PM Briceño, U.S. Secretary Rubio Hold Phone Call on Trade and Regional Issues

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Prime Minister John Briceño this morning held a telephone conversation with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio to discuss a range of bilateral interests.

The ministry reports that discussions focused on investment opportunities, cooperation under the Millennium Challenge Corporation, and the ongoing trade tariffs regime. Prime Minister Briceño also updated Secretary Rubio on the status of the Belize-Guatemala territorial dispute currently before the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

They discussed the deteriorating situation in Haiti, agreeing on the urgent need for strengthened international support to avert further crisis.

Kenroy Cal Will Not Seek Re-election as Red Bank Village Chairman

Red Bank Village Chairman Kenroy Cal has announced that he will not be contesting the upcoming village council elections. In a message to residents on Monday, Cal expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve and reflected on the accomplishments achieved during his term.

“It has been an honour and a privilege to serve as your chairman,” Cal wrote. He highlighted several achievements, including the distribution of land to first-time landowners, the maintenance and opening of village streets, and addressing major community concerns with the support of Area Representative Rodwell Ferguson and various government ministries under Plan Belize.

Cal acknowledged the challenges he faced during his tenure, including limited support from council members, but said he is proud to have met the goals he set when he first offered himself for service.

In August 2024, the Ministry of Youth, Sports, and Transport announced the termination of Cal’s duties as a CARICOM Youth Ambassador following serious rape allegations. The ministry, citing its zero-tolerance policy on sexual violence, said it is closely monitoring the legal process and stressed the need to respect the ongoing investigation. Since then, no official update has been provided on the outcome of the investigation.

 

Update: More Details Emerge on Fatal Wild Pig Attack in Gales Point

A tragic and unusual incident occurred in Gales Point Village on Sunday when a pig attacked and killed a resident, now identified as Anthony Andrewin Sr.

Andrewin was in his yard when he encountered the aggressive pig, which had already been causing problems in the community by attacking dogs and other animals. According to villagers, Andrewin attempted to ward off the pig, but as he tried to control his dogs, the pig, likely startled, charged at him and bit him on the leg. The pig’s tusk severed a major artery, and despite efforts to rush Andrewin to the hospital, he succumbed to his injuries en route.

The pig, which had been roaming wild in the village for about six months, was shot dead shortly after the attack and burnt at the location.

Gales Point Village Chairman Jason Altschaft told News Five that the community had been working to control the feral pig problem by encouraging residents to fence their animals and take proactive measures. However, the efforts were not implemented quickly enough.

“So, unfortunately, this had become a pig that we had all taken lightly, with just feral, just wild pigs in the village in general. We didn’t realise anything like this could be that serious,” Altschaft said.

“We’ve all chased the pig out of our yard because they’ve learnt to dig up all of our flowers and water and all sorts of things. So we’ve been working on trying to get everybody to comply. This pig had been about three years; for about six months, he’d been running wild, and he had just become wild.

Altschaft described Andrewin as a beloved community member — a hard-working family man who raised his son and two other boys and had many grandchildren. “He was a wonderful man,” Altschaft shared.

Belize Records 63 Screwworm Cases Since December, No Human Infections Reported

Belize has recorded 63 cases of New World Screwworm (NWS) infections since the first case was detected on December 26, 2024, according to Minister of Agriculture, Food Security and Enterprise, Jose Abelardo Mai. The update was shared during a regional meeting in San Salvador, where Minister Mai is leading discussions among Agriculture Ministers from Central America, Mexico, and the Dominican Republic on controlling and eradicating the pest.

Minister Mai said that despite the absence of sterile fly releases in Belize, the country has managed to contain the spread, with no human infections confirmed and no cases reported in the Corozal District.

Only two cases have been recorded in the Orange Walk District.

Nicaragua has reported over 121,000 cases and 94 human infections, placing Belize among the countries with the lowest infection rates in the region.

Minister Mai credited Belize’s success to strong collaboration among BAHA, the Ministry of Agriculture, BLPA, farmers, and international partners. He said this joint effort will continue as talks advance on a regional eradication plan.

 

Man Fatally Attacked by Pig in Gales Point

A tragic incident unfolded in Gales Point this afternoon when a man was fatally attacked by a pig in his yard.

According to reports, a group of pigs entered the man’s property less than an hour ago. When he went outside to chase them away, one of the pigs turned aggressive and bit him on the leg, severing a major artery. Despite efforts to rush him to the hospital, he bled to death before receiving medical attention.

The pig responsible for the attack was shot and subsequently burnt.

 

BPD Commends RPC Alana Reneau for Life-Saving Response

According to the Belize Police Department, Recruit Police Constable (RPC) Alana Reneau of Squad 98, attached to the Raccoon Street Police Station, is being recognised for her heroic actions on April 23rd, 2025.

While being transported after defensive tactics training, RPC Reneau encountered a mother whose baby had stopped breathing. The department reports that without hesitation, she took swift action—gently patting the baby’s back, rubbing his chest, and repositioning his tongue to clear the airway. When the baby gasped for air, she continued assisting by blowing in his face to help him breathe.

