As the humanitarian crisis in Haiti worsens, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) is urging the international community to step up support for those displaced by gang violence and instability. In a statement today, the IOM revealed that over one million people are now displaced within Haiti, a number that has tripled in just a year, leaving many without shelter, water, or medical care. Additionally, nearly 200,000 Haitians were deported from neighboring countries last year, adding to the nation’s struggles. This week, IOM Director General Amy Pope visited Haiti to discuss with government officials how to improve migration governance, expand access to legal documentation, and strengthen reintegration efforts. Pope emphasized the urgent need for action, stating, “the Haitian people are showing remarkable strength in the face of unthinkable hardship, but relying on resilience alone is not a strategy. The Haitian people need support, and they need it now. The cost of inaction will not only be measured in lives lost, but also in broader instability that affects us all”.
One area that will need significant attention under Minister Dr. Louis Zabaneh’s leadership is Indigenous Affairs. The Government of Belize and Maya communities in Toledo are working together to implement the 2015 CCJ Consent Order. Just six days ago, the CCJ held its latest monitoring hearing. Today, Minister Zabaneh emphasized that genuine consultations will be crucial to meeting the deadlines set by the order.
Louis Zabaneh
Dr. Louis Zabaneh, Minister of Indigenous Affairs
“It is very important that whoever we are working with, whatever part of government we are in, something I learnt and utilized when I was privileged to be in the ministry of education, is genuine consultations. This means you are not just sitting and listening and giving lip service to meeting with people. You are in a real sense incorporating their points of view, their interest in the final solution. That is the only way you will have sustainable solutions. I felt that is was important along with my colleagues Minister Doctor Osmond Martinez, Minister Oscar Requena, as we met with the Toledo Alcaldes Association and with the Julian Cho Society that we made that clear at the beginning, we listened carefully to their positions and I think we left with a very good feeling that whatever gaps there might has been due to a previous misunderstanding, we want to close those gaps to go forward and try to meet our deadlines from that consent order in 2015.”
If the newly appointed Minister of Transport can’t get support from bus operators, his incoming Chief Executive Officer, Chester Williams, will surely give it a shot. With his background as the highest-ranking police officer, Williams brings a wealth of enforcement expertise to the ministry. However, the minister and his new boss will have to wait a couple more weeks for Williams to officially start his role.
Louis Zabaneh
Dr. Louis Zabaneh, Minister of Transport
“Well it would have been good to have him on board earlier. But he has been, as much as he could, attending meetings and getting familiar with the various areas of the portfolio, but particular his strengths will certainly come to bear and I am excited we will have him on board the first of may, especially looking at areas of enforcement, all these areas of safety, the training of our traffic wardens. We will be looking at things related to laws that could strengthen their presence on the road. These are things that he will be able to help tremendously to ensure we can implement them expeditiously to the benefit of the public.”
Paul Lopez
“There are critics that says Mr. Williams tends to be an authority unto his own. Do you foresee any sort of hierarchical or leadership issues that you will have to tone down?”
Dr. Louis Zabaneh
“I think we are going to work very well together. I know incoming CEO Chester Williams very well. We have worked very well for many of those years. Rember he is from the south, so even before he became commissioner I knew him. And we have the common objective of service to our country, being passionate about what we do and like anything else, whether it is a family business, or the public or private sector, once everybody is clear about their responsibilities or duties, then we are able to work well.”
The Easter holiday is just around the corner, and many are in the final stages of their travel preparations. As the public gears up to embark on various land and sea journeys, the Belize Police Department is reminding everyone to exercise extreme caution this season. Last year, Belize observed a record year for fatal road traffic accidents, and holidays are an exceptionally dangerous time to be travelling on the motorways. Commissioner of Police Chester Williams shares some tips on how to achieve a fun and safe holiday this year.
Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police
“At this time of the year we know that the length season is one that many Belizeans would take for granted, and it has troubled us for many years. We see an increase in loss of lives, not just on the highways, but on the waterways. And so we normally encourage our people to exercise extreme caution when using the highways. Try to drive within speed limits. Do not drive recklessly. Stay on your side of the road. And those who goes through waterways always try to take somebody with you. Don’t go alone because sometimes you go into these rivers, water is so cold, you catch a cramp. If nobody’s there to assist you, you might just submerge and never resurface. And so again, try to go with somebody and do not go into water is too deep that you will not be able to stand with your head above above the water. And again, the police and the police department will be working very closely with department of Transport countrywide on highways to make sure that we do our part to mitigate. The the occurrences of traffic accidents on the highways around this time.”
