2025 - Channel 5 Belize

PM Defends Highway Upgrade: “It’s No Longer a Real Highway”

As debate heats up over the fifty-million-dollar George Price Highway upgrade, Prime Minister John Briceño is pushing back against critics who say the project is too expensive. In response to Lee Mark Chang’s claim that the road is still in good shape, the prime minister made it clear: the highway has outlived its usefulness and no longer meets international standards. “It can’t even be called a highway anymore,” Briceño said. He explained that the government will cover part of the cost and is actively seeking additional financing to complete the eighteen-mile stretch between Belmopan and La Democracia. The hefty price tag, he noted, reflects the scale of the work needed to bring the road up to modern standards, something he says is long overdue. With both sides digging in, the road ahead for this project may be just as bumpy as the one it’s meant to fix.

Prime Minster John Briceño

“Really totally confused about what he is talking about. But I will just make a few points, the development of a country and its economy is based on infrastructure. We can’t run away from that. Maybe he has not been enough on the Goerge Price Highway. Maybe he does not realize that this highway is the most dangerous highway in this country, it has the most accident and people are dying. This highway connects the north to the west. The amount of trucks and wright can no longer handle it. That road was built in the seventies and eighties. It has long passed its time. The shoulders have been breaking off. Right now it does not meet international standards to be called a highway. You talk about the price, before you make these outlandish remarks you should check and not embarrass yourself. You have to strengthen the road, bridges, culverts, but also it is going to be hot mix.”

In concluding his response, P.M. Briceño argued that the U.D.P. has no moral authority to speak on the cost of the road works when eight million dollars were spent on constructing the Faber’s Road extension.

PM Says U.S. Grant Cut Won’t Shake Budget—But Belize Has a Plan B

Prime Minister John Briceño is downplaying concerns over the reported cancellation of a major U.S. grant, saying it won’t impact the government’s financial plans. The grant in question—worth a hefty one hundred and twenty-five million US dollars from the Millennium Challenge Corporation—was earmarked for poverty reduction and energy development. Of that, seventy-three point eight million was set to go toward education, and $twenty-one point seven million for an energy project. Speaking to reporters last Friday, the PM explained that the funds were never factored into the national budget, so their absence doesn’t throw off the numbers. And as of today, he says Belize still hasn’t received any official word confirming the cancellation. Still, Briceño remains hopeful the funding will come through—but assured the public that there’s a backup plan if it doesn’t.

Prime Minister John Briceño

“I wish to clarify that these funds are not included in our national budget, but rather directly managed by the M.C.C. under a separate financial and accounting arrangement as set on the Millennium Challenge account, Belize Authority Act of 2024. Mr. Speaker, on the 20th of January, 2025. President Trump issued an executive order which mandated a 90-day pause on new obligations and disbursements of United States Government development assistance funds for foreign governments, including funding for the M.C.C. Compact with Belize. Just over three weeks ago, we received an official word out of Washington that the M.C.C. board would be terminating the compact agreement with Belize, but to date we have not received any official word to this effect. In the meantime, Belize has expressed its concerns at every high level in the United States Government, and we have received assurances that the matter has been further examined to see if there is a possibility to retain the Belize program intact. We are therefore guardedly optimistic that the program will be retained. However, should the program indeed be terminated, we will be actively seeking alternates, alternate sources of funding from our development partners.”

Jackpot for GOB: Lottery Sales Bring in Over $100 Million in 2024

Belize hit the jackpot in 2024—not just in lucky numbers, but in national revenue. The Belize Government Lotteries Limited raked in over a hundred million dollars from Boledo and Sunday Lottery sales, marking a massive leap in earnings compared to just two years ago. According to Prime Minister John Briceño, profits more than doubled, with a significant portion of that windfall being funneled back into programs aimed at helping Belizeans. It’s a winning streak for the government’s coffers—and, potentially, for communities across the country.

Prime Minister John Briceño

“For the period November 21, 2023 through to 30th November, 2024, the government-owned and managed Belize Government Lotteries Limited recorded sales of some $111.2 million, which was for lottery sales revenues only. Additional revenues were collected for device rentals and sale of thermal paper. This was an increase of sixty-five million dollars or one hundred and forty-two percent above the sales as reported by Brads Gaming Company for the fiscal year 2022 – sixty-five million dollars more. And they mi have fi what – about twelve years – so do the math. Prize winnings paid out for the same period was seventy-seven point six million dollars, reflecting a playout percentage – We never did hear how much Brads Lottery mi di pay out. We di pay out seventy percent of sales we di pay back to the Belizean people.”

