A weekly summary of last week’s news in Belize brought to you by belizedragonfly.com
June 20th: Belize Government nationalizes B.E.L. (Belize Electricity Limited)
It was big news last week when Prime Minister Dean Barrow announced that B.E.L. would be in government hands by last Tuesday. B.E.L was facing massive financial trouble and a looming bankruptcy.
Full story Channel 5 Belize | Full story 7 News Belize | 7News: PM wants new CEO immediately | Channel5: PM comments on job security for B.E.L | Channel5: Belize Investor Confidence | 7News: B.E.L. government takeover smooth | Channel5: Takeover complete | Channel5: S&P say takeover may lower credit rating | Channel5: Chamber of Conference against nationalization
June 20th: Mexican plane makes emergency landing in Belize and no one is found
On Saturday a Mexican plane made an emergency landing in Orange Walk. Earlier this week the cargo is unknown but there was no one around the area when the plane was found.
Full story Channel 5 Belize | 7 News Belize
June 21st: Belize Counsel for the Visually Impaired provides surgery
Over a few days last week the BCVI provided approximately 50 Belizeans with much-needed cataract surgery. The BCVI teamed up with U.S. eye specialists.
Full story Channel 5 Belize | Full story 7 News Belize
June 22nd: Additional B.E.L. takeover links
Channel5: GOB says the Chamber on wrong side of takeover | Channel5: Chamber says Belize needs private sector for investor confidence | Channel5: PM meets with Mexico about power | Channel5: Fortis releases comments | 7News: Fortis comments | Channel5: PM speaks with President Calderon about power | 7News: New Power Deal | Channel5: PM says Chamber is “narrow-minded” | Channel5: Chamber president speaks about B.E.L. | Channel5: Belize Business Bureau speaks on B.E.L. takeover
June 22nd: Belize to be downgraded in yearly economic freedom and growth index
In the wake of last week’s government takeover of B.E.L. Belize will likely be downgraded.
June 23rd: Human Rights activists say Belize’s new anti-crime laws violate liberties
Belize’s new anti-crime laws including preventative detention and trial without jury are a major infraction on the freedom of the people.
Full story 7 News Belize | Full story Channel 5 Belize
June 23rd: Government of Belize awaits appeal case over BTL
The constitutionality of the Belize Telemedia takeover is being questioned in a Belize appeals court. Judgment came last week.
The court of appeals ruled the nationalization of BTL unconstitutional and has reversed it.
Full story Channel 5 Belize | News 7 Belize | Channel5: Former Board takes over BTL
June 24th: Lionfish has populated Belize waters
The Lionfish started showing up in Belize waters in 2009 and all attempts were made to stop the population of this predator. Despite efforts the Lionfish numbers have multiplied.