Channel 5
1 Man Detained in Double Murder of Foreigners in Corozal
The murder by strangulation of fifty-two-year-old Francesca Matus and thirty-six-year-old Drew Thomas DeVoursney continues to baffle police up north. The Canadian woman and her American boyfriend went missing last week [...]
What Happened to Pamela Lino?
Belmopan teacher, Pamela Lino, is still missing tonight. Her vehicle, a Kia Sportage, was found burnt on the Gracie Rock junction on the George price Highway early on Tuesday morning. [...]
Charges Awaiting Accused Magistrate in Rape Case
We can confirm tonight that the Director of Public Prosecutions Cheryl-Lynn Vidal, has directed the police to proceed to bring charges against a magistrate serving in south. The magistrate, however, [...]
Grenade, Non-Lethal, Picked Up Over Holiday Weekend
Sometime between Friday night and Saturday over the holiday weekend, Belize City police reportedly discovered a grenade on Fern Lane in the Saint Martin De Porres area. The grenade has [...]
Corozal Free Zone C.E.O. Fights Suspension
The situation on the ground appears to be returning to some normalcy following Monday's suspension of Valentino Blanco as C.E.O. of the Corozal Commercial Free Zone. The Board suspended him [...]
At Senate, Rodolfo Bol Changes Tune on Passport System
The Senate Special Select Committee's public hearing at the National Assembly this morning was truncated due to logistical issues with bringing witnesses to Belmopan. The sole witness to testify is [...]
What Happened During Kim Passport Window?
What does this mean for what happened with the Won Hong Kim passport? The Department's records state that a file was opened just before eleven in the morning and closed [...]
Belize Has No Diplomatic Presence in Dalian, China
Bol also told the Senate panel about the capability of foreign embassies in the U.S. and elsewhere that had limited access to the main system in Belmopan that allowed for [...]
No Additional Charges for Cops Accused of Contraband
Almost a month ago, police announced disciplinary proceedings against a police constable and a special constable based in Orange Walk, who were accused of illegally contrabanding items at the Rio [...]
Your Light Bill Won't Go Up
There is not likely to be any change in the electricity rate any time soon. On Tuesday, the Public Utilities Commission appeared to agree with Belize Electricity Limited that no [...]
New C.E.O. of B.T.L. Introduced
There's a new Chief Executive Officer in the driver's seat at the government-controlled Belize Telemedia Limited replacing the prime Minister's son Anwar Barrow.� Rochus Schreiber, a career professional in the [...]
Customs, Police Gear Up to Fight Weapons of Mass Destruction
In more than a century and a half of existence, the office of Comptroller of Customs and Excise has seen it all. But often, it's what you don't see coming [...]
How to 'Know Your Money'
The Central Bank of Belize is hosting a two day "Know Your Money" presentations to be conducted by international De La Rue International which prints the Belize currency notes. The [...]
Going Beyond the Horizon
In commemoration of World Press Freedom Day, local journalists and media personalities were invited for a fly over of Belize from the Belize District over to the Cayo District. Treated [...]
B.T.L. Calms Employees, Preparers New C.B.A.
Earlier you heard from the Chairman of Belize Telemedia Limited introducing the company's new C.E.O., Rochus Schreiber. Within days of assuming as C.E.O., employees of B.T.L., those belonging to the [...]
A.G. Leads Implementation of UNCAC
Key stakeholder of the government, business sector, media and other agencies were in attendance of a training on the implementation review of the mechanism of the United Nations Convention Against [...]
Drivers Charged for Traffic Violations in P.G.
Four drivers were convicted on April twenty-eighth, 2017, at the Punta Gorda Town Magistrate's Court of offences under the transport laws. The cases were brought by Cesar Muschamp, Traffic Warden [...]
