2025-04-23 - Channel 5 Belize

U.D.P. Criticizes Government Over Toxic San Ignacio Fire

The United Democratic Party (U.D.P.) has voiced serious concerns about the toxic fire at the San Ignacio garbage transfer station over the weekend. This dangerous blaze, likely sparked by years of unmanaged waste, highlights the current administration’s failure to safeguard public health and the environment. Brave firefighters, civil servants, and community volunteers battled hazardous conditions to contain the fire, many exposed to toxic fumes from burning plastics, chemicals, and mixed garbage without proper protective gear. The U.D.P. blames repeated government inaction and poor safety standards for this crisis. The U.D.P. goes on to say that under the Barrow administration, garbage collection was decentralized and locally managed, ensuring accountability and timely waste removal. However, the current centralized model, plagued by political favoritism, has led to major contracts being awarded to politically connected individuals who subcontract services with little oversight, resulting in delays, mismanagement, and dangerous waste buildup.

No False Killer Whales Spotted, But Dolphins in Love

On Tuesday, around thirty false killer whales were spotted inside the Belize Barrier Reef system, raising concerns among marine biologists that the creatures might be lost and stranded. These dolphins, named for their resemblance to killer whales, typically live in the deep blue sea but occasionally appear in our waters, as they did in 2018 and 2024. Fortunately, both times they managed to find their way back without any casualties. Today, two marine biologists ventured offshore near Belize City, hoping to locate the school of false killer whales. The good news? There was no sign of them, giving the biologists hope that the whales have safely navigated back to their natural habitat.

Marion Ali, Reporting

Today, marine biologist Jamal Galves set out to Drowned Caye, about nine miles offshore from Belize City, in search of a school of false killer whales. These dolphins, often mistaken for killer whales, had wandered into the shallow waters of the Belize Barrier Reef. Galves was joined by members of the Belize Fisheries Department and Nicole Auil-Gomez, Country Director of the Wildlife Conservation Society. Upon hearing about the whales’ presence, they were concerned and headed out to sea, with us tagging along.

Jamal Galves, Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute

“It’s not an animal that you typically see, especially in coastal waters. It’s known to occupy pelagic, deeper waters a thousand meters in depths. So, for it to be here is very unlikely. It’s not the habitat for it. It’s not where it feeds; it’s not where it used to be. So, there’s cause for alarm.”

False killer whales aren’t common around these shores, so fishermen might not know what to watch for. Marine biologist George Myvett, an expert in fish, gave me some tips on what to look out for.

George Myvett, Marine Biologist

“The killer whale as we know is a kind of black animal with some white features, white on the belly and white lateral spots. The false killer whale has none of those. The false killer whale is really dark with some latitudes of brown, but you know, there’s no mistaking the two species. At times they would be led off course by various things. It could be navigational aids; it could be really some of these animals might be become sick and there’s a kind of leader of the pack and they would follow that leader into areas that are not necessarily native habitat.”

After an hour at sea and checking two spots, no false killer whales were found. This gives Galves hope that the school has safely navigated back through the channel into deeper waters.

Jamal Galves

“They were seen yesterday near the Stake Bank, Drowned Caye areas. By all indications they were headed south. That would lead them to the English Caye Channel, which I presume is where they got into here. We’re hoping once they get into that channel, they’ll be able to figure themselves out. They’re very sharp navigators. If these animals end up beaching that presents a significant problem for us to deal with the carcasses. If the animals are beached and alive, normal interventions would be to try and float them back into sea if they’re alive. Other than that, if it dies, we’ll probably do a necropsy on the animal to determine cause of death. In some cases, these animals are euthanized to avoid suffering, depending on what conditions they are in. But oftentimes it’s not the entire pod that is compromised. It’s usually sometimes one or two animals that are compromised, but due to the tight knit of the pod, they tend to stay together. I’m very much relieved that they weren’t seen and my hope is that they’ve actually made their way out and they’re on their journey.”

What we did spot was a group of local dolphins enjoying the sea. The males were paired up and seemed to be following a female, likely trying to mate. Marion Ali for News Five.

