Benita Keme-Palacio - Channel 5 Belize

Belize Takes Bold Action Against Tax Evasion

Belize takes a bold step towards greater tax fairness by signing the Multilateral Convention to Facilitate the Implementation of the Subject to Tax Rule (STTR MLI) in Paris. This agreement, signed by Financial Secretary Joseph Waight, strengthens Belize’s fight against tax evasion and ensures that multinational corporations contribute their fair share.

According to an official statement from the Government of Belize, this signing marks an important advancement in the OECD/G20 Inclusive Framework on Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS). “The new STTR MLI will implement the Subject to Tax Rule in bilateral tax treaties, offering developing countries such as Belize a new tool to protect their domestic tax base,” the government stated.

This agreement is part of the Two-Pillar Solution, which was initiated in October 2021 and endorsed by one hundred and thirty-nine countries. It establishes a global minimum tax rate of fifteen percent, ensuring that Multinational Entities (MNEs) pay their fair share of tax in each jurisdiction where they operate. “The Subject-to-Tax Rule is a key component of the agreement and is particularly important for developing countries,” the government added.

ComPol Williams: “Since the SOE, We Saw a Significant Decrease in Crime”

Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police, says that the ongoing State of Emergency (SOE) has led to a notable decrease in crime. ComPol Willaims said, “Since the SOE, we saw a significant decrease of crime in Belize City, particularly in gang violence, likewise in the Cayo District.”

According to Williams, the SOE has provided law enforcement with enhanced capabilities to conduct thorough investigations.

While acknowledging improvements, Williams noted, “It’s not where we want to be.” Williams described the decrease as a “good achievement” and added that “the public needs to do more to work with us” to further reduce crime.

As the SOE nears its conclusion, discussions regarding its potential extension have emerged. The Commissioner clarified, “There is no thought to extending the SOE.”

In addressing gang members, Williams urged gang members to surrender their “guns” upon release. “The way you all can live together in prison, why can’t you live this way when you’re out on the streets? You don’t need to be in prison to learn to live this way,” Williams said.

ComPol Slams Opposition for ‘Misleading’ Crime Data in Belize

The Commissioner of Police, Chester Williams, has strongly countered claims from the Leader of Opposition (LOO), Moses ‘Shyne’ Barrow, regarding rising crime rates in Belize. “He knows the reality of where we stand with crime statistics,” Williams stated, addressing the opposition’s State of the Nation Address delivered on Wednesday from the United Democratic Party’s headquarters. Williams added, “We cannot allow him to mislead the Belizean people.”

Williams said that misrepresentations about crime can harm Belize’s reputation internationally. “He calls himself a patriotic man. But when you do things that lie about your country, lie about the state of security in your country, you’re doing your country a disservice,” he explained, adding “people on international world who may want to come to Belize and they see your interview, they see your comments will not want to come because they fear that when they come to Belize.”

Williams pointed to positive developments in crime trends, noting a significant decrease in violence, particularly in Belize City and the Cayo District, which have previously been impacted by gang-related crime. “Since the SOE, we saw a significant decrease of crime, particularly gang violence,” he said.

Corozal Police Seize 28 kilogrammes of Cocaine in Sarteneja

Corozal police have confiscated over 28 kilogrammes of suspected cocaine in Sarteneja Village. The operation, which forms part of their ongoing northern operations, resulted in the discovery of 25 parcels of the illicit substance.

Commissioner of Police Chester Williams reported that the house search took place on Wednesday night, following intelligence that led officers to a residence in Sarteneja. “The search led to the discovery of 25 parcels of what we suspect to be cocaine,” he stated.

Three males and one female “are in police custody and are expected to be charged today for drug trafficking,” Williams confirmed. The parcels, along with the individuals apprehended at the scene, have been secured by law enforcement.

Commissioner Williams clarified that this operation differs from a previous case in Chunox Village, where six parcels of cocaine were seized.”A number of persons were detained for that. One person pled guilty when the matter went before the court, and the case was withdrawn against the other,” Williams explained.

US Lists Belize as Major Drug Transit Countries for 2025

Four Caribbean countries have been listed as major drug transit and illicit drug-producing countries for the fiscal year 2025 by the United States. The four countries are Belize, the Bahamas, Jamaica, and Haiti. President Joe Biden clarified that this designation is not a reflection of these governments’ counterdrug efforts, stating, “The list is not a sanction or penalty.”

President Biden explained that the criteria for this designation involve geographic, commercial, and economic factors that facilitate drug transit or production, regardless of a government’s commitment to narcotics control. He noted that recent amendments to the definition now include countries supplying precursor chemicals.

Despite the challenges, Biden highlighted a recent decrease in drug overdose deaths in the US, with an estimated 107,543 deaths in 2023. This represents the first annual decline since 2018, which he attributed to his administration’s efforts while also emphasising the importance of a coordinated global response to the drug crisis.

To combat drug trafficking, Biden’s administration launched a Global Coalition in July 2023, now comprising over 150 countries. He stated, “Every continent is experiencing an alarming increase in the manufacturing, trafficking, and consumption of dangerous illicit synthetic drugs.” Other countries included in the US list are Afghanistan, Bolivia, Burma, China, Colombia, and Mexico, among others.

Belikin or GOB’s Approved 10K Cases of Corona?

