2025-04-03 - Channel 5 Belize

Belizean Juan Olivares Earns Commercial Pilot Licence

Belizean pilot Juan Olivares has achieved a milestone, earning his Private Pilot License, Instrument Flight Rating, and Commercial Pilot License. His dedication, discipline, and professionalism have set an example within his aviation school. The school posted on social media, “We proudly celebrate your great achievement in completing your Private Pilot License, Instrument Flight Rating, and Commercial Pilot License. Your dedication, responsibility, and professionalism have been exemplary within our school.”

Olivares was awarded his licence from Escuela de aviación PANAL.

Founded 50 years ago as an aerial agricultural fumigation company, PANAL has grown into a recognised aviation school, becoming the most experienced pilot training centre in El Salvador.

Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat in Belize Celebrates Annual Jalsa Salana

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat in Belize is celebrating its 10th annual Jalsa Salana this week. The purpose of the event is to gain a nearness to God and develop ties of brotherhood within the community. The Jalsa Salana serves as a spiritual gathering to bridge misconceptions about Islam and promote understanding among diverse religious communities.

It started in 1891 by the founder of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community – the Promised Messiah. “He claimed himself to be a prophet, and he wanted people to meet him so that they can see that he does have a connection with God,” said Ata’ul Haq Gabb, a missionary in Belize City.

This year’s theme is ‘Islam, a Religion of Peace’. Haq stated that it “reflects our mission to demonstrate that we are peaceful and loving people.”

While the event is hosted by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at, it is open for people of any faith to participate. “We want people to come so that we can also treat them as wonderful guests of whom we believe is the prophet of God. We want to garner a connection with the people of Belize,” he added.

The celebration includes motivational talks, a children’s play zone, and an exhibition showcasing the history of the Ahmadiyya Muslim community in Belize. “Your children will be well taken care of, and they will be safe, and you can enjoy the proceedings of the Jasa Salana,” Haq added.

Belize Assumes CIRSA Presidency at Regional Agricultural Meeting

Belize has officially taken the presidency of the Regional International Agricultural Health Committee (CIRSA) during the 72nd Ordinary Meeting, which started today in San Pedro. The two-day event brings together agriculture ministers from across the region to discuss agricultural health and food security.

Minister of Agriculture José Abelardo Mai took over as CIRSA President. In his speech, Mai highlighted the importance of teamwork for improving agricultural productivity and resilience, particularly in addressing the screw-worm infestation in livestock, with ongoing support from OIRSA, USDA, and IICA.

The meeting also spotlighted Belize’s advancements in agricultural research and biological pest control. Minister Mai shared progress on the Formosana banana variety, which is resistant to Fusarium Tropical Race 4, and highlighted the Belmopán insectary’s production of over 367,000 Anagyrus kamali specimens to combat the pink mealybug, reducing pesticide use. Discussions during the meeting included the 2024 CIRSA Presidency Report, OIRSA’s Executive Directorate Report, and strategies to tackle the screwworm issue. The event concludes tomorrow with the signing of the official meeting minutes.

As CIRSA President, Belize aims to lead efforts to enhance agricultural health and food security across the region.

Rubio Orders U.S. Diplomats to Screen Student Visa Applicants for Anti-Israel Posts

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has instructed American diplomats to closely scrutinize the social media activity of certain student and exchange visa applicants, a move that appears to target individuals suspected of criticizing the United States and Israel, The New York Times reports.

According to two American officials familiar with the directive, Rubio’s order mandates that consular officers refer selected applicants to the fraud prevention unit for a mandatory social media review. According to The New York Times, the directive, outlined in a cable sent to U.S. diplomatic missions on March 25, comes amid President Donald Trump’s broader immigration policies, including efforts to deport foreign students involved in campus protests against Israel’s war in Gaza.

This policy shift follows Trump’s executive orders aimed at deporting foreign nationals who exhibit what he described as “hostile attitudes” toward American values and institutions.

