March, 2025 - Channel 5 Belize

Gillnets Still Being Used In Belize by Guatemalan Fishermen

Despite the 2020 ban on gillnets in Belize, illegal fishing continues to be a significant issue. Rear Admiral Elton Bennett, Coast Guard Commandant, told News 5 that the Southern Waters, particularly around Sarstoon, Barranco, and Hunting Caye, remain a hotspot for illegal gillnet use.

“That is still an area of concern for us,” Bennett stated. He also revealed that, so far this year, over 3,000 feet of gillnets have been confiscated—surpassing the total amount seized “in the entire 2024 period.”

The legislation, passed in 2020, made it illegal to use or possess gillnets in Belize’s territorial seas, Exclusive Economic Zone, and internal waters.

Bennett stated that enforcement remains a challenge. “We know that there are illegal fishers operating in that area; therefore, we patrol that area more often.”

He added, “It just takes a lot of patrolling effort to deter and interdict those illegal fishing in that area.”

Bennett explained that while no Guatemalan vessels were spotted in the area, the gillnets are believed to belong to Guatemalan fishermen. He said, “No one was in the areas, so we can’t confirm,” but that the nets were found “very close to Guatemala, so we believe it is Guatemalan.”

Briceño Defends Former Minister Ferguson’s New Role in Cabinet

Prime Minister John Briceño’s new Cabinet formation has received some criticism from members of the public.

Some ministers were re-instated to oversee the same ministry; others were swapped, and in some cases, some were stripped of their previous role and placed in a role with less of the heavy responsibility of a full ministry.

In this morning’s episode of Open Your Eyes, Prime Minister John Briceño discussed the new ministerial appointments and the key figures in his cabinet. Among them is Dolores Balderamos-Garcia, whom Briceño appointed as Senior Minister of State in the Office of the Prime Minister. He said she will lead the National AIDS Commission and focus on issues affecting the elderly. The PM also shared that this would be her final term. She will be collaborating with her niece, the newly sworn-in Minister of Human Development, Family Support & Gender Affairs, Thea Garcia-Ramirez.

In the case of Rodwell Ferguson, former Minister of Youth, Sports and Transport, many viewed his appointment as a “demotion” after challenges in his previous portfolio, as he now holds the position of Minister of State: Office of the Prime Minister.

Briceño defended his decision to make him Minister of State and described him as someone of high “likeability .” Briceño added, “I want to be able to use him in special assignments” due to his strong people skills and ability to resolve issues on the ground. “If there’s an issue going on in a ministry or whatever, I would say listen, go there, find out what’s going on for me and let’s see how we can solve these problems. So more of a troubleshooter kind of thing.”

When asked about his last term’s performance and if Ferguson was a good fit for that ministry, Briceño responded, “I don’t think so, back then.”

Caribbean Democrat Union Congratulates Belize’s 1st Female Leader of the Opposition

The Caribbean Democrat Union (CDU) has extended its congratulations to Tracy Panton on her historic appointment as Belize’s first female Leader of the Opposition.

Panton, who has represented the Albert constituency since 2015, was elected as interim leader of the United Democratic Party (UDP) in October 2024 following a special convention. The CDU said, “This landmark achievement not only signifies a progressive step for Belize but also serves as an inspiration for women across the Caribbean region.”

The CDU expressed confidence in Panton’s leadership: “The CDU is confident that under Hon. Panton’s leadership, the opposition will effectively contribute to Belize’s democratic process, advocating for policies that promote prosperity, equality, and justice. Her vision for elevating political dialogue and focusing on the pressing issues facing Belizeans today is commendable.”

Last week, Panton was officially sworn in as the Leader of the Opposition in the House of Representatives, making her the first woman to hold the position. Her appointment came after the United Democratic Party (UDP) lost the March 12 general election. The UDP won only five of 31 seats.

Panton, who led the Alliance for Democracy faction within the UDP, secured enough support to assume the leadership role. She received backing from key party members, including Lee Mark Chang and Godwin Haylock, solidifying her position despite earlier challenges from former Leader of the Opposition Moses Shyne Barrow. Barrow lost his seat to Chang in the Mesopotamia Division.

