The United States is one of Belize’s closest diplomatic allies. Prime Minister John Briceño has already congratulated President-Elect Donald Trump. As for Trump’s mass deportation policy, P.M. Briceño remains optimistic, saying there’s plenty of work in Belize for everyone.
Prime Minister John Briceño
Prime Minister John Briceño
“We do that through the ministry of foreign affairs. The following morning, we did send out a note of congratulation to president elect Trump. As you know the U.S. is our biggest partner and most important partner. We have worked very closely with them. I don’t foresee any major changes for us. Short of the MCC Compact that has just been signed. We believe we are going to strengthen the relationship.”
Paul Lopez
“What are your thoughts on his mass deportation policies, trouble for Belizeans?”
Prime Minister John Briceño
“Absolutely not, we need more workers in Belize. So if they bring back the Belizeans we need workers. But again, the American people in their wisdom voted for a man that says he is going to do mass importations. We may not agree with the voters, but we have to respect the voters.”
“The sound you hear is the ticking clock. We are in the final countdown to limit global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius. And time is not on our side,” said UN Secretary-General António Guterres at the COP29 Climate Action Summit in Baku today. Guterres called for urgent climate action, saying, “doubling down on fossil fuels is absurd.” He warned that achieving the goal of limiting global warming to 1.5°C requires countries to “slash global fossil fuel production and consumption by 30%” by 2030.
“On climate finance, the world must pay up, or humanity will pay the price,” Guterres warned, adding that “climate finance is not charity; it’s an investment.”
In response, Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev defended his country’s oil and gas exports as a “gift of the god.” Speaking in Baku today, Aliyev criticised his international critics and denied Azerbaijan is a “petrostate,” despite the fact that oil and gas account for two-thirds of the country’s revenue. He said, “I understand that this topic is not very popular at a climate change conference, but, without that, my comments would not be complete.” Aliyev said American “fake news media” should look at their own country, the world’s biggest oil and gas producer.
In another key announcement, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer set a new emissions reduction target of 81% by 2035, building on the country’s climate leadership. “Starmer had failed to match strong words with a strong plan of action,” said Rosemary Harris of Oil Change International.
The developing nations’ group, the G77, made a bold demand for climate finance at the summit, insisting on $1.3 trillion per year to address mitigation, adaptation, and loss and damage. They rejected proposals to expand the contributor base to wealthier emerging economies like China and Saudi Arabia. Developing countries say they will not even negotiate on any text that has expanding this base as an option.
UN climate chief Simon Stiell stressed the importance of climate finance, calling it “global inflation insurance” to protect against the rising economic costs of climate change. He said, “Climate action is fast becoming an economy-killer,” pointing out that the impact of climate disasters is “carving up to 5% off GDP in many countries.”
At least 15 inmates were killed and 14 others injured in a violent clash early Tuesday at Ecuador’s El Litoral prison, notorious for frequent and deadly gang violence. The prison service SNAI reported that the “grave incidents” occurred in the pre-dawn hours at the Guayaquil-based facility.
Security forces have since regained control of the prison, and a comprehensive search of the premises is underway.
El Litoral has a grim history of violent gang clashes; its deadliest incident in September 2021 left over 120 inmates dead. Nearby residents reported hearing gunfire early Tuesday, and police tactical units were seen entering the facility while a helicopter circled above.
Authorities have not yet disclosed details about the identities of those killed, and an investigation is ongoing to determine the cause of the fight.
The prison holds some of Ecuador’s most dangerous gang members, many of whom continue to operate their criminal networks from within. Prison staff often face threats and intimidation from the inmates. In September, El Litoral’s director, María Daniela Icaza, was shot and killed in her car after receiving numerous threats, according to her family.
Ecuador has been grappling with a dramatic rise in gang-related violence, transforming the country from one of Latin America’s safest to one of its most perilous.
In his opening remarks as COP29 President, Mukhtar Babayev of Azerbaijan stressed the urgency of addressing climate change, citing that current policies could lead to 3°C of global warming—levels that he described as catastrophic. He stressed that climate impacts are already being felt globally, from flooding in Spain to wildfires in Australia, and underscored the need for more than just compassion or hopeful promises.
He warned, “We are on a road to ruin,” adding, “People are suffering in the shadows; they are dying in the dark,” so “we need much more from all of you.”
The COP29 presidency is built on two central pillars: enhancing ambition and enabling action. Babayev outlined Azerbaijan’s commitment to securing a fair, ambitious climate finance goal, emphasising that developed countries must provide substantial financial support to address the pressing needs of developing countries, particularly small island developing states (SIDS) and least developed countries (LDCs).
Babayev also highlighted critical areas for action at COP29, including operationalising Article 6 on carbon markets, increasing adaptation finance, and advancing technology transfer. He pointed to the need for robust Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and adaptation plans, which are essential for achieving the global climate goals.
