2025-05-15 - Channel 5 Belize

She Spoke Out, Now Faces Death Threats

A parent who raised concerns about a teacher at Louisiana Government School in Orange Walk says she received a death threat from an unknown social media user on Wednesday night, May 14.

“Watch your r*** caz all a your family wa get killed,” the message read. “Target da u.”

The parent says this is the first time she has received a threat of this nature. It follows public allegations made by a group of eight parents, who claim a teacher at the school subjected their children to emotional trauma, physical harm, and psychological abuse.

“It seems that is a fake profile,” the parent told News 5. “These threats make me feel unsafe. It shows how insane the person behind the profile is. To threaten to kill a family is psychotic.”

The parent has confirmed that she “will be formally filing a police report of the threats.”

“Any parent with sense of love for their child would speak up, and it is our right to do so to make sure our kids and future kids are protected,” she added.

As previously reported, the allegations have been reported to the Ministry of Education (MOE). In a letter dated March 20, 2025, the parents outlined multiple incidents of mistreatment, including cases of emotional distress, humiliation, and even medical emergencies.

The school administration confirmed the allegations have been shared with MOE and that internal monitoring is ongoing.

Belize Flats at Risk: BFFA Demands Urgent Government Action

The Belize Flats Fishery Association (BFFA), representing professional flats-fishing guides and stakeholders, is calling on the Government of Belize to take immediate and effective steps to protect the country’s flats and mangrove ecosystems. The group criticised current enforcement as weak and warned that ongoing dredging and mangrove clearing threaten the $240 million flats fishery and the livelihoods of hundreds of Belizeans.

While the government’s 2024 purchase of Will Bauer Flats was welcomed, the association says unsanctioned development continues in key areas, violating Belize’s conservation commitments under the Blue Bond. Although a stop order is in place for Cayo Rosario, BFFA says this is not enough and calls for permanent protection. The group also condemned dredging at Sandfly Caye and urged authorities to halt harmful activities.

BFFA demands stronger enforcement, transparency in permits and environmental assessments, and inclusion of community stakeholders in decision-making. They also urge NGOs and conservation groups to unite to safeguard Belize’s natural heritage before irreversible damage occurs.

Teachers Demand Full Audit at St. Paul’s Anglican School in Corozal

Six teachers at St. Paul’s Anglican School in Corozal have submitted a formal request for a financial audit following concerns they have raised about the management of inheritance funds received by the institution.

In a letter dated December 3, 2024, addressed to Principal Nancy Aguilar, the teachers claim there are inconsistencies in the reported amounts. According to them, while staff were initially informed that the inheritance totaled $21,000 BZD, a later report referenced a first tranche of $41,000, and a second amount of $87,872.34.

“We are tired of fighting an uphill battle,” the teachers wrote in their letter. The teachers are demanding full disclosure of financial documents and transparency in the management of the funds.

The teachers have requested transparency and access to financial documentation. Their letter, which News 5 has reviewed, was also sent to Jeremy Cayetano, General Manager of Anglican Schools, who has stated in a written response that the matter is being handled by the appropriate church and legal authorities. He said, “There are no matters being swept under the rug, and any insinuation that this office is not doing its due diligence could be libellous.” She added, “No ultimatum or threats made against an administrator in our management… will ever be honoured.”

She confirmed that the inheritance funds “will remain frozen until the entire matter has been ventilated” by those authorities.

News 5 has learnt that an “independent audit” is already underway and is expected to be completed by June.

The Ministry of Education has yet to respond to requests by News 5 for comment. Meanwhile, the Ministry has indicated that, “if a school receive an inheritance it’s a matter for the school and the board to manage, to see what’s happening there.”

On May 6 2025, News 5 contacted Aguilar for comment, but she declined to speak officially. She referred all questions to her lawyer or to Cayetano. Cayetano also declined an on-the-record interview when contacted that same day, stating only that the matter is being handled internally and confirming that an independent audit is currently underway.

