Emerson Garnett, a thirty-four-year-old from Freetown Road, Belize City, faced new charges of sexual assault and wounding in the Belize City Magistrate’s Court this morning. Previously a murder suspect, Garnett has been in custody since Sunday. He appeared before Magistrate Ludlow Black without representation and pleaded not guilty to both charges. The allegations stem from a domestic incident on April twentieth, 2025, where Garnett allegedly grabbed the private parts of a thirty-eight-year-old woman and caused her injury. The victim, who was once in a relationship with Garnett, reported that he tried to hug her, and when she refused, he threatened to kill her and himself. Garnett then allegedly assaulted her, punching her several times in the face. Despite hearing the victim’s account, Garnett maintained his innocence. Magistrate Black informed him that he need not explain further since he had pleaded not guilty. With no objection to bail from the prosecutor, conditions were set for Garnett’s release, including no contact with the victim or her family, staying one hundred yards away from her, and reporting to the Queen Street Police Station every Friday. Garnett met bail and is due back in court on June eleventh, 2025.
Tonight, a Belize City mother is out on bail after being accused of cyberbullying a former co-worker. Armida Adela Gonzalez, a 49-year-old self-employed resident of West Street, Belize City, faced charges under the Cybercrime Act for allegedly sending obscene and vulgar computer data to harass Kiara Middleton. Gonzalez appeared unrepresented before Magistrate Ludlow Black, who read her the single charge. She pleaded not guilty. The prosecutor requested bail conditions, including that Gonzalez must stay 100 yards away from Middleton and not interfere with her. Gonzalez explained that they used to work together but no longer do. Bail was set at $500, which Gonzalez met. Her next court date is June 12, 2025.
The Trump administration is shutting down the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), a foreign aid agency that collaborates with over fifty countries, including Belize, to boost economic growth. The Department of Government Efficiency, led by Elon Musk, announced the decision in an email to employees on Tuesday. The Millennium Challenge Corporation currently manages over five billion dollars in active grants across twenty lower-income countries. These grants are either signed or in the process of being implemented. On September fourth, 2024, the Government of Belize and MCC signed a landmark five-year US$125 million Grant Agreement. This funding would have been directed towards significant investments in Belize’s education and energy sectors. The Education Project focused on increasing the number of post-primary graduates with skills relevant to the current and future job market. This would be achieved by transforming teaching methods, improving access to secondary education, and strengthening the legal and institutional framework for Technical and Vocational Education and Training. Meanwhile, the Energy Project aimed to reduce electricity costs by facilitating new power purchase agreements for affordable renewable energy, modernizing the grid to handle variable power generation efficiently, and supporting the Government of Belize in enhancing policies and regulations for the effective use of renewable energy. Both projects were to be managed by the newly established Millennium Challenge Account-Belize (MCA-Belize Authority), a statutory body formed in August 2024. Prime Minister Hon. John Briceño represented the Government of Belize, while CEO Mrs. Alice Albright signed on behalf of MCC. Project implementation was set to begin in 2025. The Department of Government Efficiency’s move to target MCC adds to the Trump administration’s broader efforts to cut back on foreign aid groups.
The Ministry of Agriculture has announced its 2025 Farmers of the Year, just in time for the National Agriculture and Trade Show. These awards celebrate farmers for their dedication to food security and innovative practices. Today, we visited San Lazaro Village to chat with the Junior Farmer of the Year, twenty-five-year-old Juan Carillo. Juan dropped out of high school at fifteen to help with the family farm. At eighteen, he left to try another job, but less than a year ago, his younger brother convinced him to return as a business partner. Now, the Carillo brothers are making waves in the agriculture sector. News Five’s Paul Lopez has the story.
Paul Lopez, Reporting
Twenty-five-year-old Juan Carillo from San Lazaro has snagged the title of 2025 Junior Farmer of the Year. Carillo and his two brothers oversee more than a hundred acres of farmland in their village.
Juan Carillo
Juan Carillo, Junior Farmer of the Year
“What we do here is plant vegetables and work with the livestock also. I get into farming since I was twelve years old. I started farming with my dad. He left and I left too. I came back when I was fifteen and started on my own. I left studying and did it on my own. I did it for two or three year and one day my little brother called me and said he want to do it again and I said let us do it and here we are working together.”
The brothers have more than twenty sheep on their farm. They are well taken care of, with plenty of land to graze on, and are sold based on demand. When their owner calls out to them, the sheep come forward eagerly. The cows, initially far off, also come running when called.
Paul Lopez
“You said that at the age of fifteen you did not want to continue school anymore.”
Juan Carillo
“I did not like it, so I just drop off.”
Paul Lopez
“What is your thoughts on going to school to learn. Do you feel like you need to go?”
