Breaking News - Channel 5 Belize

Police Officer Arraigned for Allegedly Cyberbullying Outgoing COMPOL

A police officer has been arraigned for allegedly using social media to publicly ridicule outgoing Commissioner of Police (COMPOL) Chester Williams. The officer, Barrington Gilbert Mai—also known as Barry Flowers—was charged with “using a computer system to publish obscene and vulgar data.”

Mai, a resident of Carmelita Village in the Orange Walk District, was escorted to the Belize City Magistrate’s Court under tight security this morning. He was transported in the police van but was discreetly taken into the courthouse through a rarely used rear entrance to avoid media cameras.

In court, Mai, who appeared unrepresented, was read a single charge stemming from an alleged social media post on April 2, 2025. The post reportedly contained offensive remarks directed at COMPOL Williams, including statements such as, “Thank God this a**hole is gone.” Williams reported to authorities that the post was a direct attack on his character and reputation, prompting him to request legal action.

Mai pleaded not guilty to the charge. While there was no objection to bail, the prosecution requested specific conditions be imposed. The Senior Magistrate granted bail at $5,000 plus one surety of the same amount or two sureties of $2,500 each, which Mai was able to meet.

As part of his bail conditions, Mai is prohibited from interfering with COMPOL Williams, his family, or any prosecution witnesses. He must also maintain a minimum distance of 25 feet from Williams and his relatives. Any violation of these conditions could result in bail revocation.

Mai’s next court appearance is scheduled for June 4, 2025.

Williams, 51, recently received a one-month extension before officially leaving his post after serving three terms as Commissioner of Police. His exit has been met with mixed reactions, with this latest legal case adding further controversy to his departure.

Belize Government Responds to U.S. Tariffs, Engages with Private Sector and CARICOM

The Government of Belize has convened a high-level meeting to assess the impact of the United States’ newly imposed 10% reciprocal tariff on Belizean exports. The meeting, held in Belmopan, brought together key ministers and senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, the Ministry of Finance and Economic Transformation, and the Central Bank of Belize to discuss potential economic repercussions and mitigation strategies.

According to a government press release, for over four decades, Belize has enjoyed duty-free access to the U.S. market under the Caribbean Basin Initiative (CBI), established in 1983. It said that the new U.S. trade policy threatens to disrupt this preferential arrangement, potentially affecting key exports such as sugar, seafood, and citrus products.

The government says that officials are currently conducting a thorough analysis of the tariff’s impact on trade and Belize’s broader economic outlook. While the tariff applies universally to all U.S. trading partners, potentially minimising the direct disadvantage to Belize, authorities remain cautious about long-term effects on exports and foreign exchange earnings.

The government has engaged the private sector to explore risk management strategies and ensure businesses are supported amid changing trade conditions. Belize is leveraging its diplomatic channels to push for trade negotiations and potential exemptions. Discussions are expected to take place bilaterally with U.S. officials and at the regional level through CARICOM, as several Caribbean nations are also affected by this tariff.

US Government Slaps Belize with 10% Tariff

President Donald Trump has imposed a ten percent tariff on Belizean goods exported to the U.S., just three months after taking office. The Government of Belize is closely monitoring this new policy, which the Trump administration calls a reciprocal tariff. This ten percent fee targets countries like Belize that have tariffs on American goods. Some countries, like China, face an additional thirty-four percent on top of an existing twenty percent tariff. The tariff rates vary for the one hundred and eighty-five affected countries. What does this mean for our exports to the U.S.? We asked Narda Garcia, C.E.O. in the Office of the Prime Minister. She said there’s not much information to share yet as officials are still analyzing the situation. Tonight, we start the news with an official reaction to these higher reciprocal tariff rates imposed by the U.S. Government on Belize.

Narda Garcia, C.E.O., Office of the Prime Minister

“I can only say that they’re revising the list to see what products will be affected and then government will give a response. We as CEOs have not been given the information as yet, so I wouldn’t want to speculate on that position.”

Trump Administration Slaps Belize with 10% Tariff

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced that officials are quickly analyzing the situation and will consult with relevant stakeholders to protect Belize’s economic interests. In recent years, Belize’s top exports to the U.S. have been sugar and fisheries products. A swift response is crucial, whether through direct talks with U.S. officials or a coordinated effort with CARICOM. How will this impact our local economy? We spoke with Economic Consultant, Doctor Leroy Almendarez, to get his perspective on this latest development. Here’s what he had to say.

Dr. Leroy Almendarez, Economic Consultant

“In essence, every country that is applying a tariff to American products we are now applying a tariff to each one of those countries. I must immediately say that countries can do that. It goes way back to the history regarding trade. Even Germany tried it for infant industries to survive. In this case what they are saying is my manufacturers and those people who do business in America, if I make the cost of goods coming into the country a little bit more expensive, trying to apply these rebalancing tariffs, or tariffs, then it simply means they will be able to survive. The only way that really happens is if I can provide everything I need, the inputs etc. When I looked at it, and honestly, I left because I watched it and said, is Belize being tariffed, because I didn’t see it. Then I went back, and I looked at the countries and saw the application of the ten percent. I also noticed reciprocally Belize applies ten percent as well. So, this was a direct reciprocity, one for one, because it could have been less than third percent.”

How Will Belize Respond to Trump’s 10% Tariff?

Doctor Almendarez warns that the ten percent tariff imposed by the Trump administration could hurt jobs. However, he sees a silver lining: it opens up opportunities to explore new markets beyond the U.S., such as increasing trade with CARICOM and the European Union. Here’s how he explains it.

