February 4, 2025 - Channel 5 Belize

Unpacking the P.U.P.’s Manifesto on Crime Reduction

Just one month into the new year, Belizeans are gearing up for the 2025 elections. Although the official date hasn’t been announced, members of the People’s United Party (P.U.P.), including Prime Minister John Briceño, have hinted at an early date. As the P.U.P.’s current administration winds down, it’s a good time to reflect on the promises made in their Plan Belize Manifesto. Section three of the document focuses on improving citizen security through smart policing strategies and increasing the number of officers on the ground. News Five’s Britney Gordon takes a closer look at the Ministry of Home Affairs’ progress on these goals.

Britney Gordon, Reporting

Back in October 2020, the People’s United Party unveiled Plan Belize under the theme, “Everybody Fi Win.” This manifesto laid out ambitious goals to boost the economy, enhance healthcare, and expand access to education by 2025. In the Safe Society section, they pledged to increase the Belize Police Department to four thousand officers—a target that hasn’t been met yet. However, Minister of Home Affairs Kareem Musa insists this doesn’t mean the party’s plan has failed.

Kareem Musa, Minister of Home Affairs (File: January 29, 2025)

“I don’t know, what you think, how much space you think we have at the Police Training Academy, but we can only facilitate two hundred and say twenty-five recruits.”

Reporter

“But you made the pledge.”

Kareem Musa

“Yes. It’s over time. Have you heard that plan? Belize is a ten year plan. We’ve had the most recruitment than any other administration and I think our numbers are all the way up to two thousand six hundred going up with the next recruit intake that’s coming out in May. Every year we’ve had at least one, if not two squads coming out from our PTA..”

Musa explained that the Belize Police Department is more than halfway to reaching the goal of four thousand officers, which he expects to achieve around 2030. However, the manifesto on the Government’s Plan website clearly states the party’s aim to meet these targets by 2025. At the 2020 launch of the party manifesto, Leader of the Opposition John Briceno outlined the ambitious goals of the True Blu Plan.

John Briceño, Leader of the Opposition (File: Oct 22, 2020)

“We offer sensible solutions because we understand both the people and the problems. Indigenous and ingenious, this manifesto places the highest premium on radical social transformation. Belizeans must as a fundamental right have the chance at a wholesome education, a job at a livable wage, basic healthcare from cradle to grave and a life unthreatened by violence and crime.”

Musa pointed out that one of the biggest challenges in recruiting new officers is the limited space at the Police Training Academy. Despite this, in April 2024, the Belize police force welcomed two hundred and thirty-one new officers—the largest recruit squad in the country’s history. The manifesto also promised to dismantle the Gang Suppression Unit (GSU), demilitarize the police, and introduce more effective measures to tackle gang activity. This promise was fulfilled in 2021 with the creation of the Gang Intelligence, Investigation, and Interdiction Unit, GI3. Commissioner of Police Chester Williams explained the differences between these units.

Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police (File: Jan 4, 2021)

“That unit will be tasked primarily with ensuring that the gangs across the city and even those across the country are investigated from an intelligence standpoint. But in the new unit, we have an intelligence cell, we have an investigative arm and an operational arm. And so, the intelligence cell goes out and gathers the intelligence on these gangs, the investigative cell investigates the gang with a view to ensure that we charge gang members for the gang-related offences under the Crime Control and Criminal Justice Act. And the interdiction or the operation arm is out there in the face of the gangs on a daily basis ensuring that they do not get the opportunity to commit the crime that they may wish to commit.”

The government also pledged to improve the police department’s image by providing better training, merit-based recruitment and promotions, police reform and revising the pay scale. In January, an officer shot an escaped detainee while trying to bring him back into custody. Police Commissioner Chester Williams admitted there were mistakes in handling the situation and emphasized the need for more comprehensive training.

Chester Williams (File: January 3, 2025)

“ I had discussed this matter on Friday when I met with the media in terms of the inadequacy of training as well as equipment used by the police in these instances. I wish that, yes, we have the relevant tools and we had a lengthy discussion about this matter in our conference this morning. And the commanders were asked to speak openly about it and to give their opinion so that we know what we need to do going forward in addressing issues like this.”

