With Christmas just a few weeks away, people will soon be scrambling to do their last-minute shopping for gifts. While the government is gearing up for the final House Meeting of the year next Friday, Prime Minister John Briceño noted that it’s the municipal governments across various towns and cities that have been spreading the holiday cheer. They’ve been lighting up Christmas trees and organizing festive activities to get everyone in the holiday spirit.
Prime Minister John Briceño
Prime Minister John Briceño
“We need to commend Mayor Wagner and the City Council of Belize. It was last week, Friday, when they unveiled or they lit the Christmas tree. From what I’m told and the images I saw, it was probably the largest ever that they had and also probably the largest in the entire country. It was so beautiful, people coming out. From all generations, grandparents, parents, children, you know, everybody’s out there. And it gives you such a good feeling, a feeling, a sense of community, of togetherness, of love, of hope, optimism. You know, and likewise in Belmopan, when I saw the images from Belmopan, I was like, wow, I mean, it’s great. Here in Orange Rock this weekend, the same thing we did at the Central Park. Whereby we also unveil the lights and lit up the Central Park. And the beauty about this is that, whilst that itself, it’s wonderful, exciting, and great. Once you do this, every night people go out as families to visit these areas. People go there to sell their, you know, food or drinks or whatever it is. Um, and it builds a sense of community. And we’re feeling that sense all across the country.”
People have been speculating about the election date like gamblers trying their luck at Boledo. But it looks like we’ll have to keep guessing. When we caught up with the Prime Minister today, the only hint he gave us was: soon.
Prime Minister John Briceño
“It is not going to be announced at the next House meeting, which is going to be next week Friday. I think that’s going to be the 13th of- you know, what they say, Friday the thirteenth. We’re not going to announce it then. We’re going to do it some other time. As I said, we will not call elections until 2025 and next year when it’s 2025. And so I tell everybody, get ready, it’s 2025 it’s going to be an election year.”
Today, the House of Culture in Orange Walk unveiled USpace on the upper floor of the Banquitas House of Culture. This new facility offers students a chance to explore their potential and allows everyone to connect the past with the present through innovation, history, and culture in a digital-friendly setting. It’s all part of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Science, and Technology’s Access 501 initiative. News Five’s Marion Ali was on the scene and filed this report.
Marion Ali, Reporting
Today the Ministry of Education, Culture, Science, and Technology introduced USpace, a platform that combines technology with history, culture and innovation. The project represents a collaborative effort between the Ministry’s Science and Technology Unit and the National Institute of Culture and History, NICH, in partnership with UNICEF Belize. Its goal is to empower communities by promoting digital skills. The initiative received support from UNICEF, whose Education Officer Natasha Manto says the children who use the resources will do so under supervision.
Natasha Mantock
Natasha Mantock, Education Officer, UNICEF
“UNICEF’s collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology – did I miss something? Culture. Why – at the House of Culture and NICH continues to expand as it contributes to the realization of the rights of children and adolescents to quality, holistic, and relevant early childhood development, lifelong learning, especially for the most disadvantaged. The Science and Technology Unit, you guys are reimagining education with innovative practices, initiatives such as the Youth Spaces, Access 501, ConnectED, GIGA, and much more. More than just a physical space, youth spaces are a safe space for children. They’ll access resources, they’ll be connected, they’ll be supervised.”
Prime Minister John Briceño was on hand to view the project and was impressed with what he saw.
Prime Minister John Briceño
Prime Minister John Briceño
“Belizeans from all over the country can come or go online, or come here physically, and archive any reference they may have. Could you imagine five, ten years from now, and the wealth of information that we can have from all across this country? I think it’s quite an exciting initiative.”
The Minister of Education, Francis Fonseca reminded the gathering of the importance of culture and shared some of the plans to grow culture as a business in Belize.
Francis Fonseca
Francis Fonseca, Minister of Education, Culture, Technology
“This Briceño government will expand and invest more In the Belize culture fund, we will develop an immersive and artistic Belize music, music museum. We will develop a plan for a children’s museum focusing on exploration and creativity. We will develop a new arts program, integrating it into STEAM education, and we will collaborate with our entrepreneurs across the country.”
Every day, children endure various forms of violence, often sexual or physical. Tragically, some cases of physical abuse are so severe that children have died from their injuries at the hands of adults. But the horror doesn’t end there. There are many types of violence that children are subjected to, and if authorities find out, the perpetrators can face serious criminal charges. In this feature, we’ll explore the laws, mechanisms, and systems in place to protect vulnerable children. We’ll also hear from a youth parliamentarian who has been a strong advocate for increased protection for these children. Here’s News Five’s Marion Ali with more.
