Journalist and veteran court reporter Barbara Gayle has been found dead at her home in St. Catherine in Jamaica.
Preliminary reports indicate that Gayle may have been murdered, with police suspecting that her vehicle was also stolen. Details surrounding the incident remain limited as authorities continue their investigation.
With a distinguished career spanning over four decades, Gayle was widely regarded as Jamaica’s leading court reporter. Her work with The Gleaner saw her covering cases across the parish courts, circuit courts, the Supreme Court, the Court of Appeal, and even the Privy Council in the United Kingdom.
Earlier this year, Gayle was honoured by the Press Association of Jamaica (PAJ) for her outstanding contribution to journalism. She was well-known for her meticulous reporting on high-profile court cases, earning the respect of her peers and the legal community alike.
A family in Benque is desperately seeking the public’s assistance in locating a stolen urn containing the ashes of their loved one, 40-year-old Indira Theus. The urn, which featured photos of Theus and her family, was taken from a burglar bar enclosure at the cemetery where it was stored.
According to Alfredo Chavarria, Theus’ father, the family visits the site every two weeks to maintain the memorial and light candles in her honor. However, during their most recent visit, they were met with devastation.
“When we went today to change the battery for the candle, we found that the cage was open, and everything inside was gone,” Chavarria said. “The urn, the photo, the battery-operated candle, and the flowers were all taken.”
Chavarria shared that his daughter passed away in the United States on September 6, 2023, and her ashes were brought back to Belize for safekeeping. Her remains were placed inside a specially designed urn bearing family photos, making it easily recognisable.
The family has not yet filed an official police report but has informed the local town board about the theft. Chavarria is appealing to the public to be on the lookout for the distinctive urn, especially if anyone attempts to sell it.
“If anybody sees someone trying to sell an urn with family photos on it—including myself, her children, and other family members—please report it,” he urged. The family hopes that the public will help them recover the urn and, more importantly, the ashes of their loved one. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the family or report it to local authorities.
Alison Parker’s, UNICEF Belize Representative, four-year term is coming to an end. In her last official meeting, Parker met with the Governor General of Belize, Dame Froyla Tzalam, to express gratitude for the support towards UNICEF’s efforts during her term.
Since 2020, Parker has worked to improve the lives of children in Belize, including through the National Children’s Parliament and improving the healthcare program in Belize.
Since 1982, UNICEF has supported Belize’s Professional Community Health Worker program (ProCHW), which was highlighted in a recent research journal publication by 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐋𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐭. This initiative took a step forward in August with the launch of a new CHW manual in August 2024. During the launch ceremony, UNICEF’s Belize Representative Alison Parker said in her address, “CHWs serve as a crucial link between the formal health system and the community, addressing unmet health needs and enhancing health-system resilience. It is essential that they receive adequate training and support to provide optimal care. UNICEF will continue to invest in a trained, professional, and resilient community health program reaching all children.”
As countries face global challenges like climate change, political instability, and pandemics, experts say investing in proCHWs offers a strategic solution to strengthen health systems.
Fourteen students from Orcas Christian School (OCS), accompanied by three parents and two teachers, are giving up their 2025 spring break to take part in a mission trip to Belize. Their goal: to build classrooms for nursing students at the Belize Adventist Junior College in Calcutta Village.
The trip, scheduled from March 20 to April 1, 2025, is being coordinated by the Center for Youth Evangelism at Andrews University. Staff from the center will join the OCS volunteers on-site to lead the construction project. This initiative aims to support the growing nursing program at the college, providing much-needed classroom space to accommodate more students pursuing healthcare education.
To fund their trip, the students, parents, and staff are engaged in a variety of fundraising efforts, including letter campaigns, bake sales, a benefit dinner, and community donation drives. The collective effort reflects the community spirit at the heart of OCS’s educational philosophy.
For the students, the mission trip offers a chance to engage in hands-on service while experiencing the culture and hospitality of Belize. Beyond construction work, the project is expected to leave a lasting impact on the Belizean community by enhancing access to education for future healthcare workers.
As we wrap up 2024, News 5 is excited to bring you our digital Year in Review! This year, we're diving into the highlights and challenges of the past twelve months, all organised by themes. Join us as we look back at the stories that shaped our year…
2024 has been a landmark period for Belize’s tourism industry, marked by unprecedented growth, innovative initiatives, and significant challenges. As we look back on the past twelve months, it’s clear that Belize has not only recovered from the setbacks of the COVID-19 pandemic but has also set new records and explored exciting new avenues in tourism.
2024 has been projected as Belize’s biggest tourism year in history, and the numbers certainly support this optimistic outlook. On a single day in March, Belize welcomed the highest number of visitors ever recorded, with 16,000 passengers arriving on its shores. This surge in visitors is part of a broader trend that has seen a 25% increase in overnight stays and a 47% increase in cruise ship visits compared to the previous year. The Belize Tourism Board (BTB) anticipates that 2024 will not only meet but surpass pre-pandemic levels, making it a historic year for the industry.
