Earlier this month, 34-year-old construction worker Dane Percival Neal was charged with raping a 13-year-old girl.
The Belize Police Department has yet to issue an official police report on this matter.
Meanwhile, Placencia residents have taken to Facebook to express their frustration following reports that Neal is out on bail.
One Facebook user condemned the situation, saying Neal “…he perfectly walked free on bail. Smiling and enjoying his time.” The user added, “Things like this need to be dealt with.”
Earlier this month, another user pointed out the community’s tendency to remain silent, saying, “It takes a village to raise a child, but sometimes the silence of a village hurts a child also.”
A week ago, another local posted on Facebook questioning how anyone accused of such a crime could be granted bail. The user added that it is the parents’ “duty to stand up against this” and that “people should be angry about this.”
Reports indicate that the child and her sibling were removed from their home after social services became involved.
The Belize Police Department confirmed minutes ago that an investigation is ongoing regarding an alleged break-in at the Belize Bank Caye Caulker Branch. Authorities were alerted around 8:00 a.m. on Friday after reports of a break-in at the bank on Chapoose Street.
Initial police investigation revealed that a metal door had been forced open, and two other doors had also been tampered with. No items were reported missing from the premises.
Jair Hernandez lives with a tumour on the left side of his brain, which has caused epilepsy and partial paralysis in his right hand and limited mobility in his right foot. Despite these challenges, the 15-year-old is a gold medallist.
In mid-November, Jair was given a hero’s welcome by his proud peers at Mary Hill Roman Catholic School in Corozal Town. He had just returned to Belize after participating in the CODICADER Special Olympic Games in Panama that same month.
Jair did not only participate; he won. He won three gold medals in the 100, 200, and 300 meter dashes in the T 37-38 category for athletes with cerebral palsy.
His mother, Maria Hernandez, cried when she received news that he had won his first gold medal. “I felt so happy, and I started to cry. It was a great blessing. I did not want him to go because he suffers from that tumour and because of the epilepsy, and I thought about all the bad things that can happen to him there. But I said that this must have a purpose, so I let him go, and when they told me that he won, I was so excited. I cried.”
Hernandez said that Jair had difficulty walking until he was almost five years old due to the severe fever during infancy. His tumour and epilepsy were only diagnosed when he was 12 years old, after he began experiencing episodes of confusion and disorientation. “The doctor told me that they couldn’t perform the surgery because the tumour was already big. That is what caused the epilepsy. He can’t move his arm and his foot.”
An emotional Hernandez shared that she often worried about what sort of life her son would live. “As a mom, I thought about what would happen to him. What kind of future he would have, but seeing that he won, that he won three gold medals, I think that he has a lot of opportunities.”
Guillermo Pech is the principal of Mary Hill RC School. Pech explained that Jair has been a blessing to the school since he enrolled. According to Pech, Jair’s selection came after participating in a program where students were given watches to count their steps over a period of time. Based on the data, Jair, being one of the most active students at the school, was chosen for the honour. “He has been a very active and sports-oriented student in special-ed. So, he has always been an active student when it comes to those disciplines. When we got the word that he was selected to represent Belize in Panama, it was great news.”
Following the announcement, Jair’s training intensified, with more time spent running laps during physical education classes, with the support of his family and the school. Once Jair left for Panama, Pech remained in contact with his parents and the person accompanying him.
The news came in waves: Jair won his first gold medal, then a second, and finally, a third. Pech described this as an overwhelming and joyous series of events for the school.
“He got the first gold medal, and that was already, you know, huge. And then we heard he got a second, and then a third, and then, wow, that was even more, you know, great news,” Pech said.
The student body rallied behind Jair. They received updates and pictures from the event in Panama, which they shared on the school’s Facebook page. When Jair returned, the school celebrated him like a hero, organising a motorcade and a special welcome ceremony despite ongoing flooding that had caused interruptions in classes.
Jair has always been determined. Pech said that Jair is one of the few students at the school with a disability who has been integrated into the regular football team. “So our school is the first team that has given him the opportunity to actually play normal games like any other student. But now he is there winning gold; I mean, that is something that’s just a great example of, you know, what it means to, despite having obstacles, a person can achieve whatever they want. So for us, he is a great example. He is like a hero. He’s like someone that would tell us, you know, go for it, and you can do it. There’s nothing that shouldn’t be done.”
And Jair got it done. With the help of his father, Jair trained every day since being selected. He said, “I ran; I trained every day. I ran from here (Xaibe) to Calcutta every day.” That’s about 3.8 kilometres. He said it took him about 20 minutes to do so.
“I felt happy, even happier when I won three medals,” said Jair. He wants to further his education and become an engineer. He also had some advice for other children with disabilities: “To the other children like me, continue struggling; don’t give up.” For their parents to support them. We can be great.”
