2025-04-14 - Channel 5 Belize

R-Tillett Bus Service Defends Fleet After Fire, Slams Negativity

An R-Tillett Bus Service official has taken to Facebook to addressed the recent bus fire incident. Rene Tillett expressed frustration over the backlash received. He said, “I am not a person to come out and make posts like this, but after the 2 incidents we’ve gone through and seeing all the negativity from people, I’ve decided to speak out.”

He shared that in just four days, two of their reliable buses had been lost. He stressed that the company has always ensured their buses are up to standard, well-maintained, and in excellent condition. “I personally take no rest on weekends, working diligently along with my family and coworkers,” he added.

” I see all those people commenting about “old tired buses”, those are the same people that almost never have to travel because for the ones that travel daily, can see that our buses are always on the best condition as possible.”

Tillett concluded by thanking loyal customers for their continued support, expressing gratitude for the positive comments during these challenging times.

Police Provide More Details on Arrests in Retaliatory Murder of Luis Marin

Two Belize City men, Scorian Stuart, 18, and Michael Gillett, 23, were arrested and charged with the murder of Luis Marin, which occurred on Tuesday, April 8. They were charged with the crime of murder.

A.C.P. Hilberto Romero, Regional Commander for the Eastern Division, confirmed that the murder of Luis Marin was an act of retaliation. “Yes, that is the information we have received. It is retaliation for that incident.”

Marin had been a suspect in a previous shooting incident in Belmopan, which occurred on Saturday, April 5. The incident, widely circulated on social media, showed three men fleeing from a car while shots were fired at them. Following this, Marin was found dead inside his home in Belize City’s Majestic Alley area just days later.

“They had some interaction with those persons, and that is what led to this murder,” he explained. However, he clarified that Stuart and Gillett were not in the vehicle involved in the Belmopan shooting. “We don’t have information that they were in that vehicle,” Romero said.

At the time of his murder, Marin was wanted for questioning in relation to the Belmopan shooting. “He was inside a house at the time he was targeted.”

Police have detained several individuals in connection with the investigation, though no further arrests have been made.

“So far no one else has been arrested for any of the incident,” Romero noted.

Police Investigate Stabbing of Chelsey Lewis in Belize City

Police investigations continue into a stabbing incident early Friday morning, which left 24-year-old Chelsey Lewis hospitalised with multiple stab wounds. According to A.C.P. Hilberto Romero, Regional Commander of the Eastern Division, Lewis was involved in a fight with several women at Newtown Barracks in Belize City, which resulted in her injuries. Romero confirmed, “She was taken to the KHMH for treatment and is in stable condition.”

The incident occurred after Lewis and several friends had been socialising at Thursday Thirsty Nightclub. Following their departure from the club, the group walked into a nearby park, where they encountered two other women, including Erin Belezaire. An argument ensued, escalating into a physical altercation. Romero explained, “We are not sure what they were arguing about,” but noted that Belezaire allegedly stabbed Lewis with a knife she had in her possession.

Belezaire, 26, was arrested and charged with “dangerous harm” and “use of deadly means of harm”. Police confirmed that no one else was injured in the fight. Romero added, “Other persons were detained, but this person was arrested for dangerous harm.”

Trump and Bukele Refuse to Return Wrongfully Deported Maryland Man to U.S.

During an Oval Office meeting on April 14, President Donald Trump and El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele firmly rejected the notion of returning Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia, a Maryland man wrongfully deported to El Salvador. Despite a U.S. Supreme Court ruling that mandated the U.S. government “facilitate” Garcia’s return, White House officials maintained that the decision to return him rests with El Salvador.

When questioned by CNN’s Kaitlan Collins about the possibility of sending Garcia back to the U.S., Bukele dismissed the idea, calling it “preposterous.” “I hope you’re not suggesting that I smuggle a terrorist into the United States,” he remarked. “How can I smuggle a terrorist into the United States? Of course, I’m not going to do it.”

The Supreme Court’s recent ruling, which was brief and unsigned, left U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis’ order in place, demanding Garcia’s return. However, the Court distinguished between “facilitating” his return and “effectuating” it. Senior White House officials have since objected to the ruling, arguing that it infringes upon U.S. foreign policy decisions.

Initially, Trump had indicated he would respect the Supreme Court’s ruling, stating last week, “If the Supreme Court said bring somebody back, I would do that. I respect the Supreme Court.” However, his stance shifted following discussions on the matter.

