2025-03-17 - Channel 5 Belize

Woman Found Unconscious in Concepcion, Dies

Police are investigating the death of 37-year-old Wendy Mendez, who was found unconscious in Concepcion Village, Corozal District, on Sunday, March 9. Assistant Commissioner of Police Hilberto Romero confirmed that Mendez “succumbed to her injuries on Friday.” Romero stated that authorities are conducting interviews to determine the circumstances surrounding her death.

When asked if her death could be related to a domestic issue, Romero said, “We have certain information that we are following up on.” No suspects are in custody, and police are awaiting the results of a post-mortem examination to provide further information. This is an ongoing investigation.

In 2022, Mendez survived multiple chop wounds while her cousin, Juan Arturo Mendez, was killed by Jermain Zuniga in a brutal machete attack. Zuniga, a construction worker from Libertad Village, had been staying at Juan’s home temporarily in Concepcion Village, Corozal District. Zuniga reportedly refused to leave when asked, leading to the violent confrontation. Juan was chopped at his neck, chest, shoulders, stomach, and hands. Mendez sustained severe injuries to her face and head and remained in critical condition for several days. Zuniga fled the scene but was later arrested and charged for the incident.

One Arrested in Dueton Coy’s Murder

Police continue investigating the murder of Dueton Coy on Sunday night in Punta Gorda. According to Assistant Commissioner of Police Hilberto Romero, “Coy was along with two other persons in that area consuming alcoholic beverages when several gunshots were heard.”

The incident occurred near the cemetery in Punta Gorda Town, with reports first reaching police around 7:00 p.m.

Romero confirmed that Coy was shot multiple times. Despite being rushed to the Punta Gorda hospital for treatment, he later succumbed to his injuries.

Romero also stated that authorities have one suspect in custody, who is currently being questioned in connection to the murder. “This suspect was at the scene at the time,” Romero said.

“We are seeking one more in connection to this murder investigation,” Romero added.

New Minister Thea Garcia-Ramirez Dismisses Favouritism Claims

Thea Garcia-Ramirez has been appointed as the new Minister of Human Development, Family Support & Gender Affairs by Prime Minister John Briceño. Her appointment has come with scrutiny because some political observers say that it is ‘uncommon’ for a first-time member of the House of Representatives to receive full minister portfolios. But just because they believe it is uncommon does not mean that it is unheard of.

Garcia-Ramirez inherits the portfolio from Dolores Balderamos-Garcia. Balderamos-Garcia served as Minister of Human Development, Families & Indigenous People’s Affairs since 2020.

The portfolio has been split, with Garcia-Ramirez focusing on Human Development and Gender Affairs, while Dr. Louis Zabaneh, a second-time House member, has been tasked with the Indigenous Affairs portion.

When asked about the selection process and possible favouritism, Garcia-Ramirez said, “It’s not favouritism. I think he chooses and selects carefully, and he has to take a number of things into consideration: demographics, certainly gender perspectives, interests, and all manner of things.”

“I think that the call to serve comes from the Prime Minister. I believe it is his choice, so you’ll have to ask him why he chose.” Garcia-Ramirez added. “I think I am correct in saying that if he does not feel that I am not up to the task, then he will ensure to demote me as well and put me where I’m ought to be.”

Garcia-Ramirez has expressed confidence in her ability to handle the responsibility. “I am humbled. I am honoured to be chosen by the PM for this huge responsibility. I feel like I am up to the task,” she said.

Travel Ban Threatens International Students’ Status

Yale Law professors have alerted international students about the possibility of a new U.S. travel ban under the Trump administration. Yale law professors Muneer Ahmad and Michael Wishnie cautioned in an email on Sunday night that a ban could soon target nationals from multiple countries, similar to the 2017 restrictions.

This follows reports that 43 nations could be affected, with 11 facing a total travel ban.

