2025 - Greater Belize Media

Village Alcalde Murdered in Front of His Family

A man has been detained in connection with the brutal murder of 50-year-old Romano Cal, the village alcalde of Medina Bank in the Toledo District. The quiet community was rocked on Sunday by news that Cal had been viciously chopped to death. Shockingly, the main suspect is his own brother, Rafael Cal, who was captured this morning in Tambran Village after evading police for more than a day. News Five’s Britney Gordon visited Medina Bank to learn more.

Britney Gordon, Reporting

A family of ten is now grieving the loss of their father, and the village of Medina Bank is without its alcalde after the shocking murder of fifty-year-old Romano Cal. Around 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, Cal had just returned home from fueling his bus when he was ambushed in his yard. A machete-wielding attacker struck him fatally in the neck, leaving the community stunned.

Modesta Cal, Daughter of Deceased

“ I was shocked to see that happen because I was there, I saw it, and then I couldn’t know. I didn’t know what to do next because when seeing my dad in that situation, I don’t know what to do after that. But we just inform our family and then they come assist us as well.”

Adding to the tragedy, the prime suspect in Romano Cal’s murder is his own brother, Rafael Cal, deepening the heartbreak for both the family and the village.

ASP Stacy Smith, Staff Officer (File: May 26^th, 2025)

“As it relates to the murder in Medina Bank on Sunday, May twenty-fifth, 2025, at approximately eight ten p.m., acting upon information, police proceeded to a residence in that village where the motionless body of Romano Cal fifty years old was observed. The body exhibited apparent chop wound to the upper part of the body, The scene was processed and he was transported to. The Punta Gorda hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival. The matter is currently under the investigation and police are seeking Mr. Rafael Cal, who is a relative of Mr. Romano Cal.”

After being sought by police for over a day, he was captured in Tambran village. The family is devasted that such a cruel act would come from their own blood.

Modesta Cal

“I think it was just completely out of nowhere, miss, because no fight, nothing happened with time. Nothing.”

Britney Gordon

“So what do you think would lead to something like that happening, especially between family members.”

Modesta Cal

“I think it’s because of jealousy and hatred.”

Romano Cal dedicated years to serving his community, first as village chairperson for six years, then as alcalde, where he was re-elected for a third term after two years of committed leadership. In the wake of his tragic death, the Toledo Alcaldes Association expressed deep condolences to the Cal family and strongly condemned the violence. “This heinous crime impacts our entire Maya community,” the statement read, urging authorities to carry out a thorough investigation and reaffirming the community’s values of peace, unity, and hard work.

Modesta Cal

“The people choose to put my dad in that position and then my dad was always ready for this village. He’s always ready to help people in this village. So whenever, if they put my dad in that position, he was there for everyone because he’s a very kind person.”

Although Rafael Cal has been captured, many questions remain unanswered for the family, such as why such a cruel act would be committed upon their father.

Modesta Cal

“I want justice, miss, to be honest. I just want justice because my dad is not a sick person. Someone just end his life. We have to find peace and lessons.”

The family is now holding on to the memory of Romano and his legacy of humility and kindness he left behind. Britney Gordon for News Five.

SICK OUT! Teachers Reject Briceño Administration’s Proposal

Teachers across Belize are staging a nationwide sick-out today. They are calling in sick for various personal reasons. One teacher sent a message to his school, saying, “I will not be able to make it to school today due to illness with the flu.”

This is a coordinated response to the government’s proposed 3% salary adjustment, a proposal that has been overwhelmingly rejected by the Belize National Teachers Union (BNTU).

One school told parents, “The majority of our staff have informed me that they will not be coming today. Please note that if you send your child to school, we lack the capacity to adequately supervise him/her.”

Another, Sacred Heart College posted on Facebook, “SHC is unable to have face-to-face classes due to a large number of teachers being out on sick leave.”

On Tuesday night, BNTU President Nadia Caliz confirmed the union’s stance, stating, “The government offered us a 3% salary adjustment commencing 1st of October 2025. The BNTU membership rejected that offer. 1,532 members voted no, while 438 members voted yes.”