Babayev called for collective commitment and reminded delegates of the world’s anticipation for decisive action. He urged them to move forward in solidarity, reinforcing that every action and every fraction of a degree matters in the fight against climate change.
A Spirit Airlines flight en route to Haiti’s capital, Port-au-Prince, from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, was diverted on Monday after reportedly being struck by gunfire. The aircraft, carrying passengers to Toussaint Louverture International Airport, safely landed in the Dominican Republic, and authorities reported that a flight attendant was grazed by a bullet during the incident.
The airline has not yet issued a comment on the event. Following the reported gunfire, authorities grounded all commercial flights at the airport in Port-au-Prince, and flight tracking showed JetBlue and Amerijet cargo planes diverting away from Haiti.
This marks the second known incident in recent weeks involving gang-related gunfire impacting aircraft over Port-au-Prince. Last month, a United Nations helicopter was struck, although it safely returned without injuries. Violence and instability have increased in the city since politically connected gangs mounted an insurrection in March, leading to widespread disruption, including a prison break, airport closure, and city lockdown.
In response to the deteriorating security situation, Haiti’s transitional presidential council has appointed Alix Didier Fils-Aimé, an entrepreneur and former Senate candidate, as the country’s new prime minister. Fils-Aimé replaces Garry Conille, who was dismissed following a politically tumultuous term since his appointment in May.
Following Donald Trump’s win in the U.S. presidential election, Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich stated that “the time has come” for Israel to extend full sovereignty over the West Bank, a territory under Israeli occupation since 1967. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu revealed that he has spoken with Trump multiple times since the election and that they share a common view on addressing the Iranian threat.
Meanwhile, the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah has warned that it has “enough weapons, equipment, and supplies for a long battle” against Israel. Over the weekend, Israeli airstrikes killed dozens of people, including at least 20 children, in Gaza and Lebanon. According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, at least 43,603 Palestinians have been killed, with 102,929 injured since the war began, while Lebanon’s Health Ministry reports 3,189 deaths and 14,078 injuries.
Israel’s former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant has made claims about the handling of the war in Gaza. Gallant, who was fired by Netanyahu last week, stated that Netanyahu’s refusal to accept the ceasefire deal was rooted in personal political interests, not military strategy. Gallant said, “We killed all of them,” referring to the high-ranking Hamas leaders killed by Israeli forces. As the Minister of Defence, he said, “I did my job.”.
Gallant’s firing, announced on the same day as the U.S. election, has fuelled protests across Israel, with many Israelis accusing Netanyahu of putting his own political survival ahead of national security. “We feel that our country is slipping away, and tonight is just the last nail on the coffin,” said Maayan Oz, a protester in Tel Aviv.
Critics argue that Netanyahu’s actions reflect a dangerous shift away from democratic norms.
Earlier this week, the United States held its 2024 presidential election, with Republican candidate Donald J. Trump emerging victorious over Democratic candidate Kamala Harris. During his previous term, Trump limited interactions with Belize and other smaller developing nations. Throughout his campaign, he pushed for reduced government spending. His policy blueprint, Project 2025, even proposed cutting funds for climate-resilient projects abroad. Although Trump has since distanced himself from this plan, questions linger about whether the U.S. will continue supporting Belize’s environmental initiatives and stay committed to the Paris Agreement. We spoke with Minister of Sustainable Development, Orlando Habet, to get his take on the matter. Here’s what he had to say.
Orlando Habet
Orlando Habet, Minister of Sustainable Development
“Difficult to tell what will happen, but I believe that and they have in a State Department, I think, that some of their commitments that are on the table might continue. We don’t know what the President will do in the next few days, and whether or not he’ll make decisions now before he takes over in January. But if we know about Project 25, and Project 25 will practically state that they will withdraw from the Paris Agreement that is a problem because they have some contributions to make. And also because they are one of the biggest emitters, they are responsible for coming up with some of the funding for the developing countries. I think I read somewhere also that they might withdraw some funding from projects like USAID, which is bad for us also because we are also recipients of some of that funding. But it seems to me though that he has different been put together that might advise him to do otherwise different from what he did in the first term. But who am I to say what he will do, right? But we are hopeful still. I think the relationship that we have with the United States of America has been practically on level ground, whether our administration changes in Belize or whether their administration changes in the U.S..”
The remains of 11 individuals, including two children, were discovered inside a vehicle in the violence-stricken city of Chilpancingo in southern Mexico. The chilling find comes just weeks after the city’s mayor was beheaded shortly after assuming office.
Officials say the victims’ identities have yet to be determined, and the case is being treated as a homicide. Police responded to reports of an abandoned pick-up truck on a highway leading to Acapulco, a former celebrity hotspot that has since become notorious for drug trafficking and a high murder rate.
Guerrero, located on key smuggling routes along the Pacific coast, is one of Mexico’s most violent states, with 1,890 homicides recorded last year. Chilpancingo, a city of 280,000, has long been the site of brutal turf wars between rival drug gangs, the Ardillos and the Tlacos.
