The agreement will last for five years, during which both organizations will regularly review their progress and work together on projects to improve Belize’s conservation efforts. PACT and the Belize Fund are dedicated to supporting Belize’s National Protected Areas System, which protects the country’s natural and cultural treasures and vital ecosystem services.
Abil Castaneda, Executive Director, PACT
“This was a few months in the making, to be honest, even before my arrival at PACT there was already some discussions happening about how both funds can really begin to work with one another for the sake of conservation and of building Belize and communities. But I must say, as was related in the introduction, we are very happy, we are very pleased and excited to be with a signed document, even though we started well before we signed the document. But at the end of the day, it is about putting Belize first. It is about ensuring that we put all of our resources together to make sure we achieve the commitments and the goals we have for sustainable development. As the minister put it, there is a huge financing gap in conservation in Belize, around the world, but Belize is no exception.”
Dr. Leandra Cho-Ricketts
Dr. Leandra Cho-Ricketts, Executive Director, B.F.S.F.
“We saw the need to work together, coordinate and rationalize what the real need was to be able to provide funding that compliments each other rather than duplicate. So that’s one of the biggest drivers, of course, as two funds with similar missions we are all working for the same space in Belize and we felt that it was important for us to partner where we can look at joint efforts for mobilizing additional funding from outside. So, you know, two is better than one and working separately. So we’re looking forward to this partnership and we see that it was just natural to get together and work because rather than compete, then we work, you know, can partner.”
The Briceño administration has appointed attorney Hector Guerra as a P.U.P. senator for its new term. Earlier today, we chatted with Guerra about his new role and whether it might lead to bigger political ambitions. Here’s what he had to say.
Hector Guerra, Government Senator
“I think it is an absolute privilege, and I must commend the government and theprime minister of Belize for having confidence in young people. I think more andmore we must engage our young people in the process because more and more young people are not attracted to the idea of politics and what is involved in that process. So, I look forward to serving the country in this new role.”
Paul Lopez
“Is this a steppingstone to furthering your political career?”
Hector Guerra
“I think that I am embracing this role and I would want to first engage and immerse myself in what it means to be a senator.”
Cayo Rosario is a development project approved back in 2018 to build a resort extending into the sea. San Pedro residents are upset because they believe that the project will affect the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, a protected area. Despite assurances from the Department of the Environment and other agencies that the project will be closely monitored, many tourism-related organizations and companies oppose it. The Ambergris Caye Citizens for Sustainable Development is leading a meeting with San Pedro residents on Tuesday night. They hope to rally more protests to push the government to revoke the developer’s permit. News Five’s Marion Ali spoke with two group members today and filed this report.
Marion Ali, Reporting
Despite reassurances from government environmental agencies just a week ago, tour-related groups in San Pedro are firmly against the Cayo Rosario project. Chief Environmental Officer Anthony Mai stated that the project was approved back in 2018 after meeting all environmental requirements. Last week’s statement also promised close monitoring of the project. However, Phillip Leslie, co-chair of the Ambergris Caye Citizens for Sustainable Development, argued that it makes no sense to declare a reserve and then allow development within it.
Phillip Leslie
Phillip Leslie, Co-chair, Ambergris Caye Citizens for Sustainable Dev.
“In 2015 after years of consultation and deliberation, that whole area was identified as an extension to the Hol Chan Marine Reserve because of the important bajos, which are the shallow banks where bonefish, tarpon, and permit use for habitats. So in 2015, it was declared a protected area. This is the fact that the DOE and other government departments are failing to see. You protect it for a reason. Why change? In the rules and regulations, which are laws, for that protected area, which was an extension to Hol Chan Marine Reserve, it clearly states no structures, no dredging.”
Chief Environmental Officer Anthony Mai explained that there is a legal process for developers to gain private use of the seabed, which was followed in this case. He emphasized that the approval was based on scientific and technical data. However, Elito Arceo, another member of the association, questioned what other developments might be allowed in the future.
Elito Arceo
Elito Arceo, Concerned San Pedro Resident
“Should we have over-the-water bungalows at Half Moon Caye? Or at the Blue Hole? So where is this gonna stop? It doesn’t belong to them. It belongs to the people of Belize. Those people should be working for us. How in God’s name you gonna sit down there and even consider, much less approve a project that sits in a marine reserve! You protected it for a reason.”
The meeting is set for seven Tuesday night at the San Pedro Lions Den. Marion Ali for News Five.
The Belize Chess Federation is excited to send two talented chess players to Tegucigalpa, Honduras next week for a regional tournament. The stakes are high, as the winner will earn a spot at the Chess World Cup 2025. Nathaniel Reyes, a proud member of the Belize National Chess Team, shares more about this thrilling competition.
