January, 2025 - Channel 5 Belize

Belize’s Mexico Sports Centre Looks “Like a Ghost”

The President of the North America, Central America, and Caribbean Volleyball Confederation (NORCECA), Cristobal Hoffiz, visited Belize this weekend to chair the Association of Central American Volleyball Federations (AFECAVOL) general assembly.

One key issue that emerged from discussions was the deteriorating condition of the Mexico Sports Centre in Belize City. During his speech, Hoffiz said, “I was very sad and brokenhearted when I saw the Mexican Centre. That cannot continue like that. It’s not possible that almost for three years it has been abandoned.”

He added, “It’s destroyed. It’s like a ghost. We need to fix that.”

The centre was damaged by Hurricane Lisa in 2022. It later became an eyesore. “As I said, everything else is easy to obtain: equipment, coaches. Anything you need, and we can do that with NORCECA.”

He stated that the lack of suitable venues is a barrier to the development of sports in Belize. “You can have everything in sport, but if you don’t have venues where you can develop everything in sport, you are not going to go anywhere.”

Hoffiz urged Sports Minister Rodwell Ferguson to take stronger action to address this issue. He told to the Minister Ferguson, “We need you to yell, not to speak; we need you to bang your hands on the table and demand from the parliament of Belize, demand very strongly, don’t be afraid of demanding the necessary support and budget. You need to do that.”

When asked about it, Ferguson told News 5, “As the minister responsible for sports, I recognise that it was destroyed after the last hurricane.” He added, “I am in dialogue with Mexico, and I believe that they have agreed to figure out how we can bring back the Mexican centre to its original state.”

“We need to do something about 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 Mexican Centre,” Hoffiz said.

Suspect Remains in Custody Following Saturday’s Murder

Belize City police continue to investigate the murder of 24-year-old Mark Waight and the attempted murder of 33-year-old Francine Herbert.

Waight was found dead at the scene, while Herbert remains hospitalised in critical condition. The duo was targeted while they were on Central American Boulevard in Belize City on Saturday night. Police Commissioner Chester Williams confirmed that investigators found 9mm expended shells at the scene. “So far, police have one person detained, and our investigation in that matter continues,” he added.

That person is said to be a 22-year-old construction worker.

Investigators are reviewing surveillance footage after residents reported hearing over a dozen gunshots.

Authorities have not yet disclosed if a motive has been established.

Colombia Agrees to U.S. Deportation Flights After Tariff Threats

Colombian President Gustavo Petro reversed his decision to block U.S. military deportation flights following intense pressure from President Donald Trump, including threats of steep tariffs and sanctions. Petro initially denied entry to two U.S. military planes carrying deportees, citing concerns over the treatment of migrants. However, after a heated exchange between the two leaders, Colombia agreed to accept deportation flights, provided the process ensures “dignity and respect” for the deportees.

President Trump’s administration responded by placing the threatened tariffs and sanctions “on hold” but maintained that visa restrictions would remain until Colombia received its first group of deportees. Trump said that this move demonstrated renewed respect for America globally, while Petro’s government announced it had “overcome the impasse” with the U.S.

With the U.S. being Colombia’s largest trading partner, Trump’s threats of a 25% tariff on Colombian imports, including key exports like coffee and crude oil, underscored the stakes.

The clash also revealed Petro’s critique of U.S. policies, calling for fair treatment of deportees while condemning heavy-handed approaches.

Previously, Mexico blocked a U.S. military deportation flight due to a paperwork issue and miscommunication, delaying plans to return illegal immigrants. While two flights to Guatemala proceeded, Mexico reaffirmed its refusal to accept non-Mexican asylum seekers under the U.S. “Remain in Mexico” program.

In response to a question about Belize’s stance, Prime Minister John Briceño firmly rejected the idea of accepting non-Belizean deportees, stating, “We are a sovereign nation, and they cannot force us to accept people that are not citizens of this country.” While Belize is open to welcoming returning Belizean citizens, Briceño stressed that the country will not bow to U.S. pressures to serve as a third-country refuge for non-citizens.

El Cayo Boardwalk Inaugurated

After being affected by floodwaters several months ago, El Cayo Boardwalk was officially inaugurated this weekend.

The Belize Tourism Board (BTB) stated that the boardwalk is “strategically located near the San Ignacio Market and along the Macal River. The El Cayo Boardwalk features a spacious deck, a shaded canopy, four kiosks, and informative panels showing the history of the Macal River.”

Though the grand opening marks a hopeful recovery, the boardwalk and surrounding area were recently impacted by Tropical Storm Sara in November 2024, which caused severe flooding. San Ignacio experienced record-high water levels, and parts of the town, including the boardwalk, were submerged. The river reached flood heights that affected businesses and homes for the first time in nearly five years.

