Benita Keme-Palacio - Channel 5 Belize

Trump Slaps 100% Tariffs on Movies ‘Produced in Foreign Lands’

U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Sunday a sweeping 100% tariff on all films “produced in foreign lands”, claiming the American film industry is under attack and labelling foreign incentives a “national security threat.”

“WE WANT MOVIES MADE IN AMERICA, AGAIN!” Trump said in a post on Truth Social. “I am authorising the Department of Commerce and the United States Trade Representative to immediately begin the process.”

Film production in Los Angeles has declined nearly 40% over the last decade, according to FilmLA.

Trump added, “This is a concerted effort by other nations and, therefore, a national security threat…. It is, in addition to everything else, messaging and propaganda!”

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick responded on X, stating, “We’re on it,” The Guardian reported.

Man Shot Dead in Double Head Cabbage, LOO Condemns Violence

Police are investigating the murder of Aaron Lindo from Belize City this morning.

Lindo was fatally shot in Double Head Cabbage Village.

Video footage circulating online shows Lindo lying on the ground being held by two females.

Police processed the scene and have not confirmed the motive, and suspects remain unknown.

The Leader of the Opposition, Tracy Panton, condemned the growing violence across Belize in a social media statement. “The brazen killing of Aaron Lindo as he stood at a bus stop with his wife is yet another painful reminder that violence has spiralled dangerously out of control in our nation,” she stated.

Panton added that “far too many Belizeans are living under siege, gripped by fear and uncertainty,” and stressed that “every act of brutality chips away at the foundations of our society.”

WHO Calls for Better Hand Hygiene and Less Glove Waste in 2025 Campaign

Each year on May 5, the SAVE LIVES: Clean Your Hands campaign by the World Health Organisation (WHO) aims to maintain a global spotlight on the critical role of hand hygiene in preventing infection. Now in its 17th year, the 2025 campaign carries the theme “It Might Be Gloves. It’s Always Hand Hygiene.” The global initiative focuses on infection prevention and control (IPC), particularly through optimal hand hygiene and responsible glove use.

“Gloves can get contaminated as easily as bare hands and do not protect 100%,” WHO said in its statement. Proper hand hygiene is the most effective defence against the spread of infections. The WHO estimates 136 million cases of antibiotic-resistant infections linked to healthcare occur annually. In response, WHO urges stronger infection prevention and control (IPC) efforts worldwide.

“IPC interventions such as hand hygiene and ensuring access to high-quality water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) services can reduce the risk of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) by up to 70% and have a high economic return on investment,” the WHO stated.

The overuse of medical gloves is also contributing to rising healthcare waste, with hospitals producing increasing volumes annually. “Using gloves when not indicated wastes resources and does not necessarily reduce transmission of germs,” the WHO stated.

According to WHO, an average university hospital generates 1,634 tonnes of medical waste yearly, a figure growing by 2–3% since the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Hand hygiene at the right times and in the right way is still one of the most important measures to protect patients and health workers in healthcare,” it added.

The WHO has set 2026 as the deadline for countries to establish hand hygiene compliance monitoring in all reference hospitals. “By 2026, hand hygiene compliance monitoring and feedback should be established as a key national indicator.”

Son Attacks Father with Machete in Corozal

Police are searching for a man who attacked his father with a machete in Louiseville, Corozal.

Reports indicate that the two were socialising and consuming alcohol when the son attacked his father, Sair Witz, with a machete. The motive behind the incident has not yet been disclosed.

Witz was rushed to the Northern Regional Hospital and later transferred to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital with severe injuries. His condition is currently unknown.

Authorities are actively seeking the suspect and urge anyone with information to assist in the investigation.

BNTU Announces National Demonstration

The Belize National Teachers’ Union (BNTU) has officially announced a national demonstration for Friday, May 9, 2025, in Belmopan. Teachers are encouraged to wear green this week leading up to Friday’s demonstration.

The union is also encouraging the public for their support stating, “We matter – what affects me affects you.”

This move follows a vote on Wednesday, where over 2,500 union members backed industrial action. BNTU demands a salary adjustment and an increase in the minimum wage from $5 to $6 per hour. Coral Lord, Belize District President of BNTU, stated on Wednesday, “We are willing to take the appropriate actions to ensure that government meets its obligation to the public sector.”

The demonstration is part of a three-phase plan: Phase 1 includes the public demonstration, Phase 2 a two-day national shutdown, and Phase 3 a full strike. The union’s actions follow a recent salary increase for top government officials, including the Cabinet Secretary and Chief Executive Officers.

