Minister of Agriculture Jose Mai says the sugar industry may not see major improvements this year despite promising tests underway to combat the deadly fusarium fungus.
Mai confirmed that Belize’s current biological treatment trials could take up to a year to show significant results, which has raised concerns for next season’s sugar crop.
“The cure for bringing back the industry has to start now. We may not see results immediately this year, but next year we may start to see positive results.”
But he warned that the situation may be more serious than initially believed. Alongside fusarium, other pathogens may be threatening the country’s sugarcane.
“We are now informed that it is not only fusarium. It is accompanied by other pathogens. Nematodes could be one of them; we have sent samples for testing.”
Fusarium, which is believed to have originated from across the Mexican border, has now spread to several sugarcane fields in northern Belize. The disease has already cost the industry an estimated fifty million dollars this year.
Belize’s four sugarcane producers’ associations declared the industry’s current situation as a “critical and unprecedented crisis.” They called on the government of Belize in a joint resolution for “immediate and decisive intervention.”
Jahmea Bent is preparing for her biggest stage yet, representing Belize at the Miss Caribbean Culture Queen Pageant in Nevis in August of this year. Bent is described by the organisation as a multi-talented Belizean-American beauty queen whose roots run deep in the Jewel.
The 25-year-old, born in Los Angeles to Belizean parents, is no stranger to excellence, according to the organisers. She was crowned Miss Caribbean Los Angeles 2024, sweeping top awards in talent, interview, and fitness.
Now, she’s preparing to compete on the international stage on August 4th as part of Nevis’ annual Culturama celebrations.
Though based in the U.S., Bent maintains strong ties to Belize. The organisers noted that she frequently returns home, mentors young people, champions local causes, and proudly carries Belizean culture with her all the time.
Ahead of the pageant, she will appear in a pre-show interview in July and is expected to engage with local media virtually.
Her journey can be followed on Facebook at Miss Caribbean Culture Belize.
Just days after reclaiming the post of UDP Chairman, Michael Peyrefitte has moved quickly to broker peace within the fractured United Democratic Party. He convened a closed-door meeting with key party figures this morning, including Shyne Barrow, Hugo Patt, Alberto August, Omar Figueroa, Tony Herrera, and Aldo Salazar. “Those are the respective regional leaders and executives of the UDP,” Peyrefitte said.
According to Peyrefitte, the session was productive, with both factions, those aligned with Shyne and those backing Tracy Panton, engaging in what he described as a “sober conversation” focused solely on the party’s welfare.
He confirmed that the group agreed on terms that will be taken to the National Party Council (NPC), with the goal of holding a national convention on October 5th to elect official leadership.
“It is my hope and expectation that, come October 5th, we will be having a national convention to choose the leadership of the UDP moving forward so that there can’t be no doubt as to who is the leader, who is the first deputy, who is the second deputy, who is the chair, and who is the vice chair,” Peyrefitte said.
Still, the path to unity hasn’t been without setbacks. On Monday, News 5 reported on an internal message from Peyrefitte expressing frustration over what he saw as “crossroads” once again from the agreed “way forward” negotiated among senior party members. His stance indicated that despite efforts at reconciliation, internal tensions persisted despite his return.
Peryrefitte said he believes “a lot of it has been miscommunication” within the party, carried about by people “who can’t communicate properly and then disseminate that information to the rest of the party.”
The Belize Tourism Board (BTB) has faced two more courtroom defeats over terminated contracts issued under the former government, with over a million dollars now awarded to former executives.
Last week, the Supreme Court ruled in favour of Norman Young, BTB’s former IT head, awarding him more than $230,000 in compensation after finding his fixed-term contract was improperly terminated.
Meanwhile, the Court of Appeal upheld a previous judgement in favour of former Director of Tourism, Karen Bevans, confirming that she is owed nearly $770,000.
These rulings bring the total number of successful claims against the BTB to four, all involving contracts issued before or during the 2020 election year. Bevans’ case mirrors that of Misty Michael, the BTB’s former Director of Marketing, who was awarded $217,000 in 2023 after the court ruled her dismissal was unjustified. In both cases, the courts rejected BTB’s arguments that the contracts lacked proper approval, finding instead that senior officials who signed them had the apparent authority to do so.
BTB’s attorney intends to appeal the matter to the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ). BTB maintains that the contracts, many of which were signed shortly before the 2020 elections, never received full board vetting and should not be binding.
Attorney Orson “OJ” Elrington will stand trial in September for a rape charge stemming from allegations made against him by a female complainant.
A case management conference was held on Tuesday before Justice Nigel Pilgrim, who will preside over the matter in a trial without a jury.
While a trial date has not yet been finalised, the next case management is set for September 19, when the full witness list is expected to be confirmed.
