Researchers at the University of Tennessee have received a $120,000 grant to study cacao biodiversity and pollination, focusing on wild cacao trees in Belize, a region renowned for its rare and highly valued fine-flavoured cacao. The project, “Using Genomic Tools to Promote Sustainable Cacao Agroforestry,” is led by graduate student Holly Brabazon, with support from faculty members DeWayne Shoemaker and Meg Staton.
The research will focus on sequencing the genomes of wild cacao trees in Belize. The study aims to explore cacao diversity and the role of pollinators in cacao farms, potentially leading to improved strategies for sustainable farming.
For the next two years, Brabazon and her team will compare genetic diversity and pollinator activity between wild and cultivated cacao trees. Their findings could enhance cacao production while supporting biodiversity and maintaining healthy ecosystems. The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture is committed to providing real-life solutions through its teaching, research, and outreach initiatives.
In a highly anticipated presidential debate held in Philadelphia on Tuesday night, Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump squared off for the first—and potentially last—time. The 90-minute debate proved to be a heated exchange between the two. It presents a stark contrast to the previous June 27 debate between President Biden and Trump.
Harris, a former prosecutor, used her opening statement to launch sharp criticisms at Trump. She accused him of implementing tariffs that would act as a sales tax on the middle class and labelled his presidency as presiding over “the worst attack on American democracy since the Civil War.” Harris also took aim at Trump’s treatment of women on the topic of abortion and his praise of foreign dictators, citing Trump’s intention of implementing Project 2025.
Trump, on the defensive, criticised Harris for moderating her positions since the 2020 Democratic primary, suggesting she had adopted some of his views. He also emphasised issues like inflation and immigration, accusing Harris of being an extension of Biden. “She is Biden,” Trump claimed.
However, Harris chided back to Trump for his 2020 election loss to Joe Biden. She noted, “Donald Trump was fired by 81 million people.”
The debate featured ABC’s David Muir and Linsey Davis interjecting to fact-check the candidates and co-moderating the debate. Including Trump’s claim about Haitian immigrants in Ohio eating dogs and other pets.
“They’re eating the dogs, the people that came in, they’re eating the cats,” Trump declared. “They’re eating the pets of the people that live there, and this is what’s happening in our country, and it’s a shame.”
Muir immediately fact-checked Trump’s claims, saying that the city manager in Springfield, Ohio, told the network there had been no credible reports of pets being harmed, injured, or abused by people in the city’s immigrant community.
Trump later criticised the debate as unfair, claiming it was “three on one.”
Despite Harris’s strong performance, the outcome of the 2024 race remains uncertain. Polls continue to show a tight race.
For Belize, a small Caribbean nation with close ties to the U.S., the outcomes of such debates can have indirect but notable implications. The policies and positions of U.S. presidential candidates can influence international relations, trade agreements, and economic aid, all of which are crucial to Belize.
Every September 10, Belize celebrates the historic Battle of St. George’s Caye, which took place from September 3 to 10 in 1798. This historic conflict saw British woodcutters, known as Baymen, fend off Spanish forces off the coast of what was then ‘British Honduras.’ The Baymen’s victory led to the establishment of the settlement as a British colony and shaped Belize’s future as an English-speaking nation.
The annual commemoration ceremony was held at Belize City’s House of Culture. Belize City Mayor Bernard Wagner spoke about the historical significance of the battle. He stated, “226 years ago, the baymen, free men, and the enslaved found it important to stand united and firm against a mighty force… They fought to preserve a dream. A dream of a land where we can all live free, where our future would be our own to shape.”
Wagner also emphasised the importance of embracing modern advancements, particularly in artificial intelligence (AI). He highlighted AI’s potential to revolutionise Belize’s future, from improving weather forecasts to enhancing healthcare services. Wagner urged Belizeans to adopt a bold and ambitious approach, using the E-Bus transportation project as a model for progress. “We must be willing to work, especially when it is necessary to carry us forward,” he added.
