We also caught up with Luke Martinez, President of the National Trade Union Congress of Belize, to get his take on S.S.B.’s decision to deny Ciau’s invalidity benefits request. Martinez said he needs to look into the case further, but he emphasized that situations like this shouldn’t be happening.
Luke Martinez
Luke Martinez, President, NTUCB
“This morning I mentioned to a colleague that this is a case we need to study, because these types of things should not happen. The information we have is that I think it comes up from one of the pop-up medias. I am very careful with information that come up from these pop-up medias. I am not hitting on them, but as a responsible citizen I must do my research to get to the bottom of it and find out why he was denied and go back to Social Security response and see that these things discontinue.”
During today’s ceremony in Caye Caulker to celebrate the island’s new water treatment plant, Prime Minister John Briceño made an unexpected move. He paused the event and asked for a restart because the attendees weren’t singing along to Belize’s national anthem. Once the music stopped, students from Caye Caulker R.C. Primary School and Ocean Academy were invited to lead the anthem alongside the prime minister. We spoke with him after the event, where he explained why he felt it was important to correct the audience.
Prime Minister John Briceno
“I think I want to start off by what I said at the beginning. love of country. It really upsets me that people don’t want to sing the National Anthem. I always say we love beliefs, but show it. Sing the National Anthem, pick up the garbage, show by practice how much you love this country. And it’s important for us to inculcate that in our children. That’s why I, if you notice when I started, I said, let’s stop, let’s start again. We have to do that at all times. You, the media, also should call out, whenever that may happen, Hey, you need to sing the national anthem. Show how proud you are of this country.”
Today was a big day for the folks in Caye Caulker Village. They celebrated the arrival of two notable upgrades to their water services. Belize Water Services Limited, along with the Government of Belize, kicked off the construction of a brand-new wastewater treatment facility and expanded the island’s reverse osmosis plant. We were there to catch all the action and find out how these new amenities will make life better for everyone on the island. Here’s News Five’s Britney Gordon with the scoop.
Britney Gordon, Reporting
Around two thousand people call the beautiful island of Caye Caulker home. With tourism booming, it’s more important than ever to have reliable water and wastewater services to keep everyone’s quality of life top-notch. That’s why the Government of Belize and Belize Water Services have teamed up to expand the island’s reverse osmosis plant and build a new wastewater treatment facility. Executive Chairman Cornelio Acosta Jr. shares how the reverse osmosis plant is making a big difference for the community.
Cornelio Acosta Jr
Cornelio Acosta Jr, Executive Chairman, BWS
“Every year we have challenges in Caye Calker in meeting demand. The island consumes about two hundred and one thousand gallons per day. And what we could have previously met was around one hundred and ninety gallons. In other words, we’re meeting ninety-five percent of the daily demand of the island. The board management and of course the government ave prioritized the need in meeting these scarcities that we’ve been facing. So we had done a more analysis and had proceeded to purchase a one hundred fifty desalination plant, which would then give us a capacity now of up to three hundred thousand gallons per day meeting well enough what is the demand, at least for now, to the next ten to fifteen years.”
As the temperatures climb, so does our thirst. Thanks to a $1.5 million investment in the plant’s expansion, Belize Water Services (BWS) is now delivering clean, better-tasting tap water to everyone on the island. Prime Minister John Briceño shared some exciting news too—there are plans to roll out this system across the entire country.
Prime Minister John Briceño
Prime Minister John Briceño
“They got new equipment, a salt system that removes the taste of chlorine so that the water is safe, but it mi got wa lee bad aftertaste. Now with this one, it’s a pilot project here, and in the crooked tree. And now, as you notice, I’m sure you all tasted the water. It is good, so you don’t have to go buy water. So you could save a lot of money for our citizens. That project now, through an IDB loan that we’ve been working on, we’re going to go now into more and more of our communities to be able to install that so that they could also use the portable water to drink and not just to bathe and wash dishes and so forth.”
Ground was also broken for a new forty-million-dollar wastewater treatment plant and collection system. Acosta explains that it is necessary to begin working on this facility now so that the company can continue to provide water services in the long term.
