2025 - Greater Belize Media

DPM Hyde Defends Record-Breaking Budget, Fires Back at Opposition

Deputy Prime Minister Cordel Hyde is standing firmly behind the Briceño administration’s proposed 2025/2026 budget, calling it the largest in Belize’s post-independence history. During today’s House Sitting, Hyde didn’t hold back. He took a jab at Opposition Leader Tracy Taegar-Panton, questioning whether she had even listened to the same budget presentation delivered two weeks ago. Hyde also took a moment to reflect on the state of the economy when the Briceño administration took office in November 2020, painting a picture of how far the country has come under their leadership.

Cordel Hyde, Deputy Prime Minister

“I rise in support of this budget, the biggest in post-independence Belize, one point seven eight billion Belize dollars, three hundred and three million dollars for the ministry of education alone, a hundred and eighty-one million for the ministry of health and wellness. A hundred and sixteen million for the ministry of home affairs, eighty- four million for the ministry of National Defense, six hundred and ninety-eight million for wages, salaries and exgratia payments and pension for our teachers and public officer. We are putting our money where our mouths are. So we forget that when we took over in November of 2020 that it was absolute worst of times. It was in the middle of COVID and tens of thousands of Belizeans were not working and hundred we drying, a total of six hundred and eighty-five. And we had to borrow a million a day to pay salaries for teachers and public officers. We were on the edge of an economic cliff. We were facing a most uncertain future, but the prime minister led and the rest is history.”

Medina Bank in Shock After Village Leader Killed in Brutal Attack

Shock and fear ripple through the Toledo District tonight after a brutal and senseless killing. The small village of Medina Bank is reeling after its alcalde, Romano Cal, was murdered in cold blood. The attack happened Sunday evening around seven o’clock, and the details are as disturbing as they are heartbreaking—Cal was reportedly chopped to death. Police say the motive is still unclear, but they are now searching for a suspect very close to home: Cal’s own brother, Raphael Cal, who is wanted for questioning. Assistant Superintendent of Police Stacy Smith has more on this chilling case.

ASP Stacy Smith, Staff Officer

“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. Raphael Cal, who is a relative of Mr. Romano Cal.”

Reporter

“Any motive for why he may have been attacked?”

ASP Stacy Smith

“No motive has been ascertained thus far.”

Reporter

“Were they under influence?”

ASP Stacy Smith

“There is no indication of yay so far.”

Reporter

“Did they live together?”

ASP Stacy Smith

“The information that we have received suggests that Mr. Cal would have arrived at home and the incident occurred subsequent to that.”

Reporter

“Had they had a tumultuous relationship previously, any arguments?”

ASP Stacy Smith

“The investigation is ongoing and statements are being recorded from the family member to ascertain that.”

Reporter

“Were other family members around?”

ASP Stacy Smith

“There is no information of that as yet. However, the investigation is ongoing.”

Reporter

“The suspect, did he have any violent tendencies or any report against him in court?”

ASP Stacy Smith

“We have not ascertained any information to that effect so far.”

Raphael Cal remains at large.

Missing Man Found Dead in Well

A heartbreaking discovery was made in San Pablo Village, Corozal, on Friday, where the search for forty-nine-year-old James Mendez ended in tragedy. Mendez, a local mechanic, had been missing since May twenty-first. After days of desperate searching, police found his body at the bottom of a well on his farm. The grim find confirmed what his family had feared. Mendez’s body showed multiple stab wounds to the chest and neck and was already in an advanced state of decomposition. Assistant Superintendent of Police Stacy Smith shared details of the case in an official report.

ASP Stacy Smith, Staff Officer

“On Friday, May twenty-third at eleven a.m., acting upon information. Police visited a farm in the Orange Walk District where they discovered the motionless body of forty-nine-year-old James Mendez, a Belizean mechanic of San Pablo Village Orange Walk. The scene was processed by scenes of crime personal and the body of Mendez was transported to the Northern Regional Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival. Mendez was reported missing on Wednesday twenty-first, May, 2025 by a relative, who stated that the last time he was seen was on twentieth May when he would’ve departed his residence for a job.”

Reporter

“Is it classified a homicide or investigation?”

ASP Stacy Smith,

“It’s classified as a homicide.”

Reporter

“Do you have any idea why somebody might want to hurt him?”

ASP Stacy Smith,

“We have no information in relation to that. The investigation is still ongoing.”

Reporter

“Cause of death?”

ASP Stacy Smith

“The cause of death has not been ascertained. However, an injury was observed to his chest area. The body now awaits a post-mortem.”

Mother of Four Perishes in Motorcycle Collision

Tonight, heartbreak grips the community of Ladyville as a family mourns the tragic loss of Celia Carballo, a mother of four who was killed in a devastating motorcycle crash over the weekend. The accident happened on Sunday, when Celia and her boyfriend were thrown from their motorcycle after a violent collision with another rider. The crash has not only left a family shattered but has also raised serious concerns about road safety for motorcyclists. News Five’s Britney Gordon has more on this tragic story and the growing calls for action.

