May, 2025 - Channel 5 Belize

News 5 Joins Regional Media to Strengthen Climate Change Reporting

As climate change continues to bring more intense droughts, storms, and unpredictable weather to the Caribbean, the need for accurate forecasting and clear communication has never been more urgent. To help meet that challenge, the Caribbean Climate Outlook Forum has revived its media training program, last held in 2017. This week’s session in Grenada brings together meteorologists, climatologists, and journalists to sharpen their skills in reporting on climate risks and preparedness. The goal? To make sure the public gets timely, reliable information about seasonal forecasts and early warnings. Supported by the World Meteorological Organization, the forum is focused on strengthening early warning systems and boosting public awareness across the region. News Five’s Benita Keme Palacio is on the ground in Grenada and spoke with Dr. Jane Strachan of the UK Met Office, who emphasized the vital role media plays in helping communities understand and respond to climate threats.

Dr. Jane Strachan, UK Meteorological Office

“The media plays a crucial role in communicating weather and climate information to the public. The national Met services have a real challenge of getting that information in an accessible and relatable way. So, the media, you can connect with the audiences; this is a way to get critical information and action from the public. So, we really wanted to run this workshop to educate the media about weather and climate but also how to communicate that better and how to connect with the national meteorological institutes. The idea is how do you mainstream that information into everyday news, the media making that relevant in stories about farming, in stories about tourism, in stories about what is on the supermarket shelves, making it part of all the stories about the media, and not only in the end. So I think that will be a real transformation. And improving the literacy of the media but also the public about weather and climate. So I think that’s going to be a really big step forward. So, I’m really hoping to see more collaboration between the media houses and the national meteorological centers so that they can get better information out in the public mainstreamed into media.”

Dr. Strachan says this kind of collaboration is essential for building climate resilience, as it empowers both the media and the public to better understand, prepare for, and respond to the growing challenges of climate change.

Is Grenada Ready for the 2025 Wet and Hurricane Season After Hurricane Beryl?

As experts from across the region gather in Grenada for the Caribbean Climate Outlook Forum and a special media training on climate communication, the setting couldn’t be more symbolic. Grenada is still picking up the pieces after Hurricane Beryl tore through the island in July 2024, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. Now, with the 2025 hurricane season fast approaching, the big question is: is Grenada ready? News Five’s Benita Keme Palacio sat down with Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell to talk about the country’s recovery efforts and how it’s preparing for what could be another active season.

Dickon Mitchell, Prime Minister, Grenada

“We have I would say, done a better job, we had a pretty devastating hurricane in 2004. We learned a lot of lessons since then, and so I think we were far better prepared to handle Hurricane Beryl, thankfully. It was mostly the northern part of Grenada and Carriacou and Petite Martinique. But, having said that, I think there are a number of things that we have become better at; financial resilience is one of those. We’ve been able to, over the years, pay for parametric insurance, which allows us to mitigate a lot of the financial losses that we have suffered as a result of Hurricane Beryl. We also purchased insurance for our farmers, so we’ve been able to help them, including some of our fishermen. In that regard, we’ve done well. We also have built into our debt instruments hurricane suspension clauses, which allow us to suspend debt payments to our creditors in the event they need the cash flow to finance the recovery and the rebuilding in the aftermath of natural disasters. In that sense, we have institutionalized financial resilience to address the loss, damage, and consequences of climatic events. Behavior-wise, I think there’s a lot of work to be done, and from an energy perspective, we are still not where we need to be in terms of having more renewable and non-carbon-type energy into the mix.”

The scars of Hurricane Beryl still linger within the country, but PM Mitchell says the country is better positioned to face what’s ahead. The Caribbean Climate Outlook Forum (CariCOF) officially opens tomorrow, and as we mention we have a team in Grenada and we’ll have more on the forum on Thursday’s newscast.

Trump Administration Accepts Jet from Qatar

The Trump administration has accepted a Boeing 747 jet from the government of Qatar, potentially to be used as the next Air Force One. The decision has ignited a wave of bipartisan criticism and raised serious concerns about national security and the appearance of foreign influence over U.S. policy.

