With Christmas just two days away, the Ministry of Transport is urging all Belizeans to stay safe this holiday season. Drivers, passengers, and pedestrians are all advised to prioritize safety and follow traffic regulations. As the year ends, many families are reflecting on loved ones lost in road accidents this year. In a statement earlier today, the Ministry noted that increased travel and holiday activities will lead to heavier traffic, raising the risk of accidents and disruptions. They urge everyone to exercise caution and follow traffic rules, including speed limits, seatbelt requirements, and pedestrian crossing signals. Drivers are also reminded to avoid distractions like mobile phone use and to designate a sober driver if they plan to drink. Before long road trips, make sure your vehicle is in good condition to prevent breakdowns and ensure a smooth journey. There will be more traffic patrols and roadside checks throughout the season, and fines will be issued for traffic violations. The Ministry wishes everyone a safe and joyous holiday season.
Tag: 2024-12-23
Rude Boy Rolls Out New Powah Stout
Stout lovers, rejoice! There’s a new drink in town just for you. Earlier today, Rude Boy unveiled its first dark beer, uniquely brewed with ginseng and horny goat weed. We were at the launch event and had a chat with Shian White, the brand manager for Rude Boy in Belize.
Shian White, Brand Manager, Rude Boy Belize
“Today, we’re launching the Rude Boy Powah Stout, first functional stout in the entire world. Why is it a functional stout? This product has all of the Rude Boy active ingredients, so we’re talking about caffeine, guaranah, horny goat weed and ginseng. So this combination of aphrodisiac make it a very, very functional, very energizing drink. It’s the first time in the world that a drink like this exists. It took us seven years to get here, lots of formulas, lots of tinkering around, but finally we have this one which has a smooth, velvety texture to it, if you just need a, after a long day’s work and you just need something to get the energy up, this is the perfect drink for you. So you could go all out and have a lot or you could just have one. It’s a functional stout, it’s really, really good for you and people who love stout, they will fall in love with this. We’re here at Love Lotus, you know, the backdrop is that they’re having their Christmas fair. So we partner up with different stores in Belize and this is one of the biggest stores, I think. So this is a big store for a big launch and it was like the perfect combination. That’s why we’re here in Love Lotus. It’s available basically in all major stores nationwide, starting today. We’re very proud to have this new product in the Rude Boy family. I know people already enjoy the original and extreme here in Belize and now we have the powah stout. We just want to invite everybody to go out and try it, you know, the Christmas Season is here. This is a perfect gift for dad, for granddad, for anybody. Just grab a six-pack and put a bow on it and you already have your Christmas gift ready.”
More Boots on the Ground this Christmas
The Belize Police Department wants everyone to feel safer this Christmas, so they’ve added more patrols all over the country. This afternoon, the Regional Commander for Eastern Division shared some important tips on staying safe during the holidays.
ACP Hilberto Romero, Regional Commander, Eastern Division
“In regards to the Christmas celebrations, we have stepped up our patrols. We have additional checkpoints. We have patrols within the business areas and so we ask the public for their assistance. Stay safe, don’t drink and drive. So that we can have a peaceful Christmas celebration.”
Belize Receives 805,794 Dollars for Excessive Rains in November
The Government of Belize has received a payout of eight hundred and five thousand, seven hundred and ninety-four dollars in response to the heavy rains experienced in November. From November 16th to 18th, Tropical Storm Sara brought intense rainfall to Northern Belize, causing significant water damage to roads and buildings. To help with these damages, a new policy under the Caribbean Catastrophe Risk Insurance Facility (C.C.R.I.F.) called the Wet Season Trigger will provide relief payments to Belize. This policy allows C.C.R.I.F. to cover excess rainfall events when the soil is already saturated from previous rains, targeting flooding and landslide risks. Although the rainfall from Tropical Storm Sara didn’t meet the specific conditions to trigger the rainfall policy, the wet period starting on October 20th and the rain in November met the policy’s requirements. Minister of State in the Ministry of Finance, Christopher Coye, said, “The Government of Belize welcomes the timely payout generated under the Wet Season Endorsement attached to the C.C.R.I.F. Excess Rainfall policy resulting from the passage of Tropical Storm Sara. Our response to recovery efforts will certainly be supported by this disbursement.”
