May 7, 2025 - Channel 5 Belize

BREAKING: Justice Hondora Rules AFD’s October 20 Meeting Invalid

Justice Hondora has ruled that the purported United Democratic Party (UDP) National Convention held on October 20, 2024, was invalid and its resolutions non-binding on the party’s membership.

Delivering his judgment with emphasis on procedural integrity, Justice Hondora stated that any National Convention of the UDP must be “called, organised and held in compliance with the contractually agreed terms and processes set out in the UDP’s constitution.” He noted that any grievances regarding the refusal by the party chairperson, Central Executive Committee, or National Party Council to convene such a convention should have been pursued through the constitutionally prescribed mechanisms—or failing that, through legal proceedings in court.

Turning to the contested October meeting, the Court found that it did not meet the constitutional requirements to constitute a legitimate National Convention. As such, Justice Hondora declared that “the 20 October 2024 meeting was not a valid UDP National Convention and the decisions and resolutions adopted at that meeting are not binding on members of the UDP in their capacity as members of the party.” He added that while such resolutions may carry weight for those who attended, they hold no force within the broader UDP membership.

The Court also addressed the August 2024 expulsion of Tracy Panton from the party, finding the decision “unlawful” due to procedural breaches. “The August 2024 decision expelling Mrs. Panton from the UDP was adopted in breach of the UDP’s constitution,” Justice Hondora ruled.

On the issue of legal costs, the judge directed that if the parties fail to reach an agreement within 14 days, written submissions will be required, and case management orders will follow.

PSU to Join BNTU in Friday’s Demonstration

The Public Service Union (PSU) will be joining the Belize National Teachers’ Union (BNTU) for a joint demonstration on Friday in Belmopan against the Briceño Administration. The demonstration will coincide with the ceremonial opening of the National Assembly. PSU President Dean Flowers told News 5 that the PSU is fully backing the BNTU, citing shared concerns over conditions in the public sector. “The BNTU, PSU, and APSSM are part of what we refer to as the joint union negotiating team, and so the issue or issues that we’re currently facing affect all three associations or bodies,” Flowers stated.

He added, “We will be issuing an official call to our general membership to be at Friday’s rally and demonstration against what we view as injustices against public sector workers by the Briceño Administration.”

Flowers said that PSU’s membership has also requested a “comprehensive plan of action.”

Meanwhile, BNTU President Nadia Caliz addressed the Ministry of Education’s directive that schools remain open. “The Ministry is within its constitutional right… nothing is wrong with that, that comes out every single time we decide to demonstrate or strike,” she said.

BNTU President Responds to MOE Directive to Keep Schools Open on Friday

President of the Belize National Teachers’ Union (BNTU), Nadia Caliz, has responded to the directive from the Ministry of Education (MOE) that all schools are to remain open on Friday, 9 May, despite the union’s planned national demonstration in Belmopan.

In a live statement, Caliz acknowledged the Ministry’s legal authority, saying, “The Ministry is within its constitutional right; that memo speaks to keeping the schools open; nothing is wrong with that. That comes out every single time we decide to demonstrate or strike, whatever it is; that’s their right.”

She pointed to what she described as the memo’s underlying intent: “The other part of that memo is this, which you all understand. The indirect aspect of this is to reduce the BNTU’s numbers on Friday; that is up to you, to you, the membership.”

Caliz reminded teachers of their responsibility to notify parents in advance if they plan to join the protest, stating that teachers” “do not have the legal authority to not school, and there will be no classes.”

“You got to be prepared to take the stand that you voted for,” Caliz said to members and added that the teachers must be prepared to make some sacrifices, including a possible pay cut for the day.

To the ministry working along with school managements, Caliz Mek we put our efforts together to improve the system. Right now, what I know as a leader is that my members are tired; they’re frustrated.”

Belizean Educator Named Teacher of the Year Finalist in Texas

High school biology teacher Shartel “Shantel” Casimiro has been named Teacher of the Year and is now a finalist for the Gainesville Independent School District (GISD) Teacher of the Year Award in Texas.

Casimiro, originally from Orange Walk Town, is in her second year at GISD and brings five years of teaching experience in biology and integrated science. She joined the district through the GEC international teacher exchange programme, which allows qualified educators from abroad to teach in the U.S. for up to three years.

