Prime Minister John Briceño is asking for more time—twelve months, to be exact—to review the long-awaited report from the People’s Constitution Commission (PCC). That’s a big jump from the sixty days currently allowed under the PCC Act. The commission is expected to hand over its final report on May twenty-sixth, which means, under current rules, the PM would have until late July to bring it to the National Assembly for debate. But Briceño says that’s not enough time to properly go through such a critical document. If parliament agrees with the recommendations, the next step could be a national referendum. However, there’s a catch: according to the Minister of Constitution and Indigenous Affairs, holding a referendum so soon after a general election—and in the same year as village council elections—just isn’t financially realistic. The big question now is whether Belizeans will have to wait even longer for constitutionalreform—and whether the delay will cool the momentum for change.
Dr. Louis Zabaneh, Minister of Constitution and Indigenous Affairs
“There are some reasons for militating against the tabling before the National Assembly with the possible consequence of holding and conducting a national referendum within less than nine months after the holding of a general election. These are time needed for the government and stakeholders to conduct serious and proper analysis, and deliberation of the recommendations. Secondly, the considerable financial expenditure and human resources that will be required to conduct a referendum only months after the national assembly and public service had to expend and deploy financial and human resources on a similar scale, third the holding of village council elections from May to August 2025, and possible consequential voter fatigue.”
We will wait to see what the Senate has to say about this request.
In a fiery address at the close of today’s House Meeting, Opposition Leader Tracy Panton didn’t hold back. She accused the Briceño administration of serious misconduct during the March twelfth general elections, calling the alleged irregularities “corruption on steroids.” Panton spent over fifteen minutes laying out what she described as glaring procedural inconsistencies and questionable practices, painting a picture of an election riddled with flaws. Her remarks sparked immediate reaction from the government side. Minister of Public Service Henry Charles-Usher fired back, suggesting Panton’s outrage might be fueled by the recent High Court ruling in the United Democratic Party’s leadership dispute—a case that didn’t go in her favor. The heated exchange added a dramatic twist to the day’s proceedings, hinting that the political temperature in the House is far from cooling down.
Tracy Taegar-Panton, Leader of the Opposition
“It happened in Albert, it happened in Collet. It happened in Mesop., it happened in Queen Square. I was told by a colleague ion the government ‘s side, why complain about buying of votes, when both political entities have done it. It does not make it right and what we have pledged to do is ensure that our democracy works for all Belizeans not just those who have heavy pockets.”
Henry Charles Usher
Henry Charles Usher, Minister of Public Service
“I don’t know if it is because the Leader of the Opposition is reeling from her recent loss in the High Court where the High Court found the convention held in October weas invalid therefore her declaration as leader was invalid, therefore the candidates placed in certain constituencies may be challenged for being invalid. I don’t know if that is the reason she is standing up today for adjournment.”
Usher also challenged Panton over what asserts is consistent voters registration fraud in the Albert division.
The political drama inside the United Democratic Party (U.D.P.) is heating up fast, with lawsuits and accusations flying from all directions. Former Mesopotamia Area Representative Moses “Shyne” Barrow has come out swinging, accusing his successor, Lee Mark Chang, of voter fraud. Barrow, who recently lost his seat to Chang in a bitter internal battle, says he’s ready to take the matter to court. But Chang isn’t backing down. In fact, he’s threatening to sue Barrow for defamation over comments made during a press conference, where Barrow allegedly linked him to a passport scandal. Chang’s legal team is demanding a public apology and $5,000 in damages—or they’ll take it to court and ask for up to fifty thousand dollars. Meanwhile, the U.D.P.’s internal tensions don’t stop there. Party Leader Tracy Taegar-Panton is also threatening legal action—this time against the party’s Deputy Chair, Alberto August. She says August is refusing to call a National Party Council meeting, something she insists he’s obligated to do. If he doesn’t act by a timely manner, she says she’ll ask the court to force his hand.
Lee Mark Chang, Area Representative, Mesopotamia
“If he takes me to court or takes us to court, it is what it is and the court will decide what is our fate.”
Marion Ali
“Do you feel as if though – if it does end up before a judge, it could reach as far as having a by-election?”
