Sometimes, it’s in the quiet corners, where the breeze is gentle, the people are warm, and the pace is slow, that you find the most meaningful memories.
For those craving peace, space and picture-perfect scenery, we’ve rounded up five underrated Easter destinations that are just as beautiful, of course, minus the large crowds.
1. Blue Creek Dam, Orange Walk Tucked away in the northwestern village of Blue Creek, this tranquil dam is a peaceful escape surrounded by lush greenery. It’s perfect for picnics, nature walks or just soaking in the sounds of rushing water and rustling leaves. Snap a few shots; the views are truly gallery-worthy.
2. Corozal Bay If you’re after beach vibes without heading to an island, Corozal is calling. With its cool breezes, calm bay waters and the annual Easter Concert and Beach Bash, this northern town offers fun with just the right dose of relaxation.
3. Sarteneja, Corozal District Even quieter than Corozal Town, Sarteneja is the ultimate blend of village life and sea breeze. The Easter Regatta is the highlight here—featuring traditional keelboat races, food, music and a strong sense of community. It’s vibrant, yet laid-back—perfect for a cultural experience with beach-time perks.
4. Rio On Pools, Mountain Pine Ridge Hidden deep in the highlands, the Rio On Pools offer a scenic change of pace. Granite rocks, cascading waterfalls, and freshwater pools make this one of the best swimming destinations in the country. Bring a picnic, your camera, and your adventurous spirit—it’s a photographer’s dream.
5. Punta Gorda (PG) For a southern escape, PG has it all: sea, rivers, culture and history. Easter egg hunts, street markets, and a mix of Garifuna, Maya and East Indian heritage make this town rich in experiences and smiles.
So, if you’re ready to swap crowds for calm, consider these lesser-known gems. Your Easter weekend in Belize just got a lot more peaceful and just as unforgettable. These spots offer more than just scenic backdrops for your next Instagram post; they offer moments of real connection with nature, with community, and with yourself.
A prominent faculty member at the University of Belize has been placed on administrative leave due to numerous sexual offense allegations. News Five has obtained documents showing that for over ten years, students have been writing to the office of student affairs about the alleged behavior. Tonight, Dr. Pio Saqui, a lecturer and President of the University of Belize’s Faculty and Staff Union, is at home while the university investigates the allegations. Although the probe is in its early stages, the complaints are numerous and detailed. News Five’s Paul Lopez reports.
Paul Lopez, Reporting
News Five has confirmed that Dr. Pio Saqui, a faculty member at the University of Belize and President of the University of Belize’s Faculty and Staff Union, has been placed on administrative leave following numerous sexual offense allegations. These allegations date back to 2010. In one instance, a student wrote to former Dean of Student Affairs, William Neal, seeking help. She stated that, quote, there are several other victims of sexual harassment, end quote. She claimed that Saqui sent her a friend request on Facebook and then began sending frequent messages, calling her his favorite student, saying she was pretty, and that he had a crush on her.
The student even provided printed copies of the messages Saqui allegedly sent, which included comments like, quote, you how bad you are with me… now I am sad… congrats…. be a good girlfriend and always respect yourself, end quote, and, quote, if you need a secret hug… I am here always, end quote. When she ignored him, he responded that she was hurting his feelings. She also alleged that Saqui repeatedly invited her to his house for a drink, which she found unprofessional and uncomfortable, affecting her interest in the class. A second student wrote to Neal in 2015 with similar allegations. She accepted his friend request on Facebook and would ask him about assignments and tests, but he would always respond by telling her not to stress about tests because they would be easy and that she should come to his house to relax and drink. She also alleged that he would be with her even when her boyfriend was around.
The latest report against Saqui came in 2025. The letter to the Office of Student Affairs detailed numerous alleged behaviors amounting to sexual harassment and misconduct, including unwanted touching, unsolicited and persistent comments about students’ appearance and bodies, repeated requests for hugs and physical contact, and invasive questions about students’ personal relationships, sexual activity, and home life. The author of the letter requested that Saqui be removed from classroom and field activities pending investigation, that a confidential and impartial investigation be conducted, and that students be protected from retaliation and receive necessary support. The letter also noted that his alleged actions violate the university’s student handbook and the Anti-Sexual Harassment Act. It included testimonies from four female students who recounted instances where he allegedly asked for hugs, held their hands inappropriately, made sexual remarks, engaged in unsolicited shoulder massages, and sent uncomfortable messages.
