Regarding the shooting death of Elwin Rudolph Lewis, also known as “Bobo Youth,” which took place on Friday, March 22, 2024, police arrested and charged twenty-two-year-old Travis Jamaal Herbert with the crime of murder.
Lewis was gunned down on Friday night in front of Gwen Liz High School on Antelope Street in Belize City. He was driving a motorcycle heading in the direction from Elston Kerr Street towards Central American Boulevard when he was shot dead by someone on another motorcycle heading in the opposite direction.
Police arrested and charged thirty-year-old Lyson James Cacho with the murder of Jordan Waight. The twenty-four-year-old, who also went by the name Jordan Burns, was gunned down on November 23rd on Barbara Harris Street in Belize City.
Despite being rushed to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital, Waight was pronounced dead on arrival. Of note is that a previous attempt had been made on his life before his killing.
Police officially arrested and charged thirty-year-old Guatemalan Victor Manuel Castellanos. He stands accused of the murder of Pedro Antonio Hernandez and aggravated assault against Amelia Hernandez.
On Tuesday, Hernandez was murdered in his own yard after being lured outside by his assailant. Hernandez was chopped to death upon exiting his house.
The government of Belize recently issued a warning to its citizens regarding the insecurity and violence in Chetumal. In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade said “The Government of Belize is monitoring the recent rise in violent crime in Chetumal, Mexico and advises Belizeans to exercise caution when traveling across the Northern Border and visiting Chetumal.”
In response, Amir Padilla Espadas, president of Canaco Chetumal, emphasized the urgency for authorities to swiftly address and remove this warning. He stressed that its continuation could adversely affect the influx of Belizean visitors, who significantly contribute to the local economy, representing 30% of economic activity in the town.
He underscored the importance of government-to-government dialogue to coordinate actions and raise awareness.
Padilla urged prompt removal of the alert. He mentioned his role as president of Canaco and their efforts, alongside the Consul of Belize, to communicate with Belizean counterparts, informing them of the situation in Chetumal and the measures being implemented to safeguard tourist and commercial activities.
On the occasion of the World Press Freedom Day, Hipolito Novelo of News 5 Belize writes about how, more than ever, they are advocating for press freedom and the planet.
By Hipolito Novelo, Journalist & Digital Content Creator, News 5 Belize
As we mark World Press Freedom Day under the theme ‘A Press for the Planet: Journalism in the Face of the Environmental Crisis,’ here at News 5 Belize, our dedication to covering climate change and environmental stories is deeply ingrained. We understand the vital role of journalism in addressing urgent issues. We are the voice for the voiceless. We are the watchdogs of democracy, equity, and transparency. We have a duty to the public we serve.
Our approach to reporting on climate change and environmental stories is rooted in accuracy, responsibility, and the safety of our journalists. We have realised the importance of climate reporting and our role in raising awareness and properly educating the Belizean public.
The News Five team prioritises the well-being of reporters covering environmental crises. Though the risks are minimal and very few, we ensure that potential risks are considered in the planning process. Our journalists are constantly engaged in training and capacity building throughout the year to better equip themselves with the skills and knowledge necessary to report on the climate crisis.
Accuracy is paramount in our reporting. We conduct fact-checking. Our journalists are constantly in communication with experts. We present a balanced view of these issues. We understand the difference between climate reporting and climate activism. Our aim is to inform and educate while upholding journalistic integrity.
“The public trusts us with the information we share with them. We do not take that trust lightly, which is why quality climate reporting is paramount.”
As we witness the impacts of climate change firsthand, our coverage goes beyond the headlines, beyond the figures. We must make the people care. We humanise the story by spotlighting local perspectives, amplifying marginalised voices such as people with diverse abilities, the LGBTQ+ community, and women and children, and showcasing innovative solutions to combat environmental degradation. By highlighting the environmental, social, and economic implications, our news items empower individuals and communities in Belize to make informed decisions and take meaningful actions to address local climate challenges.
Reporter Paul Lopez and veteran videographer George Tillett
Investigative reporting is also crucial to what we do. Environmental injustices must be exposed. We invest in in-depth investigations that expose corruption, misconduct, questionable practices, and policies harmful to the environment. The public trusts us with the information we share with them. We do not take that trust lightly, which is why quality climate reporting is paramount. It contributes to the development of effective climate policies and initiatives tailored to Belize’s specific needs and challenges.
Collaboration with global partners enhances our understanding of environmental challenges. By sharing resources and insights, we contribute to a holistic view of these interconnected issues.
