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Village Council Protests Proposed Subdivision of Nature Park in OW

Chairman of the San Jose Nuevo Palmar Village Council, Orlando A. Ayuso, has written to the Chairman of the Palmar Lands Advisory Committee, Wincy Perez, strongly opposing a decision reportedly made to subdivide the Sibbal Yuum Nature Park.

In a formal letter dated April 2025, Ayuso expressed concern following what he described as a meeting organised by the Palmar Lands Committee during which “the decision to subdivide Siibal Yum Nature Park was taken.”

He reminded the committee that “on October 27, 2024, this aforementioned area was declared a park and public area via an official inauguration ceremony.” He added, “Present were the then-elected Palmar Lands Advisory Committee and the present-day Village Council.”

Ayuso referenced Chapter 88 of the Laws of Belize, the Village Council Act, which he said “makes provision for Village Councils to declare areas for parks and recreation.” He noted that the parcel of land in question, “measuring 1,244.39 square yards, has been declared a nature park, which is a green area.”

He warned that “areas such as these are protected by environment and climate change ministries and activists” and pointed out that “the amendments to the National Land Use Policy make provision for securing green parcels when subdivisions are being made within a community.”

Ayuso appealed to the committee to reverse course: “Via this medium I am petitioning that you and your committee reconsider the decision to subdivide this already established nature park.”

He said that “members of the community are already enjoying this area” and that “this community-based development is continuous with many future environmentally friendly plans”. According to the letter, “well over $20,000 Belize has been invested. This was once a grassy area which was being used as a dump.”

“In the past this was an eyesore and a hazard for those living in that area of the village. Today it is the pride and joy of our community,” he said. “It is a recreational area visited not only by our villagers but also by adults and children of the surrounding town area and villages. Just yesterday we had a day of fun in a safe and clean environment.”

He closed the letter with a strong warning: “We respectfully and politely ask that you refrain and desist from launching an attack on Sibbal Yuum Nature Park. We will be taking legal action at the court, as damage to public property is a serious offence, especially this being a declared green area.”

New Transport Board Holds First Meeting to Kickstart Big Changes for Public Transport

A brand-new Transport Board officially got to work today—and big improvements may be on the way for Belize’s troubled public transportation system.

The newly appointed board held its first meeting this morning in Belmopan. During the session, Minister of Transportation Louis Zabaneh shared his vision for a more efficient, inclusive, and environmentally friendly system that better serves commuters across the country.

Minister Zabaneh said the goal is to create a transportation network that works for all Belizeans—whether they’re students, workers, business owners, or tourists. He’s banking on this new team, made up of professionals from both the public and private sectors, to help drive real change.

The new Transport Board includes:

Joel Cervantes – Chair

Debora Jones – Deputy Chair

Clementina Castillo – Represents private sector users

Sr. Supt. Calbert Flowers – Police Department rep

Russell Medina – Ministry of Infrastructure rep

Thomas Shaw – Represents public transport providers

Peter Williams – Deputy Chief Transport Officer

Also attending today’s meeting were incoming CEO Chester Williams, Chief Transport Officer Leon Gentle, and Policy Director Anna Loague.

Ready Call Employee Arraigned for Digi Park Stabbing

A 26-year-old Ready Call customer service agent has been charged in connection with the stabbing of a woman at Digi Park over the weekend.

Erynne Bellezaire was arraigned this morning in the Belize City Magistrate’s Court, where she pleaded not guilty to charges of dangerous harm and use of deadly means of harm for allegedly stabbing Chelsea Lewis during a fight over the weekend.

Bellezaire was granted bail of $1,500 with conditions that she stay at least 100 yards away from Lewis and have no contact with her or any prosecution witnesses. Her next court date is June 16.

Police say the stabbing happened around 3:40 a.m. after a dispute between two groups of women who had earlier been at a nightclub. Lewis suffered multiple stab wounds to the face and body and remains in stable condition at the KHMH. Investigators have not established the reason behind the dispute.

