As the government drives forward with plans for a single national bus company, bus operators are hitting the brakes, demanding answers to some tough questions. Chief among them: what’s the backup plan if this grand vision fails? Association President Thomas Shaw says the numbers just don’t add up. Operators currently charge commuters sixteen cents per mile, but he argues the government would need to double that rate to keep a nationalized system running. And now, the association is calling for more than just dialogue, they want the investors behind this plan to come to the table and face the people who know the roads best.
Thomas Shaw, President, BBOA
“We are only hearing about the buying out and who will pay who, but the investors and lending institution, none of them have presented themselves to these consultations and if social security will be a main factor playing a main role in this, because what the operators are saying they listened to the budget and there is nothing put aside for the bus industry. So if there es nothing put aside, operators want to know where the funds will come from and who will in case this thing and at the end of the day they are afraid that this thing does not work and if it falls through what will happen to their investment that they have worked for all these years. One of their concern was that they are finding these firms that will do the appraisals, value these buses, and let us say that an operator has only one bus and they value his bus at thirty-thousand he puts that back into shares, he wants to know how will I survive because operators collect on a daily basis to feed their families pay their light water. At the lowest point you are looking at, some companies you are looking at a million dollars, or over a million dollars if you are talking about James or Westline. They are in a better position because they will have better dividends. Som of them have thirty runs. But we are not only catering to the big operators, there is the small operators as well.”
A rare murder conviction has just been handed down in Belize, and it’s making headlines. Today, twenty-two-year-old Cassian Steve Billary was found guilty of the 2020 murder of nineteen-year-old Micah Baltazar, a case that shocked the nation with its cold and calculated nature. Baltazar was lured to his death under the pretense of meeting a girl, only to be gunned down with seventeen bullets. Billary, who was just eighteen at the time, claimed he acted under duress, saying he was threatened with death if he didn’t pull the trigger. But Justice Candace Nanton wasn’t convinced. She ruled that the evidence, including a detailed police interview, proved intent, and that duress is not a legal defense for murder in Belize. Billary’s mother was visibly shaken outside the courtroom as the guilty verdict was delivered just before noon. He’s now awaiting sentencing, scheduled for July eleventh.
Police officers across the country are now better equipped to respond to mental health emergencies, thanks to a specialized four-day workshop that just wrapped up in Belize City. Hosted by the Ministry of Health & Wellness and the Pan American Health Organization, the training focused on crisis response, giving officers the tools and understanding they need to handle situations involving individuals in the midst of a mental health crisis. We were at the closing ceremony to hear firsthand how this training is reshaping the way officers approach these sensitive encounters. News Five’s Britney Gordon has that story.
Britney Gordon, Reporting
When someone is acting out or behaving aggressively, how the police respond can literally save lives. That’s why this week, officers from the Belize Police Department took part in a special workshop focused on mental health. The objective is to learn how to handle these tough situations with care and understanding. Assistant Superintendent Jane Usher, who leads the department’s training efforts, shared some of the helpful tips she picked up during the sessions.
Jane Usher
A.S.P. Jane Usher, Director of Training, Belize Police Department
“They also gave us coping skills, coping techniques. But what was also very relevant to us was the self-care aspect. They taught us how to deal with our own mental health, how to de-stress and then also how to deliver this so that this training can be cascaded to the larger department. So it was a very total package that they put together for us.”
The training emphasized the use of de-escalation tactics over lethal force to preserve lives and avoid unnecessary injuries. Commander of the National Policing Unit, ACP Howell Gillett, believes this training is long overdue.
Howell Gillett
A.C.P Howell Gillett, Commander, National Community Policing Unit
“Too often, as we’ve seen in the past, we are troubled by the way we treat our people who are with mental illnesses. And sometimes in the past it has been even to the loss of life. And we don’t want that. So what we learn here this week, among other things we learn about de-escalation. Our officers respond to these scenes, how we protect ourselves and protect others, but importantly, how we treat victims with mental illnesses.”
National In-Service Training Coordinator Kenroy Elijio says the key takeaway is knowing how to recognize a mental health crisis in real time — because identifying the signs early can make all the difference in how a situation unfolds.
