The Reporter

13/06/2025

The House’s Constitution and Foreign Affairs Committee is calling on the public to submit views on the Belize Constitution (Thirteenth Amendment) Bill, 2025; submissions are due by Tuesday, August 26th [...]
The Bill’s emergence follows recent High Court decisions that raised legal doubts over the constitutionality of extended detentions under past SOEs. In one notable case, sixteen men were awarded damages after the court found that their July 2020 detentions violated Section 3 and 19(1)(c) of the Constitution due to the lack of judicial oversight and insufficient justification.

The House’s Constitution and Foreign Affairs Committee is calling on the public to submit views on the Belize Constitution (Thirteenth Amendment) Bill, 2025; submissions are due by Tuesday, August 26th.The Committee issued the call on June 11th following its formal review of the Bill, which propos...

13/06/2025

Albert Area Representative and Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Tracy Panton, has declared the scheduled June 14 National Party Council (NPC) meeting of the United Democratic Party (UDP) to be unconstitutional, citing violations of the party’s internal governance rules.

Speaking with The Reporter, Panton stated that the meeting disregards multiple provisions of the UDP Constitution, including the requirement for Central Executive Committee (CEC) review and quorum.

Albert Area Representative and Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Tracy Panton, has declared the scheduled June 14 National Party Council (NPC) meeting of the United Democratic Party (UDP) to be unconstitutional, citing violations of the party’s internal governance rules.Speaking with The Reporter, Pa...

06/06/2025

Former Minister Ralph Fonseca Passes Away

Former Minister of Finance Ralph Fonseca, a significant figure in Belizean politics, passed away early Friday morning at the age of 75. His death marks the end of an era for the People’s United Party (PUP), where he was a central force in shaping national fiscal policy and economic development.

Fonseca served as the elected representative for Belize Rural Central under the PUP banner, bringing his expertise to the Musa administration from 1998 to 2008. During his tenure, he held key portfolios in Finance, Economic Development, and Investment, overseeing major aspects of the country’s fiscal direction. His policies and leadership played a significant role in shaping Belize’s financial infrastructure.

As news of his passing spreads, tributes from colleagues, supporters, and political leaders have begun pouring in, reflecting on his years of service and the imprint he left on the nation's governance. His legacy as a politician, strategist, and finance minister remains a crucial chapter in Belize’s modern political history.

01/06/2025

By convention, members of the payroll vote are expected to support government positions, given their executive obligations. In systems modeled after the Westminster tradition, backbenchers often provide a layer of internal scrutiny and independent perspective. Their absence effectively removes that layer from the lower chamber of Parliament.

In a Parliament that has no political backbenchers on the government side, Cayo South Area Representative Hon. Julius Espat picked up—at least in part—the “backbench” mantle while critiquing an aspect of his own Party’s social policy.

27/05/2025

Belize City Faces Growing Concerns Over Horse Abuse

Belize City is witnessing a heartbreaking rise in cases of horse abuse, with multiple animals suffering severe neglect and cruelty. In just two days, two horses were found dead, sparking outrage among animal welfare advocates and local residents.

One of the horses, a small mare, was discovered in an abandoned lot without food, water, or shade. Weak and in visible pain, she passed away early Tuesday morning. Another horse was left to rot on Euphrates Avenue after collapsing from exhaustion, ridden in the scorching heat without care. Residents, desperate to remove the decaying body, expressed frustration at the ongoing cruelty.

Animal welfare volunteers have been reporting these cases for years, but the abuse continues. Horses are beaten, starved, and forced to work in unsuitable conditions, often discarded when they can no longer perform. The cruelty has reached alarming levels, raising urgent questions about enforcement and accountability.

Authorities are now stepping in to address the crisis. Police have been contacted to investigate and intervene in reported cases. Additionally, the Belize City Council has reached out to Michelle Rudon, director of SPARK and an active advocate for animal welfare, to discuss solutions for combating horse abuse and preventing further suffering.

