Benita Keme-Palacio - Channel 5 Belize

Trump Claims Chinese President Called, China Says No

Tensions between the US and China flared again on Friday, with both sides offering starkly different accounts of ongoing tariff negotiations. President Donald Trump claimed in an interview with TIME magazine that talks with Beijing were underway, even asserting that Chinese President Xi Jinping had called him directly. China swiftly denied any such discussions, accusing the US of “creating confusion.”

The mixed messages have deepened global uncertainty over trade policy, just as world finance leaders wrap up the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank meetings in Washington. While US officials speak of swift progress, many international counterparts remain sceptical. IMF chiefs warn that the lack of clarity could put jobs and global growth at risk.

Signs of de-escalation have emerged, with China easing some tariffs on US goods. Yet Trump’s unpredictable stance, including threats of further duties, continues to rattle markets. Analysts say this chaos leaves key economies scrambling for clarity amid rising global stakes.

Guatemalan Man Busted with Unlicensed Ammo in Toledo

A Guatemalan labourer was arrested in Bella Vista Village, Toledo District, after being found with unlicensed ammunition during a police operation on Thursday, April 24.

Police reported that officers searched 46-year-old Carlos Alberto Gonzalez Marroquin and discovered three 12-gauge cartridges in his pocket.

Gonzalez Marroquin was unable to produce a valid gun licence and was taken into custody. He has been formally charged with Kept Ammunition Without a Gun License.

Fire Destroys House in Sandhill Village

A fire that destroyed a wooden house in Sandhill Village, Belize District, is now under police investigation. The incident occurred on Thursday, April 24, at Mile 16 on the Philip Goldson Highway.

According to police, they found the wooden structure fully engulfed in flames. Firefighters responded and brought the blaze under control and prevented it from spreading to nearby homes.Police reported that 23-year-old Darnel Arnold, a local fisherman, spotted smoke coming from his neighbour Darnell Gideon’s house and raised the alarm. No injuries were reported.

The cause of the fire remains unknown, and authorities are still working to determine the total value of the damages.

Gunman Steals SUV, Cash, Phones in Bold Daylight Robbery

Police are investigating an armed home invasion that occurred around 2:20 p.m. on Thursday, April 24, at Mile 11 on the Old Northern Highway in the Belize District. The homeowner told police he was at home when a man with a firearm approached his residence. Fearing for his life, he fled, leaving a staff member and a friend inside.

According to the victim, the armed suspect entered the home and stole a grey Honda Pilot SUV with license plate BZC-33404, registered to his son.

An undisclosed amount of cash and several cell phones were also taken. No injuries were reported. Authorities are pursuing leads as the investigation continues.

Guatemalan Authorities Withhold Support for Reef Protection Bill

Guatemala’s Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (MARN) and the National Council of Protected Areas (CONAP) have announced they cannot support a proposed law that would expand the Punta de Manabique protected area to include the ecologically valuable Cayman Crown Reef, citing legal and procedural shortcomings.

The proposed legislation, Bill 6499, aims to incorporate the reef, considered one of the best-preserved in the Guatemalan Caribbean, into the existing protected area framework. The reef plays a vital role in sustaining local marine biodiversity and supporting the livelihoods of fishers in the Izabal region.

However, both MARN and CONAP stressed that the bill lacks the required technical foundation to move forward. According to Guatemala’s Protected Areas Law, any official declaration of a protected area must be based on a comprehensive technical study approved by CONAP. Such a study must assess the environmental, social, economic, and cultural conditions of the area and the potential impacts on the local population.

“Without an approved technical study, support from relevant government institutions, and clear social backing, MARN and CONAP cannot endorse the incorporation of Corona Caimán into the protected area.”

Environmental advocates have voiced concern over the delay but acknowledge the need for due process.

The reef, located between Belize and Guatemala within the Sapodilla Cayes Marine Reserve, is a key ecological site. It hosts spawning grounds for finfish and deep-water species and is considered part of the vital Mesoamerican Reef system.

Locals in San Francisco Del Mar now claim a six-mile stretch, including much of Belize’s Conservation Zone 4, as Guatemalan territory, raising fears that NGO patrols will cease and unregulated fishing will resume.

National Student Union Demands Action on Harassment Claims at UB

The National Student Union of Belize (NSUB) is demanding urgent action and a full investigation into allegations of sexual harassment made against UB assistant professor, Dr. Pio Saqui.

Saqui is on administrative leave as the university conducts an investigation.

On April 16, News Five learnt that UB had records of complaints against Dr Saqui, who is also the president of the University of Belize Faculty and Staff Union (UBFSU), with the most recent damning complaint dated April 8.

Four students accused Dr Saqui of unwanted touching, sexual remarks, invasive questions, and persistent physical contact “despite visible discomfort and refusal.”

News Five reached out to Dr Saqui several times through various means when we broke the story. He has yet to reply to our request for comments.

In its statement, the NSUB said it “unequivocally condemns all forms of sexual harassment and misconduct” and voiced firm support for students who have come forward with claims spanning over a decade, calling the allegations “deeply concerning.”

