In recent months, significant public attention has focused on the proposed acquisition by BTL of several cable and broadband operators, including Speednet Communication limited (Speednet), Centaur Communications Limited (Centaur) , and CTI/NexGen. Much of the debate has centered on concerns about competition, monopoly, governance, and transparency. While these are legitimate issues, this framing misses the deeper strategic and economic reality of what is truly at stake.

If approached properly, this transaction represents the creation of a national broadband infrastructure platform—the foundation for Belize’s continued evolution into a modern digital economy.

The real risks in this deal are not strategic. They are practical. In any major infrastructure consolidation, opacity erodes trust, while disclosure and clear governance build confidence. For that reason, BTL should be prepared to present a clear implementation framework addressing governance, conflicts of interest, competition concerns, and regulatory oversight in policy-credible language. Regulators, for their part, should clearly articulate their role in ensuring that consolidation does not harm consumers or innovation.

It would also be helpful for the company to publish a public transaction summary explaining the structure of the deal, why acquisition is more efficient than building from scratch, and what the post-transaction investment and integration plan will be.

At its core, this transaction is about control of last-mile broadband infrastructure, vertical integration of national connectivity, and the long-term structure of Belize’s digital economy. It is about investment and modernization. It is about achieving scale to deliver better service quality at lower unit cost. And it is about long-term national competitiveness.

Based on what is publicly known, the reported purchase price appears financially plausible. Using standard telecom valuation methods, the implied transaction multiple appears to fall within a reasonable range for infrastructure and broadband assets. That suggests the economics of the transaction are, at least in principle, defensible.

It has been publicly stated that Moore Belize LLP was engaged to provide valuation services. The firm is affiliated with the Moore Global network, a US$5 billion network with 37,000 professional staff, and its principal is licensed in the United States. As a regulated professional firm, it is subject to independence and professional standards. While the details of the valuation are not public, releasing a high-level summary of the methodology and conclusions—without disclosing proprietary information—would go a long way toward strengthening public trust in the process.

Globally, the telecommunications and cable industries have undergone a profound structural shift. Today, broadband connectivity is the core competitive product. Traditional television services are increasingly a bundle component rather than the main revenue driver.

Demand for broadband has surged due to remote work, cloud computing, video streaming, online education, gaming, and data-intensive applications. The real strategic value now lies in who owns the access network into homes and businesses and who controls the customer relationship for data services.

In the United States, companies like Comcast, AT&T, and Verizon already made this transition. In the Caribbean, regional platforms such as Liberty Latin America have done the same. Belize is simply reaching the same structural inflection point.

Comcast, originally a cable television company, has reinvented itself as a broadband-first connectivity and technology platform. Broadband is now its core profit driver, while television has become a secondary and bundling product. The company has layered on mobile services, streaming platforms, home security, and enterprise connectivity—built on its control of last-mile access.

AT&T and Verizon, historically wireless-centric companies, have pursued scale and convergence by integrating fiber networks, fixed broadband, and enterprise services. Their strategies reflect a simple industrial logic: owning the access network is the strategic choke point of the digital economy.

The consolidation of Cable & Wireless Communications and Columbus Communications provides a strong regional precedent for telecom and cable platform roll-ups in the Caribbean. That transaction combined mobile, broadband, and cable assets across multiple markets into a single scaled operating platform, which was subsequently acquired by Liberty Global and now operates as part of Liberty Latin America. This history demonstrates that well-executed regional consolidation strategies in Caribbean communications infrastructure can create substantial strategic and financial value.

The lesson from the region is clear: small, fragmented markets cannot efficiently support multiple overlapping, sub-scale broadband networks. Over time, fragmentation leads to duplicated capital spending, higher costs for consumers, inconsistent service quality, and underinvestment in upgrades. Belize is not immune to these economic realities.

BTL already owns the national backbone and international bandwidth infrastructure. The missing piece of the value chain is control of last-mile access to homes and businesses. Acquiring this is a classic case of vertical integration—and one that can materially improve the economics and performance of the national network.

This is not a bet on the future of cable television. Those services are in long-term decline everywhere. The real strategic asset is the installed broadband customer base and the access network, combined with the ability to offer integrated, bundled services on a single platform.

