Tag: 2025-04-22

Belize Declares Mourning for Pope Francis

The Government of Belize has declared an official period of mourning following the death of His Holiness, Pope Francis, the spiritual leader of over a billion Catholics worldwide. The announcement was made today by the Office of the Prime Minister.

In honour of the late pontiff’s passing, Prime Minister John Briceño has directed Cabinet Secretary Stuart Leslie, who is currently acting as Governor-General in the absence of Dame Froyla Tzalam, to ensure that all Belizean national flags are flown at half-mast beginning midday on Thursday, April 24, until the conclusion of the Pope’s Committal Service on April 26, 2025.

Pope Francis passed away peacefully at his Vatican residence on April 21, 2025, at the age of 88, the Vatican has confirmed. His death marks the end of a groundbreaking papacy defined by humility, inclusivity, and a strong focus on social justice.

His body will lie in state at St. Peter’s Basilica beginning April 23. Funeral arrangements will be finalised following a meeting of Cardinals.

Mass Stranding of Pilot Whales Reported Near Drown Caye – Public Urged to Stay Away

A mass stranding of pilot whales has been reported in the waters near Drown Caye, just off the coast of Belize City. The Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute Belize, in coordination with the Belize Fisheries Department and the Ministry of Blue Economy and Marine Conservation, is currently responding to the incident.

Authorities are issuing an urgent advisory to all mariners and members of the public to avoid the area to prevent further distress to the animals and to ensure the safety of responders.

“Approaching stranded whales can pose serious risks. These are large, powerful marine mammals that may behave unpredictably when distressed,” the Institute said in a statement.

The public is strongly urged to:

• Stay clear of the area by both boat and watercraft.

• Do not approach the whales in any way.

• Report any sightings or related activity by contacting the response team at 615-3838.

Response efforts are ongoing, with teams monitoring the situation closely and working to provide necessary aid to the pod.

Officials thank the public for their understanding and cooperation during this critical time.

Will the BNTU Take Action Over CEO Pay Hikes?

The Belize National Teachers’ Union (BNTU) expressed strong disapproval over the salary increases granted to chief executive officers and the cabinet secretary, describing them as “obscene” while teachers continue to wait for overdue pay adjustments.

In an official statement released on Wednesday, April 16, the union said it noted “with tremendous concern, the obscene salary increases for government officials that has been made public through a recent document from the desk of the Cabinet Secretary.”

According to an official document dated March 28, 2025, signed by Cabinet Secretary Stuart Leslie and addressed to Financial Secretary Joseph Waight and the CEOs, the salary adjustments were approved but retroactively took effect from 13 March. The Cabinet Secretary’s annual salary was raised to $96,000, while CEOs to $88,000 annually, a 15.7% increase from the previous $76,000.

That same day, the President of BNTU, Nadia Martin-Caliz, addressed members in a livestream, saying, “I’ve heard your cries, I’ve received your messages, and everything. My action is going to take directly to your demands.”

The BNTU reminded the Government of Belize of its unmet commitments regarding educators’ frozen and outstanding increments.

She spoke on the disparity between public officers’ salary hikes and teachers’ unresolved issues, stating, “Every time we see persons being paid while our educators are suffering. We are now saying to you, the government of Belize, that the BTNU will be meeting with its affiliates and caucusing with its membership because we’re getting ready to take action.

 

Earth Day 2025: “Our Power, Our Planet” – A Call to Triple Renewable Energy by 2030

Earth Day 2025 brings the theme “Our Power, Our Planet,” urging global unity around renewable energy with the goal of tripling clean electricity capacity by 2030. As the climate crisis intensifies, this call is crucial in achieving the global target of limiting warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.

According to the International Energy Agency, the world’s renewable energy capacity must grow from 3,700 GW in 2024 to over 11,000 GW by 2030. This massive shift requires increased investments, expanded infrastructure, and equitable access to clean energy, especially in vulnerable communities.

Earth Day events worldwide—ranging from climate marches to energy justice forums—are led by youth, Indigenous leaders, and activists, who emphasize the need for a fair transition. “Energy is power, and we are reclaiming it for a just and sustainable future,” said climate advocate Farhana Ahmed.

The movement also calls on individuals to take action—whether by supporting green energy policies, switching to renewable power, or advocating for local commitments to clean energy.