Dr. Leroy Almendarez, Economic Consultant

“The immediate reaction would be, then what happens to us in terms of consumption. What about our products going into the United States, because if that ten percent applies then it actually makes our products more expensive for consumption in the U.S. So those who normally consume our sugar, molasses, our seafood, our wood products might start to look for substitutes. In other words, we might have lost our competitiveness, which means a loss of revenues. To produce those things means employment. So, we might end up with a situation that can reduce employment. And just looking at February 2025, we exported twenty-three point three million but imported over two hundred million. Exports went up and import when down. But what was significant is that most of our exports went to CARICOM. And under the Treaty of Chaguaramas there is the free movement of goods. So therefore if we can export more into CARICOM then it means our goods will not attract those kinds of tariffs, the UK was second, the EU was third, very good trading partners.”

G.O.B. Plans Dialogue with U.S. Officials Over Tariffs

Regarding the government’s response to the Trump administration’s new tariff, Doctor Almendarez says several factors need to be considered. For instance, is the tariff effective immediately? And how willing is President Trump to discuss suspending it? Doctor Almendarez suggests that the government should approach this dialogue with its CARICOM partners rather than going it alone.

Dr. Leroy Almendarez, Economic Consultant

“I am not sure we were forewarned the tariffs would come, but I think we all knew that the president, it is a word he uses very often. He believes tariffs is a way of balancing the world. Now that it has been applied, the question is what its immediacy is. Is it being applied already? Goods leaving tomorrow will be impacted by that. I believe there is a need for engagement with the United States. The U.S. trade representative is the person who engages in dialogue for those persons that benefit through the Caribbean Basin Trade Partnership Agreement and to request consideration that our products that enters the U.S. market continues to benefit through the duty tariff exemptions from our products that go in the U.S. As I indicated, even though it exists it is the president that can decide to vary that. I heard him say this morning that he is open to dialogue, because sometimes the imposition of these tariffs is really to see how the company will react.”

Top Police Officials Visit Police Officer Who Was Shot

Commissioner of Police Chester Williams and Deputy Commissioner Dr. Richard Rosado visited Corporal Manuel Chub at his home. A statement from the department said, “This visit was a testament to the department’s deep concern for the health and well-being of its officers.”

Commissioner Williams assured continued support for Corporal Chub and his family.

“Both Commissioner Williams and Deputy Commissioner Rosado commended Corporal Chub for his bravery, and Commissioner Williams offered assurances of continued support to his family, reinforcing the department’s dedication to the safety of all,” the statement added.

Earlier this week, Chub was shot and injured outside Fire Nightclub, while three other officers were held at gunpoint, and two police vehicles were damaged in the incident. Stanley Flowers, 36, of Crooked Tree, was charged with eight criminal offences.

Belizean Juan Olivares Earns Commercial Pilot Licence

Belizean pilot Juan Olivares has achieved a milestone, earning his Private Pilot License, Instrument Flight Rating, and Commercial Pilot License. His dedication, discipline, and professionalism have set an example within his aviation school. The school posted on social media, “We proudly celebrate your great achievement in completing your Private Pilot License, Instrument Flight Rating, and Commercial Pilot License. Your dedication, responsibility, and professionalism have been exemplary within our school.”

Olivares was awarded his licence from Escuela de aviación PANAL.

Founded 50 years ago as an aerial agricultural fumigation company, PANAL has grown into a recognised aviation school, becoming the most experienced pilot training centre in El Salvador.

Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat in Belize Celebrates Annual Jalsa Salana

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat in Belize is celebrating its 10th annual Jalsa Salana this week. The purpose of the event is to gain a nearness to God and develop ties of brotherhood within the community. The Jalsa Salana serves as a spiritual gathering to bridge misconceptions about Islam and promote understanding among diverse religious communities.

It started in 1891 by the founder of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community – the Promised Messiah. “He claimed himself to be a prophet, and he wanted people to meet him so that they can see that he does have a connection with God,” said Ata’ul Haq Gabb, a missionary in Belize City.

This year’s theme is ‘Islam, a Religion of Peace’. Haq stated that it “reflects our mission to demonstrate that we are peaceful and loving people.”

While the event is hosted by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at, it is open for people of any faith to participate. “We want people to come so that we can also treat them as wonderful guests of whom we believe is the prophet of God. We want to garner a connection with the people of Belize,” he added.

The celebration includes motivational talks, a children’s play zone, and an exhibition showcasing the history of the Ahmadiyya Muslim community in Belize. “Your children will be well taken care of, and they will be safe, and you can enjoy the proceedings of the Jasa Salana,” Haq added.

Belize Assumes CIRSA Presidency at Regional Agricultural Meeting

Belize has officially taken the presidency of the Regional International Agricultural Health Committee (CIRSA) during the 72nd Ordinary Meeting, which started today in San Pedro. The two-day event brings together agriculture ministers from across the region to discuss agricultural health and food security.

Minister of Agriculture José Abelardo Mai took over as CIRSA President. In his speech, Mai highlighted the importance of teamwork for improving agricultural productivity and resilience, particularly in addressing the screw-worm infestation in livestock, with ongoing support from OIRSA, USDA, and IICA.

The meeting also spotlighted Belize’s advancements in agricultural research and biological pest control. Minister Mai shared progress on the Formosana banana variety, which is resistant to Fusarium Tropical Race 4, and highlighted the Belmopán insectary’s production of over 367,000 Anagyrus kamali specimens to combat the pink mealybug, reducing pesticide use. Discussions during the meeting included the 2024 CIRSA Presidency Report, OIRSA’s Executive Directorate Report, and strategies to tackle the screwworm issue. The event concludes tomorrow with the signing of the official meeting minutes.

As CIRSA President, Belize aims to lead efforts to enhance agricultural health and food security across the region.