May, 2025 - Channel 5 Belize

PACT Invests $12 Million in Belize’s Conservation Efforts

Belize is once again making headlines for its leadership in conservation. This week, the Protected Areas Conservation Trust, better known as PACT, rolled out a major investment in the country’s natural future. With twelve million dollars committed over the next three years, and nearly eight million already disbursed, PACT is partnering with fifteen agencies to protect twenty-eight of Belize’s most treasured protected areas. News Five’s Paul Lopez has the story.

Paul Lopez, Reporting

The Protected Areas Conservation Trust, better known as PACT, is leading the charge when it comes to conservation in Belize. With strategic investments and strong partnerships, PACT continues to play a key role in protecting the country’s natural resources and building a more sustainable future.

Abil Castaneda, Executive Director, PACT

“The work that we do, that you do in conservation that it is a selfless commitment, it is a selfless dedication and passion and the truth is when all is said and done, we will look back, we will have pioneers and new commers and we want to be a part of that story, of the Belizean story in conservation.”

PACT is continuing its mission to protect Belize’s natural treasures. On Monday, the organization awarded a total of twelve million dollars in funding to fifteen co-management agencies. These groups are responsible for overseeing twenty-eight protected areas across the country.

Milagro Matus, Chairperson, PACT

“We come together today to celebrate the dedicated co-manager organizations that are at the very heart of our national conservation efforts. These organizations which are protectors of biodiversity, champions of communities, guardians of our ecosystems and partners in shaping a resilient nature positive future for Belize. This award ceremony is an opportunity to highlight the significant investments being made through PACTS conservation investment strategy 2.0.”

Fifteen agencies were honored as they officially signed on to a major conservation partnership with PACT. Representatives from each agency were on hand to receive their awards during a special ceremony. The agreement, which spans three years, marks a significant investment in Belize’s environmental future. During the event, PACT disbursed an impressive seven million dollars toward the total value of the project. Prime Minister John Briceño, speaking at the ceremony, emphasized the growing urgency for conservation efforts worldwide, highlighting Belize’s continued leadership in protecting natural resources.

Prime Minister John Briceño

“Around the world there is this urgency of conservation and it has never been as clearer than ever. People are truly realizing how important conservation is, not only to themselves, but to planet earth. This is so much more we can do in this world, there is so much we can accomplish and in many instances it vexes me, it makes me upset. When we were in Scotland and I was interviewed I blurted out that we are doing our part, the big countries are not doing their part. The reporter pointed out what I said to Boris Johnson and he had to admit sheepishly that it is true, they are not doing their part to help us to protect mother earth for all of us.”

Minister Orlando Habet emphasized the importance of Belize maintaining its position as a pioneer in the global conservation movement. He praised the Protected Areas Conservation Trust’s latest initiative, Conservation Investment Strategy 2.0, calling it a bold step forward in protecting the country’s natural heritage. Minister Habet says the strategy reflects Belize’s commitment to sustainable development and climate resilience, ensuring that both people and the planet benefit from smart, forward-thinking investments.

Orlando Habet, Minister of Sustainable Development

“It is also excitement times with in conservation and protected areas management here in Belize. With the highly anticipated Project Finance For Permanence Initiative to be launched later this year and with the newly established partnership between PACT and the Belize Fund also poised to become an avenue for further resource mobilization and support for the national protected areas system. The future is bright for conservation, indeed it is.”

The organization says its latest funding isn’t just backing NGO co-managers, but also community groups and government agencies. The focus? Building climate resilience. PACT says these investments are aimed at helping Belize’s protected areas adapt to the growing challenges of climate change, ensuring both ecosystems and communities are better prepared for the future. Reporting for News Five, I am Paul Lopez.

