News - Channel 5 Belize

World Press Freedom Day 2025 Index: Press Freedom Hits Historic Low

Global press freedom has reached its lowest point on record, a historical all-time low, according to the 2025 World Press Freedom Index released by Reporters Without Borders (RSF). It described the media space as now officially in a “difficult situation” for the first time in the Index’s history. The Index shows that journalism is collapsing under financial strain, political interference, and the unchecked power of tech giants.

Each year on 3 May, World Press Freedom Day reflects the importance of a free press as the cornerstone of democracy, accountability, and informed public debate. However, economic fragility, not just violence or repression, is now the most dangerous threat to journalism worldwide. While journalists in the region may not regularly face imprisonment or death, they face intimidation, censorship, and online abuse that steadily undermine the integrity and independence of the press.

Economic Fragility Undermines Media Independence

At the heart of this year’s report is an alarming decline in the financial stability of media outlets. According to RSF, media outlets in 160 of the 180 countries surveyed are either struggling to remain financially viable or unable to do so at all. Advertising monopolies by tech giants, opaque public subsidies, and growing ownership concentration are suffocating editorial independence and undermining journalistic integrity. RSF warns that without strong, transparent economic frameworks, the press cannot remain free, credible, or resistant to political and commercial influence.

A Shrinking Map of Media Freedom

The global map of press freedom is turning redder, with 42 countries now rated “very serious,” including Palestine, China, Eritrea, and North Korea. In Palestine, journalism is under siege amid military bombardment and information blackouts, with nearly 200 journalists killed. East Africa saw Uganda, Ethiopia, and Rwanda slip into the red zone, while Hong Kong joined China in the bottom tier for the first time.

In the Caribbean, press freedom is facing mounting pressures. Haiti (93rd) has seen a sharp decline amid deepening political and economic turmoil. Journalists face gang violence, kidnappings, and impunity for attacks, with the fall of Ariel Henry’s government in 2024 worsening the situation. Jamaica, while still the region’s highest-ranked at 32nd, fell 20 places.

The Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) dropped to 93rd from 55th, as political influence over editorial content grows.

Meanwhile, Belize has climbed to 47th in the 2025 Index, which reflects an improvement from its 54th position the previous year, according to RSF.

Journalists in the region often endure poor training, low pay, and lack of institutional support, conditions that especially drive women out of the profession, RSF reported. It added that though press freedom remains largely respected, there are physical attacks on journalists and the rise of online threats.

Argentina has fallen to 87th as President Javier Milei dismantles public media, while journalists in Peru, ranked 130th, and El Salvador, at 135th, are facing growing hostility. Mexico, now 124th, remains the most dangerous country in the region for reporters. Brazil, ranked 63rd, is showing signs of democratic recovery following the Bolsonaro era. While Nicaragua places at the bottom as the 172nd, it has all but eliminated its independent press.

Even in nations historically considered press-friendly, such as South Africa and New Zealand, the situation is worsening. The United States, ranked 57th, is collapsing into “news deserts,” and Trump’s second term has ushered in funding cuts that crippled global media initiatives.

Europe Holds the Line—But Is Starting to Slip

Europe continues to lead globally, with Norway, Estonia, and the Netherlands topping the Index. However, RSF pointed out that even here, cracks are forming. Seven in ten European Union (EU)-Balkans countries experienced economic setbacks, and the much-anticipated European Media Freedom Act remains unimplemented. The gap between democratic strongholds and authoritarian regimes is widening, but even democracies are far from immune to the mounting economic and political pressures facing the free press.

RSF’s Index warns that without urgent and coordinated action to protect journalism’s financial independence, the light of press freedom is threatened to flicker out.

Belize City Reels from Shocking Murder of Local Mechanic

Belize City was shaken by a brutal murder on Thursday night. Carlos Avelar, a sixty-one-year-old mechanic, was tragically gunned down on Coney Drive around 8:15 p.m. Police arrived swiftly after receiving a report and discovered Avelar’s lifeless body. Witnesses recounted that just minutes before, two men on a motorcycle approached Avelar. One of them pulled out a gun and fired multiple shots, fatally wounding him. Avelar was rushed to Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival. Authorities are now delving into this horrific attack, determined to find justice for Avelar and provide answers to his grieving family.

