The La Ruta Maya Belize River Challenge wrapped up on Monday morning in Belize City. The hundred-and-twenty-five-mile race kicked off on Friday morning with a false start on the Macal River. Over four days and eighteen hours, fifty-four teams paddled towards the finish line, cheered on by spectators and support teams along the riverbanks. In its twenty-eight years, the race has become a beloved cultural event in Belize. Here’s a special edition of Kolcha Tuesday with Paul Lopez.
Paul Lopez, Reporting
The La Ruta Maya Belize River Challenge is an annual event that attracts thousands of spectators to the banks of the Macal and Belize Rivers. This endurance canoe race covers a hundred and twenty-five miles and takes place over four days. To prepare, teams train for months. Fans and support crews follow the race downriver, eagerly waiting at the finish line near the Belcan Bridge in Belize City. From a distance, the sight of the first canoe approaching the finish line sends excitement through the crowd. The two-time defending champions, Slim and Trim Like Guava Limb, dug deeper with every stroke. With the same determination they showed at the start, Guava Limb powered across the finish line to claim their third straight victory.
Javier Guardado
Javier Guardado, Paddler, Slim and Trim Like Guava Limb
“First of all want to thank God and I want to thank my sponsor, Guava Limb and Cha Creek and my fans and family. I see that today we have a lot of fans, so thanks to them. We got a lot of courage of them and we needed to make them proud of us. I made my dad proud of me so yeah.”
The victory did not come easy for the defending champions. Throughout the race, Guava Limb faced one of their toughest rivals yet, Memory Lane Global Missions. Despite not winning a single stage before the final day, Guava Limb kept pushing. Memory Lane proved to be the faster sprinter at each finish line, but Guava Limb’s determination paid off in the end. But, on Monday Guava Limb dropped Memory Lane on the Haulover Creek channel. They gained an advantage that saw Memory Lane cross the finish-line two minutes after them.
Amado Cruz
Amado Cruz, Paddler, Memory Lane Global Mission
“The race was hard, everybody wanted us, well I don’t know if they wanted us to win or Guava Limb. But we gave it our all. I am happy with our performance and we gave it our all. Thinks did not turn out our way when we entered the channel. We crashed and Guava Limb got a head start on us there.”
The journey of Milenie Cabb and the UES Lucas Oil mixed team was just as inspiring as the dominance shown by the top two teams. UES Lucas Oil maintained their third-place overall position throughout the entire race. Milenie Cabb, her husband Clayton, and their teammate Enrique Cruz never let the all-men elite teams intimidate them.
Milenie Cabb
Milenie Cabb, Paddler, UES Lucas Oil
“Where I get the strength, I could say how I start to paddle. I lost a baby and I was not ok. My husband brought me to canoeing to distract myself. I started paddling and that motivated me to say that I am strong, because my husband said I am a strong woman and I can show it to the world. Now, here I am paddling. Thank you.”
Guava Limb’s three-peat earned them the right to take home the Kinich Ahau Trophy. And, they already have their eyes set on a fourth championship in 2026.
Javier Guardado
“We will plan how we will celebrate that. It is big. That was our plan since we were coming up from small. We did not change with no team. We continued with Guava Limb and thanks to my two partners that are here.”
Over the years, the number of participants in the race has been dropping. In 2025, fifty-four teams joined, which is ten fewer than in 2024. There were times when over a hundred teams competed. Sponsorship has also been dwindling, and the future of this beloved annual event depends on the financial support teams can secure. Reporting from News Five, I am Paul Lopez.
Let’s take a closer look at women in politics for this year’s general election—one like no other. Historically, political power has been dominated by men, and it has taken decades, even centuries, for women to secure leadership roles. In recent years, the world has witnessed a powerful shift, with women stepping into the highest political offices.
Take Barbados, for example, where it took 52 years to elect its first female prime minister, Mia Mottley. In contrast, Mexico took over 200 years to elect its first female president.
In the case of Belize, a country that just recently celebrated its 43rd year of independence, the number of women in politics has steadily grown, especially over the last couple of elections. The steady rise suggests that their presence and contributions have consistently shown their ability to influence and shape key decisions, despite the ongoing challenge of under-representation.
For the first time in Belize’s history, the 2025 general election will see a female candidate leading a major political party in the race and vying for the office of Prime Minister.
Another 9 female candidates will also be contesting their respective constituencies. Which means that out of 90 nominations that were confirmed on Monday, February 24, only 11% or 10 candidates are women.
