A 31-year-old man from Stann Creek was arrested and charged with the sexual assault of a 13-year-old girl, according to police reports.
The man faces one count of rape of a child, two counts of incest, and six counts of sexual assault.
Authorities confirmed the charges were filed today, May 3.
Police are investigating a shooting that took place near Croton Lane in Belize City this morning, shortly after 9 a.m. The area is known to be part of PIV territory. The 27-year-old victim, Jimmy Rojas, was transported to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH) for treatment.
Rojas is connected to the January 12, 2024, murder of Jose Matus, who was discovered dead in the driver’s seat of a GMC SUV with multiple gunshot wounds. Matus was pronounced dead at the scene, while two women, also wounded in the attack, were transported to the hospital for treatment.
Rojas’ father, Clay Mansanto, was also killed last year, shortly after Matus.
This is an ongoing investigation.
Less than a week after surviving a serious dump truck crash on April 28th, Adrian Williams says he is steadily recovering from the traumatic incident. The crash occurred when the truck’s brakes failed while exiting Frank’s Eddy Road, causing it to slam into a drain off the George Price Highway, leaving Williams pinned and critically injured.
Williams, who was accompanying a new driver in the fully loaded truck, said their efforts to slow the vehicle, including gearing down and using the emergency brake, were unsuccessful. “Nothing worked,” he said in a social media statement. The driver managed to escape, but Williams was trapped when the passenger door latch failed just before the truck slammed into a ditch.
“I was unconscious for a couple of minutes, and I began to shout for help,” he stated. Locals tried to free him, but he said his head was pinned between the dashboard and rear cab.
“I was drowning in my own blood because my nose was broken,” Williams said. After several attempts, he managed to release his head and was pulled out alive.
Williams said he suffered multiple skull fractures, facial injuries, and a dislocated shoulder but remains grateful. “My road to recovery begins. I’m sure it’s going to be a long journey, more mental than physical for me.”
UNESCO marked World Press Freedom Day 2025 with a sharp focus on the growing influence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on journalism, under the theme “Reporting in the Brave New World – The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Press Freedom and the Media.”
According to UNESCO, while AI tools offer “efficiency, multilingual accessibility, and improved data analysis,” they also pose grave risks, including “AI-generated misinformation and disinformation, deepfake technology, biased content moderation, and surveillance threats to journalists.”
Meanwhile, the Media Institute of the Caribbean (MIC) released a parallel statement stating that AI challenges are compounded in the region by fragile economies, shrinking advertising revenues, and disaster vulnerability. MIC President Kiran Maharaj warned, “AI could democratise information access, but without guardrails, it may erode the financial sustainability of Caribbean media. We must advocate for equitable AI governance that prioritises public interest journalism.”MIC also pointed to the risk of AI-driven misinformation during crises and elections, calling for stronger safeguards and regional strategies. Vice President Wesley Gibbings stated, “Caribbean media must adopt AI-driven verification tools and invest in digital literacy programmes. Our survival depends on retaining public trust through accuracy and transparency.”
Both UNESCO and MIC stressed the urgent need for ethical rules and stronger regional cooperation to make sure AI helps, rather than harms, democracy and press freedom.
Global press freedom has reached its lowest point on record, a historical all-time low, according to the 2025 World Press Freedom Index released by Reporters Without Borders (RSF). It described the media space as now officially in a “difficult situation” for the first time in the Index’s history. The Index shows that journalism is collapsing under financial strain, political interference, and the unchecked power of tech giants.
Each year on 3 May, World Press Freedom Day reflects the importance of a free press as the cornerstone of democracy, accountability, and informed public debate. However, economic fragility, not just violence or repression, is now the most dangerous threat to journalism worldwide. While journalists in the region may not regularly face imprisonment or death, they face intimidation, censorship, and online abuse that steadily undermine the integrity and independence of the press.
At the heart of this year’s report is an alarming decline in the financial stability of media outlets. According to RSF, media outlets in 160 of the 180 countries surveyed are either struggling to remain financially viable or unable to do so at all. Advertising monopolies by tech giants, opaque public subsidies, and growing ownership concentration are suffocating editorial independence and undermining journalistic integrity. RSF warns that without strong, transparent economic frameworks, the press cannot remain free, credible, or resistant to political and commercial influence.
The global map of press freedom is turning redder, with 42 countries now rated “very serious,” including Palestine, China, Eritrea, and North Korea. In Palestine, journalism is under siege amid military bombardment and information blackouts, with nearly 200 journalists killed. East Africa saw Uganda, Ethiopia, and Rwanda slip into the red zone, while Hong Kong joined China in the bottom tier for the first time.
In the Caribbean, press freedom is facing mounting pressures. Haiti (93rd) has seen a sharp decline amid deepening political and economic turmoil. Journalists face gang violence, kidnappings, and impunity for attacks, with the fall of Ariel Henry’s government in 2024 worsening the situation. Jamaica, while still the region’s highest-ranked at 32nd, fell 20 places.
The Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) dropped to 93rd from 55th, as political influence over editorial content grows.
