2025 - Channel 5 Belize

‘Ms. Thelma’ Cleared as Partner Pleads Guilty

Charges against 61-year-old Telesfora “Ms. Thelma” Arana, owner of the popular Thelma’s Kitchen, were dropped after her common-law partner, 50-year-old Curtis Rhaburn, pleaded guilty to drug possession with intent to supply and illegal firearm possession.

Police officers searched the couple’s residence on Kraal Road in Belize City, where they discovered a loaded 9mm pistol and 112 grams of cannabis. Neither Arana nor Rhaburn had a firearm license.

Rhaburn was fined $1,200 for the drug offence and sentenced to one year in prison for the firearm charge.

Brazil Implements Smartphone Restrictions in Schools

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has signed a bill limiting smartphone use in elementary and high schools. This aligns the country with a growing global trend to curb digital distractions in education.

Starting in February, the new law will restrict smartphone use in classrooms to emergencies, educational purposes, or for students with disabilities requiring the devices. Education Minister Camilo Santana stressed the need for the measure and noted that children’s early online activity makes it harder for parents to monitor their behaviour.

The bill has received rare bipartisan support from both President Lula’s allies and opponents, including former President Jair Bolsonaro. Public opinion also favours the move, with a Datafolha survey showing that nearly two-thirds of respondents support banning smartphones in schools.

As of 2023, about 66% of Brazilian schools had some form of cellphone restrictions, with 28% banning them entirely, according to the Brazilian Internet Steering Committee. Several states, including Rio de Janeiro, Maranhão, and Goiás, already enforce local bans, though enforcement has proven challenging. São Paulo, Brazil’s most populous state, is debating similar measures for public and private schools.

Global concerns about the impact of smartphone use on children have driven similar restrictions in other nations. France bans smartphones for students aged 6 to 15, and China recently imposed limits on children’s phone use. In the U.S., eight states have introduced laws to curb classroom phone distractions, while UNESCO reports that one in four countries has implemented school smartphone restrictions.

Belize Joins Caribbean in Turning Sargassum into Economic Opportunity

Four Caribbean nations are stepping up to turn the growing sargassum seaweed crisis into a powerful economic opportunity through the support of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) funding.

Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica, and Belize are among the selected countries to receive support for innovative projects that will transform sargassum into valuable resources for industries like agriculture, waste management, and renewable energy.

The initiative is a response to the increasing influx of sargassum seaweed that has negatively impacted tourism, fishing, and coastal ecosystems in the region since 2011. It aims to tackle the environmental damage caused by sargassum while providing new pathways for sustainable growth and coastal resilience.

According to the IDB, “This initiative was launched to identify and support solutions that leverage advanced technologies and innovative practices to harness the potential of sargassum biomass and enhance the resilience of coastal communities in Latin America and the Caribbean.”

Among the selected projects, Caribbean Chemicals will create safe products for crops by reducing arsenic and heavy metals in sargassum, while Belize will implement a Waste Recycling Environment Network to manage sargassum and produce high-quality compost and fertilisers.

By implementing the Static Pile Inoculated Compost Extension (SPICE) composting process, the Waste Recycling Environment Network in Belize seeks to sustainably manage sargassum and other waste materials. Through the production of high-quality compost and liquid fertilisers, it aims to enhance local agriculture while minimising the environmental impact of waste.

New Belizean Novel Explores Maya Underworld

A thrilling new addition to Belizean literature has arrived. A special book launch for students at Saint Peter’s Anglican Primary School in Belize City was held for the launch of The Land of the Night Sun, the first book in the Jade Necklace trilogy,

The novel takes readers on a unique journey through the ancient Maya underworld, Xibalba. It follows Itzel, a brave young girl, on her daring journey through Xibalba, the Maya underworld, to find her missing grandmother.

With Belizean teenagers in mind, this fresh fantasy-adventure series offers a perfect blend of culture, magic, and mystery.

“I feel like there’s a lot of books out there for teenagers and a lot of books for really young kids, but there aren’t that many for pre-teens, like 10- to 13-year-olds,” Ian Gibson said, the author and illustrator behind the book. “That was the age group I had in mind, but really there’s no upper age limit.”

Miss Thelma Arrested

“Ms. Thelma” has been arrested on firearm charges.The 61-year-old, whose real name is Telesfora Arana, was arrested by Belize City police following a search of her Kraal Road residence.

The operation uncovered a loaded 9mm pistol and 112 grams of cannabis.

50-year-old Curtis Rhaburn was also arrested.

Neither Arana nor Rhaburn possessed a firearm license. They are now facing charges for illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition, as well as drug possession with intent to supply.

“Ms. Thelma” is the owner of the popular Thelma’s Kitchen.

Father of Three Girls Stabbed to Death at Gales Point

Police are investigating a stabbing incident that happened on Wednesday night in Gales Point Village. The incident left 39-year-old Randy Williams, also known as Randy Bowen, dead.

The victim, a father of three daughters, was allegedly attacked by someone he knew.

His mother, Barbara Bowen, says she learnt of the incident from her granddaughter, who said, “Granny, please come and bring somebody and come help mi pa because they hurt mi pa,” Barbara said.

She told News 5 that her granddaughter identified the attacker as “George.”

According to Barbara, George “never came here before; this is the first time he comes here—like it’s something they planned.”

Barbara says that by the time she reached the scene, she saw her son laid on the ground “lifeless,” with bandages scattered around his body and the wound apparently cleaned.

“The stab no have no blood or nothing, like they done clean it off,” she said.