Marion Ali, Reporting
You probably remember that shocking video from May, where a man was seen brutally striking and kicking a little boy on the side of the street. That man, 33-year-old Devain Flores, has now been sentenced to twelve months in prison after pleading guilty to cruelty to a child and common assault. The little boy’s case is just one of many where children suffer at the hands of adults each month. Our headlines are filled with stories of children who have endured violence or, tragically, have died because of it. The Family Violence Unit of the Belize Police Department knows these cases all too well. According to Unit Commander, Assistant Superintendent Mariette Robateau, most of this violence happens at home, where the line between discipline and abuse is often blurred. Unfortunately, the number of reports is on the rise.
Mariette Robateau
ASP Mariette Robateau, Commander, Family Violence Unit, Police Department
“We have been getting an increase when it comes to violence against children, especially between the ages, I would say, four to nine years old. The physical assault against them cannot be severe to the extent that they have bruises, or they have swelling, and you would have to be cognizant of the fact that if these things are reported, you can be well accountable for your action.”
But physical abuse isn’t the only form of violence children face. There’s also emotional abuse, psychological abuse, and even economic abuse. Over the years, the Ministry of Human Development has introduced several laws to protect children from these kinds of violence. According to Adele Catzim, the Ministry’s CEO, these laws are part of the broader framework of the Convention on the Rights of the Child.
Adele Catzim-Sanchez
Adele Catzim-Sanchez, C.E.O., Ministry of Human Development
“It does indicate that children are to be free from violence, any form of violence, abuse, and exploitation. And then, one of the things that we have done is to enshrine that into our national legislative framework. So we have some laws, one of them being the Criminal Code and the Criminal Code indicates that there are penalties for things like carnal knowledge, rape and any kind of sexual abuse of children. We also have the anti-trafficking protection legislation, which protects children from being trafficked. And also the labor law protects against child labor because we know that, you know, in some instances we have children who are unable to go to school because maybe they’re expected to work in the fields or expected to engage in other types of what we would consider hazardous work.
Labor exploitation is a form of violence of children.”
Catzim and others were instrumental in bringing the ban against corporal punishment at school. She says the ministry has also put in place several policies and mechanisms to respond to violence against children.
Adele Catzim-Sanchez
“We have instituted a Protocol that is called the 48 hour protocol and a that protocol a outline step by step what our officers need to do once they get a call, they would determine the urgency of the response and then within 48 hours. They need to be able to respond and there are certain things that need to be done within that time period to allow us to ensure that we deal with these emergency cases and of course, out of these, dealing with children, babies are a top priority. So if a child, a baby is being abused in any way, whether it’s sexual abuse or physical abuse. Or if it’s neglect, which is also a form of abuse, then we have to step in within those first 48 hours.”
The United Nations International Children’s Fund, UNICEF, has worked closely with the ministry on breakthrough areas that talk about parenting support, realizing that in many cases of violence against children, real-life situations are a factor. UNICEF’s Child Protection Officer, Melanie Barnes says the organization provides support to the government.
Malenie Barnes
Malenie Barnes, Child Protection Officer, UNICEF
“The government of Belize made a strong commitment to advance the agenda to end violence against children. And this includes looking at three breakthrough areas that talks about parenting support because we know that the issue of abuse and neglect from the inability of parents to really cope with some of the challenges that they’re facing, including, socioeconomic barriers.”
Reya Chi, a passionate youth parliamentarian, played a key role in pushing to raise the legal marriage age in Belize to eighteen.
Reya Chi
Reya Chi, 2023 Youth Parliamentarian
“My concern when it comes to violence against children is that children aren’t necessarily equipped with the ability to protect themselves at all times, especially young children. So, that’s why 18 is the age of adulthood, anyone below that doesn’t necessarily have the ability to protect themselves fully. So in 2023, I was a speaker of the House of Representatives in the Youth Parliament, um, in a simulation. And, um, we passed a bill for the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act in Belize. If children were to be involved in that union, they could be exposed to different types of violence, like financial violence, physical violence, from either their spouse or maybe even their in laws. And since they don’t have maybe the capacity to defend themselves and maybe to even think critically, they can’t necessarily protect themselves from these types of violence.”
Another key player in the fight against child violence is the National Committee for Families and Children (N.C.F.C.), which has been tirelessly working to eliminate this issue. Ana Carrillo says sometimes the violence or abuse that children suffer can affect them in other ways.
