This afternoon, Cayo residents got an unexpected break from the scorching heat when a sudden rainstorm rolled in. But for those in Camalote, the surprise didn’t stop there, hail began falling from the sky, catching many completely off guard. Social media quickly lit up with videos and photos of the rare weather event. While some people were amazed by the unusual sight, others worried about damage to their vehicles parked outside. Authorities are reminding the public that during hailstorms, it’s safest to stay indoors and away from windows. Drivers should pull over to a safe spot and remain in their vehicles until the storm passes.
We turn our attention now to something that affects every single one of us, clean water and how we manage what goes down the drain. The Department of the Environment is taking a big step forward in protecting our health and environment. Earlier today, the DOE hosted a major stakeholder meeting in Belmopan to revise Belize’s National Wastewater Policy. Now, this might not sound flashy, but it’s a big deal. Poorly treated wastewater can pollute our rivers, groundwater, and even the sea, putting both people and ecosystems at risk. And with our population growing, the pressure on our water systems is only increasing. The updated policy will tackle these challenges head-on. It’s set to include new standards for industrial and agricultural wastewater, and even climate adaptation measures to help Belize stay ahead of the curve. This isn’t just about the environment, it’s about public health. Clean rivers and wells are our main sources of drinking water. And when wastewater isn’t properly managed, it can lead to dangerous waterborne diseases. Today’s meeting brought together voices from across the country: government, private sector, academia, and civil society, to make sure the new policy reflects the real-world challenges Belizeans face. It’s a reminder that environmental protection isn’t just a government job, it’s everybody’s business.
It was more than just a meeting, it was a celebration of community, accountability, and the power of participation. The Holy Redeemer Credit Union’s Annual General Meeting brought together members from all walks of life to reflect on the past year, celebrate major financial milestones, and shape the future of one of Belize’s most trusted financial institutions. From impressive growth figures to a surprise shake-up on the Board of Directors, the AGM had no shortage of memorable moments. And as News Five found out, it’s a space where voices are heard, leadership is chosen, and the spirit of unity is alive and well.
Isani Cayetano, Reporting
The Holy Redeemer Credit Union’s Annual General Meeting isn’t just a yearly routine, it’s a powerful moment where transparency, teamwork, and shared goals come to life. It’s a chance for members to stay informed, have their voices heard, and help shape the future of their credit union.
Clement Usher
Clement Usher, Chief Financial Officer, HRCU
“HRCU has a very young membership base which is the reason why we can successfully run our burial scheme program. Interestingly, other than in the under-eighteen category, the females outnumber the males in every other category and, in some cases, by large amounts. The older categories, age seventy-one and above, tell us that females are living longer than males.”
The AGM is a chance to look back at the past year, celebrating wins, learning from challenges, and giving members a clear picture of how the credit union is doing financially.
Wendy Castillo
Wendy Castillo, President, Board of Directors
“Dollar value of loans issued valued at 1.1214 million dollars. The number of loans issued during that financial year to you, member owners, was 17,288 loans. The total gross profit is 48.3 million dollars. Our total net profit is 26.8 million dollars. Dollar growth in total assets is 54.4 million, resulting in a total asset today of 828.3 million dollars. Net growth in membership, we grew 866, ending the year with a total membership at HRCU of 65,580-member owner. Please give yourselves another round of applause.”
This gathering brings together a rich mix of people from both the school and parish community, creating a space where open dialogue is encouraged and feedback is welcomed. It’s a moment that strengthens the bonds of unity and reminds everyone of their shared purpose. The meeting also allows for the election or reaffirmation of board members and other key roles. This ensures strong, representative leadership that reflects the values and needs of our community.
Dr. Carol Babb
Dr. Carol Babb, Vice President, Board of Directors
“The Chief Finance Officer and Human Resource Manager convened on May 2nd, 2025 and is recommending the following persons for election and re-election. The Nominating Committee has recommended Mr. Albert Vaughn to be re-elected as a member of the board. I will go through one-by-one, but I will just go through all the names that the nominating committee has recommended. For the Credit Committee, the Nominating Committee has recommended Mr. Jermaine Hyde. For the Supervisory Committee, the Nominating Committee has recommended Mr. Warren Coye for re-election. So now, we will go for election for the Board of Directors. As I said earlier, the Nominating Committee has recommended Mr. Albert Vaughn. However, the floor will be opened for one minute… and the floor can recommend any person that you so desire.”
