There’s a new fifty-thousand-dollar Scratch and Win jackpot winner, and he’s an air traffic controller who struck gold on his second attempt in San Ignacio. Earlier today, the god-fearing winner dropped by our office to share his plans for his newfound fortune.
Month: January 2025
SP Man Charged with Drug Trafficking, Illegal Ammunition
Police have arrested and charged 42-year-old Kaedell Middleton of San Pedro Town for Kept Ammunition Without a Gun License and Possession of Controlled Drugs With Intent to Supply.
The charges stem from a joint operation on Saturday, January 18, involving the Gang Intelligence, Investigation, and Interdiction Unit (GI3), the Anti-Narcotics Unit (ANU), and the K9 Unit. During the operation, a search warrant was executed at Middleton’s residence. Officers discovered a white brick suspected to be cocaine weighing 324 grams, a plastic bag containing 18 grams of suspected crack cocaine, and 19 live .380 rounds of ammunition.
When questioned about a firearm license for the ammunition, Middleton admitted he did not possess one. He was subsequently detained and formally charged.
San Pedro Mechanic Charged with Drug Trafficking
Police have arrested and charged 35-year-old Victor Esau Navarro, a Belizean mechanic from San Pedro Town, for the offense of Possession of Controlled Drugs With Intent to Supply to Another.
The arrest followed a joint operation on Saturday, January 18, involving personnel from the Gang Intelligence, Investigation, and Interdiction Unit (GI3), the Anti-Narcotics Unit (ANU), and the K9 Unit. While patrolling Jew Fish Drive, officers observed a man discarding an object approximately five feet away. Upon retrieval, the item was found to contain suspected cocaine weighing 3 grams. Navarro was identified as the individual involved and subsequently detained and charged by authorities.
Belize Zoo Transfers Filly the Jaguar to Milwaukee County Zoo
The Belize Zoo and Tropical Education Centre announced the upcoming transfer of Filly, a female jaguar, to the Milwaukee County Zoo (MCZ) in Wisconsin, USA.
The move, scheduled for Wednesday, January 22, reinforces a conservation partnership between the two institutions that dates back to the 1980s.
Filly is the second jaguar to join MCZ from The Belize Zoo, following the successful transfer of Pat the Great Cat in 2008. Like Pat, Filly will contribute to the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Jaguar Species Survival Plan (SSP), which focuses on maintaining the genetic diversity and sustainability of jaguars in captivity.
Rescued in 2019 through the zoo’s Human Jaguar Conflict Program, Filly was identified as a “conflict cat” after preying on livestock. Years of care and management led to her assessment as reproductively viable, making her an ideal candidate for the SSP.
MCZ’s specialised jaguar habitat will provide Filly with an environment tailored to her needs while supporting the broader mission of jaguar conservation. The Milwaukee County Zoo has long supported efforts in Belize, collaborating with The Belize Zoo and the Ya’axché Conservation Trust to mitigate human-jaguar conflicts.
35 Social Workers Trained in Trauma Care
Starting today, 35 social workers and counsellors in Belize are undergoing specialised training on trauma-informed care. The four-day workshop is organised by the Ministry of Human Development, Families, and Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs in collaboration with the U.S.-based NGO Peaceful Households and the Ixchel Caribe Foundation in Belize City.
The training will focus on understanding, recognising, and responding to the effects of trauma on individuals and help professionals provide more empathetic and effective support. “By adopting these practices, social work and counselling professionals are better equipped to provide empathetic, effective, and holistic support to clients, promoting resilience and recovery,” a joint statement read.
Kathy Orr, an expert in trauma-informed practices, is leading the sessions. A follow-up session is scheduled for January 24 at the New Beginnings Youth Development Centre, with 12 participants continuing their education.
UDP Announces Jose Luis Uc Espat as Albert Constituency Candidate
UDP Names Jose Luis Uc Espat as Albert Constituency Standard Bearer.
The party says that Espat “comes with a long track record of fighting against corruption in government and for justice for families who have been victims of violence.” The current area representative is Tracy Panton.
