Commissioner of Police Chester Williams is gearing up to take on his new role as C.E.O. of the Ministry of Religious Affairs, Indigenous Affairs, and Transportation. Although he’s excited about the move, he mentioned that his salary will be lower than what he earns as Commissioner. Today, he shared some details about the ongoing talks regarding his pay.
Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police
“Yes. My, my salary as commissioner of police is more than what the CEOs are making and that is one of the issue that we are having. I I cannot be allowed to get a reduction in salary. Getting a reduction in salary by getting a right. That is one of the issue that we are dealing with at this time, to see how we’re going to work with the salary issues.”
The phrase ‘Swimming with the Tide’ perfectly captures the spirit of the small family in our next story. It’s about a mother and son, the last two leaders of a business in Punta Gorda that has weathered fierce competition and adapted to change over the past several years, just as it has over nine decades of existence. Over the years, the family business, which started as the largest retail grocery and hardware store in Punta Gorda, had to move three times because the buildings became too old to be safe. You’ll meet the mom, who was once a customer and is now a key part of the success story, and her son, whose education has been crucial in keeping the business thriving today. This week’s edition of Belize on Reel brings you the history of the family business that evolved from a huge dry goods store in the 1930s to a pharmacy and stationery store still serving P.G. and its surroundings. Here’s News Five’s Marion Ali.
Marion Ali, Reporting
Meet Nigel Vernon, a trained pharmacologist, who owns and is licensed to operate NJV’s Pharmacy on Front Street in Punta Gorda. Nigel registered the pharmacy back in 2009, and for the past fifteen years, he has been running it alongside his mom, Betty Coleman. The pharmacy is just the latest chapter in the story that Nigel’s grandfather, George Vernon, began ninety years ago.
Nigel Vernon
Nigel Vernon, Owner, NJV’s Pharmacy
“I did not know my grandfather. He passed away in 1982. I was just about two and a half years old.”
Nigel’s mother, Betty Coleman, hails from Guatemala, where her Belizean mother and Guatemalan father lived. It was during those trips as a child that her parents took her to shop at the store.
Betty Coleman
Betty Coleman, Co-owner, NJV’s Pharmacy
“We used to pass by and you know, we used to go to the shop because it was the biggest shop, everybody, when I used to come and stay with my cousin in Forest Home, would say, let’s go to George Vernon’s Store.”
After George passed away, his son Vance began courting Betty. She moved to Belize in 1971 to be with him, and together they had four children, including Nigel. Betty reminisced about what daily life was like back when Vernon’s Store was still a cornerstone of the PG community.
Betty Coleman
“We used to sell almost everything you could think about, like alcohol, beverages. We used to sell flour, well groceries on a whole, building materials. We used to sell rum by pints. So we have to mix that in the morning, like by six, seven o’clock. We used to open and from then we start and we used to have some really hectic days because we used to have these boats come from Guatemala and they used to buy stuff like buy 50 cases, a hundred cases of soap or slim or cheese, all these things.”
But competition became fierce with the influx of the Asian community and to keep the business open after Vance died, Nigel put his studies to work. Betty isn’t a trained pharmacist like her son, but she learned the ropes from him and now qualifies to sell over-the-counter medication. Nigel, on the other hand, handles all the prescribed medications.
Betty Coleman
“I said I’m gonna be the cashier, but then I said, well, you know what, I could learn something. So, I went around looking at the medications and reading some of them to the back. I don’t sell the prescription drugs because that is his job. Yeah, and I don’t want to get charged for something.”
The pair chose to keep the last branch of the business not just to honor its long legacy, but because it made good business sense. They take great pride in the courteous service they offer, which keeps customers coming back.
Casalina Sho
Casalina Sho, Customer
“I always come right here. Mm-hmm.”
Marion Ali
“This is your favorite spot?”
Casalina Sho
“Yes. Yes. It’s good. Excellent.”
Joseph Ramclam Sr.
Joseph Ramclam Sr., Customer
“We used to live in the village up the road – Mafredi/San Antonio Road and my father used to take we down by the shop because he used to do business with them too, because he had a little petty shop up the road. And he used to buy his groceries from them to resell to at Mafredi. They have very good relationship with people and they work along with people good and very mannerly.”
