President Donald Trump announced today that any nation purchasing oil or gas from Venezuela will face a 25% tariff on trade with the United States. In a statement on Truth Social, Trump cited Venezuela’s hostility towards the U.S. and claimed the country had sent criminals, including gang members, to the U.S. without providing evidence.
“Venezuela has been very hostile to the United States and the Freedoms which we espouse. Therefore, any Country that purchases Oil and/or Gas from Venezuela will be forced to pay a Tariff of 25% to the United States on any Trade they do with our Country,” Trump said in a post on Truth Social.
This news follows reports that President Trump plans to postpone the tariffs he previously announced, including a 25% levy on imports of pharmaceuticals, cars, and lumber. These tariffs, originally scheduled to take effect on April 2, coincide with Trump’s planned announcement of reciprocal tariffs on other countries.
Ironically, Venezuela remains a key oil supplier, with the U.S. purchasing $5.6 billion worth of oil in 2024, according to CNN. Venezuelan oil still flows into the U.S. due to a joint-venture licence granted to Chevron. Originally set to expire on April 3, the licence has now been extended to May 27 after Trump’s meeting with Chevron CEO Mike Wirth and other oil executives.
According to CNN, analysts suggest the tariff could primarily target China, the largest importer of Venezuelan oil.
The Belize Police Department is recognising several officers across various ranks in a series of special promotions.
The promotions are ultimately approved by the Commissioner of Police and officially confirmed through the Logistics and Support Office.
Among those promoted is Police Constable #2319 Austin Gillett, who has been elevated to the rank of Corporal of Police. Police Corporal #743 Javier Alvarez has also received a special promotion to Sergeant of Police.
Additionally, the following officers have been promoted to the rank of Corporal of Police:
PC #911 Rudolph Lawrence
PC #1080 William Grant
PC #1130 Mario Orellano
PC #131 Gilbert Bernard
PC #642 Maxwell Ventura
Meanwhile, Police Corporal #2073 Andres Makin Jr. has been promoted to the rank of Sergeant of Police.
Despite decades of progress, tuberculosis (TB) remains one of the deadliest infectious diseases, claiming millions of lives worldwide. On March 24, World TB Day serves as a reminder of the urgent need to eradicate this silent killer. The 2025 theme, “Yes! We Can End TB: Commit, Invest, Deliver,” calls on global leaders and communities to intensify efforts, tackle drug resistance, and ensure that no one is left behind in the fight against TB.
What is Tuberculosis?
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), TB is a contagious disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis, primarily affecting the lungs, though it can spread to other parts of the body, including the kidneys, brain, and spine. TB is transmitted through the air when a person with active TB coughs, sneezes, or speaks, releasing tiny droplets containing the bacteria. Inhaling these germs can lead to infection.
There are two stages of TB: latent and active. In latent TB, the bacteria remain dormant in the body without causing symptoms, and the person is not contagious. However, in active TB, the bacteria multiply, leading to symptoms such as persistent cough, chest pain, fatigue, weight loss, fever, and night sweats. If left untreated, TB can be fatal.
The disease is treatable with a long course of antibiotics. According to the Ministry of Health and Wellness (MOHW), the treatment can last up to 180 days of medication. However, drug-resistant forms of TB, such as multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB), are more difficult and expensive to treat, according to the WHO. TB remains a major global health threat, especially in low- and middle-income countries.
What do Tuberculosis Cases Look Like in Belize?
Cases at a global level are astronomical, with the WHO reporting that TB claimed 1.25 million lives in 2023, with 10.8 million people falling ill from the disease. However, since 2000, global efforts have saved 79 million lives.
In Belize, the Ministry of Health and Wellness (MOHW) released its annual TB report for 2023 on World TB Day, revealing that the country recorded 71 new TB cases, with 10 relapses and 9 deaths due to the disease. The distribution of cases showed that Belize City accounted for the highest number, with 25 male cases and 6 female cases. The least affected district was Orange Walk, with just 3 female and 4 male cases. The ministry also reported that men are disproportionately affected, making up three out of every four cases.
The Epidemiology Unit, which compiles health data and oversees disease surveillance, is focusing efforts on improving early detection, effective treatment, and public awareness to reduce the incidence of TB. The ministry continues to train healthcare workers across the country to combat the disease more effectively.
