Benita Keme-Palacio - Channel 5 Belize

CARICOM Mia Mottley Proposes Solutions for Economic Stability in Caribbean Region

CARICOM Chair Mia Mottley has proposed a series of actions to improve economic self-sufficiency, strengthen regional cooperation, and address the Caribbean’s vulnerability in global trade.

Mottley called for immediate actions, including reengaging with the United States at the highest level, acknowledging the mutual benefits of cooperation, particularly under initiatives like the Caribbean Basin Initiative. She said that the Caribbean’s small size, vulnerability, and limited manufacturing capacity make it incapable of distorting trade, which led the US to assist in promoting Caribbean exports under the initiative. “We will see how these tariffs will impact on that,” she warned.

She also stressed the importance of avoiding political divisions for personal gain, encouraging unity within the Caribbean to tackle common economic challenges. “United we stand, divided we fall,” Mottley said.

Another key suggestion from Mottley was to increase investment in Caribbean agriculture and light manufacturing, pushing for more ambitious goals in local production. “We must grow our own and produce our own as much as possible,” she said. Mottley said that strengthening small businesses and producers makes it a critical part of the strategy to build resilience in the region during times of global crises.

Supporting local products was another recommendation. Mottley encouraged consumers to buy local, stating, “Buy local and buy regional. The products are better, fresher and more competitive in many instances.”

Mottley’s last proposed action is to diversify trade partnerships with countries in Africa and Central and Latin America and renew relationships with older partners like the UK, Europe, and Canada. “We must not rely solely on one or two markets. We need to be able to sell our Caribbean goods to a wider, more stable global market.”

Moreover, Mottley pointed out the potential spillover effect on tourism. She said a possible slowdown in tourism due to rising global economic pressures threatens the Caribbean. “Worsening conditions in many of our source markets will have negative impacts on people’s ability to travel,” she said.

“We call in our regional private sector and the tourism sector to come together and to work with governments to collaborate for an immediate tourism strategy to ensure that we maintain market share numbers as a region,” Mottley stated. “I pray that I am wrong, and I’m praying that cooler heads prevail across the world and leaders come together in a new sense.”

CARICOM Chair Warns of Economic Fallout from US Tariffs

Mia Mottley, Chair of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), delivered a stark warning about the economic repercussions of the reciprocal tariffs imposed by the United States under President Donald Trump’s “Liberation Day” initiative. In her address, Mottley stated that these tariffs, aimed primarily at Chinese imports, could severely disrupt supply chains, causing price hikes for everyday goods in the Caribbean.

As she said, the Caribbean region, heavily reliant on imported goods from the US, is particularly vulnerable to such global trade disruptions. “Many of those commodities are either purchased directly from the United States of America or pass through the United States of America on their way to the Caribbean region,” Motthley said. “That, my friends, is a legacy of our colonial dependence.”

Motthley said that the repercussions of these tariffs will be felt by consumers across the region, regardless of their economic status. “I want every Caribbean man and every Caribbean woman to hear me: this trade war and the possibility of a 1 million to 1.5 million US dollar levy on all Chinese-made ships entering US harbours will mean higher prices for all of us.”

She stressed that the Caribbean’s economic vulnerabilities leave it susceptible to such global trade fluctuations, and even efforts to diversify the local economy won’t shield the region from the effects.

She said, “Regardless of what any of our Caribbean governments will do, we could lower our tariffs to zero in CARICOM, and it will not make a lick of difference because our economies are small and vulnerable.”

Mottley also warned of the potential negative effects on the Caribbean’s vital tourism sector, as economic challenges in key markets could reduce travel to the region. “We call in our regional private sector and the tourism sector to come together and to work with governments to collaborate for an immediate tourism strategy to ensure that we maintain market share numbers as a region,” she said.

“A lot of Caribbean people will think that these things that you’re seeing on television news or reading about are far away… But the reality, my friends, is that if you buy food, if you buy electronics, if you buy clothes, it will impact you,” Mottley added.