Sherene Garay-Usher
Sherene Garay-Usher, Customer
“My grandmother passed away three decades ago, but dehn days we used tobuy groceries there. It was the place where everybody used to go. The people that serve at the store were very friendly – always – Mr. Vernon to today. And so you feel welcome for goh at the store goh buy and I could say up to now.”
With the arrival of Asian-owned stores and supermarkets, competition became fierce. As Nigel’s father, Vance, grew older, he passed the business down to Nigel, who decided to study pharmacology and transition into that direction. But the Vernon brand is experiencing a similar challenge with viability because of more pharmacies in the community. So, Nigel is thinking about adding a new dimension to the business to boost its strength and stay competitive in the challenging market.
Nigel Vernon
“Just doing the same like what we have at the moment, but basically do it in herbal stuff instead of doing just chemical medication. You can’t stay in one business forever now because it doesn’t work that way anymore.”
Interestingly, even though he is a trained medical scientist, Nigel believes that natural medicine is better for the body.
Nigel Vernon
“I personally would take the herbs over the scientific medication.”
Marion Ali
“Over what you’re selling now?”
Nigel Vernon
“Yeah.”
Marion Ali
“Why?”
Nigel Vernon
“Well, to me, I see it works better. The thing is that you have to be consistent with the herbal stuff. You have to be consistent. You have to take it every day for a longer period of time, but you get better results than when you do just the regular medications that the doctors would prescribe. Yes, you do get better, but with what? Cause sometimes you have side effects with most of these medications. Sometimes we don’t treat the problem and we just want to put a band aid on it and say, “oh, okay, I’m better now.”
Nigel dreams of seeing the business thrive in the future and hopes to eventually pass the torch to a successor.
Easter is just around the corner, and Belizeans are busy with last-minute preparations for the long holiday weekend. At the Conch Shell Bay Market in Belize City, shoppers are selecting fish for their Easter meals. News Five’s Britney Gordon visited this morning to find out what to expect when shopping for fish this Easter.
Britney Gordon
“What type of fish you wanna buy this year?”
Richard Pascacio
Richard Pascacio, Fish Buyer
“Snapper.”
Britney Gordon
“How you plan fi cook it?”
Richard Pascacio
“Fry, boil.”
Britney Gordon
“You cook it yourself?”
Richard Pascacio
“Yeah, I cook it; boil it, ih nice.”
Britney Gordon
“Okay. So how much fish you di buy?”
Richard Pascacio
“Two pounds.”
Britney Gordon
“Big or small fish?”
Richard Pascacio
“Small one. I buy weh I could afford.”
Britney Gordon, Reporting
Eating fish on Easter has been a beloved tradition for Belizeans for many years. With the high demand, prices tend to rise around this time. Fisherman Jaheim Lawrence shared the current market prices today.
Britney Gordon
“What da di most popular one people fi buy around this time?”
Jaheim Lawrence
Jaheim Lawrence, Fisherman
“Ney same red snapper ya.”
Britney Gordon
“And what kind of sizes you have?”
Jaheim Lawrence
“We have like one pound, two pounds, three pounds, well the pound just go up. We have different kind of pounds. Just go up and with the prices and what’s not you wa see like Easter time, the price wa steep right. Fifteen to bout twelve.”
According to Father Jeremy Zipple, the tradition of eating fish on Easter has deep roots in Christian beliefs.
Father Jeremy Zipple
Father Jeremy Zipple
“From the earliest time from the first century, Christians would abstain from eating meat on Good Friday. The day that Jesus died, there’s a number of theories on why they did, probably because meat was more expensive. It was a luxury good. That was something that only wealthier people could eat. So wealthier people would give it up and eat a very simple diet that day in honor of the day that Jesus died.”
The market was noticeably calmer than the fishermen typically anticipate for this time of year. Oliver Sutherland says it’s because customers stocked up on fish early to avoid the price increase.
Oliver Sutherland, Fisherman
“It kinda slow today, this morning because the people ney smart. They buy their fish fa last week because they know ney raise the price ah di fish. So they buy the fish and they get it clean and put it up inna di Ziploc bag. Because come to understanding, I no know if da true but ney seh the fish da over twelve. I sell fi ten, we sell fi eight. I sell the nin, four, three, five. Fir real. So the people are smart. The people come from last week and they start to take their fish and put it up.”
Father Zipple shares that although the tradition is practiced all over the world, Belize is unique because of its firm adherence to the practice.
