Every year, we eagerly await the announcement of the first baby born in the new year. While the news varies across the six districts, at K.H.M.H., the first baby of 2025 arrived at 12:15 a.m. on January first. The proud mom, nineteen-year-old Glenda Pop from Hattieville Village, welcomed her second child. Today, Glenda and her newborn were discharged from the hospital after receiving traditional gifts from San Cas Limited, a heartwarming tradition they’ve upheld for the past two decades. News Five’s Marion Ali was on the scene to capture the joyous moments and filed this report.
Marion Ali, Reporting
While Belizeans were out celebrating the arrival of 2025, one woman was making her way to the maternity ward to welcome her second son. Nineteen-year-old Glenda Pop from Hattieville didn’t expect to ring in the new year in labor, as her due date was set for Friday, January third. But life had other plans, and she ended up ushering in 2025 with the birth of her baby boy.
“When 12 o’clock came, she was fully dilated and ready to push, and she pushed, you know, she delivered a healthy male neonate at twelve-fifteen a.m., weighing six pound three ounces.”
Sister Estella Flowers, who oversees the K.H.M.H Maternity Ward, shared with reporters that Glenda Pop arrived at the hospital around 8 p.m. on New Year’s Eve. She mentioned that, aside from Glenda’s delivery of her newborn son, it was an unusually quiet New Year’s Day at the hospital.
Sister Estella Flowers
“We were expecting three to four mothers, but she was the only one and still only the only one. We just had a delivery yesterday on the second. So, she was the only one for 24 hours.”
As her blessings from San Cas Limited, Glenda received a hamper with goodies and necessities worth around a hundred dollars.
Aisha Trapp
Aisha Trapp, Marketing Manager, San Cas Ltd.
“The items are selected based on the policies from the hospital, putting breastfeeding first, of course. We don’t give any milk substitutes in the package. We give Ovaltine, which helps with the production of breast milk. We also give 7Cs vitamins. We give, of course, Huggies diapers and wipes and we give Jergens products which, of course, adds to self care for the mom. We know that after having a newborn, it’s very tough on the mom, so we do give products for the mom and baby. – Kotex, of course, for mommy. So we’ve added a little every year, based on the policy of the hospital, and we do check with them before we give the packages.”
Marketing Manager for San Cas Limited, Aisha Trapp says the twenty-plus-year tradition of giving to first-borns on New Years is extended to all the districts.
Aisha Trapp
“We don’t only give the baby born at K.H.M.H, but we do give babies from all different public hospitals. We’ve checked, and so far, San Ignacio had a baby boy. He was born 12:02 a.m., and Dangriga had three. It had two females and one male. The first female was born at 9:02 a.m., so, we continue to check and see if any other babies were born. We did check also the private hospitals because we do give all the babies that were born for the new year a package.”
Glenda Pop
“I never know if I’m gonna get this, so, I say thanks to you all.”
Glenda Pop was overjoyed with the gifts that came with the arrival of her second child, another baby boy. At just nineteen, she’s already decided that two is enough for her.
A 29-year-old man is behind bars after being caught with illegal ammunition during a police search at a nightclub in Orange Walk Town on New Year’s Day.
Police reported that Belizean labourer Alfredo Eliaser Casanova was found with eight 9mm rounds of ammunition in his pocket during the search. Authorities say he failed to present a firearm license when asked.
Casanova now faces charges of possession of ammunition without a gun license.
Police are investigating a chopping incident involving a 21-year-old construction worker, Reynaldo Pop, in San Pedro Town.
According to police, the attack took place on Wednesday night. Police were alerted to the San Pedro Polyclinic, where Pop was receiving treatment for a chop wound to his face.
Pop reported being attacked by three men while walking in the San Mateo area. One of the suspects allegedly struck him with a machete.
The police are currently searching for three individuals involved in this attack.
A man is in police custody following a stabbing incident in Belize City on January 1, 2025.
