2025-05-01 - Channel 5 Belize

Masked Men Attempt Armed Robbery in Lord’s Bank

Police are investigating an attempted robbery in Lord’s Bank Village that left a 49-year-old shop owner, Glenford Williams, hospitalised with a gunshot wound.

The incident occurred on Tuesday night as the victim was closing a local small shop. Williams reported that he was ambushed by two masked gunmen, one of whom opened fire at him, causing his injuries.

Reports are that the assailants fled the scene on foot and remain at large.

Williams was taken to Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital, where he remains in stable condition.

Police processed the scene and recovered a single 9mm expended shell. No suspects have been arrested, and investigations are ongoing.

While the Nation Rests, They Serve: Appreciating Essential Workers on May 1st

Labour Day, celebrated on different dates around the world but with the same purpose, is observed in Belize on May 1st to honour the men and women whose daily efforts fuel the nation’s economy and development.

“Today, we recognize and express gratitude for the contributions of our people through the various stages of our national development,” Prime Minister John Briceño said on social media.

Schools and most businesses remain closed as workers enjoy a midweek break. A well-deserved “day off” from the usual work routine serves as a quick reset.

While some Belizeans have voiced on social media that the day off comes ‘abruptly’ within the week just to “get back on the grind” on Friday, many others don’t have the privilege to enjoy.

Essential workers, such as doctors, nurses, medical laboratory technologists, police officers, firefighters, port workers, and other emergency responders, remain on duty. “You are the engine that drives our country forward,” the Leader of the Opposition, Tracy Panton said on her social media.

The contributions of essential workers is a stark reminder that even on a day meant for rest, some must continue to serve to keep the wheels going.So how can one show appreciation for loved ones working today, especially those in essential roles? Here are a few thoughtful ways to care for them:

Prepare a Special Meal or Get a Snack Box
Get their favourite snacks, a homemade meal, or a refreshing drink for when they are back from their shift. Leave a note of encouragement to brighten their day.
Send a Thoughtful Message or Voice Note
A simple “thinking of you” message or an uplifting voice note during their break can go a long way in boosting their spirits.
Handle Their Errands or Chores
Help take the load off by completing household tasks.
Create a Relaxing Environment at Home
Set up a cosy spot for them to unwind after work.
Deliver a Small Gift or Treat
A care package or coffee delivery shows they’re appreciated and thought of.
Plan a Mini Celebration for After Work
Plan something restful and enjoyable for when they get home.
Advocate for Their Importance
Use your voice on social media to highlight the role your loved one plays and thank them publicly. It reminds them (and others) of their role in the community.

Respect Their Rest Time
Let them sleep in or nap if they’re on night shifts or coming home exhausted.

Hero’s Welcome: Community Salutes Captain Howell Grange

The West Landivar community in Belize City is proudly welcoming home one of its own, Captain Howell Grange. He is hailed as a hero after his courageous actions during a harrowing mid-air hijacking incident in April. The residents are hosting a “hero’s homecoming celebration” this afternoon from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Bachelor Avenue.

“Join us to celebrate Captain Howell with your family and community,” the invitation stated. The neighbourhood comes together on Labour Day, a day to celebrate the contributions of working citizens. In this case especially, the West Landivar community is inviting everyone to join in saluting the bravery and resilience of a heroic pilot.

Grange was the pilot who found himself in a life-and-death situation when American veteran Akinyela Taylor, 49, hijacked a Tropic Air domestic flight on April 17. Taylor had entered Belize illegally and was involved in a string of incidents, including the assault of a police officer, before being released. During the flight, Taylor stabbed two passengers and pilot Grange. The ordeal lasted nearly two hours before one of the injured passengers, who was licensed to carry a firearm, shot and killed Taylor as the plane landed safely at the Philip Goldson International Airport. All three injured individuals survived.

In response to the hijacking, Tropic Air has implemented new security measures aimed at improving passenger safety. These include mandatory over-the-counter check-ins and gate checks for all travellers. While children are generally exempt from searches, they must still comply with security protocols if there is suspicion of concealed items.

Teachers Vote to Activate Green Machinery, Industrial Action Set in Motion

More than 2,500 union members voted to move forward with industrial action on Wednesday, according to a Belize National Teacher’s Union (BNTU) announcement statement. “A powerful display of unity, participation, and commitment to democratic principles,” the BNTU added.

BNTU’s national president, Nadia Caliz, confirmed the union will proceed with a three-phase plan. Phase 1 involves a public demonstration, followed by a two-day national shutdown in Phase 2, escalating to a full strike in Phase 3.

The union is demanding a salary adjustment and an immediate increase in the minimum wage from $5 to $6 per hour. “We are willing to take the appropriate actions to ensure that government meets its obligation to the public sector,” said Coral Lord, Belize District President of the Belize National Teachers’ Union (BNTU), following a strong turnout at the countrywide vote.

In an interview on Wednesday with the newly appointed Minister of Education (MOE), Oscar Requena, he reaffirmed BNTU and MOE’s “respectful and cordial relationship,” but added that he has not “seen or received any official communications from BNTU.”

Requena acknowledged long-standing issues, particularly around the appointment of teachers, dating back to legislative changes in 2012. “Significant work has been done on this process,” he said, adding that the ministry is actively working to resolve it.

Wednesday’s BNTU countrywide meeting stemmed from recent salary increases for top government officials, including a raise from $76,000 to $96,000 for the Cabinet Secretary and to $88,000 for Chief Executive Officers, a 15.7% increase.

The BNTU was not the only union to respond to the salary increases for the Cabinet Secretary and Chief Executive Officers. In an April 16 statement, the Public Service Union (PSU) condemned the adjustments, describing them as a “grotesque display of self-interest” and “parasitic enrichment.”

With its membership vote concluded and a plan in place, the BNTU is now preparing to move into the first phase of industrial action. The timeline for implementation has not yet been announced.

U.S. and Belize Authorities Rescue Abducted American Child

A two-year-old American child who was abducted and brought to Belize has been safely reunited with their custodial parent, thanks to a coordinated rescue operation involving U.S. and Belizean authorities.

The Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) at the U.S. Embassy in Belmopan played a key role in supporting an FBI-led investigation. Working in close collaboration with the Belize Police Department, as well as the Departments of Human Services and Immigration, the team ensured the child’s safe return to the United States.

“As the most widely represented law enforcement agency globally, DSS is uniquely positioned to conduct and support these types of transnational criminal investigations,” stated DSS Special Agent Lou Wood. “We are incredibly grateful for the outstanding collaboration with the FBI, our U.S. Embassy colleagues, and our partners in Belize, which led to the safe return of this little girl to her home in the United States.”

Authorities have not released further details on the individuals involved but confirmed that the mission was successful and the child is now safe.