Talking about making Belize proud, Garth Bowman, a Belizean American from the Stann Creek District, is soaring to new heights. He’s just graduated from the elite United States Coast Guard Officer Candidate School, and now he’s off to California to begin an exciting new chapter in service and leadership. But Garth’s story isn’t just about personal achievement, it’s a powerful reminder to young people back home that big dreams are within reach.
Garth Bowman
Garth Bowman, Commissioned Officer
“Well, I started my journey on April twenty first to the United States Coast Guard Officer Candidate School. I was one of ninety-five graduates today. The acceptance rates in the new Officer Candidate School for the United States Coast Guard is about ten to twelve percent, so part of it is the twelve percent that made it and graduated. I did eleven years in the United States Navy. I decided to transfer over to the Coast Guard, where I probably did eleven more before I retired. So going to the military was the right choice in the beginning. And I’ve gotten more and more family oriented. It’s just doing something where I can feel accomplished in my job and also feel like I can be the best person I can for my family. What’s next for me is I’m going to California, Alameda. To go there, I’m going to go to a ship. Once I go to that ship, I am going to be a deck watch officer. Essentially, I’ll be driving the ship and also be in charge of a division and leading people on the port ship. I highly recommend joining the military. Going to the military will forever change your life. It will grow you into a person that you will be proud of and your entire family will be proud of. Once you get to that point where you are in the military, your college education will be free.”
Bryon Bowman
Bryon Bowman, Father
“Very very proud he graduated eleven years ago from the navy that was special now he is into the coast guard and like he said its his passion it was his way of molding himself into who he wants to be and we are very proud.”
On Wednesday, we told you about the Haulover Bridge and the bold thieves who made off with thirty feet of aluminum handrail. Well tonight, we’re back with another bridge story; this time, it’s not about theft, but tension. Over in San Pedro, the Barry Bowen Bridge is making headlines after the town council announced a ban on fishing from the structure. Why? They say constant exposure to saltwater is corroding the bridge, and it’s time to protect it. Some residents agree that it’s a safety issue. But others think the move is a bit overboard. So, is it precaution or overreaction? Here’s News Five’s Britney Gordon with the following report.
Britney Gordon, Reporting
If you’re used to casting a line off the Barry Bowen Bridge in San Pedro, you might want to think twice. The Town Council has just put a stop to fishing on the bridge and not everyone’s thrilled about it. Some residents are scratching their heads, wondering why a long-time pastime is suddenly off-limits. But according to Mayor Wally Nuñez, there’s a serious reason behind the decision.
Wally Nunez
Wally Nunez, Mayor of San Pedro
“It is some corrosion that was happening on the railing. Please bear in mind that the bridge itself is a concrete structure and it was rebuilt because we had issues with the old bridge that was all metal. This bridge is all concrete. It’s only the railings that are made of galvanized steel. And yes they have to weld them together and it was painted.”
Interestingly, most of the corrosion is happening on the western side of the bridge, which suggests it’s not just the salty sea breeze to blame. After all, the wind usually blows in from the east.
Wally Nunez
“But the problem that we saw was on the western side and specifically on the railing where they usually go and cast their nets. And there’s also some fishing happening on that area. And when they reel in the, their lines with their, the sardine or with they bring in the constant, it brings a lot of water and the salt water directly over the structure is what was causing the corrosion.”
The good news? The damage to the bridge wasn’t too serious and the town council has already made the necessary repairs. But it did raise a red flag. Officials say it’s a clear sign that fishing activity is speeding up the corrosion, and that’s something they can’t afford to ignore.
Wally Nunez
“I started to see some of the comments why we’re not allowing kids to go and fish at the bridge. But I just wanted to explain and to clarify that it does speed up the corrosion if you’re having direct water over it. Yes, I understand that we’re gonna have salt air. We do constant maintenance of the bridge. We have the council constantly doing maintenance and looking at after the bridge to make sure that the integrity of the bridge is in good condition. But we’re just asking the general public to assist us in not speeding up the corrosion by having your cast nets up there, actually fishing up there so that we can prevent it from farther damage.”
Not everyone was on board with the no-fishing advisory at first. Some residents argued that the bridge would corrode over time anyway, with or without fishing. But others have been more understanding, recognizing the need to protect the structure. Mayor Wally Nuñez says this isn’t the only issue the council has had to tackle when it comes to the Barry Bowen Bridge.
Wally Nunez
“The bridge as we had just finished it, we had some lights along the railing and those were vandalized, they were stolen. We have been looking at ways that we can add some lighting on that side that it’s going to be more difficult for them to remove, I don’t know for what reason. Some people remove them because they wouldn’t be able to use it anywhere else because they come in sets and it has one specific ballas that works, or five, five parts of them. So it’s just vandalism and lack of civic pride.”
