The State of Emergency (SoE) in Trinidad and Tobago has been extended for three months following a parliamentary decision late Monday night. The extension was approved after Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley raised the motion, which was debated by both government members and the opposition.
The SoE, initially declared on December 30, was enacted after the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service provided credible intelligence about the likelihood of reprisal killings following a mass shooting in Laventille that weekend. The original declaration, set for 15 days, required parliamentary approval for any extension.
During the debate, Prime Minister Rowley explained that the SoE did not restrict the rights of law-abiding citizens.
National Security Minister Fitzgerald Hinds reported significant results from the SoE’s implementation. He noted that the country recorded 12 murders so far in 2025, representing a 50% reduction compared to the same period in 2024.
Hinds also confirmed that 137 individuals remained in custody out of more than 500 detained during SoE operations. He assured citizens that the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force was actively patrolling communities, with plans to increase their presence in the coming days.
An event to honour Father of the Nation George Cadle Price was held today at his family house on Pickstock Street in Belize City. To celebrate his life and legacy, a compilation of his letters preserved at the Belize Archives was launched under the title Good Belizeans. The compilation includes correspondences during his life as a political leader during which he addressed various topics, including independence.
A botanical garden featuring species from Belize’s flora was created at the residence.
A street exhibit was also opened, showcasing Price’s communications and other elements of his enduring legacy.
Known as the Father of the Nation, Price led Belize to independence in September 1981 and became the country’s first prime minister. He would have turned 106 today.
January 15, the birthday of George Cadle Price, has been a national holiday for four years. Belizeans have taken to social media to say, “Happy George Price Day.” Prime Minister John Briceño stressed the profound significance of the phrase, “Those four simple words,” to all Belizeans, describing it as a call to service and an opportunity to honour the legacy of service. While reflecting on and honouring the profound contributions of George Price, PM Briceño also acknowledged the many Belizeans who stood alongside Price in the fight to defend the nation.
In visiting Price’s historic home, Briceño expressed the honour he felt in reflecting on Price’s values and way of life, which continue to serve as a guide for his own commitment to serving Belize.
Israel and Hamas have reached a ceasefire agreement to end the 15-month conflict in Gaza. The agreement includes an exchange of Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners, marking a potential resolution to a war that has destabilised the Middle East.
The ceasefire comes after months of negotiations brokered by Egyptian and Qatari mediators with U.S. backing, finalised just before the inauguration of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump on January 20. Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff, collaborated with outgoing President Joe Biden’s team to expedite the deal, with Trump warning of severe consequences if hostages were not released.
The conflict escalated on October 7, 2023, when Hamas-led gunmen breached Israeli security barriers, killing 1,200 soldiers and civilians and abducting over 250 hostages. In response, Israel launched a military campaign in Gaza, resulting in over 46,000 deaths, according to Gaza health officials, and leaving the territory devastated.
The deal may alleviate domestic outrage in Israel over the October 7 security failure, which led to the deadliest day in the nation’s history. Additionally, the agreement follows Israel’s targeted killings of top leaders from Hamas and Hezbollah, which bolstered its position amid broader regional tensions involving Iran-backed proxies in Lebanon, Iraq, and Yemen.
“In our region. Mr. President, Belize rejects the continued denial of self-determination of the Palestinian people and calls for the eradication of the system of colonial domination and apartheid being imposed upon them, as Belize stated to the International Court of Justice,” he said.
Minister Fonseca added, “In the recent advisory opinion, Israel could not be permitted to continue flouting one of the most fundamental principles of international law with impunity.”
In November 2023, Belize severed diplomatic ties with Israel. Belize also withdrew its approval for Einat Kranz-Neiger to serve as Israel’s Ambassador to Belize. All operations of the Israeli Honorary Consulate in Belize and the appointment of its Honorary Consul were suspended. Belize also suspended its Honorary Consulate in Tel Aviv.
The Belize Department of Transport, led by Deputy Chief Transport Officer Peter Williams, conducted a one-day traffic enforcement training for members of the newly established Highway Interdiction Team (HIT) on Tuesday.
