Five people, including four minors and a nineteen-year-old, were hauled before the Belize City Magistrate’s Court this morning after being charged under the State of Emergency (SOE) regulations. The group—two thirteen-year-olds, a fourteen-year-old, a seventeen-year-old, and nineteen-year-old Donie Wite—were accused of assembling in a group of more than three on May tenth, at the corner of Administration Drive and Ordonez Street. The SOE was declared in parts of Belize City following a spike in deadly shootings. But when the group appeared before Chief Magistrate Deborah Rogers, she found no grounds to proceed with the case. Calling it a “victimless offense,” she dismissed the charges, stating, quote, It’s entrapment when someone is arrested for something they don’t know is a crime, end quote. The courtroom heard troubling claims that the arresting officer was intoxicated and abusive. Wite and the minors said they were simply talking and had no idea they were breaking any law. The Chief Magistrate advised them to file a formal complaint with the Professional Standards Branch. The case has raised serious questions about how the SOE is being enforced—and whether innocent young people are being unfairly targeted.
Tonight, forty-five-year-old Travis Flowers, a coordinator with the Belize City Council’s Enforcement Department, remains behind bars—still waiting to secure bail for a second time. Flowers is accused of attempting to murder a co-worker and has been on remand for over two months. He appeared unrepresented before Chief Magistrate Deborah Rogers this morning, only to learn that his case file is still not ready. The court set his next appearance for July eleventh, when disclosures are expected to be handed over. Flowers asked the court to consider granting him bail, but because he had already been denied bail by the High Court, the Magistrate explained that the lower court could not intervene. His only option now is to reapply through the High Court—a move that carries no guarantees. Back in March, Flowers’ bail application was denied by Justice Pilgrim after multiple adjournments. He was first arraigned on March eleventh. As the legal process drags on, Flowers remains in custody, awaiting his next chance at freedom.
A family is demanding answers after thirty-two-year-old Selvin Sealy Junior died while in police custody on Monday, following his arrest for trespassing on private property. According to police, Sealy was found in a tree when officers arrived at the scene. Assistant Commissioner Hilberto Romero told reporters that Sealy became aggressive when approached and had to be forcibly subdued. Moments later, he reportedly lost consciousness. Officers rushed him to the San Pedro Polyclinic, where he was pronounced dead. The police department says an internal investigation is underway, led by the Professional Standards Branch. But Sealy’s family isn’t satisfied with the official version of events. Earlier today, Selvin Sealy Senior told us his son was last seen alive that same morning by a sibling on the island — and he appeared to be in good health. Now, the family is left grieving and searching for the truth behind what happened in those final moments.
Selvin Sealy Sr.
Selvin Sealy Sr., Father of Deceased
“I’m heartbroken about my son and I don’t wish this on anyone, it’s a really rough feeling. Even right now, I get emotional. The call came to my house about 7:30, somewhere around there, about 7:30, I was getting ready to go out and then I heard that my son was critical at the polyclinic in San Pedro. So I got the news and I got ready and I went there directly. In all the chaos, and all the situation, I saw my son lying dead on the table and it was a really heartfelt emotion for me. They told me that, someone at the police department, that he was at some, I think it’s like a private house, rental, pool, swimming [when] the security called the police to come and see. I don’t know what transpired from there. They do have videos which I would like to see and get for my personal satisfaction. But after that, in between, something happened when the police picked him up or so. That part, I would really like a clarification. And then they took him, it seems [like] because I heard [that] they were talking about they had him in a handcuff. They took him to the station and so forth. He was well in the morning because my other son saw him at 6:30, passing by the boats on the beach. It’s a human being, like everyone else. Somebody dies, your children somebody dies, you want justice because no matter how the person is… if he had committed a crime or something it’s different. I just want justice. I’m not pinpointing fingers, but my son died.”
The mystery surrounding Selvin Sealy Junior’s death deepens, as authorities have yet to determine what caused the thirty-two-year-old to lose his life while in police custody. The Belize Police Department says its Professional Standards Branch is still investigating the incident, but so far, no clear answers have been given.
It’s messy, it’s time-consuming, and it takes nearly a full day to get it just right. But for Adolfo Reyes, it’s all worth it. For the past ten years, Reyes and his family have been waking up early and getting their hands dirty to prepare one of Belize’s most beloved traditional dishes: pork pibil. At his popular spot, Dolf Pitmaster Tacos, the slow-roasted, flavor-packed Yucatec Maya delicacy is more than just food, it’s a cultural mission. Each week, Reyes fires up the pit and gets to work, honoring a centuries-old recipe that’s become a staple on breakfast tables across the country. And his loyal customers? They keep coming back for more. In this week’s Kolcha Tuesday, News Five’s Paul Lopez dives into the smoky, spice-filled world of pork pibil to find out what keeps this tradition alive, and why Belizeans can’t get enough of it.