Nunez is asking the public for understanding and compliance to preserve the integrity of the island’s infrastructure.
Wally Nunez
“We need to encourage people to have civic pride and these things. They cost money and they’re there to serve a purpose and we want to beautify Belize. We don’t want it to be vandalized and being wrecked, in other words.”
Now, just to be clear, fishing on top of the Barry Bowen Bridge is off-limits. But if you’re casting your line from below, you’re still good to go. Britney Gordon for News Five.
It’s a discovery that’s capturing global attention and it’s happening right here in Belize. Deep in the heart of the ancient Maya city of Caracol, archaeologists have uncovered what they believe to be royal tombs, possibly belonging to a powerful leader. This major find is rewriting what we know about the Maya civilization and its surprising connections to one of the largest ancient cities in Central Mexico. Today, we sat down with the legendary research duo, doctors Arlen and Diane Chase, who’ve been unearthing Caracol’s secrets since 1985, to learn more about what this means for Belize and for history.
Dr. Arlen Chase
Dr. Arlen Chase, Professor, University of Houston
“I just knew that we had a tomb, and tombs are normal in Caracol. We dug over a hundred and seventy tombs. So, it was not until we started to get into the chamber and they started excavation along the eastern wall and uncovered a big pile of jadeite chips. It took a while to understand what they were. They are not chips, but pieces of jade. It turns out there was a fallen death mask in the chamber. That was a sign to me that this was a very unusual tomb, because we do not get jade death masks in chambers. We already knew that the tomb was covered in cinnabar, a red pigment, which says it is a very important individual. But it is the death mask the signaled how important this chamber was. We have only found one of these in our career and it was in Santa Rita Corozal in 1985.”
Dr. Diane Chase
Dr. Diane Chase, Provost, University of Houston
“There are so many important discoveries that we have been able to make at Caracol and this is one of them. Alter twenty-one that writes about the conquest of Tikal by Caracol. The first use of Lidar among the Maya ruins was done at Caracol. Mapping of the residential terraces to show that this was a city that had agriculture. All of those are incredibly important. But this one is unique, because it is the first time we have identified someone we believe was part of the royal dynasty at Caracol and that is huge. What is even more important is that it showcases that the dynasty is internal to Belize, internal to Caracol. It was not started by someone from outside the country at a distance.”
More than a hundred residents in the Stann Creek West constituency have received land titles. It’s all part of a new development called Rodsville, an initiative led by Area Representative Rodwell Ferguson with support from the Ministry of Natural Resources. It’s about making land ownership more accessible, especially for young Belizeans looking to build a future. This marks the second phase of the project, which kicked off back in January 2024. And while many are celebrating the opportunity, not everyone is on board. Some farmers say the very program meant to uplift the community is now pushing them out. News Five’s Tanya Arceo visited Rodsville to hear both sides of the story.
Tanya Arceo, Reporting
It’s called Rodsville, a new development zone on the outskirts of Pomona Village in the Stann Creek District. And this week, over one hundred residents were handed land titles here, in what is being called the second round of land distribution.
Rodwell Ferguson
Rodwell Ferguson, Area Rep, Stann Creek West
“When this group got together I told the to form a committee I never asked them to name it Rodsville because again that will create eyebrows but they did so its already officially the Rodsville expansion in the village of Pomona what they did they formed an NGO everything is officially recorded so what we did we invite the villagers for a meeting and we told them if you want to participate it comes with a certain cost its not a profit making venture but everything cost.”
The result was a community-driven initiative. An NGO was formed, and residents were invited to participate, each participant paid three thousand, five hundred Belize dollars, a one-time fee that covered land surveys, title processing, and a portion for future infrastructure in the area.
Rodwell Ferguson
“So we told the people them if you contribute three-five per person that includes your survey cost and your purchase price and so they contributed the three-five over a period of time and you were able to at least open the road so far this project started around February or march twenty-twenty-four. So last weekSaturday we had a ceremony and we delivered over a hundred titles already and we had two more ceremonies so that the people will recognize that what we are doing is legit and that they want to participate.”
As more lots are handed out and development picks up, this initiative is quickly becoming a pathway to promise and potential in Stann Creek West. For many, it’s more than just land, it’s a step toward a more fair and promising future.
Rodwell Ferguson
“We already built a park to get to the park is like an island so it build bridges so it can reach to the park so its major developments we di affect at least two hundred to three hundred families so it will be a big community so the fee that they paid might sound exorbitant three thousand five hundred per person to own a land here.”
