Following a report filed by Bob Hotchandani on Sunday, December 22, police on Tuesday, December 24, formally arrested and charged 22-year-old Manuel Anthony Moralez, a Belizean construction worker from the Belize District, with three counts of arson.
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.
Police and family members are searching for 20-year-old Joshua James Maurice Hall, a resident of San Antonio Village, Corozal District, who has been missing since Monday, December 23rd.
Hall was last seen leaving home at 8:30 a.m. that day, wearing a green shirt with a lizard emblem on the chest, black cargo pants, and black Nike flip-flops. He was riding a pink bicycle with a basket attachment and was en route to the Corozal Police Station to meet a required sign-in obligation.
Records confirm that Joshua signed in at the station at 8:58 a.m.; however, officers on duty have been unable to confirm his departure from the station. His whereabouts following his sign-in remain unknown.
The Corozal Police Station is the last confirmed location where he was seen.
Hall’s family is appealing to anyone with information about his disappearance to contact them at any of the following numbers:
Amado Alexander Badillo, owner of Prestige Auto Sales, was arraigned in Belize City Magistrate’s Court on a charge of obtaining property by deception after allegedly failing to deliver a car to Theresa Ismar Flores despite receiving $14,000. He pleaded not guilty and was granted $10,000 bail with conditions, including staying away from the complainant.
In his defence, Badillo explained that financial difficulties last year temporarily affected his operations. He stated that Flores, a friend, sought a $14,000 vehicle, which he described as nearly impossible to find in Belize. To assist her, he secured a car worth $20,000 but encountered financial challenges soon after. To ensure Flores was not inconvenienced, Badillo provided her with one of his vehicles, valued at $30,000, for full-time use until the purchased car arrived.
He claimed Flores agreed not to take action against him as her transportation needs were being met. He also noted that the car intended for Flores remains in Houston, awaiting transportation to Belize, a fact he says was confirmed in several video calls with her.
However, this is not the first time that such accusations have been made against Badillo. In January 2024, police had been searching for Badillo as a person of interest in a case of alleged obtaining property by deception. A Caye Caulker resident reported losing $65,000 last year while attempting to purchase a Ford Ranger XLT pickup truck, which was promised after minor repairs but never delivered. The DPP said she reviewed the complaint and instructed police to charge Badillo with theft. Sources indicated that Badillo had provided police with a lengthy statement detailing his side of the story, claiming he had given proof to the complainant that the vehicle had been acquired and was en route from Houston. However, complications arose when it was revealed that the VIN number provided by the complainant to police for the vehicle he was supposed to purchase in April 2023 actually belonged to a vehicle previously owned by a customs officer. The officer confirmed that he had briefly offered the vehicle to Badillo for sale but ultimately sold it to someone else after Badillo failed to secure the funds to complete the transaction.
News Five also uncovered at least three legal claims filed against Badillo, all of which are public records. On July 25, 2023, Mariko Barrow sued Badillo for the outstanding balance on the sale of a Kia vehicle, legal fees, and accrued monthly interest for late payments dating from April 2021 to June 2023. The claim amounted to approximately $50,000, excluding additional costs or relief determined by the court.
On November 16, 2023, Badillo faced another lawsuit, this time from Elmer Torres, who claimed $52,432 for the sale of two vehicles that belonged to Torres. The claim cited a breach of a written contract made between the parties on February 13, 2023.
The third legal action was filed on January 23, 2024, by Sylvia Cattouse regarding the sale of a Toyota Highlander owned by Cattouse. In that case, Badillo eventually paid the monies owed, but only after three years of pursuit by Cattouse.
Nadia Caliz, president of the Belize National Teachers’ Union (BNTU), explained that some teachers have reported not receiving their increments. She told News 5 via phone that there is a concerning trend in discussions with some school managers, who were initially asked by the Ministry of Education to submit a list of teachers for increments.
She said that the list was returned with alterations, and additional names were added. According to Caliz, managers indicated that while the funding had been provided for those names, they were facing challenges distributing the funds to the teachers. Caliz expressed concern about the mechanism being used to ensure teachers received their increments and allowances and stressed the importance of proper documentation, including signatures, to confirm receipt of funds.
She also urged teachers who had not received their increments to report the issue to their management to ensure a record was made. She encouraged teachers to visit education centres in their districts to register their complaints to help the union gather accurate data on the situation.
Caliz questioned whether the slow rollout of payments was a result of managers trying to prioritise certain teachers. She added that many complaints were coming from Catholic schools, where teachers were facing significant delays in receiving increments and allowances.
NASA brings in Christmas Eve by flying closer to the sun than any human-made object ever has. On December 24 at 6:53 a.m. ET, NASA’s Parker Solar Probe, a car-sized spacecraft, swooped in within 3.86 million miles of the sun’s surface on Tuesday morning at a blistering speed of 430,000 mph, according to NASA.
