Earlier this month, twenty-four-year-old Emil Rivers was shot in the abdomen by a police officer in Independence Village. The incident began when Rivers, allegedly intoxicated and carrying a large knife, assaulted Inspector Michael Rosado. Rivers was taken into custody but managed to escape. During a standoff with two officers, Rivers brandished a machete. Despite attempts to de-escalate the situation, Officer Sheldon Arzu shot Rivers twice. Rivers was then taken to the Southern Regional Hospital for treatment. The Professional Standards Branch has launched an investigation into the incident, and police provided an update earlier today.
Glen Rivero
Glen Rivero, Commander, Professional Standards Branch
“We have confirmed that on Friday, the twenty-fourth of January Mr. Rivers was detained in respect to an aggravated assault against a senior officer. He was in custody. After fifty-five p.m. Friday, the twenty-fourth on Saturday, the twenty-fifth. Sometime after six thirty a.m. He was escorted to the bathroom to take a shower during which he escaped from the police station. The police went in pursuit. And they encountered Mr. Rivers, who had armed himself with a machete. Like I said, the matter is under investigation, and as soon as we conclude our investigation that file will be sent to the DPP for the DPP to make a decision on it. Our investigation revealed so far that he was shot in the midsection. I can say that there is no indication that the officer who fired the shot intended to hit him in the midsection. From all indications, the officers, the officer who fired the shot intended to use the force necessary to subdue Mr. Rivers by targeting his leg.”
Chester Williams
Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police
“The statement of the officer, he said in a statement that he had gone to shoot the man in the foot, but he turned at the same time and he ended up being caught in the abdomen. That’s what the officer said in his statement.”
During the confrontation that led to Officer Sheldon Arzu shooting escaped detainee Emil Rivers, police tried several times to de-escalate the situation without using lethal force. Today, Commissioner of Police Chester Williams admitted that the officers’ methods were ineffective, noting that using profanity doesn’t help. He also pointed out that PC Arzu had been discharged from the Belize Police Department after a deadly shooting in 2003 and served thirteen years in prison before being reinstated. This incident highlights the urgent need for more non-lethal police equipment. Williams believes that the lack of proper tools has only made the situation worse.
Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police
“It is our drawn conclusion that there must be more training done with police officers and the Ministry of Health, and in particular, the mental health institution within Belize to sensitize police officers in terms of how to address issues like these. We also agreed that we need to look at the weaponry that police officers use in terms of escalating force. When we look at the whole issue of conflicts we look at two, two different stages. We have the stages of de escalation where you try to de escalate a tension that exists and when that does not work, then you look at the escalation of force that the security force is going to use. In this particular instance certainly de escalation of the tension was not working. And so the officers decided that they would escalate the force that they used. But the thing is that they went from words to lethal force, which should not be. You have to have something in between. And so we are looking to see now what we can do to perhaps inject things like pepper spray and teasers. And my fear with pepper spray, as you would know that we used to issue officers with pepper spray. But my thing with it is that when the officers had it, There was an abuse of it. They use it in instances where they don’t need to use it. And then we get a number of complaints. So I banned the pepper spray. We might need to see how we can reintroduce pepper spray with specific instructions and then we’re going to see if we can introduce teasers. I also said to commanders this morning to make sure that they check their armory that they do have the shotgun that we had issued to them before and if they don’t have the bean bags let us know and we’ll provide them with bean bags.”
Athletes and everyday folks who use the Marion Jones Sporting Complex for training or exercise have had to share space with crocodiles and navigate through overgrown mangroves. But that might change soon. Cyclist Colville Murillo has been raising the alarm for weeks, urging for the mangroves to be trimmed for public safety. He’s reported sightings of crocodiles, snakes, and raccoons emerging from the dense vegetation. However, clearing the mangroves isn’t a simple task. Tonight, there’s good news for Murillo and everyone else. The Forestry Department has given the green light to alter the mangroves. News Five’s Paul Lopez has the full report.