Two Men to Stand Trial for the Murder of “Bobo Youth” Elwin Lewis

Two men accused of the March 2024 murder of Elwin Lewis, also known as “Bobo Youth,” are back behind bars after being ordered to stand trial. Travis Herbert and Robert Taylor appeared in court this morning, where a Senior Magistrate committed them to stand trial at the June session of the High Court. The prosecutor presented ten statements and several exhibits, including autopsy details and DVDs, which will be used in the trial. The men were given an alibi warning and asked to provide witness names. Herbert named three women, including his sister, as alibi witnesses. Robert Emmanuel Arnold, twenty-one, was also charged with Lewis’s murder, following Herbert’s arraignment in May 2024. Both men were remanded to Belize Central Prison, unable to be granted bail due to the nature of the offense. Arnold inquired about the bail process, and the Senior Magistrate explained that he would need to seek bail through the High Court with an attorney’s assistance. The incident occurred on March twenty-second, 2024, when police responded to a shooting on Antelope Street Extension. They found a grey Lifan motorcycle and expended shells at the scene. Initial investigations revealed that Lewis was shot by two men on another motorcycle. He was taken to K.H.M.H. but later died from his injuries. Police reviewed surveillance footage and identified Herbert as one of the shooters. The investigation continues as the case moves to trial.

UB President Prioritizes Student Safety Amid Sexual Misconduct Investigation

The safety of students is top priority for Doctor Vincent Palacio, President of the University of Belize. Today, we caught up with him in Belmopan to get an update on the investigation into faculty member Doctor Pio Saqui. As previously reported, several students have accused Doctor Saqui of sexual offences. In response, the lecturer has been placed on administrative leave while the university conducts a thorough investigation. Here’s what Doctor Palacio had to say about the situation.

Dr. Vincent Palacio, President, U.B.

“Not much to share, but an investigation is on. Faculty member is on administrative leave. A committee has been established. They are meeting to discuss the case and investigate. That is what is happening.”

Paul Lopez

“What is the phases of investigation based on protocol here?”

Dr. Vincent Palacio

“The committee will decide the process, so more than likely they will interact with the accused, all the accusers, the students and the faculty member. And, they will come up with recommendation.”

Paul Lopez

“What is your understanding about how far back these allegations are dated?”

Dr. Vincent Palacio

“I am not certain. I am not a part of the committee and I would rather not share.”

Paul Lopez

“How do you deal with what can be deemed a black eye for the university?”

Dr. Vincent Palacio

“We are doing all that we can to make sure that we bring justice to whatever the case is, through the committee and their process and at the end of that whatever the recommendations is will be adhered to.”

Paul Lopez

“The commitment that the university has to students, speak about that, where safety is concerned?”

Dr. Vincent Palacio

“It is paramount, extremely important to me, and every chance I get I let the students know that I am here to protect them, I am here for them as the president and all that we do is to ensure they have a safe, positive environment to come to school. We are very proactive in dealing with the issue and providing workshop for the entire faculty on the issue of sexual harassment and we are serious about protecting our student.”

Parents Demonstrate in Support of Penalized Teachers

This morning, Corozal Methodist School experienced a sickout after two teachers were placed on administrative leave and eight others called in sick. The situation escalated on Tuesday when preschool teachers Julie Castro and Stacy Chi received letters informing them that they were not to return to school until May 27th. The letters accused the teachers of professional misconduct and spreading misinformation among parents. News Five’s Britney Gordon was on the scene this morning to gather more details on the unfolding controversy.

Britney Gordon, Reporting

“Bring our teachers back” This morning, protesters gathered outside Corozal Methodist School, holding signs expressing their displeasure. These protesters are parents of children attending the Methodist preschool, upset over the recent suspension of two teachers. Earlier this week, preschool teachers Julie Castro and Stacy Chi received letters placing them on administrative leave. The letters accused them of repeatedly disregarding lawful instructions and directives from the school’s administration. However, according to the parents, the teachers are simply standing up for their rights and the rights of their children.

Voice of: Disgruntled Parent

“They were escorted from the school with police. And we do not see it. Fear the teachers were standing up for us, for our children. And on the decision making of graduation, which I believe is something not too exaggerating. And that’s the reason why we are here. It’s not only the preschool teachers, there are other teachers who are being victimized and well, I have kids not only in preschool, but I have kids in other classes, and I have seen it and it’s unfair.”

