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Commissioner Backs DNA Law Reform

Police Commissioner Chester Williams has hailed the government’s new push for science-based policing as a transformative step forward, calling proposed DNA legislation and ongoing forensic advancements “a game changer” for law enforcement and justice in Belize.

The remarks follow the presentation of a draft DNA bill created by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP). The proposed legislation aims to make cases involving DNA evidence clearer and more efficient by establishing rules for the collection, storage, and use of such evidence in criminal cases. It would also allow the courts to determine when DNA samples must be taken from suspects, especially in cases where consent is not given.

“You know, this sort of move is being made. Certainly, it’s something that is urgently needed,” said Commissioner Williams. “We have been in dialogue for this for quite some time, even before I became Commissioner of Police. And I am happy to see that we now have a minister who did not only talk about it, but did his best to ensure that it happens.”

Executive Director of the National Forensic Science Service, Gian Cho, who has been working closely with the UNDP to enhance forensic capabilities, including a new digital evidence management system introduced in 2024, explained during the legislative review that the DNA database would be governed by strict regulations in line with international standards, including protections for individual rights and oversight mechanisms. DNA collection, particularly in cases involving minors or non-consenting individuals, would require a court order.

The DNA legislation and broader forensic reforms are part of the pH Justice project, a $3 million UNDP and European Union initiative aimed at modernising Belize’s justice system. Once stakeholders finalise the draft bill, it will go before Cabinet and eventually the National Assembly for approval.

Measles Returns to Belize After 30 Years: What You Need to Know

After more than three decades without a single case, measles has reappeared in Belize. Health officials have confirmed two positive cases—one in Corozal and another in Cayo.

The Ministry of Health & Wellness revealed that the individuals recently returned from a trip to Mexico. Shortly after their arrival, they began showing symptoms—fever and a distinctive rash. Samples confirmed what health authorities had hoped to avoid: the first cases of measles since 1991.

While measles may sound like a disease of the past, it remains a real threat—especially to those who are unvaccinated. In 2023 alone, an estimated 10.3 million measles cases were reported globally. Outbreaks have affected every region of the world, and now, Belize is part of that alarming trend.

Measles spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It often starts with flu-like symptoms: fever, runny nose, red eyes, and a cough. A rash typically follows, starting at the hairline and spreading downward across the body. In severe cases, measles can lead to pneumonia, brain swelling, or even death.

The good news? Measles is preventable.

The MMR vaccine—protecting against measles, mumps, and rubella—is safe, effective, and freely available at public health facilities. Children in Belize should receive their first dose at 12 months and a second at 18 months. But adults who never got vaccinated—or aren’t sure—can still get protected.

The ministry has increased surveillance for fever and rash symptoms and is urging everyone to check their vaccination status. If you or a family member show any sign of measles, don’t wait—visit the nearest health centre. If you’re unsure about your vaccination record, now is the time to ask questions and get the facts.

For more information, contact your local health clinic or call 0-800-MOH-CARE.

BREAKING: Belize Confirms First Measles Cases in Over 30 Years

The Ministry of Health & Wellness has confirmed two positive cases of measles in Belize.

According to a release issued today, the cases were detected in individuals from the Corozal and Cayo districts who had recently travelled to Mexico. Following their return on March 31, two members of the travel group developed fever and a rash. Laboratory tests have since confirmed the presence of the measles virus. All individuals from the travel group remain in isolation as health officials monitor for additional symptoms.

This development comes amid a global resurgence of measles. In 2023 alone, an estimated 10.3 million cases were reported worldwide, with outbreaks affecting every region. The ministry warns that unvaccinated individuals travelling abroad are at higher risk of contracting and spreading the virus.

Belize’s health authorities have ramped up national surveillance for fever and rash illnesses and expanded access to the measles vaccine. The vaccine, known as the MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella), is routinely administered in two doses—first at 12 months and again at 18 months of age.

Measles is a highly contagious disease that typically begins with symptoms such as fever, runny nose, red eyes, and a distinctive rash that spreads from the hairline downward across the body.

While serious, measles is preventable. The ministry is urging parents and guardians to review their children’s vaccination records to ensure they have received both MMR doses. Unvaccinated individuals of any age are encouraged to visit their nearest health facility to receive the vaccine or obtain more information.

The public is also asked to remain vigilant and report any cases of fever and rash to the nearest health centre immediately. A toll-free hotline, 0-800-MOH-CARE, is available for assistance.

The Ministry of Health & Wellness will host a media briefing tomorrow to provide further updates and details on the situation.