Abrego Garcia, who entered the U.S. illegally around 2011, was granted asylum by an immigration judge in 2019 after it was determined that a gang in El Salvador had been targeting and threatening him due to his family’s pupusa business. This protection prevented his deportation at the time.

Divers Have Unforgettable Encounter with Whale Shark in Gladden Spit Reserve

A group of divers in the Gladden Spit Reserve had an unforgettable experience. Over the weekend, the Sea Horse Dive Shop in Placencia took a group to the reserve, where they came face-to-face with a whale shark, the largest fish in the world.

The enormous creature showed some curiosity as it glided near the group and paused for a moment. This incredible encounter was caught on video, with one man heard urging the group to swim away from the shark. Whaleshark sightings are common during this season, which runs from March to June in Belize.

These gentle giants are not known to be aggressive. Sea Horse Dive Shop described the encounter as “powerful,” while the Southern Environmental Association reminded everyone that only licensed operators are allowed in the area.

Stop Order Issued for Cayo Rosario Development Project

The Central Building Authority (CBA) has issued an immediate stop work order for the Cayo Rosario Development Project after an interagency site visit revealed that several buildings were constructed without the necessary permits. The visit, which took place on April 9, 2025, also found that construction had begun on an entrance pier without the required authorisation.

According to Derick Calles, Director of Building Control at the CBA, the unauthorized construction activities violate the Belize Building Act, Chapter 131, specifically Part III, Building Permits and Control, Clause 13(1). This clause mandates that all construction must have approved permits from the Central Building Authority.

As a result, all construction activities at the site must cease immediately until the developers secure the appropriate permits from the CBA and other relevant authorities. The stop work order will remain in effect until the Cayo Rosario Development Ltd. submits applications for the required permits and provides plans that comply with the approved Environmental Compliance Plan.

Failure to adhere to the order could lead to further legal action.

Last week, several concerned groups in San Pedro, united under the San Pedro Citizens for Sustainable Development, rallied against the Cayo Rosario Development Project, which they say is set to impact the Hol Chan Marine Reserve’s seabed. Locals, including San Pedro Mayor Wally Nunez, voiced strong opposition at a public meeting, citing concerns over its environmental impact on marine life and local livelihoods.

Health Officials Provide Updates on Belize’s First Measles Cases Since 1991

Belizean health officials have confirmed two imported cases of measles, the country’s first since 1991. The cases involve two unvaccinated 17-year-olds from the Corozal and Cayo districts who recently returned from a trip to Chihuahua, Mexico. Both developed symptoms in early April, and lab confirmation was received on April 12.

Dr Melissa Diaz-Musa, Director of Public Health and Wellness, shared the details during a media briefing, noting that the teens were part of a group of 15 travellers. Thirteen remain asymptomatic, with 11 confirmed to be vaccinated. All group members are under monitoring by Ministry of Health and Wellness staff. “Two unvaccinated persons have developed symptoms in Belize and tested positive for measles.”

She added, “The details of the two positive cases are as follows: A 17-year-old male unvaccinated who started with fever, rash, and cough on April 3rd. Laboratory confirmation of measles was received on April 12th. The second case is an unvaccinated 17-year-old female who started with symptoms on April 2nd.”

The confirmation comes amid a sharp regional rise in measles cases. Between January and March 2025, over 500 confirmed cases were reported in the Americas—including in Mexico, Canada, the U.S., and Argentina—surpassing numbers from the same period last year.

Measles is a highly contagious viral illness that Belize has worked to eliminate through routine immunisations. The country began offering the measles vaccine in 1973 and introduced the MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) vaccine in 1996. Despite these efforts, national vaccine coverage remains below the target of 95%, with only 83.9% coverage reported in 2024. The Belize and Cayo districts had the lowest rates at 73.5% and 79%, respectively.

Dr. Diaz-Musa said Belize currently has 39,000 MMR doses and is prepared to increase supply with assistance from Mexico if necessary. She urged parents to review their children’s vaccination records and encouraged unvaccinated adults to visit a nearby health facility.

The ministry has also intensified national surveillance, contact tracing, and public awareness campaigns. “We are educating the public, testing early, and ensuring vaccines are available,” Dr Diaz-Musa said.

Health officials are asking the public to remain alert for symptoms of measles—such as fever, rash, and cough—and to report suspected cases promptly to the nearest health centre or by calling 0-800-MOH-CARE.