Cornelio Acosta Jr
“One of the strategies that BWS has undergone now is looking at redundancies and contingency plans, a lot of the times we rely primarily on our single source, for example, Belize District, on the river and we have several systems that are direct production to distribution. Caye Caulker has a storage facility, but if something were to happen to the plant like last year, we had some challenges the plant went down right during the easter period And it created challenges for us. So we decided you know what it’s time to have a redundancy plan having us an alternate site that could also provide storage in the event that there is a natural disaster occurring or that the plant may need to undergo some time that it will be going down and we’ll have enough capacity to withstand and provide to the caye.”
After the inauguration, Prime Minister Briceno and the BWS team visited the Caye Caulker R.C. Primary School and Ocean Academy High School where they awarded grants of five thousand dollars to assist children with their school fees.
Prime Minister John Briceño
“What BWSL did they give a grant of five thousand dollars. They spoke with the principal to point out those that need that can’t be making their fees. And so the principal will be making those paying those fees on behalf of BWSL for both primary school and high school. I have also made a commitment. I’m going to give them another five thousand \ through the chairlady of the village with miss Pott, and she will work with the principal to ensure that we get it to the children that need it. And it’s important for us to be able to give the proper support to our children, to be able to learn and not have to be worrying whether they are going to be sent home because they can’t pay their fees.”
As we dive deeper into the world of unconventional education, we’ve been captivated by some unique teaching styles that haven’t quite hit the mainstream in Belize yet. One standout is the Montessori method. Even though Doctor Maria Montessori introduced this approach back in the early 1900s, it’s only found a home in one school here. But that’s starting to change as more parents discover the incredible benefits and the special kind of empowerment it offers their kids. This week, we’re excited to take you on a tour of the Children’s House at Mother of Mercy Montessori. Let’s jump into the story.
Sabreena Daly, Reporting
The Montessori method is all about meeting students where they are, adapting to their unique learning pace and style. Developed by Dr. Maria Montessori in the early 1900s, this approach was truly ahead of its time. It uses sensory experiences to guide learning, helping kids build confidence and feel empowered. Globally, it’s a popular choice for many, known for its hands-on learning, focus on key developmental stages, and deep respect for each child’s individuality. But here in Belize, Montessori is still a bit of a novelty. We took a trip to Mother of Mercy Montessori, the only school in the country that formally embraces this innovative system.
Alma Habet
Alma Habet, Lead Guide, Mother of Mercy Montessori
“We’ve been here for about six years now. This is our sixth year. And we’ve started with a daycare, and then we’re building, we’re moving to primary and lower elementary and upper elementary.”
Sabreena Daly “In the Montessori method, I’m inside what is considered a child’s house. When compared to the traditional teaching system here in Belize, this would be deemed a classroom. And what we call teachers, a Montessori school refers to as guides.”
Alma Habet, the lead guide at Mother of Mercy Montessori, has the wonderful task of nurturing children of all different ages. Her calm and welcoming demeanor creates a space where the unique personalities of each child can flourish. With gentle encouragement, she leans over and invites a student to join her in a sentence-writing lesson, fostering a love for learning in the process.
Alma Habet “Children are not interested in always telling them what to do and they’re capable of so much more. So we have small rooms where a child can do exactly what an adult is doing. That they need respect. We need to give them that dignity that every human person needs to have. So, once a child has that and they are followed, they’re observed. We know where to meet them. They come from different backgrounds. They have different experiences. So they all bring this together in the children’s house.”
Rosaline Bradley has been instrumental in bringing this forward-thinking educational method to life. With her extensive experience in Belize’s education system, she passionately underscores the value of the Montessori approach and its transformative potential for how children in Belize learn and grow.
Rosaline Bradley
Rosaline Bradley, First Chair, Mother Of Mercy Montessori
“One of the values that I noticed is that it’s very hands-on. And so the students make their choices and they have to stay on an activity for a length of time. And so with that, they develop that skill of learning on their own and persevering, whatever it is that they want to learn. What are some of the difficulties? Working through challenges, making decisions, choices, and so on. And I think that’s one of the things that even in the regular school as a teacher educator, one of the things that I encourage teachers to do is to not just talk to students, but students learn by doing.”
Alma Habet
“So they get everything that they need as a traditional school, except it’s just done in a different way. So, instead of maybe just using books, if they’re going to do a science experiment, they’re actually going to go outdoors and do the real experiment. It’s not going to just be like reading off from a book or studying or memorizing.”