Seeds of Change: Belize’s 2024 Agricultural Gains, Challenges, and the Road Ahead
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 pivotal year for food security and agriculture in Belize. With significant initiatives and challenges, the country has made strides in ensuring a resilient and sustainable agricultural sector.
Belize’s Sugar Industry in 2024
The year 2024 has been a tumultuous yet transformative period for Belize’s sugar industry. From record-breaking cane payments to persistent challenges such as labour shortages and illicit trade, the industry has navigated a complex landscape.
One of the most notable achievements in 2024 was the record final cane payment to farmers. For the second consecutive year, Belize Sugar Industries Limited (BSI) announced a historic final payment of BZ$90.95 per tonne of cane for the 2024 crop. This price is attributed to strategic investments, new market explorations, particularly in CARICOM, and improved global market prices for sugar. Despite these successes, the industry faced significant challenges, including labour shortages and crop diseases.
The sugar industry in Belize has been grappling with severe labour shortages. This issue has prompted BSI to explore automation as a solution to maintain productivity. The company has been advancing towards automating parts of its assembly line to mitigate the impact of labour shortages. This shift towards automation is seen as a necessary step to ensure the industry’s sustainability and competitiveness in the global market.
Despite an 18% increase in the domestic supply of brown sugar and an 8% increase in white sugar from January to April 2024 compared to the same period last year, Belize continues to face a local sugar shortage. The primary factor contributing to this shortage is the illicit cross-border trade of sugar. The significant price difference between sugar in Belize and neighbouring countries like Guatemala and Mexico has created a lucrative incentive for mugglers. Efforts to curb this illegal trade have included calls for the government to review and increase the price of domestic sugar to reduce the price disparity.
The Belize Sugar Cane Farmers Association (BSCFA) has been at the forefront of addressing various issues within the industry. In a document titled “BSCFA Addresses Delivery of Cane by Other Farmers,” the association highlighted the challenges faced by its members, including the delivery of cane by non-members and the need for a fair commercial agreement with BSI. The BSCFA has also been vocal about the need for greater
The relationship between the government and the sugar industry has been complex. Prime Minister John Briceño faced criticism from the BSCFA for allegedly failing to fulfil promises made to cane farmers. The association accused the prime minister of lying to farmers and not taking adequate steps to address their concerns. Despite these tensions, the government has played a crucial role in mediating disputes and facilitating negotiations between BSI and the BSCFA.
In response to ongoing disputes and calls for greater transparency, the government established a Commission of Inquiry into the sugar industry. The commission’s mandate is to analyse the entire value chain of the sugar industry and provide recommendations for its modernization. The hearings, which began in August, have included testimonies from various stakeholders, including BSI, BSCFA, and other cane farmers’ associations.
Last month, the Ministry of Agriculture declared a state of emergency in Belize’s sugar industry due to a fungal disease that has infected up to 40,000 acres of sugarcane. This disease, which causes the cane to yellow and wilt, renders it unsuitable for sugar production, posing a significant threat just a week before the new crop season begins. William Neal, Communications Director for Belize Sugar Industries (BSI), explained that the fungus, potentially linked to climate change-driven factors like extended droughts and excessive rains, has created ideal conditions for its growth. Corozal has been more severely affected than Orange Walk, and while the specific species of the fungus is still unidentified, early research and best practices are being tested to combat it. However, with production potentially dropping by as much as 30%, Neal emphasized the urgent need for industry-wide efforts to mitigate the impact of this serious challenge.
