An elderly man died after he fell from a horse on Friday morning. The deceased has been identified as 79-year-old farmer Ernest Williams Funez.
The incident happened in May Pen Village, Belize District, while he was riding the horse.
According to reports, Funez was riding behind 70-year-old Denton Moody when the fall occurred. Despite efforts to assist him, Funez was unresponsive.
Upon arriving at the scene, authorities found no visible injuries or signs of foul play. Funez was later transported to Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 5:21 p.m.
An estimated $9,645 worth of tools and equipment was stolen from a worksite container in Ladyville. Police are investigating a theft, reported on December 27, 2024, that is believed to have occurred between 5 a.m. on December 24 and 7 a.m. on December 27.
The stolen items include two skill saws, three hammer drills, grinders, a jackhammer, an impact drill set, a sledgehammer, a pressure washer, and a generator.
While authorities have visited the scene and gathered evidence, no arrests have been made and no witnesses have come forward.
Anyone with information is urged to report to the police.
A tourist from Pennsylvania,U.S.A., lost all her belongings when the SUV she had just rented caught fire on Friday afternoon.
Rachel Goldman, 50, had rented a 2013 Ford Escape from AQ Auto Rentals for a 6-day trip. While driving on John Smith Road around midday, she reported noticing smoke coming from the hood. After pulling over, the vehicle reportedly exploded and was quickly engulfed in flames.
Goldman managed to escape but left behind her passport, credit card, iPhone 12, and clothing. The SUV was completely destroyed.
Authorities are still investigating the cause of the fire.
Authorities are investigating a suspected case of New World Screwworm (Cochliomyia hominivorax) in the southwestern Toledo District. The Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA) and the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security, and Enterprise (MAFSE) issued a statement confirming that technical teams have been dispatched to the area to conduct a thorough assessment.
The screwworm is a highly destructive parasite that poses a significant threat to livestock and other animals. BAHA and MAFSE have urged livestock owners, transporters, and the public to remain vigilant. Preventative measures include regular inspection of animals for signs of myiasis (wound infestations by larvae), immediate reporting of suspected cases to BAHA or healthcare providers, and ensuring that livestock have NWS Health Inspection Certificates and Movement Permits before transportation. Additionally, animal movements should occur only during daylight hours, and all animals, including pets, must be declared at designated Animal Movement Control Points.
Illegal movement of animals continues to be a major factor in the spread of screwworm across Central America. BAHA has emphasised the importance of adhering to strict regulations outlined in the New World Screwworm Prevention, Control, and Eradication Regulations under Statutory Instrument 143 of 2024. Violators face penalties of up to $5,000 in fines, imprisonment for up to three years, or both.
Residents are encouraged to report cases of suspected screwworm infestations to BAHA’s Animal Health Department. Contact numbers include 824-4872 for Central Farm, 302-1388 for Orange Walk, or via WhatsApp at 670-7003. Additional information can also be obtained by emailing animalhealth@baha.org.bz.
“This highly prolific parasite continues to spread across Central America due to the illegal movement of animals,” the BAHA statement read. The agency is calling for strict adherence to preventative measures and swift action in reporting potential cases to protect Belize’s livestock industry.
As energy prices rise and the effects of climate change intensify, many entrepreneurs in Belize are discovering that solar energy is more than just an eco-friendly choice—it’s a practical way to cut costs.
As Belize continues to import electricity from Mexico, many areas, including popular tourist destinations such as the cayes and rainforest eco-lodges, remain off the national grid. In response, businesses are increasingly adopting alternative energy solutions, such as solar power, to reduce reliance on imported fuel.
Whether it’s powering an off-grid facility or maintaining an efficient production line, energy costs can eat into already tight financial margins. But the shift toward renewable energy is not just about saving money; it’s also about sustainability. Entrepreneurs are recognising the growing demand from consumers for eco-conscious businesses, and solar power provides a way for companies to reduce their carbon footprint while becoming more self-reliant.
Sustainability as a Competitive Edge
In today’s business world, sustainability is more than just a buzzword—it’s a key differentiator. Consumers are increasingly prioritising companies that are mindful of their environmental impact, and small businesses in Belize are catching on. Entrepreneurs exploring eco-friendly alternatives, including solar energy, are not only reducing their overhead costs but also positioning themselves as leaders in the growing green economy.