Police say the attack unfolded during a heated argument over an eviction notice, which escalated into a physical fight between 35-year-old Deneisha Tillett and her tenant, 37-year-old Darlene McKenzie. Mervin Martin, 28, and Emerson Garnett, 33, became involved in the altercation that left Martin in a critical condition.
During the fight, Garnett allegedly stabbed Martin multiple times. Martin was taken to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital for treatment.
However, as reported previously, this isn’t the first time Garnett has been in trouble. In April 2024, a viral video showed him violently assaulting a man, leading to charges of common assault and a $505 fine. Later that year, in September, Garnett was arrested for a burglary in which $4,000 worth of jewellery was stolen. He was released on bail but remained in prison due to an unpaid court fine until October 2024.
El Salvador ends 2024 with 114 homicides, a decrease from 6,656 killings recorded in 2015. With a homicide rate of just 1.9 per 100,000 people, President Nayib Bukele took to social media, stating that the figure released by the country’s attorney general on Wednesday makes El Salvador the safest country in the Western Hemisphere.
The sharp decline follows the 2022 launch of a state of emergency, which gave the government ‘special powers’ to combat violent gangs. Bukele’s crackdown has led to more than 83,000 arrests, though civil rights groups report 354 deaths in government custody.
Despite criticism, the crackdown has received widespread support for its impact on security. According to local reports, many citizens are now able to move freely without fear of gang violence. The country’s Congress continues to renew the ‘special powers’ each month.
The success of Bukele’s model, which includes militarised policing and social programs, has garnered international attention. Tech mogul Elon Musk praised it, suggesting it could be applied in the United States.
“Needs to happen and will happen in America,” stated Musk on X.
Meanwhile, Belize recorded 89 as of December 31, 2024. This is according to Police Commissioner Chester Williams.
In December 2024, residents and business owners in Caye Caulker voiced concerns over a proposed fuel depot in a residential area. The plan includes a petroleum station and fuel storage facility, raising fears about safety and potential risks. In an interview with News 5, Chairperson Seleny Villanueva Pott assured the public that the project must meet strict requirements and undergo a transparent review process, with the company already submitting its dangerous goods license.
Elvis Landaverry, Managing Director of Petrol Alliance Group Holding Company Ltd., addressed the residents of Caye Caulker in an open letter regarding the company’s plans to develop a modern, service-oriented fuel station and convenience store on lots 957 and 2016, located approximately three lots north of the Split, on the leeward side of the island.
In the letter, Landaverry reassured the residents that the project had been carefully researched and strategically planned. “Petrol Alliance has obtained Environmental Clearance and an Environmental Compliance Plan from Belize’s highest authority, the Department of the Environment. Obtaining such Clearance was no easy task, Petrol Alliance had to have clearance and mitigation plans approved by several governing bodies, including Health and Public Safety agencies, the Police Department and the Fire Department and we must be in adherence to the Belize Petroleum Regulations prior to obtaining clearance from the Department of the Environment.”
He said the the company is committed to adhering to the Belize Petroleum Regulations and will remain in compliance with Public Health and Environmental Damage Protocols, which will be closely monitored by the Department of the Environment.
With regards to insurance coverage, Landaverry said that the company consulted with all seven local insurance providers in Belize. “We had discussions with these, our local providers, who all assured us that insuring your property located next to the Petrol Alliance Group Holding Limited’s development will NOT be an issue. In fact, in any development area, or industrial area, the worst-case scenario would be that a higher premium or deductible may apply, but this would be looked at by the insurance providers on a case-by-case basis. All providers were willing to address your concerns personally and we have contact information for them should you need it.”
The company encourages residents to reach out via email, telephone, or WhatsApp to engage in discussions.
Move over, Generation Beta is here, and they’re expected to grow up in a world dominated by artificial intelligence, autonomous vehicles, and immersive virtual environments. Experts predict these tech-savvy kids will live longer, face unprecedented challenges like climate change, and redefine what it means to be “digitally native.” This marks the end of Generation Alpha, which includes those born between 2010 and 2024.
