2025-03-03 - Channel 5 Belize

Santa Rosa/San Roman Finally Get Access to Potable Water

In the rural community of San Roman, Stann Creek District, a new rudimentary water system is being installed, bringing hope and excitement to the residents. This essential project aims to provide clean and safe drinking water, significantly improving the quality of life for the community. With the installation of this system, San Roman will no longer have to rely on potentially contaminated water sources, reducing the risk of waterborne diseases and fostering a healthier, more sustainable future for all. Here’s News Five’s Isani Cayetano with the following story.

Isani Cayetano, Reporting

Rudimentary water systems are crucial for providing clean and safe drinking water, which is essential for health and well-being. Without these systems, communities like San Roman might have to use contaminated water sources, leading to dangerous waterborne diseases. These basic water systems are key to improving the quality of life and supporting sustainable development in rural areas.

Dr. Olusola Oladeji, Health & Nutrition Specialist, UNICEF

“This community has been suffering, [has] had issues with its water for the past fourteen years. We need to commend the effort of the government to ensure that, in partnership with UNICEF and other partners, to ensure that this has become a reality. This is a demonstration of government and UNICEF’s partnership in supporting the government in terms of the achievement of the sustainable development goals. Access to water is not only about water, access to water affects health also because the commonest cause of death among children is actually diarrhea and acute respiratory infections which is actually due to [limited] access, when there is no water or poor sanitation.”

By cutting down on diseases like cholera, dysentery, and other stomach illnesses, these systems make a big difference in public health. Regular well testing also spots harmful contaminants like bacteria, nitrates, heavy metals, and chemicals that can seep into the water supply.

Charles Galvez, Coordinator, Rural Development

“When this government took office, there was a well that was drilled a little before this government took office thereabout, in the old site and that was considered the new well. When I came on three and a half years ago as the coordinator for the Rural Water Supplies & Sanitation Unit just about when we were supposed to celebrate the inauguration of that, connecting that to the system, I said to myself, and I spoke to the minister and my minister and I said, you know what, I am not comfortable enough, based on my research of the history or the data collected from that well. Although it was a new well, I needed to do some pump testing of that well.”

By catching and fixing issues early, pump testing keeps the water system safe. Having reliable water sources can really boost local economies by helping agriculture, livestock, and small businesses thrive. It also saves people time and effort from fetching water, so they can focus on more productive activities.

Rodwell Ferguson, Area Representative, Stann Creek West

“Water is an essence of life, we have to be able conserve it to make sure that we have it for generations to come. So today is a significant milestone and I am happy that I was able to become a part of what’s happening in Santa Rosa/San Roman today.”

Building and maintaining these systems often involve community participation, fostering a sense of ownership and cooperation among residents. Simple, low-cost water systems are easier to maintain and repair, ensuring long-term sustainability and resilience against disruptions.

Venancio Itch, Chair, Santa Rosa/San Roman Water Board

“This project is not just about pipes, pumps and reservoirs, it is about life, health and the future of our communities. Your commitment to quality and sustainability ensures that this system will serve for generations to come. I want to also express my heartfelt appreciation to our local leaders, community members and volunteers who have played an essential role in advocating for this project and ensuring its success. Your voices, cooperation, patience have been invaluable throughout this journey. Access to clean water is a fundamental human right and today, we take a huge step forward for improving public health, sanitation and overall quality of life. This system will not only provide safe drinking water, but will also support agriculture, businesses and daily household needs.”

Isani Cayetano for News Five.

Lord Rhaburn Celebrates His 89th Birthday

Today marks a significant milestone for Belizean music as the legendary Gerald “Lord” Rhaburn celebrates his eighty-ninth birthday. Known for his vibrant performances and contributions to calypso, soca, reggae, and brukdown music, Lord Rhaburn has been a cornerstone of Belizean culture since the 1970s. His band, the Lord Rhaburn Combo, became a household name, captivating audiences both locally and internationally. As he reaches this remarkable age, we honor his enduring legacy and the indelible mark he has left on the world of music.

