On Wednesday, we reported on the approved salary increases for Cabinet Secretary Stuart Leslie and all Chief Executive Officers in the Briceño administration, effective the day after the 2025 general elections. The Cabinet Secretary’s annual salary jumped to ninety-six thousand dollars, while the CEOs’ salaries rose to eighty-eight thousand dollars. The Public Service Union quickly criticized the move, accusing the government of ignoring public servants’ concerns. Today, we asked Chester Williams, the incoming C.E.O. of the Ministry of Transport, for his opinion on the matter. Here’s what he had to say.
Chester Williams
Chester Williams, Incoming CEO of Transport
“I’m not gonna say no, that the government workers don’t deserve an increase. I do believe that majority of government workers deserve an increase, but when we speak of increase, we have to look at what the government can afford. What people don’t understand is that as public officers, we get increase every year. You may not want to say it, but every year public officers get an increase. That increase come by way of an annual increment, which is equivalent to three percent of your salary. While from what I see, CEOs don’t get an annual increase. They get one flat salary. And that salary they get up until when they start become CEO. So if you were to calculate what CEOs were making four or five years ago and you compare what a public officer would’ve making four or five years ago, you would see that the public officer had made significant progress in salary while the CEOs did not. So I’m not saying that to justify anything. I’m just saying that. At the end of the day, inflation affects everybody. It not it is, it does not only affect the ordinary public offices, but it also affects the CEOs. So I guess that is split in which the increase was looked at. And if you were to take the old salaries of the CEOs and you add 3three percent to that every year from six years ago to now, it would still be more than eighty-eight thousand dollars.”
Commissioner of Police Chester Williams is gearing up to take on his new role as C.E.O. of the Ministry of Religious Affairs, Indigenous Affairs, and Transportation. Although he’s excited about the move, he mentioned that his salary will be lower than what he earns as Commissioner. Today, he shared some details about the ongoing talks regarding his pay.
Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police
“Yes. My, my salary as commissioner of police is more than what the CEOs are making and that is one of the issue that we are having. I I cannot be allowed to get a reduction in salary. Getting a reduction in salary by getting a right. That is one of the issue that we are dealing with at this time, to see how we’re going to work with the salary issues.”
The phrase ‘Swimming with the Tide’ perfectly captures the spirit of the small family in our next story. It’s about a mother and son, the last two leaders of a business in Punta Gorda that has weathered fierce competition and adapted to change over the past several years, just as it has over nine decades of existence. Over the years, the family business, which started as the largest retail grocery and hardware store in Punta Gorda, had to move three times because the buildings became too old to be safe. You’ll meet the mom, who was once a customer and is now a key part of the success story, and her son, whose education has been crucial in keeping the business thriving today. This week’s edition of Belize on Reel brings you the history of the family business that evolved from a huge dry goods store in the 1930s to a pharmacy and stationery store still serving P.G. and its surroundings. Here’s News Five’s Marion Ali.
Marion Ali, Reporting
Meet Nigel Vernon, a trained pharmacologist, who owns and is licensed to operate NJV’s Pharmacy on Front Street in Punta Gorda. Nigel registered the pharmacy back in 2009, and for the past fifteen years, he has been running it alongside his mom, Betty Coleman. The pharmacy is just the latest chapter in the story that Nigel’s grandfather, George Vernon, began ninety years ago.
Nigel Vernon
Nigel Vernon, Owner, NJV’s Pharmacy
“I did not know my grandfather. He passed away in 1982. I was just about two and a half years old.”
Nigel’s mother, Betty Coleman, hails from Guatemala, where her Belizean mother and Guatemalan father lived. It was during those trips as a child that her parents took her to shop at the store.
Betty Coleman
Betty Coleman, Co-owner, NJV’s Pharmacy
“We used to pass by and you know, we used to go to the shop because it was the biggest shop, everybody, when I used to come and stay with my cousin in Forest Home, would say, let’s go to George Vernon’s Store.”
After George passed away, his son Vance began courting Betty. She moved to Belize in 1971 to be with him, and together they had four children, including Nigel. Betty reminisced about what daily life was like back when Vernon’s Store was still a cornerstone of the PG community.
