2025-07-21 - Greater Belize Media

Belize to Roll Out High-Tech National ID Amid Public Skepticism

The government has officially approved the full rollout of a brand-new National ID system, and it’s not just another card to carry around. Earlier this year, the Ministry of E-Governance and Digital Transformation tested the waters with a pilot project. Now, they’re diving in. This digital ID uses biometric data, like fingerprints and facial recognition, to help citizens access services faster, safer, and without ever stepping into an office. The government says it’s a leap toward modernization. But not everyone’s convinced. Some Belizeans are questioning whether this new card is really necessary, especially with other IDs already in circulation. To clear things up, we spoke with the CEO of E-Governance, Jose Urbina, who says this card is more secure and more capable than anything we’ve had before.

Jose Urbina, C.E.O., Ministry of E-Governance.

“We are just at the kickoff phase. Of course, again, we need to differentiate functional IDs and the national ID, national IDs are secure unique way to authenticate you. When we look at our functional IDs, social security, it has specific uses. In the case of social security is to track your employment to track your contributions and to track your benefits. When we look at our driver’s license it’s simply used to, to provide that you as a driver, what driving I’ll call it rights you have, right? Maybe you can drive a standard or automatic and a truck, a plane, whatever you want to including that driver’s license, right? So for that specific use, and the same thing with the voter’s id, the voter’s ID, allows you to a, indicate yourself on the day of elections for voting purposes only. And that is what the d respective legislation states. And now when we look at a national id, it is more encompassing. And of course we need legislation. So one of the key aspects that the, once we get the final approval from within government. It kicks off the open tender for legislation review. We need legislation to back up the national ID, right? How should we use a national id? How do we link legisl the new legislation with our public sector data sharing act? And how do we also link it to a data protection act? When we look at the national ID from an Infrastructure perspective the national ID infrastructure needs to connect with all databases that exist within the public and also to some extent to the private sector Because the private sector will also be using this platform to authenticate a user. And so there’s a huge differentiation when we look at national ID and functional IDs. Now, whether the national ID will replace some of the functional IDs, I honestly believe it will.”

The card is anticipated to be rolled out within the next three years and will come at no charge to the public.

Belizeans Push Back on Government’s High-Tech ID Rollout

Within the next three years, the government plans to roll out a brand-new National ID card, but this isn’t just another piece of plastic. It’s digital, it’s biometric, and it promises to make accessing public services faster and more secure. Think about applying for a loan or getting a police record, all without standing in line. But not everyone’s sold on the idea. To get a sense of how Belizeans are feeling, News Five ran a quick Facebook poll and the results were loud and clear. Over one thousand, three hundred people chimed in, and a whopping eighty-five percent said they’re not on board. So, we hit the streets of Belize City to hear more from the people themselves.

Belize City Resident 1

“Yeah, I think they should done idea as well for the buses. I think that that would be very nice.”

Britney Gordon

“So that we can pay for the bus with them?”

Belize City Resident 1

“Yes. Yes. I saw something similar in Taiwan. Yes. So I think it would be a good idea.”

Britney Gordon

“And with this idea, since it has your face scan, you’d be able to apply for loans at home and police records, you’d support all of that?”

Belize City Resident 1

“Yes. I think all of your, all of your information will be in a database, so I support it.”

Belize City Resident 2

“I no know when fi she, I don’t like ID too much. I keep social. Only dat I di worry about that password.”

Britney Gordon

“So you think that how they should maybe instead of make a whole new card, they should just sort of strengthen the social security card what we done have?”

Belize City Resident 2

“I think so. Social security betta.”

Britney Gordon

“Do you support the national ID?”

Belize City Resident 3

“ Of course, yes. I feel like we need for modernize as a nation, so we need to keep with the time, you know, move forward, take a step forward, you know.”

Mexican Duo Brings Puppet Magic to the Bliss

There’s something magical happening at the Bliss this week and it’s all thanks to two talented artists from Mexico. Meet Jesús Cocido and Raquel Robles, a dynamic duo from Sonora, who are back in Belize with their colorful, hands-on puppet-making workshop. For the next two weeks, they’ll be working with librarians and kids, turning imagination into art through vibrant character hats designed for storytelling. They’ve been bringing their creativity to Belize every year since 2013. Let’s look at how they’re inspiring the next generation of storytellers.

Tanya Arceo, Reporting

The Institute of Creative Arts is rolling out its Summer Arts & Literacy initiative, and Director Kim Vasquez couldn’t be more excited to welcome two special guests, puppet maker Raquel Robles Pacheco and storyteller Jesús Cocido. Together, they’re leading fun and interactive morning sessions with kids and librarians, diving into the world of theater, puppet-making, and storytelling. It’s hands-on, it’s imaginative, and it’s all about bringing stories to life, one character hat at a time.