BDFA First Division Tournament Finally Concludes

Good evening and welcome to another exciting edition of Sports Monday! I’m Paul Lopez, and tonight we have some thrilling highlights from the final match of the Belize District Football Association’s First Division Tournament. You might remember that the finals were postponed due to a tragic incident during the semi-finals, where a spectator was fatally shot. But on Saturday, the atmosphere was much safer with heightened security measures. Over a dozen police officers were on duty, and everyone’s bags were thoroughly checked at the entrance to the Marion Jones Sporting Complex.

Now, let’s get to the main event! Tut Bay F.C. faced off against Survivors F.C. in a thrilling showdown for all the marbles. Thirty-one minutes into the game, a throw in for Survivors went into the penalty box. The ball was set up right in front of the goal, and Troy Augustine was in the perfect spot to score for his team. Less than a minute into the second half, Tut Bay’s Calvin Thurton spots an opportunity after the goalkeeper fumbles a Hail Mary. Thurton seized the opportunity and kicked the ball into the net while the goalkeeper was out of position. With that, Tut Bay leveled the score. Twenty minutes later Tut Bay’s Raheim Herbert broke away from midfield with the ball. He sprinted down the left wing and launched a bullet towards the goal before the defense caught up. Herbert gave his team the lead, but the match was far from over.

As the sun set and the stadium lights came on, Survivors got another chance. A major blunder by Tut Bay in the penalty box set up Shemar Gillett perfectly, and he didn’t miss, tying the game once again. Well folks, this long anticipated showdown went into overtime. Four minutes into overtime, Survivors executed a beautiful pass through the legs of Tut Bay’s defender. Devon Augustine was in position to clean up and make the goal count. Twelve minutes into overtime, Augustine made another move down the left field. He gave the defender a hard shove, almost like a push, sending him crashing into the goalkeeper. Augustine scored the ball in an open goal. Tut Bay saw some relief from this long pass across the field, with the chase down by Tut Bay’s Calvin Thurton led to a faceoff with the goal keeper. A controlled tap over the keeper’s head placed the ball in the goal.

And that’s the final score, with Survivors F.C. edging out Tut Bay F.C. four to three. Survivors F.C. are your 2024-2025 Belize District First Division Champions and will represent the east in the upcoming inter-district tournament. Now, let’s check out some of the individual awards handed out during the tournament. Best Management of the Season and Best Coach went to Jermyn Swift and the Reggae Boyz.

From football we move over to some softball action. Saint Catherine Academy took on Pallotti High School on Saturday in the Central Secondary School Softball Tournament. Here is how that one played out. S.C.A. is first up to bat. K’lee Kelly swings and sends the ball towards third base. She sends her teammate to the home plate and makes it to third base after stealing two bases. Number eleven for S.C.A up to bat. The pitcher fielded the hit, but the first baseman fumbled and then overthrew it to the catcher, allowing Kelly to score. S.C.A. racked up six runs in the first inning, and their cheerleaders went wild.

Still in the first inning, Pallotti High School took to the batter’s box. Chriselda Thomas is up to bat with runners on second and third. She hits towards first base. S.C.A. gets the out, but it’s a small sacrifice for Thomas, because she brought in two runs. Pallotti had their best inning in the second, scoring seven runs. However, S.C.A. managed to hold them to just two more runs for the rest of the game. Meanwhile, S.C.A. scored three runs in the third inning, four in the fourth, and one in the fifth. In the end, S.C.A. emerged victorious with a score of fourteen to eleven.

In other softball news, the University of Belize Jaguars dethroned Independence Junior College to win the ATLIB Softball National Championship over the weekend. The games took place in Esperanza Village and featured five tertiary institutions. Congratulations to the U.B. Jaguars on their impressive achievement.