Francis Fonseca, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade, Education, Culture, Science and Technology, was the ceremony’s keynote speaker, and echoed Wagner’s call for forward-thinking. He urged Belizeans to consider the legacy they wish to leave for future generations, advocating for “unity over division, action over complacency, and hope over despair.” Fonseca called for collective effort to build a stronger, more just, and united Belize, “Let us honour the sacrifices of those who came before us by building a Belize that is stronger, more just, and more united,” Fonseca added.
The ceremony concluded with the official crowning of the New Queen of the Bay, Queen Deanni Laing.
A recent public display of a sexual nature involving a child during the Carnival Road March on September 7 has drawn widespread condemnation. The Ministry of Human Development, Families and Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs and the National Commission for Families and Children (NCFC) have both condemned the incident, citing serious concerns about the child’s privacy and safety.
Describing the display as having a sexual nature, the Ministry stated, “This lewd display involved a child in a manner that compromised his privacy and exposed him to undue scrutiny and potential harm. Such actions are unacceptable.”
The Ministry further added, “It is the responsibility of organisers, participants and parents to uphold ethical practices when involving children in any public setting. This display not only fell short of these responsibilities but also set a dangerous precedent.”
In response, the Ministry and NCFC announced, “The Ministry and the NCFC will seek legal advice on how to proceed with this matter.” They reiterated the need for ethical conduct in public events involving children.
Earlier today, Police Commissioner Chester William said on Facebook, “that video depicting the woman and child, is tantamount to an assault of a sexual nature upon that child. If we as a society do not see something wrong with such action them certainly something is wrong with us. The Police must at the very least bring in the child, his parents and social to address this matter. Yes the child is laughing but he do not know what was being done to him.”
The first presidential debate of the 2024 election cycle will take place tomorrow, featuring former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris. The debate, taking place on Tuesday in Philadelphia, will commence at 9:00 p.m. Eastern Time (8:00 p.m. Belize Time).
This highly anticipated debate follows the last major debate between President Biden and former President Trump on June 27. The 90-minute debate will be held without a live audience or live microphones.
With 56 days remaining until Election Day and even fewer before early voting begins, both candidates are intensively preparing. Candidates will each have two minutes to answer questions, followed by two minutes for rebuttals and an additional minute for follow-ups. No pre-written notes are allowed.
On Saturday, the Ministry of National Defence and Border Security announced in a statement the deployment of two senior officers from the Belize Defence Force (BDF) to support Haiti’s restoration efforts.
The collaboration is part of the “United Nations Security Council Resolution 2699, which aims to re-establish security within Haiti and create conditions conductive to free and fair elections,” stated the Ministry.
According to the statement, the BDF officers, Ermil Coh and Claudio Quiroz, will join a multinational task force in collaboration with the Jamaican Defence Force.
Haiti last conducted elections in 2016, and since then, officials have cited gang violence and political instability as reasons for the inability to hold new elections. “This deployment underscores Belize’s steadfast commitment to aiding international security restoration efforts and reinforces our support for CARICOM partners and allies in the region,” the Ministry added.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in an X post, “The BDF has deployed two officers to join their Jamaican counterparts for onward assignment in Haiti as part of the UN authorized Multinational Security Support Mission. Belize remains unequivocally committed to the success of the MSS in Haiti.”
Venezuela has abruptly ended Brazil’s authority to manage Argentina’s Embassy in Caracas, effective immediately. The Venezuelan government, led by President Nicolás Maduro, announced the decision in a statement issued by the foreign ministry on Saturday, citing unproven claims of planned assassination attempts within the diplomatic facility.
The move follows Venezuela’s increasingly strained international position after a controversial presidential election in July. For weeks, the opposition has accused Maduro of election fraud, sparking widespread protests and unrest.
Brazil, which had been overseeing the Argentine embassy since Argentina cut ties with Venezuela, has refused to cede control. The Brazilian government released its own statement, insisting that international law, including the Vienna Conventions, protects the diplomatic mission. “The Brazilian government highlights in this context, under the terms of the Vienna Conventions, the inviolability of the facilities of the Argentine diplomatic mission,” it stated.
Reports indicate that the Argentine embassy has faced power outages and surveillance, with Venezuelan intelligence agents patrolling outside.
The situation remains volatile, with a number of South American governments and ongoing protests demanding greater transparency and calling for Maduro’s resignation.