“If you can imagine, it’s like going 96% of the way there to the sun’s surface,” said Kelly Korreck, a program scientist in NASA’s heliophysics division. The Parker Solar Probe was launched in 2018 to make a 7-year journey to explore the sun’s corona—the blistering outer atmosphere of our nearest star.
NASA says that its Christmas Eve historic dive into the sun’s outer atmosphere is a major step toward answering long-standing mysteries about our star, such as why the corona burns hundreds of times hotter than the sun’s surface.
“This is the birthplace of space weather,” Korreck stated. “Now Parker is living through it, and we’ll better understand how space weather forms and what it means for us on Earth.”
By directly sampling the sun’s volatile plasma and magnetic fields, NASA says the probe will help scientists predict solar storms more accurately—critical for protecting satellites, power grids, and even astronauts.
“Parker’s” latest flyby is the first of three final close approaches planned for the mission. NASA expects to confirm the spacecraft’s survival within days, with groundbreaking images of the sun’s surface to follow in January.
Each Christmas Eve, NORAD (North American Aerospace Defence Command) tracks Santa’s sleigh in real-time as it journeys through the skies. This beloved tradition began in 1955 after a department store ad misprint prompted a child to call a Colorado military centre asking to speak with Santa.
Air Force Colonel Harry Shoup, who answered the call, humorously played along and assured the child he was speaking with Santa. As more calls came in, Shoup assigned an officer to manage the growing enquiries, and this spontaneous act led to the annual tradition that NORAD continues today, even after its establishment in 1958.
For decades, NORAD has set aside its usual airspace monitoring duties to respond to children’s questions about Santa’s progress. Each year, more than 100,000 kids call in to track Santa, while millions more follow along online in nine different languages as he travels across the globe.
Christians in the Middle East face a season marked by both celebration and concern for their safety. Just Monday, protests broke out in Christian neighbourhoods of Damascus, Syria, after a Christmas tree in the town of Suqaylabiyah was set on fire. A video surfaced online showing unidentified individuals setting the tree on fire. The incident happened just days before Christmas and led to a demonstration in the Syrian capital.
CNN reported that despite assurances from the Islamist rebel group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) to protect minorities, Christians remain fearful of rogue armed groups that could target them during the holiday season. While HTS has not interfered with Christmas celebrations in Damascus, many residents are scaling back their festivities, citing ongoing concerns over security.
In contrast, Lebanon’s Christian communities are celebrating Christmas with renewed energy. Despite recent conflicts, including clashes between Hezbollah and Israel, festive markets are bustling, and families are coming together, CNN reported.
The situation is starkly different in Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus, where for the second consecutive year, a Christmas tree will not be erected due to the ongoing Gaza conflict. According to CNN, the mayor of Bethlehem reported a significant economic loss of over $600 million as tourism remains frozen. This year, celebrations will be limited to prayers and religious rituals in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza.
Consumer watchdog Which? has revealed alarming levels of data collection by popular smart devices, with air fryers emerging as unexpected culprits. The study found that some air fryers demand invasive permissions and share user data with third parties, including platforms like TikTok.
In its evaluation of air fryers, smartwatches, smart TVs, and smart speakers, Which? scored devices on privacy practices such as data consent and necessity of information collected. Air fryers were among the worst offenders, with all tested models requesting users’ precise locations and permissions to record phone audio without clear justification. Xiaomi’s air fryer app was linked to trackers from Facebook, TikTok’s ad network, and Chinese tech giant Tencent, while Aigostar’s fryer sought gender and birthdate details during setup. Both products transmitted data to servers in China, as noted in their privacy notices.
Other smart devices also raised significant concerns. Huawei’s Ultimate smartwatch requested nine invasive permissions, including access to precise location and stored files. Samsung’s smart TVs sought postcodes during setup and were linked to trackers from Facebook and Google. Bose’s smart speaker required minimal permissions but was filled with trackers, performing poorly on consent protocols.
The findings suggest that manufacturers often collect excessive data, potentially for third-party marketing purposes, with little transparency. Which? is calling for stricter regulations and privacy prioritisation by manufacturers.
The UK’s Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) plans to introduce guidelines for smart product manufacturers in Spring 2025. Harry Rose, editor of Which?, emphasised the urgency: “Smart tech manufacturers are collecting data with little transparency. The upcoming ICO guidelines must include effective enforcement, especially for companies based abroad.”
Which? is urging companies to rebuild consumer trust by ensuring greater transparency and safeguarding user privacy.
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 organized by themes. Join us as we look back at the stories that shaped our year…
In 2024, Belize demonstrated a proactive and multifaceted approach to international relations and diplomacy. The country engaged in significant diplomatic activities, strengthened regional and global partnerships, and addressed critical security and humanitarian issues.