Today, the University of Belize told News Five, quote, we have received the allegations. We are taking them seriously. We are engaging transparent and thorough protocols of the UB policies with the intent for a speedy and fair resolution based on the necessary investigation, end quote. Notably, an official police report is yet to be filed. We will continue to follow these reports and the university’s investigation. Reporting for News Five, I am Paul Lopez
Just before news time, we spoke with the Minister of Human Development, Thea Garcia-Ramirez, who confirmed that her ministry is offering support to the alleged victims from the University of Belize. She also revealed that the Office of the Attorney General will provide legal aid to the students. Before you hear her comments, it’s important to note that we have made multiple attempts to contact Doctor Pio Saqui for his response, but our calls and messages have gone unanswered. Here’s what Minister Garcia-Ramirez had to say.
On the Phone: Thea Garcia Ramirez, Minister of Human Development
“Earlier this week, we received a letter from a spokesperson alleging to be speaking on behalf of a couple of young women students from the University. We take all of these incidents very seriously. We reached out via the spokesperson to see if they wanted our support and how it is that we could help. Up to today, the end of business day, four women have come forward with allegations of sexual harassment and impropriety against the faculty member of UB. So, our ministry and our social workers have been in communication and are lending support. We have to understand that it takes a lot of courage and bravery to come forward and make these allegations. My belief and understanding is that they have formally written to the University of Belize to make these allegations more formal. I cannot confirm whether or not the police have been brought into the matter. I am not sure whether or not the young ladies will seek to make a report, which is their right to do so or not do so as they see fit.”
On Tuesday, we reported on the alleged rape of a woman by a prominent union leader. The victim claims she was sexually assaulted by her colleague in April 2019. After years of suffering in silence, she finally found the courage to come forward. She first filed an official complaint with the Belize Police Department, but when they failed to act promptly, she turned to the media and shared her story for the first time, six years later. Tonight, we will continue our coverage of this incident.
Voice of: Alleged Rape Victim
“I was so frightened and shocked. The next day I just stayed in my room because I was to work again late, but I just stayed in my room that whole day, well, at least ‘til time fi mi gaan da work because I was so frightened. I think I stayed in my room and then got ready for work and my mom wanted to know how I wasn’t coming out of my room that morning, but I was just there crying. I didn’t want her to know because my mom was like, she was already getting down, soh I neva want nothing to stress her. I never told her about this and I was going to go to my grave with this secret, but the reason I ended up doing the police report, I did my official police report on February tenth, because I went to the Queen Street Police Station on, I think, February sixth, but it didn’t go smoothly because I was to do the report at the Ladyville Police Station being that da Ladyville side ih happen. So the officers contacted me and did the report with me, picked me up on February tenth and we did the report. Yoh know what’s the problem, some people can’t take rejection. Some people can’t take rejection. That da weh eat he out, that da weh bun he because he know weh he do and he wanted wahn relationship afta dat and I would not give in to him and he thought [that] harassing me in my workplace, when dehn put ahn eena di same area weh I di work, he thought harassing me would force me to give in to him, it would get me weak and force me to give in to him and have something with him and all weh ih do da give me di courage fi get up and gaan da di police fi report ahn.”
Isani Cayetano
“So why hasn’t he been arrested and charged and brought before the court?”
Alleged Rape Victim
“I don’t know. Di police dehn tek down my report. From weh I understand, he was detained. From weh I understand, the information was sent up to the DPP Office and they still haven’t gotten a response from the DPP. This was sent from February.”
Earlier today, the National Trade Union Congress of Belize (NTUCB) issued a statement addressing the allegations against the union leader. The organization emphasized its zero-tolerance policy for all forms of sexual violence, abuse, or misconduct. They stressed that these accusations are serious and require the utmost seriousness, empathy for both the alleged victim and the accused, and a strong commitment to justice. The NTUCB firmly supports due process and the principles of fair and impartial justice, stating that everyone is entitled to a fair investigation and the presumption of innocence until proven guilty in a court of law. This evening, we also asked the President of the Public Service Union to share his thoughts on the allegations against his union colleague.
Dean Flowers
Dean Flowers, President, Public Service Union
“That matter continues under investigation and I don’t think that it would be proper for me to comment on it considering that the allegations are currently being looked into by, I’m quite sure, the union in question, as well as by the wider umbrella organization. But considering your question on the matter, I want to make it abundantly clear that the union movement, and I believe I speak on behalf of every true trade unionist, we do not condone any such acts or behavior. I think that where the PSU is concerned, we would be the first to condemn any act of violence, in any shape or form, against women. We don’t tolerate that. However, it is also important that we recognize that the justice system presumes all individuals innocent and they must be proven guilty and you cannot pronounce somebody to be guilty simply based on the allegations of another person. We need to listen to those allegations, do the investigative work and, as I am doing today, condemn such actions or acts by men, or women, against the opposite sex.”