The jet, a gift from Qatar, was offered shortly after President Trump’s visit to the Middle East, where he met with leaders in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar to discuss business deals. The Pentagon confirmed the acceptance of the aircraft, noting that it complies with federal regulations. However, officials admitted that the plane is not yet fit for presidential use and would need extensive upgrades, including missile defense systems, secure communication equipment, and protection from electromagnetic attacks.

Lawmakers from both parties have expressed alarm over the optics and implications of accepting such a gift from a foreign government. Some fear that the Air Force may be pressured to expedite the conversion process, risking the thoroughness required to ensure the president’s safety. Others have questioned Qatar’s motives, suggesting the plane could be part of an effort to gain influence or even potentially contain hidden surveillance devices.

Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT) was particularly outspoken, calling the jet part of a troubling pattern of foreign governments giving Trump money or valuable gifts in exchange for favorable treatment. “This is the definition of corruption,” he said. “Foreign governments are putting money in the president’s pocket, and the U.S. is giving away national security concessions that hurt our own security.”

Qatar’s Prime Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, defended the gesture, saying it was a normal act between allies and not intended to sway the U.S. government. “I don’t know why people are thinking this is bribery,” he said.

Belize City Hurricane Shelters Assessed Ahead of 2025 Atlantic Season

With forecasters predicting an above-average hurricane season for 2025, Belize City officials are taking no chances. The City Emergency Management Organization (CEMO), in close coordination with the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO), has begun inspecting shelters across the city to ensure they are ready to receive residents if a storm hits.

According to forecasts from Colorado State University, the upcoming Atlantic hurricane season is expected to bring 19 named storms, including nine hurricanes and four major hurricanes.

“We have done a lot of training. They have been able to do what you call shelter inspection,” said Belize City Mayor Bernard Wagner. “They have worked very closely with NEMO. I can say outrightly that this is the best relationship we have had with NEMO as a group, because the structure, the organizational structure of NEMO has really been put in place by the new leadership. We feel that with the coordinated efforts of NEMO and CEMO in the city we want to be prepared.”

As for when the public can expect an official list of shelters, Wagner explained that CEMO supports the process but NEMO leads it. “That is coordinated with NEMO and NEMO identifies the shelters. We just go along with them in terms of knowing in what capacity they are in—are they available, do they need repairs. If they need repairs we assist with that, but in terms of identifying and selecting shelters that is up to NEMO,” Wagner said.

Pork Shortage Forces Running W to Skip Agriculture Show

Running W Brand Meats has pulled out of this year’s National Agriculture and Trade Show (NATS) in Belmopan due to a national shortage of live pigs.

In a statement, the company cited “excessive exportation” as the main cause of the shortage, which has driven up prices and raised concerns about food security.

“This decision was not made lightly,” Running W said. “We believe that prioritizing a reliable supply for our consumers is the most responsible choice at this time.”

The company said it is working with local producers to maintain pork supply in stores and thanked customers for their continued support.

Belize City Launches Hands-On Hurricane Cleanup Ahead of Storm Season

With the 2025 Atlantic Hurricane Season set to begin in less than two weeks, the Belize City Council is shifting from planning to action.

Mayor Bernard Wagner and his team joined sanitation workers on the ground today to clean drains in flood-prone neighborhoods across the city.

Instead of the usual City Emergency Management Organization (CEMO) Symposium, the council chose to “get their hands dirty” and tackle the issue head-on.

“It’s about identifying some of the six key flood-prone areas in the city and giving an added extra hand towards the work that has already been going on for a number of months,” said Mayor Wagner. “Our sanitation, maintenance and works team have always been on the ground working to ensure that we begin, we prepare for the rainy season.”

Mayor Wagner added, “What we normally have prior to the rainy season is a symposium.”

“And so I told my CEMO liaison officer, let’s do something out of the box this year. Instead of going in a conference room and sitting and having a symposium, let’s go on the ground, get your hands dirty, right? And really put in the work for the people.”

