Authorities are looking into a fire that completely destroyed a building in the Cayo District early this morning. The blaze broke out around 4 a.m. at the Ontario Christian School, forcing the school to cancel classes for the day. Thankfully, no one was hurt, and the flames didn’t spread to any other buildings. News Five’s Britney Gordon has the details.
Britney Gordon, Reporting
Students at Ontario Primary School in Cayo District got an unexpected day off today, but it came at a steep cost. Early this morning, a fire broke out and completely consumed one of the buildings on the school grounds, leaving behind nothing but charred remains. Vilma Ramirez, a local resident, shares how she found out about the blaze near her grandchildren’s school.
Vilma Ramirez
Vilma Ramirez, Ontario Village Resident
“Well this morning I went to my mom next door and one of my friend come from out there, come look for a medicine. And she tell me, she seh gyal yo hear what happen? The compound get burned. I say what? Why? I don’t know. Ih seh four o’clock this morning she seh.”
Residents say the building that burned down was the old Mulhollen Children’s Home, which had been unused for about three years. It was less than a hundred feet from the school. Thankfully, firefighters managed to contain the blaze and prevent it from spreading. However, teachers reported that their classrooms were filled with the smell of smoke and covered in soot. The rainy weather this morning also helped to dampen the still-smoldering remains.
Vilma Ramirez
“I say what? I can’t believe it. Because that place de deh from 1957. Very old place so we couldn’t expect that bun up.”
Ramirez is grateful that the school was not impacted by the flames as her ten and twelve-year-old grandchildren prefer to be learning rather than stuck at home.
Britney Gordon
“Did they tell you when classes would open again?”
Vilma Ramirez
“No.They neva did tell me.”
Britney Gordon
“So you’re hoping that maybe by tomorrow the kids can go back to school?”
Vilma Ramirez
“Yes because they don’t like to stay home.”
While villagers are relieved that things weren’t worse, they’re still a bit shaken by the incident. They’re hoping investigators can quickly figure out what caused the fire.
Vilma Ramirez
“My daughter, my son. My two daughters and my son. Now da my grandkids.”
Britney Gordon
“And your grandkids are staying home today. They came and told you?”
Vilma Ramirez
“Yes. Ney seh ney surprise that happen. Because ney neva expect that mi going to happen out there.”
According to Kenneth Mortis, Belize City Station Supervisor at the National Fire Service, authorities are still investigating the incident and are yet to determine the source of the fire. Britney Gordon for News Five.
A boardwalk can really boost the charm and economic vitality of a tourist destination, benefiting both local businesses and the community. On Friday, the Belize Tourism Board and Cayo Northeast Area Representative Orlando Habet officially opened the El Cayo Boardwalk along the Macal River. You might remember the brief groundbreaking ceremony last year, just before the municipal elections in March. The project was completed sometime after, but it wasn’t until Friday that everyone came together again for the grand opening. Here’s News Five’s Isani Cayetano with the story.
Isani Cayetano, Reporting
Boardwalks attract visitors, providing a steady stream of potential customers for nearby businesses. The picturesque view of the Macal River certainly enhances the visitor experience, making San Ignacio more memorable and encouraging repeat visits.
Orlando Habet
Orlando Habet, Area Rep, Cayo Northeast
“The plan is to continue doing a second phase and then eventually a third phase until we reach until we reach the boat wharf area which is by the old Western Club. And we are also doing other projects within this area.”
However, El Cayo Boardwalk isn’t without its share of controversy. When the Belize Tourism Board, Area Representative Landy Habet, and the P.U.P. town council slate broke ground on the project in late February 2024, Mayor Earl Trapp publicly stated that he was never consulted about it. This certainly stirred up some debate in the community.
Orlando Habet
“What we have to do is to come together as a community. We have to have strength in numbers, certainly, and the consultation process has to occur, that is true. But, I think that the mayor has to also be truthful because we have pictures and videos with the mayor here with Mr. Juan Polanco who was here, also taking pictures, and we did the consultation and he agreed in our constructing this boardwalk.”
The expected influx of tourists is set to boost sales and revenue for local businesses, driving economic growth in the area. This surge in visitors will likely bring a wave of new opportunities and prosperity to the community.
Anthony Mahler
Anthony Mahler, Minister of Tourism
“This entire area, I think, has great, great potential in being more of a tourism destination. We started the project over here, over the other side of the river and we’ve completed this part. This is phase one. I’ve been speaking to the minister about extending the boardwalk, whichever location, with consultation with the town council and experts. So that’s critical and I truly believe that the entire Cayo District can be more of a tourism destination in terms of the overall tourism product that we have to offer.”
