ASP Stacy Smith, Staff Officer "Police have detained a male person and impounded a pickup truck owned by the detained individual as a part of an ongoing investigation into a hit and run incident, which resulted in the death of 21-year-old Jamir Arana of Belize City. The investigation commenced at approximately 5.30 a.m. today, 22nd October, 2026, when police were advised of the presence of the body of a male person, which was unresponsive."

"The body was observed in the vicinity of the Hummingbird Highway. Also observed on the scene of the incident was the rear bumper of a vehicle, and a further search just a few miles away led to the discovery of the impounded vehicle and the subsequent apprehension of the male person of interest. Jamir Arana, who had been diagnosed with autism, was reported missing on 21st October at around 8 o'clock p.m. after he had eloped from the custody of his mother in Belize City."

"As it relates to this incident, which is most regrettable, I have to put on record that this may have been another incident of a vulnerable person, which there was a possibility for it to have been prevented."

"I know that we have had previous incidents in the past with persons who were diagnosed with autism or even minor children of them eloping and meeting some unfortunate circumstances, and it's only after the fact that we see persons on social media saying, "I saw this person here, I saw this person there.""

"As I said in reviewing the social media post, I noted that several persons commented seeing him and I am of the view that they are able to remember that they saw him because something about his behavior or demeanor made him notable. In circumstances of such, I wish to urge persons that the department remains available. It can only take 30 seconds of your time to just place the call, but that call may result in saving someone's life."

Julius Espat, Area Representative, Cayo South "We have a good working relationship with the vehicle care unit and they requested for us to move a vehicle and the vehicle care unit compound is right beside us and they had limited space so they asked us permission to put the vehicle beside. More than that I don't get into the details we work in close collaboration with them they needed our help we provided it."

Julius Espat, Area Representative, Cayo South "I believe most Belizeans tend drive recklessly and at high speeds including myself and we have to be able to make sure we minimize that. The laws are pretty clear the highways are designed fro 55mph nobody drives 55mph but we complain when we have accidents. So including myself I have to scold myself and others lets drive safely let us not drink and drive and lets respect the laws."

Cordel Hyde, Minister of Natural Resources "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."

Reporter "Will you be able to explain to role of Alexis Rosado as co agent, especially now that we are, in essence in the final leg. Hasn’t all the work already been done? We’ve submitted all the written documentation. Now it’s just for the attorneys to argue that"

Francis Fonseca, Minister of Foreign Affairs "no, no, that’s not the case. The again, I repeat, the government on this issue is guided by the advice of the agent."

"Right? Agent. Assad Shoman he has worked, as you all know, for decades on this issue. So we are guided by his advice. And he has made it clear to us that his co-agent, Mr. Rosado, Ambassador Rosado, is, in his view, vital to the ongoing work of this case. So we are guided by that. I think we would be irresponsible not to be guided by the agent who has worked on this case for decades and no we have to remember there’s a lot of work still, in terms of Guatemala making their arguments, preparing for the for the case. We have to be able to respond to that. There are likely to be, you know, some, some, some motions that are put forward. We do not know what will take place over the next few months. But with legal cases, you always have to be prepared. You have to be flexible. You have to be doing ongoing research. Look at different points. And they believe that his continued presence on the team is very important for that ongoing work."

Reporter "The prime minister says that you informed him you would prefer to keep MIDH only and that’s why he appointed Chebat as Minister of National Security. Is this true?"

Julius Espat, Area Representative, Cayo South "That is history I am dealing with the future, prime minister has made a decision we respect that decision and I will work hard on what I have been given."

"I followed a request I want you to come and help me for three months to do a certain Job and I did it and his decision was to do something that he believes is for the betterment of the country and I respect that so it is not going back and forth it is just being a team player which I have proven."

Julius Espat, Area Representative, Cayo South "Him and I had a conversation he asked he asked me a couple of stuff and I sent him some of the analysis that we have done I wish him all the best I mean we want the best for the police we want the bets for the citizens of this country we want our country to be safe we want to live comfortably knowing that we won’t get jacked every minute. We want to minimize the drug access by our youths all of this is what we wish for and I hope and pray the minister does the best that he can possibly do and if he needs assistance from us we will give it to him because the country deserves it so it is not a personal issue or anything he is an attorney he has certain tools he can utilize to be able to make it better all we wish is for him to do a great job."