Ana Carrillo
Ana Carrillo, Child & Adolescent Participation Officer, N.C.F.C.
“If it’s a physical violence that occurs on a child, it might cause issues with development, probably having issues with mental health. like slow learning, um, mental issues. Also mental health is a big aspect of it because we say, Oh, you know, we tend to, as something happened, we try to cover it up. And then we don’t realize that deep within that person or, and maybe it being a child exposed to something later on in life, they start to exhibit other issues of mental health that may be compounded with it. Also, we look at the financial aspect. of violence, meaning that if they’re, you’re subjected to live within.”
Reya Chi, now a sixth form student, says it is issues like violence against children that influences her to not just be a voice in the wind.
Reya Chi
“I’m a person with very strong opinions, and I feel the need to defend those who can’t defend themselves. So, um, as a person who has been exposed to things like the Children’s Parliament and Youth Ambassadors, I see where, I have opportunities that others may not and I have gained knowledge about different things like violence against children and the prohibition of child marriage and beliefs and I can use that to make a better Belize.”
Joshua Moses Ashburn, a businessman already embroiled in legal trouble, faced a fresh wave of charges today. Ashburn and his wife, Xochil Lopez, were granted bail in the High Court on charges of firearm possession, ammunition, and drug-related offences earlier this morning.
Ashburn and Lopez, both businesspeople from Belmopan, secured $15,000 bail each, along with stringent conditions imposed. These include weekly reporting to police, surrendering travel documents, and avoiding contact with witnesses. The couple’s next court appearance is scheduled for January 20, 2025, related to previous charges stemming from their alleged possession of prohibited firearms and drugs.
The new allegations claim that on November 18, 2024, Ashburn had possession of counterfeit Belize visas in Chinese passports and forged immigration stamps at his Western Avenue residence. These included stamps purportedly used for permanent residency and visitor permits, which investigators allege were intended for fraudulent purposes.
Despite the severity of the new charges, Ashburn was granted an additional $5,000 bail with conditions. He must report weekly to the Queen Street Police Station, reside at his current address, and attend all court dates, including the next hearing on January 20, 2025.
A Belize Defence Force (BDF) soldier and her boyfriend were arraigned today on charges related to a stabbing incident in Lords Bank, Ladyville, that left a 20-year-old man critically injured.
The accused, 23-year-old Stacy Antonio, a BDF soldier, and 26-year-old William Flowers, an unemployed resident of Lords Bank, were jointly charged with attempted murder, dangerous harm, use of deadly means of harm, and theft.
The charges stem from an attack on Evan Pook Jr., who was reportedly stabbed multiple times around 9:30 p.m. on Tuesday, December 3, while walking on a feeder road in the Lords Bank area. During the incident, Pook’s Samsung A4 cellphone, valued at $500, was also allegedly stolen.
The couple appeared unrepresented this afternoon. Due to the severity of the charges, no plea was taken, and bail was denied. Both Antonio and Flowers were remanded to the Belize Central Prison until January 7, 2025, when their case will be revisited.
Police say investigations led to the arrest of the duo, but a motive for the attack has not been determined.
Every day, children endure various forms of violence, from physical and emotional abuse to neglect and exploitation. Tragically, some suffer severe abuse that leads to their deaths, often at the hands of adults entrusted with their care. While perpetrators face serious criminal charges when discovered, violence against children remains a persistent issue in Belize. Tackling this crisis requires robust laws, mechanisms, and advocacy.
One of the most shocking cases occurred in May 2024, when a video emerged of a man brutally striking and kicking a young boy on the streets in Belize City. That man, 33-year-old Devain Flores, has since been sentenced to 12 months in prison after pleading guilty to cruelty to a child and common assault. Sadly, his case is just one of many reported each month. Assistant Superintendent Mariette Robateau, Commander of the Family Violence Unit, notes that most abuse occurs at home, where the line between discipline and violence is often blurred. Reports of abuse have been increasing, particularly among children aged four to nine.
The violence is not limited to physical harm. Children are also subjected to emotional, psychological, and economic abuse. In response, the Ministry of Human Development has enacted laws to protect children from various forms of exploitation, such as child labour, sexual abuse, and human trafficking. According to the Ministry’s CEO, Adele Catzim-Sanchez, these laws align with the Convention on the Rights of the Child, which guarantees children the right to a life free from violence. The ministry has also implemented policies, such as the 48-hour protocol, ensuring swift responses to cases of abuse.
