A small domestic aircraft carrying 14 passengers was hijacked mid-flight this morning while en route from Corozal to San Pedro.
The plane circled erratically over the coastline near Belize City.
Video footage from inside the aircraft showed passengers onboard, including a passenger with visible wounds; he was reportedly injured while trying to subdue the hijacker
The plane landed safely at Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport, where authorities were already on the ground awaiting its arrival.
Chester Williams, the Commissioner of Police, confirmed that the hijacker was shot by another passenger. The hijacker was identified as Akinyela Sawa Taylor, a citizen of the United States of America.
Law enforcement and emergency personnel responded immediately as the aircraft landed. All passengers were safely evacuated and are receiving medical attention.
Two passengers sustained injuries, and others were treated at the scene.
International flights will remain open at the PGIA today.
Authorities continue to investigate. More updates to follow.
Unconfirmed reports indicate that a small domestic aircraft, carrying 14 passengers, may have been hijacked mid-flight. The plane was en route from Corozal to San Pedro when a passenger allegedly took control. The aircraft is reportedly circling off the coast of Belize City.
Unconfirmed reports are that two persons are believed to have sustained injuries.
Sometimes, it’s in the quiet corners, where the breeze is gentle, the people are warm, and the pace is slow, that you find the most meaningful memories.
For those craving peace, space and picture-perfect scenery, we’ve rounded up five underrated Easter destinations that are just as beautiful, of course, minus the large crowds.
1. Blue Creek Dam, Orange Walk Tucked away in the northwestern village of Blue Creek, this tranquil dam is a peaceful escape surrounded by lush greenery. It’s perfect for picnics, nature walks or just soaking in the sounds of rushing water and rustling leaves. Snap a few shots; the views are truly gallery-worthy.
2. Corozal Bay If you’re after beach vibes without heading to an island, Corozal is calling. With its cool breezes, calm bay waters and the annual Easter Concert and Beach Bash, this northern town offers fun with just the right dose of relaxation.
3. Sarteneja, Corozal District Even quieter than Corozal Town, Sarteneja is the ultimate blend of village life and sea breeze. The Easter Regatta is the highlight here—featuring traditional keelboat races, food, music and a strong sense of community. It’s vibrant, yet laid-back—perfect for a cultural experience with beach-time perks.
4. Rio On Pools, Mountain Pine Ridge Hidden deep in the highlands, the Rio On Pools offer a scenic change of pace. Granite rocks, cascading waterfalls, and freshwater pools make this one of the best swimming destinations in the country. Bring a picnic, your camera, and your adventurous spirit—it’s a photographer’s dream.
5. Punta Gorda (PG) For a southern escape, PG has it all: sea, rivers, culture and history. Easter egg hunts, street markets, and a mix of Garifuna, Maya and East Indian heritage make this town rich in experiences and smiles.
So, if you’re ready to swap crowds for calm, consider these lesser-known gems. Your Easter weekend in Belize just got a lot more peaceful and just as unforgettable. These spots offer more than just scenic backdrops for your next Instagram post; they offer moments of real connection with nature, with community, and with yourself.
A prominent faculty member at the University of Belize has been placed on administrative leave due to numerous sexual offense allegations. News Five has obtained documents showing that for over ten years, students have been writing to the office of student affairs about the alleged behavior. Tonight, Dr. Pio Saqui, a lecturer and President of the University of Belize’s Faculty and Staff Union, is at home while the university investigates the allegations. Although the probe is in its early stages, the complaints are numerous and detailed. News Five’s Paul Lopez reports.
Paul Lopez, Reporting
News Five has confirmed that Dr. Pio Saqui, a faculty member at the University of Belize and President of the University of Belize’s Faculty and Staff Union, has been placed on administrative leave following numerous sexual offense allegations. These allegations date back to 2010. In one instance, a student wrote to former Dean of Student Affairs, William Neal, seeking help. She stated that, quote, there are several other victims of sexual harassment, end quote. She claimed that Saqui sent her a friend request on Facebook and then began sending frequent messages, calling her his favorite student, saying she was pretty, and that he had a crush on her.