Elrington, 43, is being represented by his father, former Attorney General Hubert Elrington, as well as attorneys Norman Rodriguez and Michelle Trapp.
The prosecution is led by Director of Public Prosecutions Cheryl-Lynn Vidal.
Elrington denies all allegations. His defence team is expected to submit formal objections in writing by July 18.
Leaders of Belize’s four sugarcane producers’ associations issued a joint resolution declaring a “critical and unprecedented crisis” in the sugar industry. The associations warned that escalating biological threats have severely undermined cane production, which now jeopardises the sector’s long-term survival.
In a resolution signed on Monday, the Belize Sugar Cane Farmers Association (BSCFA), Corozal Sugar Cane Producers Association (CSCPA), Northern Sugar Cane Growers Association (NSCGA), and Progressive Sugar Cane Producers Association (PSCPA) pointed to widespread crop destruction caused by the froghopper, the stem borer, and the emergence of fusarium wilt, a fungal disease that has raised alarm across farming communities.
“The current challenges cannot be borne by sugarcane farmers alone, who lack the financial capacity to shoulder the full burden of recovery and investment necessary for sustainable production,” the associations said. “Immediate and decisive intervention is imperative.”
It added, “These biological threats, compounded by the escalating effects of climate change, have placed the industry at grave risk. Immediate and decisive intervention is imperative.”
Their proposals include:
Increasing the local price of Molasses C by 1.5 times and Molasses B by 2 times the current export price, with proceeds going to a Cane Sustainability Fund.
Allocating 65% of any authorised price increase in plantation white and brown sugar to the Cane Sustainability Fund.
Raising the electricity tariff for bagasse-based energy sold to BEL by $0.055 per kilowatt-hour, with the added income supporting sustainability projects such as drainage infrastructure.
The associations also proposed alternative levies on molasses-derived alcohol products that could generate revenue directly for cane sustainability efforts.
The document was sent to Prime Minister John Briceño, Agriculture Minister Jose Mai, and Minister of State Dr Osmond Martinez.
The Caye Caulker Village Council (CCVC) has issued a firm statement condemning what it describes as a growing pattern of violence and abuse of authority by members of the local police department, particularly targeting the island’s youth. In its press release, the Council expressed solidarity with those who lack the voice or resources to defend themselves and demanded immediate action to address the situation.
According to the Council, the community has witnessed a cycle where young residents are assaulted, beaten, or mistreated by police officers, often without consequence. The Council said that each wave of violence seems to escalate and, in the most tragic instances, has resulted in the death of young men. A similar incident a decade ago, they noted, had already prompted widespread outrage and concern.
The Council urged residents and leaders not to respond to violence with violence but instead to pursue every peaceful and lawful avenue to address the problem. They stressed that officers who serve in Caye Caulker must be committed to de-escalation, accountability, and genuine community protection. “The presence of officers prone to violence and improper conduct cannot be allowed on Caye Caulker,” the release stated.
The press release also addressed concerns over reports of officers acting unprofessionally, stating that some are behaving no differently than gang members or bullies.
“We must all acknowledge that those tasked to uphold the law are not the law. They are held to the same legal standard every other citizen is held to,” the statement read.
Music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs has been found guilty on two federal counts of transportation to engage in prostitution but was acquitted of the more serious charges of racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking.
The mixed verdict was delivered this morning following an eight-week trial in which jurors heard graphic testimony, including from Combs’ former partner, Casandra “Cassie” Ventura. A 2016 surveillance video showing Combs physically assaulting Ventura was presented in court.
While Combs avoided a potential life sentence, he now faces up to 20 years in prison, 10 years for each of the two counts. A sentencing date has not yet been set. The defence is seeking his release ahead of sentencing, a request the prosecution is opposing.
After the verdict, Combs turned to the courtroom gallery and applauded, prompting cheers from his supporters.
Cassie Ventura’s lawyer, Doug Wigdor, said, “Although the jury did not find Combs guilty of sex trafficking… she paved the way… This case proved that change is long overdue, and we will continue to fight on behalf of survivors.”
Tonight, there are still more questions than answers surrounding the tragic death of nineteen-year-old Kevin De Paz, who lost his life early Monday morning in Caye Caulker. What began as a street brawl has now turned into a deeply troubling case involving off-duty police officers, multiple stab wounds, and a grieving family demanding justice. According to police, De Paz was part of a group involved in a violent altercation on Luciano Reyes Street. Surveillance footage shows the officers stepping in after witnessing a man being knocked unconscious, but what happened next has sparked outrage. Five people were stabbed, including De Paz, who later died from his injuries. The officers claim they acted in self-defense, but the De Paz family isn’t convinced. They’ve now sought legal representation, determined to uncover the full story behind their son’s death. News Five’s Britney Gordon has been following the case closely and brings us the latest from Caye Caulker.