Kenroy Elijio
Insp. Kenroy Elijio, National In-Service Training Coordinator
“I learned, and it was emphasized and reemphasized that there is such a thing as mental illness. It’s a real issue. It exists and for most people, what would be considered as being mentally healthy is a state of well-being. Mentally. However, there is a spectrum that we looked at, which drifts all the way from being mentally healthy, and then it shows what happens when stress is added, which then moves up to distress. And then it ends up being a mental illness. One of the other things that I took away is that most mental illnesses can be treated and people can be on their way, but the key thing is to try to address it from its early stage and definitely get to the root of the problem.”
Another key component of the workshop was the importance of self-care. Officers were informed that suicide rates within law enforcement tend to spike higher than the general population, opening officers’ eyes to the stress factors that may be impacting their mental well-being.
Deshawn Cabral
Sgt. Deshawn Cabral, Instructor, Belize Police Training Academy
“ What really resonates with me was the topic under stress that had to do with a stress bucket. The stress bucket was just a visual that showed us different stressors that comes into the bucket that is filled. And the coping mechanisms were holes that were placed at the bottom of the bucket. So for example, if you have financial struggles, if you have family issues, if you have problems with management at work, those would be considered the stressors. However, the holes to the bottom were the coping mechanism, what you do to release those stressors. Those were sometimes for us police officers or us to take leave. Maybe to go on a vacation, to spend quality time with our families to do anything that will allow us to relax ourselves so that we can get back on that normal contingency before we move on.”
Officers were taught to handle instances of mental health crises by taking the time to regulate their own stress levels and properly assess the situation before acting. This training is a crucial step towards ensuring that remediable situations do not end in trauma nor tragedy. Britney Gordon for News Five.
It’s a story of struggle, strength, and the power of community. Tonight, a single mother is saying thank you, after the public stepped in to help her son get the medical care he desperately needed. Back in May, Bernadine Young opened up about her twenty-four-year-old son, Brenton Bishop, who battles mobility issues and frequent seizures. The road hasn’t been easy, but thanks to your generosity, Bernadine was able to get crucial CT scans and X-rays for her son. She says the journey is far from over, but with hope in her heart, she’s determined to get Brenton on the path to recovery.
Bernadine Young
Bernadine Young, Brenton’s Mother
“I love to say thank God for everything deep down inside, because as a mother, I did not give up. I pray, but I just want people to give me chance to just take my time. I didn’t come hurry because I was trying to get everything together. His CT scan before the CT scan was getting the paper over back from Dr. Matus. It did take one month and two weeks. So I mi have to day behind that until I get it, so I could get the quotation, so we can know how much everything come up to, because we don’t want to go back and forth. First of all, I make sure I get the two CT scan the X-ray for the back bone from the top to the tailbone and from the tailbone to the hip. From the hip to the whole right foot. So it showed that the right foot have a hole underneath when they inject it and then they bring out some spotty thing behind his feet. And that was healed from the grace of God. And me as a mother didn’t give up. I cry many nights. God knows what I went through. But thank God he’s coming along little bit by little bit. He start to walk like one step, two step, like every leg creep. It still make him progress. I will not give up until he get fully better.”
Young also plans to take Brenton to a bone specialist as soon as she has gathered the funds to do so.
For decades, his voice brought comfort, wisdom, and a moment of peace to living rooms across the country. Tonight, we remember Doctor Bob Roberts, the beloved voice behind the ‘Sixty-Second Sermon’, who passed away today at the age of 90 in the United States. His short but powerful messages of faith became a cherished tradition, airing just before the evening news since the early days of Greater Belize Media. It all began when Doctor Roberts approached then-Executive Producer Stewart Krohn with a simple idea: to share hope in just sixty seconds. And for so many, he did just that. Before his passing, Doctor Roberts left us with one final message, a reflection on a life devoted to faith, service, and the power of a kind word.
