2025 - Channel 5 Belize

A Heartfelt Breakfast Honors Healthcare Heroes

Nurses are the unsung heroes of our healthcare system, tirelessly working weekends and holidays to care for the nation’s sick. Their dedication often goes unnoticed, and it’s not uncommon for them to skip meals to attend to their patients. During Nurses Week, the Fort George Hotel and the Belize Bank took a moment to honor these hardworking professionals by hosting a special breakfast at the K.H.M.H Kitchen. This gesture acknowledges the incredible efforts of the hospital’s nurses throughout the year. News Five’s Marion Ali was there to capture the event and share the story.

Marion Ali, Reporting

In a refreshing change of pace, nurses at Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital began their day with a nutritious breakfast. These dedicated healthcare providers, who tirelessly advocate for their patients’ well-being, often skip their own morning meals due to the demands of their job. Today, however, they took a moment to practice what they preach, fueling up with healthy food to better serve their community.

Kereen Birch, Nursing Supervisor, K.H.M.H.

“Eating is important, but we find out that we do it afterwards because we are focusing on the person that’s in front of us that needs the care. Many nurses come to work and they have not yet eaten, and so they go straight into work and sometimes they don’t eat until lunchtime. So we thought that this would be a nice start to the day and offer some healthy food.”

In a touching gesture of gratitude, Fort George Hotel and Belize Bank teamed up to provide a healthy breakfast for the hardworking nurses at Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital. Hotel staff were on hand at the hospital’s dining area, serving up nutritious meals to say “thank you” for the sacrifices these nurses make daily. The event saw over a hundred nurses from various units and departments come together, enjoying a moment of appreciation. Shauna Arnold, Marketing Executive at Fort George Hotel and Spa, expressed the hotel’s commitment to honoring the dedication of these healthcare heroes.

Shauna Arnold, Marketing Executive, Fort George Hotel and Spa

“The Fort George partnered with the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital to kind of step away from our normal everyday activities to really honor and appreciate nurses and all the commitment that nurses have made to the hospitals, to our communities, to clinics, all of that, and to offer them this special breakfast. Through the work of the Human Resource Department here. I think they really brought us together. They wanted to offer something special to nurses, and with the quality of breakfast that we offer, I think it was a great opportunity for us to really showcase and really give back and share. The nurses, I think have made tremendous sacrifices for with their lives, but also for the community as well. I mean, whether it’s in time of crisis or just that steady everyday rhythm of helping other people and giving back. I think it is, it is time or it is due that we give something back to them, and I think it is only fitting. Some of them work long hours, or a lot of them work long hours. I think it was only fitting that we then offer them breakfast.”

Nursing Supervisor Kareen Birch at Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital reveals that appreciation for nurses isn’t limited to Nurses Week. Birch shared that these healthcare heroes receive thanks in various forms throughout the year, whether it comes from within the institution or from everyday people. This ongoing recognition highlights the community’s deep respect and gratitude for the nurses’ unwavering dedication and hard work.

Kareen Birch

“Our efforts are always appreciated and recognized. Maybe not to the degree that some people expect, but there’s always some form of appreciation being offered, maybe not from the organization. Sometimes it’s just a patient that comes in. Sometimes it’s someone that you’re walking on the street might say a kind word. So appreciation is always shown just that it showed at different levels in different degrees.”

Breakfast is just the beginning of celebrations at Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital for Nurses Week. Sharine Reyes, the hospital’s Financial Controller, unveiled a packed agenda filled with various activities to honor the nurses’ hard work and dedication. From wellness events to fun gatherings, K.H.M.H. is making sure their nurses feel appreciated and celebrated throughout the week.

Sharine Reyes, Financial Controller, K.H.M.H.

“It’s a full week of events. This evening we’re taking part in the float with the nursing council, and tomorrow we have our sporting day. So it’s a full week of event that the nurse have lined up. They have a committee that they put everything together. And due to the fact that we don’t have the finance to be able to do all of this for them, some of our sponsors stepped in. Yesterday we had a appreciation ceremony that all of them, well, all the units took part in and I think they’re, they’re really feeling the appreciation. Our nurses do do a lot of hard work. They’re here 24-7, sometimes their shortages and they take cover.”

The nurses will test their fitness capabilities during a day of sports on Thursday. Marion Ali for News Five.

New Money Transfer Service Revolutionizes Convenience for Belizeans

Belizeans can now enjoy a new level of convenience with the launch of an innovative money transfer service, thanks to a partnership between the Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Western Union. Starting this week, Digi Wallet account holders no longer need to visit physical Western Union locations to receive international money transfers. This morning, News Five’s Britney Gordon attended the feature launch to bring us more details on this exciting collaboration.