Father Jeremy Zipple, Associate Pastor, St. Martin De Porres
“ I think Belize, everybody going out and getting their fish on Good Friday. I’ve only seen that in Belize, like everybody else does it a little more low-key. Maybe they’ll just have some vegetarian beans or a little fish or something like that. Belize is the only place where I’ve seen everybody go out and buy fish on Good Friday.”
Lawrence plans to spend his Easter break enjoying barbecued fish with his family and friends. He urges Belizeans to continue supporting fishermen so they can benefit from their hard work.
Jaheim Lawrence
“Support te labour and culture because this da like wa daily bread fi the rest ah fisherman ney. This da how the people come out and support we same way to right. Even though the price ney steep, just come out and support ney. Da noh like we di tek ney labour lightly, we just di assist ney.”
As Belizeans get ready to celebrate Easter with their loved ones, Father Jeremy Zipple, the associate pastor at Saint Martin de Porres parish in Belize City, shares a heartfelt message about the true meaning of the season. He reminds everyone of Jesus’ sacrifice and the boundless love he offers to all.
Father Jeremy Zipple, Associate Pastor, St. Martin De Porres
“Have you ever felt abandoned by friends? Betrayed by friends? Jesus had that very same experience. Have you ever felt abandoned by God? God wasn’t there for you? No one was there for you? Jesus had that same experience on the cross. He goes into the worst of what it means to be a human, the most moments of most extreme suffering and isolation and abandonment and hurt. He experiences all those things as a person, fully human, fully God, but also fully human so that he knows what we go through so that he can be there with us in our owns suffering so that he can say, I get you. I understand what you’re going through. And maybe he doesn’t take away the suffering in those moments when we’re feeling betrayed, when we’re feeling alone, when we’re feeling extreme suffering and sadness. Maybe he doesn’t take away those moments, but he says, I’m there with you in it, and I know what it’s like. And I’m feeling this moment that’s so hard with my holy presence and you’ll get through it. So that’s really what we celebrate as we’re walking with him on the cross. The fact that he’s been there and he’s with us when we go through it. And then finally, Easter Sunday, we celebrate the fact that death, that suffering does not have the last word. Sometimes we go through those difficult moments in life, but we have to remember they’re temporary. They’re always on the other side. His resurrection is new, life is rebirth and Jesus’ suffering and death ends in the most glorious joy imaginable.”
The University of Belize (UB) has issued a public statement in response to a News 5 report aired Wednesday night, which revealed that several students had filed complaints of sexual harassment against a university lecturer.
In a press release issued Thursday, the university acknowledged receiving the complaints and said it has launched a full investigation into the matter. UB stated that the accused lecturer has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.
“UB takes all allegations of misconduct seriously and addresses them in accordance with established policies and procedures,” the statement read.
The university said the case is now under review by the appropriate disciplinary committee, and pledged to ensure that due process and transparency are followed throughout the proceedings.
UB also recognized the bravery of students who came forward and noted that it is offering mental health and counseling support during this time.
Three victims injured in today’s shocking hijacking of a Tropic Air flight are receiving medical care at two hospitals in Belize City, according to Police Minister Kareem Musa, who visited them earlier today.
Musa, who was accompanied by Police Commissioner Chester Williams, personally checked in on the injured, starting with pilot Howell Grange, who is hospitalised at Healthcare Partners.
“Mr. Grange was undergoing a CT scan to ensure that no organs were affected,” said Musa. “He did receive stab wounds as well.”
Two additional victims — passengers Francesco Castaneda and Fitzgerald Brown — are being treated at Belize Medical Associates. While their injuries are serious, there is some relief in their prognosis.
“Thankfully, no serious impact to their organs as well, but they are badly injured,” Musa explained. “They have several stabs to the head and over the body… We had a chance to see them personally. They’re in good spirits, thank God. And of course, we’ll just continue to keep them in our prayers.”
The three men were attacked during the in-flight hijacking that ended in the fatal shooting of the hijacker, U.S. national Akinyela Sawa Taylor.
Tropic Air has released an official statement following a harrowing in-flight emergency earlier today involving one of its domestic flights. The incident, which occurred aboard a flight en route from Corozal to San Pedro, ended with a safe landing at the Philip Goldson International Airport (PGIA) after the aircraft was reportedly hijacked mid-flight.
In a press release issued this afternoon, the airline praised the pilot’s actions during the ordeal, calling them “nothing short of heroic.”