If Unu Tink Da Lai: Belizean Rapper Kenny Morgan Launches First Book

Today, The Imagination Factri unveiled the first published work by Belizean rapper and poet Kenny Morgan, a founding member of the Belize City rap trio Fresh Breeze Crew. In his book “If unu tink da lai,” Morgan combines his passion for lyricism and Belizean culture through nineteen captivating poems. News Five’s Britney Gordon was at the Bliss Center for Performing Arts for the launch.

Britney Gordon, Reporting

In 1988, Belize welcomed the Fresh Breeze Crew, a rap group founded by friends Kenny Morgan, Leroy Young, and Trevor Morgan. Inspired by the New York rap scene, they fused the genre with Belizean sounds, allowing Kenny Morgan’s lyrical talent to shine. He continued to nurture this passion in his solo music career. Now, Morgan is sharing his love for writing with the release of his first poetry book, “If unu tink da lie.”

Kenny Morgan, Author

“Most of my inspiration comes from situations that I observe in everyday life, persons that I interact with. And mostly I try to pick on themes that I believe will echo with the larger population. I strongly believe that utilizing the art form should always be with a view to creating positive change or motivating someone to want to do something about something. So if one line from one of the poems can reach out and accomplish that, I feel justified.”

Morgan’s work is inspired by his own life experiences and the social challenges he sees around him. Several poems include themes of feminism and poverty.

Kenny Morgan

“I believe they were important. They are important now and will continue to be important until we as a people, as a society start to address some of the changes that we see creating the situations that we are living in, that affects the way our young people approach life in general. I think it’s important for us to try to instill in them something that will have them want to rise up, to move up to greater heights and a better way of living, not just socially economically, but the interaction with the people around you and the way that you share information and knowledge.”

Yasser Musa of the Imagination Factri published the book. Musa shared that he and Morgan have admired each other’s work for years and are thrilled to collaborate on this exciting project.

Yasser Musa, Publisher

“Kenny Morgan earlier talked about how his mother raised him with a strict diet of reading. I think that says a lot about how parenting can infuse in a person, in a human being. That love and that imaginary power that you can use throughout your life. Kenny Morgan is in my mind, an enigmatic artist. He’s a artist that has a spectrum. One of the presenters, Gina Scott, called him a multi-man. And I think that is a very powerful phrased term for him because not only is he an incredible poet, but he’s also an amazing lyricist, a musician. A person who speaks not just for his generation, but for the current generation.”

Morgan was visibly moved during his speech, admitting he was blown away by the huge crowd. He expressed heartfelt thanks to everyone for backing his projects over the years.

Kenny Morgan

“I think what I feel most gratified about is the fact that the people of Belize over the years have always given me a certain amount of respect and appreciation and they give credibility to the things that I say I do. I think this is because they have been observing me for quite a while. They know what I stand for. They know the things that I say come from my heart. I mean them when I speak them. So I think what I’m most proud of is the appreciation and the reception that I get from the Belizean populates.”

Musa urges everyone to dive into the book, promising it’s packed with witty insights that he’s sure will resonate with just about anyone.

Yasser Musa

“Reading is an explosive form of self-determination. It allows you to become yourself and becoming yourself is not a, at this moment or at that moment. It is a constant journey. And I think Kenny Morgan’s own journey, we can look at even from his words, but from his lyrics, but from his life.”

Britney Gordon for News Five.

Guatemalan Authorities Withhold Support for Reef Protection Bill

Guatemala’s Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (MARN) and the National Council of Protected Areas (CONAP) have announced they cannot support a proposed law that would expand the Punta de Manabique protected area to include the ecologically valuable Cayman Crown Reef, citing legal and procedural shortcomings.

The proposed legislation, Bill 6499, aims to incorporate the reef, considered one of the best-preserved in the Guatemalan Caribbean, into the existing protected area framework. The reef plays a vital role in sustaining local marine biodiversity and supporting the livelihoods of fishers in the Izabal region.

However, both MARN and CONAP stressed that the bill lacks the required technical foundation to move forward. According to Guatemala’s Protected Areas Law, any official declaration of a protected area must be based on a comprehensive technical study approved by CONAP. Such a study must assess the environmental, social, economic, and cultural conditions of the area and the potential impacts on the local population.

“Without an approved technical study, support from relevant government institutions, and clear social backing, MARN and CONAP cannot endorse the incorporation of Corona Caimán into the protected area.”

Environmental advocates have voiced concern over the delay but acknowledge the need for due process.

