March, 2025 - Channel 5 Belize

CCJ to Make Determination in GOB and LPG Companies Dispute

Today, the Caribbean Court of Justice wrapped up a two-day hearing in a legal battle between the Government of Belize and four private liquified petroleum gas (LPG) companies. The government is challenging a 2024 Court of Appeal decision that found it violated the companies’ constitutional rights to work and property by preventing them from importing LPG into Belize. This dispute stems from a 2019 law that established National Gas Company Limited as the sole importer of LPG in the country. Senior counsels Eamon Courtenay, Edward Fitzgerald, Angeline Welch, and King’s Counsel Andrew Marshalleck represented the appellants. On the other side, Senior Counsels Godfrey Smith and Douglas Mendes appeared for the LPG companies. News Five’s Paul Lopez has more on this story.

Paul Lopez, Reporting

Over two days, the Caribbean Court of Justice listened to ten hours of arguments in the legal dispute between the Government of Belize and four private liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) companies. Senior Counsel Eamon Courtenay kicked things off, making the first submissions on behalf of the Attorney General of Belize.

Eamon Courtenay, Attorney-At-Law

“There is an insinuation that government was acting on bad faith and ill will in seeking to put the respondents out of business. That is not so, the amendment act is a clear piece of evidence that the government was not intending to put them out of business. The government was intending to move the supply of LPG from road to sea that advance the purpose.”

In the early stages of the legal battle, when the four companies were up in arms over NGC’s operations, Parliament stepped in and amended the National Liquefied Petroleum Gas Project Act.

Eamon Courtenay

“The government leveled the playing field on the importation side and provided the right for someone to apply for a license to import LPG through an approved facility.”

However, the law only approves facilities with a storage capacity of one point five million gallons. The LPG companies argue that this requirement isn’t economically feasible for them. Attorney Douglas Mendes, representing his clients, claimed that while there’s an option for these companies to import through NGC’s facility, it’s just a pretense.

Douglas Mendez, Attorney-At-Law

“By imposing impossible or commercial unviable conditions on entering the market you in effect maintain the monopoly. That is the point, because the monopoly still exists, because you have on the face of it, it is written in the act that you are permitted entry, but you really can’t because it is financially prohibitive as the evidence states to build the one point five million dollars plant and it would not may any sense to have us import through the NGC terminal when that relationship is totally unregulated.”

When the National Gas Company Limited was established, a decision was taken to import LPG exclusively by sea from the U.S to the company’s port facility. This brought an end to the trucking system that the private companies had in place. Attorney for the appellants, Senior Counsel Angeline Welch, argued that this approach decreases the risk supply shortages, provides for cheaper gas, and places the supply chain in the hands of Belizeans.

Angeline Welch, Attorney-At-Law

“The LPG was shipped to ports in Guatemala and Honduras and El Salvador, and it was trucked into Belize. By the time it was trucked into Belize the end costumer in Belize was Mount Belview price and the cost of those terminals and the transportation and any profit arrangements. The supply chain was operated and controlled by sister companies of the LPG companies. So those cost for the terminal and transportation and any other profit that was made was for that oligarchy which existed before the legislation.”

But the attorney for the four companies, Godfrey Smith, argues that the move violates his clients’ right to work.

Godfrey Smith, Attorney-At-Law

“The right is hindered. It is fettered. What the constitution guarantees to the respondents is that you have an unfettered, unhindered right to engage in a business or trade that you freely choose. So that they freely choose importation. At the end of the day we have lost wholesale business, forty-five percent of that. And that is an aspect of the business that you have a right to freely engage in.”

After a long nine-hour hearing, Senior Counsel Eamon Courtenay wrapped up his remarks to the court by addressing Mendes’ claim that the new law is just for show.

Eamon Courtenay

“Mr. Mendez took the liberty of alleging that the act and amendment was a pretense by the government to fake the fact that it was opening the market. A simple read of the legislation will show that it was the intention of the government to liberate the market on the conditions set out there. There is absolutely no basis to support the allegation, and I urge this court to reject it out of hand.”

In his closing statement, Mendes requested that the court consider the playing field is leveled.

Douglas Mendes

“Has the legislation treated the respondents and NGC in an even-handed manner? That is basically what I am asking. You have to look at what are the attributes relative to meeting the requirements of a one point five-million-gallon storage plant. What are the comparable circumstances relative to that requirement and the answer is they have all the benefits.”

