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Belmopan Market Vendors Face April 15 Deadline for Individual Trade Licences

Vendors at the Belmopan Market Plaza are facing mounting pressure from the Belmopan City Council to obtain individual trade licences or risk being forced to cease operations by April 15th.

At the centre of the dispute is a 30-year memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed in 2021 under the previous city administration, which granted the plaza a blanket trade licence fee of $30,000 annually. The Plaza’s owners argue that the MOU was lawfully signed and formed the basis for major investments into the market space, which has become a vital hub for small vendors, farmers, and micro-entrepreneurs.

David Zabaneh, one of the directors of Belmopan Market Plaza, explained the background. “We got granted a trade licence in 2021 by the Trade Licence Board. With that trade license, we entered into a five-year MOU with City Council to conduct market day activities, and it was something that was, you know, renewable,” he said. He recounted that in 2023, the situation shifted when the then-landowner expressed a desire to sell. “Being that we already had the commitment to our vendors, we decided, you know, we have to see how we proceed to purchase this property and not let it get in the hands of any other investor… we’re for vendors first.”

Zabaneh said a new agreement was negotiated with the City Council that hinged on purchasing the property and securing it for continued use as a market. “That MOU was a 30-year MOU that really hinged on the investment to purchase this property. It’s a three-acre property. It’s in the heart of Belmopan, and it’s one of the best locations for business… with the proximity to government offices, banks, and just about everything.”

Based on the strength of that MOU, Zabaneh said they secured a loan and made significant investments in the space. “So here we are now with the council sending a letter saying that MOU wasn’t valid… and charging each vendor individually when we already have a blanket trade license agreement.” He added that such an arrangement is not unprecedented. “Maybe it’s new to them, but it’s nothing that’s unheard of to have a blanket or umbrella trade licence. They do this kind of arrangement all over the world. If you want to go check in the Commonwealth, you could find that being done.”

Zabaneh also raised concerns about the impact of the council’s decision on small businesses. “The fee we pay annually—we would see a huge reduction in that. We’d probably see a 90% or 95% reduction in that if they come in and charge vendors the trade licence. But on our end, we can’t allow that to happen because a lot of times the small business owners… they get undone by different administrations. And we’re just in a position where we have to protect.”

Meanwhile, the City Council has dismissed the MOU, claiming it is “null and void” and that the previous mayor acted beyond her legal authority. The council plans to begin assessing trade licence fees for individual vendors this week. With legal action already in motion, the fate of the Belmopan Market Plaza now rests on a potential court battle that could have wide-reaching implications for small enterprises in the city.

MET Concludes Successful IDB and IFAD Mission Focused on Sustainable Agriculture

The Ministry of Economic Transformation (MET) says it has completed a joint mission with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), marking a key milestone for the “Program for Sustainable and Inclusive Belize”.

Held from March 31 to April 4, the in-country mission aimed to advance agricultural development efforts by prioritising sustainability, inclusivity, and economic opportunity. Throughout the week, representatives from MET, IDB, and IFAD met to discuss strategies that support smallholder farmers, producer groups, and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

The discussions also emphasised creating enabling environments, promoting gender equality, and empowering youth by improving access to productive resources.

Collaboration extended to the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Enterprise (MAFSE) and the Ministry of Finance’s Central Executing Unit and included field visits to San Antonio in the Cayo District and Hope Creek and Santa Cruz Villages in the Stann Creek District. These site visits were key in identifying on-the-ground needs and opportunities for growth.

The mission supports the alignment of Plan Belize and the Medium-Term Development Strategy with the country’s wider economic transformation goals.

Belizean Grandmother Faces Deportation After Weed Eater Incident

A Texas grandmother originally from Belize is facing possible deportation after she was accused of assaulting a postal worker with a weed eater during a confrontation in Spring, Texas. According to The Independent, Margarita Avila, a landscaper who has lived in the United States since 2001, was arrested and charged with assault – bodily injury.

The incident has now landed her in federal immigration custody.

According to a March 13 statement from Harris County Constable Mark Herman, “Margarita Avila was arrested and booked into the Harris County Jail, charged with Assault – Bodily Injury. Her bond was set at $100.00 out of County Court 3.” The statement also alleges that Avila struck a U.S. Postal Service worker with a weed eater, “leaving multiple welts on her arm and body.”

The altercation reportedly occurred while Avila was trimming grass near a mailbox. Authorities say a postal worker asked Avila to step back to avoid getting hit by debris, then tapped her on the shoulder when the request was ignored. That’s when Avila allegedly attacked.

But her family says the 52-year-old was acting in self-defense.

“She’s running away from a cartel that was threatening her life back in 2001 when she first came,” her daughter, Lisbet Azucena Avila, told Newsweek. “And then when she left [for Belize] in 2012, she had to come right back six months later because the threat was still there.”

Lisbet insists her mother is in the U.S. legally and is seeking asylum. She fears deportation would place her mother in grave danger. “We don’t want to think about that because if my mom were to go back, that would be the last time that we see our mom,” she said.

Video footage from the scene reportedly shows the two women wrestling on a lawn but does not capture how the confrontation began. “With the wrestling and everything, that’s when you could see the weed eaters just like going different places,” Lisbet described. “My mom was put out there as her being the attacker but she’s really the victim here.”

