Former Police Minister Kareem Musa Endorses Unified Security Ministry and Chebat Appointment

The Police Department has had four ministers in the past year: Kareem Musa, Oscar Mira, Julius Espat, and now, Michel Chebat.
But what does the PUP's first police minister think of this?
Today we spoke with Kareem Musa, who fully supports his colleague and the amalgamation of a National Security Ministry.

But what did he think of the interim job Julius Espat did? Well, he said it was necessary for the Minister of Infrastructure to see the state of the stations for himself:

Kareem Musa, Minister of Immigration
"I mean, historically, that has always been the case under the United Democratic Party. I think when the government changed in 2020, we had so many ministers that won their seats, so many area reps that had won their seats that perhaps it became necessary to bifurcate some of those ministries. And so you had the Ministry of Home Affairs once again separated from Defense and Coast Guard. But I think it's excellent to have them unified. The defense and protection of our country, our national security, all of those things go together. And so I think it's perfect for this time."

Reporter:
"What do you think about the new decision to have Michel Chebat take over the ministry?"

Kareem Musa:
"Wonderful choice by the Prime Minister. As you know, Mr. Chebat has a legal background. He is an attorney-at-law, and I'm pretty sure he dabbled in criminal defense law, but overall, having a legal background is very important, not just in creating legislation to help to fight crime-as you have seen over the last six years of us in office, several bills have been brought by the Ministry of Home Affairs-but also in developing policies. And I think that he is an ideal fit for the ministry at this time."

Reporter:
"Do you think that Julius Espat should have been left with the portfolio?"

Kareem Musa:
"Let me say this. I think Julius was a phenomenal insertion by the Prime Minister at a very critical juncture for the Ministry of Home Affairs. And the reason I say that is because I held that portfolio for six years, and we had a lot of buildings and offices that became very dilapidated. And certainly that would bring down the morale of the Police Department if the police officers are not comfortable in their environment. That is something that would severely impact their morale. And so, to have the ministry responsible for infrastructure actually go in and see the state of those buildings and to do those repairs in three months, I think it was a wonderful insertion at that time. I would want to advocate that every two years you have the Minister of Infrastructure in to Home Affairs to have these repairs done. So it was timely. I think he did a wonderful job in boosting morale. And again, we are now transitioning to Mr. Chebat."

Kareem Welcomes Long-Awaited Roof Repairs at Raccoon Street Police Station

And one of the major infrastructural improvements Espat made was finally starting repairs on the Raccoon Street Police Station roof. Musa said that he had been lobbying for a long time to get it fixed and was unable to. By the time he finally got it approved, he had been given the immigration portfolio.

But he reiterated that it's good the Infrastructure Minister got a firsthand look at it:

Reporter:
"What was the difference between when you were the minister compared to him being able to do that?"

Kareem Musa:
"Yeah, I think I had announced the Raccoon Street police station roof repair sometime in July or August of 2025, I believe, and I had transitioned over to the Ministry of Immigration by November of that year while I was there. We had submitted all of the bids to the Contractor General. It got bogged down in bureaucracy over those four months. Regrettably, we weren't able to complete it. I'm not sure what happened during Minister Mira's tenure, but I can tell you that having a ministry like Infrastructure, with the budget that it has coming in at that time this year to do these repairs... because I'll tell you this, it wasn't just murders that kept me up at night, that had sleepless nights, but it was knowing whenever it was raining, I couldn't sleep good in my bed, knowing that there were police officers out there during the day and at night that were suffering. And it's not just suffering from getting wet, but also from all the mold in the building. And so I'm glad that while I was there, Cabinet recognized the importance of it. But again, it got bogged down in bureaucracy. And I'm thankful that the Minister of Infrastructure saw the need to put urgent attention to it."

Musa Addresses Inter-Ministerial Collaboration Following Espat Comments

But Musa seemed to be throwing subtle shade at Espat, especially when we asked him whether he believes the ministries are working in silos. That's how Espat described it a couple of weeks ago, but it seemed to be a sore spot for Musa. Here's how he responded:

Kareem Musa:
"I don't want to comment much on that, but, yes, that is unfortunately the situation most of the time. And that's why it's good for different ministers who have super-ministries to get their portfolio of a smaller ministry or a less budget ministry like Home Affairs to actually see what it is that I was bringing to Cabinet complaining about all the time, of the situation. And so it's always good to get these interventions from other ministers that have budgets that can give that kind of input."

