May 16, 2025 - Channel 5 Belize

Police Bid Heartfelt Farewell to Cpl Carol Thompson After 19 Years of Service

It was a heartfelt and bittersweet moment as officers gathered at the Yabra Community Resource Centre to honour Corporal Carol Thompson, who officially ended her 19-year career with the Belize Police Department.

Known for her deep dedication to community-orientated policing, Cpl. Thompson’s farewell was marked by warm tributes from colleagues, senior officers, and family. Among those in attendance were ACP Howell Gillett, ACP Hilberto Romero, Superintendent Denroy Barrow, and Superintendent Egbert Castillo, along with community policing officers from across the Eastern Division.

The ceremony also celebrated ongoing efforts in community policing, with 25 officers recognised for completing a two-day training, and 13 receiving Certificates of Appreciation for their outstanding service.

Cpl Thompson leaves behind a legacy of compassion, service, and commitment to the community she proudly served.

BEL Hosts Media Workshop on 2025 ARP and Smart Energy Investments

Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) hosted a Media Energy Workshop earlier this week in Belize City to provide insight into its 2025 Annual Review Proceeding (ARP) submission and ongoing investments in advanced metering technology.

According to BEL, the session was led by key technical experts Sean Fuller, General Manager for Finance & Business Support, and Philip Codd, AMI Project Manager. The duo delivered in-depth presentations outlining the company’s strategic efforts to modernise Belize’s energy services infrastructure.

Topics covered during the workshop included the cost of power, current electricity rates, and key investments aimed at improving grid reliability, resilience, and customer empowerment through technologies such as smart meters. These smart meters form part of BEL’s larger Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) rollout, designed to enhance efficiency and provide customers with more control over their energy use.

The event was designed to give media professionals a solid technical background, enabling more accurate and informed reporting on energy-related matters.

News Five was represented by journalist Britney Gordon.

Modern Solar-Powered Irrigation Systems Delivered to Corozal Farmers

Two agricultural cooperatives in the Corozal District have received state-of-the-art solar-powered irrigation systems as part of a major investment by the Resilient Rural Belize (RRB) Programme, under the Ministry of Economic Transformation (MET). The initiative aims to improve climate resilience and boost rural economic opportunities.

The two beneficiaries, the Northern Sustainable Agro-Producers Co-operative Society Limited and the Concepcion Vegetable Farmers Co-operative Society Limited, successfully tested and troubleshot the new systems.

The irrigation systems, powered by solar energy, include three solar pumps, 36 solar panels, 12 solar batteries, and two inverters, all installed by Prosolar, a Belmopan-based company. To protect the equipment, two custom-built sheds were also provided.

The total investment, valued at approximately $311,333.60, is expected to significantly enhance water access for farming during dry seasons, reduce electricity costs, and enable the use of fertigation systems. Each cooperative also received rainwater harvesting tanks and full drip irrigation kits, allowing members to irrigate up to 10 acres of farmland.

The systems will support the cultivation of crops such as onions, cabbages, carrots, and other vegetables, providing a sustainable path for year-round agriculture.

Taxi Man Rapes Customer

A 30-year-old Belizean taxi driver has been formally arrested and charged with the crime of rape, following a police investigation into a serious allegation made earlier this week.

According to police, the investigation began on Tuesday, May 13, after a woman reported that she was assaulted two days earlier.

The victim stated that on Sunday, May 11, around 8:00 a.m., she boarded a taxi operated by someone she knew. Instead of taking her to her intended destination, the driver allegedly diverted to his residence, where he proceeded to rape her.

BDF Completes Warrant Officers’ Course to Prepare Future Leaders

The Belize Defence Force (BDF) has successfully concluded its Warrant Officers’ Course 01/25, an intensive leadership and training program held at Price Barracks in Ladyville from March 24 to May 15, 2025. The course was tailored for staff sergeants preparing for promotion to company sergeant major roles, with a focus on enhancing their leadership and operational skills in both peacetime and combat scenarios.

Participants from the BDF and the Belize Police Department underwent a rigorous curriculum that included administration, military law, service writing, communication skills, and parade and ceremonial duties. The training aimed to develop their capability to lead effectively and uphold the core values of discipline and service.

The course was led by Lieutenant Colonel Lionel Olivera and Warrant Officer Class 1 Wilfred Mojano, who were commended for their dedication to excellence in military education.

Benque Lupus Walk Set for Tomorrow

The Benque Viejo Chapter of the Belize Lupus Association is continuing its 2025 Lupus Awareness Campaign with a community walk scheduled for tomorrow. This follows the successful hosting of its Second Annual Lupus Awareness Campaign earlier this week at Mopan Technical High School, where students, teachers, and staff gathered for an impactful educational event focused on lupus and autoimmune diseases.

Held on Monday, May 12, the event brought together medical professionals, advocates, and community leaders to raise awareness and foster dialogue around lupus—a chronic and often misunderstood autoimmune condition.

Jilma Leon, a lupus advocate, shared her powerful 58-year journey with the illness, detailing how a traumatic medical experience as a teenager led to her diagnosis.

The chapter now turns its focus to tomorrow’s community lupus walk, continuing its mission to raise awareness, foster empathy, and support those affected by lupus. Participants are encouraged to wear purple and join the movement for better understanding and care.

The walk starts at 5 p.m. at the Civic Centre.

Belize Launches Online Criminal Records Registry for Faster, Easier Access

The government has launched a new Online Criminal Records Registry (CRR), aimed at modernising access to police records and streamlining public services.

The initiative is a joint effort between the Ministry of Home Affairs & New Growth Industries and the Ministry of E-Governance.

The project is part of the government’s wider strategy to modernise the justice system and improve service delivery through the use of digital technology.

The new CRR system enables Belizeans to apply for Police Records of Conduct online, make digital payments, and receive their documents electronically, eliminating the need for in-person visits. Applicants will also receive real-time updates via SMS or email, enhancing transparency and accountability in the process.

While the system allows for fully online submissions and pickups, in-person assistance remains available at nine police stations across the country.