As part of World TB Day activities, information booths were set up at various health centres, including Belize City’s Cleopatra White Polyclinic, Punta Gorda Community Hospital, and the Western and San Ignacio Community Hospitals, to raise awareness and encourage early screening.
The Consequences of Declining Foreign Funding
The declining international funding for TB efforts is a growing concern, as it threatens to hinder progress toward achieving global targets to end TB by 2030. This funding reduction follows several executive orders signed by the 47th U.S. President, Donald Trump, which cut back on health programme support for low-income countries.
Since its effect, health authorities have warned that the cuts to the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) under the Trump administration could lead to a global surge in tuberculosis (TB) cases and deaths. WHO also raised alarms, stating that these funding reductions put millions of lives at risk, as many countries rely on foreign aid for TB prevention, testing, and treatment.
Belize is one of the many countries that rely on foreign aid, which is reflected in the United Nations Development Programme’s partnership with the Global Fund supporting its HIV and Health Strategy 2022–2025, which contributed to the Strategic Plan 2022–2025 and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. UNDP helps ensure the effective management and implementation of Global Fund grants, acting as interim Principal Recipient (PR) when needed.
However, the tuberculosis programme in Belize remains active, with the team continuing its efforts to educate the Belizeans, conduct successful early detections and surveillance, and ensure treatment for those who need it.
“Eliminating TB requires a comprehensive approach,” the Ministry of Health and Wellness stated in its 2023 Tuberculosis report. The bottom line is understanding what TB is, the facts, how to prevent its spread and how to treat it properly. These are key points that make a difference in ending this global health challenge.
Commissioner of Police Chester Williams discussed his upcoming departure from office during this morning’s press brief in Belmopan. He shared with the media that he has been preparing the department to ensure a smooth transition for the incoming police commissioner.
“I believe that he’s capable; he should be able to continue from where I am leaving off.” Williams said the department has “pledged” its support for the incoming commissioner.
Before his departure, Williams took the opportunity to address a few key issues, including the importance of confidentiality, personal differences, and the need to avoid undermining one another, especially the new commissioner. “That’s the reason why the department was so successful. Under my leadership, I focused more on what needs to be done,” Williams explained.
He added, “Whoever is going to be the new commissioner, they cannot undermine it. They must work together because they have one common objective, which is to make this country safe.”
Williams is set to transition to a new role as the Chief Executive Officer for the Ministry of Transport, where he has committed to prioritising his new responsibilities. “If I should move over to the Ministry of Transport, there’s a lot there to be done.”
It is expected that Deputy Commissioner of Police Dr Richard Rosado will be appointed as the next Commissioner of Police.
A man has been charged with the rape of a female tourist in San Pedro, according to Police Commissioner Chester Williams. The incident reportedly occurred after the victim had been socialising with a group of people before leaving with an individual to drive around.
During that time, the man allegedly took the woman to a secluded location, where he sexually assaulted her against her will. Following an investigation, police charged one person with the crime of rape. The accused is expected to appear in court today.
According to the victim’s report, she and the accused had been in each other’s company for an extended period, and her brother had gone inside before she continued socializing with the suspect.
“ We have tourists who comes to our country and many of them tend to feel so comfortable and so relaxed with us Belizeans because again, we are a very friendly people,” Williams said. “ And this is a situation where the tourist might have placed her trust in this individual and he took advantage of her.”
“If a woman says no, then it is no, and a man must respect that. I see no reason why the victim would lie about what happened to her. Certainly, something occurred that she did not consent to, and she rightfully reported it to the police,” Williams added.
The victim has injuries classified as wounding which according to ComPol Williams, it is “ collaborative to what she’s saying.”
Belize’s Senior Men’s National Football Team faced a heavy defeat against Costa Rica in a Gold Cup preliminary match on Friday night. The team lost the game with a 7-0 score. In a postgame press conference, head coach Charles Slusher explained that the result was expected due to the team’s lack of organisation.
Slusher pointed out that organised football requires preparation, and when key players decided not to participate at the last moment, it severely impacted the team’s performance. “I did everything that I could to have my core players who know our playing style, who know the system, and who can keep the ball,” Slusher said.
He added that, although the team had previously played well because of the quality of their core players, the last-minute changes disrupted their ability to play effectively. “When these guys last minute decided not to be there, they really hurt the country; they don’t hurt me, for whatever reason. It would have been better if a month ago you’d said that you don’t want to play, and I would have respected everybody, because at least that gives me a month to work with new players and get them to understand so we can be prepared,” he stated.
