hipolito - Channel 5 Belize

Mass Stranding of Pilot Whales Reported Near Drown Caye – Public Urged to Stay Away

A mass stranding of pilot whales has been reported in the waters near Drown Caye, just off the coast of Belize City. The Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute Belize, in coordination with the Belize Fisheries Department and the Ministry of Blue Economy and Marine Conservation, is currently responding to the incident.

Authorities are issuing an urgent advisory to all mariners and members of the public to avoid the area to prevent further distress to the animals and to ensure the safety of responders.

“Approaching stranded whales can pose serious risks. These are large, powerful marine mammals that may behave unpredictably when distressed,” the Institute said in a statement.

The public is strongly urged to:

• Stay clear of the area by both boat and watercraft.

• Do not approach the whales in any way.

• Report any sightings or related activity by contacting the response team at 615-3838.

Response efforts are ongoing, with teams monitoring the situation closely and working to provide necessary aid to the pod.

Officials thank the public for their understanding and cooperation during this critical time.

Earth Day 2025: “Our Power, Our Planet” – A Call to Triple Renewable Energy by 2030

Earth Day 2025 brings the theme “Our Power, Our Planet,” urging global unity around renewable energy with the goal of tripling clean electricity capacity by 2030. As the climate crisis intensifies, this call is crucial in achieving the global target of limiting warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.

According to the International Energy Agency, the world’s renewable energy capacity must grow from 3,700 GW in 2024 to over 11,000 GW by 2030. This massive shift requires increased investments, expanded infrastructure, and equitable access to clean energy, especially in vulnerable communities.

Earth Day events worldwide—ranging from climate marches to energy justice forums—are led by youth, Indigenous leaders, and activists, who emphasize the need for a fair transition. “Energy is power, and we are reclaiming it for a just and sustainable future,” said climate advocate Farhana Ahmed.

The movement also calls on individuals to take action—whether by supporting green energy policies, switching to renewable power, or advocating for local commitments to clean energy.

As Earth Day 2025 reminds us, the future of our planet depends on the choices we make today. “Our Power, Our Planet” is a call to act, united for a cleaner, more sustainable world.

Don’t Risk Your Future

Our ties run deep. But U.S. immigration laws are strict – and we want to make sure that you understand that if you try to enter the United States illegally, lie to get a visa, work without legal permission, or remain after your period of authorized stay, you will face serious consequences.

To make America safe, strong, and prosperous, President Trump is ensuring that citizens from all countries follow U.S. immigration laws. Breaking these laws could lead to jail time, deportation, and a ban on obtaining a U.S. visa in the future.

If you know someone who is in the United States illegally, now is the time to tell them to come home to Belize.

Trying to Enter or Remain Illegally Will Get You Caught

Don’t think that you can sneak into the United States or remain there illegally. The truth is that you will be caught. The Trump Administration has strengthened border security and significantly increased the number of illegal aliens being arrested and deported.

U.S. Visa Fraud Has Serious Consequences

The U.S. visa process is the most secure in the world. Cheating the system by using fake documents, lying on your application, or staying after your visa expires is visa fraud. And it’s a serious crime. If you break the law in this way, you may never be allowed to enter the United States again.

The Journey to the U.S. Border is Dangerous

For those considering making the dangerous journey to illegally cross into the United States, understand that your safety – and even your life – are at risk. Criminal groups, cartels, and human traffickers target illegal migrants, subjecting them to violence, extortion, and assault. Many who attempt the journey never make it to their destination.

The United States is working with Belize and other countries in Latin America and the Caribbean to stop and return people trying to enter illegally before they even reach the U.S. border. By securing our borders, we are preventing the suffering caused by illegal immigration and protecting American citizens.

President Trump is Holding Everyone Accountable

The U.S. government is also taking action against those who help others enter the country illegally. This includes smugglers, human traffickers and even foreign government officials who allow illegal immigration to continue.

