June, 2025 - Greater Belize Media

Firearms Board Responds to Gun Dealers’ Criticism Over Licensing Reforms

The Firearms and Ammunition Control Board (FACB) has responded to criticism by gun dealer Abner Murillo, owner of Lock N’ Loaded, during a News 5 segment last week, where he claimed that recent changes to Belize’s firearm licensing system have created confusion, delays, and unnecessary hardship for law-abiding citizens.

Murillo accused the FACB of poor public communication and policy shifts that have made it more difficult for farmers and business owners to obtain licenses. He cited increased bureaucracy, such as allegedly being asked for two forms of identification, even though the policy requires only one. “The good is paying for the bad,” Murillo said, arguing that responsible firearm owners are being penalized while criminals continue to access weapons illegally with ease.

In a press release issued today, the FACB defended its reforms, stating they were implemented to enhance public safety, strengthen oversight, and align Belize with international firearm governance standards, not to burden legitimate applicants. The Board refuted the claim that two IDs are required, clarifying that only one valid government-issued ID is necessary and urging the public to report any inconsistent practices.

The FACB acknowledged the difficulties faced by rural applicants and stated that systems are being put in place to reduce travel demands and speed up the process. It also highlighted ongoing reforms such as the national Firearms Registry, improved safety training programs, and the creation of a dedicated Compliance and Enforcement Team.

While Murillo said that licensed gun owners are not contributing to the nation’s high crime rate, the FACB warned against downplaying the importance of strict oversight amid increasing seizures of high-powered illegal firearms.

The Board confirmed that Murillo has filed legal action against the FACB, but declined to comment further due to the matter being before the court.

“Your Humble Servant” Joseph Budna Charged with Cyber Harassment

“Your humble servant”, Joseph Budna, of Trial Farm Village has been arrested and charged in connection with multiple cybercrime offences.

According to ASP Stacy Smith of the Belize Police Department, Bunda, the self-proclaimed journalist, was taken into custody on Friday and charged with two counts of using a computer system to publish data intended to cause substantial emotional distress. He also faces one count of using a computer system to disseminate false information with the intent to subject another person to public ridicule.

The charges stem from a report filed by a female complainant, who alleged that several online posts made by Bunda caused her harm.

ASP Smith also spoke of a report made by Budna against a man who whipped him with what appeared to be a riding crop last week. Smith said, “police have commenced an investigation and are in the process of recording statements in relation to the allegations made by Mr. Budna.”

Toledo Teachers Credit Union Confirms Fraud Incidents

The Toledo Teachers Credit Union Ltd. (TTCU) has confirmed that fraudulent activities were recently discovered at its Bella Vista Branch.

An internal and external investigation has been launched.

In a statement issued for immediate release, TTCU assured its members, stakeholders, and the wider community that safeguarding financial security remains its highest priority.

Upon detecting the fraud through internal control systems, TTCU launched an internal investigation and enlisted the assistance of law enforcement and external experts. The credit union confirmed that the incident has been contained and all necessary steps have been taken to protect members’ accounts and personal information.

The Central Bank of Belize has been notified and is being kept informed of recovery efforts.

TTCU said that a comprehensive audit has been completed, all affected members have been contacted and their accounts resolved, and employees suspected of involvement have been terminated.

It added that extra security measures have also been implemented to prevent future occurrences.

Members are being urged to monitor their accounts closely and report any suspicious activity. To aid in this process, TTCU is offering free account statements for verification purposes.

The union also addressed public speculation, stating that despite recent events, it is not in “deep trouble” as suggested by some media reports.

News Five understands that the fraud amounts to more than six hundred thousand dollars. We are told that employees of the credit union made loans on behalf of shareholders without their knowledge. The employees then pocketed the money.

Additionally, TTCU clarified that it was unable to hold its Annual General Meeting (AGM) on May 31, 2025, due to scheduling conflicts, marking the second consecutive time an AGM could not be held due to lack of quorum. The union acknowledged the concern but said that the issue was beyond its control.

Woman Served with NIP in OW Fatal RTI

The Belize Police Department has confirmed that a Notice of Intended Prosecution has been served to Heidi Chan. The department also confirmed that a urine sample was obtained from Chan.

Chan was behind the wheel of a vehicle that struck 43-year-old man, Steven “Ratti” Bell, and his girlfriend on Saturday night.

The couple was on a motorcycle outside his home in Orange Walk Town when they were hit.

The incident occurred around 9 p.m., shortly after the couple had finished speaking with friends. Bell died on the scene, while his girlfriend was hospitalised at Northern Regional Hospital.

Joint Unions Reject Government’s ‘3% Salary Increase’ Proposal

The Joint Unions Negotiating Team (JUNT) has unanimously rejected the government’s proposal for a ‘3% salary increase’ for public sector workers, according to a letter sent to Prime Minister John Briceño on May 31.

While JUNT agreed to some government proposals, including a 60-day maximum response period for counterproposals during negotiations, they took a firm stance against what they consider inadequate wage increases.

