2025-04-16 - Channel 5 Belize

GOB Moves to Address Ongoing Erosion on Placencia Peninsula

In response to growing concerns from residents of the Placencia Peninsula, three key government ministries have pledged urgent action to tackle the ongoing coastal erosion threatening the area. The Ministry of Sustainable Development, Climate Change and Solid Waste Management; the Ministry of Natural Resources, Petroleum & Mining; and the Ministry of Infrastructure Development and Housing convened this week to discuss a collaborative response to the escalating environmental issue.

According to a joint statement, the Government of Belize has acknowledged the erosion problem and committed to identifying and addressing both natural and human-induced factors contributing to the degradation of the coastline.

Officials stressed that the impacts of climate change continue to pose serious risks to Belize’s coastal communities, endangering not only natural resources and beaches but also private property and livelihoods.

Residents have raised alarm about a range of contributing factors, including the construction of structures that disrupt the natural movement of sediment and the extraction of sand in the area. The government noted that these concerns were central to discussions at the inter-ministerial meeting, where short-, medium-, and long-term solutions were considered.

As part of its immediate plan of action, the government outlined six key steps:

Engage with local community leaders to ensure municipal stakeholders are informed and included in planning efforts.
Improve communication between regulatory bodies overseeing permits related to mining, construction, and mangrove alteration.
Rigorously enforce environmental regulations to prevent unauthorised activities that may worsen erosion.
Increase the frequency of compliance inspections to monitor approved developments that could contribute to the problem.
Present stakeholder concerns and proposed solutions to the Cabinet for swift consideration.
Seek support for scientific studies to inform sustainable long-term decision-making.

The ministries also expressed appreciation for ongoing research being conducted by the University of South Florida and for the active role played by local communities in highlighting the issue.

LOO Tracy Panton Criticises Briceño Administration for Salary Increases Without Approved Budget

Opposition Leader Tracy Panton has heavily criticised the Briceño Administration over the newly approved salary hike for CEOs and the Cabinet Secretary, calling the move “alarming” as the country operates without an approved national budget.

Panton stated on social media, “As we await the reading of the budget for this current fiscal year, the Cabinet Secretary is giving himself and the members of the CEO Caucus a hefty salary increase.”

Panton’s remarks stem from the pay adjustments, revealed in a government memo dated 28 March, which were approved with retroactive effect from 13 March—just days after the 2025 general election.

Cabinet Secretary Stuart Leslie’s annual salary now rises to $96,000, while CEOs will receive $88,000, up from $76,000, which is a 15.7% jump.

Panton told News 5 that this pay adjustment has come during a time that frontline public workers continue to operate under poor conditions, and some have even been let go without a full audit.

“This is being done at a time when we don’t have an approved budget, when the government continues to operate with unauthorised spending at this time. Our fiscal year ended on March 31st. We should have in place by now a budget that was read, and approved and debated – that is not the case,” she said.

Panton added that she is only aware, as much as the public, that Prime Minister John Briceño intends to present the budget for debate until mid-May.

“While you should be compensated certainly for your experience and expertise and what you bring to the table, your first duty and responsibility is to the people. And so when you enter public service, you enter understanding that you cannot be paid a private sector rate because we have to live within a budget that will be hopefully focused on delivering services to people. We serve the people; the people don’t serve us,” Panton told News 5.

Belizeans React to Post-Election $96K Salary Increase for CEOs and Cabinet Secretary

Cabinet Secretary Stuart Leslie and Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) in government ministries have received salary increases with effect just days after the 2025 general election.

According to an official document dated March 28, 2025, and signed by Leslie and addressed to Financial Secretary Joseph Waight and the CEOs, the salary adjustments were approved but retroactively took effect from 13 March.

The Cabinet Secretary’s annual salary has been raised to $96,000, while CEOs will now earn $88,000 annually, up from the previous $76,000—a 15.7% increase.

Many Belizeans took to social media to voice their frustration, particularly in light of ongoing struggles faced by public servants such as teachers, nurses, and several others.

“This is unfair,” one user wrote. “Teachers still can’t get their just pay, yet these people sitting in an office doing nothing get the pay of more than 50 teachers all together yearly.”

Others questioned the rationale behind the increases, “What is the justification for the increase?” And others questioned how educators must cover their own professional development costs just to maintain their licences.

“And yet teachers have to be paying for their own CPD hours and have to meet requirements for a licence to be granted.”

UK Supreme Court Rules Legal Definition of ‘Woman’ Is Based on Biological Sex

In a landmark decision delivered today, the UK Supreme Court has ruled unanimously that, under the Equality Act 2010, the legal definition of a woman refers specifically to biological sex. The judgment clarifies that individuals with a Gender Recognition Certificate (GRC) who identify as female do not fall within the legal definition of a “woman” for the purposes of sex-based rights.

Reading from an 88-page judgment, Deputy President Lord Hodge stated that the “concept of sex is binary,” though he stressed the ruling should not be viewed as a win for one side or a loss for another. Importantly, the court reaffirmed that transgender individuals still have legal protection from discrimination under the Equality Act.

The case stemmed from a challenge by For Women Scotland, a women’s rights advocacy group, against the Scottish government’s attempt to redefine “woman” in legislation to include transgender women with GRCs. The court sided with For Women Scotland, concluding that such a definition would be inconsistent with the Equality Act.

In response to the ruling, For Women Scotland said it was “grateful” for the decision after a “long road” of legal battles. On the other hand, LGBTQ+ rights organization Scottish Trans called the verdict “devastating” and urged supporters “not to panic.”

