Belize officially opened its High Commission office in the Cooperative Republic of Guyana on Tuesday. This is according to an X post by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade. It said, “FM Fonseca, accompanied by Amb. Mai and HC Gale Miller-Garnett, officially opened Belize’s High Commission in the Cooperative Republic of Guyana. FM Fonseca spoke of the strong relations with Guyana and the importance of forging ties with CARICOM.”
Earlier in June, the Belize flag was hoisted at the chancellery of the High Commission of Belize in the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, marking the nascent of its operations.”
The event was led by High Commissioner H.E. Gale Miller-Garnett and attended by Belize Defence Force members studying in Guyana.
While in Guyana, Foreign Affairs Minister Francis Fonseca, in his capacity as Minister of Education, “met with Belizeans studying in Guyana. The students who are primarily pursuing programs in medicine and law spoke to their experience and progress living and studying in Guyana.”
Negotiations on funding for adaptation to climate change are gridlocked. “We must double the funding for adaptation and expedite the allocation of resources to address the damages caused by climate change,” said Chief Executive Officer in the Ministry of Sustainable Development, Climate Change, and Disaster Risk Management, Dr. Kenrick Williams. He urged the international community to double funding for climate adaptation and speed up financial support for the damage caused by climate change.
Dr. Williams stressed that the climate crisis is having a severe impact on vulnerable nations like Belize. Natural disasters, including tropical storms and forest fires, have caused losses exceeding $200 million, more than 6% of the country’s GDP, over the past two years. “We need a doubling of adaptation financing, and we need to expedite the financing for loss and damage,” Dr. Williams said. “Investment in adaptation is not a luxury; it is a prerequisite for survival.”
Small Island Developing States (SIDS) rely heavily on tourism, fishing, and agriculture, are already bearing the brunt of climate change impacts. Developing effective NDCs is a difficult task, requiring financial resources, technical expertise, and strong data systems—things many SIDS lack. “We face the challenge of lack of human resources back home, especially when it comes to the expertise needed to put together international documents,” said Edalmi Pinelo, Belize’s Chief Climate Change Officer.
For many SIDS, financial struggles are made worse by growing debt, creating a cycle that makes it even harder to address climate risks.
“It is an honour to participate in such a landmark event to share our thoughts, engage in debate, and express our needs,” Pinelo said. “Climate finance is one of our top priorities. Our people are suffering from recurring tropical storms, and climate change is intensifying extreme weather events. Those trying to adapt in these conditions urgently need financial support,” she added.
Developing nations, including Belize, are frustrated that climate finance discussions are still focused on emission reductions while their urgent financial and adaptation needs remain unmet. Meanwhile, the EU has not yet agreed on a final figure for climate finance under the new goal.
Last week, Prime Minister John Briceño travelled to Mexico City on an official visit aimed at strengthening the relationship between both countries. That same day, he chaired a meeting of COCESNA, the Central American Air Navigation Services Corporation, in his role as pro tempore chairman. The Prime Minister also took the opportunity to advocate for CEO Kennedy Carillo’s candidacy for a position on the ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) Board, a specialised agency of the United Nations.
The discussions covered a wide range of topics, including security, trade, and tourism in the border region. The future of the Tren Maya project, which aims to improve connectivity between Mexico and Central America, was another major point of conversation.
PM Briceño stated that President Claudia Sheinbaum and Mexico’s new Foreign Minister are committed to continued bilateral cooperation. Both countries also explored ways to strengthen cooperation in the energy sector, with plans to form working groups to increase energy generation and transmission and expand the existing power purchase agreement to meet growing demand on both sides of the border. A key focus of the talks was the need for green energy development in both countries.
The man recently won $25,000 on a Scratch and Win ticket. He recalled going to a shop with several options and deciding to buy two scratch tickets—one for one dollar and the other for five dollars. As he scratched the five-dollar ticket, he realised he had won a significant amount of money. “When I scratched the bottom number, I saw 25, and I thought, well, it made a good birthday; it’s my birthday today,” he said.
He added, “Well, I said, well, you know, you feel like you’re funny in your body because, you know, you win this big prize.”