As Earth Day 2025 reminds us, the future of our planet depends on the choices we make today. “Our Power, Our Planet” is a call to act, united for a cleaner, more sustainable world.

British Cyclist Wins Belize’s 95th Cross Country Title

British cyclist Jim Brown of the Miami Blazers emerged as the 95th Cross Country Champion on Saturday, completing the demanding race at Digi Park in 5 hours, 45 minutes and 40 seconds.

Brown edged out Alfredo Bueno of Legion of Los Angeles, who took second, with Omar Espinosa of Knix and Knax in third. The highest-placed Belizean cyclist crossed the line in fourth.

Brown, who arrived in Belize just days before the race, admitted he was unprepared for Belize’s weather. “Super difficult, to be honest; I’m really not used to this whole weather,” he said. “I was not feeling good at all in the middle part of the race.”

Despite a rough start, Brown said he strategically followed the defending champion and formed a small working group. “That cohesion was not behind, so we just took off, and that was that,” he explained.

When he saw the leading group had opened a three-minute gap, Brown said it was a clear sign he “should have a really good chance” at the win.

The UK-based rider said he trains around 20 hours a week, often in hilly terrain and mixed weather, but stated, “I didn’t know what we were heading for, but I loved it.”

 

NICH Joins Belize in Mourning The Death of Deon “Concego” Ögaldez

Belize’s music and cultural community is grieving the death of artist, songwriter, and producer Deon “Concego” Ögaldez, who passed away following a motorcycle accident on Thursday, April 17

In a statement, the National Institute of Culture and History (NICH) hailed Concego as a vibrant force in Belizean music, saying it joins the “Belizean creative community and fans in mourning.”

Concego died three days after the accident. He was hospitalised at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.

NICH added, “His undeniable passion and talent are evident in a string of hits such as “Siddong and Bounce”, “Sufrida” and “Namule”, among others…He was known for his boisterous and energetic performances, at home in Belize and on international stages in the U.S., Mexico and Guatemala.”

In 2024, Concego co-produced “Belizean Party” for the National Celebrations and, in 2021, contributed “Work Together” to the Belize-Taiwan Song Commission.

Since his passing, fans have flooded social media with tributes, mourning a powerful voice in Garifuna culture.

SSB Welcomes New Chair Chandra Nisbet Cansino 

The Social Security Board (SSB) has welcomed Chandra Nisbet Cansino as Chair of the Board of Directors, effective from 1 April 2025.

In a statement issued by the SSB, the board praised Nisbet Cansino’s extensive background in public service and senior management, calling her appointment timely and strategic. “She joins us at a pivotal time as we strive to enhance our services to insured persons, employers, and the broader society,” SSB stated.

Nisbet Cansino is expected to play a key role in steering the SSB towards greater sustainability and efficiency. “We welcome her in this new role with the Social Security Board and look forward to her guidance, experience, and vision in strengthening our policies, improving our systems, and ensuring the sustainability and efficiency of our social security programmes,” the statement added.

The appointment comes as the Board intensifies efforts to modernise its services and strengthen its institutional framework. She remains as CEO of the KHMH. 

Pilot of Hijacked Plane Speaks Out: “A Second Chance at Life”

Howell Grange, the pilot of the hijacked domestic Tropic Air plane on Thursday, April 17, issued a statement this morning expressing deep gratitude for a “second chance at life.”

On Thursday morning, 49-year-old U.S. military veteran Akinyela Sawa Taylor hijacked a Tropic Air Cessna Caravan aircraft, registered V3-HIG, at knifepoint. The flight was en route from Corozal to San Pedro and was carrying 14 passengers and two crew members.

Despite making a safe landing at the Philip Goldson International Airport (PGIA) after being hijacked in mid-flight, three passengers, including pilot Grange, were stabbed. Law enforcement, medical, and fire personnel were ready at PGIA when the plane landed. Fitzgerald Brown and Jair (Franchesco) Castañeda and pilot Grange were immediately given medical attention for their injuries. Images and videos from inside the plane show a severely injured Castañeda, while the other passengers huddled at the back of the plane.

A passenger on board the aircraft shot and killed Taylor moments after the plane landed at the PGIA.

In his statement on social media, Grange credited his survival to the quick response of authorities, his family’s support, and divine intervention, stating, “All your prayers, which I believe are the reason I’m still here today.”

