By Aaron Humes: The semi-finalists for the prestigious fourth annual University of Belize Prize for Investigative Journalism have been announced. This annual accolade highlights outstanding journalistic efforts in uncovering crucial stories that impact the nation, particularly those focusing on Belize’s marine ecosystem and notable events that have captured the public’s attention.
The semi-finalists, listed in alphabetical order, are:
Marine Protected Areas Are Everybody’s Business – Andre Habet and Marco Lopez, Climate Spotlight
Stella Maris Child Drowning – Marion Ali, Paul Lopez, Hipolito Novelo, Joel Wesbey, Darrel Moguel, George Tillett, Channel 5 News/Greater Belize Television
Taken: The Budna Abduction and the Police Cover-Up – Jules Vasquez, Brian Castillo, and Denver Fairweather, Channel 7 News/Tropical Vision Ltd.
On May 2 at 6 p.m. at the House of Culture in Belize City, the winner will be announced, receiving $10,000 in prize money, with the remaining semi-finalists each receiving $5,000.
Holly Edgell, co-founder and prize coordinator, emphasized the vital role of journalism in society. “Journalists are not here to win popularity contests,” Edgell said. “This profession is a vocation that requires us to hold the powerful to account, deeply explore complex issues and ask questions that may make people uncomfortable,” Edgell explained.
Co-founder Godfrey Smith, Senior Counsel, noted biographer and former politician, remarked on the significance of a nationally recognized prize in elevating journalistic integrity. “A nationally recognized Prize elevates and protects the vital work of the media, while helping to foster informed public discourse on issues of national importance. Partnering with the journalism expertise of Holly Edgell ensured the Prize’s integrity and credibility. It is our fervent hope that the effort can be sustained for years to come.”
Dr Vincent Palacio, President of UB, articulated the role of journalism in democracy, saying, “Investigative journalism plays a vital role in strengthening democratic societies by promoting transparency, accountability, and informed public discourse. The University of Belize is proud to support and recognize the critical work of journalists who pursue stories with integrity and courage in the public interest.”
The judges for this year’s prize, who evaluated works published or aired between January 1 and December 31, 2025, include Jacqueline Charles, Caribbean Correspondent for the Miami Herald; Kalilah Reynolds (nee Enriquez), Belizean judge based in Jamaica and Creator and Executive Producer of Taking Stock; Freeman Rogers, Editor, British Virgin Islands Beacon, and Christopher Saunders, Sports Information Officer, University of the Bahamas.
The sponsors of this year’s prize are the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP Belize), Atlantic Bank, National Institute of Culture and History (NICH), The Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan) and Arguelles & Company.
The post Semi-finalists for Investigative Journalism Prize pit major media houses against freelance duo appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
By Aaron Humes: The semi-finalists for the prestigious fourth annual University of Belize Prize for Investigative Journalism have been announced. This annual accolade highlights outstanding journalistic efforts in uncovering crucial stories that impact the nation, particularly those focusing on Belize’s marine ecosystem and notable events that have captured the public’s attention. The semi-finalists, listed in
The post Semi-finalists for Investigative Journalism Prize pit major media houses against freelance duo appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