Despite these efforts, volunteers remain frustrated by the lack of immediate action and meaningful change. They continue to call for stricter laws, stronger enforcement, and better public awareness to protect these vulnerable animals.

For those wanting to help, local advocacy groups urge citizens to report cases of abuse and support efforts to provide care and shelter for mistreated horses. The fight against cruelty is ongoing, but with increased attention and action, advocates hope to bring justice to these animals and put an end to their suffering.

16/05/2025

In just three years, the Belize Fund has invested over BZ$23.6 million in 29 impactful projects—from restoring coral reefs and strengthening marine enforcement to empowering coastal communities. These investments are paving the way for a thriving blue economy while preserving the marine resources we all depend on.

🎥 Watch our program impact story and see how sustainable financing is driving real change for Belize’s ocean and people.

👉 Investing Today, Safeguarding Tomorrow.
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12/05/2025

𝐃𝐞𝐛𝐭-𝐟𝐨𝐫-𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞, 𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐘𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐬 𝐋𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫 - 𝐈𝐬 𝐁𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐳𝐞 𝐃𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐧 𝐈𝐭𝐬 𝐎𝐜𝐞𝐚𝐧 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐞? ✨

Approximately three years ago, Belize made history with our Blue Bonds initiative.

It was a historic move that sparked questions: Could Belize really pull this off? Would the money help real people in real places? 💡

Today, we're proud to show just how the approved funding is being used!

The Belize Fund, established to manage funds from the Blue Bonds, has approved nearly 💰 BZ$12/US$6 million in conservation grants, trained hundreds of Belizeans, supported local jobs, and engaged with over 48 communities to care for the coastal and marine areas that sustain us all.

𝐒𝐧𝐚𝐩𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐎𝐮𝐫 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐭:
🚣‍♀️ 223 Belizeans employed through conservation jobs, from rangers to researchers, community outreach officers to tour guides
🎣 200+ people trained in specialized skills like coral restoration, fisheries enforcement, manatee rescue, and seaweed farming
🚤 5,700+ marine patrols conducted to protect our fish stocks and deter illegal activities
🗺️ 13 marine protected areas (614,424 hectares) supported, including iconic spots like Gladden Spit and South Water Caye
🪸 11,000+ coral fragments outplanted to restore our reefs
🐠 521 marine species surveyed as part of our science-based approach
🦈 20 young shark fishers trained on how to protect endangered reef sharks
New seaweed-based products and aquaculture businesses launched, led by women and local communities

We've also formed a strategic partnership 🤝 with the Belize Marine Protected Areas Network to strengthen compliance and enforcement within our marine protected areas.

In 2024, we launched our Community Grants funding window, making it easier for small, grassroots groups to access conservation funding. From fisherfolk in Chunox building a training center to the Three Lagoon Sustainability Program helping locals protect mangroves, communities are leading the way.

Through our Government Strategic Allocation (BZ$8/US$4 million already disbursed), we've achieved:
🌊 Marine protected zones expanded to cover 25% of Belize's ocean
👁️‍🗨️ Drone squads trained to patrol our coasts
🚨 Enforcement officers trained in compliance, safety, and monitoring
🤝 4,000+ stakeholders engaged through national marine spatial planning efforts

"We know we still have a long way to go and our 2024–2027 Strategic Plan is our roadmap," says Dr. Leandra Cho-Ricketts, Executive Director of the Belize Fund. "We're focused on building a transparent institution that makes conservation funding accessible while supporting Belize's ocean future."

Belize is proving that sustainable financing works when it's transparent, inclusive, and locally led. We're protecting both our ocean and what makes us Belizean.

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22/04/2025

Belize Mourns the Passing of Pope Francis: Nation Unites in Prayer and Reflection

Belize has joined the global community in mourning the death of His Holiness Pope Francis, who passed away peacefully on Easter Monday morning following his final public appearance in St. Peter’s Square on Easter Sunday.

