2025-04-17 - Channel 5 Belize

Belizeans Steadfast in Easter Fish Tradition

Easter is just around the corner, and Belizeans are busy with last-minute preparations for the long holiday weekend. At the Conch Shell Bay Market in Belize City, shoppers are selecting fish for their Easter meals. News Five’s Britney Gordon visited this morning to find out what to expect when shopping for fish this Easter.

Britney Gordon

“What type of fish you wanna buy this year?”

Richard Pascacio, Fish Buyer

“Snapper.”

Britney Gordon

“How you plan fi cook it?”

Richard Pascacio

“Fry, boil.”

Britney Gordon

“You cook it yourself?”

Richard Pascacio

“Yeah, I cook it; boil it, ih nice.”

Britney Gordon

“Okay. So how much fish you di buy?”

Richard Pascacio

“Two pounds.”

Britney Gordon

“Big or small fish?”

Richard Pascacio

“Small one. I buy weh I could afford.”

Britney Gordon, Reporting

Eating fish on Easter has been a beloved tradition for Belizeans for many years. With the high demand, prices tend to rise around this time. Fisherman Jaheim Lawrence shared the current market prices today.

Britney Gordon

“What da di most popular one people fi buy around this time?”

Jaheim Lawrence, Fisherman

“Ney same red snapper ya.”

Britney Gordon

“And what kind of sizes you have?”

Jaheim Lawrence

“We have like one pound, two pounds, three pounds, well the pound just go up. We have different kind of pounds. Just go up and with the prices and what’s not you wa see like Easter time, the price wa steep right. Fifteen to bout twelve.”

According to Father Jeremy Zipple, the tradition of eating fish on Easter has deep roots in Christian beliefs.

Father Jeremy Zipple

“From the earliest time from the first century, Christians would abstain from eating meat on Good Friday. The day that Jesus died, there’s a number of theories on why they did, probably because meat was more expensive. It was a luxury good. That was something that only wealthier people could eat. So wealthier people would give it up and eat a very simple diet that day in honor of the day that Jesus died.”

The market was noticeably calmer than the fishermen typically anticipate for this time of year. Oliver Sutherland says it’s because customers stocked up on fish early to avoid the price increase.

Oliver Sutherland, Fisherman

“It kinda slow today, this morning because the people ney smart. They buy their fish fa last week because they know ney raise the price ah di fish. So they buy the fish and they get it clean and put it up inna di Ziploc bag. Because come to understanding, I no know if da true but ney seh the fish da over twelve. I sell fi ten, we sell fi eight. I sell the nin, four, three, five. Fir real. So the people are smart. The people come from last week and they start to take their fish and put it up.”

Father Zipple shares that although the tradition is practiced all over the world, Belize is unique because of its firm adherence to the practice.

Father Jeremy Zipple, Associate Pastor, St. Martin De Porres

“ I think Belize, everybody going out and getting their fish on Good Friday. I’ve only seen that in Belize, like everybody else does it a little more low-key. Maybe they’ll just have some vegetarian beans or a little fish or something like that. Belize is the only place where I’ve seen everybody go out and buy fish on Good Friday.”

Lawrence plans to spend his Easter break enjoying barbecued fish with his family and friends. He urges Belizeans to continue supporting fishermen so they can benefit from their hard work.

Jaheim Lawrence

“Support te labour and culture because this da like wa daily bread fi the rest ah fisherman ney. This da how the people come out and support we same way to right. Even though the price ney steep, just come out and support ney. Da noh like we di tek ney labour lightly, we just di assist ney.”

Britney Gordon for News Five.

Father Zippler Reminding Belizeans About the Joy of Easter

As Belizeans get ready to celebrate Easter with their loved ones, Father Jeremy Zipple, the associate pastor at Saint Martin de Porres parish in Belize City, shares a heartfelt message about the true meaning of the season. He reminds everyone of Jesus’ sacrifice and the boundless love he offers to all.

