April, 2025 - Channel 5 Belize

Pope Francis’ Funeral Mass Set for Saturday Morning

The coffin of the late Pope Francis will be officially sealed during a solemn rite on Friday evening, which will bring an end to public viewing ahead of his funeral on Saturday morning.

Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, will lead the Rite of Sealing, a traditional Vatican ceremony marking the final stage of papal preparations before burial. According to The Vatican News, the ritual will take place inside St Peter’s Basilica and will be attended by senior Cardinals, Vatican clergy, and papal staff.

More than 50,000 mourners have paid their respects since the Pope’s body was placed in state on Wednesday. Public viewing concluded early Thursday morning, following extended hours at the Basilica.

The funeral Mass for Pope Francis is set for 10:00 AM on Saturday and will be led by Cardinal Re. It will also begin the Novemdiales, nine days of mourning Masses, continuing until May 5.

Trump Claims Chinese President Called, China Says No

Tensions between the US and China flared again on Friday, with both sides offering starkly different accounts of ongoing tariff negotiations. President Donald Trump claimed in an interview with TIME magazine that talks with Beijing were underway, even asserting that Chinese President Xi Jinping had called him directly. China swiftly denied any such discussions, accusing the US of “creating confusion.”

The mixed messages have deepened global uncertainty over trade policy, just as world finance leaders wrap up the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank meetings in Washington. While US officials speak of swift progress, many international counterparts remain sceptical. IMF chiefs warn that the lack of clarity could put jobs and global growth at risk.

Signs of de-escalation have emerged, with China easing some tariffs on US goods. Yet Trump’s unpredictable stance, including threats of further duties, continues to rattle markets. Analysts say this chaos leaves key economies scrambling for clarity amid rising global stakes.

Guatemalan Man Busted with Unlicensed Ammo in Toledo

A Guatemalan labourer was arrested in Bella Vista Village, Toledo District, after being found with unlicensed ammunition during a police operation on Thursday, April 24.

Police reported that officers searched 46-year-old Carlos Alberto Gonzalez Marroquin and discovered three 12-gauge cartridges in his pocket.

Gonzalez Marroquin was unable to produce a valid gun licence and was taken into custody. He has been formally charged with Kept Ammunition Without a Gun License.

Fire Destroys House in Sandhill Village

A fire that destroyed a wooden house in Sandhill Village, Belize District, is now under police investigation. The incident occurred on Thursday, April 24, at Mile 16 on the Philip Goldson Highway.

According to police, they found the wooden structure fully engulfed in flames. Firefighters responded and brought the blaze under control and prevented it from spreading to nearby homes.Police reported that 23-year-old Darnel Arnold, a local fisherman, spotted smoke coming from his neighbour Darnell Gideon’s house and raised the alarm. No injuries were reported.

The cause of the fire remains unknown, and authorities are still working to determine the total value of the damages.

Gunman Steals SUV, Cash, Phones in Bold Daylight Robbery

Police are investigating an armed home invasion that occurred around 2:20 p.m. on Thursday, April 24, at Mile 11 on the Old Northern Highway in the Belize District. The homeowner told police he was at home when a man with a firearm approached his residence. Fearing for his life, he fled, leaving a staff member and a friend inside.

According to the victim, the armed suspect entered the home and stole a grey Honda Pilot SUV with license plate BZC-33404, registered to his son.

An undisclosed amount of cash and several cell phones were also taken. No injuries were reported. Authorities are pursuing leads as the investigation continues.

BPD Commends RPC Alana Reneau for Life-Saving Response

According to the Belize Police Department, Recruit Police Constable (RPC) Alana Reneau of Squad 98, attached to the Raccoon Street Police Station, is being recognised for her heroic actions on April 23rd, 2025.

While being transported after defensive tactics training, RPC Reneau encountered a mother whose baby had stopped breathing. The department reports that without hesitation, she took swift action—gently patting the baby’s back, rubbing his chest, and repositioning his tongue to clear the airway. When the baby gasped for air, she continued assisting by blowing in his face to help him breathe.

RPC Reneau ensured the mother and child were quickly taken to the Mahogany Sub-Station and then escorted to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital by SPU Mobile for further medical attention.

The Belize Police Department stated that her rapid response and decisive action exemplify bravery and highlight the real-life impact of police training. They extended a heartfelt salute, saying, “Well done, RPC Reneau!”

Jeremy Enriquez Alleges Judicial Misconduct in Justice Hondora’s Ruling

Jeremy Enriquez has released a statement regarding his complaint about alleged judicial misconduct in a recent court case. Justice Tawanda Hondora dismissed Enriquez’s constitutional claim on February eighteenth, after hearing arguments from all parties involved.