When asked if this could be a case of dispute between the two men, Babara stated she cannot tell with certainty and that family members who live close to her son’s did not report hearing anything.

The investigation is ongoing.

Minister of Transport Pledges No More Delays in Vehicle Licenses and Plates

A few weeks ago, News 5 reported on the growing frustration of drivers across Belize who are still waiting for their vehicle license plates, stickers, and driver’s license cards—some for months, others for over a year. The Minister of Transport, Rodwell Ferguson, told the viewers of Open Your Eyes this morning that “it will not happen again on my watch; I’m sorry.”

Many drivers, especially in rural areas, have been waiting for months—even up to a year—for their required credentials. While Belize City drivers seem to experience fewer issues, with some able to get their license plates and stickers without trouble, others remain stuck with only receipts.

According to Minister Ferguson, the delays stem from an ordering issue, not a shortage of supplies. “Whenever these things go on the national radio or TV, then because I’m the minister, then I get the blame,” Ferguson said. He added, “Just two weeks ago, or last week, we made an order for a large amount of license plates, stickers, and cards, so that will not be an issue of the past.”

Ferguson says that he has held meetings with his staff to ensure that this issue does not repeat itself and to find better ways to always remain on top of the inventory orders.

“So once those license plates are produced and stickers, we can say that the department of transport is on top of that now,” he added.

Belize Consulate Supports Diaspora Amid Wildfires

The Consulate of Belize in Los Angeles has issued a message addressing the devastating wildfires impacting California, including members of the Belizean diaspora in that state.

It said that, “Minister Anthony Mahler and the entire team at the Ministry of Tourism and Diaspora Relations remain deeply concerned for all those affected by the devastating fires in California, especially our Belizean brothers and sisters facing these difficult circumstances.”

Minister Mahler encouraged individuals to utilise support services such as emergency shelters provided by the Red Cross. He also urged those wishing to make donations to contribute to reputable disaster relief organisations like the Red Cross and the Salvation Army to ensure that aid reaches those most in need.

Additionally, the Consulate shared information on critical services for those impacted, including locating missing loved ones through the Red Cross and obtaining replacements for vital documents such as passports and birth certificates. Belizeans requiring assistance were advised to contact the consulate via email with specific requests.

The Consulate urged Belizeans to remain vigilant, adhere to local authority guidelines, and make use of the available support for their safety and recovery.

Two Basketball Leagues?

The Belize Elite Basketball League (BEBL) posted this on its Facebook account: “Fans Have NO FEAR!!! BEBL 2025 IS NEAR!!!” Facebook users were quick to ask if there would be two leagues.

In 2024, the B.E.B.L. faced quite a number of disputes, controversies, and uncertainties.

Back in July, the Hurricanes filed a protest after the Defenders’ game three win, citing a controversial call. The team took nine seconds to cross the halfcourt line, which the officials deemed an eight-second violation after reviewing the Instant Replay System. As a result, Sidibe Bourama’s two points were nullified, time was added back to the clock, and the Defenders were given possession. Despite the drama, the Hurricanes lodged a protest with the BEBL Disciplinary/Protest Committee.

The committee had ruled that using the Instant Replay System for the eight-second violation was against FIBA rules. The Hurricanes expected the final 36 seconds of game three to be replayed before game four, but this was delayed as the Defenders appealed the decision.

In March 2024, the league faced controversy after the Orange Walk Running Rebels withdrew from the 2024 season, citing dissatisfaction with league management and player contract disputes. A central issue was the signing of American player Jeremiah Toney, who was initially listed with the Belmopan Trojans. The Running Rebels claimed B.E.B.L. Commissioner Glenn Gill assured them Toney was not under contract, only to later suspend the player for dual signings. The incident underscored the need for improved communication and stricter adherence to league regulations.

And then there were financial issues. The league requested a 50% reduction in the $5,000-per-game rental fee for the Belize City Civic Centre, citing financial challenges, as the season’s total expenses for three teams reached $90,000. In response, Minister of Sports Rodwell Ferguson announced a $4,000 monthly subsidy from the Sports Council and the Department of Youth Services.

And all the sports drama in 2024 led to a rumoured creation of a second league. Though no official announcement has been made, it is reported that this push is being made by heavyweights in sports with the aim to put Belizeans first in basketball.

Court Action Filed in UDP Leadership Dispute

Opposition Leader Moses “Shyne” Barrow wants the court to take action against Albert Area Representative Tracy Panton and Phillipa Griffith Bailey.

Barrow, along with key figures of the United Democratic Party (UDP), including Michael Peyrefitte, Shary Medina, Alberto August, and Hugo Patt, are requesting that the court prohibit the respondents and their affiliates, including John Saldivar, Sheena Pitts, Orson J. Elrington, and Hot Off the Press, from publishing or disclosing information related to the UDP’s headquarters, its assets, leadership, and any issues central to ongoing proceedings.

The application also seeks to prevent public actions or communications that could undermine the court’s authority or suggest dual leadership within the UDP.

The applicants allege that the respondents, particularly Panton, have repeatedly disregarded court orders and engaged in conduct prejudicial to the ongoing leadership dispute. Specific actions cited include statements on social media, public appearances, and press releases where Panton purportedly held herself out as the party’s interim leader. The application states that these actions violate prior court orders aimed at maintaining the status quo until the dispute is resolved.

Barrow’s attorney, Dr. Christopher P. Malcolm, wrote the registrar, informing them that the claimants/applicants request that the contempt orders application filed on December 6, 2024, be scheduled for hearing alongside the urgent court orders application submitted on January 15, 2025.