The remarkable recovery of Belize’s tourism sector can be attributed to several strategic initiatives by the BTB and the unique qualities that Belize offers. Key among these initiatives is the expansion of airlift capacity, with efforts focused on increasing routes from the U.S., which accounts for a significant portion of overnight visitors. Additionally, Belize’s genuine hospitality and the friendliness of its people have been consistently highlighted in visitor surveys as it enhances the country’s appeal as a premier destination.
Lloyd Enriquez, Director of Cruise at BTB, stressed the importance of these efforts, stating, “Expanding routes is very critical for us. The U.S. market in particular accounts for 68 percent or thereabouts of our total overnight visitors. So that’s where we focus most of our efforts.”
Cruise tourism has also seen significant growth, with Belize expected to welcome up to 950,000 cruise visitors this year. However, the short duration of cruise visits poses a challenge, as tourists often struggle to decide how to spend their limited time on land. Efforts are being made to introduce new destinations and activities within a one-hour radius of the port to enhance the cruise visitor experience.
Despite these efforts, smaller tour operators face stiff competition from larger companies, making it difficult for them to secure business. Nonetheless, the sense of community among tour operators and the support from the BTB have been crucial in navigating these challenges. John Pollard, President of the Belize Tourism and Tour Operations Union, noted, “BTB has been a very great help to all of us. They have looked out for us through the entire slow time.”
Regarding cruise tourism, Tourism Minister Anthony Mahler pointed out that the lack of a docking facility in Belize City is a major factor in the decline of cruise arrivals, as larger ships require docking facilities, which Belize currently lacks.
In 2024, the Canadian government issued a travel advisory for Belize, warning its nationals to exercise caution due to high levels of crime, particularly in southside Belize City. The advisory highlighted gang and drug-related violence and the recent state of emergency declared in Belize City and the Cayo district. In response, Minister Mahler reassured Canadian travellers that Belize remains a safe destination and emphasised ongoing efforts to address safety concerns.
“We take it seriously, and we are in constant dialogue with our PR agency in Canada,” Mahler said. “Come to Belize; it is safe.”
The advisory was updated on December 12 with the ‘Health—Travel health notice for Zika Virus removed.”
Belize has also been exploring new avenues in tourism, such as agro-tourism. The Ministry of Agriculture highlighted the potential for tourists to visit farms and experience agricultural activities, from bull riding to harvesting crops. This initiative aims to diversify Belize’s tourism offerings and attract visitors interested in unique, hands-on experiences.
“A new theme that’s being discussed around the world is agro-tourism,” said Minister of Agriculture Jose Abelardo Mai. “There are many beautiful farms in Belize that tourists would like to see.”
Cultural tourism is thriving, with unique experiences like the Garifuna dish Hudut drawing tourists. The Martinez family of Hopkins Village has turned the preparation of Hudut into a cultural experience at their Palmento Grove Eco-Cultural and Healing Lodge. Visitors embark on a kayak journey across Fresh Water Creek Lagoon to Kalipuna Island, where they engage in hands-on activities like learning about local plants, preparing traditional foods, and participating in drumming and dancing. The family’s immersive tour also introduces guests to Garifuna culture, history, spirituality, and herbal remedies. Though the business is relatively young, starting in 2018 after a setback, it has become a vibrant addition to Belize’s cultural tourism scene, offering personalised tours and collaborating with other local operators for activities like horseback riding.
Belize is positioning itself as a growing hub for medical tourism, with plans to integrate health services into its broader tourism strategy. Minister Mahler emphasised the importance of a robust health infrastructure to support this development, noting that while medical tourism is still in its early stages, there has been progress. Belize already offers dental services to cruise passengers and aims to expand into cosmetic surgeries. Mahler also reassured that despite incidents like a recent shark attack, tourist perceptions of Belize remain largely unchanged, praising the swift response of dive operators.
Sustainability has been a key focus for Belize in 2024. The country was named the “World’s Leading Sustainable Tourism Destination” at the inaugural World Sustainable Travel and Hospitality Awards. This recognition underscores Belize’s commitment to sustainable tourism practices and its efforts to protect its natural and cultural assets.
Belize’s ocean wealth, estimated at $1 billion annually, also presents significant opportunities for the tourism, fisheries, and related sectors. Initiatives like the Blue Bond program aim to map and leverage this wealth to benefit the country’s economy and environment. Narda Garcia, C.E.O. in the Office of the Prime Minister, said, “The value that has been placed is $1 billion Belize dollars on tourism, fisheries, and shoreline protection, $1 billion annually.”