Reporting for News Five, I am Paul Lopez.

Consumer Confidence Falls; Cost of Living Up in February

The Statistical Institute of Belize reported that the Consumer Confidence Index for February 2025 showed a drop in confidence among Belizean households. This indicates that people were generally feeling pessimistic about their economic future. The index fell from a little over fifty in January to forty-six in February, marking an eight point nine percent decrease in consumer confidence. The Consumer Confidence Index measures how optimistic or pessimistic consumers are about their financial situation over the next year. Interestingly, the S.I.B. also noted that the cost of living increased in February compared to the same time last year. News Five’s Marion Ali delves into the latest data shared by the SIB today.

Marion Ali, Reporting

In the first two months of 2025, the cost of living went up by 1.9%. In February alone, it increased by 1.6% compared to February 2024. The Consumer Price Index from the Statistical Institute of Belize highlighted that the biggest contributors to this rise were the costs of food and non-alcoholic drinks, housing, utilities, and fuel. Statistician Jefte Ochaeta provided the details.

Jefte Ochaeta, Statistician, S.I.B.

“Under the food and non-alcoholic beverages, we saw that there was an increase of 2.4% and this was mainly driven by an increase of 12.8% in the prices of fruits and nuts as we observed them several fruits increasing significantly, like watermelon, limes, and pineapple cereal products also experienced an increase of 3% as we saw increase in the price of white bread, biscuits, and pasta products. The beverages components of the food and alcoholic beverages also increased with increases throughout the categories, like fruits and vegetable juices by 15.4%, where we experience increases in all the drinks like natural orange juice increasing by 25.3%, fruit drinks, powdered drinks, and also in purified water and soft drinks. In the housing and electricity and water and gas and other fuels. We also saw an increase of 2.4%, and this was mainly attributed to an increase in rent of 2.5% for the period, an increase in 6% of LPG in natural gas butane.”

Interestingly, the Consumer Confidence Index showed a drop in confidence among Belizean households in February. This means people were generally feeling pessimistic about their economic future. The index fell from 50.5 in January to 46 in February. The Consumer Confidence Index measures how optimistic or pessimistic consumers are about their finances over the next year. Statistician Jacqueline Sabal explained that the S.I.B. surveyed 1,200 households to determine this, with the index ranging from 0 (completely pessimistic) to 100 (completely optimistic).

Jacqueline Sabal, Statistician, S.I.B.

“The idea behind the CCI is that economic uncertainly or a decline in consumer confidence creates pessimism and reduces desires to spend, while economic optimism encourages consumer confidence and a willingness to make significant purchases and other debt commitments. For the month of February 2025, the consumer confidence index stood at forty-six. This represents a decrease of eight-point nine percent from January 2025, when the index stood at fifty-point five.”

Although the SIB can’t pinpoint why people feel the way they do about spending, Director General Diana Castillo noted that they’ve observed a general improvement in how consumers feel.

Diana Castillo, Director General, S.I.B.

“T here has been a general improvement in consumer sentiment. People have been getting less and less pessimistic. And in January, we actually crossed the threshold into optimistic. In February now we saw a slight reversion back to below 50 to pessimistic territory. The general trend has been upwards, but I can’t really say why people feel the way they feel. This just captures how they feel.”

At SIB’s first presentation of 2025, they shared data on the GDP growth for the fourth quarter of 2024, revealing that the economy grew by 7.1%. Statistician Christopher Hulse presented these findings.

Christopher Hulse, Statistician, S.I.B

“Goods and services produced in the first quarter of 20024 totaled one point four, three billion dollars. This is an increase of ninety-four point four, nine million dollars 0r seven point one percent when we compare it to the fourth quarter of 2023 which, was at one point three, three billion dollars. Looking at the one point four, three billion, we can see how that is spread across the three sectors with taxes. Primary contributed a hundred and fifty-seven point eight million out of that one point four, three billion. Then secondary – a hundred and seventy point three million. Tertiary – nine hundred and seven point two million, and then taxes – a hundred and ninety point two million.”

Ronald Orellana shared that Belize did better in the first two months of this year in terms of Merchandise Trade Statistics, which track our imports and exports over the past two months.

