In January, Belize Sugar Industries and the Belize Sugar Cane Farmers Association finally reached an agreement, ending their prolonged negotiations. Just a year ago, the dispute had escalated to public demonstrations and road blockades. This year, however, the sugar industry faces new challenges: climate change, inaccessible sugar roads, and fungal diseases affecting the crops. We spoke with several stakeholders today, who emphasized the strong commitment of both entities to work together and tackle these issues head-on.
Shawn Chavarria
Shawn Chavarria, Financial Director, B.S.I.
“Certainly a welcome treat for us to be able to, have a Christmas break where really you didn’t have to worry about trying to negotiate a commercial agreement and when we will start. So that’s certainly welcome compared to a year ago. And so having, put that aside, then the focus now is really in ensuring that we make the most out of this crop. We try to minimize our losses and maximize revenues as best as we can. And so that really requires a collaborative effort with all stakeholders to ensure that we achieve them.”
Alfredo Ortega
Alfredo Ortega, Chairman, Committee of Management, B.S.C.F.A.
“As you know last year we signed a two year extension addendum of the agreement. So this year we don’t have anything to sign. We are already in peace for this year, as you rightly said. So we have to continue on when time comes that we need to negotiate. Then we will start negotiating again with the men. So at this point in time, everything is okay between us. We have signed for at least this coming year again. So we need to work in peace because at the very end, what we want to see is our farmers really get the benefit of their labor.”
Last month, the Public Utilities Commission (P.U.C.) proposed a consent grant to Belize Energy Cogeneration Limited (BELCOGEN), which generates energy from sugar cane bagasse. This consent would allow BELCOGEN to operate a co-generation power plant, enabling them to generate, transmit, and supply electricity as an independent power producer to Belize Sugar Industries Limited and Belize Electricity Limited. The P.U.C. stated that this consent aligns with the goals of the Belize National Energy Policy 2023, ensuring that BELCOGEN continues to meet the country’s energy needs. Shawn Chavarria, Financial Manager of Belize Sugar Industries, provided an update on this consent grant.
Shawn Chavarria
Shawn Chavarria, Financial Director, B.S.I.
“Belcogen generation license is actually expiring at the end of December. And so with the new regulation, we have to go through a process of applying first for a generation license and then the consent for the facility. So we now have our generation license for the next ten years and the process of finalizing the consent, I think the deadline is today and so far we haven’t heard, we’ve submitted everything that has been requested by the P.U.C. and so we’re expecting that consent should similarly be provided.”
In late August, Belize kicked off the first hearings for the Commission of Inquiry into the sugar industry. This inquiry aims to scrutinize the entire value chain of the industry and offer recommendations to the government. Belize Sugar Industries Limited (B.S.I.) was among the organizations under examination. B.S.I.’s Financial Director, Shawn Chavarria, shared an update on these recommendations.
Shawn Chavarria, Financial Director, B.S.I.
“We actually heard from the Commission of Inquiry roughly two weeks ago. They had shared a summary of their recommendation. But we haven’t seen the full report and we are requesting the full report because really it’s difficult for us to opine on what the summary of the findings and recommendations are without seeing the rationale for it. So we requested the full report. The commission did ask us not to meet that public as yet because they want to ensure the proper communication is done with all the stakeholders first and get their feedback. But from our standpoint, it was a bit challenging for us to give you back without seeing the full report. And so we requested that. We’re hopeful that we can get that sometime soon.”
Tonight, two teenagers, aged eighteen and fifteen, are out on bail after facing charges of robbery earlier this week. The older teen, eighteen-year-old Randy Cain from Hattieville Village, and his fifteen-year-old relative, a student, were both accused of using force to steal a black Samsung cellphone and an ATM card from Cameron Leon Myvett on December eighteenth, 2024. Appearing before the Chief Magistrate, both teens pleaded not guilty to the robbery charges. Despite the police prosecutor’s strong objections—citing the prevalence of such crimes, the overwhelming evidence against them, and concerns that they might reoffend—the Chief Magistrate granted them bail. The prosecutor argued that the teens had already helped recover the stolen items and feared they might continue their spree if released. He also pointed out that Cain, being unemployed, might negatively influence his younger relative. Additionally, there’s a worrying trend of young men on bicycles committing random robberies, which added to the prosecutor’s concerns. Nevertheless, the Chief Magistrate set their bail at two thousand, five hundred dollars each, with one surety of the same amount. The fifteen-year-old was released into his father’s care and must stay with him in Belize City, away from Hattieville. Both teens must report to their respective police stations—Cain to Hattieville Police Station every Friday, and the minor to Racoon Street Police Station. They are also ordered to stay one hundred yards away from the victim and attend all court dates. Their next court appearance is scheduled for February twenty-first, 2025.