Musa Weighs In on Proposed Constituency Allowance Cuts

And while he didn't want to comment on the "silos" statement, does he agree with Espat that area reps' allowances should be cut? Deputy Prime Minister Cordel Hyde had made the suggestion and he said it would be discussed in Cabinet next week. The Prime Minister explained that those allowances are what area reps use to assist their constituents. So we asked Musa whether he does the same:

Reporter:
"Do you use your own personal allowances to assist your constituents?"

Kareem Musa:
"I use my allowances and then some in my constituency, and I think most area reps and most ministers do use their allowances for that purpose. I do understand the symbolic nature of the gesture of giving up the allowances. It will result in, of course, less and less constituents having the type of support that they may need. But I would support the cutting of allowances. But again, there has to be that understanding that less constituents wouldn't be receiving assistance as well."

Musa Urges Ministerial Drivers to Maintain Speed Limits

And we also asked Musa his thoughts on highway speeding by ministerial drivers. As we reported, Henry Charles Usher's driver got into an accident that wrecked his ministerial vehicle-which was bought in August of 2025 for almost a hundred thousand dollars.

But in our daily news outings, we've witnessed many instances of ministers and their drivers racing down the highway. Though it may not mesh with our observations in the field, Musa says he always drives within the speed limit:

Kareem Musa:
"Yes, I often see vehicles over there, and I tell my driver, 'Relax yourself. There's no need to be racing. The destination will still be there, even though we're going 55 miles an hour.' So it's very important-drivers, ministers, everybody who has custody of a government vehicle-it is not our own vehicle. We have to be more careful on the road. We have to drive within the speed limit. That's very important because it's not our asset. And I'm just very thankful that no one was seriously injured in this particular case, and I wish Mr. Blades full recovery."

Immigration Officer Placed on Administrative Leave Over Big Creek Extortion Allegations

And as Minister of Immigration, we asked Musa about Ruben Manolo Requena, the immigration officer charged with extortion following an investigation into an alleged $6,000 shakedown at Big Creek Port.

Musa confirmed that he was placed on administrative leave:

Reporter:
"Has that officer been placed on leave?"

Kareem Musa:
"Yes, he has."

Reporter:
"Would you be able to give us any details about that?"

Kareem Musa:
"The situation with that particular officer... it concerned the importation of fuel, if you recall, down at the Big Creek port of entry. And there is an allegation that has been made by a member of that crew that brought in the fuel that, in fact, an attempt was made to extort him. And so that is the reason why charges had to be levied."

Reporter:
"What do you think about that complaint, and are you pleased with the charges that have been brought forth?"

Kareem Musa:
"I am still guided by the principle that I had when I was Minister of Home Affairs, which is no nonsense. As you recall, when I was Minister of Home Affairs, whether it was abuse or corruption, we discharged many officers-I believe over 150 officers during my time as Home Affairs. And so it's very important that the public receive the type of professional services from our public officers. And so we want to keep that very high standard, and if it ever rears its head again, we will take swift action."

Immigration Minister Distinguishes Extortion Case From Ambassador Alexis Rosado Rape Trial

So since this public officer was placed on administrative leave following extortion charges, should the same happen to Alexis Rosado, who has been charged with rape?

Here's what Musa said when we asked him:

Reporter:
"Do you believe that in the same manner, Alexis Rosado should also be suspended or take leave?"

Kareem Musa:
"That's a very good question. I think when it comes to Mr. Rosado, I have heard the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Prime Minister mention the importance of his role. As you know, we are facing an existential threat when it comes to the unfounded claim by Guatemala. That's a whole different kettle of fish when it comes to responsibility and the duties and institutional knowledge that he can provide as a co-agent on that case. So it's very important. You have to assess the situation. Now if you ask me if he is found guilty if he should remain as co-agent, I would say absolutely not."