Recovering from Disaster: The Revival of Cacao Farming in Toledo
The year began with a massive recovery effort for cacao farmers in Toledo, who suffered catastrophic losses due to forest fires that ravaged over 10,000 hectares of farmland in 2023. The National Emergency Management Organisation (NEMO) and the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) stepped in, providing essential equipment and resources for replanting cacao. Supported by Global Affairs Canada, the initiative aimed to restore a key agricultural sector while prioritising climate resilience.
Jason Francis, Project Coordinator at CDEMA, emphasised the importance of climate-resilient practices, stating, “This project is about more than recovery; it’s about preparing for future challenges.” With cacao poised to generate $2 million for Toledo in the coming year, the assistance provided a lifeline to farmers like Jose Coy of Maya Mountain Cacao Farms, who vowed to secure better market prices for the region’s produce. However, ongoing challenges such as land rental fees and fluctuating international prices underscored the need for sustained support and policy interventions.
The Carrot Conundrum: Oversupply, Contraband, and Market Disruptions
Carrot farmers in northern Belize faced a perfect storm of challenges in 2024. A glut in local production, coupled with allegations of contraband imports from Mexico, left dozens of acres of carrots unsold and farmers grappling with financial losses. Farmers like Sabino Yam from Patchakan Village expressed frustration, noting that buyers were reluctant to purchase local produce despite official denials of import permits.
The Ministry of Agriculture acknowledged oversupply as a key factor, tracing the problem to last year’s climate disruptions. Uncoordinated planting schedules exacerbated the issue, with many farmers planting simultaneously in response to delayed rains. Andrew Mejia, Acting Director of the Ministry’s Extension Unit, stressed the need for improved coordination among farmers, stating, “Better planning and adherence to schedules are critical to avoid these cycles of oversupply.”
While the Ministry pledged to reactivate contraband interdiction teams and enhance market access, farmers like Oscar Martinez from La Gracia Village warned that continued inaction on contraband would deter future cultivation.
Citrus and Banana Industries: A Fragile Recovery
Belize’s citrus and banana sectors continued their slow recovery from years of decline. Citrus farmers faced challenges from persistent diseases such as Huanglongbing (HLB), while banana growers struggled with the twin burdens of high fertiliser costs and Sigatoka disease. Minister of Agriculture Jose Abelardo Mai pointed to promising developments, including trials of disease-resistant citrus varieties and a government-appointed task force to chart a sustainable path forward.
The banana industry, though less severely affected, faced setbacks from excessive rainfall, which reduced export-quality produce. Fertiliser subsidies and small loan facilities provided some relief, but stakeholders cautioned that more substantial investments would be needed to stabilise these key export crops.
Cattle Exports and the Screwworm Threat
Belize’s cattle industry, valued at over $100 million, saw significant developments in 2024. A transition in inspection protocols for cattle exports to Mexico marked a milestone, with Belizean veterinarians taking the lead under the oversight of the International Regional Organisation for Plant and Animal Health (OIRSA). Minister Mai confirmed that the new system worked seamlessly, ensuring continued access to lucrative export markets.
However, the resurgence of the New World Screwworm in Central America cast a shadow over the industry. Countries like Panama and Costa Rica reported hundreds of cases, raising concerns about the pest reaching Belize. Strict surveillance measures were implemented at border points, and sterile fly dispersals were intensified to prevent an outbreak. Zoe Robinson-Zetina, Managing Director of BAHA, noted that preparedness efforts included training field officers and draughting emergency quarantine protocols.
Despite these efforts, experts like OIRSA’s Fermin Blanco warned that the spread of screwworm was likely inevitable, urging collective action across the region to contain the pest. The situation underscored the importance of vigilance and regional collaboration in protecting Belize’s agricultural assets.
Flour Shortages and Rising Bread Prices
A temporary flour shortage disrupted the operations of bakeries across Belize, highlighting the vulnerability of supply chains. While substitute flours helped mitigate the impact, many businesses reduced production, prioritising essential items like buns over less critical products. The crisis was compounded by a 20% increase in the price of regulated 16-ounce loaves, sparking concerns about affordability for low-income households.
