Wade mentioned that the Ministry of Blue Economy is urging regulatory agencies to be more vigilant, ensuring the Cayo Rosario Project is well-coordinated and transparent. She pointed out that many of the issues stem from a lack of communication with the residents.
Beverly Wade, C.E.O. Ministry of Blue Economy
“Based on the meeting yesterday and I believe a joint statement is supposed to be coming out on behalf of all those agencies regarding that meeting and the way forward. But what the ministry of blue economy is pushing forward is that we remain vigilant with regards to our responsibilities as it relates to the development out there, that we are well coordinated and transparent. A lot of the issues I believe is happening is because there is a lack of communication with the residence, stakeholders and the media. There is a plan on how we can do that. We want to be transparent and ensure the residents have a good understanding that the agencies are their to carry out their obligations.”
Reporter
“People are really pushing back at this, they don’t want to see development there at all.”
Beverly Wade
“It is a very difficult position the government is in. It is actually unrealistic to think the government would be in a position to acquire every area you don’t want development to happen. It is unrealistic. From what I am seeing I am convinced that the concerns of the stakeholders, once the development is monitored properly, that it would ally their concerns. It is not about pushing away the sports fishers or building something there that is not aligned with the designation of the area.”
In early March, we reported how Placencia Village residents took action after the Department of Environment ordered a beachfront property owner to remove an unauthorized breakwater. When the property owners didn’t comply, the residents banded together to dismantle it. We spoke with Beverly Wade, the CEO of the Ministry of Blue Economy, about the incident. She emphasized that it underscores the need for more comprehensive national policies to address these kinds of issues.
Beverly Wade
Beverly Wade, C.E.O., Ministry of Blue Economy
“My understanding about it is that the individual property had put in some structures to alleviate the erosion in that community. That effort was not permitted. So, the DOE had instructed that they should remove what was put in their. The actual enforcement of that stop order, my understanding is there was a gap between that being done and that is where the community went down there to do it. I very much appreciate the passion from the community. That is what we need. It is one of things I have always appreciated. We have strong ownership of the space, but I would want to encourage the communities to coordinate and if needs be to call the relevant authorities. What we don’t want is the kind of situation where communities go in and take action into their own hands. My understanding is that is what has occurred there. I think it is time for us to look at the issue more holistically and put in some national policies that will address and help both developers, communities and all of us have a better understanding of how we help the situation.”
Commission of Inquiry Report on the Sugar Industry has been handed over to Prime Minister John Briceño. The commission was set up to tackle two main issues: resolving the ongoing conflicts between Belize Sugar Industries and the Belize Sugar Cane Farmers Association and making recommendations to improve the overall sugar industry. Today, we spoke with Lead Coordinator Hugh O’Brien, who mentioned that while the parties are still reviewing the two-hundred-page document, he highlighted the main points of contention. He noted that the Prime Minister has agreed to share the report with the key stakeholders, including the four cane farmers associations, B.S.I., and Santander. O’Brien described the process as intense but said the report contains some solid recommendations. He shared the main points that justified the inquiry.
Hugh O’Brien, Lead Coordinator, Commission of Inquiry
“One of them is the stevedoring cost, the port charges, if I can use that. That was settled to a large extent – my involvement of having compared the two ports and I provided a very detailed report on the costings. The second one is a manufacturing allowance, which is one-fifty Belize per ton for local white sugar, and it’s one-sixty per ton for direct consumption sugars that are exported to Caribbean countries and to Europe and the B.S.C.F.A. in particular has questioned those charges. And so the request, was that a breakdown of how you arrive at those charges or what’s the cost to produce the sugar and to get it to that point – white sugar for the local market, DC sugar for the regional and international market. So that there could have been a verification if the cost that B.S.I. was saying is that what they’re charging is correct or if the charge was too high for that matter to help in coming to a better agreement between the parties – between the B.S.C.F.A. in particular and B.S.I. And then there was also the matter of ocean freight, bagging and those charges as well, because even though those are small, they’re smaller cost, and then there’s ocean freight. So those are the four main groups of charges. One is the port charges, which has been addressed, like I said by my report. Two, the manufacturing allowance, three, the bagging and local handling cost – getting the product from the factory to the port. And then fourth was the ocean freight. Those are the four charges that cause for us to have protests and discontent in the industry. And since those are costs that are deductible from the value of the sugar that is exported, it in the sense then determines how much remains to be shared between the farmers and B.S.I. when those deductions are made.”
Key players in Belize’s marine sector came together in Belize City to chart the future of one of the country’s most precious natural treasures. The Government of Belize, teaming up with the Inter-American Development Bank, launched the first-ever Blue Forum. Over the next two days, the event will spotlight knowledge, innovation, and action. News Five’s Paul Lopez was at the Biltmore for the opening ceremony and has this report.