Four Men Convicted in 2021 San Pedro Spearfishing Attack

Back in 2021, four brothers went spearfishing, but only three returned home. Six months later, a second brother died as a result of the incident.
Jerry and Kirian Espat, along with their two brothers, came under fire five years ago. Their boat was pursued and shot at. Jerry Espat was killed on the spot, and later, Kirian Espat died from dry lungs after he inhaled water during the incident. He had told us at the time he was forced to take cover under the hull of the boat.
Today, four men were found guilty. Gabriel Villafranco and Carlos Salazar were convicted of Espat's murder as well as the attempted murder of Kirian Espat. Pedro Tun and Delsin Paguada were also found guilty of the attempted murder of Ricardo Santoya and Luis Santoya.

The sentencing of the men was adjourned for a later date. One of the men who were initially charged, Sergio Tun, was found not guilty, and Justice Candace Nanton explained that only one witness identified him and it was not sufficient evidence.

Two Men Formally Charged for Grisly Murder of Wilson "Chato" Perez

Two men have been charged for the murder of Wilson "Chato" Perez that occurred on Monday, October 12, in Carmelita Village, Orange Walk. Perez's body was found decapitated, dismembered, and partially burnt, with multiple chop injuries.

Yesterday, police formally arrested and charged 23-year-old Alex Anthony Banner and 22-year-old Darnell Emil Rhaburn Sergio jointly for the crime of murder.

Leaked Records Reveal Million-Dollar Untendered City Street Contracts to K&M Construction

The Belize City Council has signed an almost million-dollar contract with K&M Construction, owned by Maria Estella Recinos, for the renovation of two city streets.
The contract was never put out to public tender, and the decision to contract K&M never went to the council caucus.
There are two contracts for a total of $938,000 for the upgrading and concreting of the section of Neal Pen Road extending from its intersection with Central American Boulevard to its intersection with Krall Road, and Queen Charlotte Street from Yarborough Bridge to the Fabers Road intersection.
That's the information which was leaked to us-and the council has never announced or confirmed it.

But yesterday the Mayor breezed it off, characterizing them as "wonderful" contracts with a liquid contractor:

Bernard Wagner, Belize City Mayor
"Those are two wonderful projects that people in that area-and that's in Penn Road and in Fabers Road-will enjoy finally that they have concrete roads, both Penn Road and Fabers Road. But of course, we always look to talk to... at City Hall, we have many vendors, right? And it is important to note that many of those vendors that we engage are done so in a sort of... a deferred payment structure, where they frontload many of the funding to drive the development, to drive the concreting on the streets. And so while you may see it, all right, it didn't go out to tender, the mere fact that these contractors that we engage has to have the financial capacity, has to have the technical capacity for us to engage... we will not send out a tender where we are looking for vendors who... who have that frontload money to really drive those projects ahead, because most of the time we are paying on an incremental basis."

Reporter:
"So is that to say then that this specific vendor does have the capacity and you all did your homework?"

Bernard Wagner:
"Yes. She... yes, definitely. Definitely. And she has been doing business with us for many, many years-not only the Belize City Council or PUP administration, but with previous administration."

Reporter:
"Is there a reason why it was almost $1 million?"

Bernard Wagner:
"It's the cost of the street. You will have to check with my engineer or my engineers. They are the ones that really vet those applications for us and really tell us, 'Mayor, this is a technically feasible project, you can proceed with it.' I think the advice from my engineers..."

Recinos was also contracted to install street lights in Belmopan-a contract which the Mayor there has refused to comment on.

High Court Appoints Foreign National Justices Smith and Carter Despite Defence Bar Objections

Despite strong objections from local defense attorneys and delays stemming from opposition scrutiny, the appointments of two foreign national judges to the High Court of Belize have officially proceeded.
Former Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions Sheiniza Smith, a Guyanese national resident in Belize, and Peter Carter, an attorney from Trinidad and Tobago, have been formally appointed as Justices of the High Court. Official notices published in the Belize Gazette and letters issued by the Judicial and Legal Services Commission confirm that both appointments will take effect on November 2, 2026.
According to correspondence signed by JLSC Secretary Rolando Zetina, both judges will hold office until reaching the mandatory judicial retirement age of 65. Smith will serve from November 2, 2026, until February 5, 2051, while Peter Carter will serve from November 2, 2026, until April 23, 2053.