The initiative brought together councilors, sanitation workers, public health officials, and even youth shadow councilors in a display of community spirit.

Zabaneh Confirms Corruption Probe at Transport Ministry, DPP Now Involved

A sweeping investigation is now underway at Ministry of Transport, with potentially serious consequences for how the department has been managed over the past four years. Minister of Transport, Dr. Louis Zabaneh, has confirmed to News Five that a file detailing alleged irregularities has already been submitted to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for review.

Recently Public Service Union President Dean Flowers challenged both Minister Zabaneh and Transport CEO Clyde Williams to take immediate action to address claims of corruption within the ministry. Minister Zabaneh said that the investigation began two months ago.

“When we came in we found, irregularities across the country,” Dr. Zabaneh stated. “And in fact, we have a case with the DPP… we’re investigating.”

While Dr. Zabaneh declined to disclose specific details of the case due to its ongoing nature, he saidthat the ministry is taking the matter seriously. “We feel that until we are able to, in a sense make an example of rogue employees who are there stealing the resources of our people… maybe until then, it continues business as usual,” he said. “Hopefully at that point people start to get the message that we’re serious.”

According to the minister, the issue appears to involve deep-rooted collusion within various levels of the ministry. “What we’re seeing is that there’s collusion between various levels,” he explained. “When you don’t have a system in place where you have clear terms of reference for people, who is responsible for what, then there’s always a setting where people can point fingers and say, it wasn’t me. It was that one. It was the other one.”

We’ll keep following this story.

This story was updated at 3:38 p.m.

Behind Bars, Beyond Reach: SOE Detainees Denied Attorneys

The State of Emergency (SOE) currently in effect in Belize City and parts of the Belize and Cayo Districts has entered its second week, drawing increasing scrutiny over the suspension of basic legal rights. While the government maintains that the SOE is a necessary response to a surge in gang-related violence, concerns are mounting over how the rule of law is being applied, particularly regarding access to legal representation.

Dozens of young men, mostly from neighborhoods like Lake Independence, remain detained at the Belize Central Prison. Among them is at least one inmate whose attorney has reportedly been denied access, raising significant legal and ethical alarms.

Under normal circumstances, every Belizean citizen has the constitutional right to legal representation. But during this SOE, that right appears to be under threat. Reports indicate that the Belize Central Prison has blocked attorneys from meeting with clients detained under the emergency measures, citing security reasons. This decision has drawn strong criticism from members of the legal community, who say it sets a troubling precedent.

Attorney-at-law Leeroy Banner expressed disbelief at the actions of prison authorities. “Just yesterday a colleague of mine shared with me an email from the prison, and I can’t believe that the prison would put this in writing,” Banner said. “One of my colleagues went to the prison to see someone who is detained under this current SOE and the prison will put in an email, ‘You can’t see your client because he is detained under the SOE.’ Like, you really would put that in writing? How can you be so bold and misguided to say to an attorney that your client cannot see an attorney and he needs a court order for him to see an attorney? That is ridiculous.”

Legal experts warn that denying detainees access to legal counsel not only undermines constitutional protections but also places the justice system at risk of long-term damage.

Belize Champions Health Equity and Taiwan’s Inclusion at World Health Assembly

Minister of Health and Wellness, Kevin Bernard, is representing the country at the 78th World Health Assembly (WHA) in Geneva, Switzerland, where global health leaders have convened to address urgent issues such as health emergency preparedness, equitable healthcare access, and international cooperation.

In his address to the Assembly, Minister Bernard said Belize remains steadfast in its commitment to the principle that health is a fundamental human right. “We continue to advance universal health coverage, strengthen our primary healthcare system, and improve health outcomes for our population,” he said.

