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History was made for Belize today in Germany as Belize signed its first ever agreement for a flight direct from Europe to the PGIA.
The BTB invited Jules Vasquez to witness it in Frankfurt and he has this report:
This morning at 8:00 a.m. in Frankfurt, Germany, Minister of Tourism Anthony Mahler, top management of the BTB and the Ministry of Tourism, along with Air Service Development Advisors Anthony Hunt and Nico Gurwicz were welcomed into the corporate headquarters of Discover Airlines at the Frankfurt Airport to sign a historic airlift agreement.
Starting on December 16, 2027, it will see Discover Airlines-which is the Lufthansa Group's leisure carrier-open service between Frankfurt, Germany, and Belize City with a first stop in one other Central American destination.
Discover thus makes history for Belize as the first European carrier to fly directly to the PGIA-a major and long-elusive strategic link:
Anthony Mahler, Minister of Tourism "Put this in historical context. Um, a lot of people have tried in terms of getting that first European carrier into Belize, but like I said, the team that we have has been relentless in this pursuit-coming to Europe every year, sometimes twice a year, to ensure that we continue to knock on doors, to ensure that we continue to build the awareness about Belize."
Developing this route has been in the making for at least four years-and had one prior false start-but today ink was put on paper with CEO of Discover, Ulrich Lindner, and Director of Tourism Evan Tillett under the watchful eye of Anthony Mahler:
Anthony Mahler, Minister of Tourism "So, four years ago when we came to, I believe, this same office, they said no. They have no interest. Four years later, now we just signed an agreement."
It's a big moment-historic even-the holy grail of air transport: a direct flight from Europe to Belize, even if it does stop over in another Central American country before landing here:
Anthony Mahler, Minister of Tourism "The main part of the work has been done. We are getting the first European carrier into Belize. I think that opens up new opportunities for us."
And that is the opportunity to pivot slightly away from the North American market:
Anthony Mahler, Minister of Tourism "Our market has been primarily the United States, North America. This gives us an opportunity to diversify-this gives us an opportunity to have direct connectivity with Europe."
"And so right now, we have about 9% or 10% of our market that comes from Europe. We believe that we can grow that exponentially as we move forward, as we continue to build the Belize brand in Europe."
But building that brand will require a team effort-if not, the route could risk failure:
Anthony Mahler, Minister of Tourism "It's energizing, actually. It gives us new hope in terms of building the European market into Belize, and like I said, this isn't just a government issue here-it has to be done in tandem with the private sector. We're partners in this."
"There has to be a lot more education about Belize, what Belize has to offer, what Belize is. And we have to work closely with the private sector in building the necessary packages and programs to ensure that we have one streamlined approach in terms of using the limited resources that we have in Belize in the most efficient way."
"In fact, just recently I met with the top 25 properties in Belize, revenue-generating properties-I alluded to this flight-and we said, 'Hear what, you guys have to get on board. You guys have to be creative, you guys have to be energized, you guys have to be prepared, just like we do.' The entire country has to be prepared, because now you have people with the opportunities to come to Belize more easily."
Opportunities that translate into economic value-but it doesn't come cheap:
Reporter: "In raw terms, how much are we having to pay to make this flight come to Belize?"
Anthony Mahler: "A bit, but I think very affordable compared to what we've heard put on the table before. So somewhere around two million USD."
Reporter: "Now explain how that works."
Anthony Mahler: "Over a three-year period. I think that's just the nature of the beast now-that's the world these days. You have to do business, and money has to be on the table, that's the bottom line, sharing the risk with that other destination. Money has to be on the table, that's the bottom line."
Nico Gurwicz, Aviation Air Service Development Consultant, BTB "Normally, when an airline starts flying to a new destination, as we have discussed throughout the interview, there is a massive risk. And in order for the airline to consider that massive risk, nowadays they-for the most part-ask for a revenue guarantee, in case things don't go well."
Great risk and, hopefully, great reward. Gurwicz did the business case for the flight:
Nico Gurwicz, Aviation Air Service Development Consultant, BTB "The potential economic impact is massive. We are talking about somewhere between 5 to 10 million dollars just for one season if we start looking at the amount of passengers that that airline is going to bring and the amount of money that those passengers are going to spend during their vacation in Belize."