The real risks in this transaction are not strategic. They are operational and regulatory. BTL will need to execute integration carefully, particularly around billing systems, customer transitions, and service continuity. It must also work constructively with regulators to ensure that consolidation leads to better service, continued investment, and fair outcomes for consumers.

History shows that many telecom consolidations are strategically sound—but succeed or fail based on execution quality and governance.

In the end, this transaction is not really about television or cable, or even about competition between companies. It is about whether Belize will build the digital infrastructure it needs to compete, grow, and participate fully in the modern digital economy.

The post This Is Not a Cable Deal. It Is a National Broadband Strategy. first appeared on Greater Belize Media.

Magaña’s path began with one of the most demanding leadership filters in the country: officer selection within the Belize Defence Force (BDF). Out of approximately 40 candidates who entered the rigorous selection process, only 3 were chosen. Magaña was among those selected, marking the first major milestone in a career defined by resilience, precision, and performance under pressure.

Following selection, he entered recruit training, where he again distinguished himself; ranking number one academically and across multiple performance categories, while operating under sustained physical, mental, and leadership pressure. His results reflected not only intelligence, but composure, discipline, and consistency in high-stress environments. This record of excellence led to advanced military opportunities abroad.

Magaña was subsequently sent to the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, one of the world’s most respected officer training institutions. There, alongside officers from numerous nations, he continued to excel academically and professionally, earning recognition for his leadership ability, strategic thinking, and adaptability in an international setting.

Upon returning to Belize, Magaña joined the Belize Special Forces, one of the nation’s most demanding and selective military units. He would go on to lead within the unit for approximately one year, operating in environments that required decisive judgment, accountability, and trust; skills refined at the highest levels and later transferred directly into his civilian career.

From Elite Military Service to Global Business Vision: The Journey of Alfonso Magaña

After completing his military service, Magaña made a deliberate transition into entrepreneurship. Drawing on the same principles developed through elite military training; discipline, preparation, risk assessment, and execution; he founded Alpha Real Estate.

The firm has since grown rapidly into one of the country’s most dynamic real estate companies, with a focus on luxury and high-value assets, including premium residential, commercial, resort, and large-scale development opportunities across Belize. In addition, Alpha Real Estate advises on and represents select high-level real estate assets in international markets, positioning both the company and Belize within a broader global investment landscape.

Magaña attributes his success not to chance, but to the foundational values forged through military service: consistency, structure, leadership, and long-term thinking.

“My background taught me that results come from discipline and clarity under pressure,” he says. “Whether in the military or in business, excellence is never accidental.”

As Alpha Real Estate continues to expand, Magaña remains focused on building a globally competitive brand rooted in Belizean leadership standards, trusted execution, and discretion. His journey from elite officer selection and Special Forces leadership to international real estate representation demonstrates how military training can translate into impactful civilian leadership at the highest levels.

It is a story of service, transition, and ambition; one that reflects both personal determination and the growing potential of Belizeans operating on the global stage.

The post From Elite Military Service to Global Business Vision: The Journey of Alfonso Magaña first appeared on Greater Belize Media.

Britney Gordon, Reporting

In Sarteneja, a picturesque village in northern Belize, life has always revolved around the sea. For generations, the ocean has been more than just a backdrop, it’s been the lifeline of the community. In fact, about 80 percent of the men here earn their living from fishing, making Sarteneja one of Belize’s largest fishing hubs. But now, that same deep connection to the water is opening new doors. Thanks to Corozal Bay EcoAdventures, the spirit of the sea is creating fresh waves of opportunity, transforming tradition into sustainable tourism and innovation.

                  Diveana Samos

Diveana Samos, Business Manager, Sarteneja Alliance for Conservation & Dev.

“One of our goals is like to promote conservation actions that benefit both biodiversity and people. So what that means is not only the NJO will win when it comes to like our expedition running and everything, we want to support the community members because we believe that if the community wins, our ecosystem will win as well.”

The Corozal Bay Nature Sanctuary covers approximately one hundred and seventy-eight thousand acres and is home to marine mammals like manatees and dolphins, numerous fish species and the country’s only bull shark nursery. To support its conservation initiatives, Sarteneja Alliance for Conservation and Development created the RIOReef Expedition. It is founded on partnerships with local fishers, artisans, and families to promote sustainable tourism initiatives. One of the first stops on the tour is a visit to a traditional beach trap, which is a tunnel shaped fishing apparatus made from sticks or stones. Head Ranger, Jamayel Verde, tells us how local fishers work with the NGO balance livelihood with conservation.