Kim Vasquez, Director, Institute of Creative Arts

“We have two Visiting instructors from Mexico, Raquel Robles-Pacheco and Jesús Cocido, they are teaching here at the Bliss Center for the Performing Arts as part of our Summer Arts Immersive program. They are engaged in teaching children in the morning — theater, how to use the puppets to do storytelling. As well as in the afternoons they are engage in training librarians they are training this week and nine librarians from the Cayo and Belize district.”

Ever dreamed of bringing a story to life with your own hands? Well, now’s your chance. You can be part of the magic, design your own mask or character hat, and dive into the joy of storytelling and community art.

Raquel Robles, Art Instructor and Puppet Maker

“We only have two weeks left here”

Tanya Arceo

How long have you been here?

Raquel Robles

“Two weeks ago we’ve been coming here since twenty thirteen only the pandemic stopped us completely but we come every year and it’s a new and revitalizing experience, we leave our talent with talented people”

She’s known to many as Payasita Raquelin, and she’s bringing big energy and even bigger creativity to the Bliss. Raquelin Robles Pacheco, along with storyteller Jesús Cocido, is leading an exciting theatre camp that’s all about puppetry, costume design, and storytelling magic. Their immersive workshops have brought together more than twenty librarians from across the country, all eager to learn and create.

Raquel Robles

“As an instructor you fight to bring children into the world of art before, we used to take them off the streets so they could study. Now you have to pull them away from their homes just to get them to learn because unfortunately many parents let their children grow up with their phones — using them as entertainment simply because it’s easier to keep them quiet. I believe that a parent should be deeply concerned about this here at The Bliss Kim Vasquez is concerned about this situation which is why she promotes this type of workshop so that children can be more creative, more engaged and more independent.”

Tanya Arceo for News Five

Team Belize Dominating in Regional Volleyball Tournament

Good evening, I’m Paul Lopez, and welcome to your weekly dose of Sports Monday! We’re kicking things off in San Ignacio, where the Cayo Western Ballaz and the Belize City Thunderbolts lit up the court in a high-energy showdown. But this one didn’t just bring the heat—it nearly boiled over. Just minutes before the final whistle, things took a dramatic turn. Take a look at what happened.

Thunderbolts’ Charles Garcia got into a confrontation with a fan on the sideline. Here he is approaching that fan, before pulling off his hat and hitting him in the face with it. Now check this out, here’s another angle of the confrontation, this time captured by a fan in the stands. And get this, the person being confronted by Garcia? None other than Dr. Julio Sabido, the CEO of the Ministry of Health and Wellness. Things nearly escalated even further when Garcia almost clashed with another fan who stormed the court, but quick action from police officers on duty kept it from getting out of hand. Garcia was eventually escorted back to the court, while Dr. Sabido made his exit from the venue.

After the match, Thunderbolts Head Coach Darren Bovell didn’t hold back. He took to social media, pointing fingers at the referees, saying they dropped the ball. According to Bovell, he had already raised concerns earlier in the game when fans first went after Garcia. He says he flagged it again when threatening gestures, like cutthroat signs, were being made toward his player. That, he says, is when things spiraled. Bovell is now calling on the league’s commissioner to step up and be more selective about which officials are paired for these high-stakes games.

Now, all of that drama unfolded near the end of the game, but before things got heated off the court, the real battle was happening on it. The Cayo Western Ballaz came out swinging, clearly determined not to repeat last weekend’s homecourt loss. And they meant business. From the opening tip, they took control. By the end of the first quarter, they were already up twenty-six to ten, thanks in large part to standout performances from Dennis Flowers III and Arik Nicholas. And they didn’t let up. By halftime, the Ballaz had stretched their lead to a commanding eighteen points—forty-three to twenty-five over the Thunderbolts.

The Thunderbolts brought that lead down to twelve points at the end of the third quarter, with big time buckets from Mathew Young and Victor Evans. The Thunderbolts then brought the Western Ballers’ lead down to eight in the fourth, but this one eventually slipped out of their hands. A big home court victory for the Cayo Western Ballers, much to the delight of the fans that were inside a packed-out Sacred Heart Auditorium.

And speaking of defending home turf, Team Belize came out swinging on Sunday night. The National U-23 Women’s Volleyball Team lit up the Civic Center with a dominant win over Panama in the Central American Championship, hosted right here at home by the Belize Volleyball Association. It was a clean sweep. Belize took the first set 25–14, crushed Panama 25–6 in the second and sealed the deal 25–17 in the third. Next up, they face El Salvador tonight, Honduras on Wednesday, and Guatemala on Thursday. We’ll be keeping a close eye on those matchups.

