2024 - Channel 5 Belize

More Victims Identified, Including Mother and Toddler

A mother, 30-year-old Jasmine Rodriguez, and her daughter, Jazelle Rodriguez, have been identified as the 7th and 8th victims of the road traffic accident that killed ten persons. 21-year-old Dennis Williams was also identified as one of the passengers in the Toyota Corolla that was involved in the horrific accident.

Police Commissioner Chester Williams told the nation via a Facebook post, “The accident involved a Ford Expedition SUV that was travelling from the direction of Benque Viejo Town from San Ignacio, carrying 4 passengers, a Toyota Corolla taxi car traveling from Benque to San Ignacio carrying 9 passengers and a motorcycle traveling in the same direction with only its rider. Of the four passengers in the Expedition, two are critical and are admitted to the hospital and the other two received minor injuries. All 9 passengers in the taxi and the motorcycle rider are deceased.”

Reports indicate the Toyota Corolla, driven by Ruduel Parham (deceased), collided with a motorcycle. This caused a fiery explosion that claimed the lives of all nine people inside the car as well as the motorcyclist. The other victims have been identified as 31-year-old Shailer Lopez, 29-year-old Abigail Bradley, 24-year-old Keilin Pinelo, 19-year-old Jaheim Inglesias, and Aimie Hernandez.

The crash also involved a Ford Expedition SUV traveling west toward Benque Viejo Town. The SUV had four occupants. Two remain hospitalised with critical injuries, while the other two sustained minor injuries.

Condolences Pour in as 6th Victim Identified

The country remains in shock following a horrific vehicular crash that left ten people dead. A devastating collision occurred near mile 68 on the George Price Highway and involved nine passengers in a Toyota Corolla and a motorcyclist.

The tragedy has sparked national grief and raised questions about how nine people managed to fit inside a five-seater vehicle.

Police Commissioner Chester Williams told the nation via a Facebook post, “The accident involved a Ford Expedition SUV that was travellings from in the direction of Benque Viejo Town from San Ignacio, carrying 4 passengers, a Toyota Corolla taxi car traveling from Benque to San Ignacio carrying 9 passengers and a motorcycle traveling in the same direction with only its rider. Of the four passengers in the Expedition, two are critical and are admitted to the hospital and the other two received minor injuries. All 9 passengers in the taxi and the motorcycle rider are deceased.”

Police Commissioner Chester Williams called the crash a “sad and tragic incident” and urged drivers to exercise caution on the highways. He assured the public that police are investigating the cause of the collision and will provide updates as more information becomes available.

5 of 10 Victims Identified

A deadly crash at mile 68 on the George Price Highway has claimed the lives of 10 people: nine passengers in a Toyota Corolla and a motorcyclist.

The Toyota Corolla, driven by Ruduel Parham (deceased), was eastbound toward San Ignacio just before 10:00 p.m. on Sunday night. The vehicle was carrying nine people at the time of the crash. Reports indicate that the Corolla collided with a motorcycle, causing a fiery explosion that killed all nine occupants of the car, as well as the motorcycle rider.

The other victims have been identified as 31-year-old Shailer Lopez, 29-year-old Abigail Bradley, 24-year-old Keilin Pinelo, 19-year-old Jaheim Inglesias, and Aimie Hernandez.

The names of the other victims are yet to be confirmed.

The crash also involved a Ford Expedition SUV that was heading in the opposite direction toward Benque Viejo Town. The SUV was carrying four passengers. Two of them remain hospitalized with critical injuries, while the other two sustained minor injuries.

Police Commissioner Chester Williams described the crash as a “sad and tragic incident” and stressed the need for drivers to exercise caution on the highways. He assured the public that police are working to determine the cause of the collision and will provide updates as more details become available.

The Commissioner urged the nation to keep the affected families in their prayers as the investigation continues.

Ten Dead, Several Injured in Tragic Collision

Police Commissioner Chester Williams has confirmed that San Ignacio police have concluded a preliminary investigation into a deadly multi-vehicle crash at mile 68 on the George Price Highway. The tragic accident involved a Ford Expedition SUV, a Toyota Corolla, and a motorcycle.

According to Commissioner Williams, the Ford Expedition was travelling from San Ignacio toward Benque Viejo Town with four passengers on board. The Toyota Corolla, carrying nine passengers, was headed in the opposite direction, while the motorcycle was travelling in the same direction as the Toyota Corolla with only its rider.

