In its 26th consecutive year, BEL (Belize Electricity Limited) continues its heartwarming tradition of giving back this holiday season. Over 220 hampers and care packages were delivered to families and senior citizens across the country.
BEL teams were organised to distribute 120 hampers filled with Christmas meal essentials and groceries to families in need. In addition, 100 care packages, containing essential groceries and toiletries, were delivered to senior citizens.
“Giving back to our community is part of our BEL culture,” BEL said in its statement. The hampers and care packages were delivered through to the employees’ close connections with the communities BEL serves.
Earlier today, the Salvation Army in Belize held its annual grocery voucher giveaway by providing over 700 vouchers to families in need, particularly those who are seniors. These vouchers are redeemable at local supermarkets and enable recipients to purchase groceries for a Christmas meal.
Major Marc Eddy Momplaisir, District Officer of the Salvation Army, explained that the distribution takes place across multiple locations in the city, including the Salvation Army Headquarters on Cemetery Road, as well as in other communities like Joyville. “Our aim is to celebrate love, community connection, and the joy of giving,” he said. “It’s a busy day for us, but it’s all worth it to bring some happiness to those who need it most.”
The Salvation Army’s focus is on helping senior citizens, many of whom are less fortunate and may not have access to a pension or regular income. “We show them that we love them and care for them,” Momplaisir added. “The voucher will help them during the season.”
For 73-year-old Joan Bennett, who has been receiving a voucher for nearly 50 years, it’s a lifeline. “The Salvation Army always looks out for us. Take care of us; see that we are well… And I am very grateful because every year they do the same thing,” Bennett said.
The initiative also inspires others to give back. With their vouchers in hand, recipients are now ready to begin their Christmas shopping and cook the holiday meals they’ve been waiting for all year. For Bennett, it’s a chance to make her holiday “a little bit brighter.”
Just days before Christmas, a family has lost their home in a fire on Boots Crescent in Belize City. The fire broke out this morning and completely destroyed the house.
No injuries were reported.
The homeowner, James Lamb, was not present during the fire. His neighbour, who has lived in the area for over 10 years, told News 5, “My daughter came in and told me the neighbour’s house was on fire. I looked outside and saw smoke pouring from the roof.” The resident said she immediately called 911 and then alerted nearby workers to inform the neighbour whose house was on fire.
The house destroyed was a high concrete and wooden house with zinc roofing.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
Glenford Logan was granted his freedom on Monday after spending 21 years in a jail cell at the Belize Central Prison. He was never convicted of the crime he was charged with. In fact, he was never tried for that crime.
Logan was arrested in 2003, accused of the murder of security guard Kingsford Obeng. On August 5, 2000, Obeng, who was guarding a grocery store, was attacked by a man who slashed his throat. Obeng died the next morning in the hospital. Logan was 23 years old when he was charged with the murder. He is now 44.
For more than two decades, Logan remained behind the walls of the prison. He was dubbed the “oldest ramandee.”
But not anymore. Today, Logan is a free man.
High Court Justice Nigel Pilgrim reviewed Logan’s case. He found that Logan’s constitutional rights had been violated due to his prolonged detention without trial. Court documents revealed that there were no case files or evidence presented, and submissions from Logan’s attorney, Sherigne Rodriguez, revealed that he had been diagnosed with schizophrenia by Dr. Jose Matus, the psychiatric doctor at the Belize Central Prison.
Logan, diagnosed with schizophrenia, had been deemed unfit to stand trial and had remained in remand under the status “Detention in safe custody until His Majesty’s Pleasure shall be known.”
Despite all of this, Logan languished in prison.
After the court ruled that Logan’s constitutional rights had been violated, the “oldest remandee” was immediately released.
However, the question remains: where did the justice system of Belize fail Logan? Is this a stand-alone case?
News 5 spoke with criminal defence attorney Richard “Dickie” Bradley to get an understanding of the legal perspective. Bradley explained, “Every person is entitled by law to have their temporary imprisonment reviewed.” He added that this “means that there has been a terrible failure of the system that a human being can be in prison so long without trial.”