Betty Coleman
“We used to sell almost everything you could think about, like alcohol, beverages. We used to sell flour, well groceries on a whole, building materials. We used to sell rum by pints. So we have to mix that in the morning, like by six, seven o’clock. We used to open and from then we start and we used to have some really hectic days because we used to have these boats come from Guatemala and they used to buy stuff like buy 50 cases, a hundred cases of soap or slim or cheese, all these things.”
But competition became fierce with the influx of the Asian community and to keep the business open after Vance died, Nigel put his studies to work. Betty isn’t a trained pharmacist like her son, but she learned the ropes from him and now qualifies to sell over-the-counter medication. Nigel, on the other hand, handles all the prescribed medications.
Betty Coleman
“I said I’m gonna be the cashier, but then I said, well, you know what, I could learn something. So, I went around looking at the medications and reading some of them to the back. I don’t sell the prescription drugs because that is his job. Yeah, and I don’t want to get charged for something.”
The pair chose to keep the last branch of the business not just to honor its long legacy, but because it made good business sense. They take great pride in the courteous service they offer, which keeps customers coming back.
Casalina Sho
Casalina Sho, Customer
“I always come right here. Mm-hmm.”
Marion Ali
“This is your favorite spot?”
Casalina Sho
“Yes. Yes. It’s good. Excellent.”
Joseph Ramclam Sr.
Joseph Ramclam Sr., Customer
“We used to live in the village up the road – Mafredi/San Antonio Road and my father used to take we down by the shop because he used to do business with them too, because he had a little petty shop up the road. And he used to buy his groceries from them to resell to at Mafredi. They have very good relationship with people and they work along with people good and very mannerly.”
Sherene Garay-Usher
Sherene Garay-Usher, Customer
“My grandmother passed away three decades ago, but dehn days we used tobuy groceries there. It was the place where everybody used to go. The people that serve at the store were very friendly – always – Mr. Vernon to today. And so you feel welcome for goh at the store goh buy and I could say up to now.”
With the arrival of Asian-owned stores and supermarkets, competition became fierce. As Nigel’s father, Vance, grew older, he passed the business down to Nigel, who decided to study pharmacology and transition into that direction. But the Vernon brand is experiencing a similar challenge with viability because of more pharmacies in the community. So, Nigel is thinking about adding a new dimension to the business to boost its strength and stay competitive in the challenging market.
Nigel Vernon
“Just doing the same like what we have at the moment, but basically do it in herbal stuff instead of doing just chemical medication. You can’t stay in one business forever now because it doesn’t work that way anymore.”
Interestingly, even though he is a trained medical scientist, Nigel believes that natural medicine is better for the body.
Nigel Vernon
“I personally would take the herbs over the scientific medication.”
Marion Ali
“Over what you’re selling now?”
Nigel Vernon
“Yeah.”
Marion Ali
“Why?”
Nigel Vernon
“Well, to me, I see it works better. The thing is that you have to be consistent with the herbal stuff. You have to be consistent. You have to take it every day for a longer period of time, but you get better results than when you do just the regular medications that the doctors would prescribe. Yes, you do get better, but with what? Cause sometimes you have side effects with most of these medications. Sometimes we don’t treat the problem and we just want to put a band aid on it and say, “oh, okay, I’m better now.”
Nigel dreams of seeing the business thrive in the future and hopes to eventually pass the torch to a successor.
As Belizeans get ready to celebrate Easter with their loved ones, Father Jeremy Zipple, the associate pastor at Saint Martin de Porres parish in Belize City, shares a heartfelt message about the true meaning of the season. He reminds everyone of Jesus’ sacrifice and the boundless love he offers to all.
Father Jeremy Zipple, Associate Pastor, St. Martin De Porres
“Have you ever felt abandoned by friends? Betrayed by friends? Jesus had that very same experience. Have you ever felt abandoned by God? God wasn’t there for you? No one was there for you? Jesus had that same experience on the cross. He goes into the worst of what it means to be a human, the most moments of most extreme suffering and isolation and abandonment and hurt. He experiences all those things as a person, fully human, fully God, but also fully human so that he knows what we go through so that he can be there with us in our owns suffering so that he can say, I get you. I understand what you’re going through. And maybe he doesn’t take away the suffering in those moments when we’re feeling betrayed, when we’re feeling alone, when we’re feeling extreme suffering and sadness. Maybe he doesn’t take away those moments, but he says, I’m there with you in it, and I know what it’s like. And I’m feeling this moment that’s so hard with my holy presence and you’ll get through it. So that’s really what we celebrate as we’re walking with him on the cross. The fact that he’s been there and he’s with us when we go through it. And then finally, Easter Sunday, we celebrate the fact that death, that suffering does not have the last word. Sometimes we go through those difficult moments in life, but we have to remember they’re temporary. They’re always on the other side. His resurrection is new, life is rebirth and Jesus’ suffering and death ends in the most glorious joy imaginable.”