Juan Carillo
“Actually, I don’t feel like I need to go to learn. It is like other students, when they go to study agriculture if they go to study and don’t practice, they don’t know anything.”
Juan’s brother, Amin Carillo, persuaded him to come back to farming less than a year ago. At the time, both brothers lived away from the community. When their grandfather, who originally owned the farm, fell ill, someone needed to step in. Now, Juan and Amin are business partners, working together to keep the family farm thriving.
Amir Carillo
Amir Carillo, Farmer, San Lazzaro
“First of all I give thanks to the lord that we have this opportunity. We have my grandfather and father that teach us how to do agriculture.”
Paul Lopez
“Your brother received the Junior Farmer of the Year Award, but as he pointed out it is a team effort. Talk about how proud you are of him.”
Amir Carillo
“I am proud, because two of us are working good. We don’t argue, we don’t fight. We find this work fun. Sometimes when we are transplanting we said, let us race, who good do it faster.”
The soursop trees produce huge fruits that even the birds can’t resist. To keep the birds away, the brothers placed a pair of sunshades on one of the fruits. They’ve harvested over a thousand pounds of tomatoes and hundreds of pounds of cabbage. More than two thousand seedlings are ready for transplanting. Watermelon seedlings are already in the ground, and hundreds of sweet pepper plants are starting to bear vegetables. The farm also grows corn, cucumber, cilantro, and habanero peppers.
Paul Lopez
“What is the hardest thing about this job?”
Juan Carillo
“The hardest thing? Well I don’t think nothing is hard.”
More impressive than the vegetables they grow and the livestock they raise are Juan Carillo’s exceptional record-keeping skills. He meticulously tracks everything they cultivate, all sales to the market, and even anticipates future market needs. Additionally, the brothers’ advanced irrigation system plays a crucial role in their efforts to combat climate change.
Juan Carillo
“For me it is an honor for being the junior farmer of the year and my family is so proud of me.”
Paul Lopez
“What would you say was the main reasons why you got this award?”
Juan Carillo
“A part of the vegetables we have, they were seeing how we work and record keeping too. Like, let us say if you plant cabbage, you plant this amount, and when you sell, you have to see how much you spend, how much you make and from there you will see how much you win or how much you lose.”
Amir Carillo
“If God give us the life and the opportunity, my brother and I, this is our life, we love this so, I don’t think we will quit planting.”
Residents from a Guatemalan fishing community claim Belizean authorities are violating their human rights by preventing them from fishing in their waters. The Toledo Institute for Development and Environment (TIDE) has responded to these claims. Leonardo Chavarria, TIDE’s Executive Director, explained that the Sapodilla Caye Marine Reserve was recently expanded to over three hundred thousand acres to protect the newly discovered Caiman Crown Reef. While most of this reef is within Belize’s territory, part of it falls within Guatemalan waters. Chavarria noted that in 2020, Guatemalan authorities declared their portion a protected no-take zone. However, following the fishermen’s allegations, the Guatemalan government has reversed this declaration, leading the fishermen to believe they can fish beyond Guatemala’s marine border.
Leonardo Chavarria
Leonardo Chavarria, Executive Director, TIDE
“What transpired recently is that there is a community which works very close to the Caiman Crown Area, about two miles. That community is entitled San Francisco Del Mar. If you notice, what they do is that they released a video in which they are expressing their dissatisfaction with the type of enforcement that Belize has in that area. In that video they are making a lot of allegations that are untrue. They are saying that we are violating their human rights, taking away their fishing gear and that we have been shooting live rounds and threatening their lives. None of that is true. The truth is these fishers have opened fire on Belizean law enforcement authorities, including the Belize Coast Guard and TIDE personnel. Gunfire was never exchanged with them. So, our authorities exercise restraint. However, the allegations of human rights are really pronounced in Guatemala that the ministry of natural resources and environment and the ministry responsible for protected area designation is issuing a press release in why they are saying that they are not in accordance with a recent bill proposed in the Guatemalan Congress to include Caiman Crown within the protected area. The impression portrayed out there to the Guatemalan communities is that it is a free for all and that status formally held in which the Caiman Crown area was a no take zone. The fishers can fish without real enforcement form Guatemalan NGOS. You will see more illicit fishing gears such a s gill nets, long lines, even in Belize. They are saying they have authority over six miles extending from the Caiman Crown area which brings them well into Belizean territory.”
