More Uspaces are on the way in 2025. These digital hubs are set to empower residents in communities with limited access to technology, helping them build their computer science skills. Just this week, the Ministry of Education and UNICEF opened two new hubs in southern Belize, with plans to launch three more by the end of February. But what impact will these centers really have in preparing visitors for the digital age? Director of Science and Technology, Namrita Balani, shares more about their ambitious goals.
Namrita Balani
Namrita Balani, Director of Science and Technology, Ministry of Education
“So what is a USpace? Does anyone know? Don’t worry, I’ll answer that for you. It’s a space for you. It’s a space for us. It’s a space for collaboration, for creativity, and community. It’s a space for you to get connected. Wireless access throughout the library. A space for you to code. Access platforms such as code.org. A space for you to lead like a girl, my personal favorite. Exposing, encouraging, and supporting girls to pursue technology. It’s a space for you to access 501 and unlock digital opportunities. A space for you to digitize and preserve our rich heritage and culture by contributing to our people’s archive. A space for you to design and program robots, coming together and building and designing robots. And competing in robotic challenges. And it’s a space for you to do more. More learning, more innovation, and more growth. USpace is about creating a future where everyone, no matter their background, has access to the tools, training, and inspiration to succeed. It’s about celebrating who we are, while building who we can become. Why is this so important? Because our community deserves a space where creativity, learning, and connection come to life. A space where students, teachers, and community members can feel inspired and supported. This is more than just a room of tools. It’s a place with heart. A place where trained staff are ready to mentor and guide. Where ideas are nurtured and where possibilities are endless.”
The latest report from the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF) reveals that Belize has exceeded expectations, achieving “Fully Compliant” ratings for 38 out of 40 key anti-money laundering measures. Belize now holds the strongest technical compliance ratings worldwide, surpassing Qatar.
This achievement follows nearly two years of rigorous evaluation and collaboration among Belize’s national authorities. “Now Belize has entered into what is called a regular follow-up process. This is essentially the gold standard. This is where we want to be,” said Leni Ysaguirre-McGann, Director of the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU).
Ysaguirre-McGann says that the FATF and similar organisations use “a system of peer pressure” to get countries to follow their rules. If a country doesn’t comply, it gets put through a review or follow-up process and might even be placed on a grey or black list, which can harm its reputation and relationships with other countries.
According to Ysaguirre-McGann, Belize’s success is crucial for its economic and business viability. “We want to operate in this financial system,” Ysaguirre-McGann said. She pointed out the importance of staying compliant with international financial standards to avoid being blacklisted or greylisted.
The power struggle within the United Democratic Party (UDP) continues, this time with Omar Figueroa shifting his support to Moses “Shyne” Barrow after initially backing Tracy Taegar-Panton. Figueroa now plans to run for the UDP under Barrow’s leadership after meeting with him on Thursday night.
Figueroa had previously written a letter on October 28th, praising Panton’s efforts at unity within the party and suggesting a national leadership convention. However, this convention never materialised.
On January 23, Figueroa, alongside his constituency committee, pledged support for Barrow as the UDP leader. According to Alberto August, UDP Deputy Chair, Figueroa wants to run in the elections as a UDP candidate and sees Barrow as the UDP leader again.
Figueroa’s shift in support came less than two weeks after Ivan Puerto, another supporter of Tracy Panton, stepped down as the standard bearer for Corozal Bay. Puerto had been a prominent figure at the Panton-led Unity Convention in October. On the same day Figueroa publicly backed Panton, Elodio Aragon Jr., the UDP standard bearer for Orange Walk East, also pledged his support to her. However, when News 5 spoke to Aragon today, he confirmed that he still fully supports Panton.
Epworth Methodist Primary School in Dangriga is setting a powerful example in Belize’s “More” campaign. The school is proving that education can be both creative and community-driven. Launched over a year ago, the initiative encourages schools to go beyond traditional teaching methods and embrace creativity, inclusivity, and community engagement.
Recognised this week by Minister of Education Francis Fonseca, the school has embraced the challenge to “do more” by engaging students in innovative activities that go beyond the classroom. “The challenge was for everyone in education to do more and be more for education in Belize,” he stated. “And so we’re very, very proud to go over to Epworth Methodists and to acknowledge the work that they have been doing in their community in terms of education.”
