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Easier Access for Mexican Visitors Entering Belize

The Briceño administration has taken a decision to remove the existing border tax for Mexican visitors entering Belize. Among several other initiatives, Cabinet has also agreed on allowing Mexican visitors to use their insurance in Belize. It’s all in an effort to facilitate easier access and movement into the country. PM Briceño explains.

Prime Minister John Briceño

Our cabinet has agreed to lift or to provide the cards for the Mexicans free of charge so they could come into Belize easily, remove the border tax and also be able to use their insurance into Belize. We’re doing this so that we can be able to make it easier for Mexicans to visit Belize. And lastly, we spoke about Tren Maya. We spoke with General Aguila, who is in charge of the project, along with ICA, a private sector company that’s building, they have different sections. They are building different companies, along with the army. They are building it and about the possibility of moving it from Chetumal, Tren Maya, to our border, to start there and to eventually go into the rest of the country. So all of these discussions, this is what we’ve agreed to roughly and we’re now starting to put that on pen and paper and hopefully sometime next month we’ll be able to sign this agreement. So it was very successful, I’m very grateful to President AMLO, as everybody knows him, Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador. I also met with the governor from Quintana Roo, who was also there. We had several discussions. There’s an interest in the port because now that Chetumal is going to be a duty free area, all the goods will have to come in through the Belize port. So they want to also take a look at the port and see that we can improve the port so that they can handle the amount of goods that they expect will be coming through shortly. I extended an invitation to the governor and we expect that probably in maybe a month or two, so that he’d be able to come on a working visit.”

Belize Shines At Festival of Cultures and Peoples in Saudi Arabia

The 12th Festival of Cultures and Peoples organised by the Islamic University of Madinah in Saudi Arabia, recently concluded. It was held under the theme, “Here is the World.” The festival featured 3,114 diverse events and activities catering to families, children, and the wider community.

Visitors from various segments of society greatly valued the festival’s offerings.

The Belize booth placed fourth in the judging. One of the participants told News 5, ” is considered a huge success as our booth was one of the smallest but which dished out significant information on Belize’s tourist industry. ”

The festival organizers confirmed that the festival had an increased number of attendees, which is in line with the significant development the festival has experienced compared to previous years.
They praised the efforts and presentations of 500 participating university students, who represented 95 countries worldwide.

CXC Investigating Distribution of CSEC® Paper at Specific Centres

The Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC®) says it has initiated investigations into an incident related to the distribution of the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate® (CSEC®) Principles of Accounts Paper 02 at specific examination centres.

CXC® acknowledges the potential anxiety caused by such uncertainties and assures candidates and parents that these matters are being addressed with utmost urgency. “Upon completion of our investigations, appropriate action will follow.”

No information was given as to when or where this alleged action happened.

Taiwanese NGO Donates US$25,500 in Medical Equipment to Belize

A Taiwanese NGO, the Cao Zhong Zhi Foundation, donated US$25,500 in medical equipment to the Ministry of Health and Wellness. The donation was made today during a ceremony hosted by Health and Wellness Minister, Kevin Bernard and Ambassador of the Republic of China (Taiwan) Lily Li-Wen Hsu in Belmopan.

The donation includes 240 adult wheelchairs, 50 children’s wheelchairs, 80 steel commodes, 160 aluminium walkers, and 400 aluminium walking sticks.

A release from the ministry says, “Today’s donation underlines Taiwan’s commitment to aiding communities worldwide, particularly in times of need, and emphasises the importance of solidarity and cooperation in addressing global public health challenges.”

Minister Bernard stated, ““It is imperative for all global players, including Taiwan, to have the opportunity to contribute effectively to international health initiatives.”

PUP’s Michel Chebat Fires Back at UDP

The United Democratic Party (UDP) is calling for the immediate resignation or removal of Michel Chebat from the Ministry of Public Utilities. In a statement, the UDP criticised Chebat’s leadership in the ministry. The party said that it has led “unwarranted suffering of the Belizean people, especially the people of the Cayo North constituency.”

The UDP says “Chebat must go in order for the Ministry of Public Utilities and the Public Utilities Commission to prioritise the needs of the public once again.”

In a statement to News 5, Chabet said, “I was elected to serve all the people of Cayo North. Since my election I have been in discussions with BWS to bring water to the communities in Cayo North that do not have access to water. This particular area has increased significantly and the people are without the basic neccessity that water provides. It is my duty to find a permanent solution to that issue. This is not about band aid solutions like the UDP doing.”

Chebat further stated, “The residents deserve to have access to clean running water. And I make no excuse for lobbying to bring water to them.”

According to Chebat, “BWS will regain their initial investment through water bills. That is what plan Belize is all about…we are about bringing permanent solutions for the people and not about grand standing like the UDP.”

VIDEO LEAKED: Security Camera Captures Assault

Last week, an immigration officer, forty-eight-year-old Saul Lisbey, was arrested for the crime of wounding. He stands accused of assaulting a woman at the western border office on Monday, May 6.

The video shows an immigration officer exiting his booth, and walking towards the woman before pushing her to the ground. The woman hit her head and was taken to the hospital.

Tanya Santos, the Chief Executive Officer of Immigration, confirmed that Lisbey had been placed on administrative leave pending further investigation. In an interview, Santos stated that the incident involved an immigration officer and a member of the public, with video footage corroborating the details. Santos emphasised that such behaviour was unacceptable and assured the public that thorough measures would be taken to address the matter.