The selection of Smith and Carter stirred considerable controversy when the JLSC's initial recommendations came to light earlier this year. The Association of Defence Attorneys publicly criticized the decisions, raising alarm over the reliance on foreign appointments and arguing that experienced Belizean legal professionals were being bypassed in favor of external candidates.

Belize and Mexico Launch Updated Digital Border Crossing Card Program

Belize and Mexico are turning a new page in cross-border travel tonight with the official launch of the updated Digital Border Crossing Card program.

Mexicans can now access Belize in its entirety for a total of seven days as opposed to three. The goal is to strengthen connections between the two countries. Jaleeza Roberts was present at the Northern Border and files this report:

This small facility situated at Belize's border will now help Mexican nationals receive their Digital Border Crossing Card, a new initiative allowing eligible Mexicans to visit Belize anywhere in the country for up to seven days without paying.

Previously they were limited to three days in just the north. This initiative supports efforts to encourage tourism, strengthen cross-border connections, and deepen the longstanding friendship between Belize and Mexico.

Minister of Immigration Kareem Musa explained that it's an incentive designed to boost Mexican tourism in Belize:

Kareem Musa, Minister of Immigration
"Our goal is to help travelers spend more time enjoying their visit to Belize. Our invitation to you, our Mexican neighbors, is simple: 'Belize te espera'-Belize awaits you. That invitation extends to eligible Mexican nationals who reside in Mexico's five southern states covered by this program. Residents of these states can apply for the digital border crossing card free of charge, and once approved, use it to visit Belize for up to seven days. The previous arrangement allowed visits of up to three days within our northern districts.This expansion gives our neighbors more time and greater opportunity to experience Belize, while allowing more of our communities to benefit from the economic windfall from their visits."

In 2025, Belize's northern border recorded 31,656 overnight tourist arrivals, accounting for 5% of all overnight visitors to the country. Mexican nationals made up 35% of overnight visitors entering through that crossing in 2025, up from 30% in 2024. Arrivals from Mexico also increased by 27% during that period, rising from 8,585 to nearly 11,000 visitors.

Minister of Tourism Anthony Mahler underscored the importance of connectivity between the two countries:

Anthony Mahler, Minister of Tourism
"Tourism thrives on connectivity, accessibility, and meaningful experiences. When we make it easier for people to visit, explore, conduct business, and build relationships, we create opportunities for our tourism industry and for the wider economy. For Belize, our land border crossings are important gateways for tourism, commerce, and regional integration. Our northern border plays a vital role in connecting Belize with Mexico and facilitating the movement of people, goods, and services between our neighboring communities.The relationship between Belize and Mexico remains essential to strengthening cooperation, expanding tourism, and improving cross-border connectivity."

The new card is intended to encourage more frequent visits, benefiting businesses beyond the border communities, including restaurants, transportation providers, tour operators, market vendors, and small retailers:

Anthony Mahler, Minister of Tourism
"Visitors arriving through the northern border contribute to economic activity throughout Belize, supporting restaurants, small shops, tour operators, transportation providers, market vendors, and countless other small businesses. We also have visitors traveling from other parts of Mexico-CancÃºn, Tulum,and including arriving through Chetumal International Airport. In addition, developments such as the Tren Maya present opportunities to explore stronger tourism linkages, encourage multi-destination travel, and attract more visitors from across the wider region into Belize. At the same time, we must ensure that our border processes are efficient, accessible, and consistent with the applicable immigration and security requirements."

The new card is already available, and today the first four persons received their cards. The event received heavy coverage from the Mexican press.

Jaleeza Roberts, 7News.

Prime Minister Briceño Awaits Feasibility Study on Potential Tren Maya Extension to Belize

And now that Mexicans can travel more easily in Belize, is the Prime Minister still pursuing Tren Maya to extend its route in Belize?