LOVE FM
Digging Into the Portable Passport System and Economic Citizenship
Today's Senate hearing was brief, with Rodolfo Bol as the only witness to appear before the Special Senate Select Committee. Bol is the IT Manager for the Immigration Department and he was mainly questioned about the passport system and its processes. Senator Mark Lizarraga questioned Bol about a particular statement in the auditor general's report. [�]
Belize Falls in Rank on the World Press Freedom Index
Each year on May 3, many nations around the world celebrate the freedom of the press and their independence. In several countries, freedom of the press is non-existent. In recent months, our regional segment in our newscast has featured stories where dozens of reporters have either been jailed or killed by higher authorities. For 2017, [�]
UNODC Expert In-Country for UNCAC Workshop
Late last year Belize signed onto the United Nations Convention against Corruption, UNCAC, and as of January this year, government started to put together the project board and other systems to work towards the implementation of the UNCAC. What follows the accession to the UNCAC is a self assessment which Belize has started and in [�]
Officially Presenting BTL's CEO, Rochus Schreiber
Today Belize Telemedia Limited presented its new Chief Executive Officer, Rochus Schreiber. Speaking about the importance of the transition within the company in a brief press conference this morning was Chairman of the Board Nestor Vasquez. NESTOR VASQUEZ "Mr. Shreiber joins the company at a very critical time because we are in the middle of [�]
Negotiations Over CBA for BTL Workers Continue
At this morning's press conference, CEO Rochus Schreiber said Belize Telemedia has resolved the brief impasse between the company and the Belize Communications Workers Union. On April 12, B.T.L. employees across the country staged a walkout in protest since the company's management was reportedly refusing to properly address a labor issue with the Union. CEO [�]
Demands at Delille for Removal of Principal
Classes were disrupted at Delille Academy in Dangriga. Correspondent Harry Arzu stopped by the campus to get the details. HARRY ARZU REPORTING "Many teachers and most of the students from Delille Academy here in Dangriga are up in arms over a teacher who was terminated and has not been paid for services rendered to the [�]
Senator Warns Reporters Not to Be Intrusive
After last week's Senate hearing, a picture showing Senator Ashley Rocke on Facebook began floating on social media. The picture was taken by a reporter and shared on Facebook. The church senator was roundly criticized on social media and today before the senate hearing commenced, Chair of the Committee, Senator Aldo Salazar, warned reporters not [�]
No Change in Electricity Rates, Says PUC
The Public Utilities Commission made its Initial Decision in respect to BEL's Annual Tariff Review submission and makes no adjustments to the electricity company's submission. BEL had made the submission for the Annual Review Proceedings on April 1 this year recommending that no changes be made to the Mean Electricity Rate. That currently stands at [�]
Belize Signs Air Transport Agreement with Kuwait
Belize's Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation, Manuel Heredia Jr recently signed onto an agreement with Kuwait under the air transport industry. The agreement is reportedly part of Kuwait's efforts to transform Kuwait into an aviation hub. According to the Director of the Air Transport Department, Kuwait is on the verge of entering a new [�]
Belize Keeps Medfly Under Control
The Mediterranean Fruit Fly or Medfly is considered one of the world's most destructive pests. For the most part, Belize has managed to maintain its status as being Medfly free. Roberto Pantaleon is the Executive Director of the Medfly Program for the United States Department of Agriculture. He told Love News they have been working [�]
Joseph Vaccaro Drowns Weeks Before Graduation
The family of 16-year-old, Joseph Vaccaro was preparing for his graduation day however this weekend, the teenager died as a result of a drowning incident. Correspondent Fem Cruz has the story. FEM CRUZ "A family outing this weekend in the Belize River mouth fall area of Roaring Creek Village turned out deadly for a 16 [�]
Prime Minister Reviews Economic Standing at BCCI's AGM
Last Friday we told you of the address given by the Prime Minister at the Annual General Meeting for the Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry last Thursday night at the Radisson Fort George Hotel in Belize City. The part of his twenty four minute presentation that demanded more attention than the numbers and forecast [�]
Fire Consumes Family House in Southern Belize
A fire in rural Toledo has left seven persons homeless. Here is Paul Mahung with that report.
PSE Part 2 Over and Done
Standard six students from throughout the country sat the second and final part of the Primary School Examinations today. Thousands of students sat the Mathematics and Social Studies examinations today and we spoke to a few of the students. The results are expected to be out later this month.