Julius Espat, Area Representative, Cayo South "That is a contract that we signed and its work is in progress it will take between 4 months to 5 months to be able to complete so that will be completed by us."

Cordel Hyde, Minister of Natural Resources "That is not my call to make, the prime minister has the ultimate power to decide who is in his cabinet I know he deliberated heavily on it he always deliberates heavily on these things because they have consequences. We will move forward things will get done in the prime minister’s wisdom, Julius did a great job and he set a great foundation I think he has shown us what is possible in that short time he was there he was able to boost morale he was able to give hope to our police officers something they haven’t always had and I think it is a good foundation for Micho to build on for Micho to bring his considerable talents to. I know he is a hard worker I know he will grind and I know he will bring everything he has to it. Minister Espat has already indicated to him and publicly that he is prepared to work with him and he is prepared to give every support possible and I can say to you that the ministry of police actually needs all ministries to be at it’s endeavor best. All our ministries have to do our part to make life better to amen the economy stable, to make our people hopeful and make our people work and productive and enjoy a better standard of living. I think once you have that then the crime situation will be less troublesome will be less vexing and the police minister and the police ministry and police officer’s job will be easier but I am confident we will figure it out."

Pastor Kevin Tzib "You see, there's a fire that's ignited. Moses was running away from purpose. Moses was running away from what he had been called to do. But in the midst, in the middle of the way, in the middle of what he was doing, God captured his image."

That is how you may have seen him before or perhaps at the Pro-Israel rally organized by the churches but today Pastor Kevin Tzib of Dunamis Ministries was charged on with 6 counts of sexual assault and 1 count of unnatural crime, which have allegedly occurred over the past 5 years. Today in a briefing with the media, this is what police disclosed:

ASP Stacy Smith, Staff Officer "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 5 years between February of 2021 and July of 2026."

"He appeared before the San Ignacio Magistrate's Court today, whereby the prosecutor objected to bail, and bail was denied, and he has been remanded to the central prison until his next court appearance."

But even with these charges being laid and the good pastor being remanded until his next court date, damage has been done and one church member who has been there since the beginning explained to us that what inclined her to join was the apparent “radicalization” of the faith but confirmed that rumors of Tzib’s doings were nothing new but the victims were afraid:

Anonymous, Church Member/Cousin of Victim "These young men, for one, they were afraid to speak up because they’re afraid of what people will say. Also, because of the authority that he holds in the church, not only just at Dunamis but in the country because, as we all know, Dunamis is a recognized church and so these young men thought that nobody would believe them or side with them because everybody sees this man highly as a man of God."

Reporter "When the church became aware of the allegations, because we know that one of the victims explained that he brought it to the church, you know, with the church members, do you believe that they kind of covered up for him?"

Anonymous "Yes, so what happened there is that one of the leaders, he came back from where he was and he started to recognize certain things in the church and so he started to reach out to these young men and a couple of them explained to him what they had been through and so he gathered the leaders, he gathered these young men who were willing to come forward and the pastor was there as well."

"We have been fasting and praying and, you know, because these victims have asked us not to do anything on their behalf, we have respected them and we have somewhat been silent about it but at the same time verbal in the sense that a lot of members have left. If anybody comes to us and asks us why we left, we’d be honest about it and we’re online posting about these situations. Now, we are most definitely not satisfied with how the leadership who stayed behind handled this because you’re not supposed to be backing up the pastor who is being accused even though, yes, he might have some grace because you might not be sure, but if you do that, please don’t forget the victims."

The church senator also had strong words against what has unfolded and is concerned that churches are not doing enough when their leaders breach national law:

Louis Wade, Church Senator "Based on what the police are saying, this appears to be the worst allegations that I have heard against a church leader in all of my years of pastoring and so it is something that we need to take very seriously. One would think that after the last issue that occurred in Punta Gorda, that church leaders would have a better understanding of how to deal with these matters. Certainly, we cannot dictate how any person is going to act or behave, but once a victim comes forward or once allegations come forward, every church needs to have a protocol of how to deal with it to ensure that they give fair opportunity both to the victim as well as to the person who the allegations are coming against. And then pastors and leaders need to know when an allegation comes up, whether it has legal ramifications, and then that needs to be forwarded to the police."