Former PCC Commissioners Speak Out: “This Isn’t What We Agreed To”

A group of former commissioners from the People’s Constitution Commission is speaking out and they’re not happy with the final draft of the report that was handed over to Prime Minister John Briceño. In a strongly worded letter to the PM, the group laid out a list of serious concerns. They say they’ve raised these issues before with P.C.C. Chairman Anthony Chanona, but feel they were ignored. Among their complaints: poor handling of the process, questionable record-keeping, and what they call a misuse of the “consensus principle”—something they argue isn’t even part of the law. The group also claims that not all commissioners were given access to the full report, and that the final document doesn’t reflect a thorough or fair analysis. In fact, they say many commissioners never even approved it. The letter was signed by eight former commissioners representing unions, women’s rights advocates, and LGBT organizations. But not everyone agrees. Former media commissioner Louis Wade pushed back, saying the signatories weren’t part of the Technical Thematic Committees—the groups that actually shaped the report. In a written response, Wade said, (quote), While I do not support all the recommendations, the ones submitted reflect the voices of the Belizean people, based on the national consultations. I believe the process followed the law and was approved by vote, (end quote). The former commissioners are now asking for a sit-down with Prime Minister Briceño before the end of the month to explain their objections in more detail.

Belize and European Union Celebrate Friendship with EU in the Park

Over the weekend, Digi Park in Belize City came alive with culture, innovation, and international cooperation as the European Union hosted the second edition of EU in the Park. The event transformed the park into a vibrant hub of learning and cultural exchange, showcasing more than twenty EU-funded projects in areas like energy, healthcare, and climate action. It also celebrated over thirty years of partnership between the EU and Belize, with cultural displays from several EU Member States. The collaboration didn’t end there. On Monday, both sides sat down for a high-level dialogue, reaffirming their commitment to deeper cooperation. Key topics included Belize’s interest in joining the Schengen visa waiver list and the EU’s Global Gateway Investment Agenda, aimed at boosting investment in digital transformation, climate resilience, transport, health, and education.

Young Talent Shines Bright at National Festival of Arts

The stage was set, the lights were bright, and creativity was flowing today at the Bliss Center for the Performing Arts, where hundreds of primary school students gathered for this year’s National Festival of Arts. But this year’s celebration comes with something extra special; after more than two decades, the literary arts are back in the spotlight! From poetry to short stories, young writers are finally getting their moments to shine. And that’s not all, an inspiring visual arts exhibit is also turning heads. Tonight, we take you inside the festival that’s bringing Belize’s youngest talents to center stage. Kim Vasquez, Director of the Institute of Creative Arts, shares her excitement over showcasing these talented young artists.

Kim Vasquez, Director, Institute of Creative Arts

“Simultaneous Festival of Arts happening across the country. And we also have some exciting news. We have the literary arts returning to the Festival of Arts after a very long break, almost two decades. I think the last time we had the literary arts a creative writing publication was back in the late 1990s. And so that had gone dormant for a while in the Festival of Arts and we were determined to get it, that this was going to be the year we got back creative writing in the National Festival of Arts. And this morning we presented a publication with the participation of forty-four students from both primary and secondary, short stories and poetry. But for us it’s also making sure that the Festival of Arts is as inclusive as possible. And this is why it was so important for us to have the literary arts. We heard one of the young writers earlier today said that this means a lot to them because they feel included finally. And we are also seeing as, as well more participation with the visual art we have today as well. The launch of the Festival of Arts National Visual Art Exhibit upstairs in the gallery. And we have, again, that’s from preschool. Participating up to secondary, we have over eighty pieces of art on display. And the wonderful thing about the Festival of Arts Art exhibit is that it is viewed mainly by their peers because all next week we have the Golden Showcase of the Festiva of Arts, which is the highlight, and whenever they’re done performing and they’re done inside the theater, third, they go up and they look at the art and they can give that support to their peers as well.”

On Wednesday, the Belisle Art Gallery opens its doors to the Visual Arts Exhibit which features an inspiring collection of paintings, sketches, woodwork, and handicrafts created by Secondary school students.

