2025-04-28 - Channel 5 Belize

Villager Appeals for Water Bowsers to Fight Fires

The wooden structure was small, measuring just fifteen-by-ten feet, but losing his friend is what really hurts Smith. He shared that Hamilton was always willing to run errands for anyone in the village. Now, the community is planning a candlelight vigil for Tuesday night to honor him. Smith is also appealing for water bowsers to be placed in villages prone to bush fires. This idea is currently being considered by the National Fire Service Belize District Station Officer, Gladstone Bucknor.

Godwin Smith, Friend of Deceased

“This is a major loss. This is hurtful. But like I say, I send message to the village of them and I ask them to please “Whenever, when a light a fire, unu try to protect it, because no use of saying dehn da bush fire and da fire weh people light. I ask – mek wa appeal to the village council and say, for five years I di lobby, at least we could get wa water truck go at the police station. At least when we call the police, they got some kind of equipment fi help wi because the distance ah weh the fire truck deh, when they come, with dehn kinda leaf ya the place done burn down, but if you have a water bowser, the police could save life and house.”

Gladstone Bucknor, Station Officer, Belize District

“The guy went out, they were outing bushfires at the time. He was fatigued, he went inside and he was sleeping and we don’t – well, the investigator hasn’t come back and said, “Yes, that the fire actually run towards the building and started the fire. The department along with the Ministry they’re looking into putting in fire stations throughout the villages, particularly Hattieville and probably through Boom area. They’re looking at that. I haven’t confirmed us yet, but that’s one of the main areas they’re looking at. Bushfires actually cause a lot of damage, especially – you can remember the one in PG just by bushfire alone, cause so many damages.”

Five More Cases of Measles in Cayo

Belize has reported five new cases of measles. The outbreak started with two confirmed imported cases on April twelfth. News Five has learned that all five new cases are from the Cayo District and come from the same household. Today, the Ministry of Health and Wellness released a statement saying that after the initial detection, five more cases were found among close contacts linked to the first two cases. They also identified over twenty school contacts: twelve were fully vaccinated, five were unvaccinated, and four had unknown vaccination status. So far, fourteen samples have been sent to Mexico for testing, and all came back negative. The ministry assured the public that they are closely monitoring the close contacts of the confirmed cases to quickly detect and respond to any symptoms.

Outrage Erupts as Princess Cinema Allegedly Screens Pirated Version of ‘Sinners’

Movie fans are up in arms online after claiming that Ramada Princess Cinema showed a pirated version of the much-awaited film Sinners during its recent screening. Many attendees took to social media, posting photos and videos that seemed to show a watermark logo bouncing around the screen throughout the movie — a telltale sign of an unauthorized copy. To make matters worse, viewers reported that the video and audio quality were horrible, likening the experience to watching a low-grade “camrip.” In one Facebook post, a disappointed customer wrote: “I didn’t watch this home because I wanted the HD experience, and I completely regret that decision.” Another upset moviegoer described the experience as “beyond low,” stating: “Your services have disappointed me time and time again, but this will not be tolerated. How many Belizeans did you punk last night?” Many expressed frustration that they were charged full ticket price despite the quality issues, with one poster questioning: “Isn’t that illegal?” News Five tried to reach out to Ramada Princess Cinema via Facebook for a comment, but we haven’t heard back yet. We also tried calling the number listed on their Facebook page, but that didn’t work either.

JLSC Acknowledges Receipt of Complaint Against Justice Hondora

The Judicial and Legal Services Commission has acknowledged receiving Jeremy Enriquez’s complaint against Justice Tawanda Hondora. As we previously reported, Enriquez filed a complaint alleging misconduct and judicial misbehavior during the proceedings of his recent constitutional claim. He is urging the commission to investigate Justice Hondora, claiming that during a recess, Justice Hondora was overheard saying he had already decided to dismiss the application. For context, here’s a portion of the recording where Enriquez’s attorney, Senior Counsel Anand Ramlogan, raised the issue with Justice Hondora.

Anand Ramlogan, Attorney-at-Law

“Might I say this for the record my lord. I have seen something disturbing and I want to bring it to your attention for the record. During the break, and my juniors have informed me, they are based in Trinidad and I am based in Fort Lauderdale. During the break I am advised that unfortunately your microphone was on. They have no audience in the court and they couldn’t contact me because I went to have my breakfast. You are recorded as being overheard in saying you have made up your mind to dismiss this application already. It is unfortunate and I want to bring it to your attention because if you have made up your mind say so and I will stop talking now. If that is what the court is saying unintentionally with your microphone on and that is being heard by my juniors and they could not contact me and I am being contacted by WhatsApp that is an important matter. If you have decided this matter without telling me, without the benefits of my submission well come clean and said so, and don’t let me waste my time with the court. I am being frustrated, uninterrupted and trying to assist the court but it seems I am banging my head to a brick wall and I am looking and searching for a mind open to suasion. But if you said that during your break then don’t waste my time.”

Justice Tawanda Hondora, High Court Judge

“Whatever information you have been told is patently incorrect.”