Father Jeremy Zipple, Associate Pastor, St. Martin De Porres

“Have you ever felt abandoned by friends? Betrayed by friends? Jesus had that very same experience. Have you ever felt abandoned by God? God wasn’t there for you? No one was there for you? Jesus had that same experience on the cross. He goes into the worst of what it means to be a human, the most moments of most extreme suffering and isolation and abandonment and hurt. He experiences all those things as a person, fully human, fully God, but also fully human so that he knows what we go through so that he can be there with us in our owns suffering so that he can say, I get you. I understand what you’re going through. And maybe he doesn’t take away the suffering in those moments when we’re feeling betrayed, when we’re feeling alone, when we’re feeling extreme suffering and sadness. Maybe he doesn’t take away those moments, but he says, I’m there with you in it, and I know what it’s like. And I’m feeling this moment that’s so hard with my holy presence and you’ll get through it. So that’s really what we celebrate as we’re walking with him on the cross. The fact that he’s been there and he’s with us when we go through it. And then finally, Easter Sunday, we celebrate the fact that death, that suffering does not have the last word. Sometimes we go through those difficult moments in life, but we have to remember they’re temporary. They’re always on the other side. His resurrection is new, life is rebirth and Jesus’ suffering and death ends in the most glorious joy imaginable.”

UB Responds to News 5 Report on Sexual Harassment Allegations Against Lecturer

The University of Belize (UB) has issued a public statement in response to a News 5 report aired Wednesday night, which revealed that several students had filed complaints of sexual harassment against a university lecturer.

In a press release issued Thursday, the university acknowledged receiving the complaints and said it has launched a full investigation into the matter. UB stated that the accused lecturer has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.

“UB takes all allegations of misconduct seriously and addresses them in accordance with established policies and procedures,” the statement read.

The university said the case is now under review by the appropriate disciplinary committee, and pledged to ensure that due process and transparency are followed throughout the proceedings.

UB also recognized the bravery of students who came forward and noted that it is offering mental health and counseling support during this time.

Three Injured Victims of Hijacked Tropic Air Flight Recovering

Three victims injured in today’s shocking hijacking of a Tropic Air flight are receiving medical care at two hospitals in Belize City, according to Police Minister Kareem Musa, who visited them earlier today.

Musa, who was accompanied by Police Commissioner Chester Williams, personally checked in on the injured, starting with pilot Howell Grange, who is hospitalised at Healthcare Partners.

“Mr. Grange was undergoing a CT scan to ensure that no organs were affected,” said Musa. “He did receive stab wounds as well.”

Two additional victims — passengers Francesco Castaneda and Fitzgerald Brown — are being treated at Belize Medical Associates. While their injuries are serious, there is some relief in their prognosis.

“Thankfully, no serious impact to their organs as well, but they are badly injured,” Musa explained. “They have several stabs to the head and over the body… We had a chance to see them personally. They’re in good spirits, thank God. And of course, we’ll just continue to keep them in our prayers.”

The three men were attacked during the in-flight hijacking that ended in the fatal shooting of the hijacker, U.S. national Akinyela Sawa Taylor.

Tropic Air Issues Statement Praising Pilot’s Heroism After American Man Hijacks Plane

Tropic Air has released an official statement following a harrowing in-flight emergency earlier today involving one of its domestic flights. The incident, which occurred aboard a flight en route from Corozal to San Pedro, ended with a safe landing at the Philip Goldson International Airport (PGIA) after the aircraft was reportedly hijacked mid-flight.

In a press release issued this afternoon, the airline praised the pilot’s actions during the ordeal, calling them “nothing short of heroic.”

“In the face of incomprehensible pressure, our pilot acted with extraordinary courage and calm, guiding the aircraft to a safe landing,” the statement read. “His actions were nothing short of heroic.”

Tropic Air confirmed that several passengers sustained injuries and are currently receiving medical care. “Our hearts are with them, and we are offering all available support,” the airline said.

The company stressed that “safety is and remains our top priority,” noting that its pilots “undergo rigorous training to respond effectively and efficiently to any situation.” Tropic Air added, “Today we pause to recognize the bravery, skill, and leadership that brought our aircraft home safely.”

Authorities are continuing investigations into the hijacking, which resulted in the fatal shooting of the American Man Akinyela Sawa Taylor

PGIA Issues Statement Following Hijacking of Tropic Air Flight; Suspect Confirmed Dead

The Philip Goldson International Airport (PGIA) has issued an official statement following Thursday morning’s dramatic hijacking of a Tropic Air flight en route from Corozal to San Pedro.