Caliz said that teachers are demanding the full reinstatement of frozen salary increments that were withheld during the COVID-19 pandemic, not partial offers. “The reinstatement simply means that you deserve nothing but what is rightfully yours. That’s not something for us to be negotiating,” she said.

Responding to government claims that teachers would receive up to a 14.5% adjustment over three years, including deferred and future increments, Caliz dismissed it as “propaganda” and a “gimmick”. She explained, “You have worked for that. Not every single member will get an increment. You have to earn that. There’s a criteria.”

Caliz concluded with a hint of today’s industrial action: “I’m very tired; I’m not feeling well… If I’m still not well tomorrow, I have to ensure that I see a doctor. Good night.”

Call Center Agent Fined for Cyberbullying Over Facebook Post

A call center sales agent found herself in hot water after a Facebook post landed her in court under Belize’s Cyber Crime Act. The woman, who used the alias “Erika Martinez” online, pleaded guilty to using a computer system to spread a false statement meant to shame and embarrass another person. The post, which accused a forty-one-year-old bank employee of inappropriate behavior toward a fifteen-year-old girl, was traced back to the agent—identified in court as Twist. The man, who is out on bail for a separate charge of common assault involving the same minor, reported the post to police, saying it damaged his reputation and caused him public embarrassment. In court, Twist was emotional and remorseful. She told Magistrate Black that she acted out of anger after learning about the alleged incident involving her relative. She admitted she didn’t know the post was illegal and said she took it down after just three hours. Magistrate Black handed down a non-custodial sentence, fining Twist four hundred dollars, plus court costs, with a deadline of June thirtieth to pay. If she fails to do so, she faces four months in prison. The magistrate noted her early guilty plea, lack of prior convictions, and genuine remorse as factors in the sentencing.

Court Upholds Wrongful Termination Ruling Against Belize Tourism Board

The Court of Appeal has ruled in favor of former Belize Tourism Board executive Misty Michael, upholding a previous decision that she was wrongfully terminated from her post as Director of Marketing and Industry Relations. Michael, who was hired under a three-year contract in 2020, was dismissed in May 2021. B.T.B. claimed the termination was due to financial strain caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, citing a clause in her contract that allowed for dismissal in the event of a “material change in circumstances.” However, the court found that B.T.B. failed to prove it was truly unable to pay her salary, especially since the organization had millions in cash reserves and later hired a replacement at a similar salary. B.T.B. also argued that Michael’s contract was invalid because it lacked formal approval from the full Board and the Minister, as required by law. But the court disagreed, finding that the contract was properly executed by the Board’s Chairman and Vice Chairman, who had the apparent authority to act on the Board’s behalf. The court also emphasized that Michael had no reason to suspect any internal procedural issues. In the end, the court dismissed B.T.B.’s appeal and ordered the organization to pay Michael over two hundred and seventeen thousand dollars in damages, plus interest and legal costs.

Minister Says, Government Proposal Totals 14% Salary Adjustments Over 3 Years

The future of the government’s proposal remains uncertain as the joint unions have yet to decide on its acceptance. The Belize National Teachers Union has already issued a 21-day strike notice, and if its members vote against the proposal, industrial action will follow. Meanwhile, the proposal—approved by Cabinet—has sparked debate during the 2025 budget discussions. Minister of Public Service Henry Charles Usher weighed in, highlighting that teachers and public servants are set to receive a 14% salary increase spread over the next three years.

Henry Charles Usher, Minister of Public Service

“Salary adjustment, in reference to the salary adjustment the government is proposing a three percent salary adjustment in 2025 and an additional increment at the start of fiscal year 2026/2027 to make up for the frozen increments in 2021. In addition, the remaining five point five percent and the second frozen increment will be adjusted in a maximum three-year period. Mr. Speaker, each increment represents two point five to three percent of an adjustment. So the actual figure is not eight point five percent, but over three years will equal to fourteen percent in this three-year period.”