The reality is that the area is prone to flooding. In mid-November, the boardwalk and nearby structures were submerged when the Macal River overflowed its banks. This has raised concerns about the long-term viability of the project.
Orlando Habet
“There were some naysayers saying that the boardwalk will not withstand the flooding and I think that even what I saw on Facebook, there were some people even praying that the boardwalk would be taken away during the floods. And, as Councilor Mai said, this boardwalk has withstood the second largest flooding event in the last fifteen years, two months ago. These little kiosks were at least ten feet below water. Mr. Morris and myself and a few others came and we opened the windows so that water can flow through so that you can create less pressure. And after the flood was gone, we came back and we washed up and cleaned up and here we are today.”
A well-kept boardwalk really boosts the charm of the area, creating a welcoming atmosphere that makes visitors want to linger and explore. The businesses along the boardwalk also get a visibility boost, making it easier to draw in tourists.
Anthony Mahler
“I congratulate everybody from the Cayo District, from San Ignacio, Santa Elena with the last project over there, and I look forward to working with each and every one of you who is interested in working along with us to ensure that we increase the quality of the visitor experience here in the country.”
The Mexico Sports Center has been left to crumble after Hurricane Lisa caused extensive structural damage in November 2022. Nearly three years have passed, and the facility remains untouched, much to the dismay of sports stakeholders and residents who see it as an eyesore. Located just a stone’s throw from Olympic House, where the Belize Volleyball Association hosted the Central American Volleyball Federation’s AGM over the weekend, the dilapidated state of the Mexico Center was a hot topic. The issue was raised in the presence of the Minister of Sports, Rodwell Ferguson. News Five’s Paul Lopez has more on this pressing concern.
Paul Lopez, Reporting
The Mexico Sports Center took a heavy hit from Hurricane Lisa in November 2022, leaving the roof with significant structural damage. The plan was to temporarily close the multi-purpose sports facility for renovations, but more than two years later, it remains in a state of disrepair. Footage from Sports Monday, taken just a month before the hurricane, shows a pristine wooden basketball court and seating for fans. Today, the auditorium is unrecognizable. The wooden flooring has been removed due to water damage, the interior is exposed to the elements, and light fixtures are hanging precariously from the ceiling. An eerie silence now fills what was once a bustling gymnasium. This more than ten-million-dollar investment has been abandoned. One particularly unhappy visitor is Cristobal Marte, President of the NORCECA Volleyball Confederation, who is in Belize for the regional volleyball general assembly.
“Honorable Minister of Sports is also a part of the parliament we need you to yell, not to speak, we need you to bang you hands on the table and demand from the parliament of Belize, demand very strongly, don’t be afraid, demand very strongly for the necessary support and budget for you to do your work. I was very sad and broken hearted when I saw the Mexican Center. That is not possible. It cannot continue like that, when for almost three years it has been abandoned, it has not been even provided or received officially. It is destroyed. It is like a ghost. We need to fix that.”
President Marte raised the issue of the Mexico Center at the opening ceremony of the general assembly. Minister of Sports, Rodwell Ferguson, was present.
Cristobal Marte
“We need to do something with that, it cannot be like that. We cannot just look the other way. We have to look at it every day and we have to do something about the Mexico Center. We cannot continue to be like that. It tells bad things about Belize and you people are not bad people. We need to do something. It cannot be like that. I cannot be abandoned like that. Something like that happens in my country, I raise hell. I go to the newspaper and talk about it every day. I can even put my players to dress in black and let us go to the streets.”
His criticism comes at a time when many sports federations and associations are struggling with a shortage of venues to host events. In Belize’s tropical climate, the rain can be unpredictable, making the need for indoor sporting facilities even more pressing. Unfortunately, these venues are few and far between and often too expensive. Allan Sharp, President of the Volleyball Federation of Belize, emphasized this issue.
Allan Sharp
Allan Sharp, President, Belize Volleyball Association
“We had a fantastic meeting with the prime minister where president Marte spoke very direct in expressing what is needed in Belize. We think it he was very receptive, namely facilities, because this will be my only chance to say it publicly, facilities is the greatest challenge to volleyball and many sports in Belize.”
Cristobal Marte
“So I asked the minister to prepare a dossier of the story of the Mexican Center, to prepare in that dossier how it got built, where it stands, and the story of the hurricane that came and destroyed it, many pictures and something very professional. I promise him to bring that dossier to the table of the lady president of one of the biggest nations I have ever been to, Mexico. I have the channel to bring that dossier on the table of the lady president elected recently of Mexico. We are not going to lose anything. She is going to listen. What we are losing right now is the way it is, abandoned, totally abandoned.”