We are probably one of the smallest newsrooms in the region. They say journalism is an unforgiving career. It’s not an 8-to-5 office job. News is always happening. This means we are always working. We don’t do it for money or fame. We do it because we love it. If we hadn’t, we would have been in another field.
This is why, on this World Press Freedom Day, News 5 Belize remains steadfast in advocating for press freedom and the planet.
A man was shot and killed last night in Patchakan Village, Corozal. The victim has been identified as twenty-year-old Benito Canela. Police say that gunshots were heard just before 9 o’clock near the village’s park. Minutes later, police discovered Canela’s body on the ground. He has been shot multiple times.
Investigators say that a man exited a Ford 150 pickup truck and fired several shots at Canela, who was with his wife at the time of the shooting.
On Wednesday, May 1, 2024, police arrested and charged Alrick Lamb, 28, with two counts of Contempt of Judicial Order. One count was for failing to sign in every Friday at the Raccoon Street Police Station, and the other count was for committing an offense while under bail from a Magistrate Court, which prohibited further charges during bail. The following day, on Thursday, May 2, 2024, police arrested and charged Alyon Pernell Domingo, 22, a Belizean construction worker from San Pedro Town, with two counts of Contempt of Judicial Order. One count was for failing to sign in every Tuesday and Friday at the Corozal Police Station, and the other count was for not residing at his registered address in the Corozal District while on bail for the charge of gang membership.
On Wednesday, May 1, 2024, police arrested and charged Allen Albert Anderson, also known as “Grace,” a 24-year-old Belizean construction worker from Ladyville Village, Belize District, for the offense of belonging to a gang.
On the same day, Julian Emilio Woodye, a 24-year-old unemployed Belizean from Belize City, was arrested and charged for the same offense.
Also on Wednesday, May 1, 2024, Kenyon Carlton Flores, a 23-year-old Belizean construction worker from Belize City, was formally arrested and charged with being a member of a gang.
Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) has announced scheduled power interruptions across various service areas in response to temporary in-country generation shortages and a reduction in supply from Comisión Federal de Electricidad (CFE) in Mexico.
Over the past few weeks, daily electricity demand has fluctuated between 85 MW and 125 MW, while in-country generation capacity is currently capped at a maximum of 95 MW. This has led to increased reliance on CFE, which typically provides up to 55 MW of capacity to the grid. However, BEL has received communication from CFE indicating challenges in sustaining energy supply to Belize, with potential curtailments expected over the next 48 hours.
To manage these supply shortages, BEL will implement load shedding measures starting at 10:00 a.m. this morning. Initially, areas such as portions of Orange Walk will experience interruptions. In the early afternoon, load shedding will extend to portions of Corozal, San Ignacio, Dangriga, and Independence. This action is necessary to balance the available energy supply effectively.
Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) has provided an update on its efforts to enhance power generation capabilities amid ongoing challenges with supply from Comisión Federal de Electricidad (CFE) in Mexico.
The gas turbine at Westlake on the George Price Highway, a key backup power source for BEL, is currently undergoing upgrades and is temporarily offline. This unit is expected to resume operation early next week. Additionally, BEL is in the process of installing a gas turbine in San Pedro, with completion anticipated by the end of May. These additional generation sources will significantly bolster BEL’s capacity to meet demand over the next year, even in the event of supply curtailments from CFE.
BEL expresses gratitude to its customers for their patience and understanding during this period. The company remains committed to maintaining a safe, reliable, and sustainable energy supply across all service areas nationwide.
The selection of Fritz Bélizaire as Haiti’s new prime minister has caused a rift within the transitional council entrusted with appointing new leaders for the country. Four out of the seven voting council members announced their choice of Bélizaire on Tuesday, surprising many Haitians and revealing an unexpected political alliance.
Now, council members who oppose Bélizaire, a former sports minister during René Préval’s second presidency from 2006 to 2011, are considering their next steps, which may include challenging the decision or resigning from the council.
The transitional council, tasked with preparing for elections and tackling security challenges, announced Edgard Leblanc Fils as its president and proposed Fritz Bélizaire, a former sports minister, as the new interim prime minister.
Established with support from the Caribbean Community and Common Market (CARICOM), the nine-member council, sworn in at the National Palace last week, includes seven voting members. Its responsibilities include appointing a new prime minister and cabinet.
The council will wield certain presidential powers until a new elected president takes office by February 7, 2026.