Charred Remains in Burnt Vehicle Suspected to be Pamela Lino
Police are trying to establish the identity of charred human remains found inside a Kia Sportage SUV at around 2:30 this morning. The discovery was made on Mile 21 on the George Price Highway in front of the Youth Hostel. Investigators are treating the matter as a murder and that's because the driver of the [�]
Infant Dies in Road Traffic Incident
A road traffic accident yesterday claimed the life of a seven month old baby girl. Esmay Ferguson was in a green Mitsubishi car with eight other persons when the driver, 23 year old Darrell Jackson lost control of the vehicle. The vehicle overturned at Mile 9 of the George Price Highway killing baby Esmay and [�]
Timothy Turton Remanded for Murder
Twenty-eight year old Timothy Turton, a security guard of Lord's Bank Village, was charged with the murder of 17 year old Brandon Bradley when he appeared today before Magistrate Carlon Mendoza. Magistrate Mendoza explained to him that the court cannot offer him bail because of the nature of the offence. Turton was remanded into custody [�]
Belize Appeals for Reconsideration at the DC Circuit
In late March, the Belize Court of Appeals ruled in favour of the Government of Belize when it rejected the Belize Bank's bid to have a 37-million dollar arbitration award enforced. While the Government was successful on this end, they continue to face challenges on the issue since they cannot seem to get the US [�]
Breaking Belize News
Media warned on Freedom of the Press day
Today, on what is being celebrated globally as International Freedom of the Press Day, as the Senate Select Committee continues its hearing into very serious allegations of corruption at the Immigration Department, President of the Senate Aldo Salazar issued a stern warning to members [�]
Kids and motorbikes do not mix!
I cannot imagine a more terrible thing to happen to a child than to die in a motorcycle accident or for any parent to witness or experience than their child dying this way. My most heartfelt condolences to the parents and family of the [�]
Car stolen at northern border
Jermain Jorgueson, 28, of Belize City reported that between 9:00 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. yesterday, he parked his grey 1995 Mazda Prot�g� car valued at $7,000 in front of the ICB office at the Northern border . Jorgueson reported that upon his return the [�]
Belize City house burns
According to police reports, yesterday morning around 3:35, police visited Elston Kerr street, Belize City where cops observed a wooden house with zinc roofing completely engulfed in flames. The fire was later extinguished by personnel from the Fire Department. Dawn Faber, 52, owner of [�]
Charred body found in burned vehicle still unidentified
The charred remains of a human body found in the backseat of a burned vehicle near mile 21 on the George Price highway is still unidentified. Police also say that a cause of death has yet to be determined and police are not able [�]
Air Canada to fly to Belize in December
Today, Air Canada announced six new routes. The continued expansion of the airlines network routes includes flights from Toronto to Belize. Flights are now available for purchase at aircanada.com and through travel agents. President, Passenger Airlines at Air Canada, Benjamin Smith stated: "Air Canada [�]
Students and teachers protest at Delille Academy
Reports to BBN is that there is an on going protest at Delille Academy in the Stann Creek District. The protest is reportedly against the administration. The group is in support of a teacher from the school who was allegedly not paid for April [�]
Price of bread on the rise
Yesterday, the management of Casa Pan Dulce issued a statement on the prices of bread. The bakery has shops in Belmopan, Santa Elena and San Ignacio. The bakery also delivers to grocery shops in the villages and towns. In its statement, the bakery said: [�]
Belize~Review of P.M. Barrow farewell to Chamber
On April 27, 2017, Prime Minister of Belize, Hon. Dean Barrow delivered what he referred to as his last address to the Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the largest private sector organization in Belize. In his address, he used various statistical measures to [�]
Belizeans, please�stop vote fi yellah, chicken-hearted COWARDS!
On May 2nd, 1998, 7 masked men held up and robbed more than 200 Belizean men, women and children on the Hummingbird Highway. A 19 year old BDF volunteer, Generio Chi, was murdered in cold blood. These men were reported by eyewitnesses to [�]
A May Morning in San Pedro
Today the wind has shifted. No more breeze from the south and the haze it seems to set over the caye�today is a gorgeous bright blue May day. And I headed to town. Inspired by the pretty weather and sparkly ocean, I took a bunch of pictures.
Two things of note on this Wednesday. We are starting to see the decline in visitors as things warm up in the states and Canada - it's the time of year that you can actually find a parking spot for your golf cart. Just wait until school gets out.