Two Men Charged for the Murder of Luis Marin

Police have formally arrested and charged two Belize City men in connection with the recent murder of Luis Marin, which occurred on Tuesday, April 8.

Eighteen-year-old Scorian Stuart and 23-year-old Michael Gillett, both Belizean labourers, were charged with the crime of murder on Saturday, April 12. Authorities say the charges are the result of ongoing investigations into the fatal incident.

Commissioner of Police Chester Williams confirmed earlier this week that Marin had been a suspect in a weekend shooting incident in Belmopan. That shooting, which occurred on Saturday, was caught on video and widely circulated on social media. The footage showed three men fleeing from a car while shots were fired at them.

Just days later, Marin was found dead inside his home in Belize City’s Majestic Alley area. Commissioner Williams stated that police believed his murder was an act of retaliation for the Belmopan shooting.

Vote Now for News 5 in the CBU People’s Choice Awards!

The Caribbean Broadcasting Union (CBU) is inviting fans of digital media from across the region to vote for their favourite short-form videos in the People’s Choice Reels category of the 36th Annual CBU Media Awards. This year, the People’s Choice category has been revamped to focus on the best social media reels, highlighting creative and impactful content in News and Current Affairs, Music, Comedy, and Education.

A total of 24 entries were submitted from five countries—Barbados, Belize, Jamaica, San Andrés (Colombia), and Trinidad & Tobago. Voting is easy: simply visit the CBU’s website or any of its social media platforms and “like” the videos you enjoy most. The deadline to cast your vote is Monday, June 2, 2025.

Vote for News Five’s submissions by clicking the following links (Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn) and liking the video. You can vote for all the videos.

News and Current Affairs Reel

“How Are Potholes Draining Your Wallet” (Facebook) (Instagram) (LinkedIn)

“Are BDF Soldiers Accepting Bribes?” (Facebook) (Instagram) (LinkedIn)

“Nigel Petillo : Bwai Uno Left Mi Ma Lone” (Facebook) (Instagram) (LinkedIn)

“PM Briceño on Guatemalans Bribing BDF Soldiers” (Facebook) (Instagram) (LinkedIn)

Best Music Reel

“Carnival” (Facebook) (Instagram) (LinkedIn)

“Happy Garifuna Settlement Day 2024” (Facebook) (Instagram) (LinkedIn)

“Phynxxx, Rising Belizean Artist” (Facebook) (Instagram) (LinkedIn)

Best Comedy Reel

“You Say, Gimme 5!” (Facebook) (Instagram) (LinkedIn)

“Spooky Season is Here!” (Facebook) (Instagram) (LinkedIn)

“News 5 Team on This Spooky Thursday” (Facebook) (Instagram) (LinkedIn)

“Open Your Eyes Teases New Home” (Facebook) (Instagram) (LinkedIn)

“Michael Peyrefitte; You Can Call Me Fat, But You Can’t Call Me Thief” (Facebook) (Instagram) (LinkedIn)

Best Education Reel

“Día de los Muertos at the Mexican Institute in Belize City” (Facebook) (Instagram) (LinkedIn)

“Taiwan Expo 2024 – Caribbean Motors Ltd., Belize City” (Facebook) (Instagram) (LinkedIn)

San Pedro Gets Sargassum Defence with New Skimmer Fleet

The Ministry of Blue Economy and Marine Conservation has announced the deployment of new sargassum skimmer vessels off the coast of San Pedro, Ambergris Caye. This is a step forward in Belize’s efforts to protect its marine environment and coastal livelihoods.

These specially designed vessels are now actively working in the waters surrounding the island. The vessels collect and remove large quantities of sargassum seaweed before it reaches the shore. By intercepting the seaweed offshore, the skimmers help safeguard the health of marine ecosystems and preserve the natural beauty of Belize’s beaches—key assets for tourism and community well-being.

The deployment is being hailed as a critical milestone in the Ministry’s Blue Economy strategy.

In a statement issued this week, the ministry commended the Hol Chan Marine Reserve (HCMR) team for leading this vital initiative. “We extend our congratulations to the team at Hol Chan Marine Reserve for this vital investment in protecting our marine environment and supporting the livelihoods of those who depend on our coastal areas,” the release stated.

Belize on the Brink: Climate Change Threatens Coastlines, Culture, and Food Security

A new Climate Risk Profile for Belize by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) warns of worsening impacts from climate change and underscores the urgent need for gender-responsive and socially inclusive adaptation strategies. The report focuses on observed and projected climate shifts, as well as their impacts on both communities and ecosystems, with a specific lens on key protected areas: the Maya Forest Corridor, Glover’s Reef Marine Reserve, and South Water Caye Marine Reserve.