This month, Sabreena Daly is shining a light on a group that doesn’t always get the recognition they deserve, fathers. In a world where strong father figures can sometimes feel like a rare find, Sabreena sets out to challenge that narrative. And what she discovered is nothing short of inspiring. Meet Mario Chavez, a legally blind carpenter and a single father of seven. Yes, seven. For over three decades, Mario has lived without sight, but that hasn’t stopped him from raising his children on his own or continuing to build beautiful furniture and concrete pieces, entirely from memory and instinct. Sabreena sat down with Mario in his workshop to hear his incredible story firsthand. And what she found is a man whose vision goes far beyond what the eye can see.
Sabreena Daly, Reporting
Mario Chavez is the cornerstone of his family’s story. His eldest son, Carlos Chavez, is an architect, former teacher, and now an entrepreneur who brings life to homes and garden spaces through handcrafted concrete designs. Carlos says everything he’s achieved, every step he’s taken, was made possible because of his dad. It was Mario’s steady guidance, his unwavering support, and the way he lived his life that shaped the man Carlos is today.
Carlos Chavez
Carlos Chavez, Son
“I can definitely attribute a lot of that inspiration to my dad. He has made his own molds for the concrete wash tubs he creates, and understanding how those molds work has helped me tremendously in my own work. He is truly a strong inspiration in my life.”
Mario Chavez isn’t just known for the furniture he builds; he’s admired for the strength it took to get here. Legally blind for over thirty years, Mario never let his lack of sight stop him from pursuing his passion for carpentry. He’s built a life and a legacy through sheer determination, even when others couldn’t see the vision he held inside. When I visited him in his home workshop, you’d never guess the man behind the tools sees only shadows. Carpentry, he told me, wasn’t just his first job, it’s his greatest love. But when he spoke about losing his vision, the emotion was clear. He quietly reached for his sunglasses, perhaps to shield more than just his eyes.
Mario Chavez
Mario Chavez, Blind Carpenter
“That’s my profession from the very beginning. I was working from a young age—I never had this problem before. I used to work with furniture. But then, that’s when the problem started….yes.”
It takes a steady hand and sharp technique to be a carpenter. Working with heavy wood, sharp tools, and powerful machines isn’t easy, even for someone with full vision. Mario Chavez does it all without ever seeing the finished product. Legally blind, he’s a true visionary in every sense of the word. Instead of sight, he leans on memory, touch, and instinct to bring his creations to life. Whether it’s a wooden table or a concrete basin, his hands know every curve, every edge like they’ve memorized the blueprint by heart. And through them, he continues to build with purpose and inspire with skill.
Mario Chavez
“And that’s why I know that work is a beautiful thing. When I’m able to do it, I feel like I’m reconnecting with something I used to do. I love when people come, see the work they requested, and they like it. They say it looks really beautiful. I really enjoy this kind of work. It helps me—that’s what inspires me to keep going.”
When Mario’s other senses cannot compensate for what he lacks in vision, his sons step in for support. Juan Chavez, Mario’s youngest son, credits his father’s relentless passion and determination for inspiring their entrepreneurial path. But more than that, it’s his father’s love and guidance that have shaped him into the man he has become.
Juan Chavez
Juan Chavez, Son
“I think it’s because of him that we became entrepreneurs. Seeing him overcome many of his challenges pushed us to strive for a better life. For me, that has been the most important lesson he has taught us—how to overcome obstacles no matter what challenges come your way.”
Mario Chavez raised his children as a single father, guiding them even without his sight. Though he couldn’t see, his vision for his family never faded. That’s the message his children carry with them. Now grown men, they say what mattered most wasn’t what he could or couldn’t do—it was that he was there, every step of the way.
Carlos Chavez
“He could have been somebody who said, you know, I can deal with this, but, but no, he stayed steadfast, and he found one way or the other to make it work for us, to help us finish our education. Even as adults, he has always been there.”
Cesar Chavez
Cesar Chavez, Son
“ What gets me emotional is that we’ve grown up with him and many people don’t get to have a dad.”
Juan Chavez
“I think he has given me the confidence to believe. He made sure that we had an education and that we did not feel like we were missing anything. So I think that gave us the confidence to do what we have done up to date. I think that has been the biggest impact.”
La propuesta de la Decimotercera Enmienda a la Constitución ha desatado un intenso debate en Belize. La iniciativa busca otorgar al Estado amplias facultades para declarar “áreas especiales”, donde la policía podría registrar, confiscar y arrestar sin orden judicial, todo bajo el argumento de la seguridad pública.