Dr. Bob Roberts, Deceased
“Perhaps you have heard by now that the Sixty-Second Sermon man is dead. Well, I want you to know that is a rumor that is not all together. True for though he died. He is not dead. The Sixty-Second Sermon man man has never been more alive than he is today. Recently, I just hoisted up the old anchor that has held me steadfast and sure for all these years, boarded the old ship of Zion and sailed right into the presence of God where I was welcomed home by Jesus Christ, my glorious savior, the king of kings and the Lord of Lords. I just changed one shore for another, a tent for a mansion, and have now taken up residence with those who have preceded me in death in a far better country. I have joined all the saints of ages past who have overcome sin, death, and the devil to sit into bleachers of heaven that surround this vast universe. To cheer and encourage those of you who are still running the race and fighting the good fight of faith to be faithful to the end. While all here with the Lord enjoy blessed fellowship, we’re keenly aware that we cannot experience our completion and all that God has promised us for all eternity until all have made this great trip and transition. So we encourage you to share the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ wherever you can, whenever you can, however you can with as many as you can until it has been preached to every kindred and nation. And then shall the end come and with a sound of the trumpet, Jesus will return for you and we shall be joined together in the clouds and change for eternity into his likeness and experience our completion. For you, my friends who have not yet come to know Jesus Christis your personal savior, celebrate this day with me by inviting Christ into your life and accept his forgiveness and plan for your life.”
Big changes are rolling into Punta Gorda Town, quite literally. After months of construction, residents now have a brand-new bridge to drive across. The Michael Espat Bridge, named in honor of the late politician, was officially opened today with a ceremony that brought out community members and leaders alike. This two-lane concrete bridge replaces one of the oldest single-lane crossings in the country’s history, and it’s already making a difference, easing traffic flow in and out of town and marking a major step forward in local infrastructure. News Five’s Paul Lopez has the story.
Paul Lopez, Reporting
A piece of Punta Gorda’s history just got a major upgrade and a brand-new name. For over two centuries, the Joe Taylor Bridge served as a vital link between rural communities and the heart of town. Built in the late 1700s, it’s been rebuilt several times over the years, but today marked its most dramatic transformation yet. The single-lane metal structure is now a modern, two-lane concrete bridge, and with that change comes a new name: the Michael Espat Bridge, honoring the late politician. It’s more than just a new crossing, it’s a symbol of progress rooted in history.
Oscar Requena
Oscar Requena, Area Representative, Toledo West
“And it is only fitting that it be named the Michael Espat bridge, because the honorable Michael Espat had a dream and his dream was to build this bridge. That was his dream, and I can clearly remember in late 2007, nearing 2008 when the honorable Michale Espat bought a lot of metal pipes and other things to get the work started. We lost the election and the UDP took over thirteen years and they did not have the vision to construct this bridge even after having so much cash.”
It was a proud and emotional moment in Punta Gorda today as the newly renamed Michael Espat Bridge was officially opened to the public. On hand for the ceremony was Minister of Infrastructure Development, Julius Espat, not just in his official capacity, but also as a cousin of the late Michael Espat, for whom the bridge is now named. Minister Espat took a moment to reflect on the memories they shared over the years, honoring his cousin’s legacy. He also highlighted the many benefits the new two-lane bridge brings to the area, from improved traffic flow to safer, more reliable access for residents and commuters alike.
Julius Espat
Julius Espat, Minister of Infrastructure Development
“The completion of this two-lane concrete structure is further testament to this government’s commitment to the creating of a better future and society, based on equality, opportunity. It is on that note that I wish to announce the renaming of this bridge, not to the resentment of our colonial history but to honor an individual who truly reflected the country’s identity, aspirations, and progress.”
A long-standing colleague of the late Michael Espat, Stann Creek West Area Representative Rodwell Ferguson spoke about the desire that gripped Mike to see this bridge to competition. According to Ferguson, Espat envisioned how a new bridge would contribute to the town’s economic growth.
Rodwell Ferguson
Rodwell Ferguson, Area Representative, Stann Creek West
“Mike hold us together for many years and I could recall when their was a ground breaking for this bridge to be built he ensured it was done. He said, I will be in politics until I am ninety-seven years old. So, I believe Mike is here today in spirit, happy and vibrant because we has completed the project he wants to be completed. Imagine coming to PG and not have to wait for another vehicle to cross the bridge. You can drive across the bridge as quickly as you can.”
While the new Michael Espat Bridge is now open and already making a difference in Punta Gorda, the road to completion wasn’t without its bumps. Commuters had to deal with detours and delays, and not everyone was thrilled about it. But today, those frustrations gave way to gratitude. Officials took a moment to thank residents for their patience during the construction phase. Mayor Carlos Galvez called the finished project a symbol of the Briceno administration’s commitment to the people of southern Belize, a promise delivered, despite the challenges along the way.
