By Belize Live News Staff: One of the most familiar faces in Belizean journalism is in the running for one of the Caribbean’s most meaningful media honours. Jules Vasquez, News Director at Channel 7, has been nominated for the CMIA-CBU Caribbean Defender of Media Freedom Award.
The award, presented jointly by the Center for Media Integrity of the Americas and the Caribbean Broadcasting Union, recognizes outstanding journalism and contributions to protecting press freedom across the region. Vasquez shares the shortlist with respected Trinidadian press freedom advocate Wesley Gibbings and the Media Institute of the Caribbean.
The selection committee’s citation reads like a summary of Vasquez’s career: more than three decades of investigative journalism, fearless reporting, a commitment to holding the powerful accountable, and resilience through legal challenges, political pressure, and personal attacks.
Belizeans have watched that career unfold in real time. From the interview chair to the press conference floor, Vasquez has built a reputation for asking the questions others hesitate to ask, and for staying on stories long after the cameras of convenience have moved on. Agree with him or argue with him, and Belizeans have done plenty of both, his work has been part of the national conversation for a generation.
The nomination is also a moment for the wider profession. In a region where journalists increasingly navigate pressure from many directions, a Belizean name on a press freedom shortlist says something about the standard being set at home.
All will be revealed on August 18, when the winner is announced at the opening ceremony of the 57th Caribbean Broadcasting Union Annual General Assembly in Georgetown, Guyana.
Win or not, the nomination stands as recognition of a career defined by persistence. Congratulations, Jules, Belize will be watching Georgetown.