The Government of Belize has approved salary increases for Cabinet Secretary Stuart Leslie and all Chief Executive Officers in the Briceño administration. The CabSec’s annual salary has been raised to ninety-six thousand dollars, while the CEOs’ salaries have been increased to eighty-eight thousand dollars. News Five obtained a memo where the Cabinet Secretary informed Financial Secretary Joseph Waight and the CEOs about the raises. The document noted that allowances for these positions remain unchanged. Interestingly, the last time government CEOs received a salary increase was in 2018. However, not everyone is pleased with the news. Leader of the Opposition Tracy Panton expressed her alarm. Paul Lopez has more details.
Paul Lopez, Reporting
The Cabinet Secretary and Chief Executive Officers received a significant pay raise. A letter to Financial Secretary Joseph Waight, signed by Cabinet Secretary Stuart Leslie, outlines the increases. The Cabinet Secretary’s annual salary is now ninety-six thousand dollars, effective March thirteenth, just one day after the general election. CEOs will now earn eighty-eight thousand dollars a year, effective March eighteenth. Opposition Leader Tracy Panton expressed her alarm over these approved increases.
On the Phone: Tracy Taegar Panton, Leader of the Opposition
“I am a little alarmed, and I hope all Belizeans are too, because this is being done at a time when we don’t have an approved budget, when the government continues to operate with an unauthorized spending. Our fiscal year came to an end on March thirty-first. We should have in place by now a budget that was read and approved and dated. That is not the case. It is alarming because we have heard reports of front line workers, whose jobs it is to give service to the Belizean people, operating with subpar equipment in subpar conditions. It is alarming because we recently heard of a decision to release open vote workers who were employed at the Department of Youth Services and the Sports Department.”
This isn’t the first time CEO salaries have made headlines. In October 2022, their allowances were restored after being cut by fifty percent during the COVID-19 pandemic. At that time, they were earning seventy-six thousand dollars annually. Cabinet Secretary Stuart Leslie noted that the last salary increase for CEOs was in 2018.
Stuart Leslie
Stuart Leslie, Cabinet Secretary (File: Oct 28, 2022)
“2018 was the also time that C.E.O.’s got any salary increase, any increase in allowance or anything, 2018. In most jobs you go every ear people get increase. So, if you are talking about cost of living and so on, what we are earning right now is what the government believes a C.E.O. is worth in 2018. Think about this, a ministry like the Ministry of Education, three hundred million dollars, C.E.O. earns seventy-six thousand dollars, plus seven hundred and fifty dollars up until we restored her allowances to fifteen hundred dollars. You go all over the world and ask, C.E.O.’s in large cooperation’s managing far smaller budgets.”
Regarding the Cabinet Secretary’s signature on the document approving the salary increase, he told News Five today that his signature is just a formality. He explained that he doesn’t have the authority to set his own salary and didn’t push for an increase. The final decision lies with the Prime Minister, who is also the Minister of Finance and head of Cabinet. However, Opposition Leader Tracy Panton argues that without an established budget for the new fiscal year, these increases lack proper justification.
On the Phone: Tracy Panton
“When you enter the public service, while you should be compensated for your experience and expertise and what you bring to the table, your first duty should be to the people. So you enter public service understanding that you cannot be paid a private sector wage because we have to live within a budget that would be focused on delivering service to the people. We serve the people, the people don’t serve us and we have to get back to this idea that public service is about service to country and people and not the other way around. It is difficult for me to understand such increases out of context or any kind of framework as to what our national budget will look like.”
CEOs receive annual allowances that include one thousand, five hundred dollars per month for living and entertainment, and two hundred and fifty dollars per month for telephone expenses. Reporting for News Five, I am Paul Lopez.
The Public Service Union (PSU) is condemning the Briceño Administration for a salary increase for the Cabinet Secretary and Chief Executive Officers that came into effect one day after the 2025 general elections. In a statement today, the P.S.U. highlighted that the salary increase comes amidst stagnant wages, withheld increments, and threats to the pensions of public officers across the country. President of the PSU Dean Flowers says that this salary increase comes as a disrespect to the union.