Well, it may seem like modern fantasy, but the PM says it can be determined after a proper study is done:

John Briceno:
"Well, so far what we've been doing is that the IDB is working, is doing a study to see what it would take to get Tren Maya to Belize. As I said earlier or before, that if we can get Tren Maya to come into Belize and then connect on to Guatemala, it will open up not only the tourism industry, but also using the airport facilities. We're in the process of building a new port-the southern part of Mexico needs to use this port as we modernize it. We're going to make it easier to transport goods from the port into Mexico, and in Guatemala on the Atlantic side, they're having a lot of problems. Their port is too small for the amount of commerce that's coming in, and I'm told there are times when a ship would have to wait three weeks or more to discharge. So once you put these modern facilities in Belize, then they can come to Belize and transship from Belize into Guatemala. So there are a lot of opportunities with the connection of Tren Maya."

Jaleeza Roberts:
"That's viewed as underperforming in Mexico, so is it realistic to really invest and bring that here to Belize as well?"

John Briceno:
"Well, obviously it is a large investment for Belize, and it's something that we have to take great care whenever we do that. The Tren Maya investment is not something that was expected to be able to work overnight-it will take time, it will take years. For instance, if you build an airport, you don't expect on day one it's going to be profitable. It takes time to be able to build the clientele or the customers that will be able to use it, and we recognize that fact. But as it is right now, we do have Mexicans having to move their products, their imports into the southern part of Mexico through Belize. And so we believe that we can do... there are different ways that we can take a look at it. So that's something that we're... already, and we don't have all the answers, that's why we want to see how it will be able to work for Belize."

Tren Maya opened for operation in December 2023 and, according to international news reports, is facing lower-than-expected ridership, high costs, and ongoing economic challenges.

Despite Conservaiton Alarm, PM Briceño Reaffirms Support for Proposed Ambergris Caye to Mexico Bridge

Another of the PM's high-flown but perhaps fanciful concepts is the proposed bridge from the northernmost tip of Ambergris Caye to connect Belize with Xcalak, Mexico. Critics have pointed out that it would have to pass across the Bacalar Chico, which is a World Heritage site.

Still, before the Mexican media today, PM BriceÃ±o doubled down:

John Briceno:
"Well, certainly from my end, it's something that I think we should continue to look at. It's discussions that we're talking between two governments-it's not something only Belize can decide, it's both sides. And of course, we also have to take into consideration the environmental concerns, because it will go through a reserve. But I believe we can find ways to be able to address those concerns. I still believe it is something that can be economically viable, you know, to create opportunities, because imagine the Riviera Maya could start in San Pedro and end in CancÃºn, or in CancÃºn and San Pedro. I believe it will be able to create many, many opportunities for Belize."

Examining The Recent Surge in High Profile Sexual Assault Allegations

Over the week, we've reported on three cases of alleged crimes of a sexual nature by two teachers and a pastor. And for the past nine months, we've been following the rape trial of Ambassador Alexis Rosado. And even before this, we've seen cases of pastors who faced similar accusations.

Is it a new trend of victims speaking out against their alleged abusers? Courtney Menzies took a look at all these cases and has this story:

ASP Stacy Smith, Staff Officer, Belize Police Department
"As a consequence of police investigation into reports made by four male persons, police have formally arrested and charged 33-year-old Kevin Tzib, a Belizean pastor of Santa Elena Town, for six counts of sexual assault and one count of unnatural crime. The incidents that account for these charges span over five years between February of 2021 and July of 2026."

This is the latest in an alarming series of sexual assault cases involving community leaders. Kevin Tzib is the founder of Dunamis Ministries, and he allegedly preyed on the young male members of his own church.

A similar case occurred in Toledo, where a 67-year-old pastor, Victor Hernandez, was convicted of raping one of his congregants. The rapes are said to have been spread over six years. Back in August, Hernandez was sentenced to ten years in prison for the crime. Hernandez is also the former president of NEAB.

And in 2023, a Belmopan gospel singer was accused of child molestation. His accuser? The daughter of Pastor Scott Stirm. After Rebecca Stirm came forward, several other women alleged that Mervin Budram molested them as children as well.

