2025 - Channel 5 Belize

Andre Perez Defeats Manuel Heredia in Belize Rural South

The 2025 general elections are over, and the people of Belize have decided to keep the People’s United Party in power for another five years. Among the twenty-six seats won by the PUP is the Belize Rural South constituency, where Andre Perez emerged victorious. News Five’s Britney Gordon has all the details on this exciting race.

Britney Gordon, Reporting

The race for the Belize Rural South constituency was intense, with four candidates battling it out to become the area representative. This year’s contenders included former area rep Manuel Heredia Jr. and Mahmoud Lagha, both of the UDP, Abner Bacab from the Belize Justice Movement, and incumbent PUP area rep, Andre Perez. Despite concerns that Heredia’s return might threaten the PUP; Perez emerged as the clear winner.

Anthony Mai, Returning Officer, Belize Rural South

“ Mr. Abner Bacab received one hundred and fifty-nine votes. Mr. Manuel Heredia Jr. received one thousand eight hundred and ninety-eight votes. Mr. Mahmoud Lagha received one hundred ten votes. And Mr. Andre Parez received three thousand, four hundred and eighteen votes. And so I’d like to officially declare that Mr. Andre Perez has been elected by you all as the area representative for Belize Rural South.”

Candidates across the country noticed a low voter turnout. In Caye Caulker and San Pedro, the turnout was a moderate 56.82%. Perez mentioned that although the turnout was initially low, he was confident that his supporters would show up at the polls later in the day.

Andre Perez, Area Representative, Belize Rural South

“It’s always good to be confident, right? But that does not mean we take things for granted especially when it comes to the campaign. What we want to talk about is the work that has been done in the last four years. It speaks for itself. I know that my people have seen it, and that I’ve kept the campaign at all times. This campaign didn’t start two, three weeks, it has been over the past four years.”

Abner Bacab previously ran in the municipal elections and returned for the general elections to provide residents with an alternative to the mass parties.

Abner Bacab, B.J.M. Candidate, Belize Rural South

“A lot of people that I see, they don’t want to vote. They say, you know what, I’m tired. I don’t believe. And the UDP or PUP, they are corrupt. They haven’t done anything for our people. They forget you. After the voting, until five years it came, they come to see you, no? So, I try to understand their pain, their cry, their sorrow, their desperation in what they’re saying, you know, and they’re, they’re right because they feel hurt. They haven’t seen any, any progress. So I take my time to explain to them many things that none of the campaigners from both parties are doing.”

Over 32% of votes cast went to the U.D.P.’s Manuel Heredia. At the start of the day, he was confident that he’d be taking home the win.

Manuel Heredia, U.D.P. Candidate, Belize Rural South

“The poor people are suffering, they’re suffering, and those ones that used to open their mouth big when we were in power, like they put a zipper in their mouth, no. Now they can destroy the permit, they can destroy the bonefish, everything, and nobody says anything now. So, thanks God, that the people have seen it. And then by tonight, before 12, I can guarantee you that Mr. Heredia, let’s not put colors, Mr. Heredia will be victorious.”

Between Caye Caulker and San Pedro, six thousand, six hundred and ninety-one ballots were cast with 57.27% in favor of the P.U.P.

Andre Perez, Area Representative, Belize Rural South

“First of all, I want to thank everyone, the voters of Belize, but I also want to thank all those who have been working in the machinery all day. And not for many months now, right? The entire election machinery. I want to thank my family as well for the support that they give to me, right? But for the moment right now, it’s that I’m humbled. The work has been done in the past four years. There’s much more work to do ahead in the next five years. The plan is set for Plan Belize 2.0. I’m committed. I’m inspired. I am motivated, and I also want to say I’m humbled for the people who believe in South Caye Caulker and San Pedro for giving me that opportunity to serve them a second time and be re elected. I’m truly grateful. Hasta la victoria.”

Britney Gordon for News Five.

Oscar Requena Wins Big in Toledo West

The People’s United Party has scored a major victory in southern Belize. On Thursday, we reported that Doctor Osmond Martinez absolutely crushed it in Toledo East, winning by over four thousand votes. Meanwhile, in Toledo West, Oscar Requena also pulled off a huge win, racking up three thousand, eight hundred and nine votes compared to his opponent, Alfonso Sanchez Junior, who got one thousand, five hundred and twenty-three.