The student even provided printed copies of the messages Saqui allegedly sent, which included comments like, quote, you how bad you are with me… now I am sad… congrats…. be a good girlfriend and always respect yourself, end quote, and, quote, if you need a secret hug… I am here always, end quote. When she ignored him, he responded that she was hurting his feelings. She also alleged that Saqui repeatedly invited her to his house for a drink, which she found unprofessional and uncomfortable, affecting her interest in the class. A second student wrote to Neal in 2015 with similar allegations. She accepted his friend request on Facebook and would ask him about assignments and tests, but he would always respond by telling her not to stress about tests because they would be easy and that she should come to his house to relax and drink. She also alleged that he would be with her even when her boyfriend was around.
The latest report against Saqui came in 2025. The letter to the Office of Student Affairs detailed numerous alleged behaviors amounting to sexual harassment and misconduct, including unwanted touching, unsolicited and persistent comments about students’ appearance and bodies, repeated requests for hugs and physical contact, and invasive questions about students’ personal relationships, sexual activity, and home life. The author of the letter requested that Saqui be removed from classroom and field activities pending investigation, that a confidential and impartial investigation be conducted, and that students be protected from retaliation and receive necessary support. The letter also noted that his alleged actions violate the university’s student handbook and the Anti-Sexual Harassment Act. It included testimonies from four female students who recounted instances where he allegedly asked for hugs, held their hands inappropriately, made sexual remarks, engaged in unsolicited shoulder massages, and sent uncomfortable messages.
Today, the University of Belize told News Five, quote, we have received the allegations. We are taking them seriously. We are engaging transparent and thorough protocols of the UB policies with the intent for a speedy and fair resolution based on the necessary investigation, end quote. Notably, an official police report is yet to be filed. We will continue to follow these reports and the university’s investigation. Reporting for News Five, I am Paul Lopez
Just before news time, we spoke with the Minister of Human Development, Thea Garcia-Ramirez, who confirmed that her ministry is offering support to the alleged victims from the University of Belize. She also revealed that the Office of the Attorney General will provide legal aid to the students. Before you hear her comments, it’s important to note that we have made multiple attempts to contact Doctor Pio Saqui for his response, but our calls and messages have gone unanswered. Here’s what Minister Garcia-Ramirez had to say.
On the Phone: Thea Garcia Ramirez, Minister of Human Development
“Earlier this week, we received a letter from a spokesperson alleging to be speaking on behalf of a couple of young women students from the University. We take all of these incidents very seriously. We reached out via the spokesperson to see if they wanted our support and how it is that we could help. Up to today, the end of business day, four women have come forward with allegations of sexual harassment and impropriety against the faculty member of UB. So, our ministry and our social workers have been in communication and are lending support. We have to understand that it takes a lot of courage and bravery to come forward and make these allegations. My belief and understanding is that they have formally written to the University of Belize to make these allegations more formal. I cannot confirm whether or not the police have been brought into the matter. I am not sure whether or not the young ladies will seek to make a report, which is their right to do so or not do so as they see fit.”
On Tuesday, we reported on the alleged rape of a woman by a prominent union leader. The victim claims she was sexually assaulted by her colleague in April 2019. After years of suffering in silence, she finally found the courage to come forward. She first filed an official complaint with the Belize Police Department, but when they failed to act promptly, she turned to the media and shared her story for the first time, six years later. Tonight, we will continue our coverage of this incident.
Voice of: Alleged Rape Victim
“I was so frightened and shocked. The next day I just stayed in my room because I was to work again late, but I just stayed in my room that whole day, well, at least ‘til time fi mi gaan da work because I was so frightened. I think I stayed in my room and then got ready for work and my mom wanted to know how I wasn’t coming out of my room that morning, but I was just there crying. I didn’t want her to know because my mom was like, she was already getting down, soh I neva want nothing to stress her. I never told her about this and I was going to go to my grave with this secret, but the reason I ended up doing the police report, I did my official police report on February tenth, because I went to the Queen Street Police Station on, I think, February sixth, but it didn’t go smoothly because I was to do the report at the Ladyville Police Station being that da Ladyville side ih happen. So the officers contacted me and did the report with me, picked me up on February tenth and we did the report. Yoh know what’s the problem, some people can’t take rejection. Some people can’t take rejection. That da weh eat he out, that da weh bun he because he know weh he do and he wanted wahn relationship afta dat and I would not give in to him and he thought [that] harassing me in my workplace, when dehn put ahn eena di same area weh I di work, he thought harassing me would force me to give in to him, it would get me weak and force me to give in to him and have something with him and all weh ih do da give me di courage fi get up and gaan da di police fi report ahn.”