The training emphasised key procedures, including issuing traffic violation tickets and conducting vehicle checkpoints, equipping officers with critical skills to enhance road safety and operational effectiveness.
HIT, launched by the Belize Police Department in collaboration with the Ministry of Home Affairs and New Growth Industries, aims to address traffic law enforcement while combating serious crimes such as drug trafficking, human smuggling, and the illegal transport of firearms.
Tackling Road Fatalities and Crime
In 2024, Belize recorded 115 road traffic-related deaths and an alarming increase in crimes linked to drug operations. Minister of Home Affairs Kareem Musa stressed the dual focus of the HIT team: enforcing traffic laws and targeting transnational crimes.
“And so it is my hope that this team, this Highway Interdiction Team, will also play a significant role in curbing the number of traffic fatalities and traffic accidents,” Musa stated.
Commissioner of Police Chester Williams said that Belize’s highways are often exploited by local and international criminals for illegal activities. The HIT is tasked with deterring these operations and ensuring highway safety.
Strategic Deployment and Expansion
The initial team of 14 officers will be stationed across key locations, with plans to expand as new recruits join. Special focus will be placed on the northern and southern regions, where criminal activities such as drug plane landings and contraband smuggling are prevalent.
Musa added, “And so it is expected that along the northern border we will be seeing a lot of the highway interdiction team, as well as in the south, where we have a lot of pain landings. Yes, it is in very remote areas in Dolores, where we have most of the pain landings. But hopefully this year we can get our forward operating base established in Dolores, along with the U.S. Embassy.”
Tools and Legislative Support
Essential tools like speed guns, breathalysers, and vehicle inspection equipment are being secured to enable the team to carry out their duties effectively. Williams also noted ongoing discussions to amend road traffic regulations, enhancing enforcement capabilities. “As long with other equipment that will be used to inspect and search vehicles on the spot, those are things that the Embassy we’ll be providing to the team so that they can be able to discharge it in the best way they can. We are currently in discussion I think should be finalized by now, the different amendments to the road traffic regulation hat will deal with the issue of the use of fertilizers and strengthening some of the land.”
In a statement made just days before leaving office, U.S. President Joe Biden announced Cuba’s removal from the list. Initially added in 1982 under President Ronald Reagan, Cuba was taken off in 2015 during the Obama administration but reinstated on January 12, 2021, during Donald Trump’s presidency.
President Biden’s decision follows a comprehensive review, concluding that Cuba no longer meets the legal criteria for inclusion on the list. “The Government of Cuba has not provided any support for international terrorism during the preceding six months and has assured it will not support such acts in the future,” Biden stated.
This move is expected to strengthen U.S.-Cuba relations and promote regional stability in the Caribbean. It also significantly impacts travel to the United States, particularly for individuals subject to the U.S. Visa Waiver Program (VWP).
A Cuban foreign ministry statement said the decision reflected the “humanitarian nature of the Cuban justice system” but did not tie the prisoner release to the Biden announcements.
Cuba’s government called the breakthrough a step in the “right direction,” but accused the U.S. of continued “economic warfare” against the island, warning that the measures could be quickly rolled back and that the Cold War-era U.S. trade embargo against Cuba remained.
Last year Belize marked the 29th anniversary of diplomatic relations with Cuba, with Cabinet expressing gratitude for the strong partnership. Acknowledging Cuba’s significant contributions in healthcare and education through its doctors and teachers, the government reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening ties with this key Caribbean ally.