The fraud prevention unit, housed within embassies and consular offices, is tasked with assessing visa applicants and flagging potential security risks. The directive does not specify what criteria will be used to determine disqualifying social media activity.

Fight at Belmopan Comprehensive School Sparks Safety Sweep

Belmopan Comprehensive School (BCS) has reassured parents that student safety remains a top priority following an altercation on campus. According to a statement from the administration, a fight between two students occurred on April 2, prompting a swift response from the community policing unit. The situation was contained, and classes resumed as usual.

However, on April 3, the Criminal Investigation Branch (CIB) received an anonymous tip suggesting that some students planned to retaliate using weapons. In response, officers conducted a thorough sweep of classrooms and surrounding areas, ultimately finding no weapons.

School officials have confirmed that regular classes will continue. Parents have been urged to speak with their children about bullying, violence, and the consequences of making threats, as such actions are considered criminal offences.

Belize Infrastructure Projects Progress Under Review by CDB

Key infrastructure projects in Belize, including the Coastal Highway Project, Philip Goldson Highway, and the Eighth Road Project, are being closely examined in a review led by the Ministry of Infrastructure Development and Housing (MIDH). Chief Engineer at MIDH, Evondale Moody, participated in discussions on the projects’ implementation and progress with the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB).

During the annual portfolio review, Moody explained that CDB plays a crucial role in funding, with significant contributions to road projects like the Coastal Highway upgrading and Philip Goldson Highway projects. “We’re very pleased and proud to know that they have recognised us as one of the best in the Caribbean in terms of project implementation,” Moody stated.

The review included the success of completed projects, with the Coastal Highway’s chip-and-seal surface praised despite initial concerns over its material. According to Moody, the CDB has been satisfied with the highway’s resilience and improvements in road safety and economic viability.

Moody also addressed ongoing projects, including the upgrade of the Philip Goldson Highway, which is set to improve traffic flow towards Belize City. Works on the George Price Highway, funded by CDB, are progressing as planned. Moody stated the ministry hopes to close the gap between mile 24 and mile 8.

Loreto Pelayo Quartet to Debut in Tonight’s Jazz Concert

For those who enjoy the symphonies of jazz music, here’s something you can look forward to tonight. The Loreto Pelayo Quartet is making their debut performance tonight at 7:30 PM at the Bliss Centre for Performing Arts in Belize City.

The band leader, Loreto Pelayo, announced that the concert will feature a special guest performance by renowned YouTuber and saxophonist Naythan Graybeal.

Graybeal is from North Carolina, USA, and the CEO of a New York-based jazz education company, gained global recognition after a viral YouTube video at 17. He now uses his platform to promote jazz and its cultural heritage.

“I’m really happy to share this music with people who are willing to come out,” Pelayo said about the concert. “In this concert, we’re really bringing out jazz standards and video game music, which I feel they aren’t that different from each other.”

Pelayo also shared the inspiration behind the name of his band. “When it comes to the name in jazz, it’s not like in rock music or any other music where you come up with a really cool name. Oftentimes, it’s just the name of the band leader and the number of people who play in it,” he said.

Pelayo, who has led his band through several transitions, said his primary focus has always been to play the type of music he loves—jazz. Despite the challenges of performing jazz, he remains passionate about his craft.

Graybeal, whose expertise in jazz education has inspired many, spoke about the historical significance of the genre. “Jazz is really, technically, America’s only true art form. It’s really a folk music. It originated in the Black American culture during their times of extreme poverty and really escaping slavery. So this was the music that was born out of them expressing their sort of sorrows, and it really evolved into music that spread across the world,” he said.

Pelayo and Graybeal invite all jazz lovers to come and enjoy the band’s debut performance tonight at the Bliss Centre.

The doors open at 7:00 PM, and the concert will run for two hours, wrapping up at 10:00 PM.

Tickets are available for $30 and can be purchased in advance at CY’s Music Store, Premium Wine and Spirits, The Bliss, or reserved directly from Pelayo by calling 630-4537. Tickets will also be available at the door.

