Last week, we reported that the contract between the Kolbe Foundation and the government of Belize for the management of the Belize Central Prison has not been renewed. A meeting between both parties was held today. Police Minister Kareem Musa told News 5, “Whenever there is the ending of the contract, we do have a discussion with the Kolbe Foundation on the way forward. We’re actually having that meeting right now as we speak. My CEO is there, meeting with them, and I’m heading over there to see.”
Discussions between the foundation and government officials have been underway to finalise contract terms. Musa added that “Both sides have concerns in terms of the management, and so we are going to see if we can renew that contract.”
The private non-profit organisation has managed the prison since 2002, transforming it from a facility plagued by abuse, overcrowding, and unsanitary conditions into one that prioritises rehabilitation and improved living standards for its 1,150 inmates.
The facility also offers rehabilitation programs such as addiction treatment, education, and vocational training in fields like welding and construction. With a cost of just $7 per inmate per day, the Kolbe Foundation’s focus on rehabilitation has led to lower recidivism rates.
On Monday, Jamaican national Christopher McIntyre was detained in Belize after customs officials flagged his accommodation details. McIntyre had been invited by American Sheila Williams, who explained to News 5 that the booking was in her name, not his.
Williams tried to resolve the issue by speaking to officials, but she was told by a supervisor that her invitation didn’t hold weight, as she is not a Belizean citizen. McIntyre remains in detention, and Williams is now working with attorney Norman Rodriguez to explore legal options for his release.
Prime Minister John Briceño commented, stating that Belize had to ensure visitors met specific criteria, such as proof of funds and confirmed accommodation. “There have been many instances where we’ve had, in this issue, Jamaicans that would come to Belize and say they would come on holidays and then after that they disappear. They go across the border on the way to the United States. We have a responsibility to ensure that that is kept at a minimum.”
Briceño said, adding that “Based on what was presented to the department… they felt that he did not meet the criteria.”
President-elect Donald Trump’s mass deportation plans have many illegal immigrants in U.S. soil sitting on the edge of their seats. Trump’s plan is set to launch after his inauguration on January 20, and it is expected to remove millions of undocumented immigrants, including those with temporary protections.
As of 2022, approximately 11 million immigrants lived in the U.S. illegally, with some estimates suggesting this number has risen to 13-14 million. A substantial portion of undocumented immigrants come from Mexico, with other top countries including Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras.
Guatemala has expressed willingness to accept citizens from other Central American countries deported from the United States as part of its efforts to foster a positive relationship with the incoming Trump administration. According to Prime Minister John Briceño, Belize will not.
When asked about possible pressure, he added, “We are a sovereign nation, and they cannot force us to accept people that are not citizens from this country. And as far as I am concerned, we are not going to accept any citizen that is not Belizean.”
Could Belize face a significant influx of Belizeans being deported from the United States due to their undocumented status?
When asked about it today, Briceño stated, “We are concerned about any mass deportation, but when it comes to Belizeans, we have to welcome them. This is their home.”
Briceño also addressed the situation for Belizeans with criminal records who may be deported. He said, “If they send anybody with a criminal record, we hope that when they come, they will be productive citizens, but we cannot stop them from coming back to Belize,” adding that “There are no if’s or but’s about that.”
Wildfires sweeping across Los Angeles County have claimed at least two lives, left dozens injured, and destroyed over 1,000 structures, forcing the evacuation of more than 70,000 residents. Firefighters are battling four major blazes—Palisades, Eaton, Hurst, and Woodley—that remain completely uncontained, stretching emergency services to their limits. Los Angeles Fire Chief Kristin Crowley acknowledged the overwhelming strain, stating that the department was prepared for one or two significant fires but not four simultaneously.
The Palisades Fire is the largest and most destructive, having burnt over 5,000 acres and destroyed 1,000 structures. Fierce winds grounded firefighting aircraft and left fire hydrants temporarily dry in the Pacific Palisades neighbourhood, intensifying the challenge for emergency responders. Currently, 37,000 residents are under evacuation orders as the blaze continues to grow.