And fruit and veg was delivered today. The island usually gets new produce on Tuesdays and Saturdays. But since Monday was a holiday (Labour Day, May 1st) - we got a Wednesday delivery this week. And the best of the bunch looks like beets, habanero peppers�
Everything You Wanted to Know about Belize's Rainbow of Cultures
If you travel frequently, you know that many nations claim to be melting pots, citing a mix of languages, arts, foods and customs that come together in a sort of United Nations of citizenry. But Belize truly does exemplify one of the most complex mixes of cultures on the planet; for a small nation, it's crammed with distinct peoples with roots reaching back in time and across oceans.
Come with us on a short, colorful journey of discovery as we introduce you to seven major cultural presences, each happy to call Belize home. Together, Belizeans show the world that people can live together in harmony, irrespective of their unique heritages.
El Pilar Mayan Ruins – Hidden Beneath The Belize Jungle
Because not every Mayan ruin gives visitors so complete a picture of the Maya ways of life and their traditional agricultural practices. It's the single largest Belize River Valley site and was once home to a population of 20,000 during the Maya Classic Period, circa 800 BC, yet many of the large public buildings weren't added to this settlement until around 250 BC. Another unique aspect of El Pilar is its proximity to water. Not all Mayan villages can make that claim, but it's likely the reason the area was named Watering Basin.
Gain access to this attraction by starting your journey in San Ignacio and then travel 7.5 miles north. You will wind up close to the Belize-Guatemala border, and since this massive reserve filled with flora and fauna actually straddles both countries, you may wish to take in Guatemala's Peten District's portion as well.
There are several options: by land, you can drive or be driven the 8 mile distance, but prepare for bumps and mud, depending upon the time you visit Belize, because these roads aren't paved. Alternately, you can travel via the Belize River and Bullet Tree Falls. Given the arduous route, a guided tour is always the best option.
Rio Frio Cave in the Mountain Pine Ridge
Prepare yourself for a dramatic entrance as you follow stepping stones into the cave and get a first glimpse at the vast chamber that awaits. This uber-wide entrance is part of Rio Frio's charm: it's welcoming and so striking, you won't be the first person to gasp at its grandeur. Spot 70-foot natural arches, colorful boulders and dramatic stalactites, some of which emulate primitive chandeliers suspended in time. As you explore this quarter-mile-long cave, you'll spot a stream, pools and even cascading waters spilling from nooks and crannies.
Take the Western Highway to the Georgeville turn off (mile 65) and continue five miles past the Douglas de Silva Forest Station. If you get lost, ask anyone you meet to point you in the direction of Augustine.
The Garifuna culture and a rememberance of Andy Palacio
The Garinagu (plural of Garifuna) of Belize are an indigenous group with a history that is as similar as it is different from that of other indigenous groups. Every Easter Saturday since 2014, Hopkins Village in western Belize, comes alive, in a celebration of the culture of the Garinagu. The Hopkins International Parranda Music Festival aims to "enable indigenous people to unite around a worthy cause developing cultural pride in an era when much of the Garifuna culture needs to be preserved."
WIB sat down with Trina Palacio, a Garifuna student from Belize who is currently studying Economics at The University of the West Indies St Augustine Campus. Palacio helped us understand what it feels like to be Garifuna in Belize. She explained that she often experiences a sense of double consciousness as a Garifuna. According to Palacio, with their rich history, some people do not always understand what it means to be Garifuna, because they have preconceived notions about what it means to be indigenous. "If you're indigenous then why is your skin dark? Why is your hair kinky? Why do you have a Spanish last name?" The questions are sometimes endless, she says, and having to constantly explain who you are, and why you are, can be exhausting and frustrating.
International Sources
2 detained in connection with missing couple found dead in Belize
Police have detained two people in connection with the suspected murder of an American man and his girlfriend who were found dead Monday afternoon in Belize.
Drew DeVoursney, 36, of Atlanta and Francesca Matus, 52, of Toronto were reported missing last week and their remains were found Monday in an "advanced state of decomposition" with DeVoursney's body on top of Matus body, according to police.