There will be 6 political bodies coming out on March 12, including the People’s United Party (PUP) with 31 candidates, the Belizean Justice Movement (BJM) with 7 candidates, and the General Opportunity Development Party (GODP) with 1 candidate. The People’s National Party (PNP) is bringing 2 candidates, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) 4 candidates, and finally 4 candidates running as independents. The United Democratic Party (UDP) entered the 2025 election with 41 candidates that are split between two leaders. Moses “Shyne” Barrow entered with 28 candidates, and Tracy Panton with 13 candidates.
Here’s a brief overview of these women candidates and the constituencies they will be vying for:
Tracy Panton
Panton is vying for the Albert constituency in Belize City for a third term as a UDP candidate. She has held the seat since 2015, after taking over from Herman Longsworth of the UDP. In the 2020 election, Panton won her second term by a narrow margin of just 41 votes. That election year, she received 1,271 votes, while her opponent, PUP’s Paul Thomson, was right behind her with 1,230 votes. In this year’s elections, Panton is also leading 13 candidates under the UDP banner, a major political party. While she is vying for the office of Prime Minister, her slate would have to secure the majority of the seats out of 31. A figure that would put great challenge against her slate of 13 candidates.
Her opponents in the 2025 general election are PUP’s Kaya Cattouse, PDM’s Cornelio Galvez, and Jose Espat, who is running under Moses “Shyne” Barrow’s UDP slate.
Kaya Cattouse
Cattouse is a first-time candidate vying for the Albert constituency in Belize City as a PUP candidate. She’s a well-known multi-sport athlete with a particular focus on cycling, track & field, and football. Over the years, she’s built a platform to empower women in sports. Cattouse is coming in strong for Albert with the backing of the blue machine.
Her opponents in the 2025 general election are the incumbent UDP candidate Tracy Panton, PDM’s Cornelio Galvez, and Jose Espat, who is running under Moses “Shyne” Barrow’s UDP slate.
Dr. Lorna Mckay
Dr. Mckay is a first-time candidate vying for the Queen Square constituency in Belize City as a PUP candidate. In the past 5 elections, Queen Square has remained a UDP stronghold. Former Prime Minister Dean Oliver Barrow secured the division for 4 consecutive terms, from 2003 until 2020, when Denise “Sista B” Barrow entered the race as UDP’s candidate and won. The career educator, Dr. Mckay, is putting her bid to turn Albert blue with the backing of the blue machine.
Her opponents in the 2025 general election are PDM’s Garry Matus, UDP’s Shane Williams under Moses “Shyne” Barrow’s leadership, and Godwin Haylock of the UDP faction led by Tracy Panton.
Dr. Nelma Mortis Jones
Dr. Nelma Mortis Jones is vying for the Belize City-based Port Loyola constituency as a UDP candidate in Moses “Shyne” Barrow’s slate. She is a former educator and a past Belize City mayoral aspirant who vied for the position in 2024. Jones will be going up against four other candidates, including 2 other UDP candidates—one that is running under Tracy Panton’s leadership and the other as a stand-alone UDP candidate. She is also aiming to unseat the incumbent PUP candidate Gilroy Usher and claim the constituency back under the UDP banner. Prior to Usher’s win in 2020, Port Loyola was under UDP’s Anthony “Boots” Martinez for four consecutive terms.
Her opponents in the 2025 general election are the incumbent PUP candidate Gilroy Usher, PDM’s Wilmore Tablada, UDP’s candidate Phillip Willoughby under Tracy Panton’s leadership, and UDP’s Anthony “Boots” Martinez. Martinez held the constituency from 2003 to 2020, four consecutive terms.
Dolores Balderamos-Garcia
Dolores Balderamos-Garcia is vying for the Belize Rural Central constituency as a PUP candidate for the fourth time. She is one of the longest-serving female politicians. Balderamos-Garcia is seeking re-election to add to her 2020 victory when she defeated UDP’s Beverly Williams with a voting turnout of 3,409 votes. Williams was left behind by a 1,243-vote difference, securing 2,166 votes. After her 2020 victory, Balderamos-Garcia served as the Minister of Human Development, Families & Indigenous People’s Affairs.
Her opponents in the 2025 general election are PDM’s Estevan Perera, BJM’s Aaron Wilson, and 2 UDP candidates—UDP’s David Almendarez as part of Moses “Shyne” Barrow’s slate and UDP’s Beverly Williams for a third time. Williams is a UDP candidate under Tracy Panton’s leadership.
