Police are investigating the shooting of a 35-year-old man in Punta Gorda Town on Saturday night.
Initial reports indicate that Derrick Hines was shot in the neck while on Prince Street shortly after 9 p.m. He was initially taken to the Punta Gorda Hospital before being transferred to the Western Regional Hospital for further treatment.
He remains in stable condition.
The investigation is ongoing.
Jair Castaneda, one of three passengers injured during the hijacking of a Tropic Air flight on Thursday, issued his first public statement following his release from hospital on Friday, 18 April.
In a message shared on social media, Castaneda said the country’s “peaceful community was shaken by an unimaginable act of violence and evil.” He thanked the public for their “incredible care, compassion, and support” and added that he continues his recovery at home, surrounded by family.
The plane hijack occurred on Thursday when Akinyela Sawa Taylor, a 49-year-old American citizen and military veteran, stabbed three individuals after hijacking a domestic flight. Taylor was shot and killed by a passenger during the incident.
Taylor had entered Belize on 8 April and was involved in several troubling encounters in the days before the plane incident, including assaulting a police officer and attempting to board a flight without a ticket. Despite these incidents, he was released from custody. How he subsequently boarded the flight remains unclear.
Castaneda asked the public to continue praying for the other two victims, Captain Howell Grange and Fitzgerald Brown, who continue receiving medical attention.
Captain Grange remains in the intensive care unit. His wife, Alene Carrillo Grange, stated on social media on Saturday that Captain Grange suffered major injuries to his right arm, forearm, back, face, right ear, and left forearm. Stab wounds to his ear extended into his mouth, cutting his tongue and causing him to swallow and inhale blood. This led to chemical pneumonia and the need for surgery to repair nerves and wounds on his face, tongue, and limbs. She added that his condition is slowly improving, and he is now speaking a little and is in a “really positive frame of mind.”
A 25-year-old farmer of San Lazaro Village has been named Belize’s Junior Farmer of the Year 2025. Growing up on a multi-generational farm in the Orange Walk District, Juan Ricardo Carrillo has cultivated a lifelong dedication to agriculture, starting full-time on the farm at just 15. His journey earned him a nationwide recognition from the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Enterprise.
He specialises in vegetable production, including tomatoes, sweet peppers, and cabbages. To combat the growing climate and pest challenges, Carillo has integrated modern techniques, including the use of natural fertilisers, such as Super Magro and Madrifol from the Sembrando Vida Programme, and applies natural pest control methods like Metarhizium fungi, reducing dependence on chemical pesticides.
His approach not only protects the environment but also strengthens the long-term resilience of his farm. Carrillo has expanded into livestock, raising poultry, cattle, and sheep to create a more diversified and sustainable operation.
With strong support from his wife, Carla Linet Carrillo, he is now focused on mentoring young Belizeans and proving that farming is not just a job; it’s a way to build a future.
A small domestic aircraft carrying 14 passengers was hijacked mid-flight this morning while en route from Corozal to San Pedro.
The plane circled erratically over the coastline near Belize City.
Video footage from inside the aircraft showed passengers onboard, including a passenger with visible wounds; he was reportedly injured while trying to subdue the hijacker
The plane landed safely at Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport, where authorities were already on the ground awaiting its arrival.
Chester Williams, the Commissioner of Police, confirmed that the hijacker was shot by another passenger. The hijacker was identified as Akinyela Sawa Taylor, a citizen of the United States of America.
Law enforcement and emergency personnel responded immediately as the aircraft landed. All passengers were safely evacuated and are receiving medical attention.
Two passengers sustained injuries, and others were treated at the scene.
International flights will remain open at the PGIA today.
Authorities continue to investigate. More updates to follow.
Soon Belizeans will be clocking out, packing up and hitting the road for the Easter long weekend. Many are already eyeing the usual hotspots, such as Caye Caulker, San Pedro, or Cayo. But what if you’re not about the crowds, the chaos, or the packed water taxis?
Sometimes, it’s in the quiet corners, where the breeze is gentle, the people are warm, and the pace is slow, that you find the most meaningful memories.
For those craving peace, space and picture-perfect scenery, we’ve rounded up five underrated Easter destinations that are just as beautiful, of course, minus the large crowds.
1. Blue Creek Dam, Orange Walk
Tucked away in the northwestern village of Blue Creek, this tranquil dam is a peaceful escape surrounded by lush greenery. It’s perfect for picnics, nature walks or just soaking in the sounds of rushing water and rustling leaves. Snap a few shots; the views are truly gallery-worthy.
2. Corozal Bay
If you’re after beach vibes without heading to an island, Corozal is calling. With its cool breezes, calm bay waters and the annual Easter Concert and Beach Bash, this northern town offers fun with just the right dose of relaxation.
3. Sarteneja, Corozal District
Even quieter than Corozal Town, Sarteneja is the ultimate blend of village life and sea breeze. The Easter Regatta is the highlight here—featuring traditional keelboat races, food, music and a strong sense of community. It’s vibrant, yet laid-back—perfect for a cultural experience with beach-time perks.
4. Rio On Pools, Mountain Pine Ridge
Hidden deep in the highlands, the Rio On Pools offer a scenic change of pace. Granite rocks, cascading waterfalls, and freshwater pools make this one of the best swimming destinations in the country. Bring a picnic, your camera, and your adventurous spirit—it’s a photographer’s dream.
5. Punta Gorda (PG)
For a southern escape, PG has it all: sea, rivers, culture and history. Easter egg hunts, street markets, and a mix of Garifuna, Maya and East Indian heritage make this town rich in experiences and smiles.