"We can begin to see the pattern that is showing that independent churches that do not have a proper oversight structure within the country are finding it more difficult when there is no one above the pastor that they can give an account to. And so the issue is, is a national law breached? Then it goes to the police."

Dunamis Ministries issued a less than nothing statement today stating, quote, “We wish to make it clear that the Church does not intend to prejudge the matter or express any opinion concerning the guilt or innocence of the individual charged. These are questions to be determined exclusively by the Court upon consideration of the evidence presented.” But Wade believes that statement was not enough:

Louis Wade, Church Senator "It is not adequate because the victims are saying that this has been a process, that they have been trying to get the attention of the leadership for four years. I think that that is inexcusable."

"something systemic is wrong, and it hurts me to say that, but it is obvious to the professional that systems that were supposed to protect the victims were used instead to protect the alleged perpetrator."

ASP Stacy Smith, Staff Officer "PC Barrow was identified on surveillance footage at a location that he was known to frequent prior to his disappearance.Upon learning this, police were immediately dispatched to the location where he was successfully located. While PC Barrow appears to be in relatively well physical condition, he is receiving medical treatment as a precaution. The circumstances surrounding his disappearance have not yet been established and remain a matter of further inquiry. The police department extends its sincere gratitude to all those persons who assisted in the extensive searches that were being conducted to locate PC Barrow, as well as those persons who offered prayers and well wishes."

Reporter "Is it known whether or not he had remained in Belize during the duration of his absence?"

ASP Stacy Smith, Staff Officer "That has not been established so far. Um, we are providing him—allowing him to get the medical treatment that he needs, and after we cross that hurdle, we will, um, seek to inquire for information and advise the general public as it becomes necessary to do so."

Reporter "What is your view on the controversy surrounding Assad Shoman’s book cover that utilizes the 1907 version of the coat of arms? As you may know, the Kriol Heritage found issue with it since they believe it caricatures black people. Do you feel the same way or does he lean more towards Assad’s explanation that this is a way of confronting the reality of colonization?"

Cordel Hyde, Minister of Natural Resources "I really don’t like it I think that Asad could have left well alone he really didn’t need to go there he doesn’t need to go there to boost interest in his book to provoke reaction the truth of the matter is that any new book from Assad, and any reprint from any book from Assad is a must read. He really should have left well alone he really shouldn’t have gone there think he went too far and it just makes me wonder it just makes me wonder."

Reporter "Sorry. Putting together that paper."

Francis Fonseca, Minister of Foreign Affairs "I yeah, well, I volunteered to do it. I wasn’t asking because I’d like outside, other countries maybe. Yeah. No, I’m looking at of course, the, you know, all of the challenges we’re facing, you know, people, we’re looking at the, the tax system, how can we look at the tax structure and say, how can we provide relief for people? Look at obviously the utilities, you know, what more can we do? We’ve done certain things. As you know, we’ve implemented some subsidies with transportation. But, so how can we look at all of these things, and, and make some decisions, some very specific decisions about how we can alleviate, some of the burden that the Belizean people are facing. So I expect us to have a robust, as we always do, a robust, comprehensive discussion, with many, many ideas coming from, from cabinet members."

Reporter "Being investigated. The administration. Was there any interference at all in the investigation or something?"

Francis Fonseca, Minister of Foreign Affairs "Yeah, I I’m not in a position to say that at this point. We don’t know at this point. So, I don’t want to say that, but what I can say as, as I said, is ministry treating these matters with absolute, importance. And we are making sure that there is a full investigation into the matter. Separate and apart from the legal process. We have to ensure that our students or teachers, or school environment is protected. Schools should always be a safe space for our students, safe space for our teachers. So we treat these matters with absolute seriousness."

Francis Fonseca, Minister of Foreign Affairs "No, no, I’m not aware of that. But I can see, from the minister’s point of view, as I said before, we take these matters very seriously, but there is a process, right? If the ministry is to respond, then a formal report has to be, given. So I would recommend to that parent that they visit, either the district education office in orange, or come to Belmopan and see, go to the Ministry of Education office in Belmopan and, and make a formal report on the matter. You know, you can’t be talking about these types of serious matters, on social media or somewhere else. What’s important is that you file a report, with the police, if it’s a criminal matter and, of course, with the Ministry of Education, so that we can then follow up if we don’t know about it, we can follow up. There has to be a formal report of the matter."