Tourism Boom in 2024: Overnight Stays Drive Big Bucks for Belize

Belize’s tourism industry had a banner year in 2024, with a major surge in overnight stays fueling a fresh wave of revenue for the country. While cruise ship arrivals held steady compared to the previous year, it was the sharp rise in overnight visitors that made the real difference—bringing in more money and creating a ripple effect across the economy. From hotels and restaurants to transportation and tour operators, the tourism boom gave a boost to several key industries, reinforcing the sector’s role as a powerhouse in Belize’s economic engine.

Prime Minister John Briceño

“Stayover tourist arrivals tourist arrival exceeded pre-pandemic figures rising by ten point seven percent, credited to effective marketing strategies and an increase in airlift capacity, compared to 2023 arrivals jumped by nineteen point six percent, whereas cruise visitors numbers were almost identical.”

PM Briceño Wants a Year to Review Constitution Report

Prime Minister John Briceño is asking for more time—twelve months, to be exact—to review the long-awaited report from the People’s Constitution Commission (PCC). That’s a big jump from the sixty days currently allowed under the PCC Act. The commission is expected to hand over its final report on May twenty-sixth, which means, under current rules, the PM would have until late July to bring it to the National Assembly for debate. But Briceño says that’s not enough time to properly go through such a critical document. If parliament agrees with the recommendations, the next step could be a national referendum. However, there’s a catch: according to the Minister of Constitution and Indigenous Affairs, holding a referendum so soon after a general election—and in the same year as village council elections—just isn’t financially realistic. The big question now is whether Belizeans will have to wait even longer for constitutional reform—and whether the delay will cool the momentum for change.

Dr. Louis Zabaneh, Minister of Constitution and Indigenous Affairs

“There are some reasons for militating against the tabling before the National Assembly with the possible consequence of holding and conducting a national referendum within less than nine months after the holding of a general election. These are time needed for the government and stakeholders to conduct serious and proper analysis, and deliberation of the recommendations. Secondly, the considerable financial expenditure and human resources that will be required to conduct a referendum only months after the national assembly and public service had to expend and deploy financial and human resources on a similar scale, third the holding of village council elections from May to August 2025, and possible consequential voter fatigue.”

We will wait to see what the Senate has to say about this request.

“Corruption on Steroids”: Opposition Leader Slams Government Over Election Irregularities

In a fiery address at the close of today’s House Meeting, Opposition Leader Tracy Panton didn’t hold back. She accused the Briceño administration of serious misconduct during the March twelfth general elections, calling the alleged irregularities “corruption on steroids.” Panton spent over fifteen minutes laying out what she described as glaring procedural inconsistencies and questionable practices, painting a picture of an election riddled with flaws. Her remarks sparked immediate reaction from the government side. Minister of Public Service Henry Charles-Usher fired back, suggesting Panton’s outrage might be fueled by the recent High Court ruling in the United Democratic Party’s leadership dispute—a case that didn’t go in her favor. The heated exchange added a dramatic twist to the day’s proceedings, hinting that the political temperature in the House is far from cooling down.

Tracy Taegar-Panton, Leader of the Opposition

“It happened in Albert, it happened in Collet. It happened in Mesop., it happened in Queen Square. I was told by a colleague ion the government ‘s side, why complain about buying of votes, when both political entities have done it. It does not make it right and what we have pledged to do is ensure that our democracy works for all Belizeans not just those who have heavy pockets.”

Henry Charles Usher, Minister of Public Service

“I don’t know if it is because the Leader of the Opposition is reeling from her recent loss in the High Court where the High Court found the convention held in October weas invalid therefore her declaration as leader was invalid, therefore the candidates placed in certain constituencies may be challenged for being invalid. I don’t know if that is the reason she is standing up today for adjournment.”

Usher also challenged Panton over what asserts is consistent voters registration fraud in the Albert division.

Taegar-Panton Says She Will Go to Court for NPC Meeting

The political drama inside the United Democratic Party (U.D.P.) is heating up fast, with lawsuits and accusations flying from all directions. Former Mesopotamia Area Representative Moses “Shyne” Barrow has come out swinging, accusing his successor, Lee Mark Chang, of voter fraud. Barrow, who recently lost his seat to Chang in a bitter internal battle, says he’s ready to take the matter to court. But Chang isn’t backing down. In fact, he’s threatening to sue Barrow for defamation over comments made during a press conference, where Barrow allegedly linked him to a passport scandal. Chang’s legal team is demanding a public apology and $5,000 in damages—or they’ll take it to court and ask for up to fifty thousand dollars. Meanwhile, the U.D.P.’s internal tensions don’t stop there. Party Leader Tracy Taegar-Panton is also threatening legal action—this time against the party’s Deputy Chair, Alberto August. She says August is refusing to call a National Party Council meeting, something she insists he’s obligated to do. If he doesn’t act by a timely manner, she says she’ll ask the court to force his hand.

Lee Mark Chang, Area Representative, Mesopotamia

“If he takes me to court or takes us to court, it is what it is and the court will decide what is our fate.”