McDougal Recounts Arrest Over Unpaid Bill

A simple meal at a Belize City café turned into a national controversy after 57-year-old retired nurse Allaire McDougal was remanded to prison for being unable to pay a $48 bill. The incident, which occurred at Spoonaz Reggae Café, drew widespread backlash and prompted a public apology from the business.

“What I was charged with was intentionally trying to defraud a business. That sounds huge. It sounds like I was laundering money from some business, but it happened that I could not pay my twenty-four U.S. dollar bill,” McDougal told News Five. “But it happened that I could not pay my twenty-four U.S. dollar bill. It was good, oxtail and rice and beans, fry plantain, a blueberry cheese scone, and a Mackeson.”

Staff at Spoonaz say they attempted to resolve the situation after McDougal’s debit card was declined three times due to insufficient funds. But when no solution was found, they called police. McDougal was detained, held overnight, and charged with obtaining services by deception. Unable to post $500 bail, she was sent to Belize Central Prison.

“In Belize, sometimes the systems are down,” said McDougal, suggesting technical issues may have affected her card.

Public outrage erupted online, condemning the café’s handling of the case. Spoonaz responded, stating: “Our intention was never to criminalise hardship… This was clearly an incident that called for a greater degree of sensitivity and understanding.”

The café has since dropped all charges. McDougal is now free.

McDougal also addressed reports that she deliberately dines and dashes: “Let us just wait until all the investigation is done.” She says she receives monthly U.S. support but claims her funds often vanish mysteriously when dining out.

A CBS News report reveals that Allaire McDougal previously served time in the U.S. for attempting to drown her son, an incident linked to her mental health struggles. A relative has confirmed her diagnosis and says she is unwell.

Alleged Gang Member Speaks Out After SOE Court Victory

An alleged gang affiliate from Belize City’s southside is speaking out following a landmark High Court ruling that declared the detention of sixteen men under the 2020 State of Emergency (SOE) unconstitutional. The man, Hubert Baptist, spoke candidly to News Five about his experience and the broader impact of the ruling, which he believes is a wake-up call for authorities and the public alike.

The High Court, presided over by Justice Nadine Nabie, found that the claimants, many of whom were labeled as gang members, were detained without adequate legal grounds, in violation of their constitutional rights. The judge ruled that the men were denied their right to judicial review and due process, awarding each claimant compensation ranging from $12,000 to $25,000, plus an additional $7,000 in vindicatory damages.

Baptist, whose nephew Earl Baptist is among the claimants and was awarded $15,000, said that the police crackdown during the SOE unfairly targeted innocent residents. “Basically your door get broke down for nothing, your whole neighborhood get sabotaged for nothing,” he told News Five. “They put everybody in one bunch when certain people the do certain things.”

He described the fear and helplessness that comes when an SOE is declared. “Bway, I gwen dah jail, nothing else,” he said. “Nuh care if you get a lawyer—three, four lawyers—they sing to you that your rights get taken away… That is violation. They take away your liberty.”

“You just get grab… Before in 2020 you just go to piss house, they bring a paper to you, they say you are going up under state. They never had no interviews,” he recounted. “That is not right.”

According to Belize’s Constitution, anyone detained under a state of emergency is entitled to have their case reviewed by an independent tribunal, a safeguard that Justice Nabie said was entirely absent in this case.

Defense attorney Richard “Dickie” Bradley, who represented the claimants, reiterated that constitutional rights apply to everyone, regardless of criminal suspicion. “Even though in some quarters a few of you have conducted yourself badly, you still have rights,” he said. “What is unlawful is unlawful.”

For Baptist, the court ruling is not just about financial compensation—it’s a call for justice and accountability. “That dah nuh wah victory for we, it is a victory for everybody,” he said. “The system have to do their job the right way. You can’t just grab deh bally and send them up. You have to put them before a tribunal.”

Family Court Driver Dies in Tragic Highway Accident

A longtime driver for the Belize Family Court, Raymond Belgrave, lost his life in a fatal traffic accident this morning on the Philip Goldson Highway in Orange Walk.

