As the city works to improve street conditions, the ongoing pothole problem is causing significant strain on vehicles and wallets. News 5 spoke to two local mechanics to get their take on the toll potholes are having on vehicles, especially after the last few weeks of heavy rainfall.
Travis Flowers, a mechanic based in Lord’s Bank, told us that potholes can cause significant damage to a vehicle’s suspension, tires, and rims. He said, “It can get expensive. It’s kind of expensive if you have to get the parts here. And you have to pay the labour to put it on. So in the case of rim damage, most of the time, you can’t get the rim here either. So you have to try to go and fix it at a welding shop or something so you can get it running until you get another good one.”
He said fixing rim damage can cost $200-$300, while suspension repairs may run $400-$500, not including parts. The cost also depends on the vehicle’s model, year and the need to import parts.
Similarly, another local mechanic, Lewis Hamilton of On The Spot Mechanic, also said that potholes can severely impact a vehicle’s entire suspension system. “I would say the suspension part like the damage would be on the bushings, the struts, the shocks, even tires; I mean, the rims could get bent easily,” he said.
Hamilton said that tires are another major expense, with replacements costing between $300 and $400. For drivers in particularly pothole-riddled areas, Hamilton estimated drivers might need to spend between $500 and $1,000 two to three times a year just to maintain their vehicles in good shape.
Both mechanics also noted that potholes cause fuel inefficiency, though this is less costly than mechanical repairs.
While the Ministry of Infrastructure Development and Housing is handling the city entrances, the Belize City Council did its damage assessment of the city streets. The Council identified 147 streets in urgent need of repair, with a cost of about $1.6 million. City Administrator Albert Vaughan assured that funds would be secured through a disaster program, and temporary patches are already being applied. However, priority will be given to key routes, including those for public transportation and school buses.
It seems like the Guardian newspaper is having an identity crisis. Two versions of the United Democratic Party’s paper have been produced—one by long-time editor Alfonso Noble and another by Moses ‘Shyne’ Barrow supporter Delroy Cutkelvin.
Both have different headlines and stories. Cutkelvin’s version looks like a Shyne brochure, while Noble’s version looks like the typical Guardian.
Cutkelvin’s version is 8 pages, mostly of pro-Shyne articles with the exception of only one article about the KHMHA Workers union. Noble’s version is 9 pages, which includes attacks on the Briceño Administration and ads. It also includes the paper’s information, such as the editor, publisher, and contact information.
Only Noble’s version contains the horoscope, which arguably is the most useful part.
Tracy Panton says she is the interim leader of the UDP following a convention where delegates voted to recall Moses “Shyne” Barrow. Meanwhile, Barrow says he remains leader of the UDP. Panton and her faction took control of the party’s HQ and organs in late October.
The story was updated at 1:18 p.m. local time to reflect that Noble’s updated version does include the horoscope.
As part of our in-depth and intensive investigation into the “Machakila Incident,” it became apparent that the Belize Defence Force is in urgent need of better communication equipment.
On September 7, a group of Belize Defence Force soldiers stationed near the Machakilha Conservation Post (CP) found themselves surrounded by more than 10 potentially armed and hostile Guatemalans. Before communication with Fairweather Camp was lost, the last order received by the patrol was to “man your grounds.” Tensions rose as the soldiers realised they were being encircled by the Guatemalans, who had gathered near the helicopter landing site. It is believed their intent was to retrieve five Guatemalan men who had been detained for illegal logging activities in the Columbia River Forest Reserve.
The B.D.F. relies on Harris and VHF radios for its operations. The Harris radio, manufactured by L3Harris Technologies, is a secure, rugged communication tool used by military forces and emergency services. It provides encryption, long-range capabilities, multiple frequency options, and GPS, making it vital for critical missions. The VHF radio, widely used in professional environments, is known for its versatility and power. However, on the day of the incident, both systems failed. The VHF radio couldn’t establish contact, and the Harris radio eventually “went out of sync.”
During the incident, the BDF’s Fairweather Camp in Punta Gorda was alerted that the CP was being surrounded by “potentially hostile” Guatemalans, likely attempting to recover detained individuals. The response from Fairweather was to “man your grounds,” but shortly after, the Harris radio lost sync, cutting off communication entirely. All attempts to re-establish contact failed.
A second attempt to communicate using the Harris radio at 9:30 p.m. also failed, leaving the patrol to harbour overnight and depart the following morning.
When asked about whether the BDF’s communication equipment is outdated and in need of replacement last month, Defence Minister Florencio Marin did not provide a direct response. When we recently asked the Commander of the B.D.F., Brigadier General Azariel Loria said the BDF will soon receive upgraded communication equipment, thanks to support from the Central Bank of Belize. The new gear, which includes body cameras, satellite radios, and tracking devices, will be deployed to the most remote outposts along the Belize-Guatemala border, such as Cadenas, Machakilha, Rio Blanco, and Ceibo Chico. He said, “We are in the process of purchasing our satellite phones with the assistance of the Central Bank of Belize. We’re forming a partnership so that we could at least equip the most remote areas… and we are going to get those tracking devices, but we’re finding means, and it’s not only tracking devices. We are in the era now that we need body cameras to ensure that if they meet Guatemalans, that we get the precise information back to camp.”