Both Panton and Opposition Leader Moses “Shyne” Barrow claim to be the leader of the UDP. The matter is before the court.
Lee Mark or Shyne? Who Would You Vote For?
Belize City resident Lee Mark Chang has launched his political campaign in the Mesopotamia Area. In his message to Mesop. voters, Chang said, “I know the challenges we face, and I am ready to work tirelessly to bring real solutions to our community.”
His campaign is being run under the theme, “Lee Mark Fi Di People.”
He launched his candidacy at a building on Euphrates Avenue where Tracy Panton says it is the new United Democratic Party (UDP) headquarters.
This is a direct challenge against Opposition Leader Moses “Shyne” Barrow, who is the current area representative.
Both Albert Area Representative Tracy Panton and Barrow claim to be the leader of the UDP. The matter is before the court.
Full story on News 5 Live at 6 p.m.
Trash Piles Left by Trump Supporters Outside Capital One Arena
As crowds gathered for Donald Trump’s inauguration, an unexpected scene started to unfold outside the Capital One Arena. Expensive items were discarded on the sidewalks by attendees who struggled to meet the venue’s strict security requirements.
Due to cold weather, Trump’s inauguration was moved indoors, and many attendees were caught off guard by the arena’s no-bag policy, which prohibited backpacks, purses, and large bags. Many were forced to comply and had no choice but to abandon their belongings—including Louis Vuitton bags, cameras, and even blankets—on the street.
Video footage captured individuals rummaging through the pile of discarded items. One local resident found a bag containing car keys and was able to contact its owner to return them.
“We sacrificed a lot coming here… the weather, the traffic, the expensive hotel. Everything,” said Saga Conroy from California, who was upset over the loss of her belongings. “They’re stealing our things.”
BDF Soldier Charged with Murder
A Belize Defence Force (BDF) soldier, 32-year-old Alfredo Robinson Jr. of Toledo District, has been formally charged with murder following a deadly shooting incident on Sunday, January 19, at the Crique Sarco Conservation Post in Toledo. The confrontation, which escalated into gunfire, left Private Clive Baizar dead and another soldier, Brandon Guzman, injured.
The altercation occurred around 9 p.m. while soldiers were on duty. Baizar succumbed to multiple gunshot wounds, while Guzman sustained injuries to his left torso and pinky finger. Guzman is currently in stable condition at the Western Regional Hospital, with doctors determining if further medical intervention is necessary.
During a press briefing, Major Roberta Usher, BDF Chief of Staff, provided updates on the investigation. She stated that while initial findings suggest alcohol was not involved, blood samples from the patrol team are being analysed to confirm.
Preliminary reports suggest alcohol may have been a factor in the altercation.
Trump’s First Day in Office: A Flurry of Executive Orders
President Donald Trump wasted no time implementing his agenda upon returning to office. The 47th President has officially put pen to paper on a series of executive orders to overhaul the U.S. On his first day in office, Trump made major moves on key issues like immigration, climate policy, and government workforce management.
Pardons for Capitol Rioters
Trump kicked off the day by issuing pardons for nearly all individuals charged in connection with the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot. That day, a mob of supporters of then-President Donald Trump stormed the U.S. Capitol in an attempt to prevent Congress from certifying Joe Biden’s victory in the 2020 presidential election. Encouraged by Trump’s false claims of a stolen election, the rioters sought to disrupt the certification process. The incident resulted in five deaths, including a police officer, and over 170 injuries, with significant damage to the Capitol building. “With these actions, we will begin the complete restoration of America and the revolution of common sense,” Trump said during his inaugural address.
Tougher Immigration Policies, Border Wall Construction Resumes
Trump took decisive action on border security, fulfilling his long-standing promises for tougher immigration enforcement. Among the key orders, he declared a national emergency at the U.S.-Mexico border, designated criminal cartels as terrorist organisations, and resumed construction of the border wall. Additionally, Trump ended the federal “catch-and-release” program and reinstated the controversial ‘remain in Mexico’ policy. Trump also declared his executive order to end birthright citizenship for children born to undocumented immigrants.