With more students joining every year, this young school is gearing up to grow alongside its children as they move up to higher grades. They’re committed to continuing their journey with the Montessori method, nurturing each child’s development every step of the way. Parents have cited the positive impacts on their children’s development. One of these parents even mentioned that she chose Mother of Mercy Montessori for her youngest child after experiencing the benefits of Montessori education with her older children abroad.
Jocelin Carvajal
Jocelin Carvajal, Parent, Mother of Mercy Montessori “I love it. I already told my husband I want my kids to stay there all the way to the elementary position because I have seen them grow and it is just so amazing. I am surprised.”
Tanya Hulse
Tanya Hulse, Parent, Mother of Mercy Montessori “I remember when I had first gone to a Montessori school, they gave you a whole list of assessments that your child would be able to meet at the end of each program. And so it wasn’t just like learning ABC’s or coloring, there was a whole list of things that they give to you. So I was very happy. And my older children had a very, very good experience. So when I realized that they had a Montessori school here as well, and then those children have grown up and now I have little ones,I thought, you know, it would be perfect.”
Alma Habet
“I think if they want something different, if they’re willing to learn the method, it would be a great step forward because the children can have better critical thinking and even speak out when they need to. They have freedom with boundaries, so we still need to discipline, but it’s more of a respectful way, not what the guide wants or what the parent wants only. So there’s a lot of sacrifice on the part of the adult.”
Looking on the Bright Side, Im Sabreena Daly
If you are interested in learning more about the Mother of Mercy Montessori, you can contact info@motherofmercymontessori.com or call 223-7073
An investigation is currently underway into allegations that Belize Defence Force (B.D.F.) soldiers stationed at the Machakilha Conservation Post have been accepting bribes from Guatemalan loggers. These allegations, which suggest that soldiers are being bribed with something as modest as chicken, have ignited public debate about the difficult conditions faced by soldiers who patrol Belize’s remote borders.
The investigation team convened on Wednesday, October 9, and is expected to deliver its findings by Friday, October 18.
News 5 asked Prime Minister John Briceño about the allegations, specifically about claims that soldiers are taken chicken as bribes. He said, “That will happen any place. You get 1, 000, and somebody can’t give you another 100; you’re going to take it… And so it’s important to hit the reset button to ensure that these people or BDF soldiers say that we have to be able to at all times look after the interests of Belize. A chicken can’t pay to protect the interests of this country.”
Reports indicate that B.D.F. soldiers are being supplied with expired goods such as Pan Crema, Tang, peanuts, ramen noodles, rice, and granola bars and canned goods as sustenances. Given that entry-level B.D.F. soldiers earn just $40 per day and face gruelling conditions, the situation raises important questions about morale and the sufficiency of support for these soldiers. The Guatemalan bribes reportedly go back several years, with one Guatemalan logger claiming to have been bribing soldiers for more than five years. These allegations have raised concerns not only about discipline but about the broader infrastructure and support provided to Belizean soldiers patrolling its contested southern border.
Briceño pointed out that while financial pressures could exist in any institution, it is critical for the B.D.F. to maintain its discipline. “We feel that the B.D.F. was at the pinnacle when it comes to discipline,” Briceño said, acknowledging that standards may be slipping and emphasising the need to “hit the reset button.”
On September 7, B.D.F. troops detained Guatemalan loggers operating illegally in the Columbia River Forest Reserve. However, their position was quickly compromised when over 10 potentially armed Guatemalans surrounded them. Communication with Fairweather Camp was lost, gunshots were heard, and outnumbered soldiers were forced to release their detainees to avoid violence. The incident brought into focus critical issues with the soldiers’ communication equipment, including Harris and VHF radios.
The Prime Minister noted that technological upgrades, such as tracking devices, are being implemented to ensure soldiers remain on Belizean soil during their patrols and that improved communication tools may be necessary in future missions.
“We have to use better technology. We’re using the tracking system so that we know where they are at all times,” Briceño said.
As the investigation into these bribery allegations unfolds, questions remain about the support, discipline, and resources provided to Belizean soldiers guarding the country’s borders.
Earlier today, the Mexican authorities reported locating Johan Cámara, 19, and his father, Luis Josué Cámara, 48, after being reported missing following an alleged kidnapping on October 8, 2024, in Subteniente López, Othón P. Blanco, Quintana Roo.
