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...
The National Trade Union Congress of Belize is raising strong objections to the proposed acquisition of Speednet by Belize Telemedia Limited, warning that the deal, if allowed to proceed, could threaten jobs, competition, and freedom of expression. The NTUCB says the process is deeply flawed, lacks transparency, and may violate the Telecommunications Act, prompting the...
The Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry is calling for an immediate halt to any board action by Belize Telemedia Limited on the proposed acquisition of Speednet, insisting that meaningful consultation must take place first. In a statement issued Monday, January 26th, the BCCI urged the Government of Belize, as BTL’s controlling shareholder, to intervene,...
An effort to protect Belize’s coastline and promote marine awareness took place this past weekend, as the Hopeville and Cattle Landing Fisherfolk Group hosted a coastal clean-up under its Deep Water Assistance Project. The initiative aims to bring community members together to reduce plastic waste and safeguard the marine environment for future generations. Support for...
The tourism season is officially underway, and across the country tourism activity is on the rise, according to the Belize Tourism Board. However, here in Punta Gorda, a different picture is emerging. Despite the increase in visitor arrivals, two major restaurants in Punta Gorda have recently closed their doors, raising concerns and questions among residents....
San Jose is one of the most remote villages in the country and is home to hundreds of students who rely on internet access for education services. For more than five years, residents of San Jose Village have been promised reliable internet service. After years of waiting, a telecommunications tower has now been installed. However,...