Cabinet Approves Key Policies on Health, Elections, and Infrastructure

The cabinet met on Tuesday to discuss several national policies and legislative measures.

Among the decisions was the endorsement of the Belize Health Sector Strategic Plan 2025-2034, a long-term roadmap aimed at addressing critical healthcare challenges, improving resource allocation, and enhancing transparency and accountability within the system.

Cabinet also approved a phased retention package of allowances for public healthcare nurses. This initiative is expected to improve job satisfaction and reduce staff shortages in the sector.

Cabinet also approved amendments to water tariff regulations, extending the current Full Tariff Period from April 1, 2025, to April 1, 2026, ensuring that existing tariffs, fees, and charges remain unchanged until March 31, 2026.

Cabinet reaffirmed its rejection of the 2023 Elections and Boundaries Commission’s re-divisioning proposals, citing their failure to meet constitutional requirements. The minister responsible for elections and the attorney general were tasked with engaging the commission on necessary constitutional amendments for a revised redivisioning plan, with a goal of completing the process within a year.

Additionally, the Belize Building Code will undergo legislative amendments to improve infrastructure resilience, enhance governance, and establish safety standards reflecting Belize’s environmental conditions.

To strengthen financial oversight, Cabinet approved an amendment to the Central Bank of Belize Act to include the Director General of the Financial Services Commission as a member of the Central Bank’s Board of Directors.

Additionally, land tax collection will be transferred to the Belize Tax Service (BTS) over a one-year phased transition. This initiative aims to improve efficiency by integrating tax assessment and collection through the IRIS online platform.

Cabinet also approved policies on fiscal strategy and disaster risk financing, aligning with the World Bank’s Sustainable Development Policy to enhance economic resilience.

Belize Reviews Impact of New U.S. Tariff Policy

The Government of Belize is closely monitoring the new U.S. tariff regime announced by President Donald Trump and is taking steps to assess its potential economic impact.

Trump slapped Belize with a 10% reciprocal tariff.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, officials are analysing the details of the policy shift and will be engaging with relevant stakeholders to safeguard Belize’s economic interests. The ministry’s full statement reads, “The Government of Belize takes note of the new U.S. tariff regime announced yesterday by President Donald Trump. Our officials are currently and rapidly analysing the information and will be consulting with the relevant stakeholders to ensure Belize’s economic interests are safeguarded through bilateral dialogue with U.S. officials and coordination with CARICOM.”

The latest SIB figures show that Belize exported $3.4M to the US in February 2025.

Other Caribbean countries are reacting to Trump’s announcement. Prime Minister Gaston Browne of Antigua and Barbuda expressed concerns about the inflationary consequences for Caribbean nations, highlighting that approximately 80% of Antigua and Barbuda’s trade is tied to the U.S., with most food imports originating there. He warned that higher shipping costs, resulting from new policies affecting vessels built in China, could increase container shipping rates by thousands of dollars, further raising the cost of imported goods.

St. Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves also warned about the potential severe economic consequences for the Caribbean if the U.S. proceeds with a proposal to impose a one million US dollar fee on any Chinese-built vessel calling at U.S. ports.

Belize Engages in Blue Carbon Knowledge Exchange in South Korea

Belize is taking part in the World Bank–KPOK Knowledge Exchange on Blue Carbon, a global forum focused on carbon markets and climate solutions. The event, running from March 31 to April 4, 2025, in Seoul and Jeju, South Korea, brings together experts and country representatives to explore strategies for harnessing blue carbon in climate action.

Representing Belize is Deputy Chief Climate Change Officer Sumeet Betancourt, who is contributing to technical discussions, sharing lessons learned, and presenting Belize’s ongoing work to enhance carbon market readiness.

A statement from the Belize National Climate Change Office reads, “Both blue and green carbon remain priority areas under Belize’s NDCs. Opportunities like these help keep Belize informed and provide valuable guidance as we strengthen our nationally driven approach.”