It’s good news for Doctor Sutherland, as criminal charges against him were officially dropped in the Magistrates Court today. Last week, a police officer charged the Good Samaritan, formally known as Harrison Sutherland, for carrying a five-gallon bottle of water on his bicycle in a way that supposedly didn’t give him full control. He was detained for several hours and then brought before a magistrate. Sutherland pleaded not guilty, explaining that he was carrying the water to help an elderly person. After the story aired, Commissioner of Police Chester Williams stepped in, calling the charge unusual and unreasonable, and requested it be withdrawn. On Monday, Sutherland expressed his gratitude to the commissioner, but it wasn’t until today that the charge was officially dropped. In court, Sutherland was told that the prosecution wasn’t offering any evidence against him, so the case was dismissed. He was informed that he didn’t need to return to court. Outside the courtroom, Sutherland shared his relief and gratitude after the charge was officially withdrawn.
Harrison Sutherland, Belize City Resident
“It is an offence. But for a plastic bottle that have no offense to the public. So you the try explain that the gas tank weh unu the ride with, the zinc deh, the pint bottle and those, so dende dah nuh danger, but the plastic bottle dah danger.”
Reporter
“Now that you understand the law and if you had another opportunity to assist somebody how would you go about doing that knowing that the law exists?”
Harrison Sutherland
“I would think twice now because I was just helping an old lady and I get crucified for that. Cho, me nuh into help nobody no more. Like weh unu seh, the good suffer for the bad.”
If you’re looking to invest your money in Belize City and support its infrastructural development while earning lucrative returns, municipal securities might be your best bet. Today, the Belize City Council hosted a public investment forum to pitch these securities to potential investors. While tax revenues mainly cover operational costs, funds for capital projects need to come from other sources. Sure, the council could go to the bank, but that’s too costly. Instead, it turns to public investors to sell papers, notes, and bonds. News Five’s Paul Lopez was at the event and filed this report.
Paul Lopez, Reporting
Municipal governing bodies like the Belize City Council need funds to carry out infrastructural projects that enhance the quality of life for residents. Unfortunately, the money collected from taxes just isn’t enough to cover these big projects.
Bernard Wagner
Bernard Wagner, Mayor, Belize City
“The taxes is used for your day to day operation, but if you are engaging in capital projects, huge projects, street infrastructure, parks and playgrounds, expansion of your e-mobility project, you need significant capital and you will never be able to get those capital on a day to day basis from property taxes, trade license, liquor license or traffic fees.”
Enter municipal securities. Simply put, investors can lend money to the municipality and, in return, receive interest payments along with the principal amount at a specified time.
Bernard Wagner
“These investments will allow us to pave more streets. I was being to the CEO of Chamber and she was telling me that Coney Drive need fix. Steve mih the tell me that Mercy Lane need fix. That is why we need your support. These investments will allow us to pave improve drainage and create spaces that foster community development and growth. We can build upon the one hundred and fifty streets rehabilitated in 2023 and 2024 by prioritizing the use of concrete ensuring greater durability and enhanced climate resilience. These investments will shape the Belize City of tomorrow.”
Today, the Belize City Council hosted a public investment forum to secure buy-in from investors for future securities. So, why not just borrow the money from the bank to complete these projects? According to Abigail Castellanos, a financial analyst at Legacy Fund Limited, it’s cheaper for the council to raise funds through securities. Plus, it offers attractive interest rates to lenders.
Abigail Castellanos
Abigail Castellanos, Financial Analyst 2, Legacy Fund Limited
“The interest rate for these municipal securities will typically range from four-point five percent and as high as seven percent, with an equal weighted average of five-point seventy-five percent. Now, compared to the bank loans which are at eight-point forty-five percent plus a premium of one percent that the banks might set on that loan, the council saves between two-point forty-five percent and four-point ninety-five percent in their borrowing cost. And it is not only the issuer that benefits from the lowering borrowing cost. Investors get to benefit by earning higher interest compared to the traditional saving accounts. Municipal securities offer interest rates between four-point five percent and seven percent, which is far higher than the zero point ninety-three percent that is offered by a standard saving account.”
The Belize City Council is gearing up to issue a new series of municipal bonds soon. These bonds will have maturities ranging from five to twenty years, with interest rates between 5.75% and 6.5%.
Abigail Castellanos
“Investors don’t only benefit from the high returns. They also benefit from the tax-free feature of the municipal securities. So, the interest you earn on your municipal securities are exempt from income tax, business tax and stamp duty. Municipal securities are also considered a low-risk investment.”
