Mexico blocked a U.S. military deportation flight from landing due to a paperwork issue and miscommunication with the U.S. Defence Department on Thursday, which delayed plans to return illegal immigrants. While two other flights to Guatemala went ahead, the flight headed for Mexico was stopped.
Mexico’s president, Claudia Sheinbaum, reaffirmed that her country has not agreed to accept non-Mexican asylum seekers, despite the U.S. reinstating the “Remain in Mexico” program.
In a statement, Mexico’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said, “Mexico has a very good relationship with the United States government, and we cooperate with respect for our sovereignty on a wide range of issues, including migration.” It added, “When it comes to repatriations, we will always welcome the arrival of Mexicans to our territory with open arms. Mexico embraces you.”
Before taking office, President Trump vowed to carry out mass deportations, focusing first on criminal immigrants, and to enforce stricter immigration rules and checks. He also sent 1,500 active-duty troops to the southern border to increase military presence there.
The U.S. government’s recent review of foreign aid programs has placed funding for key projects at risk. Local organisations focused on youth programs, better governance, and crime prevention, funded by the U.S. under CARSI, may lose their funding.
Recent reports indicate that local NGOs in Belize were recently notified that CARSI-funded projects would be put on hold as part of a broader foreign assistance review.
The halt in funding follows a series of executive orders signed by the newly inaugurated 47th U.S. President, Donald J. Trump. The orders include a review of various foreign assistance programs, and this includes CARSI.
The review process is reportedly to ensure whether these programs align with the U.S.’s recent national interests.
What is CARSI?
The Central America Regional Security Initiative (CARSI) has been an important and major support towards civil society and good governance in Belize, Panama, and Costa Rica. Since its inception in 2012, the U.S. government has invested over $12 million in programs targeting issues such as crime prevention, transparency, and youth empowerment. CARSI has funded initiatives to address the root causes of criminal behaviour, improve governance, and strengthen the rule of law in these countries.
The most recent CARSI grantees in Belize include:
Galen University – Project to strengthen good governance and transparency at the municipal level.
UNDP Belize – Project to strengthen governance for transparency and accountability.
RET International—Project to Nurture Connections by Empowering Parents, Teachers, and Adolescents for Healthy Relationships
Love Foundation – Project to promote youth engagement in political action and advancing integrated municipalities.
A Critical Moment for Regional Cooperation
While the CARSI initiative is not solely responsible for the region’s security challenges, its funding has played a crucial role in fulfilling its purpose. Under President Barack Obama’s administration in 2013, CARSI, along with other security investments, helped Central American governments make streets safer, strengthen the rule of law, and protect human rights. The United States took a broad, coordinated approach to fighting transnational crime and improving safety and opportunities for people across the region.
This latest freeze comes on the heels of other significant cuts in foreign aid programs, including the suspension of funding for the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). The impact of these cuts on public health and community programs could be severe, with experts warning that halting such assistance could lead to setbacks in progress made against HIV/AIDS and other critical global challenges.
“This is a matter of life or death,” said Beatriz Grinsztejn, IAS President. “It makes no sense to suddenly stop this incredible catalyst of our global progress towards ending HIV as a threat to public health and individual well-being.”
U.S. President Donald Trump’s executive order freezing foreign aid funding has now impacted the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). This makes yet another affected foreign project that raises global concerns.
The International AIDS Society (IAS) says this action will affect the lives of over 20 million people who rely on the program for HIV treatment.
On his first day in office, Trump signed an order halting new foreign aid spending. This was followed by a “stop-work order” on January 24, which froze funding to PEPFAR, including existing grants and contracts.
“This is a matter of life or death,” said Beatriz Grinsztejn, IAS President. “It makes no sense to suddenly stop this incredible catalyst of our global progress towards ending HIV as a threat to public health and individual well-being.”
Since its launch in 2003, PEPFAR has saved 26 million lives and invested over $110 billion in the global fight against HIV. The IAS is calling on policymakers to restore funding, stressing that without it, HIV could resurge and lives will be lost.
Police are investigating a shooting that was reported this morning in Belama Phase 2, Belize City. Officers investigated reports of gunfire near Jackfruit Crescent.
A landlord revealed that one of his tenants found bullet holes in her back door and fridge.
Senator Collet Montejo, 55, also reported damage to his Chevy Colorado after two bullets struck his truck—one hitting the tailgate and the other the side. Montejo, Vice President of the Senate, was unharmed. Police found eight shell casings at the scene, but no injuries were reported.
The Department of Youth Services (DYS) is taking steps toward a sustainable future after securing a $50,000 grant from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The funding will fuel a series of youth-driven initiatives focused on raising climate change awareness and promoting action in environmental conservation and sustainability.
