April, 2025 - Channel 5 Belize

Divers Have Unforgettable Encounter with Whale Shark in Gladden Spit Reserve

A group of divers in the Gladden Spit Reserve had an unforgettable experience. Over the weekend, the Sea Horse Dive Shop in Placencia took a group to the reserve, where they came face-to-face with a whale shark, the largest fish in the world.

The enormous creature showed some curiosity as it glided near the group and paused for a moment. This incredible encounter was caught on video, with one man heard urging the group to swim away from the shark. Whaleshark sightings are common during this season, which runs from March to June in Belize.

These gentle giants are not known to be aggressive. Sea Horse Dive Shop described the encounter as “powerful,” while the Southern Environmental Association reminded everyone that only licensed operators are allowed in the area.

Stop Order Issued for Cayo Rosario Development Project

The Central Building Authority (CBA) has issued an immediate stop work order for the Cayo Rosario Development Project after an interagency site visit revealed that several buildings were constructed without the necessary permits. The visit, which took place on April 9, 2025, also found that construction had begun on an entrance pier without the required authorisation.

According to Derick Calles, Director of Building Control at the CBA, the unauthorized construction activities violate the Belize Building Act, Chapter 131, specifically Part III, Building Permits and Control, Clause 13(1). This clause mandates that all construction must have approved permits from the Central Building Authority.

As a result, all construction activities at the site must cease immediately until the developers secure the appropriate permits from the CBA and other relevant authorities. The stop work order will remain in effect until the Cayo Rosario Development Ltd. submits applications for the required permits and provides plans that comply with the approved Environmental Compliance Plan.

Failure to adhere to the order could lead to further legal action.

Last week, several concerned groups in San Pedro, united under the San Pedro Citizens for Sustainable Development, rallied against the Cayo Rosario Development Project, which they say is set to impact the Hol Chan Marine Reserve’s seabed. Locals, including San Pedro Mayor Wally Nunez, voiced strong opposition at a public meeting, citing concerns over its environmental impact on marine life and local livelihoods.

Health Officials Provide Updates on Belize’s First Measles Cases Since 1991

Belizean health officials have confirmed two imported cases of measles, the country’s first since 1991. The cases involve two unvaccinated 17-year-olds from the Corozal and Cayo districts who recently returned from a trip to Chihuahua, Mexico. Both developed symptoms in early April, and lab confirmation was received on April 12.

Dr Melissa Diaz-Musa, Director of Public Health and Wellness, shared the details during a media briefing, noting that the teens were part of a group of 15 travellers. Thirteen remain asymptomatic, with 11 confirmed to be vaccinated. All group members are under monitoring by Ministry of Health and Wellness staff. “Two unvaccinated persons have developed symptoms in Belize and tested positive for measles.”

She added, “The details of the two positive cases are as follows: A 17-year-old male unvaccinated who started with fever, rash, and cough on April 3rd. Laboratory confirmation of measles was received on April 12th. The second case is an unvaccinated 17-year-old female who started with symptoms on April 2nd.”

The confirmation comes amid a sharp regional rise in measles cases. Between January and March 2025, over 500 confirmed cases were reported in the Americas—including in Mexico, Canada, the U.S., and Argentina—surpassing numbers from the same period last year.

Measles is a highly contagious viral illness that Belize has worked to eliminate through routine immunisations. The country began offering the measles vaccine in 1973 and introduced the MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) vaccine in 1996. Despite these efforts, national vaccine coverage remains below the target of 95%, with only 83.9% coverage reported in 2024. The Belize and Cayo districts had the lowest rates at 73.5% and 79%, respectively.

Dr. Diaz-Musa said Belize currently has 39,000 MMR doses and is prepared to increase supply with assistance from Mexico if necessary. She urged parents to review their children’s vaccination records and encouraged unvaccinated adults to visit a nearby health facility.

The ministry has also intensified national surveillance, contact tracing, and public awareness campaigns. “We are educating the public, testing early, and ensuring vaccines are available,” Dr Diaz-Musa said.

Health officials are asking the public to remain alert for symptoms of measles—such as fever, rash, and cough—and to report suspected cases promptly to the nearest health centre or by calling 0-800-MOH-CARE.

CARICOM Secretary-General Urges Reparatory and Digital Justice at UN Forum

CARICOM Secretary-General Dr. Carla Barnett has issued a strong call for reparatory justice and digital equity during her address at the Fourth Session of the United Nations Permanent Forum on People of African Descent, held under the theme “Africa and People of African Descent: United for Reparatory Justice in the Age of Artificial Intelligence.”