                      Jamayel Verde

Jamayel Verde, Head Ranger, Sarteneja Alliance

“That is where sustainability and conservation works hand in hand. Due to the hard work that certain alliance do and the strong communication that we have with the features, they have already adapted to this process whereby if they find a protected species on their harvest. Guess what? They will release that.”

A significant portion of the income earned through RioReef is used to support the NGO’s local partners while the remaining funds are reinvested in conservation and management programs, ensuring that every dollar contributes to protecting the ecosystems that sustain them. But the valuable work they do cannot be accomplished alone. That’s where the Belize Fund makes a difference. With grant support, the alliance can grow its impact and launch new conservation programs, keeping Belize’s natural heritage thriving for generations to come. It’s one way that the Belize Fund is working to keep conservation alive in Belize.

Diveana Samos

“The title of the grant that we received was safeguarding both biodiversity mechanisms within Corozal Bay Wildlife Sanctuary. So this is this helps us with research and monitoring, going out into the field, doing water quality monitoring, doing bird surveys, doing aerial manatee surveys. As mentioned earlier in the tour, we have one of the highest or highest populations of manatees within the area.”

Traveling along the New River, that is where visitors witness the interconnection between rivers, mangroves and coral reefs.  This mangrove ecosystem is one of the healthiest in the country, with some growing up to fifty feet tall.

Jamayel Verde

“The river, the bay and the reef connection is that, all the impurities that run through the river to the bay, are absorbed by the mangroves. They serve as a filter. And then the Corozal Bay, the sea grass beds that lie within it, they also play their part in cleaning these impurities. And that will help us when, nutrients reach to the reef.”

History meets nature at the Cerros Mayan temple. Now here’s a fascinating stop on the tour, an ancient temple that researchers believe may have once served as a sacrificial site and even a bustling trade center, thanks to its strategic location. It’s a powerful reminder that when we protect our ecosystems, we’re also preserving history, identity, and the cultural pride woven into these sacred spaces.

Jamayel Verde

“How do we know that this was a treading center? Because traces of obsidian. jade were found here. Now obsidian is just found on areas of where there is volcanic activity. Up to what I know Belize has no volcanoes. So that gives us a hint on the activities that were being done here at Cerros.”

The expedition also brings community conservation to life just off the coast of Sarteneja, at a special spot called Warrie Bight. Here, visitors can roll up their sleeves and participate in mangrove planting, contributing directly to coastal restoration and resilience.

Diveana Samos

“One of the things we try to do, especially in this pier where I am at right now. Once we get on the boat and we go move backwards, you will see that the mangroves cover all the building. And one of our goals is to show different developers that we can protect mangroves. You can protect the ecosystem at the same time and having something nice and pretty to just sit and relax on.”

The expedition concludes where freshwater meets the Caribbean Sea at the Bacalar Chico Marine Reserve. Whether visitors choose to snorkel through the reef or explore Mayan structures, this station highlights how research, education, and conservation come together to safeguard the reef.  Every experience strengthens the connection between the community and nature with the goal to unleash nature, inspire minds and embrace thrills. Britney Gordon for News Five.

The post How Conservation Is Powering Belize’s Tourism Through Eco-Adventures first appeared on Greater Belize Media.

From Fishing to Eco-Touring

A northern coastal village, long known for its fishing tradition, is forming a new wave of opportunity. Through Corozal Bay EcoAdventures, fishers, artisans, and families from Sarteneja village are finding new ways to earn a living while also protecting the sea that sustains them. Business Manager of SACD, Diveana Samos, explained, “one of our goals is to promote conservation actions that benefit both biodiversity and people.”

“We want to support the community members because we believe that if the community wins, our ecosystem will win as well,” she added.

The Corozal Bay Wildlife Sanctuary spans roughly 178,000 acres and shelters manatees, dolphins and the country’s only bull shark nursery.

But how does SACD make this conservation initiative work? Through the RioReef Expedition. This eco-tour blends science and tourism while channelling proceeds back into local conservation and community projects.

