On Tuesday, during his appearance on Open Your Eyes, Prime Minister John Briceño announced that the sugar industry has been moved from the Ministry of Agriculture to the Office of the Prime Minister. The industry has been plagued by rising tensions between sugar producer associations and the A.S.R./B.S.I. sugar mill. In recent years, the Belize Sugar Cane Farmers Association and BSI have struggled to agree on a long-term commercial agreement. In 2024, Minister of Agriculture Jose Mai launched a commission of inquiry to modernize the sugar industry. According to PM Briceño, the owners and managers of A.S.R., the parent company of the sugar mill, called an emergency meeting to discuss their concerns, which he attended. As a result, his office has taken control of the industry from Mai and his ministry.
Prime Minister John Briceño
“We have to continue working with the industries, agriculture for instance. I had to do an emergency trip to meet the owners and managers of ASR because they have some serious concerns with Belize and the way the sugar industry was being managed and the challenges they were facing. I think we managed to have something there. So now sugar is directly under me and I asked Dr. Martinez as the minister of State in Economic Development to look after it on a day to day basis.”
After every general election, the prime minister assigns ministerial portfolios to elected representatives. These ministers steer the direction of their respective ministries throughout their term. Their leadership impacts the quality of service Belizeans receive, and the decisions made within those ministries. Senate appointments are equally important and follow a similar process. Leaders of major political parties and social partner organizations appoint members to the Senate. In tonight’s installment of Five Point Breakdown, News Five’s Paul Lopez delves into these selection processes and highlights why service is at the core of these roles. Here’s the report.
Paul Lopez, Reporting
The prime minister’s choice of leaders for government ministries can shape how these institutions serve the public throughout the administration’s term. For instance, look at the Ministry of Human Development over the last two administrations. The previous UDP administration set up a social assistance pantry program, while Minister Dolores Balderamos-Garcia and her team took a different approach in the last administration.
Dolores Balderamos Garcia, Former Minister of Human Development (File: Nov 23rd, 2020)
“Now we want to help the people who need it most, but clearly as a new administration we have to make a little bit of review. It won’t stop right now but clearly the policy decisions going forward will have to come from the cabinet.”
When it comes to foreign affairs, people expect the Minister of Foreign Affairs to speak out against illegal incursions by Guatemalans on Belizean territory and to staunchly defend the nation’s sovereignty.
Francis Fonseca
Francis Fonseca, Minister of Foreign Affairs (File: Sep 09th, 2024)
“We absolutely, of course, state very clearly that we, our sovereignty and territorial integrity over, a part of the Sarstoon River that is absolutely clear.”
[Qualification Is Not the Only Criteria]
The same can be applied to every other area of society, from health to infrastructure, agriculture and education. These appointments, however, are made entirely at the prime minister’s discretion, with some consultation.
Prime Minister John Briceño
Prime Minister John Briceño
“At the end of the day it is on me. I as the leader of the prime minister, thanks to my colleagues, I am the one that tries to find the right fit when setting up this Cabinet.”
Finding the right fit for a ministry doesn’t always mean the person has all the qualifications or experience. Prime Minister John Briceño looks beyond just qualifications. He also considers factors like geographic representation, gender equity, ethnic balance, and leadership within the party.
Prime Minister John Briceño
“It is a lot of work trying to put together a cabinet that has regional balance, ethnicity and gender and it is very, very though.”
[Cabinet Appointments Can Be Shuffled]
The prime minister can reshuffle the Cabinet at any time during the term if he believes another elected representative would better serve the public as the head of a ministry. In 2022, Prime Minister John Briceño removed Michel Chebat from the Ministry of Health and Wellness and placed Kevin Bernard in his stead. Public disapproval of Chebat’s performance in the ministry preceded that decision.
Michel Chebat
Michel Chebat, Former Minister of Health and Wellness (File: Jan 1st, 2022)
“I was surprised, but I don’t think it was unexpected, so yes, yes.”
This week, a new Briceno administration was sworn to serve for the next five years.
Anthony Mahler
Anthony Mahler, Minister of Youth and Sports
“The prime minister in his infinite wisdom decided I can take up the role for youth and sports.”
