2025-04-16 - Channel 5 Belize

Fire Destroys Three Business in San Pedro

Fire officials are investigating the cause of a fire that destroyed three businesses in San Pedro on Tuesday night. The blaze was first seen around nine o’clock, coming from Brunolitos near the park on Front Street. The Belize National Fire Service hasn’t released official details yet, but News Five spoke with two people who helped out. Here’s News Five’s Marion Ali with the report.

Marion Ali, Reporting

A fire destroyed three businesses in San Pedro on Tuesday night. The blaze started at Brunolitos and quickly spread to two neighboring businesses. Coast Guard Acting Commandant, Lieutenant Alma Pinelo, was one of the first responders and joined the bucket brigade when the fire truck faced difficulties.

On the Phone: Lt. Alma Pinelo, First Responder

“A traffic officer, I don’t know his name, he was the one that told us to start getting a line together. And you know, as San Pedranos, we know what that means. We didn’t have enough buckets at the time. Ambergris Today had put on their live, you know, if anybody has any buckets, please bring it to Front Street. They shared a picture, that picture went viral for us to get buckets. And then we went from having four buckets to having about 20 buckets within less than 20 minutes. Some of us got out of the line, myself included, and we started ferrying the empty buckets from the beginning of the line to the sea, and there was about four, six men in the water filling the buckets with water. And then we would just bring the buckets back and forth until we did that easily for over an hour.”

Island Emergency Services, owned by Abner Bacab, rushed to support the firefighters by supplying oxygen. Bacab shared with us how his team stepped in to help.

Abner Bacab, First Responder

“A lot of the times, the firefighters, you know, as an emergency move fast to try to get to the area or location of the fire, combatting the fire. Sometimes, you don’t have time to get ready. They arrive very fast at the scene, so sometimes, they run out of air that they used to breathe. But I know that in couple instances they would breathe in the smoke or the carbon monoxide that is produced from the smoke. So, after combating the fire – the most important thing is to combat the fire and try to contain it and stop it, you know, so sometimes, they would breathe a lot of smoke and that affects them in many ways. It can affect your nervous system, it can affect your brain cells, all of these things because you are low on oxygen. Definitely, after I was there for a little bit helping trying to get some stuff salvaged from a couple of business friends that I know that have businesses there.”

Bacab and Pinelo both agree that the island’s fire service needs an upgrade. They also think more hydrants are needed on the tourist island.

Abner Bacab

“Maybe like a month of two, we had a lot of problems within the fire department where the firefighters were complaining of the working environments: the equipment, the tools that they needed to do their work, you know, so most of it they had said was use the equipment they had got. At least it’s something, but it’s not the best equipment for our firefighters. As we know, this has been a problem for a long time now. We should see the need for better equipment and for B.W.S. to do maybe some fire hydrants or something to where when you run out of water that the fire truck could easily hook onto and then you have a source of water, or even if it’s just something to go out to the sea, something.”

Marion Ali for News Five.

PSU Ready to Work on Collective Bargaining Agreement

Along with the seven-point five percent salary increase, the union is also pushing for transfer grants to go up from twelve hundred to one thousand, five hundred dollars. They want the government to make sure every public officer transferred between 2021 and 2024 gets the one thousand, five hundred dollars they’re owed, as per the negotiated agreement. P.S.U. President, Dean Flowers, pointed out that these demands haven’t been met yet, and despite no budget review, a C.E.O. salary increase has been approved.

Dean Flowers, President, Public Service Union

“In essence, we’re saying to them that we want a response to that framework within twenty-one days, so that we can move ahead with the negotiations. And more specifically with the submission of proposals that are to be considered under the new CBA. So they have twenty-one days to respond to us before we go back to our membership and ask for a mandate on how we proceed. Despite the elections, the government had enough time to look at that framework and to provide us with a response. But clearly they do not prioritize public officers. They do not prioritize improving the lives and the working conditions of public officers. So they’ve dragged their feet there and now that the election is behind us and a new cabinet has been installed. We’re hoping that we will get a response within twenty-one days. We will be thereafter submitting our proposals and on the negotiations, I’m hoping we’ll then proceed and we can close those negotiations within six to twelve months at maximum. Within the framework, we’re proposing a maximum of one year of negotiations.”