Paul Lopez, Reporting
Every day, you can spot people of all ages making their laps, whether on foot or bike, at the Marion Jones Sporting Complex. However, a growing safety concern has emerged recently. The tall mangroves have created a blind spot along the track, making an area that was once visible from anywhere in the stadium now barely noticeable even from the highest bleachers. Here’s what one evening runner had to say about it.
Voice of: Concerned Citizen
Voice of: Concerned Citizen
“The outside track I work with, it is ok, except after the bush, those mangroves is too high for me. When it gets dark I don’t want to do anymore exercise and I want to stay out and do more exercise after hours.”
Paul Lopez
“What is the concern for you, safety?”
Voice of: Concerned Citizen
“Yes, safety. I have heard about, crocodiles and snakes and racoon and I am afraid of those.”
This young athlete shared similar sentiments.
Liliana Stein
Liliana Stein, Concerned Citizen
“So far since I come back the bush needs to cut, because the bush never this talland like you have one two holes in the track that needs to be fixed.”
Paul Lopez
“Do you feel safe at night with the bush so high?”
Liliana Stein
“No, I don’t. I don’t stay out here this late. But I am here because of my sister.”
Cyclist Colville Murillo shares these concerns. For weeks, he’s been navigating the bureaucratic maze to get the necessary approval to trim the mangroves and make the track safer. He’s also eager to revive cycling events at the stadium. However, since mangroves are protected in Belize, it’s not as simple as just bringing in landscaping equipment to clear the area.
Colville Murillo
Colville Murillo, Cyclist
“One evening I came out and I saw a racoon, a huge racoon and a huge snake. Then I realized the mangrove on this side is way too high then the people in the bleachers couldn’t see me. If anything should happen, not only to me, but anybody that is walking around you might have a problem, or anybody could be hiding in the bush to attack a female. So that was one of my main concerns to try and get the place clean up and see if we could have more sports in the stadium than on the streets.”
When we caught up with Murillo in late January, he shared his frustrations. He had approached the National Sports Council but hit a dead end. Undeterred, he turned to the Belize Cycling Federation, which pledged to fund the initiative. The Belize Central Prison even agreed to provide the labor. However, clearing mangroves isn’t straightforward, it requires approval from the Forest Department. So, we reached out to Wilber Sabido, the Chief Forest Officer, for more information.
Wilber Sabido
Wilber Sabido, Chief Forest Officer
“It is a requirement by law for anyone who is interested in altering mangroves, which is essentially cutting down mangroves in layman speak, or to trim mangroves which is essentially cutting the branches off any of the three mangroves species, the red, black and white. Once the applicant is successful and receives their permit, they can go ahead with either the alteration or the trimming.”
News Five confirmed that an application was submitted to the department following Murillo’s persistent outcry for something to be done. And today, Sabido gave us good news.
Wilber Sabido
“What I am seeing is that there are patched of mangroves all along the interior track and they want to do trimming and altering of the mangroves for aesthetics and safety. I know there was an incident with crocodiles seen in the area because of the condition of the area. We did our inspection and found that there was an incident with crocodiles being seen in the area because of the condition of the area. We did our inspections and found that there are patches of mangroves and we asked for the administrator to submit and application and based on the recommendation form our site assessment. We decided it is something we can proceed with so that it serves in this instance for public good.”
Sabido also mentioned that there are plans to relocate the crocodiles currently residing on the grounds. However, he pointed out that the stadium’s fence needs an upgrade to prevent these reptiles from getting in again.
Murillo
“It is either one or the other. Where there are reptiles or things like that we got to separate ourselves, because you could never tell when something is going to happen, or outburst is going to happen. The main factor is you can’t see if there is something happening on the other side. You cant tell what is happening.”
Good evening and welcome to another edition of Sports Monday! I’m Paul Lopez, and tonight we kick things off with highlights from Saturday’s 2025 ATLIB Track and Field Championship at the Marion Jones Sporting Complex. The event saw fierce competition from athletes representing five tertiary institutions: Galen University, the University of Belize, SJCJC, Wesley Junior College, and Independence Junior College. The day started with an exciting three-kilometer race for the female athletes, setting the tone for a day full of thrilling performances.
