hipolito - Channel 5 Belize

Citizen Flags Daily Unsafe Bus Stops on Highway

A concerned commuter is calling on the Department of Transport to take immediate action after repeated incidents involving a passenger bus dangerously stopping outside designated bus zones along the George Price Highway.

In a message sent to our newsroom, the individual highlighted a recurring issue involving a bus, which was once again seen stopping on a speed bump near Teakettle Village to pick up students on Wednesday morning. According to the concerned citizen, this is not a one-time occurrence but rather a daily hazard that puts both passengers and other motorists at risk.

“These buses are not stopping at the bus stops to pick up passengers,” the individual wrote. “Something needs to be done and penalize these bus companies as they put both passengers and other drivers at risk.”

The source also mentioned that they had previously reached out to other media outlets without success and urged that the matter be brought to the attention of the newly appointed CEO of the Ministry of Transport.

“This isn’t the first time this same bus is stopping on the bump for students—it’s a daily issue,” the message continued. “Please repost on your page to bring some awareness and let’s call on the new CEO for the transportation department to take action.”

Belize Launches Confidential Immigration Feedback System

The Ministry of Immigration in Belize has introduced a new confidential feedback system aimed at improving the delivery of services across its offices and ports of entry.

The system, which came into effect on Wednesday, allows members of the public to submit anonymous feedback—ranging from complaints and suggestions to compliments—by scanning QR codes posted at immigration facilities nationwide. Users can then send their messages via WhatsApp or email.

Officials say the initiative is part of wider efforts to boost transparency and professionalism in the public service. All feedback received will be handled confidentially and used to guide improvements across the Ministry’s operations.

In a statement, the Ministry said the move reflects its commitment to accountability and continuous improvement in how services are delivered.

“We believe that listening to the experiences of the public is essential to building trust and ensuring efficiency,” the statement read.

The Ministry has encouraged citizens and visitors to make use of the new platform to help shape a better experience at immigration service points.

A $100 Fine for Torturing a Horse?

Commissioner of Police Chester Williams is calling for urgent reform of Belize’s animal cruelty laws following the disturbing case involving the brutal abuse of a horse by a group of young men in Belize City.

ComPol Williams said there is a need for stronger deterrents to the outdated nature of current legislation.

“Unfortunately it is a misdemeanour, so it does not carry a stiff penalty, so these are things we have to look at to see how we can transform the law. The laws we have in place for these kinds of acts are antiquated. They have been in place post-independence. Times have changed, so there is a need to look at those laws to see how we can strengthen them to serve as a deterrent to those who may wish to continue those types of activities,” Williams stated.

The commissioner confirmed the penalty is about $100.

Williams also responded to criticism that police often fail to take reports of animal abuse seriously, especially when it comes to horses.

“The thing is we try to do as best as we can. There are instances where we require the support of the owners, and we don’t get that support. While the penalties for the offence, which is cruelty to animals, may carry a small fine, we are also looking [at] abatement to commit cruelty to animals. The abetment will take the penalty more severely. So we are hoping to go that route to send a stronger signal to those young men and to others who may have in mind to carry out such acts,” he said.

The case has sparked national outrage and renewed conversations about the treatment of animals in Belize. Police have identified multiple suspects and confirmed that they are working closely with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to determine appropriate charges.

From Cyber Beef to Brotherly Bond: COMPOL and “Uncle” Squash Public Feud

The long-standing public feud between Commissioner of Police Chester Williams and his brother Arthur Roy Williams—also known as “Uncle”—came to a peaceful end today at the Belize City Magistrate’s Court.

Both brothers appeared before the court as the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions formally withdrew all charges against Arthur Roy. The decision followed an agreement between the two siblings to put their differences behind them.

“I love my brother,” said Commissioner Williams. According to Williams, his brother has agreed not to publish anything further that could be seen as defamatory toward him. In turn, the commissioner has accepted that commitment, paving the way for the withdrawal of all charges.

Outside the courtroom, the mood between the brothers was cordial and affectionate. Commissioner Williams said the bond between them was stronger than the dispute. “Uncle” echoed the sentiment by honouring his promise not to post or write anything else negative about his brother.

Arthur Roy, 53, was initially arraigned on February 7, 2024, on three criminal charges under the Cybercrime Act. These included two counts of using a computer system to disseminate false statements with intent to subject another person to public ridicule or embarrassment and one count of using a computer system to intimidate a person. He pleaded not guilty to the intimidation charge.

However, on July 3, 2024, he was hit with a fourth charge—contempt of a judicial order—after he allegedly continued to publish posts referencing the Commissioner of Police and the Belize Police Department, in direct violation of an existing court order.

Horse Owner Speaks Out After Beloved Horse Brutally Attacked: “I Feel It in Me”

Devonte Broaster is heartbroken. The young horse owner says he’s still trying to understand why his beloved horse, Oney, was violently attacked and injured by the same group of young men he once considered friends.

Broaster spoke to News 5 following the circulation of a viral video that shows several youths chopping a horse with a machete in Belize City. Police have since confirmed an investigation is underway and that five individuals are currently detained for questioning.

