Tag: 2025-03-26

Belize Eliminated from CONCACAF Gold Cup After Heavy Defeat to Costa Rica

Belize’s National Football Selection is officially out of the CONCACAF Gold Cup conversation after suffering a crushing defeat to Costa Rica on Tuesday night. Over the course of two matches, Costa Rica scored a staggering thirteen goals against Belize, sealing the fate of the national team.

The second leg of the qualifier took place at Costa Rica’s National Stadium, with Belize entering the match following a devastating 7-0 loss at home. Just 31 seconds into the game, Belize’s Donell Arzu mistakenly scored an own goal, handing Costa Rica an immediate lead. Minutes later, Alejandro Bran extended the advantage with a long-range shot, and by the seventh minute, Alonso Martinez found the net once again, making it 3-0. Despite a lone goal from Carlos Bernardez, Belize struggled to match Costa Rica’s dominance, ultimately falling 6-1.

The defeat eliminates Belize from the Gold Cup race, while Costa Rica advances. In response, Minister of Sports Anthony Mahler addressed the situation on social media, pledging to overhaul the country’s approach to sports. He assured Belizeans that efforts are underway to restructure, reset, and reimagine the nation’s sports programmes. Mahler also committed to working closely with his Minister of State, Devin Daly, to improve the state of athletics and urged the public to be patient as these changes take effect.

Minister Julius Espat Calls for Greater Accountability in Asset Declarations

Minister of Infrastructure Development and Housing, Julius Espat, submitted his 13th report to the Integrity Commission on Tuesday. On a social media post, Espat said, “Transparency and accountability are the foundation of good leadership, and I urge all elected representatives to lead by example.”

Speaking in an interview with News 5, Espat stated, “It’s important to show transparency and accountability in your personal assets.”

All elected officials, including mayors and area representatives, are required to declare their assets from their first year in office. He said even after leaving office, officials must continue submitting declarations for an additional five years.

“It’s part of accountability; it’s part of good governance, and I think it’s something that is healthy for democracy,” Espat explained. “I have done so from the first day that I was elected. So this declaration I handed in this week was my 13th.”

Espat noted that penalties exist for non-compliance, with fines of up to $100 per day for late submissions. However, he expressed uncertainty about whether any public officials had actually been charged for failing to comply.

Reflecting on past enforcement, Espat recalled that during the United Democratic Party (UDP) administration under former Prime Minister Dean Barrow, a decision was made to clear all area representatives from their asset declaration obligations up to 2016. He remarked, “We had that vigorous debate in the House as to why he did that, but it was done. As far as I understand, it is from 2016 to date that is pending.”

While Espat acknowledged that the forms for declaring assets are straightforward, he stressed that enforcement remains a challenge. “What is lacking, I believe, is the enforcement of when you don’t declare,” he said.

He commended the Integrity Commission for its efforts in reminding area representatives of their obligations. “I have seen that most area reps are doing it now, compared to in the past where nobody was doing it. Before 2016, nobody was doing it.”

 

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