When asked what he planned to do with the cash, he mentioned that the first priority would be improving his home. “Well, the first thing is my house because it’s been two years. It will start at my house, but then I’ll have some day labor. But now, that’s the correct time, I figure,” he said, adding that he planned to use the money wisely. He also encouraged others to keep trying their luck, saying, “If you don’t buy, you don’t win. You don’t have hope that way.”
At COP29, large developing countries strongly rejected a private proposal suggesting $200-300 billion in climate finance for emerging economies, calling the amount “unacceptable.” Bolivia’s negotiator, Diego Pacheco, speaking for the Like-Minded Developing Countries (LMDC) group, said, “We are unable to fathom this $200 billion to step up ambition in developing countries,” adding, “Is it a joke?”
Developed countries, including the EU, are still negotiating the amount of finance they will provide under the new climate finance goal (NCQG). Germany’s climate envoy, Jennifer Morgan, stated that the EU is working on a “modern and fair” approach but has not yet disclosed a concrete number.
Developing countries also voiced frustration over a lack of progress on emission reductions. Pacheco criticised the talks as “totally imbalanced,” focusing too much on mitigation without addressing the finance and adaptation needs of vulnerable nations. “All we hear is mitigation, mitigation, and more mitigation,” he said.
On Wednesday, Germany’s climate envoy, Jennifer Morgan, emphasised that the EU is taking the issue seriously, aiming for a feasible yet ambitious goal. She stated that no EU or German figure has been set because they are striving for a fair and modern approach to climate finance.
As COP29 progresses, time pressure is mounting.
Australia’s environment minister Chris Bowen reported that the figures under consideration for an overall “mobilised” climate finance goal of $1.3 trillion include $440 billion, $600 billion, and $900 billion, all proposed by developing countries. Egypt’s environment minister, Yasmine Fouad, noted that debates over the structure of the climate finance goal are ongoing, with differing views on whether private investments should be included.
With the conference nearing its end, WWF’s Stephen Cornelius called for urgent political guidance, as key issues such as the size of the finance goal, who will contribute, and how funds will be allocated remain unresolved. He urged COP29 leadership to use their authority and diplomacy to reach an ambitious agreement by the summit’s close on Friday.
The U.S. embassy in Kyiv, Ukraine, has temporarily closed following intelligence indicating the possibility of a significant airstrike on the city. Greek, Spanish, and Italian embassies have also suspended public operations, citing similar security concerns, with Italy specifically referencing the risk of a high-intensity attack. The U.S. embassy has advised its staff and American citizens in Kyiv to remain prepared to shelter in place as air raid sirens continue to sound across the capital.
In response to the ongoing conflict, the White House is set to announce a $275 million military aid package for Ukraine, which will include artillery, rocket systems, and anti-tank weapons. The U.S. has, for the first time, approved sending anti-personnel mines to Ukraine, a controversial decision given the long-standing criticism from human rights organisations regarding the indiscriminate dangers posed by such weapons. U.S. officials have clarified that these mines are intended for defensive use within Ukraine’s borders.
Meanwhile, geopolitical tensions are intensifying as Russia updates its nuclear doctrine to include the use of nuclear weapons in response to aggression from non-nuclear states allied with nuclear powers. Despite this development, the U.S. has refrained from altering its nuclear posture, dismissing Russia’s actions as provocative and irresponsible rhetoric. At the G20 summit in Rio de Janeiro, President Biden’s recent decision to allow Ukraine to target Russian territory with long-range U.S.-made missiles has added further strain to diplomatic relations. Biden avoided direct engagement with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, reflecting the complexity of navigating shifting U.S. policy and the uncertainties surrounding President-elect Trump’s future approach to the conflict.
The Mopan River started rising rapidly this morning after being flooded for the past three days. Tropical Storm Sara dumped over forty inches of rain in neighboring countries, and all that water is now flowing through the river system into Belize. Today, the Mopan River overflowed its banks and spilled onto the highway in San Jose Succotz, forcing authorities to close part of the road to motorists. Residents in the village and in Benque Viejo Town remember the river rising even higher back in 2020, but this is the worst it’s been since then. Tonight, there’s a lot of uncertainty about when the floodwaters will recede, and life will return to normal. News Five’s Paul Lopez reports.
