Tonight, twenty-two-year-old Egbert Vince Gill from Santa Barbara Street is out on bail after being arraigned on a charge of aggravated assault with a knife. Late this evening, Gill, who did not have legal representation, appeared before Chief Magistrate Jayani Wegodapola. He was charged with aggravated assault with a dangerous instrument against Leon Lopez. Gill, a laborer from Belize City, pleaded not guilty. With no objections, he was granted bail of one thousand, five hundred dollars, plus one surety of the same amount, which he met. As part of his bail conditions, Gill must not contact the complainant or any members of his family. He also must not be arrested or charged with any other offenses while out on bail, or his bail will be revoked. Gill’s next court date is set for February twenty-eight, 2025.
Day: January 2, 2025
A Maskall Resident is Arraigned for Robbery
Tonight, twenty-nine-year-old Jeremy Johnson from Maskall is out on bail after being arraigned in Belize City Magistrate’s Court on a robbery charge. The allegations against Johnson claim that on December thirteenth, 2024, in Maskall Village, he used force to steal forty-five dollars from Milton Reyes. During his arraignment, Johnson initially pleaded guilty with an explanation, insisting that he did not rob the man. Disagreeing with the police’s account and denying the offense, Johnson was granted bail of two thousand dollars and is scheduled to return to court in February 2025. As part of his bail conditions, Johnson must attend all court dates set by the Magistrate and must not be arrested or charged with any other offenses while out on bail, or his bail could be revoked.
First New-born at KHMH Arrived at 12:15 to Mother from Hattieville
Every year, we eagerly await the announcement of the first baby born in the new year. While the news varies across the six districts, at K.H.M.H., the first baby of 2025 arrived at 12:15 a.m. on January first. The proud mom, nineteen-year-old Glenda Pop from Hattieville Village, welcomed her second child. Today, Glenda and her newborn were discharged from the hospital after receiving traditional gifts from San Cas Limited, a heartwarming tradition they’ve upheld for the past two decades. News Five’s Marion Ali was on the scene to capture the joyous moments and filed this report.
Marion Ali, Reporting
While Belizeans were out celebrating the arrival of 2025, one woman was making her way to the maternity ward to welcome her second son. Nineteen-year-old Glenda Pop from Hattieville didn’t expect to ring in the new year in labor, as her due date was set for Friday, January third. But life had other plans, and she ended up ushering in 2025 with the birth of her baby boy.
Glenda Pop, Mother of New Year’s Baby
“Dem give me 3rd of January.”
Marion Ali
“And he surprised you.”
“Yes.”
Marion Ali
“What’s his name?”
Glenda Pop
“Well, I no find for him name yet.”
Sister Estella Flowers, Manager, Maternity Ward, K.H.M.H
“When 12 o’clock came, she was fully dilated and ready to push, and she pushed, you know, she delivered a healthy male neonate at twelve-fifteen a.m., weighing six pound three ounces.”
Sister Estella Flowers
“We were expecting three to four mothers, but she was the only one and still only the only one. We just had a delivery yesterday on the second. So, she was the only one for 24 hours.”
Aisha Trapp, Marketing Manager, San Cas Ltd.
“The items are selected based on the policies from the hospital, putting breastfeeding first, of course. We don’t give any milk substitutes in the package. We give Ovaltine, which helps with the production of breast milk. We also give 7Cs vitamins. We give, of course, Huggies diapers and wipes and we give Jergens products which, of course, adds to self care for the mom. We know that after having a newborn, it’s very tough on the mom, so we do give products for the mom and baby. – Kotex, of course, for mommy. So we’ve added a little every year, based on the policy of the hospital, and we do check with them before we give the packages.”
Aisha Trapp
“We don’t only give the baby born at K.H.M.H, but we do give babies from all different public hospitals. We’ve checked, and so far, San Ignacio had a baby boy. He was born 12:02 a.m., and Dangriga had three. It had two females and one male. The first female was born at 9:02 a.m., so, we continue to check and see if any other babies were born. We did check also the private hospitals because we do give all the babies that were born for the new year a package.”