Tonight, a young man is spending his third night behind bars after being sentenced to three months for burglary. Jaheem Young, a twenty-three-year-old boat repairer from Saint Joseph Street, Belize City, appeared in court this morning. He pleaded guilty to breaking into his cousin’s home on Freetown Road and stealing a white speaker valued at two hundred and fifty dollars on December twenty-second, 2024. Young, who was unrepresented, faced two charges, but the second charge of sexual assault wasn’t read as the court awaits further instructions from the Director of Public Prosecutions. Despite his guilty plea for burglary, Young showed no remorse, which the prosecutor highlighted, especially since the victim was his own cousin. The prosecutor pushed for a minimum seven-year sentence, but Chief Magistrate Jayani Wegodapola considered that this was Young’s first conviction for a crime of dishonesty or violence. She opted for a three-month sentence instead. Young also had two outstanding fines from previous convictions—one for drug possession and another for a traffic offense. These fines will run concurrently with his three-month sentence, allowing him to clear his record by the time he is released in 2025. The sexual assault charge has been adjourned to January twenty-ninth, 2025, pending further directives from the D.P.P.
A twenty-two-year-old construction worker, Peter Amaud Lara, found himself in hot water after being accused of going on a shopping spree with a stolen Atlantic Bank Debit card. Lara, who lives on Central American Boulevard in Belize City, was charged with card theft and appeared in the Belize City Magistrate’s Court. Lara faced three counts of card theft, accused of using Mía Buller’s lost debit card to swipe over three hundred dollars at various stores on December nineteenth, 2024. He allegedly spent twelve dollars at Chens Store and two hundred and forty dollars at Zen Zen Supermarket. Initially, Lara pleaded guilty to the first two counts but changed his plea to not guilty after learning that Buller wanted to drop the charges. In court, Lara explained that he had been at the police station since Friday and handed over the card when the police arrived. He claimed he didn’t steal the card but got it from someone else who asked him to withdraw cash. Buller, the twenty-one-year-old sales agent, confirmed she had received her money back and didn’t want to proceed with the case, stating that Lara was just following someone else’s instructions. Despite Buller’s request to drop the charges, the Chief Magistrate wasn’t convinced that Lara should be let off the hook so easily. Lara was granted bail set at five thousand dollars with two sureties of two thousand, five hundred dollars each. The prosecutor was instructed to investigate further and report back by Lara’s next court date on February eighteenth, 2025.
Forty-eight-year-old Joseph Cifiriano Avila, a Belize Defense Force truck driver from Lord’s Bank Village, has been charged with “failure to provide a specimen” and “driving without due care and attention.” The charges come on the heels of a Christmas Eve accident on the Southern Highway. The crash happened near the Bocawina Junction just before seven p.m. on Tuesday. Video footage shows Avila’s truck flipped onto its roof as he was driving from Punta Gorda to Price Barracks, with one passenger on board. Avila told police he swerved to avoid a motorcycle, causing the truck to veer off the road and overturn. Officers noted a strong smell of alcohol on Avila’s breath, and he refused to provide a sample for testing. He was subsequently charged and issued a Notice of Intended Prosecution. Fortunately, no serious injuries were reported from the incident.
If you don’t already know his name, you certainly know his music. Francisco Alcoser Senior, affectionately known as “Pancho,” cemented his place in history as one of Belize’s musical icons. Belizeans everywhere are mourning his passing. Pancho is best known as the founder of the Orange Walk-based Super Furia Band, a beloved group that has entertained generations with its vibrant mix of cumbia, soca, and punta. The sixty-year-old passed away the day after Christmas, following a courageous battle with colon cancer. Now, his family and fans are left to celebrate his remarkable life and continue spreading his passion for music across Belize.