Ronald Orellana, Statistician, S.I.B.

“Starting with the merchandise imports, we have a line graph showing how imports have performed over the past ten years for the first two months of January and February, despite a current decrease in imports when compared to 2024, imports have been on an upward trend since 2021. The total merchandise imports for the first two months of the year amounted to four hundred and sixty-one million dollars, down seven-point eight percent or thirty-eight point eight million dollars when compared to imports for the first two months in 2024. In general, exports have been on a downward trend with notable fluctuations seen across most of these years. The total domestic exports for the first tow months of 2025 amounted to forty point four million, representing a growth of seven point seven percent or three million when compared to the same period in 2024.”

Marion Ali for News Five.

A Whirlwind of Chaos for Belize Football

The past five days have been a whirlwind for the Belize Senior Men’s National Football team and the Football Federation of Belize. Belize suffered a crushing defeat, losing thirteen to one in aggregate goals against Costa Rica in the CONCACAF Gold Cup Prelims, which means they won’t be advancing to the Gold Cup. Adding to the turmoil, several team members sat out the first match in protest over what they consider unfair compensation from the federation. A regional sports journalist, who was in Belize for the initial match, went viral after calling Belize one of the most disorganized teams in the region. This has fueled demands for the resignation of FFB President Sergio Chuc and his executive team. Meanwhile, the newly appointed Minister of Sports, Anthony Mahler, has pledged to transform sports in Belize. News Five’s Paul Lopez has more on this story.

Paul Lopez, Reporting

Football fans across the country are demanding the resignation of the entire Football Federation of Belize (FFB) management. These calls have grown louder following Belize’s crushing defeat by Costa Rica in the CONCACAF Gold Cup Prelims. The FFB operates under FIFA regulations and is independent of the Government of Belize, so these demands might be futile, unless FIFA steps in. When we spoke with FFB President Sergio Chuc on Monday, he insisted that there were no major issues within the national team.

On the Phone: Sergio Chuc, President, F.F.B.

“The fact is that there are no major issues. There are errors that come up along the way and as soon as they come me always do our best to address them. The truth is we were not expecting to beat Costa Rica; it was almost impossible. But at the same time we were not expecting to get the seven trashing, we were hoping the results would have been two or three max.”

Chuc is talking about the first leg of the match on Friday night at the FFB Stadium. After the game, Head Coach Charles Slusher shared that key players had abandoned the team in protest over what they believe to be unfair compensation.

Charles Slusher, Head Coach, Belize National Selection

“If you guys know the history, this has been happening. Before every game there is a controversy over money and everything else. I will always fight for my players to get their rewards and just.”

Players receive a daily stipend of one hundred dollars, but only if they attend both training sessions. When traveling, this amount doubles to two hundred dollars. Regional Sports Journalist Yashin Quesada, who was in Belize covering the match, claimed that Belize has the most disorganized team in the region.

Yashin Quesada, Sports Journalist

“I’ll just give you two anecdotes about this to see the difference. You saw the photo of the bus. Costa Rica has a luxury bus. Belize national team had a little bus for like the local line, not a luxury bus. They were demanding fifty Belize dollars, which is twenty-five American dollars, for travel expenses. Listen, that is why two players resigned. I was waiting for the Belizean federation for a taxi because not like here where I ask for a taxi practically anywhere. There are no private platform. One young man appeared and said that he is a taxi and will take me. He was one of the midfielders for the Belize National Team. We played against possibly the most disorganized team in the entire area with the least resources.”

Belize’s performance in the second leg of the match has sparked heavy criticism from the public. The game, played on Tuesday night at Costa Rica’s National Stadium, saw Team Belize fall six goals to one. Costa Rica scored three goals within the first seven minutes. Belize’s Carlos Bernardez managed to score the team’s only goal. After the defeat, newly appointed Minister of Sports, Anthony Mahler, took to Facebook to reassure Belizeans that sports in the country will be restructured, reset, and reimagined, reinforcing his commitment from last week.

Anthony Mahler, Minister of Sports (File: Mar 19, 2025)

“Minister Devin Daly and I have the will and the urgency and the drive to get it done. You will see marked improvement within the first hundred days, I assure you and the nation of that. We nuh come fuh play, we come to work serious.”