When Protecting Nature Becomes the Adventure

Where Conservation and Livelihoods Meet

At the heart of the RioReef experience is collaboration. Visitors see firsthand how traditional fishing practices and modern conservation principles come together for sustainability.

Visitors get an intimate look at the traditional “beach trap,” a tunnel-shaped fishing structure made of sticks and stones. Head Ranger Jamayel Verde said this collaboration with local fishers ensures that “sustainability and conservation works hand in hand.” He explained that due to SACD’s close relationship with fishers, they have “already adapted to this process whereby if they find a protected species on their harvest… they will release that.”

Part of the RioReef income supports partner communities, while the rest funds monitoring and research. “The title of the grant that we received was safeguarding both biodiversity mechanisms within Corozal Bay Wildlife Sanctuary,” Samos said. This funding, she explained, supports “water quality monitoring, bird surveys, [and] aerial manatee surveys,” as the area holds one of Belize’s highest manatee populations.

When Protecting Nature Becomes the Adventure

Nature’s Hidden Connections, History, and Heritage

Every part of this ecosystem is intertwined. The rivers feed the bay, the bay nurtures the reef, and together they sustain life both above and below the water.

Verde described how the mangroves along the New River act as nature’s filters. “The river, the bay and the reef connection is that all the impurities that run through the river to the bay, are absorbed by the mangroves,” he said. “The seagrass beds that lie within it… also play their part in cleaning these impurities.”

History also finds its place in this eco-adventure. The Cerros Mayan Temple, one of the tour’s stops, links environmental preservation with cultural heritage. Verde explained, “How do we know that this was a trading center? Because traces of obsidian, jade were found here.” He noted that the presence of obsidian, absent from Belize’s geology, suggests trade connections in the ancient world.

The journey continues to Warrie Bight, where visitors take part in mangrove planting to help restore coastal ecosystems. Samos said, “We can protect mangroves, you can protect the ecosystem at the same time and having something nice and pretty to just sit and relax on.”

When Protecting Nature Becomes the Adventure

Landing in the Caribbean Sea

Before one realises it, freshwater channels flow into the turquoise Caribbean, where the Bacalar Chico Marine Reserve marks the final stop of the expedition.

Here, visitors can snorkel the reef or explore Mayan ruins while learning about research and conservation.

So, can adventure and preservation truly coexist?

SACD believes so. Each stop leaves a lasting message: that nature, culture, and community are all part of one living story. It is a model where conservation preserves the past and simultaneously builds the future.

The post When Protecting Nature Becomes the Adventure first appeared on Greater Belize Media.

Britney Gordon, Reporting

Imagine this, twenty-five years ago, Dana and Dave Krauskopf were just two adventurers with a dream to create a place where people who love travel and nature could truly unwind. Fast forward to today, and that dream is a reality. They’re now the proud owners of Hamanasi Adventure and Dive Resort in Hopkins, a quiet destination that’s turning dreams into unforgettable experiences.

               Dana Krauskopf

Dana Krauskopf, Owner, Hamanasi Adventure and Dive Resort

“ It’s been a tremendous journey. So our background is not in hospitality, and so it was a very steep learning curve, not only for us. But at that time, Hopkins was much smaller and we all grew up together and that was what really bonded us as a team. So over the years we slowly added more rooms added a second story to this building added more of our product tours and then we kept improving the overall look and feel of the property.”

Cradled by the Maya Mountains on one side and the Caribbean Sea on the other, Hamanasi Resort combines adventure and relaxation. Guests have thirty unique rooms to choose from, whether you’re dreaming of waking up to a stunning beachfront view or escaping to a cozy treehouse tucked deep in the coastal forest. And the adventures are endless. From diving and snorkeling in crystal-clear waters to exploring ancient Mayan archaeological sites, every day promises something new and unforgettable.

             Launce Roberts

Launce Roberts, General Manager, Hamanasi Adventure and Dive Resort

“The program we have is designed to give our. guests the vacation of a lifetime. So, an authentic, memorable experience, something that they’re going to remember for a long time. And then just to feed into that, a lot of our guests, we have a thirty percent repeat guest ratio. So a lot of guests that come back, and that’s quite a high ratio which we’re quite proud of. So we know we’re hitting the mark somewhere.”

