It’s not the first time, and Belizeans are left wondering how much longer Belize will have to face the same confrontation at the southern borders.
On Tuesday, a Guatemalan patrol boat illegally entered Belizean waters near the Sapodilla Cayes once again. According to Coast Guard Commander Captain Elton Bennett, the Belizean patrol encountered a Guatemalan vessel, identified as a 65-foot vessel that “appeared to be a hydrographic vessel belonging to the Guatemalan Navy.”
These specialised ships are designed for surveying underwater features, such as water depth and seabed characteristics. While the vessel itself may not be armed, the BH-656 Gucumatz hosted a crew of Guatemalan coast guards on board, “patrolling their maritime territories,” reported local Guatemalan news.
Major Roberta Usher, BDF Chief of Staff, confirmed the vessel had been moving between Belizean and Guatemalan waters over the weekend, and authorities are still awaiting confirmation of any illegal intrusion. And while they wait, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is certain that this was an illegal incursion. In a press release, the ministry said that is “received information of a Guatemalan vessel that was illegally traversing within Belizean waters.”
And while it is not the first time, it marks the second sighting of a Guatemalan vessel in Belize’s waters in the last three months, the last time being back in September. Bennett pointed out that the lack of clear markers makes border determination difficult, with Belize exercising jurisdiction based on equidistance between the two countries.
In an interview today with the Prime Minister, John Briceño, he said that Belize takes “any” incidents such as these seriously. “Whenever that happens, we take it seriously… We would go and inform them that they’re in Belizean waters.” He also stated that using diplomatic efforts is important to avoid unnecessary escalation. “We need to be able to be firm but diplomatic. Making sure that they understand that they’re in our waters and that we will not allow them to come into our waters,” Briceño said, adding that Belize “writes to the OAS, and copy it to the Guatemalan government” every time such incidents occur.
Briceño also addressed concerns from Belizeans about territorial violations and pointed out the challenge of confronting a significantly stronger Guatemalan force. He told the media, “What do they expect us to do? Shoot them out of the water?”
Briceño added, “As much as we want to do more, what else can we do? Whatever citizen would say that I would want to hear the advice, what would they do?”
The family of 43-year-old Silvia Carolina Sandoval is desperately seeking information on her whereabouts after she went missing on November 8. Sandoval, a resident of Valley Community at Mile 21 on the Hummingbird Highway, was last seen at her mother’s house. She was last seen in the company of an unknown man, according to her daughter, 20-year-old Daniela Lucero.
Lucero told News 5 that all attempts to contact her mother have failed. She said, “We call her…we try her on Facebook…on WhatsApp and with friends,” and that, “when we call it goes to voicemail.”
The situation has left the family deeply concerned. “This is the first time she has ever gone missing,” Lucero explained. “She always keeps in contact with us, so we’re really worried.” When we asked her if the family fears that Sandoval might be in danger, Lucero said, “Well since we don’t know the man she was with and since she gone we haven’t have contact with her.”
The family has already filed a missing person’s report at the Dangriga Police Station, but so far, there has been no word on Sandoval’s location. The family is appealing to the public for assistance.
Anyone with information about Silvia Carolina Sandoval’s whereabouts is urged to contact the nearest police station or reach out to family members directly at +501 638-1755.
Almond, oat, and coconut milk are well-known dairy alternatives—but fish milk? In Indonesia, this unconventional idea is making waves as the country faces a dairy cow shortage. Food innovators are now exploring powdered milk derived from fish as a potential solution, but opinions are divided.
In coastal regions like Indramayu, fishermen are hauling ponyfish to factories where the fish are deboned, ground into powder, and processed into a protein-rich product. To enhance its appeal, the powder is mixed with chocolate or strawberry flavours.
“It just tastes like normal milk, at least to me,” said Mafatihul Khoiri of the Berikan Protein Initiative, a company pioneering this approach. Advocates believe the so-called fish milk could create a $7.6 billion industry and provide jobs for 200,000 people, according to The Wall Street Journal.
Despite its economic promise, scepticism abounds. The Jakarta Posthas criticised the innovation, calling it “more of a political distraction than a meaningful nutritional intervention.” Concerns include the milk’s micronutrient profile, bioavailability, and its ability to meet children’s dietary needs compared to traditional dairy.