Bernard Wagner
“In the Belize market, the last time we check their was close to seven hundred million sitting in the banking sector and those funds can be utilized to drive development within a city, especially like Belize City which is a growing city.”
The Belize City Council has wrapped up its audits for 2022 and 2023. Mayor Wagner announced that the council’s website will soon be updated with the audited financials. He also shared some insights into what the audits revealed.
Bernard Wagner
Bernard Wagner, Mayor, Belize City
“Very soon. We had that audit completed a week ago. So we have the 2022 and 2023 on that website. I just have to get the caucus to approve it and PR team will do the rest. I just looked at it last night. Clearly it shows you had your struggles in 2021, coming out of COVID and Lisa, but it showed pretty quickly by 2022 you had a net loss of five hundred sixty-five thousand. But in 2023 you had an operating surplus of one point six million. So clearly, we have turned that curve and I am anticipating that the 2024 figures will be even better. I see where our property taxes, trade license, liquor license and traffic fees all increased from 2022 to 2023. I am very hopeful that the trend continues.”
Back in November, the Belize City Council wrapped up a study on damaged streets across the country, estimating that repairs would cost approximately one point six million dollars. Now, more than two months later, most of those streets are still in disrepair. So, what’s the holdup? Is the council waiting for central government to step in? With general elections around the corner, voters will surely be demanding these upgrades. Today, we asked Mayor Bernard Wagner when those repairs will finally begin.
Bernard Wagner
Bernard Wagner, Mayor, Belize City Council
“Bail out no, we are not seeking bailout. We are waiting for the rains to subside. I am glad that finally we are seeing some letting up in the rain. We do not shy away from the fact that climate change is here. But we as a progressive entity have to find the capital to do the retrofitting and rehabilitation of those streets. Flooding again requires, I always insist that flooding requires participation from residents. We will do our part. We have cleaned those drains on an annual basis. When you see flooding in the city, the water does not stay there long. It goes very quickly. I agree with you, we still need to fine tune the drainage system in the city. That is part of our agenda for this year, to focus on drainage, ensure that there are maintained, that they are connecting. You cannot just have a drain and it connects to nowhere. It must connect to the canals and it feeds into the river and the river into the sea. We have a pumping station that helps us to alleviate flooding in that downtown Belize City area.”
The Belize City Council is finally paying off the eight hundred-thousand-dollar debt owed to the Belize Waste Control, which caused a garbage crisis in the Old Capital late last year. Thankfully, garbage collection resumed before the end of 2024. Mayor Bernard Wagner credited Prime Minister John Briceno for bringing both parties to the table to reach an agreement. When asked if the central government bailed out the council, Mayor Wagner clarified that the council is handling the debt repayment. He also continues to advocate for a garbage collection tax for Belize City residents.
Bernard Wagner
Bernard Wagner, Mayor, Belize City
“I have not shied away from that. I have been saying for years that the residents must. It is your garbage and the city has the responsibility to ensure that we are not utilizing funds that would be normally used for street rehabilitation and other operational purposes on your garbage. That has to be at some point addressed. Why is Belize City different from other municipalities? All the other municipalities has legislation to collect a garbage fee. I have not shied away from that. I do believe we have residents who want to pay. I have had residents who say mayor we want to pay a fee because we are a responsible contributor to our city.”
Paul Lopez
“Did the central government bail out the council where that outstanding balance was concerned?”
Bernard Wagner
“We are paying those outstanding balance. It is always a cashflow problem. Cash flow is how you manage it. During the slow season there will be a slow down of revenues coming into the council’s coffers. So it is about managing it, but we are, as we speak keeping up to our obligations to the Waste Control Board, as a city.”
Paul Lopez
“So there was not a bail out?”
Bernard Wagner
“We had very good discussions with the prime minister and he helped us with getting the parties to the table and formulating a plan and that plan is being adhered to as we speak.”