“The grant will facilitate a series of interactive educational activities, including youth-focused community events, digital campaigns, and forums that highlight the importance of environmental conservation and sustainable living,” said the Ministry of Youth, Sports, and Transport.
Key projects include the “Our Future, Our Planet” digital campaign, which already engaged student participation across eleven schools. The department also hosted a Climate Change Youth Forum, where students showcased innovative solutions at a Project Design Competition.
During that forum, Muffles College students took the top three spots, with their projects ranging from eco-bricks made from plastic waste to coconut husk-based water filtration systems. The first-place winners, Gianna Flowers, Adir Castillo, and Alexandra Blanco, presented Solar Synergy Schools, which focused on reducing carbon emissions in classrooms by replacing traditional lighting with solar-powered LED systems.
The second-place Husk Flow, developed by Leilani Tun, Jarel Cordova, and Ziraili Narvallez, focuses on using coconut husks to create affordable water filtration systems for rural areas.
Meanwhile, the Eco Bricks team, including Marcel Riverol, Brianna Castillo, and Marvin Flores, seeks to repurpose plastic waste into sustainable building materials.
Belize’s newly designed banknotes are the hot topic of conversation across the country. The fresh designs were unveiled on Thursday, with plans to start distribution by mid-year. To gauge public opinion, News Five conducted an online poll, revealing some interesting responses. A total of seven thousand, one hundred and ninety users responded. Three thousand, seven hundred and ninety-three responders voted that they did not like the new design. Only six hundred and seventy-five voted in favor of the design. Two thousand and ninety-two persons agreed that it looks like the Mexican pesos. Three hundred and sixty-five people appreciated the enhanced security features, while two hundred and sixty-five people could hardly be bothered by the new currency design. The poll received one hundred and forty-two comments and twenty-five shares. We also hit the streets to get reactions from everyday Belizeans. News Five’s Paul Lopez has the story.
Paul Lopez, Reporting
On Thursday, the Central Bank of Belize rolled out its newly designed currency notes at a special event in Belize City. The unveiling was attended by a host of government officials and other distinguished guests, marking an exciting moment for the nation. The public has had mixed reactions to the new currency designs, which now feature the faces of the Right Honorable George Cadle Price and Philip Goldson, replacing Queen Elizabeth II as the prominent figure. These notes also come with advanced security features to combat counterfeiting. News Five hit the streets of the Old Capital to get the public’s take on the new look.
Paul Lopez
“Right now I think George Price deh pan ih belly the turn over, because right now deh nuh the think bout the small people. We discuss bout the port, the sugar, the police, but yo nuh hear nothing the talk bout the poor man. The poor man the tek a lick right now.”
Belize City Resident #1
Belize City Resident #1
“The money we have right now is Queen Elizabeth.”
Paul Lopez
“Well that has changed. Have you seen it?”
Belize City Resident #1
“No I have never seen it.”
Paul Lopez
“Well, let me show you, so this is the new twenty dollar bill. This is the new fifty dollar bill and this is the new hundred dollar bill. What do you think?”
Belize City Resident #1
“Well that is that nuh.”
Belize City Resident #1
Belize City Resident #2
“I just feel like ih look like the Mexican money, the pesos. Ih nuh look good.”
The new hundred-dollar banknote is a tribute to Belize’s stunning marine attractions and aquatic life, showcasing the Queen Triggerfish, the Hawksbill turtle, and the iconic Great Blue Hole as its background image. It also proudly features a portrait of the Right Honorable George Cadle Price. Meanwhile, the fifty-dollar note highlights Belize’s rich archaeological heritage with images of Lamanai, Xunantunich, and Caracol, along with a portrait of Philip Goldson.
Paul Lopez
“What do you think, do you like it?”
Belize City Resident #3
Belize City Resident #3
“Well actually yeah.”
Belize City Resident #4
Belize City Resident #4
“Ih look good to, ih look good.”
Paul Lopez
“So which do you prefer the queen face or we national heroes?”
Belize City Resident #4
“We national heroes because we celebrate independence to, so might as well we do we own thing to.”
Belize City Resident #5
Belize City Resident #5
“The queen face should remain on the money, because from when I was a little girl the queen face was on the money. So, why would they want to remove the queen off of it now.”
Paul Lopez
“Now if I come and give you a hundred dollars with George Price face on it would you take it?”
Belize City Resident #5
“Dah money, suh we wah tek it. But I still feel the queen face should remain on the money.”
Belize City Resident #6
Belize City Resident #6
“I would prefer the queen face still, because I think in the longer run the money might devalue.”
Addressing concerns about devaluation, Central Bank Governor Kareem Michael assured everyone during Thursday’s unveiling ceremony that the value of the new banknotes will remain unchanged.