Belize has been proactive in strengthening regional and international partnerships to boost tourism. A delegation of government officials and private sector representatives travelled to Chetumal, Mexico, to promote the Coconut and Corn Festival and discuss cross-border trade. The second annual fest, organised by the Belize Tourism Industry Association (BTIA) Corozal Chapter, took place in August and featured entertainment, a parade, and culinary offerings highlighting local coconut and corn dishes. The delegation’s visit went beyond tourism promotion, as discussions also focused on strengthening trade ties between Belize and Mexico, particularly in areas like transportation, communication, and tours. Efforts to improve border-crossing processes were also addressed, with Belize’s removal of travel duties for Mexican visitors and the introduction of a duty-free stay.
Additionally, Belize participated in the World Travel Market Latin America 2024 in São Paulo, Brazil, to explore potential partnerships and attract more visitors from Latin America. Minister of Tourism and Diaspora Relations, Anthony Mahler, led the Belizean delegation at the event that saw 27,000 professionals and 620 exhibitors from around the world participate. This provided an opportunity for Belize to explore potential partnerships with businesses from across Latin America. Representatives from the Belize Tourism Board, Barefoot Caye Caulker Hotel, Muy’Ono Resorts, and Table Rock Jungle Lodge were present in the Belize pavilion. Mahler emphasised that Latin America, particularly Brazil, Colombia, and Argentina, represents an untapped market for Belize, and with targeted efforts, more visitors could be attracted. He highlighted the ease of travel to Belize from São Paulo and the potential for increased tourism, noting a significant press conference with over 100 journalists and travel industry professionals. Minister of Tourism Anthony Mahler stated, “We strongly believe that if we put in the effort, we can get more people to come.”
News Five has learnt that a man and his dog were knocked down and killed earlier this morning. The incident happened on Stann Creek Valley Road in Hope Creek Village, Stann Creek. Witnesses say they were knocked down by a white truck.
News Five has confirmed that a Guatemalan gunboat illegally entered Belize near Sapodilla Cayes.
Pictures shared by PGTV show the boat in Belizean water.
This is a developing story.
Back in November 2022, Belize officially filed an application with the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to secure a final and binding resolution regarding its sovereignty over the Sapodilla Cayes, including Seal Caye, amid a territorial dispute with Honduras.
The government said that the move is aimed at protecting the country’s territorial integrity and fostering friendly relations with Honduras. “The Government of Belize emphasizes that it has taken this measure to protect the vital interests of Belize in ensuring the full and final settlement of all outstanding territorial disputes to Belizean territory,” the statement read. It further noted that the application was submitted “in support and furtherance of its friendly relations with Honduras.”
Belize says the cayes have been part of its territory since the early 19th century, first as part of the settlement of Belize, later as part of the British Honduras colony, and since 1981 as part of the independent state of Belize.
Belize argues that its sovereignty over the cayes is firmly established under international law, rejecting Honduras’ counterclaim. The government points out that Honduras’ claim, first articulated in its 1982 Constitution, has “no basis in international law.”
Forty-five-year-old Curtis Molina has been officially charged with three counts of murder for the December 14, 2024, killings of his cousin, 39-year-old Elvis Garbutt Sr.; Garbutt’s wife, 30-year-old Emerita Garbutt; and their three-year-old son, Ellis Garbutt, in Monkey River Village.
The family was ambushed while driving home; their vehicle was obstructed by trees placed on the road. When Elvis exited to clear the path, Molina reportedly emerged from the bushes and fatally shot him, then proceeded to kill Emerita and Ellis. Two other children, 11-year-old Eliana and 8-year-old Elvis Jr., were in the vehicle; Eliana sustained injuries but managed to escape and alert neighbours, while Elvis Jr. was unharmed.
Police apprehended Molina near the village as he attempted to flee by boat. Investigations suggest the motive was robbery; Molina allegedly knew that Elvis had cash intended for purchasing a boat. The shotgun used in the murders was recovered and reported stolen from a nearby residence.
The tragic incident has left the small community of Monkey River Village in shock, with two young children now orphaned. Authorities are preparing to present the case in court following consultations with the Director of Public Prosecutions.
Two 21-year-old men, Christopher Smith Junior of Linda Vista and Karl Lindo of Mile 15 Hattieville/Boom Road, have been arraigned for the double murder of cousins Marvin Cante and Juan Carlos Raymundo. The pair appeared unrepresented before the magistrate’s court, where they were jointly charged with two counts of murder. Due to the severity of the charges, no plea was taken, and bail was denied. They were remanded to the Belize Central Prison until February 12, 2025.
The duo stands accused of brutally murdering the cousins whose dismembered bodies were found in a shallow grave in the American New Site area of Hattieville on November 27.
It has since been confirmed that the motive behind the crime was drug-related. According to police, the two young men had gone to purchase drugs from an individual, but the transaction went wrong, leading to the tragic outcome. One of the accused led investigators to where the bodies were buried.