Anand Ramlogan

“Sorry my lord?”

Justice Tawanda Hondora

“Whatever information you have been told is patently incorrect.”

Gales Point Chairman Ready to Support Next Chairman

Earlier today, we heard from Jason Altschaft, the Chairman of Gales Point Village, as the community came together to catch a pig that had tragically killed one of the villagers. Altschaft, who has served two terms as Chairman, is not eligible to run for a third term. He shared with News Five that the role is incredibly demanding and often offers no relief. Although he won’t be sitting in the chairman’s seat anymore, he might still serve as a councilor to support the new leader. The date for the village council elections hasn’t been set yet, but the season is fast-approaching, and Altschaft is ready to lend his support to whoever steps up.

Jason Altschaft, Chairman, Gales Point Village

“I did two terms. It’s very challenging, very hard, a lot of stress and everything is on you. And when you reach out for help, a lot of times you just have to tell people, “I’m sorry, there’s no help,” and I don’t like that. I’m now on the DAVCO and we’re trying to make it more of a thing for rural communities to get more money, so that there would be opportunities to make things done correctly. We all want the right thing, but the ways and means are not always there, but you still have desire and ganas to try.”

A Review of the Weekend in Sports

Good evening and welcome to another edition of Sports Monday. I’m Paul Lopez. The Belize District Football Association’s First Division Tournament heated up this weekend with three exciting matches on Sunday. Tonight, we bring you the highlights from the showdown between Kelly Street Bombers and Tut Bay Football Club.

The starting whistle blows on this one. Kelly Street advances the ball, but Tut Bay quickly snatches it away. Kelly Street regains possession, only for Tut Bay to take it back again. A powerful kick from midfield lands just outside the penalty box. Raymond Gentle gained control from beyond the penalty area and launched a rocket towards the goal. That kick was on target. Tut Bay scored in the first fifteen seconds of the game. Devin Thurton. Twenty-five minutes into the game, Tut Bay made a big defensive play, gaining possession near the goal. A one-man breakaway led to an attempt at a pass in front of the goal, but a Tut Bay player went down inside the penalty box. The referee called a foul and awarded the penalty kick to Tut Bay. Devin Thurton took the penalty shot and sent the ball into the goal.. In the end, Tut Bay triumphed with a solid 3-1 victory.

The tournament continues this weekend. On the other hand, the Premier League of Belize concluded its closing season on Saturday. Verdes F.C. took on San Pedro Pirates for game two of the finals inside the Marshaleck Stadium. After a hard-fought battle, Verdes F.C. clinched victory with a 1-0 win. This marks their fifth championship since the Premier League of Belize was established in 2012. Verdes F.C. is now set to represent Belize in the CONCACAF Central American Cup. We will be following.

And finally, in the world of football, the Belize District Football Association’s Under-Fifteen Female Tournament also continued over the weekend. We have some highlights from two of the matches played. We begin with the game between Alvian Strikers and KP Strikers. In this one, Alvian Strikers completely dominated their opponents, winning the game with seven goals while holding their opponents to zero. Treniece Amaya scored three of the seven goals, finishing with a hattrick, while the remaining four goals were split between Aisha Reyes and Camryn Henry equally. In the second match, Royal Fusion took on Goal Getters. Royal Fusion dominated the match, scoring five goals while their opponents managed just one. Jocelyn Zuniga was the star of the game, netting three of Royal Fusion’s five goals and finishing with a hat trick. Sheren Humes and Maleah Bladen scored one goal each to round off Royal Fusion’s five goals. Adeliza Bowen scored the only goal for Goal Getters.

This past weekend also saw the Fourteenth Annual Weekend Warriors Cycling Classic. The race, from Spanish Lookout to San Cas Plaza in Belize City saw prizes in three categories. We heard from the champion, Greg Lovell Courtesy Ordonez Bike Shop.

Greg Lovell, Winner, Weekend Warriors Cross County

“What happened I ride the Holy Saturday Cross Country. And, that put me in a condition to finish that race. It put me just enough to get into this weekend warrior cross country. It was well done. I ride aggressive. I realize the Weekend Warriors guys like to open gaps. They make you go up front and if you are not careful you can get in the breeze and unable to catch back up. I try stay at the front and work with the guys at the front.”

And finally, here’s the latest on the athletes expected to compete in the upcoming Belize Premier Basketball League. Of the seven teams set to participate, the Capital City Kings from Belmopan have revealed the most players on their roster. Let’s go over some of the names: the Kings have secured former Hurricanes player Brandon “Puddy” Flowers, BEBL Most Improved Player Jayden Lopez, the dynamic and versatile John Kelly, Jevaughn McKenzie, Elvert Ariola, and Nisani Mendez. EZ Investments Griga Dream Ballers have announced the signing of 17-year-old Michael Pipersburgh, Kevin Laurie, Alexander Ariola, and Raheem Thurton. The season opener is scheduled for May 16th. Well Folks, that is all we have for you in tonight’s coverage of Sports Monday. Catch you in the next one.

