Breaking News - Channel 5 Belize

Mexican Construction Worker Falls to Death in San Pedro

The other tragic incident happened on Saturday, about three and a half miles north of San Pedro Town. Mexican national Hever Torres was working on the roof of a four-story building, using zinc sheets, when he fell through a weakened part of the roof. His colleagues rushed to help him, and emergency medical technicians were called to the scene. Sadly, Torres was pronounced dead at the Doctor Otto Rodriguez San Pedro Polyclinic Two. ACP Hilberto Romero has more details.

ACP Hilberto Romero, Regional Commander, Eastern Division

“On Saturday, twenty-sixth day of April, 2025 police respondent to report in San Pedro where information received that the person that was working on a building had fallen to the ground. Police visited the area where they saw their lifeless body of Pedro Torres, a Mexican National with injuries, information that he was working at a building when he fell. His body was taken as awaiting a postmortem examination.”

Son Slits Mother’s Throat During Property Dispute in T&T

A 42-year-old man remains in police custody after allegedly slitting his mother’s throat during an argument over property, according to a report by CNC3 in Trinidad and Tobago.

Both the suspect and his 60-year-old mother are residents of Longdenville. The incident reportedly occurred around 3:45 p.m. on Sunday at their home.

CNC3 reports that during the heated dispute, the man allegedly armed himself with a cutlass and attacked his mother, slitting her throat before calmly walking out of the house.

The injured woman was rushed to the Chaguanas District Health Facility for treatment and later transferred to the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex in Mt. Hope, where she remains warded in stable condition.

Princess Cinema Under Fire Over ‘Sinners’ Screening

Moviegoers are expressing outrage online after alleging that Ramada Princess Cinema screened a pirated version of the highly anticipated film Sinners during its recent showing.

Multiple patrons took to social media, sharing photos and videos that appeared to show a watermark logo bouncing across the screen throughout the movie — a common sign of unauthorised copies. Viewers also reported extremely poor video and audio quality, comparing the experience to watching a low-grade “camrip.”

In one Facebook post, a disappointed customer wrote:

“I didn’t watch this home because I wanted the HD experience, and I completely regret that decision.”

Another upset moviegoer described the experience as “beyond low,” stating:

“Your services have disappointed me time and time again, but this will not be tolerated. How many Belizeans did you punk last night?”

Many expressed frustration that they were charged full ticket price despite the quality issues, with one poster questioning:

“Isn’t that illegal?”

News Five reached out to Ramada Princess Cinema via Facebook for comment but, up to news time, had not received a response. Our attempts to contact them via the number listed on its Facebook also were also futile.

Who will be the New Pope?

The Vatican has announced that the conclave to elect the next Pope will begin on 7 May 2025, as the Catholic Church prepares to select its 267th Pontiff following the death of Pope Francis on Easter Monday.

The decision came after nearly 180 cardinals met for a fifth General Congregation. Just over 100 are eligible to vote. The conclave will be held behind sealed doors in the Sistine Chapel, which will be closed to visitors during the election process.

Cardinal electors will take a solemn oath to uphold secrecy and avoid external interference. They are barred from communication with the outside world and must reach a two-thirds majority to elect a new Pope. Ballots will be burnt after each vote—black smoke signals no result; white announces a new Pope.

This comes after the deeply moving farewell to Pope Francis, whose coffin rested with the Gospel open atop it, its pages turning in the breeze. Thousands, including world leaders and young pilgrims, gathered at St Peter’s Square to honour a pontiff.

Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, Pope Francis was elected on 13 March 2013, becoming the first Jesuit, the first Latin American, and the first pope to take the name of St Francis of Assisi. His papacy was marked by a focus on humility, compassion, and social justice. He championed the poor, urged action on climate change, and consistently called for peace, especially during times of global conflict, The Vatican News reported.

Belmopan Remembers Skyler Williams: ‘Devoted Father and Talented Cook’

Police are investigating the tragic death of well-known local businessman Skyler Williams, 34, who died in a motorcycle crash on Sunday evening in Belmopan.

Williams was riding along George Price Boulevard with a female passenger when they collided with an oncoming van while turning into the Golden Phoenix Supermarket. The van, driven by 47-year-old Teresa de los Angeles Reyes from Frank’s Eddy Village, struck the motorcycle on its front left side.

Williams suffered fatal head and body injuries and was pronounced dead shortly after arriving at the Western Regional Hospital. A post-mortem examination is pending. Nicholson, who escaped with minor injuries, remains hospitalised with rib pain.

Local resident Chantel Petzold, who arrived at the scene just moments after the crash, told News 5 she was able to identify Williams when his mobile phone rang and displayed his photo. She stated that first responders took about 20 minutes to arrive. According to her, Williams was still alive at the scene, stating, “He fought for his life before they took him to the hospital.”

“She said he was giving her a ride, taking her home, and they were turning into the Chiney to go to the store, and the van was coming,” Petzold said the female passenger who was with Williams at the time told her. She added, “I guess, probably, he was trying to beat the turn before the van, and he slammed into the side of the van.”