According to parents, the conflict at Corozal Methodist School escalated when teachers Julie Castro and Stacy Chi helped organize a graduation meeting to discuss details like the color scheme and preferred dates. However, the principal insisted that such decisions should come solely from her office. In a message sent to a group chat, parents were informed that the graduation date is set for June 13th at 1:30 p.m., just three and a half hours before the standard six graduation. This decision has fueled the ongoing dispute, leading to a protest by parents who support the teachers’ efforts to involve them in the planning process.

Voice of: Disgruntled Parent

“We are not agreeing with the date. She want the graduation to be along with the standard six graduation, which we refuse as the parents. It’s our money. We decide we want to have a decision in this graduation. We don’t want it with the standard sixth graduation. We believe that they want their own separate graduation date, which they can have time with their fellow classmates and they can enjoy, take pictures. I had an experience, which my son graduated from standard six and my daughter graduated from preschool, it was a clash because I had to run out. I couldn’t take any pictures with my child. I still do not have any pictures because I had to hurry, rush out, get my son ready, and get back for the other graduation.”

Parents at Corozal Methodist School are voicing their frustrations, alleging that the principal has frequently denied them the opportunity to speak with teachers and visit their children. Barbara Acosta, whose grandchild attends the school, claims that the principal has been difficult to deal with since the school year began.

Barbara Acosta, Disgruntled Parent

“ When school started, I brought my grandson. My grandson is someone that don’t eat from anyone, so I brought his lunch and the principal told me that I cannot eat on the school ground with my grandson. She put us to eat on the seaside. Then ney di talk about healthiness and, and good whatever they want, say that is not right. We have a school yard. We pay for that. We pay our school fees. Then now stimulation month. She noh do nothing, nothing to help us. We, the parents and grandparents had to put out to help the teachers. Now she put the teachers on leave. That is not right. We want Methodist to come back where it is. Either she go and let our teachers to come back.”

One parent explains that she does not feel that her children are well taken care of by the principal. Alleging that her six-year-old child was once left unattended in a room without medication after she ran a fever.

Voice of: Disgruntled Parent

“Locked her up in a isolated room. I don’t know if they have a clinic there that she has authority to, to build a isolation room to, to put children. She locked my six-year-old up in the room with high fever, did not have any supervision because nobody was there to see if the child would collapse if she would convulse because it’s fever. I told them if they can kindly give her medication till I reach, because I sent the taxi to get my child. She refused to put the child in a taxi. So I said, can you administer medication? The vice principal told me, no, she’s not authorized. I say, I am the mother and I am authorizing you.”

The letters sent to the teachers allege that they repeatedly and flagrantly acted with disregard and in contravention to lawful instructions. orders and or directives given by the administrators. It further reads quote, “During the administrative leave and the formal investigation, you are barred from performing duties as a teacher and in any way whatsoever meddling with the investigation, including communicating with the students, parents and teachers affiliated with the school. At the conclusion, you will be either notified of charge(s) or immediately reinstated without prejudice to your post. You will receive your full salary whilst you are on administrative leave”, end quote.

Britney Gordon

“Has she tried having any meetings with you parents and your teachers?”

Barabara Acosta

“No meetings. She only had one meeting. Beg, beg, beg, beg, beg beg. Like the siren. A wa wa wa, that’s all she do. Stimulation month. Never show up. But when she want something ih hurry, wa wa wa that no go so.”

News Five contacted the school for a response but was told that the principal would not be commenting on the situation at this time. Britney Gordon for News Five.

Youth Empowerment Takes Center Stage at Restorative Justice Symposium

The Leadership Intervention Unit and the University of Belize teamed up to host a groundbreaking symposium on restorative justice earlier today in Belmopan. Under the inspiring theme, “Youth in Peacebuilding: Empowering Change Through Restorative Justice,” students packed the university’s auditorium for a powerful panel discussion. The event shed light on the harsh realities of crime and the urgent needs of marginalized communities. Engaging speakers from both organizations shared their insights, sparking meaningful conversations and empowering the next generation to lead the charge for peace and justice.

Dominique Noralez, Chairperson, L.I.U.