Princess Cinema Under Fire Over ‘Sinners’ Screening

Moviegoers are expressing outrage online after alleging that Ramada Princess Cinema screened a pirated version of the highly anticipated film Sinners during its recent showing.

Multiple patrons took to social media, sharing photos and videos that appeared to show a watermark logo bouncing across the screen throughout the movie — a common sign of unauthorised copies. Viewers also reported extremely poor video and audio quality, comparing the experience to watching a low-grade “camrip.”

In one Facebook post, a disappointed customer wrote:

“I didn’t watch this home because I wanted the HD experience, and I completely regret that decision.”

Another upset moviegoer described the experience as “beyond low,” stating:

“Your services have disappointed me time and time again, but this will not be tolerated. How many Belizeans did you punk last night?”

Many expressed frustration that they were charged full ticket price despite the quality issues, with one poster questioning:

“Isn’t that illegal?”

News Five reached out to Ramada Princess Cinema via Facebook for comment but, up to news time, had not received a response. Our attempts to contact them via the number listed on its Facebook also were also futile.

Who will be the New Pope?

The Vatican has announced that the conclave to elect the next Pope will begin on 7 May 2025, as the Catholic Church prepares to select its 267th Pontiff following the death of Pope Francis on Easter Monday.

The decision came after nearly 180 cardinals met for a fifth General Congregation. Just over 100 are eligible to vote. The conclave will be held behind sealed doors in the Sistine Chapel, which will be closed to visitors during the election process.

Cardinal electors will take a solemn oath to uphold secrecy and avoid external interference. They are barred from communication with the outside world and must reach a two-thirds majority to elect a new Pope. Ballots will be burnt after each vote—black smoke signals no result; white announces a new Pope.

This comes after the deeply moving farewell to Pope Francis, whose coffin rested with the Gospel open atop it, its pages turning in the breeze. Thousands, including world leaders and young pilgrims, gathered at St Peter’s Square to honour a pontiff.

Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, Pope Francis was elected on 13 March 2013, becoming the first Jesuit, the first Latin American, and the first pope to take the name of St Francis of Assisi. His papacy was marked by a focus on humility, compassion, and social justice. He championed the poor, urged action on climate change, and consistently called for peace, especially during times of global conflict, The Vatican News reported.

Belmopan Remembers Skyler Williams: ‘Devoted Father and Talented Cook’

Police are investigating the tragic death of well-known local businessman Skyler Williams, 34, who died in a motorcycle crash on Sunday evening in Belmopan.

Williams was riding along George Price Boulevard with a female passenger when they collided with an oncoming van while turning into the Golden Phoenix Supermarket. The van, driven by 47-year-old Teresa de los Angeles Reyes from Frank’s Eddy Village, struck the motorcycle on its front left side.

Williams suffered fatal head and body injuries and was pronounced dead shortly after arriving at the Western Regional Hospital. A post-mortem examination is pending. Nicholson, who escaped with minor injuries, remains hospitalised with rib pain.

Local resident Chantel Petzold, who arrived at the scene just moments after the crash, told News 5 she was able to identify Williams when his mobile phone rang and displayed his photo. She stated that first responders took about 20 minutes to arrive. According to her, Williams was still alive at the scene, stating, “He fought for his life before they took him to the hospital.”

“She said he was giving her a ride, taking her home, and they were turning into the Chiney to go to the store, and the van was coming,” Petzold said the female passenger who was with Williams at the time told her. She added, “I guess, probably, he was trying to beat the turn before the van, and he slammed into the side of the van.”

Petzold described Williams as a joyful and loving person who was “never not happy… he was one of the best male cooks,” adding that he was “an exceptional dad.. When this guy talks about his children, you see a different glow in Skyler’s eyes… He was all about love.”

The crash has sparked an outpouring of grief online, where tributes continue to pour in for Williams, remembered not only as a successful businessman but also as a devoted father and talented cook, with one stating, “All of Belmopan will miss his delicious cooking.”

One social media user called Williams “an amazing father,” adding, “If we were to choose Father of the Year, your dad [Skyler Williams] would have gotten that award.”

While another user said, “Our thoughts and prayers go out to all his friends and family during this difficult time. May you find comfort in knowing how much Skyler meant to so many people.”

Five Additional Measles Cases Confirmed, Ministry Intensifies Response

The Ministry of Health and Wellness (MOHW) has confirmed five new cases of measles within a group of close contacts of the two initial imported cases detected on April 12, 2025. These new cases, diagnosed between April 9 and 13, are closely linked to the first two confirmed infections.

In total, 22 school contacts have been identified, with 12 fully vaccinated, 5 unvaccinated, and 4 with unknown vaccination status. Close monitoring continues for all contacts to promptly identify and address any symptomatic individuals.

The MOHW has ramped up its nationwide surveillance efforts. To date, 14 samples have been sent to Mexico for testing, with all results returning negative.

The national vaccination campaign remains in full swing, and the ministry thanks the public for their continued participation in vaccination efforts.

For more information, please contact your nearest health centre or call the toll-free number: 0-800-MOH-CARE (0-800-664-2273).