hipolito - Channel 5 Belize

St. John’s Credit Union Denounces Fraud Allegations as ‘False and Malicious’

St. John’s Credit Union Ltd. (SJCU) is pushing back against what it calls “malicious and defamatory” social media posts that allege funds were wrongfully removed from a member’s account.

In a press release, the long-standing financial institution dismissed the allegations as baseless and assured the public that no financial losses have occurred.

“We wish to inform our valued members and the general public that the entirety of the information contained in the said social media posts are malicious and defamatory,” the statement reads.

SJCU said it operates under the strict oversight of the Central Bank of Belize and adheres to the regulations outlined in the Credit Union Act.

The institution is investigating: “We are in the process of wholly establishing to the regulator and all affected concerned parties that there were no actual or incurred financial losses.”

St. John’s Credit Union reassured its members that all transactions are traceable and backed by proper records and audit trails.

Hotel Set Ablaze as Protests Erupt Over Death of 11-Year-Old in Guyana

The people of Guyana are in shock following the discovery of 11-year-old Adrianna Younge’s body in the pool of the Double Day Hotel. The young girl had been reported missing on Wednesday afternoon after visiting the hotel with her grandmother and other relatives. Despite initial searches by family members and police, her body was not found until early this morning.

President Irfaan Ali has intervened directly, ordering a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding Adrianna’s death. He has instructed the Commissioner of Police to assemble a special team to lead the probe and stressed that no resources will be spared in uncovering the truth.

The discovery of Adrianna’s body has sparked intense public outrage, leading to protests in the Tuschen community. Residents have blocked roads, burnt tires, and even set parts of the hotel ablaze, demanding justice and accountability.

Many have drawn parallels to a 2012 incident at the same hotel, where a young mechanic was found dead under suspicious circumstances. Although charges were initially brought against the hotel owner’s son and a staff member, both were later acquitted.

Belize’s Coconut Sector Unveils Strategy for Sustainable Growth

Belize is betting big on coconuts—and not just for coconut water or oil. The country is rolling out a fresh plan to revitalise the coconut industry.

Earlier this week, the Coconut Sector Task Force met in Belmopan for its first quarterly meeting of the year. The gathering brought together farmers, processors, trade experts, and government reps—all focused on the same goal: making Belize’s coconut industry stronger, more sustainable, and more profitable.

This effort is part of the One Country One Priority Product (OCOP) initiative, a global programme led by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations. And for Belize, coconuts are the product of choice.

The task force is finalising three key documents that will act as the backbone for the sector’s revival: a Coconut Sector Development Strategy, a Three-Year Roadmap, a Trade and Investment Prospectus.

These tools are designed to fix some of the industry’s biggest problems—like inconsistent productivity, limited access to global markets, and missed opportunities to create value-added products. At the same time, they’ll help ensure farming practices stay environmentally friendly.

But it’s not just about paperwork. The strategy also includes hands-on training for farmers and producers, covering everything from soil conservation and pest management to business skills and market planning.

The meeting pulled in key players from the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Enterprise, BELTRAIDE, CARDI, and private sector leaders.

Everyone in the room agreed: coconuts aren’t just a crop—they’re an opportunity. With the right support and smart planning, Belize’s coconut sector could become a major driver of rural jobs, exports, and innovation.

Panton Claps Back: ‘We Won’t Be Distracted’

Leader of the Opposition Tracy Panton has called for unity and renewed focus as the party begins its post-election rebuilding efforts.

In a message to supporters, Panton reassured the United Democratic Party (UDP) base that despite recent setbacks and ongoing leadership disputes, the party is committed to moving forward and regaining the trust of the Belizean people.

“We will not be distracted. We will not listen to the noise but rather spend our time and attention on rebuilding the UDP from the ground up,” Panton stated.

The statement comes after Moses “Shyne” Barrow issued a statement in which he said that he returns as the leader of the UDP. Barrow said, “As my term does not expire until the National Convention to be scheduled this year, 2025, at your request, I will continue to serve you as Party Leader to ensure the continuity and strengthening of our great UDP!”