Creole bread vendors emerged as a cost-effective alternative, with many Belizeans turning to these local producers for more affordable options. Government regulators defended the price hike as necessary to sustain the baking industry, but consumers called for parallel measures to increase wages and ease the cost of living.
Building Climate Resilience
The impact of climate change loomed large over Belize’s agriculture sector in 2024. Erratic weather patterns disrupted planting and harvesting cycles, leading to oversupply in some crops and shortfalls in others. The delayed rainy season and increased instances of flooding underscored the urgency of adopting climate-smart agricultural practices.
Programs aimed at building resilience, such as staggered planting schedules and crop diversification, gained traction. However, the year also highlighted the need for greater investment in research and infrastructure to support farmers in adapting to changing climatic conditions.
One of the major initiatives launched this year was the Resilient Rural Belize (RRB) program, a BZ$50 million project aimed at strengthening small agricultural producer organisations against climate change and economic disruptions. This program focuses on climate-resilient farming practices, enhancing farm infrastructure, and improving market access for small farmers. Notable projects include upgrading farm roads and constructing water facilities and storage sheds, particularly benefiting communities like Trio Village.
Belize’s Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, José Abelardo Mai, played a crucial role in regional and international forums. At the COP29 summit in Baku, Azerbaijan, Minister Mai emphasised the importance of sustainable livestock production in mitigating climate change and ensuring food security. Additionally, Belize secured continued cattle exports to Mexico, reinforcing its agricultural trade relations.
Economic Growth and Agricultural Output
Belize’s economy saw a notable growth of 6.6% in the third quarter of 2024, with the primary sector, including agriculture, contributing significantly. Key crops such as bananas, citrus, and sugarcane showed improvements, and the fishing industry experienced a remarkable 25.5% increase in production.
The agricultural sector faced several challenges, including the impact of Tropical Storm Sara and pest outbreaks. The government classified agricultural pest outbreaks as a national disaster and took measures to address these issues. Efforts to combat the New World Screwworm threat were also intensified, with regional cooperation playing a key role.
$1M Lottery Raffle Delivers Big Wins but No Profit
The Belize Government Loteries Ltd. held its first-ever million-dollar Boledo draw on Saturday morning, and the excitement culminated when the winning numbers—3446—were announced. Fourteen lucky winners will share the jackpot. Their winnings will not be taxed. That is what Managing Director, Janel Espat, told News Five.
She also said that the lottery fell just short of breaking even, with total ticket sales amounting to $924,140—$76,000 shy of the $1 million prize.
“In the larger scope of looking at it, our payout is usually somewhere around the average of 70%. So this is about an 8% payout for a significantly low. It is unfortunate that we were not able to make a profit from the raffle because it was our intention to contribute any profits from the game towards a charitable organisation,” she stated.
The raffle produced 14 winners, each set to receive $71,428.57 in tax-free winnings. Espat confirmed, “No, it’s actually tax free. All, all winnings from the government lottery games are tax free. So, no taxes will be deducted.” As of now, 10 winners have already collected their prizes, and the excitement surrounding the payouts has been palpable.
A total of 184,820 tickets were sold, narrowly missing the 200,000-ticket goal.
Man Killed in Domestic Dispute in Corozal Identified
Assistant Commissioner of Police Hilberto Romero provided details on the investigation into the death of Anthony Lewis, whose lifeless body was discovered on Sunday, December 22, 2024, at a residence on G Street in Corozal Town. Lewis was found with injuries to his head, and initial investigations revealed that he had gone to the house and engaged in a dispute with the family members there.
According to ACP Romero, a struggle ensued during which Lewis sustained the injuries that ultimately caused his death. The investigation remains ongoing, and the case file will be forwarded to the Director of Public Prosecutions for further directives.