Meanwhile, Belize has climbed to 47th in the 2025 Index, which reflects an improvement from its 54th position the previous year, according to RSF.
Journalists in the region often endure poor training, low pay, and lack of institutional support, conditions that especially drive women out of the profession, RSF reported. It added that though press freedom remains largely respected, there are physical attacks on journalists and the rise of online threats.
Argentina has fallen to 87th as President Javier Milei dismantles public media, while journalists in Peru, ranked 130th, and El Salvador, at 135th, are facing growing hostility. Mexico, now 124th, remains the most dangerous country in the region for reporters. Brazil, ranked 63rd, is showing signs of democratic recovery following the Bolsonaro era. While Nicaragua places at the bottom as the 172nd, it has all but eliminated its independent press.
Even in nations historically considered press-friendly, such as South Africa and New Zealand, the situation is worsening. The United States, ranked 57th, is collapsing into “news deserts,” and Trump’s second term has ushered in funding cuts that crippled global media initiatives.
Europe continues to lead globally, with Norway, Estonia, and the Netherlands topping the Index. However, RSF pointed out that even here, cracks are forming. Seven in ten European Union (EU)-Balkans countries experienced economic setbacks, and the much-anticipated European Media Freedom Act remains unimplemented. The gap between democratic strongholds and authoritarian regimes is widening, but even democracies are far from immune to the mounting economic and political pressures facing the free press.
RSF’s Index warns that without urgent and coordinated action to protect journalism’s financial independence, the light of press freedom is threatened to flicker out.
Belize City was shaken by a brutal murder on Thursday night. Carlos Avelar, a sixty-one-year-old mechanic, was tragically gunned down on Coney Drive around 8:15 p.m. Police arrived swiftly after receiving a report and discovered Avelar’s lifeless body. Witnesses recounted that just minutes before, two men on a motorcycle approached Avelar. One of them pulled out a gun and fired multiple shots, fatally wounding him. Avelar was rushed to Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival. Authorities are now delving into this horrific attack, determined to find justice for Avelar and provide answers to his grieving family.
Two men accused of the March 2024 murder of Elwin Lewis, also known as “Bobo Youth,” are back behind bars after being ordered to stand trial. Travis Herbert and Robert Taylor appeared in court this morning, where a Senior Magistrate committed them to stand trial at the June session of the High Court. The prosecutor presented ten statements and several exhibits, including autopsy details and DVDs, which will be used in the trial. The men were given an alibi warning and asked to provide witness names. Herbert named three women, including his sister, as alibi witnesses. Robert Emmanuel Arnold, twenty-one, was also charged with Lewis’s murder, following Herbert’s arraignment in May 2024. Both men were remanded to Belize Central Prison, unable to be granted bail due to the nature of the offense. Arnold inquired about the bail process, and the Senior Magistrate explained that he would need to seek bail through the High Court with an attorney’s assistance. The incident occurred on March twenty-second, 2024, when police responded to a shooting on Antelope Street Extension. They found a grey Lifan motorcycle and expended shells at the scene. Initial investigations revealed that Lewis was shot by two men on another motorcycle. He was taken to K.H.M.H. but later died from his injuries. Police reviewed surveillance footage and identified Herbert as one of the shooters. The investigation continues as the case moves to trial.
The safety of students is top priority for Doctor Vincent Palacio, President of the University of Belize. Today, we caught up with him in Belmopan to get an update on the investigation into faculty member Doctor Pio Saqui. As previously reported, several students have accused Doctor Saqui of sexual offences. In response, the lecturer has been placed on administrative leave while the university conducts a thorough investigation. Here’s what Doctor Palacio had to say about the situation.
Dr. Vincent Palacio, President, U.B.
“Not much to share, but an investigation is on. Faculty member is on administrative leave. A committee has been established. They are meeting to discuss the case and investigate. That is what is happening.”
Paul Lopez
“What is the phases of investigation based on protocol here?”
Dr. Vincent Palacio
“The committee will decide the process, so more than likely they will interact with the accused, all the accusers, the students and the faculty member. And, they will come up with recommendation.”
Paul Lopez
“What is your understanding about how far back these allegations are dated?”
Dr. Vincent Palacio
“I am not certain. I am not a part of the committee and I would rather not share.”
Paul Lopez
“How do you deal with what can be deemed a black eye for the university?”
Dr. Vincent Palacio
“We are doing all that we can to make sure that we bring justice to whatever the case is, through the committee and their process and at the end of that whatever the recommendations is will be adhered to.”
Paul Lopez
“The commitment that the university has to students, speak about that, where safety is concerned?”
Dr. Vincent Palacio
“It is paramount, extremely important to me, and every chance I get I let the students know that I am here to protect them, I am here for them as the president and all that we do is to ensure they have a safe, positive environment to come to school. We are very proactive in dealing with the issue and providing workshop for the entire faculty on the issue of sexual harassment and we are serious about protecting our student.”