Oscar Requena, Area Representative, Toledo West

“ I want to say that I am indeed deeply humbled. In fact, feeling emotional at the level of support that I continue to receive from the beautiful people of Toledo West. The people have spoken. It’s obvious that the people have given me another mandate. I must continue to work hard, to ensure that we deliver to the people of Toledo West. I am committed to continuing the work that we have started. I believe that in the last four and a half years in government, we have built a foundation and we need to now build on that foundation and to continue to strengthen that work that we have started. I want to thank each and every voter who voted for me today. Without you, i I could not do it. So I am humbled by that great love, by that great support that the people of Toledo West continue to give me. I also want to thank the voters who came out and did not vote for me. That is democracy. Belize has won today. Belize has won because, we’re a country of laws. We’re a country where we respect the will of the people. And the will of the people have spoken. And we want to acknowledge that. I want to thank them. And I want to say that we will continue to work together to build a stronger Toledo West, a stronger Toledo, along with my colleague, the Honorable Dr. Osmond Martinez. Together with our Prime Minister and all our colleagues who have been elected to government, we will continue to work hard. And to build a better Toledo and a better Belize for all.”

Hugo Patt Sole Red Victor in Corozal Constituencies

There are four constituencies in the Corozal District: Corozal Bay, North, Southeast, and Southwest. On Wednesday, ten candidates went head-to-head at the polls to see who would represent the people in these areas. After counting over twenty thousand ballots, the P.U.P. came out on top with three winners: Thea Garcia Ramirez in Corozal Bay, Florencio Marin in Corozal Northeast, and Ramiro Ramirez in Corozal Northwest. Amid this sea of blue, Hugo Patt stands as the lone red winner, holding onto his seat in Corozal North. News Five’s Britney Gordon has the details.

Selwyn Fuller, Returning Officer, Corozal Bay

“I hereby declare that the duly elected candidate for the Corozal Bay is Garcia-Ramirez Thea.”

Britney Gordon, Reporting

The Corozal Bay constituency election results were highly anticipated by residents as three contenders battled at the polls. Vying for the post were Thea Garcia-Ramirez, UDP’s Hernan Riverol, and independent candidate Elvia Vega-Samos. Following the death of David Vega, his sister succeeded him after winning a by-election. Vega-Samos would later lose the post of PUP standard bearer to Garcia-Ramirez after a controversial standard bearer convention. Despite this, Vega-Samos was not deterred from the polls and ran as an independent candidate.

Elvia Vega-Samos, Independent Candidate, Corozal Bay

“If you passed by the seaside, you know, the lights are, there are no lights. And actually that was a project that I had to do, but funds were not released for that. But as an independent candidate, these funds have to be released. And there is so much that can be done.”

Vega-Samos received one thousand, one hundred and sixty votes, an impressive feat for an independent candidate. However, it was more than doubled by Thea Garcia-Ramirez, who accumulated three thousand, one hundred and twenty-two votes. UDP candidate, Hernan Riveral received three hundred and ninety-four votes.

Thea Garcia-Ramirez, Area Representative, Corozal Bay

“Thank you very

much, Corozal Bay. Thank you very much to my team. Thank you to every voter that came out, even if you didn’t vote for P.U.P. You came out. Thank you very much. We have democracy here. We respect the will of the people. And now it’s time to get to work.”

A similarly intense race went down in Corozal North with PUP candidate David Castillo garnering two thousand, three hundred and eighty-five votes. However, the constituency remains a UDP stronghold after Hugo Patt won with three thousand, four hundred and ninety-seven votes.

David Castillo, P.U.P. Candidate, Corozal North

“ I think it’s obvious, the feeling, the national feeling, the Peoples United Party will win strong once more, throughout the country, but is important that Corozal North elect a PUP era representative to work with the central go a PUP central government for the benefit of the area. I think the villagers, the voters are testimony to the lack of,development in the area for the past years. But there is hope with David Castio and the People’s United Party.”

Corozal Southeast saw only two candidates on the ballot sheet; Florencio Marin, who accomplished a landslide victory with three thousand, six hundred eighty-three votes over UDP candidate Antonio Herrera’s one thousand, seven hundred and fifty-five votes. Over in Corozal Southwest, a closer match ensued between the candidates Ramiro Ramirez and Martin Rivera. After all, four thousand, four hundred and seventy-five votes, Ramirez emerged victorious with a six hundred eight-one vote lead.