The Government of Belize has approved salary increases for Cabinet Secretary Stuart Leslie and all Chief Executive Officers in the Briceño administration. The CabSec’s annual salary has been raised to ninety-six thousand dollars, while the CEOs’ salaries have been increased to eighty-eight thousand dollars. News Five obtained a memo where the Cabinet Secretary informed Financial Secretary Joseph Waight and the CEOs about the raises. The document noted that allowances for these positions remain unchanged. Interestingly, the last time government CEOs received a salary increase was in 2018. However, not everyone is pleased with the news. Leader of the Opposition Tracy Panton expressed her alarm. Paul Lopez has more details.
Paul Lopez, Reporting
The Cabinet Secretary and Chief Executive Officers received a significant pay raise. A letter to Financial Secretary Joseph Waight, signed by Cabinet Secretary Stuart Leslie, outlines the increases. The Cabinet Secretary’s annual salary is now ninety-six thousand dollars, effective March thirteenth, just one day after the general election. CEOs will now earn eighty-eight thousand dollars a year, effective March eighteenth. Opposition Leader Tracy Panton expressed her alarm over these approved increases.
On the Phone: Tracy Taegar Panton, Leader of the Opposition
“I am a little alarmed, and I hope all Belizeans are too, because this is being done at a time when we don’t have an approved budget, when the government continues to operate with an unauthorized spending. Our fiscal year came to an end on March thirty-first. We should have in place by now a budget that was read and approved and dated. That is not the case. It is alarming because we have heard reports of front line workers, whose jobs it is to give service to the Belizean people, operating with subpar equipment in subpar conditions. It is alarming because we recently heard of a decision to release open vote workers who were employed at the Department of Youth Services and the Sports Department.”
This isn’t the first time CEO salaries have made headlines. In October 2022, their allowances were restored after being cut by fifty percent during the COVID-19 pandemic. At that time, they were earning seventy-six thousand dollars annually. Cabinet Secretary Stuart Leslie noted that the last salary increase for CEOs was in 2018.
Stuart Leslie
Stuart Leslie, Cabinet Secretary (File: Oct 28, 2022)
“2018 was the also time that C.E.O.’s got any salary increase, any increase in allowance or anything, 2018. In most jobs you go every ear people get increase. So, if you are talking about cost of living and so on, what we are earning right now is what the government believes a C.E.O. is worth in 2018. Think about this, a ministry like the Ministry of Education, three hundred million dollars, C.E.O. earns seventy-six thousand dollars, plus seven hundred and fifty dollars up until we restored her allowances to fifteen hundred dollars. You go all over the world and ask, C.E.O.’s in large cooperation’s managing far smaller budgets.”
Regarding the Cabinet Secretary’s signature on the document approving the salary increase, he told News Five today that his signature is just a formality. He explained that he doesn’t have the authority to set his own salary and didn’t push for an increase. The final decision lies with the Prime Minister, who is also the Minister of Finance and head of Cabinet. However, Opposition Leader Tracy Panton argues that without an established budget for the new fiscal year, these increases lack proper justification.
On the Phone: Tracy Panton
“When you enter the public service, while you should be compensated for your experience and expertise and what you bring to the table, your first duty should be to the people. So you enter public service understanding that you cannot be paid a private sector wage because we have to live within a budget that would be focused on delivering service to the people. We serve the people, the people don’t serve us and we have to get back to this idea that public service is about service to country and people and not the other way around. It is difficult for me to understand such increases out of context or any kind of framework as to what our national budget will look like.”
CEOs receive annual allowances that include one thousand, five hundred dollars per month for living and entertainment, and two hundred and fifty dollars per month for telephone expenses. Reporting for News Five, I am Paul Lopez.
