2025 - Channel 5 Belize

Israel Resumes Strikes on Gaza After Ceasefire Collapses

A fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas crumbled early Tuesday as Israeli forces launched extensive airstrikes across Gaza, marking the deadliest day in the conflict since November 2023, CNN reported. More than 400 people were killed, and hundreds more were wounded, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry.

USA Today reports that Israeli officials said the strikes targeted Hamas positions in response to what they described as the militant group’s refusal to release hostages and engage in further negotiations. In a post on X, Israeli Foreign Ministry spokesperson Oren Marmorstein stated, “As of this morning, Israel is operating with full force against the Hamas terrorist organization in the Gaza Strip.”

Hamas, however, accused Israel of breaking the nearly two-month-long ceasefire and endangering captives held in Gaza. Several Arab nations also condemned Israel, alleging it violated the truce.

According to CBS, the escalation comes after far-right Israeli politician Itamar Ben Gvir announced he would rejoin the government following the ceasefire’s collapse. Meanwhile, the White House confirmed that Israeli officials had consulted with the Trump administration before launching the strikes.

“The Trump administration and the White House were consulted by the Israelis on their attacks in Gaza tonight,” White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told Fox News host Sean Hannity.

Belize Partners with IFC to Develop Solar Energy Project

The Government of Belize has partnered with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) to develop the country’s first public-private partnership in the energy sector. The project will establish a utility-scale solar plant, providing 50 to 80 megawatts of power by 2027, improving energy security and affordability for around 20,000 households.

As part of Belize’s goal to increase renewable energy generation by 75% by 2030, IFC will serve as the Lead Transaction Advisor, facilitating a competitive selection process for a private investor to develop and operate the plant.

Minister of State Christopher Coye said that reducing dependence on fossil fuel imports will stabilize energy prices, enhance business competitiveness, and strengthen climate resilience. “The reliance on electricity and fossil fuel imports and the severity of climate-related events have led to volatile energy prices, which impacts tariff affordability for the population and business competitiveness and affects energy security,” said Coye.

The project aligns with Belize’s long-term goal of expanding solar capacity from under 1 MW to 180 MW by 2042.

Supported by the World Bank and the Government of Japan, the initiative will also integrate a 40 MW Battery Energy Storage System to enhance grid stability. By attracting private sector investment and international funding, Belize aims to bolster its energy resilience while minimizing fiscal impacts.

Stuart Young Sworn In as Trinidad and Tobago’s New Prime Minister

On Monday, Stuart Young was sworn in as the new Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago during an official ceremony at the President’s House in St Ann’s. Young. Young, who previously served as the Minister of Energy and Energy Industries, succeeds Dr Keith Rowley, who completed two terms in office.

Young’s vision focuses on youth empowerment, economic diversification beyond oil and gas, national unity, and sustainable development. He aims to strengthen sectors like tourism, agriculture, and technology while fostering inclusivity and social cohesion.

However, his tenure comes with significant challenges, including economic recovery post-COVID-19, political polarisation, and balancing energy sector interests with sustainability goals. His success will depend on his ability to address these issues while implementing policies that drive long-term progress for the country.

2025 Chocolate Festival of Belize Cancelled Amid Dispute

The Belize Tourism Industry Association (BTIA) Toledo Chapter has announced the cancellation of the 2025 Chocolate Festival of Belize. The cited interference by local authorities.

It said that “this event was established to promote Toledo’s small businesses, hoteliers, restaurants, chocolatiers, and the broader chocolate sector while strengthening the district’s brand and market presence.”

The BTI Toledo Chapter said that municipal officials in Punta Gorda continue to undermine the festival’s efforts, including what they described as an attempt to “co-opt” the event’s brand. It said that despite multiple attempts at dialogue, local officials had not cooperated, leading to the decision to cancel the festival.

“We will not waste any more energy convincing them of the irresponsibility of their decision,” the BTIA statement read.

The Chocolate Festival of Belize has long been a key tourism and economic event for Toledo, attracting visitors and supporting local businesses.

The festival was scheduled for May 16 -18.

Belize Mourns the Passing of Garífuna Icon Aurelio Martínez

The Government of Belize has joined Honduras in mourning the tragic passing of Aurelio Martínez Sauzo, one of six victims who perished in a plane crash near Roatán, Honduras.

In a statement on X, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed deep sorrow over the loss of Martínez, describing him as a great friend of Belize and a dedicated champion of Garífuna culture and music.

“Aurelio was a great friend of Belize and a true champion of Garífuna culture and music. As a renowned Garífuna musician, Aurelio was a powerful voice in preserving and promoting the rich cultural heritage of the Garinagu people,” the statement noted.

Martínez, alongside Belizean music legends Andy Palacio and Paul Nabor, played a crucial role in bringing Garífuna music to the global stage, earning international recognition for its unique rhythms and storytelling traditions.

As was reported, the tragic plane crash occured near the Juan Manuel Gálvez International Airport in Roatán.

Martínez, known internationally for his contributions to Honduran music and hits like Pompis con Pompis, played a key role in promoting Garifuna heritage.

Rescue teams saved four individuals, while the remaining victims were believed to be trapped underwater. An investigation was launched to determine the cause of the crash.

Tributes poured in on social media, with fans and colleagues honoring Martínez’s legacy and his role as a global ambassador for Garifuna culture.

Singer Aurelio Martínez Among Six Dead in Lanhsa Plane Crash

A tragic plane crash near the Juan Manuel Gálvez International Airport in Roatán has claimed the lives of six people, including renowned Honduran singer-songwriter Aurelio Martínez.