“In the face of incomprehensible pressure, our pilot acted with extraordinary courage and calm, guiding the aircraft to a safe landing,” the statement read. “His actions were nothing short of heroic.”
Tropic Air confirmed that several passengers sustained injuries and are currently receiving medical care. “Our hearts are with them, and we are offering all available support,” the airline said.
The company stressed that “safety is and remains our top priority,” noting that its pilots “undergo rigorous training to respond effectively and efficiently to any situation.” Tropic Air added, “Today we pause to recognize the bravery, skill, and leadership that brought our aircraft home safely.”
Authorities are continuing investigations into the hijacking, which resulted in the fatal shooting of the American Man Akinyela Sawa Taylor
The Philip Goldson International Airport (PGIA) has issued an official statement following Thursday morning’s dramatic hijacking of a Tropic Air flight en route from Corozal to San Pedro.
According to airport authorities, they were alerted around 8:30 a.m. to a possible hijacking involving a Cessna Caravan aircraft, registered V3-HIG, carrying 14 passengers and two crew members.
A full emergency response was immediately activated, with all relevant agencies mobilised. The aircraft flew erratically for nearly two hours before safely landing at PGIA at approximately 10:12 a.m.
Emergency responders quickly secured the scene and accounted for all passengers. Several were injured and have since been transported to a local hospital for treatment.
The hijacker, American man Akinyela Sawa Taylor, has been confirmed dead. Authorities are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident, including the suspect’s motives and how he gained access to the flight.
Passengers are being interviewed to assist with the ongoing investigation. PGIA officials noted that regular flight operations resumed shortly after the incident.
The U.S. Embassy has issued a preliminary response to the hijacking of a domestic plane by an American man.
Speaking at the Philip Goldson International Airport, Public Affairs Officer Luke Martin expressed sadness at the day’s events, especially on the eve of the long Easter weekend. “It really highlights the importance of safety and security,” he said. “We want Belize and the region to remain safe—not just for Belizeans, but for the many Americans who travel or reside here.”
The suspect Akinyela Sawa Taylor, who was shot and killed, was a U.S. citizen who may have been attempting to return to the United States. However, Martin clarified that the Embassy has no official confirmation of the individual’s background, including whether he was a U.S. military veteran. “We don’t have any details on his motivations or prior contact with the Embassy,” he stated.
Martin noted that the Embassy had not been contacted by the suspect during the hijacking and had no prior knowledge of his presence in the country.
“We have a strong relationship with Belizean law enforcement, and in times like this, that partnership proves crucial,” Martin said, adding that both sides were able to quickly exchange information following the incident.
While the Embassy is not leading the investigation, it stands ready to support Belizean authorities as they look into the hijacker’s identity, background, and possible entry through illegal means after reportedly being denied entry at the northern border.
“Belize is an important partner in the region, and we want to maintain those strong ties, especially with law enforcement agencies, to ensure that events like this are handled swiftly and professionally,” he said.
Flights at the Philip Goldson International Airport resumed shortly after the incident, and air traffic has returned to normal.
In the wake of the terrifying hijacking incident that unfolded earlier today, the Belize Airports Authority (BAA) has confirmed plans to step up security measures across municipal airstrips throughout the country.
In a statement released this afternoon, the BAA acknowledged the recent hijacking of a small aircraft that originated at the Ranchito Municipal Airstrip, commending the rapid and coordinated response of law enforcement and emergency personnel. The statement expressed “sincere gratitude to all authorities involved for their prompt action and commitment to public safety”.
Although investigations into the hijacking — which resulted in the death of the American hijacker and injuries to three passengers — are still ongoing, the BAA moved quickly to reassure the travelling public that safety and security remain top priorities at Belize’s municipal aerodromes.
According to the BAA, plans to implement enhanced security protocols, including passenger bag checks and the installation of scanning equipment, have been underway since January 2025. The authority said that these enhancements are not a reactionary measure, but part of “a proactive and long-term strategy to elevate safety standards” across the country’s air travel infrastructure.
The enhancements are designed to align Belize’s municipal airstrips with international aviation standards and best practices, providing a more secure travel environment for all passengers.
This announcement follows comments made earlier today by Commissioner of Police Chester Williams, who noted the lack of security screening at municipal airstrips, including Ranchito, as a concern. Williams had said the incident will likely prompt serious discussions at the next National Security Council meeting regarding standardised security protocols for all commercial airstrips in the country.
