Church Leaders Push Removal of Belmopan Billboard

Church leaders and some residents are calling for the removal of a billboard at a prominent location in Belmopan, with critics arguing that the alcohol advertisement sexualizes women and promotes harmful social behavior in a city—and country—already grappling with substance abuse and violence.

The controversy centers on a billboard featuring Trinidadian artist Nailah Blackman holding an alcoholic beverage. The advertisement, positioned near Belmopan’s main traffic light, has sparked debate online and within religious and business circles over public morality, advertising standards, and freedom of expression.

Among the most vocal critics is Church Senator Pastor Louis Wade, owner of PLUS TV Belize. Wade argued that the issue falls within the realm of public morality and community standards, which he said allows political and municipal leaders to intervene.

Wade said the billboard contributes to the sexualization of women and accused the company behind the advertisement of aggressively marketing alcohol while normalizing imagery tied to alcohol and marijuana culture. He also linked the issue to wider social concerns, including domestic violence, sexual abuse, sexual assault, and alcohol dependency.

According to Wade, Belize already struggles with social problems connected to substance abuse, making the billboard’s placement inappropriate for a highly visible public location. He said the advertisement violates what he described as the sensibilities of “respectable Belizeans.”

The initial public complaint was reportedly raised by Pastor Adam Klausing in a social media post that generated significant engagement online. Klausing questioned whether the imagery was suitable for a public gateway into the nation’s capital, particularly in an area frequented daily by commuters and families.