Nathaniel Reyes
Nathaniel Reyes, Chess Player, Belize National Chess Team
“So the tournament is being hosted in Honduras, in Tegucigalpa and it’s a pretty big one. Many countries will be participating such as Panama, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and more. The tournament is going to consist of nine rounds, a Swiss system, with every match being ninety minutes with thirty seconds increment. The tournament includes many prizes. First place wins the person a coveted spot in the Chess World Cup, and second, third, fourth, fifth, and below come with cash prizes, trophies and more.”
Isani Cayetano
“Let’s talk a bit about your love for chess and your involvement with the sport at the federation level.”
Nathaniel Reyes
“Chess has always been a sport that I love dearly. I learned how to play chess when I was eight years old. My father taught me. Chess has always been something that I play from time to time, over the years. But as of a year ago, I started taking it a lot more seriously. Last year was the first time that I represented Belize internationally in September, for the 2024 Chess Olympiad in Budapest, Hungary. I’d say that was the one event that really made me, really inspired me to pursue chess more seriously and professionally.”
Isani Cayetano
“How are you guys preparing, either individually or as a team at the federation level for the tournament on May thirteenth?”
Nathaniel Reyes
“So, as of right now the Belize Chess Federation is sending two players. My teammate, Charlton Roches, and myself. Me and my teammate, we’ve been getting together for practice games, studying together for the past few weeks and we feel like we’re well prepared for this tournament coming up.”
Good evening and welcome to another edition of Sports Monday. I’m Paul Lopez. Cycling fans all over the country are getting excited about the Annual Holy Saturday Cross Country Cycling Classic. Before the big event, we have two major weekend races. The first one, the Junior Cross Country Cycling Classic, took place on Sunday. Over two dozen junior and youth male riders started their race in San Jose Succotz Village, while the female junior and youth riders began in Cotton Tree Village. Here are some highlights from Sunday’s thrilling race, brought to you by the Cycling Federation of Belize.
Paul Lopez, Reporting
Turning on to the George Price Highway from the Loma Luz Boulevard in Santa Elena Town, many of the riders were still together in one group. In Roaring Creek Village, there was a nasty spill involving five riders, including Guatemalan rider Kevin Rojas, who would later surprise the entire field of riders. Heading into Saint Matthew’s Village, Malachi Myvette and Ayden Busano were leading the race with a gap of forty seconds between the main field of riders.
With twenty-seven miles left to the finish line, it was still Myvette and Busano. They extended their lead to almost two minutes. Young Keith Enwright Junior broke away from the chase group, three hours into this one to catch up with Myvette and Busano. Guatemalan Kevin Rojas was involved in that spill early in the race, but he got back up and maintained pace with the chase group, until he decided to launch an attack outside of Rockville. Rojas broke away from the chase group and set his focus on the two lead riders.
Rojas caught up with the two lead riders shortly after. He then launched an attack on those two lead riders, showing that he still had a great deal of energy left in the tank. Rojas rode the rest of the race all alone. He spent approximately one hour in the lead before crossing the finish line in first place. A chase group of five riders sprinted to the finish line for second and third place. Kaden Sutherland finished in second place, while Keith Enwright Junior secured the third position. Notably, Kevin Rojas finished second place in 2024.
Kevin Rojas
Kevin Rojas, Winner, Junior Cross Country Cycling Classic
“Bueno muchos gracias….”
He said thank you for the invitation, thanks to Belize for making him a part of this race, thank you to his teammate and family and everyone that supported him along the way.
In the female category, Irene Baki finished in first place, Liani Choto finished in second place while Kelsi Castillo secured the third position. This weekend will see elite women cyclist take to the George Price Highway for the Thirty-Fourth Annual Women’s Cross Country Cycling Classic.
From cycling, we move into some football action. The Belize District First Division Football Tournament is back for its closing season. Here are some match highlights from the game between Kelly Street and Ceasar Ridge Football Club. Four minutes into this one, Ceasar Ridge’s number twenty-one launches towards goal from midfield. Ajani Vaughan picked up on the kick inside the penalty box after it the ball bounced over the goal keeper’s head. Vaughan scored the first goal of the match.
Thirty-nine minutes into this one, Launie Leslie, with a kick towards goal from midfield. This one is precisely on target at went over the head of the goalkeeper and into goal. What a stunning shot from Leslie. Ceasar Ridge FC had two goals to zero lead at the end of the first half. The third goal of the match came in the last three minutes of the game. A kick towards goal from number three caught an opponent in the back. Devin McCauley took advantage of the pain his opponent was experiencing and launched an open shot towards the goal. Ceasar Ridge FC won this one, three goals to zero.
