2025-03-18 - Channel 5 Belize

Trinidad and Tobago to Hold General Elections on April 28, 2025

Prime Minister Stuart Young has announced that Trinidad and Tobago will hold its next general elections on April 28, 2025. The announcement follows his official request to President Christine Kangaloo to dissolve Parliament, effective midnight on Tuesday, in accordance with Section 68 of the Constitution.

With the dissolution of Parliament, the country now enters full election mode. According to a statement from the Office of the Prime Minister, Nomination Day is set for April 4, 2025, giving political parties and candidates a formal deadline to submit their candidacies.

As previously reported, Young was officially sworn in as Trinidad and Tobago’s new Prime Minister on Monday, succeeding Dr. Keith Rowley after his two-term tenure.

Young, formerly the Minister of Energy and Energy Industries, has outlined a vision focused on youth empowerment, economic diversification, national unity, and sustainable development. He aims to expand sectors like tourism, agriculture, and technology while promoting inclusivity.

Israel Resumes Strikes on Gaza After Ceasefire Collapses

A fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas crumbled early Tuesday as Israeli forces launched extensive airstrikes across Gaza, marking the deadliest day in the conflict since November 2023, CNN reported. More than 400 people were killed, and hundreds more were wounded, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry.

USA Today reports that Israeli officials said the strikes targeted Hamas positions in response to what they described as the militant group’s refusal to release hostages and engage in further negotiations. In a post on X, Israeli Foreign Ministry spokesperson Oren Marmorstein stated, “As of this morning, Israel is operating with full force against the Hamas terrorist organization in the Gaza Strip.”

Hamas, however, accused Israel of breaking the nearly two-month-long ceasefire and endangering captives held in Gaza. Several Arab nations also condemned Israel, alleging it violated the truce.

According to CBS, the escalation comes after far-right Israeli politician Itamar Ben Gvir announced he would rejoin the government following the ceasefire’s collapse. Meanwhile, the White House confirmed that Israeli officials had consulted with the Trump administration before launching the strikes.

“The Trump administration and the White House were consulted by the Israelis on their attacks in Gaza tonight,” White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told Fox News host Sean Hannity.

Belize Partners with IFC to Develop Solar Energy Project

The Government of Belize has partnered with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) to develop the country’s first public-private partnership in the energy sector. The project will establish a utility-scale solar plant, providing 50 to 80 megawatts of power by 2027, improving energy security and affordability for around 20,000 households.

As part of Belize’s goal to increase renewable energy generation by 75% by 2030, IFC will serve as the Lead Transaction Advisor, facilitating a competitive selection process for a private investor to develop and operate the plant.

Minister of State Christopher Coye said that reducing dependence on fossil fuel imports will stabilize energy prices, enhance business competitiveness, and strengthen climate resilience. “The reliance on electricity and fossil fuel imports and the severity of climate-related events have led to volatile energy prices, which impacts tariff affordability for the population and business competitiveness and affects energy security,” said Coye.

The project aligns with Belize’s long-term goal of expanding solar capacity from under 1 MW to 180 MW by 2042.

Supported by the World Bank and the Government of Japan, the initiative will also integrate a 40 MW Battery Energy Storage System to enhance grid stability. By attracting private sector investment and international funding, Belize aims to bolster its energy resilience while minimizing fiscal impacts.

Stuart Young Sworn In as Trinidad and Tobago’s New Prime Minister

On Monday, Stuart Young was sworn in as the new Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago during an official ceremony at the President’s House in St Ann’s. Young. Young, who previously served as the Minister of Energy and Energy Industries, succeeds Dr Keith Rowley, who completed two terms in office.

Young’s vision focuses on youth empowerment, economic diversification beyond oil and gas, national unity, and sustainable development. He aims to strengthen sectors like tourism, agriculture, and technology while fostering inclusivity and social cohesion.

However, his tenure comes with significant challenges, including economic recovery post-COVID-19, political polarisation, and balancing energy sector interests with sustainability goals. His success will depend on his ability to address these issues while implementing policies that drive long-term progress for the country.

2025 Chocolate Festival of Belize Cancelled Amid Dispute

The Belize Tourism Industry Association (BTIA) Toledo Chapter has announced the cancellation of the 2025 Chocolate Festival of Belize. The cited interference by local authorities.

It said that “this event was established to promote Toledo’s small businesses, hoteliers, restaurants, chocolatiers, and the broader chocolate sector while strengthening the district’s brand and market presence.”

The BTI Toledo Chapter said that municipal officials in Punta Gorda continue to undermine the festival’s efforts, including what they described as an attempt to “co-opt” the event’s brand. It said that despite multiple attempts at dialogue, local officials had not cooperated, leading to the decision to cancel the festival.

“We will not waste any more energy convincing them of the irresponsibility of their decision,” the BTIA statement read.

The Chocolate Festival of Belize has long been a key tourism and economic event for Toledo, attracting visitors and supporting local businesses.

The festival was scheduled for May 16 -18.

Belize Mourns the Passing of Garífuna Icon Aurelio Martínez

The Government of Belize has joined Honduras in mourning the tragic passing of Aurelio Martínez Sauzo, one of six victims who perished in a plane crash near Roatán, Honduras.

In a statement on X, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed deep sorrow over the loss of Martínez, describing him as a great friend of Belize and a dedicated champion of Garífuna culture and music.

“Aurelio was a great friend of Belize and a true champion of Garífuna culture and music. As a renowned Garífuna musician, Aurelio was a powerful voice in preserving and promoting the rich cultural heritage of the Garinagu people,” the statement noted.

Martínez, alongside Belizean music legends Andy Palacio and Paul Nabor, played a crucial role in bringing Garífuna music to the global stage, earning international recognition for its unique rhythms and storytelling traditions.

As was reported, the tragic plane crash occured near the Juan Manuel Gálvez International Airport in Roatán.

Martínez, known internationally for his contributions to Honduran music and hits like Pompis con Pompis, played a key role in promoting Garifuna heritage.

Rescue teams saved four individuals, while the remaining victims were believed to be trapped underwater. An investigation was launched to determine the cause of the crash.

Tributes poured in on social media, with fans and colleagues honoring Martínez’s legacy and his role as a global ambassador for Garifuna culture.