Jair was honoured and recognised by the Ministry of Sports with a certificate and money. The Belize Association for Persons with Diverse Abilities (BAPDA) recognised him with the Point of Light Award.
The family has faced significant financial strain, with medical expenses including doctor visits, medication, and specialised scans. They are seeking support for Jair’s ongoing medical and educational needs.
The National Association of Village Councils, NAVCO, has called for prayers for Samuel Mendoza, Chairman of Unitedville Village, who is currently in a coma in the ICU after an accident.
NAVCO Belize shared on Facebook that Mendoza “Yesterday, on the line of duty as Chairman, he had an accident while cleaning the water reservoir of the village and is now in a critical condition at KHMH.”
NAVCO Belize urged the community to pray for his recovery, stating, “We ask you all to please pray for him to pull through this and continue serving his people and providing for his family.”
An elderly man died after he fell from a horse on Friday morning. The deceased has been identified as 79-year-old farmer Ernest Williams Funez.
The incident happened in May Pen Village, Belize District, while he was riding the horse.
According to reports, Funez was riding behind 70-year-old Denton Moody when the fall occurred. Despite efforts to assist him, Funez was unresponsive.
Upon arriving at the scene, authorities found no visible injuries or signs of foul play. Funez was later transported to Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 5:21 p.m.
An estimated $9,645 worth of tools and equipment was stolen from a worksite container in Ladyville. Police are investigating a theft, reported on December 27, 2024, that is believed to have occurred between 5 a.m. on December 24 and 7 a.m. on December 27.
The stolen items include two skill saws, three hammer drills, grinders, a jackhammer, an impact drill set, a sledgehammer, a pressure washer, and a generator.
While authorities have visited the scene and gathered evidence, no arrests have been made and no witnesses have come forward.
Anyone with information is urged to report to the police.
A tourist from Pennsylvania,U.S.A., lost all her belongings when the SUV she had just rented caught fire on Friday afternoon.
Rachel Goldman, 50, had rented a 2013 Ford Escape from AQ Auto Rentals for a 6-day trip. While driving on John Smith Road around midday, she reported noticing smoke coming from the hood. After pulling over, the vehicle reportedly exploded and was quickly engulfed in flames.
Goldman managed to escape but left behind her passport, credit card, iPhone 12, and clothing. The SUV was completely destroyed.
Authorities are still investigating the cause of the fire.
Authorities are investigating a suspected case of New World Screwworm (Cochliomyia hominivorax) in the southwestern Toledo District. The Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA) and the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security, and Enterprise (MAFSE) issued a statement confirming that technical teams have been dispatched to the area to conduct a thorough assessment.
The screwworm is a highly destructive parasite that poses a significant threat to livestock and other animals. BAHA and MAFSE have urged livestock owners, transporters, and the public to remain vigilant. Preventative measures include regular inspection of animals for signs of myiasis (wound infestations by larvae), immediate reporting of suspected cases to BAHA or healthcare providers, and ensuring that livestock have NWS Health Inspection Certificates and Movement Permits before transportation. Additionally, animal movements should occur only during daylight hours, and all animals, including pets, must be declared at designated Animal Movement Control Points.
Illegal movement of animals continues to be a major factor in the spread of screwworm across Central America. BAHA has emphasised the importance of adhering to strict regulations outlined in the New World Screwworm Prevention, Control, and Eradication Regulations under Statutory Instrument 143 of 2024. Violators face penalties of up to $5,000 in fines, imprisonment for up to three years, or both.
Residents are encouraged to report cases of suspected screwworm infestations to BAHA’s Animal Health Department. Contact numbers include 824-4872 for Central Farm, 302-1388 for Orange Walk, or via WhatsApp at 670-7003. Additional information can also be obtained by emailing animalhealth@baha.org.bz.
“This highly prolific parasite continues to spread across Central America due to the illegal movement of animals,” the BAHA statement read. The agency is calling for strict adherence to preventative measures and swift action in reporting potential cases to protect Belize’s livestock industry.
As energy prices rise and the effects of climate change intensify, many entrepreneurs in Belize are discovering that solar energy is more than just an eco-friendly choice—it’s a practical way to cut costs.
As Belize continues to import electricity from Mexico, many areas, including popular tourist destinations such as the cayes and rainforest eco-lodges, remain off the national grid. In response, businesses are increasingly adopting alternative energy solutions, such as solar power, to reduce reliance on imported fuel.
Whether it’s powering an off-grid facility or maintaining an efficient production line, energy costs can eat into already tight financial margins. But the shift toward renewable energy is not just about saving money; it’s also about sustainability. Entrepreneurs are recognising the growing demand from consumers for eco-conscious businesses, and solar power provides a way for companies to reduce their carbon footprint while becoming more self-reliant.
