July 21, 2025 - Greater Belize Media

Tragedy on the Belize River: Teen Drowns in Jet Ski Accident

A weekend on the water turned tragic when a jet ski accident claimed the life of a young boy. Fourteen-year-old Axel Oroman was out on the sea with fifty-five-year-old Roy Alvarez when things took a devastating turn. Both were thrown from the watercraft, but only one of them made it back to shore. What followed was a massive two-day search effort, led by the Belize Coast Guard and fueled by the determination of volunteers who refused to give up hope. News Five’s Britney Gordon has the story.

Britney Gordon, Reporting

What started as a casual jet ski ride on the Belize River took a heartbreaking turn on Saturday. Fourteen-year-old Axel Oroman, who was behind the controls, suddenly lost control of the watercraft. Both he and his passenger were thrown into the water, but only one of them came back up. Axel, a young teen from Corozal, never resurfaced.

ACP Hilberto Romero, Head of Crime Investigation Branch

“Upon arrival they met one, Roy Alavarez, who reported that he was on he jet ski with one Axel Oroman. He reported Axel Oroman lost control of the jet ski, and both of them fell into the river. Searches were made. He was not located thereafter. Further searched were done on Sunday and the body of Oroman was recovered from the river. We are now awaiting a post-mortem examination.”

As soon as bystanders realized Axel hadn’t come back up, the Belize Coast Guard was called in. Rear Admiral Elton Bennett, the Coast Guard’s commandant, says their search and rescue team was on the scene within minutes. They wasted no time, scanning the surface while a dive team searched the waters below, hoping for any sign of the young teen.

Rear Admiral Elton Bennett, Commandant, Belize Coast Guard

“It was late in the evening. Visibility was very poor. We commenced underwater searches on Saturday and that was un successful, we continued our investigation, we expanded our search era and looked for a suitable search pattern in order to best locate the individual who was missing. That search pattern stretched one hundred meters north and one hundred meters south of the entrance to the Haulover River, that’s what our computer system showed us. It was a very large search era. It was very complicated because you have long shore currents, you have river currents, and you had the tidal difference throughout a twenty-four-hour period that would’ve impacted the most probable location of the body.”

In the wake of the tragic accident, the Belize Port Authority issued a reminder to the public: operating a jet ski isn’t just fun and games, it comes with serious responsibilities. Under Belize’s maritime laws, anyone using a personal watercraft like a jet ski must have a valid certificate of competency, and the watercraft itself must be registered and licensed. According to Assistant Commissioner of Police Hilberto Romero, young Axel Oroman didn’t have that authorization. He wasn’t licensed to operate the jet ski that day.

ACP Hilberto Romero

“A permit is required to drive at jet ski, but the information we got is that he took that jet ski without the consent of the owner and made his way to the river.”

Reporter

“Can the adult be held responsible?”

ACP Hilberto Romero

“Well he is saying that he was the passenger on the jet ski and Oroman was driving the jet ski.”

Jet skis are usually equipped with a safety feature called a lanyard kill switch; it’s designed to shut off the engine instantly if the operator falls off. But in this case, that didn’t happen. Video from the scene shows the jet ski spinning wildly out of control after Axel Oroman and Roy Alvarez were thrown into the water. It’s a chilling sight. Assistant Commissioner of Police Hilberto Romero says the investigation is still ongoing as authorities try to piece together exactly what went wrong.

ACP Hilberto Romero

“An investigation will be carried out. That is the initial information we have at this time. But a full investigation will be conducted. Also an investigation will be done by Port Authority.”

Reporter

“And can anything come out of the fact that he was a minor who was on his own on a Saturday? One would say, and as far as we know, he wasn’t in school either.”

ACP Hilberto Romero

“Yes, that would be a part of the investigation. Likewise, the information we have that he was in that area where he does some chores and at some point he took the jet ski from there.”

It wasn’t until Sunday evening that volunteers would locate Oroman’s lifeless body. It was revealed that he was not wearing a life vest, which is mandatory for riders and operators of jet skis.

Rear Admiral Elton Bennett

“Had you been wearing a life jacket, we believe the outcome would’ve been very different. Also the adult on board he assisted in the search immediately after he went overboard. But he wasn’t able to grab a hold of the young Axel.”

And just a reminder to everyone heading out on the water, safety should always come first. The Belize Port Authority is urging the public to follow all maritime rules and regulations when using personal watercraft. It’s not just about avoiding fines, it’s about preventing tragedies like this one. Britney Gordon for News Five.