Mottley also appealed directly to President Trump, stating, “I say simply to President Trump, our economies are not doing your economy any harm in any way. They’re too small to have any negative or distorting impact on your country. So I ask you to consider your decades-long friendship between your country and ours and look to the Caribbean, recognising that the family ties, yes, are strong. Let us talk, and let us work together.”

Shooting in Belmopan

Police are investigating a shooting incident that occurred earlier today in the Cohune Walk area of Belmopan City. The shooting incident happened in front of a Chinese supermarket located by the area’s junction.

Authorities are on the scene, with police and scenes of crime officials processing the area.

There are no reports of any injuries.

More details to follow.

Residents Continue Protest of Cayo Rosario Project, Public Meeting Set For Coming Week

Concerned Belizeans have been invited to unite against the controversial Cayo Rosario development project, which lies within the Hol Chan Marine Reserve. The meeting was called Elito Arceo via social media. According to Arceo, the meeting will be held on Tuesday, April 8.”Bring your signs condemning the destruction of Cayo Rosario,” he said. “As once it is destroyed, it’s gone forever.”

This call comes after environmental groups and local residents, supported by Oceana Belize, have raised alarms about the project’s potential environmental impact. The project has been in the works for several years. Despite having passed an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), protesters claim ongoing excavation and mangrove destruction pose a significant threat.

Arceo added, “They will be destroying an integral part of our beloved Hol Chan Marine Reserve. We all depend on a healthy marine ecosystem to survive.”On March 27, Chief Environmental Officer Anthony Mai said that no dredging was occurring at the site. However, locals like tour guide Oscar Iboy have disputed this, claiming to have witnessed dredging activities themselves. Iboy stated, “The people out here in San Pedro are the ones watching and seeing the excavation that’s going on, and I don’t know what he means by they’re not doing any dredging.”

The Department of the Environment (DOE) has organised a monitoring programme to ensure compliance throughout the project’s stages.

Arceo added in his announcement statement, “If the authorities upon whose shoulders the safeguarding of the reserve falls upon and it is their responsibility, don’t care. Then we will show them that we certainly give a damn about Hol Chan. Dis da fu we Belize.”

Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat in Belize Celebrates Annual Jalsa Salana

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat in Belize is celebrating its 10th annual Jalsa Salana this week. The purpose of the event is to gain a nearness to God and develop ties of brotherhood within the community. The Jalsa Salana serves as a spiritual gathering to bridge misconceptions about Islam and promote understanding among diverse religious communities.

It started in 1891 by the founder of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community – the Promised Messiah. “He claimed himself to be a prophet, and he wanted people to meet him so that they can see that he does have a connection with God,” said Ata’ul Haq Gabb, a missionary in Belize City.

This year’s theme is ‘Islam, a Religion of Peace’. Haq stated that it “reflects our mission to demonstrate that we are peaceful and loving people.”

While the event is hosted by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at, it is open for people of any faith to participate. “We want people to come so that we can also treat them as wonderful guests of whom we believe is the prophet of God. We want to garner a connection with the people of Belize,” he added.

The celebration includes motivational talks, a children’s play zone, and an exhibition showcasing the history of the Ahmadiyya Muslim community in Belize. “Your children will be well taken care of, and they will be safe, and you can enjoy the proceedings of the Jasa Salana,” Haq added.

Belize Infrastructure Projects Progress Under Review by CDB

Key infrastructure projects in Belize, including the Coastal Highway Project, Philip Goldson Highway, and the Eighth Road Project, are being closely examined in a review led by the Ministry of Infrastructure Development and Housing (MIDH). Chief Engineer at MIDH, Evondale Moody, participated in discussions on the projects’ implementation and progress with the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB).

During the annual portfolio review, Moody explained that CDB plays a crucial role in funding, with significant contributions to road projects like the Coastal Highway upgrading and Philip Goldson Highway projects. “We’re very pleased and proud to know that they have recognised us as one of the best in the Caribbean in terms of project implementation,” Moody stated.

