that 13th Amendment is a needed enhancement of the legislation that will assist us, not only in protecting the community and in ensuring the the rule of law is upheld but also in assisting us to dismantle the entrenched network of violence that exist.”

But the sweeping constitutional amendment proposed by the Government has ignited fierce national debate, with critics warning of a dangerous erosion of civil liberties and democratic norms.

The Belize Constitution (Thirteenth Amendment) Bill, 2025, introduced by Prime Minister John Briceño, seeks to expand the government’s powers to declare “special areas” for public safety, establish a Gun and Gang Court, and retroactively validate past States of Emergency (SOEs) and related actions.

The government argues the amendment is necessary to combat rising gang violence and to resolve legal uncertainty following conflicting High Court rulings in 2023 (Claims Nos. 613 and 818), which questioned the constitutionality of previous SOEs.

“Crime evokes strong emotions from the citizens of a country… They all deserve strong and decisive action from their government,” said Prime Minister Briceño during the bill’s introduction.

This is what the bill proposes.

Special Areas: The Governor General, advised by the National Security Council, could declare any part of Belize a “special area,” where rights such as freedom of movement and protection from warrantless searches may be suspended.

Gun and Gang Court: A new court with powers of both the Magistrate and High Courts would be created to fast-track gang-related cases.

Retroactive Validation: Past SOEs and regulations, including those ruled unlawful, would be deemed constitutional under the new law.

However, critics are sounding the alarm.

Civil society groups, legal experts, and opposition leaders have condemned the bill as a “shortcut to repression” that threatens the very foundation of Belize’s democracy.

“This is how democracies die—not in a moment, but in amendments,” wrote columnist Nuri Muhammad in an op-ed.

The Belize Association of Defense Attorneys issued a letter warning that the bill “threatens civil liberties, weakens the rule of law, and gives too much unchecked power to the executive.”

Labour Senator Glenfield Dennison also criticised the bill’s retroactive clauses, stating, “When you lose the High Court, you go to a Court of Appeal and then after Court of Appeal you go to CCJ. They never teach me that when you lose the High Court you’re going to change the constitution to make it suit you.”

Legal observers have raised concerns that the bill could normalise emergency powers and lead to arbitrary detentions, particularly in marginalised communities. Past SOEs have disproportionately affected young men in Southside Belize City, with reports of detentions lasting up to 90 days without charge.

The public will soon have the opportunity to weigh in. The Constitution and Foreign Affairs Committee has scheduled a public consultation for Wednesday, July 16th, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Swift Hall in Belize City.

Guilty Plea in 2021 Murder of Kenrick Drysdale

Rupert Lopez Jr has pleaded guilty to the 2021 murder of Kenrick John Drysdale, who was gunned down in front of his business in Dangriga, Stann Creek.

Drysdale was at One Love Car Wash on Commerce Street when he was shot multiple times on the morning of January 28, 2021. He died at the scene.

Lopez was only 16 years old at the time. Witnesses reported to police they saw him walking up and down the street shortly before the gunfire.

Lopez claimed Drysdale had picked him up in a car and threatened to kill him. He said he escaped, returned with a gun, and pulled the trigger.

The court accepted his guilty plea to murder, and he is now scheduled to be sentenced on August 5. Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions Javier Chan prosecuted the case.