Benita Keme-Palacio - Channel 5 Belize

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.

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.

Pilot of Hijacked Plane Speaks Out: “A Second Chance at Life”

Howell Grange, the pilot of the hijacked domestic Tropic Air plane on Thursday, April 17, issued a statement this morning expressing deep gratitude for a “second chance at life.”

On Thursday morning, 49-year-old U.S. military veteran Akinyela Sawa Taylor hijacked a Tropic Air Cessna Caravan aircraft, registered V3-HIG, at knifepoint. The flight was en route from Corozal to San Pedro and was carrying 14 passengers and two crew members.

Despite making a safe landing at the Philip Goldson International Airport (PGIA) after being hijacked in mid-flight, three passengers, including pilot Grange, were stabbed. Law enforcement, medical, and fire personnel were ready at PGIA when the plane landed. Fitzgerald Brown and Jair (Franchesco) Castañeda and pilot Grange were immediately given medical attention for their injuries. Images and videos from inside the plane show a severely injured Castañeda, while the other passengers huddled at the back of the plane.

A passenger on board the aircraft shot and killed Taylor moments after the plane landed at the PGIA.

In his statement on social media, Grange credited his survival to the quick response of authorities, his family’s support, and divine intervention, stating, “All your prayers, which I believe are the reason I’m still here today.”

Grange also commended Brown and Castañeda’s bravery during the ordeal and wished them a speedy recovery. He said, “To Mr Brown and Jair Castaneda, congratulations on your bravery. I am forever grateful for your help, and I wish you both a smooth and speedy recovery.”

Grange, who was hospitalised in critical condition over the long Easter weekend, remains getting treatment in Belize City. In a statement, he said, “I am able to stay positive and focus on healing from this incident. I thank the Good Lord for giving me a second chance at life, one that I will cherish even more deeply moving forward.”

US Offers $5 Million Reward for MS-13 Gang Leader

The United States has intensified its crackdown on transnational crime by officially designating the violent gang Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO). At the centre of the effort is Yulan Adonay Archaga Carías, also known as “Porky” and “Alexander Mendoza,” the gang’s top leader in Honduras, now wanted under terrorism and organised crime charges.

The U.S. government under the Trump administration is offering up to $5 million for information leading to Archaga Carías’s arrest or conviction. He is accused of overseeing MS-13’s brutal operations.

“Archaga Carías is the highest-ranking member of MS-13 in Honduras and is responsible for directing the gang’s criminal activities, such as drug trafficking, money laundering, murder, kidnappings, and other violent crimes involving machine guns,” the US Department of State said in a statement on Monday. “He is also responsible for the gang’s importation of large amounts of cocaine into the United States.”

“This terrorist leader can no longer be allowed to live free,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “If you can contribute information leading to his arrest—come forward now.”

Archaga Carías, 43, remains at large and is listed among the FBI, DEA, and Homeland Security Investigations’ top 10 most wanted fugitives.

Teen and 27-Year-Old Arrested for Murder in Punta Gorda

Police have charged two men in connection with the murder of Jeremiah Coc, who was found chopped to death Friday, April 18, in Punta Gorda Town.

A 17-year-old Guatemalan national and 27-year-old Belizean construction worker Axel Goevany Zetino were formally arrested and jointly charged with murder on Monday, April 21.

Coc’s body was discovered in the Indianville area of Punta Gorda around 9:00 a.m. The male victim had multiple chop wounds, including one to the neck.

Family members said in a social media statement, “I am NOT gonna say that my little brother was an angel. However, he didn’t deserve to be chopped up like a piece of wood.”

We apologise for previously publishing an inaccurate photo of the victim. We extend our sincere apologies to the family for any harm and distress this may have caused.

Belize Mourns Death of Pope Francis

The Roman Catholic Diocese of Belize City and Belmopan, along with the Government of Belize, has joined the global Catholic community in mourning the death of Pope Francis, who passed away earlier today on Easter Monday.

In an official statement, the Diocese expressed deep sorrow at the pontiff’s passing, describing him as a shepherd of humility and a powerful advocate for the poor, peace, and the environment.

Rev. Fr. Jordan Gongora, Diocesan Administrator, said in a statement, “We entrust the soul of our beloved Pope Francis to the mercy of God.”

The Diocese also announced a memorial mass in the pope’s honour, to be held in Belize City on Monday, 28 April, at 6:00 p.m. All members of the public are invited to attend and pray for the repose of the late pontiff’s soul.

The Government of Belize, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, also released a statement extending condolences to the global Catholic community. Recalling Pope Francis’ 2024 meeting with Prime Minister John Briceño at the Vatican, the government noted the Holy Father’s support for the Church’s developmental work in Belize and his lifelong dedication to compassion, humility, and peace.

Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, served as the 266th Pope of the Roman Catholic Church and was widely regarded as a reformer and a champion of social justice throughout his papacy.

Pope Francis Dies Aged 88 on Easter Monday

Pope Francis has died aged 88, bringing an end to a historic papacy that challenged tradition, social justice, and global outreach, the Vatican News reported.

The Vatican confirmed that the Pontiff passed away peacefully at 7:35 a.m. on 21 April 2025 at his residence in Casa Santa Marta. Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, announced the news just over two hours later, expressing sorrow and gratitude for a life “dedicated to the service of the Lord and of His Church.”

Vatican officials said his body is expected to be transferred to St. Peter’s Basilica on Wednesday, 23 April, for public viewing. The final arrangements will be confirmed after a meeting of Cardinals on Tuesday.

The late Pope had been battling health issues since February, when he was hospitalised for bronchitis. His condition deteriorated after being diagnosed with bilateral pneumonia on 18 February. He spent over a month at the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic before returning to the Vatican in late March to continue his recovery.

Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Argentina, he became the first Latin American and Jesuit Pope in 2013. He was known for his humility, plain speech and unwavering advocacy for the marginalised, the Vatican News reported. Pope Francis spent over a decade pushing the Church to be more inclusive, open, and focused on social justice.

Belizeans Mourn the Death of Artist Concego

Punta Rock artist Concego, known offstage as Deon Patrick Ogaldez, died three days after a tragic motorcycle accident on Thursday, April 17. The beloved artist was critically injured after being knocked off his motorcycle and was hospitalized at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.

The well-known artist, producer, songwriter, and musician was recognized for his vibrant performances and contributions to Punta Rock music, both in Garifuna and English/Creole. One of his most popular songs is “Namule.”

On social media, family members confirmed his passing, stating, “It is with heavy hearts that the Castillo,Ogaldez, Nunez family share the passing of a beloved son, brother, uncle, nephew, friend and musician. He leaves behind a legacy of love, unforgettable melodies, and a family who will forever hold him close in their hearts. Funeral arrangements and details for memorial services will be shared soon. We ask for your prayers, love and privacy as we navigate this unimaginable loss. Rest in peace Concego Ta Leh for your legacy will never end.”

Fans and supporters also expressed their grief online. One user wrote, “RIP my long time friend from you first came out singing I was ur fan ur brother ur buddy Rest in Peace.”

Another added, “was really hoping and praying that God would give you a second chance but he knows best go rest high on the mountain”

Police are still investigating the details of the crash.

Concego is remembered for his musical talent, his dedication to his culture, and the joy he brought to fans across the country.