PSU Ready to Work on Collective Bargaining Agreement

PSU President Dean Flowers also shared that the Union has submitted its framework for a new CBA to the government and are awaiting a response from the government. The PSU has allocated twenty-one days for the government to receive that response, after which the union will submit its proposals regardless of what that framework states. Flowers elaborated on the union’s urgent need for a response to the framework to advance CBA negotiations.

Dean Flowers, President, Public Service Union

Placencia Beach Erosion Threatens Belize’s Beloved Tourist Spot

The ongoing erosion of Placencia beach has sparked concern among the community, leading to discussions on how to tackle the problem before the popular tourist spot loses its entire beachfront. The Ministries of Natural Resources, Sustainable Development, and Infrastructure Development recently met with Placencia residents to address the issue. News Five’s Marion Ali spoke with Brice Dial, the Placencia Village Council Secretary, and Albert Loewen, a property owner, who explained the plan to move forward. Here’s the report.

Marion Ali, Reporting

In March, several Placencia residents gathered at the beach to remove rocks that had been piled up in front of private property as a form of protection. The property owner, worried about erosion on his beachfront, had built the rock wall to preserve the area. However, environmental research shows that these rock walls cause erosion at other beachfront properties further south on the peninsula. Erosion has been a problem in Placencia for a while now. Brice Dial, Secretary of the Placencia Village Council, says that progress in one part of the area has led to problems for them in Placencia.

On the Phone: Brice Dial, Secretary, Placencia Village Council

“There’s a lack of flow of sand coming to the peninsula now, partly because of extraction of material from the South Stann Creek River and diversions to the river. There has been a diversion for pumping water, for irrigation for the banana farms. So that’s one of the issues.”

The erosion problem worsened for Placencia residents living south of the peninsula because those living to the north placed rocks on the beach in front of their homes to protect their beachfront.

On the Phone: Brice Dial

“If every single property owner along the coast is capturing sand, at some point there is going to be no sand moving down south, which is basically where we’re at right now. So that natural replenishment that used to happen isn’t happening, and we had a scientist here working along with a group called Strong Coast, and that scientist gathered data of the entire peninsula. And there was a meeting, I think it’s going on two weeks now. He said in the meeting, he’s a specialist with coastal erosion. He said that approach is not something that is recommended by the experts. It just fixes the immediate problem in front of a property, but overall it causes more damage than good.”

A Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of South Florida recently conducted a project in Placencia. She also weighed in on the erosion issue and shared Dr. Ping Wang’s suggestions from a community meeting on the topic.

Maya Trotz, Professor, Environmental Engineering, University of South Florida

“The question for here is, I think, do you go through that process of doing the rocks and the sea walls and then learning two decades later that you know, there is another way to do this? Or do you start sort of testing and doing some pilots on what beach nourishment might look like, coupled with many other things, so coupled with beach nourishment, but maybe coupled with adding more vegetation, so that you have some sort of dunes on the beach front that can also help to hold the sand. Many people here would like to see more literal forests and just the natural vegetation come back and then on the seaside, if you nourish the beach – so this is like bringing your sand onto the beach and then it over time will naturally form with a structure that would stay there for longer. You’ll continue to have to nourish, but it’ll be a couple years maybe, and then maybe, you know, Dr. Wang was talking this morning when we passed the Placencia airport, that that has a lot of rocks. It’s important infrastructure, but also that might be an area where you could cover the rocks and make that sort of a dune.”

Albert Loewen lives in the northern end, in Maya Beach. He came up with a plan to solve the issue.

