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Tracy Panton Honors African Ancestors in Emancipation Day MessageToday we honour and pay tribute to the courage, resilie...
01/08/2026

Tracy Panton Honors African Ancestors in Emancipation Day Message

Today we honour and pay tribute to the courage, resilience, and enduring spirit of our African Ancestors, those who fought for freedom and human dignity. Their struggle reminds us that liberty must never be taken for granted. It must be protected, cherished, and strengthened with every generation.

As we celebrate this important day, may we recommit ourselves to building a Belize founded on justice, equality, opportunity, and respect for every citizen.

May their legacy continue to inspire us to stand for what is right, serve with integrity, and work together for a stronger, more united nation.

Happy Emancipation Day.
Belize, 2026.

PM Explains Why Some Sub-$10,000 Ministry of Defence Payments Were MadePrime Minister John Briceño has responded to grow...
01/08/2026

PM Explains Why Some Sub-$10,000 Ministry of Defence Payments Were Made

Prime Minister John Briceño has responded to growing public concern over the large number of sub-$10,000 payments made by the Ministry of Defence, saying there are legitimate reasons why some government purchases are processed in smaller amounts.

His comments come amid continued scrutiny of Ministry of Defence procurement, particularly following the leak of hundreds of payment records involving companies linked to former ministers and suppliers of Belize Defence Force rations and uniforms.

The Prime Minister acknowledged that the volume of sub-$10,000 payments raises valid public concerns. However, he said it is important to understand the context, explaining that not every payment below the procurement threshold is evidence of wrongdoing.

Briceño also said he was surprised by reports regarding the number of sub-$10,000 payments allegedly made to companies connected to former Minister of State Oscar Mira, noting that the matter warrants careful review.

The Auditor General continues to examine procurement practices at the Ministry of Defence as questions persist over whether the payments complied with procurement regulations and whether contracts were properly administered.

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31/07/2026

PM John Briceño Suggests Lee Mark Chang Is “On Medication,” Sparking Heated Exchange in House

A debate in the House of Representatives took a tense turn after Prime Minister Hon. John Briceño made a remark suggesting that Mesopotamia Area Representative Hon. Lee Mark Chang was “not thinking straight” because he was on medication.

The comment came as Chang was speaking during debate on the Government’s proposal to rename the Development Finance Corporation (DFC) as the Development Bank of Belize (DBB).

Chang immediately rejected the Prime Minister’s statement, responding that he is not on any medication. The exchange quickly escalated, prompting heated reactions in the House before proceedings continued.

The moment has since drawn attention on social media, with viewers debating whether the Prime Minister’s remarks were appropriate during parliamentary debate.

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31/07/2026

Lee Mark Chang Questions Proposal to Rename DFC as Development Bank of Belize

Mesopotamia Area Representative Hon. Lee Mark Chang has questioned the Government’s proposal to rename the Development Finance Corporation (DFC) as the Development Bank of Belize (DBB), arguing that the change does not address the institution’s past challenges.

During debate on the proposal, Chang asked why the name change was necessary, stating that the institution’s functions would remain largely the same. He suggested that the new name appears to distance the organization from its history under the DFC brand.

Chang also criticized the Government for what he described as a reluctance to discuss the DFC’s past financial difficulties, particularly during the Musa administration. He pointed to the expansion of lending between 1999 and 2004, which he said resulted in hundreds of millions of dollars in liabilities.

According to Chang, changing the institution’s name does not erase its history or the controversies associated with its past operations. He argued that accountability and transparency are more important than rebranding.

During his presentation, Prime Minister John Briceño appeared to question the relevance of Chang’s remarks, interrupting to ask how they related to the legislation before the House.

The proposed legislation to transform the DFC into the Development Bank of Belize remains under debate.

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31/07/2026

Tracy Panton Questions US$8 Million IDB Loan for Public Service Modernization

Leader of the Opposition Hon. Tracy Taegar Panton has raised questions about the Government’s planned use of a US$8 million loan from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) to support the modernization of Belize’s public service.

Panton made it clear that she supports efforts to modernize the public service but said Belizeans deserve greater clarity on how the funds will be spent and what specific improvements the investment is expected to deliver.

She questioned whether adequate safeguards are in place to ensure transparency and accountability throughout the project and whether the loan will provide value for money.

According to Panton, modernization should lead to measurable improvements in the efficiency and delivery of public services, and the public should be informed about the expected outcomes before such a significant investment is made.

The IDB-funded initiative is intended to strengthen and modernize Belize’s public service, but questions over implementation and oversight continue to be raised.

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Stig Da Artist Releases Debut Studio Album “STIG”Belizean dancehall artist Stig Da Artist has officially released his de...
31/07/2026

Stig Da Artist Releases Debut Studio Album “STIG”

Belizean dancehall artist Stig Da Artist has officially released his debut studio album, “STIG,” marking a major milestone in his music career.

