It’s been a long-fought battle to save the Will Bauer Flats from destructive development. The fishing community of southern Belize value the area as a prime location to fly fish; however, the threat of deterioration from proposed developers Angel Fish Caye LLC, threatened the livelihood of these fishermen. After months of public outcry, the government has decided to acquire the land from the owners, who will now be compensated for the loss. Prime Minister John Briceño provided us some details on this decision.
Prime Minister John Briceño
Prime Minister John Briceño
“It’s unfortunate also that the fisher folks and the fly fishing association did not alert us early to be able to stop that development. There’s the NEAC, the people ensure the entire process. But now that they’re starting to develop it, we see now a number of people are saying that is one of the best fly fishing areas. And so we need to protect it. And and we, there was no option but to compulsorily acquired that, so that the government can protect it. And I hope for generations to come.”
Seven applicants have been awarded permanent residency cards through Belize’s Amnesty Program. The program is a collaboration between the Ministry of Immigration and the UN High Commission on Refugees, created to regularize the number of immigrants living in Belize without legal documentation. The distribution of the residency cards comes on the heels of the new refugee asylum center that was opened in Benque Viejo. The recipients attended a ceremony where they were handed their cards and officially welcomed to Belize. Here’s News Five’s Isani Cayetano with the story.
Isani Cayetano, Reporting
Belize is leading the charge in response to immigration challenges by providing a more compassionate and inclusive approach to tackling the issues. Seven permanent residency cards were handed over through Belize’s amnesty program, ensuring that these people breathe a sigh of relief that they are legally allowed to call Belize their home. Tanya Santos, CEO of the Ministry of Immigration, welcomed the refugees to Belize.
Tanya Santos
Tanya Santos, C.E.O., Ministry of Immigration
“Today, we gather to mark a momentous occasion in celebration of our new permanent residents and their families. We celebrate with you here at the intersection where your time living in the shadows has ended. And when your new chapter has begun, we are glad to be here to share your hopefulness and optimism. These permanent resident cards that you will be receiving shortly are not just a document that verifies your full recognition as a resident of this beautiful country. These cards also represent your resilience, your courage, and your enduring hope for a better future in this country. that so many others before you have made their home.”
Jose Samaniego is the Director of the Regional Bureau for the Americas, an office of the United Nations High Commission on Refugees. In his presentation today, Samaniego spoke on the perennial issue regarding the movement of people across Latin America.
Jose Samaniego
Jose Samaniego, Director, UNHCR
“Today we experience an unprecedented displacement crisis in the world as a result of endless conflict, violence, extreme poverty, exacerbated by the impact of climate change. The number of people forced to flee has doubled in the last decade from sixty million persons in 2014, to one hundred and twenty million in 2024. Closer to us, in countries of the Americas host more than twenty-three million forcibly displaced persons. In addition to that, last year we had a record number of people engage in mixed movements, crossing the Darien [Gap] towards North America.”
Many refugees flee their home countries to escape persecution based on race, religion, nationality, political opinion or membership in a particular social group. Granting amnesty provides them with safety and protection from these threats.
Tanya Santos
“Many of you arrived years ago, in times when our country ignored your situation or were talks of protection and amnesty were at the inception. Therefore, I am honored to be here to see the culmination of a process that allows you full recognition as legal residents of Belize. In line with the objectives of Plan Belize, this amnesty envisioned your place in building the nation. In recognizing you as permanent residents, we continue our government’s commitment to ensuring a safe society, justice for all and family well-being.”
It’s been six months since Le Petit Café in Belize City closed for renovations. And the public has since eagerly awaited the return of the beloved café. Now, the wait is finally over. From six am to one pm, Belizeans can stop by the new Le Petit Café on Marine Parade Boulevard to satisfy their hunger and quench their thirst. Earlier today, News Five’s Britney Gordon stopped by the café for a taste of the new selection. Here’s the story.
Britney Gordon, Reporting
There is little more that one could wish for than a refreshing drink after travelling under the blazing Belizean sun. Perhaps a spot of shade, or a cool place to rest their feet. At the Le Petit Café located on the Marine Parade Boulevard, visitors can find all that and more. After six months, the café has reopened, boasting the sweet treats Belizeans know and love as well as some tasty new additions.
Efren Alvarez
Efren Alvarez, Food & Beverage Manager, Fort George
“The concept we started with the concept The same concept, but we added more values, our drinks, coffees, pastries. Especially now with the smoothies, because that’s something we don’t have in the last years, but we added more value for that. And maybe the portion was a little more big, than we have in the past. And the concept will start to change, that the people can see more different things, and we start to present it, a special items that the people can feel comfortable with them. Price and ingredients quality.”
A new menu and a new look. Despite being on wheels, customers can sit back, relax and sip on a drink while the sea breeze wafts over them. All the while gentle music plays from nearby, creating an atmosphere of utmost relaxation.