Marion Ali

“Do you feel as if though – if it does end up before a judge, it could reach as far as having a by-election?”

Lee Mark Chang

“First of all, the word fraud whe dehn dh claim – we went in as U.D.P. candidates and the constituents wi nuh win by one or two votes. We win by two to one. If I have to do it again, it will happen again and it’ll be the same verdict, just that he wa look bad again after this.”

Tracy Taegar-Panton, Leader of the Opposition

“There was no fraud as he alleges, but the legal system is there for any citizen of this country to utilize as they see fit. So that’s entirely his prerogative.”

Reporter

“Can you comment as well on the letter that was leaked to Alberto August asking for an N.P.C. and if the N.P.C. is failed to call, you stating that you will step down or focus your efforts more on being the Leader of the Opposition as opposed to the leadership of the party?”

Tracy Taegar-Panton

“Let me say this: Tracy Panton is going nowhere. I am here to fight to ensure that the democracy in this country prevails. I am going to fight to the best of my ability to ensure that the needs and concerns of the people are heard. Alberto August as the Vice Chairman ante has a duty, an obligation, a responsibility to convene the N.P.C. It has been petitioned, so he has no discretion where that is concerned, I will not be held hostage to a vice chairman status quo ante, who refuses to do his job. I will not be undermined by a vice chairman status quo ante, and I will certainly not yield to a madman.”

Reporter

“So what’s the next step if the N.P.C. meeting isn’t called?”

Tracy Taegar-Panton

“I believe the N.P.C. meeting will be called. And if the N.P.C. meeting is not called, we will have to take the matter to court and have the court compel Mr. August to hold the N.P.C. meeting.”

Reporter

“But you’re not planning to step down from leadership of the party?”

Tracy Taegar-Pantion

“Where did you get that idea from?”

Reporter

“Just what they quote said in the letter.”

Tracy Taegar-Panton

“I just answered your question. Tracy Panton is going nowhere. I have the confidence and support of my colleagues. I certainly have the support of the public at large. I will not be held hostage. I will not be undermined. And Mr. August has a duty and a responsibility to execute and if he loves the party as much I, as I believe he does, and as much as he advocates that he does, he will call the NPC.”

Mother’s Day Celebration Turns Chaotic in Blackman Eddy; Four Injured in Shooting

What began as a festive Mother’s Day celebration in Blackman Eddy Village ended in panic and injury late Saturday night, when gunfire shattered the peace just before midnight. According to police, a single shotgun blast was fired from outside a bar where the event was being held. The shot struck a cement wall, and the pellets ricocheted into the crowd, injuring four patrons inside. The victims were quickly rushed to the hospital, where all were reported to be in stable condition. Assistant Commissioner of Police Hilberto Romero shared more details on the incident, as investigators work to determine who was behind the shooting and why. The community remains shaken as police continue their search for answers on what could have been a far more tragic night.

ACP Hilberto Romero, Regional Commander, Eastern Division

“On Saturday, the tenth day of May 2025, around eleven fifty-five p.m. police responded to a shooting incident that Blackman Eddy, Cayo. Upon their arrival. They learnt that four persons had been shot and taken for treatment. They were Identified as Marleny Ho, Derrick Gordon, Ashely Vellos, and Rosalio Domingo. Information is that they were at a bar when the male person came there and fired a shot from a shotgun causing their injuries. They have been treated. Three have been released, one remains at the hospital in stable condition. The investigation into this report continues.”

Reporter

“Sir, do you all have any idea of what the motive may have been?”

Hilberto Romero

“We do not know at this time. That is all the information we have. Somebody came there and fired the shots at the Bar.”

Reporter

“He fired from a shotgun?”

Hilberto Romero

“That is correct.”

Reporter

“Do you all know if any of the persons were, were a target?”

Hilberto Romero

“We do not know. All these persons were inside at the bar at the time with other persons.”

Reporter

“Okay. Usually when these events happen at night or often times it’s related to man woman business or. Interpersonal nature between men and women, might that have been at play here?”

Hilberto Romero

“We have several leads. We are following up, but nothing concrete to say what it’s at this time.”

Reporter

“Any suspects?”

Hilberto Romero

“Not at this time.”

Britney Gordon

“Any security footage?”

Hilberto Romero

“We’re making checks, but I’m not sure if we have any footage.”

San Pedro Man Lured to His Death in Belize City, Police Suspect

A deadly setup in Belize City has left a family mourning and police searching for answers. Twenty-seven-year-old Zinedine Pinelo, a resident of San Pedro, was gunned down on Friday in what authorities believe was a targeted robbery. The incident happened on Hunter’s Lane, where Pinelo had reportedly traveled to purchase a motorcycle. But instead of a transaction, he was met by a group of men—one of whom fatally shot him. Assistant Commissioner of Police Hilberto Romero revealed today that investigators suspect Pinelo may have been lured to the location so his attackers could steal his licensed firearm. The investigation is ongoing, and police are urging anyone with information to come forward as they work to bring those responsible to justice.

