The makers of Belikin Beer have announced a temporary disruption in the supply of their bottled products due to unexpected power outages that have impacted production facilities.
Bowen and Bowen said in a statement that the recent power disruptions caused significant strain on the company’s power systems. The company said that while backup generators were in place, the sudden and severe nature of the outages led to equipment failures, particularly affecting the production line responsible for bottling beer in glass.
“The main impact has been on Line 2, which produces our beer in glass bottles. As a result, there will be temporary disruptions in the supply of Belikin Beer and Belikin Stout in glass bottles.” Technical teams are actively working to repair the affected systems and restore full production.
A nationwide power outage in Belize on Monday night left most residents without electricity for nearly an hour. The blackout was caused by a generation emergency in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, prompting Belize’s main power supplier, Comisión Federal de Electricidad, to cut service. Belize Electricity Limited (B.E.L.) responded by activating local generation sources and fully restored power by 12:47 a.m.
The Ministry of Education (MOE) has issued a directive for all schools to remain open on Friday, 9 May, despite a planned national demonstration by the Belize National Teachers’ Union (BNTU) in Belmopan.
In an official memorandum circulated Tuesday, the Ministry stated it “maintains the position that all schools remain open on Friday, May 9, 2025, in accordance with Rule 102(4).”
The memo comes in response to the BNTU’s announcement of industrial action over stalled salary negotiations and the union’s push to raise the minimum wage from $5 to $6 per hour. Over 2,500 teachers voted in favour of protest action during a recent national meeting of nearly 3,000 members.
This Friday’s demonstration is set to be the first step in a possible three-tier escalation that could lead to a full strike if demands are not met.
The MOE has warned against any premature school closures. “Principals are reminded that they do not have the authority to issue notices to parents cancelling classes,” the ministry said. It reinforced that “Friday, May 9, 2025, is a regular school day” and added that “school transportation will operate as per normal.” All principals, teachers, and parents are expected to comply.
However, the public is voicing concerns online. “Trying to undermine the demonstration. As you can see, a lot of people are with the teachers,” one user wrote. Another added, “Teachers have a right to demonstrate… we as parents should support them and find a way to keep our kids home safe.”
Many parents are now questioning whether they will send children to school or join in support of teachers.
The Roman Catholic Church has entered a pivotal moment as 133 cardinals from around the world have begun the secretive process of electing a new pope. The conclave, held inside the iconic Sistine Chapel, was officially sealed today following the death of Pope Francis last month.
According to CNN, With no clear frontrunner, the cardinals are now casting ballots to choose the Church’s next leader. To be elected, a candidate must receive more than two-thirds of the votes. If that doesn’t happen in today’s round, voting will continue on Thursday.
True to centuries-old tradition, the Vatican has placed the Sistine Chapel under complete lockdown to preserve the sanctity and secrecy of the process. However, modern technology has added a new layer of security. Signal jammers have been activated to block any external communication, and all cardinals were required to surrender their phones and electronic devices for the duration of the conclave.
The Government of Belize and the United Nations came together this week for their 5th Joint National Steering Committee Meeting to track progress and strengthen their partnership under the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNMSDCF) for 2022–2026.
This session brought together top UN officials and Belizean government leaders to align national development plans with global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Belize’s priorities under “Plan Belize 2.0” were reviewed alongside the UN’s regional cooperation strategy, which covers 22 Caribbean countries.
One of the highlights of the meeting was the presentation of the 2024 UN Country Results Report, outlining 161 development projects in Belize backed by an estimated budget of US$47 million. Nearly half of that funding still needs to be secured, but the UN and Government are confident in expanding partnerships and programs under the new “Funding Compact 2.0.”
The meeting wrapped up with discussions on the roadmap for the next cooperation framework (2027–2031) and preparations for the UN’s 80th anniversary celebrations in Belize.
In response to a surge in gang-related violence, a state of public emergency has been officially declared in parts of Belize City, the Belize District, and the Cayo District. Governor-General Dame Froyla Tzalam signed the proclamation, which takes immediate effect and grants law enforcement expanded powers to restore order and ensure public safety in affected communities.
The emergency declaration comes amid a wave of deadly shootings, including the recent killing of Brandon Baptist and the shooting of another individual identified as Rojas—events that police say pushed the threat level from high to critical.
Police Commissioner Dr. Richard Rosado said, “With the death of Brandon Baptist, the security threat was high, and with the shooting of Rojas, it has now escalated to a critical level. At the critical stage that it is right now, there’s a need for [a State of Emergency]. I believe that one month will not suffice, two months will not suffice—we must start off at six months at the very least.”
Dr. Rosado added that the police department is fully deploying all available resources to restore peace and safety, stressing that recent violent incidents are “totally unacceptable” and that authorities are doing everything possible to bring those responsible to justice.