At the time of reporting, the matter is under formal review by church and legal authorities.

Caye Caulker Residents Launch Petition to Put Cannabis Legalisation on Ballot

A grassroots campaign is underway in Caye Caulker to let residents decide whether cannabis should be legalised and regulated on the island.

Beginning today, registered voters can sign a petition calling for a referendum to be held alongside the Village Council elections on June 29, 2025.

Organizers say the initiative is focused on creating a responsible, transparent cannabis industry that would generate local tax revenue, create jobs, and support infrastructure and social services. The petition needs 400 signatures from registered Caye Caulker voters to qualify for the ballot.

The proposed referendum question reads: “Should the Government of Belize pass legislation to create a responsible, regulated, and taxable legal cannabis industry on the island of Caye Caulker with a portion of the revenue going directly for the benefit of Caye Caulker and its residents?”

Campaign supporters argue that legalisation would reduce illegal activity, support small businesses, and boost sustainable tourism while generating revenue that stays on the island.

“We have an opportunity to take control of our future and create a self-sustaining and surplus-generating Caye Caulker,” said Councillor Ilya Rosado, one of the campaign’s organizers. “This is about improving infrastructure, education, and the overall standard of living — especially for working families.”

Wannie the Horse Continues Recovery After Brutal Attack

Wannie the horse, who captured national attention after a disturbing video showed him being violently attacked by a group of young men, continues to recover.

The viral footage from April showed several teenagers repeatedly striking the tied-up horse with a machete near the Faber’s Road Extension. The video sparked widespread outrage and a renewed national call for stronger animal cruelty laws.

Following the attack, the Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA) stepped in to examine Wannie. Deputy Technical Director of Animal Health, Dr. Jonathon Pech, later confirmed that the horse tested negative for screwworm.

Initial medical care for Wannie was provided by BAHA, with support from Reimers Feed Mill. On Wednesday night, Reimers shared a video update on Facebook, showing Wannie in a clean, safe stable with access to food and water.

The company said Wannie is responding well to gentle, consistent care and noted that his recovery has become a shared journey:

“This is not just Wannie’s journey, but ours as well.”

The horse’s wounds, once deep and shocking, are now visibly healing.

Meanwhile, five individuals, including two adults and three minors, have been arrested and charged with cruelty to animals, abetment to commit cruelty to animals, and cattle theft.

More Details of SUV Destroyed by Fire on Highway

A 2014 Ford Escape was completely destroyed by fire yesterday morning on the George Price Highway. The vehicle burst into flames on mile 4 near the police checkpoint.

No injuries were reported.

The driver of the car was Karina Villanueva of Burrell Boom, who was heading to Belize City with her three children. Villanueva noticed smoke coming from the vehicle’s hood and immediately pulled over.

She was able to safely evacuate her children before the vehicle was engulfed in flames. The SUV—valued at approximately $20,000 Belize dollars—was insured.

Two Charged for Murder of SP Boat Captain in Belize City Ambush

Police have formally charged two men in connection with the broad daylight murder of 26-year-old Zinedine Pinelo, a San Pedro boat captain.

Authorities arrested 28-year-old Dashay Dashque Williams of Neal’s Pen Road and 19-year-old Kaylen Jaylen McFoy of Hunters Lane.

Pinelo was gunned down last Friday on Hunter’s Lane in Belize City in what police believe was a targeted robbery. According to reports, he had traveled to the area for a motorcycle purchase, but instead walked into an ambush. Police say he was met by a group of six men who attacked and robbed him, and one of them fatally shot him.

Assistant Commissioner of Police Hilberto Romero confirmed that Pinelo may have been lured to the location so the attackers could steal his licensed firearm. “The investigation revealed that he went to Hunter’s Lane with another male for a business transaction,” said ACP Romero. “There were six other individuals present. He was attacked, robbed, and fatally shot by one of them. We have two persons in custody in connection with this murder.”