Reporter "So. So have you begun winding down any at all putting things in place?"

Bernard Wagner, Belize City Mayor "Of course, transition is important. And and the fact that we have our, our administrative team is important that during that gap before, when the election is called and, and we demit office, there is a window, where the administrative staff really run this city."

Reporter "What shape is the city’s finances in currently is Belize City Broke?"

Bernard Wagner, Belize City Mayor "Belize city is never broke, we always face challenges as a city. It’s no, secret. Belize City Council, contrary to what many people may say. We are in a good position. You have never heard me complain about, not meeting our salaries. Our main obligation is our staff. We have driven significant development in the city, in terms of infrastructure, in terms of social infrastructure. But we always face challenges as a municipality. You go through slow season, you go through peaks and valleys, and you have to be able to navigate those, financial challenges."

Reporter "How does it feel that you’re finally on your way out?"

Bernard Wagner, Belize City Mayor "It’s been a great run. I have enjoyed it. I’ve learned, so much. I’ve learned, I came in, anticipating to be able to do so much. And I would say this to many of the people that are aspiring, you have to really temper those expectations as you come into City Hall, because you will quickly find out that that, many of those plans that you have, those ambitions, really is driven by your ability to, to have funds that is important to, for any municipality."

Will Mayor Wagner Pursue Electoral Politics?

But what is next for the mayor and does he plan to pursue electoral politics? This is what he told us:

Reporter "Do you see yourself in politics in the future? You know, maybe Area Rep next?"

Bernard Wagner, Belize City Mayor "I never write off anything. I always I’m guided by by by God. I never write off anything. I never said, this is the end."

"So, I leave it at that"

Reporter "What is God telling you right now?"

Bernard Wagner, Belize City Mayor "Transition. Mayor just deal with the transition right now"

Fisheries Department Finds over 3,000 Feet Of Gillnets In Temash River Estuary

The Fisheries Department is reporting that during a nighttime enforcement operation by its Monitoring Control and Surveillance Unit, it recovered four illegally set gill nets in the Temash River Estuary. The operation was conducted on October 15th specifically targeting illegal gill net fishing activities in Southern Belize.

The nets measured a combined total of 3,120 feet and they varied in mesh size and length. The longest net extended more than 2,400 feet across the estuary. This net, which had a 2 inch mesh size, contained approximately 300 small fish entangled in its mesh. A dead tarpon measuring 2 feet in length was found in another net.

The retrieval of the nets took 2 hours to complete and during the operation, officers faced hostility from persons in the surrounding community, however, they remained at a distance. The nets were unattended so those setting them could not be identified or penalized at the time.

The Fisheries Department says the patrol was extended but no additional fishing gear was located during those searches.

Over 300 Constituents Receive Land Titles In Cayo South

More than 300 constituents in Cayo South received land titles today in St Matthews and Franks Eddy subdivision, and both the Area Rep and Natural Resources Minister were there to hand them over. Jomarie Lanza attended the event today, and here’s how it went.

Today marked a major milestone in St Matthew’s village, many of their residents became first time land owners. Up to 343 land titles were distributed today, for parcels in the St Matthew’s village extension and Franks Eddy Subdivision, along with 16 agricultural parcels in St Matthews. The area representative for Cayo South Julius Espat says today’s handing over also provided persons with an opportunity to own the land they have been living on for more than 30 years.

Julius Espat, Area Representative, Cayo South "We’ve been working on various land distribution this is one of them. We found a property that was available and so it has been a good collaborative effort between both ministries here we have about approximately 238 residential lots, about a quarter acre each and about 16 agricultural lots which ranges between 7-10 acres each and then we have about 88 lots in Franks Eddy but those are properties already lived on so we just managed to survey it and then give them the ability to have the purchase price so they can own it. But it has been good when you can help people it is a positive thing."

"We are in a rural community, Cayo south is rural and most of the villagers are farmers and one of the complaints secondary to owning your house lot is to own a piece of farm land and so we deiced to do some of the farm land too so that the farmer scan have where to do their work."

And without the minister of natural resources this distribution would not have been possible, he is in fact the man holding the pen and signing off on the tiles before they can be distributed.