The collision resulted in the deaths of all nine passengers in the Toyota Corolla, as well as the motorcyclist. Of the four occupants in the Ford Expedition, two sustained critical injuries and were admitted to the hospital, while the other two received only minor injuries.

Commissioner Williams stated that the identities of the deceased are still being verified, and authorities are working to determine the exact cause of the accident.

Three of the ten victims have been identified as Shailer Lopez, Ashley Bradley, and Kaitlyn Ріnеlо.

“This is truly a sad and tragic incident, that underscores the fact that as drivers we must exercise due care when using the highways,” Williams said, calling on the public to keep the affected families in their prayers.

He assured the public that updates would be provided as more information becomes available.

Canada Issues Travel Advisory for Belize: Exercise High Caution

The Canadian government has issued a travel advisory urging citizens to exercise a high degree of caution when travelling to Belize, due to high levels of violent crime across the country. The advisory speaks of gang-related violence, particularly in Southside Belize City, and says that disputes over drug trafficking have led to shootings and murders. While tourists are typically not targeted, the Canadian government warns that travellers could still find themselves in dangerous situations.

The advisory also says that violent crime is widespread throughout Belize, including incidents such as armed robberies, home invasions, and sexual assaults, particularly in Belmopan. Border areas near Guatemala experience heightened criminal activity. To reduce the risk of becoming a victim of crime, the Canadian government recommends that travellers remain vigilant, avoid travelling after dark, and secure their valuables. The advisory also mentions that petty crimes like pickpocketing and purse snatching are common, especially in areas frequented by tourists.

Additionally, the Canadian government advises travellers to exercise caution when crossing borders, using only official crossings and avoiding nighttime travel. The advisory also warns about the prevalence of credit card and ATM fraud, particularly in San Pedro, advising travellers to take precautions when using cards. It is further noted that women travelling alone may experience harassment, and LGBTQ2 travellers may face verbal or physical abuse.

For those planning outdoor activities, the advisory stresses risks associated with coastal waters, such as riptides, and inconsistent rescue services. The Canadian government also warns that adventure tourism, such as hiking and zip-lining, can be hazardous if travellers are unprepared. The Canadian government points out that road conditions throughout Belize are poor, especially in rural areas, and traffic laws are not always enforced, contributing to the risks. Public transportation, including buses and taxis, is considered unsafe, and the Canadian government advises against using these services.

Finally, the advisory notes that when travelling by water taxi, travellers should ensure the vessel is properly equipped with safety gear and avoid boarding overloaded or unseaworthy vessels.

Belize Leads Regional Pact to Protect Displaced People

Seven countries from the Comprehensive Regional Protection and Solutions Framework (MIRPS) – Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, and Panama – have signed the Belize City Declaration. This reinforces their commitment to protect and support displaced people in the region.

The Declaration, adopted at the VII Annual MIRPS Meeting, calls for stronger partnerships and better coordination of regional responses to displacement. It calls for improving asylum systems, boosting access to education and healthcare, and creating job opportunities for displaced people.

Ministers and high-level representatives from member countries, donors, civil society, and private sector partners attended the meeting. They reviewed progress on more than 150 commitments made by member states and stressed the need for more funding to assist the 2.4 million displaced people in and from Central America and Mexico.

Belize, which held the MIRPS Pro-tempore Presidency in 2024, played a key role in advancing regional goals. Prime Minister John Briceño called on participants to continue supporting displaced communities, stating, “Together, we are turning challenges into opportunities and delivering tangible results for the most vulnerable.”

Filippo Grandi, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, praised MIRPS as a model for regional cooperation. “This is a great example of how the Global Compact on Refugees can be effectively implemented, providing both immediate assistance and long-term solutions,” Grandi said.

During the meeting, the United States concluded its term as President of the MIRPS Support Platform, handing over leadership to Colombia for 2025. Belize also transferred its role as MIRPS Pro-tempore President to Costa Rica, signaling the continued commitment of the region’s countries to protect displaced people and support durable solutions.

Belize Beats Mexico, Falls in Second T20 Match

Belize’s National Cricket Team made a strong start in the Men’s T20 World Cup Regionals in Buenos Aires, Argentina, claiming victory against Mexico by 5 wickets. The win marked a significant milestone for the team as they aimed to secure a spot among the top three teams to advance to the next phase of the tournament.

The team, which departed from the Philip Goldson International Airport on December 5th, faced stiff competition in its second match, ultimately suffering a loss to Argentina. Despite the setback, team manager Roy Young had previously expressed confidence in their chances, stating, “The energy is very high. We are hopeful that we will be in the top three.”