Isani Cayetano
“So why hasn’t he been arrested and charged and brought before the court?”
Alleged Rape Victim
“I don’t know. Di police dehn tek down my report. From weh I understand, he was detained. From weh I understand, the information was sent up to the DPP Office and they still haven’t gotten a response from the DPP. This was sent from February.”
A prominent lecturer at the University of Belize (UB) was placed on administrative leave on Thursday, April 10, after complaints of sexual harassment were made against him.
News Five has learnt that UB has at least four complaints against Dr Pio Saqui, who is also the president of the University of Belize Faculty and Staff Union (UBFSU).
This was confirmed with a UB official who told News 5 exclusively, “We have received the allegations. We are taking it seriously. We are engaging transparent and thorough protocols of the UB policies with an intent for speedy and fair resolution based on the necessary investigation.”
News Five has reached out to Dr Saqui for comment multiple times.
The most recent damning complaint is dated April 8. The four complainants alleged that his behaviours included but were not limited to “unwanted touching”, “unsolicited and persistent comments about students’ appearances and bodies”, “repeated requests for hugs and physical contact despite visible discomfort and refusal”, and “invasive questions about students’ personal relationships, sexual activity, and home life”. The letter also referenced testimonies from four students who said Saqui allegedly made sexual remarks, gave unsolicited massages, and engaged in repeated physical contact without consent.
The complainants have requested that Saqui be removed from teaching and field duties pending an impartial investigation and that measures be taken to protect students from retaliation.
They cite the University of Belize Student Handbook (May 2024), “which guarantees students the right to learn in an environment free from harassment, abuse, and intimidation. More urgently, it also breaches the newly enacted Anti-Sexual Harassment Act 2024.” The act defines sexual harassment as “any unwelcome sexual advance, comment, gesture, or physical contact of a sexual nature that causes humiliation, intimidation, or creates an offensive environment.”
The complaints, dating back to 2010, include reports from students who allege Saqui sent them inappropriate messages, made repeated advances, and engaged in behaviour they described as unprofessional and harassing.
We are told that the Office of the Prime Minister and the Ministry of Human Development, Family Support & Gender Affairs have been made aware of the allegations. To date, no official police report has been made.
The National Trade Union Congress of Belize (NTUCB) has issued a statement addressing serious allegations of rape involving a senior member of the trade union community. The NTUCB says it has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual violence, abuse, and misconduct.
In the press release, the NTUCB expressed its commitment to justice, advocating for empathy towards both the alleged victim and the accused. The umbrella union stressed the importance of due process and the presumption of innocence until proven guilty in a court of law.
“The NTUCB remains committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity, accountability, and respect in all public and professional areas of life. We will continue to monitor this matter closely and support the affiliate union in its rightful authority to advocate for fair and equitable justice.”
As we reported, a well-known union leader and activist is facing serious allegations of sexual assault stemming from an incident that reportedly occurred six years ago. The alleged victim, who has chosen to remain anonymous, recently shared her story with News Five, expressing frustration over the lack of justice despite her attempts to have the man arrested and charged.
According to the woman, the assault took place in the early morning hours of April 13, 2019, following a period of persistent unwanted advances from the man, which began as early as 2017. She said she had repeatedly made it clear that she was not interested in a romantic relationship and only agreed to meet with him under the condition that they would discuss union-related matters.
However, what she believed would be a brief, work-focused conversation turned into a nightmare. The woman alleges that after taking her to a local establishment, the man offered to drive her home but stopped on the roadside between Rustic Korner and Haulover, where he then forced himself on her. She described how he pulled up her dress, tore at her clothing, and raped her, despite her pleas and refusals.
To date, she says no charges have been brought against the alleged perpetrator, and her calls for accountability have gone unanswered. The case raises renewed questions about justice, abuse of power, and the silencing of victims within professional spaces.
The Public Service Union of Belize (PSU) has issued a scathing condemnation of the Briceño Administration, accusing it of “shameless self-enrichment” while public officers continue to face stagnant wages and economic hardship.
In a strongly worded release likening the administration to the corrupt leadership in George Orwell’s Animal Farm, the PSU blasted recent salary hikes for top government officials.
As we have reported, the pay adjustments, outlined in a government memo dated March 28, were approved with retroactive effect from March 13—just days after the 2025 general election.