Paul Lopez, Reporting
One bite of a pibil taco from Dolf Pitmaster Tacos and you’re not just eating, you’re time traveling. The rich, smoky flavor of the slow-roasted pork takes you straight back to the 16th century, when this iconic dish first made its way into the Yucatec region.
Lily Nunez
Lily Nunez, Customer
“Top tier, better than any tacos I have ever had to be honest.”
Adolfo Reyes, the man behind the magic, has turned his passion for tradition into a culinary experience that connects modern Belizeans with their deep cultural roots, all wrapped in a warm tortilla. Before the sun rises and the fire pit is lit, Adolfo Reyes is already hard at work. For the past ten years, Reyes, the man behind Dolf Pitmaster Tacos, has been serving up more than just food. He’s been sharing a piece of his culture, one pork pibil taco at a time.
Adolfo Reyes
Adolfo Reyes, Owner, Dolf Pitmaster’s Pibil Tacos
“From seven in the morning we go to Shipyard, we need to get firewood, so that we comeback and put the firewood to burn. We use lone coal. We start to clean up the meat, shave it, soak it in vinegar a couple times, and then season it and after that we wait til the pit is already set. We put the meat on top of the pit, because I had to build a crane to submerge the pot and then take it out, because it is not a little bit of work. My pot is almost this big and this wide.”
A roasting pot over three feet tall to slow roast over a thousand pounds of pork weekly. The roasting can take up to six hours. But it is all hands-on deck for Reyes and his family, from the moment the meat is sourced, to the minutes when the last ounce of pibil is sold. His wife, children and in-laws are all active in business.
Adolfo Reyes
“Very popular, but it is not just me, it is a family business and thank God, he is theone that grant me this way of doing things. Because, if it was not for him I wouldnot have thought about it. It is a family business too.”
But behind every bite is a backstory of grit and dedication. Taught by his father, now an elderly man, Adolfo has spent years perfecting the traditional recipe. And his customers? They know exactly what to expect: rich flavor, slow-roasted goodness, and a taste of culture in every bite. Among the crowd was Colin Estrada, a loyal customer of four years who’s taken his love for Dolf Pitmaster’s tacos to the next level — hiring Adolfo to cater his private events.
Colin Estrada
Colin Estrada, Customer
“I have come here, but Dolfo has also done catering when I have staff activities too. It was very nice, juicy and the thing about it is that it has a lot of meat and it is not like you are scraping the meat off. You have to hold the tortilla and make sure it does not drop out. So, a lot of meat he has in it.”
If you’re a foodie on the hunt for satisfaction, look no further than a pibil taco from Dolf Pitmaster Tacos. These aren’t your average tacos, they’re packed to the brim with tender, marinated pork and topped with a bold, zesty salsa that hits all the right notes.
Robert Tillett
Robert Tillett, Customer
“Bway I don’t know what kind of secret, what kind of season they have in thisthing, but mein, can’t go wrong with it.”
Serving up tradition isn’t getting any cheaper. As the cost of ingredients continues to climb, cultural food vendors like Adolfo Reyes are feeling the pinch.
Adolfo Reyes
“That is something we look into, because we need to deal with the veggies, the meat. Just this weekend the butcher said prices are going up again and I said I just carry up the tacos in March, now see what will happen now. I will have to hold back to see what will happen.”
For Reyes, maintaining the rich flavor and generous portions his customers love means walking a fine line between authenticity and affordability. And while prices may inch upward, it’s all in the name of keeping the standard high and the pibil tacos just as mouthwatering as ever. Reporting for News Five, I am Paul Lopez.
After weathering the storm of the COVID-19 pandemic, the country’s economy is back on its feet and walking tall. But according to government officials, keeping it that way will take more than just momentum. It’ll require smart planning, steady hands, and a whole-of-government push. The Briceno administration has set its sights on maintaining a healthy budget surplus, between one-point-five and two percent of G.D.P., over the next few years. That’s a key part of its strategy to keep the economy strong and debt under control. In Monday’s budget presentation, Prime Minister John Briceño touched on public debt which, he says, has already dropped faster than expected. According to the Minister of Finance, the budget deficit now sits at around sixty percent of G.D.P., well ahead of IMF forecasts. But trimming it further, down to fifty percent by 2029, won’t be easy. Slower economic growth and unpredictable global interest rates are making the road ahead a bit bumpier.
