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 fight to end violence against women and girls remains an important issue. in Punta Gorda, efforts to raise awareness and promote prevention continued through a two-day workshop held at the Warsa Drum School. Hosted by the Child Development Foundation, the workshop focused on educating participants and encouraging greater awareness surrounding violence against women and...
Belize has taken a major step toward strengthening the future of sports with the country’s first-ever Sports Summit. Held last week at the Belize Civic Center. Organized around the theme “Building Belize Through Sport: Governance, Youth Development, Health, High Performance and Sports Tourism. Participants discuss the state and future of sports in Belize.
Tensions are heating up in the village of Corazón at Corazón Technical High School. Several parents are upset that their children have not advanced to Fourth Form, reportedly because one teacher claimed that nearly half the class failed English. Typically, when so many students fail, summer classes are offered to help them improve; however, some...
The Ministry of Rural Transformation has announced the winners of the Village Councils of the Year Award 2026. Representing Toledo District, Bella Vista Village Council has been selected as the district’s Village Council of the Year. The recognition comes at a time when Bella Vista is also set to benefit from a major development project. A new market building planned...
After three years of service to the St. Peter Claver Catholic Church and the community of Punta Gorda, Father Eric Serrano is being bid farewell as his time of service comes to an end. A special mass was held in his honor. The farewell was filled with heartfelt moments as parishioners expressed their gratitude through gifts, songs, and...