And finally, for tonight, Cyclist Derrick “Young Phenom” Chavarria travelled to the Dominican Republic last week to compete in the nation’s Intendance Cycling Tour. By the end of the tour, Chavarria had an impressive haul: a silver medal in the Under-23 category, another silver for consistency, and a gold medal for winning stage five. Congratulations to Chavarria. Well folks, that is all we have for you in today’s installment of Sports Monday. Catch you in the next one.

Belize Celebrates Child Stimulation Month

The Ministry of Education kicked off Child Stimulation Month in Belize with a lively parade this morning. Children from across the country took to the streets, dressed as their future selves—aspiring doctors, lawyers, and police officers, among other professions. March is celebrated nationwide for the importance of early childhood education.

In Belize City, Mayor Bernard Wagner told News 5 about the importance of “taking this walk” with the children. He said, “What better way to start off in the month of March, when there’s better weather, the sun is out, and we have our young preschoolers with us?”

Wagner added that over 3,000 participants, including students and teachers, were involved this year. “This is their sort of celebration of them as preschoolers, showing to the world and the country that we are investing heavily in our children,” Wagner said.

With nearly 30 preschools represented, the parade showcased a whole new generation of children with promising futures.

Belize City Councillor Evan Thompson Addresses Public Fight

Belize City Councillor Evan “Boo-Boo” Thompson has issued a public statement following the public fight he was involved in over the weekend.

In his statement, Thompson asserted that he was the victim in the incident, acting solely in self-defence after being aggressed. He said that the video does not provide full context.

“The footage does not provide the full context of the situation, and witnesses, including law enforcement, have confirmed that the other individual was the aggressor. At no point was I arrested or taken into custody in relation to this matter.”

Thompson apologised. “I sincerely apologise if this incident has been perceived negatively. It is in no way a reflection of the Belize City Council or the People’s United Party, both of which I proudly serve with integrity and commitment.”

The altercation has sparked public discussion regarding safety and rising incidents of violence in nightlife areas, with calls for increased security and law enforcement presence to prevent similar incidents. Police Commissioner Chester Williams told reporters that those involved in the fight will be charged with disorderly conduct. Mayor Bernard Wagner says he supports Thompson.

Mayor Wagner Backs Councillor Thompson After Public Fight

Belize City Mayor Bernard Wagner stands in support of Councillor Evan “Boo-Boo” Thompson following a recent altercation outside the Digi Park/Shisha Lounge. Wagner told News 5 that Thompson was provoked: “You can see in that situation clearly, he was provoked; I’m behind him; I support him.”

Despite his support, Wagner criticised that mixing politics and nightlife activities does not end well. He said, “Politics and clubbing don’t mix like oil and water. And so on that side, maybe he has had poor judgement in going into these clubs.” Wagner added that he has always advised councillors to avoid such environments.

Instead, Mayor Wagner suggested engaging in other “positive activities” that will “serve the communities rather than serving the clubs.” He added, “Being in a club at one or two at night will serve no purpose.”

As previously reported, Police Commissioner Chester Williams confirmed that Thompson and others involved would face charges for disorderly conduct. “I already sent that matter to Mr. Romero… those persons involved must be picked up and get charged,” Williams stated.

ComPol Says Police Had “No Choice But to Shoot the Dog”

This morning, Police Commissioner Chester Williams addressed the controversial incident in which police shot a dog during a domestic dispute response in Benque Viejo del Carmen, Cayo.

Williams said that initially, there were claims that officers had unnecessarily shot the dog, but further details revealed the police were responding to a domestic violence call.

“Domestic situations are not things that we take very lightly because we can see where it can go from 0 to 100 in a matter of seconds,” Williams stated. He added that upon arriving at the scene, the officers encountered the dog, which attacked after coming out of a confined veranda.

Williams said that this prompted the officers to shoot the dog in self-defence. “The police had no choice but to shoot the dog,” Williams said. The dog was taken to a vet but later succumbed to its injuries.