Paul Lopez, Reporting
This morning in Belize City, the Government of Belize and the Inter-American Development Bank launched the Blue Forum. Themed ‘Advancing Collaboration and Innovation for Belize’s Blue Economy,’ the event aims to foster new ideas and partnerships. Prime Minister John Briceno took center stage as the keynote speaker at the opening ceremony.
Prime Minister John Briceño
Prime Minister John Briceño
“It is not just for us to be here at a forum to talk and boast about our accomplishments. It is important for us to come together as a community, as Belizeans and people that live outside of Belize to discuss what we have done so far and what we have done together. This Blue Forum is about knowledge, innovation and action. So, we gather for more than a celebration of our progress but to testify about our shared commitment to the sustainable management and conservation of Belize’s vast marine resources. And we take this opportunity to gather as like-minded people, to rally behind this just cause, a cause which will shape a future where Belize’s marine wealth is not only protected but harnessed to uplift every Belizean.”
The forum is a gathering of key players in Belize’s marine sector, diving into insightful discussions on science-based ocean management. On the first day of the Blue Forum, the spotlight was on knowledge, innovation, and action driving Belize’s vibrant blue economy. Beverly Wade, the CEO of the Ministry of Blue Economy, highlighted that the engagement zeroes in on both the triumphs and hurdles within the marine space.
Beverly Wade
Beverly Wade, C.E.O., Ministry of Blue Economy
“It is really a call to action for us to colelctiv3ly put our efforts together to help us continue to chart a way for a successful blue economy in Belize that is based on science, informed decision making and that we have people central to the discussion. We have a series of sessions to touch on various areas, from sciences, to applying that science, community resiliency, stewardship and the big discussion around sustainable financing. The idea is that each session will lead to discussions, and we are hoping to now have a formal proceeding that will have recommendations coming from each session that we will use as regulatory agencies, as on the ground partners, to look at where are those areas we now need to look at strategically and put our investments in.”
Minister of Blue Economy, Andre Perez, delivered the closing remarks at the ceremony. Minister Perez emphasized that Belize’s blue space is not just a natural treasure but also a key economic driver. He stressed that his ministry is committed to making science-based decisions and ensuring that everyone has a voice in the process.
Andre Perez
Andre Perez, Minister of Blue Economy
“We cannot do this work alone. The challenge we face such a climate change, unsustainable fishing practices, habitat degradation and the need for long-term financing are complex and interconnected. Addressing them requires a collective effort, bringing together government agencies, local communities, the private sector, non-governmental organizations and international partners. This is why the blue forum is so important.”
Belize’s barrier reef is facing a serious threat. Stony coral tissue loss disease iswreaking havoc on large sections of the reef, according to Beverly Wade, the C.E.O. of the Ministry of Blue Economy. The damage is most noticeable in the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, though areas in southern Belize have shown remarkable resilience. Wade mentioned that her ministry is actively seeking the best ways to respond to this crisis.
Beverly Wade
Beverly Wade, C.E.O., Ministry of Blue Economy
“It is one of the things we are grappling with. Our reefs are in peril. We have come under some of the most extreme temperatures and we have been impacted by the stony coral tissue loss diseases, aside from the normal diseases that impact reefs. There are some resilient areas. We have bright spots. There are some areas we are seeing rebounding. We are hoping it is so. What is important is that we are not just sitting back and saying the reef is dying and we are not doing anything. The government committed to the protection of twenty percent of Belize’s reef and that is an important thing for us. We are looking at identifying what that twenty percent is by the end of this year and to look at how we can designate those areas. They are important for us, because we have to ensure how we identify those areas around our reef that are important for genetics and resiliency. We have to have a strategy as we are developing a restoration strategy and policy to see ho we now respond. It is not something we and respond easily but we are now looking at how we create that pathway for response.”
Placencia residents took matters into their own hands to remove rocks that were blocking a public beachfront in Placencia in early March. The rocks had been placed by the owner of a private property with the aim to prevent further erosion. However, the Department of Environment (DOE) did not grant permission and ordered its removal.
The delay in doing so led to a tense standoff between locals, police, and the private property owner.
In a formal notice dated February 27, 2025, the DOE had ordered their removal by March 7, 2025, citing the lack of proper consultation and approval for the structure.
“The actual enforcement of that stop order, my understanding is there was a gap between that being done, and that is where the community went down there to do it,” CEO in the Ministry of Blue Economy and Marine Conservation, Beverly Wade, said.
She praised the community, stating, “I very much appreciate the passion from the community. That is what we need.”
She added, “It is one of the things I have always appreciated. We have strong ownership of the space,” but urged for more coordination with relevant authorities before “taking action into their own hands.”
Wade urged national policies on coastal erosion for better management. She said, “I think it is time for us to look at the issue more holistically and put in some national policies that will address and help both developers, communities and all of us have a better understanding of how we help the situation.”