Carlos Galvez
Carlos Galvez, Mayor, Punta Gorda
“You know, while we were getting this bridge started, there was a lot of naysayers and people saying it won’t happen. That this is not real, political. Today my friends this is a living testimony of walk the walk.”
Election results are in, but not everyone’s ready to accept them. In the quiet village of Crique Sarco, controversy is brewing after the recent village council elections. First Alcalde Marco Choc is challenging the outcome, claiming the vote was tainted by ineligible voters, some, he says, not even from Belize. The chairman-elect, John Bo, won by just eleven votes, but he’s yet to be sworn in. That’s because Choc has taken his concerns straight to the Elections and Boundaries Commission, alleging that nearly two dozen voters on the list are actually from Barra Sarstoon, a Guatemalan community. Now, he’s not just calling for a recount, he wants the entire election thrown out and those voters removed. We spoke with Choc earlier today to hear why he believes this election should be redone.
On the Phone: Marco Choc, 1st Alcalde, Crique Sarco Village
“A letter was promoted to the EBD because the communities have expressed concerns that there are people who do not live in Crique Sarco and are voting in the village council elections here in Crique Sarco. So, it is clear that they do not contribute to village life. We do not even see them in our village. They only come to the village when it is general elections. They have Temash as their address, which proves that they are not from Crique Sarco. We don’t even know why the government would register those people with that address int eh first place as that is a national park. No one should live there. It is illegal. We strongly believe and we were convinced that yes they came from the other side of the Sarstoon, a small settlement that is out there, because there is no settlement along the Temash bar. That is a national park and if they said yes they are on the other side, that is Barranco’s land. Our demands are that we want the elections and boundaries to have a reelection, that would allow only and I stress only those from the community to vote. Also, we want the election and boundaries to revise the list as it contains individuals who resides in other communities such as Graham Creek, Midway and Barranco.”
Reports are that the Elections and Boundaries Commission are reviewing the dispute and that the list of voters used has been used in previous village council elections. We will continue to follow.
There was a spirit of celebration and new beginnings in Belmopan on Thursday, as micro-entrepreneurs from across the country gathered for a special grant ceremony. The event marked the official close of the first phase of the Increasing Economic Power of Micro Entrepreneurs Program and the exciting launch of its second phase. It’s all part of a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Human Development and the Embassy of Taiwan, aimed at empowering small business owners and boosting grassroots economic growth. From food vendors to artisans, the program is helping Belizeans turn their hustle into sustainable livelihoods.
Thea Garcia-Ramirez
Thea Garcia-Ramirez, Minister of Human Development
“So it is through this partnership that we can celebrate seventy-four women who graduate from round one of our ministry’s Increasing Economic Power for Micro Economics Project and at the same time, we are welcoming an additional sixty women entrepreneurs who will participate in round two which we’re also launching today, simultaneously. With the additional investment of one hundred and twenty-one thousand dollars from the Taiwan ICDF, we will continue to promote financial inclusion for business sustainability, actively engage digital marketing and enable business mentorship and provide access to micro grants which, you know, gives you all the tools for success. So you have the theory, you’ll learn about digital marketing, you have mentorship that will hold your hand and help you along. And most importantly, you have the micro grants to help you start up.”
Tonight, we shine a spotlight on a Belizean legend whose name echoes through the courts of history and into the hearts of future generations. Clinton “Pulu” Lightburn isn’t just a basketball icon—he’s a mentor, a trailblazer, and a living testament to the power of purpose. In this edition of The Bright Side, we take you on a journey through the life of a man who turned a game into a legacy.
Sabreena Daly, Reporting
In the late 1970s, basketball in Belize was more than a sport, it was a movement. And at the heart of that movement was a teenager named Clinton “Pulu” Lightburn. At just seventeen, he became the first junior player to join the Belize National Basketball Team. By nineteen, he was dominating the league, leading in scoring, rebounding, and assists, and earning MVP honors.
Sabreena Daly
“How did you fall in love with basketball?”
