January 23, 2025 - Channel 5 Belize

Guatemalan Potato Varieties Could Transform Belize

A team from the Ministry of Agriculture is exploring new potato varieties in Guatemala that could transform the country’s farming industry. Led by Minister José Abelardo Mai, the delegation is currently visiting potato farms in Poptún, Guatemala, to explore new potato varieties for processing markets. The ministry said it “focuses on adding value to other perishable crops, aiming to create long-term solutions for farmers.”

As part of their two-day visit, the delegation’s focus is on addressing the challenges faced by Belize’s potato and carrot farmers, particularly issues of market access and oversupply. One exciting opportunity lies in Guatemala’s white potatoes, which are processed by major companies like Frito-Lay into popular products such as potato chips. With Belize’s similar climate and altitude, these varieties could thrive locally and offer a new revenue stream for farmers.

The ministry’s push to add value to perishable crops could turn challenges into profitable opportunities, helping farmers reduce losses and improve their financial future. The delegation will return on January 24 after meeting with experts and seeing the successful farming methods up close.

Belize Advances Forensic Science

Belize is stepping up its crime-fighting efforts with a game-changing advancement in forensic technology. The National Forensic Science Service (NFSS). The Belize National Forensic Science Service (NFSS) has announced the installation of a cutting-edge Applied Biosystems RapidHIT ID instrument in its new Rapid DNA Section.

“This cutting-edge technology will allow for in-country rapid DNA testing for crime scene samples, human remains, and disaster victim identification for urgently needed investigative or identification needs” in as little as 90 minutes, NFSS stated. “This investment of taxpayers’ dollars into the expansion of the NFSS’s scope represents a solid commitment by the Government of Belize in advancing the nation’s forensic investigative capacity.”

According to the NFSS, streamlining identification processes, the technology frees up resources for more complex cases like sexual assault evidence or in-depth crime scene investigations and will even ease case backlogs and free up resources for more complex investigations.

It is set to be fully operational in the next three months.

Charged with Heinous Double Murder

Two men have been charged with the double murder of 37-year-old Felix Martinez and 40-year-old Adelita Gillett. They are 29-year-old Jovannie Rashad Jones and 23-year-old Jerwin Ormand Segura.

A couple was found shot to death in their vehicle near Mile 31 on the Philip Goldson Highway. Police suspect the murder is tied to a car deal gone wrong, with the couple reportedly meeting someone to collect money owed to them for a failed vehicle purchase. During the exchange, Gillett was allegedly counting the money in the back seat when they were ambushed.

A blood trail in the vehicle suggests the money was stolen. Police found bloodstains on the back seat and on a purse believed to belong to Gillett.

The couple, who lived in Burrell Boom with their 10-year-old son, had demanded repayment after paying for a vehicle in October 2024 and not receiving it. Gillett, a long-time employee of Brodies’ Pharmacy, was serving as pharmaceutical manager at the time of her death.