In response to Marte’s criticism and his offer to help with the rebuilding efforts, Minister Ferguson mentioned that his team at the ministry is already on it. He made it clear that the delay in renovating the Mexico Centre is due to a lack of funds.
Rodwell Ferguson
Rodwell Ferguson, Minister of Sports
“I am in dialogue with Mexico and I believe that they have agreed to figure out how we can bring back the Mexico Centre to its original state. So, I take Mr. Marte advice, we are going to put the document together, we are going to see how we can get it done. He has committed that once we fix the building, he is going to put the equipment inside.”
Paul Lopez
“But how does it strike you when you pass that Mexico Centre and look at the state it is in, what does that do to you?”
Rodwell Ferguson, Minister of Sports
“I visit it very often and I wish I had the funds on hand to get it done but it is a bit challenging.”
Goodnight and welcome to another edition of Sports Monday, I am Paul Lopez. Cycling races are woven into the very fabric of Belize’s cultural identity. From the thrilling Holy Saturday Cross Country Cycling Classic to the exciting New Year’s Cycling Classic, and all the races in between, we line the streets to cheer on our favorite athletes or tune in from our devices. Over the past three years, one voice has become synonymous with cycling livestreams – that of bike shop owner, Andrew Ordonez. His commentary has become a staple, adding color and excitement to every race.
Andrew Ordonez
Andrew Ordonez, Owner, Ordonez Bike Shop
“I mih always loved cycling since I was a teenager or maybe just after ten years old I fell in love with cycling. Eventually I got into making cycling a living, I opened a bike shop. Getting to the broadcasting part, right after Covid I visited my son in Chicago, and they had the bicycle race weh name Intelligence Cup. I don’t know anything about streaming, I dah mih like a dunce when it comes to anything media. And he said, dad, just hold the phone, we gwen live and call names or so.”
Ordonez returned to Belize shortly after, and what he tried for the first time in Chicago set him on a new path. He began livestreaming races across the country, covering thousands of miles and countless events. And he’s not using any fancy equipment either. Ordonez ingeniously crafted a tripod from a bicycle fork, connected to a bicycle hub, and mounted a platform for two phones. His resourcefulness and passion have made him a staple in the Belizean cycling scene.
Andrew Ordonez
“Being have the bike shop, everyday you have cyclist gather here. We talk about racing. I was a cyclist back in the days, so I know how the race is being rider how the body operates, because I know the cyclist by name and riding style, like people ask me how could you know such a rider. I could say that is Mr. George Tillet riding and when you reach there it is Mr. George Tillet, because you know them and communicate and some of the riders come here and talk out their team strategy so I could pick up on that right. But being on the highway, it is easy for me to talk all day about cycling.”
Ordonez has made a name for himself through his livestreams. His energetic and sometimes comical commentating keeps the audience engaged while watching races. But, following a cycling race in its entirety across highways on the back of a motorcycle is no easy task and quite frankly, a high-risk job.
Andrew Ordonez
“Like you know a family donated a motorcycle to me free of charge. They told me just go to customs and I drove out with that beautiful machine because they saw what I was doing and they really want to see me stay on the tarmac. But like you mention about the danger, we know how dangerous it is. I have seen friends lose their life. I know I could be one of those people. But, when you love something you put your life on the line. You don’t think about it. You just do it. And that is what I do. I go out there and pray, my family pray, and fans pray. They say we know the risk you take; I know the risk I take, but I put in my mind, the good lord is watching over me.”
And may he continue to do so! It was a big weekend for volleyball in Belize as the country hosted the Central American Volleyball Federation’s general assembly for the first time. This federation is part of the NORCECA Volleyball Confederation, and its President, Cristobal Marte, was in Belize for the event. Before the assembly on Saturday, Marte met with Prime Minister John Briceño, the CEO in the Ministry of Tourism, and the Minister of Sports to push for greater investments in sports. Here are some remarks from the opening ceremony on how they plan to make that happen.
“Sports can increase income in this country as it does in every other country in the world throughout tourism, throughout sports and tourism brining in events, creating know how, creating awareness in the world, so people know where Belize is and what we do, creating idols. We need to have champions here in Belize. We need to have people to look up to here in Belize, to inspire our youth here in Belize.”
Allan Sharp
Allan Sharp, President, Belize Volleyball Association
“As I have had discussion with President Marte, we can always do with more equipment. That said, along the same line, during the discussions with Minister Ferguson, the Prime Minister, CEO Solano, he expressed clearly that NORCECA can offer more assistance, but Belzie must do its part. The government must do its part, the national federation must do its part, and NORCECA can do more for Belize.”
