June, 2025 - Greater Belize Media

TTCU Contained Fraud, Assures Members’ Safety

Toledo Teachers Credit Union is reassuring members tonight after uncovering fraudulent activity at its Bella Vista Branch. The credit union says the issue was quickly contained, and no member accounts or personal information were compromised. TTCU launched an internal investigation, brought in outside experts, and is working closely with law enforcement and the Central Bank of Belize. A full audit has been completed, and new security measures are now in place, including enhanced monitoring and a forensic review of all transactions. Affected members have been notified, and the credit union is offering free account statements to help everyone keep an eye on their finances. TTCU says it remains committed to transparency and is taking every step to ensure this doesn’t happen again. Members are encouraged to report any unusual activity to their local branch.

Gun Board Fires Back at Criticism, Defends Reforms as Safety-Driven

The Firearms and Ammunition Control Board is pushing back against recent criticism from a local gun dealer, saying its reforms are about safety, not red tape. Abner Murillo, owner of Lock N’ Loaded, claims the firearm licensing process has become overly complicated and unfair to law-abiding citizens like farmers and business owners. He also raised concerns about poor communication and alleged new ID requirements. But the FACB says that’s simply not true. In a statement, the Board clarified that only one form of government-issued ID is required—and that hasn’t changed. They also emphasized that their reforms are designed to strengthen oversight, reduce loopholes, and align Belize with international security standards. The board acknowledged the challenges faced by rural applicants and says it’s working to improve access and reduce delays. It also highlighted ongoing efforts to modernize firearm regulation, including a national registry, safety training programs, and support from international partners like the UN and the U.S. State Department. As for Mr. Murillo’s legal action against the board, the FACB says it won’t comment while the case is before the courts. In the meantime, the board says it welcomes feedback but won’t compromise national security for convenience.

No Sugar Needed to Quench Your Thirst

Belmopan was alive with energy this weekend as thousands flocked to the capital for the much-anticipated National Agriculture and Trade Show. The three-day event, held under the blazing sun at the agriculture showgrounds, brought together vendors from all over the country to showcase and sell their goods. News Five’s Britney Gordon was on the ground Sunday to check out what this year’s fair had in store.

Britney Gordon, Reporting

The National Agriculture and Trade Show is easily one of the biggest events on Belize’s calendar, drawing tens of thousands of visitors each year, and this year was no exception. Even on the final day, the showground was packed with people exploring the many stalls and attractions. Among the newcomers this year was The Market Smoothie Bar, run by a husband-and-wife team making their debut at the event. With the scorching heat bearing down, their cool, refreshing drinks were a welcome treat for thirsty fairgoers. Co-owner Patrick Abrahams even revealed the secret behind their crowd-pleasing smoothies, though he kept just enough mystery to leave people wanting more.

Patrick Abrahams, Co-owner, The Market Smoothie Bar

“God is great. Natural. Natural is best. Right? So the fruits speak for themself. It’s really just the fruits that do it and how we make it,and the amount of fruit that we use. We don’t use a lot of ice. We use majority fruit, and that’s where the sweetness comes from.”

Since 2021, The Market Smoothie Bar has been serving up fruity blends packed with fresh, locally sourced ingredients, and absolutely no added sugar. Co-owner Tanis Abrahams says their drinks are made for everyone to enjoy, but they’re especially proud to offer healthier options for Belizeans who are watching their sugar intake, including those living with diabetes.

Tanis Abrahams, Co-owner, The Market Smoothie Bar

“A lot of the customers that come by, are actually appreciative of it because they can trust us. We’re very transparent with our customers because, if you look at our menu, everything is listed. So in case you’re insensitive or allergic to anything. Or if you want to take something out or custom make a smoothie that we can do that for you.”

As the sun blazed overhead, many visitors were in search of a drink that would help them beat the heat and quench their thirst. That’s where The Market Smoothie bar stepped in. One customer was thrilled to find something both lactose and sugar-free on sale.

Yvonne Cole, Customer

“ Very nice, very smooth.”

Britney Gordon

“It’s not, um, too bitter or too sour?”

Yvonne Cole

“No, no, no, it’s not, it’s not sour at all. It’s quite sweet, but I know there’s no sugar in it.”

Britney Gordon

“So what made you decide to come and try out this place in specific? There’s a lot of places offering drinks right now.”

Yvonne Cole

“I’m lactose intolerance, so I can’t take milk and everything else has milk.But this is here just fruit juice and, you know, no sugar.”

The Market Smoothie Bar also offers paletas, which include ingredients like locally sourced coconut yogurt. This is part of the company’s goal to remain sustainable and supportive of the local fruit producers.