The school’s students have shown remarkable involvement, particularly through the school’s environmental club, art, music, and sewing clubs.
In the fertile fields of Belize, a crop that should be a symbol of agricultural success has become the backdrop for a growing crisis. Carrot farmers across the country, particularly in the northern districts of Orange Walk and Corozal, are watching helplessly as their bumper harvests wither away unsold.
Sabino Yam, a farmer from Patchakan Village in Corozal, sums up the frustration felt by many: “It is the selling of the carrots we are having a problem with right now. I have contacted some of my buyers, and they are not buying.”
A market oversaturated with carrots, compounded by competition from cheaper, imported Mexican produce, has left many local farmers with no buyers—and low income.
Oversupply, Competition, Contraband, or Seasonal Fluctuations?
The oversupply problem can be traced back to the unpredictable weather patterns of 2024. After a drought in the latter half of 2023 delayed planting schedules, farmers found themselves all harvesting at the same time in December. This created a glut in the market. Andrew Mejia, acting director of extensions for the Ministry of Agriculture, says the surplus is due to the unfortunate timing of planting and harvesting.
However, many farmers believe there’s another issue at play: the illegal influx of Mexican carrots. “I have not seen much. As a result, I can conclude that this contraband is passing through the border,” Yam said. Despite official statements denying any new imports from Mexico, locals suspect contraband produce is flooding the market, driving prices down and further undercutting Belizean growers. “We have our doubts. We think that contraband has something to do with how they are not buying carrots from us right now,” says José González, a farmer in Indian Creek Village.
Minister of Agriculture, Jose Abelardo Mai, denied claims of contraband carrots, stating that Belize does not import carrots when there is enough local supply. He said, “The Ministry of Agriculture has never and will never issue importation permits when we are harvesting carrots.” Mai explained that the issue is seasonal, with all crops maturing at once, leading to high supply and slow sales. He added, “As for contraband, the Ministry of Agriculture does not control contraband. We try to work with customs, immigration… We closed borders. Up to now, we haven’t seen enough evidence of illegal import of carrots because the quality is known.”
A Creative Solution as a Lifeline for Farmers
Well, hard times often bring about the most innovative ideas. In response to the surplus, the Belize Marketing and Development Corporation (BMDC) has teamed up with Silk Grass Farms to introduce a new solution: all-natural carrot juice.
This fresh, vitamin-packed drink is made from locally grown carrots and a taste of Belize’s agricultural pride. It is not just another beverage; it represents a potential lifeline for farmers struggling with unsold produce.
“It’s more than just juice—it’s a taste of Belize, straight from the farm to your table,” the BMDC said. ““By choosing this refreshing drink, you’re supporting local farmers and embracing the goodness of healthy, Belizean-made products.”
A Long-Term Vision: Diversification for Stability
Beyond immediate solutions like the carrot juice project, the Ministry of Agriculture is working on a broader, long-term strategy to ensure the stability of Belize’s farming industry. In January, a delegation led by Minister José Abelardo Mai visited Guatemala, where they explored innovative farming practices and new crop varieties that could transform Belize’s agricultural landscape.
With plans to introduce new potato varieties that can be processed by major companies like Frito-Lay, the ministry is looking to diversify the country’s agricultural portfolio, making farmers less reliant on single crops like carrots.
The ministry said in an official statement that it “focuses on adding value to other perishable crops, aiming to create long-term solutions for farmers.” By exploring new varieties and processing opportunities, Belize’s farmers could access new revenue streams and markets, potentially avoiding the overproduction and market saturation seen with carrots.
The ministry says that diversification offers the potential for a more resilient agricultural industry, less vulnerable to the whims of nature and market forces.
As Belizeans sip on a glass of Belizean-made carrot juice, they are reminded that the country’s agricultural future depends on both innovation and a commitment to supporting the hard-working farmers who are its backbone.
Belize’s recent unveiling of its redesigned banknotes has sparked widespread discussion, primarily focusing on the departure from colonial imagery and the introduction of national heroes George Price and Philip Goldson.
However, a significant and inclusive feature of these new notes has been largely overlooked: the incorporation of tactile elements to aid the visually impaired.