The tournament features nine teams — Bermuda, the Bahamas, Mexico, Panama, Argentina, Brazil, Suriname, the Cayman Islands, and Belize — all vying for one of three spots in a 2025 tournament in Canada. From there, one team will move on to the 2026 T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka.

EU Launches $16M Projects for Southern Belize Growth, Border Security

The European Union (EU), in collaboration with the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM), has announced two major initiatives aimed at promoting economic development in southern Belize and strengthening border management systems.

A press release says that the combined value of the projects is EUR 7.5 million (BZD 16 million) with the agreements signed on Friday. It says that these initiatives are seen as a major step toward addressing Belize’s socio-economic challenges while enhancing its security framework.

The PROSPER Project (Participation, Ownership, and Sustainable Progress for Economic Resilience) is a four-year initiative focused on promoting local economic development in the Toledo District. With funding of EUR 4.2 million (BZD 8.9 million), the project aims to build economic resilience, foster entrepreneurship, and strengthen skills development, particularly for women, youth, and rural communities. The ILO will lead this effort, with the agreement signed by Joni Musabayana, Director of the ILO Decent Work Team for the Caribbean.

The second initiative is the Effective and Sustainable Management of Belize’s Western and Southern Borders project, supported by EUR 3.3 million (BZD 7 million) in funding. This project focuses on enhancing border security, trade facilitation, and natural resource protection at Belize’s southern and western borders. Key objectives include developing a National Strategy for Integrated Border Management (IBM), updating conservation plans, and equipping border enforcement and conservation agencies to better protect forests and manage cross-border activities. The IOM will spearhead this project, with the agreement signed by Diana Locke, Head of Office for IOM Belize.

Both initiatives are expected to directly support Belize’s Medium-term Development Strategy 2022-2026, which aims to reduce inequalities and promote sustainable growth. The PROSPER project will target the country’s southern communities, building economic opportunities for groups that are often underserved. The border management project will provide modern tools and training to agencies responsible for cross-border cooperation, trade facilitation, and natural resource protection.

Woman Dies in Tragic Golf Cart Accident on Ambergris Caye

Jennifer Dawn Hernandez tragically lost her life in a golf cart accident near Secret Beach Road, Ambergris Caye, on Friday, December 6th. The incident occurred around 4 p.m. as Hernandez and her partner were travelling on a golf cart in San Pedro.

Reports indicate that her partner was driving when the cart hit a bump, causing Hernandez to be ejected from the vehicle. First responders arrived but were unable to revive her.

Police have since launched an investigation into the incident, and further details are expected as the probe continues.

BNTU Prepares for Demonstration in January 2025

The Belize National Teachers Union (B.N.T.U.) gathered on Thursday afternoon for simultaneous sessions across all branches. At the top of their agenda was the ongoing issue of unpaid increments and allowances for teachers. As we reported last week, the B.N.T.U. had warned the Ministry of Education that they were planning their next steps if the Briceño administration didn’t address this pressing concern. During yesterday’s meeting, an impressive one thousand, eight hundred and eighty-two teachers voted in favor of a countrywide demonstration set for January 2025. This bold move is being led by the union’s national President, Nadia Caliz. We kick off our newscast tonight with an interview with the B.N.T.U. president from earlier today.

Nadia Caliz, President, BNTU

“If we are unable to come together to solve this issue, because we are looking at systemic change, this is not a movement just for December thirty-first, this is something that we need to see a permanent solution be put together to solve it once and for all. That is what we want, so the system needs to be corrected. And you know why we’re after the system? It’s because we have to safeguard education. So if any politician or political fanatics see our movement as trying to bring down a government, they are crazy and they are lost. The membership brought to our attention from the ending of September that they have not received their allowances and increments. We touched based with the ministry and we were told that, especially for allowances, you have to report to your place of work first. You have to make certain that you were there and then those are going to be paid to you in October. That was not done at the end of October and I asked the membership to have patience until the ending of November and when that was not done at the ending of November, all hell broke loose. Members started reaching out to their branch presidents, presidents [started reaching out] to me. Members who had my personal number and the BNTU number started coming to me. And we had data because we had put out a survey asking our teachers how many of you are affected when it comes to not getting your increments, not getting your allowances and those who have also applied for salary upgrades, if you have received those upgrades. So our data showed at that time that at least seventy-five percent of our membership did not get anything, the ones who responded. So we’re talking about those who responded… nothing.”