Two Female Minors Found Dead in Bella Vista

There’s a deeply troubling story out of Bella Vista Village in the Toledo District, one that has left an entire community in shock. Just before six p.m. this evening, unconfirmed reports surfaced that the bodies of two young girls, just nine and seven years old, were found at the bottom of a well. Details are still coming in, and at this time, police have not confirmed whether foul play is suspected. It’s a heartbreaking development, and tonight, many are asking how something like this could happen. We’ll continue to follow this story closely and bring you updates as soon as more information becomes available.

Child Protection in Focus After Shocking Incident

Here’s a strong message from the Ministry of Human Development, one that leaves no room for compromise when it comes to the safety of our children. Just days ago, an alarming incident was reported at the New Beginnings Youth Development Centre. A minor was allegedly subjected to violence by a staff member, and the ministry has wasted no time in responding. The child was immediately given medical attention, and by the next day, escorted to the Hattieville Police Station to give an official statement. The family was informed right away, and now, the ministry is awaiting their feedback to move forward with the criminal investigation.

Thea Garcia-Ramirez, Minister of Human Development

“When we learned of the situation and we do have footage, we took immediate action. The CEO immediately, with the help of the supervisors, put the two people involved on administrative leave. So they were escorted immediately off the compound, put on administrative leave and because this happened after lunch and into the evening of Thursday, the preparations and the paperwork for their termination was ongoing on Friday and it was not completed. I am assured that that process has been completed today, and so the ministry has terminated their employment immediately. These are stressful situations, life is stressful, but there can be no excuse for an adult to hit a child. And so, that is the position of the ministry. That is my personal position, that cannot be either encouraged, condoned, or tolerated. So that’s where we stand on that. We have moved very swiftly. We try very hard to maintain the dignity of our residents.”

Officer Removed as Ministry Enforces Zero-Tolerance on Abuse Case

In the meantime, swift disciplinary action has been taken. The officer involved has been placed on leave and barred from returning to the facility. Steps are already underway to terminate their employment. But this isn’t just about one incident. The ministry is doubling down on its zero-tolerance stance against corporal punishment, not just at New Beginnings, but across all state care facilities in Belize. With help from international partners, the center is undergoing a full-scale reform, aiming to create a safer, more rehabilitative environment for our youth.

Thea Garcia Ramirez, Minister of Human Development

“I think the kindest thing we can do is what we’re trying to do at the facility to ensure his mental and his physical integrity and ensure that he is restored as much as possible. We are ensuring that not only his physical wellbeing and his health are restored, but also ensuring that he gets the help that he needs. It was certainly a traumatic event, I don’t want to lie to you, and while I am not at liberty to show you the footage, I can tell you that I was deeply affected by it, and I can just imagine the child as well. As a mother, I put myself in the situation where it could have been one of my children, it certainly could have been. It could have been any one of us and I think that the child’s wellbeing and the wellbeing of all children in Belize should come first. And so while we want to ensure that we select our staff very carefully, and ensure that there is ongoing training, sensitization, and maybe, some sort of therapy sessions with them, they also need to call for help if they need help.”

San Pedro Home Invasion Ends in Arrests, Not Answers

This afternoon, police held a press briefing at the Racoon Street Station, where Head of Crime Investigation, Hilberto Romero, shared details of a brazen attack at the Espat residence in San Pedro. Heavily armed gunmen stormed the property in what can only be described as a frightening ordeal. Thankfully, no one was physically hurt, but the damage to the home and the emotional toll on the family were significant. But here’s where things took an unexpected turn. Instead of launching a manhunt for the suspects, police took the Espat brothers, Logan, Mark, and David, into custody. That decision has a lot of people asking, what really went down that night?

Hilberto Romero, ACP, Head of Crime Investigation Branch

“On Saturday police responded to a shooting in the San Pedrito area of San Pedro upon the arrival they learned that someone came to that area pulled out a weapon and fired several shots towards two doors of an apartment the rooms belonged to Logan Espat and Mark Espat and no one was injured several shells were found in the area an investigation is being carried out at this time. We do not know who the suspects are for this shooting but yes we know the rivalry they have in San Pedro with other persons”

Father of Espat Brother Questions Arrest After Sons Targeted

Tonight, a father is speaking out, defending his sons and questioning the actions of the police. Gilberto Espat, the father of Logan and Mark Espat, says he’s baffled by the charges brought against them. The two were arrested after their home came under gunfire, but according to their father, they’re not criminals; they’re hardworking fishermen who are lucky to be alive. Espat says anyone who truly knows his sons knows they’re not involved in gang activity. So why, he asks, are they the ones facing charges?