Bradley also pointed out a troubling trend regarding prisoners held for mental health issues. He said, “When I had reason to enquire, there were 92 persons who were in prison for mental problems.” He further stated that many people in prison are there because they are mentally ill and unable to understand what is happening in their trials. Some of them are not even fit to stand trial due to their mental state. “Many others who are in prison, they just need medication; they need psychiatric attention.” Bradley said that this reflects a failure to protect vulnerable individuals, especially those from poorer backgrounds.
While Logan’s family expressed relief over his release, their reactions were also of frustration at the system that allowed Logan’s wrongful detention for so long. A relative voiced the pain endured by the family, stating on Facebook, “Unu nuh know half of what we gaan through with my uncle and them not trying to let him out. My grandmother has been hurt by this situation for decades and has been there for her son through this traumatic experience.” “We ask that y’all be as outraged as we are and help us get justice for him,” the relative added.
However, the public response has been mixed. In Monday’s News 5 report on Logan’s case, 672 Facebook users reacted to the video. 148 users shared their perspectives in the comment section. Some were critical of Logan’s release, with one user stating, “I want to know if when he kills again, people will have the same nice words to say about him… Sorry if I sound offensive, but it’s reality.” Other users opposed this point of view and highlighted Logan’s mental health condition, with the user stating, “If he’s schizophrenic, he shouldn’t even have been in prison… It should’ve been a mental facility or regular society with proper meds, but again… da Belize we deh. Being mentally ill isn’t an excuse, but you kind of need to understand that the person isn’t fully there, so, of course, certain behaviour will happen; like, it’s not rocket science.”
The reactions varied from both extremes, including one where a user suggested holding the Belize justice system accountable for Logan’s lengthy detention.“I guess the government or the judge who sentenced him to all those years in prison should compensate the person… it’s unfair,” said the user.
Logan can sue. Bradley says that he has grounds to launch a civil suit against the government of Belize. He explained that if a person has been detained for 21 years without a trial and there is no valid reason for this, they are entitled to seek justice.
“Any person who has had their constitutional rights violated is entitled” to go to court for redress, “which means for justice, for compensation,” he added. Bradley said while the full facts of Logan’s case are still unclear, it’s important to “speak up for people who are unable to speak up for themselves.”
A third suspect has been arrested in connection with the murders of Marvin Cante and Juan Carlos Raymundo. The suspect, 20-year-old Ronald Frazer from the Cayo District, faces two counts of murder. The other two men arrested in relation to the cousin’s murder were Carl Lindo and Christopher Smith.
The two cousins, Cante, 37, and Raymundo, 32, were reported missing in late November. Raymundo’s family grew worried when he stopped responding to messages from his common-law wife. The following day, both families alerted the police, prompting an investigation into their disappearance.
Reports were that Raymundo’s vehicle was found abandoned near mile 24 on the George Price Highway. The search for missing cousins ended when their bodies were found buried in a shallow grave in Hattieville on Wednesday evening, December 11, near Dollar Bank Road.
According to police investigation, the murder of Cante and Raymundo may have been an illicit transaction that went wrong. During Monday’s police briefing, the Assistant Commissioner of Police, Hilberto Romero, said, “The information we have is that they came to the Hattieville area to do a transaction, and something went wrong there, and they were taken to those bushes and killed.”
A brazen daytime robbery unfolded on Princess Margaret Drive in Belize City just minutes ago. The victim, reportedly a staff member of a Belize City casino, was driving a brown van when the incident occurred. While details remain unconfirmed, it is believed the man may have been en route to make a deposit at Heritage Bank.
Two men on a motorcycle, described as one being stocky and the other slimmer, approached the vehicle. The assailants allegedly reached into the van and seized a black bag, presumed to contain money. They attempted to flee the scene on their motorcycle, but their getaway was thwarted momentarily when they lost control of the cycle near a pedestrian crosswalk. The loud crash of the motorcycle hitting the ground drew the attention of bystanders.