The U.S. Postal Service told KHOU11 that the worker involved has been interviewed and is cooperating with management. No investigation has been launched by the postal service at this time.

Meanwhile, the charge has complicated Avila’s immigration status. She is now in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody, and her family is fighting for her release.

Global Recession Fears Grow

Investors are increasingly concerned that President Donald Trump’s escalating trade war could lead to a global recession. According to The Economist, stock markets were rattled following the announcement of Trump’s new tariffs.

The Russell 3000, one of the broadest measures of the American stock market, dropped 5% on April 3 and another 6% the following day after China retaliated with its own tariffs, according to The Economist.

It also added that gold and the US dollar also showed unusual movements, while oil and copper prices plunged.

Concerns have intensified as bank stocks, particularly those exposed to economic cycles, have tumbled, and several private firms have delayed their public listings. The VIX, a measure of market volatility, has surged, prompting analysts to raise global recession odds to 60%.

Woman, Man, and Child Injured in Shooting in Belize City

Police are investigating a shooting that occurred on Iguana Street, Belize City, this afternoon. Initial reports indicate that three people were injured, including a woman and child.

Reports are that two gunmen on a motorcycle opened fire on the victims before fleeing the scene. The injured have been identified as Marelee Richards, 56; Edgar Choc, 36; and a 12-year-old.

The victims were transported to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH) and are reported to be in stable condition. The motive behind the shooting remains unclear.

Police are currently processing the scene. No arrests have been made.

More details to follow.

Pope Francis Makes First Public Appearance Since Discharged from Hospital

Pope Francis, 88, made his first public appearance since being discharged from the hospital. The Vatican reported that the pope delivered a message about illness as a “holy place.”

He urged the faithful to see the sickbed as an opportunity for spiritual growth. The Pope highlighted how suffering can lead to transformation, comparing it to the exile of the Israelites and the woman condemned for her sins in the Gospel.

The Pope is still recovering from pneumonia. He called his illness a lesson in trust and gratitude. He encouraged people to embrace vulnerability and accept love, rather than viewing illness as a burden.

The Pope greeted crowds in St Peter’s Square. He appeared stronger and in good spirits, offering a message of hope and compassion to the thousands gathered.

Children Removed from House Amid Alleged Abuse

Commissioner of Police Chester Williams confirmed that three children have been removed from a house following allegations of abuse. According to Williams, the children have been interviewed and are “in the process of taking them into protective care.” The children will also undergo medical examinations as part of the ongoing investigation.

This comes after a concerned resident took to social media on Saturday, claiming that two young girls, aged two and three, were allegedly being physically abused in a dangerous and toxic environment.

The user said in a social media post, The post stated, “There are 2 little girls getting abused physically, & God knows there’s a possibility it’s sexually too.” According to the user, Human Services was contacted, but no action had been taken.

She alleged that the man living in the house was abusing the children, stating, “These little girls are about 2 & 3 years old.” The post also claimed that the girls and their mother were “getting beat every single day.”

“I have videos of these little girls & their mom on the street late at night when he puts them out, I have voice clips with a family member saying that these girls are being molested,” the user added.

BDF Opens New Main Kitchen and Dining Facilities to Boost Troop Welfare

The Belize Defence Force (BDF) has officially opened its newly constructed Main Kitchen and Dining Facilities, a major development aimed at improving the welfare of its personnel.

“This state-of-the-art facility is designed to significantly enhance the quality of life for our soldiers, offering them nutritious meals in a comfortable and modern setting,” the BDF said in a statement.

The new facility includes a modern walk-in freezer, advanced cooking equipment, and expanded dining areas for both senior officers and troops. According to the BDF, “These upgrades will not only streamline meal preparation and service but also ensure that our troops receive the best possible sustenance to support their demanding duties.”

Lieutenant Colonel Williams, Services Battalion Commander, called the opening a “momentous occasion”, adding that the facilities will facilitate “proper nutrition which is essential to the readiness and morale of our troops,” he said.

Fire Burns Down Two Homes in Belize City

Authorities are investigating a fire incident that occurred early this morning in Belize City. Reports are that the blaze started around 2:30 in the morning at an abandoned two-storey building on Hunters Lane.

The fire eventually spread onto a nearby home, causing significant damage. Firefighter officials responded and managed to contain the fire from spreading further.

The extent of the fire damage is still unknown. No injuries were reported. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

Groundbreaking for New Pediatric Ward at Northern Regional Hospital

The Ministry of Health & Wellness (MOHW) announced on Friday the groundbreaking of the new paediatric ward at Northern Regional Hospital in the Orange Walk District. The project is a collaboration between the Rotary Club of Orange Walk-District 4250 and LEAP Global Mission. MOHW said in a statement that it reflects “a milestone in our commitment to improving child healthcare services in Belize.”

The $2.3 million initiative will fund the construction of a “modern, 5,384 sq. ft. facility equipped with observation wards, isolation units, consultation rooms, and more,” the ministry said.

The ministry added that the facility will be “tailored to meet the needs of our youngest patients and the heroes who care for them.”