Trump Pulls U.S. Out of Paris Agreement Again
On the economic front, Trump signed an order directing federal agencies to address the “cost-of-living crisis” and implemented a 90-day freeze on U.S. foreign assistance programs. The president also reaffirmed his “America First” foreign policy.
Trump withdrew the U.S. from the Paris Climate Agreement, an action he had previously taken during his first term. This comes after the hottest year ever recorded, with major wildfires still raging in Los Angeles and recent hurricanes causing damage from Florida to North Carolina. “I’m immediately withdrawing from the unfair, one-sided Paris climate accord rip-off,” Trump said.
Trump Declares There’s Only Two Biological Sexes
Trump also signed executive orders proclaiming that there are only two biological sexes. The gender order halted diversity programs, including preventing taxpayer funds from being used for gender-transition health care and mandates. Trump issued a controversial order recognising only two sexes, male and female, restricting gender identity to those assigned at birth. The order directs federal agencies to cease promoting gender transition policies. This move is expected to face legal challenges.
Trump Extends Deadline for Sale of TikTok
As he promised Sunday, President Donald Trump on Monday signed an executive action that delays enforcement of the TikTok ban for 75 days.Trump extended the deadline for TikTok’s parent company to sell the app or face a ban in the U.S. This move, aimed at addressing national security concerns, provides a temporary reprieve for TikTok users. Trump told reporters Monday that he changed his mind on TikTok because he “got to use it.” He added, “And remember, TikTok is largely about kids, young kids.”
Withdrawal from the World Health Organization
He also withdrew the U.S. from the World Health Organization (WHO), citing unfair financial demands placed on the country. The U.S. is the largest contributor to the World Health Organization (WHO), funding around 18% of its budget, which is crucial for global health efforts. In 2022, the U.S. donated $15.8 billion to global health, with a significant portion directed toward WHO programs like HIV, tuberculosis, and disease prevention. However, Trump claimed that the WHO “ripped off” the U.S. Experts warn that losing U.S. support could severely impact key global health initiatives, including efforts to combat polio, improve maternal and child health, and track new viral threats, potentially weakening the world’s ability to respond to future pandemics.
The World Health Organization (WHO) on Tuesday said it “regrets” President Trump’s move to withdraw from the global health authority, saying it hopes the U.S. will reconsider the decision. This was not the first time Trump has moved to withdraw from the WHO, having previously attempted to do the same in 2020.
Renaming U.S. Landmarks
The president signed an executive order to rename U.S. landmarks, including the Gulf of Mexico, which he proposed to call the “Gulf of America,” as part of his effort to “honour American greatness.” He also doubled down on his pre-inauguration threat to reimpose U.S. control over the Panama canal. Trump claimed that Panama had “broken” a promise to remain neutral, alleging that “China is operating the Panama Canal.”
But as powerful as the US president is, can Trump really take over the Panama Canal and rename the Gulf of Mexico? And what would that involve?
Trump doesn’t have the authority to change the name globally, and other countries aren’t required to go along with this idea. Mexico, for example, rejected the idea a few weeks back, with President Claudia Sheinbaum humorously suggesting renaming North America as “Mexican America.” While the new name could be used in the U.S., it’s unlikely to be accepted internationally without an agreement between both nations. Meanwhile, Panama’s President Jose Raul Mulino said he rejected Trump’s claims that “China is operating the Panama Canal” in their “entirety,” adding there is “no presence of any nation in the world that interferes with our administration.”
What’s Next for Trump’s Executive Orders?
So what happens now with all of Trump’s signed executive orders? The speed and impact of executive orders depend on how straightforward they are and the work needed to carry them out. Simple orders, like Trump’s decision to pardon January 6 rioters, can be quickly implemented. However, more complicated ones, like tackling the cost-of-living crisis, may take longer to put into action. Executive orders can also be undone by future presidents, and they can be challenged in court if someone believes the president is overstepping his legal powers. For example, Trump reversed many of Obama’s policies, and Biden has done the same with Trump’s orders.