Paul Lopez, Reporting
Roxy Lemus, sporting bright orange shorts for Galen University, took off with determination. Hot on her heels were Elisha Rash and Huzyra Cho from the University of Belize. As the race progressed, with five and a half laps down and two to go, Rash and Lemus managed to lap Cho. Heading into the final lap, Rash was in the lead, with Lemus right behind her. In a thrilling finish, Rash kicked it up a notch and crossed the finish line fifteen seconds ahead of Lemus, clocking in at thirteen minutes and twenty-seven seconds.
Elisha Rash
Elisha Rash, U.B. Athlete
“My strategy was to keep up with the first runner and save more energy with myself and then the last lap two laps use the energy you have saved up.”
Next up was the men’s five-kilometer race. Three determined runners took their positions at the starting line: Cayden Flowers and Wilmer Cal from the University of Belize, and Neptali Balam from Galen. Balam struggled early on and was lapped a few times by Flowers and Cal. As the race neared its end, Flowers dug deep and unleashed a final burst of energy, breaking away from the pack. He crossed the finish line in first place, showcasing his endurance and determination.
Cayden Flowers
Cayden Flowers, U.B. Athlete
“The strategy, everyone has their own strategy. Waiting for the last few laps is the safest, because you could finally see where you opponents are. My colleague Wilmer Cal is very strong. I just came out pushed and see what my best capabilities are.”
Flowers crossed the finish line with a time of twenty minutes and ten seconds. Now, let’s move on to the thrilling female hundred-meter sprint. Despite only six runners signing up, the race was split into two heats due to the track’s condition—only five of the eight lanes were usable, with the others deteriorating over the past year. In the first heat, Jade Sanker sprinted to victory with a time of 14.66 seconds. The second heat featured crowd favorites Kendal Morgan and Nayasha Harris in an exciting faceoff. Nayasha ultimately claimed the gold medal, finishing with an impressive time of 12.50 seconds. Morgan secure
Nayasha Harris
Nayasha Harris, SJCJC Athlete
“My mindset is well confident. I know I was supposed to run the race extremely good. I have been practicing during the week and weekends with my coach Mr. Evans and Ms. Carr.”
And then came the male one-hundred-meter sprint. This one was executed in a similar fashion, two heats with the winner being determined based on finish time. Donovan Grinage from U.B. took the first heat with a time of eleven point twenty-one seconds. He was followed closely by Dante Green from IJC with twelve point three seconds. But the gold medalist came from the second heat. Of the four runners, Gary Neal executed an exceptional sprint and finished well ahead of his opponents with a time of eleven point nine seconds, securing the gold medal.
Gary Neal
Gary Neal, U.B. Athlete
“Ever since I was a toddler I had a passion for running. I used to runway to the roadside when I do something wicked.”
The male and female shotput competitions took place just across from the running track. Each male competitor had three attempts to throw the shot, and in the end, it was Steven Sylvester who clinched the gold with the farthest throw.
Steven Sylvester
Steven Sylvester, SJCJC Athlete
“The win feel really great. I came out here expecting a top three and I came out with the gold. I have to thank God, because God come first. Without God I neva mih wah the yah.”
And finally, from the track and field championship, the four hundred-meter women’s race saw an all-out sprint to the finish line between Leanne Segura, Kendal Morgan and Ashanti Carr. From the last place position, Segura overtook her opponents at the last second to win gold.
Leanne Segura
Leanne Segura, SJCJC Athlete
“If I am being honest I was counting myself out. But when I hit the two-hundred-meter mark and realize that the gaps was not that big, I took it up a notch.”
Paul Lopez
“How do you feel when you accomplish something like that, where you go from dead last to winning a race.”
Leanne Segura
“I still the process it. Ih nuh real.”
