2025 - Channel 5 Belize

Shooting Victim Derrick Hines “Stable At This Time”

Police in Punta Gorda Town have arrested and charged a man in connection with the weekend shooting of Derrick Hines on Prince Street.

According to police, Hines was in his yard on Saturday, April 19, when a known individual approached and fired several shots in his direction. He was hit and taken for medical treatment, where he remains in stable condition.

Assistant Commissioner of Police Hilberto Romero confirmed that the accused, Felix Gonzalez, has been charged with attempted murder and use of deadly means of harm.

Romero said the incident appears to be linked to an ongoing rivalry between two groups in Punta Gorda. Romero confirmed that Hines is known to be affiliated with one of the groups.

Hines was alone at the time of the attack.

KHMH Union Slams Pay Raises Amid ‘Pension Crisis’

The Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital Authority Workers Union (KHMHAWU) is blasting the Briceño Administration for what it calls “blatant disregard for frontlineworkers”, following salary increases for high-ranking government officials while hospital staff remain without pension benefits.

As we have been reporting, a March 28 memo from Cabinet Secretary Stuart Leslie confirms that salary hikes for top officials took effect retroactively from March 13—raising the Cabinet Secretary’s pay to $96,000 and CEOs’ salaries to $88,000, a 15.7% increase.

“KHMHA workers—nurses, doctors, technicians, administrative and support staff—continue to serve the people of Belize without a pension plan, without answers, and without respect.”

The union called the move “a slap in the face” and demanded:

Pension reform for KHMHA staff

A freeze on salary hikes for political appointees

Resumption of good-faith negotiations

“No more empty promises; No more excuses; No pension = action,” the union declared, warning that if justice is delayed further, it will explore “all available options—including industrial action.”

Belize Declares Mourning for Pope Francis

The Government of Belize has declared an official period of mourning following the death of His Holiness, Pope Francis, the spiritual leader of over a billion Catholics worldwide. The announcement was made today by the Office of the Prime Minister.

In honour of the late pontiff’s passing, Prime Minister John Briceño has directed Cabinet Secretary Stuart Leslie, who is currently acting as Governor-General in the absence of Dame Froyla Tzalam, to ensure that all Belizean national flags are flown at half-mast beginning midday on Thursday, April 24, until the conclusion of the Pope’s Committal Service on April 26, 2025.

Pope Francis passed away peacefully at his Vatican residence on April 21, 2025, at the age of 88, the Vatican has confirmed. His death marks the end of a groundbreaking papacy defined by humility, inclusivity, and a strong focus on social justice.

His body will lie in state at St. Peter’s Basilica beginning April 23. Funeral arrangements will be finalised following a meeting of Cardinals.

Mass Stranding of Pilot Whales Reported Near Drown Caye – Public Urged to Stay Away

A mass stranding of pilot whales has been reported in the waters near Drown Caye, just off the coast of Belize City. The Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute Belize, in coordination with the Belize Fisheries Department and the Ministry of Blue Economy and Marine Conservation, is currently responding to the incident.

Authorities are issuing an urgent advisory to all mariners and members of the public to avoid the area to prevent further distress to the animals and to ensure the safety of responders.

“Approaching stranded whales can pose serious risks. These are large, powerful marine mammals that may behave unpredictably when distressed,” the Institute said in a statement.

The public is strongly urged to:

• Stay clear of the area by both boat and watercraft.

• Do not approach the whales in any way.

• Report any sightings or related activity by contacting the response team at 615-3838.

Response efforts are ongoing, with teams monitoring the situation closely and working to provide necessary aid to the pod.

Officials thank the public for their understanding and cooperation during this critical time.

Will the BNTU Take Action Over CEO Pay Hikes?

The Belize National Teachers’ Union (BNTU) expressed strong disapproval over the salary increases granted to chief executive officers and the cabinet secretary, describing them as “obscene” while teachers continue to wait for overdue pay adjustments.

In an official statement released on Wednesday, April 16, the union said it noted “with tremendous concern, the obscene salary increases for government officials that has been made public through a recent document from the desk of the Cabinet Secretary.”

According to an official document dated March 28, 2025, signed by Cabinet Secretary Stuart Leslie and addressed to Financial Secretary Joseph Waight and the CEOs, the salary adjustments were approved but retroactively took effect from 13 March. The Cabinet Secretary’s annual salary was raised to $96,000, while CEOs to $88,000 annually, a 15.7% increase from the previous $76,000.