Lee Mark Chang
“First of all, the word fraud whe dehn dh claim – we went in as U.D.P. candidates and the constituents wi nuh win by one or two votes. We win by two to one. If I have to do it again, it will happen again and it’ll be the same verdict, just that he wa look bad again after this.”
Tracy Taegar-Panton
Tracy Taegar-Panton, Leader of the Opposition
“There was no fraud as he alleges, but the legal system is there for any citizen of this country to utilize as they see fit. So that’s entirely his prerogative.”
Reporter
“Can you comment as well on the letter that was leaked to Alberto August asking for an N.P.C. and if the N.P.C. is failed to call, you stating that you will step down or focus your efforts more on being the Leader of the Opposition as opposed to the leadership of the party?”
Tracy Taegar-Panton
“Let me say this: Tracy Panton is going nowhere. I am here to fight to ensure that the democracy in this country prevails. I am going to fight to the best of my ability to ensure that the needs and concerns of the people are heard. Alberto August as the Vice Chairman ante has a duty, an obligation, a responsibility to convene the N.P.C. It has been petitioned, so he has no discretion where that is concerned, I will not be held hostage to a vice chairman status quo ante, who refuses to do his job. I will not be undermined by a vice chairman status quo ante, and I will certainly not yield to a madman.”
Reporter
“So what’s the next step if the N.P.C. meeting isn’t called?”
Tracy Taegar-Panton
“I believe the N.P.C. meeting will be called. And if the N.P.C. meeting is not called, we will have to take the matter to court and have the court compel Mr. August to hold the N.P.C. meeting.”
Reporter
“But you’re not planning to step down from leadership of the party?”
Tracy Taegar-Pantion
“Where did you get that idea from?”
Reporter
“Just what they quote said in the letter.”
Tracy Taegar-Panton
“I just answered your question. Tracy Panton is going nowhere. I have the confidence and support of my colleagues. I certainly have the support of the public at large. I will not be held hostage. I will not be undermined. And Mr. August has a duty and a responsibility to execute and if he loves the party as much I, as I believe he does, and as much as he advocates that he does, he will call the NPC.”
What began as a festive Mother’s Day celebration in Blackman Eddy Village ended in panic and injury late Saturday night, when gunfire shattered the peace just before midnight. According to police, a single shotgun blast was fired from outside a bar where the event was being held. The shot struck a cement wall, and the pellets ricocheted into the crowd, injuring four patrons inside. The victims were quickly rushed to the hospital, where all were reported to be in stable condition. Assistant Commissioner of Police Hilberto Romero shared more details on the incident, as investigators work to determine who was behind the shooting and why. The community remains shaken as police continue their search for answers on what could have been a far more tragic night.
“On Saturday, the tenth day of May 2025, around eleven fifty-five p.m. police responded to a shooting incident that Blackman Eddy, Cayo. Upon their arrival. They learnt that four persons had been shot and taken for treatment. They were Identified as Marleny Ho, Derrick Gordon, Ashely Vellos, and Rosalio Domingo. Information is that they were at a bar when the male person came there and fired a shot from a shotgun causing their injuries. They have been treated. Three have been released, one remains at the hospital in stable condition. The investigation into this report continues.”
Reporter
“Sir, do you all have any idea of what the motive may have been?”
Hilberto Romero
“We do not know at this time. That is all the information we have. Somebody came there and fired the shots at the Bar.”
Reporter
“He fired from a shotgun?”
Hilberto Romero
“That is correct.”
Reporter
“Do you all know if any of the persons were, were a target?”
Hilberto Romero
“We do not know. All these persons were inside at the bar at the time with otherpersons.”
Reporter
“Okay. Usually when these events happen at night or often times it’s related to man woman business or. Interpersonal nature between men and women, might that have been at play here?”
Hilberto Romero
“We have several leads. We are following up, but nothing concrete to say whatit’s at this time.”
Reporter
“Any suspects?”
Hilberto Romero
“Not at this time.”
Britney Gordon
“Any security footage?”
Hilberto Romero
“We’re making checks, but I’m not sure if we have any footage.”