Hamanasi takes its place among the lush foliage of the village. Owners Dana and Dave Krauskopf are proud champions of sustainability. They built the resort around the existing flora and have spent the past two decades replanting in the community. For Dave, the best part of running Hamanasi is the commitment to preserving Belize’s natural beauty. That dedication, he says, is what truly makes this work meaningful.

                   Dave Krauskopf

Dave Krauskopf, Owner, Hamanasi Adventure and Dive Resort

“I think you could say it’s part of my favorite part from twenty-five years ago, but. I experienced it again twenty-five -years later and said the natural beauty and condition of the oceans this part of Belize is incredibly similar and it hasn’t been destroyed. It could still catch fish and see, we saw manatee. And of course from our home base here and very unique in that we kept the nature here where the hotel is.”

Hamanasi caters to all types of visitors, from young newlyweds to retired couples. Amaris Wakefield has been with the company for over nine years. According to her, guests consistently rave about the resort’s exceptional service.

                 Amaris Wakefield

Amaris Wakefield, Guest Services Manager

“Hopkins Belize, were very welcoming, laid back. We love people, love to interact, and a lot of our guests don’t get to experience that as much back home. So the fact that a simple thing as us remembering their names or that it’s their birthday or maybe it’s their honeymoon or something like that wows them.”

The resort takes pride in its strong employee retention, with roughly one in five team members having been part of the Hamanasi family for over a decade. We asked a few of them what keeps them on board for so long.

                 Danielle Haylock

Danielle Haylock, Human Resource Manager

“The programs that we offer definitely we teach them a lot. So going home, you take your sustainability, the practices that you receive here. Training. We spend a lot on training our staff and we work as families, so when our guests come, they know us, they remember us. Even if you’re back of house, you’re known. It’s just the love that we have and the values that we uphold and we definitely want our employees to be happy, healthy, skilled, and proud employees.”

               Abby Lozano

Abby Lozano, Restaurant Supervisor

“I’m at home because I’m originally from here and then it’s just stable. It’s nice. Everybody’s friendly. And then they’re very community based as well.”

Hamanasi isn’t slowing down. In fact, they’re gearing up for an even greener future, with plans to roll out a grey water recycling system and expand their solar plant. And this is only the start of an even bigger journey. As the resort celebrates twenty-five years of excellence, the team is already dreaming big, committed to another quarter-century of unforgettable experiences and world-class sustainability. Britney Gordon for News Five.

The post 25 Years of Service and Sustainability with Hamanasi Resort first appeared on Greater Belize Media.

Britney Gordon, Reporting

“Grounded in challenge, growing in greatness.” That’s the heart of this year’s Youth Resiliency Awards, and the incredible journey of its twenty-eight recipients. These are young people who were once considered at risk, but today, they’re proof that change is possible. The program, organized by the Community Rehabilitation Department in partnership with UNICEF, celebrates strength, purpose, and transformation. Acting Director, Ganesha Smith, says beyond recognition, it’s about honoring true resilience and personal growth in youth who’ve overcome serious challenges, including conflict with the law.

Ganesha Smith

Ganesha Smith, Acting Director. Community Rehabilitation Center

“Our recipients are persons that have engaged with the community rehabilitation over time, they have demonstrated the willingness, the want of support and just the opportunity to make a second chance. The resiliency award came because it’s not a population that people often recognize. And these are persons who have made tremendous strides. They have faced a lot of adversities, and they have been able to demonstrate to us that there is a next chance. There can be a next chance.”

The awards encourage recipients to set goals. Seventeen-year-old Keith Dawson, whose continued progress earned him the Leadership award, is among these inspiring youths breaking stigma.

Keith Dawson

Keith Dawson, Award Recipient

“ To be a leader in my community, I have been working chopping yards, helping around doing community service due to what my traffic offense that I was caught with. So that’s how I got this wonderful award and I’m very thankful for it.”

Britney Gordon

“So do you feel that you left this experience a better person and that you’ve learned and grown from the entire program?”

Keith Dawson

“Yeah, I’ve become a better person and I think that this program is very good for all the youths that are out there doing nothing and this will give them a better head start in life.”

Behind today’s Youth Resiliency Awards is a bigger mission, giving young people a second chance. That’s why UNICEF is backing this initiative, pushing for programs like vocational training, community service, and parenting support to help reintegrate at-risk youth and unlock their potential. One shining example is twenty-six-year-old Jerome Vasquez. Once on a troubled path, Jerome worked hand-in-hand with his social worker to turn his life around. Today, he’s using his landscaping skills to earn an honest living and for that incredible transformation, he walked away with the Phoenix Award.