In response to the news, Prime Minister Hon. John Briceño announced an official period of national mourning. Acting on his advice, Cabinet Secretary H.E. Stuart Leslie, serving in the capacity of deputy Governor-General, declared that all national flags in Belize are to be flown at half-mast from midday Thursday, April 24, until the Pope’s Committal Service on April 26, 2025.

"The passing of His Holiness is not only a solemn moment for the Roman Catholic community, but for all people of goodwill," said Senator-Elect Rev. Louis M. Wade Jr. In a statement released on April 21, Rev. Wade offered heartfelt condolences to the global Roman Catholic Church and to the Catholic faithful in Belize.

“In the footsteps of the Suffering Servant, he still made his final public appearance in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican on Easter Sunday, before he quietly passed away early this Easter Monday morning,” Rev. Wade noted. “May we, in this time, gain strength and comfort from our Lord and Savior, who is our Resurrection and our Life.”

Belizeans across the country have echoed these sentiments, expressing sorrow and solidarity in prayer vigils, masses, and moments of silence. Community leaders, faith organizations, and citizens alike have offered tributes, remembering Pope Francis not only as the head of the Roman Catholic Church but also as a symbol of humility, peace, and justice.

The late Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, was the first Latin American pope and the first Jesuit to hold the papacy. His legacy of championing the poor, advocating for the environment, and fostering interfaith dialogue has left an indelible mark on the world.

As Belize joins the international community in honoring his memory, his message of compassion and hope continues to resonate, inspiring faith and unity during this time of global reflection.

21/04/2025

Pope Francis Passes Away at 88
It is with deep sadness that we report the passing of Pope Francis on Monday, April 21, 2025. He was 88 years old.
The Vatican confirmed his death, with Cardinal Kevin Farrell announcing that Pope Francis "returned to the house of the Father" at 7:35 AM.
Pope Francis had been experiencing health issues, including a recent bout of bronchitis that led to a diagnosis of bilateral pneumonia. He had spent 38 days in hospital prior to returning to his residence at the Casa Santa Marta.
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Argentina, he became Pope in 2013, known for his humility and focus on social justice.
His papacy was marked by calls for compassion towards migrants, and his work to bring the catholic church into a more modern era.
The Vatican has stated that Pope Francis requested that his funeral rites be simplified, focusing on his role as a "pastor and disciple of Christ".
The process for selecting a new Pope, a conclave, will now take place in the Vatican.
The world mourns the loss of a significant spiritual leader.

21/04/2025

Irish Priest With Ties to Belize Appears in Court on Child Communication Charge

A Donegal-based priest has appeared in court charged with attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child. Father Edward Gallagher, 58, who serves in the Clonleigh, Camus and Leckpatrick parishes in Ireland, is accused of making contact between April 2 and April 17, 2025.

Fr Gallagher was arrested in Derry last week after a confrontation with a vigilante group. Footage of the incident has circulated widely online.

He appeared via video link from Waterside police station at a special sitting of Derry Magistrates Court in Dungannon. Dressed in a grey tracksuit, he confirmed he understood the charge. A police officer said there was enough evidence to connect him to the offence.

Fr Gallagher, who marked 30 years as a priest last year, previously served in Moville, Greencastle, and various other parishes across the Derry Diocese. In the early 2000s, he also served in San Ignacio, Belize.

This newspaper will continue covering the case and report on developments after the May 1st hearing.



Father Gallagher appears wearing a blue shirt in photo.

11/04/2025

A courtroom battle over electoral fairness unfolded this week, as government attorneys sought to strike out a redistricting case they claim has already been litigated.

A courtroom battle over electoral fairness unfolded this week, as government attorneys sought to strike out a redistricting case they claim has already been litigated.At the center of the dispute is a renewed legal challenge filed by the Belize Peace Movement (BPM), whose attorney Hubert Elrington c...