Currently, Budram's case is at a standstill after he was arraigned on 13 counts of aggravated assault in November 2023.

A little over a year after Budram's arraignment, Pastor Luis Tiul Sr. of Belmopan was arraigned along with his son, wife, and mother for aggravated assault, wounding, sexual assault, and administering noxious matter on his daughter-in-law. The victim was reportedly held captive by the family for eight days and tortured after she attempted to visit her family.

Tiul and his family were granted bail of $20,000, and that case is still in the courts.

But it's not just pastors that have seen these types of charges. Two staff members from two different Orange Walk high schools have recently been accused of inappropriate behavior towards students. The first was at Muffles High School:

ASP Stacy Smith, Staff Officer, Belize Police Department
"Police have arrested and charged Hedyn Mendez, 31 years of age, a Belizean counselor,for the crimes of sexual assault and encouraging child pornography. The investigation began when officers came across a screenshot circulating on social media which suggested explicit conduct between this individual and a student."

After hearing this story on the news, one mother came forward with allegations from her own daughter who had attended Orange Walk Technical High School. She showed us that a teacher had sent an inappropriate text message to her daughter. In her case, however, she has tried to make a report to the school, the Police Department, the Ministry of Education, and Social Services, but she says it's all been futile:

Concerned Parent
"They didn't want to do anything with my case, maybe because I am no one... just because I am a single mother. Like if it was someone else, someone else with money, they would have done something. But I felt like no one wanted to help me.

"Everyone failed me-I mean, the school failed me, the police station, Social Department, Ministry of Education... everyone.

"I just wanted to voice this because it didn't only happen to her. I believe that there are so many other students at the school that this is happening, because I have heard many things about this teacher."

And while that mother hopes to receive justice for her daughter-who has since had to transfer schools-a woman is awaiting the outcome of the trial against Ambassador Alexis Rosado.

Rosado was arrested and charged for rape in April 2022. In January 2024, he was indicted at the High Court.Between January and October of this year, we have seen several delays to this case.

What also makes this case complicated is that government officials have defended Rosado's position as co-agent in Belize's ICJ case:

Francis Fonseca, Minister of Foreign Affairs
"Listen, we... I certainly understand, you know, the different views that... that people have.The bottom line is that our agent and our team determined a number of years ago... determined that Mr.Rosado's continued presence on the team as co-agent was important to the work that lies ahead, and so they felt and... and requested that he remain on the team. And so that, you know, that remains the position of the...of the government, obviously. Mr. Rosado... Ambassador Rosado is charged with very serious crimes, but he is innocent until proven guilty, you know."

And Prime Minister John BriceÃ±o echoed similar sentiments:

John Briceno, Prime Minister
"Of course, it creates some kind of concern, but right now I think... I'm not in any way trying to minimize the severity of the accusations. Again, in our constitution, in our laws, you are innocent until declared guilty. But we also have to look after the future of the country. We are at the ICJ in February-both in February with Guatemala and then in March with Honduras. And the agent, Ambassador Rosado, has been working on this issue for a few decades along with Ambassador Shoman, and I don't think it would be in the best interest of the nation to be able to remove him at this time."

But there are those in Cabinet who may not agree with that position:

Reporter: "Do you believe that Ambassador Rosado should remain as co-agent for the ICJ case given the rape allegations against him?"

Cordel Hyde:
"You know, I asked myself this question: if I were to go to sleep tonight and not wake up tomorrow, would they try to preserve me, or would they have to bury me? I think ultimately they would have to bury me, and that is how I will answer that."

Rosado's case will continue in court on November 20th-with a new lead counsel.

The next day, on November 21st, Pastor Tzib will also return to court.

Four pastors, two teachers, and a diplomat-men known as leaders of their communities and pillars of society-yet these allegations instead tell a story of alleged sexual violence and deep betrayal.

Courtney Menzies, 7News.

