2025-02-17 - Channel 5 Belize

Patchakan RC Students Explore Chiquibul and Caracol

A group of 55 students, teachers, and parents from Patchakan RC Primary School in Corozal embarked on an educational expedition at the Caracol Archaeological Site. Led by Friends for Conservation and Development’s Environmental Educator Justin Pook Jr., the group explored the vast Chiquibul Forest, gaining firsthand insight into its ecological importance and cultural heritage.

The Standard 5 and 6 students experienced the region’s breathtaking landscapes, from the towering Mayan temples of Caracol to the scenic Rio on Pools and the Rio Frio Caves. The trip aimed to deepen their understanding of Belize’s natural resources and the critical role they play in sustaining biodiversity and environmental balance.

FCD commended Patchakan RC Primary for its commitment to environmental education and expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Education, Culture, Science, and Technology (MoECST), the Belize Forest Department, and the National Institute of Culture and History for facilitating the trip.

UDP Deputy Leader Hugo Patt Calls for Unity Amid Internal Turmoil

United Democratic Party (UDP) Deputy Leader Hugo Patt has expressed deep concern over the ongoing internal conflict within the party, describing the situation as “unprecedented” and “disheartening” for supporters across the country.

During his appearance on Open Your Eyes, Patt acknowledged the turmoil that has plagued the UDP, particularly in the past few months. “It’s very unfortunate what has been happening in the UDP,” he said. “Our very own supporters are waiting for a miracle—for us to get our act together.”

The party’s internal strife, marked by leadership struggles and factional disputes, has left many members frustrated. Patt said that UDP supporters, both in Belize and abroad, are calling for an end to the infighting and a return to unity.

As Deputy Leader, Patt revealed that he has attempted to mediate between the rival factions within the party. However, he acknowledged that the leadership battle remains the biggest challenge, with multiple aspirants vying for control. “Personally, I am of the view that whoever becomes a party leader, that person has to have the ability to be able to work with everybody, to be able to handle all kinds of situations,” he noted.

Powa & Di People: The Countdown to Election Day

Politicians are knocking on every Belizean’s door, which means the election season is officially in full swing for the next 30 days. Campaigns are heating up, political flags are going up, and many are proudly displaying their allegiance by wearing their party’s colour on their sleeves or the faces of the leaders they champion on the backs of their T-shirts. But as the days tick down, what is there to know about the road to election day? What factors will influence your vote? And more importantly—how can you cast a responsible vote?

There are so many questions that plague the minds of many voters, especially young voters. To help you break down these political complexities and the issues that matter most, Channel 5 is bringing you its latest talk show—Powa & Di People. This 90-minute program will debut on Tuesday at 7:30 p.m., right after the evening news, and it’s here to tackle those tough questions head-on.

Powa & Di People will air every Tuesday and Thursday leading up to March 11—the eve of Decision 2025 when Belizeans will walk up to the polls and cast the vote that will lead the next 5 years.

Expect lively discussions about the most pressing issues facing Belizeans today. From the economy and job creation to crime, healthcare, education, and beyond, this show is designed to help you understand key topics.

Joining the conversation will be contributors Demmy Williams and Dr. Harold Young, who will provide thoughtful analysis and spark debates on critical matters. But the best part? This isn’t a one-sided show. Your voice matters too! Viewers will be encouraged to actively participate in the discussions, ask questions, and share their views.

Make sure to tune in every Tuesday and Thursday at 7:30 p.m., from February 18 through March 11. Powa & Di People is your chance to be part of Belize’s political conversation as we head toward election day 2025.

PM Briceño Responds to Redistricting Challenge Before High Court

According to Prime Minister John Briceño, the ongoing redistricting matter before the High Court of Belize is not one of controversy.

Briceno told News Five that those challenging the redistricting efforts could have acted earlier if they were truly concerned. “If these people knew that that’s what they wanted to do, they could have done it a long time ago. I think they started to do this, I believe; you are just trying to get attention when they started to hear that we are going to call elections,” he stated.

The Prime Minister also outlined his position on the timing of the upcoming elections, noting that he had faced significant pressure to call them sooner. “I’ve been under a lot of pressure from last year to call elections, and I’ve been saying no, we’re not going to have elections until 2025,” he explained. “Last year in December, I met with my closest advisors, and we felt that March is a good month. Usually, it’s dry, it’s cool, and people are working. So we felt that that would be a good time to call the elections. And so that’s what we did.”