While not all the Safe Society goals have been met, the Belize Police Department has ramped up efforts to reduce the country’s murder rate in recent years. In 2023, Belize recorded its lowest murder rate since 2005. Although the number rose slightly in 2024, it still stayed below one hundred deaths. The manifesto linked Belize’s high crime rate to its high poverty rate, promising to address both issues together. Britney Gordon for News Five.

B.D.F General Loria Says Tenure Ending Soon

Brigadier General Azariel Loria stepped into the role of commander of the Belize Defense Force, taking over from Brigadier General Steven Ortega. Now, nearly three years later, Commander Loria’s tenure is drawing to a close. At the B.D.F.’s forty-seventh anniversary, Loria looked back on his time as commander and shared his plans for the force in the months leading up to the change of command.

Brigadier General Azariel Loria, Commandant, B.D.F.

“ There will be a change of command. The commander of the Belize Defense Force is bound to a contract of four years. I started my contract about three years and a couple of months now going. It should finish on the twenty-first of December of this year. After which it could be extended. If I decide to ask for an extension or the ministry decides to keep me back the Ministry of Defense. But that is something that will be negotiated thereafter. I am talking about my tenure here. Four years. There will be a change of command. Of course, I don’t think I will be asking to extend us the commander of the buildings defense force. That will be going for sure. But then we will be productive until the last day, until the last day. I am a public servant, first and foremost, and I have to give my utmost best for the benefit of Belize, to ensure that we have a good organization in order that we can provide a service which is to security the borders to and the territorial sovereignty of Belize.”

B.D.F. Promised Upgrades to Facilities

For years, soldiers in the Belize Defense Force have been complaining about the terrible conditions of their facilities across the country. Last year, new sleeping quarters were unveiled at Price Barracks camp in Ladyville. Brigadier General Azariel Loria, the B.D.F. Commandant, says more improvements like this are on the way to the force’s facilities.

Brigadier General Azariel Loria, Commandant, B.D.F.

“As I mentioned in the past, we were somewhat left behind when it comes to the infrastructure and other things. For the past maybe fifteen, twenty years, we have not progressed. But for the past thre, four years, there have been a lot of funds injected into the Belize Defense Force. For And it is obvious we’re now having barrack rooms state of the art barrack rooms, modern barrack rooms. Our kitchen that we started to use just yesterday. We have projects done in the south as the forward operating base like how Minister Mira and Minister Marin alluded in their reports. Eyles Camp, , that is the base in the north, we were trying to see how we can refurbish. At Belisario, we’ll have refurbished the and we will continue to refurbish the barrack rooms this year through the CABEI initiative, the CABEI funds and in Fairweather camp as well. Fairweather camp has been the, in my estimation, the most neglected camp. And hence I think that camp or that base needs a good infusion of funds. So that is where we are going to tackle this year. That is where we’re going to concentrate our efforts.”

B.D.F. Soldier Charged with Theft

Recently, a Belize Defense Force soldier was charged with theft for allegedly being involved in a store burglary in Punta Gorda. Brigadier General Azariel Loria, the B.D.F. Commander, said the police are handling the case, but the force might also conduct its own internal investigation.

Brigadier General Azariel Loria, Commandant, B.D.F.

“We got information that a soldier was involved. One of the newly promoted soldiers, yes. And that he was remanded to prison. I don’t know if he has been offered bail. Thus yet I will have to check with my with the G. G1 is simply the personnel officer that deals with that matter. But, indeed, there was that incident where the soldier was allegedly involved in theft in one of the source down south.”

Reporter

“So when stuff like that happens, it goes directly to the police and not through the police defense force. That’s what I’m understanding?”

Brigadier General Azariel Loria

“The police department directly deals with criminal matters involving civilians out there. We do follow it up and if the person or if the soldier is found guilty, in so doing, he has brought the force into disrepute, and he could be dealt with a charge. He could be tried internally by the Belize Defense Force for such a matter.”

B.D.F. Wants New Training Academy for Non-Commissioned Officers

Last week, the Belize Defense Force held a meeting to address disciplinary issues that need fixing. During the meeting, they announced plans to set up a training academy for non-commissioned officers. Brigadier General Azariel Loria, the B.D.F. Commander, shared more details about this initiative.

Brigadier General Azariel Loria, Commandant, B.D.F.