Zee Edgell, born Zelma Inez Tucker in Belize City in 1940, stands as a towering figure in Belizean literature. Her literary career began with the groundbreaking novel Beka Lamb, which not only marked Belize’s first novel to gain international acclaim but also offered a poignant look at the nationalist movement in British Honduras through the eyes of a young girl. Edgell’s ability to capture the essence of her homeland with such vivid detail and authenticity set a new standard for Belizean writing and education. Beka Lamb quickly became a seminal text, finding its place in school curricula across Belize and beyond, and winning the prestigious Fawcett Society Book Prize in 1982.
From Belize to the World
Edgell’s journey was as varied and rich as her novels. Her career took her across the world, from Nigeria and Jamaica to Afghanistan and Bangladesh. Each location left an indelible mark on her work. In Nigeria and Bangladesh, she worked with development organisations, while in Jamaica, she contributed to the Daily Gleaner. These experiences broadened her worldview and deepened her understanding of diverse cultures, which enriched her storytelling. Her global travels and work with the Peace Corps brought a unique perspective to her writing, reflecting the complexities of post-colonial societies and the human condition.
A Legacy of Advocacy and Education
Back in Belize, Edgell’s contributions extended beyond literature. She was a pioneering advocate for women’s rights, serving as the first Director of the Women’s Bureau under both the United Democratic Party and the People’s United Party. Her tenure saw significant advancements in women’s issues and development in Belize. She also played a crucial role in education, returning to teach at the University College of Belize, now known as the University of Belize, and at St. Catherine Academy, where she had once been a student. Her dedication to education was matched by her commitment to nurturing young minds, as she frequently visited schools to inspire students with readings from her work.
Honours and Recognition: Edgell’s Achievements
Edgell’s achievements did not go unnoticed. In 2007, she was honoured with an MBE by Queen Elizabeth II for her contributions to literature and community service. This accolade was a testament to her impact not only in Belize but also on the international stage. Two years later, she received an honorary doctorate in literature from the University of the West Indies at Cave Hill, further cementing her place as a distinguished literary figure. These honours recognised her as a trailblazer in Belizean literature and a global advocate for education and social change.
Remembering Zee Edgell
Yet, behind her remarkable public life was a personal story of deep family connections. Edgell was married to Alvin Edgell for 52 years, a partnership that was both a personal and professional journey. Together, they raised two children: Holly, a journalist, and Randall, a physician. Their family life was a source of immense pride and joy for Edgell, and her children and grandchildren were her greatest treasures. Her family, including her siblings and their families, often celebrated her achievements and supported her through the many stages of her career.
In her later years, Edgell retired to St. Louis, Missouri, to be closer to her family after Alvin’s passing in 2020. Despite her physical absence, her legacy lives on through her novels, which continue to teach and inspire readers around the world. Her work not only reflects the vibrant culture and complex social dynamics of Belize but also serves as a lasting testament to her profound impact on literature and advocacy.
After a week-long of weather uncertainty, Saturday’s dawn broke into clear blue skies befitting the Belize Carnival 2024.
A sea of revellers in vibrant costumes flooded Belize City as they gathered in anticipation for the road march, excited and ready to start the road march. The road march ended at Marion Jones Stadium, where the competing Mas Bands delivered their final performances after a week of being evaluated by a panel of judges.
On Sunday, the top bands were announced by the Belize Carnival Association. The top bands were:
The Coastal Plains Highway is currently undergoing repairs at approximately mile 34 after an accident earlier today. The accident reportedly involved a trailer carrying a bulldozer that was detached from a dump truck, causing significant damage to the pavement and guardrails.
The Ministry of Infrastructure Development and Housing (MIDH) issued a statement informing the public of temporary repairs being done to the pavement. However, the ongoing weather system affecting Belize may worsen the damage.
“The Ministry is currently executing some remedial works to temporarily repair the pavement; however, with the existing weather system that is affecting Belize, the damages may be further exacerbated. We therefore advise the general public to drive with due care and attention and within the posted speed limits when traversing this section of the Coastal Plains Highway,” the Ministry stated.