Minister of Education Embraces “Very Important Duty of Teachers”

New Education Minister Oscar Requena says he fully recognizes the vital role teachers play in building the nation. His comments come as educators push for an eight-and-a-half percent salary adjustment. So far, Cabinet has only approved a three percent raise, set to take effect in October 2025. While the Belize National Teachers Union has yet to respond formally, Requena says he’s committed to open, good-faith dialogue in hopes of reaching a fair agreement.

Oscar Requena, Minister of Education

“On the matter of teachers, I want to say and reiterate that this ministry of education and our government fully supports, respects and appreciates and values the great work of our teachers across this country. We know that our teachers are important partners in development and education. It is only through education that we can truly develop this nation. That is why we value our teachers. I want to say I support the presentation made by our deputy prime ministers in terms of the proposals made to our teachers and public servants. Rest assured that we understand the very important duty of our teachers and public servants and we will continue to endeavor to work with our teachers and public servants in good faith, so that together we can arrive at some meaningful consensus on how we can move forward, understanding that as a government we have a responsibility to the good for the wider nation. But we also have responsibility to them and the great work they do.”

Lee Mark Says 2025 Budget “Putting Most People Under Pressure”

With two opposition members absent, the united front in the House of Representatives has taken a hit. Still, Mesopotamia’s Area Representative, Lee Mark Chang, isn’t staying quiet. As only the second opposition member to speak on the 2025 budget, Chang criticized the Briceño administration, saying the budget is pushing Belizeans further into debt, deepening inequality, and making life harder for everyday people.

Lee Mark Chang, Area Representative, Mesopotamia

“This 2025/2026 budget is moving us deeper into debt, inequality, struggles, budget cuts and from the real needs of the people. We are here to debate the budget brought forward by the administration, and let me say clearly this budget is putting most people under pressure. It is the largest budget in Belizean history, almost one point eight billion dollars. Yet it fails to deliver meaningful relief to the majority of Belizeans. This government was swept into power on a gold slogan “everybody fi win”. But madam speaker five years later the truth is clear, only few are winning. The poor and working Belizeans are carrying the burden. High cost of living and broken promises are the realities for most.”

Lee Mark Says Belizeans Will Vote Out PUP in 2030

Lee Mark Chang didn’t hold back, accusing the Briceño administration of underreporting budget figures—a practice he says has gone on for too long across governments. While supplementary budgets are nothing new, Chang questioned whether repeating past mistakes makes them acceptable. He warned the administration that Belizeans are paying attention—and come 2030, they’ll be ready to vote.

Lee Mark Chang, Area Representative, Mesopotamia

“The people of Belize deserve full transparency, not just pretty numbers in a book but real answers behind the increases, cuts and omissions. I fully expect the government’s side will say, “dah just wah estimate, we can change that. Don’t let it be a technicality”. If every estimate is consistently surpassed, year after year, that is not budgeting that is called under reporting. Let us look at the fact, in 2024/2025, across multiple ministries, the actual spending exceeded the estimate budget, and it is not by a couple thousand or hundred thousand, it is by millions. This raises serious questions, how does the government cover the difference when actual spending outpaces the budget? There is only one answer, we just have to go borrow more. What does that mean for the Belizean people, more debt service payments in future budgets. If the government continues down this road, budget manipulation, growing debt and mismanaged priorities then the people will not hesitate to give a “shilacking” 2030.”

Fort George Area Rep: “Take Back Belizean Beach”

The pressure is mounting on former U.D.P. Minister Anthony “Boots” Martinez and his associates to hand back a stretch of beach that many believe rightfully belongs to the Belizean people. Government leaders have been sounding the alarm for a while now—and today, Minister of Public Service Henry Charles Usher added his voice to the growing demand. He’s also calling on the opposition to step up and join the push to return Belizean Beach to its rightful owners: the people of Belize.

