2025 - Channel 5 Belize

Colombia Agrees to U.S. Deportation Flights After Tariff Threats

Colombian President Gustavo Petro reversed his decision to block U.S. military deportation flights following intense pressure from President Donald Trump, including threats of steep tariffs and sanctions. Petro initially denied entry to two U.S. military planes carrying deportees, citing concerns over the treatment of migrants. However, after a heated exchange between the two leaders, Colombia agreed to accept deportation flights, provided the process ensures “dignity and respect” for the deportees.

President Trump’s administration responded by placing the threatened tariffs and sanctions “on hold” but maintained that visa restrictions would remain until Colombia received its first group of deportees. Trump said that this move demonstrated renewed respect for America globally, while Petro’s government announced it had “overcome the impasse” with the U.S.

With the U.S. being Colombia’s largest trading partner, Trump’s threats of a 25% tariff on Colombian imports, including key exports like coffee and crude oil, underscored the stakes.

The clash also revealed Petro’s critique of U.S. policies, calling for fair treatment of deportees while condemning heavy-handed approaches.

Previously, Mexico blocked a U.S. military deportation flight due to a paperwork issue and miscommunication, delaying plans to return illegal immigrants. While two flights to Guatemala proceeded, Mexico reaffirmed its refusal to accept non-Mexican asylum seekers under the U.S. “Remain in Mexico” program.

In response to a question about Belize’s stance, Prime Minister John Briceño firmly rejected the idea of accepting non-Belizean deportees, stating, “We are a sovereign nation, and they cannot force us to accept people that are not citizens of this country.” While Belize is open to welcoming returning Belizean citizens, Briceño stressed that the country will not bow to U.S. pressures to serve as a third-country refuge for non-citizens.

El Cayo Boardwalk Inaugurated

After being affected by floodwaters several months ago, El Cayo Boardwalk was officially inaugurated this weekend.

The Belize Tourism Board (BTB) stated that the boardwalk is “strategically located near the San Ignacio Market and along the Macal River. The El Cayo Boardwalk features a spacious deck, a shaded canopy, four kiosks, and informative panels showing the history of the Macal River.”

Though the grand opening marks a hopeful recovery, the boardwalk and surrounding area were recently impacted by Tropical Storm Sara in November 2024, which caused severe flooding. San Ignacio experienced record-high water levels, and parts of the town, including the boardwalk, were submerged. The river reached flood heights that affected businesses and homes for the first time in nearly five years.

On November 18, 2024, San Ignacio Mayor Earl Trapp also raised concerns about rising concerns regarding climate change leading to more frequent storms and the long-term viability of the market’s current location. He pointed out the possibility of having discussions about relocating the market to a safer area.

While “El Cayo Boardwalk is set to become a lively hub for residents and visitors alike, offering a place to relax and connect with nature,” for the months to come, the question remains: will it withstand future challenges when the hurricane season begins again in June, bringing the potential for more severe flooding and rainfall?

Corozal Construction Worker Missing

29-year-old Belizean construction worker Raheem Usher has been reported missing. The resident of Libertad Village, Corozal District, was reported missing on Saturday.

Usher was last seen wearing black shorts and a red T-shirt and is described as having a dark brown complexion, being about 6 feet tall, weighing 160 pounds, and of slim build. He is of Creole descent.

The Belize Police Department is calling on the public for any information that could help locate Usher. Any information on his whereabouts can be reported to Crime Stoppers Belize at 922, using the P3 app, or reporting it to the nearest police station.

OAS and Brazil Launch Scholarships for Belizeans

The Brazilian government, in partnership with the OAS National Office in Belize, is offering full scholarships for Belizean students to study at Brazilian universities. The program includes a six-month Portuguese immersion course, with an additional monthly stipend provided by the OAS.

The PEC-G program provides free admission to undergraduate courses in Brazil across various fields. To apply, students must be nationals from participating countries, be 18 years old already, have completed secondary education, and meet language requirements.

The program aims to foster academic and personal growth, with past participants sharing positive experiences. “I got an opportunity to achieve my dreams through the PEC-G Program. I have developed intellectually and socially,” said Mary Akoth Adeka, a graduate from Kenya.

Interested students can apply through their local Brazilian embassy or consulate or the OAS Delegation for Caribbean nationals. Applications are free; more details can be found here.

Young Man Detained for Latest Murder

A 22-year-old construction worker is in police custody following the murder of 24-year-old Mark Waight and the attempted murder of 33-year-old Francine Herbert.

Waight was found unresponsive in a drain on Central American Boulevard just after 10 p.m. on Saturday. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Herbert was shot multiple times and remains in critical condition at Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital.

Residents reported hearing over a dozen gunshots. Police recovered several spent shell casings and are reviewing nearby surveillance footage.

This follows a history of legal troubles for Waight. In August 2021, he was involved in a high-speed chase and shootout with police in southern Belize. He was shot in the leg during an interception, and a .38 revolver was found in his possession. Police had reported that he was part of a group planning to carry out a hit in Dangriga before getting intercepted.

In March 2022, Waight was detained by police once more in connection with shots fired in the Port Loyola area.