Anthony Mahler, Minister of Tourism "Discover is a leisure brand, Belize is a leisure market, so we fit together nicely. We believe we can educate more Europeans about what we have to offer, the diversity that is Belize."
The first tickets go on sale on December 21st. 2026.
So how much will a ticket cost?
Well, that hasn't been decided yet due in part to the volatility of world fuel prices.
The BTB team will take part in the Routes Trade Show tomorrow in Frankfurt And we'll have coverage of that in our next newscast.
And today the Prime Minister flew back into the country - not from Germany - but from Bangkok, Thailand. He was there to attend the Ancillary Meetings of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank Group.
We'll tell you more about his trip later. But when he arrived at the PGIA this afternoon, the media met up with him. PM did a 13 minute interview but when asked about the new flight, he took that as his chance to bow out:
Reporter "Flight from Europe, big news earlier today."
But before he walked away, Briceno spoke about his decision to combine the Home Affairs and National Defense Ministries and put Michel Chebat at the helm.
Although the interim minister, Julius Espat, expressed that he would have taken the role permanently, he told us he was waning from his time spent in limbo. And today the PM explained that Espat preferred to remain at MIDH.
Here's how the PM explained his decision:
John Briceno, Prime Minister "I think that is an issue that I as prime minister just has to be able to find the best fit with what we have. It's unfortunate that the report from the auditor general is not ready and I understand it's a lot of work that they have and I've not really spoken to her. We're allowing her to be able to go through the entire process and that will not go until some time next year. I said three months and the three months was up and ministers were getting a bit, what's the right word, they were not too comfortable not knowing whether they were going to be there or not and Minister Espat at the end of the day decided he wanted to just stay with infrastructure development, a ministry which he has been doing a good job so I had no hesitation when he said he would rather stay where he is. I then felt that the next person I think can do a good job was Minister Chebat simply because one I think his background as an attorney can help him to be able to understand the laws when it comes to policing and also I believe that he is a no nonsense and a person with a strong personality to be able to make changes in the police department and find ways how we can combine the BDF and the police to be able to provide the necessary service to keep Belizeans safe."
"Minister Espat at the end of the day preferred to stay where he was. When I first asked him to handle the ministry for the time being, he did it reluctantly but as he said, prime minister, I'm a team player, I'm going to do it as best as I possibly can."
So, according to the PM, he was abiding by Espat's wishes. But during that period Espat spent as police minister, there was obvious tension between the two. It started when Espat commented that both he and the DPM have a conscience more geared towards social justice. The PM took offense to this, stating that the entirety of the PUP is rooted in social justice.
He repeated that again today when he was asked about the comments made by the former PM Dean Barrow, who told us that with the way things are going, the PUP will likely have a third term in office. Here's what Briceno said about that:
John Briceno, Prime Minister "I think that former PM Barrow has grudgingly admitted that the government is doing a good job. We're not perfect, we make mistakes but whenever we make any mistakes and we become aware of it, we try to correct it, we don't try to hide from it and that whole idea we have in trying to fight to find ways to make the lives of Belizeans better. we have never drawn away from that and I know that there have been a lot of talking of this whole issue of social justice, our government is about social justice. Every single day, we breathe, we talk, we think, dream everything about social justice and how we can find way to make the lives of our citizens better so I think he saw what's inevitable and whatever is going on in his party, that's their business, I have to worry about my party and making sure we remain focused on getting the work of the people done."
Nineteen year old Adam Reynolds has been charged with aggravated burglary following a home invasion in Burrell Boom, where four men allegedly tied up a businessman at gunpoint and stole $89,900 in cash and valuables, including his Toyota Rush SUV.
Police say Reynolds was spotted inside the stolen vehicle in Santa Familia Village before he allegedly sped off, crashed the SUV and abandoned it. The incident occurred on October 14 at El Chiclero Resort, where the 53 year old businessman told police he was awakened by a loud noise at his bedroom door. He said one man jumped on him and covered his face with a pillow, while another struck him with an object resembling a firearm. After the men demanded money, two additional suspects entered and helped bind his hands and feet with duct tape and covered his mouth. The group then ransacked the property. The stolen items included $30,000 in cash, two gold chains valued at $12,000, and more. His burgundy 2017 Toyota Rush was valued at $45,000.