Church Senator Responds to Evangelical Association Statement on Pastor Sex Charges

Today, the National Evangelical Association of Belize issued a statement regarding the charges against Pastor Kevin Tzib stating, quote: "Abuse situations like this are alarming and shameful to the church as a whole... The alleged offense is unacceptable and criminal. The Court and the Law will process this legally, determining guilt and consequences. We pray for justice for the victims in this situation, as well as healing."
But with the series of sexual assault cases, especially those who are considered "holy men," the churches are rather quiet.
For instance, in Tzib's case, there are suggestions that it was being kept quiet for some time.

Well, the ever-loud church senator Luis Wade says that he speaks and comments when he has facts, and he will not just comment, even on social media, on rumors:

Louis Wade, Church Senator
"It is good and bad. It is bad in that it's almost like vultures that are waiting for a corpse to show up for them to pounce on the meat. That is so bad. I have no problem commenting, but we have to wait on the police. In this particular matter, Dunamis made a press release, and so I was able to comment after that. So we are not going to just make a statement just for pandering ears. We want to make a statement that is founded on law and on principle, and that does not violate the rights either of the perpetrator or of the victims.Everyone has rights, and so we have to speak the truth of the Word of God. So yes, I get some lash back,because people want me to speak immediately, even when it is a rumor. I'm not going to do that. But at the right time, as we hear the official information, or if a victim reaches out to us, then we can act appropriately.And so I think that we still live in a country where people expect better from the church, and I think that that is a good thing. If people are criticizing the church at this time, it is still because they expect better. And so we need to do better in the areas that we can."

Church Senator Wade Advocates Raising Belize's Age of Consent to 18

But the church senator is looking at this from another angle and believes that the age of consent needs to be raised to 18. The age of consent is presently 16, but Wade believes that moving the age up two years will help solve the issue of young girls being preyed upon:

Louis Wade:
"I think that we can make a change in is legislation that moves the age of consent from 16 to 18.A person is very young, and many of them are still in school or in a youth group, and then they are being bombarded with sexual choices, and so it becomes like a gray area between 16 and 18. So a person becomes legal age at 18, but can make sexual choices at 16. So a predator can wait till the person gets 16, and then begin to make certain advances, where if it was a child, it would immediately be illegal. But between age 16 and 18, there is now a gray area, and we have asked the government to fix it, and they have denied. And I think it needs to be fixed. We have moved marriage from 16 to 18, and we need to do the same with consent."

Foreign Minister Confirms Kennedy Carrillo Remains Active Duty Amid Canadian Investigation

And with the allegations of sexual misconduct, there is still an accusation that has not been resolved. Kennedy Carrillo, Belize's State Representative to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) in Montreal,became the center of a diplomatic issue following allegations of a domestic dispute in Canada. Despite this,the Foreign Minister says that she remains on active duty:

Francis Fonseca, Minister of Foreign Affairs
"She's still... she's on active duty. She's... she's working, she's on active duty. But yes, we... we have not concluded the internal investigation because, as I have said, we were waiting on some reports from Toronto... from London... from Toronto, sorry, Canada. So I expect that that matter will be resolved sometime in November, and we'll... we'll be able to... to make a determination and move forward."

Foreign Minister Meets With FCD Executive Director to Discuss Chiquibul Conservation

And in other news, the Minister met with Rafael Manzanero, Executive Director of Friends for Conservation and Development, four days ago to discuss the organization's work in the Chiquibul National Park and other matters of national importance. The Minister told us how that went:

Francis Fonseca:
"Rafael Manzanero, the executive director, came to meet with me and our team at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, really to... to update us on... on his work, and to... to make sure that... that, you know, we're... we're coordinating our efforts. Their work is... they're doing tremendous work. You know, it's not only about conservation, it's really on the front line of national security. So we want to work closely with them at all times. So it was a meeting about how can we strengthen that relationship, that partnership-how can we work more meaningfully together? Are there challenges that he is facing that we can help to address? So it was a very, very good meeting. I try to meet with them at least twice a year so that we can ensure that... that, you know, we're on the same page."

