Belizeans have been demanding renovations to the Marion Jones Sporting Complex for years. Athletes and other users have had to make do with worn-down tracks surrounded by overgrown mangroves. Earlier this year, the neglected state of the area led to sightings of snakes and crocodiles. But today, there’s finally some good news—the mangroves are being trimmed, marking the first step in addressing the issue. The Minister of State in the Ministry of Youth and Sports shared more details about the mission to revamp the facilities.
On the Phone: Devin Daly, Minister of State, Youth and Sports
“Basically myself and Minister Mahler we’ve initiated a cleanup for the Ion Jones Sporting Complex program that we’re planning on rolling out for the entire country, but starting off in a city and it’s basically sanitizing and getting the era cleaned and more suitable for people in the city to interact and workout.”
Britney Gordon
“So when did this begin?”
On the Phone: Devin Daly
“We’ve started I would say about two days after the Prime Minister appointed the portfolios.”
Britney Gordon
“And so when can we expect them to be ready to use?”
On the Phone: Devin Daly
“We’re not necessarily stopping from the residents from using the Marion Jones while we’re doing the works. The works usually start from the morning and we have the necessary cautionary tips and cones while the works is being carried out, but we’re not stopping anyone from using the facility. We don’t necessarily have an end date as yet for the complete renovations of the Marion Jones, however, it’s a work in progress.”
Exciting changes are on the horizon for the Ministry of Youth and Sports. Across the country, sporting facilities have been in various states of disrepair, and athletes have struggled to secure funding to follow their dreams. But according to the newly appointed Minister of State, Devin Daly, a new era of transformation is beginning. We spoke with Daly earlier today about his and Minister of Youth and Sports Anthony Mahler’s ambitious plans to revamp the ministry. Here’s more on that.
Britney Gordon
“What other initiatives can we expect to begin to roll out?”
On the Phone: Devin Daly, Minister of State, Youth and Sports
“The development of sports has two parts of it. It has the physical part whereby, there is competition and there is development starting at the youth stages. And there’s also the development and upkeep of facilities. Our primary focus at this time is getting the facilities up to standard. And that, we’re currently doing an assessment countrywide, and we’ve started inBelzie City. And so that’s just a part of our mandate, dealing with the development of the facilities and then rolling that out with collaboration with the federations.”
Britney Gordon
“What are some of the challenges that you’ve encountered upon attempting to begin this work and how are you navigating that?”
On the Phone: Devin Daly
“So far we’ve been getting the necessary assistance that we need to carry out these changes in the ministry and for NSC. And so far the staff has been very cooperative with the new vision and the new idea led by Minister Mahler and myself.”
Today was a special day for the upper division students at Holy Redeemer Primary School—they got to inaugurate their brand-new playground. This fantastic addition was generously donated and built by the Rotary Club of Belize Sunrise and the Interact Club of Belize High School. It’s all part of their ongoing mission to improve school facilities across the country. Britney Gordon was on the scene to bring us all the details.
Britney Gordon, Reporting
Over the past few days, the Rotary Club of Belize Sunrise and its partners have been busy building an exciting new addition to the Holy Redeemer Primary School Upper Division campus. Today, the school proudly unveiled a fantastic new playground, complete with a slide, monkey bars, and other fun amenities. Dinesh Bhojwani, President of the Rotary Club of Belize Sunrise, praised the team’s dedication and hard work in making this dream come true.
Dinesh Bhojwani
Dinesh Bhojwani, President, Rotary Club of Belize Sunrise
“I can tell you there’s blood, sweat, and some tears for sure. Literally. They’ve been working since Thursday coming out here out, drawing out the plans, where it’s all gonna go. The build started on Saturday. On Saturday and Sunday, all those individuals that I Mentioned were out here digging, taking stuff to wheelbarrows building that wood wall that you see over there. Everybody was outside their comfort zone, especially me, I can tell you that. I’m not a big push stuff, physical stuff guy around but we did it.”