Britney Gordon, Reporting

Since 2022, Digi Wallet has been revolutionizing financial services in Belize, offering universal access to all citizens, especially the unbanked. Now, the app is taking another significant step towards inclusivity by partnering with the Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Western Union. This collaboration aims to further enhance accessibility and convenience for Digi Wallet users across the country.

Monique Ford-Vicente, Marketing Manager, Digi Wallet

“So the app traditionally has been a payment service provider. You can pay your bills, you can purchase stuff up, you can pay at merchants. We have over fifteen hundred merchants countrywide and growing. What the Digi Wallet is now venturing into is wallet-adjacent services. Which means we are looking at offering services that provide more access, more convenience. A lot of these things are apps can do, it’s just creating the correct format for them to perform it for the public.”

Digi Wallet users can now receive Western Union funds directly into their digital wallets, eliminating the need to wait in line at physical locations. Akmar Codd, Business Development Manager at the Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry (B.C.C.I.), shares insights on how this innovative partnership came to fruition.

Akmar Codd, Business Development Manager, B.C.C.I.

“We have been moving money for quite some time, the fastest and easiest way to move money. So we’ve noticed new ways to move money wallets. So we have this wallet in Belize. We have Digi Wallet, And so we saw it fit to partner with them. They reach out to try to move this initiative forward. It’s something that has been introduced within the region. So we in Belize, we are catching up on this. It’s just the way that we think we need to go. It’s accessibility, it has the ease of doing business. It really gives our customers options.”

Starting May fifth, Digi Wallet users can enjoy the convenience of receiving Western Union transfers directly through the app. With just one simple click from the home screen, accessing funds has never been easier. Monique Ford-Vicente, Marketing Manager at Digi Wallet, explains how this new feature works and its benefits for users.

Monique Ford-Vicente

“Once you select the button, you will be presented with the Western Union form whereby you just input the regular requirements to your MTCN, the relationship of the sender to you, the purpose, the amount, and then you press submit within ten minutes maximum twenty minutes, you will receive your Western Union funds in your Digi Wallet account. There is no additional fee up outside of this, so there is no fee when you go to the physical store. There is no fee when you utilize it with the digital wallet account.”

For nearly three decades, the Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry has been a master agent of Western Union, with around thirty sub-agents across the country. While the Chamber considered launching its own digital wallet, Business Development Manager Akmar Codd revealed that partnering with Digi Wallet proved to be the more beneficial option. This collaboration aims to streamline money transfer services and enhance convenience for users nationwide.

Akmar Codd

“As mentioned Digi Wallet is a member of the Chamber. Of course, we thought about doing it ourselves, but Digi Wallet has already created this part of the wheel. So it was best for us to, as I said, partner with our members. Digi is a well-renowned company in Belize, so we definitely saw it fit to go along with them.”

To receive a Western Union transfer through Digi Wallet, users must be the account owner and cannot accept transfers on behalf of others. The good news is that there are no additional fees for this service. However, all standard rules for Western Union and Digi Wallet transactions still apply.

Monique Vicente Ford

“As for the amounts those are regarding in the same as your Digi Wallet holding at com. So as a subscriber, you have different holding limits. When you initially subscribe, you’re automatically provided with a silver wallet and you can hold up to fifteen hundred in your silver wallet at any one time. You can always upgrade to gold or platinum, which has higher limits for transacting. So if you know that you’re going to be receiving frequent transfers, you can always reach out to us. We will let you know how to upgrade your wallet and it’s usually pretty simple. Provide us with a recent utility bill and a job slip and we can upgrade your wallet.”

Digi Wallet also plans to provide users with the ability to send money internationally from Belize at a later date. Britney Gordon for News Five.

First Day of Papal Conclave Ends Without a Decision

Black smoke rose from the Sistine Chapel chimney at 9 p.m. on Wednesday, which signalled that the first ballot in the conclave to elect a new pope ended without a decision.

The 133 cardinal electors, the largest number ever to participate in a conclave, failed to reach the required two-thirds majority of 89 votes. According to the Vatican News, only one round of voting took place on the first day. The result delays the selection of a successor to Pope Francis, who passed away on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025.

The conclave began earlier in the afternoon with a solemn Mass, followed by the cardinals’ procession into the Sistine Chapel and their oath of secrecy. Despite expectations that the first smoke signal would appear around 7 p.m., it was delayed by two hours due to the large number of votes to count.