Rodwell Ferguson
Rodwell Ferguson, Minister of Sports
“The prime minister announced some months ago that from our lottery a portion of the proceeds will come to sports. That by itself will be some assistance to improve its facilities. It is only a few facilities because it is a small country, and I want to commit that we are going to work for those to be done.”
Well folks, that is all we have for you in tonight’s coverage of Sports Monday. Catch you in the next one.
Twenty-four-year-old Emil Rivas was shot by police on Friday in Independence Village. Rivas was arrested for an alleged aggravated assault with a knife. His family says that Rivas, who is on medication due to a mental health condition, was brutalised by police before being shot in the stomach and leg.
The department is refuting the family’s version of events. Assistant Commissioner of Police Hilberto Romero told reporters today that Rivas was taken into custody but attempted to escape while at the police station.
“He jumped out of the back of a police vehicle and sustained some injuries. He was immediately apprehended and taken to the cell where he was detained,” Romero stated.
Romero added that on Saturday morning, while the cell was being cleaned, Rivas escaped again, fleeing to a nearby house where he allegedly armed himself with a machete. Police cornered him, leading to a struggle during which officers attempted to disarm him.
“Attempts were made to disarm him from the machete. A warning shot was fired, but that did not work. At some point, then the police officer shot him in the leg. He’s presently admitted in a stable condition,” Romero explained.
As with all police shootings, the Professional Standards Branch will conduct an investigation.
Romero also addressed reports that Rivas’s mother was allegedly turned away by police when attempting to visit him at the hospital. “I am not aware of that, but if he is in police custody, at some point, she can visit,” he said.
The Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC®) is mourning the loss of Sir Roy Augier, a distinguished Caribbean historian and former Chairman of CXC®, who passed away recently.
Sir Roy, a Professor Emeritus of The University of the West Indies (UWI), played a pivotal role in shaping the regional examination body. He represented UWI at the Council’s inaugural meeting in 1973, later serving as Chairman from 1986 to 1996, and remained an active contributor on various Governance Committees until 2017.
“We have lost a visionary and pioneer who recognised the importance of a regional examination system,” said Dr. Wayne Wesley, Registrar and CEO of CXC®.
Dr. Wesley further acknowledged Sir Roy’s transformative influence: “His leadership and governance oversight inspired succeeding leaders and staff to establish CXC® as the preeminent standard for secondary certification in the Caribbean. His work ensured global relevance and broad international recognition of CXC®-issued certifications.”
Sir Roy recently marked his 100th birthday on December 17, 2024, a testament to a life dedicated to academic excellence and regional development.
A fire early this morning destroyed a building on the Ontario Christian School’s compound in the Cayo District, which resulted in the cancellation of school for the day. The fire reportedly began around 4 a.m. and consumed the former Mulhollen Children’s Home. This structure had been unused for the past three years and stood less than a hundred feet from the school.
No injuries were reported, and no other buildings were damaged.
A local resident, Vilma Ramirez, said she is still in shock over the incident, saying, “I can’t believe it. Because that place deh from 1957. Very old place, so we couldn’t expect that bun up.” Teachers at Ontario Primary School reported smoke and soot in their classrooms, though the fire was contained without further damage.
Residents are grateful that the school was unaffected and are expecting classes to resume soon. Fire officials are still investigating the cause of the fire, according to Kenneth Mortis of the National Fire Service.
This week, Belizeans are celebrating the men and women of the customs department that ensure proper tax collection and smooth package clearances at every point of entry in Belize.
Observed every January 26, International Customs Day observes global efforts of customs agencies in enhancing supply chains, fostering collaboration, embracing technology, and supporting partners in the transformation process.
In her address, Comptroller of Customs Estella Bailey-Leslie celebrated the department’s achievements. “As we celebrate International Customs Day 2025 under the theme ‘Customs Delivering on its Commitment to Efficiency, Security, and Prosperity,’ we reaffirm our dedication to adopting international standards and leveraging technology to enhance supply chain security,” she said.
Bailey-Leslie also highlighted Belize’s post-COVID-19 economic recovery and the department’s role in driving significant revenue growth in 2024. She pointed out the importance of public-private collaboration. Looking ahead, Belize Customs is focused on modernising processes, including creating an electronic single window for trade to improve efficiency and reduce costs. A week of activities from January 27-31 will further engage stakeholders.
Belize marked International Customs Day with a forum in Belize City, discussing the key role of customs in global trade and supply chain security.