Authorities have confirmed that Martínez was among the passengers aboard the Lanhsa aircraft that plunged into the sea on its way to La Ceiba. The accident has sent shockwaves through the music community and beyond, as fans and fellow artists mourn the loss of a cultural icon.

Martínez, an internationally recognized Garifuna artist, was celebrated for his contributions to Honduran music, with hits like Pompis con Pompis gaining widespread popularity. His passing marks a significant loss for the Garifuna community and the broader Latin American music scene.

Rescue efforts managed to save four individuals from the wreckage, while the remaining victims are believed to be trapped beneath the water. Local authorities have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the crash.

Tributes have begun pouring in on social media, with fans and colleagues remembering Martínez’s legacy and impact on Garifuna music. His influence extended beyond Honduras, as he served as an ambassador of his culture on the global stage.

PM Briceño 2nd Term Cabinet Sworn-In

Over the weekend, Prime Minister John Briceño unveiled his Cabinet appointments for the new term. While most positions remain unchanged, there are a few noteworthy updates. For instance, three ministers of state now report directly to the prime minister, including two senior ministers. The portfolio of Youth and Sports has been handed over to Minister of Tourism Anthony Mahler, who will be joined by Minister of State Devin Daly. Political newcomer Thea Garcia-Ramirez has been appointed as the substantive Minister of Human Development. Meanwhile, Ramon “Monchi” Cervantes has taken on a junior ministerial role in the Ministry of Education, much to the dismay of his constituency teams. We also heard from Prime Minister John Briceño.

Prime Minister John Briceño

“It is a lot of work trying to put together a Cabinet that you have some sort of regional balance, ethnicity as best as you possibly can. You have also gender. In the case it is only one and it is very tough. For me one of the most difficult things is Ramon Cervantes, Monchi Cervantes, very highly qualified person and I would love to put him in a position but the problem is we already have three ministers from Orange Walk, and if I do that, I could get into trouble because my colleagues will say one concentrate only on Orange Walk when you become the prime minister for the entire country. So, it is a though process, long hours, and a little bit of concentration. But, at the end of the day it is up to me, I as the leader of the party and the Prime Minister, thanks to my colleagues, I am the one that try to find the right fit when setting up this Cabinet.”

Paul Lopez

“When should we expect the CEO appointments?”

Prime Minister John Briceño

“CEOs should be in place by tomorrow, Wednesday the latest. Many of them are going to stay.”

“Monchi” Supporters Not Pleased with Appointment

Prime Minister Briceño acknowledged that P.U.P. voters in Orange Walk North are feeling disappointed because Ramon “Monchi” Cervantes didn’t land a substantive ministerial role. Instead, he was appointed as the Minister of State in the Ministry of Education. Here’s how P.M. Briceño addressed the concerns of those supporters.

Prime Minister John Briceño

“I could understand the disappointment but you need to remember you are not elected to be a minister, you are elected to be a representative. Monchi has been an excellent representative and the results demonstrate that. I think he won by an even bigger margin this time round, but as compensation I put him in a senior ministry, which is the ministry of education, to go along with Oscar Requena, a very good person, an easy person to work with. I believe that between the two of them there is a lot of work to do in the ministry of education, so this is as best as I could have possible to try to find that balance.”

Three Ministers of State Under Prime Minister Briceño

As mentioned earlier, Prime Minister John Briceño now has three ministers of state under his wing, including senior ministers Dolores Balderamos-Garcia and Rodwell Ferguson. How does Ferguson feel about his new role? Unfortunately, he declined our request for an interview today. However, Prime Minister Briceño did share his reasoning behind appointing three ministers of state under his leadership.

Prime Minister, John Briceño

“It is not a matter of a political grave yard, Minister Dolores made it clear that this is her last election and she will be retiring. So, I felt like what we did with Mr. Price, we make her a senior minister. Because of the size of the Cabinet it was difficult to bring her as a senior minister. But what I did is to bring her as a senior minister of state with Cabinet privileges, meaning she can attend Cabinet meetings. We will also, I give her a special task to be in charge of the National Aids Commission and the National Honors Committee. She also expressed in working with the elderly. So I have already spoken with minister Garcia that Dolores will work with her and she is already happy. And by Minister Ferguson to work in the ministry with me, what I plan to do is use him to do special task. If there is a issue going on in the country or whatever I will say please go take a look at it and see how we can solve these problems.”

PM Speaks on Thea Garcia Ramirez Appointment

The latest Cabinet appointments have everyone buzzing, especially the appointment of newcomer Thea Garcia-Ramirez. In her first term, she’s been handed the reins at the Ministry of Human Development, Family Support, and Gender Affairs. Some are questioning if favoritism played a role in this decision. However, PM Briceño firmly denies these claims, explaining that with only two women in his administration, it was essential to appoint one as a substantive minister.

Prime Minister John Briceño

“Simply because as I said, there are only two women and I had to bring her in Cabinet unless I would be jumped upon and they would say you brought no women in your Cabinet. So, since Minister Dolores is retiring, on her way out, then we felt it is important to bring her in to take over. Then, you don’t want to just give her a ministry for giving a ministry sake, but also something substantive and to make the point that Thea is a very competent woman. She has demonstrated that everywhere she is and how she works. I feel that I didn’t want to give her a token ministry, but a ministry where there is a lot of work and she has a passion for women and families and children and this is where she can take her passion and ideas and policies of government into place and practice to make a difference in the lives of people.”

Paul Lopez

“How do you dispel the notion that she is being favored?”

Prime Minister John Briceño

“I don’t know how you come to that, how you could ask such a question when I just explained to you why is it that we put her there.”