The suspects abandoned the motorcycle and escaped on foot.
The man who is accused of murdering 44-year-old Alarice Andrews, 39-year-old Vidal Yuman, and 19-year-old Maria Lucas chose to remain silent during the trial today.
25-year-old Kyle Zetina chose not to testify to assert his innocence. This was against his attorney’s advice.
The incident occurred in June 2019. Their bodies were discovered in Andrewin’s home after a welfare check was requested by a concerned colleague. Andrewin and Cacho were found on a bed, while Lucas lay on the floor. All three had been fatally shot. Police later arrested Zetina and 18-year-old Shawn Flores and charged them with three counts of murder. In June 2024, Flores was acquitted of the charges, leaving Zetina as the sole defendant.
The prosecution’s case heavily relies on a caution statement in which Zetina confessed to shooting the three victims. The defence argued that the caution statement was not voluntarily made, contending that it was obtained under duress and should not be considered credible evidence. They also highlighted the lack of eyewitnesses and questioned the reliability of the three witnesses whose statements were admitted into evidence. Zetina’s attorney believed that the admission of these statements significantly impacted Zetina’s decision to remain silent during the trial.
Although there were no eyewitnesses, three initially hostile witnesses had their statements admitted into evidence after a trial within a trial proved their credibility.
The physical evidence included the bodies of the victims, found with gunshot wounds to the head, and additional police interviews and oral statements made by Zetina.
A single mother of four is seeking assistance and raising awareness after a scary attempted break-in at her home in Belize City early this morning.
The incident occurred at approximately 3:54 a.m., as captured by the family’s security camera. The footage shows a hooded man entering the yard and attempting to force his way inside. Speaking with News Five, the mother, whose identity is being withheld for safety reasons, described the terrifying moments as she realised someone was trying to break into her home.
“He came to my back door first and tried to get in. Then he went to the front window, but I have burglar bars. Finally, he tried to manage the front door,” she said.
According to the mother, when he heard noises, she “got up and turned on my light.” She believes this scared off the man.
She said the experience has left her and her children shaken.
“It’s only me and my kids living here,” she said. “I already got threats, so I try to protect my kids.”
California Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency on Wednesday amid rising concerns about bird flu cases in the state. On the same day, Louisiana reported the nation’s first severe case of H5N1 avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed it as the first “severe” human case of the virus in the U.S., a zoonotic infection that has raised fears of becoming a global pandemic.
The case involves a resident from southwestern Louisiana who was initially reported as presumptively positive last Friday. According to Emma Herrock, a spokesperson for the Louisiana Department of Health, the patient, over the age of 65 with underlying health conditions, is in critical condition with severe respiratory illness linked to H5N1. Due to confidentiality, no additional updates on their condition are being provided. This marks the 61st human case of H5N1 in the U.S. since April, though the CDC maintains that the virus poses a low risk to the general public, with no reported deaths in the country so far.
The CDC noted that the patient had exposure to sick and dead birds in backyard flocks, making it the first U.S. case linked to such origins. Of the 60 prior cases, 58 were associated with commercial agriculture—37 from dairy herds and 21 from poultry operations. The exposure sources for the remaining two cases remain unknown.
California has reported the highest number of human H5N1 infections this year, with 34 cases, most linked to cattle exposure.
As we wrap up 2024, News 5 is excited to bring you our digital Year in Review! This year, we're diving into the highlights and challenges of the past twelve months, all organized by themes. Join us as we look back at the stories that shaped our year…
2024 has been a transformative year for Belize’s infrastructure and transport sectors. Significant projects have been undertaken to modernise the country’s transportation network, improve accessibility, and enhance the quality of life for Belizeans.
Advancing Public Transportation: The Rise of E-Mobility
2024 marked a significant year for Belize’s public transportation, with the launch of the E-Mobility Pilot Project in Belize City. Spearheaded by the Belize City Council, in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and other stakeholders, the introduction of electric buses (e-buses) aims to modernise urban transit. The eco-friendly buses feature Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and accessibility options for persons with disabilities. This shift aligns with Belize’s international commitments to sustainable development and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.
