Tzalam says that talk about a co-management agreement being necessary may have been correct six years ago, but not now. Still, she claims that the incident on Tuesday underscores the need to come back to the negotiation and co-management table sooner, rather than later. Froyla Tzalam, Executive Director, SATIIM “SATIIM has been working very […]
There is hope for that meeting to take place, since Agriculture and Fisheries Minister Gaspar Vega is all too aware of the lack of resources which prohibits government departments from adequately monitoring protected areas. Gaspar Vega, Minister of Agriculture “That’s a huge challenge, because we all know of our limitations in regards to resources […]
On Tuesday, the Supreme Court found that millionaire investment and Dark Night owner Bradley Paumen had trespassed on land belonging to Michael Modiri. And that’s because the Ministry of Natural Resources had no power to compulsorily acquire Modiri’s land and to in essence gift it to Paumen so that he could build a road to […]
Deputy Party Leader Gaspar Vega tendered his letter of resignation to the United Democratic Party Secretariat on March eighth, informing that he will not be contesting his seat in Orange Walk North for a fourth time. The unexpected decision came as a bombshell, just a few weeks ahead of the U.D.P.’s endorsement convention which was […]
Gapi’s abrupt notice of retirement has left many to speculate whether his removal from the second most powerful government ministry, the Ministry of Natural Resources, is indeed the catalyst for his departure. There is also speculation that the sudden announcement succeeded a fallout over his transfer to the Ministry of Agriculture, which is widely seen […]
In the wake of Vega’s abrupt retirement, a national party council meeting will be held on Saturday to determine the date of a special convention in the coming months to choose his successor. Collet Area Representative Patrick Faber was first to throw his hat in the ring, followed shortly thereafter by Belmopan Area Rep John […]
Earlier this week, the United Nationals Children’s Fund in Belize officially spoke out against an imposed curfew on the south side of Belize City for children seventeen years and younger. On Tuesday morning, representatives from UNICEF finally met with Eastern Division South Regional Commander, Assistant Commissioner of Police Chester Williams to express their concerns about […]
Cayetano says that the discussion focused primarily on alternatives to the curfew. Luwani Cayetano, Child Protection Officer, UNICEF Belize “In that meeting we talked about things that we support. We talked about the importance of strengthening parents and families; we talked about the importance of having children in school, the importance of having quality […]
Over a thousand residents live in the village of Crooked Tree, which is a protected area in the Belize District. But tonight, there is concern that the causeway, which links the village to the Phillip Goldson Highway, is presenting a hazard for those commuting to and from the village. Less than a year after it […]
The Maya communities of Santa Cruz and Jalacte are headed back to court having filed a claim against the Government of Belize for failure to protect their property rights. The lawsuit follows an update provided to the Caribbean Court of Justice in January. It was reported to the CCJ that government, via the Toledo Maya […]
In a release issued by the Toledo Alcaldes Association, it states that the villages are compelled to bring these actions against government for enforcement of their rights. We asked Coc to explain the lawsuit in the context of the court ordered process between the communities and the Toledo Maya Land Rights Commission. Isani Cayetano […]
A new online service known as the Belize Electronic License and Permit System was launched today. The service will provide efficiency to expedite the work of the ministries of agriculture, fisheries, forestry and environment on the internet. According to officials of the ministry, it is the first phase in establishing a Forest Information System. But […]
Six months ago, we brought you the story of inspirational warrior Ashley, fighting a mighty battle with a virulent cancer. She and her mother Kayla had just gotten some good news – a bone marrow donor had been matched and she would receive the transplant she needed so desperately to save her life. Tonight, though, […]
The way forward for Paumen, Modiri and Dark Night caves seems fraught with obstacles, even with the judgment handed down in the Supreme Court today. Modiri claims that in an ideal scenario, access to the caves would be opened up to local tour operators so that one man doesn’t make all the money. It sounds […]
The curfew for minors is a topic that is being hotly debated across the land. ACP Chester Williams believes that it is the answer to keeping minors away from urban crime and gang activity. But in many sectors, it is out rightly rejected because it is in contravention to the rights of the child and […]
The curfew in Belize City has been in effect for more than two weeks now. The concept is that any youth under eighteen years of age, not accompanied by an adult, who is found on the streets of the city after nine at night, will be detained. So far the initiative first broached by Eastern […]
ACP Williams claims that one criticism also leveled at the initiative is that it punishes children for the deficiencies of their parents. He counters that by claiming that it not punishment, but actually the Police stepping in to assist the youths – keeping them productive and guiding them in the right direction. ACP Chester […]
On last night’s newscast we showed you an undecided Anthony ‘Boots’ Martinez, senior U.D.P. Minister who says he’s not quite ready to come public with who he supports for First Deputy Leader of the Party. Best reports are that he is leaning away from his Southside colleague Patrick Faber and looking West at John Saldivar. […]
A little over a month ago there was public concern over the construction of a parking lot at the MCC Grounds by the Princess Group. News Five investigated and found what seemed to be a win-win scenario for the Sports Council. The Princess would fund the parking lot as well as the construction of a […]
This Saturday, the United Democratic Party will hold a special national party council meeting to determine the date for a convention to elect a new first deputy leader. The post became vacant after Deputy Prime Minister Gaspar Vega announced on March eighth that he was stepping down as deputy leader of the U.D.P. Since then, […]
Two lucky young Belizeans with ideas on starting their own small business will get that opportunity, thanks to an initiative which was launched today. It’s the brainchild of another young entrepreneur, Crystal Samos, owner of Capio. And to commemorate the first anniversary of her successful line of Carpe Diem products, Samos has decided to pay […]
The government has not said much concerning the shooting of Staff Sergeant Richard Lambey that took place in the Chiquibul on Holy Saturday, but tonight, News Five has received further details on the report made by the B.D.F. to the Ministry of National Security. That report is dated March thirty-first, 2016. According to the B.D.F., […]
For the past two weeks, the National Assembly has been occupied with the annual budget which came into effect today. The fiscal plan has been presented and carefully taken apart in the House of Representatives and the Senate. But, while all attention was focused on the Revenue Appropriation Bill, less emphasis was seemingly placed on […]
The purpose of the proposed pieces of law is unclear since Minister Hulse has full powers. Courtenay surmises, however, that it may be one of two reasons: either to give rise to a junior minister with special powers or to create one minister of state with extraordinary capabilities. Eamon Courtenay, Opposition Senator “I said […]
The implementation of an unofficial curfew in south side Belize City is not sitting well in many sectors. Two weeks ago, in the wake of at least three murders allegedly committed at the hands of minors, Eastern Division South Regional Commander Chester Williams announced the implementation of the curfew where minors found on the streets […]
