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Hop, Skip, and Splash! Top 5 Easter Vacation Destinations in Belize

Belizeans take Easter seriously. It’s that glorious time of year when the sun is blazing, the water is inviting, and families nationwide pack up their coolers, hammocks, and good vibes to head to the hottest (and coolest) spots for a much-needed break. Whether you’re after beach vibes, jungle escapes, or cultural flavour, Belize has something for everyone.

Here are the top five Easter destinations in Belize where the only thing hotter than the weather is the fun!

1. Caye Caulker – Go Slow, Recharge Fast

This chill island takes the top spot for those who want to take Easter nice and easy. Caye Caulker is famous for its laid-back motto: “Go Slow”. But don’t let that fool you—Easter weekend brings a festive buzz to this sandy paradise.

From beach parties at The Split to paddleboarding in crystal-clear waters to indulging in fresh seafood and fruity cocktails, Caye Caulker is where you go to forget your worries and remember your flip-flops. Bonus points if you get sunburnt in the shape of a palm tree.

2. San Pedro, Ambergris Caye – Party Central on the Water

If you like your Easter sunny, salty, and full of soca, San Pedro is your jam. This is where beach meets beats. Think mega beach parties, jet skis, and endless vibes stretching from Boca del Rio to Secret Beach.

San Pedro is also a foodie haven—grab a fry jack in the morning, ceviche at lunch, and dance the calories off at night. It’s like spring break, but with better rice and beans.

3. Hopkins – Garifuna Culture Meets Coastal Cool

For a soulful seaside escape, Hopkins hits different. This southern coastal village is where culture and coastline combine to create pure Easter magic. It’s known for its welcoming community, drumming sessions, and some of the best cassava bread and hudut you’ll ever taste.

Kayak in the calm sea, bike through the village, or just kick back in a hammock under a coconut tree and listen to the rhythm of the drums. Hopkins is peace with a heartbeat.

4. Placencia – Barefoot Bliss with a Dash of Glam

Placencia is like Caye Caulker’s more sophisticated cousin—but still fun at heart. With its 16-mile peninsula of beachy perfection, Placencia offers everything from luxury resorts to laid-back cabanas.

Spend your days snorkelling, exploring local art shops, or grabbing gelato on the famous sidewalk (the narrowest street in the world, by the way). As the sun sets, hit Tipsy Tuna or Barefoot Bar for live music and tropical cocktails that might just turn into a dance-off.

5. Cayo – Jungle Adventure and River Cool-Downs

Not into beaches? No problem. Head west to Cayo, where rivers, caves, and waterfalls become your Easter playground. Tubing down the Mopan, swimming in Rio On Pools, or exploring ancient Maya temples at Xunantunich—Cayo brings the adventure and the Insta-worthy views.

Plus, Easter here is filled with local fairs, rodeos, and delicious eats like BBQ, tamales, and—if you know someone local—some next-level escabeche. It’s family fun with a wild twist.

Final Splash

No matter where you end up this Easter, remember to travel safe, stay hydrated, and leave only footprints (not your empty soda bottles). Whether you’re dancing in San Pedro, floating in Caye Caulker, or hiking in Cayo—Belize is the place to be.

So grab your beach towel, book that bus or boat, and get ready for an egg-cellent Easter getaway!

EU Staff Given Burner Devices for U.S. Trips Amid Espionage Concerns

The European Commission is reportedly issuing burner phones and laptops to officials travelling to the United States, a precaution typically reserved for visits to countries like China and Russia, according to the Financial Times.

The move comes ahead of next week’s spring meetings of the World Bank and IMF in Washington, D.C., and reflects growing fears of U.S. cyber-espionage. “They are worried about the U.S. getting into the Commission systems,” one source told the FT.

While it’s not unusual for officials to use clean devices when travelling to surveillance-heavy states, extending this practice to the U.S. signals a sharp decline in trust. One EU official remarked, “The transatlantic alliance is over.”

Tensions have escalated in recent months amid aggressive policies from President Trump’s administration, including trade tariffs, controversial diplomatic behaviour, and immigration crackdowns. Several European countries have updated travel advisories for the U.S., citing detainments and visa issues, with warnings for transgender travellers and academics facing increased scrutiny at the border.

A European Commission spokesperson did not deny the distribution of secure devices but confirmed that travel guidance had been updated for several countries, citing a general rise in cybersecurity threats.

Belize Takes Lead in Global Maritime Climate Talks

Belize is stepping up its leadership in international maritime climate negotiations. Representatives from the Belize Port Authority (BPA) and the International Merchant Marine Registry of Belize (IMMARBE) recently participated in two key meetings hosted by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in London—the 19th Intersessional Working Group on Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Ships (ISWG-GHG 19) and the 83rd Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 83).

The Belizean delegation included BPA Chairman Lawrence Thompson, Acting Ports Commissioner Kaylon Young, Project & Research Officer Jaeda Sutherland, IMMARBE’s Technical Manager Anique Sabal, and Technical Consultant Major Lloyd Jones.

