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Barrow Says U.D.P. Won’t Win All Municipal Seats

According to Barrow, the electorate is more concerned about “bread and butter” issues going into the next municipals and how the present administration has been able to meaningfully address those concerns.   Dean Barrow, Former Party Leader, U.D.P. “Those are the issues that, in my view, that will play in the municipal campaign and given […]

PM Briceño Wishes All a Merry Christmas

It’s been three years since he has held office and the third Christmas that he has governed as head of government. Prime Minister John Briceño, in his annual Christmas message, wishes Belizeans peace, happiness and love at this festive time. He urged all to use the season to reflect on the good that exists across […]

PM: Christmas is a Time for Being Grateful and for Sharing

The Prime Minister also reminds that Christmas is a time to be grateful for the blessings that we have, including the food that we may take for granted. It is also important for us to assist those who are less fortunate. This, he says, is the true meaning of Christmas.   Prime Minister John Briceño […]

Zelaya “Bedsore Specialist” Receives a Home For Christmas

To some, he is Jose Zelaya, but to many he is known as “The Bedsore Specialist”. Jose Zelaya made waves this year for becoming the man with the hands for healing bedsores, travelling all over the country to care for people suffering from the ailment. This time, however, Zelaya is once again on the receiving […]

Hands of Mercy Brings Christmas Cheer to Collet

Christmas is often remembered as one of the most joyous times of year for a child, filled with food, parties, and gifts. But for some children, that is not the case. Amidst the financial constraints and the rising cost of living, many families are finding it hard to provide toys for their children to unwrap […]

What Are You Grateful For?

The holiday season is an ideal time for personal reflection, allowing us to revisit the events that have defined the last twelve months. It takes only a few moments to ask yourself a significant question: “What am I grateful for?” Research indicates that cultivating gratitude not only enhances mental well-being but also fortifies interpersonal relationships. […]

Former PM Dean Barrow Goes In on New Courtenay Arrangement

On Monday, news of a pending resignation involving Foreign Minister Eamon Courtenay was first shared in the media.  The following day, that announcement was confirmed via a release from the Office of the Prime Minister stating that Senator Courtenay, Leader of Government Business in the upper house, would be abdicating his seat as a cabinet […]

How do Cabinet Privileges Work? Are They Real or Concocted?

So how does the idea of an individual who does not hold a ministerial rank or portfolio work, in the context of a constitution which clearly defines the qualifications necessary for someone to enter Cabinet?  It’s a question that was met with a similar question by the former head of government.   Dean Barrow, Former […]

What’s Francis Fonseca’s Role in Pending ICJ Cases?

At present there are two cases involving Belize before the International Court of Justice, one with Guatemala and another with Honduras, both of which involve territorial disputes.  These matters, according to the Briceño administration, will remain under Senator Courtenay’s careful supervision.  This, too, raises serious questions since Courtenay will be returning to private practice come […]

PM Briceño “has got to clarify all of this for the media”

Since issuing the release on Tuesday afternoon, Prime Minister John Briceño is yet to field questions on Senator Courtenay’s abrupt resignation.  As such, a lot of what is currently taking place between PM Briceño and senior government ministers at the Sir Edney Cain Building remains speculative.  A call is being made for the sitting head […]

Dean Barrow, “Come clean, Mr. Prime Minister.”

Is there a sleight of hand at play regarding Foreign Minister Courtenay’s imminent departure and is the Prime Minister purposely dodging the real issue behind Courtenay’s resignation?  Here’s how the former prime minister views the goings-on in Cabinet.   Dean Barrow, Former Prime Minister “You already, Mr. Prime Minister, are, in my view, not held […]

Guilty of Murder and Still On the Run, Where is Hildebrandt Codd?

