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...
For years now, under both UDP and PUP leadership, the Guatemalan Armed Forces have continued to show disrespect toward Belizeans, including members of the Belize Defense Force. Monday November 10th, that behavior continued when the GAF confronted and disrespected a BDF patrol boat on the Sarstoon River. The incident occurred clearly within Belizean territory. So...
————————————————————— What began as a beacon of hope for Belize’s coastal fishing communities has now become a source of frustration. The Managed Access Program, designed to protect marine resources by assigning fishing zones to local fishers, once promised sustainability and fairness, but over time, mismanagement and the collapse of oversight committees have left many fishers...
On Saturday November 8th, The People’s Diabetes Foundation lit up the streets of Punta Gorda, with its Glow in the Dark Walk, an event held in recognition of World Diabetes Day, Observed globally every year on November 14th. For the second consecutive year, the foundation has organized activities in Punta Gorda aimed at raising awareness about diabetes and providing...
On November 11 Ex-service men and women observed as Remembrance Day. A day set aside to honor the brave men and women who have served and continue to serve our country. This day is not only about remembrance, but also about gratitude for the sacrifices made to protect our freedom and way of life. It’s...
The vibrant sounds of Garifuna drumming filled the Russel Chiste Auditorium in Dangriga Town Friday November 7th, as primary schools from across the region competed in the second annual Battle of the Drums Primary School Competition. This event continues to grow in popularity, serving as an important platform to preserve and pass on the rich cultural...