Ramiro Ramirez, Area Representative, Corozal Southwest

“ I believe in God, and I know that will happen because of the good job that we’re doing. I think the people really want something else, and I can put it this way. There are many politicians that have already passed through Corozal Southwest. I strongly believe that they really appreciate and they will support me. I know have no fear. I know we’re going to win.”

Britney Gordon for News Five.

Conflicting Report on Deaths of Three American Tourists

There’s conflicting information coming out of Massachusetts and Belize regarding the deaths of three American tourists found lifeless in their hotel suite in Belize last month. Autopsies in Belize concluded that the women died from acute pulmonary edema, a buildup of fluid in the lungs. Fire Chief Colin Gillett also mentioned that their tests found no trace of carbon monoxide in the room. However, DailyMail.com reports that a source close to one of the families said a preliminary report indicated the fatal fluid buildup was caused by carbon monoxide poisoning. The report also mentioned that investigators found other non-fatal incidents of carbon monoxide poisoning at the Royal Kahal and have contacted at least one other American victim. The women, twenty-three-year-old Kaoutar Naqqad, twenty-four-year-old Imane Mallah, and twenty-six-year-old Wafae El Arar, were found dead in their room at the Royal Kahal Beach Resort in San Pedro on February twenty-second. Their families were upset by comments from the Commissioner of Police Chester Williams, who suggested a possible drug overdose, noting that froth was found on the women’s mouths and that alcohol and ‘gummies’ were discovered in the room. An email from the resort, circulated on March seventh, informed guests of a temporary closure and offered refunds. Executive Director of the National Forensics Lab, Gian Cho, told News Five that the toxicology report is expected in a couple of weeks. Fire Chief Gillett is also waiting for this report to release more details.

Jaheim Castillo Acquitted of Murder; He Remains in Prison

Jahiem Castillo, now twenty-three, was just sixteen when he was accused of murdering thirty-seven-year-old Cyril Gladston Jones, a father of two, who was tragically shot and killed at his doorstep in front of his family. Castillo has now been acquitted of murder charges. Police had identified him based on the account of a contractor who didn’t see the shooting but claimed the shooter fired at him shortly after Jones’ murder. Castillo walked free after his attorney’s no case submission was upheld by the judge. However, he remains in Belize Central Prison for another offense he was convicted of in 2024. The acquittal came from Justice Candace Nanton, who agreed with attorney Orson ‘OJ’ Elrington’s argument that the prosecution’s case was weak.

Orson “OJ” Elrington, Attorney-at-law

“The prosecution began this case by essentially making an application for the witness statement of the, essentially one of the witnesses, to be admitted in because they claim that they were in fear. The court ruled that that evidence could have been admitted without the witness coming to court. However, subsequent to that to other witnesses were brought by the prosecution and at the end of that, we made a submission of note that there was no case to answer. Essentially, we submitted that the evidence was so slender, was so tenuous that no jury could safely convict on it and the judge upheld that because the time in which the witness claim they had the shooter in view, the lighting conditions, the distance from where they were from it, the contrasting evidence between the witnesses presented by the prosecution itself was contradicting in terms of their description of the shooter.”

Family of Four Loses Home to Fire in Hattieville

A family of four from Hattieville is now homeless after a fire destroyed their home early Friday morning. Oris Bailey recounted that just after midnight, she and her two children were asleep in their two-bedroom wooden house when she woke up to the smell of smoke. Realizing the house was on fire, they quickly escaped without injuries, but the house and everything inside were destroyed. Bailey’s mother, who lives in a neighboring wooden house on the same property, also had to flee for safety and suffered burns to her arm. Thankfully, her home was not damaged. When we arrived at the scene this morning, fire personnel were still investigating. We spoke with Bailey to get her account of the incident.

Oris Bailey, Fire Victim

“At around twelve twenty-eight, twelve thirty, I was sleeping with my two kids and between sleep and wake I smelled smoke. When I got up I smell portion of my kids room already in flames. During that time I hurry woke up my two kids and we ran through the door because the house was already in flames. Well, the only thing that was going through my mind to make sure they come out safe. With the amount of fire in the building the smoke mih thick and we mih the try save what we have put couldn’t save anything because the whole house was in fire. It is a fully furnished house, everything was completely lost. The TV, the fridge, the washing machine, the three beds, everything.”