A deadly setup in Belize City has left a family mourning and police searching for answers. Twenty-seven-year-old Zinedine Pinelo, a resident of San Pedro, was gunned down on Friday in what authorities believe was a targeted robbery. The incident happened on Hunter’s Lane, where Pinelo had reportedly traveled to purchase a motorcycle. But instead of a transaction, he was met by a group of men—one of whom fatally shot him. Assistant Commissioner of Police Hilberto Romero revealed today that investigators suspect Pinelo may have been lured to the location so his attackers could steal his licensed firearm. The investigation is ongoing, and police are urging anyone with information to come forward as they work to bring those responsible to justice.
“On Friday, the ninth day of May 2025. Police responded to a shooting incident at Hunter’s Lane. Upon the arrival they found a lifeless body of a male person. He was identified as Zinedine Pinelo. Information that he went to Hunter’s Lane, along with another male person to do a business transaction. Thereafter, when he arrived there, there were six other persons there and he attacked him robbed him, and one of the persons shot him causing his fatal injuries. We have two persons in custody in regards to this murder.”
Reporter
“What was the nature of the business they were doing?”
Hilberto Romero
“He went to do a purchase from a person. He went there with some cash to do a purchase. And so he was stolen from him, was his firearm and some cash.”
Reporter
“Are you able to say how much cash?”
Hilberto Romero
“We do not know at this time.”
Reporter
“I don’t see any store at Hunter’s Lane so was it a licit or an illicit purchase?”
Hilberto Romero
“Information is to purchase a motorcycle. That was the information we got. However, we are doing more follow up see what the actual transaction was.”
Reporter
“Do you all believe that he was led or lured?”
Hilberto Romero
“Yes. We believe he was led there. When he arrived, there was six personswaiting there and these are the persons who attacked him.”
Reporter
“You believe to rob his of his money and his gun, or was he like specially targeted because of his weapon?”
Hilberto Romero
“Yes. We believe that he was targeted to be robbed. Yes.”
Reporter
“So he had a license firearm.”
Hilberto Romero
“He had a license firearm.”
Reporter
“Are you able to see what type?”
Hilberto Romero
“A nine millimeter pistol.”
Reporter
“And has the firearm been recovered?”
Hilberto Romero
“Nothing has been recovered.”
Reporter
“And the persons who orchestrated this, he left San Pedro with an individual from the city. And that person escaped without injury.”
Hilberto Romero
“Yes we found that person. He’s being interviewed.”
Reporter
“Might he be an accomplice?”
Hilberto Romero
“We do not know at this time. After the interview, there was no more information.”
A San Pedro resident is dead following a confrontation with police early this morning. According to reports, the man was allegedly trespassing on private property when officers arrived to remove him. Assistant Commissioner of Police Hilberto Romero stated that the man refused to cooperate and became aggressive. Police then used force to subdue and detain him. Shortly after being taken into custody, the man reportedly lost consciousness. He was rushed for medical treatment but later died. Authorities are now investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident, as questions arise about the use of force and what led to the man’s sudden collapse. ACP Romero is expected to provide further details as the investigation unfolds.
“This morning. Police responded to a report of a male person that had trespassed into a property. Upon arrival, the police saw that this person had climbed a tree. He was ordered to come down. There was a dispute between the him and the police. Thereafter he came down and forced that to be used for him to be subdued, he was then taken to custody, taken to the San Pedro station where we noted that he was in distress and had become unconscious. He was rushed to the San Pedro Polyclinic, where he succumbed. He was identified as Selvyn Seely, twenty-three-year-old resident of San Pedro.”
Reporter
“He’s a young man. I understand that you all aren’t doctors that a postmortem has to be conducted, but was there an indication that the gentleman was maybe asthmatic or suffering from some other condition that could have led to these respiratory issues?”
Hilberto Romero
“We do not know at this time. A post-mortem will be conducted, and a thorough investigation will be done to determine his cause of death.”
Reporter
“The officers, they had to subdue him?”
Hilberto Romero
“That is correct.”
Reporter
“Did the officers by any chance, use suppression holds or other things that may have obstructed his respiration?”
Hilberto Romero
“Yes. He had to be held down and at some point he was restrained and then taken to the station and that is when they notice his condition, he was taken to the clinic.”
Reporter
“In a situation like this, how does one determine if the force used is necessary?”
Hilberto Romero
“Again, the investigation will be conducted by the professional standard branch at the completion and after the post-mortem results the file will be sent to his DPP for her advice.”
