May 6, 2025 - Channel 5 Belize

Minors May Be Arrested in SOE as Gang Violence Escalates

Police Commissioner Dr. Richard Rosado has indicated that minors may not be exempt from a possible 6-month State of Emergency (SOE) aimed at restoring public safety. “We will do what we need to do, and as law enforcement officers, our job is public safety, and whatever needs to be done to maintain the safety on the grounds, we will do it.” That is what he said when he was asked if minors will be arrested under the SOE.

According to the Commissioner, the situation between rival groups, primarily the PIV, BLC and their affiliates, has reached a dangerous tipping point. “Presently, from our assessment, we have made it’s only the PIV, BLC and its affiliates that are going after one another. And it is at a critical stage right now that drastic measures must be taken.”

Authorities have already increased patrols, deployed intelligence officers and expanded investigative teams. “We have also assigned or increased the investigative team in order to identify and disrupt this network,” Dr. Rosado said.

The police commissioner said discussions are underway with the National Security Council about implementing a minimum of 6-month State of Emergency, which he believes is necessary given the current critical situation. A decision is expected later today.

Will A 6-Month SOE be Implemented?

Newly appointed Commissioner of Police Dr Richard Rosado has confirmed that discussions are underway with the National Security Council regarding the possible implementation of a state of emergency (SOE).

“With the death of Brandon Baptist, the security threat was high, and with the shooting of Rojas, it has now escalated to a critical level,” Dr. Rosado told reporters this afternoon. He added, “Presently we are discussing with the National Security Council to see if we will implement a state of emergency, but I do believe that at the critical state it is right now, there’s a need for it.”

The commissioner said he is “lobbying” for the SOE to be enforced for “6 months at the very least.”

As previously reported, over 60 alleged gang members are currently in police custody following the increase of gang-related activities, which Rosado described as a “network” requiring “extensive investigation and interview of all the players them, hence the reason they were detained.”

Dr. Rosado assured the public that the department is “using all available resources, deploying all available resources, to ensure that we restore peace, safety and normalcy to the street.” He added, “I am not perturbed, I am not disturbed, and I am not overwhelmed by what’s happening; we will do what we need to do.”

A decision from the council is expected later today.

Mexican Power Supply Failure Causes Nationwide Outage in Belize

Belizeans across the country were unexpectedly left in the dark late Monday night after a sudden power outage struck just before midnight. The outage, which began around 11:50 p.m. was caused by a generation emergency in Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula that forced Comisión Federal de Electricidad (CFE) to cut its electricity supply to Belize.

Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) says it quickly launched emergency restoration efforts, relying on in-country power generation to bring electricity back online. BEL explained that the San Pedro and upgraded Westlake gas turbines were activated as part of the company’s coordinated response.

By 12:28 a.m., residents in the Northern and Western regions and parts of the Belize District had power restored. The entire country was reconnected to the grid by 12:47 a.m.

Peace Corps Trainees Arrive in Belize for Youth Empowerment Project

A new group of 23 Peace Corps trainees arrived in Belize today to begin 27 months of service under the Youth Empowered by Sports (YES) Project, a national initiative aimed at empowering Belizean youth through education, mentorship, and physical activity.

The trainees’ arrival marks a continued commitment by Peace Corps Belize to collaborate with the Ministry of Tourism, Youth, Sports & Diaspora Relations in promoting youth development. They will join two active YES volunteer cohorts already serving in communities across the country.

Over the next eleven weeks, the trainees will undergo intensive Pre-Service Training. The program includes instruction on Peace Corps’ development philosophy, the goals of the YES Project, technical skills training, health and safety preparation, and immersive cultural and language education in Kriol or Spanish.

The trainees will be sworn in as official Peace Corps Volunteers on July 18, 2025. Once sworn in, they will support efforts in two key sectors: Youth Development and Education. Volunteers in these areas work closely with community leaders to help young people build life skills, promote healthy lifestyles, and unlock opportunities for personal and academic growth.

The Peace Corps has a long-standing history in Belize and around the world. Since 1961, more than 240,000 Volunteers have served in 144 countries.

India Launches Strikes on Pakistan, Citing Retaliation for Kashmir Attack

India says it has launched “Operation Sindoor,” targeting nine sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir linked to terrorist activity. The strikes follow a deadly militant attack on tourists in Indian-administered Kashmir last month, which severely worsened India-Pakistan relations, the BBC reported.

In an official statement, the Indian government said the operation focused on “terrorist infrastructure” used to plan and direct attacks against India. Officials said the strikes were “focused, measured, and non-escalatory,” avoiding Pakistani military installations.