Michel Chebat
Michel Chebat, Minister of Public Utilities
“The portfolios are determined by the prime minister, he has the ultimate decision.”
Thea Garcia- Ramirez
Thea Garcia- Ramirez, Minister of Human Development
“I am humbled and honored to have been chosen by the P.M. for this huge responsibility.”
[The Appointment of Senators]
Just as crucial as Cabinet appointments are the appointments of Senators in the upper house. The Senate debates the legislative measures from the House of Representatives and decides whether to approve or send them back. Out of the thirteen seats, six are appointed by the ruling party, three by the opposition, and the remaining four by social partners.
Valerie Woods
Valerie Woods, Speaker of the House (File: Sep 11th, 2024)
“Every decision taken in the national assembly of Belize, both the House of Representatives and the Senate, it is about people’s lives. It is about the direction of country and ultimately will impact your life.”
[Who Will Be Appointed to The Senate?]
On the opposition’s end, those three members are yet to be selected. But Leader of the Opposition Tracy Panton has already stated what considerations will be made during the selection process.
Tracy Taegar-Panton
Tracy Taegar-Panton, Leader of the Opposition
“We have to be sure that whether the western region, the northern region, the southern region, the cayes, have a voice in the National Assembly that can champion their concerns and vote for the things they need in their constituencies and communities.”
Louis Wade Junior
Louis Wade Junior has been appointed as the senator representing the churches, while Janelle Chanona has been re-appointed as the NGO senator. The Briceño administration has yet to announce its picks for these crucial roles, including those for the business community and the NTUCB. Senator Chanona shared her thoughts on the significance of her role in the Senate.
Janelle Chanona
Janelle Chanona, NGO Senator
“To call for the type of leadership we deserve and committing to working with the government of Belize, with our fellow civil society partners to make Belize the Belize we deserve as Belizean.”
Former Belizean Prime Minister Said Musa marked his eighty-first birthday with a double celebration, unveiling a new book and launching an archival project. The event, held at the Imagination Factri, saw family, friends, and supporters gather to honor the two-time head of government. Musa’s latest publication offers a glimpse into his political journey, which began in 1967, adding a rich chapter to Belize’s history. Here’s more from News Five’s Isani Cayetano.
Isani Cayetano, Reporting
Former Prime Minister Said Musa is celebrating his eighty-first birthday in style by releasing a book and launching an archival project. Earlier today at the Imagination Factri, family, friends, and supporters of the two-time head of government gathered to cut a birthday cake and unveil the new publication Noh Wach Mi Wach Yuself”.
Yasser Musa
Yasser Musa, Son of Said Musa
“Today is a special day, obviously, because he has reached eighty-one, an age which many of us who are younger than that would love to reach. But more importantly, today we also launch the Said Musa archive and this book that was launched, titled Noh Wach Mi, Wach Yuself is just one part of the archive project.
Reporter
“Talk about what’s to come in the archive, you mentioned the amount of speeches and other documents.”
Yasser Musa
“Correct. So I look at all archives as a form of imagination because what do you decide to choose in a world that has so much to choose from? So you have to curate it, you have to decide what are the things that you would want to put, like a buffet so others can come after and choose what they want to take. There are many people that like to focus on things like photography, photos, images. There are many people that like to look at text, speeches, documents of law and other printed matter. But then there are also the current generation that would rather a video or a reel that would help them to understand what a person’s, in this case, Said Musa, or what a society’s life, in the case of the Belize Archives and Records Service. The importance of having a multimedia approach. We have tried to channel our imagination to see how we can create this buffet I was talking about.”
To give some context, Yasser Musa, the former director of the National Institute of Culture and History, highlighted how long it took to truly establish and emphasize the significance of history in the Belizean experience.
Yasser Musa
“It took twenty-two for Belize to open its first museum, twenty-one years to bring to life the National Institute of Culture and History, twenty-three years to introduce the teaching of African and Maya history and twenty-three years to introduce a history program at our national university. So the fact is, we don’t look at that negatively at all. We look at that as a struggle and one man who was pushing that pecado is sitting right in front of me, so let’s give him a hand for that.”
Musa explains that the new book aims to capture a snapshot of his father’s political journey, which began back in 1967. Isani Cayetano for News Five.
