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Belize Mourns Death of Pope Francis

The Roman Catholic Diocese of Belize City and Belmopan, along with the Government of Belize, has joined the global Catholic community in mourning the death of Pope Francis, who passed away earlier today on Easter Monday.

In an official statement, the Diocese expressed deep sorrow at the pontiff’s passing, describing him as a shepherd of humility and a powerful advocate for the poor, peace, and the environment.

Rev. Fr. Jordan Gongora, Diocesan Administrator, said in a statement, “We entrust the soul of our beloved Pope Francis to the mercy of God.”

The Diocese also announced a memorial mass in the pope’s honour, to be held in Belize City on Monday, 28 April, at 6:00 p.m. All members of the public are invited to attend and pray for the repose of the late pontiff’s soul.

The Government of Belize, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, also released a statement extending condolences to the global Catholic community. Recalling Pope Francis’ 2024 meeting with Prime Minister John Briceño at the Vatican, the government noted the Holy Father’s support for the Church’s developmental work in Belize and his lifelong dedication to compassion, humility, and peace.

Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, served as the 266th Pope of the Roman Catholic Church and was widely regarded as a reformer and a champion of social justice throughout his papacy.

Pope Francis Dies Aged 88 on Easter Monday

Pope Francis has died aged 88, bringing an end to a historic papacy that challenged tradition, social justice, and global outreach, the Vatican News reported.

The Vatican confirmed that the Pontiff passed away peacefully at 7:35 a.m. on 21 April 2025 at his residence in Casa Santa Marta. Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, announced the news just over two hours later, expressing sorrow and gratitude for a life “dedicated to the service of the Lord and of His Church.”

Vatican officials said his body is expected to be transferred to St. Peter’s Basilica on Wednesday, 23 April, for public viewing. The final arrangements will be confirmed after a meeting of Cardinals on Tuesday.

The late Pope had been battling health issues since February, when he was hospitalised for bronchitis. His condition deteriorated after being diagnosed with bilateral pneumonia on 18 February. He spent over a month at the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic before returning to the Vatican in late March to continue his recovery.

Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Argentina, he became the first Latin American and Jesuit Pope in 2013. He was known for his humility, plain speech and unwavering advocacy for the marginalised, the Vatican News reported. Pope Francis spent over a decade pushing the Church to be more inclusive, open, and focused on social justice.

Belizeans Mourn the Death of Artist Concego

Punta Rock artist Concego, known offstage as Deon Patrick Ogaldez, died three days after a tragic motorcycle accident on Thursday, April 17. The beloved artist was critically injured after being knocked off his motorcycle and was hospitalized at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.

The well-known artist, producer, songwriter, and musician was recognized for his vibrant performances and contributions to Punta Rock music, both in Garifuna and English/Creole. One of his most popular songs is “Namule.”

On social media, family members confirmed his passing, stating, “It is with heavy hearts that the Castillo,Ogaldez, Nunez family share the passing of a beloved son, brother, uncle, nephew, friend and musician. He leaves behind a legacy of love, unforgettable melodies, and a family who will forever hold him close in their hearts. Funeral arrangements and details for memorial services will be shared soon. We ask for your prayers, love and privacy as we navigate this unimaginable loss. Rest in peace Concego Ta Leh for your legacy will never end.”

Fans and supporters also expressed their grief online. One user wrote, “RIP my long time friend from you first came out singing I was ur fan ur brother ur buddy Rest in Peace.”

Another added, “was really hoping and praying that God would give you a second chance but he knows best go rest high on the mountain”

Police are still investigating the details of the crash.

Concego is remembered for his musical talent, his dedication to his culture, and the joy he brought to fans across the country.

BDF Officers Welcomed Home After Completing Peacekeeping Mission in Haiti

Two Belize Defence Force officers, Major Ermil Coh and Captain Claudio Quiroz, have returned home after a six-month deployment in Haiti as part of the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission. The BDF held a welcoming ceremony to honour the officers.

In a statement issued by the BDF, senior officers “warmly welcomed back Major Ermil Coh and Captain Claudio Quiroz from their recent tour with the Multinational Stabilization Support (MSS) mission in Haiti.” The mission is part of an international, CARICOM-backed effort to restore stability in Haiti, where gang violence and political unrest have created a national crisis.

The BDF said, “We recognised the dedication and sacrifices of the returning officers, who played a crucial role in enhancing stability and supporting humanitarian efforts in the region.”

During their six-month tour, Major Coh and Captain Quiroz “were deployed… to assist in various capacities, including community engagement, logistical and operational support, and security initiatives aimed at fostering peace in Haiti.”

The BDF noted, “As Major Coh and Captain Quiroz reintegrate into their daily routines, their commitment to service remains unwavering. We not only celebrated their safe return but also served as a reminder of the ongoing need for vigilance and dedication in international peacekeeping efforts.”

The deployment follows Belize’s active participation in the MSS mission, established under UN Security Council Resolution 2699, with personnel deployed alongside troops from Jamaica, the Bahamas, and other Caribbean nations.

Man Shot in Neck in Punta Gorda

Police are investigating the shooting of a 35-year-old man in Punta Gorda Town on Saturday night.

