2025-04-04 - Channel 5 Belize

Horse Abuse Cases Triggers Public Outrage

This next story doesn’t often make the news, but this week, it sparked enough outrage for people to demand action from the authorities. It started when a horse was found injured and starving in a drain, left to die. After a Facebook post about the animal went up on Wednesday, many Belize City residents called for stricter enforcement of animal cruelty and neglect laws. Since then, more reports have surfaced of horses being left tied in the sun for hours without food or water. Rescuers try to help but prefer to stay anonymous due to fear of being targeted. News Five’s Marion Ali spoke with two of them today and filed this report.

Marion Ali, Reporting

This heartbreaking picture of a horse left to die from injury and starvation in a Belize City drain has outraged many people, sparking a call for justice against those responsible. An animal rescuer we spoke with was furious when she found the horse, especially given the many stories of horses being abused by youths.

On the Phone: Animal Rescuer #1

“Wednesday afternoon, I was leaving my mom residence right around Benbow Street in the city and a vehicle blocked traffic. So, I was wondering what happened. So, I said, let me go and see when I looked, a horse was dead in the bush – in the drain, and I just lost it. I completely lost it. I lost it because I couldn’t believe that you always hear stories about kids riding the horses. You see them riding the horses. People complain on Facebook multiple times and like nothing is being done.”

But there’s hope. In this case, the animal rescuer called a police officer, who quickly sent a patrol to investigate. The Belize City Council also sent a dump truck to remove the carcass. Unfortunately, this was just one incident. The rescuer mentioned that there were three more cases of horse abuse and neglect the next day.

On the Phone: Animal Rescuer #1

“Thursday, which was yesterday, I got a call again on pictures from three different locations. One was in front of the education building. The other was at the corner of Cairo Street and Euphrates Avenue. And the other one was, I think, somewhere by Cemetery Road where horses are tied with no water.”

In another instance, a man found a horse tied to a lamp post in the scorching sun and took it upon himself to move the animal to a cooler spot under a tree. Another animal rescuer mentioned that abuse and neglect are so widespread in Belize that dogs are often the most common victims. She recounted a recent incident where a fellow rescuer was criticized for helping an abandoned dog.

On the phone: Animal Rescuer #2

“We had a situation where one of my volunteers kept passing this house and kept seeing this little poodle tied on a very very short leash, no shelter, no food, no water. She realized that she didn’t see any activity in the house so she started going in and feeding the poodle and give it water. Ih do that fi a week – still nobody in the house. She took the poodle out of the sun where it was suffering, no activity in the house, so she figured they just abandoned the poodle. She took the poodle home and the owner showed up about another week and a half later, and the blasted her on Facebook, and accused her of stealing ih dog.”

There are only a few animal rescuers in Belize, and they’re overwhelmed trying to balance work and rescues. They do it out of love for animals. They advise pet owners to take good care of their pets or not get one at all.

On the Phone: Animal Rescuer #1

“It’s just common sense. You know Belize, it’s hot. If we walk outside the street, outside it is hot, extremely hot. Simple thing as water – they just so simple water they could give the animal, put them in a shaded area. Many times, even with dogs, you pass on certain areas, even in the yard, fence yard at that too, they have a dog tied to a tree with no shelter, no house. Rain beat them, sun beat them. And like it’s just the basic norm, and that’s my issue. It is not normal because they have feelings just like any other animal. And just like us, just get a house and if you can’t afford to have an animal, just don’t have one.”

We’ll follow up with a story about the laws on animal abuse and neglect, and the penalties people can face if they’re convicted of these offenses. Marion Ali for News Five.

M.I.D.H Holds 2nd Women’s Month Sports Day

Today, the Ministry of Infrastructure Development and Housing held its second annual Women’s Month Sports Day. The amazing women who took part were honored for the unique challenges they face outside of work. Two inspiring speakers, Minister of Human Resources Thea Garcia-Ramirez and Belmopan Deputy Mayor Correta Banner, delivered encouraging messages at the event.

Thea Garcia-Ramirez, Minister of Human Development

“You juggle a professional career. A lot of you go to school on top of that and try to continue developing, professionally, personally. You raise families, you take care of children and husbands, and you take care sometimes of older members of your family. I know a lot of times you struggle like I do to have some personal time just for yourselves and you do it all with a smile. And sometimes, you smile on the inside because it’s hard to smile every day on the outside. I get that. I get you, but it’s a wonderful way to recognize you, to say, I see you and to celebrate you.”