Despite the loss, Slusher expressed pride in the players who did show up, stating, “I can hold up my head because I am not a miracle worker, and that’s why I could say categorically, I am proud of all those guys out there.”
Kevin Herrera has received official endorsement from the Belize Chamber of Commerce & Industry (BCCI) and the Belize Business Bureau (BBB) to continue his role as Business Sector Senator for a second term.
In the endorsement statement, Herrera expressed his gratitude, stating, “I am deeply honoured to accept the endorsement of the BCCI and the BBB to serve a second term. Your continued trust and confidence reaffirm our shared commitment to advocating for policies that promote economic growth, investment, and a thriving private sector.” He further committed to representing the business community with integrity and a focus on sustainable development.
As required by the Belize Constitution, a formal request for Herrera’s reappointment has been submitted to the Governor General.
“The BCCI and the BBB extend heartfelt congratulations to Senator Herrera on his endorsement for a second term as the Business Sector Senator and are confident that he will continue to represent the interests of the private sector with integrity and excellence,” the statement added.
Herrera joins Louis Wade, Janelle Chanona, and Glenfield Dennison as the appointed social partner senators.
The remaining appointments include the three UDP senators who are still pending to be named.
Police Commissioner Chester Williams shared more details of the murder of Charles Bradley. Williams said Dangriga police responded to the scene on Ramos Road at around 8:30 on Sunday morning.
“Inside a yard they found the lifeless body of one Mr Bradley. The body exhibited what appeared to be gunshot injuries,” Williams said.
Bradley was taken to the Southern Regional Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival
According to Williams, “Police investigations so far reveals that Bradley was inside his yard when two men passed on a motorcycle. One of whom fired shots in this direction and those shots were what caused the fatal injuries.”
Aranda was walking along Sabal Street in the Lakeland Area when two men on a motorcycle ambushed him and fired two shots at close range just after 9:00 p.m. on December 25, 2024. He collapsed on the street and was rushed to the Southern Regional Hospital, where he passed away half an hour later.
Williams said that “it could be. It is an angle we are looking at but at this time there is nothing to substantiate that motive but we highly believe so,” when he was asked if Bradley’s murder is related to his son’s murder charge.
Students from the Valley of Peace Seventh Day Adventist Academy are expressing their art with vibrant murals and anti-pollution messages as part of the Youth Climate Action Bus Stop Painting competition in their village. Over the past two weeks, the youths have dedicated their weekends to creating murals and anti-pollution messages on three local bus stops.
The initiative is a collaboration with the Belize Maya Forest Trust, led by Dr Elma Kay, and the British High Commission. Dr Kay said that “this is one of several initiatives”, including a cleanup in the community yesterday.
She pointed out the importance of involving young people in climate action by “empowering young voices” to speak about climate change. She said the theme focuses on “Speak Up, Inspire, and Make a Difference.”
Kay explained that the bus stop competition will offer students the chance to win “experiential prizes”, including “trips to various places around the country to engage with nature and understand more about how nature is being impacted by climate change and what can be some of the things that they can do.”
The school principal, Justine Myvett, explained that the competition encourages students to take ownership of their future. “For youths, it’s very powerful; it’s a way to show different persons of the community that the students are feeling the impacts of climate change and they are concerned about their future,” she said.
U.S. Marshals successfully apprehended Gregory Roth, a 67-year-old fugitive from San Antonio, Texas, in Belize. Roth was wanted on 11 counts of possession of child pornography, according to the U.S. Marshals Service.
The arrest was part of a coordinated international operation led by the Lone Star Fugitive Task Force (LSFTF), in collaboration with the U.S. Marshals Service Office of International Operations, the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service, and Belizean law enforcement. Roth, who previously held multiple positions in the healthcare sector, was initially arrested in November 2022 and indicted in 2023. He failed to appear for sentencing in December 2024, prompting a bench warrant for his arrest.
In January 2025, the Texas Attorney General’s Office sought the assistance of the LSFTF to locate Roth, who had fled the U.S. in a rented motorhome. Authorities tracked him to Placencia, Belize, where he was apprehended without incident following extensive surveillance. Roth is pending extradition to Bexar County.