“UB has always been a great collaborator, a great partner of our and we believe that students who are within the social science program are going to be leading the social programs and the entire social protection system in the coming years. We want them to appreciate the population, what vulnerabilities look like for people and we want them to approach it from the most informed point of view to really transform people’s lives. So, this symposium is part of having that dialogue and discussion and having students understand the real, because many times students who have the privilege of going to school sometimes become a bit disconnected and we want for them to understand that we are all in the same boat together and once one of us weak all of us weak.”

Dr. Vincent Palacio, President, U.B.

“We have a new criminal justice and criminology program. We have our students in the four-year program and currently there is a presentation by a student on his last year of that program. They are talking about restorative justice and the importance of it. It is important that our students are way of such and if it is effective, if it is not, if it is something we should adapt as we move forward. So it is important that we bring LIU to the table. They are the ones working in these areas, so that the students can see what they are learning in class, how practical it is.”

Spotlight on Investigative Journalism: UB Hosts Annual Awards

This Saturday night, Belize City will be the epicenter of investigative journalism as the University of Belize hosts its annual Prize for Investigative Journalism. Among the top contenders is News Five’s eye-opening investigation into the operations at Caribi Bleu Casino. The event promises to be a captivating evening, with an open invitation extended to the public. UB President, Doctor Vincent Palacio, shared his excitement about the event, highlighting its importance in recognizing and celebrating the hard work of journalists who uncover the truth.

Dr. Vincent Palacio, President, U.B.

“Tomorrow we have the ceremony where we will award the winners of the investigative journalism competition that we run at the university. Our first year doing it and we are very excited about it. The nominees, the pieces we selected are very interesting and I am looking forward to see who will win the ten thousand dollars, which is the top award there and the second and third place will get five thousand dollars. So, it should be interesting. Tomorrow we will hear who the winners are. We have a degree in English and in English education. So we are incorporating that aspect in the program and we also are establishing a minor in investigative journalism and providing short courses through our ODL for journalist like yourself to take advantage of.”

New Transport Minister Proposes Single National Bus Company

Today, bus operators from across the country met with the Ministry of Transport for the first time since its leadership change. The gathering introduced operators to the newly appointed Minister of Transport, Doctor Louis Zabaneh, and the chief executive officer. The meeting provided a platform for operators to express their concerns and share suggestions on modernizing the industry. Doctor Zabaneh proposed the idea of a single national bus company, which bus owners seemed open to discussing. However, bringing this concept to life will require extensive discussions, negotiations, and possibly some disagreements.

Paul Lopez, Reporting

The Ministry of Transport held its first meeting with bus operators since the appointment of Dr. Louis Zabaneh as Minister of Transport and Chester Williams as Chief Executive Officer. The meeting, held in Belmopan, focused on the top priority of modernizing the bus sector. Bus operators from across the country gathered to discuss their concerns and share ideas on how to improve and update the industry. The new leadership is keen on working collaboratively to bring about positive changes.

Dr. Louis Zabaneh, Minister of Transport

“I think what we discussed here is learning from the past forty years if you will, where you will recall in early 2000s there was a consolidation of the industry, ending up with one company, Novelo. But what happened there is that there was no legislation to protect the company. A subsequent administration issued permits that brought competition, and it eroded the economies of scale behind that concept. We learnt from that, it is 2025, not 2000 and we still have an industry with buses breaking down, poor services, low reliability the nine yard that we know about the sector and that should not be.”

Minister of Transport Dr. Louis Zabaneh and his team have proposed a public-private partnership to establish a single national bus company. This new company would allow bus operators to maintain their ownership while working together to modernize and improve the sector. The proposal aims to streamline operations and enhance the quality of bus services across the country. Bus operators are open to discussing this innovative idea, which could bring significant changes to the transportation industry.

Dr. Louis Zabaneh

“So if we have all the bus operators come together, we will include the terminals. We have a valuation of the entire sector, fairly using an independent auditor, fairly determining their value across the sector. We have the portion that they will take that value as shares in the company or a portion of the company or get paid out completely. That will be their decision. We have a company that is national now. One company can hire a highly qualified administrative team supervised by a board, that we are able take care of many of the issues in that regard. The company gets concessions from the government, can buy in bulk. A company gets its tires, fuel, all it inputs that cause a high cost industry to be barely making it, so they cannot reinvest in their equipment right now.”