Incoming CEO Chester Williams is expected to bring a strong enforcement edge to the Ministry of Transport, according to Minister Dr. Louis Zabaneh. Although Williams officially assumes the post on May 1, he has already begun attending meetings and familiarising himself with the portfolio.
“His strengths will certainly come to bear,” said Zabaneh. “Especially looking at areas of enforcement, safety, the training of our traffic wardens… laws that could strengthen their presence on the road. These are things that he will be able to help tremendously to ensure we can implement them expeditiously to the benefit of the public.”
When asked about concerns regarding Williams’ leadership style, Zabaneh dismissed the idea of conflict. “I think we are going to work very well together. I know incoming CEO Chester Williams very well… we have the common objective of service to our country.”
Following a series of alarming incidents involving public buses—including accidents and even one vehicle catching fire—newly appointed Minister of Transport, Dr. Louis Zabaneh, is promising urgent action to safeguard commuters.
“This is a critical function that must be carried out very carefully,” Dr. Zabaneh said today in an interview with News 5. “We have seen in the past month alone some serious cases—accidents on the road, buses catching fire. These are of grave concern to us. It is a hazard to the public, certainly commuters on those buses, but also to other persons on the highways.”
Over the past few weeks, public concern has grown over the ageing and deteriorating bus fleet operating on Belize’s highways. Though no lives have been lost, the recent mishaps have sparked renewed calls for the Government of Belize to take old and unsafe buses off the road.
In response, Dr. Zabaneh said he has already taken steps: “It is critical and I have instructed to carry out necessary inspections of these buses.”
But the minister says addressing vehicle condition is only one part of the equation. He pointed to troubling reports about bus drivers engaging in dangerous behaviour.
“We have to look at a certification program for drivers of buses,” Dr. Zabaneh explained. “They are entrusted with the lives of people on their buses. We cannot have drivers who are reckless, who we understand in between runs, when they are waiting to go back to where they came from, that they are seen in public drinking. Or when they drive, they are seen texting while driving, racing on the road.”
The Ministry of Transport is expected to roll out a more robust enforcement plan in the coming weeks, as it seeks to restore public confidence in the nation’s bus system.
As Haiti faces a rapidly escalating humanitarian crisis, Director General of the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), Amy Pope, is calling on the global community to urgently increase support for displaced families struggling amid violence and instability.
During a recent high-level visit to Port-au-Prince, Pope met with families displaced by gang violence, many of whom have fled their homes multiple times. Over 1 million people are now displaced inside Haiti—three times more than last year—while nearly 200,000 were deported from neighbouring countries in 2024, placing immense strain on already overwhelmed services.
“This is one of the most complex and urgent crises in the world,” said Pope. “When we invest in humanitarian aid, we don’t just save lives—we build the foundations for stability and resilience.”
Pope described meeting a mother who had fled her home three times in two months, now sheltering under a tarp with her children. “These are not just numbers. These are real lives caught in a cycle of crisis.”
While in Haiti, Pope met with government officials to explore solutions for improving migration governance, expanding access to legal documentation, and strengthening reintegration efforts.
IOM is currently leading humanitarian operations at more than 50 displacement sites, providing emergency shelter, water and sanitation, protection services, and support for rebuilding infrastructure and livelihoods in affected communities.
Belizeans take Easter seriously. It’s that glorious time of year when the sun is blazing, the water is inviting, and families nationwide pack up their coolers, hammocks, and good vibes to head to the hottest (and coolest) spots for a much-needed break. Whether you’re after beach vibes, jungle escapes, or cultural flavour, Belize has something for everyone.
Here are the top five Easter destinations in Belize where the only thing hotter than the weather is the fun!
1. Caye Caulker – Go Slow, Recharge Fast
This chill island takes the top spot for those who want to take Easter nice and easy. Caye Caulker is famous for its laid-back motto: “Go Slow”. But don’t let that fool you—Easter weekend brings a festive buzz to this sandy paradise.
From beach parties at The Split to paddleboarding in crystal-clear waters to indulging in fresh seafood and fruity cocktails, Caye Caulker is where you go to forget your worries and remember your flip-flops. Bonus points if you get sunburnt in the shape of a palm tree.