Oney the Horse Tests Negative for Screwworm as Recovery Continues After Brutal Attack

The Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA) has confirmed that Oney, the horse brutally attacked by three teenagers in Belize City, has tested negative for screwworm.

Deputy Technical Director of Animal Health, Dr Jonathon Pech, examined the animal on Sunday and said, “The samples that were taken from the horse, the worms, they were negative for screwworm. I examined him again today, and the wounds are healing well. The horse is looking much better now.”

Dr Pech says with continued treatment, Oney should fully recover within two to three weeks. “I strongly believe that the horse will be able to go back to being clinically healthy in approximately two to three weeks,” he noted.

The update comes after a disturbing video showing three teens hacking the tied-up horse with a machete went viral, sparking outrage across the country. The incident occurred near the Faber’s Road Extension.

Five individuals — including two adults and three minors — were arrested and charged with cattle theft, cruelty to animals, and abetment to commit cruelty to animals.

Oney’s sixteen-year-old owner, Devonte Broaster, said the horse was stolen and that the attackers tried to extort him for its return.

R-Tillett Bus Service Defends Fleet After Fire, Slams Negativity

An R-Tillett Bus Service official has taken to Facebook to addressed the recent bus fire incident. Rene Tillett expressed frustration over the backlash received. He said, “I am not a person to come out and make posts like this, but after the 2 incidents we’ve gone through and seeing all the negativity from people, I’ve decided to speak out.”

He shared that in just four days, two of their reliable buses had been lost. He stressed that the company has always ensured their buses are up to standard, well-maintained, and in excellent condition. “I personally take no rest on weekends, working diligently along with my family and coworkers,” he added.

” I see all those people commenting about “old tired buses”, those are the same people that almost never have to travel because for the ones that travel daily, can see that our buses are always on the best condition as possible.”

Tillett concluded by thanking loyal customers for their continued support, expressing gratitude for the positive comments during these challenging times.

Police Provide More Details on Arrests in Retaliatory Murder of Luis Marin

Two Belize City men, Scorian Stuart, 18, and Michael Gillett, 23, were arrested and charged with the murder of Luis Marin, which occurred on Tuesday, April 8. They were charged with the crime of murder.

A.C.P. Hilberto Romero, Regional Commander for the Eastern Division, confirmed that the murder of Luis Marin was an act of retaliation. “Yes, that is the information we have received. It is retaliation for that incident.”

Marin had been a suspect in a previous shooting incident in Belmopan, which occurred on Saturday, April 5. The incident, widely circulated on social media, showed three men fleeing from a car while shots were fired at them. Following this, Marin was found dead inside his home in Belize City’s Majestic Alley area just days later.

“They had some interaction with those persons, and that is what led to this murder,” he explained. However, he clarified that Stuart and Gillett were not in the vehicle involved in the Belmopan shooting. “We don’t have information that they were in that vehicle,” Romero said.

At the time of his murder, Marin was wanted for questioning in relation to the Belmopan shooting. “He was inside a house at the time he was targeted.”

Police have detained several individuals in connection with the investigation, though no further arrests have been made.

“So far no one else has been arrested for any of the incident,” Romero noted.

Police Investigate Stabbing of Chelsey Lewis in Belize City

Police investigations continue into a stabbing incident early Friday morning, which left 24-year-old Chelsey Lewis hospitalised with multiple stab wounds. According to A.C.P. Hilberto Romero, Regional Commander of the Eastern Division, Lewis was involved in a fight with several women at Newtown Barracks in Belize City, which resulted in her injuries. Romero confirmed, “She was taken to the KHMH for treatment and is in stable condition.”