President of the Belize Bus Association, Thomas Shaw says he supports the proposal and that his members will have to come to a decision on the matter.

Thomas Shaw, President, BBA

“It is just in the preliminary phase where this is our first consultation. It sounds good. I support the initiative. By forming a company I think it will eliminate most of the hurdles we are facing throughout the years. Just as I have said, as time progresses, whatever is being discussed has to be legislated to give operators that assurance that their investment will not go unaccounted for, due to the fact, from government to government, they keep changing the goal post and reinventing everything. The understanding I got, he will visit each individual, individually, then they will have this company set up. They are going to go into your establishment to see the value of your company. If you want, they value your company at two hundred thousand dollars, you don’t have to get out of the business if you want. They pay you off, of which I think it is not a bad thing. It is to know if that will materialize because funds is very tight at this point in time.”

As discussions on the proposed national bus company are just beginning, there’s a clear acknowledgment that commuters expect top-notch service right away. Shaw highlighted that ninety percent of sectors have upgraded their buses in recent years. However, C.E.O Chester Williams pointed out that fifty percent of the industry’s buses still operate below the standards set in their permits. Williams has committed to stronger enforcement to ensure all buses meet the required standards, aiming to provide commuters with the best possible service.

Chester Williams, C.E.O. Ministry of Transport

“We met this week with the transport board and the deputy chief was going through the conditions outlined on the road service permit. As minister said, if you were to apply the law the way it should, by the time you get to number six, half the busses would not be approved for renewal, but they are being renewed. So, I have asked the Chief Transport Officer that we need to do more in terms of enforcement. Spot checks is one thing we must do. After having the road service permit, the question is who do follow ups to ensure the conditions on those permits are being adhered to. The answer is little do nothing is being done. That needs to change. Commuters are paying for an experience and these people have the ability to provide that service. We must ensure it is done in the most professional and humane way possible. To see buses on the highway that are dirty, buses where you see the street from the flooring the bus, where if it rains, passengers get wet, it cannot continue.”

Reporting for News Five, I am Paul Lopez.

Transport Chief Vows Tougher Enforcement, Warns Bus Operators

The Ministry of Transport is gearing up for stricter enforcement of transport regulations, according to CEO Chester Williams. While his team won’t rush to revoke permits, Williams made it clear that repeated violations won’t be tolerated. In a stern message to bus operators, Williams emphasized the need for quality service to commuters, warning that those who fail to meet standards will face serious consequences.

Chester Williams, C.E.O, Ministry of Transport

“What they need to understand is that we are not going to be too hard and fast in terms of revoking license or permits. But, if the inspection is done and the inspection reveal a breach of a condition, the CTO will write to the bus owner and said we inspected your buses on such date and this is one of the infractions we saw. And then give a warning, then after two three warning we move to another level of suspending your permit until you can do better. If we hold these bus owners accountable we will get better service out of them and that is what we want to do.”

Paul Lopez

“How do you navigate hearing from bus owners that money nuh deh and balance that with the commuters need?”

Chester Williams

“The commuters are the most important stakeholders. The commuters are paying for a service. If you think you don’t have the ability to provide that service, then don’t apply for a permit. It is as simple as that.”

The Ministry is committed to ensuring safe and reliable transportation for all Belizeans.

Bus Operators Raise Concerns Over Permit Issuance at Transport Meeting

Today’s meeting between bus owners and the Ministry of Transport highlighted a major issue: political interference in the issuance of permits. Operators voiced their frustration, claiming that political favoritism influenced permit decisions in the past. In response, CEO Chester Williams assured attendees that things have changed. He emphasized that the current operation is different, aiming for fairness and transparency in the permit process. This move is expected to level the playing field and ensure that all operators are treated equally, regardless of political connections.

Chester Williams, C.E.O, Ministry of Transport

“As the minister has said, we operate different now. Political interference is not going to be a problem. I spoke to the CTO before I made my comment and I asked him if there is a history of people losing their road service permit so easily and even though some of you may have committed every crime on the permit you all still have your permit. It is not something they just take away from you all. To a great extent it is protected by law. Once you come to renew every year it is automatic. Once you are complying they can say revoke, because you have to sue them. They have to show the court they have reasonable cause to revoke your license. Outside of that they cant revoke it.”