On Monday night broke the news that Vanessa Retreage was stepping down from Cabinet. This afternoon, Prime Minister Dean Barrow hosted a press conference confirming our report that Attorney General and Minister of Natural Resources Vanessa Retreage was calling it quits from her senatorial and ministerial posts effective the end of December. Retreage says she […]
So, a year after assuming responsibility for Attorney General and four months after becoming the Minister of Natural Resources, Retreage goes back to her law firm Reyes and Retreage where she says she has standing commitments. Today, she was gracious in thanking the staff at the Ministry of Natural Resources, as well as those the […]
There has been speculation that Retreage’s resignation comes on the heels of a death threat she received via email sometime a few weeks ago. The outgoing Attorney General said that while her personal security was stepped up in the wake of the threat, the Central Information Technology Office in Belmopan was critical in tracking down […]
In addition to the Attorney General’s resignation and the appointment of her successor, the most important piece of news coming out of the press conference was the Prime Minister’s assumption of the Ministry of Natural Resources. While he will not oversee the daily functions of the Lands Department, PM Barrow has taken on the second […]
A successor for House Speaker Michael Peyrefitte has been proposed, but will be made official at the next sitting of the House of Representatives. That person is retired nurse Laura Longsworth who is well-known for her activism in cancer and HIV/AIDS awareness. Peyrefitte takes over on January first. Prime Minister Dean Barrow “I think […]
Last week News Five dropped a bombshell that continues to wag tongues. In the span of five years, one thousand, six hundred acres of prime farmland along the Philip Goldson Highway in the village of Carmelita, Orange Walk District, was gobbled up by members of the powerful Vega family and their company, German Vega and […]
The land flip has raised eyebrows, particularly in parliament where Hyde made his presentation. When asked if she was aware of the situation, Minister of Natural Resources Vanessa Retreage told the media today that she only became aware of it when Hyde gave an interview to the media last week, ahead of Friday’s House meeting. […]
When asked about the dubious transactions, the incoming Minister of Natural Resources firmly stated that his administration is prepared to accept that there may be instances of wrongdoing in government but that there are consequences for such actions. Prime Minister Dean Barrow “We are prepared to accept what is wrong and we are prepared […]
Will there be a tax increase in the upcoming 2017 fiscal budget? In light of grave economic conditions, the possibility of a hike in existing taxes is very real. Today, the question was put to the prime minister bluntly and he responded by saying that government’s focus will be on trimming the fat, as opposed […]
Travelers Liquors Limited took a big hit on Monday night when it was targeted by thieves. But is it an inside job? Forty-nine thousand dollars in cash and cheques were stolen from Travelers employees en route from Belmopan to Belize City around five-thirty p.m. The employees were traveling in a company vehicle when they were […]
But with criminals becoming so crafty, Police warn drivers to be vigilant when travelling on the road. ASP Juanito Cocom, O.C., Ladyville Police “The scene was visited, processed where a piece of two by four wood and a board with the marking police check point and an orange cone were retrieved.” Reporter “So […]
One of the more unwelcome Christmas-time “traditions,” at least here in Belize City, is the letting off what is colloquially known as “popshot” or “dynamite” – not to be confused with the much more dangerous commercial explosive. However, these too are explosive devices, and thus governed by the Dangerous Goods Act which prohibits their possession […]
Two police constables from the Eastern Division North were recognized with awards as “Officers of the Month of October” this morning at the Queen Street Police Station. Jerome Middleton of Precinct Three and Nelson Ramos of the San Pedro Police were presented with awards from their Officers Commanding and Regional Commander, as well as with […]
Two point two-eight million dollars were disbursed today for the conservation and protection of natural reserves: Chiquibul, Vaca, Colombia and Bladen Forests. PACT is the donor agency that is contributing toward a larger initiative called the Chiquibul Forest Investment Initiative. Organizations that work in the area such as the Friends for Conservation and Development, received […]
The idea of a thirteenth senator may soon become a reality. This Friday is the deadline for final submissions of documentation by non-governmental organizations to show they are in good standing. Thereafter, the steering committee meets to peruse the list of N.G.O.s that can formally present nominees for the post. And by January, elections will […]
Three years ago, Belize Electricity Limited and the Public Utilities Commission opened a request for proposals for electricity generation of both traditional and renewable energy sources. Following a lengthy and occasionally controversial process of identifying the most viable sources and negotiating with them, B.E.L. and the P.U.C. are now set to sign a number of […]
The World Bank is training entities working in the field of risk assessment for money laundering, terrorism financing, and related crimes to help Belize conduct its first National Risk Assessment. The national Anti-Money Laundering Committee and Financial Intelligence Unit are leading the effort to identify primary money laundering and terrorism financing risks in all areas, […]
