Belize Buzz: Latest Developments And Stories From The Country's Shores

As of July 2024, Belize is facing a mix of political, social, and economic issues. The country has seen political infighting within the United Democratic Party (UDP), with calls for the removal of its leader, Moses Shyne Barrow. Barrow has faced criticism following a historic defeat in Toledo East and questions about his ability to lead the party to victory in the upcoming general elections. There are also concerns about public transportation, the economy, and rising crime rates, including a recent murder near a police station. Belize is also dealing with the impact of climate change on its agriculture sector, particularly the loss of workers and increased labour costs. In addition, the country is making efforts to improve education and empower women and girls through various initiatives.

Belize cyclist Mateo Cruz laid to rest

Belize is mourning the loss of former elite cyclist Mateo Juan de Dios Cruz, who was laid to rest on Saturday, July 20, 2024. Cruz, 51, passed away on Monday, July 15, after a battle with kidney failure and cirrhosis of the liver. He was a beloved figure in the Belizean cycling community and had also worked as a physical trainer and fitness instructor.

Cruz's funeral service was held at the Wesley Methodist Church on Albert Street in Belize City. His body was received at 9:00 am, followed by a Thanksgiving Service at 10:00 am. He was laid to rest at the Eternal Garden Memorial Cemetery on Mile 13 of the George Price Highway.

Cruz is survived by his wife, Dolores Burgess Cruz, his daughter, Chloe Alexis, his siblings, and three grandchildren. In the lead-up to his death, Chloe started a GoFundMe account to assist with her father's medical expenses, aiming to raise US$35,000. The family also held a barbeque fundraiser and made public pleas for blood donations.

Mateo Cruz was a well-known and respected cyclist, having started his career in the early 90s with Santino's Cycling Club. He went on to achieve notable finishes in many local and major races, including the Krem New Year's Classic, the Labor Day race, and the Holy Saturday Cross Country. He also placed third in the annual Holy Saturday Cross Country in the early 2000s.

The cycling community, including prominent figures such as Andrew Ordonez, shared their condolences and fond memories of Cruz. The Cycling Federation of Belize expressed their deepest sympathies on their Facebook page, honouring Cruz's legacy in the sport.

Young man shot in Dangriga after intervening in altercation

A young man, Rayshawn Middleton, was shot in Dangriga, Belize, and is currently in critical condition at the Southern Regional Hospital. The incident occurred on Saturday, July 20, 2024, when Middleton was attending a wake in the Benguche area of Dangriga. He got into an altercation with individuals who were allegedly tampering with his motorcycle. Middleton left the scene but returned to check on his motorcycle, and it was at this point that the situation escalated, and he was shot.

According to the Regional Commander of the Eastern Division, A.C.P. Hilberto Romero, Middleton intervened when he saw one of the individuals tampering with his motorcycle. In response, the suspect pulled out a firearm and fired multiple shots, causing Middleton's injuries. Norbert Smith has since been arrested and charged with attempted murder and the use of deadly means of harm. A.C.P. Hilberto Romero confirmed that the victim and the suspect knew each other and that the incident appeared to be an attempted motorcycle theft.

This incident is one of several recent shootings in Dangriga, which have prompted discussions about disarming gang members and the potential declaration of a State of Emergency to address the issue. In one incident, three people were wounded when shots were fired at a house in the New Site area, including two individuals who were hit by bullets. In another incident, two men, Luwany Mena, 35, and his father, Ernest Mena, 62, were sitting on their verandah when they were shot at by an unknown gunman, believed to be a gang member.

The recent wave of gun violence in Dangriga has sparked concerns among residents and authorities, leading to increased police presence and efforts to disarm gang members. The situation remains tense as the community grapples with the aftermath of these incidents and seeks solutions to prevent further violence.

Belize goes for gold in U-23 volleyball

Belize is on its way to winning its first gold medal in the U-23 Women's National Volleyball Team tournament after defeating El Salvador in three straight sets. The final score was 25-11, 25-14, 25-14. This is the third match that Belize has won in three sets, the first being against Nicaragua and the second against Honduras.