Belize Closes Shark Fishing Season Until October

The Belize Fisheries Department has officially announced the annual closure of the shark fishing season, effective from the 1st May, until 31st October 2025. The ban is part of the Fisheries (Amendment) Regulation under Statutory Instrument No. 128 of 2021.

Under the regulation, “No person shall take, buy, sell, possess, or export shark meat or fins during the period 1st May to 31st October in any year.” Authorities stress that breaches will be met with strict penalties. Offenders are liable to “a fine of not less than $1,000 and not more than $5,000 or to imprisonment for 6 months or to both.”

The department said in a statement, “The public is advised to comply with the stipulated shark regulations.” It added that all citizens should be vigilant and report violations.

15-Year-Old Drowns in Cayo

15-year-old Deshawn Najera, a football player from San Ignacio, tragically drowned in the Macal River in Cayo District on Saturday, May 3, 2025. His body was recovered later that day.

Family members confirmed his passing on social media, with one stating, “I’m so sorry you’re gone… I just want to wake up from this damn dream.”

The Football Federation of Belize (FFB) issued a statement mourning the loss of Najera, one of its talented and promising young footballers. “His passion for the game, discipline on the field, and bright spirit made a lasting impact on those who had the privilege to know him and play alongside him,” FFB said.

Najera was a 2nd form school at St. Ignatius High in Santa Elena. The school also expressed their loss in a social media statement saying, “With heavy hearts, we extend our deepest sympathies… Deshawn will be remembered for his bright spirit and kind heart.”

Trump Posts AI Image Dressed as Pope, Catholics Outraged

President Donald Trump has been accused of mocking the Catholic Church after posting an AI-generated image of himself dressed as the pope, just days before a new pontiff is to be elected and while the Vatican remains in mourning for Pope Francis.

The image, shared on Trump’s Truth Social platform and the White House’s official X account late Friday, shows the US President in full papal attire, a white cassock, gold crucifix, and mitre, pointing skyward. It follows a recent comment by Trump that he would “like to be pope,” and comes less than a week after he attended Francis’s funeral in Rome.

According to BBC, the New York State Catholic Conference accused Trump of mocking the faith, stating: “There is nothing clever or funny about this image, Mr President… Do not mock us.” Former Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi also denounced it, calling the post insulting and offensive to believers.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt defended Trump, noting he flew to Italy for Pope Francis’s funeral and has long supported religious liberty. However, critics across the religious and political spectrum accused Trump of poor taste and self-aggrandisement, with Italian media branding it “pathological megalomania,” CNN reported.

UB Prize for Investigative Journalism Award Announced

The University of Belize hosted its annual Prize for Investigative Journalism on Saturday evening in Belize City.

The ceremony coincided with World Press Freedom Day. “Tonight we gather not only to hand out awards but to recognise something essential to our democracy—the power of truth,” stated UB President Vincent Palacio. “Investigative journalism has always stood at the intersection of justice and truth.”

A panel of distinguished judges, including Jacqueline Charles, Eyder Peralta, Kalilah Reynolds, and Freeman Rogers, reviewed the submissions.

Marco Lopez claimed top prize for Code Red in the Blue. News Five’s Paul Lopez, George Tillett and Joel Westby were finalists along with Channel 7. Rogers hailed News 5’s submission, calling it a standout. “I liked how that investigation showed curiosity… from golf carts to casinos… that natural curiosity was really interesting, sort of how local curiosity lead to his big story,” he said.

This year’s keynote speaker was Belizean-born CNN Senior Justice Correspondent Evan Perez, who delivered a powerful message on the state of press freedom and the growing challenges facing journalism today.

PUP Warns Public About Free Data Scam

A fraudulent advertisement claiming to offer free mobile data to supporters of the People’s United Party (PUP) has prompted a strong warning from the party. In a statement issued today, the PUP denounced the promotion as a “fraudulent advertisement,” stating that it has no involvement in the offer.

The party added, “This is completely untrue, as no such offer exists. The party is working with the service providers to get the fraudulent post removed.”

The scam is being spread through text messages, labelled as an “Appreciation Offer.” It falsely claims that the PUP, in collaboration with telecom providers Smart and DigiCell, is giving away “50GB of free data and airtime” as a “gift of appreciation.”

The message encourages recipients to click on a link to claim the non-existent reward.

The PUP is urging the public to remain alert to online scams and advises “not to click on the link.”