Speaking at UN Headquarters in New York, Dr. Barnett brought greetings on behalf of the Caribbean Community and commended Dr. June Soomer for her leadership of the Forum. She also welcomed the appointment of Ambassador Martin Kimani as the Forum’s incoming chairperson.

“This Permanent Forum has established itself as an important consultative body with a vital role to play in championing economic, social, digital, and especially reparatory justice,” she stated.

Dr. Barnett stressed that systemic inequality and reparations for the global African community remain central to CARICOM’s advocacy, especially as the world enters the UN’s Second Decade for People of African Descent. “It is an opportunity to confront the consequences of European colonization and enslavement,” she said.

Highlighting Haiti, she reminded delegates that April 2025 marks 200 years since France imposed a 150 million franc indemnity on Haiti for its independence. “The negative economic and social effects of this historical injustice are painfully clear… This anniversary presents an opportunity to bring global attention to the situation in Haiti.”

She welcomed the African Union’s declaration of 2025 as the Year for Justice for Africans and People of African Descent through Reparations and reaffirmed CARICOM’s commitment to partnership with the AU. She noted recent milestones, including the first Africa-CARICOM Summit, the Accra Reparations Conference, and an upcoming second summit in Addis Ababa.

Turning to the Forum’s emphasis on artificial intelligence, Dr. Barnett warned that unequal access to AI could widen the digital divide. “Africans and people of African descent are at risk of being further left behind,” she said. She urged the Forum to push for inclusive digital policies, investments in technology, and safeguards against algorithmic bias.

“This session is an opportunity to pool our collective knowledge and strengthen our commitment to justice,” she concluded. “Let us continue to work together to build inclusive societies where the rights of all people—especially people of African descent—are respected.”

ComPol Urges Caution on Roads, Waterways Ahead of Easter Holidays

As the Easter season approaches—a time when thousands of Belizeans head to inland resorts, rivers, beaches, and family gatherings—Commissioner of Police Chester Williams is urging the public to exercise extreme caution both on the highways and in waterways.

Speaking to the press, Commissioner Williams acknowledged the troubling trend of increased fatalities during this time of year.

“At this time of the year, we know that the Easter season is one that many Belizeans tend to take for granted, and this has troubled us for many years,” he said.

He pointed to a recurring spike in loss of lives—not just due to road traffic accidents, but also drownings. As such, he is encouraging Belizeans to prioritise safety in every aspect of their holiday travel and recreation.

“We see an increase in loss of lives, not just on the highways, but also on the waterways,” he stated. “So we normally encourage our people to exercise extreme caution when using the highways. Try to drive within speed limits. Do not drive recklessly. Stay on your side of the road.”

For those planning to visit rivers and other bodies of water, Commissioner Williams advised against swimming alone.

“Always try to take somebody with you. Don’t go alone because sometimes the water is so cold, you can catch a cramp. And if nobody is there to assist you, you might just submerge and never resurface,” he warned.

He also advised swimmers to avoid entering deep areas where they cannot keep their head above water.

On the road safety front, the Commissioner said that police will be partnering with the Department of Transport to conduct nationwide enforcement operations.

“The police department will be working very closely with the Department of Transport countrywide to make sure we do our part to mitigate the occurrences of traffic accidents on the highways around this time,” he added.

2025 Farmer of the Year Winners Announced

The National Agriculture and Trade Show (NATS) Committee, in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Enterprise, has announced the winners of the 2025 Farmer of the Year competition.

This year’s recipients are Gregorio Esquivel of the Corozal District as Senior Farmer of the Year, Naomi Requena of the Toledo District as Female Farmer of the Year, and Juan Carrillo of the Orange Walk District as Junior Farmer of the Year.

The Committee extended congratulations to the winners for their dedication and hard work, emphasizing the importance of agriculture as a cornerstone of Belize’s economy. It also recognised all participants, judges, and farmers across the country for their continued contributions to national development and food security.

The announcement comes as the country prepares for the National Agriculture and Trade Show 2025, scheduled for May 30, 31, and June 1 in Belmopan. This year’s theme, “Integrating Sustainable Food Systems: Mitigating Climate Change, Strengthening Agricultural Resilience”, highlights the growing focus on sustainability and climate-smart agricultural practices.

“TradewarTok”: Chinese TikTok Creators Expose Luxury Fashion Secrets

As U.S.-China trade tensions escalate with new tariffs on Chinese goods, a new digital trend is emerging from an unlikely corner of the internet. Dubbed “TradewarTok” by online users, a growing number of Chinese manufacturers and content creators are taking to TikTok to reveal how some of the world’s most coveted luxury goods are made — and the videos are reshaping consumer perspectives.

