Higher import costs can contribute to inflation, reducing the purchasing power of Belizean consumers. This could particularly affect low-income households, worsening economic inequality.
Dr. Leroy Almendarez, Economist
“But for us, when it comes to inflation, we have to look at increasing our manufacturing capability, domestic production… but not only domestic production, but ensuring that whatever is put into our cost of production can make the price, without compromising quality, but the price is competitive. Because if the price is higher, we tend to see sometimes where they say products produced domestically at times when you’re trying to price it because of the cost of inputs, it doesn’t make you competitive. See, it doesn’t make you competitive. We have to look at other markets. We have to strengthen our relationship with Central America. We have to do intra-regional trade with CARICOM, we have the CARICOM Single Market & Economy. We have to take full advantage of that as well. And so, in terms of penetration in there, I mean, it’s duty-free trade and so we must take full advantage of that. We have SICA, but we also have SIECA, SIECA is the economic integration.”
The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has condemned a recent incursion by Venezuela into Guyana’s territorial waters, calling it an act of aggression that violates international law and the 2023 Argyle Declaration.
According to CARICOM, Guyana’s President, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, informed the regional bloc that Venezuelan military vessels engaged with one of Guyana’s Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) platforms on March 1, 2025. CARICOM described the incident as provocative and a direct contradiction to the commitment by both nations to maintain peace in the region.
The organisation reaffirmed its unwavering support for Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, urging Venezuela to immediately withdraw from Guyana’s waters and refrain from any further interference with the FPSO platforms. CARICOM also emphasised that the ongoing border dispute should be resolved through the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which has jurisdiction over the matter.
“What is required now, more than ever, is patience, calm and non-provocation, on both sides,” the statement read, adding that a peaceful resolution remains possible without escalatory actions.
CARICOM, alongside the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC), remains committed to ensuring the Caribbean remains a Zone of Peace.
The Hague Group, formed on January thirty-first, 2025, is a coalition of nations dedicated to upholding the rulings of the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court regarding the Israeli/Palestinian conflict. However, Belize wasn’t listed as a member online, so the media asked about Belize’s current stance. The response was clear: Belize continues to support Palestine.
Prime Minister John Briceño
Prime Minister John Briceño
“I think we need to take a look at Belize’s stance when it comes to Palestine. We have gone beyond the call of duty standing up for what is right. Whether we decided that we want to put a pause on diplomatic relations with Israel, we were hoping that then members in CARICOM and Central America joined us. Nobody did. We went and joined the South Africa case and again hoping that others would join us as a small country. We also rise with – our principles never change, our principles never waver. We also have to take a realistic look at what is happening around us. We continue to support Palestine, we will fight for Palestine. And so, that is our position at this time.”
Caribbean leaders are wrapping up their three-day summit, aware that the region will face challenges from the new Donald Trump administration in the United States. Despite this, they agree on the need to seize any opportunities that come their way. Trump’s policies include deporting illegal Caribbean migrants, cutting funds for development programs, and reversing initiatives that fostered closer ties with Cuba and Venezuela. Here’s Peter Richards in Bridgetown, Barbados with more details.
CARICOM leaders kicked off the 48th Regular Summit in Barbados today. The meeting officially started Wednesday evening with a regional leader back in office, ready to make waves. One of the key topics was the escalating crisis in Haiti. CARICOM Chair and Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley stressed the need for a democratic transition but warned that just setting an election date for November fifteenth wouldn’t be enough. From Bridgetown, Peter Richards has the details.
Today, two students from Saint Ignatius High School in Belize set off on an exciting journey to North Carolina. Seventeen-year-old Flevian Strand and eighteen-year-old Silsa Perez were awarded this trip by the STEM U Foundation of the USA for being the top fourth-form students in welding and non-destructive testing. We caught up with them at the Philip Goldson International Airport this afternoon to hear their thoughts on this amazing opportunity.
Jeaneane Neal
Jeaneane Neal, Principal, St. Ignatius High School
“STEMU Foundation is an NPO organization in the United States that offers support to STEM studies, anything that has to do with the STEM. St. Ignatius High School developed and keep developing, changing its curriculum. Fortunately, the Ministry of Education gives us that opportunity. It’s that leverage for us to be able to develop curriculums as it pertains to the abilities of our students. At St. Ignatius High School, yes, where we have students who are academically inclined, those who can build themselves in terms of spirituality. However, we decided to work on the STEM studies. We have students who want to venture into engineering architecture. And of course, we have the welding and nondestructive testing, which the students are able to tell you about.”
Silsa Perez
Silsa Perez, Student, St. Ignatius High School
“ Taking this advantage means so much to me because I have the opportunity to find more experience outside and not only here. My studies here are only general in home economics, which is cooking the primary, agriculture, which is my primary one, and welding and non-dt.”