Reporter
“Was the gentleman under the influence of anything or did he appear to have been at the time of the attempted detention?”
Hilberto Romero
“We do not know. All I know is that he was behaving violently force that to be used to subdue him.”
Reporter
“And anywhere in this exchange were you able to determine what he was doing on that tree?”
Hilberto Romero
“No the report came that he was seen first outside of the property and he entered and he climbed onto the tree. That is when the police were called.”
Less than a week after a state of emergency was declared in parts of Belize City, police have already detained at least thirty-five individuals. But despite the crackdown, the violence hasn’t stopped. On Friday, another person was gunned down in the city—raising fresh concerns about whether the emergency measures are actually working. Today, Assistant Police Commissioner Hilberto Romero gave an update on the ongoing operations. While authorities say they’re making progress, the latest killing has left many residents questioning if the strategy is enough to bring lasting peace to the streets.
“The SOE operations continue. So far, thirty-five people have been sent to prison. We have another thirty-five that are being interviewed, and then we’ll know how much from that amount we be sent to prison today.”
Reporter
“Sir, how do you respond to report a number of the, especially the heads have been able to escape the SOE incarceration because they turned over weapon or a kilo of cocaine?”
Hilberto Romero
“Several persons were detained, interviews were conducted and then they’re vetted and then we determine who are taken to prison. That is all I know.”
Reporter
“But are you all trading weapons for freedom?”
Hilberto Romero
“Not that I know of.”
Reporter
“So is it your position that the department has not managed to secure any illicit firearms or drugs?”
Hilberto Romero
“There are several searches that continue to be done. Whenever we find firearm, drugs then they are confiscated or if persons are found, then they are arrested. That is all I know.”
What should have been a joyful Mother’s Day weekend ended in heartbreak for one family in Trial Farm Village. On Saturday night, Francisco Melendez lost his life in a tragic road accident while riding his bicycle along San Martin Road. According to reports, Melendez was struck from behind by an SUV. He was reportedly on his way home after buying a Mother’s Day gift for his wife—a gesture of love that would be his last. Assistant Police Commissioner Hilberto Romero confirmed the details of the fatal collision, which has left the community in shock and a family mourning the loss of a husband and father.
“On Saturday, the tenth day of May, 2025, police respond to a Trial Farm in the Orange Walk District. Upon arrival there saw a SUV damages and a damaged bicycle. The SUV was driven by Anastacio Bermudes. Information he was driving and hit a bicycle being ridden by Francisco Melendez. Melendez was taken for treatment where he succumbed his injuries. Bermudes is in custody and will be charged.”
Just after Mother’s Day, a Belama mom is making a desperate public appeal for help. Bernadine Young says her twenty-four-year-old son, Brenton Bishop, is in urgent need of a CT scan—but she simply can’t afford it. Young shared that Brenton’s health took a sudden turn for the worse back in March. Since then, his condition has continued to decline. He now struggles to walk and suffers from frequent seizures. Despite visiting several doctors, Young says there’s been no improvement—and now, she’s out of options and out of funds. Her plea is a reminder of the tough choices many families face when medical emergencies strike without the means to pay.
Bernadine Young
Bernadine Young, Seeking Assistance
“Fi experience this kinda problem especially, is like a nightmare as a mother. It’s not very easy. I’m trying very hard to see weh di happen to my son, but he’s not getting any better. Because he’s couldn’t like he’s bone when he gets seizure, he couldn’t open up his hand, his mouth. I have to massage in his mouth with a wet cloth so his mouth could open up and we can make him drink water, eat or so. And it’s very difficult for me for every time he has to wake up morning, you see yo son di shake. If not that you, you just done give him his breakfast, he’s vomiting his food. Or you give him his medicine that he need to take medication like bendaryl and autrin but then it’s not working. Right now we don’t know where they happen, so I plead to the public out there, even to anybody, even if the Mr. Ladyville Highlight. Mr. Albert, if you could please. Here is outlook on this and on this program because I need help from my son and we want to see what happened. So he need a CAT scan. My phone is 635-5318. I don’t have any WhatsApp. I’m sorry. I can’t afford it. And right now I got things very tough. I lose my job. I have to take care of my son. I can’t leave him on the street.”