Indonesia’s health minister, Budi Gunadi Sadikin, is also hesitant. “We can grow cows … Or we can import the milk from Australia. Or we can buy an Australian cow company or milk company,” he told the Journal. “There are many, many, many options to do before we are milking the fish.”
Globally, the idea of deriving protein from fish isn’t new. Fish collagen is commonly used in U.S. skincare products, and European scientists recently developed methods to reduce the marine odour of salmon protein powder. Rasmus Ree, a researcher at Norce, an EU-funded institute, called Indonesia’s experiment “potentially useful and hopefully economically viable.”
While some drinkers of the fish milk, like 23-year-old Rosaedah, have described it as “delicious,” nutritionists remain concerned about its heavy processing and added sugars. Still, for a coastal nation searching for alternatives to address protein shortages, fish milk represents an innovative—if contentious—step forward.
Belize becomes the first English-speaking Caribbean nation to sign the Inter-American Convention on the Protection of Human Rights of Older Persons. Belize signed the convention on Monday, December 16, and now joins 12 other countries, including Uruguay, Costa Rica, and Mexico.
According to the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), around 106 million people over the age of 60 live in the Americas, with that number expected to reach 310 million by 2050, including 190 million in Latin America and the Caribbean.
The Convention, adopted by the Organization of American States (OAS) in 2015, seeks to ensure that people aged 60 and older can fully enjoy human rights and fundamental freedoms. The Convention Belize signed covers 27 specific rights, including access to healthcare, social security, political participation, and community involvement.
As we wrap up 2024, News 5 is excited to bring you our digital Year in Review! This year, we're diving into the highlights and challenges of the past twelve months, all organized by themes. Join us as we look back at the stories that shaped our year…
Belize, a beacon of biodiversity and a champion for climate action, experienced a year of significant challenges and triumphs in 2024. From groundbreaking conservation initiatives to devastating natural disasters, Belize reaffirmed its position as a global leader in environmental stewardship while grappling with the realities of climate change.
Two years into the revolutionary Blue Bond agreement, Belize demonstrated remarkable progress in marine conservation. Secured in 2021 through a $553 million loan from The Nature Conservancy, the Blue Bond initiative reduced Belize’s debt servicing by $400 million BZD and set ambitious conservation goals. By 2024, Belize had committed over $15 million BZD to marine protection efforts, enhancing biodiversity zones and supporting fisheries management.
Prime Minister John Briceño said, “We have strengthened the management of mangroves, expanded biodiversity protection zones, and launched the Belize Ocean Sustainable Plan.” These efforts include expanding marine protected areas to 25% by the end of 2024, with a goal of 30% by 2026.
Programs such as the Fisher Fund, launched in partnership with local institutions, aim to provide small-scale fishers with financial support to enhance livelihoods while protecting the marine ecosystem. Investments in cutting-edge surveillance technology, such as drones for the Belize Coast Guard, further emphasised the government’s commitment to curbing illegal fishing and ensuring sustainable marine practices.
The government also launched the marine spatial planning process for the Belize Ocean Sustainable Ocean Plan, which will provide a blueprint for blue economy development. This includes strengthening mangrove management and designating national lands within the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System as mangrove reserves.
2024 witnessed severe wildfires that ravaged over 30,000 acres of pristine forests, including protected areas such as the Rio Bravo Conservation and Management Area. These fires not only destroyed vital biodiversity but also had severe economic consequences, particularly in the carbon credit market. Belize, a leader in carbon offset projects, lost millions in potential revenue as fires undermined the credibility of its carbon reserves.
Jose Perez of the Association of Protected Areas Management Organisations (APAMO) warned of the escalating costs and challenges in combating wildfires, attributing the problem to inadequate funding and delayed responses. Edilberto Romero of the Programme for Belize echoed this concern and said there is the need for a national contingency fund to enable rapid firefighting responses.
The clearing of over 640,000 acres of forest since 2001, primarily for agricultural use, has exacerbated Belize’s climate vulnerabilities. While agriculture contributes nearly 20% of the nation’s GDP, the environmental cost is becoming increasingly unsustainable. Farmers reported unprecedented weather fluctuations, such as unexpected floods and prolonged droughts, which damaged crops and disrupted food supply chains.