After police intercepted the vehicle, the businessman later identified the damaged SUV as his. Reynolds, a labourer from Vista Del Mar in Ladyville, turned himself in to police on October 19 and appeared in the Belize City Magistrate's Court on Tuesday, October 20, where he was arraigned on one count of aggravated burglary.
The incident was committed while Reynolds was on bail of $1,000 for aggravated assault with a machete. This time, he was remanded to prison.
In Late January of 2025, the double murder of Felix Martinez and his common law wife Adelita Gillett outside of the Crooked Tree Junction resulted in the arrest of two men, 31 year old Jovannie Jones and 25 year old Jerwin Segura. The motive behind the murders is believed to have been a business transaction for a vehicle that turned sour. Today Both Jones and Segura appeared back in court on indictment for two counts of murder. Both Jones and Segura pleaded not guilty to the murders. Jones was represented in court by Attorney Leeroy Banner, and Segura was unrepresented. Both men were remanded and are expected to return to court on December 3.
If you ever found yourself entangled in the justice system, then you'll know how tedious and frustrating it can be waiting for your next court date, uncertain as to what the outcome will be.
For one woman, she has been waiting since 2024 for a verdict in relation to a sexual assault case in which her agressor was her own co-worker. Jomarie Lanza headed to San Ignacio today to meet her, and they both waited for a court session that never happened. Here's why.
What would have been Luanna Gillett's final court day after a long 2 year battle, was delayed for another week due to a mix up in court dates. Gillett, a former police officer was assaulted in March of 2024 inside the San Ignacio Police station by one of her fellow police colleagues. The entire ordeal was captured on the station's surveillance cameras inside.
Since the incident Gillett had decided to move forward with court action, but it was not an easy process for her. Several times has she attended court session just for the proceedings to be adjourned and she was forced to wait for justice. And throughout all that waiting, despite her coworker who assaulted her, PC Durman Dawson, being dismissed, Gillett was also faced with the difficult decision of changing her career due to the prejudice she continued to experience because of the incident. Today we met her in San Ignacio, where she left the court feeling disappointed that no verdict would be delivered today on her case.
Luanna Gillett, Sexual Assault Victim "I came today, I was at court on the 24th of September the magistrate gave the persecutor and the defendant to submit their closing arguments and she stated that even if they did not submit a closing argument that the judgment would be set for today the 20th of October at 11:00am. I came today with the hope that I would put this chapter of any life and nightmare behind me that I would get a judgment whatever the judgment would have been put it behind me and just to come to court today for the magistrate, and I must say I applaud the magistrate I appreciate the magistrate I was standing on the veranda waiting I didnt see anyone no traffic anything not even the defendant and so it started to puzzle me as to what was going on but they do not communicate with me from the prosecution office. No one speaks to me so I won't feel comfortable approaching them asking them anything so I just stood on the veranda and that was when the magistrate a little while after the magistrate came to me and told me she saw m here and came to apologize because there was a mix up with the dates on her court book and the defendant slip it had the 30th not the 20th however the persecutor and myself have the 20th because I have a little book that I write down each adjournment dates and what is going to take place and I showed her the book and I told her your honor I took out the calendar on my phone and I said your honor you said Tuesday the 20th and the 30th is a Friday not a Tuesday and then she said the defendant is not here any which way so there is nothing she can do so she apologized again and I want to say I really thank her for approaching me and apologizing and letting me know what happened because she is of the belief that which in the clarification of the dates was done yesterday in regards to say okay the judgment is not today the clarification and the correct date is the 30th so to my knowledge she was of the belief that was informed so she was surprised when she saw me at court this morning."
And now Gillett is faced with another waiting period, but she continues to remain hopeful that soon all will be put to rest regardless of what the verdict may be.