The project features collaborations with several prominent artists, including Rytikal on Hot, Byron Messia on Bounce, Tanya Carter and Supa G on What If I’m Crazy, and Hey Choppi on Need a Whine.

The album also includes the tracks Beso, Just a Little, Nonstop, and Prayer, showcasing Stig Da Artist’s versatility and signature sound.

Powering the entire project is renowned Belizean producer Randy Sutherland, who produced, mixed, and mastered every song on the album, making STIG a fully Belizean-produced body of work.

The album is now available on major streaming platforms for fans worldwide.

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Auditor General’s Corozal Southeast Roots Raise Questions During Audit of Florencio Marin Jr.’s TenureAuditor General Ma...
31/07/2026

Auditor General’s Corozal Southeast Roots Raise Questions During Audit of Florencio Marin Jr.’s Tenure

Auditor General Maria Rodriguez has responded to questions about whether her connection to Corozal Southeast could create the appearance of a conflict of interest as her office audits spending at the Ministry of Defence.

Rodriguez is from San Joaquin Village, which is located in the Corozal Southeast constituency represented by former Minister of Defence Florencio Marin Jr., whose time in office is one of the periods being examined in the audit.

The issue has also drawn attention because two companies that became major suppliers of Belize Defence Force rations after 2020—Kukulcan and A&Y Fresh Vegetables—are both based in the same constituency.

During a recent media interview, Rodriguez was asked whether her personal connection to the area could affect public confidence in the audit. The questions focused on whether there could be a perceived conflict of interest because the audit involves officials and companies connected to her home constituency.

There has been no allegation or evidence that Rodriguez has acted improperly or that the audit has been influenced in any way. The Ministry of Defence audit remains ongoing.

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BELIZEAN OFFICER GRADUATES TOP OF REGIONAL POLICE COURSEBelize Police Inspector Ester Cal has returned home with top hon...
30/07/2026

BELIZEAN OFFICER GRADUATES TOP OF REGIONAL POLICE COURSE

Belize Police Inspector Ester Cal has returned home with top honours after graduating as Valedictorian of the Junior Officers’ Course No. 1/2026 at the Guyana Police Force Academy.

Competing alongside officers from ten Caribbean nations, Inspector Cal also received the Best Academic Paper Award, making her one of the programme’s standout graduates.

The intensive two month leadership course focused on strengthening leadership, professionalism, and regional cooperation among Caribbean police services.

Inspector Cal’s outstanding performance is a proud achievement for the Belize Police Department and the nation, demonstrating once again that Belizeans can excel on the regional stage. Congratulations to Inspector Cal for representing Belize with distinction.

Belize Diplomat Kennedy Carrillo Investigated After Alleged Domestic Dispute in CanadaBelize’s senior representative to ...
30/07/2026

Belize Diplomat Kennedy Carrillo Investigated After Alleged Domestic Dispute in Canada

Belize’s senior representative to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), Kennedy Carrillo, is reportedly under investigation in Canada following an alleged domestic dispute earlier this week.

According to reports, Carrillo was detained and questioned by Canadian police for approximately seven hours on Tuesday after authorities responded to the incident. Reports indicate she was identified as the alleged aggressor. The circumstances surrounding the dispute remain under investigation, and no charges have been publicly confirmed.

In a significant development, the Canadian Government reportedly requested that Belize waive Carrillo’s diplomatic immunity to allow authorities to conduct a full investigation. The Government of Belize reportedly granted a limited waiver of diplomatic immunity, permitting Canadian authorities to proceed with their investigation.

Belize’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has reportedly been in communication with Canadian officials as it works to establish the facts before determining whether any further action will be taken.

Carrillo was appointed as Belize’s representative to the ICAO after Belize secured its historic first-ever seat on the organization’s 36-member executive council during the 42nd ICAO Assembly.

Reports indicate that if the Government determines it is necessary, Carrillo could be recalled and replaced without affecting Belize’s seat on the ICAO Council.

The investigation remains ongoing, and no findings of criminal liability have been made at this time.

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Belize Receives First Transfers Under Safe Third Country Agreement with United StatesThe Government of Belize has confir...
30/07/2026

Belize Receives First Transfers Under Safe Third Country Agreement with United States

The Government of Belize has confirmed that the Safe Third Country Agreement between Belize and the United States has officially entered into operation, with the first eight individuals transferred to Belize during July 2026.

In a statement issued today, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade said the transfers were carried out in accordance with the Agreement for Cooperation Regarding the Examination of Protection Requests and were jointly overseen by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade and the Ministry of Immigration.

According to the Government, all required national reviews and international clearances were completed before the transfers took place, in line with Belize’s established due diligence procedures.

Under the agreement, eligible third-country nationals seeking protection in the United States may be transferred to Belize for the examination of their protection requests. Officials emphasized that each case is reviewed individually and that Belize retains full discretion to accept or decline any proposed transfer.

The Government also reaffirmed its commitment to implementing the agreement in accordance with Belizean law and its international obligations.

The announcement marks the first official transfers under the agreement since it came into effect.

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