2025-07-25 - Greater Belize Media

Will Belize Become a Safe Third Country?

As the U.S. ramps up efforts to deport undocumented immigrants, a surprising name has surfaced in the conversation, Belize. The Trump administration has reportedly approached this Central American nation with a bold proposition: to become a ‘safe third country’ for asylum seekers. Now, what does that mean exactly? Well, it’s a designation that allows migrants to be sent to a country other than their own, where they can still apply for asylum safely. But this move comes amid growing criticism. Just recently, the U.S. faced backlash for deporting five criminal offenders to the tiny African kingdom of Eswatini, an act human rights groups slammed as turning African nations into a ‘dumping ground.’ So, how is Belize responding to this controversial proposal? We spoke with Minister of Foreign Affairs, Francis Fonseca, to get the government’s take on what could be a major shift in regional immigration policy.

Francis Fonseca, Minster of Foreign Affairs

“They have raised it with us as a government. They have provided us with some draft documents. We are reviewing those documents, we are vetting them through our Attorney General’s ministry. When that vetting process is completed, then the matter will be tabled at cabinet if the Prime Minister so deems appropriate. And we’ll have a discussion about it then. So that’s where we are with it. But yes, indeed the United States government has raised that issue, as they have with many different countries. I know they’ve concluded one with Guatemala, I believe Mexico with Honduras all our neighbors. We are looking at it, vetting it, reviewing it. We’ll have a discussion at the appropriate time. When the Prime Minister feels that he wishes to table the matter before cabinet, we’ll discuss it and make it.”

Reporter

“Are you personally in favor of it?”

Francis Fonseca

“No. No. I don’t want to get ahead of any discussion that cabinet will have. So let’s wait on cabinet until cabinet has a discussion about it.”

Reporter

“What is the pressure like from the US? Is it something that, is it exerting a lot of energy to actively resist?”

Francis Fonseca

“No. I must say that they, obviously it’s important to them. They, it’s important to them, but they have been very respectful in the process. No undue pressure on us. We have explained to them that we understand the importance of the matter, but it has to go through our process here in Belize. When we have concluded that process, we’re going to be happy to sit down and discuss it with them.”

16 Men Successfully Complete Journey to Freedom Program

Earlier today, there was a moment of celebration and transformation at the Department of Youth Services in Belize City. Sixteen men proudly received certificates after completing the ‘Journey to Freedom’, a program designed to uplift, rehabilitate, and reintegrate young people through spiritual guidance and community support. It’s a powerful step forward for these individuals, and a reminder of the impact second chances can have. News Five’s Britney Gordon was there for the ceremony and brings us the story.

Britney Gordon, Reporting

There’s a positive shift in motion and it’s happening in the Old Capital. After ten weeks of hard work, reflection, and growth, sixteen men have officially graduated from the ‘Journey to Freedom’ program. Beyond a certificate, it’s a step toward healing and hope. Designed to help vulnerable members of our society, the program focuses on emotional growth, spiritual guidance, and building stronger connections within the community. It’s about turning the page and starting a new chapter, and today, these men did just that.

Kenroy Young, National Youth Director, Restore Small Groups Belize

“We’ve been partnering around the world with many organizations, restore small groups to bring healing and hope and happiness into the lives of many people who face challenges in their lives, be it from grief, loss, from addiction from low self-esteem. From having their different fears. So ten weeks ago we started this program in partnership with the Leadership Intervention Unit, and we started with approximately twenty-four men, and today we have sixteen of them who successfully completed the program over the course of the past ten weeks.”

The Journey to Freedom is a thirty-six-day-long a rehabilitation initiative written by American spiritual coach, Scott Reall. It is focused on personal growth and positive change, encouraging participants to explore their emotions and address issues like self-worth, conflict resolution, and anger management. Tyrone Broaster shares what he’s picked up during this experience.

Tyrone Broaster, Graduate

“You have lot of people been through stuff and ney hold it in right? And ney exile ney self from people. And that da wa thing weh affect you when yo di hold in stuff. So the program mek yo get inna small groups and then you open up, so everybody open up. You get comfortable der and like what you said, journey to freedom. Give you like you take da load offa yo back and you can start over fresh. So da wa spiritual thing to like have to do with God and the Bible, but, and then da something weh beneficial to the community with the young youths ney growing up. You lead ney pan the righteous path right?”