The Public Service Union (PSU) is condemning the Briceño Administration for a salary increase for the Cabinet Secretary and Chief Executive Officers that came into effect one day after the 2025 general elections. In a statement today, the P.S.U. highlighted that the salary increase comes amidst stagnant wages, withheld increments, and threats to the pensions of public officers across the country. President of the PSU Dean Flowers says that this salary increase comes as a disrespect to the union.
Dean Flowers
Dean Flowers, President, Public Service Union
“This came at us like a thief in the night. At no point in time did we envision this shameless act once again by the cabinet secretary on behalf of the CEO caucus and himself. What is even more damning, it doesn’t even says that cabinet approved. It just says we’re adjusting our salary pretty much. And I’m adjusting my salary and the and also the he kind adjust the CEO’s salary. There was no indication that this matter was tabled before coming out, that it came as a result of approval by the Prime Minister. Nothing to that extent. What’s even more surprising is that in our good faith conversation and discussions with the government negotiating team led by Honorable Cordel Hyde, deputy Prime Minister and and Minister of State Ministry of Finance, honorable Chris Coye, they would’ve given us their undertaken and their commitment that we will embark this administration will embark with the support and sponsorship of the IDB to undertake a comprehensive salary review and salary restructuring exercise. And so given that undertaking everybody’s salary would’ve been looked at and everybody, it is expected that everybody then would be compensated as fairly and as justly as is possible. So given that the government has given this undertaking to the PSU and the joint unions, It’s a disrespect to the entire collective bargaining process. It’s a disrespect to the government negotiating team in my view, because in essence they’re saying we don’t care what you’re doing on the larger scale. We’re looking after ourselves. And and this is what we want and this is what we get. And I guess this is another, come back on their end, considering that in the past we would have of course called for a reversal of certain decisions where their allowances were concerned.”
In the statement, the Public Service Union also estimated that the three increments owed to public servants by the government are equivalent to a seven-point-five percent salary adjustment. P.S.U. demands that the government make this adjustment, further estimating that approximately forty percent of public servants earn less than twenty thousand dollars annually. P.S.U. President, Dean Flowers elaborates on these demands.
Dean Flowers, President, Public Service Union
“Our calculation shows that the increases especially where the Cab Sec is concerned overs around fifteen percent We’re asking for half of that. We’re asking for a salary adjustment of seven point five percent and we’re not asking in the sense of begging for consideration, we’re saying to the government of Belize, whether it was under the UDP, whether it is under the PUP, you have withheld a minimum of sevent point five percent salary from public offices. So we’re demanding that seven point a half percent. We’re not asking to enter into negotiation for over seven point a half percent. We’re saying if you can give your CEO caucus and your cabinet secretary and by extension yourself, because there is no way any minister will continue to sit and watch the CEOs earn more than them. That’s foolish for one of us to think that the ministers will not get an equivalent salary adjustment. And so we’re saying, look, give us what we deserve and what you’ve withheld from us, our seven point a half percent, and that’s non-negotiable. We’re also saying in 2024, we signed our CBA. Our CBA was made effective 2021. We’ve had this conversation with the Ministry of Public Service to see you transferred persons up until 2024 at the rate of $one thousand two hundred in transfer grants. The CBA says, and the CBA is a legally binding document, and it again. It is for public officers to decide whether they wish to sue the government for these monies with interest included. And I want to take advantage one time and say, including those persons who are indebted at their income tax return, you have the right to sue with interest. So we’re saying to the government, we want you to pay those retro payments from 2021 to all public officers who were transferred that difference of three hundred dollars.”
As the Leader of the Opposition mentioned, these salary increases are happening just before the 2025/2026 budget presentation. So, when will the meeting at the National Assembly take place? Panton says the opposition hasn’t received notice with the date yet.
On the Phone: Tracy Panton, Leader of the Opposition
“We have not at all. We have only heard what the prime minister has indicated in the public domain that he is looking somewhere in mid-May for a budget presentation. This is not the prime minister’s first rodeo, and he certainly did all he could do to try and secure thirty-one seats. So for him to use the excuse to say we just had an election and we need to realign our ministries and priorities is not acceptable. So, you knew you were running to take on another term. You outlined in your manifesto your commitments to the people, so any realignment in the budget should not, and we have finite resources, it is not like it should be that difficult or take so long to make whatever adjustments he may deem necessary immediately following an election.”