Now, from the volleyball court to the football field; out in Lucky Strike Village, the William Dawson Peace Cup is heating up in the knockout rounds. On Sunday, Caesar Ridge FC went head-to-head with Hattieville/Rockville in a do-or-die showdown. And folks, this one wasn’t even close, it was a blowout from start to finish. Caesar Ridge on the attack. Lawnie Leslie with the ball and he blasted one into the goal. Two minutes later, corner kick for Caesar Ridge, a header inside the box. The goalkeeper tried to get the ball out, but Dejean Thompson was right there to clean things up.

Seven minutes later, another corner kick for Caesar Ridge and what a beautiful kick from Naim Wilson. The ball bounced off the sidebar and went into the goal. In the thirty-eight minutes of the first half, it was Hattieville’s Lebron Robinson alone on the attack. He beat the goalkeeper and gave his team a desperately needed goal. Ceasar Ridge scored four goals in the first half and two in the second, for a total of six goals. Team Hattieville/Rockville only scored two goals, one in each half. Their run for this season has officially come to an end. The semi-finals kick off on Saturday inside the Marion Jones Stadium. Caesar Ridge FC will take on Rookies FC, while Survivors FC will play Tut Bay FC.

And to wrap things up tonight, there’s a new team leading the Belize Athletics Association, and it’s headed by Olympic sprinter Shaun Gill, who’s now officially the new president. The association held its elections over the weekend, and here’s how the lineup looks: Alvin Tillett steps in as first vice president, Dylan Jones takes the second VP spot, and Kimberly Casimiro is now the general secretary. Keisha Young will serve as assistant secretary, while Ashontie Carr takes charge of public relations. Rounding out the team are committee members Shelmadine Carr, Julia McCord, and Gloria Serrano. It’s a fresh start for the BAA, and we’ll be watching to see what this new executive brings to the track. Well folks, that is all we have for you in tonight’s coverage of Sports Monday. Catch you in the next one.

Notorious Espats Shot at in San Pedro

Police are investigating a shooting incident that happened on Saturday in San Pedro’s San Pedrito area.

Assistant Commissioner Hilberto Romero reported to the media this afternoon that gunmen fired several shots at the doors of apartments belonging to Logan and Mark Espat.

“Several shells were found in the area, and an investigation is being carried out at this time,” Romero said, adding that one was injured.

“We do not know who the suspects are for this shooting, but yes, we know the rivalry they have in San Pedro with other persons,” Romero said.

The two brothers have collaborated with the police to assist the investigation.

PM Briceño Takes Personal Leave, Heads to Japan for Expo 2025 Osaka

Prime Minister John Briceño departed the country on Sunday for personal leave and will soon head to Japan for official duties.

Briceño is scheduled to travel to Osaka, Japan, on August 1, where he will attend Expo 2025 Osaka, a major international exposition expected to attract millions of visitors and showcase innovative solutions to global challenges under the theme “Designing Future Society for Our Lives.”

Belize will join over 150 countries and international organisations participating in the six-month global event, which runs from April to October 2025 on Yumeshima, an artificial island in Osaka Bay. The Expo aims to promote sustainability, technological advancements, and international collaboration on critical issues such as climate change, clean energy, and economic development.

“From April 13 to October 13, 2025, Belize will take center stage in the “Saving Lives” section of Expo 2025 Osaka, offering visitors an unforgettable journey through its rich heritage, breathtaking landscapes, and promising business opportunities. The Belize Pavilion will be an immersive space where guests can explore the heart and soul of this vibrant nation, from its ancient Maya roots to its modern aspirations,” according to BELTRAIDE.

While in Japan, Prime Minister Briceño will also hold a bilateral meeting with Japan’s Prime Minister, Shigeru Ishiba.

The Prime Minister is expected to return to Belize on Saturday, August 5. During his absence, Deputy Prime Minister Cordel Hyde, who also serves as Minister of Natural Resources, Mining, and Petroleum, will act as Prime Minister.

Teen’s Fatal Jet Ski Accident Raises Safety Questions

According to Assistant Commissioner of Police Hilberto Romero, 14-year-old Axel Oroman “took the jet ski without the consent of the owner and made his way to the river.”

Oroman was not a licensed operator. “A permit is required to drive a jet ski, but the information we got is that he took that jet ski without the consent of the owner and made his way to the river,” Romero told the media this afternoon.

He also confirmed that Oroman was riding with his friend, Ray Alvarez, when the accident happened.