Bernard highlighted Belize’s focus on equity, resilience, and community engagement, stressing the country’s determination to ensure that no one is left behind. He noted recent national progress, including the expansion of digital health, improvements in mental health services, and efforts to combat non-communicable diseases. The Minister also underscored the importance of preparedness, stating, “We are improving public health surveillance and emergency preparedness, recognising that in today’s interconnected world, no country is truly safe unless all are protected.”

A key part of Belize’s strategy, he said, is investing in the health workforce through training, retention, and supportive environments. Bernard also pointed to climate change as a critical health threat, noting that “climate resilience remains a key part of our strategy, particularly as we confront the health impacts of rising temperatures and extreme water events.”

Belize’s participation in the WHA also served as a platform to stress international solidarity and multilateral cooperation. “One World for Health must mean access to health, knowledge, innovation, and cooperation for all,” Bernard said, expressing Belize’s gratitude for its partnerships with PAHO, CARPHA, and the World Health Organization.

In a strong diplomatic gesture, Belize reiterated its support for Taiwan’s meaningful participation in global health governance. “We therefore support the meaningful participation of Taiwan in the World Health Assembly and all the WHO technical meetings,” Bernard stated. “Taiwan’s contributions to global health are significant, and its 23 million people deserve representation in shaping the global health agenda.”

Devastating Coral Disease Reaches Laughing Bird Caye

The last known wild pillar corals at Laughing Bird Caye National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, have now fallen victim to a deadly and fast-moving disease that has been decimating reefs across the Caribbean.

Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease (SCTLD) has finally reached the park.

SCTLD was first documented in Florida in 2014 and has since spread across the region, killing over 90% of coral in some areas. It was first reported in Belize in 2019 and has been steadily moving south along the Belize Barrier Reef. Its arrival at Laughing Bird Caye in 2025 marks a deeply worrying development, especially after some of the park’s corals had survived bleaching events in both 2023 and 2024.

“It’s bad. It kills corals so quickly. It’s faster than any of the other diseases we’ve seen,” said Melanie McField, Executive Director of Healthy Reefs for Healthy People.

The disease is relentless, highly contagious, and affects over 26 species of hard coral—many of which are key to reef structure and marine biodiversity. Once infected, corals exhibit rapid tissue loss, revealing their white skeletons before dying entirely.

“It’s terrible. It’s really bad. It’s really awful. So it’s been devastating for the entire Caribbean,” echoed Lisa Carne, founder of Fragments of Hope.

Researchers believe SCTLD may have spread via ballast water from ships or by attaching to biofilms on ship hulls. Its origin is closely linked to environmental disturbances near the Port of Miami, including dredging, coral bleaching, and leaking sewage pipes.

Efforts to contain the disease have been exhaustive but limited by time and resources. Organizations like Fragments of Hope, Belize Audubon Society, TASA, and the University of Belize are at the frontlines, treating infected corals with an antibiotic paste made from amoxicillin.

Victor Faux, site coordinator for Fragments of Hope, has personally treated over 600 corals. “I do see that the treatment has been working to some point where it stopped the disease, but it’s not a fix… The coral can still be re-infected,” he said.

The challenge is vast. During a monitoring mission at Lighthouse Reef Atoll, Gabriela Ugarte of the Belize Audubon Society reported that out of 4,000 coral colonies surveyed, 16% were infected and 11% had died completely. “We focused our treatment efforts on hotspots near Half Moon Caye and the Blue Hole—areas critical for tourism,” she noted.

The disease’s spread is a direct threat to Belize’s Blue Economy, which heavily depends on healthy marine ecosystems for tourism and fisheries. According to Minister of Blue Economy Andre Perez, “Tourism and the fishing industry are major contributors to the GDP. We must find a balance that preserves our waters for generations to come.”

Without healthy corals, the reef cannot survive. And without the reef, Belize’s shoreline, marine life, and the livelihoods of thousands are at risk.

“Only a living reef can break up wave energy,” Lisa Carne said. “Engineered shoreline protections erode over time, but living reefs grow and adapt.”

The ecological loss is also cultural. The last wild pillar corals at Laughing Bird Caye, once resilient symbols of survival, are now dying.