So, if you’re ready to swap crowds for calm, consider these lesser-known gems. Your Easter weekend in Belize just got a lot more peaceful and just as unforgettable. These spots offer more than just scenic backdrops for your next Instagram post; they offer moments of real connection with nature, with community, and with yourself.
It’s that time of year again—when the sun is blazing, the beaches are calling, and Belizeans are packing up for fun-filled Easter getaways with family and friends. But while the long weekend promises memories and adventure, it also brings a big temptation: overspending.
Local economist and financial consultant Rumile Arana, owner of Arana Consultancies, has a few pieces of advice to keep in mind during these days. He urges Belizeans to keep a close eye on their wallets and not fall into common financial traps.
“The whole idea of you having the urge that you need to go somewhere or be at a big resort during Easter is simply just that we are buying into this whole consumerism type of culture,” Arana warned.
Easter is one of those holidays where many forget to plan ahead—especially when it comes to money. Social pressure, last-minute planning, and even quick loans often lead people to spend way more than they should. But it doesn’t have to be that way.
To help Belizeans enjoy the Easter vibes without the financial hangover, Arana shared five important tips that could save a wallet outcry:
While it is healthy to have fun every now and then, it’s important to remember that there will be days to follow the excitement of the long Easter weekend. With a bit of planning and smart choices, every family can have a great time without waking up Tuesday morning full of financial regret.
Here’s one of Arana’s “braata” advices: saving for next year’s Easter can start right after this year’s one. Setting aside a couple of dollars every month towards next year’s Easter can start building the discipline one needs during times when one is tempted to splurge for the moment’s experience.
So before you hit the road, pack the cooler, or book that weekend escape—make sure your budget’s in check. Your future self will thank you.
Opposition Leader Tracy Panton has heavily criticised the Briceño Administration over the newly approved salary hike for CEOs and the Cabinet Secretary, calling the move “alarming” as the country operates without an approved national budget.
Panton stated on social media, “As we await the reading of the budget for this current fiscal year, the Cabinet Secretary is giving himself and the members of the CEO Caucus a hefty salary increase.”
Panton’s remarks stem from the pay adjustments, revealed in a government memo dated 28 March, which were approved with retroactive effect from 13 March—just days after the 2025 general election.
Cabinet Secretary Stuart Leslie’s annual salary now rises to $96,000, while CEOs will receive $88,000, up from $76,000, which is a 15.7% jump.
Panton told News 5 that this pay adjustment has come during a time that frontline public workers continue to operate under poor conditions, and some have even been let go without a full audit.
“This is being done at a time when we don’t have an approved budget, when the government continues to operate with unauthorised spending at this time. Our fiscal year ended on March 31st. We should have in place by now a budget that was read, and approved and debated – that is not the case,” she said.
Panton added that she is only aware, as much as the public, that Prime Minister John Briceño intends to present the budget for debate until mid-May.
“While you should be compensated certainly for your experience and expertise and what you bring to the table, your first duty and responsibility is to the people. And so when you enter public service, you enter understanding that you cannot be paid a private sector rate because we have to live within a budget that will be hopefully focused on delivering services to people. We serve the people; the people don’t serve us,” Panton told News 5.
Cabinet Secretary Stuart Leslie and Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) in government ministries have received salary increases with effect just days after the 2025 general election.
According to an official document dated March 28, 2025, and signed by 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 has been raised to $96,000, while CEOs will now earn $88,000 annually, up from the previous $76,000—a 15.7% increase.
Many Belizeans took to social media to voice their frustration, particularly in light of ongoing struggles faced by public servants such as teachers, nurses, and several others.
“This is unfair,” one user wrote. “Teachers still can’t get their just pay, yet these people sitting in an office doing nothing get the pay of more than 50 teachers all together yearly.”
Others questioned the rationale behind the increases, “What is the justification for the increase?” And others questioned how educators must cover their own professional development costs just to maintain their licences.
“And yet teachers have to be paying for their own CPD hours and have to meet requirements for a licence to be granted.”
Residents of San Pedro Town came together on Tuesday night as a fire tore through several businesses on Barrier Reef Drive, directly in front of Central Park.
The blaze destroyed and damaged multiple establishments, including Brunolitos and Breeze Bike Rentals. Video footage of the fire showed firefighters joining efforts with dozens of residents, who formed a bucket brigade using seawater to help bring the flames under control.
Abner Bacab, from Island Emergency Services, who assisted at the scene, described the night as a “very sad” one for San Pedro. “Thankfully the fire was contained with no loss of life,” he stated on social media, “but there was great loss of material things that affected many businesses.”
The cause of the fire remains under investigation, and officials have confirmed that no injuries were reported.
Residents are now calling for greater support and resources for the island’s fire services.
Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) has submitted a formal request to the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) to raise electricity rates beginning 1 January 2026. If approved, the average cost of electricity would increase from $0.40 to a minimum of $0.43 per kilowatt-hour, lasting through to the end of the current Full Tariff Period on 30 June 2028.
BEL is now awaiting the regulator’s review and response.
The company’s proposal also includes the full implementation of a previously approved Demand Charge Rate system, which combines time-of-use pricing with demand-based charges. This would apply to both traditional customers and those participating in distributed generation (DG) systems.
BEL cites several reasons for the proposed increase, including growing electricity demand met by increasingly expensive power sources, rising operational and maintenance costs due to inflation, and the need for substantial investment in grid modernisation.
Planned improvements include connecting new utility-scale renewable energy projects and battery storage systems.
BEL stated in a statement, “The proposed adjustment seeks to recover past energy supply costs borne by the Company to meet the demand for electricity, which were in excess of revenues collected from Customers.”