Clinton “Pulu” Lightburn
Clinton “Pulu” Lightburn, Basketball Legend
“Well, my older brothers, they played basketball and the team used to come to the house after games and they used to eat burgers and hang out. Ever since I was a kid growing up, there were basketballs rolling around on the ground. From what I can remember, I was familiar with basketball by the time I was two years old.”
Known to many as Pulu, he shares how basketball didn’t just teach him discipline, it helped steer him away from the dangers of street life. Growing up in a tough neighborhood, the game became more than just a sport. It gave him structure, guidance, and a reason to stay focused. For Pulu, and many others like him, basketball was a lifeline that offered hope and direction when things could’ve easily gone the other way.
Clinton “Pulu” Lightburn
“Sports is a discipline. I got my discipline from basketball, and there was a thin line between basketball and being a gang member because I grew up in the streets with one of the first gangs, called the Wild Bunch. A lot of the guys I was with ended up in jail or without a future. So I was fortunate that basketball opened doors for me and led me in a different direction.”
With raw talent like Lightburn’s, it’s no surprise he left crowds in awe. One person who remembers it all is “Press” Cadogan, a well-known figure in Belize’s sports media and lifelong friend of Lightburn. He took me on a trip down memory lane, sharing some of the unforgettable moments he witnessed from the unstoppable force that was Pulu Lightburn.
Gilroy “Press” Cadogan
Gilroy “Press” Cadogan, Friend
“One of the most memorable things about Pulu Lightburn was when he got into Wesley College between 1974 and 1978. From the time he was 15, he was better than anyone in the whole country. He played junior leagues; he played for the SJC Bucks and the Calico School Sailors, leading SJC to win many titles in a row.”
That standout talent would even catch the eyes of university scouts, ultimately making him the first Belizean to receive a basketball scholarship — a move that opened doors not only for his career, but for the next generation of young athletes.
Clinton “Pulu” Lightburn
“I was the first Belizean to get a basketball scholarship. I went and did two years. It was a junior college. I got my associate’s degree and came back home. I was given a job as the first National Sports Director. I organized the first summer camp with over a thousand kids in five different disciplines: basketball, football, softball, table tennis, and track and field.”
Basketball has always been at the heart of Pulu Lightburn’s life. He started out as a standout player, but over the years, he’s become just as well known for his role as a mentor and coach. Through his Future Shock program, he’s helped shape the lives of young athletes for three generations, guiding them to follow in his footsteps. Like many young talents, Pulu once dreamed of making it to the NBA. That dream didn’t come true, but he says his real success lies in the lives he’s touched and the players he’s inspired along the way.
Clinton “Pulu” Lightburn
“I wanted to make it to the NBA. I came back home and played in the Belize League. I also played professional basketball in Mexico and Honduras—around this region.”
Clinton “Pulu” Lightburn
“I have a different generation of followers—people who know me for more than just being a basketball player. Back in the past, people knew me as a player. But this next generation knows me as a coach. The kids in the streets all want to play for my team because we set a certain standard, play with energy, and have a strong reputation. They also know that the Future Shock program creates real opportunities in life.”
To love the game is to honor those who paved the way. As a Hall of Famer, Clinton “Pulu” Lightburn has done just that—living the legacy and passing it on. Through his work with young athletes, he’s keeping the heart of the game alive, proving that while the past shapes us, the future is where the real promise lies. Looking on the Bright Side, I’m Sabreena Daly.
Earlier this week, Patt urged all party delegates to stay away from what he labelled a “purported meeting,” and accused Acting Chairman Alberto August of defying his directive to postpone the meeting. Patt argued that more time is needed to properly verify the list of delegates and claimed the meeting is being held without proper consultation.
Meanwhile, Moses “Shyne” Barrow maintains that he is still the legitimate leader of the UDP. However, August explained that Barrow’s leadership tenure “with effect from today is finite… The honourable Shyne Barrow, under the present situation, cannot, after the fifth of October, even purport to be the leader of the United Democratic Party, and I would just leave it at that.”
August told News 5 that Barrow has plans to amend the party’s constitution “that will make it difficult for any future leader of the United Democratic Party to have to go through what he went through while he was the leader of this party.”
August stated that Barrow is proposing that “If you want to remove your leader, then you must have reason to want to remove your leader, because it’s not anybody you’re talking about; it’s the leader of the party. And you must present that reason to the ethics committee of the party.”