Cause of Plane Crash that Killed Aurelio Martinez Revealed

At least 12 people, including renowned Honduran musician Aurelio Martinez, lost their lives Monday evening when a small passenger plane crashed into the Caribbean Sea shortly after takeoff from Roatán, a popular tourist destination.

The Lanhsa Airlines Jetstream 41 aircraft had just departed at nightfall, bound for the mainland port of La Ceiba, when it veered sharply to the right of the runway and plunged into the water, according to civil aviation official Carlos Padilla.

Dramatic footage shared by the Honduran national police showed emergency responders carrying an injured passenger on a stretcher over jagged rocks along the shoreline.

Roatán fire captain Franklin Borjas said the survivors were rushed to a nearby hospital. He described the rescue operation as challenging due to the crash site’s difficult terrain.

Martinez, widely recognised for his mastery of punta rock, was a central figure in the La Ceiba music scene. He founded the Lita Ariran ensemble, one of the first Garifuna groups to gain international recognition, according to the Kennedy Center.

According to police, the crash occurred about half a mile from Roatán’s coast and was attributed to an “apparent mechanical failure” on the British-made Jetstream 41 aircraft.

In response to the tragedy, Honduran President Xiomara Castro announced that she had “immediately activated” an emergency response committee consisting of the armed forces, firefighters, and other agencies to assist with rescue and recovery efforts.

In a statement on X, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed deep sorrow over the loss of Martínez, describing him as a great friend of Belize and a dedicated champion of Garífuna culture and music.

“Aurelio was a great friend of Belize and a true champion of Garífuna culture and music. As a renowned Garífuna musician, Aurelio was a powerful voice in preserving and promoting the rich cultural heritage of the Garinagu people,” the statement noted.

Martínez, alongside Belizean music legends Andy Palacio and Paul Nabor, played a crucial role in bringing Garífuna music to the global stage, earning international recognition for its unique rhythms and storytelling traditions

Briceño Warns Cabinet: No Room for Personal Gain in Second Term

The Prime Minister of Belize, John Briceño, warned his newly inaugurated members of Cabinet about engaging in unacceptable actions following the party’s re-election.

In an appearance on Open Your Eyes, Briceño discussed the challenges of maintaining humility and focus, especially with the re-election of several candidates for a second term. He warned against complacency, stating that success shouldn’t lead to arrogance.
Briceño stated that it “means nothing… If you’re not looking after the needs of your people and working for them and serving them and keeping in touch with them.”

He cautioned against the temptation of putting personal gain ahead of duty and public service. Briceño did not hesitate to warn his Cabinet about engaging in corruption or exploiting their position, as it would result in removal.

He said, “I did not come into politics to enrich myself,” adding, “I came to help people, to be able to serve people.” Briceño stated that his ministers and colleagues must also prioritise public service. “If you want to be part of the government that I lead, it has to be that you want to be here to serve the people of this country.”

Briceño followed with a strong warning to his newly inaugurated cabinet, “The day I feel that you are not doing that and that you are putting other priorities, you’ll not be able to stay in the cabinet that I manage.”

Trinidad and Tobago to Hold General Elections on April 28, 2025

Prime Minister Stuart Young has announced that Trinidad and Tobago will hold its next general elections on April 28, 2025. The announcement follows his official request to President Christine Kangaloo to dissolve Parliament, effective midnight on Tuesday, in accordance with Section 68 of the Constitution.

With the dissolution of Parliament, the country now enters full election mode. According to a statement from the Office of the Prime Minister, Nomination Day is set for April 4, 2025, giving political parties and candidates a formal deadline to submit their candidacies.

As previously reported, Young was officially sworn in as Trinidad and Tobago’s new Prime Minister on Monday, succeeding Dr. Keith Rowley after his two-term tenure.

Young, formerly the Minister of Energy and Energy Industries, has outlined a vision focused on youth empowerment, economic diversification, national unity, and sustainable development. He aims to expand sectors like tourism, agriculture, and technology while promoting inclusivity.