Ever Blandon, a vegetable farmer in the Valley of Peace, described the economic fallout: “Flooding destroyed cabbage crops ready for harvest, leading to losses for both farmers and consumers.” These realities have prompted calls for sustainable land use policies and stricter deforestation controls.
Minister Orlando Habet advocated for a comprehensive land use policy to balance agricultural development with environmental preservation. “We must adopt sustainable practices and protect forested areas that support biodiversity and regulate the climate,” he urged.
Record-breaking temperatures plagued Belize in 2024, with inland areas experiencing heat waves surpassing 103°F. This extreme heat, coupled with prolonged dry spells, highlighted the escalating impacts of global warming. Simultaneously, heavy rains brought on by tropical storms caused widespread flooding in urban areas, particularly Belize City. Streets submerged in water disrupted daily life, and overwhelmed drainage systems raised questions about infrastructure resilience.
In response, city officials deployed the newly activated pumping station, which mitigated flooding in key areas. Belize City Mayor Bernard Wagner emphasised the shared responsibility of residents and authorities, urging community involvement in maintaining drainage systems to address the growing threat of urban flooding.
Belize’s coral reefs, the largest in the Western Hemisphere, faced unprecedented threats from bleaching events driven by rising sea temperatures. Coral bleaching occurs when stressed corals expel algae that provide them with colour and nutrients, often leading to death. Organisations like Fragments of Hope spearheaded restoration efforts, planting climate-resilient coral species and maintaining nurseries near Laughing Bird Caye.
Dr. Colin Young, Executive Director of the Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (CCCCC), warned of the worst-case scenario: the loss of up to 90% of coral reefs worldwide. “Reefs are vital for coastal protection, fisheries, and tourism. Their decline underscores the urgent need to reduce global emissions,” he said.
Belize’s role as a regional climate leader was evident at COP29 in Azerbaijan, where its delegation, led by Minister Orlando Habet, championed the needs of Small Island Developing States (SIDS). Emphasising the nation’s vulnerabilities, Habet called for expedited climate finance mechanisms, particularly for adaptation and loss-and-damage funding.
Despite securing a $50 million grant from the Green Climate Fund earlier in the year, Belize continued to advocate for more equitable distribution of climate financing. “Our ambitions require $1.7 billion to implement mitigation and adaptation projects by 2030. Without sufficient funding, our commitments remain unattainable,” Habet asserted.
National climate fairs and community outreach programs aimed to bridge the gap between policy and grassroots action. NGOs like the Wildlife Conservation Society introduced nature-based solutions for farmers and fishers, helping communities develop their first-ever climate action plans. Public messaging focused on simple behavioural changes, such as conserving water and reducing waste, to mitigate environmental harm.
2024 reaffirmed Belize’s dual role as a global environmental advocate and a nation on the frontlines of climate change. While significant strides were made in marine conservation and climate financing, the year’s challenges—from wildfires to coral bleaching and extreme weather events—underscored the urgency of scaling up both national and global efforts.
Belize’s commitment to innovative solutions, such as the Blue Bond, offers a blueprint for integrating financial sustainability with environmental conservation. However, the realities of a warming world demand collective action from all nations, particularly those responsible for the bulk of greenhouse gas emissions.
As Belize looks to 2025, its resilience will depend on continued investment in adaptation measures, robust enforcement of environmental laws, and sustained advocacy for climate justice on the world stage.
A new group of criminal and civil mediators will be sworn in at the Senior Courts of Belize on Thursday, December 19. The Court says that the new cohort of court-connected civil and criminal mediators has completed a rigorous training and certification process that will be essential in assisting the court to resolve disputes efficiently without the need for full trials.
Their role is part of Belize’s ongoing efforts to improve alternative dispute resolution and enhance the delivery of justice across the country.
Chief Justice Louise Esther Blenman will lead the ceremony on Thursday at 10:00 a.m. at the High Court in Belize City.
The UK Government is backing Belize’s seaweed industry with nearly £100,000 in funding. The funds will support the Belize Women’s Seaweed Farmers Association (BWSFA) by helping local farmers build a more sustainable, profitable seaweed industry while creating jobs and strengthening the country’s resilience to climate change.