While the exact dates for Generation Beta are uncertain, they will be born until around 2039. Some experts suggest that many of them will live long enough to witness the 22nd century.
Jason Dorsey, a generational researcher and the author of “Zconomy: How Gen Z Will Change the Future of Business—and What to Do About It,” points out that Gen Beta will start life in a world that’s post-pandemic. Unlike their Gen Alpha siblings, who faced school shutdowns and isolation, Gen Beta will likely only learn about these events in history classes. Dorsey added that Generation Beta will grow up with an increased reliance on smart devices, solving problems with the help of AI.
Another challenge Generation Beta will face is climate change, which is expected to have more direct consequences on their lives. “Climate change will continue to be a really big deal for them,” Dorsey said. As these children grow up, many Gen X and Boomer leaders will be replaced by millennials and Gen Z in power.
According to Dorsey, the new generation will also experience social media differently, with many Gen Z parents possibly limiting screen time for their children, unlike older millennial parents who’ve integrated technology more freely into their kids’ lives. One thing is clear: the emergence of Generation Beta mirrors a fascinating shift in generational dynamics.
In 2024, Belize faced an alarming increase in road traffic accidents. The crisis spanned highways, urban streets, and rural roads. Among the most troubling trends was the significant rise in motorcycle accidents, which prompted the public to demand that the Briceño Administration do what it can to prevent any more of these accidents.
By December, road traffic accidents (RTAs) had claimed dozens of lives, with motorcycles accounting for a disproportionate number of fatalities and severe injuries. Fatalities were linked to speeding, reckless overtaking, poor road conditions, and a lack of safety measures, including helmets and protective gear.
The most tragic of the accidents in 2024 was the incident that occurred on the Benque Road in December. That incident claimed the lives of 10 people. In late November, the Caye Caulker Ocean Academy High School boys’ basketball team was involved in a tragic traffic accident on the Philip Goldson Highway. They were en route to a regional tournament in Orange Walk when their vehicle overturned due to a blowout. There were 12 passengers. One person died. On December 2, a collision involving a motorcycle and a sedan on the George Price Highway resulted in one fatality and multiple injuries. Reckless overtaking and limited visibility were identified as key factors in this tragic accident. Meanwhile, in mid-September, a motorcyclist lost his life in a collision with a pickup truck on the Philip Goldson Highway. Witnesses reported that the motorcyclist was not wearing a helmet, a recurring issue in many of the year’s incidents.
Festive seasons, including Easter and Christmas, saw spikes in motorcycle-related crashes, with many victims under 30 years old. Alcohol consumption and speeding were frequently cited causes.
Motorcycle accidents surged in 2024—a sharp increase compared to previous years. Several factors contributed to this alarming trend. Many riders failed to use helmets, leading to a higher rate of severe head injuries. Additionally, a growing number of young, inexperienced riders took to the roads without proper training or licenses, exacerbating the risks. Speeding was another significant issue, with motorcycles frequently involved in high-speed collisions, particularly on highways. Poor infrastructure, including potholes, uneven road surfaces, and inadequate lighting, further compounded the dangers faced by motorcyclists.
The impact of this surge was felt keenly by emergency services. Hospitals reported a rise in trauma cases related to motorcycle accidents, with many victims requiring extended hospital stays. Medical personnel also noted that survivors often faced permanent disabilities, placing long-term physical and financial burdens on individuals and their families.
Recognising the uptick in motorcycle-related fatalities, the government announced plans to enforce helmet use more strictly and increase penalties for non-compliance. T
Prime Minister John Briceño has issued an urgent call for reforms to Belize’s road safety laws, emphasising the critical need to address the rising number of traffic fatalities, particularly among young people and motorcyclists. Speaking in the House of Representatives, Briceño underscored the necessity of legislative action, stricter enforcement, and a cultural shift in driving behaviours to tackle what he described as a preventable crisis.