During a brief sixty-second nomination window, the floor put forward the name Ronnier Balan—and just like that, the momentum shifted. Balan went on to unseat City Administrator Albert Vaughn, securing a spot on the Board of Directors. It was a dramatic moment that highlighted the power of participation and the importance of every second in the democratic process. With members watching closely, the vote signaled a call for fresh leadership and new ideas within one of Belize’s most trusted financial institutions. Isani Cayetano for News Five.
President of the Public Service Union (PSU), Dean Flowers, has clarified the union’s position on public sector salary concerns, stating they are not seeking to dictate the salaries of Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) but are demanding a fair and equitable pay structure across the service.
“We’re not questioning whether a CEO should earn sixty thousand dollars a year, seventy-six thousand a year, or eighty-eight thousand dollars a year. We’re not questioning that,” Flowers said. “We’re saying that if we’re all going to contribute to the growth and development of the public service, then the structure has to be one that equitably distributes the benefits.”
His comments follow the unanimous rejection last week by the Joint Unions Negotiating Team (JUNT) of the government’s proposed 3% salary increase for public sector workers, a figure the unions have deemed insufficient.
Tensions have mounted in recent weeks, particularly after news of a more than 15% pay hike for Cabinet CEOs shortly after the general elections.
Flowers criticised the performance of some CEOs, arguing that high salaries are not translating into improved public service delivery. “You cannot say that because ‘I’m the CEO, I’m entitled to a hundred thousand,’ because the reality is you bring limited experience in the public service,” he said.
“When you come here, you come in oblivious to really and truly how the public service runs, and that’s the reason why the con, the public service, continues to get worse because of your leadership, because of your inability to identify the deficiencies in your ministry, in your department,” Flowers added.
The unions have warned of potential industrial action if their demands continue to be ignored.
UNICEF Belize partnered with the Ministry of Health and Wellness to bolster emergency readiness as the 2025 hurricane season is here. In a handover ceremony at the National Vaccine Building in Belmopan, UNICEF presented 10,000 high-energy biscuits to the ministry.
The biscuits are “specially formulated biscuits designed for emergencies and situations where immediate, readily available nutrition is needed,” UNICEF Belize said in a statement.
The donation is intended to support vulnerable groups, particularly young children and pregnant women, during times of need in the upcoming months.
As UNICEF and the Ministry of Health and Wellness ramp up preparations to support vulnerable populations, the public is also urged to take proactive steps.
With the hurricane season here, households are reminded to assess their readiness and ensure they have essential supplies in place.
Emergency preparedness is a shared responsibility; now is the time to act, when time is on one’s side.
El exembajador beliceño Alexis Rosado compareció hoy en el Tribunal Superior, donde fue formalmente acusado de violación, asalto sexual y asalto agravado. El caso surge de alegaciones que anteriormente fueron tratadas en tribunales menores, pero que ahora han sido elevadas al Tribunal Superior para juicio.
El abogado Richard “Dickie” Bradley, quien representa a Rosado, explicó que el procedimiento fue una acusación formal estándar y parte del proceso judicial usual para delitos graves. “Esto fue solo una acusación formal regular. Nada especial, nada fuera de lo ordinario,” declaró Bradley.
Explicó que el siguiente paso involucrará a ambas partes, la defensa y la fiscalía, acordando el conjunto completo de deposiciones, que incluye declaraciones, pruebas, y reportes médicos y de expertos. “Queremos asegurarnos de que todos estemos en la misma página con la evidencia”, agregó.
Bradley confirmó que Rosado está actualmente en libertad bajo fianza, que fue fijada en aproximadamente $8,000 a $10,000. “La fianza es solo una salvaguarda procesal,” señaló Bradley. “Asegura que el acusado regrese al tribunal. Tienen que haber razones convincentes para quitar la libertad de alguien”.
La próxima comparecencia en el tribunal está programada para el 24 de junio de 2025, donde el tribunal abordará asuntos procedimentales preliminares mientras el caso avanza.
Residents of Belmopan City and nearby villages were caught off guard this afternoon by a sudden bout of thunder and rainfall. Meanwhile, residents from the Camalote Village reported that the rain came down with an unusual hailstorm.
While some welcomed the rain as relief from the recent heat, others expressed concern over potential damage, particularly to vehicles left outside.