The initiative is named Empowering BWSFA: Strengthening Sustainable Seaweed Mariculture through Capacity Building, Marketing, and Innovation. This project addresses critical challenges within Belize’s blue economy, including overfishing, unsustainable practices, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. BWSFA President Jalima Gold spoke on the importance of expanding seaweed mariculture and promoting both environmental stewardship and economic growth.
British High Commissioner Christine Rowlands expressed her strong support, stating, “We are happy to continue our partnership with BWSFA; through the Blue Social Challenge Fund, this project will empower local communities to develop Belize’s blue economy, grow its mariculture sector, and continue to build climate resilience.”
The project also plans to launch a marketing campaign and develop ecotourism opportunities through seaweed farm tours to generate income and raise awareness about sustainable practices.
On December 14, for approximately 20 minutes, Japan’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Iwaya Takeshi, held a bilateral meeting with Belize’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade, Education, Culture, Science, and Technology, Francis Fonseca.
Minister Fonseca was in Japan to attend the Eighth Japan-CARICOM Ministerial-Level Conference.
Minister Iwaya welcomed Minister Fonseca’s visit, noting the significance of the Eighth Japan-CARICOM Ministerial Conference and expressing Japan’s intention to sustain the momentum for stronger relations with Belize in 2025, which will mark the Japan-SICA Friendship Year. He highlighted Japan’s decade-long support for overcoming the unique vulnerabilities faced by low-lying coastal states and promoting sustainable development, guided by Japan’s three-pillar CARICOM policy.
In response, Minister Fonseca expressed his gratitude for Japan’s ongoing cooperation and emphasised Belize’s hopes for continued partnership. Both ministers affirmed their commitment to deepening Japan-CARICOM ties and strengthening bilateral relations between Japan and Belize. They also agreed on the importance of fostering continuous dialogue to reinforce their relationship.
The Ministry of Health has reported a significant decline in dengue cases across the country as the year draws to a close. By the 50th epidemiological week of 2024, a total of 2,266 cases were recorded, marking a 23% decrease compared to 2,945 cases during the same period in 2023.
This drop comes as health officials continue efforts to combat the mosquito-borne disease.
The districts of Toledo and Stann Creek accounted for over half of the country’s cases. Toledo reported 645 cases (28% of the national total), while Stann Creek followed with 536 cases (24%). These southern districts continue to grapple with high transmission rates despite national improvements.
Other districts showed notable declines. Cayo recorded 485 cases, representing 21% of the national total. Belize District followed with 206 cases (9%), while Orange Walk and Corozal registered 292 (13%) and 102 (5%) cases, respectively.
The figures also highlighted a shift in the severity of outbreaks. Lab-confirmed cases in 2024 were fewer compared to prior years, demonstrating improved diagnostic measures and public health interventions.
Health officials credit community outreach, increased public awareness, and strategic mosquito control programs for the reduction. However, they stress the need for sustained efforts in high-burden areas like Toledo and Stann Creek, where environmental factors and weather patterns continue to favour the Aedes aegypti mosquito.
With dengue fever remaining a public health concern, the Ministry urges the public to stay vigilant by eliminating mosquito breeding sites and seeking medical care promptly for symptoms such as fever, severe headache, and joint pain.
However, across the Americas, the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) is reporting a surge in dengue cases, marking the region’s worst epidemic since 1980. It said that over 12.6 million cases have been reported — nearly triple the number recorded in 2023 — including 21,000 severe cases and more than 7,700 deaths. Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, and Mexico account for 90% of the cases and 88% of the deaths, with Brazil being the hardest hit.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade has confirmed an illegal incursion by a Guatemalan patrol boat within Belizean waters near the Sapodilla Cayes. Contrary to initial media reports, the ministry stated that the vessel did not run aground on the Barrier Reef.
According to the ministry, members of the Belize Coast Guard engaged with Guatemalan officers on board the vessel before escorting it out of Belizean waters. The incident has prompted a firm response from Belizean authorities.
In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade announced plans to issue a formal protest to Guatemala, calling on its government to prevent further unauthorised incursions by its armed forces into Belizean territory.
The ministry also reaffirmed its commitment to engaging with its Guatemalan counterpart to ensure that Belize’s maritime and territorial integrity—as recognised by international borders—is fully respected.