Jerome Vasquez

Jerome Vasquez, Award Recipient

“I make a lot of people happy with the work I do. They like how I keep their lands very clean. Very nice. One thing I would like to say is do good and good will always follow you. Same goes if you do bad will always follow you as well.”

The Diversion Program aims to steer young Belizeans who come in conflict with the law by supporting their psychological needs and helping them to avoid entering the juvenile justice system. Minister of Human Development Thea Garcia-Ramirez highlights the crucial role of social workers in this mission.

Thea Garcia-Ramirez

Thea Garcia-Ramirez, Minister of Human Development

“A lot of the problems that we’re seeing are problems that are tied into family structure that are tied into poverty, for instance, crime, and how all of that feeds in. The ministry was recently renamed and has the component of family support, which we are now highlighting and ensuring that we have even more. Things that the ministry has done, for example, is advocate and have gotten actually cabinets approval to increase the amount of social workers so that we can increase the outreach.”

UNICEF has worked extensively with the Government and Ministry of Human Development to protect children and nurture them to reach their fullest potential. Nineteen-year-old Devin Moody aspires to be a professional basketball player. Today, he received the Rising Star Award as a reminder that his dreams are supported by his community.

Devin Moody

Devin Moody, Award Recipient

“Being a role model in the community, I have a lot of young men looking up to me saying that I represented Belize on the national team in Argentina last year. So it’s just a great opportunity for me to shine and do good for my community and the young men looking up to me.”

The mission to keep youth on track for success cannot be done alone. It takes the support of the community both financially and socially so their environment does not define them, and dreams can become reality. Britney Gordon for News Five.

The post 28 Young Belizeans Receive Youth Resiliency Award first appeared on Greater Belize Media.

For eight years, the Three Lagoons Sustainability Program has been tackling this problem head-on. The organisation protects northern Belize’s 66-foot coastal reserve, running from the high-water mark inland, through regular cleanups, mangrove restoration, and environmental education.

Three Lagoons Eco Guardians: Eight Years of Protecting Coastlines and Mangroves

What started as a small family initiative led by Edgar De Leon Sr has grown into a community-wide movement supported by volunteers and organisations such as the Belize Fund for a Sustainable Future.

“We want to create stewardship within our community for us to protect the sixty-six-foot coastal reserve,” De Leon said. “It’s public land, but it’s also ecologically rich and must be cared for.”

Plastics and other debris pose serious risks to marine life, from ingestion to entanglement. “We are not seeing the fish eating the plastic, but we know it is happening. We do not see it doing bad to our bodies. But we know that it is doing bad to our bodies,” De Leon added.

Three Lagoons Eco Guardians: Eight Years of Protecting Coastlines and Mangroves

His sixteen-year-old son, Edgar Jr, and a group of young “Eco Guardians” have combed the coastline through several cleanups. The team has removed everything from plastic bags tangled in mangroves to coconut debris along the shore.

“We made this Eco Guardian group to encourage teenagers out there that instead of being inside their house with technology, on their phone, laptop, or tablet, they could come out, help us clean, and make a better Belize,” Edgar Jr stated.

Beyond cleanup, the programme has also focused on restoring coastal ecosystems. Over the years, Three Lagoons has planted more than fifteen thousand mangrove seeds, with a 95% survival rate.

Mangroves serve as natural buffers against coastal erosion and provide critical habitats for fish nurseries. Where mangroves are missing, the shoreline is literally slipping away. “By them planting more mangroves, we are getting an opportunity. Erosion will stop,” said Darnell Cruz, a Sarteneja Village Councillor.

Three Lagoons Eco Guardians: Eight Years of Protecting Coastlines and Mangroves

“We started as five people: me, my uncle, and his wife,” said Andrea Carillo, a long-time mentor. “Now as we have grown, people feel attracted to it, and they have joined, and I am so proud of it.”

After eight years, the Three Lagoons Sustainability Program has grown and inspired community members to take an active role in protecting the environment through consistent cleanups, mangrove restoration, and education.