Correta Banner, Deputy Mayor, Belmopan

“Your dreams are valid and no one can take away your potential. It’s important to support one another and lift each other up because when women stand together, the force becomes an unstoppable force. Never doubt your words and never forget that you are exactly where you are supposed to be. Keep pushing forward and stay true to yourself and trust the process. Remember, as Maya Angel beautifully said, we may encounter many defeats, but we should never be defeated. But we must not, so we must not be defeated. Keep going because the world is waiting for you to shine. And always remember, never ever forget. You are all wonderfully and fearfully made.”

Shyne Slams ComPol Over Free Speech Concerns

Former Leader of the Opposition, Moses “Shyne” Barrow, is publicly questioning what he describes as an abuse of power by outgoing Commissioner of Police, Chester Williams, after a police officer is being criminally prosecuted for allegedly making disparaging remarks about ComPol Chester Williams.

Barrow issued a statement on Thursday condemning what he views as selective enforcement of the law and a potential threat to free speech. “If another police officer calling the former ComPol Clyde Williams an expletive in a post rejoicing his departure is cause for criminal action then this presents serious questions as to how this law is applied and is this tantamount to an attack on freedom of speech?” Barrow wrote. Williams is still the Commissioner of Police until Dr. Richard Rosado officially takes over in the coming weeks.

He argued that criticism comes with the territory of public life and pointed out that he himself has faced worse. “I have been called worse and even threatened publicly yet when it was brought to @clyde Williams’ attention, he refused to take action.”

Barrow added, “First Chester had his brother Arthur Williams arrested and prosecuted for criticizing him on Facebook, then he had Nichole Mcdonald prosecuted for criticizing him, she informed me today she lost her job because of this, now an officer is being prosecuted for cyber bullying Chester?”

“This is frightening,” Barrow continued. “No public official elected or appointed should use their office to silence their critics with criminal prosecution!”

While acknowledging that free speech comes with responsibilities, Barrow said civil, not criminal, remedies are appropriate in cases of alleged defamation. “Where there is alleged defamation the civil courts provide relief… Where malicious false information is being spread, then the law should take its course applied equally to all—not just those that offend the great Chester!”

Barrow signed off with: “BANG & BYE.”

News Five contacted Williams for a response. He said he is not going to respond to anything from Barrow.

Belize Rolls Out Microinsurance Regulations

The government has introduced new microinsurance regulations under the 2023 Insurance Act. These regulations aim to expand access to affordable insurance solutions for low-income individuals and those in the productive sector, offering a safety net against life’s unexpected risks.

According to the Office of the Supervisor of Insurance and Private Pensions (OSIPP), the microinsurance regulations are designed with simplicity and accessibility in mind, featuring easy-to-understand policy language and affordable pricing while preserving essential coverage features.

It said this approach ensures that even the most vulnerable populations can benefit from financial protection without being overwhelmed by complex terms or high costs.

Key provisions of the new regulations include rules for product development, clear guidelines for information sharing before contracts are signed, and procedures for servicing policies, handling claims, and addressing complaints. The framework also encourages the use of innovative distribution channels, enabling the delivery of microinsurance products to residents in remote or underserved areas across the country.

Exporters to the U.S. Prepare for Economic Decline Amid New Tariffs

Belizean exporters are bracing for serious economic impacts following the Trump administration’s decision to impose a 10% reciprocal tariff on goods from Belize, set to take effect on April 5th.

In response, the Government of Belize convened a high-level meeting and promised to “use all available political and diplomatic channels” to address the situation.

The new policy has rattled private sector stakeholders, particularly companies like Marie Sharp’s Fine Foods Limited, which has been exporting duty-free to the U.S. since 1989. Jody Williams, the company’s Chief Sales and Marketing Director, called it “a big slap to Belize, to our developing nation,” and expressed deep concern about how the added cost will affect pricing and sales, noting, “more than likely, this will slow down sales, slow down momentum, and less foreign exchange coming into the country.”

He added that their importers in the U.S. are equally unprepared: “They say let us have a meeting, we can’t take on the ten percent… let us do fifty, fifty.”

U.S. Revokes Visa of Nobel Peace Laureate Oscar Arias

Former Costa Rican President and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Oscar Arias says the United States has revoked his visa, a decision he learnt about weeks after publicly criticising former U.S. President Donald Trump.

Arias said he received only a terse, unexplained email from U.S. authorities informing him of the cancellation, according to a report from The BBC.

The 84-year-old, who played a key role in negotiating peace during Central America’s civil wars in the 1980s, suggested the decision may be linked to his decision during his 2006–2010 presidency to establish diplomatic ties with China at the expense of Taiwan.

He also noted his recent criticism of Trump, likening the former U.S. president’s behaviour to that of a Roman emperor and calling out what he views as heavy-handed U.S. influence in Central America.

Arias has been vocal in his criticism of what he sees as an overly close relationship between Chaves and the U.S.