“I’m one of the cultural exchange teachers,” Casimiro stated. “This is my second year here at GISD. I’ve been a teacher for a total of 5 years. But I started back home in Belize.”

Casimiro teaches 9th grade biology and is known for breaking down complex scientific concepts in ways her students can grasp. “I always want my students to look at it as, ‘It’s not difficult; all I need is to learn the concept, and I’ll be okay,’” she said.

Her Belizean background has also been a valuable asset in the classroom when it comes to speaking and understanding the Spanish language. “That language barrier, I try to communicate with them in that language… I’m able to talk to them in Spanish,” she said.

Before her Teacher of the Year accolade, Casimiro was recognised as January’s Teacher of the Month. “We are so lucky to have her at our campus. Much deserved award,” Gainesville High School said in a social media statement.

Belikin Beer Supply Disrupted Due to Power Outages

The makers of Belikin Beer have announced a temporary disruption in the supply of their bottled products due to unexpected power outages that have impacted production facilities.

Bowen and Bowen said in a statement that the recent power disruptions caused significant strain on the company’s power systems. The company said that while backup generators were in place, the sudden and severe nature of the outages led to equipment failures, particularly affecting the production line responsible for bottling beer in glass.

“The main impact has been on Line 2, which produces our beer in glass bottles. As a result, there will be temporary disruptions in the supply of Belikin Beer and Belikin Stout in glass bottles.” Technical teams are actively working to repair the affected systems and restore full production.

A nationwide power outage in Belize on Monday night left most residents without electricity for nearly an hour. The blackout was caused by a generation emergency in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, prompting Belize’s main power supplier, Comisión Federal de Electricidad, to cut service. Belize Electricity Limited (B.E.L.) responded by activating local generation sources and fully restored power by 12:47 a.m.

Will You Send Your Children to School on Friday?

The Ministry of Education (MOE) has issued a directive for all schools to remain open on Friday, 9 May, despite a planned national demonstration by the Belize National Teachers’ Union (BNTU) in Belmopan.

In an official memorandum circulated Tuesday, the Ministry stated it “maintains the position that all schools remain open on Friday, May 9, 2025, in accordance with Rule 102(4).”

The memo comes in response to the BNTU’s announcement of industrial action over stalled salary negotiations and the union’s push to raise the minimum wage from $5 to $6 per hour. Over 2,500 teachers voted in favour of protest action during a recent national meeting of nearly 3,000 members.

This Friday’s demonstration is set to be the first step in a possible three-tier escalation that could lead to a full strike if demands are not met.

The MOE has warned against any premature school closures. “Principals are reminded that they do not have the authority to issue notices to parents cancelling classes,” the ministry said. It reinforced that “Friday, May 9, 2025, is a regular school day” and added that “school transportation will operate as per normal.” All principals, teachers, and parents are expected to comply.

However, the public is voicing concerns online. “Trying to undermine the demonstration. As you can see, a lot of people are with the teachers,” one user wrote. Another added, “Teachers have a right to demonstrate… we as parents should support them and find a way to keep our kids home safe.”

Many parents are now questioning whether they will send children to school or join in support of teachers.

Conclave Begins in Vatican as Cardinals Gather to Elect New Pope

The Roman Catholic Church has entered a pivotal moment as 133 cardinals from around the world have begun the secretive process of electing a new pope. The conclave, held inside the iconic Sistine Chapel, was officially sealed today following the death of Pope Francis last month.

According to CNN, With no clear frontrunner, the cardinals are now casting ballots to choose the Church’s next leader. To be elected, a candidate must receive more than two-thirds of the votes. If that doesn’t happen in today’s round, voting will continue on Thursday.

True to centuries-old tradition, the Vatican has placed the Sistine Chapel under complete lockdown to preserve the sanctity and secrecy of the process. However, modern technology has added a new layer of security. Signal jammers have been activated to block any external communication, and all cardinals were required to surrender their phones and electronic devices for the duration of the conclave.