Albert Loewen, Property Owner, Maya Beach

“I already asked somebody this week if I could start with my beach if I was allowed to barge in some sand to replenish my beach, and they said that’d be a good idea to actually do a trial on my beach at my cost to try barge in some sand and see how replenishment works. So I think that’s the approach and then we try to get government involved because again, Placencia generates a lot of income for Belize. The initial issue that Placencia had, they needed about $200,000 to fix their problem that they have right now, so they’ll have to spend about a half a million dollars to start with or more, but once we get it fixed once, we will probably only have to spend about a hundred thousand a year to keep the replenishment stable in on, on the, on the Placencia beach.”

Loewen estimates it will cost about a quarter million dollars to dredge material from the sea and fill the eroded beach. He believes this is a better option than placing rock walls along the northern end of the peninsula, which would eventually leave the entire south of Placencia without a beach. However, a recent meeting between the village council and relevant ministries has resulted in a plan. According to a press release, they are committed to addressing any human-induced factors contributing to the problem. They also acknowledge the impact of climate change on Placencia. The plan includes enforcing environmental regulations strictly against non-compliance and increasing vigilance through frequent inspections. Additionally, they will formally notify the Cabinet of the concerns raised by all stakeholders and the proposed actions by agencies to address the issue. Marion Ali for News Five.

EXCLUSIVE: UB Lecturer Placed on Administrative Leave Following Sexual Harassment Allegations

A prominent lecturer at the University of Belize (UB) was placed on administrative leave on Thursday, April 10, after complaints of sexual harassment were made against him.

News Five has learnt that UB has at least four complaints against Dr Pio Saqui, who is also the president of the University of Belize Faculty and Staff Union (UBFSU).

This was confirmed with a UB official who told News 5 exclusively, “We have received the allegations. We are taking it seriously. We are engaging transparent and thorough protocols of the UB policies with an intent for speedy and fair resolution based on the necessary investigation.”

News Five has reached out to Dr Saqui for comment multiple times.

The most recent damning complaint is dated April 8. The four complainants alleged that his behaviours included but were not limited to “unwanted touching”, “unsolicited and persistent comments about students’ appearances and bodies”, “repeated requests for hugs and physical contact despite visible discomfort and refusal”, and “invasive questions about students’ personal relationships, sexual activity, and home life”. The letter also referenced testimonies from four students who said Saqui allegedly made sexual remarks, gave unsolicited massages, and engaged in repeated physical contact without consent.

The complainants have requested that Saqui be removed from teaching and field duties pending an impartial investigation and that measures be taken to protect students from retaliation.

They cite the University of Belize Student Handbook (May 2024), “which guarantees students the right to learn in an environment free from harassment, abuse, and intimidation. More urgently, it also breaches the newly enacted Anti-Sexual Harassment Act 2024.” The act defines sexual harassment as “any unwelcome sexual advance, comment, gesture, or physical contact of a sexual nature that causes humiliation, intimidation, or creates an offensive environment.”

The complaints, dating back to 2010, include reports from students who allege Saqui sent them inappropriate messages, made repeated advances, and engaged in behaviour they described as unprofessional and harassing.

We are told that the Office of the Prime Minister and the Ministry of Human Development, Family Support & Gender Affairs have been made aware of the allegations. To date, no official police report has been made.

Full story on News 5 Live at 6 p.m.

NTUCB Responds to Serious Allegations Against Union Leader

The National Trade Union Congress of Belize (NTUCB) has issued a statement addressing serious allegations of rape involving a senior member of the trade union community. The NTUCB says it has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual violence, abuse, and misconduct.

In the press release, the NTUCB expressed its commitment to justice, advocating for empathy towards both the alleged victim and the accused. The umbrella union stressed the importance of due process and the presumption of innocence until proven guilty in a court of law.

“The NTUCB remains committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity, accountability, and respect in all public and professional areas of life. We will continue to monitor this matter closely and support the affiliate union in its rightful authority to advocate for fair and equitable justice.”

As we reported, a well-known union leader and activist is facing serious allegations of sexual assault stemming from an incident that reportedly occurred six years ago. The alleged victim, who has chosen to remain anonymous, recently shared her story with News Five, expressing frustration over the lack of justice despite her attempts to have the man arrested and charged.

