It was a long day of talks at the Public Service Union headquarters in Belize City on Friday, where union leaders met for a marathon meeting. After hours of back-and-forth, senior public officers made their stance clear: they’re not accepting the government’s proposed 4% salary increase. The decision adds fuel to the ongoing standoff between the unions and the Briceño administration, as tensions continue to rise over pay and working conditions. Earlier today, we caught up with Minister Henry Charles Usher to hear his thoughts on the latest development.
Henry Charles Usher
Henry Charles Usher, Minister of Public Service
“We haven’t gotten a formal response as yet and I would prefer to see what their formal response is to us, but from what they said on Friday, they still may not agree to the increase that was offered to them, going from three to four percent. I think what we have to look at is the fact that of the seven proposals or so, we have a majority, a vast majority, I think that’s the only one that we don’t have full agreement on. So we have found mutual ground on all of the other issues and we also have mutual grounds on the eight-point-five percent. Government has never said that it was not a, or it was a situation where they would not get 8.5%, it’s just that we want to know how it can be properly implemented. The proposal is to do four percent starting October first, 2025 and to look at the 4.5% in the other two fiscal years.”
We asked Minister of Home Affairs Kareem Musa whether he, or any of his Cabinet colleagues, had a hand in the decision to drop charges against the teachers involved in recent protests. His response? A firm no. Musa also urged protestors to think about the wider impact of their actions, especially how they affect everyday commuters trying to get to work or school.
Kareem Musa, Minister of Home Affairs
“No, no, no and I think you all have this impression that ministers and the prime minister gets involved in charges of individuals, which you should never do that. Maybe that happened under the last administration, but not with us. I am aware that the commissioner of Police had a meeting with the teachers to discuss what had taken place in terms of the road blockage in Dangriga. All other locations the police had allowed the protestors, a reasonable amount of time to block the road. We have to understand the police are not here to be against the teachers. They are on the same team. But they do have the duty to the rest of society, rest of commuters who have to get to work, who have deadlines to meet. So we have to bear that in mind. And so, while yes the protest will have that success and the impact, I think we have to be considerate, as well. I think that was the line of communication the ComPol wanted to open along with the teachers to say listen, we can work along with you and allow you a reasonable time to protest, but let us not inconvenience for two hours, because that one took two hours, there were instances where some people were assaulting the officers.”
This afternoon in Belmopan, Gerald Henry, former president of the Public Service Union and now Examiner of Accounts Two in the Auditor General’s Office, took to the streets in protest. Alongside him was fellow former PSU president Doreth Obermayer. The two picketed in front of the Sir Edney Cain Building, calling out what they describe as ongoing injustices within the public service. Henry claims the Ministry of Public Service unfairly rejected his application for a promotion to Supervisor of Audit. He says no reason was given and believes the decision was biased and personal.
Gerald Henry
Gerald Henry, Examiner of Accounts II, Office of Auditor General
“Basically we have gotten pretty much enough of trying to get our word out in regards to these grievances. We have tried everything. We have gotten in touch with up to the GG and there has bene nothing coming back in terms of relief. We have written to the public service, the public service commission, we actually got a response when we wrote to the commission, from the ministry of public service. We didn’t get a response from the commission, telling us to go to the very same person we are complaining about, which is the office of the auditor general. I cant tell you how we are getting any relief when you are sending me back to the same one I am complaining about. So, that is where we are at. So we decide it is best to come here and let them know we are aggrieved by this situation. For myself in particular, I have gotten my master’s degree from 2016 and I have not been promoted as yet. I just applied for a job, a promotion to supervisor of audit and I am the most qualified person in that officer, in fact I am more qualified than the auditor general. I can say that with all confidence because I got my masters in 2016 from the University of the West Indies. She claims to have gotten her master’s degree in 2019. So I got my masters before her. I am also ten years her senior in public office and ten years her senior in the office of the auditor general. So how you can reject my application, because my application was outrightly rejected by the Ministry of Public Service. No reason given. I have It right here, I will share a copy with you. They just rejected it.”
We caught up with the Minister of Public Service earlier today to get his take on the protest staged by members of the Audit Department. While he kept it brief, here’s what he had to say about the situation.
Isani Cayetano
“How do you look at this as a government minister and the portfolio that you hold?”
Henry Charles Usher, Minister of Public Service
“They have the right to express themselves and I certainly don’t have a problem with that. Of course, they have to keep within the confines of the law, but their expression, their interest is something that they are advocating for, and so I don’t have an issue with it. But, it is also important to highlight that we need to get back around the table, we need to have these discussions, we need to see how we can find mutual ground on that one point and I believe that it is possible. All of us on the government side believe that we can find that mutual ground, and we don’t focus on the actions, we focus on what is happening in that discussion around the table.”