Beverly “Ms. Bev” Williams
Beverly Williams is vying for the Belize Rural Central for a third time as a UDP candidate. Williams ran for the first time for the constituency in 2015 and won. She challenged 2 other opponents in that election year and secured the division by a very small margin of vote difference. She received 2,560 votes, only 57 votes ahead of her PUP opponent Dolores Balderamos-Garcia, who received 2,502 votes. During her term between 2015 and 2020, Williams served as a Minister of State in the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Forestry, the Environment, Sustainable Development, and Immigration. In the 2020 elections, Williams lost the seat to Balderamos-Garcia by over 1,200 votes, securing 2,166 votes and her opponent 3,409 votes.
Her opponents in the 2025 general election are the incumbent PUP candidate Dolores Balderamos-Garcia, PDM’s Estevan Perera, and BJM’s Aaron Wilson. Williams will also be facing another UDP candidate, David Almendarez, who is running under Moses “Shyne” Barrow’s leadership.
Thea Garcia-Ramiez
Garcia-Ramirez is vying for the Corozal Bay constituency as a PUP candidate for the first time. Over the years, Garcia-Ramirez has built a strong platform to advocate for human rights. She’s also served as the General Manager of the Belize Airports Authority, the President of the National Women’s Commission, a Commissioner of the People’s Constitution Commission, and a member of the Board of Directors of the Social Development Fund. Gracia-Ramirez was also elected as the Corozal Bay’s PUP standard bearer in a July 2024 convention, defeating Elvia Vega-Samos. Since that convention, there have been a series of internal challenges within the two women. Despite the challenges, Garcia-Ramirez remains confident in her odds to secure the constituency.
Her opponents in the 2025 general election are UDP’s Hernan Riverol running in Tracy Panton’s slate and independent candidate Elvia “Elvie” Vega-Samos.
Elvia “Elvie” Vega-Samos
Elvia Vega-Samos is vying for the Corozal Bay constituency as an independent candidate for the first time. While she was serving as the PUP’s area representative for the division, Vega-Samos was not the candidate that ran in the 2020 election. In the 2020 election, her brother, the late David “Dido” Vega, was elected to the seat for the PUP. Following his passing, she was elected in a by-election to succeed her brother. Vega-Samos was then part of a July 2024 convention that she lost against her PUP opponent, Thea Garcia-Ramirez. After that convention, a series of challenges erupted within the PUP. This led to Vega-Samos announcing her candidacy as an independent candidate in the upcoming general election. In response, the PUP expelled her, citing the party’s constitution, which prohibits members from seeking public office outside of the party’s endorsement. Vega-Samos reaffirmed her decision to run as an independent candidate for the constituency the day after.
Her opponents in the 2025 general election are UDP’s Hernan Riverol running in Tracy Panton’s slate and PUP’s candidate Thea Garcia-Ramirez.
Condace “Lowe” Espedido
Condace Espedido is vying for the Corozal North constituency for the first time and as a candidate of a third party, the Belizean Justice Movement (BJM). The BJM is one of the few third parties in the race, although third parties in Belize historically struggle at the polls. Espedido will be challenging 2 candidates of the two largest political parties in Belize. This includes the incumbent UDP candidate that has had hold of the division for 3 consecutive terms and is seeking a fourth win.
Her opponents in the 2025 general election are the UDP’s incumbent Hugo Patt running as a candidate in Moses “Shyne” Barrow’s slate and PUP’s third-time runner David Castillo.
Yara Villeda
Villeda is vying for the Orange Walk Central for the first time as a UDP candidate in Moses “Shyne” Barrow’s slate. Villeda is a teacher by profession and also serves her community as a Justice of the Peace. Villeda is challenging two other candidates for the seat, including the PUP’s party leader, prime minister, and candidate for Orange Walk Central this year’s election, John Briceño. Villeda is aiming to turn this division red under the UDP banner and defeat the five-term winning candidate, Briceño. She will also be challenging a UDP candidate running in Tracy Panton’s slate.
Her opponents in the 2025 general election are the PUP’s incumbent 5-term winning candidate John Briceño and Tracy Panton’s UDP candidate Denni Grijalva Cruz.