In addition to the playground, the school also received a donation of sporting equipment for the over three hundred students attending the upper division to utilize.
“ We are over the moon because it is very vital for us to offer our children a well-rounded education. And while academia is something that we are known for, we are also pride ourselves in sports and so this is a great opportunity for the children to express themselves and get stronger too and play.”
One enthusiastic student has already picked out her favorite spot in the new playground. She can’t wait to dive into the fun and start playing.
Adaija Burke
Adaija Burke, Student, Holy Redeemer Primary School
“I am excited about the monkey bars because I really love to climb and it’s very fun.”
Britney Gordon
“How grateful are you to have received it”
Adaija Burke
“I am really grateful and I want to give a big thank you to everyone who made this happen for us and I really love it so much.”
Bhojwani explained that this initiative is a part of a larger project to upgrade amenities in schools across Belize City.
Dinesh Bhojwani
“ For several years now, the Rotary Club of Belize Sunrise focuses lot of their projects in education, so whether it’s our wash program where we do bathroom locks for various schools throughout Belize City. One of the other initiatives is the playgrounds and this is probably our fourth maybe fifth playground. And this one comes, as many of them have, through Hope Mission in Canada,”
The Rotary Club of Belize Sunrise teamed up with the Belize High School Interact Club and the Rotary and Interact Club of VegreVille in Canada for this project. Seventeen-year-old Mady Nichol expressed her pride in being part of such a meaningful experience.
Mady Nichol
Mady Nichol, President, VegreVille Interact Club
“It’s very exciting. We came out on Saturday morning and worked all day. We had so much help. It was so great, and through all the obstacles, because it is a used playground, we conquered through it and it was just, it’s very exciting to see now that all the kids playing on it. Very rewarding and I think as a group, it’s very inspiring to see what we can do as a club of eighteen to eighteen-year-olds.”
The Rotary Club of Belize Sunrise has been busy upgrading playgrounds at other schools in the city too, including Saint Joseph Primary School and Saint John’s Anglican Primary School. Their efforts are making a big difference for students all around.
Dinesh Bhojwani
“This is part of the commitment that the club has. The Rotarians from Vegreville, the interactors, that’s commitment to service above yourself. It’s taking yourself to put in the work, I mean look at that. These kids are having a great time. And that’s what it’s really about. That’s where, that’s the reward for all of us. To see kids get something, it’s a simple thing for all of us. It’s a simple thing. It’s a playground. It’s not that big in the grand scheme, but it really brings a lot of joy. It’s part of the development of the children.”
The Ministry of Health and Wellness is sounding the alarm about four dietary supplements making the rounds in Belize. The products in question are Arti King, Artibion, Artri Ajo King, and Vitafer-L. According to MOHW, these supplements contain hidden substances that could be harmful to your health. As a safety measure, the ministry is urging everyone to steer clear of these products. We spoke with Doctor Melissa Diaz-Musa, the Director of Public Health and Wellness, to get more details.
Melissa Diaz-Musa
Dr. Melissa Diaz-Musa, Director, Public Health and Wellness
“There are about four of them, Artri Bion, Artri Kin and Arti Ajo Kinga and Vitafer-L. The first three was marketed as supplements that would help with arthritis or ache or pains, a general multivitamin or supplements that help the body function. And the vVtafer was marketed as a supplement that helped to lift mood and give energy and help with your day to day living. The ingredients these supplements have listed does not have that it is tainted with another medication. These other medications need a prescription for the ingredient not listed here. So Artri King has glucosamin, Vitamin C. Omega 3, but it does not have that it has an additional ingredient that can cause signs and symptoms. The ministry placed this press rlease out to warn the population not to purchase medication from social media or unauthorized dealers of pharmacies.”