March is celebrated as Women’s Month, and to mark the occasion, the women of the Eastern Division of the Belize Police Department, along with a few of their male colleagues, took part in community projects today. It was their way of giving back to the communities where they serve and uphold the law. Giving back is crucial for these officers, as they rely on the community’s trust and cooperation to perform their duties effectively. The work done today was tough and carried out under the scorching sun. News Five’s Marion Ali caught up with a team who was finishing up an upgrade to a park in Belize City. Here’s that report.
Marion Ali, Reporting
Today, in celebration of Women’s Month, members of the Belize Police Department’s Eastern Division rolled up their sleeves and got involved in community work across their respective areas. Inspector of Police, Hortence Hernandez, shared that these community projects were all brainstormed by the officers themselves to give back to the communities they serve. She also mentioned that it was the women officers of the Eastern Division who took the initiative to fundraise and purchase the necessary materials.
Hortence Hernandez
Inspector Hortence Hernandez, Public Relations Officer, B.P.D.
“What we have for Eastern Police Division, the entire region, San Pedro, Caye Caulker, the four precincts – Hatteville and Ladyville, today we decided to give back to the community, where we adopt a park. For Prosecution Branch, they decided to feed the homeless on the streets. We did raffles, we did barbecue sale, we asked for donations, and that’s how we get the material that we are working with today.”
Hernandez and her team were at Armadillo Park, off Dolphin Street in Belize City, and the children’s reaction was instant and heartwarming.
Inspector Hortence Hernandez
“This park is Armadillo Park. The scope of the work – when we came and examined the park, we realized that it is in deplorable condition and this is where children in this area play, so we’re trying to give them something more welcoming to come out and play in. One of them said to us, Miss, thank you very much for cleaning our park. We also have two little girls in the neighborhood came out and helped paint the basketball court. So, the feedback from the community is awesome.”
Inspector Bernadine Sagasa believes that when she and other female officers get involved in community projects, it really makes a special difference. Their presence brings a unique touch that positively influences the community in ways only they can.
Bernadine Sagasa
Inspector Bernadine Sagasa, Commander, Precinct II
“Celebrating women is very important likewise, because we play different roles, not only as women. We are also mothers, as police officers being in the department as women. We’re looked at as nurturers, as parents, you know, even on the job.”
Recognition for the contribution of women as police officers has improved over the years, with women police officers occupying every rank. Commissioner of Police, Chester Williams:
Chester Williams
Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police
“Women in law enforcement can be traced all the way back to 1963 when the first women police officers were recruited. From then to now we have progressed tremendously. We’re at this current time we have just under six hundred women police officers and we have women police officers at every rank within the department except the commissioner’s rank. That goes to show again that we are not the department that sees ourselves as a man’s job or a man’s department. But rather one that is diverse and we try to promote people based on their skills and their job knowledge as opposed to their gender.”
For the women officers, getting involved in uplifting community activities is just as crucial as keeping the peace. They know that making a positive impact in the community is as important as enforcing the law.
Inspector Bernadine Sagasa
“Most of the time we’re looked at as different and as enemies towards the public but engaging in activities like this encourages the community to work with us more.”
Inspector Hortence Hernandez
“We want to show them likewise the different side of policing. As you said, we are not just here to arrest and charge people, we are here to do other social activities.”
The Statistical Institute of Belize is celebrating a significant boost to its capacity with the official handover of two hundred and ninety thousand dollars’ worth of IT equipment and two brand-new Ford Everest SUVs. This generous donation was made possible through the Enabling of Belize’s Statistical System Project, funded by the Korea International Cooperation Agency and implemented by the United Nations Development Programme, in collaboration with UNICEF, UNFPA, and the Food and Agriculture Organization. Here’s News Five’s Isani Cayetano with the following story.
Isani Cayetano, Reporting
The Statistical Institute of Belize is essential for shaping policy decisions and understanding the country’s development. They provide valuable data on everything from population and labor force to consumer prices and GDP, giving us a clear picture of Belize’s progress. The SIB, an independent organization, has been actively involved in the Enabling of Belize’s Statistical Systems Project. This initiative also includes the United Nations Development Programme and the Korea International Cooperation Agency.