The hot sauce manufacturer, Hot Mama’s Belize, exemplifies this shift in solar energy after installing 75 solar panels (15 KW) on its facility’s roof. The company, nestled in the Cayo District of Belize, was able to take advantage of small loans and grants, including those from the European Union, to make the transition to solar power.
“I believe in helping the environment and doing my part as far as climate change,” said Wilana Oldams, the owner of Hot Mama’s Belize. “The solar installation has helped reduce the overall energy costs, which has allowed Hot Mama’s to become more competitive in a good marketplace.”
Oldams added that the impact was immediate. “We did the solar installation, and the change was immediate,” she explained. “In the first month, we dropped down to about $200, from over $2,000 to $200.” Oldhams says this dramatic reduction in energy costs allowed Hot Mama’s Belize to stay competitive in the marketplace by keeping prices down, even as other companies raised theirs.
As the demand for eco-friendly products grows, this fresh vision of sustainable entrepreneurship is increasingly resonating with Belize’s consumers, who share these values, both locally and even internationally.
Belize: A Model for Sustainable Tourism
While Belizean products are reaching markets abroad, many travellers are coming to the country for its culture, food, and, importantly, its eco-friendly tourism. Over the past few years, Belize has earned its place as a hotspot for environmentally conscious travellers.
Take, for instance, the case of Gaia Riverlodge, an off-grid eco-resort that recently combined solar and hydroelectric power to meet its energy needs. Eight months ago, the resort decided to invest in solar energy to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels and align with its sustainability goals. The resort now operates with a hybrid energy system, integrating 80 solar panels, six SMA inverters, and a 140-kilowatt battery bank with its existing hydro turbine.
“Before we were forced to burn fossil fuel to meet our energy demands, which isn’t in line with what we stand for,” said Nigel Richards, the resort’s general manager. But, with the hybrid grid system, it is now supported by diesel power only as a backup.
According to Richards, the shift to solar has led to a 6-7% reduction in fossil fuel consumption for energy generation compared to the same period last year. Richards says that this drop and the use of solar energy have helped reduce the resort’s carbon footprint. “On average, we’re avoiding 110.2 pounds of CO2 emissions daily, which helps to offset global warming impacts. It’s a small operation that we have, but this is a good step towards doing our part in protecting the environment.”
Not only did the resort cut down on fuel costs, but it also helped Gaia Riverlodge become more attractive to eco-conscious tourists. “We find nowadays that a lot of travellers are eco-conscious and are responsible travellers. So knowing that we’re doing this has been drawing a lot of attention and drawing a lot of clients,” Richards added.
With tourism being one of Belize’s leading economic sectors, the transition to solar energy is helping the country become an even more appealing destination for travellers who prioritise sustainability. In fact, just this year in September, Belize hosted the inaugural World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards, where it was named the “World’s Leading Sustainable Destination.” Minister of Tourism & Diaspora Relations, Belize, Anthony Mahler, said, “These wins reflect our nation’s deep commitment to sustainability and responsible tourism. Belize is setting a global example of how tourism and conservation can work hand in hand for the benefit of our people and the planet.”
The benefits of solar energy extend beyond businesses themselves. By embracing green technologies, these businesses are contributing to the broader goal of sustainable development in Belize and creating a ripple effect for others in their communities to follow suit. Solar power is proving to be the ideal solution for businesses in rural areas or off the national grid.
The Growing Market for Solar Energy-Related Services
While many entrepreneurs in Belize are making the leap into solar energy by adopting it within their own businesses, there’s also a rapidly growing market for those who wish to go one step further and provide solar energy-related services. As more companies and individuals seek solar-powered solutions, the demand for installation, maintenance, and battery storage is rising. And with the introduction of electric vehicles and e-buses in July this year in Belize, the need for renewable energy infrastructure, such as solar-powered charging stations, is also expanding.
José Urbina, Chief Executive Officer for the Ministry of Public Utilities, Energy, Logistics, and E-Governance (MPUELE), says this growth is creating a ripe opportunity for aspiring entrepreneurs to enter the renewable energy sector. “When we speak about accelerating the transition, it also comes with upscaling,” Urbina said, adding that there’s a huge opportunity for businesses to provide everything from solar panel installation to energy storage solutions and charging stations for e-vehicles; the opportunities are vast.