If you’re currently using any of the tainted supplements that the Ministry of Health and Wellness has flagged, Doctor Melissa Diaz-Musa urges you to stop right away. She emphasized that there could be serious long-term side effects. And for those selling these products, be warned—you could face fines.
Paul Lopez
“The Vitafer-L was being marketed as this energy or enhancement supplement, especially in the party scenes, among clubs and those who go out at night. What becomes of those persons pushing the Vitafer-L.”
Melissa Diaz-Musa
Dr. Melissa Diaz-Musa, Director, Public Health and Wellness
“What happens at this point because the drug inspection unit did their surveillance and found that it is available in Belize, we have contacted these persons and removed all these medications and try to find the source as best as possible.”
Paul Lopez
“Could charges or fines be levied against individuals pushing these products?”
Dr. Melissa Diaz-Musa
“That is right, the ministry do have the Food and Drugs regulation that covers us. There are fines, minimal fines, that we have used before when we have persons with falsified products in the country.”
Paul Lopez
“What is the medical advise to individual that have consumed and been consuming these tainted supplements.”
Dr. Melissa Diaz-Musa
“The first three has one particular medication and Vitafer has a separate medication. In terms of the Vitafer the best advice is not to take it. It can have side effects that can be very severe. We say do not take it at all but there is nothing you can do at this point. The others can cause long term side effects. So we would advise stop taking it and report where you got it from, try to work withthe ministry of health to remove all from the vendors and shelves across the country.”
Belizeans from all walks of life are gathered at the Bliss Center for Performing Arts to honor the memory of Aurelio Martinez, the beloved Paranda legend whose music transcended borders and touched countless hearts. It’s an evening filled with heartfelt tributes, soulful performances, and poignant reflections on Martinez’s enduring legacy. As the community comes together to celebrate his life and contributions, the atmosphere is one of both sorrow and gratitude, a testament to the profound impact he had on Belizean culture and beyond. Here are the sights and sounds from the Bliss.
According to UNDP Belize, “a preliminary Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) meeting was successfully held in Mabil-Ha, where community members learnt about the Deepening Access via Rural Electrification (DARE) Project and gave their full support for its implementation.”
During the meeting, community members expressed full support for the initiative, which will provide solar-powered electricity to local schools, households, and businesses. UNDP Belize said this marks an important milestone in closing the energy gap in Belize’s rural areas, particularly in Toledo District, where many villages remain without access to modern energy services.
It said that while 90% of Belize’s population has electricity, 27 villages—24 of which are in Toledo—still lack power. This lack of access to electricity hampers development and perpetuates poverty.
The project, supported by the IBSA Fund, will see solar microgrids implemented in the villages of Mabil-Ha, Otoxha, and Na Luum Caj. It aligns with Belize’s National Energy Policy (2023-2040) and the Rural Electrification Project led by the Ministry of Public Utilities, Energy, Logistics & E-Governance. The initiative will also empower female solar engineers through a South-South exchange programme with the Government of India.
With these solar-powered solutions, the project promises a brighter, more sustainable future for these communities, bringing affordable, clean, and reliable energy to underserved areas.
A fatal accident on the Hummingbird Highway Monday night claimed the life of 26-year-old Michael Daniels, a bartender and father of two young sons. Daniels and his friends had just finished football practice in Saint Margaret’s Village and were heading home to Valley Community when he lost control of his silver Mitsubishi and crashed into a culvert.
He suffered severe head and upper body injuries and died at the scene, while his two friends sustained injuries.
Daniels, who worked at Caves Branch Resort, was known for his love of sports and family. At just 14 years old, he and his brothers placed second in the intramural category of the La Ruta Maya Belize River Challenge. His older brother, Kenrick Daniels, shared that Michael had been planning a family reunion and a football game to bring their loved ones together. “He wanted to do a family reunion, football game, and this was his idea to do that—our family reunion football game down in our village, Valley Community,” Kenrick recalled.