The incident occurred after Lewis and several friends had been socialising at Thursday Thirsty Nightclub. Following their departure from the club, the group walked into a nearby park, where they encountered two other women, including Erin Belezaire. An argument ensued, escalating into a physical altercation. Romero explained, “We are not sure what they were arguing about,” but noted that Belezaire allegedly stabbed Lewis with a knife she had in her possession.

Belezaire, 26, was arrested and charged with “dangerous harm” and “use of deadly means of harm”. Police confirmed that no one else was injured in the fight. Romero added, “Other persons were detained, but this person was arrested for dangerous harm.”

Trump and Bukele Refuse to Return Wrongfully Deported Maryland Man to U.S.

During an Oval Office meeting on April 14, President Donald Trump and El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele firmly rejected the notion of returning Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia, a Maryland man wrongfully deported to El Salvador. Despite a U.S. Supreme Court ruling that mandated the U.S. government “facilitate” Garcia’s return, White House officials maintained that the decision to return him rests with El Salvador.

When questioned by CNN’s Kaitlan Collins about the possibility of sending Garcia back to the U.S., Bukele dismissed the idea, calling it “preposterous.” “I hope you’re not suggesting that I smuggle a terrorist into the United States,” he remarked. “How can I smuggle a terrorist into the United States? Of course, I’m not going to do it.”

The Supreme Court’s recent ruling, which was brief and unsigned, left U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis’ order in place, demanding Garcia’s return. However, the Court distinguished between “facilitating” his return and “effectuating” it. Senior White House officials have since objected to the ruling, arguing that it infringes upon U.S. foreign policy decisions.

Initially, Trump had indicated he would respect the Supreme Court’s ruling, stating last week, “If the Supreme Court said bring somebody back, I would do that. I respect the Supreme Court.” However, his stance shifted following discussions on the matter.

Abrego Garcia, who entered the U.S. illegally around 2011, was granted asylum by an immigration judge in 2019 after it was determined that a gang in El Salvador had been targeting and threatening him due to his family’s pupusa business. This protection prevented his deportation at the time.

Divers Have Unforgettable Encounter with Whale Shark in Gladden Spit Reserve

A group of divers in the Gladden Spit Reserve had an unforgettable experience. Over the weekend, the Sea Horse Dive Shop in Placencia took a group to the reserve, where they came face-to-face with a whale shark, the largest fish in the world.

The enormous creature showed some curiosity as it glided near the group and paused for a moment. This incredible encounter was caught on video, with one man heard urging the group to swim away from the shark. Whaleshark sightings are common during this season, which runs from March to June in Belize.

These gentle giants are not known to be aggressive. Sea Horse Dive Shop described the encounter as “powerful,” while the Southern Environmental Association reminded everyone that only licensed operators are allowed in the area.

Stop Order Issued for Cayo Rosario Development Project

The Central Building Authority (CBA) has issued an immediate stop work order for the Cayo Rosario Development Project after an interagency site visit revealed that several buildings were constructed without the necessary permits. The visit, which took place on April 9, 2025, also found that construction had begun on an entrance pier without the required authorisation.

According to Derick Calles, Director of Building Control at the CBA, the unauthorized construction activities violate the Belize Building Act, Chapter 131, specifically Part III, Building Permits and Control, Clause 13(1). This clause mandates that all construction must have approved permits from the Central Building Authority.

As a result, all construction activities at the site must cease immediately until the developers secure the appropriate permits from the CBA and other relevant authorities. The stop work order will remain in effect until the Cayo Rosario Development Ltd. submits applications for the required permits and provides plans that comply with the approved Environmental Compliance Plan.

Failure to adhere to the order could lead to further legal action.

Last week, several concerned groups in San Pedro, united under the San Pedro Citizens for Sustainable Development, rallied against the Cayo Rosario Development Project, which they say is set to impact the Hol Chan Marine Reserve’s seabed. Locals, including San Pedro Mayor Wally Nunez, voiced strong opposition at a public meeting, citing concerns over its environmental impact on marine life and local livelihoods.