Latest news with #Belize

Associated Press
a day ago
- Business
- Associated Press
CyberArena Officially Rebrands from 188BET to taptap
07/28/2025, Belize City, Belize // KISS PR Brand Story PressWire // CyberArena, a global leader in online gaming and interactive entertainment, is proud to announce the official rebranding of its flagship platform from 188BET to taptap, effective July 1, 2025. This marks a bold evolution in the company's journey, reinforcing its mission to provide modern, secure, and seamless gaming experiences for audiences around the world. The transition to taptap represents more than a name change it introduces a refreshed brand identity designed to meet the demands of today's fast-moving, mobile-first users. Combining cutting-edge technology with global design sensibilities, taptap elevates the user experience while preserving the trust, familiarity, and excitement that millions of users have come to expect. 'taptap reflects our forward-thinking approach and our commitment to providing intuitive, high-performance gaming for global players,' said a CyberArena spokesperson. 'While the brand is new, the values remain: reliability, innovation, and exceptional entertainment.' What's Changing? What Stays the Same? A Comprehensive Global Gaming Experience With the launch of taptap, users will continue to enjoy access to a complete portfolio of entertainment, including: Whether on desktop or mobile, taptap is engineered to deliver smooth, reliable performance, backed by industry-leading security protocols and 24/7 multilingual customer support. A Global Vision for the Future of Online Gaming CyberArena's rebrand to taptap is a strategic step forward in shaping the future of digital gaming. Built with scalability and international expansion in mind, the platform combines next-generation usability with a strong foundation of trust, compliance, and responsible entertainment. 'This rebranding represents a renewal of our promise to global users,' added the spokesperson. 'As taptap, we will push boundaries, embrace innovation, and set new standards for excellence in online gaming.' About taptap taptap is the reimagined online gaming platform operated by CyberArena, formerly known as 188BET. With headquarters at 9 Barrack Road, Belize City, Belize, taptap offers a dynamic mix of sports betting, esports, live casino, and virtual gaming to users worldwide. The platform is built on advanced technology, user trust, and a commitment to delivering a safe, exciting, and future-ready gaming environment. Media & Customer Support Contact Address: CyberArena 9 Barrack Road, Belize City, Belize Email: [email protected] Website: Source published by Submit Press Release >> CyberArena Officially Rebrands from 188BET to taptap


The Independent
a day ago
- The Independent
FBI investigates death of passenger onboard Carnival cruise ship
The FBI is investigating a recent death on a Texas-based Carnival cruise ship. On July 23, passengers on board the Carnival Dream cruise ship were woken up to sirens just around 3 or 4 a.m., KHOU 11 reports. One passenger told the outlet she heard an announcement requesting medical assistance. The ship — which takes passengers on a six-day route through the Western Caribbean — was near Belize City at the time, Fox News reports. Now, Carnival has confirmed there was a death on board, and the FBI is investigating. "It is standard practice for the FBI to review deaths that occur on cruise ships,' a Carnival spokesperson told The Independent. 'This routine protocol ensures transparency.' 'It does not automatically imply suspicious circumstances, and the facts of this matter do not suggest any such activity,' the spokesperson added. 'We extend our heartfelt sympathy to our guest's family and loved ones in this difficult time." A Maritime Liaison Agent is looking into the incident, FBI Houston Public Affairs Officer Connor Hagan told The Independent. The agent is coordinating with the U.S. Coast Guard, Customs and Border Protection and Carnival. 'Due to the ongoing nature of the investigation, I am not able to provide additional details at this time,' Hagan said. The details of the death are unclear. Passengers on board the ship told KHOU 11 they saw police entering the ship Saturday as they were delayed while trying to disembark in Galveston, Texas. A Carnival spokesperson previously said there was no investigation into a suspicious death. 'There is no investigation about a suspicious death on Carnival Dream and it's disappointing to learn that any guests might be spreading rumors about something they know nothing about,' the spokesperson told KHOU 11 on Saturday. While the FBI is investigating this particular incident, there are many rules that determine which law enforcement agency has jurisdiction on board cruise ships. Important factors include the location of the ship, the owner of the ship and the nationality of the people involved in an incident, according to the FBI.


