Japan International Cooperation Agency visits Ministry of Economic Transformation
By Zoila Palma: The Ministry of Economic Transformation welcomed representatives from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) during a courtesy visit aimed at reaffirming the strong partnership between Belize and Japan. The meeting underscored ongoing collaboration and explored future initiatives aligned with Belize’s economic transformation goals. Discussions focused on deepening bilateral ties and identifying opportunities […]
International News: El Salvador arrests Human Rights lawyer critical of President Bukele
By Zoila Palma: Ruth Eleonora López, a prominent human rights lawyer and outspoken critic of El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele, has been arrested, drawing sharp criticism from rights groups who call it part of an authoritarian crackdown. López, head of the Anti-Corruption and Justice Unit at Cristosal, is accused of involvement in the theft of […]
Spoonaz’s Cafe drops charges after retired nurse remanded to prison for failing to pay less than $50 for meal
By Aaron Humes: A retired nurse, 46-year-old Idi McDougall, is currently being held at the Belize Central Prison after being unable to post bail of $500. She faces charges of obtaining services by deception from a well-known local establishment, Spoonaz Restaurant and Bar, located on North Front Street. However, the restaurant said it had reconsidered […]
International News: Taiwan President urges Peace, vows stronger Defences amid China tensions
By Zoila Palma: Marking his first year in office, Taiwan President Lai Ching-te reaffirmed his commitment to peace with China but stressed the need to bolster the island’s defences, Reuters report. “Peace is priceless, but we cannot live in illusions,” Lai said, calling for dialogue with China based on mutual respect. He reiterated that only […]
International News: Senior aids to Mexico City Mayor murdered in targeted attack
By Zoila Palma: Two senior aides to Mexico City Mayor Clara Brugada were shot and killed today by gunmen on a motorcycle in the central Moderna neighborhood, AP reports. The victims, Ximena Guzmán, Brugada’s personal secretary, and adviser José Muñoz, were close allies of the mayor, who holds the country’s second most powerful political position […]
Prime Minister: “We’re sustaining lives and livelihoods”
By Zoila Palma: The Protected Areas Conservation Trust (PACT) has announced a BZ$7.75 million investment to support conservation efforts across Belize. Distributed over the next three years, the funding will aid 15 co-management agencies working in 28 protected areas under the Conservation Investment Strategy (CIS) 2.0. “15 co- management organizations managing 28 protected areas will […]
Friends for Conservation and Development, Natura Mexicana from Mexico and Wildlife Conservation Society in Guatemala sign MoU for conservation of scarlet macaws
By Zoila Palma: A key conservation agreement to protect scarlet macaws in the Maya Forest has been renewed for another five years. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), originally signed on July 7, 2016, in Flores, unites Natura Mexicana (Mexico), Wildlife Conservation Society (Guatemala), and Friends for Conservation and Development (FCD) in Belize. The agreement promotes […]
International News: United Kingdom halts Trade talks with Israel over Gaza offensive
By Zoila Palma: The United Kingdom (U.K.) has suspended free trade negotiations with Israel and summoned the Israeli ambassador amid growing alarm over Israel’s renewed military offensive in Gaza, BBC reports. Foreign Secretary David Lammy called the situation “intolerable” and accused the Netanyahu government of worsening a humanitarian crisis by restricting aid. “The conduct of […]