Belize played a pivotal role in CARICOM’s efforts to stabilise Haiti, a nation gripped by political instability, economic collapse, and rampant gang violence. The country deployed two senior officers from the Belize Defence Force (BDF) as part of a CARICOM-led mission sanctioned by the United Nations Security Council. The deployment aimed to assess the feasibility of a broader intervention to restore security and facilitate free and fair elections in Haiti.
Prime Minister John Briceño, while addressing threats from Haitian gang leaders, emphasised Belize’s responsibility to its “brothers and sisters” in Haiti. The PM assured that Belize’s involvement would be measured and guided by clear benchmarks, including a ten-point prerequisite plan approved by the Ministry of Defense. “The lawlessness that has overtaken Haiti is tragic,” Briceño remarked, “but we must do our part within CARICOM to help Haiti regain stability.”
However, the mission faced criticism and logistical challenges. Opposition Leader Moses “Shyne” Barrow supported aiding Haiti but expressed concern over Belize’s domestic security, particularly in its maritime territories. This dual perspective reflects a tension between Belize’s regional commitments and its internal priorities.
Haiti’s crisis is marked by the control of armed gangs over Port-au-Prince, widespread violence, and the collapse of essential services. Accounts from Haitians such as Alexandra Pierre painted a grim picture: closed schools and hospitals, food shortages, and pervasive fear. Belize’s response, despite its limited resources, showcased its commitment to regional solidarity and its capacity to engage in humanitarian missions with international support. Training programs involving the BDF and Coast Guard, conducted in collaboration with Canadian and Caribbean counterparts, emphasised readiness for high-risk operations.
Belize’s role in CARICOM’s security initiatives extended beyond Haiti. The Exercise Trogon Shield, held in Jamaica, brought together personnel from Belize, The Bahamas, and Jamaica to enhance regional cooperation and preparedness. Belize’s contingent, trained in humanitarian law and operational strategies, demonstrated the country’s dedication to addressing transnational challenges collectively.
Rear Admiral Elton Bennett, Commandant of the Belize Coast Guard, highlighted the rigorous training Belizean personnel underwent, stating, “This is our very best. They are prepared to operate in high-risk environments and contribute to peacekeeping missions under the United Nations umbrella.” Such initiatives underscore Belize’s commitment to bolstering CARICOM’s capacity to address crises.
Belize’s relationship with the United States remained robust, marked by significant developments in bilateral cooperation. The signing of the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Compact Grant Agreement was a major milestone, securing $125 million in funding to improve Belize’s education and energy sectors. This agreement, coupled with ongoing security and economic assistance, reinforced the strong partnership between the two nations.
Prime Minister Briceño noted, “Our research has focused on finding sustainable ways to reduce the cost of energy for the people of Belize. Through this grant, we will facilitate new power purchase agreements for low-cost renewable energy, modernise our grid to efficiently manage an influx of various power generation, and support the organisations that oversee our electricity infrastructure.”
High-level visits, including from U.S. officials like Ambassador Uzra Zeya, reaffirmed Belize’s role as a leader in humane migration policies and democratic governance. The U.S. provided substantial support to Belize in areas ranging from border security to economic development, reflecting a partnership anchored in shared values.
Belize’s participation in Central American Integration System (SICA) initiatives further showcased its active role in regional diplomacy. Collaborative projects with Taiwan under SICA emphasised Belize’s strategic positioning as a bridge between the Caribbean and Central America.
Belize continued to enhance its diplomatic and economic ties with Mexico. Prime Minister Briceño’s visit to Mexico City for the inauguration of President Claudia Sheinbaum highlighted the importance of this relationship. Discussions focused on trade, security, and infrastructure projects, including the potential extension of the Tren Maya project to Belize, which could significantly boost tourism and trade.
Belize’s ambassador to Mexico, Oscar Arnold, shared insights into the historic swearing-in ceremony and the productive meetings held with Mexican officials. The discussions included the possibility of connecting the Tren Maya project to Belize, enhancing transportation and economic opportunities.
Belize reaffirmed its unwavering support for Taiwan, celebrating 35 years of diplomatic relations. High-level visits and cooperation projects, such as the construction of the San Pedro-Caulker General Hospital funded by Taiwan, demonstrated the strength of this partnership. Belize’s stance on Taiwan remained firm despite regional and international pressures. Taiwan’s foreign minister, Dr. Lin Chai-Lung, visited Belize to announce major projects, including funding for the replacement of the BelCan Bridge and the construction of a $33 million hospital in San Pedro Town.
Prime Minister Briceño said that Belize’s support for Taiwan is unshakeable. Despite domestic debates, including Opposition Leader Shyne Barrow’s critique of Taiwan’s alleged political interference, the partnership remains robust.