“Here in the Belize Defense Force, for a private soldier to start to climb the ranks, they have to do courses, promotional courses in part in particular. And we do not have NCO school, per se, in the Belize Defense Force. So some time ago, about two or three years ago, we lobbied the United States Southern Command for them to try to assist us. And we had it in phase phase one was to trainers, which has been accomplished. So we have, professional personnel, competent people that can impart lessons to be a Lance Corporal, Sergeant, all the way up to Sergeant Major. That is out of the way, but now what we need is a school proper to further develop the skills of them and to ensure that we have progression when it comes to that. We were lobbying the South Com to start with an auditorium somewhere that lectures can be delivered. But unfortunately, that did not come true. So now the next step is to try to seek our allies and continue to look around to see who can grant us that. But a paper will be sent to the Ministry of National Defence for government support too as well, because that is something that we need and we need to improve in, in the leadership of our NCOs at this point in time. We believe that the NCOs are, this are the backbone of the police defense force and if it has some loopholes, weak spots we have identified the gaps and that is where we want to continue to work on.”

Firefighters Demand Allowance Adjustments and Policy Reforms Amid Ongoing Concerns

The Public Service Union (PSU) of Belize has formally requested a series of financial and policy reforms for the Belize National Fire Service (BNFS), citing concerns over inadequate compensation, resource mismanagement, and lack of consultation on critical policy changes.

In a letter addressed to Chief Executive Officer Kennedy Carrillo of the Ministry of Blue Economy and Disaster Risk Management, PSU President Dean Flowers outlined the urgent need for allowance adjustments, financial audits, and performance appraisals to address systemic issues affecting firefighters nationwide.

The PSU’s request includes the implementation of several specialized allowances to compensate for the hazardous nature of firefighting. These include:

-Hazard Allowance for exposure to dangerous environments such as burning structures and toxic fumes.

-Danger Allowance for responding to high-risk situations, including violent incidents and industrial accidents.

-Wet and Dirty Allowance to account for unsanitary working conditions, including exposure to contaminated water and biohazards.

-EMS Allowance for firefighters who serve as first responders, often facing infectious diseases and traumatic emergencies.

Additionally, the PSU is advocating for an increase in the Housing Allowance for transferred officers, raising it from $150 to $300 per month, as per contractual agreements.

Amid allegations of fund mismanagement and missing departmental assets, including uniforms and equipment, the PSU is requesting a financial and inventory audit of the Fire Services Department. Flowers (2025) said that such an audit would promote accountability and restore trust in the department’s leadership.

The union also criticized the lack of consultation on policy decisions that impact firefighters’ earnings, particularly overtime payment structures.

Furthermore, the PSU has called for timely performance appraisals and payment of outstanding salary increments for firefighters who have already completed evaluations. Delayed payments, according to the letter, undermine morale and erode trust in the Ministry’s commitment to its workforce.

The PSU has requested a written response within 21 days and remains open to further discussions to resolve these issues. The letter was also copied to key government officials, including Prime Minister John Briceño, Fire Chief Colin Gillett, and CEO Rolando Zetina of the Ministry of the Public Service.

Father of Autistic Student Questioned How Son Was Left Unnoticed

A father is left searching for answers after his 6-year-old autistic son, Gabriel Orellano, wandered away from the Stella Maris School and was later found in the sea about a mile from campus in Belize City.

Gabriel’s father, Vidal Orellano, told News Five that he was on his way to go out in the sea for work, since he’s a fisherman, when he was notified that his son had had an accident. However, he said he never expected what he learnt.

“I dah fisherman, I was at the port dih wait to go to sea, and my brother was the one that came to me and told me something happened to my son and we have to go now,” Vidal said, adding that he expected a broken bone injury at the worst, but never the news that his son had drowned.

Vidal described his son Garbiel as playful and happy, “no matter what nobody said about him, that he gave too much trouble or don’t sit down, it never mattered. I carried him with me… He never stayed nowhere without me.”

“The only thing I say in my head is why nobody grab ah? they see a lee baby dih walk by himself but they know he’s from Stella Maris, why nobody grab ah?” He said. “I would have rathered the police have my baby than weh part he deh right now.I would have appreciated if they grabbed him. No matter if I mih find him dih cry and police have ah, but at least I mi wah have ah in my hands still.”

Young Gabriel was found dead after wandering off the Stella Maris School compound on Monday morning. His body was discovered floating a mile away along the seaside.