However, it’s still unclear what Minister Mahler and his Minister of State, Devin Daly, can do to get involved in the affairs of the FFB, given that the organization primarily answers to FIFA. Reporting for News Five, I am Paul Lopez

Who will be the Wonder Women of 2025?

March is International Women’s Month, and the women of the Belize Coast Guard, Belize Defense Force, and Belize Police Department have started their celebrations with a bang. This morning, they kicked off day one of the Wonder Woman Competition 2025. This exciting three-day event is designed to test their endurance and strength through various challenges and boost team morale. News Five’s Britney Gordon has the story.

Britney Gordon, Reporting

Who will emerge victorious in the Wonder Woman Competition 2025? That’s the question on everyone’s mind as the women of the Belize Coast Guard, Belize Defense Force, and Belize Police Department compete. For nearly a decade, these women have come together to foster camaraderie and test their strengths. Lieutenant Commander Jasmine Bellini of the Belize Coast Guard is coordinating the event, and she shares her hopes for the competition’s outcome.

Lt. Cdr. Jasmine Bellini, Coordinator

“The objective of this is just, especially during Women’s Month, to just have an outlet when it comes to expressing your being as a woman working together, the competitive nature, competing, representing your organization, and something outside of just the normal day-to-day routine. And it’s mostly to build morale and represent your unit and represent your organization and represent yourself as a woman in Belize.”

Day one kicked off with a series of five grueling challenges under the sweltering heat. First up was the Annual Personal Fitness Test (APFT), where participants tackled sets of sit-ups, pushups, pullups, and ran laps around the compound. Later, the women returned for a two-mile run and a mile swim. We caught up with Lieutenant Commander Alma Pinelo of the Belize Coast Guard Alphas after she completed the first round of the event.

Lt. Cdr. Alma Pinelo, Competitor, Belize Coast Guard

“Right now we’re feeling good. You never know what the teams will do in terms of the pushups and situps. I know for Iran we did really good. We pushed ourselves really hard, so it’s a team effort. So it doesn’t matter that if I did it in fifteen minutes and my team does it in twenty, the overall time will be twenty minutes. But we’re feeling good. I think that we’re pretty much close neck and neck would be there for this point.”

The three-day event began as an internal competition for the women of the Belize Coast Guard but was later extended to other participants. The Belize Defense Force team, Phoenix, are the reigning champions and are back to defend their title. Lance Corporal Suliany Paquil says her team is ready for the challenges ahead.

Lance Corporal Suliany Paquil, Competitor, Belize Defense Force

“The energy is very active. At first I was nervous and I believe everybody is nervous, but I think we went there and did a great job. We are very energetic. We have a lot of strength. And then this first APFT is, of course I know it in my head and in my teammates head that we did better.”

Back for the third time is the Belize Police Department’s team, Police Bravehearts. Assistant Superintendent Jane Usher explains that while the team remains the underdogs, they are excited for the opportunity to build connections with other women and push beyond their limitations.

Jane Usher, Competitor, Belize Police Department

“ We lose every year, but the third year is a charm, so this year we’re going for it. But like I said, we’re new to it. We’re learning, we’re fielding our girls even while they’re working. We are just giving it our best for the department and for the love of the competition and the effort the Coast Guard is putting in. And to give that rivalry between our departments, build a comradery and go for it as best as we can to show the girls, to show the department that we have what it takes to compete and to do well.”

Training for the event commenced in December last year, with participants working hard to build their endurance and speed. While the event certainly challenges their physical capabilities, Bellini emphasizes its success in boosting team morale and fostering teamwork.

Lieutenant Commander Jasmine Bellini

“It also brought out a sense of competitiveness and pride, so apart from that use. See a different energy when it comes to the women that are competing. Even for the supporters that are here supporting the women, they all want to see their teams do good. And a part from that, you see them interacting with each other. It’s cause most of it is the females coming to support other females. So even though we have our own respective teams that we’re cheering on. We’re also making connections and talking to the women from the other service, which is also part of the competition to get to know other women in your force, your organization, and uplift each other whether we’re winning or not.”

The challenge concludes on Friday with a shooting competition at the Hattieville Gallery Range, after which scores will be tallied and a winner declared. Britney Gordon for News Five.

