Both parties have agreed to meet and discuss the terms of the deduction, but has there been any consideration on the part of government to do away with a pay cut altogether? That’s what we asked Faber this morning. He says the issue is not a cut and paste situation. Isani Cayetano “Have you, […]
In advance of Tuesday’s Cabinet meeting, the Belize Coalition to Save Our Natural Heritage wrote to Prime Minister Dean Barrow on Monday seeking clarifications and statements on several issues. The Coalition is asking for information on the recent multi-beam and seismic testing activities in Belize, including all agreements and contracts between TGS, the company in […]
Cabinet met on Tuesday and as we reported, the matter of the seismic testing in Belize’s waters, which many fear is the first step to exploring for oil in our deepest seas, was discussed. However, nothing has been issued on record as to Cabinet’s position. Today we spoke with the Belize Tourism Industry Association Executive […]
Today, the environmentalists also showed us a video package of separate interviews granted to the media in February of 2012 and May of 2015, in which no less than Prime Minister Dean Barrow himself appeared to support both the idea of a moratorium and plans for a referendum on offshore oil exploration. Tonight, we recap […]
The Prime Minister’s statements do not appear to be contradictory. Indeed, they are clear pronunciations on the issue, despite attempts to prevaricate on the referendum issue. So, is the Government to be trusted now? The Belize Tourism Industry Association appears to be giving the Prime Minister the benefit of the doubt as to the delay […]
When a fire engine passes you by on the street, does it occur to you, even for one second, that where they may be racing to in a hurry just may be your residence? It happened today to Ines Jimenez, a Belize City Council worker residing with her family at number seventeen Hunter’s Lane. Around […]
Five people are being questioned in connection with Monday’s shooting that has left Coast Guard Daniel Arzu Junior fighting for his life in the hospital. Police say they are almost sure they have picked up the man who pulled the trigger. But they are still waiting for written statements that would help them to nail […]
The FIU and Income Tax Department signed a Memorandum of Understanding this morning to help domestic cooperation in the fight against money laundering, and countering the financing of terrorism and tax evasion. It is expected that the MOU will enhance existing partnerships and implementation of policies. News Five was at today’s signing. Kent Clare, […]
And while it has only been a matter of days since Kent Clare was appointed the new Director of the FIU, he told the media today that he has hit the ground running. Although he has been transitioning into his new position, he spoke with the media about some of his initial observations on what […]
And so, where does the FIU fit in following the signing of the United Nations Convention against Corruption on December ninth? In some corners it is believed that with the signing of the Convention there will be redundancies as it relates to the FIU’S combating financial crimes. Today, Clare told the media that he believes […]
Hurricane Earl swept through the Belize District in early August, leaving in its wake millions of dollars in damages. There have been significant relief efforts in the aftermath of the natural disaster and government continues to play a critical role in helping victims to restore a sense of normalcy. This morning, NEMO Minister Edmond Castro […]
Since the hurricane in early August, government has assisted with the reconstruction of approximately one hundred and fifty homes, a majority of them in the Belize District. Those structures however, are described as starter homes since they lack basic utilities, including light and water. NEMO Minister Edmond Castro explains why government cannot install additional amenities. […]
In some communities, despite government’s assistance, residents are still living in squalor, largely the result of their own neglect. According to Castro, if it were left up to some constituents they would rely on government altogether to improve their quality of life. He spoke frankly on the issue of dependency. Edmond Castro, Minister of […]
Police say that they are looking for Raymond Rivers because he has made some threatening Facebook posts. Today, ACP Chester Williams told the media that he needs to have a talk with the firebrand activist because his online actions are sending the wrong message. ACP Williams noted that this is not a call for an […]
On Monday night, police were called out to an area in San Pedro where the lifeless body of a woman was found face down on the pavement. An investigation was immediately launched and surveillance video captured the woman moments before she collapsed on a street in the DFC area. Today, police told the media that […]
He was not in Cabinet today; however, Minister of Defence John Saldivar is back in office after being suspended last week by Prime Minister Dean Barrow. Saldivar’s one-week suspension was originally described as a leave of absence. It came after documents were revealed that pointed to the existence of the company he formed with accused […]
While John Saldivar was not available for comment today and neither was Prime Minister Barrow, two of his Cabinet colleagues were willing to speak for him. Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries Senator Godwin Hulse offered a succinct summary of the legal opinion and an even more terse response to the question of whether his […]
Also weighing in was Minister of Human Development Anthony “Boots” Martinez. Minister Martinez, too, is satisfied that Saldivar has been sufficiently cleared of questions surrounding his involvement with Mason and says he was glad to have him back in the fold. Anthony “Boots” Martinez, Minister of Human Development “In my humble opinion, from I […]
A Coast Guard Officer and father of two is fighting for his life at the K.H.M.H. tonight. Daniel Arzu Junior was shot in the head yesterday in Belize City when he went to visit his child’s mother. While Police aren’t able to say what triggered the attack, they are questioning three men in connection with […]
The near fatal shooting of Petty Officer Daniel Arzu Junior has shocked the Belize National Coast Guard, as well as the Belize Police Department where his father is an experienced officer. The unexplained attempt on Arzu’s life has left him in an unconscious state at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital. There at his bedside is […]
The fate of a coastguard sailor who brutally pummeled a pair of men in Ladyville on Monday morning also hangs in the balance, as Ladyville police are yet to record a statement from the victims, to determine whether or not the seaman acted in self-defense. As we reported, the twenty-four-year-old resident of Orange Walk was […]
Cabinet was expected to discuss the aborted plans for seismic testing in the deepest of Belize’s waters today. Last week, hastily whipped up public outcry forced Tourism Minister Manuel Heredia Junior to intervene with the Government. While no announcement has been made on the plans going forward as of news time, newly-appointed Minister of Agriculture, […]
The Prime Minister announced changes to Cabinet last week, which included changes in portfolios for the subjects of this and our next story. After the 2015 general elections, Prime Minister Barrow handed the powerful portfolio of the Ministry of Natural Resources to Senator Godwin Hulse, where he succeeded then-Deputy Prime Minister Gaspar Vega. Vega kept […]
Minister of State for Home Affairs, Elodio Aragon Junior, says he is coming home. No, he’s not stepping down as minister, but he is now in direct charge of the Police Department – a familiar territory for the career police officer who topped out as Deputy Commissioner of Police three years ago while in line […]
Last week, News Five reported on the inhospitable conditions that officers attached to the Caye Caulker Police Station are presently subjecting themselves to. The housing facilities are the property of the village council and have been written off as decrepit and unlivable. While the president of the Police Association has since expressed serious concerns to […]