Vatican News estimated that around 45,000 people filled St Peter’s Square, waiting for the traditional signal. While most did not expect a result on the first day, they gathered to witness the historic ritual.

Voting will resume on Thursday, with up to four ballots possible each day until a new pope is chosen.

Temu and Shein Shift Strategy as U.S. Closes Trade Loophole with Tariffs

Temu and Shein, two Chinese e-commerce giants, are facing steep tariffs after President Donald Trump closed a U.S. trade loophole. According to CNBC News, despite the disruption to their low-cost import model, experts say the companies remain well-positioned to compete in the American retail market.

Shipments from China no longer qualify for the de minimis rule, which had exempted imports under $800 from tariffs. The change exposes platforms like Temu and Shein to duties as high as 120%, or flat fees set to double to $200 in June. Prices for direct-from-China goods have already surged, which has prompted Temu to cease direct shipments to the U.S.

Critics long accused both companies of abusing the exemption to “undercut” local businesses and import counterfeit goods. But analysts caution against assuming their downfall.

CNBC reported that Temu has moved to fulfil orders from U.S. warehouses, while Shein is expanding manufacturing in countries like Turkey and Mexico.

The impact is already reaching Belize since many people shop on Temu and Shein using U.S. shipping addresses and freight services. Since the tariffs took effect, several Belizean Shein resellers have adjusted their prices.

Tracy Panton Reacts to Court Ruling

A recent ruling by Justice Hondora has invalidated the October 20, 2024 meeting widely referred to as the “Unity Convention” under Tracy’s Panton Alliance for Democracy. The justice declared it did not meet the constitutional requirements to be recognized as a legitimate National Convention.

In a statement today, Panton accepted the Court’s ruling and stressed the broader issues of constitutional defiance and internal reform that gave rise to the meeting in the first place. She said, “With the Party’s leadership refusing to follow its own constitution, and after lawful petitions for a National Convention were submitted and dismissed without justification, Hon. Panton and her supporters were left with no choice but to act. The Unity Convention held on October 20, 2024, was a direct response to that refusal—a catalyst to restore legitimacy, uphold internal democracy, and, most importantly, to allow the voices of the Party’s delegates to be heard. Though the Court ruled that the Convention did not conform strictly to the letter of the Party’s Constitution, the judgment does not erase the critical context: it was the outright obstruction and constitutional defiance by Barrow and Peyrefitte that forced reform-minded members to act.”

“The judgment does not erase the context,” Panton added. “It was the outright obstruction and constitutional defiance by Barrow and Peyrefitte that forced reform-minded members to act.”

The Court also ruled that Panton’s August 2024 expulsion from the UDP was unlawful, citing violations of the party’s constitution. Justice Hondora also ordered that if the parties cannot agree on legal costs within 14 days, they must submit written arguments for further directions.

Western Union Transfers Now Available via Digi Wallet

Receiving money from abroad is now faster and more convenient for Digi Wallet users. A new feature launched this week allows users to access Western Union transfers directly through the app, removing the need to visit physical locations. The service is a partnership between Digi Wallet, the Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry (B.C.C.I.), and Western Union.

The new service allows users to receive international funds with just a few taps on their mobile devices. “Once you select the button, you will be presented with the Western Union form… Then you press submit; within ten minutes, maximum twenty minutes, you will receive your Western Union funds in your Digi Wallet account,” said Monique Vicente Ford, Marketing Manager at Digi Wallet.

“What the Digi Wallet is now venturing into is wallet-adjacent services… that provide more access, more convenience,” Ford added.

Akmar Codd, Business Development Manager at the B.C.C.I., described the partnership as a natural progression. “It’s something that has been introduced within the region. So we in Belize, we are catching up on this. It’s just the way that we think we need to go. It’s accessible; it has the ease of doing business. It really gives our customers options,” he said.

There are no extra fees for using the digital service, but users must own the account receiving the funds. “As a subscriber, you have different holding limits. When you initially subscribe, you’re automatically provided with a silver wallet and you can hold up to fifteen hundred in your silver wallet at any one time. You can always upgrade to gold or platinum, which has higher limits for transacting,” Ford explained. “So if you know that you’re going to be receiving frequent transfers, you can always reach out to us.”

BREAKING: Justice Hondora Rules AFD’s October 20 Meeting Invalid

Justice Hondora has ruled that the purported United Democratic Party (UDP) National Convention held on October 20, 2024, was invalid and its resolutions non-binding on the party’s membership.

