2025-01-26 - Channel 5 Belize

El Cayo Boardwalk Inaugurated

After being affected by floodwaters several months ago, El Cayo Boardwalk was officially inaugurated this weekend.

The Belize Tourism Board (BTB) stated that the boardwalk is “strategically located near the San Ignacio Market and along the Macal River. The El Cayo Boardwalk features a spacious deck, a shaded canopy, four kiosks, and informative panels showing the history of the Macal River.”

Though the grand opening marks a hopeful recovery, the boardwalk and surrounding area were recently impacted by Tropical Storm Sara in November 2024, which caused severe flooding. San Ignacio experienced record-high water levels, and parts of the town, including the boardwalk, were submerged. The river reached flood heights that affected businesses and homes for the first time in nearly five years.

On November 18, 2024, San Ignacio Mayor Earl Trapp also raised concerns about rising concerns regarding climate change leading to more frequent storms and the long-term viability of the market’s current location. He pointed out the possibility of having discussions about relocating the market to a safer area.

While “El Cayo Boardwalk is set to become a lively hub for residents and visitors alike, offering a place to relax and connect with nature,” for the months to come, the question remains: will it withstand future challenges when the hurricane season begins again in June, bringing the potential for more severe flooding and rainfall?

OAS and Brazil Launch Scholarships for Belizeans

The Brazilian government, in partnership with the OAS National Office in Belize, is offering full scholarships for Belizean students to study at Brazilian universities. The program includes a six-month Portuguese immersion course, with an additional monthly stipend provided by the OAS.

The PEC-G program provides free admission to undergraduate courses in Brazil across various fields. To apply, students must be nationals from participating countries, be 18 years old already, have completed secondary education, and meet language requirements.

The program aims to foster academic and personal growth, with past participants sharing positive experiences. “I got an opportunity to achieve my dreams through the PEC-G Program. I have developed intellectually and socially,” said Mary Akoth Adeka, a graduate from Kenya.

Interested students can apply through their local Brazilian embassy or consulate or the OAS Delegation for Caribbean nationals. Applications are free; more details can be found here.

Young Man Detained for Latest Murder

A 22-year-old construction worker is in police custody following the murder of 24-year-old Mark Waight and the attempted murder of 33-year-old Francine Herbert.

Waight was found unresponsive in a drain on Central American Boulevard just after 10 p.m. on Saturday. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Herbert was shot multiple times and remains in critical condition at Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital.

Residents reported hearing over a dozen gunshots. Police recovered several spent shell casings and are reviewing nearby surveillance footage.

This follows a history of legal troubles for Waight. In August 2021, he was involved in a high-speed chase and shootout with police in southern Belize. He was shot in the leg during an interception, and a .38 revolver was found in his possession. Police had reported that he was part of a group planning to carry out a hit in Dangriga before getting intercepted.

In March 2022, Waight was detained by police once more in connection with shots fired in the Port Loyola area.

South Korea’s President Indicted on Insurrection Charges

South Korea’s President Yoon Suk Yeol is the first sitting leader in the country’s history to be indicted after facing insurrection charges. The charges came after his controversial declaration of martial law in December 2024. The move caused political unrest and evoked memories of the country’s authoritarian past, and was overturned by Parliament.

Yoon is accused of using his power to target opposition figures, with prosecutors claiming there is “sufficient evidence” to back the charges. His actions reportedly included orders to arrest political rivals. The embattled president now faces two trials: one over his impeachment and another for insurrection, which could lead to life imprisonment or even the death penalty.

Yoon justified it by accusing the opposition of supporting North Korea and anti-state activities but has denied any wrongdoing. Yoon was arrested last week, which now makes him the first sitting president in South Korea’s history to face such charges.

Prosecutors stated that “based on the investigation so far, there are no grounds to consider any change to the arrest warrant issued against the president,” adding that “sufficient evidence exists to substantiate the charges.”