The United Nations International Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has partnered with the government to support initiatives aimed at ending violence against children. Melanie Barnes, UNICEF’s Child Protection Officer, stressed the importance of parenting support, as many instances of abuse stem from socioeconomic challenges that overwhelm caregivers.
Advocacy plays a critical role in driving change. Youth parliamentarian Reya Chi has been a vocal proponent of child protection measures. In 2023, she helped pass the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act during a Youth Parliament simulation, raising the legal marriage age to 18.
Organizations like the National Committee for Families and Children (NCFC) also contribute to the fight against child violence. Ana Carrillo, the NCFC’s Child and Adolescent Participation Officer, highlights the long-term effects of abuse, including developmental delays, mental health challenges, and financial instability. These impacts often follow children into adulthood, underscoring the urgent need for intervention..
Through legal frameworks, advocacy, and support mechanisms, Belize is working to combat violence against its youngest citizens. However, it is clear that continued effort and collective action are needed to ensure every child can live free from harm.
Michael Contreras, father of 13-year-old Micah Contreras, spoke to News 5 about his son’s fatal accident.
The second-form S.H.C. student died in a George Price Highway crash near Unitedville, Cayo, after a pickup overtaking struck his motorcycle, splitting it in two. He was rushed to the hospital but succumbed to his injuries.
On the evening of the incident, Michael was at home when the incident happened. At around 5:30 p.m., he and his workers heard a loud bang.
Michael’s cousin, who assists him with his construction business, ran over, alerting him to an accident involving his son.
Micah had taken a motorcycle out of the yard without permission, a rule the family had strictly enforced. “He’s not allowed to take the bike on the highway,” Michael said. “We have an acre and a half here and we allow him to ride it here.”
Rushing to the scene, Michael found his son lying in a drain, severely injured after being hit by an oncoming vehicle. The impact was so forceful that it destroyed Micah’s helmet and scattered parts of the motorcycle across the road. “It looks like the vehicle dragged him all the way into the drain.” Michael climbed into the drain to retrieve his son. He placed Micah in his truck and raced to the hospital, where doctors worked tirelessly for 15 to 20 minutes. Despite their efforts, Micah succumbed to his injuries.
Neighbours informed Michael that Micah had likely been heading to pick up a friend to play soccer when the accident occurred.
Belize National Teachers’ Union (BNTU) President Nadia Caliz has issued a rallying call to address persistent challenges faced by teachers, including salary upgrades, incremental allowances, and broader systemic issues that she says threaten the quality of education in the country.
Caliz told the media this afternoon that alarming findings from recent surveys show that 75% of responding members had not received salary upgrades earlier in the year. According to Caliz, this figure climbed to 90% in November. She said that delays in incremental allowances have left over 800 members—more than 25% of the union’s membership—without payments for three months.
“These figures represent a significant number of our members, but even if it were just one teacher, it’s unacceptable. It cannot continue,” Caliz stressed.
The BNTU membership recently voted overwhelmingly to take action. With over 1,800 members casting ballots—well above the required threshold—the union has been authorised to escalate its efforts. The first step is a formal letter to the Ministry of Education outlining the teachers’ demands. If no satisfactory response is received, a demonstration has been tentatively approved for January 2025.
Despite meeting with Chief Education Officer Yolanda Gongora, the Ministry of Education has yet to provide clear answers or resolutions. “The question asked to Chief Gongora, ‘Will our teachers be able to get their increments and allowances before the end of the year?’ She couldn’t answer the question,” Caliz stated.
“We are the backbone of every profession in this country; we need to be treated with respect. So when the membership is saying, ‘It is time,’ it is time.”
A mysterious illness with flu-like symptoms has claimed at least 79 lives in the south-western Democratic Republic of Congo. The majority of the deceased are reported to be between the ages of 15 and 18.
More than 300 people have been infected, displaying symptoms such as fever, headaches, runny noses, coughs, breathing difficulties, and anemia. Response teams have been deployed to Kwango Province, particularly in the Panzi health zone, where the outbreak is concentrated.
Symphorien Manzanza, a civil society leader, described the situation as alarming due to the increasing number of cases.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has dispatched a team to the affected area to collect samples for laboratory analysis.
Authorities have urged the population to remain calm and take preventative measures, including handwashing with soap, avoiding mass gatherings, and refraining from touching the bodies of the deceased without professional assistance.
This outbreak comes as the Democratic Republic of Congo continues to grapple with other health crises, including a severe mpox outbreak, which recorded approximately 14,500 infections between January and July this year, and periodic outbreaks of Ebola.