Dean Flowers
Dean Flowers, President, Public Service Union
“This came at us like a thief in the night. At no point in time did we envision this shameless act once again by the cabinet secretary on behalf of the CEO caucus and himself. What is even more damning, it doesn’t even says that cabinet approved. It just says we’re adjusting our salary pretty much. And I’m adjusting my salary and the and also the he kind adjust the CEO’s salary. There was no indication that this matter was tabled before coming out, that it came as a result of approval by the Prime Minister. Nothing to that extent. What’s even more surprising is that in our good faith conversation and discussions with the government negotiating team led by Honorable Cordel Hyde, deputy Prime Minister and and Minister of State Ministry of Finance, honorable Chris Coye, they would’ve given us their undertaken and their commitment that we will embark this administration will embark with the support and sponsorship of the IDB to undertake a comprehensive salary review and salary restructuring exercise. And so given that undertaking everybody’s salary would’ve been looked at and everybody, it is expected that everybody then would be compensated as fairly and as justly as is possible. So given that the government has given this undertaking to the PSU and the joint unions, It’s a disrespect to the entire collective bargaining process. It’s a disrespect to the government negotiating team in my view, because in essence they’re saying we don’t care what you’re doing on the larger scale. We’re looking after ourselves. And and this is what we want and this is what we get. And I guess this is another, come back on their end, considering that in the past we would have of course called for a reversal of certain decisions where their allowances were concerned.”
In the statement, the Public Service Union also estimated that the three increments owed to public servants by the government are equivalent to a seven-point-five percent salary adjustment. P.S.U. demands that the government make this adjustment, further estimating that approximately forty percent of public servants earn less than twenty thousand dollars annually. P.S.U. President, Dean Flowers elaborates on these demands.
Dean Flowers, President, Public Service Union
“Our calculation shows that the increases especially where the Cab Sec is concerned overs around fifteen percent We’re asking for half of that. We’re asking for a salary adjustment of seven point five percent and we’re not asking in the sense of begging for consideration, we’re saying to the government of Belize, whether it was under the UDP, whether it is under the PUP, you have withheld a minimum of sevent point five percent salary from public offices. So we’re demanding that seven point a half percent. We’re not asking to enter into negotiation for over seven point a half percent. We’re saying if you can give your CEO caucus and your cabinet secretary and by extension yourself, because there is no way any minister will continue to sit and watch the CEOs earn more than them. That’s foolish for one of us to think that the ministers will not get an equivalent salary adjustment. And so we’re saying, look, give us what we deserve and what you’ve withheld from us, our seven point a half percent, and that’s non-negotiable. We’re also saying in 2024, we signed our CBA. Our CBA was made effective 2021. We’ve had this conversation with the Ministry of Public Service to see you transferred persons up until 2024 at the rate of $one thousand two hundred in transfer grants. The CBA says, and the CBA is a legally binding document, and it again. It is for public officers to decide whether they wish to sue the government for these monies with interest included. And I want to take advantage one time and say, including those persons who are indebted at their income tax return, you have the right to sue with interest. So we’re saying to the government, we want you to pay those retro payments from 2021 to all public officers who were transferred that difference of three hundred dollars.”
As the Leader of the Opposition mentioned, these salary increases are happening just before the 2025/2026 budget presentation. So, when will the meeting at the National Assembly take place? Panton says the opposition hasn’t received notice with the date yet.
On the Phone: Tracy Panton, Leader of the Opposition
“We have not at all. We have only heard what the prime minister has indicated in the public domain that he is looking somewhere in mid-May for a budget presentation. This is not the prime minister’s first rodeo, and he certainly did all he could do to try and secure thirty-one seats. So for him to use the excuse to say we just had an election and we need to realign our ministries and priorities is not acceptable. So, you knew you were running to take on another term. You outlined in your manifesto your commitments to the people, so any realignment in the budget should not, and we have finite resources, it is not like it should be that difficult or take so long to make whatever adjustments he may deem necessary immediately following an election.”
Animal cruelty has been a major concern for Belizeans across the country. Recently, we’ve covered stories about neglected and abused horses and dogs being shot by police officers. But animal cruelty takes many forms and happens around us every day. In tonight’s edition of the Five-Point Breakdown, we examine the culture of animal cruelty in Belize and the laws that protect animals. News Five’s Britney Gordon reports.
Britney Gordon, Reporting
Less than a week ago, a shocking video showing a brutal attack on a horse with a machete went viral, causing widespread concern across the country. Following the incident, five people, including three minors, were charged with animal cruelty. Unfortunately, this isn’t the first time such a crime has happened in Belize. Just this past January, a police officer was charged after a video of him repeatedly beating a dog circulated on social media. Animal cruelty occurs every day, but it’s rarely caught on camera or reported.
What is Animal cruelty?
Britney Gordon
Belize’s Cruelty to Animals Act outlines penalties for any person who refuses or neglects to provide and supply animals in their care with food and water, and any person who cruelly beats, ill-treats, over-drives, over-loads, or tortures animals. It even makes provisions for those mishandling animals or engaging in animal fighting, but what are these penalties?