Cordel Hyde, Minister of Natural Resources "Well ultimately I give the final approval because it is national land so that is the good thing we were able to find national land and MIDh was able to subdivide the land for us and his office and his people work very closely with my office and my people. They have a great working relationship and over the years we have been able to get a lot of purchase approvals for residents here and this happened pretty quickly but a lot of dogged effort from a lot of key people and my job is easy I only sign because they are government land and there is no contention there so it is pretty easy on my end."

Among many of the recipients were young persons and families with children. We spoke to two first time land owners today and asked them how it feels to finally own a piece of Belize for themselves.

Christopher Jeffords, First Time Land Recipient "This is my first time, well like I said I am grateful for the land, a new obstacle that I can build up on myself and know where to put myself for the next step in life"

Reporter "So what plans do you have for your land are you going to build your house? Do you have a family? Anything like that?"

Christopher Jeffords "Yes mam I plan to build a house, move in my family so I can move from my mom’s land to my land and make better for myself."

Ruby Enriquez, First Time Land Recipient "It definitely feels great having something I can call my own so I feel very happy for the program that was developed and being able to receive this land."

"Definitely I will build my house for sure I have kids so thinking ahead in the future eventually it will end up being for them."

Belize Will See Increase In Flights From Canada

As we've been reporting this week, Belize has signed an agreement to land its first Europe - direct flight.

That launches service in 2027, but starting at the end of this month Air Canada will be operating its Montreal and Toronto legs while WestJet will be flying out of Toronto, Calgary and Winnipeg.

That's an increasing number of Canadian cities flying directly to Belize and yesterday at the Routes World show in Frankfurt, Germany we asked the BTB's marketer in Canada how she sells Belize as a destination:

Siobhan Chretien, Director of Tourism for Belize- Canada: "For us promoting Belize to the Canadian market, it's sort of a win-win, because Canadians, first of all, we have direct air access starting this month through to May. So it's only a 5-hour, 5-and-a-half-hour flight from most cities. And the fact that we have the diversity of the beaches, the soft adventure, the blue-green season"

We also asked Chretien who's expected on the Winnipeg flight when it starts in December of this year. She said there is a strong Mennonite community on Winnipeg:

Siobhan Chretien, Director of Tourism for Belize - Canada: "And there's a large Mennonite community. It's the largest Mennonite community in Canada, but that just speaks to the fact that there's a lot of cultures from different European countries and so forth. So, they are looking for unique, diverse destinations, and we feel there'd be strong appeal in particular for Central America. Costa Rica out of Winnipeg is doing very well. So, it's nice to go in afterwards after the market's been tested."

The Winnipeg flight operated by Westjet starts on December 14, 2026.

DPM Says Previous Governments Have Tried And Failed To Secure European Route

His cabinet colleague Anthony Mahler has spent the last few months securing airlift opportunities into Belize from Europe and when we asked DPM Cordel Hyde about it today he told us it’s something that previous governments have tried to secure but were unable to. Now that it’s finally happening, he says he is fully supportive of the new flights.

Reporter "What do you think about the new direct flight to Europe?"

Cordel Hyde, Minister of Natural Resources "It is a big deal it is a big deal, you know successive governments over the long years have tried to get it and we are finally able to get it, a story goes with It of course there has to be an investment on our part but people, people would know people in the industry believe that the return from the investment will exceed the investment ands we are very hopeful that will be the case we are confident in our product here that once people come here they will want to come back they have to come back ."

With European Flight Secured, Are We Closer To Schengen Visa?

And with Belize establishing this new route, the question remains: Will it also cater for the Belizean traveler? As you would know Belizeans require a Schengen Visa to visit most parts of Europe. While some countries have seen a waiver, we asked the Minister who explained that the 5 year Schengen is already a big step for us.

Francis Fonseca, Minister of Foreign Affairs "No, no, no, we’re not any closer to that. But, I think, as you know, we had a big win. I think we reported last year, when we got the what we call a cascade visa. So that not it’s no longer a single entry visa. When you go to Mexico or Guatemala and you apply for a Schengen visa. No. They give you, 3 to 5 year visa. In the past, it used to be a one entry visa. So that’s a step in the right direction, but it’s it’s not a waiver. You know, as I’ve made, I made this point many times before. That really is caught up in European politics. The Schengen visa waiver. You know, there, as you all know, there’s the rise of right wing parties in Europe. They are anti-immigration. And so they have taken a very firm position against these types of waivers and so the reality is, I don’t expect that, waiver that full waiver to come anytime soon. But we’re happy that we were we have made progress on that issue. For the first time, Belizeans no longer have to go, to apply for a Schengen visa for every time they want to enter the the area, the Schengen area they know can get access to a 3 to 5 year visa."