When someone’s in the middle of a mental health crisis, their actions might seem erratic or even threatening, but often, it’s not about defiance. It’s about fear, confusion, or emotional pain. And how police respond in those moments can make all the difference. Tonight, we take a closer look at how the Belize Police Department is working to change the way officers handle these sensitive situations—through training, policy reform, and a renewed focus on compassion. Here’s more from News Five’s Isani Cayetano on police & mental health.
Isani Cayetano, Reporting
When someone is in the middle of a mental health crisis, their behavior can seem unpredictable or even non-compliant. But often, it’s not about defiance, it’s about fear, confusion, or emotional distress. Experts say that understanding this is key. When police officers are trained to recognize the signs and respond appropriately, they can de-escalate situations safely, protecting not just the individual in crisis, but themselves and the public as well.
Karen Roberts
Dr. Karen Roberts, Pan American Health Organization
“We were having some challenges with crisis intervention and the use of force when it comes to clients with mental health conditions in the community. In addition to that, we also picked up that police officers, themselves, needed support in taking care of their own mental health.”
Leslie Martinez and Jason Shaw
It’s not just about the use of force. In many cases, officers’ decisions have come under fire, especially when dealing with people who have mental health challenges. There have been troubling instances where these individuals were left vulnerable, and some say they were even taken advantage of. Back in 2020, three police officers, including Leslie Martinez and Jason Shaw, were accused of crossing a serious line. They allegedly tried to cover up an incident involving a man and a woman they found in a compromising situation. What makes this even more troubling? Both individuals reportedly suffer from mental illness, raising serious concerns about abuse of power and the treatment of vulnerable people.
Yvette Quintanilla
Yvette Quintanilla, Mental Health Coordinator, MoHW
“We have been faced with different situations where some of our patients have been hurt and that is why we felt that it was very timely for us to update the manual in order for us to be able to train to prepare the police officers to have a better response whenever they are faced with patients who suffer from a mental illness.”
That handbook lays out exactly what officers are supposed to do when they respond to a situation involving someone with a mental illness. It’s meant to be their guide for handling these encounters with care and professionalism.
Richard Rosado
Dr. Richard Rosado, Commissioner of Police
“After two decades, the mental health manual, the mental health policy for the department needs revision, a revision that requires a holistic approach. A revision that requires a concerted approach.”
With that in mind, the Belize Police Department is teaming up with the Ministry of Health & Wellness and the Pan American Health Organization to give the current policy a much-needed update. They’re working together to make sure it reflects the realities of dealing with mental health in the field.
Allaire McDougal
Dr. Richard Rosado
“The revision is more than just procedural adjustments, it’s a recognition that we are moving towards a more progressive department, a department that requires a more balanced approach, that balances public safety and human dignity.”
Far too often, people living with mental illness end up behind bars when what they really need is medical care. That’s where proper training makes a big difference. When officers know how to recognize the signs, they can steer someone toward treatment instead of jail—connecting them with the help they actually need. Just a few weeks ago, Belizeans were left stunned and outraged. A fifty-seven-year-old retired nurse, Allaire McDougal, was sent to prison simply because she couldn’t pay a forty-eight-dollar bill. What made the situation even more heartbreaking? She’s living with a mental illness. For many, it was a painful reminder of how the system can fail those who need compassion—not punishment.
Yvette Quintanilla
“We teach the police officers about the mental health conditions, the signs, the symptoms, how to be able to recognize it. We also teach them de-escalation techniques, how to approach patients, how to speak with them, how to tone down a very difficult situation that, you know, it might build up into something else.”
Police officers have a responsibility to treat everyone with respect, including those living with mental health conditions. With the right training, they’re better equipped to do just that. It helps them make smart, compassionate decisions and avoid actions that could land them, or their department, in serious legal trouble.
Dr. Karen Roberts
“One of the main objectives is to be able to equip police officers with the skills to be able to de-escalate crises, while working as part of a multidisciplinary response team. So it’s not just police alone, but health has a role. We anticipate there’s going to be a role for social services and other agencies, depending on how the country defines that multidisciplinary team.”
At the end of the day, when officers respond with professionalism and compassion, everyone benefits. The person in crisis gets the help they need, families feel supported, communities stay safer, and the justice system works the way it’s supposed to. Isani Cayetano for News Five.
The month-long state of emergency aimed at curbing gang violence in Belize City and nearby areas has officially come to an end. While Police Commissioner Doctor Richard Rosado had initially suggested extending it for up to six months, that idea has now been shelved. Minister of Home Affairs Kareem Musa told us over the weekend that after meeting with Commissioner Rosado and other officials last week, they decided not to extend the SOE. We caught up with him at an event in Belize City, where he shared more about the decision.