In Belize City and the Belize District, the emergency order covers:
George Price Highway to Belize River, Central American Blvd to Lake Independence Blvd
Central American Blvd to George Price Highway to Fabers Road
Central American Blvd to George Price Highway to the Caribbean Sea to Fabers Road
Haulover Creek to Cemetery Road to Central American Blvd to West Collet Canal
Sections around Cemetery Road, Queen Charlotte Street, Caesar Ridge Road
Yarborough Road to Regent Street to Haulover Creek
Queen Street, Handyside Street, Gabourel Lane, North Front Street
Ladyville Village, including Lord’s Bank
Communities at Mile 7 to 9 on the George Price Highway, including West Lake, Eight Miles, Sunset, and Western Pines
In the Cayo District, affected zones include:
Hattieville Area and Roaring Creek Village
Another World Area in Roaring Creek Village
Young Bank Area in Camalote Village
The state of emergency will initially remain in effect for one month, unless revoked sooner. However, based on the critical nature of the situation, authorities—including Commissioner Rosado—are advocating for an initial extension to six months. The National Assembly may extend the measure in increments not exceeding twelve months at a time.
However some are not convinced that this latest SOE will work. One social media users posted, “Unu feel like this contain crime… It’s sad the civilian have to punish for those who can’t do there jobs. Big day crime happen,” and another said, “I was really hoping we would see a different approach to fighting this crime epidemic! A proper strategy that clearly outlines the short, Medium and long term actions towards reducing social violence.”
The Orange Walk Football Association (OWFA) has taken decisive action following an incident of racism during a football match between Yo Creek United FC and Mi Gente FC on Sunday.
According to a statement from the association, the incident occurred when players from Yo Creek United were reported for directing racist remarks at an opposing player. As a result, the match was suspended in the 82nd minute after match officials enforced the Football Federation of Belize’s (FFB) anti-racism protocol.
The association says it has a zero-tolerance policy on racism, discrimination, and abusive conduct in football. Following a detailed review of reports from the match commissioner and referee, the OWFA Disciplinary Committee issued sanctions. Three players from Yo Creek United FC have each been suspended for one year and seven months, making them ineligible to participate in any OWFA-sanctioned tournaments until January 2027. These sanctions are final and cannot be appealed. Additionally, further disciplinary action may be taken by the FFB once the case is reviewed by its Disciplinary Committee.
This morning, thirty-one-year-old Kadeem Orosco was tragically shot and killed near his home in Belize, in what appears to be part of an ongoing gang feud that has claimed two other lives since Monday. Orosco was walking on Ebony Street after taking his seven-year-old daughter to school when he was targeted. His grief-stricken relatives arrived at the scene shortly after. Police are now working to identify the killer, facing the third murder in two days and growing concerns about citizen security. News Five’s Paul Lopez reports.
Paul Lopez, Reporting
A father returning home from dropping off his daughter at St. Martin’s School this morning is the latest murder victim in a rash of gun violence that has gripped the Old Capital. Thirty-one-year-old Kadeem Orosco was shot dead at the corner of Ebony and Sittee Street in Belize City. Relatives of the victim were overwhelmed with grief at the scene. Kadeem’s father, Douglas Orosco, arrived shortly after the shooting and pleaded with police to let him see his son. The community is left mourning the loss of a young father whose life was cut short in a senseless act of violence.
Douglas Orosco
Douglas Orosco, Father of Deceased
“Why unu the handle the case like we dah the killer? I need to see my son. Deh the handle this case like we are the killers, I need to see my son. Daily routine, everyday. He is usually on bike, but probably because he the walk and thing, I don’t know who do it, and this nuh right brother for real. They call me just now and told me they shot Kadeem, I said what did Kadeem do. He didn’t do anybody anything. He is not a gang, he try to find jobs. So they told me they shot my son and I am here to see what happened. Now, they don’t want me to see my son. Now they are acting like we are killers. I need to see my son.”
Douglas Orosco and his sister, Teresita Orosco, were eventually allowed past the police tape to see the body of their loved one, Kadeem Orosco. Initial investigations reveal that Kadeem was walking home alone when an armed individual approached and fired several shots, fatally wounding him.
Paul Lopez
“Can you confirm whether this murder is connected to the last two over the last twenty-four hours?”
“I cannot say if it is connected, however we have several leads we are following up and several persons in custody in regards to these recent murders.”
Reporter
“Could it be gang related?”
ACP Hilberto Romero
“We have information that it is gang related.”
Paul Lopez
“Can you say if it is connected to the ongoing gang feud?”
ACP Hilberto Romero
“Yes we have information that it is connected, that is why we have around sixty persons in custody at this time. We are conducting several operations in the Belize district and we continue with our works on the ground.”
In response to a wave of violence that saw three murders within twenty-four hours, authorities have detained sixty suspected gang members. The recent spike in gun violence has left the community shaken, including Teresita Orosco, who lost her nephew in one of the attacks. Saddened by the tragic events, Orosco is calling on the authorities to declare a state of emergency to restore peace and safety.