“I never know if I’m gonna get this, so, I say thanks to you all.”
Glenda Pop was overjoyed with the gifts that came with the arrival of her second child, another baby boy. At just nineteen, she’s already decided that two is enough for her.
“You plan on having more New Year’s babies?”
Glenda Pop
“No, I don’t want no more.”
Marion Ali for News Five.
Man Arrested for Having Illegal Ammunition in Pocket
A 29-year-old man is behind bars after being caught with illegal ammunition during a police search at a nightclub in Orange Walk Town on New Year’s Day.
Police reported that Belizean labourer Alfredo Eliaser Casanova was found with eight 9mm rounds of ammunition in his pocket during the search. Authorities say he failed to present a firearm license when asked.
Casanova now faces charges of possession of ammunition without a gun license.
Man Injured in Chopping Attack in San Pedro
Police are investigating a chopping incident involving a 21-year-old construction worker, Reynaldo Pop, in San Pedro Town.
According to police, the attack took place on Wednesday night. Police were alerted to the San Pedro Polyclinic, where Pop was receiving treatment for a chop wound to his face.
Pop reported being attacked by three men while walking in the San Mateo area. One of the suspects allegedly struck him with a machete.
The police are currently searching for three individuals involved in this attack.
Repeat Offender Detained After Brutal Stabbing in Belize City
A man is in police custody following a stabbing incident in Belize City on January 1, 2025.
Police say the attack unfolded during a heated argument over an eviction notice, which escalated into a physical fight between 35-year-old Deneisha Tillett and her tenant, 37-year-old Darlene McKenzie. Mervin Martin, 28, and Emerson Garnett, 33, became involved in the altercation that left Martin in a critical condition.
During the fight, Garnett allegedly stabbed Martin multiple times. Martin was taken to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital for treatment.
However, as reported previously, this isn’t the first time Garnett has been in trouble. In April 2024, a viral video showed him violently assaulting a man, leading to charges of common assault and a $505 fine. Later that year, in September, Garnett was arrested for a burglary in which $4,000 worth of jewellery was stolen. He was released on bail but remained in prison due to an unpaid court fine until October 2024.
Domestic Violence Unit Renamed to GVRIU
The police department has officially announced that the Domestic Violence Unit has been renamed the Gender-Based Violence Response and Investigative Unit (GVRIU), effective January 1, 2025. According to a memo, this change reflects the department’s commitment to addressing gender-based violence (GBV) in all its forms, including domestic violence, sexual violence, human trafficking, and harassment.
The decision, made after extensive consultations with stakeholders, aligns with the department’s evolving mission to combat violence beyond domestic contexts and ensure inclusivity for individuals of all genders, ages, and communities.
“The new name aligns with our evolving mission to address violence not only within domestic contexts but also in diverse scenarios where individuals face violence based on their gender, gender identity or sexual orientation. Gender-based violence encompasses a wide range of harmful acts, including but not limited to domestic violence, sexual violence, human trafficking, and harassment.”
The memo says that improved data collection and analysis methods will be introduced to better track trends and inform policy development.
The department has instructed all police commanders to update references to the new unit name in internal and external communications. This change also aligns with international frameworks, such as the United Nations’ commitments to combating GBV and promoting equality.
Bukele says El Salvador Safest Country in Western Hemisphere
El Salvador ends 2024 with 114 homicides, a decrease from 6,656 killings recorded in 2015. With a homicide rate of just 1.9 per 100,000 people, President Nayib Bukele took to social media, stating that the figure released by the country’s attorney general on Wednesday makes El Salvador the safest country in the Western Hemisphere.
The sharp decline follows the 2022 launch of a state of emergency, which gave the government ‘special powers’ to combat violent gangs. Bukele’s crackdown has led to more than 83,000 arrests, though civil rights groups report 354 deaths in government custody.