Kareem Musa
Kareem Musa, Minister of Home Affairs
“We did have a meeting last week with the eastern division as well as the specialized Unit in terms of a plan moving forward, a strategy moving forward. I am pretty confident, comfortable with all the plans that were devised by the minister and all the officers, so you will see some of the strategies playing out over the coming weeks and months.”
Paul Lopez
“Why not extend the state of emergency?”
Kareem Musa
“We did not feel like it was necessary at this point in time. As you know, a month ago, or a month and a half ago, there was that spike in crime and based on the information coming out at that time there was bound to be some retaliation. Since the young men have been under the state of emergency we have had mediation sessions, interventions. We have arrested in two of the cases, two of the murders, we have arrested the suspect sin those cases. We have taken a lot of guns off the streets. So you can see in that period where we were able to quell the crime and reduce the tensions of the streets. So we are hoping the mediation sessions carried out behind prison will have great effect and upon their return to society there will not be that continuation of crime and violence.”
Two police constables are under serious scrutiny tonight after a Belize City resident claimed they robbed him. Edlin Perez says he was riding contrary to the flow of traffic along Orange Street when the officers stopped him. But what started as a routine encounter took a troubling turn, Perez alleges the officers walked away with eleven dollars from his pocket. The incident is now under investigation as authorities look into the claims against the officers.
ASP Stacy Smith, Staff Officer
“Edlin Perez reported to police that on eight June 2025, at approximately nine-twenty-five, he was riding on Orange Street, contrary to the flow of traffic and he was intercepted by two police officers who conducted a search on him. At the conclusion of that search Mr. Perez alleges that one of the officers requested money that was in his possession and he handed it over, which amounts to eleven dollars. Having made this report, police conducted an investigation where the scene was visited and statements were recorded from the implicated officers. The internal investigation, as well as the criminal investigation continued into this matter.”
Authorities in Corozal Town are investigating a disturbing report of sexual assault involving a twelve-year-old girl. The child told police that her stepfather assaulted her in 2019 and again earlier this year. Police have since detained the accused man, but no charges have been filed yet as the investigation continues.
ASP Stacy Smith, Staff Officer
“Corozal Police are currently investigating a report of rape of a child, which relates to a twelve-year-old female minor. The female minor along with her mother visited the Corozal Police Station on twenty-ninth May and reported that here stepfather had sexual intercourse with her in 2019 and 2025. A medical examination was conducted on the female minor where it was confirmed that she had been carnally known. Polic investigation continue whereby statements are being obtained from people who police believe would aid in this investigation.”
Paul Lopez
“Has the stepfather been detained as yet.”
ASP Stacy Smith
“As a part of the investigation process, but charges levied as yet.”
It’s not just crime that officers at the Racoon Street Police Station are battling, now they’re up against a rodent infestation too. Assistant Superintendent of Police Stacy Smith confirmed the issue during today’s weekly press briefing, saying exterminators have already been called in. But while pest control is on the way, there’s a bigger concern: how are officers expected to stay motivated while working in a leaky, rodent-infested building?
ASP Stacy Smith, Staff Officer
“The Belize Police Department, the Racoon Street Police Station is currently in the process of addressing a situation as it relates to rodent. The department has taken the necessary steps to address the issue and we are confident a resolution will be brought about shortly. We have contacted the relevant authorities and relevant experts int eh field to assist.”
Paul Lopez
“This is a part of a growing issue at the Racoon Street Police Station, leaks in the building, rodents, how are officers copping with this kind of working environment?”
ASP Stacy Smith
“Well I believe that rodents is a common occurrence in the city and the important thing is that it is being adequately addressed.”
Last week, we showed you a video of water pouring from the ceiling inside the Racoon Street Police Station, raising concerns about a leaky roof. But it turns out the real culprit wasn’t structural damage. According to the Minister of Home Affairs, the flooding was actually caused by a hatch that had been left open on the roof during a rainy evening. So, while the roof is intact, the oversight still left officers dealing with a soggy mess.
Kareem Musa
Kareem Musa, Minister of Home Affairs
“As you know, the Racoon Street police station has been suffering these leaks for decades. We keep doing patch work to it, but it is obvious that we need a completely new building. That is going to be a significant investment required to replace such a huge police station as Racoon Street. That is going to be the long-term plan, to replace it all together. After we issued the press release, we discovered that there is a hatch that goes on to the roof that was deliberately left open and that is what caused the huge flow coming in. I will share with you the image of that hatch. So yes the building does leak, but not to that extent that you saw. Having said that, it does require that we take short term strategies, maybe even find a new location for a lot of the offices in Racoon Street and doing some of the remedial work to the building itself in terms of the roof.”