Henry Charles-Usher, Area Representative, Fort George

“The country knows there is a clear difference between the parties. Just this week the headlines included a land scandal involving former UDP Minister Boots Martinez and the former UDP proprietors of the boledo who were milking Belizeans without giving one cent to sports. Not one cent to health, not one cent to education, not one cent to social projects, nothing. But those proprietors who were involved were cashing in their wealth. It is being reported by the tax department that they were also dodging millions in taxes. Just like how this government took back boledo for the Belizean people, it is my hope that we can also take back Belizean beach. And I wonder if any person from the opposition side will join in this chorus to take back Belizean beach.”

Stephitas Best Success: “I was Humiliated for Selling Panades”

Stephanie Carcamo turned a humble cultural dish into a thriving business. Once mocked for selling panades under a tent, she now runs Stephitas Best from a permanent location, where panades remain top sellers. Rooted in Belizean tradition and inspired by the Spanish empanada, these crispy, crescent-shaped corn treats, stuffed with meat, cheese, or beans, have become her signature. In tonight’s Kolcha Tuesday, News Five’s Paul Lopez visits Stephitas Best to hear how one woman’s passion for panades helped her rise above the ridicule and build her own success.

Paul Lopez, Reporting

Often called Belize’s answer to the empanada, panades trace their roots back to British and Spanish influences. Today, they’re a staple in communities across the country, sold on nearly every corner, much like fast food in the U.S. In Belize City, Stephanie Carcamo has turned this beloved cultural dish into her livelihood, proving that panades are more than just a snack—they’re a symbol of resilience and opportunity.

Stephanie Carcamo, Owner, Stephitas Best

“A couple of years back I was looking for nice panades, I could not find anywhere in the city. I remember growing up my mom used to make. So, I said mom, I think we should open a panades shop and open panades and salbutes. She said, ok I have to teach you and you can go from there.”

Carcamo sticks to the traditional panades recipe, but with a twist: she seasons her masa, adding a flavorful touch that sets her version apart.

Stephanie Carcamo

“With the panades, it is the masa. We usually get it at the corn factory. Then we get it and season it with baking powder, salt reccado. You have to know your measurements. So even as I say it you wont get it like that. We season it, get the masha, mash, and it is flat. Then we get our fish, we season our fish as well. The process for this fish is basically, you boil it until it is soft, take off the skin and season it with the season you want, cook it over again and this is how it stays. Then we put the meat. We nuh stingy with the meat. We should put a little more right. And then you just mash it.”

In just twenty seconds, Carcamo’s panades—crispy pockets of masa filled with fish—are fried to golden perfection. Corn, a staple of the Mestizo diet in Belize, not only flavors the dish but also ties Carcamo to her cultural roots.

Stephanie Carcamo

“For me, I am a mestizo, so corn is mestizo. So, that is basically it. I am a corn lover. I prefer corn over flour any day. I have had people come from LA, the United Kingdom, literally a lot of Belizeans that live abroad tell their friends to try it and they come and say Steph this is the best panades I have ever tried and it makes me feel good.”

Carcamo has turned her panades into a success story. What started as a small operation under a tent on Central American Boulevard in Port Loyola is now a full-fledged eatery called Stephitas Best. But her journey wasn’t always easy, there was a time when she was mocked for selling panades.

Stephanie Carcamo

“It is funny because at the beginning, I would have people try to downgrade me because I am selling panades. It was like, you the sell panades. But, I didn’t give up. I would tell my husband, I feel bad, because people are telling me that I am selling panades. And he is like, Steph don’t give up, do what you do, do the best you can do. I guess because they would see people on the street that sells panades and they would not give them that respect. I felt that I did not have that respect when I had a tent until I have my shop now to be honest.”

Carcamo attributes her success to her faith in God, her husband and of course the demand for this cultural favorite, panades. Despite expanding her menu, Carcamo’s panades remain the star of the show—evident in the nonstop stream of daily orders that keep her kitchen buzzing. Her story is one of economic independence built on the back of a simple traditional recipe. Reporting for News Five, I am Paul Lopez.