Paul Lopez, Reporting
This morning, the Mopan River, which flows through Benque Viejo Town and San Jose Succotz, started rising quickly. By mid-morning, two sections of the highway in Succotz were submerged under a couple feet of water. Local authorities had no choice but to close the road. All this flooding is the result of water flowing in from neighboring countries after Tropical Storm Sara. It is just before midday in San Jose Succotz and over night the Mopan River has risen to heights that have overtaken a portion of the highway in the village. This portion of the highway leads through the village into the Benque Veijo Del Carmen Town. This is one portion of the highway where we are currently standing that authorities in the community have decided to close. Today, residents were out in force, watching as the river continued to swell and flood the highway. We spoke with one villager who has been keeping a close eye on the rising waters over the past few days.”
Voice of: Succotz Resident
Voice of: Succotz Resident
“Yesterday we came down and there were no water on the streets on the road. This morning when we came down I saw motorcycles going and people walking. But, it was not coming up to there. It was only where you see the yellow ban. Up to there was the river, now I see it much deeper. It is raising more. It is very alarming because we are trapped here we can’t go out.”
Despite the road closure, some residents were wading through the floodwaters. One person even took the opportunity to swim in the flooded drain, while others rode by on bicycles. At the village entrance along the river, a store owner was busy evacuating as the floodwaters had already started to seep into her shop.
Janet Dart
Janet Dart, Store Owner
“Last night I mih the eena my bed and my husband that is all the way in Colorado called me and tell me ih the watch the news from Melchor and the river the rise and mek I come deal with everything. So I reach here about seven, lee bit before seven and the water mih deh way over that side, just mih the start come in, but now. Good thing they come tek the stuff out. So, we nuh really the build much worries, other than the mud cleaning afterwards.”
Paul Lopez
Paul Lopez
“We are now at the second portion of the road that is closed just outside of San Jose Succotz. This is the entrance to Benque Viejo Del Carmen Town. And If you look behind me there is a bridge that connects Benque to San Jose Succotz. That is completely inundated by water. As a result, authorities had to close it. And again the only way to get to Benque is through that detour that we took moments ago.”
The detour winds through the hills of San Jose Succotz, taking a less-traveled path. It’s far from ideal, with some rough patches along the way, but it served its purpose. Benque Viejo Mayor Jorge Rosales was on-site, overseeing the much-needed road repairs along the bypass.
Jorge Rosales
Jorge Rosales, Mayor, Benque
“Seeing this we have to may sure the bypass is open. The road going down here is very deteriorated, because everything is rock is hard to fix. But we kind of made it easy to go down and not to come up. By the east side here by Vegas house we fix the next road which will be getting ou from Benque going into Succotz and this one goes into Benque. At the same time the truck coming from Guatemala are not able to come through, nor the buses like Fronte Del Norte they are not coming in..”
With the main road closed and large trucks and buses barred from using the detour, several tourists traveling by bus through the Belize-Guatemala border found themselves stranded with little to no information. We spoke with one tourist from Denmark who was on his way to Caye Caulker.
Clara Lendqvist
Clara Lendqvist, Tourist
“We learnt a little bit about the bad weather and the hurricane and stuff like that. But we didn’t think it would be this hard to get into Belize. We are going to Caye Caulker so we also need to get the ferry.”
Paul Lopez
“So what’s the update for you all right now?”
Clara Lendqvist
“Right now we are in a little waiting position. Four of our friends went to get some cash and hopefully we could get a taxi.”
In the heart of Benque, Benedict Palacio has been sitting on his back porch for the past few days watching the Mopan River rise. Being so close to the river usually offers stunning views when the water levels are normal. But on days like these, it’s a whole different story.
Benedict Palacio
Benedict Palacio, Benque Viejo Town Resident
“We have done our mitigation. We have put our sandbag there, because we believe if it gets worst than this we have our basement downstairs and we wouldn’t want that to be flooded out. That would be the worst-case scenario for us. But I don’t think that will happen. I don’t think it will get worst than this. At least that is what I am praying for and keeping my fingers crossed.”
