A man from San Pedro, Belize, has been arrested and charged with rape following a report by a U.S. tourist. Reports indicate that the woman, accompanied by her brother, was at Wayo’s Bar and Grill on Thursday night, March 20, when they met the suspect, Oscar Noe Nal, who introduced himself as “Omar”.
After socialising, they returned to her hotel around 3:00 a.m. on March 21. She went for a ride with Nal, who drove her to a gazebo where he assaulted her.
The victim reported the incident to police on March 22. A medical examination confirmed her injuries. Police reviewed surveillance footage and identified Nal, a 35-year-old labourer from San Mateo. On March 22, the victim identified him in a police lineup. Nal was formally charged with rape on March 23 and remains in custody.
Today marks a special occasion, National Puppy Day, a reminder for all puppy owners about the importance of starting their fur babies off right in life. According to Forbes, experts are reminding the importance of socialising puppies during their first few months to help prevent fear-based behaviours down the road. One fun and effective way to do this? Puppy parties!
As reported by Forbes, puppy parties provide a controlled setting where puppies are introduced to other dogs, making it the perfect opportunity to teach them how to interact positively. While puppy parties are still a new concept in Belize, there’s something else that has already made a great impact here: June Erickson’s efforts to prevent pet loss through microchipping.
Back in December 2024, News 5 shared June’s story after her service dog, Ranger, went missing. Determined to help others avoid the same heartache, June founded the Ranger Warriors Foundation and introduced a microchipping program to ensure that pets can be easily reunited with their owners. Since then, over 120 pets have been microchipped, and June is continuing her efforts to install more scanning stations across the island to increase access.
“I have a meeting with the health department in the coming days. I want to make sure that all island government health, fire department, police, and traffic, all have scanners,” June told News 5 today.
June’s ultimate goal is to “microchip all the cats and dogs in San Pedro first, before pursuing expansion outside of the island.” She hopes to hold two microchipping clinics in both April and May to make up for not having it in February and March.
“Knowing that your pet is easily identifiable and that you can be contacted if they go missing provides peace of mind for pet owners,” June added.
June explained that one of the most critical aspects of microchipping is registration. Without registering the microchip, it’s just a string of numbers. When registered, the chip links directly to the owner’s contact information, making it easy for shelters or vets to reunite lost pets with their families. Unlike collars, which can be lost or removed, microchips offer permanent identification. By keeping contact details up to date, owners ensure their pets can be identified at any time.
For those who are passionate about supporting this cause, a GoFundMe page remains active for donations. You can also contribute directly to Belize Bank, account number 195866010140000, under the name June Young-Figueroa.
On this special day for puppies, it’s a time to celebrate not only the little furry companions but also the tireless efforts of those working to keep them safe and connected to their families.
Pope Francis made his first public appearance since being hospitalised at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital. As he was leaving, he greeted nearly 3,000 people gathered outside. The Vatican News reported that the Pope blessed the crowd, waving and saying in a faint voice, “Thank you to everyone!”
The 88-year-old pontiff was admitted to the hospital on February 14 for a severe respiratory infection, which later developed into pneumonia in both lungs. His condition has since stabilised, allowing him to be discharged. According to his medical team’s update on Saturday, he will continue his recovery at his residence in the Vatican, Casa Santa Marta, for the next two months.
Before returning to the Vatican, Pope Francis visited the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, where he offered flowers to the icon of Mary Salus Populi Romani as a gesture of gratitude for her care and protection.
Police are investigating the fatal shooting of a man which occurred this morning in Dangriga Town, Stann Creek District. The victim has been identified as Charles Bradley. He was shot dead at his residence on Ramos Road just after 9:30.
Police responded and were processing the scene along with scenes of crime technicians.