Flevian Strand
Flevian Strand, Student, St. Ignatius High School
“ At first, when I heard it, it caught my attention. So I decided to try it. It’s really helped me a lot throughout the years. I’ve learned a lot actually and I hope in the future I learn more because I’m really interested in the program.”
Last month, Belize officially filed to join South Africa’s genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice. This aligns Belize with eight other nations to end the genocide of the Palestinian people. However, the United States of America has remained a steadfast supporter of Israel. Minister of Foreign Affairs Francis Fonseca explains how the government of Belize is navigating this misalignment of allyship.
Francis Fonseca, Minister of Foreign Affairs
“ I think, you know, Belize, as you said, participated in the initial meeting of the Hague group. You know, there are changing circumstances and changing conditions and we have to constantly review those. The cabinet is aware of these issues, we are discussing these issues. So. You know, again, our position is that any of these organizations that we engage in, we do so on a principled basis really because of our strong commitment as a country to self-determination. That has been, you know, the critical focus for us in all of these fora that we participate. But, as I said, it’s something that we are reviewing and looking at. You know, and cabinet will discuss these matters in a more comprehensive way.”
Belizeans across the country gathered to watch the Kansas City Chiefs face off against the Philadelphia Eagles in Superbowl Fifty-Nine. The Chiefs were aiming for a historic three-peat, while the Eagles were hoping for an upset. Although American football isn’t the most popular sport in Belize, Superbowl Sunday brings its own excitement. Diehard fans eagerly watched to see their team win, while casual viewers enjoyed the commercials and the halftime show. News Five’s Paul Lopez was out and about on Superbowl Sunday to capture crowd reactions at various hangout spots. Here’s his report.
Paul Lopez, Reporting
As Superbowl Fifty-Nine kicked off between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles, the Riverside Tavern was packed with excited spectators. This is the one time of year when Belizeans are fully immersed in American football, whether they’re cheering for the game, enjoying the memorable commercials, or eagerly awaiting the highly anticipated halftime show.
Superbowl Viewer, Eagles Fan
“Eagles have always been my team in the league, especially when it came to fletcher cox. He was one of my most idolized players. A few years ago, when they won the Superbowl with him in defense. So, I have always been stuck on them.”
Paul Lopez
“A touch down from Eagles, what are you thinking right now?”
Amanda Tillett, Chiefs Fan
“We are in it for the long haul, no worries. The Chief can come back. If you saw the last game, the one to qualify, you know what Chief are made of.”
The Eagles first quarter, seven-point lead certainly had Chiefs fans on the edge of their seats, and Eagles fans ecstatic.
Jessie Benson, Eagles Fan
“First off yes, the Eagles are up right now, which is great. Patrick Mahomes needs to come work for Aquity, the best call center in Belize.”
Superbowl Viewer, Chiefs Fan
“It is still early, it is still the first quarter, we still have three more to go. We have a lot of time to go, so there is still plenty of time for us to come back.”
Next, we headed over to Social Lounge, where Eagles fans were thrilled as their team extended its lead. Chiefs’ fans, however, were still clinging to hope, relying on quarterback Pat Mahomes to turn the game around. The atmosphere was electric, with emotions running high on both sides.
Candice Hamilton, Eagles Fan
“I am rooting for the underdogs this time, no Swifty. So far it is going well, for me I think they started a little slow, playing a lot, losing the ball a lot, but these finals minutes they are stepping it up. I am loving it.”
Paul Lopez
“What are you most excited about, the game or the half-time show. Are you a Kendrick Lamar fan?”
Candice Hamilton
“No, I am not, OVO, OVO.”
Malaki Everette, Chiefs Fan
“Patrick Mahomes, all the ways. He is one of the greatest right now.”
This was the moment we all sat back to enjoy the highly anticipated Kendrick Lamar halftime show. The excitement in the air was palpable as everyone eagerly awaited his performance. While Kendrick Lamar’s halftime show was exhilarating, the excitement wasn’t over yet—a Superbowl champion still had to be crowned. The anticipation was building as fans eagerly awaited the outcome. Going into the third, the Chiefs were down twenty-four points to zero and they desperately needed a Mahomes miracle. We then made our way to Di Bruwry to catch up with the crowd, including celebrity fan Jubril from Passport Heavy.
Jubril Agoro, Eagles Fan
“It isn’t looking good at all for the Chiefs. This shirt, you may need to take it off.
Paul Lopez
“It is surprising to you any at all, that here in Belize there is a fan base and people interested in the Superbowl?”
Jubril Agoro
“Yeah, this venue and the fanbase, I am definitely surprised. I was like, alright let me go see. I was like oh shit we got real fans. I didn’t know it was going to be like this. Looking at the score, if I had to put money on it, it is the birds baby, it’s the bird.”
Early in the fourth quarter, it looked like the Eagles were on their way to a sure victory. One spectator was so confident that he even offered me a T-shirt to soften the blow of the Chiefs’ impending defeat. The Eagles went on to become the Super Bowl Fifty-Nine Champions.