The National Hydrological Service has issued a flood forecast for several regions across Belize. Residents are urged to monitor waterways and exercise caution as water levels in certain rivers continue to rise.
Region 7:
In the Rio Hondo, water levels at Blue Creek North remain above historical Hurricane Mitch levels but are expected to decrease. However, from Douglas downstream to the coast, flood levels are expected to rise above Hurricane Mitch levels. In Santa Cruz, San Antonio, and San Roman, flood stage levels are also anticipated to continue increasing. On the New River, above-normal levels are expected to persist at Hill Bank, Tower Hill, and Caledonia.
Region 9:
Residents near the Mopan River in Benque Viejo Town should expect water levels to reach bankfull stage. On the Macal River, reservoir levels at Challillo and Mollejon are expected to remain below the spillway, but the Vaca Facility spillway remains active. In San Ignacio, water levels are expected to stay below the low-lying bridge. On the Belize River, above-normal levels are anticipated at More Tomorrow, while flood stage levels are expected to continue at Double Run. In Crooked Tree Lagoon, water levels are rising but remain below the causeway.
Region 11:
At Freetown Sibun on the Sibun River, water levels are expected to reach bankfull stage. In the Southern Lagoon near Gales Point Village, above-normal levels are expected to persist. Watersheds along the Eastern Slopes of the Maya Mountains, including the Sittee River at Kendal Bridge, will experience above-normal levels, while Swasey and Bladen branches of the Monkey River are expected to see below-normal levels. Normal levels are anticipated on the Deep River at Medina Bank, while above-normal levels are expected on the Rio Grande at San Pedro Columbia and Big Falls South. The Moho River and Temash River are expected to maintain normal levels.
Region 13:
The Sarstoon River is forecasted to remain at normal levels.
Residents are advised to remain vigilant and heed any future updates. The next update will be issued as necessary.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced today that its government will introduce a law to ban social media for children under 16. Albanese said this decision is anticipated to be in effect against major social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and X by the end of 2025.
In his address, Albanese said, “Social media is doing harm to our kids, and I’m calling time on it,” and pointed out the risks of harmful body image portrayals for girls and misogynistic content targeting boys. “If you’re a 14-year-old kid getting this stuff, it can be a really difficult time,” he added.
The Australian government is testing age-verification methods, including biometric scans and government IDs, to enforce the ban. These methods would make Australia the first country to use such technology to block underage access to social media.
“There will be no exemptions for children who have parental consent or who already have accounts,” said Communications Minister Michelle Rowland. “The onus will be on social media platforms to demonstrate they are taking reasonable steps to prevent access.”
Other countries, like France and the United States, have also set age limits for social media use, but Australia’s approach is the most restrictive to date.
Hurricane Rafael, which struck Cuba on Wednesday as a powerful Category 3 storm, has caused significant damage to the island’s power grid. “The national electric system collapsed due to strong winds,” said Félix Estrada Rodríguez, director of Cuba’s Electric Union. The storm brought down power poles and disrupted services.
Rafael has weakened to a Category 2 hurricane as it moves westward into the Gulf of Mexico. While its path no longer threatens the U.S., the storm poses an increasing risk to Mexico’s Gulf Coast. The National Hurricane Centre now predicts the storm will stay over the southern Gulf for several days before weakening further.
Chevron, Shell, and BP have all taken precautions by evacuating personnel from oil rigs in the Gulf as Rafael moves closer.
On Tuesday, Prime Minister John Briceño and the Cabinet made several decisions that address key challenges in Belize’s justice system, expanding access to electricity, and boosting the country’s international presence.
In an official statement, the government announced that the Cabinet approved the creation of a Criminal Justice Board to tackle the backlog of appeals and endorsed a comprehensive National Electrification Plan. This endorsement, which is a partnership with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), outlines a roadmap for ensuring universal electricity access by 2030, particularly in rural households, schools, and clinics. The Board identified issues with the inferior appellate regime, which will now be addressed by an amendment to the Senior Court’s Act. This change will allow for expanded substituted services through public notice, enabling the Senior Courts to manage a backlog of appeals and ensure that appellants are given reasonable notice of the date, time, and place of their appeals.
Cabinet also approved a name change for the Women’s Department, which will now be known as the Family Support and Gender Affairs Department.
In the area of maritime governance, the Cabinet approved the designation of San Pedro as a port. The new port status will also introduce clearer port limits and enforce stronger safety and security measures.
Additionally, Belize is set to join the Inter-Parliamentary Union, strengthening its role in global diplomacy. The IPU is an international organisation that empowers parliaments worldwide to promote peace, democracy, and sustainable development through parliamentary diplomacy.
Opposition Leader Moses “Shyne” Barrow has congratulated US President-elect Donald Trump. In a statement, Barrow said, “We wish President-Elect Trump and the American people well, as Belize remains committed to strengthening the strong bilateral relations shared by our nations for the last 43 years.”
Barrow also congratulated Vice President Kamala Harris on “her historic and formidable presidential candidacy.”