On the Phone: Gilberto Espat, Father of Espat Brothers

“Around four thirty we were waking up to go fishing. My son was awake and all of sudden he heard something like a gun was cranking up. He ran to the bathroom and he start to hear machine gun, bap, bap, bap, twenty gunshots. He lay down in the bathroom. The gunfire eased down. He opened the door and checked what was going on, one of my son that lives on the other house he saw some men jumping off the fence. He find out the gunshot was right in the house. When he went to check on his little brother that is when he opened the door and said bway, look like somebody wanted to kill us, because they shot up the place. Police didn’t take too long like five minutes, and we reach and they start to figure out what happened and we told them we have cameras and they can check it right now. My son bring them and they start check on the camera and that is how we figure out it was three guys that do the shooting. We report it and the police instead of going and find who did it they come and arrest my son them, lock them up for forty-eight hours and after they forty-eight they say that they will charge them for being a gang members, because those same ones are the ones that do the shooting. How can they shoot their own self when the cameras show people are coming in the yard. They took two of my sons, took them to Hattieville and we have to try to get a lawyer to get Supreme Court bail, we don’t want my sons to go to jail after almost getting killed.”

Paul Lopez

“You dispute the charge that they are members of a gang.”

On the Phone: Gilberto Espat

“Of course, because I can’t say that my sons are members of a gang. The people that knows them know that they are fishermen.”

Caye Caulker Gun Mystery: Woman Vanishes with Businessman’s Glock

Now here’s a story that’s got a bit of mystery and a whole lot of questions. A licensed firearm has vanished from a Caye Caulker residence and police believe it may have walked off with a woman who spent the night there. According to ACP Hilberto Romero, the gun, a nine-millimeter Glock, belonged to seventy-three-year-old Dennis Gelinas, a local business owner. He says he was with a female acquaintance named Azmin early Sunday morning, and after they both fell asleep, he woke up to find her, and his firearm, gone. The pistol, along with a magazine loaded with six live rounds, was reportedly tucked into his pants pocket. Police searched the home but came up empty-handed. What they did find out, though, is that the woman caught the 10:30 a.m. boat to Belize City and now, she’s being actively sought by investigators.

Hilberto Romero, ACP, Head of Crime Investigation Branch

“On Sunday a Dennis Guelina seventy five years reported that he invited a person to his house to spend the night he had his firearm on him and he reported that when he woke up in the morning he realized that his firearm had been stolen and the male person was no where to be found, we are seeking this person at this time for investigation.”

Foreign Affairs Ministry Defends High-Value Vehicle Acquisition

On Friday night, we brought you the story about the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and its quarter-million-dollar vehicle purchase from Car Guys Belize Limited. The ministry is now setting the record straight. In a public statement, the ministry clarified that the pre-owned 2024 Land Cruiser wasn’t bought using taxpayers’ money. Instead, they explained that the vehicle, along with another, was provided through support from strategic partners. In fact, the ministry says that since the Briceño Administration took office, it hasn’t spent a single cent of public funds on vehicles. Every addition to their fleet, they say, has come through donations from development partners. As for how these vehicles are used? The ministry says they’re essential for day-to-day operations and for providing protocol services across the Government of Belize. And when it comes to value for money, the ministry insists it does its homework, sourcing vehicles from reputable dealers with a solid track record of working with the government. That includes the Land Cruiser in question. So, while the price tag raised eyebrows, the Ministry is making it clear: no taxpayer dollars were used, and the vehicle is part of a broader strategy to keep government operations moving, efficiently and diplomatically.

ICJ to Hear Guatemala’s Bid in Belize-Honduras Border Case

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade has released a statement confirming a significant development in Belize’s ongoing territorial case before the International Court of Justice. The ICJ has announced that it will hear Guatemala’s application to intervene in the Belize versus Honduras case. These oral proceedings are scheduled to begin on Monday, November twenty-four, 2025. To recap, Belize initiated this case on November sixteenth, 2022, requesting the Court to adjudicate and declare that Belize is sovereign over the Sapodilla Cayes, a group of islands located in the southern waters of the country. Belize submitted its Memorial in May 2023, followed by Honduras’ Counter-Memorial in December 2023. Both parties agreed that no further written submissions were necessary. However, the process took a turn when Guatemala applied to intervene in the case on December 1, 2023. While Belize raised no objection to Guatemala’s involvement, Honduras did, prompting the ICJ to schedule a hearing to resolve this preliminary matter before the main case can proceed. The Office of the Agent, in collaboration with Belize’s legal teams, is actively preparing to represent the nation’s interests at the upcoming hearings. This case marks another chapter in Belize’s steadfast commitment to defending its territorial integrity through peaceful and legal means.