Mother’s Day may be over, but one mother and son duo is giving Belizeans another reason to celebrate. As we speak, the Belisle Art Gallery at the Bliss Center for Performing Arts is unveiling “Moments”—a heartfelt art exhibition by celebrated Belizean artist Rachel Heusner and her son, Dean Martin. This marks their second joint showcase, and it’s packed with emotion and creativity. The exhibit features thirty original pieces that beautifully capture fleeting moments of the Belizean experience—snapshots of daily life, culture, and memory, frozen in time through art. News Five’s Britney Gordon got a sneak peek this morning and spoke with the artists about the inspiration behind their work.
Britney Gordon, Reporting
A woman in a bright red sunhat and a colorful skirt buys fruit at the market—an ordinary scene most of us pass by without a second thought. But in the hands of Belizean artist Rachel Heusner and her son, Dean Martin, that fleeting moment becomes something extraordinary. Now hanging on the walls of the Bliss Center for Performing Arts, this painting is just one of thirty pieces in their joint exhibit, “Moments.” The collection transforms everyday Belizean life into vibrant works of art, inviting viewers to pause and appreciate the beauty in the seemingly mundane. Through bold colors and thoughtful brushstrokes, Heusner and Martin remind us that even the simplest moments are worth celebrating.
Rachael Heusner
Rachael Heusner, Belizean Artist
“Basically, we do a lot of historical paintings between myself my son. So we have been working on a few pieces over the past year, you would say, and then coming towards the end, I came up with a theme “Moments” because when you paint,, you basically capture a moment in time. So it’s, you know, like every snippet is a moment.”
Britney Gordon
“So what are some of the moments that we can see here today? Where did you draw your inspiration from?”
Rachael Heusner
“From life. From life, from, you know, walking down Albert Street to a lady baking some Johnny Cakes or the people just walking, just doing life. You know, life happens every second.”
The collection, now on display at the Bliss Center for Performing Arts, transforms ordinary moments into vivid, emotional works of art. Each painting reflects the places and experiences that shape the memories of the average Belizean. Many of Heusner’s clients are Belizeans living abroad, and that connection to home fuels her inspiration. She draws from iconic city spots and familiar scenes that she believes will strike a chord with viewers—whether they’re here or part of the diaspora. With “Moments,” Heusner and Martin invite us to see the magic in the mundane and celebrate the stories hidden in plain sight.
Rachael Heusner
“I did this based on, Hofius was closing down after so many years, and there’s a lot of buildings on Albert Street. William Quan, Brodie’s, Remax not there anymore. Odette’s. I stopped in by Sikaffy the other day and the history that all of these, they’re not just buildings. There’s so much stories and memories that resonates with people here and especially those that live abroad. They miss Belize. People live abroad, but they love their Belize.”
The exhibition features several pieces created by her twenty-year-old son, Dean Martin. Though they now live in Trinidad and Tobago, artist Rachel Heusner and her son, Dean Martin, say their latest exhibit “Moments” has brought them closer to Belize than ever before. Heusner shares that working on this project gave them a unique chance to rediscover her homeland through art.
Rachael Heusner
“He works along with me because they have a very keen and sharp eye for detail. So sometimes he might see something that’s off or he might be want, the perspective is a little bit off, the colors are not working right. So we work a little bit together on that. And in doing that he gets to learn a little bit about the history of Belize.”
Heusner and Martin invites the public for a night of color, culture, and creativity at the Bliss where anyone will be able to purchase their favorite piece or simply appreciate the artwork.
Rachael Heusner
“So the exhibit opens this evening at six p.m. here at the Bliss. It’s a free event. And like I was telling you guys earlier, I don’t feel people should have to pay to look at art. You know, I guess museums, they charge you to go in because they need to maintain the place, but come and enjoy the art. Just like how you enjoy music, you enjoy poetry, you know, it’s, it’s an aesthetic that animals don’t have. We could enjoy stuff like that. Yeah. So come, if you wanna take something home, then there’s a little fee to it.”
The public is warmly invited to attend and experience this unique blend of family, culture, and creativity. The exhibit will remain at the Bliss until Friday, May sixteenth. Britney Gordon for News Five.