All sixteen men in the program were handpicked by the Leadership Intervention Unit from neighborhoods across Belize City. According to Young, these individuals stood out, for their potential and their willingness to be a force for good in their communities. The purpose is to turn them into role models who can spread the word and inspire others. Young also shared his bigger vision, what Belize could look like if we had more stories of transformation like this one.

Kenroy Young

“More seeds of hope and healing being spread across more communities in Belize. To see Belizeans become more generate a more holistic approach. In helping each other, being there for each other and supporting each other, and strengthening your neighbors and building solid spiritual Christian communities and values that reflect the good standing of everyday Belizean people who want peace, who want a reality where we don’t have a life of. Too many crime and we have domestic abuse and other various crimes affecting our communities and in our culture today.”

Broaster shares that his life choices were heavily influenced by the environment he was raised in. His hope is that the next generation in his community will have the opportunity to make better choices and spread kindness openly.

Tyrone Broaster

“Most people want to be known, right? You da want people know yo, but some people fear that if you open up, you might get rejected. If you open up, you probably have things weh they eat you, things weh you probably do inna the past weh no really to good. And you feel like yes, you da want people but then you got wa fear dat if you da open up, people will reject you. You call it like shame, right? Like shame. But the cure for that. People fear exposure, but the cure that, that is exposure. You have open up. Only so you could start over a new chapter in life.”

The Belize Project believes that by planting seeds of healing and hope, growth can be spread to other youths in their communities, nurturing a safer, kinder tomorrow.

Britney Gordon for News Five.

Rumile Arana’s Journey of Love, Co-Parenting, and Community

For the past several weeks, we’ve explored the many faces of fatherhood, men who lead with compassion and show up with intention. For our final story, we turn to a familiar face. Rumile Arana has offered valuable financial advice to many, and we’ve also featured his work mentoring young people in the community. But this time, we get a more personal perspective as he shares what fatherhood means to him, raising two boys and navigating co-parenting with presence and purpose. Here’s this week’s look on the Bright Side.

Sabreena Daly, Reporting

Rumile Arana is the person you’d turn to for breaking down complex numbers or offering financial advice. But when it comes to fatherhood, something completely different, and far more intimidating, laid before him eight years ago.

Rumile Arana, Father

“It was a nerve-wracking time because I didn’t know what I could be or what I should be, what kind of father that I wanted to be. There’s billions of thoughts going through your mind, but you just have to embrace it and you just have to try your best on a day-to-day basis.”

As I sat down with fathers this month, I learned that this is a common thought they each share as they reflected on preparation of fatherhood. And while some look to the guidance that they received from their own fathers, some look to mentors, people who have done it all before.

Rumile Arana

“And luckily, I was one of the last people in my friend group to have a child. So they kind of gave me tips and pointed me along the way. But the one thing that I remembered is I think my cousin had told me that not every day is going to be perfect. You just have to try your best to make sure that your children are all right and don’t be scared to discipline them because they’re still going to love you. And there were times that I thought that they would hold something against me and then they hug me and go to bed and say good night, daddy. And I thought to myself, all right, I think we’re okay.”

Rumile became a father for the first time eight years ago, when Kai was born. With less than a decade together, his reflections already speak volumes about the impact a father can have. He shares what his dad means to him and why fathers matter.

Sabreena Daly

“Why do you think dads are important?”

Kai Arana, Son

“Because they defend us. They help us with our homework and they’re special to us.”

Sabreena Daly

“Why do you think dads are special?”

Kai Arana

“Because every time we feel sad, they help us.”

His younger son, also named Rumile, isn’t big on words, but his presence says a lot. And that, Arana reflects, is part of the uniqueness of fatherhood. It’s about tuning in, embracing each child’s individuality, and learning how love and connection can show up in different forms.

Rumile Arana, Father

“Kai was always the talker. So he would try to be the person that’s influencing me or try to negotiate with me. But Ramile is the thinker. He will devise the plan. So I always said to myself, I’m in trouble because we have one that’s going to devise the plan and we have the other that’s going to enact it. So those are my two that I have right there.”

And it’s not just his own sons that Rumile is committed to. Through basketball, he’s created a space where other children can feel safe, seen, and supported, especially those who may not have strong father figures in their lives.