The review included the success of completed projects, with the Coastal Highway’s chip-and-seal surface praised despite initial concerns over its material. According to Moody, the CDB has been satisfied with the highway’s resilience and improvements in road safety and economic viability.

Moody also addressed ongoing projects, including the upgrade of the Philip Goldson Highway, which is set to improve traffic flow towards Belize City. Works on the George Price Highway, funded by CDB, are progressing as planned. Moody stated the ministry hopes to close the gap between mile 24 and mile 8.

Loreto Pelayo Quartet to Debut in Tonight’s Jazz Concert

For those who enjoy the symphonies of jazz music, here’s something you can look forward to tonight. The Loreto Pelayo Quartet is making their debut performance tonight at 7:30 PM at the Bliss Centre for Performing Arts in Belize City.

The band leader, Loreto Pelayo, announced that the concert will feature a special guest performance by renowned YouTuber and saxophonist Naythan Graybeal.

Graybeal is from North Carolina, USA, and the CEO of a New York-based jazz education company, gained global recognition after a viral YouTube video at 17. He now uses his platform to promote jazz and its cultural heritage.

“I’m really happy to share this music with people who are willing to come out,” Pelayo said about the concert. “In this concert, we’re really bringing out jazz standards and video game music, which I feel they aren’t that different from each other.”

Pelayo also shared the inspiration behind the name of his band. “When it comes to the name in jazz, it’s not like in rock music or any other music where you come up with a really cool name. Oftentimes, it’s just the name of the band leader and the number of people who play in it,” he said.

Pelayo, who has led his band through several transitions, said his primary focus has always been to play the type of music he loves—jazz. Despite the challenges of performing jazz, he remains passionate about his craft.

Graybeal, whose expertise in jazz education has inspired many, spoke about the historical significance of the genre. “Jazz is really, technically, America’s only true art form. It’s really a folk music. It originated in the Black American culture during their times of extreme poverty and really escaping slavery. So this was the music that was born out of them expressing their sort of sorrows, and it really evolved into music that spread across the world,” he said.

Pelayo and Graybeal invite all jazz lovers to come and enjoy the band’s debut performance tonight at the Bliss Centre.

The doors open at 7:00 PM, and the concert will run for two hours, wrapping up at 10:00 PM.

Tickets are available for $30 and can be purchased in advance at CY’s Music Store, Premium Wine and Spirits, The Bliss, or reserved directly from Pelayo by calling 630-4537. Tickets will also be available at the door.

Will SOE Take Effect Again?

According to the Minister of Home Affairs and New Growth Industries, Kareem Musa, the option of reintroducing a State of Emergency (SOE) remains “on the table.”

Musa added, “I think we came fairly close with the commissioner, to declaring a state of emergency, but it was never done.”

Last year, the government implemented an SOE to address increased gang violence but lifted it after several months. Now, with tensions rising again, Musa told reporters, “I can say here, now that it still is on the table, we were monitoring it.”

“I know at the time of the election we were specifically looking at six different gangs,” he added.

“We are in discussions not just with the commissioner and the police department but also with the leadership intervention unit to get their feedback because it is that we would want to have a targeted SOE as opposed to a blanket net pass over everybody,” Musa said.

Month-Long Autism Awareness: Learning, Encouraging Kindness, and Building Community

Today is a day dedicated to raising awareness for individuals with unique ways of experiencing and interacting with the world. It’s also a day to honour those who have been lost—sometimes because of a lack of understanding or support in communities that don’t know how to respond to unprecedented situations. Today is the day the world observes World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD).

World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD) was first recognised by the United Nations General Assembly in 2007 to raise awareness about autism and promote the rights of autistic individuals.

What started as a call for awareness has grown into a movement focused on acceptance, inclusion, and celebrating the invaluable contributions of autistic people to society.

This year’s theme is “Advancing Neurodiversity and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).” The goal is to highlight how neurodiversity supports the global effort to achieve sustainable development while continuing to push for equal participation and opportunities for autistic individuals.