The post Three Lagoons Eco Guardians: Eight Years of Protecting Coastlines and Mangroves first appeared on Greater Belize Media.

Some 28 miles from Riversdale, Stann Creek, in the turquoise waters of Glover’s Reef Atoll, a passionate team of Belizean fishers-turned-conservationists are tagging sharks and tracking their movements. The data collected is helping scientists better understand shark populations and migration patterns across the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System.

The expedition is led by Jessica Quinlan, Executive Director of Fishers for Science, and Hector Martinez, Vice Chair of the Belize Shark Fishers Association. Joining them are three second-generation fisherfolk, young Belizeans who are bringing deep-rooted seafaring knowledge to the frontline of ocean conservation.

Fishers Turn Conservationists to Safeguard Belize’s Sharks

The Science Behind the Policy

Quinlan explained that although sharks “are most often thought of as a top predator, they fulfil different roles” in the marine ecosystem. “They help to maintain populations of other fish, if they are prey, and what that does is help keep things in balance… and then, you know, decimate what their prey eats… And then we get this collapse and this imbalance of things.”

Belize is considered a shark hotspot, with over 40 species found in its waters. These include reef sharks, hammerheads, and tiger sharks. But this abundance is no accident. Belize’s diverse marine habitats, including mangrove forests, seagrass beds, and coral reefs, provide the perfect environment for these species to thrive.

“They’re sort of like the garbage truck of the ocean, especially the tiger shark,” said Martinez. “If there’s a sick fish on the reef, they can clean up that fish,” he added, which helps keep the whole food chain in balance.

The team is tagging sharks and deploying Baited Remote Underwater Video Stations (BRUVS), which are underwater cameras used to monitor shark activity over time. These stations have been gathering footage in Belize for over a decade and are part of a global project called Global FinPrint that tracks shark abundance in more than 50 countries.

Fishers Turn Conservationists to Safeguard Belize’s Sharks

“There’s probably ten years of BRUVS footage for Glover’s Reef, and so, over the ten years, they can monitor when the sharks went up, when they went down, or when they’re staying at a normal amount,” Martinez said.

Meanwhile, Quinlan’s journey in Belize began in 2017, when she worked with the Fisheries Department to develop a new protocol to monitor shark landings. She explained that by collecting fins from landed sharks and analysing their DNA, the team could identify species and estimate population trends.

Both Martinez and Quinlan said the data guides the team to understand the health of the marine environment, see if conservation efforts are working, and use it as a tool to shape policies around sustainable fishing.

Sustainability Through Local Knowledge

One of the young participants, Fernando Castellanos, is experiencing open-water diving for the first time. With guidance from Martinez, he helped set underwater receivers used to pick up acoustic signals from tagged sharks. These tags allow scientists to track where sharks travel, how far, and when. “This is new to me, and I love the experience,” Castellanos said.

For fishers like Anderson Martinez, this kind of work is more than just scientific; it’s personal. A lifelong lobster diver, he sees conservation jobs like these as an alternative way to earn a living while reducing pressure on declining fish stocks.

Fishers Turn Conservationists to Safeguard Belize’s Sharks

“When you give us jobs like that, it takes [away] a lot of pressure from the lobsters and the fish stocks,” he said. “It’s a good thing, and I do it along with my brothers and my father, and so, it brings all of us together.”

And while you’re wrapping up this good read, a team of conservationists resurfaces from the underwater world. Their work may be far from finished but undeniably impactful. Every tag and every dive is part of a larger movement that sees sharks not as threats, but as teachers, guides, and guardians of the sea.

The post Fishers Turn Conservationists to Safeguard Belize’s Sharks first appeared on Greater Belize Media.

Seaweed farming is not new to Belize, but it’s gaining fresh momentum with the Belize Women’s Seaweed Farmers Association. Since 2019, the association has been growing more than just seaweed. They are cultivating an industry and have turned locally farmed Eucheuma into valuable products like seaweed gel and powder, used in foods, cosmetics, and natural skincare.

“I’m very passionate about our waters here in Belize, and so when I kind of found out that you could do farming in the ocean, that’s for me, personally, kind of where it sparked, like, an interest, you know. Something that you could farm in the ocean, in the environment where I always felt comfortable and happy,” said Jalima Gold, the association’s president.