The Eaton Fire near Pasadena has resulted in two fatalities and multiple injuries, some of which are severe. This fire has consumed over 2,000 acres and forced the evacuation of 32,500 residents. Meanwhile, the Hurst Fire, which ignited near Sylmar, has grown to 500 acres, prompting the evacuation of 3,000 people. The Woodley Fire, the most recent to ignite, has burnt 75 acres so far, with crews scrambling to contain it.
Authorities warn that strong winds and worsening conditions could escalate the situation, putting all of Los Angeles County at risk. A local reporter, who has lived in California for 25 years, described these wildfires as the most alarming he has ever witnessed, noting their unprecedented scale and intensity.
Why are drivers still waiting for license cards and stickers many months after renewal? Many drivers are asking this after going through the process of renewal and only receiving receipts as proof of their renewal.
Yesterday, one driver shared a receipt from three months ago with the note, “NO lic printing at D.o.t.” while waiting for their physical card. Another driver told News 5, “It’s very frustrating because when you have a receipt, it can get damaged or anything, and when they ask you if you lost it, then it gets frustrating. We are paying full price, so we expect to get it.”
In response to the public’s growing concern, Prime Minister John Briceño told reporters that after meeting with Minister Ferguson and acting CEO Valentino Shal, a large order of license plates and stickers was placed. Briceño said, “CEO Shal confessed that he did not know the extent of the need that was out there. And that’s why it’s finished… We should be able to address all the needs going forward.” He also mentioned he would check with the Ministry of Finance to confirm that payment has been made for the new order.
Today, Prime Minister John Briceño responded to growing concerns over poor sugarcane roads in the Corozal District. Briceño stated that while funds and contracts are in place for repairs, weather conditions continue to prevent progress.
“We will be wasting money if we try to fix the road right now, because then one day later, two days later, it’s going to break up,” PM Briceño said.
Earlier this week, the Corozal Sugar Cane Producers Association (CSCPA) raised alarm over the ongoing issues in a letter to the Prime Minister. CSCPA stated that despite claims that 90% of roads have been fixed, farmers in the district are struggling to deliver sugarcane to the mill due to ongoing road issues.
CSCPA also cited challenges like high humidity, pests, and investments made before the crop season, all affecting sugar cane quality.
Meanwhile, on the day that Belize Sugar Industries (BSI) opened its gates, BSI’s Financial Director, Shawn Chavarria, called the situation a “long-term failure.” Chavarria stated that this inadequate infrastructure has been an issue for years. “It’s been successive years of inadequate maintenance and repairs to these sugar roads for a critical industry,” he said.
Prime Minister Briceño addressed the issue, noting that weather conditions have delayed repairs. “We have the money. We’ve signed the contracts, and we’ve set aside even another million dollars plus to be able to fix the Sugar Roads, but until the weather clears up and it dries up, there’s not much that we can do.”
Police are investigating the fatal stabbing incident that occurred earlier today in Hopkins Village in the Stann Creek District.
The victim has been identified as George Brown, locally known as “Guru.”
Brown was reportedly attacked and stabbed by his brother-in-law. His family expressed their loss on social media, with one of them stating, “RIP cuz dey chance u bway,” and another saying, “How ih hurt so bad breda breda I love u.”
The Belize Police Department is holding its 4th Quarter National COMPSTAT Meeting in Belmopan, where it is expected that preliminary details of this incident will be shared.
The general election has been on everybody’s mind. When will it be? Will it be held in the first half of the year or the latter half? Will the United Democratic Party (UDP) be able to put its differences aside to mount a formidable challenge against the People’s United Party (PUP)?
Prime Minister John Briceño told News 5 this morning that the election “will be more toward the first half of this year.” He stated that he has yet to decide on a specific date. Once a decision is made, the Prime Minister will be required to announce it at least a month in advance.