On Thursday, Enriquez filed a formal complaint against Justice Hondora with Chief Justice Louise Blenman, who chairs the Judicial and Legal Services Commission. Enriquez claims there’s compelling evidence of judicial bias, pointing to a “disturbing conversation broadcasted from the judge’s active microphone during a recess.”

In his complaint, Enriquez alleges that associates of his attorney, who were observing the hybrid hearing from Trinidad, overheard Justice Hondora saying he had already decided to dismiss the case. Although these individuals recorded parts of the private conversation during the break, they did not capture the alleged comments. The full transcript of the remarks, supposedly made by Justice Hondora, has been included in the complaint. Enriquez is calling for Justice Hondora to be removed from the case and for an immediate investigation into the matter.

Family Desperately Seeks Answers After Belizean Man Mysteriously Vanishes in Mexico

Twenty-nine-year-old Williams Milan was last seen on April 19th after returning from a food run to his home in Chetumal, Quintana Roo. According to his mother, who lives with him, he never left his room again—and his belongings, including his chain and working boots, were all left behind.

His sister, deeply concerned and seeking the public’s help, told us, “He just went to buy his food and then returned back to his room… He came from buying his food, then he got inside his room, and from that entering he made, he never made it out again.”

Neither his mother nor the neighbours heard or saw anything unusual. “The neighbours also tell my mom that they do not see. They not hear nothing,” she said.

When asked if there could be any reason someone might want to harm him, she explained, “No, miss. My mom says that he went to cotton cane, and from cotton cane, he goes, goes and goes to his room, buys his food and locks himself up. He doesn’t have any friends. Yes, he smokes; he drinks, but he was not a person that would go and do, um, bad things.”

She also dismissed the possibility that he left on his own. “No, because all his stuff is there in his room, even his chain,” she stated. “My mom told me too that they found some blood stains in his, um, in his, in his room, in his blanket, in his working boots.”

The family is pleading with anyone who may have information about Milan’s disappearance to come forward.

Family of Leonard Baltazar Demands Justice as Case Reopens

The family of 22-year-old Leonard Baltazar is once again urging the Belize Police Department to deliver justice following his death on December 11, 2024, near Reef’s End Lodge on Tobacco Caye. Initial reports claimed Baltazar died while fleeing after an alleged burglary attempt, but his family disputes that version, insisting he was restrained and killed.

His stepfather, Vince Higinio, questioned the self-defense claim: “Once a person is fleeing, the claim of self-defense goes out the window… your life is no longer in danger.”

The case has since been reopened, but Higinio says the family has received no updates. “We’ve been unable to talk to Corporal Depas or anyone else,” he said. He also pushed back against criticism of Leonard’s past: “We all made bad decisions when we were young. That doesn’t deserve a death sentence.”

The family continues to call for transparency and justice.

BTIA Celebrates 40 Years of Adventure and Excellence

The Belize Tourism Industry Association (BTIA) is gearing up to celebrate its 40th anniversary on April 26, marking four decades of thrilling adventures and leadership in Belize’s vibrant tourism sector. According to BTIA, since its inception in 1985, the association has been the heartbeat of the industry, championing stakeholders, promoting sustainable development, and nurturing the growth of Belize’s tourism landscape.

With nearly 300 members nationwide, BTIA says it has been the mastermind behind some of the most exciting initiatives that have shaped the industry. From the launch of signature events like BETEX (Belize Tourism Expo) to the publication of Destination Belize magazine—the country’s go-to guide for all things tourism—and the coordination of festivals that showcase Belize’s rich cultural heritage and stunning natural beauty, BTIA has been instrumental in positioning Belize as a world-class destination.

BTIA President Efren Perez shared, “This 40-year journey reflects the passion, resilience, and collaboration that define BTIA. Our achievements have been rooted in our mission to uplift our industry and showcase the very best of Belize. We are proud of our history, but even more excited about what lies ahead. Together with our members and partners, we remain committed to building a vibrant, sustainable tourism sector.”

Linette Canto, Executive Director of BTIA, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the association’s enduring impact: “Our greatest strength lies in the partnerships and relationships we’ve cultivated over the years—with our members, communities, and industry partners. As we look to the future, BTIA is focused on innovation, collaboration, and championing initiatives that will ensure Belize’s tourism industry continues to thrive for generations to come.”

And here’s the cherry on top! In celebration of its 40th anniversary, BTIA is offering a 20% discount on membership fees for new and renewing members from April 26 to May 31, 2025.