That same day, the President of BNTU, Nadia Martin-Caliz, addressed members in a livestream, saying, “I’ve heard your cries, I’ve received your messages, and everything. My action is going to take directly to your demands.”

The BNTU reminded the Government of Belize of its unmet commitments regarding educators’ frozen and outstanding increments.

She spoke on the disparity between public officers’ salary hikes and teachers’ unresolved issues, stating, “Every time we see persons being paid while our educators are suffering. We are now saying to you, the government of Belize, that the BTNU will be meeting with its affiliates and caucusing with its membership because we’re getting ready to take action.

Earth Day 2025: “Our Power, Our Planet” – A Call to Triple Renewable Energy by 2030

Earth Day 2025 brings the theme “Our Power, Our Planet,” urging global unity around renewable energy with the goal of tripling clean electricity capacity by 2030. As the climate crisis intensifies, this call is crucial in achieving the global target of limiting warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.

According to the International Energy Agency, the world’s renewable energy capacity must grow from 3,700 GW in 2024 to over 11,000 GW by 2030. This massive shift requires increased investments, expanded infrastructure, and equitable access to clean energy, especially in vulnerable communities.

Earth Day events worldwide—ranging from climate marches to energy justice forums—are led by youth, Indigenous leaders, and activists, who emphasize the need for a fair transition. “Energy is power, and we are reclaiming it for a just and sustainable future,” said climate advocate Farhana Ahmed.

The movement also calls on individuals to take action—whether by supporting green energy policies, switching to renewable power, or advocating for local commitments to clean energy.

As Earth Day 2025 reminds us, the future of our planet depends on the choices we make today. “Our Power, Our Planet” is a call to act, united for a cleaner, more sustainable world.

British Cyclist Wins Belize’s 95th Cross Country Title

British cyclist Jim Brown of the Miami Blazers emerged as the 95th Cross Country Champion on Saturday, completing the demanding race at Digi Park in 5 hours, 45 minutes and 40 seconds.

Brown edged out Alfredo Bueno of Legion of Los Angeles, who took second, with Omar Espinosa of Knix and Knax in third. The highest-placed Belizean cyclist crossed the line in fourth.

Brown, who arrived in Belize just days before the race, admitted he was unprepared for Belize’s weather. “Super difficult, to be honest; I’m really not used to this whole weather,” he said. “I was not feeling good at all in the middle part of the race.”

Despite a rough start, Brown said he strategically followed the defending champion and formed a small working group. “That cohesion was not behind, so we just took off, and that was that,” he explained.

When he saw the leading group had opened a three-minute gap, Brown said it was a clear sign he “should have a really good chance” at the win.

The UK-based rider said he trains around 20 hours a week, often in hilly terrain and mixed weather, but stated, “I didn’t know what we were heading for, but I loved it.”

NICH Joins Belize in Mourning The Death of Deon “Concego” Ögaldez

Belize’s music and cultural community is grieving the death of artist, songwriter, and producer Deon “Concego” Ögaldez, who passed away following a motorcycle accident on Thursday, April 17

In a statement, the National Institute of Culture and History (NICH) hailed Concego as a vibrant force in Belizean music, saying it joins the “Belizean creative community and fans in mourning.”

Concego died three days after the accident. He was hospitalised at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.

NICH added, “His undeniable passion and talent are evident in a string of hits such as “Siddong and Bounce”, “Sufrida” and “Namule”, among others…He was known for his boisterous and energetic performances, at home in Belize and on international stages in the U.S., Mexico and Guatemala.”

In 2024, Concego co-produced “Belizean Party” for the National Celebrations and, in 2021, contributed “Work Together” to the Belize-Taiwan Song Commission.

Since his passing, fans have flooded social media with tributes, mourning a powerful voice in Garifuna culture.

SSB Welcomes New Chair Chandra Nisbet Cansino

The Social Security Board (SSB) has welcomed Chandra Nisbet Cansino as Chair of the Board of Directors, effective from 1 April 2025.

In a statement issued by the SSB, the board praised Nisbet Cansino’s extensive background in public service and senior management, calling her appointment timely and strategic. “She joins us at a pivotal time as we strive to enhance our services to insured persons, employers, and the broader society,” SSB stated.

Nisbet Cansino is expected to play a key role in steering the SSB towards greater sustainability and efficiency. “We welcome her in this new role with the Social Security Board and look forward to her guidance, experience, and vision in strengthening our policies, improving our systems, and ensuring the sustainability and efficiency of our social security programmes,” the statement added.

The appointment comes as the Board intensifies efforts to modernise its services and strengthen its institutional framework. She remains as CEO of the KHMH.