Coin Geek
2 days ago
- Business
- Coin Geek
Belize, Bosnia and Herzegovina fast track digital ID rollout
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... The government of Belize has announced its intention to roll out a national digital identity system for residents, offering a range of functionalities in line with broader digitization objectives. The plan has the backing of Belize's Cabinet, and authorities are eyeing a three-year timeline for launch. The proposed digital ID system will be biometric-based and provide identification services to residents while streamlining access to public and private sector services. Belize has a range of ID systems, but the incoming offering is considered an attempt to consolidate them into a single platform. The proposed launch follows a successful six-month pilot project run by Belize's e-government, particularly the Ministry's Digitalization Unit, which involved 500 participants and explored a range of functionalities and use cases. CEO of the Ministry of E-Commerce Jose Urbina revealed that the pilot's success sets the stage for a nationwide rollout of the national digital ID system. With the Cabinet approval in the bag, the next phase for the ministry is launching a consultative process to address any potential limitations to the incoming system. Urbina noted that the first phase of the consultative process will focus on procurement, followed by a broad consultative process to raise awareness and gather guidance for possible regulations. 'The national ID is a secure national identification card that identifies you as a person, as a Belizean or a resident, and proves that you are that person holding that card,' said Urbina. While authorities are pushing for an 'aggressive approach' to beating the three-year deadline, parliament will have to establish a legal framework to govern the digital ID system. Digital IDs are growing in popularity worldwide While advanced economies are leading the adoption of digital IDs, emerging economies are making significant strides in the digital ID ecosystem. The countries of Nigeria, Somalia, South Africa, and Eswatini are advancing their digital ID plans with a string of government initiatives. In Vietnam, foreign residents can access digital IDs, while persons living with disabilities in South Korea benefit from the new identification. Other countries like Guinea-Bissau and Liberia have unfurled ambitious digital ID plans, but concerns linger over the security of personal data and private sector adoption levels. Fusing digital ID with digital wallet Elsewhere, Bosnia and Herzegovina has launched a national digital ID mobile application for citizens, extending the offering's functionality beyond identification. The mobile app will allow users to store a raft of personal identification on a single platform. Dubbed e-IDDEEA, citizens of the Eastern European country can access digital versions of their driver's license and national passport on the mobile app. The state-backed platform relies on the qualified electronic signature (QES) and aligns with the newly minted eIDAS regulatory framework in compliance with the broader European Union rulebook. Doubling as a digital wallet, the government plans to onboard 2.9 million people to the mobile app in the first year. This figure makes up 17% of the national population, and the authorities are optimistic about the app's slew of functionalities. Apart from housing all means of personal identification of the user, the mobile app offers easy access to a range of public and private sector services. In terms of utility, users of the new mobile app can pay traffic fines and conduct administrative procedures without visiting a government office. Major banks and telecommunication firms have already received integration with the mobile app, hinting at potential financial service applications. Furthermore, cross-border functionalities are expected to allow users to identify themselves via the app in other EU countries. The report highlights the ability to tap physical ID cards on the mobile phone for a 'biometric liveness check.' 'We have delivered a fully functional, citizen-centric, and secure digital identity that brings us closer to the European digital identity ecosystem and lays the foundation for future cross-border interoperability,' said Agency for Identification Documents, Registers, and Data Exchange (IDDEEA) Director Almir Badnjevic. Earlier in July, Malaysia launched a mobile application for government services and a national digital ID as the concept gathered significant steam. Europe leads the way in digital IDs The EU is taking a pioneering position with digital IDs, with several countries in economic union pursuing their national systems. Despite unveiling their national digital ID systems, the nations are operating within the EU's data privacy and protection guidelines. However, experts are pushing for an EU cross-border digital driving license on distributed ledgers, with interoperability at the heart of the plans. Other countries are following the EU's lead, with Nigeria and Zambia unveiling national digital ID plans. Watch: What can organizations do to get on the Web3 & digital identity bus? title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen> Belize Bosnia and Herzegovina Digital Identity e-IDDEEA Europe European Union