10,000 cases of Corona Beer are set to make their way to Belize. It has prompted a wave of debate over the local brewing industry. The government-approved import comes as an effort to address ongoing shortages in the tourism sector, where Belikin has reportedly struggled to keep up with demand.

However, the decision raises questions about the ‘protection’ of local businesses in the face of competition from a global giant.

The Ministry of Agricultural and Food Security has stipulated that the bottles must be labelled ‘Belize Market’ and that the import must occur in stages, with the company required to pay high import duties due to the lack of reduced tariffs for Mexican beer.

The conditional approval has reportedly caused unrest within government circles, as local brewing companies such as Bowen & Bowen have voiced their concerns.

A Lasting Tribute: George Cadle Price Statue Unveiled in Battlefield Park

Belize honoured its first Prime Minister, George Cadle Price, with the unveiling of a statue in Battlefield Park on Wednesday night. Organised by the Government of Belize and the Belize Tourism Board, the event not only celebrates Price’s contributions but also serves as a tribute to his enduring legacy as the ‘Father of the Nation’.

This honour came just ahead of the National Day of Service that pays tribute to Price’s life and service.

The ceremony featured a special message from Cabinet Minister Henry Usher, a musical presentation by Alexander Evans, and closing remarks from Tourism Minister Anthony Mahler. The statue and its perimeter were blessed prior to the unveiling.

The statue was sculpted by Steven Okeke. Standing at 16 feet and 7 inches, it depicts Price in his iconic Guayabera shirt and dress pants, holding a copy of the Belize Times in his left hand to symbolise his commitment to informed leadership. His right hand is raised in an open wave, reflecting his welcoming spirit.

The base of the statue features an inscription: “George Cadle Price, Sunrise: January 1919, Sunset: September 19, 2011. The Rt. Hon. George Cadle Price led the fight for Belize’s independence, transitioning from Belize’s first Premier to its first Prime Minister. He led a title of service to its nation and its people as our ‘Father of the Nation.’ His legacy continues to inspire as we strive for progress and unity.” A QR code that can be seen on the base provides additional information about the statue’s design.

This tribute, and the conversion of Price’s family home to an “immersive educational environment,” serves as a lasting reminder that George Price’s legacy will continue to inspire and resonate with generations to come.

National Day of Service by Hipolito Novelo

Armed Robbers Strike Store, House Burns After Suspicious Visit, Three Youths Stabbed

The Caribbean Chicken Store on Guayana Street, Orange Walk District was targeted in an armed robbery on Tuesday afternoon, September 17. According to the store manager, two men entered the establishment—one armed with a firearm and the other with a knife. The men reportedly demanded money and stole an undisclosed amount of cash. No injuries were reported. The police are now actively searching for the two suspects.

In another incident, a zinc structure on Taylors Alley, Belize City, was reportedly consumed in flames just before 2 o’clock this afternoon. The 15-foot by 12-foot zinc structure belonged to 70-year-old Benjamin Belisle. Belisle stated that a man had visited him around that afternoon, asking for cigarettes. Shortly after, Belisle’s property was seen in flames. No injuries were reported. The house was not insured.

Additionally, police are looking into a stabbing incident in Caye Caulker that left three youths injured. Officers responded to a report at a pier in the village on Tuesday night, September 17. According to the police, 18-year-old Darren Estrada was found with stab wounds. Initial investigations revealed that Estrada and two minors were allegedly attacked by three men armed with machetes while riding their bicycles toward the Bahia Area. Estrada was taken to Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital, while the two minors are reported to be stable.

Zimbabwe Considers Debt-for-Climate Swaps Amid Financial Crisis

Zimbabwe’s creditors are exploring a debt-for-climate swap as part of efforts to restructure the nation’s $21 billion arrears. Raul Fernandez, the United Nations Development Program project manager for climate development, noted that discussions with various development partners indicate “an option that they are willing to consider.” He highlighted the need for “action from the government” and a commitment to structural reforms to move forward.

Debt-for-climate swaps allow developing countries to reduce their external debts in exchange for commitments to invest in climate or marine conservation projects. Fernandez noted that such arrangements “can lead to substantial debt reduction” and may improve payment conditions for Zimbabwe, which has a “window of opportunity” to secure climate finance.

A recent example is Belize, which signed a debt-for-nature swap with The Nature Conservancy in November 2021. This agreement reduced Belize’s external debt by 10 percent of its GDP and significantly improved prospects for marine protection.

Zimbabwe has been locked out of international capital markets since 1999 due to a debt default, resulting in escalating interest payments. In 2022, the nation sought assistance from Akinwumi Adesina, president of the African Development Bank, and Joaquim Chissano, the former leader of Mozambique, to initiate restructuring talks with creditors, including the Paris Club and World Bank. Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube did not respond to enquiries outside of office hours.

Belize Strengthens Alliances Welcoming Five New Ambassadors

Today, Belize embraced international collaboration as Governor General Froyla Tzalam welcomed five newly appointed ambassadors—an initiative poised to enhance the nation’s global partnerships.

The ambassadors who presented their letters of credence included Maria Clara Girbau Ronda from Spain, Beliz Celasin Rende from Türkiye, Amr Abdelwareth from Egypt, Jorge Rosado La Torre from Peru, and Dr. Hardy Boeckle from Germany.

In a press release, the Government of Belize stated that the ambassadors “each expressed their hopes of forging stronger bonds with Belize during their tenure.”