Diana Castillo-Trejo
Diana Castillo-Trejo, Director General, S.I.B.
“Secured with the full endorsement of the Government of Belize, this project was carefully designed to address some of the urgent capacity gaps within the SIB and our wider national statistical system. Over the course of its two-and-a-half-year life, it will provide for the upgrading of equipment and IT systems, the upskilling of SIB staff through numerous scholarships and short training programs, capacity development for our other data producers within the national statistical system.”
Earlier today in Belmopan, Michael Lund, the Deputy Resident Representative of UNDP, was on hand to present two vehicles and IT equipment to the SIB. Lund mentioned that this donation will significantly boost the institute’s ability to collect data across the country.
Michael Lund
Michael Lund, Deputy Resident Representative, UNDP
“It’s a significant day where we donate about two hundred and ninety thousand Belize dollars’ worth of equipment which includes a lot of IT equipment and these two beautiful vehicles. I was told by Ms. Diana that this increases the fleet of SIB by infinity because it goes from zero to two and the goal is to have six vehicles in the fleet so all the districts can be covered and it’s an enormously important investment so data can be collected in all the districts in a timely manner. And this, of course, is part of the larger project of enabling the statistical system in Belize.”
KOICA is a key organization set up by the South Korean government to make its grant aid programs for developing countries more effective. They focus on sustainable development, reducing poverty, and building strong partnerships with developing nations.
Sohui Cho
Sohui Cho, Director, KOICA
“This is one of the many activities under the supervision of the UNDP team that improves the SIB’s resource capabilities and contributes to the overall project goals supporting SIB and other institutions from the Government of Belize to provide relevant, accurate and timely data in support of evidence-based development planning and effective monitoring of national problems. With these new tools, the Statistical Institute of Belize will also be empowered to accomplish this very important role as the coordinator of the country’s national statistical system as the equipment will enable efficient and fast communication and mobility of officials throughout the territory.”
Diana Castillo-Trejo points out that this initiative comes at a time when securing funds for data collection has become tougher than ever worldwide.
Diana Castillo-Trejo
“Valued at US$2.7M, this project represents the single largest grant to date for the development of our country’s NSS. At a time when funding for data is becoming more and more constrained globally, it stands out as an acknowledgement of the critical role that robust data systems play in supporting evidence-based policy making. The SIB believes firmly that such decisions based on sound information always has the greatest likelihood of achieving positive results for our people.”
A pastor and six fishermen were arrested in connection with a major drug bust in Orange Walk District on the night of March 18, 2025.
Pastor Mark Anthony Humes, 52, from Burrell Boom Village, and the fishermen—Lerman Norman Leslie, Freddy Estuardo Chavez, Angel Aragon, Marvin Teul, Ronyer Alexander Cruz, and Christian Merilyn White, all from Corozal District—were charged with possession of 1,137 grams of suspected cocaine intended for trafficking.
The group was intercepted by the Mobile Interdiction Team (MIT) and Highway Interdiction Team (HIT) in a gold Dodge Caravan while transporting the fishermen from Belize City to Orange Walk.
They pleaded not guilty in court and were remanded to Belize Central Prison without bail, pending further proceedings on May 22, 2025. Angel Aragon expressed interest in pleading guilty, but the Senior Magistrate advised against it, citing the potential for a prison sentence.
The largest pool of concessionary funds from the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) has been replenished with the support of $460 million USD, announced CDB’s 7th president, Daniel Best. This reflects an increase of U.S. $77 million from the previous cycle. The announcement was made today at the bank’s annual news conference in Barbados.
This funding, known as the Special Development Fund, includes both grants and concessional loans focused on strengthening the bank’s role in poverty alleviation and human development across the Caribbean. This makes the fund’s 11th cycle, covering 2025 to 2028.
This cycle will prioritise projects aimed at environmental resilience, disaster risk management, and biodiversity preservation. “The fund will further advance regional cooperation, integration, and digitalisation, accelerating our collective progress – the world’s a robust and sustainable future,” Best stated.
According to Best, “the fund has injected over $2.1 billion USD into social development initiatives” in the Caribbean since 1984.