Briceño responded to attempts to block the elections, expressing his disappointment. “I think it’s unfortunate, but we have followed the law. And as Prime Minister, I have the right to call an election whenever I believe that it is the right time.”

Regarding the redistricting process, the Prime Minister reiterated his commitment to addressing the issue. “I have committed before that one of the priorities of the new government, of the PUP government, when you get in, is to ensure that we could have the redistricting done successfully,” he said.

A legal injunction was filed to halt the upcoming general elections, arguing that the absence of constitutionally required redistricting violates the principle of equal representation. The claimants, including Jeremy Enriquez, contend that proceeding without redrawing electoral boundaries undermines democracy. While the government insists it has met its constitutional obligations with redistricting proposals, the challenge seeks to delay elections until the process is completed.

A decision is expected this week.

Elections and Boundaries Commission Rejects Fraud Claims

The Elections and Boundaries Commission has firmly denied allegations of electoral fraud in the Cayo North Electoral Division. It said in a press release that all voter registration processes comply with the Representation of the People Act.

The statement comes amid concerns over the inclusion of certain names on the electoral list. “Any challenges regarding voter residency within the division are being properly addressed through the appropriate legal channels,” it said.

The Commission acknowledged an appeal filed in Inferior Appeal No. CV20240006, challenging a decision by Revising Officer Her Honour Kara Walters on November 13, 2024, regarding the legitimacy of specific names on the Cayo North voter roll. The matter is now before the courts.

Additionally, a constitutional application under Section 20(3) of the Constitution of Belize has been filed, seeking judicial clarification on whether the Revising Officer’s proceedings adhered to legal and procedural requirements under the Representation of the People Act, Cap. 9.

“The Commission remains committed to upholding the integrity of Belize’s electoral system and will continue to cooperate with the courts to ensure that all legal and constitutional questions are properly addressed.”

Belize Secures Funding for Feasibility Studies on Two New Hospitals

The Government of Belize has secured funding for feasibility studies to develop the Northern Regional Hospital and Punta Gorda Town Hospital.

The studies, valued at US$986,050, are funded through the Taiwan Cooperation Partnership Trust and facilitated by the Central American Bank for Economic Integration (CABEI). The official signing ceremony featured Prime Minister John Briceño, Ruth Calderon of CABEI, and Lily Li-Wen Hsu, Ambassador of Taiwan to Belize, who served as an honorary witness.

Minister of Health and Wellness, Kevin Bernard, highlighted the importance of these studies in ensuring the hospitals meet the healthcare needs of their respective regions. Minister of State for Foreign Trade, Osmond Martinez, also stressed the broader impact of the project on Belize’s healthcare system.

KHMH Receives Vital Medical Equipment Donation

The Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital Authority (KHMHA) has received a donation of medical equipment from local and international donors.

KHMHA acknowledged the contributions of donors, including Edward and Patricia Lord, who helped secure a donation worth $333,604.01 USD from the Providence Healthcare System in Southern California. Key contributors from Providence included Brandon Allen (St. Joseph, Burbank), Sharon Gross (Cedar Sinai Tarzana), and Dr. Bernie Klein (CEO, Holy Cross Mission Hills).

The donation includes 35 HillRom Med Surge Beds, five ICU Beds, six Patient Recliners, seven Patient Sleepers, and assorted care supplies. Additionally, six GE OmniBed Giraffes and NICU supplies, valued at $104,178.36 USD, were sourced through collaboration with Providence and local donors.

KHMHA covered $26,800 BZD in shipping costs to bring the donation to Belize.

KHMHA CEO Chandra Cansino expressed gratitude to all sponsors.

Fisherman Survives Shooting in Belize City

Gunfire erupted near the San Pedro Belize Express parking lot on North Front Street in Belize City over the weekend. The target of the attack, 32-year-old Akeem Smith, a fisherman from the Lake I area, was with three other men travelling along Haulover Creek toward the Swing Bridge when they spotted two men standing on a concrete deck behind the Musa & Balderamos Law Firm.

One of the men on the deck suddenly opened fire, releasing four to five shots in the direction of the boat.

Smith and his companions leapt into the creek, swimming toward City Hall on Regent Street to escape the hail of bullets. The boat captain later climbed back into the vessel and manoeuvred it away from the scene.

Smith sustained a graze wound to the head and was rushed to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital, where he was treated for minor injuries.