Roxana Anderson
Roxana Anderson, Franciso’s Daughter
“He started the music and the passion for music from before he was even born. Music was always in his bloodstream. I believe his grandparents used to play at the church choirs and etcetera. So that’s how he got really inspired. And then his brother had a bond which he played in and Lucio and the New Generation. And so he ever since he just said, you know what? This is what I want to do for the rest of my life. And from high school. I believe he was in the age of twelve. He started doing music and, that’s how he will always be remembered he always said music is life. He found happiness just seeing his children and family continuing his legacy that he has set a bar like way up high. So it’s it makes us even harder for us to try to keep up to him. But I do think that we had a really good teacher, because I always say that I learned to sing from him and it was hard learning to sing because at that point in time, I’m talking about twenty plus years ago. They had cassette players and to be rewinding and to be practicing a song. So my dad would sing the song for me and then I would have to write the lyrics from what he’s singing to me and learning from him. And I could, and I vividly remember too, with my brothers, he would stay hours and my brothers would be like, but my fingers are hurting, because it does take quite a lot of practice and so forth. But he’s you’re going to love it. You just got to break through and keep going. And he was the biggest and motivator, and he always encouraged new artists. It started in summer and in July and he complained about a back pain and then so they said, the doctor said his kidney stones and then they did further more research and until they found out that he has colon cancer, so he started a couple of treatments in Mexico and anyone that’s going through cancer, they are true warriors because it’s nothing easy. After those treatments, they feel ill and they’re not themselves anymore. But I must say that because my father always put God first, I think that’s what gives him the strength that he needs. So every time after chemo, he’s smiling, he’s still listening to his music.”
Veronica Alcoser
Veronica Alcoser, Francisco’s Daughter-in-law
“For Christmas Day, we were here the day before he dead. We were, speaking to him and we were listening to some cumbia because my mother-in-law, she wanted, okay, say, it’s Christmas, let’s have a little celebration in the living room. And he said, what are you guys listening? I want Belizean music. And all of us were like, okay, put on the Belizean music. Okay. So right there, he was happy. And, I clearly remember that because he was speaking until two hours before his death. He told the guys do not cancel any job if something happens, you’ve got to do your job because you already have a compromise.”
Roxana Anderson
“This Sunday right here in Orange Walk number two Santa Famila Street, we’ll be hosting celebration victory for my dad because he has won a spot there in heaven. So he is a true champ. So it’s gonna be starting this Sunday. We’re inviting all Belizean bands and musicians to come, we’re gonna have a mega stage. Because we gotta do it big. Just the way he wants it.”
This morning at 10 a.m., the gates of the Belize Sugar Industry (BSI) in Orange Walk opened, welcoming sugarcane farmers to make their first deliveries as they mark the start of the new sugarcane crop season. BSI’s communications director, William Neal, told News 5 that despite challenges such as heavy rainfall and the spread of fusarium disease, which has affected much of the northern cane crop, the company remains “optimistic.”
The opening followed a brief symbolic ceremony, during which leaders from various sugar cane associations participated in a “cane toss.” Neal explained, “The different associations’ leaders will bring a bundle of cane and toss it into the carriers, signalling the beginning of the crop season.”
Although the season was initially set to begin on December 16, Neal assured that the delay still keeps the opening within the preferred grinding window, which runs from mid-December to late May, or even June.
Last month, the Ministry of Agriculture declared a state of emergency due to a fungal disease, Fusarium, which has affected up to 40,000 acres of sugar cane. This disease causes the cane to yellow and wilt, making it unsuitable for sugar production. When asked what impacts this can have on this year’s crop season, Neal assured that BSI remains hopeful for a smooth crop season despite the fungal threat. He said, “In some areas they’re saying the fusarium could impact, especially in the Corozal District, where it’s more pervasive, with as much as 30% of production; that is significant. But we are keeping our fingers crossed, and we are hoping that we will be able to bring in as much cane as possible and have another record in terms of payments, as well as our sugar productions.”
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…
The year 2024 presented unprecedented challenges for Belize in disaster response and preparedness. From devastating wildfires to severe flooding, Tropical Storms Sara and Nadine, and Hurricane Beryl, the nation’s resilience was tested.
Belize experienced one of its most severe wildfire seasons, with widespread fires causing extensive damage to the environment, agriculture, and communities. The wildfires were exacerbated by an uncharacteristically long dry season and record high temperatures, leading to significant challenges in managing and containing the fires. The wildfires devastated large tracts of land, including protected areas and farmlands. In the Toledo District, fires destroyed over 600 acres of farmland, affecting around 250 families and causing an estimated $8 million in damages. The fires also impacted the Maya Golden Landscape, managed by the Ya’axche Conservation Trust, where over 2,000 acres of forest were lost. The fires not only destroyed crops such as cacao, corn, and beans but also displaced wildlife, including tapirs, ocelots, and gibnuts.