RPC Reneau ensured the mother and child were quickly taken to the Mahogany Sub-Station and then escorted to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital by SPU Mobile for further medical attention.

The Belize Police Department stated that her rapid response and decisive action exemplify bravery and highlight the real-life impact of police training. They extended a heartfelt salute, saying, “Well done, RPC Reneau!”

Jeremy Enriquez Alleges Judicial Misconduct in Justice Hondora’s Ruling

Jeremy Enriquez has released a statement regarding his complaint about alleged judicial misconduct in a recent court case. Justice Tawanda Hondora dismissed Enriquez’s constitutional claim on February eighteenth, after hearing arguments from all parties involved.

On Thursday, Enriquez filed a formal complaint against Justice Hondora with Chief Justice Louise Blenman, who chairs the Judicial and Legal Services Commission. Enriquez claims there’s compelling evidence of judicial bias, pointing to a “disturbing conversation broadcasted from the judge’s active microphone during a recess.”

In his complaint, Enriquez alleges that associates of his attorney, who were observing the hybrid hearing from Trinidad, overheard Justice Hondora saying he had already decided to dismiss the case. Although these individuals recorded parts of the private conversation during the break, they did not capture the alleged comments. The full transcript of the remarks, supposedly made by Justice Hondora, has been included in the complaint. Enriquez is calling for Justice Hondora to be removed from the case and for an immediate investigation into the matter.

Family Desperately Seeks Answers After Belizean Man Mysteriously Vanishes in Mexico

Twenty-nine-year-old Williams Milan was last seen on April 19th after returning from a food run to his home in Chetumal, Quintana Roo. According to his mother, who lives with him, he never left his room again—and his belongings, including his chain and working boots, were all left behind.

His sister, deeply concerned and seeking the public’s help, told us, “He just went to buy his food and then returned back to his room… He came from buying his food, then he got inside his room, and from that entering he made, he never made it out again.”

Neither his mother nor the neighbours heard or saw anything unusual. “The neighbours also tell my mom that they do not see. They not hear nothing,” she said.

When asked if there could be any reason someone might want to harm him, she explained, “No, miss. My mom says that he went to cotton cane, and from cotton cane, he goes, goes and goes to his room, buys his food and locks himself up. He doesn’t have any friends. Yes, he smokes; he drinks, but he was not a person that would go and do, um, bad things.”

She also dismissed the possibility that he left on his own. “No, because all his stuff is there in his room, even his chain,” she stated. “My mom told me too that they found some blood stains in his, um, in his, in his room, in his blanket, in his working boots.”

The family is pleading with anyone who may have information about Milan’s disappearance to come forward.

Family of Leonard Baltazar Demands Justice as Case Reopens

The family of 22-year-old Leonard Baltazar is once again urging the Belize Police Department to deliver justice following his death on December 11, 2024, near Reef’s End Lodge on Tobacco Caye. Initial reports claimed Baltazar died while fleeing after an alleged burglary attempt, but his family disputes that version, insisting he was restrained and killed.

His stepfather, Vince Higinio, questioned the self-defense claim: “Once a person is fleeing, the claim of self-defense goes out the window… your life is no longer in danger.”

The case has since been reopened, but Higinio says the family has received no updates. “We’ve been unable to talk to Corporal Depas or anyone else,” he said. He also pushed back against criticism of Leonard’s past: “We all made bad decisions when we were young. That doesn’t deserve a death sentence.”

The family continues to call for transparency and justice.

BTIA Celebrates 40 Years of Adventure and Excellence

The Belize Tourism Industry Association (BTIA) is gearing up to celebrate its 40th anniversary on April 26, marking four decades of thrilling adventures and leadership in Belize’s vibrant tourism sector. According to BTIA, since its inception in 1985, the association has been the heartbeat of the industry, championing stakeholders, promoting sustainable development, and nurturing the growth of Belize’s tourism landscape.

With nearly 300 members nationwide, BTIA says it has been the mastermind behind some of the most exciting initiatives that have shaped the industry. From the launch of signature events like BETEX (Belize Tourism Expo) to the publication of Destination Belize magazine—the country’s go-to guide for all things tourism—and the coordination of festivals that showcase Belize’s rich cultural heritage and stunning natural beauty, BTIA has been instrumental in positioning Belize as a world-class destination.

BTIA President Efren Perez shared, “This 40-year journey reflects the passion, resilience, and collaboration that define BTIA. Our achievements have been rooted in our mission to uplift our industry and showcase the very best of Belize. We are proud of our history, but even more excited about what lies ahead. Together with our members and partners, we remain committed to building a vibrant, sustainable tourism sector.”

Linette Canto, Executive Director of BTIA, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the association’s enduring impact: “Our greatest strength lies in the partnerships and relationships we’ve cultivated over the years—with our members, communities, and industry partners. As we look to the future, BTIA is focused on innovation, collaboration, and championing initiatives that will ensure Belize’s tourism industry continues to thrive for generations to come.”

And here’s the cherry on top! In celebration of its 40th anniversary, BTIA is offering a 20% discount on membership fees for new and renewing members from April 26 to May 31, 2025.

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