Prime Minister John Briceño returned to Belize on Friday, just in time for Tropical Storm Sara’s arrival over the weekend. In a televised address later that day, he urged Belizeans to stay calm and follow their emergency plans, especially those in low-lying and flood-prone areas. Earlier today, PM Briceño joined National Emergency Coordinator Daniel Mendez for a flyover of the affected regions. The sight was overwhelming, with water everywhere and large swaths of farmland submerged. This afternoon, we caught up with the Prime Minister in San Ignacio, where he was touring with several area representatives, including Michel Chebat, Alex Balona, and Orlando Habet. Here’s what he shared with us.
Prime Minister John Briceño
“After we looked at the record rains that we had over the weekend and looking at some of the images of the flooding that was taking place, especially here in San Ignacio, Santa Elena, Bullet Tree and in some other villages, I think it was important to come and take a firsthand look as to what has happened and the amount of damage and see what is it that we can do to rebuild and try to assist the people in this area.”
Reporter
“You have been on a [flyover], what is your assessment of the current situation and the situation coming down the river?”
Prime Minister John Briceño
“It’s lots of water. I flew all the way up to the Chalillo Dam, all the way Caracol, actually. We went into the Belize River Valley, all the way by Maskall, that whole area. We saw the Chalillo Dam, it’s overflowing, lots of water. More and more water is going to be coming down the Macal [River] and onto San Ignacio and Santa Elena and onto the villages in these areas. Our hope is that it does not rain because if it doesn’t rain, the waters are still running out and hopefully the flooding will not be as bad. It becomes serious when you have lots of rain and all of the water is coming down. We have to take into account that we have waters coming in from Guatemala. The concerns about these waters coming from Guatemala is that a lot of these villages, most of the citizens are very, very poor and they have latrines right next to the river.”
In other parts of the Cayo District, the Prime Minister reports that hundreds of acres of farmland are underwater. This spells trouble for farmers in Valley of Peace, who are facing significant losses in vegetables and other crops. The Prime Minister’s aerial damage assessment hasn’t yet included the costs.
Prime Minister John Briceño
Prime Minister John Briceño
“Here in the plains in Cayo, Santander, hundreds of acres of cane land are under water. Lots of small farmers have lost their crops, the vegetables in Cayo Central, by La Gracia, also by mile seven, that area. We have a lot of farmers that grow vegetables and their vegetables and crops are under water. Over all, what we are seeing is a lot of infrastructure damage like, for example, what we are seeing here. This small bridge that connects to St. Martin Primary School, and agricultural crops. Our small farmers are losing and we have to see, how we can fix the infrastructure, infrastructure that can now hold the kind of water that is running down and also to work with our small farmers and see how we can help them.”
Paul Lopez
“What’s the initial cost or is it too early to determine?”
Prime Minister John Briceño
“I think it’s way too early to determine. Captain Mendez was with me on the flyover, from NEMO, and they have their assessment team outside. So it’s going to be quite substantial, unfortunately, but we have to find a way. But we Belizeans are resilient and we will find a way how to rebound and to rebound even better.”
The Briceño administration recently approved an additional one point five million dollars for the National Emergency Management Organization to aid in recovery efforts. However, in the coming days, the Ministry of Infrastructure Development and Housing is also expected to submit an estimated cost for repairing the damaged roads across the affected areas.
Prime Minister John Briceño
Prime Minister John Briceño
“We just approved in the budget for NEMO, in the last supplementary budget, I think we had one point five million dollars. So we have to make that available and I am sure that when we speak with Minister Espat from MIDH and their team, and they come to tell us the level of damage that our highways and in the north, the sugar roads, roads for farmers, village roads, village streets, the amount of damage that they’ve had… It’s going to be substantial. Let’s see how we could assess the damage and get it done. I think that what we want to see is that the central government gets the work done. We work closely with the mayor, I believe we respect him and he is quite active in the work that does here, certainly in the twin towns and we are here to serve the people.”
Paul Lopez “What can you tell us about residents living beyond the Bullet Tree Bridge and what they can expect by way of some sort of aid from government or any agency?”
Prime Minister John Briceño
“The very same thing that we said we were going to do in all the villages. In these areas, the area representatives are making assessments. For instance, I think it was Calla Creek that also had some record flooding but the water ran off but there was damage to property.”
