Hot Off The Press - Belize

12/08/2026

🍾 Pop the bottles—we’re celebrating MR. ROS’ BIRTHDAY at Thirsty's! 🎉

Join us for a special edition of Thirstday as we toast to the legend himself! 🥂

📍 Venue: Thirsty’s Belize City
📅 Date: Thursday, Aug 13
⏰ Happy Hour: 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
🔥 Perks: Complimentary shots at the entrance!
🎧 Vibes by: DJ Khris & DJ Sambo
📞 Reservations: 635-5897

Tag your crew, pull up early, and let's make this one unforgettable! 🥂✨

12/08/2026

🔥 45 Years of Flavor. 45 Years of Belizean Fire. 🔥

Celebrate Marie Sharp’s 45th Anniversary with our exclusive Mystery Box & Collector’s Box—created to honor a legacy that started in 1981 and continues to bring Belizean flavor to the world. 🌶️🇧🇿

Limited edition. Order yours today!

12/08/2026

Independent Senator Janelle Chanona has delivered a stinging rebuke to BTL Chairman Mark Lizarraga over his claim that Belize Telemedia Limited conducted the widest possible consultation with those who wanted to engage on the proposed $80 million acquisition of Smart/Speednet Communications.

Lizarraga made the statement during a media interview on Tuesday after journalists pressed him on growing concerns that the consultation process had not been sufficiently broad.

But Chanona, who represents the Belize Network of NGOs in the Senate, directly challenged that assertion in a statement issued on social media today.

Chanona said that, despite her role as an independent Senator, she had never received an invitation from BTL to participate in any consultation on the proposed acquisition.

“For the public’s information and official record, as an independent Senator, I confirm that no invitation has ever been extended to me verbally or received by me in writing or via email or forwarded to me by any person or persons from Belize Telemedia Limited or from any third party at BTL’s request,” she stated.

Chanona also reminded Belizeans that Senators have a constitutional responsibility to provide national oversight and perform their functions “without fear or favor, affection or ill-will,” regardless of which entity nominated them.

She questioned the credibility of Lizarraga’s claim, noting that the absence of any invitation to her should be easily verifiable.

“If such an easily verifiable statement can be said with such authority, it would make a reasonable person wonder what else is also being inaccurately conveyed just as authoritatively,” Chanona said.

The exchange comes amid mounting public opposition to BTL’s proposed acquisition of Smart/Speednet. The $80 million deal has faced widespread criticism from across Belizean society, with concerns raised by the business community, labour unions, NGOs, independent Senators, the media and members of the wider public over consultation, transparency, due diligence and the potential implications of the acquisition.

Chanona’s statement further intensifies scrutiny of BTL’s consultation process and raises a direct question over whether the company’s engagement with stakeholders was as comprehensive as its chairman has claimed.

She ended her statement with a pointed message: “In God we trust. All others must bring facts!”

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12/08/2026

The wait is over! 🥳

The National Celebrations Commission is pleased to share the Official Calendar of Events for the Belize@45 National Celebrations! 🎉✨️

Download your copy of the National Celebrations Calendar of Events at https://drive.google.com/file/d/11tKg94K-bD10asxNoRy4Evs4SrII1ltX/view?usp=sharing



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12/08/2026

Good morning, Belize! This is PLAIN AND STRAIGHT with Alfonso Noble — your daily dose of truth, fire, and fearless conversations. From the streets to the studios, we bring the issues that matter straight to the mic.
So grab your coffee, pick up your phone, and let’s get Belize talking!

12/08/2026

12/08/2026

A post circulating among residents of the small island village of Caye Caulker is raising concerns over reported new restrictions affecting ferry operations at the south side Split.

The post questions whether the new property owners, identified as U.S. citizens, have the legal authority to restrict ferries that transport residents and tourists to the north side of the island.

“First of all, isn’t that a public street/access route? And isn’t the beach supposed to be Queen’s Land?” the post asks.

The writer claims ferry operators are being asked to pay more than $1,000 to operate from the area, warning that the reported changes could affect not only ferry operators, but also residents, daily workers, tourists and local businesses.

“This isn’t only going to affect the ferry operators. It will affect the residents of the north side, the workers who cross every single day, tourists, businesses, and everyone who depends on that access,” the post states.

The writer is calling on the Village Council and relevant government authorities to clarify who has legal control over the access and whether the reported restrictions can be imposed.

One reaction to the post simply said: “WHEEWWWWWW!!!! SO SORRY FIH MIH USE TO BE FAV PLACE EVER!!!!!”

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12/08/2026

❤️ Mother of Three Appeals for Help Ahead of New School Year

A Belizean mother of three is making a heartfelt appeal to the public for assistance as she prepares her children for the upcoming school year.

The mother, who has a 4-year-old daughter, a 7-year-old son and a 15-year-old daughter, is seeking help with school uniforms, school bags and clothing for her children.

“Last year wasn’t that bad like this year because I was working. Please, I’m just a mom who is trying,” she shared.

She said she was initially hesitant to ask for help because of the criticism some people face when they reach out publicly, but she remains hopeful that kind-hearted Belizeans will step forward.

“I was afraid to ask because I see Belizeans bring down their own, but I know there are still good people out there.”

Anyone willing to assist can contact her at 628-0773.

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12/08/2026

How much is Speednet really worth and did BTL see enough financial information to know?

BTL Chairman Markhelm Lizarraga confirmed today that the company reviewed **one year of Speednet’s audited financial statements**, along with three independent valuations, with a fourth still pending.

BTL says the approach follows international standards. But the Social Partners argue that **one year of financials is simply not enough** to properly assess the company’s value.

Adding fuel to the debate, the DFC is currently asking businesses seeking student-loan assistance to provide **three years of financial statements**.

Former Central Bank Governor Glen Godfrey weighed in on Lizarraga’s comments, posting: **“If this wasn’t about real money, the outrageous s**t this man is spewing would have been funny af!”**

With an $80 million acquisition on the table, the question remains: Was one year enough to know what Speednet is really worth?

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12/08/2026

TUESDAY PM TROPICAL UPDATE
The tropical low in the eastern Atlantic is likely to become a weak tropical depression or tropical storm later this week. However, most reliable forecast guidance is increasingly suggesting that the system could remain weak or even fall apart as it moves toward or near the Caribbean.
Based on the latest data, there are currently two main scenarios:
1️⃣ Weak system: It takes a more southern track through the Caribbean and could weaken further due to wind shear.
2️⃣ Stronger system: If it manages to strengthen, it would likely track farther north and curve away from the Caribbean and out to sea.
👉 The good news: Current data does not indicate a major threat at this time.
Remember, tropical forecasting is a fluid science. Conditions and forecast models can change, so we’ll continue monitoring the system and provide updates as new data becomes available.

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