And finally, tonight, the Amadiyyah Basketball League wrapped up its finals over the weekend with exciting matches in five different categories. The top teams in the under-twelve, under-fifteen, under-eighteen males and females, and under-twenty-two categories battled it out. In the under-eigteen females’ category, Fenix Academy took on Sparks in a low-scoring game, with Fenix winning forty-two to twenty-four. The Mayan Men narrowly defeated the Titans in the under-twenty-two championship game, scoring fifty-eight points to the Titans’ fifty-six. Team 24/8 clinched the title in the under-eighteen male category, while Fenix Academy B team won the championship in the under-fifteen category. Lastly, Team MVP triumphed over ABS Hard Rock in the under-twelve category, securing their first league championship.
Well folks that is all we have for you in tonight’s coverage of Sports Monday. Catch you in the next one.
The We Walk as One Foundation is organising its Hearts & Hands Clothes & Shoes Drive. This campaign is part of the Hearts & Hands Community Outreach to support families in need in Armenia Village, Belize.
The drive will be from February 24th to May 15th, 2025. The foundation is seeking donations of children’s and adults’ clothing, shoes (new or gently used), and blankets. Items can be dropped off at the designated collection point at 9151 M.Y. Street, Belize City, from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily.
The items will be going to women, men and children who will happily accept your donations. The foundation encouraged anyone to contribute items in good condition. “Your donations will bring comfort and relief to families facing hardships. Let’s give with love and dignity,” the foundation said.
Anyone who would like to arrange donations can reach out to the foundation at 638-3625 or via email at admin@wewalkasonefoundation.com.
Belize has secured a BZD 1.9 million grant from the Green Climate Fund (GCF) to enhance its climate change response. According to a statement, the Ministry of Economic Transformation, through its Climate Finance Unit (CFU), will use the funding to advance the country’s climate agenda.
The project will focus on strengthening key institutions involved in climate action, including the University of Belize, the Belize Social Investment Fund, and national disaster management efforts.
A key goal is to establish a dedicated climate finance fund and transition the CFU into a full department. “The project will enable the Climate Finance Unit (CFU) to initiate the process of transitioning into a full-fledged department, as well as establishing a climate finance fun,” the ministry said.
Among the objectives are the development of legal frameworks and policies aligned with national climate priorities, the launch of a public awareness campaign, and the creation of a climate-focused education model at the University of Belize.
49-year-old Ervin Middleton from Belize City has been found guilty of raping a 13-year-old girl in 2020. The verdict was delivered today in the High Court by Justice Nigel Pilgrim.
Middleton, a security guard, was remanded to the Belize Central Prison pending his sentencing on May 16.
The victim testified that Middleton raped her while living at their residence. At the time of the incident, she was home alone when he returned early, asking for water. Following this, Middleton forcibly pinned her down despite her resistance. The girl, now 18, provided credible testimony.
Middleton denied the allegations, claiming they were fabricated due to a familial dispute. However, Justice Pilgrim ruled the victim’s testimony reliable.
Middleton was represented by attorney Ian Gray. His bail was revoked.
A man, a woman, and a minor were injured in a Sunday afternoon shooting in Belize City.
The three individuals were “sitting in a yard on Iguana Street when a motorcycle came to the area, and a person came off the motorcycle and fired several shots towards the direction,” the Assistant Commissioner of Police, Hilberto Romero, said.
According to ACP Romero, the victims were taken to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH) for treatment. They are in stable condition.
Romero told reporters, “A person that was at the yard was the intended target, but he was not shot.” He said several people are in custody.
According to Romero, police are investigating the connection of this shooting incident with previous ones and that the department is “doing follow-up work on it.”
“We will do several operations and bring in the persons from those areas to try to prevent any further retaliation,” Romero concluded.
Police continue investigating a shooting incident that occurred over the weekend in the Cohune Walk area of Belmopan City. The shooting incident occurred in front of the T&J store on Saturday around midday.
Assistant Commissioner of Police Hilberto Romero confirmed that 23-year-old Jamal Hyde sustained gunshot injuries. He was taken to the hospital for treatment.
A police investigation revealed that Hyde, who was driving a Mazda vehicle, was targeted by a shooter inside a passing suburban vehicle.
The police believe the suspects may have been trailing Hyde’s vehicle before the shooting occurred. “They have some feud amongst themselves, and that is what led to this shooting… At some point the Suburban came upon the Mazda. The Mazda had been to several places in Belmopan prior to the shooting,” Romero said.
Two other passengers were also inside Hyde’s vehicle. Romero confirmed that the two men were unharmed. “There were two other persons in the Mazda, but they were not injured,” Romero stated.
Romero also confirmed a firearm was recovered and multiple individuals are now in custody as part of the ongoing investigation.