Under the new terms, Cabinet Secretary Stuart Leslie’s annual salary increases to $96,000, while Chief Executive Officers will now earn $88,000—an increase of 15.7% from their previous salary of $76,000.
“These grotesque displays of self-interest come while public officers are still waiting for the reinstatement of three withheld increments, equivalent to a 7.5% salary adjustment,” the union stated. It also noted that roughly 40% of public servants earn under $20,000 a year and are struggling to survive on what it describes as poverty wages.
The PSU criticised the Financial Secretary and CEO Caucus for enabling what it called a “culture of exploitation” and questioned whether CEOs seeking private-sector-level pay should remain in public service. “The people of Belize deserve leaders who serve them, not predators who exploit them,” the union declared.
The PSU warned that these top-level salary adjustments could trigger a domino effect, potentially increasing ministers’ salaries to match the new $96,000 base. “If these CEOs desire private-sector-level compensation for their largely ceremonial roles, they should exit the public sector and “prove their worth” in the corporate world.”
The union is calling for immediate action from the Briceño Administration to address long-standing concerns affecting public officers. Among its key demands is a 7.5% salary adjustment to account for three withheld increments. The PSU is also requesting an increase in transfer grants from $1,200 to $1,500, in line with the provisions of the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), along with retroactive payments to officers who have been underpaid since 2021. Additionally, the union is urging the government to respond promptly to the Joint Unions’ CBA framework to advance stalled negotiations. The PSU has given the administration a 21-day deadline to issue a written commitment to fulfill these demands.
The PSU also reminded its members that “you don’t get what you deserve, you get what you negotiate,” and urged all public officers to remain united. The union warned that if the administration fails to act, it will have no choice but to mobilise for collective industrial action.
“Enough is enough,” the release concluded. It says the government “must cease its parasitic enrichment and honour its obligations to the people who sustain this nation.”
It’s that time of year again—when the sun is blazing, the beaches are calling, and Belizeans are packing up for fun-filled Easter getaways with family and friends. But while the long weekend promises memories and adventure, it also brings a big temptation: overspending.
Local economist and financial consultant Rumile Arana, owner of Arana Consultancies, has a few pieces of advice to keep in mind during these days. He urges Belizeans to keep a close eye on their wallets and not fall into common financial traps.
“The whole idea of you having the urge that you need to go somewhere or be at a big resort during Easter is simply just that we are buying into this whole consumerism type of culture,” Arana warned.
Easter is one of those holidays where many forget to plan ahead—especially when it comes to money. Social pressure, last-minute planning, and even quick loans often lead people to spend way more than they should. But it doesn’t have to be that way.
To help Belizeans enjoy the Easter vibes without the financial hangover, Arana shared five important tips that could save a wallet outcry:
Create a Budget: Plan your spending in advance. Allocate set amounts for food, drinks, transport, and entertainment. The big reminder here? Your next payday might still be weeks away. Spend accordingly.
Pool Resources: Road trips? Beach weekends? Arana says make it a team effort. Carpooling or group trips to share transport and accommodation costs can seriously ease the load on your wallet.
Buy in Advance: Impulse buys at events or bars can quickly add up. Arana recommends a smarter approach: purchasing alcohol and snacks beforehand to cut costs. A little pre-planning goes a long way.
Opt for Cost-Effective Trips: Not every memorable Easter needs to be a luxury vacation. Day trips to riversides or local beaches offer enjoyment without the hefty price tag. Arana also suggests booking places with small kitchens so you can cook and save on meals.
Avoid Loans for Leisure: This one’s a biggie. “If you have to borrow money to enjoy your Easter, you’re always already starting off on the wrong foot,” Arana warned. Holiday-time loan offers are everywhere, but he warns: don’t fall for them. Basically, you’re sacrificing future income for short-term fun.
While it is healthy to have fun every now and then, it’s important to remember that there will be days to follow the excitement of the long Easter weekend. With a bit of planning and smart choices, every family can have a great time without waking up Tuesday morning full of financial regret.
Here’s one of Arana’s “braata” advices: saving for next year’s Easter can start right after this year’s one. Setting aside a couple of dollars every month towards next year’s Easter can start building the discipline one needs during times when one is tempted to splurge for the moment’s experience.
So before you hit the road, pack the cooler, or book that weekend escape—make sure your budget’s in check. Your future self will thank you.