ACP Hilberto Romero, Regional Commander, Eastern Division

“On Friday, the ninth day of May 2025. Police responded to a shooting incident at Hunter’s Lane. Upon the arrival they found a lifeless body of a male person. He was identified as Zinedine Pinelo. Information that he went to Hunter’s Lane, along with another male person to do a business transaction. Thereafter, when he arrived there, there were six other persons there and he attacked him robbed him, and one of the persons shot him causing his fatal injuries. We have two persons in custody in regards to this murder.”

Reporter

“What was the nature of the business they were doing?”

Hilberto Romero

“He went to do a purchase from a person. He went there with some cash to do a purchase. And so he was stolen from him, was his firearm and some cash.”

Reporter

“Are you able to say how much cash?”

Hilberto Romero

“We do not know at this time.”

Reporter

“I don’t see any store at Hunter’s Lane so was it a licit or an illicit purchase?”

Hilberto Romero

“Information is to purchase a motorcycle. That was the information we got. However, we are doing more follow up see what the actual transaction was.”

Reporter

“Do you all believe that he was led or lured?”

Hilberto Romero

“Yes. We believe he was led there. When he arrived, there was six persons waiting there and these are the persons who attacked him.”

Reporter

“You believe to rob his of his money and his gun, or was he like specially targeted because of his weapon?”

Hilberto Romero

“Yes. We believe that he was targeted to be robbed. Yes.”

Reporter

“So he had a license firearm.”

Hilberto Romero

“He had a license firearm.”

Reporter

“Are you able to see what type?”

Hilberto Romero

“A nine millimeter pistol.”

Reporter

“And has the firearm been recovered?”

Hilberto Romero

“Nothing has been recovered.”

Reporter

“And the persons who orchestrated this, he left San Pedro with an individual from the city. And that person escaped without injury.”

Hilberto Romero

“Yes we found that person. He’s being interviewed.”

Reporter

“Might he be an accomplice?”

Hilberto Romero

“We do not know at this time. After the interview, there was no more information.”

Reporter

“Anybody detained?”

Hilberto Romero

“Two persons are detained.”

San Pedro Man Dies After Police Altercation

A San Pedro resident is dead following a confrontation with police early this morning. According to reports, the man was allegedly trespassing on private property when officers arrived to remove him. Assistant Commissioner of Police Hilberto Romero stated that the man refused to cooperate and became aggressive. Police then used force to subdue and detain him. Shortly after being taken into custody, the man reportedly lost consciousness. He was rushed for medical treatment but later died. Authorities are now investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident, as questions arise about the use of force and what led to the man’s sudden collapse. ACP Romero is expected to provide further details as the investigation unfolds.

ACP Hilberto Romero, Regional Commander, Eastern Division

“This morning. Police responded to a report of a male person that had trespassed into a property. Upon arrival, the police saw that this person had climbed a tree. He was ordered to come down. There was a dispute between the him and the police. Thereafter he came down and forced that to be used for him to be subdued, he was then taken to custody, taken to the San Pedro station where we noted that he was in distress and had become unconscious. He was rushed to the San Pedro Polyclinic, where he succumbed. He was identified as Selvyn Seely, twenty-three-year-old resident of San Pedro.”

Reporter

“He’s a young man. I understand that you all aren’t doctors that a postmortem has to be conducted, but was there an indication that the gentleman was maybe asthmatic or suffering from some other condition that could have led to these respiratory issues?”

Hilberto Romero

“We do not know at this time. A post-mortem will be conducted, and a thorough investigation will be done to determine his cause of death.”

Reporter

“The officers, they had to subdue him?”

Hilberto Romero

“That is correct.”

Reporter

“Did the officers by any chance, use suppression holds or other things that may have obstructed his respiration?”

Hilberto Romero

“Yes. He had to be held down and at some point he was restrained and then taken to the station and that is when they notice his condition, he was taken to the clinic.”

Reporter

“In a situation like this, how does one determine if the force used is necessary?”

Hilberto Romero

“Again, the investigation will be conducted by the professional standard branch at the completion and after the post-mortem results the file will be sent to his DPP for her advice.”

Reporter

“Was the gentleman under the influence of anything or did he appear to have been at the time of the attempted detention?”

Hilberto Romero

“We do not know. All I know is that he was behaving violently force that to be used to subdue him.”

Reporter

“And anywhere in this exchange were you able to determine what he was doing on that tree?”

Hilberto Romero

“No the report came that he was seen first outside of the property and he entered and he climbed onto the tree. That is when the police were called.”