May 22, 2025 - Channel 5 Belize

Belize Wins 2025 CREF Industry Award for Clean Energy Policy

Belize has earned regional recognition for its leadership in clean energy reform, as the Ministry of Public Utilities, Energy and Logistics has been awarded the 2025 CREF Industry Award for Best Clean Energy Policy or Programme.

The accolade was presented at the 7th Annual Caribbean Renewable Energy Forum (CREF), held in Miami, Florida, and organised by New Energy Events. Belize’s award-winning project, LAIT UP BELIZE!, was commended for its transformative and inclusive approach to reshaping the country’s energy landscape.

Funded by the European Union, LAIT UP BELIZE! is a central pillar of the government’s commitment to achieving universal access to electricity by 2030. The initiative combines sustainability, innovation, and equity, principles that led to its selection by a distinguished advisory committee overseeing the CREF Industry Awards.

“We are honoured to be recognised among regional leaders in clean energy,” said Michel Chebat, Minister of Public Utilities, Energy and Logistics. “This achievement reflects the Government of Belize’s unwavering commitment to sustainable development and energy access for all. This recognition is a proud moment for our country and a signal that we are on the right track.”

BNTU Postpones Strike Vote as Government Offers 3% Raise

The Belize National Teachers’ Union (BNTU) has delayed a scheduled vote on industrial action following a new proposal from the Government of Belize (GOB), which includes a partial salary increase and other offers. The decision to postpone the vote comes as the union continues to deliberate on its next steps in response to GOB’s letter issued Wednesday.

The proposal follows a May 13 meeting between the Joint Union Negotiating Team (JUNT) and government officials. At that meeting, the unions outlined several key demands, including the full reinstatement of an 8.5% salary adjustment and the unfreezing of two increments that had been halted during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In response, the government has offered a 3% salary increase starting in October 2025, and the unfreezing of one of the two frozen increments at the beginning of the 2026–2027 fiscal year, which starts on April 1, 2026.

Speaking to reporters today, Minister of the Public Service Henry Charles Usher addressed concerns about the potential for a nationwide teachers’ strike. “I think they did issue a notice last week Wednesday. A week has passed. Now I believe that was all part of their plan, they had said that they would have certain steps that they would take. They would have the sit down, they would be going to level two, level three. But we hope that we don’t get to level three,” Usher said.

“We hope that with these proposals… the membership of the PSU, the membership of the BNTU and all of the broader teachers, public officers… can see that these are reasonable proposals. These are proposals that are sustainable,” he added. “As I always say, it’s always better to talk to each other than at each other.”

When asked whether the government’s offer of 3% and a deferred increment formed the core of the proposal, Usher clarified, “So you’re speaking to only one item on the seventh point one of seven.”

Usher explained, “It’s a three percent salary adjustment starting in October, and then in April or the start of the next fiscal year, the unfreezing of one of the increments that were frozen during the COVID time.” He confirmed that discussions are ongoing regarding the remaining 5.5% of the requested adjustment and the second frozen increment.

U.S. Embassy Confirms First-Ever Charter Flight of Deportees to Belize

For the first time, the United States has repatriated Belizean nationals via a charter flight rather than the usual commercial routes. Speaking to the media this morning, Luke Martin, Public Affairs Officer at the U.S. Embassy in Belize, confirmed the change and provided details on the nature of the flight and the individuals aboard.

The flight, which landed today at Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport, carried 21 Belizeans. Martin said, “It’s not like they were just scooped up off the street and put on a plane, okay. Everybody had the right to due process, went to court, had their hearings, had their appeals. So this happened through, you know, legal means for sure.”

“By putting people on a charter flight like this and also including other countries in it, it is some kind of a cost efficiency that happens as well,” he explained.

While this initiative has drawn attention locally, Martin dispelled notions of aggressive immigration enforcement. “This was not knocking down doors and walking into houses. These were people that were all illegally [in the U.S.]. The majority of them had crossed into the United States illegally, and then the rest of them were overstays… The majority of them did have some kind of criminal offense in the United States as well,” he said.

“There are no children on this flight,” Martin confirmed, though he noted that in other cases, such as in Honduras, family units have voluntarily returned via self-deportation programs.