Luanna Gillett, Sexual Assault Victim "I still to live to wait another week to see what the judgment will be in my matter but I want the public to know I am not giving up and regardless of what the judgment is that does not determine where I stand I will not give up on my case I will continue to fight and I want to encourage everyone that is going through what I had been through or if you ever faced or find yourself in a situation like I did don't give up no matter what people will not talk to you, you will gain enemies that you never thought you had but don't let that deter you from your goal to fight for what you believe is right if you believe that is what you want and you believe it then you fight for that and don't let anyone deter them. And that is why I am still standing here and I am still showing up at every adjournment. Regardless of the situation I lose a day, a vacation leave today I will lose another day vacation leave on the 30th but I will be here again I will be here until that judgment is passed."
We will bring you the verdict once it is delivered next week Friday.
Earlier in the news you heard from the prime minister, who arrived in Belize after his visit to Bangkok, Thailand. He was there for the Ancillary Meetings of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank Group which occurred from October 12-18.
Today, the PM explained that among the topics he brought up during these meetings were the sargassum crisis and assisting the small farmers as they maneuver climate change. Here's what he told the media today.
John Briceno, Prime Minister "As you know usually every year the World Bank and the IMF have these meetings with countries from all over the world, or the governors would meet to discuss the different pressing issues of the time. But from our end there are some important issues that we wanted to address. The first one is the issue of sargassum, that sargassum has become a problem not only for Belize but for the entire region and as a region we're trying to find ways how we can be able to solve that. So we had extensive discussions on that but more personally for Belize, we've been working with our World Bank to access funding, some funding with low interest rates and long term payment plans. And we're working on getting the first 5 million US dollars and we're working to get an additional 5 million so we're looking at about 20 million dollars to be able to start address seriously sargassum. As I point out to all these officials, we did not create this problem, it's obvious that climate change is having severe impacts on countries like Belize. Not only with flooding or the changes in weather patterns but also with sargassum. The other issue is that we had this important loan from the World Bank for agriculture whereby we're working with small scale farmers, working with them to be able to adapt to the changes in climate and how it is that they could also use technology to be able to better and to do adapt. The problem was again and I pointed out to both vice presidents of the World Bank when we met with them is that these IFIs impose some very difficult restrictions and also the processes that they put in place. It's very difficult for us to be able to do everything they ask of us within the time frame that they give us. So this loan now, now that we're already managing to get all of the kinks out of the way, and now that we have that and getting the loans out, this project is coming to an end next year of March. So we're telling them that we need to be able to extend that loan. Of course we had to make extensive discussions and pointing out reasons why it's important for the extensions so a World Bank team is going to be coming, they said within two weeks, so probably next week to be able to take a firsthand look at the project, how it's being implemented, the successes we have been having and the importance as to why we need to expand the time for that project."
And of course, PM Briceno also talked energy while in Thailand. He explained some of the issues that have been causing delays with one of the projects. According to him, one of those obstacles was a rumor that Belize was planning to put a battery bank on an iguana sanctuary.
He said he clarified these rumors to them.
John Briceno, Prime Minister "As you know we have been working with the World Bank for a loan of over 50 million dollars to be able to set up a battery bank for energy where we hope to have approximately 40 mega watts of energy. That project again was held back because again faceless bureaucrats in Washington heard something about a person saying that the land we're going to use in San Pedro was a iguana sanctuary and this person was a squatter and because of that, that project was kept back about 2 years and so when I sat down and started to talk to them and explained what has happened they were really embarrassed about the whole issue and I said that's why it's so important for you to come on the ground. If we would have gotten that project on time, we would not have the crisis we are presently facing because we would be able to buy energy from Mexico 2:00, 3:00 in the morning when they have excess energy, load up the batteries and then when we need, we would be able to supply Belize. So that is another issue which we believe we would be able to settle that but at the same time trying to find ways on how we could become completely self sustainable when it comes to the issue of energy and especially trying to find renewable sources of energy. Sunlight, solar, water, or where we can do some expansions so we believe we're on our way there and I know that for our citizens we can't do it fast enough but we're doing as best as we can. All in all I believe that we've had a very successful trip this time for the meetings we had with the World Bank and at the IMF."