And finally, to wrap up tonight’s coverage, it wasn’t all doom and gloom at the Marion Jones Sporting Complex on Friday night. The first semi-final match saw Tut Bay, donning their blue jerseys, take on Lake Independence in white. Tut Bay dominated the game, scoring four goals to Lake I’s two. With this victory, Tut Bay was set to face the winner of the match between Reggae Boyz and Survivors FC in the finals. Well folks that is all we have for you in tonight’s coverage of Sports Monday. Catch you in the next one.
The Department of Local Government, with support from the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Council (A-TIPs), conducted a series of regional training sessions in January for Trade and Liquor Licensing Boards across Belize’s municipalities.
The sessions targeted newly appointed members of licensing boards across nine municipalities and ten liquor boards. The sessions, aimed at strengthening the boards’ effectiveness, brought together representatives from municipal bodies, the District Association of Village Councils, and private sector partners. Participants received insights from various public sector stakeholders, including the magistracy, police, and health departments.
These entities provided crucial information on the roles and support available to boards in processing trade and liquor license applications. The Department of Local Government called on all license holders to consistently meet regulatory standards to ensure a safer, more productive society.
Earlier today the lifeless body of a young boy was discovered near the hangar area in Belize City. The family identified the child as 6-year-old Gabriel Pablo Orellano.
Police were alerted to the scene just after 1 this afternoon after reports of a drowning. Reports indicate that young Gabriel is an autistic student at Stella Maris School who had reportedly run away during lunch break.
His body was discovered by passersby in the water, who quickly pulled him from the sea and notified authorities.
Initial reports from the Scene of Crime (SOC) team indicated that Gabriel’s body showed no visible injuries. His family identified him at the scene, and his remains were transported to the KHMH morgue for a post-mortem examination.
The lifeless body of a 6-year-old boy was discovered near the hangar area earlier today. Police are on the grounds and have recovered the boy’s body. Reports indicate that the young child had slipped away from school, made his way to the hangar, and went for a swim in the sea. Teachers were reportedly the first to arrive at the scene.
Notorious gang leader Brandon Baptist, who was on a path to reform after turning to faith, was shot and killed Friday night during a football game at the Marion Jones Sporting Complex in Belize City. The shooting, which occurred just after 9 p.m., also left three others wounded: 37-year-old John Grinage, 26-year-old Herson Mena, and 21-year-old Cameron Williams. While Williams was treated and released, Grinage and Mena remain hospitalised.
Baptist died on the scene.
He had been actively involved with the Leadership Intervention Unit (LIU), an organisation focused on helping at-risk youth in the community. LIU employed Baptist along with several other at-risk youths from his neighbourhood.
Dominique Noralez, Director and Chairperson of LIU, told News 5, “There have been a few persons who have passed as a result of murder that have really impacted me, and Brandon Baptist is one of those… He was always full of life, always willing to talk.”
“I considered him to be not only an employee of the socioeconomic programs that LIU has. I considered him to be a friend. And I am, I’m very sad about how this happened,” Noralez added.
Noralez said that LIU’s role has been one that is important in the rehabilitation of violent communities, by providing employment and social programs, including a new apprenticeship initiative with the Community Rehabilitation Department, which offers young people opportunities for vocational training and job placements.
“All the specialised units that are now on the ground, we have to remain in contact with them to advise them about the way to approach because we are not a securitisation unit. That is not our role. Our role is one of rehabilitation, one of restoration, one of simply giving people a listening ear, and supporting them through this time,” she said.
“You never want to, irrespective of whatever this is, dehumanise a person after they have passed,” Noralez added. She said no one should assume that others “deserve” poverty or suffering just because it hasn’t affected them personally. Noralez said, “You cannot divorce yourself from the experience of persons who live on a certain side of the Halowa Creek.”
Belize City firefighters and representatives of the Public Service Union (PSU), including President Dean Flowers, met with the CEO in the Ministry of Blue Economy and Disaster Risk Management, Kennedy Carrillo, and the CEO of the Public Service, Rolando Zetina.