Consumer Confidence Drops Almost 9% in February 2025

There’s been a major shift in Belizeans’ purchasing confidence. According to the latest report from the Statistical Institute of Belize (SIB), the Consumer Confidence Index (CCI) for February 2025 has fallen to 46.0. This drop “reflects a decrease of 8.9 percent from 50.5 recorded in January 2025,” according to SIB.

The CCI gauges sentiments about the economy, personal finances, and major purchases. According to SIB, it has seen declines across all three components: perceptions of current economic conditions and household finances compared to the past year, expectations for the future, and views on whether it’s a good time to make major purchases like homes or cars.

SIB reported that perceptions of current financial situations and the national economy dropped by 9.4%, from a slight optimism of 50.4 to a pessimistic 45.7. Expectations for future financial conditions also fell by 7%, from 59.6 to 55.4. The largest drop was seen in the ‘Durable Goods’ component, which decreased by 11.1%, from 41.6 to 37.0, which means consumers expressed increased reluctance towards major purchases such as homes and cars.

Corozal saw the sharpest decline, with a 20.3% drop, while Stann Creek experienced the smallest decrease at 3.1%. Both urban and rural areas showed a downward trend, with urban sentiment falling by 12.5% and rural by 6%.

Gender and age groups were also impacted, with male consumers showing a 6% drop and females a 7.5% decline. The 35-44 age group reported the most significant drop in confidence, falling by 14.2%.

“After four consecutive months of steadily rising sentiment, consumer confidence reverted to an overall pessimistic level, with all three subcomponents of the index registering a decline over the one-month period,” SIB said in its report.

Toxicology Report Confirms Carbon Monoxide Poisoning in San Pedro Hotel Deaths

The Belize National Forensic Science Service has confirmed that the three American women who died in a San Pedro hotel last month succumbed to fatal carbon monoxide poisoning. Executive Director Gian Cho disclosed the findings on Wednesday, following a comprehensive toxicology analysis that took approximately three weeks to complete.

The three young women were found dead at the Royal Kahal Beach Resort in San Pedro on February 22. They are Kaoutar Naqqad, Imane Mallah, and Wafae El Arar.

The toxicology report, now in the hands of medical examiners, has allowed them to update the official cause of death. Initially, the deaths were attributed to acute pulmonary edema pending toxicology results.

Cho stressed that the forensic team conducted a broad toxicology screening, testing for illicit drugs, pharmaceutical substances, carbon monoxide, volatile gases like methane, propane, and butane, as well as pesticides. The results ruled out any presence of illegal or pharmaceutical drugs in the women’s bodies.

“The results revealed that the three victims all had fatal exposure to carbon monoxide,” Cho confirmed. “Carbon monoxide has been revealed as the contributing or underlying exposure that led to the acute pulmonary edema, which was the final cause of death.”

UDP Names New Senate Team as Patrick Faber Leads Opposition in Upper Chamber

The Leader of the Opposition, Tracy Taegar Panton, has announced the appointment of three new senators representing the United Democratic Party (UDP) in Belize’s National Assembly. Former Deputy Prime Minister and long-time parliamentarian Patrick Faber will serve as the Lead Senator for the Opposition, joined by attorney Sheena Pitts and young political hopeful Gabriel Zetina.

Their swearing-in will take place during the next Senate session, though the official date has yet to be announced.

Faber, who lost the recent general election to the PUP’s Devon Daly. A release from the UDP says, “Faber now brings his leadership and experience to the Senate, where he is expected to champion democratic values and national development.”

Joining him in the Senate is Sheena Pitts, an attorney and civic leader. The UDP says, “Pitts returns to the Senate with a powerful voice for justice, equity, and constitutional integrity. She is the Managing Partner of Pitts Law Firm, a former high school teacher, and has served in various public capacities, including as Chairperson of the Labour Complaints Tribunal and Commissioner on The People’s Constitution Commission.”

Rounding out the trio is Gabriel Zetina, a young entrepreneur from San Pedro, Ambergris Caye. The UDP says, “Following his candidacy in the 2024 municipal elections and campaign leadership in 2025, Mr Zetina now steps into national service as a senator. Bilingual and currently pursuing legal studies, he is committed to advocating for youth empowerment, economic opportunity, and inclusive policy solutions.”