The region has seen a wave of violence, including the killings of at least six candidates ahead of Mexico’s June 2 elections.
On Tuesday, we chatted with a few Belizeans to see how up-to-date they were with the 2024 US presidential race. Most people told us they were following the elections closely and were hopeful that Kamala Harris, the Democratic candidate, would win. However, the results are in, and Republican candidate Donald J. Trump has come out on top. Today, we hit the streets again to find out how Belizeans are feeling about the announcement.
Britney Gordon, Reporting
It’s the day after the 2024 US Presidential Elections, and the results are in. In a tight race, Republican candidate Donald J. Trump has clinched a second non-consecutive term in the White House. While mail-in ballots are still being counted, it’s projected that Trump has secured two hundred and seventy-seven Electoral College votes, seven votes above the threshold needed to beat Democratic opponent Kamala Harris. On Tuesday, we hit the streets of Belize City to see how Belizeans were keeping up with the presidential race. Today, we went out again to get their reactions to Trump’s victory.
Clyde Burgess
Clyde Burgess, Belizean
“He ain’t no good. He no good.”
Britney Gordon
“Why do you think that?”
Clyde Burgess
“Mami, when I used to live over there, He go, he dig underneath the tunnel. And do a lot of mischief, you know, even. Especially when, when he try to play with the data. So. And plus the prejudice. Who want one person who is prejudiced fi wa president? No man. It noh right. He ain’t worth it mami. Because he don’t like black. He don’t like Spanish. What you like? But da the black people. God made all of us. Nobody better than no other.”
Some Belizeans shared their disappointment with the results, feeling that Trump harbors internal prejudices. Others simply didn’t agree with his policies.
Britney Gordon
“How are you feeling about the results?”
Brenda Baptist
Brenda Baptist, Belizean
“I don’t like it.”
Britney Gordon
“Are you concerned for your friends and family that are living there?”
Brenda Baptist
“I have family va there.”
Steve Fuller
Steve Fuller, Belizean
“Ukraine will be gobbled up by Russia. And time will get harder.”
Bitney Gordon
“You think we’ll start to see that here too?”
Steve Fuller
“Of course. Of course. Trump made a promise, and he intend to keep it. He said,he imposed tariff, and the tariff will pass on to the consumer. Simple as that. If you don’t understand that, then I rest my case.”
A few Belizeans were less pessimistic about the results and are instead choosing to observe what will become of Trump’s return to the White House.
Luis Ayala
Luis Ayala, Belizean
“Yeah, my family is good there though. So, but, I don’t know what’s happening later, I think.”
Britney Gordon
“So you’re waiting to see what will happen?”
Luis Ayala
“Yes.”
Belize City herbalist Leroy Young, who made headlines in July for spitting in another man’s face during a heated debate over Biden versus Trump, was eager to share his reaction. He supports Trump’s strict immigration policies.
Leroy “Herbs Man” Young
Leroy “Herbs Man” Young, Belizean
“Donald Trump is against open border. Immigrant going over there and then they get food stamps. Then they get all kind of benefits. And you have my born Belizean that have to save up money, pay to the bank, and go there and make appointment to U. S. Embassy only for them to turn them down. Go the proper way. But when you go illegal, Right now a lot of country, like Cuba and Venezuela, they let out their prisoners and they send them to the border. The mayor of New York is taking a licking because he stand up to the present administration of ten thousand immigrants to New York every month.”
It’s unclear what Trump’s re-election will mean for Belize, but some people are definitely feeling uneasy about what the future holds.
Leroy “Grandmaster” Young
Leroy “Grandmaster” Young, Belizean “Trump, I don’t know why, I don’t know, I don’t know, like, when fi he motha bring him in this world, he mussi been dropped pan he head or something like that, you know? But he wa be he, he wa be he. He will be here. No matter what you try to do, he wa be he. Because at the end of the day, da he get the last laugh.”
Britney Gordon
“What do you think is the biggest issue with his candidacy?”
Leroy “Grandmaster” Young
“From follow Trump. I don’t know, we will have to deal with a real, I don’t want to say the word, you know. When, when, anytime he speak, there’s something out of the way. Da no nothing real positive. All he di think about, da how he will try to bring down other, other politicians. So they end up in the same boat with him.”
Britney Gordon
“So how are you feeling about the election results?”
News Five ran a poll on its Facebook page, asking followers how they felt about Donald Trump’s victory in the 2024 U.S. Presidential Election. Out of five hundred and six voters, opinions were split. A strong two hundred and eighty people said they were ‘very satisfied’ with Trump’s win, showing solid support for his leadership. On the flip side, one hundred and thirteen voters were ‘very dissatisfied,’ and sixty-one were ‘somewhat dissatisfied.’ A smaller group of forty-six voters stayed neutral, while six felt ‘somewhat satisfied.’ Keep in mind, this Facebook poll isn’t scientific and only reflects the views of those who participated.