The proposed “red list” includes countries like Afghanistan, Cuba, and Iran, while other nations could face visa restrictions or be given time to address security concerns, The Guardian reported. Yale’s advisory also warned that all foreign students might face intense scrutiny, especially regarding their stance on Palestinian causes.

Brown University professor Rasha Alawieh was deported despite a court order, and Columbia graduate Mahmoud Khalil faced detention. As the travel ban looms, universities, including Brown, have urged students to return or avoid leaving the U.S. in anticipation of tighter restrictions.

PM Briceño Explains Cabinet Decisions, Ministerial Appointments

In an interview with News 5, Prime Minister John Briceño explained his decision-making process behind his cabinet appointments.

Briceño explained the complexities of forming a cabinet, stressing the need for a careful balance of geographic representation, ethnicity, and gender. “It’s a lot of work trying to put together a cabinet that you have some kind of regional balance, a geographic balance, ethnicity as best as you possibly can. You have also gender, and in this case, it’s only one. And it’s very, very tough,” he shared.

One of the most difficult decisions, he revealed, was regarding the appointment of Ramon Cervantes, who he described as a highly qualified individual. However, with three ministers already from the Orange Walk District, Briceño faced potential political challenges. “If I do that, then I could potentially get into some kind of trouble then because my other colleagues would say why concerntrate in only Orange Walk and when you become Prime Minister you become Prime Minister for the entire country.”

“But we need to remember, you’re not elected to be a minister. You’re elected to be a representative,” he said.

The Prime Minister also tackled criticism surrounding the inclusion of three Ministers of State within his ministry, particularly addressing concerns about the perceived sidelining of experienced ministers such as Minister Dolores Balderamos Garcia and Minister Rodwell Ferguson. Briceño clarified that Minister Balderamos-Garcia had already made it clear that she would retire after the election. “ Because of the size of the Cabinet it was difficult to bring her as a senior minister. But what I did is to bring her as a senior minister of state and with cabinet privileges, meaning that she can attend cabinet meetings.” Balderamos-Garcia will also be overseeing the National AIDS Commission and the National Honors Committee.

Minister Ferguson was given special tasks, allowing him to address issues across the country. “ By putting Minister Ferguson to be working in the ministry with me, I, what I plan to do is then to use him to do special tasks. If there’s an issue going somewhere in the country or whatever I said, please go take a look at it and see how I can solve these problems,” Briceño added.

As for the appointment of new ministers, Briceño spoke about the appointment of newcomer Thea Garcia to a substantive ministry. The decision, he explained, was influenced by the need for gender representation in his cabinet. “I had to bring her in to Cabinet or I’ll be jumped upon and they”ll say ‘hey, you didn’t put any women in the Cabinet.’ So since Minister Dolores is as I said will retire, on her way out, then we felt it was important to bring her in.”

Responding to rumours about promotions, including the potential appointment of Chester Williams as CEO of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Briceño clarified that Williams was still the Commissioner of Police. “Not as far as I know, he’s still the commissioner of police,” Briceño stated.

Looking ahead, the Prime Minister confirmed that CEO appointments would be finalised by mid-week. “Many of them are going to stay,” Briceño said.

Guatemalan Vessel Escorted out of Belizean Southern Waters

On Sunday morning, March 16, the Belize Coast Guard intercepted a Guatemalan military patrol operating in Belizean waters. Rear Admiral Elton Bennett, Commandant of the Belize Coast Guard (BCG), confirmed that “a patrol that was based out at Hunting Caye spotted a Guatemalan vessel that was inside Belizean waters.”

Bennett explained that the Coast Guard team stationed at Hunting Caye quickly deployed to intercept the Guatemalan vessel. During the encounter, “there was an exchange of information, an exchange of words between the Guatemalan navy and members of the Belize Coast Guard,” Bennett said.

The Guatemalan military officers aboard the vessel claimed they “were lost” and experiencing “mechanical issues, that they lost one of their engines, and also that they were disoriented,” according to Bennett. He added, “They did not agress our patrols.”