Belize is playing a leading role on behalf of Caribbean IMO Member States, ensuring the region’s interests are heard in negotiations that could reshape global shipping practices. These talks are focused on reducing greenhouse gas emissions from ships and include proposals for a global fuel intensity standard and a carbon pricing mechanism.

Supported by the Caribbean Shipping Lanes Project and the United Nations Foundation, Belize’s active engagement highlights its commitment to sustainable maritime governance and the protection of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and Least Developed Countries (LDCs).

As global shipping moves toward net-zero emissions by 2050, Belize continues to advocate for fair and inclusive policies that reflect regional realities and protect local livelihoods.

Security Forces Complete Rigorous Seven-Week Medic Training

A group of officers from Belize’s national security forces have successfully completed the Basic Medic Course 1/25, a seven-week programme designed to equip participants with critical emergency medical skills. The course ran from February 24 to April 11 and brought together members of the Belize Defence Force, the Belize Coast Guard, and the Belize Police Department.

The training began with five weeks of intensive instruction covering the fundamentals of emergency medical care, including trauma and medical patient management—from initial assessment to hospital transfer. In the final two weeks, participants were immersed in high-pressure simulations, learning to care for casualties in hostile operational environments, with an emphasis on battlefield medicine.

Upon graduation, the new medics will now shadow senior medical personnel and work under the supervision of medical officers before being cleared for full deployment in field operations. Select graduates will also have the opportunity to pursue advanced medical training locally and abroad.

Top performers of the course were:

1st Place: Pte. Henry Miguel – Services Battalion

2nd Place: LCpl. Reynaldo Choc – Special Operations Task Unit (SOTU)

3rd Place: LCpl. Giovanni Baizar – Echo Company (E Coy)

IDU Raises Alarm Over Arrests and Democratic Backsliding in Dominica

The International Democracy Union (IDU) has expressed deep concern over recent events in the Commonwealth of Dominica, warning that the country’s democratic principles, transparency, and rule of law are under serious threat following the March 19, 2025, protests.

Several individuals, including Ronald Charles, a prominent attorney and member of the opposition United Workers Party (UWP) were arrested. Charles was arrested on April 9, weeks after leading efforts to legally represent peaceful protesters detained during the demonstrations. He has since been granted bail, but his arrest has raised alarms both locally and abroad.

In a strongly worded statement, the IDU said, “The protection of fundamental freedoms and rights is paramount to the health of any democracy.” The group stressed that freedom of speech, expression, and peaceful assembly must be upheld, even in politically tense environments.

The March 19 protests stemmed from growing public frustration over economic hardship, rising unemployment, and demands for greater transparency and accountability in the use of public funds. Citizens also called for social justice and meaningful reforms, particularly in light of Dominica’s long-standing electoral reform process.

The IDU called for greater transparency and judicial independence, stating that the arrest of legal professionals like Charles may signal an overreach by police and a troubling politicization of justice. “It is essential that the judiciary operates independently, free from any political influence, to uphold the rule of law and protect the rights of all citizens,” the statement read.

Murder Charges Dropped Against Kenner Gomez in Punta Gorda Double Slaying

Kenner Gomez, the man once charged with the double murder of Lawrence and Medardo Canelo, is now a free man after the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) entered a nolle prosequi in the case.

Gomez had been accused of opening fire at Flash Bar and Cool Spot in Punta Gorda in August 2021, fatally wounding the uncle and nephew duo as they were reportedly tallying the day’s sales. Aura Pacham, who was also present, sustained injuries during the attack.

Police had arrested and charged the then 27-year-old Gomez with two counts of murder and grievous harm, believing the shooting stemmed from a personal rivalry.

However, during a recent court appearance, the prosecution informed the court that it would no longer be proceeding with the case, effectively withdrawing all charges against Gomez.

The nolle prosequi, a legal declaration that halts prosecution, means Gomez cannot be tried again. Gomez was represented by attorney Leslie Hamilton.

Back in 2014, Gomez was identified as the suspect in the murder of 26-year-old Janice Vargas.

Malaria Resurfaces in Belize: First Local Cases in Six Years Confirmed in Cayo

The Ministry of Health & Wellness is urging the public to stay alert following the confirmation of locally transmitted malaria cases in Belize—the first such cases in over six years.

The ministry announced today that four cases of malaria have been confirmed, three of which are due to local transmission. The cases were detected in Santa Elena Town and Cristo Rey Village in the Cayo District.

The initial case was identified on January 17, followed by additional detections on March 11 and April 5. One of the four confirmed cases has been classified as imported from Petén, Guatemala, while the remaining three are the result of local transmission.

Malaria is a febrile illness caused by parasites and transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected Anopheles mosquito. Infected persons usually experience recurring episodes of fever, accompanied by chills and sweating, every 48 to 72 hours.