Decision 2025: Show Out or Blowout
Channel 5 Belize is gearing up for comprehensive coverage of Belize’s general elections on March 12, 2025, with the theme “Decision 2025: Show Out or Blowout.” The programming will offer pre-election features, voter perspectives, expert commentary, and live updates during Election Day. Viewers can expect in-depth analysis of key issues like the economy, governance, and national security, as well as real-time election results and post-election breakdowns. Channel 5 promises to deliver the most trusted and engaging election coverage. Join us on Facebook and Youtube.
A mother of five, Nichole Gilda McDonald, was granted bail today after being charged under the Cyber Crime Act for allegedly spreading a false statement about Commissioner of Police Chester Williams. McDonald, 37, was detained since Friday and spent four nights in custody before appearing in court this morning without legal representation.
McDonald, a matron at the Youth Cadet Corps and resident of Antelope Street, Belize City, is accused of using a computer system to post a false statement on March 5th, which allegedly intended to harm Commissioner Williams.
In court, McDonald pleaded not guilty and clarified that she was commenting on a statement made by her political party leader. McDonald argued that she had no intention to cause harm, stating she was simply reacting to events in Cayo.
The magistrate informed McDonald of the potential penalties for the offence, including a fine of up to $10,000 or a prison sentence of up to five years. McDonald further explained that she and Commissioner Williams were Facebook friends, and her post was in response to a message from her party leader. However, the magistrate advised her to reserve her defence for the trial.
McDonald, who is currently grieving the loss of two of her children’s fathers, expressed distress over her situation. The prosecutor did not object to her bail, which was set at $1,000 with one surety of the same amount. As conditions of her bail, McDonald is required to stay away from Commissioner Williams and his family, refrain from further legal trouble, and avoid using Facebook.
McDonald is scheduled to return to court on May 14th, 2025.
The Organization of American States (OAS) has elected Suriname’s Foreign Minister, Albert Ramdin, as its new Secretary General for the 2025-2030 period. Ramdin, who has served as Suriname’s top diplomat since 2020, was chosen by acclamation during the OAS General Assembly in Washington on Monday. He succeeds Uruguayan diplomat Luis Almagro, becoming the first Caribbean leader to hold the position.
“Let’s join hands and mobilise our capabilities,” he said. “I hope you’re on the same path with me, to take things forwards, not backwards, united, not divided.
Ramdin’s tenure includes a wealth of diplomatic experience, having previously served two terms as the OAS’s Assistant Secretary General from 2005 to 2015. In his address to the Assembly, Ramdin stressed the need for greater regional unity, sustainable development, and action to combat climate change—issues particularly pressing for Caribbean nations vulnerable to escalating natural disasters and mounting debt.
CARICOM congratulated Ramdin on his election, commending his leadership. Similarly, the Government of Belize extended warm congratulations to Ramdin, expressing eagerness to collaborate on advancing regional cooperation and development across the Americas. Belize wished him success in his efforts to foster unity and prosperity throughout the region during his tenure.
Plata and her team met with Prime Minister and People’s United Party (PUP) leader John Briceño to hear his perspectives on the electoral process. The mission also held discussions with political leaders of the United Democratic Party (UDP), Moses Barrow and Tracy Panton, separately. The aim was to gain insight into their views on the upcoming elections.
This marks the fourth time the OAS will deploy an Electoral Observation Mission (EOM) to Belize for a general election, with a team of 12 observers from seven countries. Their focus will be on electoral organisation and technology, political-electoral financing, and electoral justice.
Officials also met with “representatives of the Belize PEACE Movement and Jeremy Enriquez, Belize Chamber of Commerce, the NGO Senator Janelle Chanona, and Elma Kay of the Belize Network of NGOs to hear their perspectives on the general elections.”
The mission is financially supported by Brazil, Canada, the Dominican Republic, Italy, Korea, the Netherlands, and Panama.
The body of 33-year-old Elton Rhaburn was discovered near the Bel China Bridge on Saturday morning. His mother described him as a quiet and loving son, stating, “He was the quietest of my three sons, always so loving toward me.” She added that Rhaburn was about to finish his studies at the University of Belize.
Rhaburn’s mother told News 5 that he had fallen from his second-floor veranda the previous evening. “The way how he fell, I know that it wasn’t that he threw himself,” she said.
Rhaburn visited the hospital following the fall and was complaining of a sharp pain in the back of his head. His mother said that during his hospital visit, he became visibly agitated. She requested that the medical staff restrain him by strapping him down while being treated. Despite his condition, Rhaburn insisted on leaving. He eventually removed his IV drip and walked out of the hospital.