The union said it “demands a thorough and transparent response.”

“We urge UB to ensure that this process adheres to the principles of fairness, impartiality, and accountability,” the union said, citing the university’s Student Handbook and the Anti-Sexual Harassment Act of 2024.

The union also called on the university to protect students from retaliation and to provide mental health support throughout the investigation. “

The NSUB said it will “continue to monitor this situation closely” and work to ensure student safety remains a top priority.

GoFundMe Launched for Chito Martinez’s Funeral Costs

A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to assist the family of Chito Martinez, the first and only Major League Baseball player born in Belize, following his death on Sunday, 20 April, at the age of 59.

Martinez passed away at his home in Lake Cormorant, Mississippi, after a series of recent hospitalisations. The cause of death has not been officially released, but according to the GoFundMe page, he had suffered a heart attack.

Ramiro Cortes, a close friend who organised the fundraiser, described Martinez as “a great friend who would give you the shirt off his back” and appealed for support to ease the financial burden on his widow.

“I have started this GoFundMe to help his widow with funeral and other expenses she will incur in the immediate future,” he said. “I ask that you search your heart for anything you can provide. Even prayers for God’s peace. It will bring great comfort in knowing that it will be one less thing she will have to deal with.”

Martinez’s funeral will be held Friday, 25 April, at Coleman Funeral Home in Southaven.

Domestic Violence Survivor Speaks Out After Near-Fatal Attack

A woman who narrowly escaped death after a brutal attack by her ex-partner is now pleading for public support as she works to rebuild her life.

The woman, formerly of San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, relocated to Belize City for safety after the incident. She told Ladyville Highlights she survived multiple stab wounds inflicted by her former partner, including stab injuries to her head, face, and under her arm. “I tried to defend myself, and that’s how I got more injuries… Lotta blood I lose,” she said.

The mother of four said she fought back to survive for her children. “I fight back because I have my four beautiful children,” she stated.

She revealed the abuse had been ongoing, with several police reports made. “This situation been in police hands more than one time,” she said. Though she tried to leave, she claimed her ex repeatedly returned and intimidated her. “I tried my best to leave him,” she told Ladyville Highlights.

The woman is now recovering and staying with a friend during her “transition” into rebuilding her life. Though her children are not with her at the moment, she hopes to be reunited with them soon.

She is now seeking the public’s help for financial assistance to cover her ongoing medical expenses, including a CT scan and a full assessment of the injuries she sustained, as she continues her recovery.

“Anybody who wants to extend their hands to me and help me, because I really need the help,” she said. Assistance can be made through Ladyville Highlights.

“To the young ladies,” she advised, “listen to your parents, make your parents your best friends, talk to your parents.”

Belize’s First MLB Player, Chito Martinez, Dies at 59

The first and only Major League Baseball player born in Belize, Chito Martinez, died at the age of 59. His death was confirmed by the Baltimore Orioles on Tuesday, 22 April, in a tribute posted on social media.

“We mourn the passing of former Orioles outfielder Chito Martinez, the only native of Belize to play in the majors,” the team wrote.

Martinez passed away on Sunday following a heart attack in Lake Cormorant, Mississippi. An official cause of death has not yet been released, but he had recently undergone several hospitalisations, according to a GoFundMe page set up to support his family.

Martinez moved to New Orleans when he was two years old and became a baseball standout at Brother Martin High School. Drafted by the Kansas City Royals in 1984, he later joined the Orioles, making his MLB debut in 1991. He played three seasons with the club, batting .259 with 18 home runs.

His younger brother, Robbie Martinez, told Crescent City Sports, “They called Chito ‘Mex’ and called me ‘Little Mex.’ He introduced me to baseball. I worshipped those guys in 1983 and 1984 at Brother Martin. Even more, he taught me about life, about how to be a dad, about golf, above and beyond baseball.”

Chito’s high school coach, Barry Hebert, praised him as “a once-in-a-lifetime young man to coach. He led by example.”

Martinez is survived by his wife Millie, three children, and extended family. A funeral service will be held Friday, April 25, at Coleman Funeral Home in Southaven, Mississippi.

Trump Hints at Lower China Tariffs, Markets Surge

Global markets surged after US President Donald Trump signalled a softer approach on trade tariffs and confirmed he has “no intention of firing” Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, BBC reported.

Speaking in the Oval Office, Trump said tariffs on Chinese imports would “come down substantially, but it won’t be zero”. He also described future talks with China as “very nice” in tone. This has raised hopes of progress in the long-running trade dispute.

The president’s comments mark a shift from his previous confrontational stance. Trump had imposed tariffs as high as 145% on Chinese goods in a bid to bring jobs back to the US. But with reciprocal action from Beijing and economic uncertainty mounting, markets welcomed signs of a thaw.

Asian stock indexes reacted positively, with Japan’s Nikkei up 1.9% and Hong Kong’s Hang Seng rising 2.2%. US markets also rallied, with the S&P 500 climbing 2.5% on Tuesday.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) warned this week that global growth is slowing due to tariff uncertainty. China has yet to officially respond, but state media suggested the US may now realise the damage caused by the trade war.