On Friday October 3rd, traffic at the newly upgraded Michael Espat Bridge came to a standstill when a minivan collided with a semi-truck. Fortunately, no one was seriously injured. The addition of new guardrails to the bridge has reduced available space, making it tighter for vehicles to pass. The bridge is located on a curve,...
For decades, Belize and Guatemala have experienced tensions along the border. In 2014, the Chiquibul Forest became a hotspot, as Xateros crossed from Guatemala to illegally harvest thousands of Xate leaves, often entering armed. It was on September 25th of that year that a Xatero shot and killed Tourism Police Officer Danny Conorqui while he...
In a recent patrol of the Port Honduras Marine Reserve, rangers from the Toledo Institutefor Development and Environment (TIDE) discovered a dead hawksbill turtle caught in anillegal gillnet set on the coral reefs. The environmental NGO, which manages SapodillaCayes and Port Honduras, regularly faces challenges from illegal fishers crossing theborder from Guatemala and harming Belize’s...
In a significant boost to local law enforcement, the Punta Gorda police department has officially received a new pickup truck to enhance its operational capabilities. This addition aims to improve the department’s response to time and overall efficiency in serving the community. The new vehicle will assist officers in patrolling the area, conducting investigations, and...
Residents have long raised concerns about traffic within the town limits, citing reckless driving and unlicensed motorcyclists as significant issues. Many have voiced these complaints at town meetings and in discussions with the Commissioner of Police. Reports indicate that some drivers engage in reckless behavior, while motorcyclists are often found riding without a valid driver’s...
The Punta Gorda Police Formation held a meet-and-greet in the St. Vincent Block area on Thursday, October 17th. At least a dozen residents participated, expressing their concerns and opinions about the ongoing challenges they face. During the meet-and-greet, the officer commanding the Punta Gorda Police Formation, his deputy, and the community policing team were in...
Just before Christmas, the Ombudsman of Belize, Major Swazo, received a letter from the government informing him that his contract would not be renewed. The People’s National Party (PNP) has taken issue with this decision, stating that it believes Major Swazo was performing his duties effectively and consistently acting in the best interest of the...
As the clock counted down to midnight, the Cattle Landing Village came alive with its celebration. Residents of Punta Gorda Town traveled to Cattle Landing Village after finding that no activities were taking place in town, despite the Town Council’s announcement that events would continue through to the New Year’s countdown. In Cattle Landing, everyone...
The Department of Youth Services hosted an appreciation night honoring youths and their key supporters, including teachers and students from Toledo Community College and Julian Cho Technical High School. Representatives from the Belize Police Department and the Ministry of Health were also present. The event saw notable guests such as Punta Gorda Mayor Carlos Galvez,...
Over the weekend Smiles, laughter, and the spirit of giving filled the air as Toledo Faith Outreach Christian Center hosted its annual Happy Birthday Jesus celebration. More than 3,000 children and families gathered for the beloved community event, made possible by the dedication of over 100 volunteers who came together to serve and celebrate the...
Over the weekend, in the village of Cattle Landing, Assemble Belize brought happiness and joy to the children of the community. Assemble Belize is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to strengthen communities by empowering youth, supporting the elderly, advocating for mental wellness, and fostering sustainable development. The organization spent the day engaging with children...