Animal cruelty has been a major concern for Belizeans across the country. Recently, we’ve covered stories about neglected and abused horses and dogs being shot by police officers. But animal cruelty takes many forms and happens around us every day. In tonight’s edition of the Five-Point Breakdown, we examine the culture of animal cruelty in Belize and the laws that protect animals. News Five’s Britney Gordon reports.
Britney Gordon, Reporting
Less than a week ago, a shocking video showing a brutal attack on a horse with a machete went viral, causing widespread concern across the country. Following the incident, five people, including three minors, were charged with animal cruelty. Unfortunately, this isn’t the first time such a crime has happened in Belize. Just this past January, a police officer was charged after a video of him repeatedly beating a dog circulated on social media. Animal cruelty occurs every day, but it’s rarely caught on camera or reported.
What is Animal cruelty?
Britney Gordon
Belize’s Cruelty to Animals Act outlines penalties for any person who refuses or neglects to provide and supply animals in their care with food and water, and any person who cruelly beats, ill-treats, over-drives, over-loads, or tortures animals. It even makes provisions for those mishandling animals or engaging in animal fighting, but what are these penalties?
The law allows police officers to arrest anyone violating its provisions without needing any other authority or warrant, so offenders can be brought before a magistrate and dealt with according to the law. Recently, Police Commissioner Chester Williams prosecuted the case against the five men accused of injuring the horse.
Penalties for Cruelty to Animals
Chester Williams
Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police (File: April 11th, 2025)
“Under the law, the offense of the offense of cruelty to animal carries a imprisonment term of six months. And there is no provision there for a fine. Yes, we know that applying the legal principles that even though a fine is not there, the magistrate at trial if found guilty can still impose a fine or they can go at a custodial sentence depending on how they see the evidence and the different submissions that the different parties may make at that particular juncture.”
Animal abuse has become normalized in Belizean society. While most people don’t see themselves as abusers, many ignore the instances of cruelty happening around them every day. Dr. Jane Crawford, a veterinarian with nearly thirty years of experience, has treated dozens of animals hurt by humans.
The Normalization of Animal Abuse in Belize
Jane Crawford
Dr. Jane Crawford, Veterinarian, Animal Medical Center
“During my time working as a vet, we have had animals come in that were maybe chopped by machette. Maybe the neighbor has a grievance against a neighbor and they will take it out on the animal. So we would see quite a few cases of that. And I think we have to also know that cruelty is not only physical abuse, it’s also neglect that you just, you have your animal chain all the time and you don’t feed it on time. So all of that plays a part in in cruelty to animals.”
Crawford has seen a decline in severe cases of animal cruelty. However, every case is still heartbreaking to witness.
Dr. Jane Crawford
“We get animals that they have been thrown hot water on them. I had one particular case where somebody had forced the dog to eat a hot boiled egg. And so we got burns all inside the mouth and we get animals that are just thrown away. And then just kicked and hit. So you get fractures and broken bones and all of that.”
Across the country, several organizations are championing animal rights. These groups are made up of volunteers like Odessa Solis, who have devoted their lives to rehoming injured animals and strays and raising awareness about proper animal care. Solis believes the problem with many Belizeans is that they see animals as property, rather than living beings with needs and feelings.
Belizeans Step up to the Plate for Animal Rights
Odessa Solis
Odessa Solis, Animal Rescue Volunteer
“It’s been a hardship for us to experience now growing up in our community, looking at the neglect that the animals are going through and the abuse. And basically what I do to contribute to my community. I work along with my mom where she lives, there’s so many animals on the streets that are neglected and abused, and what we do is provide just a home, provide meals, water, any medical help and just basically assist them with whatever needs they need.”
Sheltering and feeding the fifteen animals currently under their care has become a costly endeavor for Solis and her mother, but they continue to reach out to the public for support as they attempt to rehome them. A tough part of the job is assisting animals that come from abusive or neglectful homes.
Odessa Solis
“Animals that are treated really badly do come with their downside, right? However, being the kind of person that me and my mom are, we’re very patient. We try to put ourselves in those situations to understand, you know?”
In the recent horse abuse case, the Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA) stepped in to treat the injured animal. Zoe Roberson Zetina, BAHA’s Managing Director, emphasizes that BAHA advocates for the humane treatment of all animals, whether they are pets or work animals.