Panton also stressed the need for unity and active participation, saying that “rebuilding takes time and effort… It requires ALL hands on deck.” She reiterated the importance of holding the current administration accountable to ensure full transparency and proper governance.

Panton also announced the UDP’s first official press conference since the 2025 general elections. The event is scheduled for next Tuesday and will address key national issues.

Shyne Barrow Says He Returns as Leader of the UDP

Moses “Shyne” Barrow says he remains leader of the United Democratic Party (UDP). This comes after he resigned following his defeat in the March 2025 general elections.

In a press release, Barrow said, “As my term does not expire until the National Convention to be scheduled this year, 2025, at your request, I will continue to serve you as Party Leader to ensure the continuity and strengthening of our great UDP!”

According to Barrow, the UDP has gone “dormant, with no attempt at unity, no compliance with the Party Constitution, no adherence to procedures and structures of the Party, no vision or resources to take the Party forward. I am compelled to accept your call for me to continue as Party Leader until the next National Convention as was my original position.”

“I am compelled to accept your call for me to continue as party leader until the next national convention, as was my original position.” 

Barrow’s resignation on March 17 came after losing his Mesopotamia seat to fellow UDP member Lee Mark Chang.

Tracy Panton, who claimed leadership following an October 2024 ‘unity convention’, was sworn in as Leader of the Opposition on March 14.

However, the legitimacy of Panton’s leadership has been contested by Barrow, leading to ongoing legal battles. Barrow’s attorney argued that Panton’s convention violated the UDP’s constitution, asserting that she lacked the authority to call for it and was not a party member at the time.

Belizean Man Missing in Quintana Roo

The State Attorney General’s Office of Quintana Roo is requesting the public’s assistance in locating 29-year-old William Javier Cruz Milán, who has been reported missing since April 19, 2025. He was last seen in the town of Sabidos, located in the municipality of Othón P. Blanco, Quintana Roo.

Cruz Milán, a Belizean national, is described as having a slim build, fair complexion, and short straight black hair. He has large dark brown eyes and stands approximately 1.50 metres tall, weighing around 55 kilograms. A distinguishing feature is a tattoo of the Virgin of Guadalupe on his right shoulder.

Authorities filed the official missing persons report on April 22. At the time of his disappearance, there was no information available about the clothes he was wearing.

The State Attorney General’s Office urges anyone with information about William Javier Cruz Milán’s whereabouts to come forward. Members of the public can contact the authorities at (983) 835 0050, extension 1132.

“Help him return home!” reads the message on the official alert.

Belize Loses Access to $125M U.S. Grant as MCC Faces Shutdown

The Government of Belize is set to lose access to a five-year, US$125 million development grant from the United States following the sudden decision by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to shut down the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), a major U.S. foreign aid agency.

The MCC had signed the grant agreement with Belize just seven months ago, in September 2024, marking a historic investment in the country’s education and energy sectors. The agreement was signed by Prime Minister John Briceño and MCC CEO Alice Albright and attended by U.S. Ambassador Michelle Kwan and Minister of State Christopher Coye.

Now, with the agency slated for closure, the future of the Belize Compact — which included transformative projects to expand access to education and reduce electricity costs — hangs in the balance. The new MCC-funded implementing agency, Millennium Challenge Account-Belize, was scheduled to begin project rollout in 2025.

An internal MCC email this week confirmed that the agency’s 320 employees have been offered early retirement or deferred resignations, with operations winding down within 90 days. DOGE is expected to present a resolution next week to formally terminate MCC’s global grant programmes, affecting 20 countries with over $5.4 billion in active funding.

The closure is part of a broader push by the Trump administration and DOGE head Elon Musk to dismantle select government agencies. Though Musk has announced plans to step down, DOGE continues its efforts to cut back U.S. foreign aid programs.

MCC’s compact with Belize aimed to reduce poverty by improving technical education and modernising the power grid with lower-cost renewable energy. Now, without the U.S. partnership, these long-planned initiatives face indefinite delays or cancellation.