Recently, Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced a new visa restriction policy for foreign officials – including immigration, customs, and port authority staff – who fail to help stop illegal immigration. This builds on similar existing restrictions for those in the transportation and tourism industries. Those who threaten U.S. security by facilitating illegal immigration are not welcome in our country.

The Choice is Clear – Follow the Law

The risks of trying to illegally immigrate to the United States far outweigh any potential benefits. You could lose your life, become a victim of criminals, or end up with a record that damages your future and your family’s future.

Illegal entry not only breaks U.S. laws, it also puts your safety and well-being in jeopardy. The penalties are serious: jail time, separation from your family, and permanent bans from re-entering the United States.

Please reach out to your friends or family members who are in the United States illegally. The best thing you can do for them is encourage them to leave now before they are caught.

For everyone, the message is simple: Make the right choice, follow the law, and don’t risk your safety, your family, or your future. Belize is a wonderful place to live. We look forward to seeing you return home.

David Hodge
Chargé d’affaires
U.S. Embassy Belmopan

BDF Officers Welcomed Home After Completing Peacekeeping Mission in Haiti

Two Belize Defence Force officers, Major Ermil Coh and Captain Claudio Quiroz, have returned home after a six-month deployment in Haiti as part of the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission. The BDF held a welcoming ceremony to honour the officers.

In a statement issued by the BDF, senior officers “warmly welcomed back Major Ermil Coh and Captain Claudio Quiroz from their recent tour with the Multinational Stabilization Support (MSS) mission in Haiti.” The mission is part of an international, CARICOM-backed effort to restore stability in Haiti, where gang violence and political unrest have created a national crisis.

The BDF said, “We recognised the dedication and sacrifices of the returning officers, who played a crucial role in enhancing stability and supporting humanitarian efforts in the region.”

During their six-month tour, Major Coh and Captain Quiroz “were deployed… to assist in various capacities, including community engagement, logistical and operational support, and security initiatives aimed at fostering peace in Haiti.”

The BDF noted, “As Major Coh and Captain Quiroz reintegrate into their daily routines, their commitment to service remains unwavering. We not only celebrated their safe return but also served as a reminder of the ongoing need for vigilance and dedication in international peacekeeping efforts.”

The deployment follows Belize’s active participation in the MSS mission, established under UN Security Council Resolution 2699, with personnel deployed alongside troops from Jamaica, the Bahamas, and other Caribbean nations.

Tropic Air Team Member Jair Castañeda Released from Hospital

Tropic Air, the Airline of Belize, has announced that Jair (Franchesco) Castañeda has been released from medical care following injuries sustained during an incident yesterday. The airline expressed gratitude to the skilled medical team and the community for their support and prayers.

Captain Howell Grange and Fitzgerald Brown are still receiving medical care and are in stable condition. Tropic Air has requested continued support and prayers for these individuals, their families, and all those affected in the community.

Akinyela Sawa Taylor, a 49-year-old American veteran, was shot and killed by a passenger after hijacking a Tropic Air flight in Belize and stabbing three people. Taylor had entered Belize for the first time on April 8 but was involved in multiple incidents in the days leading up to the attack, including attempting to board a flight without a ticket, being denied entry into Mexico, and assaulting a police officer. Despite these events, he was released from custody. It remains unclear how he re-entered Belize or boarded the flight.

Family of American Man Who Hijacked Small Plane in Belize Speaks

The hijacking itself lasted nearly two hours and involved 14 passengers and two crew members. According to police, Taylor launched a knife attack mid-flight, stabbing two passengers and the pilot before being shot and killed by one of the wounded passengers. Video footage from inside the small aircraft shows terrified passengers bracing for impact as the plane landed safely after nearly running out of fuel.

Taylor’s family, including his nephew in St. Louis, Missouri, say they are stunned. “I don’t think he would do something like this,” his nephew said. “He was okay when I last saw him two weeks ago. He wasn’t on any medication. No signs of PTSD. This is a big shock to me and the rest of our family.”