When police returned to the house the following day, “The corporal was met with a great deal of hostility from the young man and his brother, who, as you can see, just stood at the gate with machetes shouting and insulting the police in the most derogatory manner.”

Williams confirmed that he ordered the two men involved to be arrested for insulting police and aggravated assault. One of the men is possibly facing an additional charge of theft after the common-law wife reported that he had stolen her phone.

“We can’t have situations where people are openly insulting police, obstructing the police from carrying out their duties, and we just leave it at that. It is going to send a wrong signal to the public,” he said.

Williams also defended a difference between this case and the case involving the Governor General’s dog that was also fatally shot. Williams stood firm that the video footage showed former PC Deandre Reid killing the dog that was “not aggressing him.”

He said that this case involved a dog that “aggressed the officers, and the officers did what they needed to have done to protect themselves.”

B.P.D. Launches Women’s Month with Church Service

“Women police officers and civilian staff from the Belize Police Department joined their commanders in a community-driven effort on Sunday March 2nd, 2025, to start Women’s Month with a special church service across multiple churches. Community members and leaders attended the service and highlighted their societal contributions while their presence symbolized unity and support from women worldwide.

The event motivated future female leaders and reinforced female police officers’ commitment to community protection and service.

During Women’s Month let us recognize women’s achievements across every field while we persist in our efforts for equal rights and empowerment for everyone.”

Statement From the Belize Police Department via Facebook

Belizeans Executed in Mexico Over Stolen Cartel Money

Commissioner of Police Chester Williams confirmed that two Belizeans, Aron Tunn, 18, and Michael Whittaker, 27, were found dead among the five bodies near the Rio Hondo River in Sacxan, Quintana Roo, Mexico.

Williams confirmed they had fled Belize to evade the “effective” anti-drug operations in the North, which have put pressure on individuals who affiliate with cartel operations. “The incident involving those individuals is drug-related,” Williams stated.

The victims showed signs of torture and had gunshot wounds to the head, with two bodies displaying cardboard signs. One read, “This is for all those who are charging protection fees and those who do not allow businesses like cigarette vendors… Stop stealing. Sincerely, you know who.”

According to police investigation, Williams said, “These people seemingly are operating for the cartels in Mexico, and they are collecting fees. And the fees being collected is being stolen by them. So they’re not reporting to their bosses on their collections.”

Police are looking for one person of interest they believe escaped the same fate. “There’s another person of interest that we’re looking for: one Joshua Hall. He, from what we understand, was along with that group, but he was able to escape. And from what we are getting is that he is back in Belize, and we are looking for him. We do have a bench warrant for his arrest. So once he’s found, then he’ll be taken into custody,” Williams said.

Williams clarified that while these deaths were drug-related, they are not connected to Raheem Usher’s case. “We are certain to some extent that Raheem Usher was killed by locals,” Williams told reporters, adding that police “have good information in terms of who those locals are.”

Investigators believe that the persons responsible for Usher’s death are dead. “Two of them we believe are dead,” Williams said.

Too Many Violent Incidents on Party Strip

Police Commissioner Chester Williams confirmed that persons involved in the recent altercation outside of Digi Park/Shisha Lounge in Belize City will be criminally charged. One of those persons involved is Belize City councillor Evan “Boo-Boo” Thompson.

Williams said, “I already sent that matter to Mr. Romero, and he’s here with instructions that those persons involved must be picked up and get charged.” They are expected to be charged with disorderly conduct.

This is not the first or the worst incident that has happened along the party strip, and it probably won’t be the last.

The increasing number of fights on Belize’s party strip is a growing concern. It raises questions about whether police can effectively control and resolve the issue. While law enforcement is present in the area, violent incidents continue to occur, often involving intoxicated patrons, personal disputes, or gang-related tensions.

As to solving this problem, Williams said, “I wouldn’t say it can’t be solved. We just need to do what needs to be done. I think that once we constantly arrest those in there, it sends a message to other persons that if you do the same, you’ll end up in the same situation.”