With the UDP in shambles, political spectators ponder if the Briceño Administration will pull off a clean sweep. It has happened twice pre-independence, and the possibility of it happening again is not nil. Hypothetically speaking, if the PUP manages to win all 31 constituencies, will the Prime Minister appoint persons from losing political parties to oversight bodies like the Elections and Boundaries Commission and push for such appointments for the three Senate seats reserved for the Opposition? Briceño answered, “Why are you wishing this on me? It would sound good, but one, I don’t think that is going to happen. We are going to fight to win all 31 seats like in every election. But, at the end of the day, we have to respect the wishes of the Belizean people, and if they should decide to give us the 31 seats, it is something that…we’ll have to cross that bridge when we get there.”
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced new restrictions on live animal imports from Belize, effective January 3, 2025. This comes after Belize confirmed its first case of New World Screwworm in the country.
The USDA has prohibited the import of live ruminants, swine, and their germplasm from Belize. Dogs from Belize will be allowed entry with a health certificate confirming they have been inspected for screwworm.
Horses from Belize will need to undergo a strict screwworm treatment protocol, including quarantine, upon arrival in the U.S. “Horses imported to the United States from screwworm-free regions transiting screwworm-affected regions via air, land, or sea will require a minimum of 7 days in quarantine at an APHIS Animal Import Centre,” the USDA stated.
The Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA) reported that a six-month-old Brangus heifer on a farm in Crique Sarco, Belize, was discovered with a suspicious wound on her right ear, near her ear tag. Upon closer inspection, fifty-nine larvae were removed from the wound.
Dr. Roxanna Alvarez, Animal Health Director at BAHA, reported, “No other wound was found on the animal, and no other animals in the herd presented lesions, wounds, or infestations.” The farm is now under quarantine, and the heifer’s wound has been treated.
The United Democratic Party is heading back to mediation, this time with the High Court facilitating the process. As we reported on Monday, a letter was sent to the Registrar of the High Court, informing her of the Alliance for Democracy’s intention to resolve their internal dispute with Shyne Barrow. But will it work, given that both sides remain steadfast in their positions? Tracy Taegar-Panton and the Alliance for Democracy movement aren’t considering a coalition, as they firmly see themselves as members of the U.D.P. On the other hand, Shyne Barrow has proposed various options to unify the party, but one of his conditions is that Tracy Taegar-Panton stops calling herself the party leader. Tonight, we’ll bring you the latest from both factions and their perspectives on whether mediation can actually succeed under these circumstances.
Isani Cayetano
“For the better part of last year there was a very strong bucking of heads between Shyne Barrow and yourself where leadership of the United Democratic Party is concerned. How do you see this mediation process working out if, for instance, you’re not budging from your position post October twentieth, and he is saying, “Look, the court is saying everything reverts back to status quo ante October twentieth.”
Tracy Taegar-Panton
Tracy Taegar-Panton, Area Representative, Albert
“Where does the court say that? That’s not what I read in the interim, the order that came out after the interim injunction. The court does not make that declaration. The court cannot prejudice a case that it has not heard. So, the court could not, the court dealt with one matter in that injunction and that matter had to do with the use of the headquarters, access to the headquarters in particular and use of the party organs for the work of the party. It said nothing else. There is a substantial matter before the court that has not yet been determined, has not been heard and in no court anywhere in the Commonwealth jurisdiction will a court prejudice itself before hearing the matters at hand.”
Isani Cayetano
“So where does that put you in terms of the mediation process? You made certain pronouncements on Friday in another area of the media where Mr. Barrow and his attorney are essentially saying, “Look, what you are doing is essentially contravening what the High Court has ordered.” That’s their position.”
Tracy Taegar-Panton
“But where does it say that? So, you know, to say one thing and to look, and I invite the members of the local media, look at Claim Six-sixty and look at the judgment, if you will, that came out after that and read it for yourselves because the court did not say anything other than the use of the building and the party assets.”