While hailed by some as a “watershed moment” for sex-based rights and a “victory for biology and common sense,” the ruling has stirred anxiety within the trans community over the future of legal protections and recognition.

The Scottish government, which lost the case, said it had acted “in good faith” in its interpretation of the law, and pledged to work with Westminster to better understand the implications of the judgment.

Police Remind Businesses of Liquor Sales Ban for Easter Weekend

As Easter approaches, the Belize Police Department is reminding liquor license holders across the country to observe the legal restrictions on the sale of alcohol during the holiday weekend.

In a directive issued on April 15, 2025, the Commissioner of Police relies on key provisions under Section 27 of the Intoxicating Liquor Licensing Act and Regulation 5 of the Liquor License Regulations. The memo outlines that no liquor is to be sold, exposed for sale, consumed, or delivered on licensed premises at any time during the mandated closure period, including Good Friday, April 18, from 12:00 a.m. to 11:59 p.m.

Only restaurant license holders may serve liquor—and only under one condition: it must be sold with a full meal, and the alcohol must be consumed while eating. The law clearly states that no alcohol sales are permitted without a meal on that day.

Police Commanders have been tasked with conducting inspections to ensure strict compliance with all aspects of the law. They are also reminded to monitor for violations such as:

Unauthorized alterations to premises without board approval.
Persons found on licensed premises during closure periods.

The directive emphasizes that only the license holder or their employees may be present at licensed establishments when they are officially closed.

The police are urging full cooperation to ensure that the Easter weekend remains safe and peaceful.

Follow These Holiday Safety Tips for Road Use, Home Security, and Water Activities

As the holiday season approaches, the Belize Police Department is urging the public to take extra precautions to ensure a safe and incident-free celebration. Through its Police Public Relations Office, the Department has released a comprehensive list of holiday safety tips covering road safety, home security, and swimming safety.

Road Traffic Safety: Think Before You Drive

Police are reminding drivers not to get behind the wheel after consuming alcohol. Even if blood alcohol levels are below the legal limit, judgment and reaction time can still be impaired. The Department advises planning ahead by assigning a designated driver or arranging alternate transportation.

Officers also caution that alcohol is not the only substance that can impair driving—medications and other drugs may also affect one’s ability to safely operate a vehicle. Drivers are encouraged to remain alert, especially at night, and to avoid swerving vehicles and those without proper lighting.

Motorcyclists and cyclists are reminded to avoid riding under the influence and to wear proper reflective clothing and helmets for increased visibility and safety.

Protect Your Home from Burglars

With many families traveling or attending events, home security becomes especially important. Police recommend securing all doors and windows and using deadbolts for added protection. Valuable possessions should be kept out of view to avoid attracting potential burglars.

Homeowners are advised to install outdoor lighting or motion sensors and to leave a light on inside the house at night. Overgrown plants and shrubs should be cleared away to eliminate potential hiding spots. Trusted neighbors should also be informed when residents are away, so they can keep an eye on the property.

Water Safety: A Lifesaving Priority

As Belizeans flock to beaches, rivers, and pools during the holiday, the Police Department stresses the importance of swimming only in designated areas and under supervision. Children should never be left alone near water, and a responsible adult should always be watching.

While life jackets are crucial for safety, police emphasize that they are not a substitute for proper supervision. Supervisors should remain alert and avoid distractions such as phones, alcohol, or other substances.

In case of emergencies, citizens are reminded to call 9-1-1 for assistance and to remain calm while waiting for emergency personnel.

The Belize Police Department encourages all residents and visitors to celebrate responsibly. “If you are consuming alcoholic beverages, don’t swim or be near the water,” the advisory states.

Fire Tears Through Business Establishments in San Pedro

Residents of San Pedro Town came together on Tuesday night as a fire tore through several businesses on Barrier Reef Drive, directly in front of Central Park.

The blaze destroyed and damaged multiple establishments, including Brunolitos and Breeze Bike Rentals. Video footage of the fire showed firefighters joining efforts with dozens of residents, who formed a bucket brigade using seawater to help bring the flames under control.

Abner Bacab, from Island Emergency Services, who assisted at the scene, described the night as a “very sad” one for San Pedro. “Thankfully the fire was contained with no loss of life,” he stated on social media, “but there was great loss of material things that affected many businesses.”

The cause of the fire remains under investigation, and officials have confirmed that no injuries were reported.

Residents are now calling for greater support and resources for the island’s fire services.

Justice Chile Eboe-Osuji Sworn In as New Judge of the CCJ

The Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) officially welcomed a new judge today as Justice Chile Eboe-Osuji was sworn in during a ceremony at The President’s House in Port of Spain. The oath of office was administered by Christine Carla Kangaloo, President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.

Justice Eboe-Osuji, a Nigerian-Canadian jurist and the first of his nationality to be appointed to the CCJ, fills the vacancy left by Justice Andrew Burgess, who retired on April 11. His appointment was made by the Regional Judicial and Legal Services Commission (RJLSC), following a rigorous and merit-based selection process that drew 26 applicants from across the Commonwealth and CARICOM states.

CCJ President, Justice Adrian Saunders, praised the new appointee’s extensive legal background, which includes service as a former President of the International Criminal Court, Legal Advisor to the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, and experience before courts in Nigeria and Canada. Justice Saunders called him “a brilliant legal mind” poised to make a significant contribution to Caribbean jurisprudence.

In his remarks, Justice Eboe-Osuji stressed the CCJ’s critical role in regional justice, stating it is an honour to join a court that empowers CARICOM nations to rely on their own final appellate body.

CCJ judges serve until the age of 72, while the Court’s president serves a single, non-renewable seven-year term.