Petzold described Williams as a joyful and loving person who was “never not happy… he was one of the best male cooks,” adding that he was “an exceptional dad.. When this guy talks about his children, you see a different glow in Skyler’s eyes… He was all about love.”

The crash has sparked an outpouring of grief online, where tributes continue to pour in for Williams, remembered not only as a successful businessman but also as a devoted father and talented cook, with one stating, “All of Belmopan will miss his delicious cooking.”

One social media user called Williams “an amazing father,” adding, “If we were to choose Father of the Year, your dad [Skyler Williams] would have gotten that award.”

While another user said, “Our thoughts and prayers go out to all his friends and family during this difficult time. May you find comfort in knowing how much Skyler meant to so many people.”

Five Additional Measles Cases Confirmed, Ministry Intensifies Response

The Ministry of Health and Wellness (MOHW) has confirmed five new cases of measles within a group of close contacts of the two initial imported cases detected on April 12, 2025. These new cases, diagnosed between April 9 and 13, are closely linked to the first two confirmed infections.

In total, 22 school contacts have been identified, with 12 fully vaccinated, 5 unvaccinated, and 4 with unknown vaccination status. Close monitoring continues for all contacts to promptly identify and address any symptomatic individuals.

The MOHW has ramped up its nationwide surveillance efforts. To date, 14 samples have been sent to Mexico for testing, with all results returning negative.

The national vaccination campaign remains in full swing, and the ministry thanks the public for their continued participation in vaccination efforts.

For more information, please contact your nearest health centre or call the toll-free number: 0-800-MOH-CARE (0-800-664-2273).

PM Briceño, U.S. Secretary Rubio Hold Phone Call on Trade and Regional Issues

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Prime Minister John Briceño this morning held a telephone conversation with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio to discuss a range of bilateral interests.

The ministry reports that discussions focused on investment opportunities, cooperation under the Millennium Challenge Corporation, and the ongoing trade tariffs regime. Prime Minister Briceño also updated Secretary Rubio on the status of the Belize-Guatemala territorial dispute currently before the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

They discussed the deteriorating situation in Haiti, agreeing on the urgent need for strengthened international support to avert further crisis.

Mexican Construction Worker Falls to Death in San Pedro

Police are investigating the fatal fall of 40-year-old Hever Badal Torres on Saturday in San Pedro. The Mexican national was reportedly fixing zinc sheets on the roof of a four-storey structure when he stepped on a weak section and plunged to the ground.

Witnesses said a loud noise was heard moments before Torres was found unresponsive. Despite efforts from emergency officials and colleagues to save him, Torres was pronounced dead shortly after at the Dr Otto Rodriguez San Pedro Polyclinic II.

Reports suggest the fall may have been caused by a damaged or unstable section of the roofing. His body has been taken to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital in Belize City for a post-mortem examination.

A second fatal fall occurred the day after and involved a 47-year-old Canadian national who was found dead after falling from the Watermark Hotel’s 3rd-floor balcony. Authorities are still investigating if any possible foul play or other factors were involved.

Canadian Tourist Falls to Death at San Pedro Hotel

Police are investigating the death of a Canadian national who was found dead after a fall at the Watermark Hotel on Sunday. Initial reports indicate that the man, identified as 47-year-old Loran Radchenko, died after falling from the hotel’s 3rd floor balcony.

Radchenko, who was staying on the third floor, had spent Saturday night socialising with others in his room. His guests reportedly left him alone in the room the next morning.

Security footage captured the fatal fall at approximately 7:53 a.m. His body was discovered shortly after.

The Watermark Hotel issued a statement expressing condolences to Radchenko’s loved ones. It said, “We believe it’s important to acknowledge that emotional health is an essential part of overall well-being.” The hotel committed to “fully supporting local authorities as they review the circumstances surrounding the incident.”

It is not yet known whether foul play or other factors were involved.

Kenroy Cal Will Not Seek Re-election as Red Bank Village Chairman

Red Bank Village Chairman Kenroy Cal has announced that he will not be contesting the upcoming village council elections. In a message to residents on Monday, Cal expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve and reflected on the accomplishments achieved during his term.

“It has been an honour and a privilege to serve as your chairman,” Cal wrote. He highlighted several achievements, including the distribution of land to first-time landowners, the maintenance and opening of village streets, and addressing major community concerns with the support of Area Representative Rodwell Ferguson and various government ministries under Plan Belize.

Cal acknowledged the challenges he faced during his tenure, including limited support from council members, but said he is proud to have met the goals he set when he first offered himself for service.

In August 2024, the Ministry of Youth, Sports, and Transport announced the termination of Cal’s duties as a CARICOM Youth Ambassador following serious rape allegations. The ministry, citing its zero-tolerance policy on sexual violence, said it is closely monitoring the legal process and stressed the need to respect the ongoing investigation. Since then, no official update has been provided on the outcome of the investigation.