Delivering his judgment with emphasis on procedural integrity, Justice Hondora stated that any National Convention of the UDP must be “called, organised and held in compliance with the contractually agreed terms and processes set out in the UDP’s constitution.” He noted that any grievances regarding the refusal by the party chairperson, Central Executive Committee, or National Party Council to convene such a convention should have been pursued through the constitutionally prescribed mechanisms—or failing that, through legal proceedings in court.

Turning to the contested October meeting, the Court found that it did not meet the constitutional requirements to constitute a legitimate National Convention. As such, Justice Hondora declared that “the 20 October 2024 meeting was not a valid UDP National Convention and the decisions and resolutions adopted at that meeting are not binding on members of the UDP in their capacity as members of the party.” He added that while such resolutions may carry weight for those who attended, they hold no force within the broader UDP membership.

The Court also addressed the August 2024 expulsion of Tracy Panton from the party, finding the decision “unlawful” due to procedural breaches. “The August 2024 decision expelling Mrs. Panton from the UDP was adopted in breach of the UDP’s constitution,” Justice Hondora ruled.

On the issue of legal costs, the judge directed that if the parties fail to reach an agreement within 14 days, written submissions will be required, and case management orders will follow.

PSU to Join BNTU in Friday’s Demonstration

The Public Service Union (PSU) will be joining the Belize National Teachers’ Union (BNTU) for a joint demonstration on Friday in Belmopan against the Briceño Administration. The demonstration will coincide with the ceremonial opening of the National Assembly. PSU President Dean Flowers told News 5 that the PSU is fully backing the BNTU, citing shared concerns over conditions in the public sector. “The BNTU, PSU, and APSSM are part of what we refer to as the joint union negotiating team, and so the issue or issues that we’re currently facing affect all three associations or bodies,” Flowers stated.

He added, “We will be issuing an official call to our general membership to be at Friday’s rally and demonstration against what we view as injustices against public sector workers by the Briceño Administration.”

Flowers said that PSU’s membership has also requested a “comprehensive plan of action.”

Meanwhile, BNTU President Nadia Caliz addressed the Ministry of Education’s directive that schools remain open. “The Ministry is within its constitutional right… nothing is wrong with that, that comes out every single time we decide to demonstrate or strike,” she said.

BNTU President Responds to MOE Directive to Keep Schools Open on Friday

President of the Belize National Teachers’ Union (BNTU), Nadia Caliz, has responded to the directive from the Ministry of Education (MOE) that all schools are to remain open on Friday, 9 May, despite the union’s planned national demonstration in Belmopan.

In a live statement, Caliz acknowledged the Ministry’s legal authority, saying, “The Ministry is within its constitutional right; that memo speaks to keeping the schools open; nothing is wrong with that. That comes out every single time we decide to demonstrate or strike, whatever it is; that’s their right.”

She pointed to what she described as the memo’s underlying intent: “The other part of that memo is this, which you all understand. The indirect aspect of this is to reduce the BNTU’s numbers on Friday; that is up to you, to you, the membership.”

Caliz reminded teachers of their responsibility to notify parents in advance if they plan to join the protest, stating that teachers” “do not have the legal authority to not school, and there will be no classes.”

“You got to be prepared to take the stand that you voted for,” Caliz said to members and added that the teachers must be prepared to make some sacrifices, including a possible pay cut for the day.

To the ministry working along with school managements, Caliz Mek we put our efforts together to improve the system. Right now, what I know as a leader is that my members are tired; they’re frustrated.”

Belizean Educator Named Teacher of the Year Finalist in Texas

High school biology teacher Shartel “Shantel” Casimiro has been named Teacher of the Year and is now a finalist for the Gainesville Independent School District (GISD) Teacher of the Year Award in Texas.

Casimiro, originally from Orange Walk Town, is in her second year at GISD and brings five years of teaching experience in biology and integrated science. She joined the district through the GEC international teacher exchange programme, which allows qualified educators from abroad to teach in the U.S. for up to three years.

“I’m one of the cultural exchange teachers,” Casimiro stated. “This is my second year here at GISD. I’ve been a teacher for a total of 5 years. But I started back home in Belize.”

Casimiro teaches 9th grade biology and is known for breaking down complex scientific concepts in ways her students can grasp. “I always want my students to look at it as, ‘It’s not difficult; all I need is to learn the concept, and I’ll be okay,’” she said.

Her Belizean background has also been a valuable asset in the classroom when it comes to speaking and understanding the Spanish language. “That language barrier, I try to communicate with them in that language… I’m able to talk to them in Spanish,” she said.

Before her Teacher of the Year accolade, Casimiro was recognised as January’s Teacher of the Month. “We are so lucky to have her at our campus. Much deserved award,” Gainesville High School said in a social media statement.