Mayor Bernard Wagner stressed the transformative potential of the project, stating, “When change comes, people complain, but you have to embrace change. We want to transform the public transportation system, at least in the city.” The e-buses generated BZ$33,000 in revenue within five weeks, with over 15,000 passengers utilising the service. Despite the success, private bus operators voiced concerns about competition, citing unfair pricing and potential financial strain on existing operators. Attorney Arthur Saldivar, representing several city bus operators, hinted at possible legal action.
The public’s reception of the e-buses has been largely positive. Many citizens appreciate the modern amenities and the environmental benefits. The buses have been particularly beneficial for persons with disabilities, providing them with much-needed accessibility. The project has also highlighted the need for further improvements in the public transportation system, including better infrastructure and more efficient services.
The pilot project’s data will guide future expansions. Inter-district routes along the northern and western highways are expected to come online in 2025, supported by the arrival of three additional e-buses. The Belize City Council’s “501 Transit” app, which allows commuters to track buses in real time, further enhances the commuter experience.
The Belize City Council’s focus on sustainable transport extended beyond buses. The introduction of four electric taxis (E-taxis) was part of a broader e-mobility strategy. These taxis operate on a lease-to-own model with local taxi associations, starting with the Battlefield Park Taxi Association. Commuters will be able to hail taxis using the “Mi Driva” app, akin to ride-hailing services like Uber. This initiative aims to modernise Belize’s taxi system while promoting cleaner, greener urban transit options.
New Bridges, New Horizons
A key development in 2024 was the completion and inauguration of the Haulover Bridge—the longest bridge in Belize and the sixth-longest in Central America. Built at a cost of BZ$30.9 million, this bridge was conceptualised under the previous administration but executed under the People’s United Party government. With a length of 500 meters, it significantly enhances traffic flow between Belize City and the north of the country.
Prime Minister John Briceño lauded the bridge as “an engineering marvel made in Belize by Belizeans,” while Minister of Infrastructure Development and Housing (MIDH), Julius Espat, said this was a testament to Belizean resilience and ingenuity. The bridge, designed and built by Belizean engineers, reduces travel times and bolsters connectivity between Belize City and the northern districts, supporting socio-economic development.
Meanwhile, urgent attention was drawn to the deteriorating condition of the Belcan Bridge. Structural assessments revealed significant spalling (concrete peeling) on the substructure’s piers, exposing internal reinforcements. Chief Engineer Evondale Moody confirmed that plans to replace the bridge, estimated at BZ$17 million, were delayed pending the Ministry of Finance’s final approval of funding. While awaiting resolution, large-scale events such as parades were diverted from the bridge to avoid further strain on its compromised structure.
Roads and Highways: Repair, Upgrade, and Maintenance
Weather-induced damages, particularly from heavy rains, placed Belize’s road network under significant pressure in 2024. The Belize City Council’s Street Damage Assessment Report found that 147 streets across the city’s 10 constituencies required repairs. Collet topped the list for costliest repairs, with an estimated bill of BZ$423,000 for 10 streets, while Lake Independence had the highest number of streets (27) in need of work.
City Administrator Albert Vaughan assured the public that BZ$1.6 million would be sourced to repair these roads. Efforts were already underway to address damage caused by incessant rains, which had eroded streets and highways across the country. Belize City has seen extensive street repairs, particularly on St. Thomas Street, which had been in disrepair for months. The repairs were funded through a collaborative effort between Belize Telecommunications Limited (BTL), Belize Water Services (BWS), and the MIDH.
Cemetery Road, which had not seen repair work for several years, is now receiving urgently needed resurfacing at two different locations. The Belize City Council and the MIDH are overseeing separate sections of the road, ensuring comprehensive rehabilitation. This project is expected to improve traffic flow and reduce vehicle maintenance costs for residents.