The reef, located between Belize and Guatemala within the Sapodilla Cayes Marine Reserve, is a key ecological site. It hosts spawning grounds for finfish and deep-water species and is considered part of the vital Mesoamerican Reef system.

Locals in San Francisco Del Mar now claim a six-mile stretch, including much of Belize’s Conservation Zone 4, as Guatemalan territory, raising fears that NGO patrols will cease and unregulated fishing will resume.

National Student Union Demands Action on Harassment Claims at UB

The National Student Union of Belize (NSUB) is demanding urgent action and a full investigation into allegations of sexual harassment made against UB assistant professor, Dr. Pio Saqui.

Saqui is on administrative leave as the university conducts an investigation.

On April 16, News Five learnt that UB had records of complaints against Dr Saqui, who is also the president of the University of Belize Faculty and Staff Union (UBFSU), with the most recent damning complaint dated April 8.

Four students accused Dr Saqui of unwanted touching, sexual remarks, invasive questions, and persistent physical contact “despite visible discomfort and refusal.”

News Five reached out to Dr Saqui several times through various means when we broke the story. He has yet to reply to our request for comments.

In its statement, the NSUB said it “unequivocally condemns all forms of sexual harassment and misconduct” and voiced firm support for students who have come forward with claims spanning over a decade, calling the allegations “deeply concerning.”

The union said it “demands a thorough and transparent response.”

“We urge UB to ensure that this process adheres to the principles of fairness, impartiality, and accountability,” the union said, citing the university’s Student Handbook and the Anti-Sexual Harassment Act of 2024.

The union also called on the university to protect students from retaliation and to provide mental health support throughout the investigation. “

The NSUB said it will “continue to monitor this situation closely” and work to ensure student safety remains a top priority.

GoFundMe Launched for Chito Martinez’s Funeral Costs

A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to assist the family of Chito Martinez, the first and only Major League Baseball player born in Belize, following his death on Sunday, 20 April, at the age of 59.

Martinez passed away at his home in Lake Cormorant, Mississippi, after a series of recent hospitalisations. The cause of death has not been officially released, but according to the GoFundMe page, he had suffered a heart attack.

Ramiro Cortes, a close friend who organised the fundraiser, described Martinez as “a great friend who would give you the shirt off his back” and appealed for support to ease the financial burden on his widow.

“I have started this GoFundMe to help his widow with funeral and other expenses she will incur in the immediate future,” he said. “I ask that you search your heart for anything you can provide. Even prayers for God’s peace. It will bring great comfort in knowing that it will be one less thing she will have to deal with.”

Martinez’s funeral will be held Friday, 25 April, at Coleman Funeral Home in Southaven.

Domestic Violence Survivor Speaks Out After Near-Fatal Attack

A woman who narrowly escaped death after a brutal attack by her ex-partner is now pleading for public support as she works to rebuild her life.

The woman, formerly of San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, relocated to Belize City for safety after the incident. She told Ladyville Highlights she survived multiple stab wounds inflicted by her former partner, including stab injuries to her head, face, and under her arm. “I tried to defend myself, and that’s how I got more injuries… Lotta blood I lose,” she said.

The mother of four said she fought back to survive for her children. “I fight back because I have my four beautiful children,” she stated.

She revealed the abuse had been ongoing, with several police reports made. “This situation been in police hands more than one time,” she said. Though she tried to leave, she claimed her ex repeatedly returned and intimidated her. “I tried my best to leave him,” she told Ladyville Highlights.

The woman is now recovering and staying with a friend during her “transition” into rebuilding her life. Though her children are not with her at the moment, she hopes to be reunited with them soon.

She is now seeking the public’s help for financial assistance to cover her ongoing medical expenses, including a CT scan and a full assessment of the injuries she sustained, as she continues her recovery.

“Anybody who wants to extend their hands to me and help me, because I really need the help,” she said. Assistance can be made through Ladyville Highlights.

“To the young ladies,” she advised, “listen to your parents, make your parents your best friends, talk to your parents.”

Belize Loses Access to $125M U.S. Grant as MCC Faces Shutdown

The Government of Belize is set to lose access to a five-year, US$125 million development grant from the United States following the sudden decision by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to shut down the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), a major U.S. foreign aid agency.