Teresita Orosco
Teresita Orosco, Aunt of Deceased
“I think that state of emergency should ramp up to a year in prison without parole. I know it wont slow down the crime rate, but it will do something to the culprits them. If they lock up the famous gang figures and the younger minions are out here, they will still do the same. This will not happen. But if they bring back capital punishment, hang them. It is an eye for an eye, the bible says, an eye for an eye. If you kill somebody, just know that you will get killed too. Heng deh, we as families have to cry out for justice. We have to cry out for capital punishment to come back, hang them.”
A police surveillance camera located at the corner of Ebony Street, just a short distance from where Kadeem Orosco was gunned down, could provide crucial evidence in the ongoing investigation. Authorities are hopeful that footage from the camera will help identify the shooter and bring justice to Orosco’s grieving family.
ACP Hilberto Romero
“We have several cameras around the city so when an incident occurs we review them and see what information we get from them.”
Reporter
“Is it working?”
ACP Hilberto Romero
“That camera is working, so we are reviewing footage.”
Teresita Orosco
“We need justice, but I know on this earth, we will not get justice, but God is. He still sits high on his throne, you understand what I am saying.”
The tragic murder of Orosco remains shrouded in mystery as police continue to search for a motive. Despite his father’s assurance that Orosco had no ties to street gangs, the Commissioner of Police, Doctor Richard Rosado, revealed today that Orosco’s residence in a highly unstable area may have played a role in his untimely death. The community’s volatility adds a complex layer to the investigation, leaving many questions unanswered.
Richard Rosado
Dr. Richard Rosado, Commissioner of Police
“Presently, we are still exploring several theories to establish the motive, but we do know that his connection to a certain faction, while he might not be an active member of a group, the area in which he lives is associated to one of the affiliates in the Martin’s area.”
Reporter
“So was he kind of an innocent casualty?”
Dr. Richard Rosado
“I wouldn’t want to get into the merits and demerits of the case, but we do know that all the recent shootings – they’re closely connected to the rivalry in the Martins [area] between the two main factions.”
Just a week into his new role, Police Commissioner Doctor Richard Rosado is already dealing with a surge in gun violence in the Belize District. Despite the challenges, Rosado remains unfazed and committed to restoring peace in Lake I. While he hasn’t specified when a State of Emergency might be declared, over sixty individuals are already in custody. If implemented, the S.O.E. could see those detained held for at least six months. Rosado also plans to reassign police officers to better address the situation. He assured that the upcoming union demonstration in Belmopan on Friday won’t interfere with current policing efforts.
Richard Rosado
Dr. Richard Rosado, Commissioner of Police
“I want to start off by saying that with the death of Brandon Baptist, the security threat was high, and with the shooting with of Rojas, it has now escalated to a critical level. So at present we are discussing with the National Security Council to see if we will implement a State of Emergency, but I do believe that at the critical stage that it is right now, there’s a need for it. I believe that one month will not suffice, two months will not suffice and we must start off at six months at the very least. But at any case, there must be some drastic measures to be taken. But before I continue with that, I want to assure the public that we’re using all available resources. We’re deploying all available resources to ensure that we restore peace, safety, and normalcy to the streets. Those incidents that recently happened, it’s totally unacceptable. And we are doing everything that is possible to bring those individuals to justice. With change in any command vacancy will be created and with vacancies, we must put people that are best fitted and qualified in those posts. And it is true that we have a number of – when one vacancy opens, it creates a number of other vacancies. So, there will be a number of shuffling that will be happening around.”
Reporter
“If the S.O.E is implemented, any idea if that is going to affect the unions’ plan to demonstrate in Belmopan, given that the police may be stretched thin?”
Dr. Richard Rosado
“The unions have a right to demonstrate as long as they do that in the context of the law and we support any peaceful demonstration provided it is done in the context of the law and the unions have always done their demonstration peacefully, so I don’t so expect anything out of the ordinary.”
In a shocking display of audacity, the murder of Kadeem Orosco happened right under a public surveillance camera this morning, raising serious concerns. This isn’t the first time such a brazen act has been captured on camera, prompting us to question the newly appointed Police Commissioner about the effectiveness of these surveillance tools in solving high-profile murders. As the community grapples with this latest tragedy, the spotlight is on law enforcement to deliver justice and restore a sense of security.
Marion Ali
“These men don’t seem to be at all deterred by these cameras. How effective are these surveillance cameras, and in terms of the court aspect, in terms of the prosecution, do they really end up in convictions?”
Richard Rosado
Dr. Richard Rosado, Commissioner of Police
“ A number of our cases that we have solved, a number of the cases that have been in violent crimes, the security cameras have assisted us and they have served as important evidential material in cases and in court.”