Rat Invasion Threatens Corn, Culture, and Livelihoods in Toledo

It’s corn season in southern Belize, but instead of harvesting, farmers in San Pedro Columbia are fighting off an invasion. Not from the weather, not from thieves, but from rats. And lots of them. These rodents are tearing through fields, devouring seeds and young corn shoots, and leaving small-scale farmers scrambling to replant, again and again. With time running out and resources running low, the community says they’re at a breaking point. News Five’s Paul Lopez traveled deep into the Toledo jungle to hear firsthand how this rodent crisis is threatening not just crops, but culture, tradition, and livelihoods.

Paul Lopez, Reporting

This time of year, farmers in San Pedro, Columbia should be gearing up for corn harvest. But instead of reaping what they’ve sown, they’re fighting off an unexpected enemy, rats, lots of them. And right now, the rodents are winning. Local farmer Sylvano Tesecum says he’s had to replant his corn not once, but twice in just a few weeks. Why? Because the first batch of seeds, and even the young corn shoots, were wiped out by a wave of hungry rodents. It’s a frustrating and costly setback for subsistence farmers who are already stretched thin. And with every passing day, the battle between man and rodent is threatening not just this season’s harvest, but their very livelihood.

Sylvano Tesecum, Farmer, Toledo District

“The rat is really damaging us with the situation we are going through, planting two times and it is not only me. There is a lot of farmers getting affected. I am going to put a next try and we cannot give up.”

For these small-scale farmers, giving up isn’t an option. Most of them work tiny plots of land, and every ear of corn counts, not just for their families, but for the animals they raise and the little extra they earn at the market.

Sylvano Tesecum

“They eat anything. They start to eat a lot of thing. They eat grass too not only the corn, they eating some rotten sticks. And it looks like they want to eat us too mein.”

These pests are masters of hide-and-seek, burrowing into the rich soil during the day and emerging under the cover of darkness to feast on freshly planted corn. Tesecum says he’s seen rodents before, but never like this. Residents believe the surge in rodent activity may be linked to the 2024 forest fires, which they say disrupted the local ecosystem.

Maximilliano Caal, Farmer, Toledo District

“Subsistence farmers, small scale farmers planting corn in this area here, it is not huge areas. But it is very cultural, and it is important to the practice here in southern Belize because we are self reliant. There is a lot of imbalance to the ecosystem, things like grey foxes, the ocelot, the jaguarundi, the hawks, they have very little area for them to come back. So, it will take a gradual process for the elimination of the rats.”

In the rugged hills of Toledo, farming isn’t just a job, it’s a test of endurance. To reach one of these remote corn plots in San Pedro Columbia, we had to drive up a steep, winding path for nearly twenty-five minutes, then hike another two hundred and fifty feet on foot. And that’s just to get to the field. These small farms are carved into the jungle, tucked between hills to shield them from harsh weather. All along the roadside, you’ll find farms under siege. And with corn being a seasonal crop, timing is everything.

Maximilliano Caal

“It is bigger than just rats. It is putting the stake of Maya lives at stake, because we wont have enough corn to keep on planting. It is also seasonal, because the corn does need sufficient water when you are planting. When the farmers plant at this time, we anticipate the rains. At this point most farmers should have already planted. Some farmers tart planting in May. We are already in July. Come August we should have things like corn lab, ducunu, that is when people enjoy that. So that is a thing that is also changing, because we wont have the corn in time for the families to enjoy.”

The stakes are high. They’ve only got a limited stash of quality seeds left from the last harvest and the rats are tearing through them. If those seeds run out, this season’s loss could snowball into next year. And it’s not just about planting. These farmers still follow the tradition of reciprocal labor, trading time instead of money. But there’s a catch: after planting, the host has to feed the whole crew. That cultural feast? It’s another cost they’re struggling to cover.

Raphael Choc, Farmer, Toledo District

“After planting there is a reward for the workers. We have a feast. The main food is the caldo, local chicken caldo. That is what we give to the workers. The feast is an expense. Local chickens are not so cheap, not only to buy but to raise, local chickens are expensive. Corn is what we are short of, and this is the second feast we are doing. It is a second expense. The first expense just gone down the drain. This second expense, we hope that we get this other corn.”

So, what’s the fix? Some farmers tried bringing in cats, but they went wild. Others are burning the land to flush out the rodents, but that’s risky and can spark bigger fires. With time running out to plant, many are taking that gamble anyway. But, Tesecum says even that isn’t working. The rodents keep coming. Now, the community is calling on the government to step in before the damage gets any worse.

Jose Mai, Minister of Agriculture (File: July 16^th, 2025)

“So that you have rodents on a farm is not strange or surprising to anybody. If it is an invasion I don’t know. What do you call an invasion? If you have ten rats on a field eating a pumpkin, is that an invasion? My technicians will have to go make that assessment and report back to us.”

Reporting for News Five, I am Paul Lopez.