Cabinet has directed the attorney general to conduct a comprehensive review of Belize’s road safety regulations, focusing specifically on offences related to driving under the influence (DUI). Briceño suggested adopting stricter penalties, drawing comparisons to the United States, where DUI-related fatalities can result in murder charges. “People need to understand that if you drive under the influence and get in an accident, we are going to throw the whole book at you,” he stated firmly.
Expressing frustration over the recklessness on Belize’s roads, the Prime Minister recounted a personal experience where he reported a suspected drunk driver on the highway. The individual, later identified as one of his constituents, was arrested. Briceño shared that the driver’s father thanked him afterward, acknowledging that the incident had taught his son an important lesson about road safety and responsibility.
To strengthen enforcement, Briceño announced plans to enhance highway surveillance through 24-hour patrols, particularly during nighttime hours when drunk driving incidents are most frequent. “This is when people are coming from parties or social events after drinking, and that’s when we see most of the accidents,” he explained. Additionally, the government intends to modernise enforcement tools, amending laws to allow the use of speed guns, breathalysers, and dash cams to empower police officers in detecting and penalising reckless drivers effectively.
The Prime Minister also addressed the alarming statistics on motorcycle fatalities. Of the 108 road deaths recorded in 2024, 50 involved motorcyclists—a staggering figure. Briceño highlighted the reckless behaviour of some riders as a major concern and announced plans for stricter licensing requirements. These include mandatory helmet use, with safety standards ensuring helmets remain secure upon impact.
Briceño also criticised unsafe practices involving children on motorcycles, sharing a recent example from a Cabinet group chat where a man and a woman were seen riding a motorcycle with a small child precariously held between them. Calling the practice a grave safety hazard, he urged stricter enforcement to prevent such violations.
Emphasising the shared responsibility of road safety, Briceño called on all Belizeans to play their part in reducing traffic fatalities. “At the end of the day, it’s me, you, and all of us collectively,” he stated. “We are the drivers, and we all have a role to play in making our roads safer.”
The Department of Transport is exploring the idea of publicly naming individuals convicted of drunk driving as a measure to address the alarming rise in fatal road traffic incidents. With 14 lives lost in a single month due to traffic accidents, the department is facing mounting public scrutiny over its efforts to combat the root causes, such as driving under the influence.
Despite receiving several breathalysers in 2021 for use on Belize’s highways, questions persist about the frequency of their use and the admissibility of their results in court.
The Belize Police Department has also been proactive in tackling drunk driving. A recent report from the BPD disclosed that 215 individuals were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol between January and November 2024.
As the Transport Department and law enforcement agencies take steps to curb dangerous driving behaviours, the hope is that these measures will contribute to reducing the tragic loss of lives on Belize’s roads.
The ministry is also partnering with the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) to enhance Belize’s traffic legislation. These discussions aim to address critical issues such as inadequate enforcement and reckless driving, which have been flagged as contributing factors to the spike in accidents.
Enforcement has also been identified as a significant challenge.
A healthy baby boy made his debut as the first baby of 2025 at 12:15 a.m. on January 1st. The baby, born to 19-year-old Glenda Pop from Hattieville, weighed six pounds and had a smooth, uncomplicated birth.
Glenda told News 5 that she arrived at the hospital at around 8 o’clock in the night on December 31 after experiencing labour pains. Within hours, she was fully dilated. “I came straight to the hospital, and they told me I would have my baby right now,” Pop said.
Estella Flowers, Unit Manager for Maternity and Labour and Delivery, shared, “This is a full, mature baby, born at 40 weeks with no complications.”
“We were expecting a lot of babies that night, on the 31st of December, to come in on the first. But she was the only one that came in 8 centimetres dilated and delivered at 12:15,” Flowers added.
The hospital celebrated the first baby of the year with special gifts and recognition. Glenda, who is already the mother of one, has yet to decide on a name for her newborn son.