The new banknotes feature raised ink bars, providing tactile cues that assist individuals with visual impairments in identifying denominations. Stuart Rose, Principal Banknote Designer, De La Rue International Ltd., said, “There is also additional tactility on the note with raised ink bars to provide a little extra assistance to the visually impaired.”
This thoughtful design ensures that all Belizeans, regardless of their visual abilities, can confidently and independently use the nation’s currency.
This move aligns Belize with a growing global trend toward inclusive currency design. By integrating tactile features, the Central Bank of Belize not only enhances the usability of its banknotes but also underscores its commitment to inclusivity and equal access for all citizens.
The new banknotes enter circulation later this year.
Two members of the 18th Street Gang in El Salvador, wanted for homicide and extortion, have been captured following a coordinated effort between police and authorities in Guatemala and Belize. The individuals, identified as Rafael Miguel Ángel Leiva and Óscar Francisco Portillo Álvarez, alias “Ninja,” were expelled from Belize to Guatemala, where they now face prosecution.
El Salvador’s Minister of Security, Gustavo Villatoro, confirmed that they will be tried in the Courts Against Organised Crime. The operation, facilitated by INTERPOL investigators in Guatemala and Belizean authorities, concluded with the gang members’ handover at the adjacency zone in Melchor de Mencos, Petén.
Punta Gorda is on the brink of transformation with new opportunities aimed at improving the lives of its residents. Earlier this week, the town launched its first USpace at the Punta Gorda Public Library. This space provides locals access to digital tools and training.
According to Toledo East Area Representative Dr. Osmond Martinez, this initiative is just the beginning. “There is only one secret to get people out of poverty, and that is through education,” he said. He added, “That’s how you will increase human capital. That’s how you will become innovative. That’s how we will start to attract investments.”
Dr. Martinez told News 5 of ongoing projects in the town. “Young boys and girls, a lot of opportunities are coming for Punta Gorda,” he said. These include a new marina, a call centre set to begin operations soon, and efforts to boost the local tourism sector.
“There are a lot more opportunities that are coming that we need to prepare our young people to be ready for it. And young people, please make use of it,” Dr. Martinez added.
The Belize Fisheries Department (BFD) has announced that the sea cucumber fishery will be closed from February 1 to July 31, 2025. This closure is in line with Statutory Instruments No. 67 of 2009 and No. 107 of 2022. During this period, it will be illegal to harvest, buy, sell, or possess sea cucumbers. The fishing season opened on September 1, 2024, and was set to end January 31, 2025, or when the catch quota was met.
Under these laws, “No person shall fish for, harvest, buy, sell, possess, export, or attempt to export any sea cucumber species between February 1 and July 31, inclusive, in any year,” stated BFD.
Violating this closure, including possession of sea cucumbers during this period, “will be charged and prosecuted in a court of law in accordance with the Fisheries Regulations.”
The department encourages public cooperation in conserving this important resource. For more details or to report illegal fishing, the public can reach the Fisheries Department at 224-4552 or email fisheries_department@fisheries.gov.bz.
Belizeans are buzzing over the new currency designs unveiled by the Central Bank of Belize yesterday. The new notes will feature national heroes George Cadle Price and Phillip Goldson and are set to be released in June or July. While the designs are updated, the value and exchange rate will remain unchanged, according to the Central Bank. The new notes will not feature Queen Elizabeth II’s portrait, a common feature in the currency notes of other Commonwealth countries.
The updated designs also come with enhanced security features to combat counterfeiting. Prime Minister John Briceño weighed in earlier this week, describing the new currency as “a beautiful note.” He said that the modern design, featuring Belizean icons, would be well-received by the public. “It is something that Belizeans will accept, and it is our people on our note,” Briceño added.
Since the grand reveal, Belizeans have been expressing their opinions about the new designs. A recent poll on News 5’s Facebook page, which has gathered 3,841 votes up to 10:45 this morning, revealed mixed reactions. Of respondents, 53%, or 2,039 users, said they did not like the new design, while only 10%, or 377 users, voted that they liked it.
Meanwhile, 1,085 users felt the notes resembled Mexican pesos, and 199 users appreciated the added security features. Another 4%, or 141 users, indicated they weren’t bothered by the change, with one commenter saying, “As long as I can buy and pay my bills, I’m good.”