A 19-year-old from Belize City is about to have his dream come true. Delbert Hinds has spent his whole life working as a fisherman, but now he is heading to Japan to play baseball.
Hinds first picked up a baseball in 2021 when he attended a national team tryout. He was supposed to go fishing that day, but his coach, Rene Habet, convinced him to try out. “I didn’t expect nothing from it,” Hinds stated, but after putting in the work, he began to get noticed. “People started saying ‘good job’, and that built up my self-esteem.”
That hard work has now landed him a three-month contract with a minor league team in Japan. Hinds’ performance, combined with his determination, earned him the chance to play overseas. This could open the door to a professional career. “Hard work beats talent every time,” Hinds added.
His rise in the sport is backed by mentors Jermaine Crawford of the Belize Baseball League and Japanese coach Kazuhiro Shiiba.
Shiiba helped Hinds improve his pitching speed to an impressive 90mph. “Delbert has the potential to go far in Japan,” Shiiba said, adding that the minor league team has a system to support international players and help them advance.
For Hinds, this opportunity is about more than just baseball. Living with his mom, he’s determined to support her in the future. “My goal is to get signed and support my family,” he said.
His trip to Japan is set for April, with all expenses covered by a generous donor from Belize.
The Little Prince has found a new voice through the Mopan Maya language. The story is more than just a world-famous one; it is now a symbol of Belize’s Mopan Maya language preservation and celebration.
On March 28, 2025, the University of Belize’s Punta Gorda campus hosted the launch of Ah Nene’ Yum, the first-ever Mopan Maya translation of the beloved French novella.
The two-year project, led by Mopan Maya speakers Elvia Bo and Stanley Peck, with linguistic support from Nicole Hober, is a major step in safeguarding a language spoken by approximately 11,000 people in Belize, according to Maya Leaders of Southern Belize. Bo and Peck are both certified in Mopan writing.
“One of the ways in which languages can be safeguarded and promoted is through books and written materials,” the Maya Culture Belize said in a social media statement. “The Mopan translation of The Little Prince aims to contribute towards this goal for the Mopan Maya language in Belize.”
The story is a timeless tale of love, loss, friendship, and the human connection to nature that has found a unique place within the Mopan Maya community. The lessons embedded in the story—especially those dealing with loneliness, relationships, and the environment—resonate deeply in today’s world.
“It is a timeless story that also speaks to the pressing issues of the 21st century, such as climate change and social and cultural challenges,” Maya Culture Belize added.
The Ah Nene’ Yum translation of Le Petit Prince, originally written by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, was made possible by the Jean-Marc Probst Foundation. The foundation funded the printing of over 1,000 copies of the book, which will be distributed across Belize.
Maya Culture Belize also stated that an audiobook of the translation was recorded with the help of Mopan Maya students and teachers from San Jose Village in Toledo, which will make the book accessible to a wider audience.
The launch even drew community members together to celebrate this achievement and encourage further engagement with the Mopan Maya language.
Ledlon was shot while on Iguana Street Extension in the Old Capital.
Regional Commander of Eastern Division, A.C.P. Hilberto Romero, confirmed that investigators had already detained several suspects in connection with the shooting. He told reporters on Monday, “Initial investigation is that he was in this area when two persons came, and one fired shots towards him…Initial information is that there is an internal feud with persons in this area.”
When asked about arrests, Romero confirmed that officers had detained three individuals shortly after the shooting. “Yes, we have three persons in custody who were apprehended a short distance away from this area,” he said.
The Institute of Archaeology Belize has announced the passing of Dr James F. Garber, a distinguished archaeologist who made significant contributions to the study of Belize’s ancient history. The Institute expressed deep sorrow at the loss in a social media statement, recalling Garber’s significant contributions to Maya archaeology.
The institute said, “Jim first came to Belize as a graduate student in the late 1970s when he worked with Dr. David Freidel at Cerros in Chetumal Bay. During his time at Cerros, Jim was a key participant in the excavation of Structure 5C-2nd, or what has become known as the Mask Temple at Cerros.”
The Institute stated his PhD dissertation on Maya material culture marked the beginning of a long career dedicated to Belize’s cultural heritage.
After completing his Ph.D., Dr Garber joined Texas State University, where he continued his work on Maya settlements. His research extended to Ambergris Caye, Blackman Eddy, and Cahal Pech, and he later collaborated with the Institute of Archaeology on projects at St George’s Caye, Belize’s first capital.
The Institute praised Garber for his “lifelong dedication” and his lasting impact on Belize’s archaeological understanding.
“Throughout his long and accomplished career, Dr Garber contributed significantly to our knowledge of Belize’s prehistoric and historic past,” the institute said.
The institute added, “It is for these many contributions, and especially for his lifelong dedication to the study of Belize’s cultural heritage, that we will forever remain grateful as we mourn the passing of our friend and colleague.”