According to the woman, the assault took place in the early morning hours of April 13, 2019, following a period of persistent unwanted advances from the man, which began as early as 2017. She said she had repeatedly made it clear that she was not interested in a romantic relationship and only agreed to meet with him under the condition that they would discuss union-related matters.

However, what she believed would be a brief, work-focused conversation turned into a nightmare. The woman alleges that after taking her to a local establishment, the man offered to drive her home but stopped on the roadside between Rustic Korner and Haulover, where he then forced himself on her. She described how he pulled up her dress, tore at her clothing, and raped her, despite her pleas and refusals.

To date, she says no charges have been brought against the alleged perpetrator, and her calls for accountability have gone unanswered. The case raises renewed questions about justice, abuse of power, and the silencing of victims within professional spaces.

PSU Slams Briceño Administration Over Salary Increases Amid ‘Worker Struggles’

The Public Service Union of Belize (PSU) has issued a scathing condemnation of the Briceño Administration, accusing it of “shameless self-enrichment” while public officers continue to face stagnant wages and economic hardship.

In a strongly worded release likening the administration to the corrupt leadership in George Orwell’s Animal Farm, the PSU blasted recent salary hikes for top government officials.

As we have reported, the pay adjustments, outlined in a government memo dated March 28, were approved with retroactive effect from March 13—just days after the 2025 general election.

Under the new terms, Cabinet Secretary Stuart Leslie’s annual salary increases to $96,000, while Chief Executive Officers will now earn $88,000—an increase of 15.7% from their previous salary of $76,000.

“These grotesque displays of self-interest come while public officers are still waiting for the reinstatement of three withheld increments, equivalent to a 7.5% salary adjustment,” the union stated. It also noted that roughly 40% of public servants earn under $20,000 a year and are struggling to survive on what it describes as poverty wages.

The PSU criticised the Financial Secretary and CEO Caucus for enabling what it called a “culture of exploitation” and questioned whether CEOs seeking private-sector-level pay should remain in public service. “The people of Belize deserve leaders who serve them, not predators who exploit them,” the union declared.

The PSU warned that these top-level salary adjustments could trigger a domino effect, potentially increasing ministers’ salaries to match the new $96,000 base. “If these CEOs desire private-sector-level compensation for their largely ceremonial roles, they should exit the public sector and “prove their worth” in the corporate world.”

The union is calling for immediate action from the Briceño Administration to address long-standing concerns affecting public officers. Among its key demands is a 7.5% salary adjustment to account for three withheld increments. The PSU is also requesting an increase in transfer grants from $1,200 to $1,500, in line with the provisions of the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), along with retroactive payments to officers who have been underpaid since 2021. Additionally, the union is urging the government to respond promptly to the Joint Unions’ CBA framework to advance stalled negotiations. The PSU has given the administration a 21-day deadline to issue a written commitment to fulfill these demands.

The PSU also reminded its members that “you don’t get what you deserve, you get what you negotiate,” and urged all public officers to remain united. The union warned that if the administration fails to act, it will have no choice but to mobilise for collective industrial action.

“Enough is enough,” the release concluded. It says the government “must cease its parasitic enrichment and honour its obligations to the people who sustain this nation.”

Easter Fun this Weekend, and Financial Hangover Tuesday Morning? Think Again

It’s that time of year again—when the sun is blazing, the beaches are calling, and Belizeans are packing up for fun-filled Easter getaways with family and friends. But while the long weekend promises memories and adventure, it also brings a big temptation: overspending.

Local economist and financial consultant Rumile Arana, owner of Arana Consultancies, has a few pieces of advice to keep in mind during these days. He urges Belizeans to keep a close eye on their wallets and not fall into common financial traps.

“The whole idea of you having the urge that you need to go somewhere or be at a big resort during Easter is simply just that we are buying into this whole consumerism type of culture,” Arana warned.

Easter is one of those holidays where many forget to plan ahead—especially when it comes to money. Social pressure, last-minute planning, and even quick loans often lead people to spend way more than they should. But it doesn’t have to be that way.