Education Ministry Evaluates Accreditation Status of Online University of the People

Looking towards education, the Ministry is not sure if the University of the People, a university marketed online, is still accredited in Belize, even though many Belizeans go there:

Francis Fonseca:
"Yeah, I'm not 100% sure, so I don't want to say anything. My understanding is that it is, but these things change from time to time. So I haven't seen a current accreditation list, so I will reserve my... my final statement on that. But the ministry can confirm that. But these lists, every year, you have to review the lists because they change. I know in the past it was accredited, but I would have to confirm if it remains accredited in Belize."

Education Ministry Transitions Tertiary Scholarships to Online Application Portal

But when it comes to tertiary-level scholarships, the Ministry now has developed an easier route through the Ministry's online portal. The practice of going hat in hand to your area rep is no longer necessary, and students can simply apply via the Ministry of Education website portal. Fonseca explained:

Francis Fonseca:
"We... we have put in place over the last two years a completely new system where we have a Ministry of Education financial assistance portal. So anybody, any of you can access that portal. You can submit your application for financial assistance. You don't have to come to me or to any other representative-you have direct access to that portal. And it has very clear, established criteria that you have to meet. So it's a very, very equitable system, you know, very transparent. So we're proud of that system, you know, and so I think we've addressed that matter."

The portal is open to all tertiary-level students.

Belize Hotel Association Hosts 3rd Allied Trade Show in Belize City

The Belize Hotel Association brought property owners and suppliers together under one roof in Belize City today for its Allied Trade Show.

Taking place at the Caribbean Motors Showroom, the event saw a turnout of dozens of allied member service providers, ranging from transportation services, banking, beverages, and even fire safety. Jaleeza Roberts was at the event:

Cari Shores Rep Endorses Eluide Miller for Belize City Mayoral Slate

Turning back now to our interview with Immigration Minister Kareem Musa, we also asked him to play the part of PUP pundit and look ahead to the upcoming municipal elections, particularly in Belize City.

He said he's with Team Eluide:

Kareem Musa:
"Mr. Miller and his team, and the mayor in Belize City right now as we speak... they sent me some photographs working on Seashore Drive, on the pathway that a lot of my constituents go and enjoy in the evenings and mornings for their exercise. So I'm extremely excited. A lot of great projects coming. A lot of streets have been repaired over the last six years since we've been there. So I'm excited. This is a young, dynamic team. We'll have the leadership of Mr. Elluide Miller. He has my full support and all of his team, and I'm 100% convinced that we will deliver for the People's United Party."

Reporter:
"Continuing in the political arena, the Prime Minister has announced that he will run once more. Does he have your support?"

Kareem Musa:
"Absolutely, absolutely. The Prime Minister won in 2020, 26 to 5. In 2025, he not only won by 26 to 5, but the margins increased in all our divisions, including Caribbean Shores. I know that when it comes to leadership and when it comes to politicians, it is always important that you read the room. I know there has been a lot of criticism, but at the same time, you do your own introspection, your own reflection, and you don't just listen to your core supporters, because they will always tell you, 'Run, run, run.' But it's very important that every six months to a year, you do that introspection, see if you still have your family support-that is important-see if you still have the support of your Cabinet to go a third term. But I think he's well on his way to a third term."

BELTRAIDE Celebrates Graduation of 95 Small Business Grants Recipients

A total of 95 Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises have successfully completed BELTRAIDE's Belize Enterprise Empowerment Project, growing their businesses with the help of grant funding. Today was the closing ceremony for those recipients that were first selected in 2024. Here are the highlights:

Drivers Urged to Exercise Caution Following Collisions at Buttonwood Bay Roundabout

And finally tonight, we're urging driver caution-especially near the Buttonwood Bay roundabout.

Last Friday, our Sunup cameras perched atop the SMART building picked up an accident there, and again today there was a collision that caused major traffic blockage at the height of the 5:00 p.m. Friday rush hour.

A crossover SUV crashed into a motorcycle, sending the driver and the passenger crashing to the pavement.An ambulance responded; both were stabilized on the pavement and then taken to the hospital. The extent of their injuries is not known at this time.

Home | Archives | Downloads/Podcasts | Advertise | Contact Us

ADVERTISEMENTS: