2025 - Channel 5 Belize

Belize Flats at Risk: BFFA Demands Urgent Government Action

The Belize Flats Fishery Association (BFFA), representing professional flats-fishing guides and stakeholders, is calling on the Government of Belize to take immediate and effective steps to protect the country’s flats and mangrove ecosystems. The group criticised current enforcement as weak and warned that ongoing dredging and mangrove clearing threaten the $240 million flats fishery and the livelihoods of hundreds of Belizeans.

While the government’s 2024 purchase of Will Bauer Flats was welcomed, the association says unsanctioned development continues in key areas, violating Belize’s conservation commitments under the Blue Bond. Although a stop order is in place for Cayo Rosario, BFFA says this is not enough and calls for permanent protection. The group also condemned dredging at Sandfly Caye and urged authorities to halt harmful activities.

BFFA demands stronger enforcement, transparency in permits and environmental assessments, and inclusion of community stakeholders in decision-making. They also urge NGOs and conservation groups to unite to safeguard Belize’s natural heritage before irreversible damage occurs.

Teachers Demand Full Audit at St. Paul’s Anglican School in Corozal

Six teachers at St. Paul’s Anglican School in Corozal have submitted a formal request for a financial audit following concerns they have raised about the management of inheritance funds received by the institution.

In a letter dated December 3, 2024, addressed to Principal Nancy Aguilar, the teachers claim there are inconsistencies in the reported amounts. According to them, while staff were initially informed that the inheritance totaled $21,000 BZD, a later report referenced a first tranche of $41,000, and a second amount of $87,872.34.

“We are tired of fighting an uphill battle,” the teachers wrote in their letter. The teachers are demanding full disclosure of financial documents and transparency in the management of the funds.

The teachers have requested transparency and access to financial documentation. Their letter, which News 5 has reviewed, was also sent to Jeremy Cayetano, General Manager of Anglican Schools, who has stated in a written response that the matter is being handled by the appropriate church and legal authorities. He said, “There are no matters being swept under the rug, and any insinuation that this office is not doing its due diligence could be libellous.” She added, “No ultimatum or threats made against an administrator in our management… will ever be honoured.”

She confirmed that the inheritance funds “will remain frozen until the entire matter has been ventilated” by those authorities.

News 5 has learnt that an “independent audit” is already underway and is expected to be completed by June.

The Ministry of Education has yet to respond to requests by News 5 for comment. Meanwhile, the Ministry has indicated that, “if a school receive an inheritance it’s a matter for the school and the board to manage, to see what’s happening there.”

On May 6 2025, News 5 contacted Aguilar for comment, but she declined to speak officially. She referred all questions to her lawyer or to Cayetano. Cayetano also declined an on-the-record interview when contacted that same day, stating only that the matter is being handled internally and confirming that an independent audit is currently underway.

At the time of reporting, the matter is under formal review by church and legal authorities.

Caye Caulker Residents Launch Petition to Put Cannabis Legalisation on Ballot

A grassroots campaign is underway in Caye Caulker to let residents decide whether cannabis should be legalised and regulated on the island.

Beginning today, registered voters can sign a petition calling for a referendum to be held alongside the Village Council elections on June 29, 2025.

Organizers say the initiative is focused on creating a responsible, transparent cannabis industry that would generate local tax revenue, create jobs, and support infrastructure and social services. The petition needs 400 signatures from registered Caye Caulker voters to qualify for the ballot.

The proposed referendum question reads: “Should the Government of Belize pass legislation to create a responsible, regulated, and taxable legal cannabis industry on the island of Caye Caulker with a portion of the revenue going directly for the benefit of Caye Caulker and its residents?”

Campaign supporters argue that legalisation would reduce illegal activity, support small businesses, and boost sustainable tourism while generating revenue that stays on the island.

“We have an opportunity to take control of our future and create a self-sustaining and surplus-generating Caye Caulker,” said Councillor Ilya Rosado, one of the campaign’s organizers. “This is about improving infrastructure, education, and the overall standard of living — especially for working families.”

Wannie the Horse Continues Recovery After Brutal Attack

Wannie the horse, who captured national attention after a disturbing video showed him being violently attacked by a group of young men, continues to recover.

The viral footage from April showed several teenagers repeatedly striking the tied-up horse with a machete near the Faber’s Road Extension. The video sparked widespread outrage and a renewed national call for stronger animal cruelty laws.

Following the attack, the Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA) stepped in to examine Wannie. Deputy Technical Director of Animal Health, Dr. Jonathon Pech, later confirmed that the horse tested negative for screwworm.

Initial medical care for Wannie was provided by BAHA, with support from Reimers Feed Mill. On Wednesday night, Reimers shared a video update on Facebook, showing Wannie in a clean, safe stable with access to food and water.

The company said Wannie is responding well to gentle, consistent care and noted that his recovery has become a shared journey:

“This is not just Wannie’s journey, but ours as well.”

The horse’s wounds, once deep and shocking, are now visibly healing.

Meanwhile, five individuals, including two adults and three minors, have been arrested and charged with cruelty to animals, abetment to commit cruelty to animals, and cattle theft.

More Details of SUV Destroyed by Fire on Highway

A 2014 Ford Escape was completely destroyed by fire yesterday morning on the George Price Highway. The vehicle burst into flames on mile 4 near the police checkpoint.

No injuries were reported.

The driver of the car was Karina Villanueva of Burrell Boom, who was heading to Belize City with her three children. Villanueva noticed smoke coming from the vehicle’s hood and immediately pulled over.

She was able to safely evacuate her children before the vehicle was engulfed in flames. The SUV—valued at approximately $20,000 Belize dollars—was insured.

Two Charged for Murder of SP Boat Captain in Belize City Ambush

Police have formally charged two men in connection with the broad daylight murder of 26-year-old Zinedine Pinelo, a San Pedro boat captain.

Authorities arrested 28-year-old Dashay Dashque Williams of Neal’s Pen Road and 19-year-old Kaylen Jaylen McFoy of Hunters Lane.

Pinelo was gunned down last Friday on Hunter’s Lane in Belize City in what police believe was a targeted robbery. According to reports, he had traveled to the area for a motorcycle purchase, but instead walked into an ambush. Police say he was met by a group of six men who attacked and robbed him, and one of them fatally shot him.

Assistant Commissioner of Police Hilberto Romero confirmed that Pinelo may have been lured to the location so the attackers could steal his licensed firearm. “The investigation revealed that he went to Hunter’s Lane with another male for a business transaction,” said ACP Romero. “There were six other individuals present. He was attacked, robbed, and fatally shot by one of them. We have two persons in custody in connection with this murder.”

Outrage Grows After Police Detain Minors on Their Way to Football Game

The Belize Police Department is under fire after detaining four schoolboys who were simply on their way to a football match. The boys, all minors, were picked up by patrol officers on Saturday under the State of Emergency (SOE) regulations, which prohibit gatherings of three or more people in designated “hot spots.” But according to reports, the boys had only stopped briefly to chat with a friend when officers swooped in. The case landed before Chief Magistrate Deborah Rogers, who wasted no time in dismissing the charges. She called it a “victimless offense” and ordered the boys released. Despite the court’s ruling, police officials are standing by their decision. Commissioner of Police, Doctor Richard Rosado, has defended the officers’ actions, even as public concern mounts over what many see as an overreach of power.

Dr. Richard Rosado, Commissioner of Police

“First of all, police department do acknowledge and recognize the decision fo the court and we do affirm our commitment to upholding the tule of law. My police officers were acting in good faith in accordance with the state of emergency regulation. The gathering that was happening while those individuals were detained was in an area of high risk and the police detention at the time was based on credible information to protect those individuals. Hence the reason I believe they acted in good faith. In moving forward it does require we look at alternative measures to guide those at risk from being harmed.”

Paul Lopez

“Was it about preventing those youths from being harmed?”

Dr. Richard Rosado

“There are certain regulations put in place for public safety, all the police were doing was in good faith enforcing the regulation.”

Critics argue the incident highlights the sweeping and potentially harmful impact of the SOE, especially on young people. Human rights advocates are now calling for a review of how these emergency powers are being enforced and whether they’re doing more harm than good.

Family Says State of Emergency Blocked Wake for Murder Victim

A grieving family in Ladyville says they’ve been denied the chance to properly mourn their loved one, all because of the State of Emergency (SOE) regulations. The family of Nelson “Mung” Henry, who was murdered on May fifth, claims police stopped them from holding a wake, an important tradition in Belizean mourning customs. Under the SOE, it’s illegal for three or more people to gather in designated areas, a rule that authorities say applies even to wakes. Henry’s death is believed to be linked to the same gang feud that triggered the SOE in the first place. But for his family, the pain is now twofold: losing a loved one and being blocked from saying goodbye in the way their culture and community have always done. Despite the emotional plea, the Belize Police Department is standing firm. At a press conference today, officials showed no signs of backing down on the enforcement of SOE rules. So, what about sporting events in these same areas? That’s the question reporters put to the head table today, raising concerns about inconsistencies in how the rules are being applied.