The unions welcomed Cabinet’s decision to honor transfer grants and settle outstanding payments to transferred public officers under the 2021-2024 Collective Bargaining Agreement. JUNT has requested an official circular reflecting the revised transfer grant rates.

However, the major point of contention centers on wages and the government’s commitment to raise the national minimum wage to $6.00. JUNT said that discussions about the national minimum wage should not delay action to ensure public officers earn dignified living wages.

“Public service embodies the highest form of civic dedication, and charity begins at home,” the union stated in their letter. They argued that as Belize’s largest employer and standard-setter for labor practices, the government has a duty to ensure all employees earn wages that consistently exceed the national minimum wage.

The rejection of the proposed 3% salary increase, scheduled to take effect October 1, 2025, sets the stage for continued negotiations between the government and public sector unions. The unions are pushing for wage rates that provide “dignified livelihoods for those who serve Belize.”

Partial Ceiling Collapse at St. Paul’s Anglican School

A portion of the ceiling in a classroom at St. Paul’s Anglican Primary School collapsed over the weekend.

This prompted school officials to assess the rest of the building. No students were on the compound at the time of the incident.

According to a statement from the school, the damage was discovered Monday morning when a teacher opened the affected classroom. “The school had a part of the ceiling in ONE classroom fall. This happened during the weekend, NOT WHEN THE CHILDREN WERE ON THE COMPOUND OR IN CLASS,” the statement read. “We already cleared it out… Our management had two classes work from home due to the heat and the need to assess the rest of the building.”

Mount Etna Erupts, Sending Plumes of Ash Over Sicily

Mount Etna, one of the world’s most active volcanoes, erupted early Monday morning, sending large plumes of ash and smoke into the sky above Sicily.

Italy’s National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV) reported a series of increasingly intense explosions beginning just after midnight. Volcanic material was seen spilling from the southeastern side of the volcano, near a known 200-metre-wide vent.

Footage shows pyroclastic flows, fast-moving clouds of ash, gas, and rock moving down the volcano’s slopes, likely triggered by a partial crater collapse. So far, no injuries or significant damage have been reported.

Despite the eruption, airports in the region remain open, and disruptions have been minimal. A red alert briefly halted some flights but was later downgraded.

Etna’s last major eruption occurred in February, disrupting flights at Catania airport.

OJ Elrington Indicted on Rape Charge a Day Before His Birthday

Attorney-at-law Orson “OJ” Elrington, 43, appeared in the High Court this morning for his arraignment on a rape charge, just one day before his 44th birthday.

Elrington arrived at court shortly after 9 a.m., accompanied by his father and legal representative, Senior Counsel Hubert Elrington. He was formally indicted before Justice Nigel Pilgrim at 9:12 a.m.

The charge stems from an alleged incident that occurred on January 12, 2024. According to the indictment, Elrington is accused of raping a woman in her mid-20s. He pleaded not guilty.

Before entering his plea, Justice Pilgrim outlined Elrington’s rights as a defendant. These included the right to legal representation, the right to apply for bail (though he is currently out on bail), and the right to a trial by judge alone, without a jury.

Justice Pilgrim has scheduled a Case Management Conference (CMC) for July 1, 2025. Both the defence and the prosecution have been ordered to submit their CMC forms by June 27, 2025. Elrington’s bail, originally granted by the Lower Court in 2024, has been extended until the July court date.

The case is being prosecuted by Director of Public Prosecutions Cheryl-Lynn Vidal.

City Thieves Caught on Camera Stealing Cycle

Security cameras captured two men stealing a motorcycle from a West Canal residence in Belize City early Monday morning.

The stolen vehicle is described as a black Lifan 110cc motorcycle with green stickers and a torn seat. The bike bears the licence plate number MC 7322.

According to reports, the motorcycle was taken at approximately 3:11 a.m. on June 2, 2025.

Video footage from the scene shows two hooded men with their faces covered literally backing the motorcycle out of the victim’s yard.

Police are asking anyone with information about the theft or the whereabouts of the stolen motorcycle to contact authorities immediately.

Speeding Driver Kills Orange Walk Man Outside His Home

A 43-year-old man was killed and his girlfriend hospitalised after being struck by a speeding vehicle while on a motorcycle Saturday night.

Steven “Ratti” Manzanilla died on the spot outside his home in Orange Walk Town when a vehicle travelling at high speed knocked the couple off their motorcycle around 9 p.m.

According to eyewitness accounts, Manzanilla and his girlfriend had just finished speaking with two friends when the tragic incident occurred. The couple were still seated on their motorcycle when the vehicle struck them.

Manzanilla’s girlfriend was rushed to Northern Regional Hospital.

A person who knew Manzanilla said, “RIP Brother, such a respectful person was carelessly taken away.” Another said, “Never mi know yesterday was going to be the last time we laughed with each other really wah miss yo cuz.”