January, 2025 - Channel 5 Belize

Police Unit Overhauled to Tackle All Forms of Gender-Based Violence

As reported previously, the Belize Police Department underwent an overhaul of its approach to gender-based violence at the start of 2025. The Domestic Violence Unit is now the Gender-Based Violence Response and Investigative Unit (GVRIU).

Today, Commissioner of Police Chester Williams pointed out that this comes as an effort to be a more inclusive unit. “We must look beyond the home and address all forms of gender violence,” Williams said.

ComPol Williams added that officers can look forward to more training to properly handle these cases. Williams said, “There certainly is going to be a need for more training for the officers who work within the unit. And not just those officers, but every police officer as well. So they can understand the dynamism of gender-based violence.”

The unit will now focus on addressing sexual violence, human trafficking, and other gender-based abuses.

Earlier this week, Minister of Human Development Dolores Balderamos-Garcia supported the change, stating that the term “gender-based violence” covers a wider range of abuses, including workplace harassment and street violence, rather than being confined to the home. She added, “Gender-based violence cuts right across the board.”

Yolanda Saldívar Files for Parole

Yolanda Saldívar, convicted in 1995 of killing Tejano music star Selena Quintanilla Pérez, has filed for parole nearly 30 years after the singer’s death. Saldívar, 63, is currently imprisoned at the Patrick L. O’Daniel Unit in Gatesville, Texas, and her parole review is scheduled for March 30, according to the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.

Saldívar, once the president of Selena’s fan club and manager of her boutiques, fatally shot the 23-year-old singer on March 31, 1995, at a motel in Corpus Christi, Texas. She was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole after 30 years.

Selena’s family had fired Saldívar earlier in 1995, accusing her of embezzling funds. In court, Selena’s widower, Chris Pérez, testified about their mistrust of Saldívar. Saldívar has denied embezzlement allegations and claimed the shooting was accidental, reiterating her stance in a 2022 Oxygen docuseries, which received backlash from Selena’s fans.

The Texas parole review process includes assessing letters of support and protest, along with a case summary. The review typically begins several months before the eligibility date.

Police Commissioner Visits Lake-I Amid Rising Tensions

Following a series of shootings and other incidents at the start of the New Year, Police Commissioner Chester Williams visited the Lake Independence area today to address growing tensions within the BLC gang. Though he did not reveal new details of the incidents, Williams explained that his visit’s objective was to help defuse the situation before it escalates further.

“There are rising tensions in the area within the BLC. And so, I am here along with Mr. Gamboa to see what we can do to try and defuse the issue before it goes any further,” Williams said.

Williams said that while he leads the police force, crime reduction is a collective effort. “I am one man, and I alone cannot reduce crime… The policies I make will not work if the people on the ground do not execute them properly. I give the praises to my commanders and the foot soldiers,” he said.

Williams also pointed out the importance of working with various organisations, including the Leadership Intervention Unit (LIU), to reduce crime. “Every organisation that can lend to the reduction in crime, I welcome it,” Williams stated.

Established in 2021, the LIU was formed to address gang violence in Belize City. When asked about the role of former gang members who have turned their lives around, Williams confirmed they assist in keeping the peace, especially for younger individuals involved in gangs.

He also reaffirmed the police department’s commitment to working with the Leadership Intervention Unit (LIU) to provide a path for those seeking to leave a life of crime. “The police department is going to continue to work with LIU… to provide a way out for those who wish to become law-abiding members of society,” Williams added.

US Surgeon General Warns of Alcohol-Cancer Link in New Advisory

Your “thirsty Thursdays” could be putting you at risk for cancer. Over the last few decades, there have been several things people consume daily that have been linked to cancer. While some experts agree that “moderation consumption” is key to the health risks these habits may cause, a U.S. Surgeon General states that the risk of breast, throat, and mouth cancer increases even with one or fewer drinks a day.

According to Dr. Vivek Murthy, alcohol consumption is the third-leading preventable cause of cancer in the United States, behind tobacco and obesity. It contributes to 100,000 cancer cases and 20,000 related deaths each year, he added. The U.S. Surgeon General has called for new health warning labels on alcohol to include the increased risk of cancer. This has prompted Dr. Murthy to demand that alcohol labels reflect this deadly truth.