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Dr Osmond Martinez Launches Candidacy for Toledo East

CEO of the Ministry of Finance, Economic Development, and Investment, Dr Osmond Martinez, officially launched his candidature for the upcoming general elections. Dr Martinez announced this on his Facebook page. He wants to represent the constituents of Toledo East. Voters there will participate in a by-election following the passing of Mike Espat, who represented the constituency for six terms.

In his statement, Dr Osmond offers “deepest condolences to the Espat family and friends as we continue to mourn the loss of the late Minister Mike Espat. Understanding the grieving process, I realize there is never a perfect time. However, in honoring his legacy, we must carry on the work. Minister Mike Espat’s contributions to our nation and specifically to the constituents of Toledo East have left an indelible mark on our hearts and our community.”

Dr Martinez says that he has “diligently worked to secure funding and support for initiatives aimed at fostering growth and prosperity across our nation. Under my leadership, project implementation within the Ministry has soared, increasing by 40% since 2019, with substantial investments now totaling BZ$208 million annually. These achievements underscore our dedication to prudent resource management and effective governance for the betterment of our citizens.”

“My candidacy is founded upon a proven track record of leadership, integrity, and results. As your Area Representative, I pledge to serve with unwavering dedication, advocating tirelessly for the interests of Toledo East and its residents. Together, let us embark on a journey of progress, prosperity, and unity, ensuring a brighter future for generations to come.”

PM Briceno is Optimistic About CFE Meeting

As we’ve reported, Prime Minister John Briceño is headed to Cancun, Mexico on Saturday, following an official funeral for former Toledo East Area Representative Mike Espat. The purpose of the weekend visit is to meet with Mexican officials in an effort to resolve the energy crisis that has gripped the country over the past two weeks. Accompany him for the meeting are officials from Belize Electricity Limited. When we spoke with PM Briceño earlier today, he shared his optimism that CFE will be able to provide Belize with at least sixty megawatts of power.

Isani Cayetano

“PM, you’re heading to Mexico once again this weekend to meet with CFE representatives regarding our current energy crisis. Is there any optimism on your end that you will be able to return with something favorable for us as consumers?”

Prime Minister John Briceño

“I’m very optimistic and excited about what can be accomplished. I think, the most important thing is that I believe at this point, I spoke with CEO Mencias yesterday. We managed to get the Mile Eight, on the Western Highway, generator going. Once that is working well we’ll be able to barely hold on but we’ll be able to do well with our energy needs, we’ll be able to meet them and when we get the San Pedro twenty-one megawatts generator going. That will also ensure that we can be self-sufficient. But let us not forget that when we connect to CFE there are certain hours of the day, like around two or three o’clock in the morning, we can get energy at two cents and three cents per kilowatt. So the plan is that we are going ask CFE if they could increase the maximum that they can sell to Belize. Presently, it’s at fifty-five megawatts and we’re hoping that we can get that at least to sixty, because when they can give us the sixty because it’s cheaper, we buy from them and then when it’s more expensive we can switch over. So it’s a matter of being that balancing act to ensure that we could get the best possible rates for our consumers.”

Caribbean gangs setting up ‘franchises’ around the region

The Caymen Compass is reporting that powerful Caribbean gangs are establishing ‘franchises’. They are using music promoters and performers as a front for their illegal activities, which include drug trafficking, gun smuggling, and human trafficking.

The article says that these powerful gangs are now venturing into smaller islands, introducing unprecedented levels of violence in communities previously untouched by such serious criminal activities. Lieutenant Colonel Michael Jones, head of the CARICOM Implementation Agency for Crime and Security (IMPACS) emphasised that these criminal networks often have ties to Caribbean nationals residing in the United States, who facilitate the influx of weapons into the region.

*Container checks in the Bahamas as part of Operation Trigger. – Photo: Interpol media*

There is a growing sophistication and transnational nature of these criminal groups, stressing the need for law enforcement to match this development to effectively combat organised crime. He warned that the fractured nature of policing across over 30 island nations and territories spanning 1,000 square miles of open sea is being exploited by criminals.

To tackle this challenge, Jones emphasised the necessity of enhanced coordination and cooperation among Caribbean nations, potentially including the establishment of a pan-Caribbean coast guard.

Jones emphasised that transnational organised crime involves a close connection between arms trafficking, drug smuggling, gang activities, and human trafficking throughout the region. He pointed out evidence of gangs composed of multiple nationalities and diaspora groups associated with specific countries, operating in coordination across borders.

BSI says Independent Expert Affirms Justification of Port Charges

Belize Sugar Industries Limited (BSI) says that Hugh O’Brien has determined that the terminal handling charges and throughput fees are justified port charges.

In a release, BSI stated, “He also concluded that the industry is saving significant costs from the transition to the Port of Big Creek through more efficient loading. Therefore, based on his findings, these charges remain in the commercial agreement, and cane price estimates issued thus far for the 2023–24 crop stay unchanged.”

BSI and the Belize Sugar Cane Farmers Association (BSCFA) commissioned O’Brien to conduct an analysis of terminal handling charges and throughput fees as part of a two-year commercial agreement. The objective was to assess whether these costs, disputed by the BSCFA, qualify as justified port charges. O’Brien was also tasked with comparing the current throughput fee and stevedoring costs at the Port of Big Creek with those previously incurred at the Port of Belize Limited (PBL).