Belize, with its flat terrain, extensive coastline, and more than 1,060 small islands, is highly vulnerable to climate hazards—including sea level rise and increasingly intense hurricanes. These threats endanger the country’s environmental health and economic stability.

Already, climate change is taking a toll on local livelihoods. The report notes a direct link between climate stressors and biodiversity loss, which in turn reduces the availability of marine and agricultural resources. This contributes to growing food insecurity and disrupts traditional and cultural practices.

In response, Belize has been proactive in crafting climate policy frameworks, including the National Climate Change Policy, Strategy and Master Plan (2021) and the National Climate Finance Strategy (2021–2026). National adaptation plans are also underway.

The report—part of the Climate Adaptation and Protected Areas Initiative—highlights the importance of nature-based solutions (NbS) in addressing climate risks. These solutions are rooted in ecosystem restoration and conservation, such as mangrove protection, coral reef restoration, and sustainable land-use practices.

Crucially, the report emphasises that any adaptation measures must be gender-responsive and socially inclusive to ensure they meet the needs of the most vulnerable populations.

The Climate Risk Profile was developed through a combination of desk-based research and participatory engagement with communities in the areas assessed. It provides a roadmap for how Belize can strengthen climate resilience while preserving its rich biodiversity and cultural heritage.

UN to Cut 20% of Humanitarian Staff Amid Funding Crisis

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) will slash its global workforce by 20 per cent, citing what it calls “brutal cuts” in donor funding that have left the agency with a staggering $58 million shortfall for 2025.

In a letter to staff obtained by the Associated Press, U.N. humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher warned that the crisis comes at a time when global needs are growing and humanitarian workers are already “underfunded, overstretched, and literally under attack”.

The agency currently employs about 2,600 staff across more than 60 countries. The planned cuts, Fletcher said, are part of a broader effort to reconfigure operations to align with reduced resources and to streamline internal bureaucracy. This includes a significant reduction in senior-level posts at U.N. headquarters and in several regional offices.

Among the countries where OCHA will scale back its presence are Cameroon, Colombia, Eritrea, Iraq, Libya, Nigeria, Pakistan, Zimbabwe, and the Turkish city of Gaziantep, which serves as a humanitarian hub for operations in Syria.

Fletcher did not explicitly name the source of the budget cutbacks but strongly suggested that the United States—a long-time leader in humanitarian assistance—had slashed its contributions. The U.S. has historically accounted for roughly 20 per cent of OCHA’s extra-budgetary resources, amounting to about $63 million annually.

RISE Belize Calls for Youth Inclusion in National Development Talks

RISE Belize, a coalition of youth-led organisations, is calling on the Ministry of Youth and Sports for a formal dialogue on the future of youth development in Belize. In a letter to Minister Anthony Mahler and Minister of State Devin Daly, the group stressed the need for transparency, accountability, and meaningful youth inclusion in national decision-making.

The coalition says young people deserve more than symbolic involvement and are demanding a seat at the table. “We are ready to help shape a future where youth are seen, valued, and empowered,” the group stated.

RISE Belize is urging youth groups nationwide to join the call for a stronger, more inclusive youth agenda. They now await a response from the ministry.

Partner organisations include the National Students’ Union of Belize, Belize Youth Movement, and the Commonwealth Youth Peace Ambassadors Network, among others.

Corozal Student Wins ‘Du Di Rait Ting’ Award

The Corozal Police Formation on Friday recognised first-form student Marian Gilharry of Cornerstone Presbyterian High School as the February 2025 recipient of the “Du Di Rait Ting” award.

The “Du Di Rait Ting” (DDRT) initiative, launched in 2005 by the Belize Police Department under its Community Orientated Policing Unit, aims to spotlight youths across Belize for their positive behaviour, community involvement, and academic dedication. The first national awards were held in 2006.

Gilharry was awarded a certificate, a letter from the Commissioner of Police, a DDRT T-shirt, and educational supplies. A member of the business community also donated a cellphone in recognition of her efforts.

Friday’s event marked the first DDRT award ceremony in Corozal since the COVID-19 pandemic. Officials, including Northern Regional Commander Sr Superintendent Christopher Noble and Superintendent Elroy Carcamo, were present. The police expressed plans to revitalise the programme in partnership with schools and communities moving forward.

The DDRT programme encourages youth to stay in school, build character, and foster strong ties between students, schools, communities, and law enforcement.