Here in Belize, the focus this month is closer to home. The theme for Belize’s Autism Awareness Month, “Kindness in Action, Understanding Autism, Building Community,” resonates deeply with the recent, heartbreaking events that have impacted Belizean communities.

One of those events being the tragic loss of little Gabriel, an autistic and non-verbal 6-year-old. Little Gabriel drowned in Belize City in February after leaving school grounds unnoticed. His death left a deep scar in Belize and made the need for awareness and action even more urgent.

In an interview with Christy Almeida, the founder of Autism Belize, she said, “Having this month, where we can focus on education, on getting the general public to be a little bit more aware, a little bit kinder, a little bit more accepting, there is such a need for that.”

She added, “I think that’s part of why this theme this month—building community—is so important. Life loss… it’s hard. The country felt it tremendously this year… It’s time to go back to the village where we look out for each other.”

“Even if it is just learning a little bit more about it… Let us build a community to protect our most vulnerable,” she said.

April is packed with events across Belize. One of the main features of the month is a series of walks and runs. Here’s where and when you can join:

Caye Caulker – Friday, April 4, at 6:00 pm, starting at the basketball court
San Pedro – Friday, April 4, at 6:00 pm
San Ignacio/Santa Elena – Saturday, April 5, at 6:00 am, starting at Santa Elena Rotary Park
Independence – Friday, April 11, at 9:00 am, starting at Independence Primary School
Belmopan – Saturday, April 12, at 6:00 am, starting at the Governor-General Field
Dangriga – Friday, April 4, at 5:30 am, starting at BTL Park
Hopkins – Saturday, April 12, at 6:00 am, starting at the Hopkins Junction
Belize City – Saturday, April 26, at 6:00 am, starting at BTL Park
Corozal – Saturday, April 26, at 6:00 pm, starting at Town Hall
Punta Gorda – Wednesday, April 30, at 9:00 am, starting at Central Park
Orange Walk – Saturday, May 3, at 6:00 pm

As Almeida stated, these events serve as a reminder to all of us to approach each day with a little more kindness, awareness, and understanding. Whether it’s participating in a walk or simply learning more about autism, it’s about building a stronger, more compassionate community for everyone.

“Even if it is just learning a little bit more about it… Let us build a community to protect our most vulnerable,” she added.

ComPol William Says Being Paralysed Doesn’t Exempt You from Investigation

Police Commissioner Chester Williams responded today to questions regarding the ongoing gang tensions that led to the drive-by shooting and vehicle crash at Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH) on Sunday, March 9.

Ronlee Petillo, Joseph Garcia, and Shamar Faber were ambushed near the Haulover Bridge as they entered Belize City. Their vehicle was being followed by two others, one of which overtook them and opened fire. Garcia died from his injuries.

Petillo’s family recently complained about police officers visiting his home, allegedly searching for him in connection with a dispute between rival gangs.

Williams responded, stating that police act on credible information and stressed that being paralysed does not exempt someone from being investigated. “You could be in Timbuktu and commit a crime in Belize,” he said. He added that once the police receive such information, they must act swiftly.

Meanwhile, Garcia’s mother, Rosalie McLaughlyn, is still searching for closure, stating, “I just need justice fi mi son because it’s been three weeks now. And then I really not di get no answers. I really noh hear nothing about the case.”

On the progress of the investigation into the gang-related incident, Williams said there is a lack of cooperation from those involved. “The issue with that is the fact that they are not cooperating. I’m sure they know who was in that vehicle, but they are not saying it to the police,” he said.

“We believe the reason they are not saying so is because they have intentions of retaliating, maybe not the Joseph Garcia family, because they are not known to be gang members, per se,” Williams added.

Williams clarified that while Petillo has named individuals allegedly involved in the incident, he has yet to provide an official statement. He said, “I said to him, ‘you can’t just tell me; you have to give me a statement,'” to which Petillo reportedly responded, “Boss, you know how the street work, I can’t give you a statement.”