The transition to solar power is changing the way small businesses in Belize operate, grow their revenue, and expand their market presence. For businesses, it means reducing their dependence on imported fuel and insulating themselves from the volatility of energy prices. For entrepreneurs, it’s an opportunity to enter a rapidly expanding market with endless potential.
A family in Dangriga is heartbroken this holiday season after their loved one, Richard Aranda, was tragically shot and killed on Christmas night. Richard was walking along Sabal Street in the Lakeland Area when he was ambushed and shot twice, just after nine PM. The incident left the community with many unanswered questions, as Richard, a resident of Rivas Estate, was not known to have any conflicts with anyone. News 5’s Marion Ali brings us more in the following story.
Voice of: Sabal Street Resident
Voice of: Sabal Street Resident
“I mi eena mi bathroom taking a shower, I just got inside and I heard four shots, so I say da pop shots and John Kunu mi di play cross the street deh, the last stop over deh. So I said that nuh wa be gunshots and lotta kids deh rround. So I don’t take my shower and I get outta mi shower fi get eena mi bed fi put on clothes eena mi room and I hear pop, pop, pop, pop, pop. And I say, what? So, by the time I said I was going to peep through my window, I see people running through my yard ya. So I said, Oh my God. So I get – I start shaking. So I wait for a long while before I come outside. That time police done deh out ya already, and then I ask if the bwai dead. I aske da who get shot? Richie!”
Marion Ali, Reporting
On Christmas night, twenty-three-year-old Richard Aranda was walking down Sabal Street when tragedy struck. Just after nine p.m., two men on a motorcycle approached him and shot him at close range. Aranda collapsed on the street and was quickly rushed to the Southern Regional Hospital, but sadly, he passed away half an hour later. A resident of Sabal Street, who spoke with News Five, shared that Aranda had left their house only about an hour before the fatal shots were heard. The community is left in shock and mourning as they grapple with this senseless act of violence.
Voice of: Sabal Street Resident
“He spend whole day with me right pahn da chair deh eena da corner. Ih gone buy mi two stour and mi Lala milk and ih tell mi “I gwein give mi kids dehn gift and ah wa come back and ih spend a whole day with me til after six ih gone stand up right deh. About 7:30, I call ah back and say, “Papa, I gwein inside. I tired. Ih help mi ker in all deh chairs, the table, mi box weh I play music. I tell ah goodnight. So that da after 7:30, like going for eight o’clock. I surprised fi see da bwai dead. I can’t sleep all night. I just got to rest this morning before day. I can’t believe it, man.”
For one resident, the spot where Richard Aranda was gunned down brought back chilling memories of losing a relative to gun violence years ago. This tragic incident has stirred up a sense of unease in the neighborhood once again. But who would want Richard dead, and why? His friend is grappling with the same questions. They shared a strange occurrence from that night, almost like an omen, adding another layer of mystery to this heartbreaking story.
Voice of: Sabal Street Resident
“Ih say “My bredda call me and tell me how ih dream dehn shoot me up and kill me – my bredda da jail.” I say, what? So then I look pahn ah and I say, but I have a dream that wa bwai come through the window, and dehn ih drop ih cap right deh soh. I can’t see ih face, then look pahn ah and I say but the person look like you. Then ih laugh.”
Richard Aranda was a father of two young children. Police found several expended shells at the scene, have detained one suspect, and are looking for another, both also residents of Dangriga. Marion Ali for News Five.
It’s been four days since twenty-year-old Joshua Hall from San Antonio Village, Corozal, went missing, and his family is pleading for help to find him. Joshua was last seen on Monday morning when he went to the Corozal Town Police Station to sign in, as required by his bail conditions. Records show that he signed in that morning but never made it back home. Joshua left home on a pink bicycle with a basket on the front, wearing a green shirt, black cargo pants, and black Nike slippers. Today, his sister, Aiyana Hall, took to Facebook to share more details about his disappearance. She explained that Joshua must sign in at the police station every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday and must be home by six p.m. each evening due to his curfew. If he’s caught out after curfew, he risks being incarcerated. Aiyana believes her brother intended to return home that morning. The family is desperate for any information that could help bring Joshua back safely.