Despite criticism, the crackdown has received widespread support for its impact on security. According to local reports, many citizens are now able to move freely without fear of gang violence. The country’s Congress continues to renew the ‘special powers’ each month.
The success of Bukele’s model, which includes militarised policing and social programs, has garnered international attention. Tech mogul Elon Musk praised it, suggesting it could be applied in the United States.
“Needs to happen and will happen in America,” stated Musk on X.
Meanwhile, Belize recorded 89 as of December 31, 2024. This is according to Police Commissioner Chester Williams.
Petrol Alliance Assures Caye Caulker of Safe Fuel Station Development
In December 2024, residents and business owners in Caye Caulker voiced concerns over a proposed fuel depot in a residential area. The plan includes a petroleum station and fuel storage facility, raising fears about safety and potential risks. In an interview with News 5, Chairperson Seleny Villanueva Pott assured the public that the project must meet strict requirements and undergo a transparent review process, with the company already submitting its dangerous goods license.
Elvis Landaverry, Managing Director of Petrol Alliance Group Holding Company Ltd., addressed the residents of Caye Caulker in an open letter regarding the company’s plans to develop a modern, service-oriented fuel station and convenience store on lots 957 and 2016, located approximately three lots north of the Split, on the leeward side of the island.
In the letter, Landaverry reassured the residents that the project had been carefully researched and strategically planned. “Petrol Alliance has obtained Environmental Clearance and an Environmental Compliance Plan from Belize’s highest authority, the Department of the Environment. Obtaining such Clearance was no easy task, Petrol Alliance had to have clearance and mitigation plans approved by several governing bodies, including Health and Public Safety agencies, the Police Department and the Fire Department and we must be in adherence to the Belize Petroleum Regulations prior to obtaining clearance from the Department of the Environment.”
He said the the company is committed to adhering to the Belize Petroleum Regulations and will remain in compliance with Public Health and Environmental Damage Protocols, which will be closely monitored by the Department of the Environment.
With regards to insurance coverage, Landaverry said that the company consulted with all seven local insurance providers in Belize. “We had discussions with these, our local providers, who all assured us that insuring your property located next to the Petrol Alliance Group Holding Limited’s development will NOT be an issue. In fact, in any development area, or industrial area, the worst-case scenario would be that a higher premium or deductible may apply, but this would be looked at by the insurance providers on a case-by-case basis. All providers were willing to address your concerns personally and we have contact information for them should you need it.”
The company encourages residents to reach out via email, telephone, or WhatsApp to engage in discussions.
Will Kolbe Foundation’s Contract to Manage Prison Be Renewed?
In 2002, the Kolbe Foundation, a private, non-profit organisation, was approved by the government to manage the Belize Central Prison.
However, reports to News 5 are that the foundation’s contract has yet to be renewed. This has been the case since June 2024, according to reports. We are also told that officials from the foundation and government are expected to meet soon to discuss the terms of the contract, including its value.
Before the Kolbe Foundation was contracted, abuse among staff and inmate violence were common. The Belize Central Prison was notorious for its overcrowded conditions, with prisoners often sleeping on the floor surrounded by filth and lacking basic sanitation.
Under the Kolbe Foundation’s management, the prison, which houses about 1,150 inmates, now offers a functioning sewer system, potable water, and adequate bedding. With 2,100 available beds across more than 30 buildings, the facility also provides a range of rehabilitation and social programs.
Despite the prison’s operating cost of just $7 per inmate per day—significantly lower than the nearly $100 spent on each U.S. prisoner—the Kolbe Foundation’s focus is on rehabilitation. Inmates now have access to addiction treatment, educational opportunities to earn primary school certificates, and vocational courses in fields like mechanical repair, construction, woodworking, and welding. Some prisoners even run their own daily radio station, and a select group serves on an advisory board to voice inmate concerns. This rehabilitative approach has helped reduce recidivism.