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...
More than 100 high school students in Punta Gorda are now better equipped for the digital age. Last week, the Ministry of Education held a handing-over ceremony at Toledo Community College, where students received brand-new Chromebook computers under the Digital Devices skills for the future program. The initiative is part of efforts to ensure that...
Activist Jerry Enriquez has filed a claim for judicial review against the Judicial and Legal Services Commission, alleging the body has failed to act on his complaint of judicial misconduct. Enriquez says he first submitted his complaint in April, accusing Justice Hondora of bias during a hearing earlier this year. According to him, the Commission’s...
Residents of Caye Caulker went to the polls on Wednesday October 8th, to decide whether marijuana should be legalized on the island. The referendum asked voters if the Government of Belize should pass legislation to create a responsible, regulated, and taxable cannabis industry, with part of the revenue benefiting the Caye Caulker community. When the...
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,...
The month of September is marked by a series of events that culminate in the celebration of Belize’s Independence Day. Wednesday September 17th, during the Tribute to Belizean Patriots, 19 Belizeans were recognized and awarded for their contributions to the development of the country in various sectors, ranging from education, music environment and many others....
We reported that for nearly a year the Punta Gorda Town Council has been operating without a Town Administrator. We have since learned that the Ministry of Local Government has been urging the council to fill the post, as required by law. The Town Administrator plays a key role in the daily operations of the...
On September 10th, Belize celebrated the 227th anniversary of the Battle of St. George’s Caye, a historic event that continues to hold national pride and significance. Across the country, communities came alive with vibrant ceremonies, parades, and gatherings, drawing large crowds in many areas. In Punta Gorda, the official opening ceremony was marked by spirited...
The University of Belize Toledo Campus unveiled the Stanly Nicholas Building at the university of Belize. Stanley Nicholas was the first Dean of the Toledo Campus and served the University for thirteen years.
Sargassum is a type of Seaweed that is found floating in the ocean. Recently, the amountof sargassum that has floated onto the shores of Belize has increased tenfold. It is now anuisance to the coastal communities and the tourism industry. Last week, the Belize fundfor a sustainable future allocated $250,000 to the Belize tourism industry...
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,...