El proyecto también contempla la creación de un nuevo Tribunal de Armas y Pandillas, y pretende validar retroactivamente los estados de emergencia anteriores, incluyendo aquellos ya impugnados en tribunales.
Aunque el Comisionado de Policía, Dr. Richard Rosado, respalda la medida como un paso audaz para combatir el aumento de la criminalidad, no todos están de acuerdo.
La Asociación de Abogados Defensores de Belize ha enviado una dura carta a la Asamblea Nacional, advirtiendo que el proyecto puede erosionar las libertades civiles, debilitar la democracia y otorgar excesivo poder sin controles al gobierno.
La abogada Audrey Matura explicó que la enmienda extiende demasiado la autoridad policial e incluso permite la creación de fuerzas auxiliares, que podrían estar compuestas por personas sin la formación adecuada para manejar crisis civiles o por exmilitares con entrenamiento letal.
Además, criticó que la medida sea retroactiva, invalidando sentencias ganadas en casos sobre estados de emergencia previos, en los cuales personas fueron detenidas sin juicio ni acceso a abogados durante largos períodos.
El debate continúa mientras el país sopesan los riesgos y beneficios de esta controvertida enmienda.
La Asociación de Abogados Defensores de Belize continúa expresando fuertes objeciones contra una cláusula de la Decimotercera Enmienda que validaría retroactivamente estados de emergencia pasados, incluso aquellos ya cuestionados judicialmente. Esta medida, advierten, podría socavar el estado de derecho y sentar un precedente preocupante.
Además, el proyecto contempla la creación de un Tribunal Especializado en Armas y Pandillas, que, si bien suena prometedor, carece de garantías claras para asegurar la imparcialidad e independencia judicial.
La abogada Audrey Matura explicó que al incluir esta cláusula en la Constitución, se estaría eliminando el derecho de las personas a exigir sus derechos civiles, dado que la misma Constitución pasaría a prohibir su ejercicio.
Matura subrayó que el gobierno actual posee una supermayoría que le permite impulsar estas reformas sin oposición efectiva, ya que el bloque opositor está debilitado y dividido.
Recordó que casos similares comenzaron durante la administración del ex primer ministro Dean Barrow, cuando se impusieron estados de emergencia que fueron llevados a tribunales. Ahora, en lugar de legislar para corregir esas acciones, el actual gobierno busca modificar la Constitución para legalizarlas, lo que representa un paso más grave.
El debate sigue abierto mientras crecen las preocupaciones sobre las implicaciones de esta enmienda para la justicia y las libertades en Belize.
El Primer Ministro John Briceño se pronunció esta noche sobre la polémica Decimotercera Enmienda, que ha generado un intenso debate en todo el país por las nuevas facultades que otorga al gobierno para combatir la delincuencia.
En un evento en la ciudad de Belize, Briceño reconoció la preocupación generalizada, pero señaló que están abiertos a propuestas legales alternativas. Sin embargo, insistió en que el problema de la criminalidad es serio y requiere la cooperación de todos, no solo de la policía y del gobierno, sino también del público en general.
El Primer Ministro destacó la gravedad de los actos violentos cometidos principalmente por jóvenes, que incluso disparan en espacios públicos causando daños a personas inocentes. Por ello, afirmó que deben hacer todo lo posible para detener esta violencia y proteger a la ciudadanía.
Su declaración directa y firme refleja la urgencia del gobierno por implementar medidas para enfrentar el aumento de los crímenes en Belize.
En medio de especulaciones sobre posibles cambios en el sector de telecomunicaciones y cable en Belize, se ha hablado mucho sobre un posible intento de BTL para adquirir Speednet Communications y varias compañías locales de cable. Sin embargo, hasta ahora no ha habido confirmación oficial.
El miércoles, el empresario Michael Ashcroft avivó los rumores durante una entrevista en “Open Your Eyes”, mencionando brevemente el posible acuerdo. Speednet es mayoritariamente propiedad de Waterloo.
Este jueves por la noche, el Primer Ministro John Briceño, cuyos familiares son accionistas en Speednet, fue consultado directamente sobre la especulación.
Briceño se mostró cauteloso y dijo no tener detalles sobre la operación, y recomendó hablar con las gerencias de BTL y Smart. Sobre un posible conflicto de interés, aclaró que no es su familia quien posee Smart y que las decisiones se toman a nivel gerencial y luego por el directorio.
“El proceso, aseguró, debe ser siempre en beneficio de BTL y del pueblo beliceño,” agregó.