Eagles Fan
“Woooee. That is baby, Eagles all the way. Blessed, happy happy, deh with the family, blessed, can’t complain. We love the results, hundred percent. Especially with Hurts at the helm, couldn’t doubt him, from that first touchdown, fantastic.”
Chiefs Fan
“We the ride or die breda man, we the ride or die. No, we the dead.”
A Belizean dancer took the stage at the Superbowl yesterday! On Sunday night, tens of millions of people worldwide tuned in to watch one of the most highly anticipated sporting events in the United States. This year’s halftime show, featuring musical guest Kendrick Lamar, was a major highlight. Among his dancers was eighteen-year-old Adia Viltz, a Belizean American university student. News Five’s Britney Gordon spoke with her today about this once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Adia Viltz
Britney Gordon, Reporting
Eighteen-year-old Adia Viltz couldn’t have imagined she’d be dancing on one of the world’s biggest stages. But everything changed when her school sent out an email, urging students to try out for a spot as one of Kendrick Lamar’s backup dancers at the Super Bowl halftime show.
Adia Viltz
Adia Viltz, Belizean Superbowl Dancer
“So we were there for about two weeks doing practice at an off-site location from the stadium. And it was really confidential. We found out about different stuff in bits and pieces, really. But I’d say the week before is when we found out all the information. And everyone was so nice. And we all just were very excited because we all were Kendrick fans. And we were really looking forward to this big opportunity.”
Adia, a filmmaking student at Loyola University in New Orleans, grew up in Belize, attending Belize Elementary School and Belize Christian Academy. She stepped onto the circle stage as one of the dancers, dressed head-to-toe in sleek black.
Adia Viltz
“Yeah, at first I thought I was going to be really nervous because the minute we went into the stadium, it was a bunch of people. Which I’ve never been in an environment like that before, but I honestly was, I was really hyped and super excited and just being there and having all the fans yell and scream and feel, bring up the energy and feel as excited as we were in that moment. It was really awesome and so surreal.”
Even though she didn’t get to meet them face-to-face, Adia says one of the best parts of the night was the brief moments she shared with Kendrick Lamar and SZA. They made sure to show their appreciation for all the dancers’ hard work.
Adia Viltz
“The most fun part was learning all the hidden meanings and secrets in the Super Bowl the day before. That was really cool. And just like hearing Kendrick Lamar encourage us and say thank you for being a part of the show. And just, he acknowledged how hard we were working. That was the highlight of my entire year. I was so excited. I did have a small moment with SZA though, because we had just finished. And I was standing waiting for the next move and she literally came right next to me and everyone that was around me, we all were waving hi and screaming and she saw us and she waved hi and she did like this.”
Adia shares that her mom, who has always been her biggest supporter, pushed her to go for it and apply, even though Adia had doubts.
Adia Viltz
“ I really hope everyone was inspired by this because before I didn’t think that I would get a really big opportunity like this. It felt so surreal in my mind and insane to imagine. But despite that, I still did my best and I tried my best and I still applied. And because of that, I feel I was able to do that really big event. So I would just say for everyone watching that they should go after their dreams, no matter what. And even if someone’s impossible or, Oh, you should do something else. Don’t listen to them, listen to your heart and do what you want to do.”
Since his inauguration a few weeks ago, President Donald Trump has cut funding for several foreign aid initiatives. This decision has impacted various programs in Belize, especially those providing healthcare assistance. We spoke with Minister of Health, Kevin Bernard, to find out how Belize plans to continue offering modern healthcare to its citizens despite the loss of additional funding.
Kevin Bernard, Minister of Health & Wellness
“Well remember that we continue to benefit from the technical support that these people will provide. And while the U.S. pulled away, I think it’s just a temporary pulling away, I’m pretty sure, from the World Health Organization, Belize continues to benefit from many other things, but we are doing our part. And this is the reason why the NHI rolled out the being provided to our citizens to be able to help people have access to free primary health care, almost free. Secondary fees that we have removed across this country also give access to health care. Ms. Kim, Simplis Barrow mentioned in her message today. that we want to see the barriers removed for women to have access to HPV [vaccines]. And it is a fact that we have removed those barriers, and this is the reason why health care access is affordable in this country. So despite that challenge, we will continue to do what we can to ensure that we move our country forward and to continue to build a resilient health system. And as I said, the health system is not just built on the funding, but it’s also built on the resilience and the technical support that the corporation will get from other stakeholders like PAHO. They have been very instrumental in looking at our strengthening of our strategic plan, our new revised health plan that we are launching very soon. That is the commitment that we have. The elimination of cervical cancer is a commitment that Belize has put forward and many other things that we want we want to achieve over the next few years. It is important to understand that despite what is happening in the U.S. and around those issues. We continue to remain steadfast, focused, and determined to improve health care in this country.”