To help Belizeans enjoy the Easter vibes without the financial hangover, Arana shared five important tips that could save a wallet outcry:

Create a Budget: Plan your spending in advance. Allocate set amounts for food, drinks, transport, and entertainment. The big reminder here? Your next payday might still be weeks away. Spend accordingly.
Pool Resources: Road trips? Beach weekends? Arana says make it a team effort. Carpooling or group trips to share transport and accommodation costs can seriously ease the load on your wallet.
Buy in Advance: Impulse buys at events or bars can quickly add up. Arana recommends a smarter approach: purchasing alcohol and snacks beforehand to cut costs. A little pre-planning goes a long way.
Opt for Cost-Effective Trips: Not every memorable Easter needs to be a luxury vacation. Day trips to riversides or local beaches offer enjoyment without the hefty price tag. Arana also suggests booking places with small kitchens so you can cook and save on meals.
Avoid Loans for Leisure: This one’s a biggie. “If you have to borrow money to enjoy your Easter, you’re always already starting off on the wrong foot,” Arana warned. Holiday-time loan offers are everywhere, but he warns: don’t fall for them. Basically, you’re sacrificing future income for short-term fun.

While it is healthy to have fun every now and then, it’s important to remember that there will be days to follow the excitement of the long Easter weekend. With a bit of planning and smart choices, every family can have a great time without waking up Tuesday morning full of financial regret.

Here’s one of Arana’s “braata” advices: saving for next year’s Easter can start right after this year’s one. Setting aside a couple of dollars every month towards next year’s Easter can start building the discipline one needs during times when one is tempted to splurge for the moment’s experience.

So before you hit the road, pack the cooler, or book that weekend escape—make sure your budget’s in check. Your future self will thank you.

Tourist Mobility Pass Now Available for Belizean Visitors to Quintana Roo

Belizean tourists travelling to the Mexican state of Quintana Roo can now take advantage of the Tourist Mobility Pass—a free digital tool designed to improve the visitor experience and safeguard their rights while in the region.

The pass is available through the website https://guestassist.mx/servicios/pase-movilidad and can be accessed via the Guest Assist app, which is regulated by the Government of Quintana Roo. Visitors can download the app from the App Store or Google Play and complete a simple form with their personal information to activate the pass on their mobile devices.

Among the key benefits of the Tourist Mobility Pass is that it grants two courtesy traffic tickets for minor infractions. It also prevents the confiscation of official documents in cases where a non-serious traffic violation occurs during their stay.

The initiative is a collaborative effort between the State Tourism Secretariat of Quintana Roo, the State Traffic Department, and business organisations in the southern zone, including the Association of Hotels of Central and Southern Quintana Roo, Coparmex Chetumal, Canirac Chetumal Bacalar, and Canaco Servytur.

Authorities strongly encourage Belizean travellers to obtain their Tourist Mobility Pass before entering Mexico and to present it to traffic officers if required. The measure is intended to ensure a smoother, safer, and more enjoyable experience for Belizean visitors to the state.

Caribbean Court of Justice Celebrates 20 Years of Upholding Regional Rule of Law

The Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) commemorated its 20th anniversary on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, with an interfaith service of reflection and prayer at Queen’s Hall in Port of Spain, Trinidad. The ceremony brought together regional dignitaries, legal professionals, and members of the diplomatic corps, with Her Excellency Christine Carla Kangaloo, President of Trinidad and Tobago, in attendance.

The event marked two decades since the CCJ’s establishment in 2005 as the region’s final appellate court and the guardian of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy. During that time, the Court has delivered over 400 appellate judgements and 37 decisions in its original jurisdiction, many of which have addressed constitutional rights, trade disputes, and the free movement of CARICOM nationals.

CCJ President, the Honourable Mr Justice Adrian Saunders, described the anniversary as a moment for gratitude, noting the Court’s commitment to justice, innovation, and independence. Commissioner Sophia Chote SC echoed those sentiments, praising the Court’s high standards and contributions to legal education through the CCJ Academy for Law.