Aiyana Hall
Aiyana Hall, Sister of Joshua Hall
“He left home at 8:36 promising to return to set up a bed, being that he’s waiting his child and him and his girlfriend are supposed to move in. The last message was to his girlfriend that he’s heading out to sign and he will be right back. However, records show that he signed it at the police station at 8:58 a.m., but after that, no one at the police station can confirm that he left. Or no one has, they haven’t picked up any footage that shows him leaving the station or anywhere in Corozal. Right now, we’re suspecting anything. We can’t overlook anything at this point. It’s been too long. No one is talking. There’s no sign of his bike. And I know that he wouldn’t just disappear like that. You know, he looked forward to coming home. He looked forward to come home to my apartment. He would eat. He would never just go and tell nobody anything. Also, I have access to his social media, both Facebook and Instagram, which was his only way of communicating with anyone. And I can verify that he wasn’t supposed to meet any friend that day. He didn’t have any plans further than going to sign and returning home.”
Joshua Hall, who was granted bail for a robbery charge on November twenty-fifth, had been diligently signing in at the police station three times a week. However, his sister Aiyana Hall mentioned that there’s no footage of him leaving the station, and no one was home to confirm his return that morning since everyone had left after he did. The family searched surrounding villages and areas for Joshua but with no success. Aiyana also alleged that some members of the Belize Police Department have threatened to harm her brother. She is appealing to residents with cameras near the police station to review their footage from Monday to see if they captured Joshua. Today, Aiyana, told News Five that the Corozal police have checked their cameras but have found nothing so far.
On the Phone: Eden Hall, Sister of Joshua Hall
“We just sat down with the commanding officer in Corozal, which is Mr. Carcamo, to update us on what they’re doing because so far we haven’t felt like they have been assisting us. We were told that they have checked certain cameras and they haven’t seen anything. So I asked because at this point, we are suspecting anyone. No one can tell us when they last saw him and the last known location was the police station because he signed in. So, we’re looking at our angles and I explained this to the commanding officer this morning. I told him we need to look at everything at this point, and he says that they are trying to clarify that he did leave the station. The cameras in the station aren’t working. So, so far, they haven’t found anything that shows him on any cameras that they have received footage of. He says that there are two cameras left to check, um, and they will get back to us.”
This morning, Belize Sugar Industries and other stakeholders kicked off the 2024-2025 sugar cane season. Originally slated to start on December sixteenth, the season’s opening was delayed to the twenty-seventh due to poor road conditions. Although the season is just getting underway, stakeholders are already bracing for challenges. Tumultuous weather, rough road conditions, and the rapid spread of fusarium disease across northern Belize are expected to impact cane farmers and sugar producers. News Five’s Britney Gordon was at the opening ceremony to get the scoop on what next year holds for the sugar industry. Here’s her report.
Britney Gordon, Reporting
This morning marked the official start of the 2024/2025 crop season, kicking off Belize’s sugar production for the upcoming year. Despite the excitement, it’s a slow day at Belize Sugar Industries. 2024 was a landmark year for the local sugar industry, with record-breaking cane prices and the largest raw sugar export in the country’s history. However, stakeholders are cautious about 2025, uncertain if it will match the previous year’s success.
Vladimir Pook
Vladimir Pook, Chairman, Corozal Sugar Cane Producers
“This symbolic opening is very important. Where it shows unity, the full association, we came here today and do what is best for our keen farmers, right? To the start of a crop. It’s a very challenging crop coming ahead. Reasons, weather, roads, the fusarium, as you all know. And other pests that have been affecting the industry. But I think that at this point in time, there is one major reason why today it looks a little bit sad, I can say. At the beginning of a crop where you don’t see as many trucks as we normally do, right? And that has contributed mostly to the roads. The pest that has done its damage, but now it’s time to deliver. We wanted to have an early start, but unfortunately the authorities did not prioritize on that.”
In late October, cane farmers were overjoyed as sugar cane prices soared to a record-breaking ninety dollars and ninety-five cents. It was a moment of celebration for the industry. However, Alfredo Ortega, Chairman of the Belize Sugar Cane Farmers Association Committee of Management, warns that tougher times are on the horizon for farmers next year.
Alfredo Ortega
Alfredo Ortega, Chairman, Committee of Management, B.S.C.F.A.