Tanis Abrahams

“We partner with a lot of local farmers, and we also like transparency from them as well. Sometimes we actually go to their farms. We do a lot of composting as well. So we ask them we believe in composting, so we ask them if they’ll just take the waste and do composting. So we form a very great relationship with the local farmers here. Not only Belmopan, but around Belize as well.”

While the business is still small, the Abrahams hope that its impact will be large and help push Belize towards a healthier tomorrow. Britney Gordon for News Five.

The Market Smoothie Bar can be found in Old Belize on the George Price Highway and in the Fresh Garden Produce Market In Belmopan.

Belmopan Comes Alive for Kings/Ballers Rematch

Good evening and welcome to this week’s edition of Sports Monday. I am Paul Lopez here with highlights from this weekend’s sports showdowns. We begin with the game of the week in the Belize Elite Basketball League. The Capital City Kings hosted the Cayo Dream Ballers for a rematch, after the Kings fell to Ballers’ home court advantage two weeks ago.

Four minutes into the first quarter, Jaylen Lopez comes up with the steal and passes it off to Brandon “Puddy” Flowers, giving the Kings an early seven-point lead. Flowers went on to score eighteen points for the Kings in thirty-one minutes of playtime. Jaheim Ciego barrel barreling through bodies and getting to the rim to end the first quarter drought for Ballers. He was two of ten from the field on Friday night. An assist under the rim from Arik Nicholson to Kerwin Palacio for the jam! Palacio again, this time off the rebound from an Aaron Allison missed layup. By the end of the first, Cayo Western Ballers had cut the King’s lead to three points. Ballaz’s Anthony Howell tied the game at nineteen a piece, early in the second quarter, with a pair of free throws.

Capital City Kings then went on a nine to two points run. Jamal Harris caught Nicholson sleeping on defense late in the second quarter and made him pay with a three point-shot. Kings thirty-one, Ballers twenty-four. Nicholson, immediately after, on the other end with the And-one. The first half finished with Kings still in the lead, thirty-five to thirty-one points. Now in the third quarter, King in possession and Jevaughn Mckenzie with the long range three pointer. Western Ballers’ Dennis Flowers at the seventh minute, cuts the lead down to two from the three-point line. Flowers again at the fifth minute, this time tying the game at forty-five a piece. He is looking for the foul.

Just over a minute later, he nailed a next three point shot from the corner to give the Western Ballers their first lead of the game. Flowers finished with twenty-eight points, with an impressive six of eight three-point shots made. He also had eight rebounds. The Cayo Western Ballers kept extending their lead in the fourth quarter and took it to as much as eleven points. There was a part of the game late in the fourth where the Capital City Kings brought that lead down to five points. But Flowers dished out the final blow only moments later by forcing the turnover and making good on an open opportunity from the three-point line. The match finished with a score of eighty to seventy points in favor of Cayo Western Ballers. Up north, the Corozal Cerros Suns stunned basketball fans when they defeated the Belize City Thunderbolts in a Saturday night match that ended sixty-seven to sixty-five.

On Saturday, the under-fifteen females participating in the Anthony Mahler Youth Football tournament faced off for their championship games. KP Strikers took on Goal Getters in the match for bronze. A throw in towards goal for Goal Getters six minutes into the game led to a penalty kick after a KP Strikers’ player touched the ball inside the penalty box. That is one goal for Goal Getters. A foul and a spot kick in favor of KP Strikers equalized the match at one goal apiece. This match ended in a penalty shootout. After five kicks from each team, KP Strikers came out on top and secured the season’s bronze medal.

In the championship game, Royal Fusion took on Alvian Strikers. Regulation time saw both teams score two goals each. This resulted, once again, in a penalty shootout to determine the winner. Royal Fusion missed their first and fourth attempts. Alvian Strikers were on target for every shot. The Alvian Strikers are your 2025 Under Fifteen Female Football Champions in this tournament. Well folks that is all we have for you in tonight’s coverage of Sports Monday. Catch you in the next one.

Health Ministry Warns Against ‘Royal Honey’ Supplement

The Ministry of Health & Wellness (MOHW) is warning the public against purchasing or consuming a product labeled “Royal Honey,” which is being sold as a sexual enhancement supplement.

This alert comes after health authorities in the United States and Costa Rica conducted laboratory tests confirming that Royal Honey contains undeclared pharmaceutical ingredients. These hidden substances pose significant health risks, particularly to individuals with existing medical conditions or those taking prescription medication.

Despite being falsely advertised as a “natural” remedy, the product is mainly distributed through online platforms and informal vendors, raising serious safety concerns.

Consumers are strongly discouraged from buying supplements or medications through social media, street vendors, or unregulated sellers, as such products may be unsafe or counterfeit.

Members of the public who have purchased or encountered Royal Honey or any other questionable health products are encouraged to report them to the Ministry via email at drugalert@health.gov.bz or by calling +501-880-2363.

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.”