2. San Pedro, Ambergris Caye – Party Central on the Water
If you like your Easter sunny, salty, and full of soca, San Pedro is your jam. This is where beach meets beats. Think mega beach parties, jet skis, and endless vibes stretching from Boca del Rio to Secret Beach.
San Pedro is also a foodie haven—grab a fry jack in the morning, ceviche at lunch, and dance the calories off at night. It’s like spring break, but with better rice and beans.
3. Hopkins – Garifuna Culture Meets Coastal Cool
For a soulful seaside escape, Hopkins hits different. This southern coastal village is where culture and coastline combine to create pure Easter magic. It’s known for its welcoming community, drumming sessions, and some of the best cassava bread and hudut you’ll ever taste.
Kayak in the calm sea, bike through the village, or just kick back in a hammock under a coconut tree and listen to the rhythm of the drums. Hopkins is peace with a heartbeat.
4. Placencia – Barefoot Bliss with a Dash of Glam
Placencia is like Caye Caulker’s more sophisticated cousin—but still fun at heart. With its 16-mile peninsula of beachy perfection, Placencia offers everything from luxury resorts to laid-back cabanas.
Spend your days snorkelling, exploring local art shops, or grabbing gelato on the famous sidewalk (the narrowest street in the world, by the way). As the sun sets, hit Tipsy Tuna or Barefoot Bar for live music and tropical cocktails that might just turn into a dance-off.
5. Cayo – Jungle Adventure and River Cool-Downs
Not into beaches? No problem. Head west to Cayo, where rivers, caves, and waterfalls become your Easter playground. Tubing down the Mopan, swimming in Rio On Pools, or exploring ancient Maya temples at Xunantunich—Cayo brings the adventure and the Insta-worthy views.
Plus, Easter here is filled with local fairs, rodeos, and delicious eats like BBQ, tamales, and—if you know someone local—some next-level escabeche. It’s family fun with a wild twist.
Final Splash
No matter where you end up this Easter, remember to travel safe, stay hydrated, and leave only footprints (not your empty soda bottles). Whether you’re dancing in San Pedro, floating in Caye Caulker, or hiking in Cayo—Belize is the place to be.
So grab your beach towel, book that bus or boat, and get ready for an egg-cellent Easter getaway!
The European Commission is reportedly issuing burner phones and laptops to officials travelling to the United States, a precaution typically reserved for visits to countries like China and Russia, according to the Financial Times.
The move comes ahead of next week’s spring meetings of the World Bank and IMF in Washington, D.C., and reflects growing fears of U.S. cyber-espionage. “They are worried about the U.S. getting into the Commission systems,” one source told the FT.
While it’s not unusual for officials to use clean devices when travelling to surveillance-heavy states, extending this practice to the U.S. signals a sharp decline in trust. One EU official remarked, “The transatlantic alliance is over.”
Tensions have escalated in recent months amid aggressive policies from President Trump’s administration, including trade tariffs, controversial diplomatic behaviour, and immigration crackdowns. Several European countries have updated travel advisories for the U.S., citing detainments and visa issues, with warnings for transgender travellers and academics facing increased scrutiny at the border.
A European Commission spokesperson did not deny the distribution of secure devices but confirmed that travel guidance had been updated for several countries, citing a general rise in cybersecurity threats.
Belize is stepping up its leadership in international maritime climate negotiations. Representatives from the Belize Port Authority (BPA) and the International Merchant Marine Registry of Belize (IMMARBE) recently participated in two key meetings hosted by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in London—the 19th Intersessional Working Group on Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Ships (ISWG-GHG 19) and the 83rd Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 83).
The Belizean delegation included BPA Chairman Lawrence Thompson, Acting Ports Commissioner Kaylon Young, Project & Research Officer Jaeda Sutherland, IMMARBE’s Technical Manager Anique Sabal, and Technical Consultant Major Lloyd Jones.
Belize is playing a leading role on behalf of Caribbean IMO Member States, ensuring the region’s interests are heard in negotiations that could reshape global shipping practices. These talks are focused on reducing greenhouse gas emissions from ships and include proposals for a global fuel intensity standard and a carbon pricing mechanism.
Supported by the Caribbean Shipping Lanes Project and the United Nations Foundation, Belize’s active engagement highlights its commitment to sustainable maritime governance and the protection of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and Least Developed Countries (LDCs).
As global shipping moves toward net-zero emissions by 2050, Belize continues to advocate for fair and inclusive policies that reflect regional realities and protect local livelihoods.