Paul Lopez

“Do you have any idea what happened?”

Oris Bailey

“I have no idea sir, no idea. I never leave on any stove, I never have no fly fish on, leave on nothing anything, nothing mih lef on, so I don’t know how the house caught on fire.”

Paul Lopez

“In terms of the possibility of it being arson, you have any of that going through your mind as a possibility?”

Oris Bailey

“It could be, I don’t know how the house would catch fire if nothing was lit or left on. It could be. I done lose everything, so I don’t have anything, no clothes, my food gone, everything gone so any assistance would be greatly appreciated. And if they want to reach me they can contact 629-6524.”

Belizean Law Student Receives Five Outstanding Awards

A Belizean first-year law student at the Norman Manley Law School in Jamaica has made history. Ebony Gabourel has become the first student to receive five awards in a single year from the law school. She topped her class of 200 students and was named the Most Outstanding Year One Student for the 2023-2024 academic year. But that’s not all—Gabourel also took home the Michael March Memorial Prize, the Williams McCoy and Palmer Prize, the Justice Courtney Scipio Orr Memorial Prize, and the Justice Dennis Morrison Memorial Prize. Talk about a clean sweep! Gabourel, who is the daughter of Attorney Sharon Pitts and the granddaughter of former Attorney General B. Q. Pitts, shared with us what it meant to achieve these incredible goals, especially while battling a health condition.

Ebony Gabourel, Law Student

“It was a challenge because the law school is a very rigorous program. It’s very intense. And, you know, it always feels like you don’t have enough time in 24 hours in each day. It feels like there’s always, well, there is always a lot to do, always a lot to tackle. So it was quite challenging and I also had a sudden onset health condition that affected my studies quite a lot and made it much more challenging than it already was. Uh, however, with the grace of God, I was able to persevere and just keep going so that I was able to not just complete my year, which is what I set out to do, but to get these awards that I’m very honored to have received. I’m proud as a Belizean and, you know, hope to have made my country very proud by doing so. There are a set of awards for first year students and then there’s a set of awards for second year students. I, and for the compliment, the compliment, full compliment of students at the law school. And, um, as far as I know, I know that I was the, at least for this academic year that I was speaking about, I received the most award of the students who received the most awards that have been received. It does raise a bar higher from me to myself. I think, honestly, I’m my biggest critic. And so I tend to be reluctant to celebrate achievements when like, The job is not done, so to speak, because the job I set out to achieve is completing the entire program and receiving my CLE at the end of it.”

A Woman in AC Repair

In a male-dominated field, Cynthia Reyes is showing that women belong in AC repair too. As a technician at Dave’s AC World, she has overcome many challenges to make her mark in the industry. Being the only woman in her class at ITVET, Reyes tackled every obstacle head-on and excelled. Her journey is not just about breaking barriers but also inspiring other women to consider trades as a viable career path. News Five’s Sabreena Daly has the story.

Sabreena Daly, Reporting

For twenty-five years, Amanda Betancourt, the owner of Dave’s AC World, has been in the air conditioning business. In all that time, she had never seen a female AC technician—until now. Cynthia Reyes is one of Belize’s formally trained female AC technicians, making her mark in the trade.

Amanda Betancourt, Owner, Dave’s AC World
“ We do have a female on staff that is an AC technician and does electrical as well. And yes, she does get up there and service the units. She also knows how to install and repair. And that goes good as well too because when she takes trouble calls, When people are calling and say, well, this is not working, that is not working, she knows exactly which questions to ask, so that when we dispatch the guys out, we know exactly to tell them to look for this or to look for that, or to try this to repair it.”

In Belize, more women are stepping into trades traditionally dominated by men, like carpentry, plumbing, electrical work, and AC repair. Despite facing cultural perceptions and a lack of female mentors, their interest in these fields is growing. Their presence is challenging gender norms and proving that passion and skill have no gender boundaries. Cynthia Reyes’ journey wasn’t easy. She was the only woman in her AC technical studies at ITVET, but she didn’t let that stop her. She embraced the challenge and excelled.

Cynthia Reyes, AC Technician, Dave’s Ac World
“ I was the only female in my class in high school and in ITVet. I was the only female in my class. It was a bit challenging being the only female, but I did my best. I tried. I had a little bit of competition, but I got awards first in little things. I got an award for the trainee of the year. I was involved in even helping with the school to promote females and to help them to come to ITVET.”