The response to the wildfires involved a collaborative effort between government agencies, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and private sector companies. The National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) played a central role in coordinating relief efforts, conducting damage assessments, and providing support to affected communities. The Ministry of Infrastructure Development and Housing (MIDH) and the Belize Defence Force (BDF) also contributed resources and manpower to fight the fires. In San Pedro Columbia, community members and organisations like the Maya Leaders Alliance (MLA) and Ya’axche Conservation Trust worked together to control the fires and protect their livelihoods. The government, recognising the severity of the situation, declared a national disaster to access international resources and allocated $1 million from the contingency fund for immediate relief efforts.
The wildfires highlighted the need for updated disaster risk management plans and better preparedness for such events. The government acknowledged that traditional farming practices, such as slash and burn, contributed to the fires and emphasised the need for safer agricultural practices. The fires also underscored the importance of environmental management, including controlled burns and reforestation efforts, to prevent future disasters. International support played a crucial role in the recovery efforts. The European Union provided $170,000 in humanitarian assistance through the Belize Red Cross to support affected families with health, water, sanitation services, and cash assistance. The government also worked with international organisations like NASA to assess the damage and plan for long-term recovery.
As the fires continued to burn in some areas, the government and its partners remained vigilant, monitoring the situation and providing ongoing support to affected communities. The Ministry of Sustainable Development and Climate Change emphasised the need for continuous education and awareness about fire prevention and management. The experiences of 2024 underscored the importance of community cooperation, timely response, and proactive measures in managing natural disasters. The lessons learnt from this wildfire season will inform future efforts to build a more resilient and sustainable Belize, better prepared to handle the challenges posed by climate change and extreme weather events.
In 2024, Belize faced significant challenges from tropical storms Sara and Nadine, both of which brought heavy rainfall, strong winds, and widespread flooding. Tropical Storm Sara formed off the coast of Honduras and Nicaragua, initially projected to head towards the Gulf of Mexico. However, its path shifted, bringing it closer to Belize. By the time it made landfall, Sara had strengthened, with maximum sustained winds of around 50 miles per hour. The storm’s slow movement resulted in heavy rainfall, particularly affecting Middle Caye, which recorded a staggering seventeen inches of rain. Sara’s impact was felt across Belize, with significant flooding reported in various areas. NEMO activated emergency operation centres and coordinated relief efforts, ensuring shelters were ready and advising the public to prepare for potential flooding and strong winds.
Tropical Storm Nadine followed closely on the heels of Sara, forming rapidly and making landfall just south of Belize City with winds of 50 miles per hour. Nadine brought heavy rains and strong winds, particularly affecting Ambergris Caye, Caye Caulker, and the Corozal District. Despite the storm, many street vendors in Belize City continued their operations, highlighting the resilience and determination of the local community. Nadine’s heavy rainfall led to significant rises in river levels, particularly the Macal and Mopan Rivers, causing widespread flooding in the western regions. The three hydroelectric dams managed by Fortis Belize Limited, particularly the Mollejon and Vaca Dams, experienced spillovers due to the excessive rainfall.
Both storms tested Belize’s emergency preparedness and response capabilities. NEMO and other government agencies worked tirelessly to coordinate relief efforts, provide timely updates, and ensure the safety of residents. The Prime Minister and other officials conducted aerial assessments to understand the extent of the damage and plan recovery efforts. In Belize City, Mayor Bernard Wagner praised the community’s swift response and resilience in the face of Tropical Storm Nadine. The city’s drainage systems, improved through recent projects, helped mitigate some of the flooding, although certain flood-prone areas still experienced significant water accumulation.
The experiences with tropical storms Sara and Nadine underscored the importance of continuous monitoring, timely communication, and community cooperation in disaster preparedness and response. The government acknowledged the need for better environmental management practices, including reforestation and improved drainage systems, to prevent future flooding. Overall, 2024 highlighted the resilience and adaptability of Belizeans in the face of natural disasters. The lessons learnt from these storms will inform future efforts to build a more resilient and sustainable Belize, better prepared to handle the challenges posed by climate change and extreme weather events.
Hurricane Beryl, a historic event in 2024, marked the first time a category four hurricane developed in the Atlantic basin in June, a period typically not associated with such intense storms, which are usually more common between August and October. Beryl rapidly intensified over the weekend before making landfall in the eastern Caribbean. Initially, there was uncertainty about whether Belize would experience a direct hit, but the hurricane’s path included both Belize and the Yucatan Peninsula within its projected cone of impact.