South Korea’s President Indicted on Insurrection Charges

South Korea’s President Yoon Suk Yeol is the first sitting leader in the country’s history to be indicted after facing insurrection charges. The charges came after his controversial declaration of martial law in December 2024. The move caused political unrest and evoked memories of the country’s authoritarian past, and was overturned by Parliament.

Yoon is accused of using his power to target opposition figures, with prosecutors claiming there is “sufficient evidence” to back the charges. His actions reportedly included orders to arrest political rivals. The embattled president now faces two trials: one over his impeachment and another for insurrection, which could lead to life imprisonment or even the death penalty.

Yoon justified it by accusing the opposition of supporting North Korea and anti-state activities but has denied any wrongdoing. Yoon was arrested last week, which now makes him the first sitting president in South Korea’s history to face such charges.

Prosecutors stated that “based on the investigation so far, there are no grounds to consider any change to the arrest warrant issued against the president,” adding that “sufficient evidence exists to substantiate the charges.”

Fatal Shooting in Belize City

Police are investigating a murder reported tonight on Central American Boulevard, Belize City. According to initial reports, a man was shot dead and a woman wounded. Residents reported hearing more than a dozen gunshots.

Police found the man unresponsive in a drain, while the woman was taken to the hospital for treatment.

The identities of the victims have not yet been revealed.

This is a developing story.

Sacred Heart College Condemns Student Fight

Sacred Heart College (SHC) in San Ignacio has condemned a fight between two students that was recorded and shared on social media. In a statement released today, the school stressed it does not tolerate violence and will take action against all involved.

“This is a very serious matter to address, as the school does not condone this type of behaviour from any student in and out of school, as our responsibility is to safeguard and protect all our students,” SHC stated.

The administration also clarified that all individuals involved in the incident, including those who recorded and shared the footage, will face consequences in line with the school’s student handbook.

“The students involved in the fight, as well as those who recorded and shared the video, will be dealt with accordingly as outlined in our student handbook,” SHC said, adding that “fighting and any actions that undermine the reputation of the college will not be tolerated.”

Mexico Refuses U.S. Deportation Flight

Mexico blocked a U.S. military deportation flight from landing due to a paperwork issue and miscommunication with the U.S. Defence Department on Thursday, which delayed plans to return illegal immigrants. While two other flights to Guatemala went ahead, the flight headed for Mexico was stopped.

Mexico’s president, Claudia Sheinbaum, reaffirmed that her country has not agreed to accept non-Mexican asylum seekers, despite the U.S. reinstating the “Remain in Mexico” program.

In a statement, Mexico’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said, “Mexico has a very good relationship with the United States government, and we cooperate with respect for our sovereignty on a wide range of issues, including migration.” It added, “When it comes to repatriations, we will always welcome the arrival of Mexicans to our territory with open arms. Mexico embraces you.”

Before taking office, President Trump vowed to carry out mass deportations, focusing first on criminal immigrants, and to enforce stricter immigration rules and checks. He also sent 1,500 active-duty troops to the southern border to increase military presence there.

Trump’s Aid Review Hits Belize CARSI Fundings

The U.S. government’s recent review of foreign aid programs has placed funding for key projects at risk. Local organisations focused on youth programs, better governance, and crime prevention, funded by the U.S. under CARSI, may lose their funding.

Recent reports indicate that local NGOs in Belize were recently notified that CARSI-funded projects would be put on hold as part of a broader foreign assistance review.

The halt in funding follows a series of executive orders signed by the newly inaugurated 47th U.S. President, Donald J. Trump. The orders include a review of various foreign assistance programs, and this includes CARSI.

The review process is reportedly to ensure whether these programs align with the U.S.’s recent national interests.

What is CARSI?

The Central America Regional Security Initiative (CARSI) has been an important and major support towards civil society and good governance in Belize, Panama, and Costa Rica. Since its inception in 2012, the U.S. government has invested over $12 million in programs targeting issues such as crime prevention, transparency, and youth empowerment. CARSI has funded initiatives to address the root causes of criminal behaviour, improve governance, and strengthen the rule of law in these countries.

The most recent CARSI grantees in Belize include:

Galen University – Project to strengthen good governance and transparency at the municipal level.
UNDP Belize – Project to strengthen governance for transparency and accountability.
RET International—Project to Nurture Connections by Empowering Parents, Teachers, and Adolescents for Healthy Relationships
Love Foundation – Project to promote youth engagement in political action and advancing integrated municipalities.

A Critical Moment for Regional Cooperation

While the CARSI initiative is not solely responsible for the region’s security challenges, its funding has played a crucial role in fulfilling its purpose. Under President Barack Obama’s administration in 2013, CARSI, along with other security investments, helped Central American governments make streets safer, strengthen the rule of law, and protect human rights. The United States took a broad, coordinated approach to fighting transnational crime and improving safety and opportunities for people across the region.

This latest freeze comes on the heels of other significant cuts in foreign aid programs, including the suspension of funding for the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). The impact of these cuts on public health and community programs could be severe, with experts warning that halting such assistance could lead to setbacks in progress made against HIV/AIDS and other critical global challenges.

“This is a matter of life or death,” said Beatriz Grinsztejn, IAS President. “It makes no sense to suddenly stop this incredible catalyst of our global progress towards ending HIV as a threat to public health and individual well-being.”