According to the ministry, the cases were identified through routine surveillance conducted at both public and private healthcare facilities. In response, the Vector Control Program, in collaboration with regional health surveillance officers, has swiftly launched multiple intervention measures, including:

House-to-house fever screening
Mosquito fogging and larviciding
Community education campaigns on symptoms and prevention

All individuals diagnosed with malaria have since received supervised medical treatment and have tested negative on follow-up.

To prevent further transmission, enhanced surveillance has been activated in high-risk zones, particularly in the Santa Elena neighbourhoods of Santa Cruz and Hillview, as well as in Cristo Rey Village. Health teams are actively testing anyone who currently has—or recently had—a fever within the past 30 days.

The ministry is encouraging residents experiencing fever and chills, particularly those who have travelled to neighbouring countries, to visit the nearest health facility for free malaria testing.

In a public advisory, the ministry reminded citizens about the importance of preventing mosquito bites, especially when travelling to malaria-endemic areas. People are encouraged to:

Use insect repellent.
Sleep under bed nets.
Clean yards and eliminate standing water around homes.

Village Council Protests Proposed Subdivision of Nature Park in OW

Chairman of the San Jose Nuevo Palmar Village Council, Orlando A. Ayuso, has written to the Chairman of the Palmar Lands Advisory Committee, Wincy Perez, strongly opposing a decision reportedly made to subdivide the Sibbal Yuum Nature Park.

In a formal letter dated April 2025, Ayuso expressed concern following what he described as a meeting organised by the Palmar Lands Committee during which “the decision to subdivide Siibal Yum Nature Park was taken.”

He reminded the committee that “on October 27, 2024, this aforementioned area was declared a park and public area via an official inauguration ceremony.” He added, “Present were the then-elected Palmar Lands Advisory Committee and the present-day Village Council.”

Ayuso referenced Chapter 88 of the Laws of Belize, the Village Council Act, which he said “makes provision for Village Councils to declare areas for parks and recreation.” He noted that the parcel of land in question, “measuring 1,244.39 square yards, has been declared a nature park, which is a green area.”

He warned that “areas such as these are protected by environment and climate change ministries and activists” and pointed out that “the amendments to the National Land Use Policy make provision for securing green parcels when subdivisions are being made within a community.”

Ayuso appealed to the committee to reverse course: “Via this medium I am petitioning that you and your committee reconsider the decision to subdivide this already established nature park.”

He said that “members of the community are already enjoying this area” and that “this community-based development is continuous with many future environmentally friendly plans”. According to the letter, “well over $20,000 Belize has been invested. This was once a grassy area which was being used as a dump.”

“In the past this was an eyesore and a hazard for those living in that area of the village. Today it is the pride and joy of our community,” he said. “It is a recreational area visited not only by our villagers but also by adults and children of the surrounding town area and villages. Just yesterday we had a day of fun in a safe and clean environment.”

He closed the letter with a strong warning: “We respectfully and politely ask that you refrain and desist from launching an attack on Sibbal Yuum Nature Park. We will be taking legal action at the court, as damage to public property is a serious offence, especially this being a declared green area.”

New Transport Board Holds First Meeting to Kickstart Big Changes for Public Transport

A brand-new Transport Board officially got to work today—and big improvements may be on the way for Belize’s troubled public transportation system.

The newly appointed board held its first meeting this morning in Belmopan. During the session, Minister of Transportation Louis Zabaneh shared his vision for a more efficient, inclusive, and environmentally friendly system that better serves commuters across the country.

Minister Zabaneh said the goal is to create a transportation network that works for all Belizeans—whether they’re students, workers, business owners, or tourists. He’s banking on this new team, made up of professionals from both the public and private sectors, to help drive real change.

The new Transport Board includes:

Joel Cervantes – Chair

Debora Jones – Deputy Chair

Clementina Castillo – Represents private sector users

Sr. Supt. Calbert Flowers – Police Department rep

Russell Medina – Ministry of Infrastructure rep

Thomas Shaw – Represents public transport providers

Peter Williams – Deputy Chief Transport Officer

Also attending today’s meeting were incoming CEO Chester Williams, Chief Transport Officer Leon Gentle, and Policy Director Anna Loague.

Ready Call Employee Arraigned for Digi Park Stabbing

A 26-year-old Ready Call customer service agent has been charged in connection with the stabbing of a woman at Digi Park over the weekend.

Erynne Bellezaire was arraigned this morning in the Belize City Magistrate’s Court, where she pleaded not guilty to charges of dangerous harm and use of deadly means of harm for allegedly stabbing Chelsea Lewis during a fight over the weekend.

Bellezaire was granted bail of $1,500 with conditions that she stay at least 100 yards away from Lewis and have no contact with her or any prosecution witnesses. Her next court date is June 16.

Police say the stabbing happened around 3:40 a.m. after a dispute between two groups of women who had earlier been at a nightclub. Lewis suffered multiple stab wounds to the face and body and remains in stable condition at the KHMH. Investigators have not established the reason behind the dispute.