The northern and western entrances to Belize City are in deplorable condition, with large potholes and damaged culverts. The MIDH has been working around the clock to repair these critical arteries, although the recent rains have delayed progress. The Philip Goldson Highway from the Buttonwood Bay Roundabout to the city is already going through the procurement process, with work expected to start soon.
MIDH had its hands full with emergency repairs near the Bermudian Landing Bridge after heavy rainfall caused a road collapse. Minister Julius Espat said that such incidents are routine challenges his ministry faces year-round.
The paving of the San Carlos Road under the Resilient Rural Belize Program has been a major milestone. This project, valued at $1.19 million, aims to improve access for farmers and residents, facilitating the transport of agricultural produce to markets. The road has been designed to meet international standards, ensuring durability and resilience against weather conditions.
The rehabilitation of the Valley of Peace access road, funded by the Green Climate Fund, has been crucial for the agricultural community. This road supports the transport of perishable goods, reducing wastage and improving market access for farmers. The project has been designed to international standards, ensuring long-term sustainability and resilience.
The Coastal Highway saw significant setbacks this year when a bulldozer accident caused severe damage to the road’s surface. Reports indicated that the pin securing a tow hitch broke, leading to the bulldozer sliding off a flatbed and damaging the road. MIDH responded promptly, initiating repairs.
In northern Belize, the Corozal Free Zone’s development continued with the groundbreaking of a new 2.6-kilometre access road from the old bridge at the Rio Hondo to the Free Zone’s entrance. Funded by a BZ$1.9 million grant from the Central American Bank for Economic Integration (CABEI) and an additional BZ$1 million from the Belize government, the new access road aims to improve trade and commerce. CEO of the Corozal Free Zone, Neri Ramirez, reported significant growth, with over 1.1 million visitors and BZ$540 million in sales recorded in 2023.
Transport Sector Regulation and Modernisation
Belize’s transport sector saw regulatory changes, with Minister of Transport Rodwell Ferguson announcing updated standards for bus operators. Initially, bus operators were expected to modernise 50% of their fleets by December 2023 and 100% by the end of 2024. However, following industry pushback, the government considered extending deadlines to support compliance. Chief Transport Officer Leon Gentle noted that many operators had shown good faith efforts by registering newer buses and upgrading their fleets.
Nighttime highway patrols were also announced as part of efforts to reduce overcrowding on buses. This initiative, spearheaded by the Transport Department in collaboration with the Belize Police Department, aims to ensure safer highway travel.
Belize has made strides in developing a framework for public-private partnerships (PPPs) to support infrastructure projects. The new PPP policy, introduced in 2021, has laid the groundwork for future collaborations, although the country still faces challenges in managing and implementing these projects effectively. The policy has created a PPP unit and steering committee, which are expected to play a crucial role in future infrastructure development.
The infrastructure and transport initiatives align with Belize’s commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in promoting sustainable cities and communities. The focus on eco-friendly transport solutions and resilient infrastructure is expected to drive further progress in the coming years. The government’s efforts to reduce carbon emissions and improve air quality are also in line with global environmental goals.
Securing funding for large-scale infrastructure projects remains a significant challenge. The MIDH has been in discussions with various international financial institutions to secure loans and grants for critical projects. The government has also been exploring innovative financing solutions, such as public-private partnerships, to bridge the funding gap.
Engaging the community and raising public awareness about the benefits of infrastructure projects is crucial for their success. The government has been working to involve local communities in the planning and implementation of projects, ensuring that their needs and concerns are addressed. Public awareness campaigns have also been launched to educate citizens about the benefits of sustainable transport solutions and the importance of maintaining infrastructure.
Looking Ahead to 2025
As Belize pushes forward with its infrastructure and transport agenda, 2025 promises to be pivotal. Projects like the Belcan Bridge replacement and the inter-district e-bus rollout will test the country’s financial planning and project management capacity. Meanwhile, innovations like the “Mi Driva” app and e-taxis signal a shift towards technology-driven transport solutions. With climate change pressures mounting, Belize’s commitment to sustainable mobility and resilient infrastructure will remain at the forefront of its development agenda.