Belize, World Bank Develop 10-Year Partnership Plan

The Government of Belize and the World Bank Group (WBG) are moving forward with the development of a new Country Partnership Framework (CPF)—a 10-year strategy aimed at boosting national resilience and fostering inclusive growth.

The Ministry of Economic Transformation (MET) led discussions during an in-country mission by the World Bank team, held to shape the design of this long-term framework. The CPF will serve as the World Bank Group’s roadmap for its engagement with Belize, focusing on key sectors such as the blue economy, education, agriculture, energy, and transportation.

The mission included consultations with line ministries and a broad range of national stakeholders. These meetings are expected to ensure that the final strategy aligns with Belize’s national priorities, including Plan Belize and the Medium-Term Development Strategy.

According to officials, the CPF will be a living document—continuously shaped by local insights and emerging needs. It aims to strengthen the relationship between Belize and the World Bank Group while unlocking increased investment and development support across the country.

Government to Increase Oversight of Cayo Rosario Development

The Department of the Environment (DOE) and key regulatory agencies are stepping up monitoring of the Cayo Rosario Development following public concerns about its potential environmental impact. The update was shared in a joint press release issued by the DOE and several government agencies, including the Ministry of Blue Economy, Fisheries Department, Hol Chan Marine Reserve, Coastal Zone Management, Lands and Surveys, and others.

According to the release, the project received environmental clearance in 2018 after going through the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process. An Environmental Compliance Plan (ECP) was signed and later updated in 2020. While the project met the required standards, concerns remain about its location near sensitive ecosystems and fly-fishing areas.

To address these concerns, the government will improve coordination among agencies, conduct a joint site visit, carry out regular monitoring, and request frequent updates from the developer. The DOE’s San Pedro office will also increase compliance inspections.

Officials stated that the project can proceed sustainably if all conditions in the ECP and related permits are followed.

Police Officer Arraigned for Allegedly Cyberbullying Outgoing COMPOL

A police officer has been arraigned for allegedly using social media to publicly ridicule outgoing Commissioner of Police (COMPOL) Chester Williams. The officer, Barrington Gilbert Mai—also known as Barry Flowers—was charged with “using a computer system to publish obscene and vulgar data.”

Mai, a resident of Carmelita Village in the Orange Walk District, was escorted to the Belize City Magistrate’s Court under tight security this morning. He was transported in the police van but was discreetly taken into the courthouse through a rarely used rear entrance to avoid media cameras.

In court, Mai, who appeared unrepresented, was read a single charge stemming from an alleged social media post on April 2, 2025. The post reportedly contained offensive remarks directed at COMPOL Williams, including statements such as, “Thank God this a**hole is gone.” Williams reported to authorities that the post was a direct attack on his character and reputation, prompting him to request legal action.

Mai pleaded not guilty to the charge. While there was no objection to bail, the prosecution requested specific conditions be imposed. The Senior Magistrate granted bail at $5,000 plus one surety of the same amount or two sureties of $2,500 each, which Mai was able to meet.

As part of his bail conditions, Mai is prohibited from interfering with COMPOL Williams, his family, or any prosecution witnesses. He must also maintain a minimum distance of 25 feet from Williams and his relatives. Any violation of these conditions could result in bail revocation.

Mai’s next court appearance is scheduled for June 4, 2025.

Williams, 51, recently received a one-month extension before officially leaving his post after serving three terms as Commissioner of Police. His exit has been met with mixed reactions, with this latest legal case adding further controversy to his departure.

Belize Government Responds to U.S. Tariffs, Engages with Private Sector and CARICOM

The Government of Belize has convened a high-level meeting to assess the impact of the United States’ newly imposed 10% reciprocal tariff on Belizean exports. The meeting, held in Belmopan, brought together key ministers and senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, the Ministry of Finance and Economic Transformation, and the Central Bank of Belize to discuss potential economic repercussions and mitigation strategies.

According to a government press release, for over four decades, Belize has enjoyed duty-free access to the U.S. market under the Caribbean Basin Initiative (CBI), established in 1983. It said that the new U.S. trade policy threatens to disrupt this preferential arrangement, potentially affecting key exports such as sugar, seafood, and citrus products.

The government says that officials are currently conducting a thorough analysis of the tariff’s impact on trade and Belize’s broader economic outlook. While the tariff applies universally to all U.S. trading partners, potentially minimising the direct disadvantage to Belize, authorities remain cautious about long-term effects on exports and foreign exchange earnings.

The government has engaged the private sector to explore risk management strategies and ensure businesses are supported amid changing trade conditions. Belize is leveraging its diplomatic channels to push for trade negotiations and potential exemptions. Discussions are expected to take place bilaterally with U.S. officials and at the regional level through CARICOM, as several Caribbean nations are also affected by this tariff.