Martin also addressed the broader message of the deportation. “This is a new message to Belize… Illegal immigration is not something that has been tolerated. There’s a zero tolerance policy,” he said.

On the topic of future flights, Martin said it’s likely that more charter flights will occur if they continue to prove efficient.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, along with other agencies, coordinated to verify their identities and ensure proper documentation. The returnees were processed like all others repatriated by foreign governments. The Ministry stressed its commitment to protecting the rights and dignity of all Belizeans abroad, regardless of immigration status, and reaffirmed that all Belizeans are welcome home.

Cannabis Petition Officially Submitted For Caye Caulker Referendum

A petition to legalize and regulate cannabis on Caye Caulker has been officially submitted to the Office of the Governor General. This moves the island one step closer to a public referendum on the issue.

The petition, spearheaded by Village Councillor Ilya Rosado, gathered the required number of signatures from registered voters to trigger a vote during the village council election.

In accordance with Belize’s electoral procedures, the Governor General will now forward the petition to the Elections and Boundaries Department for verification. Once the signatures are validated, the cannabis legalization measure will appear on the upcoming ballot.

“This is about giving the people of Caye Caulker the right to decide,” said Rosado. “The community has spoken clearly by signing this petition, and now it’s time for all eligible voters to have their say at the ballot box.”

If approved, the initiative would legalize the regulated production, distribution, and sale of cannabis products on the island. Supporters believe the measure will boost the local economy, create jobs, and generate new public revenue while encouraging responsible cannabis use.

Man Injured in Santa Elena Shooting

A 41-year-old man is recovering after being shot in an apparent targeted attack in Santa Elena Town on Wednesday evening.

According to police, the incident occurred around 6:30 p.m. on Carmen Street, when officers responded to reports of a shooting. Upon arrival, they learned that Alfonso Vargas Diaz had been shot in the upper left thigh while working in his yard.

Initial investigations indicate that two men approached Diaz on a motorcycle, and one of them pulled out a firearm and fired several shots, striking him. The assailants then fled the scene.

Diaz was transported to San Ignacio Hospital, where he received medical treatment and was later released.

21 Belizeans Repatriated from the U.S.

The Government of Belize has confirmed the return of 21 Belizean nationals who were repatriated from the United States this morning via a U.S. Government-chartered flight.

According to an official statement, Belize was notified last Friday by the U.S. Government of its decision to repatriate the individuals. Since then, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade, Culture, and Immigration, in coordination with the Embassy of Belize in the United States and the Belize Police Department, worked to confirm the nationality of the returnees and ensure they had the necessary travel documents.

Upon arrival at the Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport, the 21 individuals were received and processed “in the same manner as any other Belizean being repatriated to Belize by a foreign government,” the statement read.

The Ministry stressed its commitment to protecting the rights of Belizeans abroad, regardless of their immigration status. “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade, Culture, and Immigration takes seriously its consular duty to ensure that the rights of all Belizeans abroad are respected and that they are treated with dignity in accordance with international law,” the release stated.

The Government also reiterated its stance on inclusivity: “The Government of Belize maintains its position that all Belizeans abroad are welcomed home.”

Truck Driver Found Murdered on Valley of Peace Road

Police are investigating the murder of a truck driver whose body was found early this morning.

Authorities responded to a call around 2:30 a.m. on Valley of Peace Road in the Cayo District, where they found a Freightliner truck with a yellow trailer loaded with sugar cane parked along the roadside. Inside the vehicle, officers discovered bloodstains and a machete.

A subsequent search of the surrounding area led to the grim discovery of a man’s body bearing multiple chop wounds. The victim was later identified as 32-year-old Fredi Michael Ortega, a Belizean truck driver from Roaring Creek Village.

The investigation continues.

Cabinet Reviews Hurricane Preparedness and Approves Key National Initiatives

Cabinet met on Tuesday and addressed a range of pressing national matters, including disaster preparedness, immigration, youth employment, and digital infrastructure development.

A major focus of the meeting was Belize’s readiness for the 2025 Atlantic Hurricane Season. Cabinet was briefed by the Chief Meteorologist and the Coordinator of the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) on emergency response strategies. The briefing outlined a framework for rapid disaster response using local, national, and international resources. This effort builds on the National Disaster Preparedness and Response Plan, which Cabinet approved on April 15, 2025.

