2025-04-03 - Channel 5 Belize

Burglary Forces Couple to Abandon Plans of Settling in Sarteneja

A couple planning to relocate to Sarteneja Village, Corozal, has been forced to reconsider their future after their home was broken into and essential equipment stolen.

The homeowner said that their solar panels, batteries, water pump, and filtration system were stolen during the break-in.

What made the situation worse, they said, was that the caretaker they hired to watch over the property never informed them of the incident. “The person we hired to watch our house didn’t tell us about the break-in. It was the solar company that told us when they came to do maintenance,” he said.

The couple had just reached the point where they could begin moving their belongings and making Sarteneja their permanent home. However, in light of the burglary, they have now made the difficult decision to put the property on the market. The couple is in communication with Corozal Police.

In the comments section, one person said he experienced a similar incident. The person added, “I had to fight the guy off in my house. He came in with a machete.”

CBU Condemns Threats Against Journalists, Calls for Press Freedom in the Caribbean

The Caribbean Broadcasting Union (CBU) has voiced deep concern over threats against investigative journalist Mark Bassant, who is affiliated with Trinidad and Tobago’s CCN TV-6 and The Express Newspaper. The organisation views this as part of a troubling trend of attacks on press freedom across the region.

The Trinidad Express reports that last week, Bassant received a threatening message after publishing his Sunday Express exposé titled “Secret deals and dirty money…Govt official tied to UK gangster’s illicit empire.” The threat, sent via WhatsApp just before he left his office on Wednesday, warned, “I hope the money you get for the so-called exclusive can support the family when you’re gone.”

Bassant, who has faced threats in the past due to his investigative reporting, acted swiftly by contacting law enforcement within ten minutes of receiving the message. He filed an official police report and alerted the Cyber Crime Unit.

Despite the intimidation attempt, Bassant remains resolute in his commitment to journalism. “I continue to work without fear, and I will not let it deter me,” he affirmed.

The CBU expressed full support for professional media practitioners, particularly those covering politically sensitive issues.

Dr. Anthony Rosado to Take Helm as New Police Commissioner

The Ministry of Home Affairs and New Growth Industries has announced a structured one-month transition period for the appointment of a new Commissioner of Police. At the end of this transition, Dr. Anthony R. Rosado will officially assume the post as the country’s top law enforcement officer.

The Ministry said the transition reflects its “commitment to stability, professionalism, and continuity within the leadership of the Belize Police Department. It ensures that institutional knowledge is preserved, operational priorities remain uninterrupted, and the safety and security of the Belizean people continue to be safeguarded during the change in leadership.”

As part of the transition, an official handing-over ceremony will be held, though further details are expected to be released in the coming weeks.

Dr. Rosado will replace Commissioner Chester Williams, who is expected to take the post as CEO in the Ministry of Constitution and Religious Affairs, Indigenous Affairs and Transportation.