Belize’s Blue Bonds to Be Featured in New PBS Series The Future of Nature

Belize’s groundbreaking Blue Bonds initiative is set to gain international recognition in the new PBS documentary series The Future of Nature, which premiered today.

The Oceans segment, airing as the first episode, highlight Belize’s innovative conservation finance model, showcasing how it protects marine ecosystems while addressing national debt. Belize Nature Bonds’ Julie Robinson is featured in the episode, shedding light on the country’s bold approach to marine conservation.

Narrated by Academy Award-nominated and Golden Globe-winning actress Uma Thurman, The Future of Nature takes a rare and immersive look at the vital role of carbon in our planet’s ecosystems. By blending compelling science with cutting-edge graphics and stunning cinematic shots of oceans, grasslands, forests, and cities, the series makes the often-invisible element of carbon tangible. Audiences will witness how animals, plants, and people interact with carbon and explore groundbreaking solutions that could help stabilise environmental shifts.

Produced by Brian Leith Productions, the four-part series features contributions from climatologists, ecologists, Indigenous leaders, and economists from around the world. Their stories reveal how nature itself is working to rebalance Earth’s delicate systems and heal the planet.

For Belizeans eager to watch, the episode will be available online for free on the PBS website for one week following its broadcast.

Who Will Be the Wonder Women of 2025?

The fierce women of Belize’s security forces are battling each other in this year’s Wonder Woman Competition. Over three gruelling days, teams from the Belize Coast Guard, Belize Defence Force (BDF), and Belize Police Department will push their physical and mental limits in a test of strength, endurance, and teamwork.

The annual competition, now nearly a decade old, isn’t just about proving who’s the toughest—it’s about camaraderie, morale, and breaking barriers in traditionally male-dominated fields. Lieutenant Commander Jasmine Bellini of the Belize Coast Guard says it’s all about giving women an opportunity to showcase their strength while representing their units. “And it’s mostly to build morale and represent your unit and represent your organisation and represent yourself as a woman in Belize,” Bellini explained.

Lieutenant Commander Alma Pinelo of the Belize Coast Guard Alphas, fresh off the first round, said her team was feeling confident. “Right now we’re feeling good. You never know what the teams will do in terms of the push-ups and sit-ups. I know for the run we did really good. We pushed ourselves really hard, so it’s a team effort,” she shared.

The BDF’s team, Phoenix, has dominated the competition in previous years and returned to defend their title. Lance Corporal Paquiul Suliany said her team was ready to take on the challenge, despite the nerves. “The energy is very active. At first, I was nervous, and I believe everybody is nervous, but I think we went there and did a great job. We are very energetic. We have a lot of strength,” Suliany said.

Meanwhile, the Belize Police Department’s team, Police Brave Hearts, is back for the third time, determined to shake off their underdog status. Assistant Superintendent Jane Usher, leading the charge, had a spirited take on their chances. “We lose every year, but the third year is a charm, so this year we’re going for it. But like I said, we’re new to it. We’re learning, we’re fielding our girls even while they’re working. We are just giving it our best for the department and for the love of the competition,” she said.

The Wonder Woman Competition 2025 will wrap with a shooting competition at the Hattieville Gallery Range, where the final scores will be tallied and a champion crowned. Until then, these women will continue to push past their limits, proving that Belize’s Wonder Women are as tough as they come.

U.S. National Charged in Fatal Boating Incident Involving American Tourist

A tragic boating accident on Sunday claimed the life of 70-year-old American tourist Jeffrey Le Beau, who was snorkelling near Turneffe Atolls. Authorities have since arrested 28-year-old Spenser Eisenberg, a U.S. national residing in Caye Caulker. Eisenberg was charged with manslaughter by negligence in connection with the fatal accident.

According to Police Commissioner Chester Williams, the boating incident could have been easily avoided. He explained that the snorkelling area had been clearly marked by the tour guides, with caution markers indicating that the area was designated for tourists engaging in water activities. The boat involved in the incident, however, sped through the marked area, striking Le Beau and causing his death.

Jeff Le Beau, a Southern California native and avid waterman, was a seasoned lawyer with experience in both the Los Angeles District Attorney’s and Public Defender’s Offices. He successfully tried over 80 jury trials and handled hundreds of legal motions. For 25 years, he worked alongside his partner, Steven Peacock, providing dedicated legal representation and taking pride in achieving personalised outcomes for each client.