The movement is supported by the Belize Fund for a Sustainable Future through the Blue Bond initiative, which has committed to protecting 30 percent of Belize’s marine territory. Among those driving this conservation effort are women like Alisha Westby, who joined the association after learning about it from Jalima Gold.

Wesby Westby, founder of Natural Goddess Scrub, is exploring seaweed’s potential in skincare. “I plan to start making seaweed-based soaps to go alongside my scrubs that I will eventually, hopefully, get the science for to narrow down how to make them to my all-natural, oil-based sugar scrubs,” Westby said.

The seaweed being farmed is primarily two types of red algae: the Kappaphycus alvarezii and Euchumatopsis isiformis. These types are used to produce high-value products like gel and powder. Rich in nutrients such as protein, fiber, omega-3s, and vitamin C, the plant is also the base for natural thickening agents in foods and cosmetics.

For artisan soapmaker Dawn Dean, who works with the women to develop new blends, there’s plenty of potential. “Their plan is to use seaweed in all of the soaps that they make,” she said. “Sometimes in Belize, as small business owners, as entrepreneurs, we are reluctant to share our knowledge about how we create what we create. But I personally believe that there is space in the industry.”
Seaweed farming, though, is not just about product development. It’s about progress. Many of the women involved are breaking barriers in traditionally male-dominated maritime industries and are serving as role models for girls who dream of captaining boats or studying marine science.

“It’s very important for us to start pushing boundaries and kind of breaking those barriers for other young females, young women, and little girls to feel like they have a safe space, and it’s something that if they’re interested in or if they’re passionate about, they can go forward and do that,” Gold said.

The post A Wave of Belizean Women Entrepreneurs Mine the Ocean’s New Gold: Seaweed first appeared on Greater Belize Media.

To make America safe, strong, and prosperous, President Trump is ensuring that citizens from all countries follow U.S. immigration laws. Breaking these laws could lead to jail time, deportation, and a ban on obtaining a U.S. visa in the future.

If you know someone who is in the United States illegally, now is the time to tell them to come home to Belize.

Trying to Enter or Remain Illegally Will Get You Caught

Don’t think that you can sneak into the United States or remain there illegally. The truth is that you will be caught. The Trump Administration has strengthened border security and significantly increased the number of illegal aliens being arrested and deported.

U.S. Visa Fraud Has Serious Consequences

The U.S. visa process is the most secure in the world. Cheating the system by using fake documents, lying on your application, or staying after your visa expires is visa fraud. And it’s a serious crime. If you break the law in this way, you may never be allowed to enter the United States again.

The Journey to the U.S. Border is Dangerous

For those considering making the dangerous journey to illegally cross into the United States, understand that your safety – and even your life – are at risk. Criminal groups, cartels, and human traffickers target illegal migrants, subjecting them to violence, extortion, and assault. Many who attempt the journey never make it to their destination.

The United States is working with Belize and other countries in Latin America and the Caribbean to stop and return people trying to enter illegally before they even reach the U.S. border. By securing our borders, we are preventing the suffering caused by illegal immigration and protecting American citizens.

President Trump is Holding Everyone Accountable

The U.S. government is also taking action against those who help others enter the country illegally. This includes smugglers, human traffickers and even foreign government officials who allow illegal immigration to continue.

Recently, Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced a new visa restriction policy for foreign officials – including immigration, customs, and port authority staff – who fail to help stop illegal immigration. This builds on similar existing restrictions for those in the transportation and tourism industries. Those who threaten U.S. security by facilitating illegal immigration are not welcome in our country.

The Choice is Clear – Follow the Law

The risks of trying to illegally immigrate to the United States far outweigh any potential benefits. You could lose your life, become a victim of criminals, or end up with a record that damages your future and your family’s future.

Illegal entry not only breaks U.S. laws, it also puts your safety and well-being in jeopardy. The penalties are serious: jail time, separation from your family, and permanent bans from re-entering the United States.

Please reach out to your friends or family members who are in the United States illegally. The best thing you can do for them is encourage them to leave now before they are caught.

For everyone, the message is simple: Make the right choice, follow the law, and don’t risk your safety, your family, or your future. Belize is a wonderful place to live. We look forward to seeing you return home.

David Hodge
Chargé d’affaires
U.S. Embassy Belmopan

The post Don’t Risk Your Future first appeared on Greater Belize Media.