“Everybody just came in and looking that he’s walking out and said they can’t do anything,” his mother said.
The following morning, Rhaburn’s body was found near the Bel China Bridge around 8:30 a.m. Police later contacted his mother to identify the body. “The police officer didn’t know my son; they picked him up as a John Doe,” she said.
KHMH CEO Chandra Nisbet Cansino said she was not aware of Rhaburn’s case. She told reporters, “We do have patients that come in and self-discharge—that’s within their right as human beings and as patients to do that.” Cansino added, “I would assume that’s what happened in this case, but I don’t have any details on that particular case.”
Rhaburn’s mother said that the hospital did not do enough for her son. “They hurt me very bad. KHMH hurt me very bad, they took away my son.” She explained that the medical personnel could have done more of her son; she added, “The medical team saw his elevated blood pressure and still didn’t give him the necessary medication. They ignored my request to restrain him. If they had done their part, I might still have my son today.”
With the country heading to the polls tomorrow, the Government of Belize (GOB) has issued strict guidelines on the use of official vehicles during the general elections. A memorandum from the Assets and Utilities Management Unit of the Ministry of Finance outlines regulations to ensure compliance with government policies.
The directive, addressed to chief executive officers, heads of departments, and finance officers, emphasises that government vehicles must not be used for unauthorised election-related activities. Specifically, the memo states:
Official Identification—Vehicles designated for election duties must display a sign on the dashboard, clearly identifying them as “Official.”
Restricted Use—Government vehicles must remain parked unless used in an official capacity by public officers carrying out election-related duties.
Adherence to Policies—All election-related vehicle usage must comply with the Government of Belize Vehicle Policy.
No Voter Transportation—GOB vehicles must not be used to transport voters to or from polling stations.
The memo, signed by Ashton Longsworth, the Financial Secretary, urges government officials to adhere to these regulations, reinforcing the commitment to transparency and fairness in the electoral process.
As we have reported, the PlusTV reporter claims he was assaulted by police while filming at Guanacaste Park in Belmopan, where two men had drowned. Wade says he waited until officers left before recording from a distance. However, after the bodies were removed, police allegedly pinned him against a gate, seized his phone multiple times, and demanded he delete the footage or face obstruction charges.
RSF North American Bureau Executive Director Clayton Weimers also expressed concern over the incident. “It’s deeply concerning any time a police officer is violent or aggressive towards members of the media who are simply trying to do their jobs. The police and the press both serve the public. Belize has strong legal protections for the press, and we certainly expect better. And while the announcement of an investigation into the matter is promising, this incident suggests the police department needs to implement stronger guidelines to protect media workers from facing similar aggression. RSF hopes to see clarifications of the police’s policies governing officers’ interactions with journalists and, if necessary, additional training.”
Belize is currently ranked 54th on RSF’s 2024 World Press Freedom Index.
A deadly shooting in Belize City led to a tragic crash at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH), according to Police Commissioner Chester Williams.
Reports indicate that the driver, Joseph Garcia, who had been shot, lost control of his vehicle and crashed into the KHMH’s front entrance while trying to get medical help. The crash caused major damage to the hospital and injured an on-duty security guard.
The driver and passengers were rushed to the emergency ward, but one person did not survive.
Commissioner Williams explained that the victims—Ronlee Petillo, Garcia, and Shamar Faber—were ambushed near the Haulover Bridge as they entered Belize City. Their vehicle was being followed by two others, one of which overtook them and opened fire.
Garcia died from his injuries, while one of the passengers is in critical condition in the Intensive Care Unit. Petillo was grazed by a bullet on the back of his head and was shot in the hand, but he is stable and in good spirits.
Williams told reporters that Garcia was an innocent victim from Dangriga.
Travis Flowers, 45, was arrested on Sunday for allegedly shooting his colleague, 44-year-old Calvin Cumberbatch, during a confrontation on Orange Street. Flowers, a City Council enforcement officer, has been charged with attempted murder, use of deadly means of harm, and dangerous harm. Cumberbatch, a transport evaluator for the Belize City Council, was taken to KHMH for treatment.
In a statement issued, the Council confirmed that the matter involves two longstanding employees, each with over 15 years of service. While the incident occurred outside of working hours, the Council says it recognizes the seriousness of the situation.
The statement added, “Given that this is now a matter before the courts, the Council will allow the legal process to take its course and will not be making any further comment at this time.”