Kareem Michael
Kareem Michael, Governor, Central Bank of Belize
“I would like to reemphasize that when we put the new series of notes into circulation there will be absolutely no change in its value. Today one U.S. dollar is equivalent to two Belizean dollar. This will not change. The value one Belize dollar after the new bank note is put into circulation will remain the same.”
The new banknotes are set to enter circulation between June and July this year. In addition to the one hundred and the fifty-dollar notes, the newly designed twenty-dollar note showcases Belize’s vibrant jungle life. The ten-dollar note celebrates the country’s diverse bird species, while the five-dollar note highlights historic buildings. The two-dollar note beautifully features Belize’s stunning waterfalls and rivers.
Iraqi
Iraqi, Tourist
“In Iraq we have the president Sadam Husein, but he is no more. They changed that. It use to be all Sadam Husein picture in all currency and they changed it. It is now like whatever is a part of the history of Iraq so they changed it. Nobody’s face.”
Paul Lopez
“And how did the people take to that?”
Iraqi Tourist
“They don’t care, they have to live with it and they take it.”
Paul Lopez
“Because it has the same value.”
Iraqi Tourist
“Exactly.”
Belize City Resident #7
Belize City Resident #7
“Ih the show we pan the money now, the Belizean people.”
Paul Lopez
“You feel ih more relatable now to see a black man on the money?”
Belize City Resident #7
“Yes man. People say the money ah devalue. I don’t understand it. It is just a picture.”
Belize City Resident #8
Belize City Resident #8
“It is what it is. I wah deh pan the side and sih how things wah play out. I think deh bally do deh homework. So I nuh think we wah face no consequences ah it.”
Belize is making waves on the global stage with its efforts to combat money laundering and terrorism. On Thursday, the Caribbean Financial Action Taskforce released Belize’s fourth Round Mutual Evaluation Report, highlighting the country’s impressive strides in fighting money laundering, terrorism financing, and the spread of weapons of mass destruction. The report assessed Belize in two key areas: technical compliance and effectiveness. Out of the forty CFATF recommendations for technical compliance, Belize was fully compliant in thirty-eight. The country also achieved substantial effectiveness in five of the eleven immediate outcomes, moderate in five, and low in just one. We caught up with Leni Ysaguirre-McGann, the Director of the Financial Intelligence Unit, to discuss this remarkable achievement and what it means for Belize’s future.
Leni Ysaguirre-McGann, Director, F.I.U Belize
“Belize is a part of the international financial system. We want to operate in this financial system. It is important for our economic viability and our business viability that we are able to transact. And the reason why the FATF and these organizations are so effective at essentially pressuring countries, because it is a system of peer pressure, and they are quite effective in having countries abide and comply with these standards because failure to comply means you end up in some sort of review process or follow up process, grey listing or blacklisting. The intention is to put pressure on you to address any shortcomings. So, for us the goal was to avoid the blacklist and grey list and by avoiding it, means we don’t end up in an enhanced review process following our assessments. What would have happened had we not avoided those listings is that we would have ended up in a review process following our evaluation where they would then zone into the areas of deficiencies and put us on an action plan with specific timeline that we would have had to abide by. Now Belize has entered into what is called regular follow up process. This is essentially the gold standard. This is there we want to be. Our reporting periods are longer. We have two and a half years. In those two and a half years we provide updates on how we have been keeping our regime and how we have addressed deficiencies in our report.”
You might remember that back in 2011, Belize was grey listed in the third Round Mutual Evaluation Report. This was a big blow, causing the country to lose eighty-seven percent of its correspondent banking relationships. Fast forward to today, and Belize has hit the gold standard in these reviews. McGann points out that this doesn’t mean the country is completely free of these criminal activities, but it does show that the mechanisms in place are highly effective in combating them.
Leni Ysaguirre-McGann, Director, F.I.U Belize
“Given how we performed in our previous assessment in the third round ten years ago where we did get publicly listed or grey listed by the CFATF and shortly following those listings we would have noted Belize experienced loss of correspondence banking up to eighty-seven percent of our domestic banking correspondence relationships were severed with various institutions and we felt the consequences and we know what that feels like. So, it was a priority for our national agents, the government, to avoid that happening again because the country did take a while to recover and reestablish relationships. So, there is certainly a dramatic turnaround from where we were in the third round up to now. The point of the assessment is to assess the implementation of measures and the reason why we have these measures is premise on the idea that countries will have scourge of money laundering, and the threats associated with that that it has to address. No country is perfect, and the objective of the assessment is not that money laundering, or these threats will be eliminated. It is to ensure that there are appropriate measures within jurisdictions to address them to provide for national and domestic coordination, international cooperation and coordination, to ensure you are prioritizing things like asset recovery and forfeiture, so those are the mechanisms that it focuses on. It focuses on having mechanisms to apply targeted financial sanctions which are measures we take against persons who may be listed because of their involvement in terrorism financing or proliferation financing. So it is to ensure that the appropriate mechanisms are in place to respond to threats.”