Reyes’ passion for the trade began early. She noticed a growing demand for AC technicians in her community of Orange Walk as air conditioning became more popular in Belizean homes and businesses. Seeing this opportunity, she decided to pursue the field despite the challenges, determined to make her mark in the industry.

Cynthia Reyes

“Because Belize is hot, and not everyone can repair an AC. I’d say about 80% of the population now has an AC too. In Orange Walk, there weren’t many AC technicians, and many would travel to Belize City to work for AC companies. So, I decided that when I got older, I wanted to have my own company and become an AC technician. That’s why I went to study AC at IT Vet.”

Reyes isn’t just breaking barriers; she’s also educating customers about the importance of AC maintenance. She emphasizes the need for regular service to keep systems efficient and maintain good air quality.

Cynthia Reyes

“We recommend servicing AC units every three months, including for businesses. The main reason is that the filters get dirty, and with so many illnesses going around, keeping them clean helps maintain air quality. Regular servicing also prevents dust buildup, which can clog airflow and make the fan work harder. When the AC has to force itself to function due to dust obstruction, it eventually stops cooling efficiently. As a result, the unit consumes more electricity, leading to higher energy bills.”

Amanda Bentancourt hopes that Reyes’ success will inspire more women to break barriers and pursue careers in traditionally male-dominated fields. She believes that seeing women excel in trades like AC repair can encourage others to follow their passion, showing that skill and determination matter more than gender.

Amanda Betancourt Owner, Dave’s AC World

“I would think that it should be encouraging for any female to see that you can do it, that nothing is there that you can’t do. And yes, there are limitations, but there are limitations in everything. In every occupation, there are limitations. There may be limitations for men to do clerical work, too. So, I think it should be encouraging to any female to know that if there’s something that I like or a field that I like, there’s nothing that I can’t do.”

Cynthia Reyes

“I would say being in a male-dominated field is challenging, but it’s important not to give up. At times, it can be complicated, but as my boss mentioned, we women are capable of doing jobs traditionally dominated by men. It’s not impossible, and while it may be challenging, it’s not something that should be seen as too difficult to accomplish.”

Thanks to trailblazers like Cynthia Reyes, AC repair in Belize might soon see more women in the field, proving that women belong in every trade. As more women take on these roles, they challenge outdated norms and inspire future generations to follow their passions without limits. Looking on the Bright Side, I’m Sabreena Daly.

Panton Focuses on Rebuilding UDP

The newly sworn-in Leader of the Opposition, Tracy Panton, has made it clear that rebuilding the United Democratic Party (UDP) is her top priority. Panton mentioned that this is something her legal team will handle.

Panton spoke about the challenges ahead, describing the task of rebuilding the UDP as “running on fumes” after a difficult journey. “This is day one. We are getting ready now to be the next government in 2030,” she stated this afternoon.

Panton also pointed out the importance of unity within the UDP. “We have to meet as a wider UDP family… do a proper postmortem of what has happened,” she added.

The party faces significant challenges, not only in rebuilding but also in addressing internal leadership disputes with Barrow’s continued claim to the party’s leadership until “a national convention is held to elect a new leader among those who are qualified to be leader,” he said in his concession address.

Fire Destroys Hattieville Home, Family Displaced

A family of four in Hattieville has been left homeless after a fire destroyed their home early this morning. Oris Bailey, who was asleep with her two children in their two-bedroom wooden house, woke to the smell of smoke just after midnight. Bailey and her children managed to escape unharmed, but the blaze consumed their entire home and all their possessions, including furniture, appliances, and clothing.

Bailey’s mother, who lived in a neighbouring house on the same property, also had to flee for safety and sustained minor burns to her arm. Her home was not damaged in the fire. Bailey says she has “no idea” what may have caused the fire. She stated, “I never left anything on,” and added that she had no explanation for how the fire started, suggesting it could have been arson.

Authorities are investigating the incident to determine the cause of the fire. Bailey appealed for assistance, stating that she had lost everything, including essential items such as food and clothing. She provided a contact number for anyone wishing to offer support.

She said, “I don’t have anything, no clothes, my food gone, everything gone so any assistance would be greatly appreciated. And if they want to reach me they can contact 629-6524.”