Broaster says he purchased Oney just two months ago from the same group now accused of abusing the horse. At the time, he believed he was rescuing the animal from mistreatment.

“Deh thief my horse so they took it round suh and hide and tell me that they don’t have it. They chop up him,” Broaster said.

“That hurt me, like I feel it in me. I feel it for him. I don’t know what is going on with deh bally,” he said.

The attack has hit Broaster especially hard, as this was his very first horse. “This dah the first horse I ever get, the first horse, I love ah,” he said.

Broaster says he has no known issues with the group. “No, I use to hang with deh bally. I don’t know what is going on with them,” he said. He plans to help Oney recover. “I plan to bring ah back and send him to village for some time and then I will ride him, but I just wah lef ah deh mek ih get back.”

Police Investigate Shocking Horse Mutilation Caught on Video in Belize City

Authorities have launched a criminal investigation into a disturbing case of animal cruelty after a viral video surfaced showing several young men brutally attacking a horse in Belize City.

The video, shared widely on social media on the morning of Thursday prompted officers from Precinct Two’s Crimes Investigation Branch to visit the Dikes area off Fabers Road Extension. There, police found a brown horse with severe chop wounds to its right shoulder and above the right eye.

According to initial investigations, the horse’s owner had left the animal grazing in an abandoned lot on Friday, April 4th. He returned about 20 minutes later to find it missing. Nearly a week later, the viral footage led officers to the Dikes area, where the injured horse was recovered and later identified by its owner.

Photographs were taken of the wounds, GPS coordinates were recorded, and the horse was treated by a veterinarian from BAHA. Police have detained five individuals as persons of interest in connection with the incident.

Commissioner of Police Chester Williams confirmed that the department is actively considering charges. He stated:

“I can tell you we are looking at the possibility of charges for cruelty to animal and we will seek further advice from the DPP to see if there is any further charges that can be levied against those individuals. We need to send a strong signal. We are seeing that this type of occurrence is becoming more prevalent where animals are being treated inhumanely in such a cruel way. My thing is if these young men could have done [this] to the horse, imagine what they could have done to a human being.”

Injured Horse Found in Yard Raises Concerns Over Animal Abuse

One week after removing the carcass of a dead horse, a concerned Belize City resident is now dealing with a new, troubling situation—an injured horse found in their yard, accompanied by another healthy one. The resident says they have no idea how the animals ended up on their property or who owns them.

“All I want is the authority to look to things like these these animals are been use and abuse,” the resident pleaded.

The incident has raised alarm over the ongoing mistreatment of horses in the area and calls for stronger enforcement of animal welfare laws.

Earlier today we reported that three teenagers, aged 16 to 19, were detained after a viral video showed one of them brutally chopping a defenceless horse in Belize City.

At the start of this month, a Facebook plea to help a starving horse abandoned in a drain on Kraal Road reignited calls for stronger animal welfare enforcement in Belize, after rescue efforts failed and the horse died from neglect.

Belize City Man Charged with Shooting Death of Coby Ledlon

Belize City police arrested and charged 20-year-old Duane Wite with the murder of Coby Ledlon. The incident occurred on Monday, March 31, when Ledlon was shot around 10:30 a.m. on Iguana Street Extension. Witnesses reported that Ledlon was standing in front of a gate when he was approached by an assailant who shot him twice, including a shot to the head. He was rushed to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital in critical condition and succumbed to his injuries the following day.

Assistant Commissioner of Police Hilberto Romero indicated that the shooting may have been linked to an internal feud within the area. Ledlon’s family expressed shock over his death, describing him as not being a troublemaker.

Dr. Almendarez Appointed CEO of Ministry of Public Utilities, Energy and Logistics

Dr. Leroy Almendarez has been appointed the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) in the Ministry of Public Utilities, Energy, and Logistics.

Dr. Almendarez brings a wealth of experience to his new role. He previously served as the Executive Director of the Belize Trade and Investment Development Service (BELTRAIDE) from September 2018 until August 2024. During his tenure, he was instrumental in advancing Belize’s trade and investment initiatives, leading significant projects such as the Belize Investment Summit and the Belize Investment and Business Climate Action Plan.

In August 2024, Dr. Almendarez was appointed as the CEO of the Social Security Board (SSB). His term at SSB was brief, concluding in January 2025.

Belize Participates in CENTSEC 2025 Regional Defence Conference

Belize is actively participating in this year’s Central American Security Conference (CENTSEC 2025), with Minister of National Defence and Border Security Oscar Mira currently in Panama representing the country.

The high-level forum runs from April 8 to 10 and brings together defence and security leaders from across Central America and the United States.

CENTSEC has become a key platform for advancing regional cooperation and addressing mutual security concerns. The 2025 conference, co-hosted by the Republic of Panama and the United States, is focused on enhancing joint defence operations and strengthening cybersecurity efforts across the region.

The annual gathering encourages open dialogue among partner nations, allowing for the exchange of best practices and the development of coordinated strategies aimed at promoting peace, stability, and resilience.