Efren Alvarez
“It’s more that cafeteria We’re looking for more like ice place that we have a families here. They can get a seat in that place We have umbrellas. We have a chairs and the people can come enjoy the Coffee and they can take a seat. They can see the ocean. There’s smoothies. They can get like a fresh smoothie. They can say I want to have something with me in front of a watermelon and that’s something fresh Okay, that’s something what the people can get very easy here because we have the fresh ingredients every day.”
The menu boasts drinks that satisfy the tongue and strengthen the body. They are made with ingredients such as yogurt, carrots, spinach and strawberries and lightly sweetened with honey.
Efren Alvarez
“People is in this moment from yesterday and today, we see the people asking more like a healthy drink, for example. We have the tropical green, it’s a smoothie made with the spinach pineapple. Watermelon. We don’t add any like a sugar or something like that for the smoothie. We need something like a more healthy drinks in the morning that they’re looking for. Especially the people is working in this area that they’re looking for in this place.”
Chef Luis Vega says the same love and attention poured into the drinks are kneaded into the pastries made fresh every day.
Luis Vega
Luis Vega, Chef, Le Petit Café
“We try to do, of course, the best presentation of our products, but we try to don’t loss the quality of the products, which is very important, how I tell you. For us, it’s very important the freshness of the products. The presentation and the quality of the of our product. And we, for us, it’s very important that our customers be happy with our products.”
Whether it’s for an afternoon snack or breakfast on the go, anyone can stop by and choose from a variety of foods made with the customer in mind.
Britney Gordon
“Le Petit’s known for their pastries. We got cookies, muffins, banana bread, but can people come Belizean stuff like powder bun and Johnny cake?”
Efren Alvarez
“We have powder bun, Johnny cake. We have both. That’s something we cannot miss actually here because we know the local guests and at the end of the day, this is very important to keep in the place. Always is asking for powder bun always is asking for Johnny cakes in the morning. And we cannot delay that.”
And with confidence in the team behind the counter, plans to expand the menu and opening hours are already underway, so that anyone craving something of Le Petit’s quality, can find it any time they want.
Efren Alvarez
“We starting six o’clock in this, in at the moment until one o’clock. But in the moment we’ll see if we can increase our schedule maybe at night for, do something different here. But this is something we’ll look at it in the future.”
It’s not just a bakery at Le Petit, it’s an experience.
Luis Vega
“It is a very nice atmosphere because we are in front of the sea. We have small tables by the food truck. And you can sit there, enjoy your food, your bakery, your coffee, fresh coffee. Also, we have a very nice coffee. And the, our products, which is very important. Also, we have the fresh smoothies and different kind of drinks. It’s not only bakery, we can offer to our customers different kind of the products. It’s very important for us that our customer can be happy with their, our things or what things are we are offered to them.”
Last week, Minister of Agriculture Jose Abelardo Mai was presented with an award by the Caribbean Chicken Poultry Company for his work in strengthening the poultry industry in Belize. Earlier this week, he received another award, this time, from the cattle committee, for his efforts in ensuring that Belize has a resilient cattle industry. We spoke with him about the honor of receiving these awards, here’s what he had to say.
Jose Abelardo Mai, Minister of Agriculture
“They believe that I have done a lot in the industry and that they feel that they should award me. I am humbled by that award, and I will accept it with that humility, I will accept it. And I thank them for it. I think that we all agree that the cattle industry has moved forward from a dying industry to a very strong industry. A tone of ninety million dollars and so they saw it fit to give me this award and I’m honored by that award.”
Earlier today, the Belize Athletic Association issued a release announcing that Cojac Smith is no longer serving as the president of the association. The release also stated that Gregory Meyers is no longer serving as public relations officer. Well, we reached out to Smith for comments, and he told us that as far as he is concerned, he maintains the role of BAA president. BAA’s release noted that Alvin Tillett, the first vice president under Smith, has been appointed as the acting president. This all played out on Sunday during a special general assembly. So, how did the association get to this point. We spoke with embattled President, Cojac Smith about how it all played out.
Cojac Smith
Cojac Smith, Belize Athletics Association
“To be honest I am a professional project manager and that is what I do. I have my own small business, and I also do consultancy. So, in any situation like this dealing with a situation where I am voted out on ground that is unconstitutional. I did nothing wrong, and I have to speak out against it. It is not within my frame or my own personal belief that I should sit down and take this when I did nothing wrong. So I have to take a stand and say that the entire process for the voting was unconstitutional and I am still legally the president of the BAA, however means or whatever the press release are being sent out at this point in time. It is unconstitutional what happened on Sunday. There are steps and processes about how you have disputes and how it is handle. Those were vehemently opposed to and violated at the meeting on Sunday. When they decided it is going to be a vote I stepped out. I can no longer be apart of something unconstitutional and no longer following the rules. I did not participate or vote on it. Just the entire process was in shambles. I won’t touch base too much on it. I am currently doing my research as to how I will handle the situation and see how to deal with it. But, by no way will I allow my name to be tarnished when all I have been doing is trying to better the association and better sports for Belize.”
Paul Lopez
“Is the public perhaps getting a view, an inside look as to a part of the reason why we are not seeing certain disciplines advance in Belize. Things are so bureaucratic and tends to be so political at times. And, do you lament this?”