The law allows police officers to arrest anyone violating its provisions without needing any other authority or warrant, so offenders can be brought before a magistrate and dealt with according to the law. Recently, Police Commissioner Chester Williams prosecuted the case against the five men accused of injuring the horse.
Penalties for Cruelty to Animals
Chester Williams
Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police (File: April 11th, 2025)
“Under the law, the offense of the offense of cruelty to animal carries a imprisonment term of six months. And there is no provision there for a fine. Yes, we know that applying the legal principles that even though a fine is not there, the magistrate at trial if found guilty can still impose a fine or they can go at a custodial sentence depending on how they see the evidence and the different submissions that the different parties may make at that particular juncture.”
Animal abuse has become normalized in Belizean society. While most people don’t see themselves as abusers, many ignore the instances of cruelty happening around them every day. Dr. Jane Crawford, a veterinarian with nearly thirty years of experience, has treated dozens of animals hurt by humans.
The Normalization of Animal Abuse in Belize
Jane Crawford
Dr. Jane Crawford, Veterinarian, Animal Medical Center
“During my time working as a vet, we have had animals come in that were maybe chopped by machette. Maybe the neighbor has a grievance against a neighbor and they will take it out on the animal. So we would see quite a few cases of that. And I think we have to also know that cruelty is not only physical abuse, it’s also neglect that you just, you have your animal chain all the time and you don’t feed it on time. So all of that plays a part in in cruelty to animals.”
Crawford has seen a decline in severe cases of animal cruelty. However, every case is still heartbreaking to witness.
Dr. Jane Crawford
“We get animals that they have been thrown hot water on them. I had one particular case where somebody had forced the dog to eat a hot boiled egg. And so we got burns all inside the mouth and we get animals that are just thrown away. And then just kicked and hit. So you get fractures and broken bones and all of that.”
Across the country, several organizations are championing animal rights. These groups are made up of volunteers like Odessa Solis, who have devoted their lives to rehoming injured animals and strays and raising awareness about proper animal care. Solis believes the problem with many Belizeans is that they see animals as property, rather than living beings with needs and feelings.
Belizeans Step up to the Plate for Animal Rights
Odessa Solis
Odessa Solis, Animal Rescue Volunteer
“It’s been a hardship for us to experience now growing up in our community, looking at the neglect that the animals are going through and the abuse. And basically what I do to contribute to my community. I work along with my mom where she lives, there’s so many animals on the streets that are neglected and abused, and what we do is provide just a home, provide meals, water, any medical help and just basically assist them with whatever needs they need.”
Sheltering and feeding the fifteen animals currently under their care has become a costly endeavor for Solis and her mother, but they continue to reach out to the public for support as they attempt to rehome them. A tough part of the job is assisting animals that come from abusive or neglectful homes.
Odessa Solis
“Animals that are treated really badly do come with their downside, right? However, being the kind of person that me and my mom are, we’re very patient. We try to put ourselves in those situations to understand, you know?”
In the recent horse abuse case, the Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA) stepped in to treat the injured animal. Zoe Roberson Zetina, BAHA’s Managing Director, emphasizes that BAHA advocates for the humane treatment of all animals, whether they are pets or work animals.
Zoe Roberson Zetina
Zoe Roberson Zetina, Managing Director, BAHA
“We always believe in the humane treatment of animals, and so this is definitely something that we condemn and we condemn it in all its forms. We do take keen interest in animal welfare, but that is a component of BAHA that we have not properly developed. So there are different animal humane society and different agencies that look after this type of thing in a more detailed way than, BAHA does, but there is a component of animal welfare that we monitor and we condemn the actions. So that is a big part of why we will respond to all injuries that are reported to BAHA.”
Dealing with animals can be frustrating, and this often leads people to act violently. However, Dr. Jane Crawford advises pet owners to step away from the situation and return once they’ve calmed down. Odessa Solis explains that she will continue to help neglected or abused animals, but without full support from the public and police, there’s only so much she and other volunteers can do.
Ending Animal Cruelty in Belize
Odessa Solis
“I feel like those people that do these awful things they really have some issues to deal with. They need help personally. But at the same time, I would like for the government or even the police department to be aware that you do have citizens that need that help, that support from you guys because it’s sometimes it’s very hard to go to some neighborhoods and try to fight for these animals. And these people are very resistant to the assistance.”
Many animal rights activists hope that by continuing their efforts and speaking out, Belize will strengthen its penalties for animal cruelty and reduce the daily instances of abuse. Britney Gordon for News Five.