CARICOM Secretary-General Urges Reparatory and Digital Justice at UN Forum

CARICOM Secretary-General Dr. Carla Barnett has issued a strong call for reparatory justice and digital equity during her address at the Fourth Session of the United Nations Permanent Forum on People of African Descent, held under the theme “Africa and People of African Descent: United for Reparatory Justice in the Age of Artificial Intelligence.”

Speaking at UN Headquarters in New York, Dr. Barnett brought greetings on behalf of the Caribbean Community and commended Dr. June Soomer for her leadership of the Forum. She also welcomed the appointment of Ambassador Martin Kimani as the Forum’s incoming chairperson.

“This Permanent Forum has established itself as an important consultative body with a vital role to play in championing economic, social, digital, and especially reparatory justice,” she stated.

Dr. Barnett stressed that systemic inequality and reparations for the global African community remain central to CARICOM’s advocacy, especially as the world enters the UN’s Second Decade for People of African Descent. “It is an opportunity to confront the consequences of European colonization and enslavement,” she said.

Highlighting Haiti, she reminded delegates that April 2025 marks 200 years since France imposed a 150 million franc indemnity on Haiti for its independence. “The negative economic and social effects of this historical injustice are painfully clear… This anniversary presents an opportunity to bring global attention to the situation in Haiti.”

She welcomed the African Union’s declaration of 2025 as the Year for Justice for Africans and People of African Descent through Reparations and reaffirmed CARICOM’s commitment to partnership with the AU. She noted recent milestones, including the first Africa-CARICOM Summit, the Accra Reparations Conference, and an upcoming second summit in Addis Ababa.

Turning to the Forum’s emphasis on artificial intelligence, Dr. Barnett warned that unequal access to AI could widen the digital divide. “Africans and people of African descent are at risk of being further left behind,” she said. She urged the Forum to push for inclusive digital policies, investments in technology, and safeguards against algorithmic bias.

“This session is an opportunity to pool our collective knowledge and strengthen our commitment to justice,” she concluded. “Let us continue to work together to build inclusive societies where the rights of all people—especially people of African descent—are respected.”

ComPol Urges Caution on Roads, Waterways Ahead of Easter Holidays

As the Easter season approaches—a time when thousands of Belizeans head to inland resorts, rivers, beaches, and family gatherings—Commissioner of Police Chester Williams is urging the public to exercise extreme caution both on the highways and in waterways.

Speaking to the press, Commissioner Williams acknowledged the troubling trend of increased fatalities during this time of year.

“At this time of the year, we know that the Easter season is one that many Belizeans tend to take for granted, and this has troubled us for many years,” he said.

He pointed to a recurring spike in loss of lives—not just due to road traffic accidents, but also drownings. As such, he is encouraging Belizeans to prioritise safety in every aspect of their holiday travel and recreation.

“We see an increase in loss of lives, not just on the highways, but also on the waterways,” he stated. “So we normally encourage our people to exercise extreme caution when using the highways. Try to drive within speed limits. Do not drive recklessly. Stay on your side of the road.”

For those planning to visit rivers and other bodies of water, Commissioner Williams advised against swimming alone.

“Always try to take somebody with you. Don’t go alone because sometimes the water is so cold, you can catch a cramp. And if nobody is there to assist you, you might just submerge and never resurface,” he warned.

He also advised swimmers to avoid entering deep areas where they cannot keep their head above water.

On the road safety front, the Commissioner said that police will be partnering with the Department of Transport to conduct nationwide enforcement operations.

“The police department will be working very closely with the Department of Transport countrywide to make sure we do our part to mitigate the occurrences of traffic accidents on the highways around this time,” he added.

2025 Farmer of the Year Winners Announced

The National Agriculture and Trade Show (NATS) Committee, in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Enterprise, has announced the winners of the 2025 Farmer of the Year competition.

This year’s recipients are Gregorio Esquivel of the Corozal District as Senior Farmer of the Year, Naomi Requena of the Toledo District as Female Farmer of the Year, and Juan Carrillo of the Orange Walk District as Junior Farmer of the Year.

The Committee extended congratulations to the winners for their dedication and hard work, emphasizing the importance of agriculture as a cornerstone of Belize’s economy. It also recognised all participants, judges, and farmers across the country for their continued contributions to national development and food security.

The announcement comes as the country prepares for the National Agriculture and Trade Show 2025, scheduled for May 30, 31, and June 1 in Belmopan. This year’s theme, “Integrating Sustainable Food Systems: Mitigating Climate Change, Strengthening Agricultural Resilience”, highlights the growing focus on sustainability and climate-smart agricultural practices.