Many social media users took to the platform with images and videos of the hailstones. “After a few minutes of strong thunder and lighting it started to rain down ice in Camalote village,” said one user. “I love it mein.”
One user is heard saying in a video, “Ice, ice, ice is falling down. Hear the ice falling.”
Residents should monitor the situation in their area and are advised to remain indoors and away from windows.
This rare weather event raises questions about the shifting weather patterns just days after entering the 2025 hurricane season.
Meanwhile, the National Meteorological Service of Belize’s weather outlook indicates that “a few showers and isolated thunderstorms can be expected inland Wednesday afternoon and evening, then over most areas late Wednesday night and Thursday morning.”
Former Belizean ambassador Alexis Rosado appeared in the High Court today, where he was formally arraigned on charges of rape, sexual assault, and aggravated assault. The case stems from allegations that were previously addressed in the lower courts but have now been elevated to the High Court for trial.
Attorney Richard “Dickie” Bradley, who is representing Rosado, explained that the proceeding was a standard arraignment and part of the usual judicial process for serious offences. “This was just a regular arraignment. Nothing special, nothing out of the ordinary,” Bradley stated.
He explained that the next step will involve both sides, the defence and prosecution, agreeing on the full set of depositions, which includes statements, exhibits, and medical and expert reports. “We want to make sure we are all on the same page with the evidence,” he added.
Bradley confirmed that Rosado is currently out on bail, which was set at approximately $8,000 to $10,000. “Bail is just a procedural safeguard,” Bradley noted. “It ensures that the accused returns to court. There have to be compelling reasons to take away someone’s freedom.”
The next court appearance is scheduled for June 24, 2025, where the court will address preliminary procedural matters as the case moves forward.
The former ambassador’s case has drawn public attention due to the nature of the allegations and his previous high-profile diplomatic role.
The Department of the Environment (DOE) convened a key stakeholder meeting today to advance the update of Belize’s National Wastewater Policy. The aim is to strengthen wastewater management and safeguard environmental and public health.
Participants included representatives from government agencies, the private sector, academia, and civil society. Together, they are working to address longstanding challenges in wastewater treatment and disposal, which continue to pose serious risks to Belize’s rivers, groundwater, and coastal ecosystems.
As Belize’s population grows, so does the demand for clean water and the risk of untreated wastewater polluting the environment. While the country has made progress, the DOE acknowledges the need for a more comprehensive and modernised policy.
The revised National Wastewater Policy will expand to cover industrial and agricultural wastewater and include climate adaptation measures that align with both national goals and international environmental standards.
The updated policy is especially critical to protecting the country’s drinking water sources, such as rivers and wells, and to reducing waterborne diseases linked to polluted water.
A sexual enhancement product called Royal Honey is drawing “high demand,” especially among men, but health authorities are sounding the alarm over serious risks.
What is‘Royal Honey’?
It is being marketed as a “natural” product for boosting sexual performance and is widely available online, including through informal vendors and marketplace platforms, often for as little as ten Belize dollars per pack.
Is ‘Royal Honey’ Safe to Consume?
Despite its popularity, the Ministry of Health and Wellness (MOHW) has issued a strong warning against its use, stating, “The sale of medications and supplements through social media, street vendors, or other informal sources is strongly discouraged, as these products may be unregulated and unsafe.”
The ministry’s advisory follows alerts from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and Costa Rica’s health authorities, “both of which confirmed, through laboratory analysis, that the product contains undeclared pharmaceutical ingredients.”
What are the risks of consuming ‘Royal Honey’?
According to MOHW, these hidden compounds pose significant health risks, particularly for people with existing medical conditions or those taking prescription medications.
News 5 learnt through an ‘informal vendor’ that common side effects include headaches, indigestion, hearing loss, and priapism, a painful and prolonged erection that can cause permanent damage.
Despite its packaging label listing natural ingredients like honey, maca root, tongkat ali, and ginseng, the product’s contents are neither fully disclosed nor regulated, the ministry says.
What are vendors saying?
Vendors say men buy Royal Honey mainly for sexual enhancement. One seller confirmed headaches as a side effect after customers complained.
But was this reason enough to discontinue selling the product? She says, No.
The reality is, Royal Honey is in high demand, and unregulated vendors show little concern for the health risks consumers may face once a sale is finalised.
However, the Ministry of Health urges the public to buy health products only from licensed pharmacies and authorised distributors, warning that online and street vendors are not regulated.