Belize maintained a principled position on the Israel-Palestine conflict, advocating for a two-state solution and condemning actions that exacerbated the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The suspension of diplomatic ties with Israel, following the killing of aid workers in Gaza, underscored Belize’s commitment to human rights and international law. Belize also supported the International Court of Justice’s stance on Israel’s policies in Palestinian territories.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Francis Fonseca reiterated Belize’s position, stating, “For us in Belize, we have always maintained that a two-state solution is the only path to a sustainable, long, permanent, peaceful resolution to this matter.”
The ongoing territorial dispute with Guatemala remained a critical issue. Belize continued to engage diplomatically with Guatemala, seeking to resolve tensions through the International Court of Justice (ICJ). High-level meetings between Belizean and Guatemalan officials aimed at fostering cooperation and addressing security concerns along the Sarstoon River. The renovated Sarstoon Forward Operating Base (FOB) symbolised Belize’s commitment to sovereignty and its readiness to address illegal activities such as human trafficking and unregulated fishing. The FOB’s strategic importance was underscored during a media visit where Guatemalan Armed Forces attempted to assert claims over the river, highlighting ongoing tensions.
The inauguration of Guatemala’s new president, Bernardo Arevalo, presented an opportunity for renewed dialogue and collaboration.
Prime Minister Briceño expressed optimism about strengthening ties with Guatemala under President Arevalo’s administration, particularly in areas of security and trade. Additionally, Belize’s adherence to international mechanisms, including the Organisation of American States (OAS), showcased its commitment to peaceful conflict resolution.
The court has issued a procedural order in the legal dispute between Mesop Area Rep. Moses Shyne Barrow and Albert Area Rep. Trracy Panton over the leadership of the United Democratic Party (UDP) and has prioritised key issues and established deadlines to streamline the resolution process.
The claimants must file a reply to the defendants’ answer and a defence to their counterclaim by 6 January 2025, with the defendants required to respond by 15 January 2025. Specific disclosure requests are to be submitted by 17 January 2025, with the attorneys expected to complete the disclosure process by 31 January 2025. A joint pre-trial memorandum is due by 14 February 2025, while written submissions addressing priority issues must be exchanged by 28 February 2025. These submissions are limited to 25 pages, formatted in Times New Roman font with one-and-a-half line spacing.
The two priority issues identified by the court include whether the meeting held on 20 October 2024 was a constitutionally valid national convention and whether Panton remains a member of the UDP. The court stressed that resolving these questions will either settle the substantive disputes or significantly narrow the matters in contention. The second question has been reframed to focus exclusively on Panton, as its resolution will address allegations of her constructive resignation or expulsion from the UDP and related claims involving Patrick Faber, Beverly Williams, and John Saldivar. The court reasoned that involving these individuals at this stage would add unnecessary complexity and cost. Their participation will be considered only if Panton’s membership in the UDP is confirmed and the October meeting is deemed lawful.
The claimants’ attorney must prepare a trial bundle, including pleadings, relevant documents, and submissions, by 14 March 2025. Oral submissions are scheduled for 31 March 2025, with each attorney limited to two hours. The court noted that this date accommodates the availability of the parties’ attorneys, whose schedules delayed a swifter resolution. However, this extended timeframe provides an opportunity for mediation, which the court strongly encourages, given the unique nature of the dispute.
To ensure clarity and efficiency, the claimants and defendants are required to appoint a local firm of attorneys in Belize. The court highlighted the confusion caused by the unclear roles of Messrs. Arnold & Company and Pitts Law Firm and noted that it is uncertain whether the claimants are represented by a local firm with counsel acting as an advocate. Both parties’ attorneys must confirm their authority and identify lead counsel by 6 January 2025.
The court reiterated that adherence to the established timelines is mandatory, with changes allowed only under exceptional circumstances and through formal application. This procedural order reflects the court’s aim to resolve the dispute efficiently and fairly, underscoring the importance of cooperation and good faith by all parties involved.
Earlier this year, senior UDP members Moses Barrow, Michael Peyrefitte, Shary Medina, Alberto August, and Hugo Patt filed an urgent court action against Tracy Taegar Panton and Phillipa Griffith Bailey, alleging unlawful seizure of the UDP Headquarters on October 28, 2024. They seek an injunction to reclaim the property, restore party assets, and prevent further unauthorised actions.
The claimants argue that Panton’s actions disrupt UDP operations, harm its reputation ahead of elections, and undermine Barrow’s role as Leader of the Opposition. They seek a court declaration affirming their rights to the headquarters, an order for Panton to vacate, and damages for unlawful possession.
Barrow then filed for contempt orders against Panton, alleging noncompliance with a November 8, 2024, judgement by Justice Hondora. They sought a three-month prison sentence or a $500 fine, payable within seven days, failing which the prison term would apply. The claimants also request costs and any additional relief deemed appropriate.