And while he was there, the PM said he was able to speak to the Minister of Finance from Saudi Arabia about the delays in the energy project funded by the Saudi Development Fund. Here's how that discussion went:
John Briceno, Prime Minister "The Saudi Fund is not with the World Bank or the IMF, that's separate, I did meet with the Minister of Finance. We had a very small meeting, a very interesting meeting with Mr Clarke, Jack Clarke, one of the founders of Anthropic. I was invited to a meeting with them, there was only about 7 of us. It was a fascinating meeting and the Minister of Finance from Saudi Arabia was there and I managed to bring it up and he's not aware of all the ins and outs of it but he's going to take a look at it and we believe pretty soon we'll be able to see some action on that project."
And as we approach the municipal election season, the Prime Minister re-confirmed today that he will be running for another term for the general elections come 2030. He says his decision to do so was because of the support he received from his cabinet members.
Reporter- "You announced that you will run again and we are told that some factions in the PUP inside cabinet are working against you to not have you run for the next general election have you heard those and is cabinet truly united PM?"
John Briceno, Prime Minister "Let me start with the obvious then the cabinet is united our government is united our party is united there is no such thing as any kind of divisions the reason I felt it was time to announce that I will go fro a third term is because the very members have been asking me to be able to do a third term and I have been saying privately that I am considering it I started saying okay I am giving it serious attention and interest but finally they were saying listen I think it is important for you to make that announcement so that everyone can know you are going to lead us into 2030 elections and so that is what I did."
REPORTER- "So there is no truth to rumors or reports that there is a move a foot within cabinet to have you not run in the next election after that announcement."
John Briceno, Prime Minister "Well I don't know where you get that from but I can tell you there is no such thing."
And since he does plan to run for a third term, will he be looking at making any changes to the allowance of Cabinet members? It's a suggestion made by the DPM and supported by a few ministers.
Today the PM explained that allowances don't function the way that the public thinks, and that at many times area reps use those same allowances to help their constituents.
John Briceno, Prime Minister "Well yes what happened is, but again we haven't got a chance to give it a serous discussion and I think at the next cabinet probably we will have to be a able to have a discussion on how that works but the point is though and what is it that people in the media want to make an issue over the allowances is that I know you are aware that ministers go beyond the call of duty everyday they get calls of people wanting help they get called that they need assistance with education or a death in the family or somebody is sick so removing that allowance will only let them have less monies available to help people it is not as if they are keeping that allowance for themselves they give it back, that and more so I am a bit hesitant because it sounds good for the politics of it. The reality is that ministers and myself go beyond the call of duty we every single day we are assisting people in so many different ways."
Yesterday we told you about the chaos that unfolded at Stake Bank's Mile 5 compound. Reports were that a member of the Feinstein family took a vessel that SBEL claims was a part of a sale agreement, but that was still registered in Mike Feinstein's name.
This morning, we spoke with Bention Feinstein, who clarified that the vessel has belonged to his family for the past 20 years and that he went to the compound yesterday with a copy of the certificate. He told us that he was handed the keys and he took the boat to Old Belize.
He then explained that the issue arose when he was suddenly denied exit from the property. He said he was locked in and his workman came with a forklift. However, he emphasized that the forklift never touched the gate, but he had explained to them that he needed to leave the property.
After that confrontation, Feinstein tell us officials from the Belize Port Authority arrived and confirmed that the boat was registered to Mike Feinstein and that it had recently been licensed by the receivership in Feinstein's name.
This boat, named the WAHOO, has been at the center of conflict before when it had been stolen previously.
Currently, the vessel - which is a 30-foot Colombian Skiff - is with the Port Authority. Feinstein said it will be a matter for the courts and that he has filed a police report for being locked onto the property.
"Everything dih go up" is a pretty common phrase you hear - but what happens when one of the cheapest meals Belizeans enjoy gets a price hike? That's what happened this past Saturday at Li Chee in Belize City. Their famous fried chicken prices have officially increased, starting at $6. Our newsroom went to the restaurant to see how consumers feel about the new prices:
One of Li Chee's competitors here in the city, Kick Down, has their starting cost for fried chicken at $4.50.