7NEWS
5 days ago
- 7NEWS
Florida: Woman miraculously survives brutal alligator attack during swim with her dog
A woman has miraculously survived a brutal alligator attack. The unnamed 27-year-old was swimming with her dog in Saint Lucie River in Florida as her boyfriend watched from their boat on Wednesday when the terrifying incident unfolded. The alligator bit her hand and wrist, suddenly dragging her below the surface. Martin County Sheriff's Office said in a statement posted to Facebook that the alligator eventually released the woman and her boyfriend was able to help her pull of the water and drive her back in to the boat ramp at Charlie Leighton Park. She was treated at the scene for serious injuries at 7.51pm before being flown to HCA Florida Lawnwood Hospital in Fort Pierce as a precaution. Her boyfriend and dog were not injured. The Martin County statement said the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission had responded to the attack and are 'awaiting their trapper to locate the alligator'. Florida is known for its alligators, having an approximately 1.3 million of them. On average there are eight unprovoked alligator attacks in the state each year, according to FWC. This latest incident comes after a young boy died in front of his family when he fell into a waterway and was brutally attacked by crocodiles. Andres Alejandro Santana Hernandez, 14, was walking with his family by the waterway in Lazaro Cardenas, Mexico, when tragedy struck on July 18. Before his parents could intervene, crocodiles hidden by the swamp waters launched at him and dragged him beneath the surface. Andres' family watched in horror as the crocodiles pulled the boy further from the water's edge and began tearing into his body. The Mirror reported that it is believed the boy was attacked by a group of Morelet's crocodiles, also known as the Mexican or Belize crocodile, which can grow up to three metres long and typically weigh a staggering 200kg. The species is known for being particularly vicious, and once they reach maturity, they will prey on nearly any animal that enters their territory. Police divers have begun to search the canal for the boy's remains, but it is unclear if they have managed to recover his body.


7NEWS
22-07-2025
- 7NEWS
Andres Alejandro Santana Hernandez: Boy mauled to death by crocodiles as his family watches in horror
WARNING: GRAPHIC DETAILS A boy has died after being brutally attacked by crocodiles in front of his family. Andres Alejandro Santana Hernandez, 14, was walking with his family by a waterway in Lazaro Cardenas, Mexico, when he fell into the water on July 18. Tragically, before his parents could intervene, crocodiles hidden by the swamp waters launched at him and dragged him beneath the surface. In a vicious attack, they pulled the boy further from the water's edge and began tearing into his body. Andres' family watched in horror as the boy was brutally killed. The Mirror reported that it is believed the boy was attacked by a group of Morelet's crocodiles, also known as the Mexican or Belize crocodile, which can grow up to three metres long and typically weigh a staggering 200kg. The species is known for being particularly vicious, and once they reach maturity, they will prey on nearly any animal that enters their territory. Police divers have begun to search the canal for the boy's remains, but it is unclear if they have managed to recover his body. Warnings have been issued, and authorities have urged people to avoid visiting the area, citing the unpredictability of the crocodiles. Since news of the tragedy, tributes have been flowing for Andres, who was actively involved in the local community. He was an altar boy at and a part of a community marching band run by the Cortazar Fire Department. Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish Church, where Andres served, has paid tribute to the boy. 'With deep sorrow, but with our hope placed in our Lord Jesus Christ, who has Risen and is the Lord of life, I earnestly ask you to join in prayer for the eternal rest of Andres Alejandro Santana Hernandez, altar server of the main parish, who has been called to the house of the Eternal Father,' a parish statement read. The public have taken to social media to express their shock and pain at the sudden loss of Andres. 'He was a Monaguillo (altar boy), a child full of faith, tenderness and hope,' one Facebook user wrote. 'The departure of Andrés Alejandro shows the importance of every glance, every hug, every moment of protection. May their memory be a beacon to keep those we love most safe,' another user wrote.