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...
It has been over a decade now that the Guatemalan armed forces have continued to violate Belize’s sovereignty. On Saturday, the Guatemalan armed forces escalated their aggression and rammed into a Belize Defence Force boat on the Sarstoon. The Guatemalan armed forces clearly violated Belize’s sovereignty once again, and this time they were more aggressive...
The Belize Coast Guard and Rangers from TIDE have removed three illegal gillnets during a joint maritime enforcement patrol near Corona Reef. The operation was conducted on November 6th along Belize’s southern maritime border with Guatemala. The gillnets, which are prohibited fishing gear in Belizean waters, were located and removed during the patrol. During the...
Jahida Ramirez is a talented young author from Punta Gorda Town. On Monday morning, at the Welcome Center, she officially launched her new book, dedicated to the youth of Punta Gorda, Belize, and the world. A proud achievement for this young Belizean, using her creativity and passion to inspire the next generation. Congratulations, Jahida, and...
At Thursday’s BTIA meeting, one of the concerns raised was the poor condition of the Punta Gorda Vegetable Market. One resident took to social media to express concerns, pointing out that the Maria Lopez Market was funded by the European Union and the Government of Belize at a cost of $1 million in 2016. However,...
On Saturday October 31st, the Miss Garifuna Peini Pageant was held at the sporting complex. Four young ladies proudly showcased Garifuna culture, as they competed for the coveted crown. At the end of the evening, Miss Tiricy Colon emerged as the winner and was crowned Miss Garifuna Peini.