Britney Gordon, Reporting

What started as a simple run to the store ended in heartbreak for a Ladyville family. On their way back home Sunday night, Celia Carballo and her boyfriend, Francisco Cortez, were just about to turn onto Marage Road when their motorcycle was suddenly hit by another rider. The crash was violent—and tragically, Celia didn’t make it.

Dorita Witzil, Friend of Deceased

“At this moment, I can’t even digest it yet because I cannot believe. I just find out like fifteen minutes ago that it’s she. Earlier this morning, I just knew that that she was in an accident. I didn’t know that she passed away until a while ago. And it’s hard for me, just to find out something like that. And I just spoke to her on Saturday. And she was fine and good.”

Celia Carballo hadn’t lived in Ladyville long, just a few years with her boyfriend, Francisco Cortez, and one of her daughters, but in that short time, she made a big impact. She built strong friendships and became a familiar, friendly face in the community. One of those friends, local bakery owner Dorita Witzil, is still trying to process the loss. She describes Celia as a fighter who faced life’s challenges head-on and never lost her spark. Now, she’s heartbroken that her friend’s journey ended far too soon.

Dorita Witzil

“She’s a happy person regardless of what she’s going through. She’s very happy, regardless of her daughter or not here. She’s happy with her daughter that is here, this mother one with her.”

Dorita Witzil found out about her friend’s death in the most heartbreaking way. She hadn’t heard from Celia that morning, so she went over to check on her, only to be met with the devastating news. Just days earlier, they had spent the evening together, laughing and chatting like usual. Dorita had no idea it would be the last time she’d see her friend alive.

Reporter

“What was your last interaction with her like?”

Dorita Witzil

“It was good, normal. That’s why it’s hard to believe Saturday she was here laughing and I supposed to see her early this morning, but it didn’t happen. And that’s why that’s the concern when we never see her early this morning.”

At this time, Cortez remains hospitalized. Britney Gordon for News Five.

More details to come as the investigation continues.

Teen Killed in Early Morning Motorcycle Crash in Santa Elena

A tragic road accident has claimed the life of a young Belizean over the weekend. Just after 6 a.m. on Sunday, a motorcycle carrying two people was crossing the Santa Elena New Bridge, heading toward Loma Luz Boulevard, when the driver reportedly lost control and slammed into a lamppost. The impact threw both riders onto the pavement. Sixteen-year-old Denver Jackson suffered fatal injuries and died at the scene. Assistant Superintendent of Police Stacy Smith says investigations are ongoing as authorities work to determine what led to the deadly crash.

ASP Stacy Smith, Staff Officer

“On Sunday twenty-fifth, May, 2025, information was received of a road traffic accident at the corner of Loma Luz Boulevard and the Trapiche area of Cayo District. Upon arrival, white in color Lifan motorcycle was observed and some thirty-tow feet away from the motorcycle was a male minor, namely Denver Jackson, who was observed with injuries to the upper part of his body and being treated by paramedics. Jackson was rushed to the San Ignacio Community Hospital where he was pronounced dead at approximately six twenty-three a.m.. The scene of the accident was processed and the matter is under investigation. The police have issued a notice of intended prosecution in the matter to Mr. Fernando Funez, who is the driver of the cycle.”

Reporter

“So he was riding together?”

ASP Stacy Smith

“He was on the motorcycle along with Mr. Funez. That’s the information that we have so far.”

Reporter

“Were urine samples taken?”

ASP Stacy Smith

“Yes. Urine samples have been collected.”

Reporter

“Do you know how the accident occurred?”

ASP Stacy Smith

“We have received information, however, the information that we have will be disclosed when that becomes necessary to be disclosed.”

Elmer Nah Triple Murder Trial Delayed as New Evidence Emerges

The highly anticipated voir dire in the Elmer Nah triple murder trial has been postponed to June 9, 2025. The delay came after Nah’s defense attorney requested more time to review new evidence disclosed just hours before the hearing. Justice Nigel Pilgrim granted the adjournment, citing fairness to the accused. Before the adjournment, the court addressed several procedural matters. Thirteen witness statements were agreed upon by both sides, and 15 live witnesses are expected to testify during the voir dire. Tensions briefly flared when Nah, despite having legal representation, interrupted proceedings to request enhanced video footage of the shooting. Justice Pilgrim reminded him to communicate through his attorney and warned against further outbursts. The court also discussed plans for the retired lead investigator to testify via video link from abroad. Justice Pilgrim confirmed that rulings made during the voir dire will carry over into the main trial. Notably, no relatives of the victims were present in court. Despite a request for a closed hearing, the proceedings remain open to the public. Security was visibly heightened, with GI3 officers stationed around the courthouse.

No Updates Yet on Selvin Sealy Homicide Investigation

An internal investigation is ongoing into the death of Selvin Sealy, a San Pedro resident who died while being taken into police custody on May twelfth. A post-mortem revealed that Sealy died from restraint asphyxia, he suffocated while being restrained. Police say Sealy was subdued after resisting arrest for trespassing, but his death has since been ruled a homicide. The officers involved have been suspended, and the Director of Public Prosecutions has called for a deeper review of the case. Assistant Superintendent of Police Stacy Smith provided an update on the investigation.