This incident raised urgent concerns about safety for Belizeans travelling across the border. Belize Ambassador to Mexico, Oscar Arnold, confirmed that the father-son kidnapping appears to be a case of “mistaken identity.” He added, “There are some superficial wounds… from them being either handcuffed or tied up.”
Arnold stated, “At the time when the incident was reported on social media, we’ve been in contact with their authorities; they’ve been a little bit tight-lipped.”
While the pair suffered superficial wounds consistent with being handcuffed or tied up, Arnold reported that the two men otherwise “seem to be okay.” The ambassador said that some personal items, including passports and laptops, were stolen during the incident.
Arnold noted that Belizean authorities were in contact with their Mexican counterparts, who confirmed a missing persons report had been filed. He noted that the Mexican authorities have an active, ongoing investigation.
With a long weekend approaching, Arnold urged Belizeans to remain vigilant while crossing borders. “Each of us is responsible for our own safety,” he advised. Despite officials describing the incident as isolated, Arnold stressed the importance of understanding any potential threats in the area. “If there is a group operating with impunity, we need to know,” he said.
The recent passing of former police officer Santiago “Santi” Ciau Jr. has left the community questioning the treatment of individuals seeking invalidity benefits in Belize. Ciau, who passed away at 37 on October 8, had been battling a debilitating bone illness linked to a workplace injury from 2009.
The Belize Assembly for Persons with Diverse Abilities (BAPDA) is criticising the Social Security Board (SSB) for failing to provide the necessary support during Ciau’s struggle. In a statement, BAPDA declared that “this level of structural violence is unnecessary,” condemning the SSB’s “deflective press release” as an inadequate response to the profound injustice faced by Ciau.
Ciau reportedly faced repeated denials for invalidity benefits from SSB. Despite his long service in the Belize Police Department, Ciau faced repeated denials for invalidity benefits. Even after appealing the SSB’s decision, he received a delayed notification that hindered his ability to pursue a timely second appeal.
The SSB defended its actions, stating that the Medical Board ruled Ciau did not meet the criteria for benefits, a decision upheld by the Social Security Appeals Tribunal. However, this has done little to address growing calls for reform.
“Mr. Ciau was a Person with a Disability that somehow was not protected by the entities we would expect to do so,” BAPDA stated. It added that “a deflective press release simply cannot be the norm as the life of a worker is discarded due to a lack of assistance to benefits that he was supposedly paying in for, hoping to collect upon if ever needed but only have an independent Medical Board deny him ALL access at a time when he needed it most.”
Belize is at the forefront of the global climate dialogue with the opening of the Strategic Alliances International Partners Conference. The two-day event was launched on Thursday under the theme “Unlocking Climate Finance and Disaster Risk Financing for Sustainable Development.”
In a statement issued by the government, it said, “The conference underscores Belize’s priorities in Climate Finance and Disaster Risk Financing, in line with Strategic Objective 5 of the Medium-Term Development Strategy: “Protection of the Environment.”
The conference brings together international partners to explore innovative financial solutions aimed at tackling pressing environmental challenges and securing a sustainable future.
During his address, Prime Minister John Briceño highlighted the disproportionate impact of climate change on developing nations. “We have not caused this problem, yet we must adapt,” he said. Briceño mentioned that a single hurricane could threaten Belize’s economy. Briceño noted the necessity of preparing for potential loss and damage.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Francis Fonseca also spoke on the importance of international cooperation, noting that “90% of the public sector projects in Belize are funded by external donors.” He noted the economic burden of climate change and revealed that hurricanes cost Belize approximately $7.7 million annually.
Amalia Mai, Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, reinforced the message of collaboration, stating, “This conference will serve as a platform to further our partnerships, explore opportunities, and increase awareness and understanding of climate finance.”
Alejandro Arcos, the newly appointed mayor of Chilpancingo in Mexico’s Guerrero state, was murdered less than a week after taking office. Arcos, who had been in the position for only six days, was found dead on Sunday. Guerrero’s governor, Evelyn Salgado, expressed sorrow and outrage over the killing, calling it an act that “fills us with indignation.”
Arcos’s murder occurred just three days after the city’s newly appointed government secretary, Francisco Tapia, was shot dead. Authorities have yet to release any details about the investigation or possible suspects, but Guerrero, plagued by drug cartel violence, has long been a hotspot for such crimes. Cartels have killed numerous politicians across Mexico, with Guerrero being one of the worst-affected states due to its strategic location on the Pacific coast, a prime smuggling route.