Grange also commended Brown and Castañeda’s bravery during the ordeal and wished them a speedy recovery. He said, “To Mr Brown and Jair Castaneda, congratulations on your bravery. I am forever grateful for your help, and I wish you both a smooth and speedy recovery.”

Grange, who was hospitalised in critical condition over the long Easter weekend, remains getting treatment in Belize City. In a statement, he said, “I am able to stay positive and focus on healing from this incident. I thank the Good Lord for giving me a second chance at life, one that I will cherish even more deeply moving forward.”

US Offers $5 Million Reward for MS-13 Gang Leader

The United States has intensified its crackdown on transnational crime by officially designating the violent gang Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO). At the centre of the effort is Yulan Adonay Archaga Carías, also known as “Porky” and “Alexander Mendoza,” the gang’s top leader in Honduras, now wanted under terrorism and organised crime charges.

The U.S. government under the Trump administration is offering up to $5 million for information leading to Archaga Carías’s arrest or conviction. He is accused of overseeing MS-13’s brutal operations.

“Archaga Carías is the highest-ranking member of MS-13 in Honduras and is responsible for directing the gang’s criminal activities, such as drug trafficking, money laundering, murder, kidnappings, and other violent crimes involving machine guns,” the US Department of State said in a statement on Monday. “He is also responsible for the gang’s importation of large amounts of cocaine into the United States.”

“This terrorist leader can no longer be allowed to live free,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “If you can contribute information leading to his arrest—come forward now.”

Archaga Carías, 43, remains at large and is listed among the FBI, DEA, and Homeland Security Investigations’ top 10 most wanted fugitives.

Don’t Risk Your Future

Our ties run deep. But U.S. immigration laws are strict – and we want to make sure that you understand that if you try to enter the United States illegally, lie to get a visa, work without legal permission, or remain after your period of authorized stay, you will face serious consequences.

To make America safe, strong, and prosperous, President Trump is ensuring that citizens from all countries follow U.S. immigration laws. Breaking these laws could lead to jail time, deportation, and a ban on obtaining a U.S. visa in the future.

If you know someone who is in the United States illegally, now is the time to tell them to come home to Belize.

Trying to Enter or Remain Illegally Will Get You Caught

Don’t think that you can sneak into the United States or remain there illegally. The truth is that you will be caught. The Trump Administration has strengthened border security and significantly increased the number of illegal aliens being arrested and deported.

U.S. Visa Fraud Has Serious Consequences

The U.S. visa process is the most secure in the world. Cheating the system by using fake documents, lying on your application, or staying after your visa expires is visa fraud. And it’s a serious crime. If you break the law in this way, you may never be allowed to enter the United States again.

The Journey to the U.S. Border is Dangerous

For those considering making the dangerous journey to illegally cross into the United States, understand that your safety – and even your life – are at risk. Criminal groups, cartels, and human traffickers target illegal migrants, subjecting them to violence, extortion, and assault. Many who attempt the journey never make it to their destination.

The United States is working with Belize and other countries in Latin America and the Caribbean to stop and return people trying to enter illegally before they even reach the U.S. border. By securing our borders, we are preventing the suffering caused by illegal immigration and protecting American citizens.

President Trump is Holding Everyone Accountable

The U.S. government is also taking action against those who help others enter the country illegally. This includes smugglers, human traffickers and even foreign government officials who allow illegal immigration to continue.

Recently, Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced a new visa restriction policy for foreign officials – including immigration, customs, and port authority staff – who fail to help stop illegal immigration. This builds on similar existing restrictions for those in the transportation and tourism industries. Those who threaten U.S. security by facilitating illegal immigration are not welcome in our country.

The Choice is Clear – Follow the Law

The risks of trying to illegally immigrate to the United States far outweigh any potential benefits. You could lose your life, become a victim of criminals, or end up with a record that damages your future and your family’s future.

Illegal entry not only breaks U.S. laws, it also puts your safety and well-being in jeopardy. The penalties are serious: jail time, separation from your family, and permanent bans from re-entering the United States.

Please reach out to your friends or family members who are in the United States illegally. The best thing you can do for them is encourage them to leave now before they are caught.

For everyone, the message is simple: Make the right choice, follow the law, and don’t risk your safety, your family, or your future. Belize is a wonderful place to live. We look forward to seeing you return home.

David Hodge
Chargé d’affaires
U.S. Embassy Belmopan
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