Rumile Arana, Father

“So I realized that a lot of these children don’t have a safe space and they don’t have that guidance or someone to look to. So I tried to use sports, not only to help them become skilled basketball players, but I wanted them to understand that they have people that they can look to for guidance if they need it because a lot of youth don’t have it.”

One of the most meaningful aspects of Rumile’s story is his openness in talking about co-parenting, a dynamic many parents navigate but don’t often speak about openly. Arana acknowledged that while it comes with its challenges, the key is keeping the child at the center of every decision, ensuring their well-being remains the shared priority.

Rumile Arana,

“Co-parenting is a difficult task. I’ve had very hard days and I’ve had better days, but again, you have to try to stay focused on what’s really important for the child. And it might be a little bit difficult because, again, you’re not there all the time. So you have that arrangement where, okay, I get my child on the weekend or I get my child during the week, however you could agree to.”

What we learned is that, in the end, fatherhood isn’t about perfection, it’s about showing up. Children want to feel safe, supported, and deeply loved. And if you’re ever unsure how you’re doing, just ask. Sometimes the most honest feedback comes from the ones who matter most.

Sabreena Daly
“Why do you love your dad?”

Kai Arana

“Because he’s my hero.”

Looking on the Bright Side, I’m Sabreena Daly.

Belize Seeks to Save $125M U.S. Grant in D.C. Talks

Foreign Minister Francis Fonseca concluded two days of high-level meetings in Washington, D.C., earlier this week, where he engaged regional allies on Belize’s border relations and risk of losing major U.S. development funding.

Fonseca joined the Foreign Minister of Guatemala and the Group of Friends of Belize at the Organisation of American States (OAS). Discussions included the ICJ process and tensions at the Sarstoon. “We discussed the challenges we continue to face on the border… and generally, Belize and Guatemala relations in terms of trade, investment, and other opportunities,” he said.

The OAS Secretary General commended both countries for reaffirming their commitment to peace and dialogue and said the organisation will continue its work in the Adjacency Zone.

Fonseca also met with U.S. lawmakers, including Congressman Gregory Meeks and the Republican chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, to discuss continued support for Belize. “We talked about different challenges Belize was facing; we discussed issues that we wanted their support with, including the MCC issue.”

Belize’s US$125 million MCC grant was thrown into question in April after a U.S. government agency shut down the program. The move echoed earlier U.S. foreign aid cuts under the re-elected President Donald Trump’s “America First” policy.

Belize Reviewing U.S. ‘Safe Third Country’ Request

Belize is reviewing a request from the United States to become a “Safe Third Country,” meaning asylum seekers heading to the U.S. could instead be sent to Belize to apply for protection here and stay while their cases are processed.

Belize has not agreed to the proposal and is currently reviewing draft documents provided by the U.S. government.

Foreign Minister Francis Fonseca confirmed it on Thursday, stating, “They have raised it with us as a government. They have provided us with some draft documents. We are reviewing those documents. We are vetting them through our attorney general’s ministry.”

He added that the matter will only proceed to Cabinet if the Prime Minister deems it appropriate. He said that Belize is not being forced into anything. “They have been very respectful in the process.”

Fonseca added, “They have a friend in Belize. They are our largest trading partner. We cooperate on many, many important areas of mutual concern, especially security issues. So, I have no concern about that.”

Belize “Satisfied” With U.S. Engagement

Belize’s Foreign Minister Francis Fonseca says there is no concern over not meeting U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio during recent diplomatic engagements.

Fonseca explained that Secretary Rubio has only met with Caribbean leaders and heads of government, not foreign ministers.

“Secretary Rubio has not met with any CARICOM foreign minister,” Fonseca told reporters. “He’s met with leaders, heads of government. And as you know, he had a very extensive phone conversation with Prime Minister Briceño about two months ago.” In that call, Rubio recognised Belize’s significant efforts to counter illegal immigration, support Haitian security efforts, and combat transnational organised crime.

Fonseca said Belize remains satisfied with the level of engagement and has had multiple discussions with senior U.S. officials, including Deputy Secretary Brian A. Nichols Landau, who is responsible for the Western Hemisphere.