Dr. Richard Rosado, Commissioner of Police

“Remember the State of Emergency regulation prohibits certain things, the loitering, the gathering of three or more persons, so several things are restricted under the SOE. So once those areas fall under the SOE, the regulation prohibits certain things from occurring. Any gathering of three or more persons is restricted under the state of emergency.”

Paul Lopez

“What about sporting events for example?”

Dr. Richard Rosado

“Any gathering over three or more persons is restricted under the state of emergency, those areas that are designated under the state of emergency.”

Inspector Stacy Smith, Staff Officer

“Indeed as the commissioner rightly mentioned when areas are already designated as state of emergency there is an import of monitoring activities. What we have seen or known in the past is that many of these wakes are a catalyst for incidents that arise after. So, yes the wake limits three or more persons, but if the wake is to happen it has to happen in a very organized way that does not spill out into the street in terms of loitering. Whenever it is that a lot of persons are gathered in these areas of course it is the import of police to ensure they properly police those areas.”

Curfew Alert: Minors Must Be Off the Streets by 8 PM Under SOE

Heads up, parents and teens, a curfew is in effect under the current State of Emergency, but it applies only to minors. According to police, anyone under eighteen must be off the streets by eight p.m. unless they’re with a parent or guardian. The curfew runs from eight p.m. to six a.m., and officers say they’ll be enforcing it strictly in SOE zones. Inspector Stacy Smith shared more details, reminding families that the curfew is meant to keep young people safe during this tense period.

Inspector Stacy Smith, Staff Officer

“The curfew implemented in the state of emergency is only in relation to minors. So it is not applicable to other persons and only in relation to minors who are unaccompanied. Though we are under a period of state of emergency, it is always important that we know that whatever limits we put on people; s constitutional rights it is only to the extent that it is necessary. If it is not deemed necessary it is not something recommended and will not be implemented. So there is no curfew, because while we deem that the situation has reached a critical level, we believe the efforts we can undertake can be realized within the ambits of those provision in the SOE.”

Reporter

“A basketball game will occur on Friday and run up to midnight.”

Inspector Stacy Smith

“Certainly, even outside of the SOE, it is the responsibility of the parent to ensure that whenever there are minors out on the street they are accompanied by a very responsible adult. So if an SOE is not in place it is expected that adults will accompany those minors.”

So, if you’re a minor, or have one at home, make sure you’re indoors by nightfall, or accompanied by an adult if you need to be out.

Guns, Drugs, and Denials: Police Show Off Major SOE Seizures

It was a dramatic display at today’s police press conference as officers unveiled a haul of high-powered rifles, ammunition, cannabis, and cocaine—all seized during ongoing operations under the State of Emergency (SOE). The Belize Police Department says the crackdown is yielding results, with a significant number of illegal weapons and drugs taken off the streets. But not everyone is convinced. For years, there’s been speculation that some criminal figures are handing over weapons and drugs in exchange for their freedom, a kind of quiet deal to avoid charges. Today, we put that question directly to the Commissioner of Police Doctor Richard Rosado. His response? A firm and vehement denial. “That is absolutely not happening,” he told reporters.

Supt. Jeff Gabourel, Commander, GI3

“We seized ten nine-millimeter pistol, one point twenty-five pistol, one point thirty-eight revolver, two shotguns and one two point two-three rifles. In respect to ammunition, we seized fifteen forty caliber rounds of ammunition and ninety-seven nine mm ammunition. In respect to cannabis, three thousand three hundred and twenty-six grams of cannabis was seized and nine hundred and ninety-seven grams of cocaine was seized.”

Dr. Richard Rosado, Commissioner of Police

“First of all I want to reaffirm our commitment to transparency and upholding the rule of law. Any alleged suggestion that police are lenient to violent offenders is inaccurate and just an attempt to disregard the dedicated efforts of our police officers and the integrity of operations. Many of the firearms that were seized were based on the extensive interviews conducted and based on those information operations were conducted.”