hipolito - Channel 5 Belize

Belizean Media Trained on Responsible Suicide Reporting

Sixteen participants from across Belize took part in a two-day workshop designed to strengthen responsible suicide reporting — a key step in tackling stigma and enhancing mental health awareness nationwide.

The training, hosted by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), in partnership with the Ministry of Health and Wellness (MoHW) and the Centre for Mental Health Law and Policy of the Indian Law Society, focused on equipping journalists, editors, influencers, and communications officers with the tools to report on suicide sensitively and ethically.

“Suicide remains a significant public health concern globally, with over 720,000 deaths each year,” said Dr. Karen Roberts, PAHO/WHO Technical Advisor for Mental Health. “The media can either support or harm suicide prevention efforts depending on how stories are told.”

Participants learned how to avoid sensationalism, respect privacy, and report in ways that reduce the risk of copycat behavior. They also discussed strategies for managing their own mental well-being when covering traumatic stories.

“The media holds extraordinary power–the power to shape narratives, challenge stereotypes, spark hope, and create change,” said Dr. Melissa Diaz-Musa, Director of Public Health and Wellness of the MoHW. “We are not asking to avoid difficult stories. We are asking to tell these stories responsibly–in a way that honors the dignity of every person affected, and for the media to see themselves as partners in mental health advocacy.

The workshop also laid the groundwork for a national monitoring and evaluation framework for suicide reporting, with upcoming consultations planned among senior journalists, public health officials, and civil society.

Cinema Blunder: Princess Offers Free Re-Screening of Sinners After Wrong File Shown

KAXXFEM Group Ltd, which operated the cinema at Princess Ramada in Belize City, has issued an apology following a ‘technical issue’ that disrupted the screening of the film Sinners recently. The company said that an “incorrect file” was shown during a last-minute addition of the movie to the schedule, which left many patrons disappointed.

The company said the error occurred due to an overwhelming demand for the film, which prompted them to secure a last-minute licence. However, with limited time before the scheduled screening, the wrong version of the movie—one with a lower resolution—was downloaded and shown.

“We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience and disappointment this may have caused,” the company said in its statement.

Princess will host a complimentary re-screening of Sinners in its intended high-quality format for all ticket holders. Patrons who attended the Sunday screening are advised to keep their ticket stubs in order to access the upcoming re-screening. Details about the new date and time will be shared soon via the company’s social media channels.

The statement also spoke to ethical standards and respect for intellectual property, stating that it does not engage in or support any activities that violate copyright laws.

LIU Chair Dominique Noralez Stressed Power, Policy, and Youth in Peacebuilding

At the opening of the 2025 symposium hosted by the Leadership Intervention Unit (LIU) and the University of Belize, LIU Chair Dominique Noralez delivered a powerful message on the connection between policy, power, and community-based crime intervention. The symposium, themed “Youth in Peacebuilding: Empowering Change Through Restorative Justice”, focuses on equipping young people with the tools and voice to help build safer communities.

Established in 2021 by the Ministry of Home Affairs, the LIU works to address crime and violence—particularly gang-related activity—in Belize City. The unit engages directly with at-risk youth, offering education, skills training, and employment opportunities. The symposium is a key platform for discussing peacebuilding strategies and promoting restorative justice among Belize’s young population.

Noralez opened the panel discussion by outlining how the LIU’s work is guided by major national policy documents, including the Multi-Sectoral Crime Prevention and Control Plan and the PlanBelize Medium-Term Development Strategy.

“The policy offers direction. It tells us what the government priorities are,” Noralez said. “But my personal politics compel me to always talk about power—who has it, who has proximity to it, where it’s concentrated.”

She also emphasised the need to move from policy to action. “We’re talking a bit about program translation—how do we translate this policy direction and priority into our programmes: rehabilitation, reintegration, and restoration?”

Noralez highlighted the role of the national budget in revealing true government priorities. “Budget is one of the most important pieces of document. You need to know what the government spends money on—that’s what it cares about. It’ll sell one thing, but what we spend money on is what we care about. That is your money there at all times, right?”

In addition to national strategies, Noralez referenced regional frameworks like the Declaration on Crime and Violence as a Public Health Crisis, endorsed by CARICOM leaders in 2023 and reaffirmed in 2024. “This is what our CARICOM heads of government put in place… one meeting held in Trinidad and Tobago, one in Guyana. As you know, Trinidad and Tobago has one of the highest [crime rates in] this region,” she said.

Parents Protest at Corozal Methodist School Amid Teacher Sickout and Suspensions

Corozal Methodist School is facing a sickout as two teachers have been placed on administrative leave and eight others have called in sick. This morning, a group of parents gathered in front of the school to demonstrate their support for the teachers on leave and to protest against the principal.

The situation escalated on Tuesday when preschool teachers Julie Castro and Stacy Chi received letters informing them that they were not to return to school until May 27th. The letters accused the teachers of repeatedly disregarding lawful instructions and directives from the school’s administration.

Barbara Acosta, whose grandchild attends the preschool, shared her reasons for supporting the teachers. She believes the teachers have been unfairly treated and wants to stand up for their rights.

U.S. and Belize Authorities Rescue Abducted American Child

A two-year-old American child who was abducted and brought to Belize has been safely reunited with their custodial parent, thanks to a coordinated rescue operation involving U.S. and Belizean authorities.

The Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) at the U.S. Embassy in Belmopan played a key role in supporting an FBI-led investigation. Working in close collaboration with the Belize Police Department, as well as the Departments of Human Services and Immigration, the team ensured the child’s safe return to the United States.