He is a former St. Louis County teacher aand a military veteran.

A spokesperson for the Ferguson-Florissant School District said Taylor worked as an assistant football coach from June 2018 to February 2019, but is “no longer affiliated with the District in any capacity.”

Could the Tropic Air Plane Hijacking Have Been Prevented?

A terrifying mid-air ordeal over Belize ended with American hijacker 49-year-old Akinyela Sawa Taylor being ultimately shot and killed by a passenger. Taylor had hijacked a Tropic Air flight and stabbed three people.

Taylor, a U.S. military veteran and father of four, had arrived in Belize just nine days prior, on April 8, via an American Airlines flight from Miami, Florida. Immigration records show this was his first time visiting the country.

Taylor was involved in at least two troubling incidents in the days leading up to the attack—events that, if handled differently, may have prevented the tragedy.

Last week, Akinyela Sawa Taylor caused a disturbance at the Philip Goldson International Airport when he attempted to board a United Airlines flight to the U.S. without a ticket, prompting security to remove him.

On Saturday, April 12, he tried to enter Chetumal, Mexico, via the Santa Elena Border but was denied by Mexican authorities and then refused re-entry into Belize.

Taylor later surfaced in the Corozal Free Zone, where he reportedly spent the night in an abandoned building. He was later confronted by Corozal police and Free Zone security, during which he allegedly assaulted a police officer.

Although initially detained, Taylor was released on the directive of a high-ranking Belize Police Department official, according to sources.

It’s unclear how Taylor returned to Belize or boarded the Tropic Air flight from Ranchito Airstrip early Thursday.

BREAKING: Murder in Punta Gorda

The body of a man was found this morning in the Indianville area of Punta Gorda Town. According to reports, the discovery was made at around 9 o’clock. The body exhibited multiple chop wounds, including to the neck.

The victim’s body was found in a busy area. Investigators are working to identify the body.

This is a developing story.

Government Issues Statement After Hijacking on Tropic Air Flight

On Thursday evening, the Government of Belize issued an official statement following the hijacking of a domestic Tropic Air flight by Akinyela Sawa Taylor, a U.S. citizen.

Flight 9N711, en route from Corozal to San Pedro, was mid-flight when Taylor assaulted the pilot and attempted to take control of the aircraft. The plane circled over Belize City for nearly two hours before safely landing at Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport.

Passengers helped subdue the attacker, and Taylor was fatally shot by another passenger. The pilot and two others were injured but are expected to recover. Emergency responders were on standby as the plane landed, and international flights at PGIA remain unaffected.

The Government of Belize described the event as “extraordinary and rare.”

With more than 120,000 domestic flights operating safely each year, the government acknowledged the seriousness of the breach and committed to reviewing and strengthening airport security.

“We commend the pilot for his exceptional professionalism and composure in the face of a highly stressful situation,” the statement read. “His actions undoubtedly safeguarded the lives of all on board.”

The Department of Civil Aviation is working closely with Belizean authorities, the U.S. Embassy, and other relevant partners to conduct a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the hijacking.

While there is no current indication of a broader threat, officials have confirmed that enhanced security measures will be rolled out immediately at all domestic terminals. These measures are intended to reinforce passenger safety while minimizing disruption to travel.

UB Responds to News 5 Report on Sexual Harassment Allegations Against Lecturer

The University of Belize (UB) has issued a public statement in response to a News 5 report aired Wednesday night, which revealed that several students had filed complaints of sexual harassment against a university lecturer.

In a press release issued Thursday, the university acknowledged receiving the complaints and said it has launched a full investigation into the matter. UB stated that the accused lecturer has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.

“UB takes all allegations of misconduct seriously and addresses them in accordance with established policies and procedures,” the statement read.

The university said the case is now under review by the appropriate disciplinary committee, and pledged to ensure that due process and transparency are followed throughout the proceedings.

UB also recognized the bravery of students who came forward and noted that it is offering mental health and counseling support during this time.