2025-03-05 - Channel 5 Belize

People’s Democratic Movement Launches Manifesto

Today, the People’s Democratic Movement (P.D.M.) unveiled its manifesto and introduced the four candidates running in next Wednesday’s general election. Led by Estevan Perrera, along with Deputy Leader Zenobia Young and Party Chairman George Myvett, the P.D.M. explained their reasons for seeking office. Although Perrera hasn’t officially entered the political race, belongs to a party that’s committed to bringing solutions for Belize.

Estevan Perrera, Leader, People’s Democratic Movement

“Our manifesto says Belize deserves better. I mean there’s a lot more corruption in that government that I could talk about that would take me hours. So I’m just bringing you some simple things that they are doing. Even under the UDP, they built something up there in Port Loyola that was to take out the water from the canal. And that machinery is not even working. That’s $15 million that gone down the drain again that could have served the Belizean people. When will the Belizean people wake up?”

Zenobia Young, Deputy Party Leader, People’s Democratic Movement

“A third party brings fresh visions, new perspectives, and even challenges both dominant parties, the red and the blue to do better. It forces them to adapt and even to improve with healthy competition. So I urge you Belizean people, you know the struggles, you know the boat that you’re in, you know the old shoe that you’re wearing. For 44 years, we’ve been hearing the same old thing, seeing the same old faces, and there here wasn’t any change.”

George Myvett, Chairman, People’s Democratic Movement

“You have been wasting your votes for 44 years after independence. Forty-four years you have been wasting your vote because where you are, you’re in a worse position now than you were at independence. At independence, the poverty rate was 31 percent up to about five years ago. The poverty rate was 52%. You know what I mean? One out of two Belizeans can’t meet basic needs.”

P.D.M. Candidates Will Run in 3 Belize City Areas and 1 Rural

P.D.M. Leader Estevan Perrera is running in Belize Rural Central, while the party is fielding Cornelius Galvez in Albert, Garry Matus in Queen Square, and Wilmore Tablada in Port Loyola. Perrera chose Belize Rural Central because he believes the area needs better streets, roads, and other infrastructure. The three Belize City candidates also shared their thoughts on areas they think need improvement.

Cornelius Galvez, Albert Standard Bearer, People’s Democratic Movement

“I believe that we can do better than what is going on right now. I introduced Social Security to the Belize people and Belizeans. And today, people can hardly get what they need from Social Security. Now, if I go to Social Security, they will tell me I too old, but anybody who gets a job, young, they can get social security. If a person reaches sixty, he cannot pay anymore. But the thing is this: I am still living, so why should it cut from me? If I want to pay social security for the rest of my life, that’s my prerogative. That should not be on the government to stop me from paying my security. When I stop pay or if I can’t pay, or if I get out, it will be there for somebody. Somebody will use it. So what is the use of having Social Security if you cannot get what you want from Social Security?”

Garry Matus, Queen Square Standard Bearer, People’s Democratic Movement

“I see a lot of things in this country not done correctly and that is enough. I get tired of most corruption in this country, in Belize City. Both the politician, P.U.P. and the U.D.P. I sell tamales and ducunu. We meet a lotta police on Albert Street, lazy, never patrol up the street. They stay down by the Indian di drink a Coke and pack a biscuit. Sometimes people need help and the police never come through. That is a limit in Queen Square Market in Belize City there’s a lot of contraband. Belize has to stop this. We need to sign this UNCAC one time.”

Wilmore Tablada, Port Loyola Standard Bearer, People’s Democratic Movement

“A lot of people in my area, in Port Loyola are suffering. Mr. Usher said he di give weh land, but I don’t see how, because people rent apartments in the neighborhood. Sometimes they come beg me for these small money to pay to rent because they don’t have no land or nothing. And the next thing weh dehn like do, dehn give the rich people the good land, and they give the poor people the land that they have to fill out. And the people can’t afford to fill it, so what do you think they do? They sell it. So, what the government should do is just try to help the poor people live better, because they can’t.”

Government Suspends Import Permits for Several Vegetables

The Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security, and Enterprise (MAFSE) has suspended the issuance of import permits for several vegetables, citing sufficient local supply. The Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA) announced that the ban applies to lettuce, onions (purple, white, and yellow), potatoes, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, broccoli, and celery.

Authorities warn that anyone caught importing these vegetables illegally will face prosecution under the BAHA Act, Chapter 211 of Belize’s laws. Violators could be subject to heavy fines, imprisonment, or both.

Pope Francis Recovering After Respiratory Failure, Vatican Reports

Pope Francis is well-rested and in stable condition following episodes of respiratory failure earlier this week, the Vatican announced on Wednesday. The 88-year-old pontiff, who has been hospitalised since February for pneumonia treatment, spent the night on non-invasive mechanical ventilation but has since transitioned back to a high-flow oxygen mask.

According to the Vatican, Pope Francis is free of fever, alert, cooperative with treatment, and well-orientated. However, his traditional Wednesday audience with the faithful has been cancelled for the third consecutive week. Instead, a pre-prepared text has been published, though it does not include any recent updates.

The Pope will also be absent from Ash Wednesday observances, marking the start of Lent. Instead of leading the customary mass at Rome’s Santa Sabina Basilica, a cardinal will officiate the service.

Pope Francis was initially admitted on February 14 after experiencing persistent breathing difficulties. He was first treated for bronchitis before being diagnosed with pneumonia in both lungs. Given his history of lung complications—having undergone a partial lung removal due to pleurisy as a young man—his condition remains a concern for doctors.