This morning, Corozal Methodist School experienced a sickout after two teachers were placed on administrative leave and eight others called in sick. The situation escalated on Tuesday when preschool teachers Julie Castro and Stacy Chi received letters informing them that they were not to return to school until May 27th. The letters accused the teachers of professional misconduct and spreading misinformation among parents. News Five’s Britney Gordon was on the scene this morning to gather more details on the unfolding controversy.
Britney Gordon, Reporting
“Bring our teachers back” This morning, protesters gathered outside Corozal Methodist School, holding signs expressing their displeasure. These protesters are parents of children attending the Methodist preschool, upset over the recent suspension of two teachers. Earlier this week, preschool teachers Julie Castro and Stacy Chi received letters placing them on administrative leave. The letters accused them of repeatedly disregarding lawful instructions and directives from the school’s administration. However, according to the parents, the teachers are simply standing up for their rights and the rights of their children.
Voice of: Disgruntled Parent
“They were escorted from the school with police. And we do not see it. Fear the teachers were standing up for us, for our children. And on the decision making of graduation, which I believe is something not too exaggerating. And that’s the reason why we are here. It’s not only the preschool teachers, there are other teachers who are being victimized and well, I have kids not only in preschool, but I have kids in other classes, and I have seen it and it’s unfair.”
“We are not agreeing with the date. She want the graduation to be along with the standard six graduation, which we refuse as the parents. It’s our money. We decide we want to have a decision in this graduation. We don’t want it with the standard sixth graduation. We believe that they want their own separate graduation date, which they can have time with their fellow classmates and they can enjoy, take pictures. I had an experience, which my son graduated from standard six and my daughter graduated from preschool, it was a clash because I had to run out. I couldn’t take any pictures with my child. I still do not have any pictures because I had to hurry, rush out, get my son ready, and get back for the other graduation.”
Parents at Corozal Methodist School are voicing their frustrations, alleging that the principal has frequently denied them the opportunity to speak with teachers and visit their children. Barbara Acosta, whose grandchild attends the school, claims that the principal has been difficult to deal with since the school year began.
Barbara Acosta, Disgruntled Parent
“ When school started, I brought my grandson. My grandson is someone that don’t eat from anyone, so I brought his lunch and the principal told me that I cannot eat on the school ground with my grandson. She put us to eat on the seaside. Then ney di talk about healthiness and, and good whatever they want, say that is not right. We have a school yard. We pay for that. We pay our school fees. Then now stimulation month. She noh do nothing, nothing to help us. We, the parents and grandparents had to put out to help the teachers. Now she put the teachers on leave. That is not right. We want Methodist to come back where it is. Either she go and let our teachers to come back.”
One parent explains that she does not feel that her children are well taken care of by the principal. Alleging that her six-year-old child was once left unattended in a room without medication after she ran a fever.
“Locked her up in a isolated room. I don’t know if they have a clinic there that she has authority to, to build a isolation room to, to put children. She locked my six-year-old up in the room with high fever, did not have any supervision because nobody was there to see if the child would collapse if she would convulse because it’s fever. I told them if they can kindly give her medication till I reach, because I sent the taxi to get my child. She refused to put the child in a taxi. So I said, can you administer medication? The vice principal told me, no, she’s not authorized. I say, I am the mother and I am authorizing you.”
Britney Gordon
“Has she tried having any meetings with you parents and your teachers?”
Barabara Acosta
“No meetings. She only had one meeting. Beg, beg, beg, beg, beg beg. Like the siren. A wa wa wa, that’s all she do. Stimulation month. Never show up. But when she want something ih hurry, wa wa wa that no go so.”
News Five contacted the school for a response but was told that the principal would not be commenting on the situation at this time. Britney Gordon for News Five.
The Leadership Intervention Unit and the University of Belize teamed up to host a groundbreaking symposium on restorative justice earlier today in Belmopan. Under the inspiring theme, “Youth in Peacebuilding: Empowering Change Through Restorative Justice,” students packed the university’s auditorium for a powerful panel discussion. The event shed light on the harsh realities of crime and the urgent needs of marginalized communities. Engaging speakers from both organizations shared their insights, sparking meaningful conversations and empowering the next generation to lead the charge for peace and justice.
Dominique Noralez, Chairperson, L.I.U.
“UB has always been a great collaborator, a great partner of our and we believe that students who are within the social science program are going to be leading the social programs and the entire social protection system in the coming years. We want them to appreciate the population, what vulnerabilities look like for people and we want them to approach it from the most informed point of view to really transform people’s lives. So, this symposium is part of having that dialogue and discussion and having students understand the real, because many times students who have the privilege of going to school sometimes become a bit disconnected and we want for them to understand that we are all in the same boat together and once one of us weak all of us weak.”
Dr. Vincent Palacio, President, U.B.
“We have a new criminal justice and criminology program. We have our students in the four-year program and currently there is a presentation by a student on his last year of that program. They are talking about restorative justice and the importance of it. It is important that our students are way of such and if it is effective, if it is not, if it is something we should adapt as we move forward. So it is important that we bring LIU to the table. They are the ones working in these areas, so that the students can see what they are learning in class, how practical it is.”