“The Opposition thanks outgoing U.S. President Biden and Vice President Harris for the significant contributions made to Belize during their administration, from the appointment of @michellewkwan as the first U.S. Ambassador to Belize since the Obama Administration to the $250 million BZ grant to the people of Belize for education and energy given by the Millennium Challenge Corporation in September 2024. We thank you for your partnership and wish you and the American people well.”
On Tuesday, we chatted with a few Belizeans to see how up-to-date they were with the 2024 US presidential race. Most people told us they were following the elections closely and were hopeful that Kamala Harris, the Democratic candidate, would win. However, the results are in, and Republican candidate Donald J. Trump has come out on top. Today, we hit the streets again to find out how Belizeans are feeling about the announcement.
Britney Gordon, Reporting
It’s the day after the 2024 US Presidential Elections, and the results are in. In a tight race, Republican candidate Donald J. Trump has clinched a second non-consecutive term in the White House. While mail-in ballots are still being counted, it’s projected that Trump has secured two hundred and seventy-seven Electoral College votes, seven votes above the threshold needed to beat Democratic opponent Kamala Harris. On Tuesday, we hit the streets of Belize City to see how Belizeans were keeping up with the presidential race. Today, we went out again to get their reactions to Trump’s victory.
Clyde Burgess
Clyde Burgess, Belizean
“He ain’t no good. He no good.”
Britney Gordon
“Why do you think that?”
Clyde Burgess
“Mami, when I used to live over there, He go, he dig underneath the tunnel. And do a lot of mischief, you know, even. Especially when, when he try to play with the data. So. And plus the prejudice. Who want one person who is prejudiced fi wa president? No man. It noh right. He ain’t worth it mami. Because he don’t like black. He don’t like Spanish. What you like? But da the black people. God made all of us. Nobody better than no other.”
Some Belizeans shared their disappointment with the results, feeling that Trump harbors internal prejudices. Others simply didn’t agree with his policies.
Britney Gordon
“How are you feeling about the results?”
Brenda Baptist
Brenda Baptist, Belizean
“I don’t like it.”
Britney Gordon
“Are you concerned for your friends and family that are living there?”
Brenda Baptist
“I have family va there.”
Steve Fuller
Steve Fuller, Belizean
“Ukraine will be gobbled up by Russia. And time will get harder.”
Bitney Gordon
“You think we’ll start to see that here too?”
Steve Fuller
“Of course. Of course. Trump made a promise, and he intend to keep it. He said,he imposed tariff, and the tariff will pass on to the consumer. Simple as that. If you don’t understand that, then I rest my case.”
A few Belizeans were less pessimistic about the results and are instead choosing to observe what will become of Trump’s return to the White House.
Luis Ayala
Luis Ayala, Belizean
“Yeah, my family is good there though. So, but, I don’t know what’s happening later, I think.”
Britney Gordon
“So you’re waiting to see what will happen?”
Luis Ayala
“Yes.”
Belize City herbalist Leroy Young, who made headlines in July for spitting in another man’s face during a heated debate over Biden versus Trump, was eager to share his reaction. He supports Trump’s strict immigration policies.
Leroy “Herbs Man” Young
Leroy “Herbs Man” Young, Belizean
“Donald Trump is against open border. Immigrant going over there and then they get food stamps. Then they get all kind of benefits. And you have my born Belizean that have to save up money, pay to the bank, and go there and make appointment to U. S. Embassy only for them to turn them down. Go the proper way. But when you go illegal, Right now a lot of country, like Cuba and Venezuela, they let out their prisoners and they send them to the border. The mayor of New York is taking a licking because he stand up to the present administration of ten thousand immigrants to New York every month.”
It’s unclear what Trump’s re-election will mean for Belize, but some people are definitely feeling uneasy about what the future holds.
Leroy “Grandmaster” Young
Leroy “Grandmaster” Young, Belizean “Trump, I don’t know why, I don’t know, I don’t know, like, when fi he motha bring him in this world, he mussi been dropped pan he head or something like that, you know? But he wa be he, he wa be he. He will be here. No matter what you try to do, he wa be he. Because at the end of the day, da he get the last laugh.”
Britney Gordon
“What do you think is the biggest issue with his candidacy?”
Leroy “Grandmaster” Young
“From follow Trump. I don’t know, we will have to deal with a real, I don’t want to say the word, you know. When, when, anytime he speak, there’s something out of the way. Da no nothing real positive. All he di think about, da how he will try to bring down other, other politicians. So they end up in the same boat with him.”
Britney Gordon
“So how are you feeling about the election results?”
News Five ran a poll on its Facebook page, asking followers how they felt about Donald Trump’s victory in the 2024 U.S. Presidential Election. Out of five hundred and six voters, opinions were split. A strong two hundred and eighty people said they were ‘very satisfied’ with Trump’s win, showing solid support for his leadership. On the flip side, one hundred and thirteen voters were ‘very dissatisfied,’ and sixty-one were ‘somewhat dissatisfied.’ A smaller group of forty-six voters stayed neutral, while six felt ‘somewhat satisfied.’ Keep in mind, this Facebook poll isn’t scientific and only reflects the views of those who participated.