On November 18, 2024, San Ignacio Mayor Earl Trapp also raised concerns about rising concerns regarding climate change leading to more frequent storms and the long-term viability of the market’s current location. He pointed out the possibility of having discussions about relocating the market to a safer area.

While “El Cayo Boardwalk is set to become a lively hub for residents and visitors alike, offering a place to relax and connect with nature,” for the months to come, the question remains: will it withstand future challenges when the hurricane season begins again in June, bringing the potential for more severe flooding and rainfall?

Corozal Construction Worker Missing

29-year-old Belizean construction worker Raheem Usher has been reported missing. The resident of Libertad Village, Corozal District, was reported missing on Saturday.

Usher was last seen wearing black shorts and a red T-shirt and is described as having a dark brown complexion, being about 6 feet tall, weighing 160 pounds, and of slim build. He is of Creole descent.

The Belize Police Department is calling on the public for any information that could help locate Usher. Any information on his whereabouts can be reported to Crime Stoppers Belize at 922, using the P3 app, or reporting it to the nearest police station.

OAS and Brazil Launch Scholarships for Belizeans

The Brazilian government, in partnership with the OAS National Office in Belize, is offering full scholarships for Belizean students to study at Brazilian universities. The program includes a six-month Portuguese immersion course, with an additional monthly stipend provided by the OAS.

The PEC-G program provides free admission to undergraduate courses in Brazil across various fields. To apply, students must be nationals from participating countries, be 18 years old already, have completed secondary education, and meet language requirements.

The program aims to foster academic and personal growth, with past participants sharing positive experiences. “I got an opportunity to achieve my dreams through the PEC-G Program. I have developed intellectually and socially,” said Mary Akoth Adeka, a graduate from Kenya.

Interested students can apply through their local Brazilian embassy or consulate or the OAS Delegation for Caribbean nationals. Applications are free; more details can be found here.

Young Man Detained for Latest Murder

A 22-year-old construction worker is in police custody following the murder of 24-year-old Mark Waight and the attempted murder of 33-year-old Francine Herbert.

Waight was found unresponsive in a drain on Central American Boulevard just after 10 p.m. on Saturday. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Herbert was shot multiple times and remains in critical condition at Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital.

Residents reported hearing over a dozen gunshots. Police recovered several spent shell casings and are reviewing nearby surveillance footage.

This follows a history of legal troubles for Waight. In August 2021, he was involved in a high-speed chase and shootout with police in southern Belize. He was shot in the leg during an interception, and a .38 revolver was found in his possession. Police had reported that he was part of a group planning to carry out a hit in Dangriga before getting intercepted.

In March 2022, Waight was detained by police once more in connection with shots fired in the Port Loyola area.

South Korea’s President Indicted on Insurrection Charges

South Korea’s President Yoon Suk Yeol is the first sitting leader in the country’s history to be indicted after facing insurrection charges. The charges came after his controversial declaration of martial law in December 2024. The move caused political unrest and evoked memories of the country’s authoritarian past, and was overturned by Parliament.

Yoon is accused of using his power to target opposition figures, with prosecutors claiming there is “sufficient evidence” to back the charges. His actions reportedly included orders to arrest political rivals. The embattled president now faces two trials: one over his impeachment and another for insurrection, which could lead to life imprisonment or even the death penalty.

Yoon justified it by accusing the opposition of supporting North Korea and anti-state activities but has denied any wrongdoing. Yoon was arrested last week, which now makes him the first sitting president in South Korea’s history to face such charges.

Prosecutors stated that “based on the investigation so far, there are no grounds to consider any change to the arrest warrant issued against the president,” adding that “sufficient evidence exists to substantiate the charges.”

Fatal Shooting in Belize City

Police are investigating a murder reported tonight on Central American Boulevard, Belize City. According to initial reports, a man was shot dead and a woman wounded. Residents reported hearing more than a dozen gunshots.

Police found the man unresponsive in a drain, while the woman was taken to the hospital for treatment.

The identities of the victims have not yet been revealed.

This is a developing story.

Sacred Heart College Condemns Student Fight

Sacred Heart College (SHC) in San Ignacio has condemned a fight between two students that was recorded and shared on social media. In a statement released today, the school stressed it does not tolerate violence and will take action against all involved.

“This is a very serious matter to address, as the school does not condone this type of behaviour from any student in and out of school, as our responsibility is to safeguard and protect all our students,” SHC stated.

The administration also clarified that all individuals involved in the incident, including those who recorded and shared the footage, will face consequences in line with the school’s student handbook.

“The students involved in the fight, as well as those who recorded and shared the video, will be dealt with accordingly as outlined in our student handbook,” SHC said, adding that “fighting and any actions that undermine the reputation of the college will not be tolerated.”