In a recent advisory, Dr. Murthy pointed out that despite decades of research linking alcohol to cancer, “only 45% of American adults are aware that consuming alcohol increases their risk of developing cancer.”

Alcohol’s carcinogenic effects have long been recognised by global health organizations. The National Toxicology Program classified alcohol as a carcinogen in 2000, and the World Health Organization’s agency did the same in 1987. However, Murthy stressed the public’s lack of awareness on the matter.

Can Belize Expect a 2025 Election Landslide?

2025 is one heavily anticipated year in Belize’s political arena. In the last months of 2024, the opposition party—the United Democratic Party (UDP)—faced a series of challenges in its leadership. It still does. On Thursday, Audrey Matura gave the Open Your Eyes viewers an insight into her political analysis as we enter Belize’s election year.

Matura pointed out strongly the government’s position of strength and the opposition’s fractured state amid the series of troubles the opposition has faced over the last few months. Matura argues that the prime minister, John Briceño, should seize the opportunity to hold elections while the opposition finds itself “at their lowest.”

One of the key moments of the UDP leadership crisis was the October 2024 “unity convention” held by the Alliance for Democracy (AFD), led by Albert Area Rep. Tracy Taegar Panton. At the convention’s conclusion, Panton announced that she had been elected interim leader of the UDP. However, the legitimacy of this convention is now under scrutiny. The court will determine whether it was a valid national convention and if Panton remains a UDP member.

Despite the presence of a constitutional leader within the opposition, Matura stated that the UDP’s inability to unite its members suggests that internal divisions make it difficult for the opposition to pose a serious challenge to the government. “The infighting has not stopped, and the recent court ruling is not helping,” she said.

The court has set a timeline to resolve the leadership dispute within the United Democratic Party (UDP) between Mesopotamia Area Rep. Moses “Shyne” Barrow and Albert Area Rep. Tracy Panton. The court will determine whether the Alliance for Democracy’s ‘unity convention’ held in October 2024 was a valid national convention and whether Panton is still a member of the UDP.

Matura also warned that without a strong opposition and civil society organisations like the BNTU playing their usual role in holding the government accountable, Belize’s democratic system could suffer. “It’s civil society now that should be checks and balances, but civil society itself is very dormant. The most aggressive one used to be BNTU, and they’re just not there right now.” Matura stated.

Guatemala Accepts U.S. Deportees: What It Means for Belize

In about two weeks, the United States of America will inaugurate its 47th president—Donald J. Trump. With this come major shifts under Trump’s anticipated rigorous administration, particularly in the immigration sector, with new policies expected to tighten deportations.

Guatemala is open to accepting citizens from other Central American countries who are deported from the United States as part of efforts to build a positive relationship with the incoming Trump administration. It has also been reported that Guatemala is willing to play a role in the regional response to the increase in deportations expected under President-elect Donald Trump. A Guatemalan official noted, “There has to be a regional response… and we want to be part of the solution.”

This move comes as the U.S. struggles to deport people from countries like Nicaragua, Venezuela, and Haiti, with strained relations complicating deportation efforts. Guatemala, however, is actively preparing for an uptick in deportation flights and is already receiving 14 per week under President Biden. This figure is expected to rise under Trump. Guatemala sees this influx as an opportunity to utilise the skills of the deportees, many of whom have experience in industries like construction and service and speak English. The country aims to integrate these individuals into the private sector, although officials are concerned about the strain deportations may put on the economy, especially if remittances from the U.S. decline.

Neighbouring countries like El Salvador and Honduras are also bracing for an increase in deportees. Honduras has already been receiving 10 deportation flights per week, with their foreign minister stating the country is preparing for a significant rise.

But what could this mean for Belize? Given the already porous nature of its borders, Belize can expect many challenges. Attorney Audrey Matura shared with the viewers of the morning show, Open Your Eyes, on Thursday that this can mean more individuals attempting to cross into Belize. Matura stated, “Our border is porous. These people will find their way back into Belize, maybe trying to make it back to Mexico. We need to prepare for that… It’s going to have a big political impact and economic impact on Belize.”