Pakistan’s military, meanwhile, confirmed three locations were hit and is assessing the situation. The region remains tense amid the long-running dispute over Kashmir, which both nations claim in full.

‘Suspicious’ Motorcyclists to Be Stopped and Searched

The Belize Police Department is intensifying efforts to monitor and intercept individuals using motorcycles to commit violent crimes. While a State of Emergency will not be declared at this time, Assistant Commissioner of Police Hilberto Romero confirmed that additional measures are being taken to prevent further violence, including monitoring the use of motorcycles in criminal activities.”

“We have seen an increase in the use of motorcycles to commit these murders. So, we are targeting individuals on motorcycles, but we know there are a number of motorcycles in the city, so as soon as we identify suspicious persons, they are followed and searched,” ACP Romero stated.

He assured the public that the police are not acting indiscriminately: “We know the key players, so once we see them on motorcycles then we need to target them.”

Romero confirmed that over sixty alleged gang members have been detained following the recent murders in the last 48 hours. The detained individuals are currently being held for questioning.

60 Gang Members Detained Following Increase in Gun Violence

A routine school drop-off turned into tragedy this morning when 31-year-old Kadeem Orosco was shot and killed near his home in what police believe is a gang-related murder. Information from police indicates that Orozco was walking alone on Ebony Street when he was targeted by an unidentified gunman who opened fire.

According to the Assistant Commissioner of Police, Hilberto Romero, investigators have received information that Orosco’s murder is connected to the ongoing gang feud. Orosco had just walked his seven-year-old daughter to St Martin’s School when he was killed. When asked about a possible connection between Orosco’s murder and the two other killings within the last 24 hours, ACP Romero responded, “I cannot say if it is connected; however, we have several leads we are following up and several persons in custody in regard to these recent murders.”

Despite police ramping up anti-gang operations and detaining around sixty gang members, Orosco’s killing marks the third murder in Belize City in less than 48 hours. This has raised fears about public safety and escalating gang violence. Romero added that police “are conducting several operations in the Belize district, and we continue with our works on the ground.” Surveillance footage from a nearby camera is being reviewed for leads regarding Ororsco’s murder.

Belize Day 2025 Cancelled Over Trump Immigration Policy Fears

The Belize Educational Fund and Day in the Park Committee announced the cancellation of Belize Day in the Park Chicago 2025. The committee cited growing concerns within the immigrant community over recent U.S. immigration enforcement policies.

In a statement released by Committee President Dr. Phyllis V. Hughes, the organisation expressed regret over the decision but stressed that the safety and well-being of the Belizean Diaspora remain a top priority.

“We recognise that the recent immigration deportation policies have caused fear and anxiety in immigrant communities,” the statement read. “These policies have resulted in an increased presence of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) within these communities.”

The committee acknowledged the disappointment this cancellation may bring but hopes for understanding in light of the circumstances.

The annual event is a celebrated cultural gathering for Belizeans living in the U.S., particularly in the Midwest, and serves as a cornerstone for community connection and heritage celebration.

Conclave to Begin as Cardinals Prepare to Elect New Pope

The solemn and secretive process to elect a new pope will begin Wednesday morning in the Sistine Chapel, following the death of Pope Francis on April 21 at the age of 88.

According to the Vatican News, 173 Cardinals, including 130 Cardinal electors, participated in the twelfth General Congregation. The cardinals, all under the age of 80 and drawn from 71 countries, will enter the conclave after a special Mass in St Peter’s Basilica.

Once inside, they will be cut off from the outside world until a new pontiff is chosen. The conclave, rooted in centuries of ritual, opens with oaths of secrecy under threat of excommunication. Once a pope is elected, he will be asked two questions: acceptance and name choice.

Tracy Panton Calls for NPC Meeting to Elect New Chairman

Tracy Panton confirmed in a statement that a formal petition has been submitted to convene a National Party Council (NPC) meeting, in line with the UDP Constitution and under the status quo ante legal framework, which preserves the party structure prior to last year’s court injunction.

Panton said that the UDP “is seeking to ensure a sound path forward by asking for our next steps to be ones done under the status quo ante.”

According to the statement, Vice Chairman Alberto August “was not prepared to perform his duty to call a meeting of the National Party Council,” which prompted Panton’s support for the constitutional petition.

Under party rules, a valid petition mandates an NPC meeting. Secretary General Shary Medina and Vice Chairman August are now “constitutionally obliged to carry out the will of the petitioners and proceed with convening the NPC,” Panton added.

The National Party Council meeting is proposed for either May 17 or 24. According to Panton, she has the full support of Hugo Patt, the First Deputy Party Leader, to serve as Interim Leader until the next leadership convention.