A 19-year-old in Belize was charged with rape after allegedly holding his ex-girlfriend hostage, while a woman pleaded guilty to assaulting a journalist.

On October 27, 2025, Belize faced multiple developments: a 19-year-old man was charged with rape after allegedly holding his ex-girlfriend hostage, while a woman pleaded guilty to assaulting a journalist, avoiding prison. Prime Minister Johnny Briceño addressed energy insecurity, citing risks from imported electricity and advancing a proposed natural gas project. Amid rising concerns over gender-based violence, including five femicides in October, officials and experts called for action. The government launched a Chromebook distribution program and opened a new preschool, while a police substation began construction using decommissioned firearms. Students at the University of the West Indies face hurricane-related hardships, prompting a national student union fundraising effort. Meanwhile, the Prime Minister declined to pursue an independent investigation into the Budna incident, opting instead to refer it to the Director of Public Prosecutions.