Britney Gordon, Reporting
Nineteen-year-old Kevin De Paz, who was home for a short visit from the U.S., was killed during a violent brawl around 2:30 a.m., a visit that heartbreakingly became his last. Now, two off-duty police officers are under investigation for his death. They say they stepped in to stop an attack on another man, but things escalated when they were allegedly assaulted by two men arriving on a golf cart. Surveillance footage from a nearby fast-food spot shows De Paz striking one of the men, painting him as the initial aggressor. But what happened next, off-camera, is where the fatal injuries occurred. Assistant Superintendent of Police, Stacy Smith says that the incident is under review.
Stacy Smith
ASP Stacy Smith, Staff Officer
“As I stated, it’s an investigation that the police is interested in thoroughly investigating. Certainly, when it is incidents that involve police officers, there’s a higher level of scrutiny and there’s certainly an onus on the department to ensure that a thorough investigation is conducted to dispel any suggestions of cover or anything in that nature.”
The Commissioner of Police, Dr. Richard Rosado, has assured the public that a full and thorough investigation is underway. But for the De Paz family, the footage raises more questions than answers.
Richard Rosado
Dr. Richard Rosado, Commissioner of Police
“First if all I want to give my condolences to the family of Kevin de Paz and I want to assure them that the department will deploy and has deployed all investigative resources to ensure a thorough investigation is carried out.”
De Paz was a familiar face on the island and his death triggered a wave of backlash from the community. His family plans to take legal action, maintaining that Kevin was not involved in any lawless activity. While he was seen on social media posing with what appears to be a firearm, he was not known by the community for aggressive behavior. Chair of Caye Caulker, Seleny Villanueva, says that his presence will be missed.
Seleny Villanueva
Seleny Villanueva, Chair, Caye Caulker
“Caye Caulker is a very small com community. We all know each other. And it’s just so unfortunate that this incident had to happen. We’re a closely knit community and when it hits one family, it hits everybody. hits everybody,”
Police Commissioner Dr. Richard Rosado confirmed that both sides in the Caye Caulker altercation were armed with knives, and five people, including two officers, were stabbed. However, it’s still unclear if Kevin De Paz was one of those carrying a weapon. While the investigation continues, both officers have been placed on administrative leave.
Dr. Richard Rosado
“The investigation is still at its early stage, but I can confirm that the two officersinvolved have been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the criminal and internal investigation.”
Police officer
Britney Gordon
“Is that administrative leave with pay?”
Police officer
Dr. Richard Rosado
“They have been placed on administrative leave according to the policy of the department.”
On Monday night, the island of Caye Caulker came together in a moment of quiet reflection. A candlelight vigil was held in memory of nineteen-year-old Kevin De Paz, a young man whose life was cut short far too soon. Friends, family, and community members gathered to honor his memory and offer support to his grieving loved ones. According to Village Chair Seleny Villanueva, the violent incident that led to Kevin’s death came as a shock to the entire community, one that hit even harder when news broke that he hadn’t survived. It was a night filled with emotion, remembrance, and a call for answers.
Seleny Villanueva
“I believe it was about maybe three thirty therapist about when I got a phone call from the nurse find me of an incident. It’s been a long couple of a long month and I wasn’t, I think I was more or less asleep than awake. And I was, a little more than shocked of the news. I can remember saying to her nurse just activate your emergency plan and if there’s anything else you need, let me know how I can help this.”
The two officers involved allege that they acted in self-defense and police are now awaiting directives from the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions. Britney Gordon for News Five.
All other injured parties are reportedly in stable condition.
The island of Caye Caulker remains shaken and searching for answers following the tragic death of nineteen-year-old Kevin De Paz. What began as a late-night brawl has now escalated into a community-wide uproar, one that involves two off-duty police officers and a young man who never made it home. Police say the officers stepped in to stop an attack on another individual, but the situation quickly spiraled when knives were drawn. De Paz was fatally stabbed during the altercation, and now, emotions are running high. In the aftermath, some officers have taken to social media, expressing fear and frustrations, saying they’re hesitant to intervene in off-duty incidents due to public backlash and personal risk. So, what exactly is the protocol when an off-duty officer witnesses a crime? We put that question to the Commissioner of Police, Doctor Richard Rosado.
Britney Gordon
“And we’ve seen another officer come forward and state that in situations like these, when an officer is off duty and out of uniform, they feel hesitant to get involved in certain situations because of the potential backlash that comes with them intervening. Do you think that officers have a responsibility to intervene in situations like these when they’re off duty? Is it not their mandate to serve and protect at all times?”
Richard Rosado
Dr. Richard Rosado, Commissioner of Police
“In accordance with the police act chapter 138 of Belize, all police officers, whether on active duty or not, are deemed to be on duty. So if an act is being committed in their view, by law, they must act.”
