As the war rages on in Gaza, the Israeli Defense Force reported the discovery of a tunnel in the Al-Shifa hospital, suggesting it is part of an extensive network beneath the Gaza Strip. The I.D.F. conducted a raid on the Al-Shifa medical complex, suspecting its use by Hamas as an operations base. Footage shared by […]
The decision by the Government of Belize to suspend diplomatic relations with Israel has been met with strong support by former prime ministers Said Musa and Dean Barrow, as well as former foreign ministers Assad Shoman and Godfrey Smith. In a joint statement issued by the erstwhile government officials, the decision is regarded as, “the […]
On Tuesday, the Government of Belize announced a bold decision that it was suspending all diplomatic ties with Israel indefinitely. In rationalizing its position, the Briceño administration pointed to the mounting number of Palestinian casualties since Israel declared war on Hamas, following the deadly attacks on October seventh. Foreign Minister Eamon Courtenay is on record […]
But why is the National Evangelical Association of Belize weighing on what is clearly a diplomatic position being taken by government? According to Pastor Lance Lewis, it all ties back to the origin of Christianity. Lance Lewis, Nat’l Evangelical Association of Belize “Christianity came out of Judaism and so there is a connection. When […]
The Belize Council of Churches also issued a release on the contentious issue earlier today stating, “the recent decision of the Government of Belize to suspend diplomatic relations with Israel, therefore, increase obstacles for Belizeans wanting to visit the Holy Land, is unfortunate, and fails to foster the dialogue necessary for peace; however, we are […]
In acknowledging the press releases issued by the Belize Council of Churches and the National Evangelical Association of Belize, the Government of Belize responded to the respective statements. G.O.B.’s response addresses the concern of the Council of Churches regarding the suspension of diplomatic relations with Israel. It goes on to say, quote, the public should […]
Since the Briceño administration announced on Tuesday that it is suspending all diplomatic ties with Israel, amid the ongoing war in the Middle East, considerable interest has been raised in the foreign press over Belize’s bold decision. As we’ve reported, a number of direct measures have been taken by Cabinet, including the withdrawal of an […]
In some corners of the diplomatic community, supporters of Israel argue that Belize’s position is unfounded. According to Senator Courtenay, the advice and opinions of government representatives abroad were sought prior to arriving at that position. The Briceño administration also took into account the firmly held opinions of past foreign ministers on this very issue. […]
Earlier today, the United Democratic Party issued a statement expressing concern over government’s decision to suspend diplomatic ties with Israel. The press release goes on to say, “We believe that maintaining open channels of communication is vital for fostering understanding and working towards a lasting solution to conflicts. It is our firm stance that Belize’s […]
Also speaking on the Israel-Hamas war today was Cabinet Minister, Dolores Balderamos-Garcia who expressed full support of Belize’s position and actions against Israel. She says that Belize must be on the right side of history, pointing out that there is still Guatemala’s unfounded claim before the International Court of Justice. But, should the government expect […]
There was a murder last evening in the Vista del Mar area of Ladyville. Sometime around 6:15 p.m., police responded to a seaside location just off Ocean Jack Drive where they saw the lifeless body of an Asian businessman. Thirty-seven-year-old Canhua Zhen, a resident of Benque Viejo del Carmen, was along with three other individuals, […]
The Government of Belize has, on several occasions, rebuked the actions of the Israeli Defense Force in Gaza, following the deadly October seventh attack that claimed the lives of approximately fourteen hundred Israeli men, women, and children. Tonight, the Briceño administration is ramping up its position by taking diplomatic measures against Israel, as a result […]
The conflict in the Middle East is a rather contentious and divisive issue and, according to Opposition Leader Barrow, the Briceño administration has been immoderate in its diplomatic approach to Israel when compared to the invasion of Ukraine by Russia a few years ago. Shyne Barrow, Leader of the Opposition “I do believe that […]
Former Prime Minister Dean Barrow has gone on record to condemn the actions of Israel in response to the October seventh attacks. While he equally criticized the deadly assaults by Hamas, Barrow, the father, has made it clear that Israel has to be held responsible for the war crimes being committed against innocent Palestinians. […]
The Social Security Board is proposing to fund the construction of a new liquor distillery to the tune of nine million dollars. S.S.B. has published notice of the loan to Belize Premium Spirits and Liquors Limited. The notice has raised eyebrows and drawn concerns. Why provide money for another distillery when there is already an […]
The fire in Caye Caulker last Friday completely gutted two buildings and for a moment, posed a huge threat to others in close proximity. So what could have been another fire extinguished by a crew that experienced no obstacles, ended up being a challenge for the fire fighters. The fire brought to the fore several […]
Over the weekend in Belmopan, a pair of thieves robbed a Naybaz Store in the San Martin area of the city. According to police, one person entered the business at first, robbed the proprietor of an undisclosed sum of cash, before being joined by another individual who aided in robbing the patrons of the establishment. […]
A resident of Rockville came under gunfire on Sunday night following an exchange of words with an individual at a shop in nearby Hattieville. Orin Joseph told police that he entered the establishment to purchase a few items and was subsequently approached by someone who wanted him to buy several items for him. When he […]
All hell broke loose on Friday night during a football match in Belmopan. It happened at the Isidoro Beaton Stadium, and videos of the chaos have been making the rounds on social media all weekend. This is not the first time that a fight breaks out at a sporting event, and it might not be […]
Belize does not have a witness protection program. That is what Police Commissioner Chester Williams reiterated to News Five when we spoke with him earlier today. One of the many hindrances that public prosecutors and investigators have is the fear that critical witnesses have to testify in cases, especially criminal cases. They fear they might […]
A fire in Caye Caulker Village this morning interrupted the flow of traffic and temporarily displaced the members of the Belize Police Department who are stationed out there. The blaze, which started at a house next to the police station, spread rapidly with the aid of gusty winds shortly before nine this morning. Two families […]
San Pedro resident David Gonzales has been found guilty of murdering his wife, Marisela Gonzales. Marisela’s semi-nude body was discovered at a dumpsite in San Pedro Town in October 2020, with evidence pointing to Gonzales as the perpetrator. The court ruled that Gonzales fatally shot his wife, disposed of her body, and fabricated a false […]
A male Belize Defense Force soldier stands accused of sexually assaulting a female Coast Guard officer. The incident reportedly happened at the B.D.F.’s Price Barracks compound in Ladyville. The Coast Guard officer was there on training, and she alleges that the BDF soldier entered her living quarters and sexually assaulted her. The case is currently […]
It’s been a month since a high-powered B.D.F. rifle was reported missing in the vicinity of the Xunantunich archaeological site in Cayo District and it seems to have made its way across the western border. The officer who was left in charge of the weapon remains on active duty at Price Barracks, but B.D.F. Commandant, […]
The road service permits issued to Floralia in 2021 and 2022 for runs to Punta Gorda and Independence have been quashed. Earlier today, the High Court rendered a decision in favor of the proprietors of Griga Line and James Bus, in a claim brought against the Ministry of Transport, including the minister, his C.E.O., the […]