The Guatemalan vessel was described as smaller than usual for the area, and the officers were cooperative. “We escorted them out from that location with no problem,” Bennett stated.

When asked about potential damage to the reef, Bennett clarified that it couldn’t be confirmed. “When we intercepted that vessel, it was not on the reef; it was not near the reef, so we cannot say that they ran aground on the reef.”

Association of Defense Attorneys Congratulates Attorney General on Reappointment

The Association of Defense Attorneys has extended its congratulations to Anthony Sylvester on his reappointment as Attorney General of Belize. In a letter signed by Secretary Orson J. Elrington, the association praised Sylvester’s dedication, legal expertise, and unwavering commitment to upholding the rule of law.

The letter stated, “Your continued service in this esteemed position is a testament to your dedication, legal expertise, and unwavering commitment to upholding the rule of law in our nation.”

“As the legal community works towards ensuring justice, fairness, and the protection of rights for all Belizeans, we look forward to continued collaboration with your office,” the letter added.

The Association of Defense Attorneys said it is dedicated to “fostering an environment where legal practitioners, regardless of their role, can effectively contribute to a system that is fair, transparent, and accessible to all.”

UN Judge Convicted for Forced Labour Abuse

A British jury convicted Ugandan High Court judge Lydia Mugambe on Thursday for forcing a young Ugandan woman to work as a slave whom she “exploited and abused” in the United Kingdom.

According to her profile on the UN website, Mugambe had been appointed to a United Nations court in 2023. The Guardian reported that three months after her appointment, police were called to her address in Oxfordshire. Reports made against her are that Mugambe tricked the victim into coming to the UK with promises of work in a diplomatic household but instead forced her into domestic servitude. Once there, the victim was coerced into unpaid labour, and her passport was confiscated.

The Associated Press reported that the prosecution lawyer Caroline Haughey described Mugambe as exploiting the victim’s lack of rights awareness. Mugambe was studying for a doctorate in law at the University of Oxford when the offences occurred.

Mugambe denied the charges, and insisted she had treated the woman with care and love.

In footage released by Thames Valley Police, Mugambe tried to invoke diplomatic immunity during her arrest, claiming, “I am a judge in my country; I even have immunity. I am not a criminal.” Any immunity she held as a UN judge was waived by the United Nations.

The officer asked to reaffirm that she had immunity; she told the officer, “Yes, I have a diplomatic passport.”

Mugambe will be sentenced on 2 May.

Briceño Reshapes Cabinet for Second Term with New Faces and Portfolios

Prime Minister John Briceño has reshuffled his Cabinet for his second term, introducing new ministerial portfolios and reassigning key positions. These are the key changes, additions, and removals.

John Briceño (Prime Minister)

Previous: Finance, Economic Development, Investment, Civil Aviation, and Immigration
Now: Finance, Investment & Economic Transformation, Civil Aviation, and E-Governance
Key Change: Economic Transformation added, Immigration removed, E-Governance added.
Ministers of State: Dolores Balderamos Garcia (Office of the Prime Minister), Rodwell Ferguson (Office of the Prime Minister), Dr. Osmond Martinez (Economic Transformation)

Cordel Hyde

Previous: Deputy Prime Minister & Minister of Natural Resources, Petroleum & Mining
Current: Deputy Prime Minister & Minister of Natural Resources, Petroleum & Mining
No change

Jose Mai

Previous: Minister of Agriculture, Food Security, & Enterprise
Current: Minister of Agriculture, Food Security, & Enterprise
No Change
Minister of State Alex Balona: Agriculture

Julius Espat

Previous: Minister of Infrastructure Development & Housing
Current: Minister of Infrastructure Development & Housing
No Change

Kareem Musa

Previous: Minister of Home Affairs & New Growth Industries
Current: Minister of Home Affairs & New Growth Industries
No Change

Kevin Bernard

Previous: Minister of Health and Wellness
Current: Minister of Health and Wellness
No Change

Francis Fonseca

Previous: Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade, Education, Culture, Science, and Technology
Now: Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade, Culture, and Immigration
Key Change: Education, Science & Technology removed; Immigration added.
Marconi Leal Jr. is Minister of State: Foreign Trade.