Orellano had been attending the only school in the country for children with special needs, and his parents are now questioning how he was able to leave the secure school grounds unnoticed.

He mentioned that the school has stayed quiet while the investigation is ongoing, but he is scheduled to meet with them on Wednesday for an update.

“It Takes a Village” to Protect Kids

The drowning death of 6-year-old Gabriel Pablo Orellano on Monday near the Belize City municipal airstrip has sent shockwaves through the community. Christy Almeida, the Executive Chair and Co-Founder of Autism Belize, revealed that statistics show that 71% of children with autism die due to elopement and drowning.

With yesterday’s tragic incident, she says this has been a wake-up call for the Belizean community to protect vulnerable children like Gabriel.

Almeida explained that ‘elopement’ is a term often associated with children with autism, which refers to their tendency to wander off or run away, frequently without an awareness of danger. “They are not the kids that we can just easily teach to look at both sides of the road before they cross the street or to walk on the sidewalk or to understand this,” she said.

She said this is a reality that parents of children with autism face daily and added that these children are not misbehaving; they simply do not have the same understanding of risk that others do.

Almeida called for a stronger community approach to protect these children, stating that this incident is the reason and importance of having a “village” to support them. “We have to go back to ‘it takes a village.’ We need to create a community that will knock their chest and say, I will become his village, so no other parent has to go through what that family is going through today.”

In response to the incident, the Ministry of Education issued a statement, announcing that an investigation is underway. The police department, in collaboration with the ministry and the school, is working to gather all the details.

Under her capacity as the Ministry of Education’s Special Education Coordinator, Almeida stated she could not comment further on the investigation until it is complete and official updates are available.

Fire Destroys Home while Firefighters Stage Sick-out

A fire broke out earlier today in the Neals Penn Road area of Belize City. At the scene, we observed a fire truck, some firefighters, and scenes of crime officials. The house was completely destroyed.

The fire broke out while some 8 Belize City firefighters staged a sick-out today. As we reported, this follows a go-slow demonstration that began Friday over work schedule changes, salary concerns, and poor working conditions.

On Monday, Public Service Union (PSU) President Dean Flowers, along with firefighters, met with government officials to discuss their grievances. Flowers highlighted issues beyond overtime pay, including disparities in hazard and danger allowances. Minister of Disaster Risk Management Andre Perez defended the shift changes, citing budget constraints but assured that overtime would still be paid. Regarding corruption allegations in the department, Perez stated that an investigation requires concrete evidence.

Residents of the area believe that the cause of the fire was electrical. “We need electricity. We need those things back here to survive. So, that is what causes the fire, electrical,” a neighbour told News Five.

She added that the area is not officially established, meaning residents cannot apply for basic utilities like electricity. “I have a son who’s paralysed. I have to look after my son. He needs the electric house because he cannot feel the heat alone. He needs the fans; he needs the AC to survive, to live,” she said.

The woman who lost her house had worked tirelessly to build it from scratch while raising her children. She was at work when she received the heartbreaking call that her home had been destroyed.

The investigation is ongoing.

EXCLUSIVE: Father of Autistic Student Demands Answers from School

Yesterday’s tragic incident involving the drowning of young Gabriel Orellano, an autistic student from Stella Maris School in Belize City, has raised serious concerns about the school’s security measures.

According to Gabriel’s father, Vidal Orellano, he said his 6-year-old son was mute.

Reports are that Gabriel managed to leave the school compound unnoticed on Monday afternoon. He wandered towards the seaside, where he tragically drowned.

Vidal said he didn’t learn of his son’s disappearance until later, and when he approached the school for answers, he was met with silence. “All of them, they shut up and stay quiet,” he stated.

He said teachers told him that his son was by the hangar area but gave no additional information. “When I went there and when I saw my little boy lying down there, passed away,” he said.

“They failed my son because if it was lunchtime, they should have a shift,” he said.

Vidal questioned what happened since the gate is usually closed, and the students are not allowed to leave the campus. He said, “Why was the gate open? Where was the security guard?” he asked.

“The school is keeping quiet,” he said, adding, “I entrusted them with my baby. And that’s my only son… it was only me and him.”

Reports indicate that Gabriel’s body was found less than 30 minutes after a police officer saw him alone on Wilson Street and reported it to 911. However, authorities failed to respond in time.