The meeting was held this morning in Belmopan.
On Friday, the firefighters initiated a go-slow following a sudden announcement that their overtime pay would be cut, effective immediately. The decision came after years of worsening conditions, inadequate equipment, and minimal compensation.
They also accused fire department leadership of mismanaging funds while failing to address critical needs.
In a social media post, the Ministry of Blue Economy and Disaster Risk Management said, “This morning CEO Kennedy Carrillo met with 13 firefighters from different geographical divisions of the department. CEO Carrillo, accompanied by the CEO of the Public Service, Rolando Zetina, engaged in an amicable and productive dialogue with the firefighters who were accompanied by the President of the Public Service, Mr. Dean Flower. The concerns that had been raised regarding cuts in overtime hours provided the opportunity for the officers to raise other pressing concerns. CEO Carrillo assured the officers that the most immediate concern regarding overtime was already being addressed by the Ministry with the Ministry of Finance to identify necessary funds to meet the constraints as a result of the end of fiscal year adjustments. Regarding other administrative matters such as allowances, promotions, transfers, and other concerns, the CEO assured the officers that the Ministry will continue to work with the Ministry of the Public Service to address these in a timely manner. Since assuming responsibility for disaster risk management in May, Minister Andre Perez and his CEO have committed to improving the Fire Department, NEMO, and the Met Service by addressing administrative and financial matters with urgency. The ministry will continue to do so. CEO Carrillo thanked the 13 officers for the open and constructive dialogue.”
In an interview with News Five, Flowers raised serious concerns about the deteriorating conditions of fire stations across the country, alleging that some stations are deliberately neglected due to internal management conflicts. Flowers said that the poor state of these facilities is not just a matter of oversight but, in some cases, a targeted act against certain officers.
He also pointed out that stations like the one in Ladyville are in an especially terrible condition. He questioned why fire officials are subjected to such conditions when top management and government officials would not tolerate working in similar environments.
“The senior management team in the Fire Department must be held accountable,” Flowers stated, calling on the government and the responsible minister to intervene. He noted that for too long, the department’s leadership has gone unchecked, and it is now time for a serious assessment of whether they are fit for their roles.
Seventy-six Alcaldes and Deputy Alcaldes from 38 Maya villages in southern Belize have officially been sworn in to serve their communities for the 2025–2026 term. The ceremony was presided over by Attorney General Anthony Sylvestre.
The Alcaldes, entrusted with maintaining order and mediating disputes under Maya customary law, also hold the status of judicial officers under Belize’s Inferior Court Act. Their role bridges tradition with the legal framework of the country, ensuring governance at the community level.
Attorney General Sylvestre, the keynote speaker at the event, highlighted the significance of the Alcaldes’ responsibilities. “In ceremonies like these, where there is a meeting and embracing of the old and the new ways for the preservation and stability of your communities and the nation of Belize. As Alcaldes and Deputy Alcaldes, you play such a vital and important role in your communities, in important decision-making and preserving peace, law and order, and dispensing justice in your communities.”
The event also saw the participation of key government and security officials, including Lieutenant Colonel Ramirez of the Belize Defence Force and Superintendent Brenton Hamilton of the Belize Police Department.
Minister of Rural Transformation, Community Development, Labour, and Local Government, Oscar Requena, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to working alongside the Alcaldes for the continued development of Maya communities. The Solicitor General of Belize, Elisa Montalvo, and Senator Bevin Cal, representing Osmond Martinez, were also present.
Pedro Teul, President of the Toledo Alcaldes Association, encouraged the newly sworn-in leaders to embrace their roles with dedication. “As you step into this new role, may you draw strength from the rich heritage of our ancestors, and may you be inspired by the shared commitment of all those gathered here today,” he said.
The swearing-in ceremony was coordinated by the Attorney General’s Ministry, the Ministry of Rural Transformation, and the Toledo Alcaldes Association.