Lewis has a prior relationship with one of the men’s minor daughter. ACP Romero said, “that is correct and he is presently on bail as he was charged and taken to court. That matter is pending trial at the Supreme Court.”
ACP Romero stated that Lewis had no lawful reason to be at the residence and had confronted the family members, leading to the fatal altercation. He said that Lewis confronted the family and that they acted in self-defence.
Arson Attack on Hotchandani Vehicles: No Motive Yet
Assistant Commissioner of Police Hilberto Romero provided an update on the arson investigation involving the Hotchandani family’s vehicles.
On Sunday, December 22, 2024, around 5:05 a.m., police responded to a report of vehicles on fire on Princess Margaret Drive. Upon arrival, officers found three luxury vehicles engulfed in flames: a 2022 Cadillac Escalade valued at $250,000, a 2023 Audi Q7 worth $150,000, and a Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck valued at $85,000.
The vehicles belonged to businessman Bob Hotchandani and his son, Sunjay Hotchandani. The fire department was called to the scene and successfully extinguished the blaze, preventing it from spreading to nearby structures.
The investigation revealed that the vehicles had been parked at the location overnight. Security footage showed three individuals arriving by boat, dousing the vehicles with a flammable substance, setting them on fire, and then fleeing in the direction of Golden Bay. Police have detained one suspect, identified as Manuel Morales, in connection with the incident. A container with suspected accelerant remains was recovered from the scene.
Why did they do it?
ACP Romero told reporters that no motive has been established at this time. He added that the investigation is ongoing, with follow-up work being conducted to apprehend the remaining suspects.
Family of Triple Murder Victims Raise Concerns Over Case Handling
The case against Christian Espat and Michael Brown, accused of the October 2023 murders of three individuals, including a three-year-old child, is set to begin on January 25, 2025.
However, the family of the victims has expressed deep dissatisfaction with the investigation and has raised questions about the adequacy of the process and whether the case is being deliberately mishandled.
Espat and Brown are accused of fatally shooting three-year-old Amari Rodriguez, her father, Delmar Rodriguez, and 19-year-old Carlos Chi, with seven others injured during the incident in 2023.
In a letter to the media, the family of Amari and Delmar Rodriguez claims that since the start of the investigation, they have been excluded from updates on the case and denied access to disclosures. They say that attempts to contact senior officials, including the Commissioner of Police, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), and even the Prime Minister, have reportedly gone unanswered.
The letter says that a partial case disclosure reviewed by the family in September 2024 raised concerns over missing evidence, including statements, forensic materials, and investigative follow-ups. They allege that key pieces of evidence, such as a cellphone believed to belong to one of the accused, were not utilised due to expired police software. They also criticised the lack of collaboration with Mexican authorities to secure forensic evidence and the absence of expert testimony from the Immigration Department, despite claims that illegal cross-border activities were involved.
The family has also pointed to alleged lapses in witness protection, citing instances of threats and intimidation against survivors and victims’ relatives, some of whom reportedly fled the country for their safety. The accused, they claim, have continued to wield influence from prison, using mobile phones to issue threats.
The family has expressed concerns about the accused, particularly Christian Espat, who has been implicated in numerous criminal cases but has yet to be convicted. The family fears the case may fail in court due to systemic issues or potential interference by state actors.
Fortis Belize Supports Local Families with Holiday Hamper Drive
The Fortis Belize Holiday Hamper Drive marked its seventh year of providing support to families in the San Ignacio and Santa Elena areas during the holiday season. According to Fortis, this year, the initiative delivered hampers to 42 families, along with toys for children aged 12 and under.
Fortis says that employees and corporate partners contributed toys and gifts, which were included in the hampers. The staff prepared the hampers, containing groceries and household food items, and delivered them directly to recipients last week. Each hamper was designed to provide enough food for at least a week, including a turkey and ham for holiday meals.