His sudden passing has left his family heartbroken, especially his wife, Paulina Daniels, with whom he would have celebrated his fifth wedding anniversary on Friday. His mother, devastated by the loss, recalled that in the past two weeks, Michael had been bringing her flowers from work. “She told him that when she dies, he doesn’t need to bring any flowers because he already brought enough for her now,” Kenrick shared. “Not knowing that he was bringing them because he wouldn’t be there when my mom died.”
American tourists planning international travel are likely familiar with the US State Department’s “travel advisories,” which provide information about the risks of visiting regions, totalitarian states, or countries with high crime rates, poor infrastructure, or other challenges.
On March 15, European countries issued a warning cautioning their citizens about the risks of visiting the US. These countries have concluded that under the new regime of Donald Trump, the U.S. has become a place where foreign visitors must ensure their documentation is in order, or they may face serious repercussions.
Germany also warned that having a visa or entry permit doesn’t guarantee entry to the US, and travellers could face arrest or deportation for small issues like overstaying a visa or giving false information.
Other countries, including Denmark and Finland, have expressed concerns about the US’s treatment of transgender and nonbinary travellers. The US entry system only allows visitors to choose “male” or “female,” which can cause problems for those who don’t fit these categories.
Additionally, Canada, the US’s largest source of tourists, has updated its advisory urging extra caution when dealing with US authorities. Tensions between the US and Canada stem from the tariff back-and-forth with President Trump and his comments about making Canada the 51st state.
6G, the next generation of wireless technology, promises to revolutionise communications by merging the physical and digital worlds in ways once seen only in science fiction. Think of some of your favourite movies featuring holographic technology, self-driving cars, or advanced healthcare and transportation systems – all things that seem far beyond our current reality. That’s the vision of 6G. It aims to enhance everything from AI-powered systems and telemedicine to holographic communication, bringing these futuristic concepts closer to everyday life.
However, while the technology holds vast potential, there is significant divergence in how countries are approaching its development. China is not one of those countries.
China is already ahead in the 6G race. The country has set up important rules for 6G and made three key technological standards under the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) in 2024. The country’s 2025 development goals include fostering industries like 6G.
A report in the Chinese journal Scientia Sinica Informationis pointed out that European and American operators are hesitant about advancing 6G, largely due to the slower deployment of 5G in these regions. “European and American operators are not willing to develop 6G due to the relatively lagging 5G deployment,” the report stated. Meanwhile, countries like Japan, South Korea, and China are more optimistic about their future.
How 6G Will Differ from 5G?
The evolution of wireless technology goes back to the time when 2G and 3G helped expand communication through voice and text. When 5G rolled out, it offered improved speeds and connectivity and made things like artificial intelligence (AI) possible. Now, 6G will go further, enabling the ‘fusion’ of human and digital interactions in unprecedented ways. It promises to offer even greater reliability, speed, and lower latency.
6G is expected to boost sectors such as telemedicine, smart cities, and intelligent transport systems. According to experts, 6G will also support technologies like holographic communications and digital twins, which are virtual models of physical objects, systems, or even humans, for real-time applications.
How is 6G Being Developed?
The development of 6G is a global effort, but it requires international agreement on the operational standards that will allow for its widespread implementation. The United Nations’ International Telecommunication Union (ITU) is leading efforts to establish these standards and is aiming to have them in place by 2030. The ITU works alongside other global bodies, such as the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), which brings together standards organisations from across the world, including China, the US, South Korea, and Europe.
Countries like China, Japan, and South Korea are moving quickly. China’s rapid progress could give it an advantage in shaping the future of 6G.
While national research and development efforts are underway, the true test for 6G will come with the alignment of these efforts to create a globally compatible system. Ericsson, a major telecoms company, has projected that pre-commercial trials of 6G could begin as early as 2028, with proof-of-concept demonstrations expected even sooner.
Putting it simply, China is ahead in the race to define 6G, which is leaving the rest of the world to catch up.