Guilty of the murder of Densmore Bowman, but where is Hildebrandt Codd after escaping lawful custody prior to his last court appearance?  This morning, that verdict was handed down in the absence of the fugitive who sprang to freedom on December fifth out of Courtroom Number Three.  Here’s News Five’s Isani Cayetano with details of […]

Tracey Betancourt Acquitted For San Pedro Murder

Today, twenty-six-year old Tracey Betancourt was found not guilty and will serve no time for the murder of American businessman Lamont Edward Lipka. The forty-nine-year-old was found lying face down in a pool of his own blood after being shot seven times at his business Tropicana Restaurant and Bar in San Pedro in 2018 . […]

Prison Sentence Cut in Half for Jose Mendoza

Another 2018 murder case was concluded today when forty-year-old Jose Ricardo Mendoza was handed a twenty-five year sentence for the murder of his father-in-law Gaspar Vargas. However, after deductions, Mendoza will only serve twelve of those years. Mendoza, represented by attorney Oscar Selgado, pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of manslaughter, and received a one-third […]

ComPol Addresses Beefed Up Security at High Court

As we reported on Wednesday, there has been an increase in police presence at the High Court where high-profile inmates are being escorted for trial.  Earlier today, Commissioner of Police Chester Williams outlined new measures that have been put in place in the wake of Hildebrandt Codd’s daring escape.   Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police […]

Ministry of Religious Affairs Signs Agreement with Churches

On Wednesday, the Minister of Religious Affairs Henry Charles Usher and Senator Moses Benguche, who represents the religious community, formally signed a Statement of Agreement reaffirming the unique partnership between the government and the church communities that, “strengthens the political process and benefits Belizean society”.  The Statement of Agreement is made up of ten basic […]

National Bank of Belize Discontinues E-Wallet with Immediate Effect

The National Bank of Belize Limited today made a surprise announcement to its customers. In an email, the bank told its customers that “Due to unforeseen circumstances beyond our control, the National Bank advises that the NBB Pay e-wallet service will be discontinued with immediate effect.” The email fails to share what exactly those unforeseen […]

Freak Accident Victim Recovering

Julio Zetina, the Corozal Town resident, who fell from a crane earlier this week, remains hospitalized in Belize City. He underwent foot surgery on Tuesday and is on his way to making a full recovery. Zetina, along with this co-worker Germaine Rivera, was in a crane basket fixing a lamppost at Princess Vegas Hotel at […]

Lake I Gang Feud “Volatile”

The Belize Police Department is keeping a close eye on a gang feud in the Lake Independence area of Belize City. The feud involves personalities who were once friends now turned enemies. Police Commissioner Chester Williams told News Five that security cameras are in the area, serving as additional eyes for the department. Officials of […]

ComPol Williams: 20% Reduction in Murders

With ten more days left in the year, the Belize Police Department is boosting efforts to keep crime at an all-time low. In his Christmas Message, Police Commissioner Chester Williams says that murders are down by twenty percent. According to the ComPol, this year has recorded less than a hundred murders as was the case […]

“Uneducated” People Tend to Commit Crime, says ComPol Williams

According to Police Commissioner, Chester Williams, continued partnership with all stakeholders played a crucial role in the effectiveness of the department’s policing strategy. Those stakeholders included the ministries of Education and Youths. Williams says that young men who are vulnerable to gang influence were taught life skills and provided with an education as a deterrent […]

The Belize Department Looks Forward to a Prosperous New Year Together

With the year drawing to a close, the Belize Police Department reflects on its relationship with the public and wishes to express its gratitude for all the support it has received this past year. The department also thanks all Belizeans for their collaborative efforts in keeping citizens safe. We spoke with Police Commissioner Chester Williams, […]

The Festivities Never End With The “Christmas Cyah Done” Comedy Special

If you’re looking for a way to spend your Saturday night this season, then these comedians may be the answer. The “Christmas Cyah Done” comedy special promises a night of laughter, music, and prizes next Saturday, December thirtieth, from the likes of talented Belizean comedians and musicians. The group invites you to join them in […]

Beefed Up Security at High Court Following Daring Escape

This morning at the High Court in Belize City, over a dozen armed police officers were present for several high-profile matters that were before the judiciary, including a pair of life sentences that were handed down to siblings Delson and Tionne Paguada.  We’ll tell you more about that judicial outcome elsewhere in our newscast, but […]

Life Sentences for Convicted Paguada Brothers

Life sentences were handed down to brothers Tionne and Delson Paguada earlier today after they were jointly convicted of the murder of Paul Jex in San Pedro in January 2018.  This morning, the siblings appeared under heavy police guard in the High Court chamber of Justice Nigel Pilgrim where they were convicted and condemned to […]