“Alvarez reported that Axel Oroman lost control of the jet ski and both of them fell into the river. Searches were made, but he was not located. Further searches were done on Sunday, and the body of Axel Oroman was recovered from the river,” Romero said. “We are now awaiting a postmortem examination.”

Romero said that neither man was wearing a life vest and the two were known friends.

“An investigation will be carried out; that is the initial information we have at this time, but a full investigation will be conducted. Also, an investigation will be done by the Port Authority,” Romero added.

Meanwhile, the Belize Port Authority issued a reminder earlier today stating, “Under Belize’s maritime regulations, the operation of any personal watercraft, including jet skis, requires a valid Certificate of Competency.”

It added, “All jet skis must be registered and licensed with the Belize Port Authority. It is also mandatory that life jackets be worn at all times when operating or riding on personal watercraft.”

Romero stated that the investigation will include determining whether the jet ski involved was properly registered.

Tryouts for National Softball Teams Open

The Belize Baseball Softball Federation (BBSF) has announced open tryouts for the Senior National Men’s and Women’s Softball Teams ahead of the 2025 Central American Games, scheduled to be held in Guatemala this October.

Open tryouts for Belize’s Senior National Men’s and Women’s Softball Teams will be held over two weekends at Rogers Stadium in Belize City. Women’s sessions are scheduled for Saturday, 26 July and Saturday, 2 August, while men take the field on Sunday, 27 July and Sunday, 3 August. All sessions run from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with lunch and water provided.

Eligible players must be Belizean citizens, 17 years or older, and should have previous competitive softball experience. Athletes are asked to bring a valid ID and any personal gear they may have.

Players will be evaluated by BBSF coaches and selectors based on skill, athleticism, game knowledge, and overall team compatibility. The Federation stated that the tryouts are a key step in forming competitive national teams for international representation.

Turtle Nesting Season Begins: Here’s What You Need to Know

Turtle mommas are back! Sea turtle nesting season has officially begun, and Belize’s sandy coastlines are once again the chosen birthplace for these ancient mariners.

From May through November, endangered sea turtles quietly come ashore at night to lay their eggs to continue a cycle that has played out for generations.

According to Belize Turtle Watch, three species are typically seen nesting in Belize: the Hawksbill, the Green Turtle and the Loggerhead. While green turtles mostly nest in the north, hawksbills prefer the south. Loggerheads can be spotted throughout the country’s shoreline.

The nesting process takes place every two to three years, and each turtle lays between 100 and 150 eggs in a teardrop-shaped nest dug with her flippers. After six to eight weeks, hatchlings begin their journey from sand to sea, though only about one in 1,000 will survive to adulthood.

Sightings have been recorded on beaches from Ambergris Caye to the Sapodilla Cayes, Turneffe, Lighthouse Reef, and Glover’s Reef. Belize Turtle Watch is encouraging residents, especially those living near the coast, to help protect these vulnerable creatures and ensure safe nesting grounds.

Protecting Sea Turtles: What You Need to Do

Keep a safe distance from turtles, their nests, and hatchlings.
Never touch or interfere with turtles, nests, or eggs.
Turn off bright outdoor lights at night, especially near the beach.
Keep pets away from nesting areas.
Avoid loud noises or crowding near nesting turtles.

It is illegal to disturb or harm sea turtles under Belize’s Fisheries Resources Act. The law states, “No person may take, have in their possession, disturb, mutilate, sell, offer for sale, molest, transfer, harass, destroy, or cause to be destroyed any marine turtle, its nest, or eggs at any time.”

Violators can face up to two years in prison “or be fined $50,000, or both, plus an additional penalty of not less than $1,000 but may extend to $5,000 for each sea turtle, or part of a sea turtle, including its egg.”

Anyone who witnesses a violation, or spots a nesting turtle or hatchlings is encouraged to contact the Fisheries Department at 224-4552.

Port Authority Urges Safety After Jet Ski Death

The Belize Port Authority (BPA) is reminding the public of vital maritime safety rules following the tragic death of 14-year-old Axel Oroman in a jet ski accident near the Haulover Bridge in Belize on Saturday.

Oroman was driving the jet ski with 55-year-old Roy Kittler as the passenger when they both lost balance and were thrown into the water.

While Kittler managed to make it to shore, Oroman went under and never resurfaced. A search effort followed and concluded with the discovery of Oroman’s body on Sunday afternoon.

In its statement, the BPA said that under Belizean maritime law, anyone operating a personal watercraft, including jet skis, must hold a valid Certificate of Competency and ensure that the craft is registered and licensed with the BPA.

The public is also reminded that life jackets are mandatory at all times when operating or riding on personal watercraft. Officials say this critical safety measure can help prevent drowning and save lives during accidents.