News - Channel 5 Belize

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.

Live Pig Shortage Triggers Pork Price “Adjustment”

Running W Brand Meats says it is experiencing “challenges in pork supply due to a shortage of live pigs.”

This has led the company to “adjust” its pork prices as of today.

Other than the worsening shortage of live pigs, the company attributed the price change to soaring production costs.

In a notice sent to customers, the company said it exhausted efforts to avoid a price change.

“This adjustment is a direct result of the ongoing supply constraints and rising input costs. While we have made every effort to minimise the impact, this step has become necessary to maintain product availability and high-quality products that we are known for,” it added.

While the company promised transparency and fair product allocation, it acknowledged that the change could cause disruption for buyers.

Will the BNTU Activate Green Machinery on Wednesday?

The Belize National Teachers’ Union (BNTU) is calling on its members across the country to mobilise in large numbers on Wednesday to “formally register their discontent” with the Ministry of Education.

Speaking to members, BNTU National President Nadia Martin-Caliz stated, “Right now, we’re at the table where we need to register our discontent. You have emailed, texted, and met me personally and communicated your frustration, and you have also shared that with your branch leaders.”

She urged teachers, “We need you to come out in record-breaking numbers,” adding, “The only way we can continue is if you go out and you vote and give us the mandate, tell us the direction you want us to go… you formally register that you vote,”

Martin-Caliz revealed that teachers have raised serious concerns, including reports of being wrongly removed from the education system despite meeting licensing requirements.

According to Martin-Caliz, the union has “notified our stakeholders of the action that we are about to take.” She said that the BNTU’s next steps will depend on the response seen this Wednesday. “It is time to formally register our discontent,” she declared.

This follows a series of statements by the union after salary increases were approved for the Cabinet Secretary and chief executive officers days after the March 12 general election. The union called it a “tremendous concern,” adding, “We are now saying to you, the government of Belize, that the BTNU will be meeting with its affiliates and caucusing with its membership because we’re getting ready to take action.”