OAS Investigation Into Air Incursion Continues

And we also asked the Foreign Minister for an update on the OAS investigation into Guatemala’s incursion into our airspace. The two countries have identified the experts who will conduct the investigation, and Fonseca says he expects the terms of reference to be finalized this week, allowing the experts to begin their work, which he hopes will take only a few weeks:

Francis Fonseca, Minister of Foreign Affairs "We’re still at the stage where we’re we’re we’re finalizing the terms of reference. They’ve identified the experts who will carry it out. But, so just this morning, I received an email from them, talking about the terms of reference. So our people are reviewing it as you will appreciate. It has to be reviewed by both Belize and Guatemala. So on both sides, we’re reviewing it. So, you know, I hope they on the sun that we have a sense of urgency when it comes to this matter. So I think that terms of reference will be finalized this week And that will then allow, the experts to then begin their work. Which, I hope you know, won’t take more than a than a few weeks"

Belize Becomes First Caribbean Country To Sign UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework

Belize is now the first Caribbean country to sign the UN multi-country sustainable development cooperation framework 2027-2031. Jaleeza Roberts was present at the signing today and files this report:

Belize has become the first of 22 Caribbean countries and territories to sign a new United Nations cooperation framework aimed at advancing sustainable development, strengthening social services and building resilience to economic, climate and security challenges. The framework aligns UN support with Belize’s Medium Term Development Strategy for 2026 to 2030, with a focus on creating economic opportunities, improving access to essential services and strengthening public institutions. UN Resident Coordinator, Raul Salazar explained what this means for Belize.

Raul Salazar, UN Resident Coordinator, Belize "We recognize this commitment and the work that the government has done to bring Belize’s development priorities, not only on this occasion with the signature, but also taking the principles of what multilateralism, the Sustainable Development Goals, and making sure that no one is left behind in these efforts means and how you bring this voice in the regional forums, in the global forums and also, of course, in what you do in the country. The 23rd Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals give us a shared commitment to end poverty, to expand opportunity, to protect the planet, to build peaceful, inclusive societies and is aligned to these same principles that are represented in the Belize medium-term development strategy for 2026-2030."

Recent national poverty indicators, with figures from the Statistical Institute of Belize show that multidimensional poverty declined from approximately 20 to 22 percent in September 2024 to 19 percent in September 2025. The report estimates that approximately 13,000 fewer people were living below the multidimensional poverty threshold. Improvements were also recorded in household well being, internet access and young people’s participation in education, training or employment:

Raul Salazar, UN Resident Coordinator, Belize "These results reflect sustained work by the government and a strong foundation for the next stage of development. The framework that we are assigning today will help to continue advancing this work by bringing the United Nations support behind the government priorities and the Sustainable Development Goals. In 2026, 15 UN agencies brought 171 programs that are implemented in Belize. This action, together with the country implementation plan, is what guides the technical support that the UN can provide to the initiatives of the country."

"The framework that we are signing today has basically four outcomes, and this is coming from a discussion from all the 22 signatories of this framework. It was a discussion that identified the Caribbean need to have a diversified and inclusive economy, and all this is, of course, translated into what we are going to do here in Belize. This is a commitment that we are making.Countries also highlighted to highlight resilience to shocks, also to have integrated social services, and also bring resilience to crime and violence. As you can see, these outcomes are closely connected to Belize’s priorities. Support for small businesses, trade, digital infrastructure, and rural livelihoods can broaden economic opportunity."

Pioneer Of Banana Industry Antonio Zabaneh Dies

Finally tonight, Antonio Zabaneh has passed away at the age of 90. Zabaneh was the only chairman of the Bananas Growers Association and a pioneer in Belize’s banana industry. He was one of the biggest banana farmers and created countless employment opportunities. He was also the chairman of Independence village several times.

According to the BGA, he was quote, “a strong advocate for our growers and worked tireless to support the development of the banana sector in Belize.” End quote.

A mass of Thanksgiving for his life will be held on Wednesday the 28th of October at St Pius X Church in Independence Village.]]> Thu, 22 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0000