Prime Minister John Briceño
“Although our economy has stabilized with a robust rebound following the COVID Pandemic, sustained growth will require unceasing policy initiatives and whole-of-government efforts. With regard to fiscal policy, my government’s goal is to maintain a consistent primary budget surplus -in the range of 1.5 percent to 2.0 percent of GDP – into the medium term. While public debt has come down years ahead of IMF projections, to the 60 percent range, further reductions will be more challenging, given the limitations on GDP growth and our lack of control over global interest rates. Our goal is for the public debt to gradually fall to 50 percent of GDP by 2029. Our gross financing needs are estimated to average 7.5 percent of GDP, supported by continued fiscal discipline, a manageable repayment schedule for the Blue Bond, and limited short-term refinancing needs from domestic creditors. Despite this positive outlook, the Government remains committed to mitigating emerging risks, such as climate-related events, volatile global markets, and commodity price shocks, by maintaining primary surpluses, building buffers and contingency funds, establishing contingent credit lines, while keeping public debt in careful check and improving disaster risk financing (DRF) arrangements. Our fiscal policy stance will remain consistent with other macroeconomic policies and growth objectives, requiring careful management to mitigate potential risks and ensure long-term sustainability.”
The message is clear: the economy may be stable now, but staying that way will take vigilance, coordination, and a long-term vision.
While the United Democratic Party is preparing a united response to Monday’s national budget presentation, Corozal North Area Representative Hugo Patt is already sounding the alarm on one key issue: agriculture. Speaking with the media today, Patt, who is also a cane farmer, said his biggest concern lies with the struggling sugar industry. He pointed to low yields, falling prices, and what he described as a “bleak outlook” at the end of this year’s crop season. Though the U.D.P. plans to present a collective position on the budget, Patt made it clear that for him, the future of Belize’s farmers, especially in the north, must be a top priority.
Hugo Patt, Area Representative, Corozal North
“The Leader of the Opposition will call – during the course of the two weeks, will be calling meetings to basically discuss the budget in its entirety. And so, areas of interest will be basically assigned to all five of us in the host. And so based on the decision that is taken there, and of course with the guidance and the leader for our part leader, we will present the points that we need to present during the days that we will have the budget issue.”
Marion Ali
“Does anything stand out at you at this particular point?”
Hugo Patt
“Well, my interest has always been agriculture, and so, if you ask me now, I mean the sugar industry is in a state of disrepair. So it is really concerning what is happening now, given that one, we do not have the kind of production that we had expected. Secondly, there is a huge shortage of labor. And thirdly, there is the issue of the price that we are seeing very low. I’m just concerned for many of my farmer colleagues who I feel at the end of the day – banks will just pull in on them or whenever the final payment is made, they will stay without any money.”
A new Commission of Inquiry report on Belize’s sugar industry is calling for sweeping reforms and Corozal North Area Representative Hugo Patt is all for it. The report recommends a series of changes aimed at leveling the playing field between cane farmers and factory owners, ensuring both sides earn fair income for their contributions. Among the key proposals: giving the Sugar Industry Authority more power and resources to lead the sector into a more sustainable future. Patt, himself a cane farmer, says he fully supports the move. He believes empowering the SIA is a critical step toward fixing long-standing issues and securing the future of the industry. With the sugar belt facing low yields and falling prices, these recommendations could mark a turning point if they’re put into action.
Hugo Patt
Hugo Patt, Area Representative, Corozal North
“I perused quite a number of recommendations made. Certain things we do agree with and certain things you know, we have to allow the government to decide. Remember this is a multi-sectorial aspect, and so I don’t think it’s gonna be an easy decision-making. There are certain things that will affect the millers. There are certain things that are being recommended that will affect the farmers.”
Marion Ali
“What part do you agree with?”
Hugo Patt
“ In terms of when you’re looking at the body that will basically oversee the industry. I think the Prime Minister mentioned about the Sugar National Authority, It will be interesting to see how that that will evolve. I believe that if given that teeth, if you may call it, I think that authority can play a major role in determining the forward. But as I said, the sugar industry and can be very dynamic, and so I would rather wait to see how, how it plays out.”