In addition to environmental and economic resilience, the fund will focus on enhancing social protection systems, improving educational outcomes, and strengthening private sector development.
Best opened this year’s 2-day conference by unveiling the bank’s vision for the future under his leadership, focused on the theme “Rebirth: Innovate, Transform and Thrive for a Resilient Future.”
In celebration of Women’s Month, female officers of the Belize Police Department took on community projects to give back to the neighbourhoods they serve. Rolling up their sleeves, officers engaged in various initiatives aimed at uplifting their communities. According to Inspector of Police Hortence Hernandez, the projects were brainstormed by the officers themselves, with the women of the division taking the lead in fundraising to purchase materials.
“What we have for Eastern Police Division, the entire region, San Pedro, Caye Caulker, and the four precincts—Hattieville and Ladyville—today we decided to give back to the community, where we adopt a park. For Prosecution Branch, they decided to feed the homeless on the streets,” Hernandez explained. She added, “We did raffles, we did barbecue sales, we asked for donations, and that’s how we got the material that we are working with today.”
One of the projects took place at Armadillo Park on Dolphin Street in Belize City. Hernandez and her team saw firsthand how much their efforts meant to the children who use the space. “When we came and examined the park, we realised that it is in deplorable condition, and this is where children in this area play, so we’re trying to give them something more welcoming,” she said. The reaction from the community was immediate and heartwarming. ‘One of them said to us, “Miss, thank you very much for cleaning our park.’ We also had two little girls from the neighbourhood come out and help paint the basketball court. So, the feedback from the community is awesome.”
Women in the Belize Police Department have come a long way since their first recruitment in 1963. Commissioner of Police Chester Williams highlighted their progress over the decades, stating, “That goes to show again that we are not a department that sees ourselves as a man’s job or a man’s department but rather one that is diverse, and we try to promote people based on their skills and their job knowledge as opposed to their gender.”
The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) held its annual press conference in Barbados, where President Daniel Best outlined the bank’s future plans and how it will impact the region. The theme for this year’s 2-day conference is “Rebirth: Innovate, Transform and Thrive for a Resilient Future.” It focuses on the bank’s goals for regional economic growth and transformation.
Belize, a borrowing member country, has already received significant CDB funding over the past years for infrastructure, education, and energy projects.
In an interview with News Five, O’Reilly Lewis, CDB’s Director of Projects, described Belize for its strong project implementation. “Belize has been one of our stronger performing countries in terms of implementation,” he said.
In February, the CDB, along with the Development Finance Corporation (DFC) and the Government of Belize, launched a USD 20 million Ninth Consolidated Line of Credit. This funding supports key sectors such as MSMEs, agriculture, education, energy, and low-income housing. “That loan would impact several layers of lives in Belize in a positive way,” Lewis added.
Valerie Isaac, the bank’s Division Chief for Environmental Sustainability, added that the bank is also aiming to expand on disaster resilience in Belize. The first phase of this project was done a few years back in Toledo “that proved to be quite effective, and we’re currently building out a project to conduct another phase of this, and we want to expand it to other communities within Belize,” Isaac said.
Lewis announced that in early April, CDB will be visiting Belize to conduct a portfolio review. He said the team will be working with various government ministries to assess current projects. “We will be having discussions about where their priorities are and how they see us as partnering with them to help solve some of those developing challenges,” Lewis said.
A young jaguar named Filly has successfully transitioned to her new home at Big Cat Country after being transferred from The Belize Zoo & Tropical Education Center. According to the Milwaukee County Zoo, her arrival marks the final step in a carefully coordinated effort by zoo teams to ensure a smooth adaptation process.
“Filly and Frankie may start to see each other depending on where they are in the back dens and will first be introduced when she is confident in all jaguar habitat areas and not until she shows signs of oestrus. After the first meeting, the animal care team will follow Filly and Frankie’s cues to let us know if they want to be together.”
Filly was transferred as part of the Jaguar Species Survival Plan, a programme designed to maintain genetic diversity among jaguars in captivity. Filly had been rehabilitated in 2019 through the Human Jaguar Conflict Program after being classified as a conflict animal. These jaguars often struggled to compete for food and territory, leading them to prey on livestock and risk being shot or poached.