From Chanel to Gucci, Prada to Louis Vuitton, these luxury labels are household names, long associated with status, wealth, and exclusivity. But behind the glamour, new TikTok videos are offering a glimpse into the less-discussed reality: many of these high-end items are produced in Chinese factories for a fraction of their retail price.

These videos are more than just viral content. They are contributing to a broader narrative that questions the true value of luxury products and the global supply chains behind them.

“People think they’re paying for craftsmanship, but what they’re really paying for is branding,” said one Chinese content creator in a now-viral clip showing handbags identical to Hermès Birkins being made in a factory setting.

The videos have ignited debate among consumers, especially younger buyers, who are increasingly questioning why they should pay thousands for a label when the product’s origins trace back to the same low-cost manufacturing hubs they see online. The implication is clear: luxury brands, in many cases, act as high-markup middlemen, selling products made in China at massive profit margins to Western markets.

Ironically, while U.S. policymakers aim to reduce reliance on Chinese manufacturing, TikTok — a Chinese-owned platform itself — is now being used by Chinese producers to bypass traditional advertising and engage directly with global consumers.

Incoming Transport CEO Focuses on Road Safety

Commissioner of Police Chester Williams, who is soon transitioning to the role of CEO in the Ministry of Transport, says road safety is a major priority.

Williams shared, “I’ve seen a number of issues in the transport industry, particularly concerning road use, that certainly need addressing. Road safety is a priority, and I’ve been in dialogue with Minister Zabaneh about what we want to achieve in the ministry.”

Williams indicated that he intends to meet with key officials within the Department of Transport (DOT) to formulate a comprehensive action plan. He added, “Reckless driving will certainly be a priority.”

On the topic of seat belt laws within city limits, Williams defended the legislation, stating, “Seat belt laws were enacted for good reasons. We’ve had fatal accidents in the city where victims may have survived had they been wearing seat belts.”

Commissioner Backs DNA Law Reform

Police Commissioner Chester Williams has hailed the government’s new push for science-based policing as a transformative step forward, calling proposed DNA legislation and ongoing forensic advancements “a game changer” for law enforcement and justice in Belize.

The remarks follow the presentation of a draft DNA bill created by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP). The proposed legislation aims to make cases involving DNA evidence clearer and more efficient by establishing rules for the collection, storage, and use of such evidence in criminal cases. It would also allow the courts to determine when DNA samples must be taken from suspects, especially in cases where consent is not given.

“You know, this sort of move is being made. Certainly, it’s something that is urgently needed,” said Commissioner Williams. “We have been in dialogue for this for quite some time, even before I became Commissioner of Police. And I am happy to see that we now have a minister who did not only talk about it, but did his best to ensure that it happens.”

Executive Director of the National Forensic Science Service, Gian Cho, who has been working closely with the UNDP to enhance forensic capabilities, including a new digital evidence management system introduced in 2024, explained during the legislative review that the DNA database would be governed by strict regulations in line with international standards, including protections for individual rights and oversight mechanisms. DNA collection, particularly in cases involving minors or non-consenting individuals, would require a court order.

The DNA legislation and broader forensic reforms are part of the pH Justice project, a $3 million UNDP and European Union initiative aimed at modernising Belize’s justice system. Once stakeholders finalise the draft bill, it will go before Cabinet and eventually the National Assembly for approval.

Measles Returns to Belize After 30 Years: What You Need to Know

After more than three decades without a single case, measles has reappeared in Belize. Health officials have confirmed two positive cases—one in Corozal and another in Cayo.

The Ministry of Health & Wellness revealed that the individuals recently returned from a trip to Mexico. Shortly after their arrival, they began showing symptoms—fever and a distinctive rash. Samples confirmed what health authorities had hoped to avoid: the first cases of measles since 1991.

While measles may sound like a disease of the past, it remains a real threat—especially to those who are unvaccinated. In 2023 alone, an estimated 10.3 million measles cases were reported globally. Outbreaks have affected every region of the world, and now, Belize is part of that alarming trend.

Measles spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It often starts with flu-like symptoms: fever, runny nose, red eyes, and a cough. A rash typically follows, starting at the hairline and spreading downward across the body. In severe cases, measles can lead to pneumonia, brain swelling, or even death.

The good news? Measles is preventable.

The MMR vaccine—protecting against measles, mumps, and rubella—is safe, effective, and freely available at public health facilities. Children in Belize should receive their first dose at 12 months and a second at 18 months. But adults who never got vaccinated—or aren’t sure—can still get protected.

The ministry has increased surveillance for fever and rash symptoms and is urging everyone to check their vaccination status. If you or a family member show any sign of measles, don’t wait—visit the nearest health centre. If you’re unsure about your vaccination record, now is the time to ask questions and get the facts.

For more information, contact your local health clinic or call 0-800-MOH-CARE.