Israel Resumes Strikes on Gaza After Ceasefire Collapses

A fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas crumbled early Tuesday as Israeli forces launched extensive airstrikes across Gaza, marking the deadliest day in the conflict since November 2023, CNN reported. More than 400 people were killed, and hundreds more were wounded, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry.

USA Today reports that Israeli officials said the strikes targeted Hamas positions in response to what they described as the militant group’s refusal to release hostages and engage in further negotiations. In a post on X, Israeli Foreign Ministry spokesperson Oren Marmorstein stated, “As of this morning, Israel is operating with full force against the Hamas terrorist organization in the Gaza Strip.”

Hamas, however, accused Israel of breaking the nearly two-month-long ceasefire and endangering captives held in Gaza. Several Arab nations also condemned Israel, alleging it violated the truce.

According to CBS, the escalation comes after far-right Israeli politician Itamar Ben Gvir announced he would rejoin the government following the ceasefire’s collapse. Meanwhile, the White House confirmed that Israeli officials had consulted with the Trump administration before launching the strikes.

“The Trump administration and the White House were consulted by the Israelis on their attacks in Gaza tonight,” White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told Fox News host Sean Hannity.

Belize Partners with IFC to Develop Solar Energy Project

The Government of Belize has partnered with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) to develop the country’s first public-private partnership in the energy sector. The project will establish a utility-scale solar plant, providing 50 to 80 megawatts of power by 2027, improving energy security and affordability for around 20,000 households.

As part of Belize’s goal to increase renewable energy generation by 75% by 2030, IFC will serve as the Lead Transaction Advisor, facilitating a competitive selection process for a private investor to develop and operate the plant.

Minister of State Christopher Coye said that reducing dependence on fossil fuel imports will stabilize energy prices, enhance business competitiveness, and strengthen climate resilience. “The reliance on electricity and fossil fuel imports and the severity of climate-related events have led to volatile energy prices, which impacts tariff affordability for the population and business competitiveness and affects energy security,” said Coye.

The project aligns with Belize’s long-term goal of expanding solar capacity from under 1 MW to 180 MW by 2042.

Supported by the World Bank and the Government of Japan, the initiative will also integrate a 40 MW Battery Energy Storage System to enhance grid stability. By attracting private sector investment and international funding, Belize aims to bolster its energy resilience while minimizing fiscal impacts.

Stuart Young Sworn In as Trinidad and Tobago’s New Prime Minister

On Monday, Stuart Young was sworn in as the new Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago during an official ceremony at the President’s House in St Ann’s. Young. Young, who previously served as the Minister of Energy and Energy Industries, succeeds Dr Keith Rowley, who completed two terms in office.

Young’s vision focuses on youth empowerment, economic diversification beyond oil and gas, national unity, and sustainable development. He aims to strengthen sectors like tourism, agriculture, and technology while fostering inclusivity and social cohesion.

However, his tenure comes with significant challenges, including economic recovery post-COVID-19, political polarisation, and balancing energy sector interests with sustainability goals. His success will depend on his ability to address these issues while implementing policies that drive long-term progress for the country.

2025 Chocolate Festival of Belize Cancelled Amid Dispute

The Belize Tourism Industry Association (BTIA) Toledo Chapter has announced the cancellation of the 2025 Chocolate Festival of Belize. The cited interference by local authorities.

It said that “this event was established to promote Toledo’s small businesses, hoteliers, restaurants, chocolatiers, and the broader chocolate sector while strengthening the district’s brand and market presence.”

The BTI Toledo Chapter said that municipal officials in Punta Gorda continue to undermine the festival’s efforts, including what they described as an attempt to “co-opt” the event’s brand. It said that despite multiple attempts at dialogue, local officials had not cooperated, leading to the decision to cancel the festival.

“We will not waste any more energy convincing them of the irresponsibility of their decision,” the BTIA statement read.

The Chocolate Festival of Belize has long been a key tourism and economic event for Toledo, attracting visitors and supporting local businesses.

The festival was scheduled for May 16 -18.