Cojac Smith
“You are hitting the nail on the head. I am sure you have seen this where you wonder why things are not happening. When you have like minded individuals that are trying to make change and development you have those who resist the change. And then you have those that resist the change. Instead of trying to see beyond what is right in front of their face and looking at the bigger picture you have reisistance and that resisntance got to the point where there is a feeling of wanting to get rid of the president.”
When Hurricane Beryl made landfall along the southern coast of Jamaica in early July, it did so as a category four storm. It was one of the most powerful weather systems to hit the country, leaving thousands of homes without power. In the wake of the hurricane, Belize Electricity Limited joined the regional relief effort by putting together a team of power line technicians to assist with restoring power on the island. After almost two months away from their families, the team of eight returned home on Sunday.
Leader of the Opposition, Moses Barrow, met with President of the National Trade Union Congress of Belize (NTUCB), Luis Luke Martinez. Barrow says the discussion centred on pressing national issues, specifically the push for the government to return $6.9 million to the public purse and to proceed with the construction of the tertiary hospital on the University of Belize campus.
Previously, Barrow met with executives from the Belize Chamber of Commerce & Industry (BCCI), led by President Katherine Meighan and CEO Kim Aikman. The meeting addressed crucial topics such as tax reform, compliance and enforcement, price control, multi-sectoral inclusion to strengthen government oversight, as well as corruption and campaign financing laws. These discussions aimed at creating a more favourable environment for business growth.
The UDP emphasised the importance of listening to key stakeholders like the BCCI, noting that their policies will be shaped by contributions from all sectors.
Police have arrested and charged two officers following an investigation into an alleged assault in Southern Belize. The incident involved a 41-year-old Belizean Special Constable and a 34-year-old Belizean Police Officer, both taken into custody on Tuesday, September 3.
The investigation was initiated after 30-year-old Leonardo Chalom reported that on Friday, August 31, around 5:30 p.m., he was stopped by two police officers while riding his bike in Trio Village. Chalom claims that the officers physically assaulted him with a firearm and fired shots toward his foot.
As a result, 41-year-old Jose Oscar Sanchez has been charged with aggravated assault, wounding, and possession of a firearm while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Additionally, 34-year-old Victor Sho has been charged with aggravated assault and wounding.
Ambassador Kwan welcomed Alice Albright, CEO of the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), to Belize today at the international airport. This visit follows the MCC’s recent approval of a significant $250 million investment grant aimed at advancing education and energy initiatives in Belize. The MCC, a U.S. government-funded organisation, is dedicated to reducing poverty through sustainable and inclusive economic growth.
During the next two days, MCC representatives will meet with various Belizean officials, including government leaders, educators, business community members, students, and other stakeholders. The discussions will centre on how this substantial grant can improve educational opportunities and facilitate more affordable energy solutions in Belize.
The Government of Belize (G.O.B.) is expected to sign the grant agreement in September. However, before this can take place, the G.O.B. must establish the Millennium Challenge Account Belize Authority, which will be responsible for implementing the education and energy projects. This requirement was the main reason for July’s Special Sitting of the House of Representatives.
Back then, Prime Minister John Briceño underscored the importance of this opportunity, saying, “I must commend the team within our government who were directly involved in this process. Special recognition goes to the Minister of Education for their role in the extensive analysis and discussions to identify our top priorities. We made it clear that our focus is on education, education, education—preparing our children for the economy of the future. At the same time, we recognise the need to grow the economy by addressing the country’s energy needs. The opposition could not criticise this initiative because it’s evident that we’ve been working on this since day one of our administration, tackling the challenges we face as a growing country. Following consultations and analysis, a proposed MCC compact program was drafted, and negotiations on the grant agreement were finalised in April this year. Two weeks ago, the MCC board approved $250 million Belize dollars—a grant investment, free money, which is more than 20 percent of our entire national budget—to be invested in education and energy. This could have never happened during the thirteen years of the U.D.P. administration. Why do you think they chose this government and not the previous one?”
This grant, representing over 20% of Belize’s national budget, is viewed as a vital step toward addressing the country’s educational and energy challenges.
The Belize Defence Force (BDF) has made history with the graduation of its first female pilot, 2nd Lieutenant Julia Puerto. After nearly two years of rigorous training at the Caribbean Military Academy’s School of Aviation, 2Lt Puerto officially earned her wings on September 3, 2024.
Her journey began on January 9, 2023, with initial ground school training, followed by Primary Flight Training (Phase 1) and an extended Primary Flight Training (Phase 2) in a Diamond DA-40 fixed-wing aircraft. She then advanced to Phase 3, where she trained in rotary flying using a Bell 505 helicopter.
2Lt Puerto expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity to pursue her dream of becoming an aviator. She thanked God for His blessings and acknowledged the unwavering support of her family and friends throughout her journey. Her mother, who traveled from Orange Walk, proudly pinned her wings during the graduation ceremony, marking this historic achievement.