ASP Stacy Smith, Staff Officer

“As it relates to the Sealy investigation, the department is still awaiting a statement from the examiner as to the nature of the injuries and that will direct what charges will be levied and against who.”

Reporter

“Didn’t the post-mortem reveal that it was homicide and that he died by asphyxia by restraint?”

ASP Stacy Smith

“Yes, the post-mortem did review that. However, the DPP office has directed a more detailed report from the pathologist.”

Reporter

“And those officers remain on suspension?”

ASP Stacy Smith

“Yes, they remain on suspension. And the parallel internal investigation continues. It is anticipated that as the directives are given, they will be placed on interdiction, if so warranted and subsequent actions will be taken.” 2:34

As the police undergo the investigation, the family of Sealy continues to call for due justice to be delivered for his death.”

Government Pushes for Constitutional Changes to Tackle Crime

Tonight, the Briceño administration is taking bold steps to tackle the growing threat of gun violence and gang activity in Belize. Prime Minister John Briceño has introduced a series of constitutional amendments aimed at strengthening the country’s legal tools to fight crime. One of the key drivers behind these changes? Conflicting High Court rulings on a 2020 state of emergency that have left the legal landscape uncertain. The Prime Minister explained that while his government plans to challenge the decision, the case won’t be heard until March 2026, when the Court of Appeal is next in session. In the meantime, these proposed amendments are setting the stage for what could be a major shift in how Belize handles national security and public safety.

Prime Minister John Briceño

“Crime evokes strong emotions from the citizen of a country. Families and friends of murder victims, victims of rape and robbery, all citizens who cannot live in peace because of the lawlessness among them. They all deserve strong and decisive action from their government. A judge in a recent case before the high court, pointed out that people should not and I quote, fail to be sensitive to the fact that human life is valuable and the state is responsible for creating an enrollment in which people can live in safety in circumstance where law and order prevails. To do otherwise is to surrender to laws of the jungle. I have publicly stated the government well appeal the recent decision handed down by Justice Nabie. Such an appeal could not come from hearing for at least nine months, in the March 2026 Court of Appeal Session. The state of uncertainty cannot persist for such a long period. So, this is why I am here introducing this, Belize Constitution the thirteen amendment bill 2025 because legislative intervention is necessary. It is no secret that successive government has used the emergency powers provided to the state by the constitution of Belize in the interest of public safety or order or for preventing detecting or controlling crime in the country. There has been proclamation declaring a state of emergency in the southside in 2018 to 2020 and in 2021, 2022, 2023. There were additionally two proclamations in 2024 and one in May of this year. The data shows when an SOE is declared crime goes down dramatically, especially murder. Two recent high court ruling has created an uncertainty about the use by the state of this measure as of the public emergency powers to deceive, prevent and control crime.”

PM Introduces Bill to Establish Gun and Gang Court

Big changes could be coming to Belize’s Constitution, as Prime Minister John Briceño rolled out a series of proposed amendments during the latest House Sitting. Among the seven changes, one key proposal would give the National Security Council the power to recommend states of emergency, but only if there are reasonable grounds to do so. The Prime Minister also introduced a move to legally validate past SOE proclamations, dating back to 2018. And in a bold step to tackle violent crime, Briceño announced plans to establish a Gun and Gang Court, which would carry the same authority as the Magistrate and High Courts.

Prime Minister John Briceño

“A new section ninety-four A, establishment of a Gun and Gang Court as a feature of the separation of powers principles enshrined in our constitution of a democratic state like Belize, the judiciary is to be independent of the other branches of government. The power to create a new court should find its sources within the constitution. Currently, there is no power for the creation and establishment of a specialized court, to hear and determine only gang and gun matters and with the court having special hybrid powers of a Magistrate and High Cort judge. This is not how we solve crime. It is a temporary measure to solve crime we need to look at the root causes, the challenges our families are having, children going to school and having access. The challenge that when our young people come out od school they fell they don’t have a future.”

Panton on Health: “ I am Human, I am not a Machine”

There was a moment of concern in the House today during the budget debate when Opposition Leader Tracy Taegar-Panton suddenly paused her presentation. She appeared lightheaded and had to step away from the podium, prompting a brief medical check. The break lasted about half an hour, but in true resilient fashion, she returned to finish her remarks. Afterward, we caught up with her to talk about the experience. Here’s what she had to say.

Tracy Taegar Panton, Leader of the Opposition

“I had surgery recently on my right leg and I have not tested it in terms of standing for that length of time. I have been healing. I am in therapy. But the pain had become so excruciating that I had to take a break, I had to sit down. Hence the reason I had to take a break.”

Paul Lopez

“There were moments you were overheard saying you were going to faint and you felt light headed.”

Tracy Taegar-Panton

“I was feeling lightheaded. I was unsteady on my feet and that was caused by the pain. I needed to take a break. I didn’t want to have a major incident during my first official appearance where at the house rebutting the budget, so I thought it was best to ask for a break so that I can reset. I am human, I am not a machine. I have an injury that needs time to heal. I cannot stand on my feet for two hours. It is the first time I have tested it since having the procedure on my leg.”