“As the most widely represented law enforcement agency globally, DSS is uniquely positioned to conduct and support these types of transnational criminal investigations,” stated DSS Special Agent Lou Wood. “We are incredibly grateful for the outstanding collaboration with the FBI, our U.S. Embassy colleagues, and our partners in Belize, which led to the safe return of this little girl to her home in the United States.”

Authorities have not released further details on the individuals involved but confirmed that the mission was successful and the child is now safe.

US Defends Israel at ICJ, Says No Obligation to Work with UNRWA

According to Al Jazeera, the United States defended Israel on Wednesday at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), arguing that while Israel must provide humanitarian aid to Gaza, it is not legally required to cooperate with the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA. The statement was made during the third day of ICJ hearings in The Hague, where the court is considering what steps Israel must take to ensure humanitarian assistance reaches Palestinians in Gaza, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem.

Josh Simmons, a legal adviser from the U.S. State Department, told the court that there is “no legal requirement that an occupying power permit a specific third state or international organisation to conduct activity that would compromise its security interests.” He suggested that other organisations could take over UNRWA’s role, despite the UN agency’s assertion that it is irreplaceable.

Israel banned UNRWA from operating in January, after alleging that 19 of its roughly 13,000 Gaza-based staff participated in the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack in southern Israel.

Hungary echoed the U.S. position in its own presentation. In contrast, Russia, speaking immediately after the U.S., stressed UNRWA’s vital role and highlighted the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

The U.S. was the first country over the course of the three-day proceedings to speak in defence of Israel.

Commissioner: Faber Provoked and Intimidated Officers During Traffic Stop

Former Collet Area Representative Patrick Faber was arrested yesterday morning shortly after appearing at a UDP press conference in Belize City with Opposition Leader Tracy Taegar-Panton. Police say Faber allegedly sped through a checkpoint near the BelChina Bridge, prompting a police pursuit.

Officers later discovered his vehicle was unlicensed, and he failed to produce a driver’s license, claiming it was at home. Police followed him to his residence, where he presented the licence. While issuing traffic tickets, Faber began recording one of the officers and reportedly held his phone close to the officer’s face, leading to claims of assault and obstruction.

He was later detained and arraigned at the Belize City Magistrates Court, where he pleaded not guilty. Outside court, Faber said the charges are politically motivated and denied being under the influence or obstructing police. Outgoing Police Commissioner Chester Williams addressed the incident today, saying, “We have always emphasised to the public that they can record their encounter with the police. If you watched the action of Mr Faber, he was doing more than recording — he was provoking and intimidating the officers. He even pushed his phone in the officer’s face, despite the officer’s plea for working space.”

Williams said at no time was Faber told not to record, but his actions constituted obstruction. “The law is clear — if you do any act that makes the police performing their duty difficult, then you would have obstructed them,” he added. Williams also dismissed comparisons made by Faber’s attorney, calling them inaccurate.

Baseball Federation Pushes Back on Amalgamation, Reaffirms Independence

On Tuesday the Belize Softball Federation (BSF) announced via its Facebook page the formation of the Belize Baseball and Softball Federation, following the adoption of a revised constitution by the Belize Softball Federation at a Special General Assembly on Saturday, April 26.

According to the Federation, the new constitution formalises the unification of baseball and softball under one governing body, with provisions for separate vice presidents overseeing each sport, mirroring the structure of the World Baseball and Softball Confederation (WBSC).

However, the move has sparked controversy. On April 29, the Baseball Federation of Belize (BFB) fired off a statement reaffirming its status as an independent and legally recognised organisation, registered with the National Sports Council and the Belize Companies Registry since 2019.

In the statement, the BFB said it was not consulted by the Belize Softball Federation regarding the proposed amalgamation. It stressed its sole mandate to govern and develop baseball in Belize while expressing openness to collaboration—so long as its autonomy and governance are respected.

According to the BSF, Saturday’s meeting was attended by softball and baseball representatives from Belize City, Belmopan, Cayo, San Pedro, Orange Walk, and other areas.

Spain’s Unprecedented National Blackout Caused by “Rare Atmospheric Phenomenon”

According to Al Jazeera, Spain and Portugal experienced one of Europe’s worst blackouts, affecting tens of millions of people and disrupting transport, communications, and medical procedures.

The blackout lasted from Monday to early Tuesday, plunging major cities like Barcelona, Madrid, and Lisbon into darkness. Emergency meetings were convened by the Spanish and Portuguese governments, and a state of emergency was declared in Madrid.

Portugal’s electricity provider, Redes Energeticas Nacionais (REN), attributed the outage to a rare atmospheric phenomenon causing severe temperature imbalances.

However, Spain’s national meteorological office, Aemet, ruled out weather as the cause. Investigations are ongoing, with experts suggesting multiple factors might be involved.

Despite the restoration of power, transport systems remain affected, and the exact cause of the blackout is still unknown. Authorities have not ruled out any possibilities, including cyberattacks, although there is no evidence to support this theory at present.

Kidney Association Warns of Donation Scam

The Kidney Association of Belize is alerting the public about a scam involving individuals impersonating the organisation to solicit Zoom meetings and financial donations.

In a Facebook post, the association said it received multiple reports of fraudulent phone calls and messages from people falsely claiming to represent the organisation.

“These calls and messages are not from us,” the Kidney Association stated. “This is a scam, and we strongly urge the public not to engage or share any personal or financial information.”

The association is encouraging anyone who receives such suspicious communications to report them immediately to the relevant authorities.