El sector continúa atento a cualquier anuncio oficial sobre esta posible reestructuración en el mercado local de telecomunicaciones.
John Briceño, Primer Ministro, reafirma la importancia del interés público en cualquier operación futura.
En Pomona Village, un acalorado conflicto por la propiedad de tierras ha escalado y sigue causando tensiones entre residentes y la familia Ferguson. Esta noche, el ministro Rodwell Ferguson y su hijo Aaron Ferguson se defienden de las acusaciones, negando cualquier amenaza o intervención política en el caso.
Los residentes insisten en que la familia Ferguson reclama tierras que legítimamente les pertenecen, mientras que los Fergusons afirman que sus documentos y permisos son válidos. Según la ley beliceña, aunque haya una cueva en la propiedad, esta sigue siendo propiedad del Estado, y cualquier artefacto encontrado en su interior está protegido por leyes nacionales de patrimonio.
El ministro Ferguson recordó que la cueva, conocida desde los años setenta, ha sufrido daños por explosiones pasadas realizadas para obtener materiales de construcción. Aseguró que no permitirá que su propio hijo solicite la tierra donde se encuentra la cueva, la cual también alberga el tanque de agua para la comunidad. Además, afirmó que no pelea por la propiedad para ningún familiar y que está comprometido a buscar tierras alternativas para quienes se vean afectados.
Por su parte, Miguel Ángel Trejo, quien asegura tener la tenencia legal de la tierra y el área con la cueva, denunció amenazas de muerte y daños a su propiedad. Trejo mostró documentos oficiales y un video para respaldar sus reclamos, mientras critica la falta de acción para resolver la disputa y la aparente preferencia por otros en la asignación de tierras.
La presidenta de la junta comunitaria, Melida Ingraham, aclaró que la asignación de tierras en esa zona es responsabilidad del ministro y que la tierra en disputa es propiedad gubernamental, al estar vinculada a la cueva que sirve a la comunidad.
Aunque las partes no llegan a un acuerdo, coinciden en que la cueva no pertenece a ninguna de ellas. El conflicto continúa abierto mientras se esperan revisiones oficiales y diálogos para resolver la situación.
Un trágico accidente en la ciudad de Belize dejó a una familia de luto y a la comunidad consternada. Esta tarde, un mantenimiento rutinario de un camión se convirtió en fatal para Nuridim Mariano, de 41 años. Mariano trabajaba en su vehículo fuera de un taller mecánico en la zona de Jimmy Dyer cuando ocurrió el accidente.
Según los informes, Mariano estaba frente a su camión, estacionado detrás de otro, y pidió a alguien que arrancara el motor. Sin embargo, el camión estaba en marcha y avanzó abruptamente, atrapándolo entre ambos vehículos. A pesar de los esfuerzos para retroceder y liberarlo, fue demasiado tarde. Mariano murió en el lugar.
Su familia llegó rápidamente al área tras el incidente. Wilma Thompson-Wiley, tía del fallecido, compartió emotivos recuerdos: “Él era un hombre versátil, muy amigable, siempre con una sonrisa y bromas que alegraban el día. Amaba a su familia y siempre cuidaba a quienes lo rodeaban. Era respetuoso y generoso, siempre dispuesto a ayudar a los necesitados,” expresó Wilma.
La pérdida de Mariano ha dejado un vacío profundo en la comunidad y entre sus seres queridos.
El Comisionado de Policía, Dr. Richard Rosado, lanzó un contundente llamado al público para que reflexione antes de compartir contenido en redes sociales que pueda incitar a la violencia. Rosado señaló que promover o distribuir material provocativo solo alimenta los conflictos y enfatizó la responsabilidad colectiva para romper ese ciclo.
“Reconocemos que promover, participar o distribuir contenido provocativo que incita a la violencia alimenta el conflicto. Como individuos y organizaciones, debemos ser responsables con lo que compartimos en los medios. Todos tenemos una responsabilidad colectiva para romper el ciclo de violencia”, expresó el Comisionado.
Además, el Dr. Rosado anunció que esperan la llegada del Sr. Jones a Belize para tratar asuntos pendientes relacionados con recientes actos de violencia. “Sus actos fueron imprudentes, criminales y avivaron la violencia ocurrida durante el fin de semana. Estamos monitoreando la situación en la zona. Hemos incrementado el despliegue de oficiales de la rama especial para recopilar inteligencia. Estamos llevando a cabo operaciones focalizadas para romper el ciclo y evitar represalias”, añadió.
Las autoridades continúan reforzando la seguridad para proteger a la comunidad y evitar que incidentes violentos se propaguen a través de las redes sociales.