Zoe Roberson Zetina
Zoe Roberson Zetina, Managing Director, BAHA
“We always believe in the humane treatment of animals, and so this is definitely something that we condemn and we condemn it in all its forms. We do take keen interest in animal welfare, but that is a component of BAHA that we have not properly developed. So there are different animal humane society and different agencies that look after this type of thing in a more detailed way than, BAHA does, but there is a component of animal welfare that we monitor and we condemn the actions. So that is a big part of why we will respond to all injuries that are reported to BAHA.”
Dealing with animals can be frustrating, and this often leads people to act violently. However, Dr. Jane Crawford advises pet owners to step away from the situation and return once they’ve calmed down. Odessa Solis explains that she will continue to help neglected or abused animals, but without full support from the public and police, there’s only so much she and other volunteers can do.
Ending Animal Cruelty in Belize
Odessa Solis
“I feel like those people that do these awful things they really have some issues to deal with. They need help personally. But at the same time, I would like for the government or even the police department to be aware that you do have citizens that need that help, that support from you guys because it’s sometimes it’s very hard to go to some neighborhoods and try to fight for these animals. And these people are very resistant to the assistance.”
Many animal rights activists hope that by continuing their efforts and speaking out, Belize will strengthen its penalties for animal cruelty and reduce the daily instances of abuse. Britney Gordon for News Five.
Fire officials are investigating the cause of a fire that destroyed three businesses in San Pedro on Tuesday night. The blaze was first seen around nine o’clock, coming from Brunolitos near the park on Front Street. The Belize National Fire Service hasn’t released official details yet, but News Five spoke with two people who helped out. Here’s News Five’s Marion Ali with the report.
Marion Ali, Reporting
A fire destroyed three businesses in San Pedro on Tuesday night. The blaze started at Brunolitos and quickly spread to two neighboring businesses. Coast Guard Acting Commandant, Lieutenant Alma Pinelo, was one of the first responders and joined the bucket brigade when the fire truck faced difficulties.
On the Phone: Lt. Alma Pinelo, First Responder
“A traffic officer, I don’t know his name, he was the one that told us to start getting a line together. And you know, as San Pedranos, we know what that means. We didn’t have enough buckets at the time. Ambergris Today had put on their live, you know, if anybody has any buckets, please bring it to Front Street. They shared a picture, that picture went viral for us to get buckets. And then we went from having four buckets to having about 20 buckets within less than 20 minutes. Some of us got out of the line, myself included, and we started ferrying the empty buckets from the beginning of the line to the sea, and there was about four, six men in the water filling the buckets with water. And then we would just bring the buckets back and forth until we did that easily for over an hour.”
Island Emergency Services, owned by Abner Bacab, rushed to support the firefighters by supplying oxygen. Bacab shared with us how his team stepped in to help.
Abner Bacab
Abner Bacab, First Responder
“A lot of the times, the firefighters, you know, as an emergency move fast to try to get to the area or location of the fire, combatting the fire. Sometimes, you don’t have time to get ready. They arrive very fast at the scene, so sometimes, they run out of air that they used to breathe. But I know that in couple instances they would breathe in the smoke or the carbon monoxide that is produced from the smoke. So, after combating the fire – the most important thing is to combat the fire and try to contain it and stop it, you know, so sometimes, they would breathe a lot of smoke and that affects them in many ways. It can affect your nervous system, it can affect your brain cells, all of these things because you are low on oxygen. Definitely, after I was there for a little bit helping trying to get some stuff salvaged from a couple of business friends that I know that have businesses there.”
Bacab and Pinelo both agree that the island’s fire service needs an upgrade. They also think more hydrants are needed on the tourist island.
Abner Bacab
“Maybe like a month of two, we had a lot of problems within the fire department where the firefighters were complaining of the working environments: the equipment, the tools that they needed to do their work, you know, so most of it they had said was use the equipment they had got. At least it’s something, but it’s not the best equipment for our firefighters. As we know, this has been a problem for a long time now. We should see the need for better equipment and for B.W.S. to do maybe some fire hydrants or something to where when you run out of water that the fire truck could easily hook onto and then you have a source of water, or even if it’s just something to go out to the sea, something.”