“That has always been the nature of the relationship between Belize and the State Department,” Fonseca said. “We work with the undersecretary who is responsible for the Western Hemisphere.”

Sixteen Men Graduate from ‘Journey to Freedom’ Program

Sixteen men in Belize City graduated today from the Journey to Freedom small group program, focused on supporting personal growth and reintegration. The eight-week initiative is part of Restore Small Groups Belize’s efforts to bring healing and transformation to men facing personal challenges.

“Journey to Freedom comes under the Restore Small Groups,” said Kenroy Young, National Youth Director. “We’ve been partnering around the world with many organisations to restore small groups to bring healing and hope and happiness into the lives of many people who face challenges in their lives, be it from grief, loss, addiction, low self-esteem, or having their own fears.”

The program was run in partnership with the Leadership Intervention Unit (LIU), which selected the participants from communities across Belize City. All participants are employed under the LIU.

The group began with 24 men. Sixteen completed the full course and were celebrated for their commitment and growth this morning.

Belize Group Makes Free Breast Forms for Cancer Survivors

Twin Girls/Knitted Knockers Belize, a volunteer group based in San Elena, is giving free handmade breast forms to women who have lost a breast due to cancer. Breast forms are soft, lightweight prosthetics worn inside the bra to restore the shape of a natural breast after a mastectomy or lumpectomy.

The local group joined the global Knitted Knockers network in 2024, now active in 68 countries. The breast forms are knitted or crocheted using breathable materials and are gifted at no cost to the recipient.

Volunteers meet every Tuesday at 2 p.m. at the San Elena Library to make and distribute the forms. The group is actively inviting people across Belize to volunteer, donate, or spread the word.

The group can be contacted at 631-5540 or email twingirls.knittedknockersbelize@gmail.com. Anyone interested are also invited to join the growing community on Facebook.

Caye Caulker Man Sentenced for Killing Cousin

Jayme Marin, 30, of Caye Caulker, has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for the 2019 stabbing death of his cousin, 18-year-old Isaac Marin, and the attempted murder of another cousin, Carlos Marin.

Defence attorney Arthur Saldivar represented Marin. Crown Counsel Shanell Fernandez Peyrefitte prosecuted the case.

Doctors initially declared Jayme mentally unfit to stand trial after diagnosing him with paranoid schizophrenia. He was later deemed fit and entered a plea deal, admitting to manslaughter and attempted murder.

Justice Nigel Pilgrim handed down the sentence and granted a reduction for his guilty plea, which was that Marin will serve 12 years and 8 months.

Marin had been granted bail in July 2024 but breached conditions by skipping court and refusing medication. His bail was revoked, and he was taken back into custody.

Teen Speaks Out After Alleged Assault by Ex-Diplomat

“I find it so unfair for all he did to me. At no moment I gave him consent, and he just took over me, and I feel violated,” said the 16-year-old boy at the centre of a criminal case involving former Belizean diplomat and ex-mayor of Benque Viejo del Carmen, Said Badi Guerra.

The teenager told News 5, “I’m not feeling too well. I’m not happy with what happened this morning, because they gave Mr. Guerra bail. I ask for justice and demand justice. I also want all the teenagers to stand up and let the teenage boys get heard.”

Guerra, who once served as Belize’s ambassador to Cuba and is the brother of Cayo West Area Representative Miguel Guerra, has been charged with sexual assault, harm, and procuring defilement by threat. The charges stem from an alleged incident on July 14 involving the teen, who says he was lured to Guerra’s home after running an errand in Cayo.

“He was missing since six o’clock,” the minor’s mother told reporters. “I was calling and calling until he managed to answer me and he said ‘Mommy… I am at Benque.’ I said ‘What are you doing there?’ I know my son is going through something.”

“I feel really insecure,” said the teen. “What if I go back to school and he’s there, since he was one of my lecturers? That would just affect me mentally. For me to go back to school is not that easy, but I am trying to be strong since it’s my last year… Since he’s out there, I feel really insecure, because what if he goes back and tries to do the same or even worse?”

Guerra was granted bail of ten thousand dollars with two sureties.

He briefly addressed the media and denied the allegations. He said, “One thing I must make mention of is, I am being wrongly accuse of rape. It is not rape and I would like whosoever [that] put it up on the media that term because it is not rape.”