Captain Howell Grange Discharged from Medical Care

Tropic Air announced that Captain Howell Grange has been discharged from medical care and is now resting and recovering at home. The airline expressed deep gratitude for the strength of its team and the support from the community during this challenging time.

In a statement, Tropic Air stressed its commitment to prioritising the well-being of all those affected by recent events. The airline is implementing enhanced security protocols and reviewing long-term safety procedures to ensure the continued safety of passengers, crew, and staff. Tropic Air CEO Maximiliano Greif assured that updates on these measures will be provided once fully in place.

The announcement comes in the wake of a terrifying mid-air ordeal over Belize, where American hijacker Akinyela Sawa Taylor was shot and killed by a passenger after hijacking a Tropic Air flight and stabbing 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.

In the days leading up to the attack, Taylor was involved in several troubling incidents. He 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 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 confronted by Corozal police and Free Zone security, during which he allegedly assaulted a police officer. Although initially detained, Taylor was released.

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

“He Started to Stab Him”: Passenger Recounts Harrowing Tropic Air Hijacking

On April 17, 2025, a routine Tropic Air flight from Corozal to San Pedro turned into a terrifying ordeal when 49-year-old American citizen and military veteran Akinyela Sawa Taylor hijacked the aircraft mid-flight. Armed with a knife, Taylor stabbed two passengers and the pilot, demanding the plane be diverted out of Belize. The incident ended when a passenger, licensed to carry a firearm, fatally shot Taylor, allowing the plane to land safely in Ladyville.

Among the passengers was Armin Burgos, who shared his firsthand account exclusively with News Five. Initially, Burgos mistook the commotion for a simple altercation: “All of a sudden, like two, three minutes after when we were in the air, I heard a lady shouting, ‘Stop it! Stop it! Stop it!’ So I thought they were fighting. I didn’t think anything.”

The situation escalated rapidly as Taylor confronted the pilot: “Then I saw the pilot; they’d like to turn back, and then [Taylor] told the pilot, ‘You’re not landing; you’re not turning back.’”

“He said, ‘Everybody go to the back.’ The guy that he stabbed, I saw him… Then I saw the whole thing, that he was stabbing the guy… So then I got a little frightened.”

Despite the danger, Burgos attempted to contact authorities:

“I tried to call police. But I called 911, and there was no answer. So I called one of my cousins; he’s also a police officer. I told him that, you know, they’re having a stabbing on the plane. I didn’t even know that it was hijacked.”

“If Mr Brown didn’t try to help, he would’ve been dead because [Taylor] was stabbing him… Mr Brown was trying to stop him and hold him.”

The ordeal concluded when a passenger shot Taylor as the plane prepared to land. “That’s when the shot… and he shouted for somebody to come and help the white guy. So I went with my belt, and I tried to tie his hand.”

Authorities are investigating how Taylor, previously denied entry into Belize, managed to board the flight with a concealed weapon. The U.S. Embassy in Belize is assisting with the investigation.

The incident has prompted discussions on aviation security protocols in Belize, especially concerning smaller airports.

FFB Launches Project Mexico-Belize to Boost National Team

The Football Federation of Belize (FFB) has kicked off Project Mexico-Belize, an initiative aimed at strengthening the Senior Men’s National Football Team ahead of June’s World Cup Qualifiers.

Belize will face Montserrat on June 4 and Panama at home on June 7 in Belmopan.

Leading the project is veteran football professional Daniel Bartolotta, who will serve as senior advisor. He’ll be supported by Diego Bartolotta, Enrique Meza Jr., and coach Enrique Meza Sr., all bringing international experience to help boost both the team and local coaching talent.

The support team’s involvement comes at no cost to the FFB.

The initiative includes a full-time player training camp with weekly stipends, fitness and nutrition support, and mental wellness services. It also offers Belizean coaches mentorship opportunities from seasoned international staff.

FFB President Sergio Chuc said the project is about more than this year’s qualifiers—it’s about building the future of football in Belize. With over $300,000 BZD invested, Project Mexico-Belize represents a major step forward for the national programme, combining global expertise with local development.