Belize and UN Team Up Again to Tackle Sustainable Development Goals

The Government of Belize and the United Nations came together this week for their 5th Joint National Steering Committee Meeting to track progress and strengthen their partnership under the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNMSDCF) for 2022–2026.

This session brought together top UN officials and Belizean government leaders to align national development plans with global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Belize’s priorities under “Plan Belize 2.0” were reviewed alongside the UN’s regional cooperation strategy, which covers 22 Caribbean countries.

One of the highlights of the meeting was the presentation of the 2024 UN Country Results Report, outlining 161 development projects in Belize backed by an estimated budget of US$47 million. Nearly half of that funding still needs to be secured, but the UN and Government are confident in expanding partnerships and programs under the new “Funding Compact 2.0.”

The meeting wrapped up with discussions on the roadmap for the next cooperation framework (2027–2031) and preparations for the UN’s 80th anniversary celebrations in Belize.

State of Emergency Declared in Belize City, Belize District, and Cayo as Violence Escalates

In response to a surge in gang-related violence, a state of public emergency has been officially declared in parts of Belize City, the Belize District, and the Cayo District. Governor-General Dame Froyla Tzalam signed the proclamation, which takes immediate effect and grants law enforcement expanded powers to restore order and ensure public safety in affected communities.

The emergency declaration comes amid a wave of deadly shootings, including the recent killing of Brandon Baptist and the shooting of another individual identified as Rojas—events that police say pushed the threat level from high to critical.

Police Commissioner Dr. Richard Rosado said, “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. At the critical stage that it is right now, there’s a need for [a State of Emergency]. I believe that one month will not suffice, two months will not suffice—we must start off at six months at the very least.”

Dr. Rosado added that the police department is fully deploying all available resources to restore peace and safety, stressing that recent violent incidents are “totally unacceptable” and that authorities are doing everything possible to bring those responsible to justice.

In Belize City and the Belize District, the emergency order covers:

George Price Highway to Belize River, Central American Blvd to Lake Independence Blvd
Central American Blvd to George Price Highway to Fabers Road
Central American Blvd to George Price Highway to the Caribbean Sea to Fabers Road
Haulover Creek to Cemetery Road to Central American Blvd to West Collet Canal
Sections around Cemetery Road, Queen Charlotte Street, Caesar Ridge Road
Yarborough Road to Regent Street to Haulover Creek
Queen Street, Handyside Street, Gabourel Lane, North Front Street
Ladyville Village, including Lord’s Bank
Communities at Mile 7 to 9 on the George Price Highway, including West Lake, Eight Miles, Sunset, and Western Pines

In the Cayo District, affected zones include:

Hattieville Area and Roaring Creek Village
Another World Area in Roaring Creek Village
Young Bank Area in Camalote Village

The state of emergency will initially remain in effect for one month, unless revoked sooner. However, based on the critical nature of the situation, authorities—including Commissioner Rosado—are advocating for an initial extension to six months. The National Assembly may extend the measure in increments not exceeding twelve months at a time.

However some are not convinced that this latest SOE will work. One social media users posted, “Unu feel like this contain crime… It’s sad the civilian have to punish for those who can’t do there jobs. Big day crime happen,” and another said, “I was really hoping we would see a different approach to fighting this crime epidemic! A proper strategy that clearly outlines the short, Medium and long term actions towards reducing social violence.”

Strong Sanctions After Racism Incident in Local Football Match

The Orange Walk Football Association (OWFA) has taken decisive action following an incident of racism during a football match between Yo Creek United FC and Mi Gente FC on Sunday.

According to a statement from the association, the incident occurred when players from Yo Creek United were reported for directing racist remarks at an opposing player. As a result, the match was suspended in the 82nd minute after match officials enforced the Football Federation of Belize’s (FFB) anti-racism protocol.

The association says it has a zero-tolerance policy on racism, discrimination, and abusive conduct in football. Following a detailed review of reports from the match commissioner and referee, the OWFA Disciplinary Committee issued sanctions. Three players from Yo Creek United FC have each been suspended for one year and seven months, making them ineligible to participate in any OWFA-sanctioned tournaments until January 2027. These sanctions are final and cannot be appealed. Additionally, further disciplinary action may be taken by the FFB once the case is reviewed by its Disciplinary Committee.