Unverified social media posts showed images of what appeared to be Arcos’s remains before authorities confirmed his death. His social media activity during his short term included updates on disaster relief efforts following Hurricane John, which caused severe flooding in the region. Hours before his death, Arcos had posted pictures of meetings with relief workers and residents.
Mexican senator Alejandro Moreno called for federal authorities to take control of the investigation, citing Guerrero’s “ungovernability.” He described Arcos and Tapia as “young and honest officials who sought progress for their community.”
The Institutional Revolutionary Party, to which Arcos belonged, demanded justice, stating, “Enough of violence and impunity! The people of Guerrero do not deserve to live in fear.”
Guerrero, long embroiled in turf wars between rival drug gangs, including the Ardillos and Tlacos, has seen increasing violence. In the lead-up to Mexico’s June 2 elections, at least six candidates for public office were killed in the state. Since 2006, when the government deployed the army to combat drug trafficking, Mexico has seen over 450,000 murders and tens of thousands of disappearances across the country.
The Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Hon. John Briceño, met on 8th October 2024.
Cabinet gave its approval for the extension of the hours of operation for the clearance of cargo at the Belize Western Border at Benque Viejo del Carmen. Once finalized, the opening hours will be from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Mondays to Saturdays. In addition, the Western Border will operate from 4:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily for the facilitation of passengers and vehicles with non-commercial goods.
Cabinet authorized the Minister with responsibility for Local Government to fix and declare new boundaries for the seven towns in Belize to align them with the growth and expansion of these towns. Likewise, Cabinet requested that the Minister meet with the relevant authorities to begin consultations for the future demarcation of the boundaries of villages and communities across Belize. Having regard to the Belize Blue Bond Agreement signed in November 2021, Cabinet gave its approval for the expansion of Belize’s Biodiversity Protection Zone to 25 percent in fulfillment of Milestone. This is in partial achievement of Belize’s obligation under the Agreement to protect up to 30 percent of its total ocean space by 2030.
Cabinet welcomed the report of the completion of the technical negotiations between Belize and the Republic of El Salvador for a Partial Scope Trade Agreement, and gave its support for the process that will lead to the completion of the Agreement.
Cabinet considered the Draft Maya Customary Land Tenure Policy, made suggestions as to improving on the salient features, and asked for the sharing thereof with interested parties to arrive at finalization and the subsequent move to drafting legislation. Cabinet also acknowledged the extensive consultations held and the requirement to advance the ruling of the Caribbean Court of Justice of 2015.
Cabinet gave its support for the introduction of the Movable Property Security Rights Bill at the next sitting of the House of Representatives. This bill, once enacted, will bring favourable benefits to the private sector, fostering growth, innovation, and development particularly for micro, small and medium enterprises. To enhance oversight of pharmaceutical products in Belize, Cabinet has approved the repeal of the Food and Drug (Registration, Licensing, and Inspection) Regulations. This will be replaced with a modernized legislation designed to meet current needs and ensure the safety and efficacy of medicines accessed by Belizeans.
Cabinet gave its approval for the implementation of activities to strengthen the transition to and implementation of standards for biodegradable/biobased products. This initiative will significantly reduce plastic pollution from adversely impacting Belize’s environment.
The Government of Belize is enhancing the criminal records registry to streamline the application process, making it more accessible and efficient for all Belizeans. As part of this initiative, the service is being fully digitized, allowing applicants to apply and make payments either online or at designated cashier locations. Criminal records will be available for collection in all districts and can also be delivered conveniently via email. The new system will also enable applicants to track the status of their applications through email and SMS notifications, providing a more transparent and user-friendly experience. This initiative reflects the Government’s commitment to improving public services for the benefit of all citizens.
Cabinet noted the assumption of Belize to the Vice-presidency of OLADE and approved the signing of a Joint Declaration titled “No More Coal-Fired Power Plants in Latin America and the Caribbean.” This Declaration, to be signed by the energy ministers from several countries in the region, seeks to adopt measures to prevent environmental pollution caused by the exploitation, transportation, storage, and utilization of energy resources within the region.
Finally, Cabinet wishes all Belizeans a happy Day of Resistance Holiday.