As Orange Walk Town continues to grow, so does its garbage problem, and local leaders are taking action. Today, Mayor Ladrick Sheppard and the Orange Walk Town Council sat down with the Belize Solid Waste Management Authority and a visiting delegation from Argentina to explore fresh solutions for waste management. The goal? To keep the town clean, green, and visually appealing as its population expands. Mayor Sheppard says the talks focused on innovative strategies for managing waste in fast-growing communities—ideas that could soon be put to the test right here in Orange Walk. With international collaboration and local commitment, the town is hoping to turn its trash troubles into a cleaner, more sustainable future.
Ladrick Sheppard, Mayor, Orange Walk
“We have been having – most municipalities have been having problems with garbage and waste, especially at the dumpsite. Some of these dumpsites that are in the country are not open, especially the one in Orange Walk. We’re not open so people intend to just throw garbage all over the place and then it’s a daunting task for us as a council because when our truck goes there then we have access to where we open because there are other people that go around the area and collect garbage and just dump it anywhere they want. So these are the challenging tasks that we have. That’s why we’re having a meeting today to discuss how we can control the waste and how we can get rid of it the proper way.”
Marion Ali
“What are they proposing?”
Ladrick Sheppard
“They’re proposing to have a big station here – I don’t know if its actually going to be here in Orange Walk, but a big station so we can deal with the waste. That’s the goal that we have and I’m pretty sure that most of the municipalities are asking to see if they could talk to the government to have something like that to collect all the garbage to turn it into bio-products and turn it into energy as well.”
Health officials have confirmed a measles outbreak in the Spanish Lookout area, with seven cases already identified and more under investigation. The Ministry of Health and Wellness says the first two lab-confirmed cases were detected on April twelfth. Since then, five more people, linked to one of the original patients, have been clinically diagnosed. In response, health authorities have ramped up surveillance and are urging the public to follow vaccination guidelines. This afternoon, Doctor Melissa Diaz-Musa, Director of Public Health & Wellness, briefed reporters on the latest efforts to contain the growing measles outbreak. With confirmed cases rising and more under investigation, health authorities are stepping up their response and urging the public to stay vigilant and get vaccinated.
Melissa Diaz-Musa
Dr. Melissa Diaz-Musa, Director of Public Health & Wellness
“On April twenty-seventh, we sent out an update in terms of what we were finding on the ground and we had found five, additional epidemiologically linked cases. So that was linked to one of the laboratory-confirmed cases. So it was in the same family and these people were, again, isolated. Since April twenty-seventh, we have continued to do our heightened surveillance, we continued to send laboratory samples for testing. Dr. Beer can say… I see you have fifty-four samples that have been sent so far and the only two laboratory confirmed were the ones hat we reported on. Moving forward now to what has happened over the last few days. On Friday, May ninth, we were informed that there was someone with fever and rash at a facility in the Spanish Lookout area. Wea visited and we took samples for this person and these samples are in the process of being ran. We haven’t received the results as yet, but clinically, that person fits the clinical definition measles. In doing the investigation of that person and following the trail and where this person has been, again it’s linked to travel to Mexico. We cannot say that this new case that presented on Friday is an imported case because it appears that it is locally transmitted…”
Doctor Melissa Diaz-Musa revealed this afternoon that one of the confirmed measles patients has no recent travel history, and neither does their family. However, the individual is believed to have been in contact with someone who had recently returned from Mexico.
With measles cases on the rise, health authorities are stepping up their response and urging the public to stick to vaccination guidelines. The Ministry of Health & Wellness is reminding parents that children should receive two doses of the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine, one at twelve months and another at eighteen months. Anyone over eighteen months who hasn’t been vaccinated should get two doses, spaced a month apart. If you’ve only had one shot, a booster is recommended. And if you’re unsure of your vaccination status, health officials say it’s safest to get one dose. As for travel to Spanish Lookout, the center of the current outbreak, the Ministry is advising the public to proceed with caution.
Dr. Melissa Diaz-Musa, Director of Public Health & Wellness
“It urges caution when visiting the area if you are unvaccinated. So if you are vaccinated, feel free to visit the area. If your children are vaccinated, feel free. We want to stress that it’s the unvaccinated who are the persons at risk. So if you are not vaccinated please take caution, please ensure that especially the at-risk kids, children five and under, if you are not vaccinated, talk to us, ask us to clarify any questions or concerns. Ask us to clarify any questions or concerns that you might have about the vaccine and we would be willing to help in that regard.”
Unvaccinated people exposed to measles must quarantine for up to twenty-one days. Those who are vaccinated do not need to isolate. However, the MMR vaccine is not recommended for pregnant women or people with weakened immune systems. Health officials are calling on the public to stay alert and get vaccinated to help stop the spread.