Oscar Requena

Previous: Rural Transformation, Community Development, Local Government & Labour
Now: Education, Science & Technology
Key Change: Shifted from Rural Development to Education.
Ramon Cervantes is Minister of State: Education, Science & Technology.

Dr. Louis Zabaneh

Previous: Minister of State in Education, Culture, Science & Technology
Now: Full Minister of Indigenous Constitution, Religious Affairs & Transport
Key Change: New portfolio focusing on indigenous affairs and transport.

Michel Chebat

Previous: Public Utilities, Logistics & E-Governance
Now: Public Utilities, Energy & Logistics
Key Change: E-Governance moved to the Prime Minister’s portfolio. Energy added.
Gilroy Usher Sr. is Minister of State: Public Utilities, Energy & Logistics.

Henry Charles Usher

Previous: Public Service, Constitutional & Political Reform, and Religious Affairs
Now: Public Service & Governance and NEMO
Key Change: Constitutional & Political Reform removed, NEMO (National Emergency Management Organisation) and Governance added.

Orlando Habet

Previous: Sustainable Development & Climate Change
Now: Sustainable Development, Climate Change & Solid Waste Management
Key Change: Solid Waste Management added.
Ramiro Ramirez is Minister of State: Sustainable Development & Solid Waste Management.

Anthony Mahler

Previous: Tourism & Diaspora Relations
Now: Tourism, Youth, Sports & Diaspora Relations
Key Change: Youth & Sports added.
Devin Daly is Minister of State: Youth & Sports.

Andre Perez

Previous: Blue Economy & Disaster Risk Management
Now: Blue Economy & Marine Conservation
Key Change: Disaster Risk Management removed, Marine Conservation added.

Florencio Marin Jr.

Previous: National Defence & Border Security
Now: Rural Transformation, Community Development, Labour & Local Government
Key Change: Moved from Defence to Rural Transformation.

Oscar Mira

Previous: Minister of State in National Defence & Border Security
Now: Full Minister of National Defence & Border Security
Key Change: Promoted to full minister.

Thea Ramirez (New Addition)

Portfolio: Human Development, Family Support & Gender Affairs
Key Change: New minister replacing Dolores Balderamos Garcia in a restructured ministry.

Elvia Vega-Samos (Previously: Minister of State in Human Development). Not listed in new Cabinet. She ran as an independent and was not elected.

Jorge “Milin” Espat (Previously: Minister of State for Investment in Finance, Economic Development, Civil Aviation, and Immigration). Not listed in new Cabinet. He was not elected.

Anthony Sylvester is the Attorney General.

Ambassador Stuart Leslie will serve as Cabinet Secretary and Chief of Staff.

First Picture of Pope Francis Since Hospitalization

Pope Francis was photographed for the first time since his hospitalisation in mid-February. The photo shows the 88-year-old pontiff concelebrating Mass at the Gemelli hospital in Rome on Sunday, March 16.

Pope Francis was captured seated in a wheelchair, dressed in alb and stole, during a Mass held in the private chapel on the hospital’s tenth floor. He appeared to be praying before the altar, with his attention focused on the crucifix. The photograph was released by the Holy See Press Office.

The Vatican press confirmed that this was the first Mass he had concelebrated in the hospital, although he had been participating in daily Eucharist and liturgies in previous weeks.

Since his admission to the Gemelli hospital on 14 February, the Pope’s condition has remained stable, and his medical care, including respiratory and physiotherapy treatments, continues, the Vatican reported.

Around 200 children gathered outside Gemelli Hospital on Sunday in hopes of catching a glimpse of the Pope.