Two Women Shot on Vernon Street; Police Investigate Attempted Murder

Police are investigating an attempted murder after a shooting incident on Vernon Street in Belize City left two women injured on Tuesday night. The attack happened around 6:30 p.m. in front of Berger Field as 40-year-old Stephany James was closing her business.

According to initial investigations, James and 55-year-old Maria Cruz were walking with a known male individual when a gunman suddenly pulled out a firearm and opened fire in their direction. Both women were struck by bullets and were rushed to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital for treatment. James was later released, while Cruz remains hospitalised in stable condition.

James, who lives in the area, recounted the terrifying ordeal, stating that the shooter appeared suddenly and fired indiscriminately into the crowd. “He didn’t care who got hit. He didn’t care if it was kids, if it was a female like me, or if it was an elderly woman. His intention was to kill,” she said.

James expressed frustration over the lack of security in the community, despite police presence in the area. She also called for increased patrols and enforcement, stating that troublemakers continue to bring violence to their neighbourhood.

Police Shoot Wanted Man in Foot, Say He Reached for a Gun

Police are investigating a shooting incident that left a Belize City man injured on Tuesday. The incident occurred along West Collet Canal, where officers on patrol encountered Edward Saldano, who was reportedly wanted by authorities. According to police, Saldano reached for a firearm under his shirt, leading to a struggle between him and the officers. During the altercation, police shot him in the foot.

Authorities say that during the struggle, Saldano tossed the weapon, which was later recovered. The firearm was identified as a 9mm pistol containing 14 live rounds of ammunition. Saldano was taken to the hospital for treatment and later released.

However, outside the hospital, Saldano’s mother, Joyce Martinez, expressed frustration over the shooting, arguing that the officers used unnecessary force. She believes her son is being unfairly targeted by law enforcement and questions whether the firearm truly belonged to him.

/’Look like he was at some stall and he see them and run apparently and they shot him. Then they look around to see if he had anything on him and they find a gun. So if you find a gun now dah fuh you? Yo nuh get no justice out yah, nun at all. If you nuh got money, nothing work. I tired of the police and deh nonsense,” she said.

Man in Wheelchair Killed in Broad Daylight

Belize City police are investigating the fatal shooting of Gion “Gizmo” Bernard. Bernard, who is disabled and got around in a wheelchair, was on Castle Street when the incident occurred.

His body remains on the ground as investigators comb the area for clues and evidence.

The motive for the shooting is under investigation.

News Five is currently on the scene. More details to follow.

Decision 2025: Show Out or Blowout

Channel 5 Belize is gearing up for comprehensive coverage of Belize’s general elections on March 12, 2025, with the theme “Decision 2025: Show Out or Blowout.” The programming will offer pre-election features, voter perspectives, expert commentary, and live updates during Election Day. Viewers can expect in-depth analysis of key issues like the economy, governance, and national security, as well as real-time election results and post-election breakdowns. Channel 5 promises to deliver the most trusted and engaging election coverage. Join us on Facebook and Youtube. Coverage begins at 6 a.m.

BREAKING: Disabled Man Shot in Belize City

Shots were fired a few minutes ago on Castle Street in Belize City. Reports to News 5 are that a man identified as Gion Bernard “Gizmo” was shot. He was in a wheelchair. Pictures of the scene show his body on the street.

This is a developing story.

Decision 2025: Show Out or Blowout

Ash Wednesday: A Time for Reflection and Reconciliation

Today marks Ash Wednesday, the beginning of the Lenten season, a time of prayer, fasting, and reflection for many Christians across the country. Worshippers gathered in churches to receive ashes in the form of a cross on their foreheads, symbolising repentance and the fleeting nature of life. The Lenten season lasts for forty days, concluding at the end of Holy Week in April.

During Ash Wednesday services, priests or ministers apply ashes—typically made by burning palm fronds from the previous year’s Palm Sunday—onto the foreheads of believers in the shape of a cross. As they do so, they often recite the words, “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return,” or “Repent and believe in the Gospel.” These ashes symbolise mortality, humility, and the call to turn away from sin.

Lent itself is a time of spiritual discipline, where many Christians commit to fasting, giving up certain luxuries, or dedicating more time to prayer and charitable acts. Ash Wednesday, as the starting point of this journey, serves as a reminder of life’s fleeting nature and the importance of spiritual renewal.

Though primarily a religious observance, Ash Wednesday holds cultural significance in many communities, reminding people—regardless of their faith—of the values of humility, self-examination, and personal growth.

Decision 2025: Show Out or Blowout

U.S. Announces Visa Restrictions on Foreign Officials Aiding Illegal Immigration

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced a new visa restriction policy targeting foreign government officials who knowingly facilitate the transit of undocumented migrants into the United States. The policy, unveiled on March 5, 2025, will apply to immigration and customs officers, airport and port authorities, and other officials accused of failing to enforce immigration laws or implementing policies that enable illegal migration, particularly through the U.S. southwest border.

Rubio said that securing America’s borders is essential for national security and economic stability. He called on countries along migratory routes to take greater responsibility in preventing unlawful transit. The new policy will complement the expanded 3C policy, which was revised in 2024 to impose restrictions on private sector actors providing travel and transportation services to illegal migrants.

According to the U.S. government, these visa restrictions will remain in place until affected officials enforce stricter immigration policies. The measure falls under Section 212(a)(3)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, which grants the Secretary of State authority to deny entry to individuals whose presence in the U.S. could have serious foreign policy implications. Family members of sanctioned individuals may also be impacted by the restrictions.

Decision 2025: Show Out or Blowout