According to airport authorities, they were alerted around 8:30 a.m. to a possible hijacking involving a Cessna Caravan aircraft, registered V3-HIG, carrying 14 passengers and two crew members.

A full emergency response was immediately activated, with all relevant agencies mobilised. The aircraft flew erratically for nearly two hours before safely landing at PGIA at approximately 10:12 a.m.

Emergency responders quickly secured the scene and accounted for all passengers. Several were injured and have since been transported to a local hospital for treatment.

The hijacker, American man Akinyela Sawa Taylor, has been confirmed dead. Authorities are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident, including the suspect’s motives and how he gained access to the flight.

Passengers are being interviewed to assist with the ongoing investigation. PGIA officials noted that regular flight operations resumed shortly after the incident.

U.S. Embassy Responds to Domestic Plane Hijacking by American Man

The U.S. Embassy has issued a preliminary response to the hijacking of a domestic plane by an American man.

Speaking at the Philip Goldson International Airport, Public Affairs Officer Luke Martin expressed sadness at the day’s events, especially on the eve of the long Easter weekend. “It really highlights the importance of safety and security,” he said. “We want Belize and the region to remain safe—not just for Belizeans, but for the many Americans who travel or reside here.”

The suspect Akinyela Sawa Taylor, who was shot and killed, was a U.S. citizen who may have been attempting to return to the United States. However, Martin clarified that the Embassy has no official confirmation of the individual’s background, including whether he was a U.S. military veteran. “We don’t have any details on his motivations or prior contact with the Embassy,” he stated.

Martin noted that the Embassy had not been contacted by the suspect during the hijacking and had no prior knowledge of his presence in the country.

“We have a strong relationship with Belizean law enforcement, and in times like this, that partnership proves crucial,” Martin said, adding that both sides were able to quickly exchange information following the incident.

While the Embassy is not leading the investigation, it stands ready to support Belizean authorities as they look into the hijacker’s identity, background, and possible entry through illegal means after reportedly being denied entry at the northern border.

“Belize is an important partner in the region, and we want to maintain those strong ties, especially with law enforcement agencies, to ensure that events like this are handled swiftly and professionally,” he said.

Flights at the Philip Goldson International Airport resumed shortly after the incident, and air traffic has returned to normal.

BAA to Boost Security at Municipal Airstrips After Hijacking

In the wake of the terrifying hijacking incident that unfolded earlier today, the Belize Airports Authority (BAA) has confirmed plans to step up security measures across municipal airstrips throughout the country.

In a statement released this afternoon, the BAA acknowledged the recent hijacking of a small aircraft that originated at the Ranchito Municipal Airstrip, commending the rapid and coordinated response of law enforcement and emergency personnel. The statement expressed “sincere gratitude to all authorities involved for their prompt action and commitment to public safety”.

Although investigations into the hijacking — which resulted in the death of the American hijacker and injuries to three passengers — are still ongoing, the BAA moved quickly to reassure the travelling public that safety and security remain top priorities at Belize’s municipal aerodromes.

According to the BAA, plans to implement enhanced security protocols, including passenger bag checks and the installation of scanning equipment, have been underway since January 2025. The authority said that these enhancements are not a reactionary measure, but part of “a proactive and long-term strategy to elevate safety standards” across the country’s air travel infrastructure.

The enhancements are designed to align Belize’s municipal airstrips with international aviation standards and best practices, providing a more secure travel environment for all passengers.

This announcement follows comments made earlier today by Commissioner of Police Chester Williams, who noted the lack of security screening at municipal airstrips, including Ranchito, as a concern. Williams had said the incident will likely prompt serious discussions at the next National Security Council meeting regarding standardised security protocols for all commercial airstrips in the country.

American Man Shot Dead After Hijacking Plane

A dramatic midair hijacking came to a tense and tragic conclusion at the Philip Goldson International Airport (PGIA) this afternoon, when a small passenger plane was forced to make an emergency landing after circling Belizean airspace for hours. The hijacker, a U.S. national identified as Akinyela Sawa Taylor, was fatally shot, and three passengers were injured.

Police Commissioner Chester Williams confirmed that the aircraft, which had taken off from Corozal, was hijacked by Taylor, reportedly a U.S. military veteran, shortly after departure.