Five Belizeans Honoured for Outstanding Contributions

Five Belizeans have been selected for recognition in the 2025 New Year Honours list.

Former Lands Commissioner and NEMO Coordinator, Phillippa Noreen Fairweather, has been appointed to the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (O.B.E.), the second-highest honour awarded by the British for extraordinary work within a region or country. Fairweather’s recognition stems from her significant contributions to community and public service.

Four other Belizeans have been named to receive the Member of the British Empire (M.B.E.), the third-highest award. Dr. Marcelino Avila, who currently serves on the Board of Trustees for Galen University, has previously held the role of Senior Policy Advisor in the Office of the Prime Minister and will be honoured for his contributions to public service. Gregoria Aragon and Lucilo Enrique Alcoser will be honoured for their service to the community and contribution to the music industry, respectively. Rudolph Bernard Coye will be recognised for his distinguished service in the tourism industry.

These awards, which range from Commander (CBE) to Officer (OBE) and Member (MBE), are bestowed by His Majesty the King following recommendations from the Prime Minister and senior government ministers.

China Grapples with HMPV Surge as Viral Infections Strain Healthcare System

China is currently witnessing a rise in Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) infections, sparking concerns of another health crisis after the COVID-19 pandemic. Reports and online discussions indicate widespread transmission, with some alleging that hospitals and crematoriums are overwhelmed. Circulating videos depict overcrowded medical facilities, and social media users mention the concurrent spread of influenza A, HMPV, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, and COVID-19. Some accounts link the increase in HMPV infections to a rise in deaths, particularly among individuals aged 40 to 80.

The Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reportedly observed an uptick in HMPV-positive cases, particularly among children aged 14 and under.

Neither Chinese health authorities nor the World Health Organization (WHO) have validated claims of an epidemic or emergency declaration.

HMPV, first identified in 2001, belongs to the Pneumoviridae family, which also includes respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Research indicates it has circulated in humans for over six decades. The virus primarily causes respiratory illnesses and poses the greatest risk to young children, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems.

The WHO has reiterated its call for transparency from China regarding the origins of COVID-19. In a statement issued Monday, the organisation emphasised, “We continue to call on China to share data and provide access to help us understand the origins of COVID-19. This is a moral and scientific imperative.” The WHO further warned that without global transparency, data sharing, and cooperation, the world remains unprepared to effectively prevent and respond to future epidemics and pandemics.

Simone Biles Named Sports Illustrated 2024 Sportsperson of the Year

Simone Biles, the Belizean-American gymnastics icon, has added another remarkable accomplishment to her illustrious career. On Thursday, Biles was named Sports Illustrated 2024 Sportsperson of the Year. Her journey from humble beginnings to global superstardom has broken barriers in terms of race, age, and mental health advocacy, said the magazine.

This prestigious recognition comes after her triumphant return to the Olympics in Paris, where she not only overcame personal challenges but also solidified her place as one of the greatest athletes in history.The 11-time Olympic medallist added four new medals at the 2024 Paris Olympics, including three golds and a silver. This made her one of the most decorated female gymnasts in history.

Sports Illustrated praised Biles for her stellar performances and her impact on the sport, writing, “She changed the face of her sport and the conversations around athletes.” Biles will receive the award at Sports Illustrated’s annual ceremony in Las Vegas on January 7.

Taxi Driver Causes Accident in Belize City

A young woman and man are lucky to be alive today after they were involved in an accident reportedly caused by a taxi driver.

The incident happened near the corner of the Philip Goldson Highway and Captain Eily Street in Belize City. According to reports, the duo was travelling on a motorcycle northbound when a taxi was attempting to overtake them. Lacking sufficient space, the taxi driver grazed the cycle, causing them to momentarily lose balance.

The taxi driver then stopped quickly, causing the cycle to crash into its rear. The duo was sent flying. They sustained minor injuries. Police were called to the scene.

The investigation is ongoing.