Mario Lubetkin, Assistant Director-General and FAO Regional Representative for Latin America and the Caribbean
The Regional Overview of Food and Nutrition Security report 2024 underscores an undeniable reality: Latin America and the Caribbean is at a critical juncture in its fight against hunger and malnutrition. While hunger in the region has decreased over the past two years—from 45.3 million people in 2021 to 41 million in 2023—progress remains uneven and fragile. The situation is particularly concerning in some subregions, such as the Caribbean, where the hunger rate has risen from 15.4% to 17.2%.
The COVID-19 pandemic left deep scars, exacerbating existing structural inequalities and weakening food production and distribution systems. Adding to this are the devastating impacts of climate variability and extreme events—droughts, storms, and floods—that now affect 74% of countries in the region with increasing frequency. These persistent challenges not only reduce agricultural productivity but also drive-up food prices, limit availability, and compromise the stability of agrifood systems. Vulnerable populations bear the brunt of these disruptions.
Food security is closely linked to climate resilience. To ensure a hunger-free future, it is essential to promote sustainable agricultural practices that integrate nutritious foods into healthy diets, improve productivity, and mitigate environmental impacts. This includes fostering climate-resilient crops, adopting clean technologies, and protecting natural resources. At the same time, social protection programs must ensure access to nutritious food, especially during crises.
The ongoing transformation in the region, while still facing significant challenges, has demonstrated, over recent years, a strong commitment to collaborative efforts aimed at achieving more sustainable and coherent outcomes.
There are tangible and encouraging signs that governments in Latin America and the Caribbean have embraced the fight against hunger and poverty as an unavoidable priority—an urgent necessity that calls for concrete actions to ensure sustainable development. Hunger is incompatible with peace, development, productivity, and, of course, sustainability.
The Food Security, Nutrition, and Hunger Eradication Plan of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC FSN Plan 2030) is a milestone. It provides a valuable platform for coordinating efforts, sharing knowledge, and developing common strategies. The upcoming Meeting of Agriculture Ministers of CELAC 2025, to be held in Comayagua, Honduras, in early February, represents an opportunity to solidify these commitments and advance the implementation of policies and actions that strengthen food security and improve nutrition across the region.
However, government efforts alone are insufficient without the participation and contributions of multiple sectors. The fight against hunger requires a comprehensive approach that considers not only food availability but also accessibility, utilization, and stability in changing contexts. Broad collaboration among actors is and will remain essential to building more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable agrifood systems.
Latin America and the Caribbean’s progress in reducing hunger is at a historic moment, with implications for the region and globally. The fight against hunger has become a race against time. Yet, this region has demonstrated its potential to become a beacon of resilience, prosperity, and commitment to global objectives. Its contribution is key to ensuring a more just and sustainable future for all.
As Assistant Director-General and FAO Regional Representative for Latin America and the Caribbean, I have had the privilege of being part of this journey over the past years. However, this work does not belong to one individual or organization; it is a collective effort—a chance for each of us to contribute to a world free of inequality, hunger, and poverty, ensuring that no one is left behind.
A rare human case of bird flu (H5N1) has been detected in the West Midlands region, England, according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). The individual contracted the virus through close and prolonged contact with infected birds on a farm.
The infected person, currently in good health, was admitted to a High Consequence Infectious Disease (HCID) unit for monitoring. Despite the detection, the UKHSA reassures the public that the risk of avian flu spreading to the general population remains very low.
The outbreak was identified after the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) discovered cases of avian influenza in a flock of birds. UKHSA has since traced and monitored all individuals who had contact with the infected birds. Those at high risk of exposure have been offered antiviral treatment as a precautionary measure.
The infected birds carried the DI.2 genotype, one of the strains currently circulating among birds in the UK. This strain differs from those detected in birds and mammals in the US.
Professor Susan Hopkins, Chief Medical Adviser at UKHSA, stated: “While avian flu remains highly contagious among birds, spillover to humans is rare. Robust systems are in place to detect cases early and respond appropriately. There is currently no evidence of onward transmission from this case.”
UK Chief Veterinary Officer Christine Middlemiss emphasised the importance of biosecurity: “This case highlights the need for stringent biosecurity measures to prevent the spread of avian influenza. Infected birds at the site have been culled, and the premises will undergo thorough cleansing and disinfection.”
Public Health Minister Andrew Gwynne added: “The risk of wider transmission remains very low, but the safety of the public is our priority. The UK is well-prepared for current and future health threats, with the H5 vaccine added to our stockpile as part of our preparedness plans.”
Officials continue to remind the public not to handle sick or dead birds and to follow government guidelines on reporting suspected cases of avian influenza. Further updates on this case will be provided by the UKHSA.