“We are seeing the realities novel of climate change, as you rightly said. As we have said before, the problems we are seeing are many of them are caused by climate change. And yes, there’s a situation because as everything has, fuel is up, labor is up. So the farmers are really very tight in regards to what they make and in regards to the sugarcane they have. So it’s not an easy issue, it’s not very easy for the farmers to see when we are getting a huge amount on the sugarcane we produce. Nevertheless, last year we got ninety dollars per ton of cane which has been the highest in history. But when we see all the payments that we have to do in regards to fuels, in regards to social security, that has doubled from five years ago to now what we have to pay for labor from six to ten dollars now for cutting. So it’s a very huge amount that the farmers now have to pay to to get that cane coming here to the mill.”
Despite the looming challenges, farmers remain resolute. Alfredo Ortega notes that many have already started planting seeds for the next crop season. Likewise, Belize Sugar Industries (B.S.I.) is preparing for the year ahead, ready to tackle whatever comes their way.
Shawn Chavarria
Shawn Chavarria, Financial Director, B.S.I.
“Symbolically, it’s a good day in that we have an agreement with all our associations, which paves the way for the crop. That’s really the most important thing you need to have, a successful crop. If you have an agreement with all your associations for the cane, that makes, planning the crop much easier. I think we certainly know what are the challenges this year. We’ve heard from farmers and their leaders that sugar roads are in a bad state. And that’s making it difficult to get the cane in. So we’re expecting that today might be a very slow day in that respect. We know as well about the disease fusarium, which will result in lower-quality cane. So what we need to ensure from the mill standpoint is that the mill has been maintained properly so that we can deal with this cane. From our standpoint, we’ve done that. We put in about fourteen million Belize dollars just in out-for-crop replacement of maintenance equipment. And general maintenance to get the prop on the middle ready for today.”
So far, only a handful of trucks loaded with cane have made their way to the B.S.I. compound. However, BSI’s financial director, Shawn Chavarria, is optimistic that the operation will ramp up to full speed very soon.
Shawn Chavarria
“ We were currently doing some phone calls to the different leaders and groups to find out how much cane they have ready. We’re still getting some numbers. We’re trying to at least get quantity of our own fifteen hundred assured before we start putting on our cane shredder and our cane knives because that really then requires a lot of power to start receiving the cane. So we need to be assured a certain quantity before we can get that. I would expect maybe by late this afternoon, we will probably have an indication of sufficient quantity. Then we will be able to make a start with the milling, but we’re hopeful that by tomorrow, we start seeing a steadier level of cane coming in and start getting into full force.”
The bleak outlook for sugar production is a major concern for B.S.I., which relies on fixed assets. Low output makes running the mill costly. While B.S.I. assures that the local sugar market won’t be hit hard, Cane Farmer Relations Manager Olivia Carballo-Avilez warns that international sales are expected to drop.
“We will be able to supply for the Belizean market. It’s only ten percent output. of the total production that’s for the Belizean market. And of course, if we are, if we don’t have the sugar production, we can’t sell those amounts. The local market has, we don’t have to worry about that, but yes, we will be selling less sugar if there is less sugar.”
Belize’s sugar roads are in terrible condition, according to cane farmers across Northern Belize who are struggling to make their deliveries. Today, the 2024-2025 crop season finally kicked off, sixteen days later than planned, mainly due to the poor state of the roads. Belize Sugar Industries’ Financial Director, Shawn Chavarria, shared that this has been a long-standing issue for the industry, making it difficult for farmers to get their cane to the sugar producers.
Shawn Chavarria
Shawn Chavarria, Financial Director, B.S.I.
“I think it’s really, a long term failure that has been occurring with respect to Sugar Roads. Infrastructure is critical for any sector, any industry, especially ours, which requires transportation of their raw material to the mill. And so without the proper infrastructure, it’s difficult for us to be able to make a good start. And we’ve seen that. We have proposed to start the crop on the sixteenth of December of December. Farmers, I said, look, I am willing to start, but I can’t get to my fields. And so that has set, that’s about two weeks. But the state of the roads is not one that just occurred this year, or the year before. It’s been successive years of inadequate maintenance and repairs to these sugar roads for a critical industry. It’s still one of the largest agricultural industries in Belize. It’s the highest contributor to GDP from the agricultural sector, bringing the highest level of foreign exchange. I think a long-term solution really needs to be put in place to address the matter of sugar roads because now it’s costing us money because it’s delaying the start. If we have to push the crop into the rainy season, it will cost the industry to lower cane quality and less recovery of sugar. So really, we need a long term solution for the matter of sugar roots so that, we remove one obstacle that we have.”