Police have referred to the case as a murder investigation but have not released any more information about the two suspects detained or any possible motive behind the deaths.
Air Canada adds new routes to Belize and St Vincent
Air Canada announced on Wednesday the continued expansion of its international network with the addition of new routes for the winter season, including Toronto-Belize and Toronto-St. Vincent (subject to government approval).
"Air Canada is continuing its strategic, global expansion with a diverse range of exciting new non-stop routes this winter to Australia, South America, the Caribbean and the United States," said Benjamin Smith, president, passenger airlines at Air Canada.
"The addition of the first long-haul, international scheduled service to St Vincent in the Caribbean, along with the addition of Toronto-Belize� offers new choices for travellers looking to escape Canadian winters," he concluded.
Easter Week at Ambergris Caye: A Combination of Spiritual Fulfillment and Delightful Experience
It's undeniable that Ambergris Caye inhabits one of the most pleasing cultures in the world. Aside from the stunning aesthetics of Belize's largest island, it boasts its undying rich culture that magnetizes foreign tourists in the locality; and one strong testament has been its recently held Easter Week Celebration.
The celebration, which manifests a balanced expression of a flabbergasting experience due to the sense of party atmosphere in the weekend, and at the same time, not overlooking the sense of faith and spiritual fulfillment incorporated in the Easter week celebration, gives the locals and tourists a very satisfying involvement in the annual event.
Spearheaded by the San Pedro Roman Catholic Church, Holy Week 2017 began on Palm Sunday, April 9th. The annual tradition began in the Palm Sunday mass, where palm leaves were blessed, given to the congregation, and turned into crosses as a symbol of their faith; which means the welcoming of Jesus to the Holy City.
Videos
San Pedro Lionfish Tournament 2017, 2min. San Pedro could easily be considered a community success story of lionfish management. Popular snorkel and dive sites have very little lionfish. They are mostly found at reefs that are not regularly visited. However, the importance of continued education and hunting of lionfish is still considered a necessary priority. Dive operators and guides celebrate the reef each year with their marine reserve partners by engaging in a weeklong celebration called Reef Week Hol Chan. Teams are dedicating May 12th to cull lionfish through a fun filled tournament that involves guests and the wider community.
News Five's Isani Cayetano shares what Press Freedom Day means to him in commemoration of World Press Freedom Day!, 30sec.
Celebrating World Press Freedom Day! Flying over beautiful Belize, 1hr15min. Channel 5 & other local journalists joined the US Embassy today on a fly over!
Saving British Honduras, 2min. Legacy interviews is a growing independent documentary production company based in London. We create professional documentaries containing life stories and personal biographies of your family members and friends which will be priceless for future generations.
This is a short excerpt from one of our previous interviews, in which John Roberts discusses a little known international incident that occurred when he was Rear Admiral of the famous HMS Ark Royal, where they had to steam across the atlantic to stop Guatemala from invading 'British Honduras', known today as Belize.
Walnum/Hansen Belize 2017, 4min.
Sea Trekking in Belize, 1.5min.
Dennis goes Skydiving in San Pedro, Belize, 6.5min. Our very own Dennis from Grand Caribe goes on an adventure tour, skydiving 13,000ft over our beautiful island with Skydive San Pedro Belize.
Scuba Diving Encounters: Diving with Sharks in Belize, 1min. Watch as one of our editors goes scuba diving with sharks in Belize. Scuba Diving Magazine
Deep Sea Fishing At Belize, 6min.
Belize Highlights, 2min. This highlight video is from our trip to Belize City in the Summer of 2016!
We spent 4 days exploring the city and it's surroundings;
Caye Caulker Island,
Altun Ha Mayan Ruins,
Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave.
National Agriculture and Trade Show 2017 : Let's Get Growing - Evening, 3hr. AT MINUTE 35: Check out Ya'axche Protected Areas Manager and Human Jaguar Conflict Officer, Marchilio Ack sharing tips on how to reduce conflict with jaguars!
BSI ASR CROP REVIEW 2017 - WEEK 21, 3min.
Diving in Belize, 5.5min. Diving at San Pedro,Belize with Amigos Del Mar. Cribbean Reef Shark, Green Sea Turtle, Spotted Eagle Ray.