In response, the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) in Belize activated early, holding daily press conferences to keep the public informed. Residents, particularly those in low-lying and flood-prone areas, were advised to prepare for strong winds and heavy rainfall. The Belize Sugar Industries Limited halted cane processing as a precaution, resulting in significant losses for cane farmers, while recent flooding in the sugar belt raised concerns about further inundation from the storm. Many residents, especially from San Pedro and Caye Caulker, evacuated to the mainland, and local airlines and water taxis suspended services until it was safe to resume.
In preparation for the storm, shelters were set up across the country, especially in the Corozal District, which was expected to be the most impacted. Local authorities and residents worked together to clear drainage systems and secure properties. However, despite these extensive preparations, Beryl did not make a direct hit on Belize. The northernmost parts of the country experienced some rain and wind, but the impact was far less severe than initially anticipated.
Belize experienced significant and widespread flooding, impacting various regions and communities across the country. The year was marked by a series of heavy rains, tropical storms, and hurricanes that exacerbated the flooding situation, leading to substantial damage and disruption. The flooding had a severe impact on Belize’s agricultural sector, particularly affecting cane farmers in the northern districts. Villages like Libertad and Caledonia saw extensive damage to cane fields, with many farmers losing their crops due to inundation. The access roads to these fields were also heavily damaged, complicating efforts to salvage any remaining crops. The Coastal Plain Highway, a critical infrastructure project, suffered significant damage due to flooding. Portions of the road crumbled under the weight of floodwaters, highlighting issues related to deforestation and inadequate drainage systems. The Ministry of Infrastructure Development and Housing (MIDH) worked on repairs, including the installation of concrete reinforcements to prevent future damage.
Several communities faced unprecedented flooding, with areas like August Pine Ridge and San Roman Village experiencing severe inundation. In San Roman, the flooding was so extensive that the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) had to ferry villagers in and out using boats. The Mopan River also overflowed, causing significant disruption in San Jose Succotz and Benque Viejo Town. In urban areas like Belize City, the City Emergency Management Organization (CEMO) issued warnings and took preventive measures to manage the flooding. Mayor Bernard Wagner emphasised the importance of community involvement in maintaining drainage systems to mitigate the impact of heavy rains.
The government and various organisations played a crucial role in responding to the flooding. NEMO was actively involved in coordinating relief efforts, providing transportation, and setting up shelters for displaced residents. The Prime Minister conducted aerial assessments of the affected areas to understand the extent of the damage and plan recovery efforts. The Ministry of Agriculture worked closely with farmers to assess the damage and provide support. Efforts were made to improve the resilience of agricultural practices, including the introduction of new cane varieties that are more resistant to flooding.
The flooding highlighted the ongoing challenges posed by climate change and deforestation. The government acknowledged the need for better environmental management practices to prevent such disasters in the future. Initiatives to reforest areas and improve drainage systems were discussed as part of long-term solutions. Despite the challenges, communities across Belize demonstrated resilience and adaptability. Residents in flood-prone areas took proactive measures to protect their homes and livelihoods. In places like Rancho Dolores and Lemonal, villagers used boats to navigate flooded roads and continued their daily activities despite the disruptions. The year 2024 underscored the importance of preparedness and community cooperation in facing natural disasters. The experiences and lessons learnt from the flooding will inform future efforts to build a more resilient and sustainable Belize.
Policy and Community Resilience
Belize’s disaster response in 2024 highlighted several areas requiring improvement, with a strong focus on building resilience through policy and community initiatives. Damage to critical infrastructure, such as the Coastal Plains Highway, emphasised the urgent need for resilient infrastructure projects. Minister Julius Espat stressed the importance of this investment, stating, “Our roads must be designed to withstand these recurring floods. It’s no longer an option but a necessity.”
Community education also played a pivotal role in mitigating disaster impacts. Public awareness campaigns on fire prevention and flood preparedness were credited with saving lives, a point underscored by NEMO’s National Coordinator Daniel Mendez, who remarked, “Education saved lives this year.”
International collaboration proved invaluable, with partnerships involving organisations like the European Union and the U.S. Embassy providing critical resources. These included funding for hurricane shelters and technical support for disaster management efforts. Additionally, environmental management initiatives focused on sustainable land-use practices and reforestation emerged as key strategies for addressing the root causes of wildfires and flooding. “We’re looking at long-term solutions to protect our people and our ecosystems,” noted Minister Habet, highlighting the government’s commitment to addressing these challenges comprehensively.