Amid the ongoing rift within the U.D.P, Lee Mark Chang, recently declared Deputy Leader under Panton’s leadership, took to Facebook today with a post clearly aimed at Mesop Standard Bearer, Moses “Shyne” Barrow. The brief post, almost scoffing at a request for mediation, simply stated, “that ship has sailed”. This came just four days after Chang announced his candidacy in the constituency under Tracy Taegar-Panton’s leadership, who is in a fierce battle with Barrow for party leadership. As the owner of Chon Saan Palace, Chang brings significant financial clout to his campaign, posing a formidable threat to Barrow’s candidacy in Mesop. Adding fuel to the fire, a Facebook post by Hot Off the Press, run by a Panton supporter, headlined “Shyne Barrow Seeks Peace After Stirring U.D.P. Conflict,” suggested that Barrow is now seeking peace after causing turmoil within the party. The post claims that Barrow’s legal team has reached out to Panton’s attorneys, signaling an interest in mediation. This comes after Panton indicated that Barrow had previously abandoned attempts at finding common ground. Barrow is expected to address this topic at a press conference on Tuesday. Meanwhile, the High Court of Belize has acknowledged receiving a letter dated January fifteenth regarding the Claimants’ request for Contempt Orders. These orders, filed on December sixth, 2024, are set to be heard alongside the Application for Court Orders with an Affidavit of Urgency submitted on January fifteenth. The court’s letter, sent on behalf of Justice Tawanda Hondora for Claim 661 of 2024, brought by Barrow against Panton, instructs the parties to coordinate their schedules and agree on a hearing date. Once the date is set, they are to inform the court so the necessary arrangements can be made for the hearing.
The power struggle within the United Democratic Party (U.D.P.) continues to unfold, with yet another shift in the Cayo North constituency. Doctor Omar Figueroa, who had previously thrown his support behind Albert Area Representative Tracy Taegar-Panton following the October 20th Unity Convention, has now changed his stance. After a meeting with Mesop Area Representative Moses “Shyne” Barrow on Thursday night, Figueroa has decided to run for the U.D.P. under Barrow’s leadership. News Five’s Marion Ali has the full story in this report.
Marion Ali, Reporting
On October twenty-eighth, UDP Cayo North Standard Bearer Dr. Omar Figueroa sent a letter to Albert Area Representative Tracy Taegar-Panton and Mesop Area Representative Moses “Shyne” Barrow, announcing his decision to run for the UDP under Panton’s leadership. Although he missed the unity convention, Figueroa explained that this decision came after the Cayo North executive held several meetings to assess the situation within the UDP and conducted surveys to gauge the opinions of Cayo North voters. In his letter, Figueroa also praised the impressive show of unity that Panton managed to achieve at the convention, something the party hadn’t seen in years.
In the letter, Figueroa proposed holding a national leadership convention by December first, but that never came to pass. He also pointed out that given the turmoil within the UDP, the chances of organizing such a convention were slim, which indeed turned out to be the case. Between the October twenty-eighth letter and January twenty-third, Figueroa made an about-face, reverting to his original stance and once again throwing his support behind Barrow.
We couldn’t reach Figueroa for a comment, and Panton declined an interview until she could speak with him about the Thursday night meeting and decision, which she learned about from us. Alberto August, who maintains that he is the deputy chair of the UDP under Barrow, was present at the meeting. While he mentioned that Figueroa is the best person to discuss this latest development, August did share that Figueroa wants to run in the elections as a UDP candidate and sees Barrow as the UDP leader again. August explained that he, along with the UDP’s campaign manager and Barrow, met with Figueroa and his entire constituency committee, except for one member, on Thursday night in San Ignacio Town. This meeting took place after Figueroa’s committee decided to support Barrow as the UDP leader. More details will be provided at a press conference that Barrow will hold next Tuesday.
Figueroa’s change of heart came less than two weeks after another Panton supporter, Ivan Puerto, resigned as standard bearer for Corozal Bay. He had been front and center at the Panton-led Unity convention on October twentieth, celebrating the show of UDP solidarity. On the same day Figueroa penned his letter supporting Panton, Elodio Aragon Jr., the UDP’s standard bearer in Orange Walk East, also wrote to declare his allegiance to Panton. When we caught up with him today, he confirmed that Panton still had his full support. Marion Ali for News Five.