And finally tonight, Mexican nationals eligible for Belize's Mexican Border Crossing Card programme will soon be able to visit for up to seven days throughout the country, expanding on the previous three day allowance restricted to the northern districts. The Ministry of Immigration announced that it is updating the application process ahead of the launch of the expanded Digital Border Crossing Card programme. The initiative is intended to encourage tourism, strengthen cross border connections and deepen the longstanding relationship between Belize and Mexico. The Ministry says the updated application requirements and guidance will be published shortly through its official communication channels. It also clarified that there is currently no application fee for the Mexican Border Crossing Card. Prospective applicants are being urged to await the official guidelines before applying to ensure they receive accurate and up to date information.
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History was made for Belize today in Germany as Belize signed its first ever agreement for a flight direct from Europe to the PGIA.
"Put this in historical context. Um, a lot of people have tried in terms of getting that first European carrier into Belize, but like I said, the team that we have has been relentless in this pursuit-coming to Europe every year, sometimes twice a year, to ensure that we continue to knock on doors, to ensure that we continue to build the awareness about Belize."
Nico Gurwicz, Aviation Air Service Development Consultant, BTB
Reporter
But before he walked away, Briceno spoke about his decision to combine the Home Affairs and National Defense Ministries and put Michel Chebat at the helm.
So, according to the PM, he was abiding by Espat's wishes. But during that period Espat spent as police minister, there was obvious tension between the two. It started when Espat commented that both he and the DPM have a conscience more geared towards social justice. The PM took offense to this, stating that the entirety of the PUP is rooted in social justice.
Nineteen year old Adam Reynolds has been charged with aggravated burglary following a home invasion in Burrell Boom, where four men allegedly tied up a businessman at gunpoint and stole $89,900 in cash and valuables, including his Toyota Rush SUV.
In Late January of 2025, the double murder of Felix Martinez and his common law wife Adelita Gillett outside of the Crooked Tree Junction resulted in the arrest of two men, 31 year old Jovannie Jones and 25 year old Jerwin Segura. The motive behind the murders is believed to have been a business transaction for a vehicle that turned sour. Today Both Jones and Segura appeared back in court on indictment for two counts of murder. Both Jones and Segura pleaded not guilty to the murders. Jones was represented in court by Attorney Leeroy Banner, and Segura was unrepresented. Both men were remanded and are expected to return to court on December 3.
If you ever found yourself entangled in the justice system, then you'll know how tedious and frustrating it can be waiting for your next court date, uncertain as to what the outcome will be.
Luanna Gillett, Sexual Assault Victim
Earlier in the news you heard from the prime minister, who arrived in Belize after his visit to Bangkok, Thailand. He was there for the Ancillary Meetings of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank Group which occurred from October 12-18.
And of course, PM Briceno also talked energy while in Thailand. He explained some of the issues that have been causing delays with one of the projects. According to him, one of those obstacles was a rumor that Belize was planning to put a battery bank on an iguana sanctuary.
And while he was there, the PM said he was able to speak to the Minister of Finance from Saudi Arabia about the delays in the energy project funded by the Saudi Development Fund. Here's how that discussion went:
Yesterday we told you about the chaos that unfolded at Stake Bank's Mile 5 compound. Reports were that a member of the Feinstein family took a vessel that SBEL claims was a part of a sale agreement, but that was still registered in Mike Feinstein's name.
And finally tonight, Mexican nationals eligible for Belize's Mexican Border Crossing Card programme will soon be able to visit for up to seven days throughout the country, expanding on the previous three day allowance restricted to the northern districts. The Ministry of Immigration announced that it is updating the application process ahead of the launch of the expanded Digital Border Crossing Card programme. The initiative is intended to encourage tourism, strengthen cross border connections and deepen the longstanding relationship between Belize and Mexico. The Ministry says the updated application requirements and guidance will be published shortly through its official communication channels. It also clarified that there is currently no application fee for the Mexican Border Crossing Card. Prospective applicants are being urged to await the official guidelines before applying to ensure they receive accurate and up to date information.
