A few weeks ago, there was an alleged kidnapping involving the alcalde of Indian Creek Village. The incident has raised several concerns, as shortly after the alcalde went missing, his supporters reportedly attacked the home of the village chairman. In recent months, tensions have been escalating between alcaldes and village chairpersons in several Maya communities....
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.
On Friday October 16th Students, teachers, and community supporters gathered at Central park for a Breast Cancer Awareness School Rally organized by the Belize cancer society Toledo branch. The aim is to promote early detection and raising awareness about breast cancer. Participants dressed in pink, displaying awareness posters, and waving flags in a show of...
Last week, we reported to you that several, up to eight, Guatemalan boats were spotted inside Belizean waters engaged in illegal fishing. The Punta Gorda Fisheries Department evidently took our report seriously and, on Thursday, conducted patrols in the Sarstoon Temash area. They found four gill nets that had been illegally set. The gill nets...
With less than two weeks remaining before Tropic Air ceases operations in Punta Gorda, residents gathered at the airline’s local office today to send a clear message to the government: Punta Gorda need air connectivity and cannot simply be cut off. The demonstration comes as the community prepares for the loss of Tropic Air flights,...
Exactly one month after the Guatemalan armed forces violated Belize’s sovereignty, they did so again on Saturday October 10th, when the Belize Territorial Volunteers made an unannounced trip to the Sarstoon River. The trip discovered that the Guatemalan armed forces continue to occupy the river, but more than that, the trip also found that up...
Toledo District’s very own Ymanoli Garcia has been named Oceana’s 2026 Wavemaker of the Year for the district. The announcement was made during Oceana Belize’s Annual General Meeting. Over 300 Wavemakers, partners, and allies from across the country came together in celebration of their shared commitment to protecting Belize’s marine environment.