The United Democratic Party (U.D.P.) has voiced serious concerns about the toxic fire at the San Ignacio garbage transfer station over the weekend. This dangerous blaze, likely sparked by years of unmanaged waste, highlights the current administration’s failure to safeguard public health and the environment. Brave firefighters, civil servants, and community volunteers battled hazardous conditions to contain the fire, many exposed to toxic fumes from burning plastics, chemicals, and mixed garbage without proper protective gear. The U.D.P. blames repeated government inaction and poor safety standards for this crisis. The U.D.P. goes on to say that under the Barrow administration, garbage collection was decentralized and locally managed, ensuring accountability and timely waste removal. However, the current centralized model, plagued by political favoritism, has led to major contracts being awarded to politically connected individuals who subcontract services with little oversight, resulting in delays, mismanagement, and dangerous waste buildup.
On Tuesday, around thirty false killer whales were spotted inside the Belize Barrier Reef system, raising concerns among marine biologists that the creatures might be lost and stranded. These dolphins, named for their resemblance to killer whales, typically live in the deep blue sea but occasionally appear in our waters, as they did in 2018 and 2024. Fortunately, both times they managed to find their way back without any casualties. Today, two marine biologists ventured offshore near Belize City, hoping to locate the school of false killer whales. The good news? There was no sign of them, giving the biologists hope that the whales have safely navigated back to their natural habitat.
Marion Ali, Reporting
Today, marine biologist Jamal Galves set out to Drowned Caye, about nine miles offshore from Belize City, in search of a school of false killer whales. These dolphins, often mistaken for killer whales, had wandered into the shallow waters of the Belize Barrier Reef. Galves was joined by members of the Belize Fisheries Department and Nicole Auil-Gomez, Country Director of the Wildlife Conservation Society. Upon hearing about the whales’ presence, they were concerned and headed out to sea, with us tagging along.
Jamal Galves
Jamal Galves, Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute
“It’s not an animal that you typically see, especially in coastal waters. It’s known to occupy pelagic, deeper waters a thousand meters in depths. So, for it to be here is very unlikely. It’s not the habitat for it. It’s not where it feeds; it’s not where it used to be. So, there’s cause for alarm.”
False killer whales aren’t common around these shores, so fishermen might not know what to watch for. Marine biologist George Myvett, an expert in fish, gave me some tips on what to look out for.
George Myvett
George Myvett, Marine Biologist
“The killer whale as we know is a kind of black animal with some white features, white on the belly and white lateral spots. The false killer whale has none of those. The false killer whale is really dark with some latitudes of brown, but you know, there’s no mistaking the two species. At times they would be led off course by various things. It could be navigational aids; it could be really some of these animals might be become sick and there’s a kind of leader of the pack and they would follow that leader into areas that are not necessarily native habitat.”
After an hour at sea and checking two spots, no false killer whales were found. This gives Galves hope that the school has safely navigated back through the channel into deeper waters.
Jamal Galves
“They were seen yesterday near the Stake Bank, Drowned Caye areas. By all indications they were headed south. That would lead them to the English Caye Channel, which I presume is where they got into here. We’re hoping once they get into that channel, they’ll be able to figure themselves out. They’re very sharp navigators. If these animals end up beaching that presents a significant problem for us to deal with the carcasses. If the animals are beached and alive, normal interventions would be to try and float them back into sea if they’re alive. Other than that, if it dies, we’ll probably do a necropsy on the animal to determine cause of death. In some cases, these animals are euthanized to avoid suffering, depending on what conditions they are in. But oftentimes it’s not the entire pod that is compromised. It’s usually sometimes one or two animals that are compromised, but due to the tight knit of the pod, they tend to stay together. I’m very much relieved that they weren’t seen and my hope is that they’ve actually made their way out and they’re on their journey.”
What we did spot was a group of local dolphins enjoying the sea. The males were paired up and seemed to be following a female, likely trying to mate. Marion Ali for News Five.
Today, The Imagination Factri unveiled the first published work by Belizean rapper and poet Kenny Morgan, a founding member of the Belize City rap trio Fresh Breeze Crew. In his book “If unu tink da lai,” Morgan combines his passion for lyricism and Belizean culture through nineteen captivating poems. News Five’s Britney Gordon was at the Bliss Center for Performing Arts for the launch.
Britney Gordon, Reporting
In 1988, Belize welcomed the Fresh Breeze Crew, a rap group founded by friends Kenny Morgan, Leroy Young, and Trevor Morgan. Inspired by the New York rap scene, they fused the genre with Belizean sounds, allowing Kenny Morgan’s lyrical talent to shine. He continued to nurture this passion in his solo music career. Now, Morgan is sharing his love for writing with the release of his first poetry book, “If unu tink da lie.”
Kenny Morgan, Author
“Most of my inspiration comes from situations that I observe in everyday life, persons that I interact with. And mostly I try to pick on themes that I believe will echo with the larger population. I strongly believe that utilizing the art form should always be with a view to creating positive change or motivating someone to want to do something about something. So if one line from one of the poems can reach out and accomplish that, I feel justified.”