Initial reports indicate that Derrick Hines was shot in the neck while on Prince Street shortly after 9 p.m. He was initially taken to the Punta Gorda Hospital before being transferred to the Western Regional Hospital for further treatment.

He remains in stable condition.

The investigation is ongoing.

Tropic Air Hijack Survivor Breaks Silence

Jair Castaneda, one of three passengers injured during the hijacking of a Tropic Air flight on Thursday, issued his first public statement following his release from hospital on Friday, 18 April.

In a message shared on social media, Castaneda said the country’s “peaceful community was shaken by an unimaginable act of violence and evil.” He thanked the public for their “incredible care, compassion, and support” and added that he continues his recovery at home, surrounded by family.

The plane hijack occurred on Thursday when Akinyela Sawa Taylor, a 49-year-old American citizen and military veteran, stabbed three individuals after hijacking a domestic flight. Taylor was shot and killed by a passenger during the incident.

Taylor had entered Belize on 8 April and was involved in several troubling encounters in the days before the plane incident, including assaulting a police officer and attempting to board a flight without a ticket. Despite these incidents, he was released from custody. How he subsequently boarded the flight remains unclear.

Castaneda asked the public to continue praying for the other two victims, Captain Howell Grange and Fitzgerald Brown, who continue receiving medical attention.

Captain Grange remains in the intensive care unit. His wife, Alene Carrillo Grange, stated on social media on Saturday that Captain Grange suffered major injuries to his right arm, forearm, back, face, right ear, and left forearm. Stab wounds to his ear extended into his mouth, cutting his tongue and causing him to swallow and inhale blood. This led to chemical pneumonia and the need for surgery to repair nerves and wounds on his face, tongue, and limbs. She added that his condition is slowly improving, and he is now speaking a little and is in a “really positive frame of mind.”

San Lazaro Youth Wins 2025 Junior Farmer Award

A 25-year-old farmer of San Lazaro Village has been named Belize’s Junior Farmer of the Year 2025. Growing up on a multi-generational farm in the Orange Walk District, Juan Ricardo Carrillo has cultivated a lifelong dedication to agriculture, starting full-time on the farm at just 15. His journey earned him a nationwide recognition from the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Enterprise.

He specialises in vegetable production, including tomatoes, sweet peppers, and cabbages. To combat the growing climate and pest challenges, Carillo has integrated modern techniques, including the use of natural fertilisers, such as Super Magro and Madrifol from the Sembrando Vida Programme, and applies natural pest control methods like Metarhizium fungi, reducing dependence on chemical pesticides.

His approach not only protects the environment but also strengthens the long-term resilience of his farm. Carrillo has expanded into livestock, raising poultry, cattle, and sheep to create a more diversified and sustainable operation.

With strong support from his wife, Carla Linet Carrillo, he is now focused on mentoring young Belizeans and proving that farming is not just a job; it’s a way to build a future.

Tropic Air Team Member Jair Castañeda Released from Hospital

Tropic Air, the Airline of Belize, has announced that Jair (Franchesco) Castañeda has been released from medical care following injuries sustained during an incident yesterday. The airline expressed gratitude to the skilled medical team and the community for their support and prayers.

Captain Howell Grange and Fitzgerald Brown are still receiving medical care and are in stable condition. Tropic Air has requested continued support and prayers for these individuals, their families, and all those affected in the community.

Akinyela Sawa Taylor, a 49-year-old American veteran, was shot and killed by a passenger after hijacking a Tropic Air flight in Belize and stabbing three people. Taylor had entered Belize for the first time on April 8 but was involved in multiple incidents in the days leading up to the attack, including attempting to board a flight without a ticket, being denied entry into Mexico, and assaulting a police officer. Despite these events, he was released from custody. It remains unclear how he re-entered Belize or boarded the flight.

Family of American Man Who Hijacked Small Plane in Belize Speaks

The hijacking itself lasted nearly two hours and involved 14 passengers and two crew members. According to police, Taylor launched a knife attack mid-flight, stabbing two passengers and the pilot before being shot and killed by one of the wounded passengers. Video footage from inside the small aircraft shows terrified passengers bracing for impact as the plane landed safely after nearly running out of fuel.

Taylor’s family, including his nephew in St. Louis, Missouri, say they are stunned. “I don’t think he would do something like this,” his nephew said. “He was okay when I last saw him two weeks ago. He wasn’t on any medication. No signs of PTSD. This is a big shock to me and the rest of our family.”

He is a former St. Louis County teacher aand a military veteran.

A spokesperson for the Ferguson-Florissant School District said Taylor worked as an assistant football coach from June 2018 to February 2019, but is “no longer affiliated with the District in any capacity.”

Could the Tropic Air Plane Hijacking Have Been Prevented?

A terrifying mid-air ordeal over Belize ended with American hijacker 49-year-old Akinyela Sawa Taylor being ultimately shot and killed by a passenger. Taylor had hijacked a Tropic Air flight and stabbed 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.

Taylor was involved in at least two troubling incidents in the days leading up to the attack—events that, if handled differently, may have prevented the tragedy.

Last week, Akinyela Sawa Taylor 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 Saturday, 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 later confronted by Corozal police and Free Zone security, during which he allegedly assaulted a police officer.

Although initially detained, Taylor was released on the directive of a high-ranking Belize Police Department official, according to sources.

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