The Belize team attacked early and often, wearing down the Salvadorans as the match progressed. The Under-23 Women's National Team now has a shot at their first gold medal. The team will face arch-rivals Guatemala on Saturday at 7:30 pm.

The President of the Volleyball Association, Allan Sharp, praised the team's performance, stating that the girls are playing at a very high level and are ready to compete for the gold medal. He also highlighted the importance of fan support, encouraging fans to continue showing up and playing their part as part of Team Belize.

The U-23 Women's National Volleyball Team's success follows the female national volleyball team's dominant performance in the U21 Women's Central American Volleyball Championship, where they delivered two back-to-back wins against Nicaragua and Honduras. The team is now preparing to face El Salvador and Guatemala in their final two games.

The Head Coach of Team Belize, Cuban José Fontes, had previously stated that Belize would be seeking to win the gold medal in the XX U-21 Women's Central American Volleyball Championship. Fontes described the team as "fairly young" but with some experienced players. He expressed high expectations for the team, aiming for a podium finish and competing for the gold medal.

Belize's progress in volleyball showcases the country's dedication to sporting excellence and the hard work of its athletes. The U-23 Women's National Volleyball Team's journey to the gold medal match is an inspiring story of determination and teamwork.

Minister of Transport aims to launch inter-district e-mobile bus service

The Minister of Transport in Belize has announced plans to launch an inter-district e-mobile bus service by September 2024. This initiative is part of the country's efforts to upgrade its national bus fleet and promote sustainable transportation.

The launch of the e-bus service in Belize City in July 2024 marked a significant milestone, offering citizens a clean and sustainable public transportation option within the city. The e-bus service is expected to reduce emissions and provide cleaner air for the country.

The Electric Mobility Pilot Project, funded by the European Union (EU) and implemented in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), aims to support the expansion of e-mobility in Belize. The project includes the introduction of electric buses within the public transportation system, focusing on intercity travel within the Western Corridor and intra-urban transportation in Belize City.

Hon. Rodwell Ferguson, Minister of Youth, Sports, and Transport, stated that the launch of the e-bus service is aligned with the United Nations Charter and is the initial step in decarbonizing Belize's public transport sector. The goal is to meet the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) climate target by reducing 117 ktCO2e annually from the transportation sector.

The e-buses are equipped with modern features such as wheelchair accessibility, on-board Wi-Fi access, and a camera monitoring system, enhancing the commuting experience for passengers. The implementation of the e-bus service demonstrates the government's commitment to reducing carbon emissions and fostering a cleaner and greener future for its citizens.

Opposition Leader Moses Barrow speaks out after historic loss

Leader of the Opposition Moses Shyne Barrow has spoken out following the United Democratic Party's (UDP) historic loss in the March 6 Municipal Elections, capturing only one municipality with a mixed council. Barrow is not discouraged by the results, reminding the public that in 1993, the UDP won the general elections after losing all municipal seats. He stressed that the party's focus is now on remaining united ahead of the 2025 general elections, and he is prepared to step aside if he does not deliver a victory at the polls.

Barrow acknowledged that the party will have to work to rebuild the confidence of the people, a process that takes time. He compared the current situation to previous opposition periods for the UDP and People's United Party (PUP), noting that internal struggles and leadership challenges have plagued both parties in the past. Barrow emphasised that the national convention decided to continue with one leader, and he reiterated his commitment to step aside if he does not deliver a strong performance in the next election.

Barrow's leadership has faced criticism and accusations of grandstanding, particularly during a House Meeting where he was accused of using the wildfire crisis in the south for political mileage. This disturbance led to three points of order being raised by the government side. Barrow has also been criticised for walking out of a House of Representatives session, stating that his voice and that of his colleagues were being stifled. Despite these challenges, Barrow remains focused on uniting the party and has expressed his willingness to step aside if necessary for the party's success.

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