Morgan’s work is inspired by his own life experiences and the social challenges he sees around him. Several poems include themes of feminism and poverty.
Kenny Morgan
“I believe they were important. They are important now and will continue to be important until we as a people, as a society start to address some of the changes that we see creating the situations that we are living in, that affects the way our young people approach life in general. I think it’s important for us to try to instill in them something that will have them want to rise up, to move up to greater heights and a better way of living, not just socially economically, but the interaction with the people around you and the way that you share information and knowledge.”
Yasser Musa of the Imagination Factri published the book. Musa shared that he and Morgan have admired each other’s work for years and are thrilled to collaborate on this exciting project.
Yasser Musa, Publisher
“Kenny Morgan earlier talked about how his mother raised him with a strict diet of reading. I think that says a lot about how parenting can infuse in a person, in a human being. That love and that imaginary power that you can use throughout your life. Kenny Morgan is in my mind, an enigmatic artist. He’s a artist that has a spectrum. One of the presenters, Gina Scott, called him a multi-man. And I think that is a very powerful phrased term for him because not only is he an incredible poet, but he’s also an amazing lyricist, a musician. A person who speaks not just for his generation, but for the current generation.”
Morgan was visibly moved during his speech, admitting he was blown away by the huge crowd. He expressed heartfelt thanks to everyone for backing his projects over the years.
Kenny Morgan
“I think what I feel most gratified about is the fact that the people of Belize over the years have always given me a certain amount of respect and appreciation and they give credibility to the things that I say I do. I think this is because they have been observing me for quite a while. They know what I stand for. They know the things that I say come from my heart. I mean them when I speak them. So I think what I’m most proud of is the appreciation and the reception that I get from the Belizean populates.”
Musa urges everyone to dive into the book, promising it’s packed with witty insights that he’s sure will resonate with just about anyone.
Yasser Musa
“Reading is an explosive form of self-determination. It allows you to become yourself and becoming yourself is not a, at this moment or at that moment. It is a constant journey. And I think Kenny Morgan’s own journey, we can look at even from his words, but from his lyrics, but from his life.”
Guatemala’s Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (MARN) and the National Council of Protected Areas (CONAP) have announced they cannot support a proposed law that would expand the Punta de Manabique protected area to include the ecologically valuable Cayman Crown Reef, citing legal and procedural shortcomings.
The proposed legislation, Bill 6499, aims to incorporate the reef, considered one of the best-preserved in the Guatemalan Caribbean, into the existing protected area framework. The reef plays a vital role in sustaining local marine biodiversity and supporting the livelihoods of fishers in the Izabal region.
However, both MARN and CONAP stressed that the bill lacks the required technical foundation to move forward. According to Guatemala’s Protected Areas Law, any official declaration of a protected area must be based on a comprehensive technical study approved by CONAP. Such a study must assess the environmental, social, economic, and cultural conditions of the area and the potential impacts on the local population.
“Without an approved technical study, support from relevant government institutions, and clear social backing, MARN and CONAP cannot endorse the incorporation of Corona Caimán into the protected area.”
Environmental advocates have voiced concern over the delay but acknowledge the need for due process.
The reef, located between Belize and Guatemala within the Sapodilla Cayes Marine Reserve, is a key ecological site. It hosts spawning grounds for finfish and deep-water species and is considered part of the vital Mesoamerican Reef system.
Locals in San Francisco Del Mar now claim a six-mile stretch, including much of Belize’s Conservation Zone 4, as Guatemalan territory, raising fears that NGO patrols will cease and unregulated fishing will resume.
The National Student Union of Belize (NSUB) is demanding urgent action and a full investigation into allegations of sexual harassment made against UB assistant professor, Dr. Pio Saqui.
On April 16, News Five learnt that UB had records of complaints against Dr Saqui, who is also the president of the University of Belize Faculty and Staff Union (UBFSU), with the most recent damning complaint dated April 8.
Four students accused Dr Saqui of unwanted touching, sexual remarks, invasive questions, and persistent physical contact “despite visible discomfort and refusal.”
News Five reached out to Dr Saqui several times through various means when we broke the story. He has yet to reply to our request for comments.
In its statement, the NSUB said it “unequivocally condemns all forms of sexual harassment and misconduct” and voiced firm support for students who have come forward with claims spanning over a decade, calling the allegations “deeply concerning.”
The union said it “demands a thorough and transparent response.”
“We urge UB to ensure that this process adheres to the principles of fairness, impartiality, and accountability,” the union said, citing the university’s Student Handbook and the Anti-Sexual Harassment Act of 2024.
The union also called on the university to protect students from retaliation and to provide mental health support throughout the investigation. “
The NSUB said it will “continue to monitor this situation closely” and work to ensure student safety remains a top priority.
