In the past few days the cruise sector has reeled and rocked after several cruise ships were unable to offload passengers in heavy winds and rough seas. For those not involved in the industry, it just happened. But the city lost hundreds of thousands in head tax, the country lost millions in revenue and tour […]
With low oil prices on the global market of late there have been concerns of a fallout from the Petrocaribe oil agreement. While Jamaica, which is also party to the Petrocaribe agreement, is being urged to start building up additional foreign reserves as a buffer against any fallout from the PetroCaribe oil agreement, PM Barrow […]
There is an important executive meeting underway at the Belize Biltmore Plaza. For the first time, the Caribbean Union of Teachers has chosen Belize as the host country for its regular session. The two-day conference, organized by the Belize National Teachers Union, features participation from executive members of teachers’ unions in eighteen countries, for a […]
It is supreme irony that the law now, at least in this particular case, demands consultation with the D.P.P. The memo and directive which resulted in the delayed arraignment for Wilser Echevarria have come under some fire from the D.P.P.’s Office, not because of any perceived slight, but because D.P.P. Vidal feels that the Police […]
So with all that said, is there hope for collaboration between the Police Department and the D.P.P.’s Office? With so much at stake, can there be some efficient, effective partnership between both bodies which play such a crucial role in our justice system? Well you would think, so, but it’s not going to happen. According […]
The Senate met on Wednesday to discuss the Alba Petrocaribe Loan Motion. It has been a controversial topic and one which has inspired passion from politicians on both sides of the floor. The session in the Senate reflected that. News Five wasn’t able to sit in on Thursday, but we’ve put together some highlights on […]
Petrocaribe monies amount to hundreds of millions…access to a stream of money, seemingly without end. Money, in such large bulk, and who has access to that money, is bound to inspire great debates. It did in the Senate on Wednesday, with the politicians much more engaged than the social partners. That debate led to a […]
The Belize Bank Limited has engaged in several community-based initiatives over the years, specifically during the Christmas Season…from its annual Christmas party for the students of Stella Maris to hampers for needy families and even donations to the Salvation Army’s annual Toy Drive. For the third year in a row, the Belize Bank is coming […]
Ride for Belize; Ride with OCEANA…it’s an initiative of the conservation organization to bring awareness to the Belizean populace on the importance of preserving our waters, fisheries and the barrier reef. The ride officially got underway this morning from Corozal and a number of cyclists—including athletes—joined in on the cause and took the eighty-five mile […]
The penal system, despite various initiatives by the Kolbe Foundation to improve overall wellbeing at the Belize Central Prison, is bogged down by a number of human rights issues that are adversely affecting inmates. These concerns include an extreme lack of resources at hand for the diagnosis and treatment of mentally ill prisoners. Equally appalling […]
According to Executive Director, Parvais Jabbar of the Death Penalty Project, the presentation of the report is not a question of people being released from prison, in light of the previously mentioned issues. It is more about accessing and managing resources than it is about getting prisoners off the hook. Parvais Jabbar, Executive Director, […]
While the Bar Association has been panned for its so-called political affiliations, as well as its seeming lack of interest in assisting with legal aid, President Eamon Courtenay acknowledges that there are attorneys working diligently behind the scenes to address issues with existing legislation. Those concerns, once rectified, would allow for juveniles to be granted […]
The quarterly press conference of the Statistical Institute of Belize was held today in Belize City. It’s a mixed bag of good and bad news. The good news is that employment numbers are on the rise as of September in the Belize District when the last labor force survey was conducted. The bad news is […]
Today marks the beginning of the high season for the tourism industry, which coincides with the U.S. Thanksgiving Day. But the season got off to a choppy start because two ships cancelled calls on Belize on the first four-ship day of the season. It is estimated that several thousand visitors did not disembark the vessels, […]
B.T.B. has gone on record to make clear its support for a cruise port of any kind to be built in Belize. Andrade told us that today’s incident underscores that need. While he would not be drawn to expressing support for specific projects such as Stake Bank, he echoed the sentiments of stakeholders that Belize’s […]
Last week, News Five broke the story of a memo from Assistant Commissioner of Police Russell Blackett to all formation commanders. In that memo, dated September twenty-fourth, Blackett directs that all consultations with the D.P.P. on murder or any other charges are to cease immediately. Traditionally, police consult with the D.P.P.’s office on investigations into […]
Earlier today, there were reports that driver’s licenses were being incinerated at the garbage dump near mile three on the George Price Highway. Residents of Belize City were incensed that sensitive information contained on the documents are being exposed to the public. The issue stems from the fact that not all of the information on […]
On Monday evening, dozens of taxi operators representing various unions and associations across Belize City participated in a public consultation where they shared opinions on an existing moratorium on the issuance of taxi license plates. The overall response was a mixed bag as there were some who supported the move to keep the suspension in […]
The Getaway Youth Center was officially opened today at the Gwen Lizarraga Compound. The facility is intended for use by youths between thirteen to nineteen years to channel positive behavioral change. The center will offer support services in literacy and math as well as after school programs and outside referral services. This afternoon, when the […]
The Police Training Academy in Belmopan is the location where officers of the department get the necessary physical training and knowledge to arrest crime. But while they get physical training, it is not usual that they learn how to effectively communicate with complainants, as well as persons who walk into the station for assistance from […]
OCEANA’s Ride for Belize begins this Thursday in Corozal where participants will ride-off on a four day ride across the Jewel. The OCEANA initiative is intended to create awareness on the work of the organization and the importance of protecting the environment. Vice President, Janelle Chanona encourages everyone to join the cause. Janelle Chanona, […]
The body of a Canadian newly-wed was retrieved from the Mopan River on Sunday morning. James Searles arrived in Belize on Saturday to reunite with his wife of two months and within hours he was a dead man. When the body was pulled out of the river, it was only clothed with a jacket and […]
A mortar is a military weapon that fires explosive projectiles or bombs at low velocities, short ranges, and high-arcing ballistic trajectories. For about three weeks now, construction works have been ongoing on the Victor Galvez Stadium in San Ignacio Town and the workmen on site unearthed one such missile within the construction site. The San […]
Taxi drivers from various associations and unions across Belize City converged on B.T.L. Park this afternoon, where they met with representatives of the Belize City Council and the Transport Department. The focus of the public consultation was to discuss an existing moratorium on the issuance of taxi license plates. According to Alifa Elrington-Hyde, Councilor Responsible […]
The Petrocaribe Loan Motion was passed in the House of Representatives last Tuesday, amid massive support for the initiative by stalwarts of the United Democratic Party. Prior to the meeting, many weighed in on the usage and accountability of the money, a majority of which has been earmarked for infrastructure development. This afternoon, Minister of […]
