2025-01-31 - Channel 5 Belize

Antigua Demands Starlink Pay Sales Tax

Starlink, the satellite internet service provider operated by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, is under investigation by authorities in Antigua and Barbuda for failing to pay the Antigua and Barbuda Sales Tax (ABST) on its services.

The government has identified over 100 users of Starlink, yet the company has not reported or collected the 17% tax required of other telecommunications companies. Minister for Information, Melford Nicholas, told local news channels that while there are no plans to disrupt services, the government aims to ensure compliance with tax regulations. “We do know that there are over 100 people utilising Starlink at the moment,” said Lionel Hurst, Chief of Staff in the Office of the Prime Minister.

“There was no discussion about disrupting the service. The focus was on collecting the taxes that are owed because all telecommunications companies must pay the ABST—17% on the value of the service they provide,” Hurst added.

Meanwhile, in Belize, Starlink’s application to provide nationwide broadband services was denied by the Public Utilities Commission (PUC), limiting its operations to underserved areas, aircraft, and vessels during emergencies. Sheena Garnett, PUC’s Communication Manager, stated, “We are going to allow end users to operate their Starlink terminals at these fixed locations that are currently in these parts of the country where there is no service or underserved areas where existing internet providers are unable to provide that service.”

Earlier this month, Prime Minister John Briceño supported the PUC’s decision, explaining the need to protect local providers while still assisting those without internet access. He said, “We are not giving them [Starlink] an open license, but if a citizen comes and says, and we have been doing that forever. We want a satellite dish; you get a permit to do that. So if you come and live deep in the bush and do not have access to internet service and want to bring it in, they will approve it. So, I think that is the best compromise.”

A 200-page document compiled by the PUC included all the feedback received. In it was an email where the minister, Michel Chebat, stated, “Should approval be considered, Starlink’s operations in Belize should be facilitated through a local agent, ensuring alignment with local industry dynamics and subject to our national tax regime.”

BREAKING: Kyle Zetina Convicted of Triple Murder

Justice Candace Nanton has found Kyle Aswan Zetina guilty of three counts of murder in connection with the brutal execution-style killings of Excelsior High School Vice Principal, 44-year-old Alarice Andrewin, and her two friends, 39-year-old Vidal Antonio Yuman and 19-year-old Maria Lucas, a Guatemalan national.

The horrific crime occurred on June 3, 2019—five years and seven months ago—inside Andrewin’s home at Mile 10 ½ on the George Price Highway. The victims were found murdered in what authorities described as a calculated and cold-blooded attack.

While Zetina has now been convicted, no date has yet been set for sentencing. Court officials have confirmed that all parties will be informed of the sentencing date at a later time.

Belizean Woman Found Dead on Hospital Roof in Illinois

A Belizean female patient at an Illinois hospital was found unresponsive on the roof and pronounced dead 14 hours later, leaving investigators and her family demanding answers about the mysterious circumstances surrounding her death.

The family of 28-year-old Chelsea Adolphus has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Vista Medical Centre East in Waukegan, Illinois, after she was found dead on the hospital’s roof last week. The lawsuit, filed by attorney Ben Crump, claims premises liability, negligence, and medical malpractice. Chelsea, of Sana Elena, Cayo, had been admitted to the hospital for a minor medical issue, but her body was discovered hours later on the roof. “I want answers. The family needs answers, and we need answers immediately,” said her brother, Paul Adolphus Jr.

According to the Lake County Coroner’s Office, Chelsea died from hypothermia after being exposed to freezing temperatures. She had been missing for nearly seven hours before hospital staff found her unresponsive. “Her body temperature was 50 degrees Fahrenheit when she was found,” said Coroner Jennifer Banek.

The family is struggling to understand how she ended up on the roof, as investigators say the door was locked from the outside. The hospital has launched an internal investigation and is cooperating with authorities. Still, the family is demanding more transparency. “We want surveillance to be released; we want 911 calls to be released,” Crump said. The investigation is ongoing.

Principal Denies Bullying Claims at Santa Cruz Gov. School

News 5 has received reports of an alleged bullying incident at Santa Cruz Government School in Santa Elena. An eight-year-old girl suffered an injury in her classroom, reportedly in full view of her teacher, who took no action.

According to reports, the child had previously reported being verbally and physically harassed by classmates, but no intervention was made. Recently, her classmates allegedly slammed a door on her dominant hand, leaving her unable to write or perform basic tasks due to severe pain. We are told that the child is being called “dramatic” and a “liar.”

However, in a phone call with News 5, the school’s principal denied that any bullying took place. “We dealt with the situation, and there is no information, no documentation that the child has been bullied,” the principal stated.

When asked how the matter was addressed, the principal explained that the school actively speaks with students and teachers about bullying. “We have CCL (Character and Citizenship Education) where we address bullying, where we advise our students. We have devotion. We do our best to establish a safe environment for all students,” the principal said, adding that the school has “competent teachers” who are working to improve the situation.

The principal also dismissed the allegations, stating, “I’m not sure where they are getting this information, sir. At no time have these things been happening in our school.”

The principal shared that the incident has been ruled as an accident.

Elodio Aragon Jr. Withdraws as UDP Candidate for Orange Walk East

Orange Walk East UDP standard bearer Elodio Aragon Jr. has announced his withdrawal as a candidate for the United Democratic Party in the upcoming 2025 general elections. In a letter addressed to Moses “Shyne” Barrow, Aragon cited ongoing challenges and internal discord within the party as key reasons for his decision.

“Despite our best efforts to carry on during these troubled times we were hopeful that as a political party we would be able to overcome the challenges and be able to truly represent and put the people of Belize first. We feel that at this time it is untenable and disheartening, and not fair to Belizeans and Belize, and especially to the constituents whom we represent, care for and serve; especially since we believe that this issue will not be resolved before the general elections,” Aragon stated.

Aragon, a former Minister of State in the Ministry of National Security, has been a key figure within the UDP and served as the party’s standard bearer for Orange Walk East.

He added, “In light of all the discord and disunity that is happening within the party, I feel that I cannot represent the party in a manner fitting and proper for the people of my constituency.”

He concluded with hope that the UDP would eventually reunite and refocus on winning elections for the benefit of the Belizean people.

His withdrawal comes at a critical time for the UDP, which continues to grapple with internal conflicts as it prepares for the 2025 general elections.