“Shortly after taking off from the airstrip, the plane was hijacked by a passenger on board who has been identified as one Akin Taylor, who is a U.S. national. Apparently, he is a veteran as well,” Williams said. “Based on what we were getting, this hijacker was demanding that he be taken out of the country.”

The aircraft, circling Belizean airspace between Belize City and Ladyville, even veered out toward the Turneffe area at one point. Authorities grew increasingly concerned as the aircraft’s fuel levels dropped.

“Our greatest concern was the fuel consumption,” Williams explained. “The information that we were getting was that the fuel was depleting, and the plane was still at a very high altitude.”

Williams and a police team moved to the control tower to monitor the situation more closely, while multiple police units were deployed across the country — including to San Pedro, the Municipal Airstrip, the Philip Goldson International, and even to locations on the Coastal Road.

“We did this…to ensure that had the plane landed at any of these locations, we would have been able to intercept the hijacker,” Williams said.

The plane appeared to be landing at PGIA before taking off again. “The pilot then communicated to us that the hijacker had directed him not to land there…I guess because he knew that once he landed here, there would be police waiting.”

With fuel nearly exhausted, police contacted Astrum Helicopters to track the aircraft in the event of a crash landing. “We were hoping that we wouldn’t have to move from a search-and-rescue operation to a search-and-recovery operation,” Williams noted.

Just as the helicopter team was preparing to take off, the aircraft returned and successfully landed at PGIA. “As the plane landed, it ran out of fuel. So again, God is good. The passengers were quickly evacuated, and they were met by police and airport employees.”

A confrontation on the tarmac led to the hijacker being fatally shot in the chest. “I must say that the hijacker was shot to the chest,” Williams confirmed. “Three passengers on board the plane received injuries. They were stabbed with a knife — the hijacker had a knife.”

One of the passengers with a licensed firearm reportedly shot Taylor as the aircraft landed. “What we gathered from one of the passengers who was injured is that as the plane landed, he shot the hijacker. He had a licensed gun.”

That passenger was rushed to Belize Medical Associates. “We’re praying for him, and he’s our hero, I must say.”

The hijacker was taken to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival. Investigators have since recovered both the knife used in the attack and the firearm that was used to stop the hijacker.

“There were a total of 14 passengers on board. Two were Americans and the others were Belizeans, including a child,” Williams disclosed.

According to the Police Commissioner, Taylor had attempted to enter Belize legally over the weekend via the northern border but was denied entry by immigration officials. “We’re still wondering how he eventually came in, but again, we all know the porous nature of the border. So, he might have come in illegally.”

Police believe Taylor may have been involved in a disturbance at a pool hall in the Corozal Free Zone the night before the hijacking. “It seems he’s a problematic person,” Williams added. “So that is what we know of him to date — the fact that he’s a U.S. veteran.”

As for Taylor’s motive, Williams said: “The thing is that he was saying to be taken out of the country… One of the things I was hoping and praying for was that he would not say to them, ‘Take me to Cancun’ or ‘Take me to somewhere in Mexico.’ That was not done.”

The passengers injured during the hijacking are American nationals. Their conditions are being monitored.

Williams also revealed that during the ordeal, he was in direct communication with a passenger on board the aircraft. “I must say that I was in communication with a passenger on the plane who had a phone. I was speaking with him through text, and he was sharing information. That passenger helped us to assert exactly what we were going to need.”

With the PGIA runway cleared and reopened, international flights are expected to land without delay.

BREAKING: Small Aircraft Hijacked in Mid-Flight Over Belize – Here’s What We Know

A small domestic aircraft carrying 14 passengers was hijacked mid-flight this morning while en route from Corozal to San Pedro.

The plane circled erratically over the coastline near Belize City.

Video footage from inside the aircraft showed passengers onboard, including a passenger with visible wounds; he was reportedly injured while trying to subdue the hijacker

The plane landed safely at Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport, where authorities were already on the ground awaiting its arrival.

Chester Williams, the Commissioner of Police, confirmed that the hijacker was shot by another passenger. The hijacker was identified as Akinyela Sawa Taylor, a citizen of the United States of America.

Law enforcement and emergency personnel responded immediately as the aircraft landed. All passengers were safely evacuated and are receiving medical attention.

Two passengers sustained injuries, and others were treated at the scene.

International flights will remain open at the PGIA today.

Authorities continue to investigate. More updates to follow.