Sustainability as a Competitive Edge
In today’s business world, sustainability is more than just a buzzword—it’s a key differentiator. Consumers are increasingly prioritising companies that are mindful of their environmental impact, and small businesses in Belize are catching on. Entrepreneurs exploring eco-friendly alternatives, including solar energy, are not only reducing their overhead costs but also positioning themselves as leaders in the growing green economy.
The hot sauce manufacturer, Hot Mama’s Belize, exemplifies this shift in solar energy after installing 75 solar panels (15 KW) on its facility’s roof. The company, nestled in the Cayo District of Belize, was able to take advantage of small loans and grants, including those from the European Union, to make the transition to solar power.
“I believe in helping the environment and doing my part as far as climate change,” said Wilana Oldams, the owner of Hot Mama’s Belize. “The solar installation has helped reduce the overall energy costs, which has allowed Hot Mama’s to become more competitive in a good marketplace.”
Oldams added that the impact was immediate. “We did the solar installation, and the change was immediate,” she explained. “In the first month, we dropped down to about $200, from over $2,000 to $200.” Oldhams says this dramatic reduction in energy costs allowed Hot Mama’s Belize to stay competitive in the marketplace by keeping prices down, even as other companies raised theirs.
As the demand for eco-friendly products grows, this fresh vision of sustainable entrepreneurship is increasingly resonating with Belize’s consumers, who share these values, both locally and even internationally.
Belize: A Model for Sustainable Tourism
While Belizean products are reaching markets abroad, many travellers are coming to the country for its culture, food, and, importantly, its eco-friendly tourism. Over the past few years, Belize has earned its place as a hotspot for environmentally conscious travellers.
Take, for instance, the case of Gaia Riverlodge, an off-grid eco-resort that recently combined solar and hydroelectric power to meet its energy needs. Eight months ago, the resort decided to invest in solar energy to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels and align with its sustainability goals. The resort now operates with a hybrid energy system, integrating 80 solar panels, six SMA inverters, and a 140-kilowatt battery bank with its existing hydro turbine.
“Before we were forced to burn fossil fuel to meet our energy demands, which isn’t in line with what we stand for,” said Nigel Richards, the resort’s general manager. But, with the hybrid grid system, it is now supported by diesel power only as a backup.
According to Richards, the shift to solar has led to a 6-7% reduction in fossil fuel consumption for energy generation compared to the same period last year. Richards says that this drop and the use of solar energy have helped reduce the resort’s carbon footprint. “On average, we’re avoiding 110.2 pounds of CO2 emissions daily, which helps to offset global warming impacts. It’s a small operation that we have, but this is a good step towards doing our part in protecting the environment.”
Not only did the resort cut down on fuel costs, but it also helped Gaia Riverlodge become more attractive to eco-conscious tourists. “We find nowadays that a lot of travellers are eco-conscious and are responsible travellers. So knowing that we’re doing this has been drawing a lot of attention and drawing a lot of clients,” Richards added.
With tourism being one of Belize’s leading economic sectors, the transition to solar energy is helping the country become an even more appealing destination for travellers who prioritise sustainability. In fact, just this year in September, Belize hosted the inaugural World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards, where it was named the “World’s Leading Sustainable Destination.” Minister of Tourism & Diaspora Relations, Belize, Anthony Mahler, said, “These wins reflect our nation’s deep commitment to sustainability and responsible tourism. Belize is setting a global example of how tourism and conservation can work hand in hand for the benefit of our people and the planet.”
The benefits of solar energy extend beyond businesses themselves. By embracing green technologies, these businesses are contributing to the broader goal of sustainable development in Belize and creating a ripple effect for others in their communities to follow suit. Solar power is proving to be the ideal solution for businesses in rural areas or off the national grid.
The Growing Market for Solar Energy-Related Services
While many entrepreneurs in Belize are making the leap into solar energy by adopting it within their own businesses, there’s also a rapidly growing market for those who wish to go one step further and provide solar energy-related services. As more companies and individuals seek solar-powered solutions, the demand for installation, maintenance, and battery storage is rising. And with the introduction of electric vehicles and e-buses in July this year in Belize, the need for renewable energy infrastructure, such as solar-powered charging stations, is also expanding.
José Urbina, Chief Executive Officer for the Ministry of Public Utilities, Energy, Logistics, and E-Governance (MPUELE), says this growth is creating a ripe opportunity for aspiring entrepreneurs to enter the renewable energy sector. “When we speak about accelerating the transition, it also comes with upscaling,” Urbina said, adding that there’s a huge opportunity for businesses to provide everything from solar panel installation to energy storage solutions and charging stations for e-vehicles; the opportunities are vast.
The transition to solar power is changing the way small businesses in Belize operate, grow their revenue, and expand their market presence. For businesses, it means reducing their dependence on imported fuel and insulating themselves from the volatility of energy prices. For entrepreneurs, it’s an opportunity to enter a rapidly expanding market with endless potential.