The MCC had signed the grant agreement with Belize just seven months ago, in September 2024, marking a historic investment in the country’s education and energy sectors. The agreement was signed by Prime Minister John Briceño and MCC CEO Alice Albright and attended by U.S. Ambassador Michelle Kwan and Minister of State Christopher Coye.

Now, with the agency slated for closure, the future of the Belize Compact — which included transformative projects to expand access to education and reduce electricity costs — hangs in the balance. The new MCC-funded implementing agency, Millennium Challenge Account-Belize, was scheduled to begin project rollout in 2025.

An internal MCC email this week confirmed that the agency’s 320 employees have been offered early retirement or deferred resignations, with operations winding down within 90 days. DOGE is expected to present a resolution next week to formally terminate MCC’s global grant programmes, affecting 20 countries with over $5.4 billion in active funding.

The closure is part of a broader push by the Trump administration and DOGE head Elon Musk to dismantle select government agencies. Though Musk has announced plans to step down, DOGE continues its efforts to cut back U.S. foreign aid programs.

MCC’s compact with Belize aimed to reduce poverty by improving technical education and modernising the power grid with lower-cost renewable energy. Now, without the U.S. partnership, these long-planned initiatives face indefinite delays or cancellation.

Captain Howell Grange Discharged from Medical Care

Tropic Air announced that Captain Howell Grange has been discharged from medical care and is now resting and recovering at home. The airline expressed deep gratitude for the strength of its team and the support from the community during this challenging time.

In a statement, Tropic Air stressed its commitment to prioritising the well-being of all those affected by recent events. The airline is implementing enhanced security protocols and reviewing long-term safety procedures to ensure the continued safety of passengers, crew, and staff. Tropic Air CEO Maximiliano Greif assured that updates on these measures will be provided once fully in place.

The announcement comes in the wake of a terrifying mid-air ordeal over Belize, where American hijacker Akinyela Sawa Taylor was shot and killed by a passenger after hijacking a Tropic Air flight and stabbing three people.

Taylor, a U.S. military veteran and father of four, had arrived in Belize just nine days prior, on April 8, via an American Airlines flight from Miami, Florida.

Immigration records show this was his first time visiting the country.

In the days leading up to the attack, Taylor was involved in several troubling incidents. He caused a disturbance at the Philip Goldson International Airport when he attempted to board a United Airlines flight to the U.S. without a ticket, prompting security to remove him. On April 12, he tried to enter Chetumal, Mexico, via the Santa Elena Border but was denied by Mexican authorities and then refused re-entry into Belize. Taylor later surfaced in the Corozal Free Zone, where he reportedly spent the night in an abandoned building.

He was confronted by Corozal police and Free Zone security, during which he allegedly assaulted a police officer. Although initially detained, Taylor was released.

It remains unclear how Taylor returned to Belize or boarded the Tropic Air flight from Ranchito Airstrip early Thursday.

Belize’s First MLB Player, Chito Martinez, Dies at 59

The first and only Major League Baseball player born in Belize, Chito Martinez, died at the age of 59. His death was confirmed by the Baltimore Orioles on Tuesday, 22 April, in a tribute posted on social media.

“We mourn the passing of former Orioles outfielder Chito Martinez, the only native of Belize to play in the majors,” the team wrote.

Martinez passed away on Sunday following a heart attack in Lake Cormorant, Mississippi. An official cause of death has not yet been released, but he had recently undergone several hospitalisations, according to a GoFundMe page set up to support his family.

Martinez moved to New Orleans when he was two years old and became a baseball standout at Brother Martin High School. Drafted by the Kansas City Royals in 1984, he later joined the Orioles, making his MLB debut in 1991. He played three seasons with the club, batting .259 with 18 home runs.

His younger brother, Robbie Martinez, told Crescent City Sports, “They called Chito ‘Mex’ and called me ‘Little Mex.’ He introduced me to baseball. I worshipped those guys in 1983 and 1984 at Brother Martin. Even more, he taught me about life, about how to be a dad, about golf, above and beyond baseball.”

Chito’s high school coach, Barry Hebert, praised him as “a once-in-a-lifetime young man to coach. He led by example.”

Martinez is survived by his wife Millie, three children, and extended family. A funeral service will be held Friday, April 25, at Coleman Funeral Home in Southaven, Mississippi.