Cabinet also endorsed a joint proposal by NEMO, the National Meteorological Service, and the National Hydrological Service to host a media training workshop on May 28, 2025. This training aims to strengthen communication between the national emergency system and the media to ensure the public receives timely and accurate early warnings.

The National Disaster Preparedness and Response Advisory Committee (NDPRAC) will convene on May 29, 2025, to further guide emergency preparedness and advise the Prime Minister on disaster risk management strategies.

In other decisions:

Cabinet approved the creation of a Digital and IT Infrastructure Project Vetting Committee. This body will oversee standards, risk management, and alignment with national digital strategies, ensuring efficient and secure digital development across the public sector.

Cabinet extended the Amnesty 2016 qualifying criteria to include individuals who can prove continuous residence in Belize up to December 31, 2019, opening the door for more individuals to qualify for residency.

Cabinet gave full backing to the 2025 Summer Internship Program, which will provide short-term employment opportunities to students from third form through junior college. The initiative is coordinated by the Ministry of the Public Service, with applications due by May 30, 2025.

Former Transport Minister: “I Want to Clear My Name”

An internal investigation within the Ministry of Transport has revealed serious concerns about financial mismanagement, with funds collected for services allegedly being diverted before reaching government accounts. The matter has now been formally handed over to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for review.

Transport Minister Dr. Louis Zabaneh, who assumed office only weeks ago, launched the investigation after identifying anomalies across several offices countrywide. “When we came in we found irregularities across the country,” he said. “We have a case with the DPP… I can’t speak to it specifically, so we are taking steps—that is our responsibility.”

The core issue, according to Dr. Zabaneh, involves public payments for services at ministry offices that never make it into government coffers. “Certain amount of money is collected at that level and it does not reach into the coffers of government. There are schemes that they use to take these monies into their own pockets,” he revealed. He added, “We feel that until we are able to make an example of rogue employees who are there stealing the resources of our people… maybe until then it continues business as usual. Hopefully people get the message we are serious.”

The investigation has fueled speculation about whether former Transport Minister Rodwell Ferguson may be implicated. But Dr. Zabaneh emphasized that no individual is currently being targeted: “At this point what we are looking at is in the hands of the DPP.”

Ferguson has issued a public statement defending his record and distancing himself from the alleged wrongdoing. “I want to make it categorically clear. I was informed by the Mennonite community of supposedly corruption at the Transport department office in Spanish Lookout. Right away I ask the internal auditor to launch an investigation,” Ferguson said.

He added that when he left office, the investigation was still ongoing and the estimated loss had already surpassed $70,000.

“I want the public to understand the Minister is not the accounting officer. He doesn’t sign on any document. There is a difference between the Minister and the CEO. The Minister is to implement policies and the CEO is responsible for the day-to-day activity of the Ministry,” he explained. “I want to clear my name.”

NOAA Predicts Above-Normal Hurricane Activity for 2025 Atlantic Season

The U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has issued its official outlook for the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season, forecasting above-average activity with a 60% chance of an above-normal season. The season officially runs from June 1 to November 30.

According to NOAA’s forecast, there will likely be 13 to 19 named storms with winds of at least 39 mph. Of these, 6 to 10 are expected to become hurricanes, and 3 to 5 could strengthen into major hurricanes—Category 3 or higher, with winds exceeding 111 mph. NOAA says it has 70% confidence in these projections.

Several factors are contributing to the heightened activity this year, including warmer-than-average Atlantic Ocean temperatures, weaker wind shear, and a potential northward shift of the West African Monsoon, which often seeds powerful Atlantic storms. NOAA also cited ENSO-neutral conditions and reduced trade winds, which allow storms to intensify more easily.

“As we witnessed last year with significant inland flooding from hurricanes Helene and Debby, the impacts of hurricanes can reach far beyond coastal communities,” noted Acting NOAA Administrator Laura Grimm. “NOAA is critical for the delivery of early and accurate forecasts and warnings, and provides the scientific expertise needed to save lives and property.”