Belgrave, who was on official court duty, was driving a government-issued Foton pickup truck heading north when he reportedly lost control of the vehicle. The pickup flipped before crashing into a fence.

Belgrave is said to have been a dedicated public officer who had served the judiciary for many years.

Belize and EU Strengthen Ties in High-Level Dialogue

Belize and the European Union held a high-level Partnership Dialogue today in Belmopan, reaffirming their commitment to shared values and global cooperation.

Key discussions included ongoing development projects, green growth, border management, and investments through the EU’s Global Gateway Initiative. The EU also updated Belize on regional programs in climate, trade, and governance.

Belize expressed interest in a Schengen visa waiver and shared updates on regional integration and the ICJ case with Guatemala. The EU reaffirmed its support for peace-building in the Adjacency Zone.

The talks, co-chaired by Minister Francis Fonseca and EU Ambassador Erja Askola, aimed to deepen cooperation ahead of the upcoming EU-CELAC Summit in Colombia.

Spoonaz Drops Charges Against Retired Nurse After Public Backlash, Issues Apology

Spoonaz Reggae Café has officially dropped charges against a retired nurse who was recently remanded to prison after being unable to pay a $48 restaurant bill, a case that sparked widespread public outrage over the weekend.

In a statement issued a few minutes ago, the popular North Front Street café expressed regret over the incident, acknowledging that they were unaware of the woman’s mental health condition and that the situation called for “a greater degree of sensitivity and understanding”.

“Our intention was never to criminalise hardship,” Spoonaz said. “This was clearly an incident that could have happened at any business. We acknowledge the pain this has caused, particularly given her service to our country as a nurse.”

The woman, 46-year-old Idi McDougall, had been accused of “obtaining services by deception” after reportedly ordering food and drinks totalling $48.25 but failing to cover the bill due to insufficient funds on her card. After being unable to post bail, she was sent to the Belize Central Prison.

Spoonaz’s public apology followed mounting criticism from Belizeans on social media, many of whom argued the case lacked compassion and raised concerns about the criminalisation of vulnerable individuals, especially those with a history of service, like McDougall.

The restaurant admitted the decision to call law enforcement was “a moment of poor judgement” and said it has led to internal reflection. “We are listening, and we are learning,” the statement read.

However, the café also noted that this was not an isolated case. “This was not the first time this individual and others have entered our space, received full service, and left without the means to pay. As a small business, we have a responsibility to protect our staff and resources,” the statement continued.

“Your outrage and input have not fallen on deaf ears. It has challenged us, humbled us, and pushed us to do better.”

McDougall is now expected to be released from custody following the formal withdrawal of charges. Her next court date, originally set for July 8, is likely to be vacated.

Retired Nurse Jailed Over $48 Meal, Charges to Be Dropped

A retired Belize City nurse who was briefly remanded to prison for allegedly failing to pay a $48 restaurant bill may soon be released, as the business at the centre of the case reportedly plans to drop the charges following widespread public backlash.

Idi McDougall, 46, was charged with obtaining services by deception after dining at Spoonaz Restaurant and Bar on North Front Street on Saturday.

According to the initial police report, McDougall ordered an oxtail meal, a Sprite, a blueberry scone, and a Mackeson chocolate, totalling $48.25. When she attempted to pay, her debit card was repeatedly declined due to insufficient funds.

McDougall was arrested the following day and brought before the Belize City Magistrate’s Court, where she appeared visibly confused about the charge. She explained that she had not intended to deceive anyone and believed there was enough money on her card at the time of the transaction.

Despite being granted bail in the sum of $500, McDougall was unable to secure a surety and was remanded to the Belize Central Prison.

However, by Monday evening, reports emerged that Spoonaz Restaurant intends to withdraw the complaint against McDougall. The decision follows a wave of public criticism on social media and in the press, with many Belizeans calling the arrest excessive.

If the complaint is officially withdrawn, the charges could be dropped as early as this week. Until then, McDougall remains in custody. Her next court appearance is scheduled for July 8, 2025.