A retired Belize City nurse who was briefly remanded to prison for allegedly failing to pay a $48 restaurant bill may soon be released, as the business at the centre of the case reportedly plans to drop the charges following widespread public backlash.
Idi McDougall, 46, was charged with obtaining services by deception after dining at Spoonaz Restaurant and Bar on North Front Street on Saturday.
According to the initial police report, McDougall ordered an oxtail meal, a Sprite, a blueberry scone, and a Mackeson chocolate, totalling $48.25. When she attempted to pay, her debit card was repeatedly declined due to insufficient funds.
McDougall was arrested the following day and brought before the Belize City Magistrate’s Court, where she appeared visibly confused about the charge. She explained that she had not intended to deceive anyone and believed there was enough money on her card at the time of the transaction.
Despite being granted bail in the sum of $500, McDougall was unable to secure a surety and was remanded to the Belize Central Prison.
However, by Monday evening, reports emerged that Spoonaz Restaurant intends to withdraw the complaint against McDougall. The decision follows a wave of public criticism on social media and in the press, with many Belizeans calling the arrest excessive.
If the complaint is officially withdrawn, the charges could be dropped as early as this week. Until then, McDougall remains in custody. Her next court appearance is scheduled for July 8, 2025.
A group of former commissioners from the People’s Constitution Commission (PCC) have publicly dissociated themselves from the final report submitted to Prime Minister John Briceño. The group cites serious “procedural mismanagement of the process and violations”, “adherence with the consensus principle that does not exist in the law”, “inconsistent record keeping” and “bad faith management of the recommendation report.”
In a strongly worded letter dated May 19, 2025, and addressed to the Prime Minister, the commissioners expressed deep concern over what they described as a “bad faith” process led by PCC Chairman Anthony Chanona. The letter follows a previous communication on April 30, in which six commissioners had already raised alarms about procedural mismanagement and violations of the PCC Act.
The commissioners allege that:
The final report was never approved by a majority of the PCC.
They were not given access to the full report, only a visual presentation during a May 14 meeting.
Their written submissions and feedback were excluded from the final recommendations.
The process was dominated by a Technical Committee that included a former commissioner who was no longer legally eligible to serve.
“The recommendations now submitted fail to uphold the principles enshrined in the PCC Act,” the letter states.
Despite early successes in public engagement and education, the commissioners say the PCC struggled with direction and failed to maintain transparency and inclusivity in its final stages. They argue that the final report does not reflect the will of the people or the deliberations of the full commission.
The signatories, representing a diverse cross-section of Belizean civil society including the National Women’s Commission, the Belize National Teachers’ Union, the LGBT Substantive, and the Maya Councils have requested an urgent meeting with the Prime Minister before the end of May to further explain their objections.
In his inaugural address to the Vatican’s diplomatic corps on Friday, newly elected Pope Leo XIV reaffirmed the Catholic Church’s traditional teachings on marriage and abortion. He said that the family is founded on the “stable union between a man and a woman” and stressed the inherent dignity of both the unborn and the elderly as creations of God.
The address, a formal protocol following a papal election, marked Pope Leo’s first official engagement with representatives from the nearly 200 nations with which the Holy See maintains diplomatic ties. He also underscored the importance of international cooperation and highlighted interfaith dialogue as a vital tool for achieving global peace.
The Pope’s official installation Mass is scheduled for Sunday, May 18. A member of the Augustinian religious order, Leo has consistently prioritised peace since his election, greeting the world from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica with the words: “Peace be with you all.”
On the role of women in the Church, Pope Leo’s past actions reflect both progress and tradition. While serving under Pope Francis, he helped implement reforms allowing women to participate in bishop-nomination reviews. However, he has maintained that women cannot be ordained as priests and has offered limited clarity on their future roles in Church ministry.
The Benque Viejo Town Council is urging pet and livestock owners to take immediate responsibility for their animals following reports of stray horses wandering through town and behaving aggressively.
In a public advisory issued this week, the Council reminded residents to keep horses, dogs, and other animals properly tied or fenced in, emphasizing the importance of public safety.
“We’re seeing more and more cases of stray animals especially horses causing problems around town,” the council said. “When we try to step in, there’s often public outcry. But the same people rarely come forward to actually help or claim the animals.”
According to the council, some of the loose animals have been hit and killed by vehicles, and when no one claims them, the Town Council is left to deal with the aftermath.
“This can’t keep happening,” the Council added. “We’re asking everyone to do their part. Secure your animals. Be responsible.”
The leaders of the UK, France, and Canada have jointly warned Israel to stop its renewed military offensive in Gaza and allow humanitarian aid or face “further concrete actions.”
In a statement on Monday, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney condemned Israel’s military actions as “wholly disproportionate,” describing the humanitarian situation in Gaza as “intolerable.”
They criticised the Israeli government’s restrictions on aid and its “denial of essential humanitarian assistance,” calling it potentially a breach of international humanitarian law. The leaders also condemned inflammatory rhetoric from Israeli officials and said they “will not stand by” while the situation worsens.
The statement followed a limited aid delivery to Gaza—nine trucks authorized after an 11-week blockade. The UN called it a “drop in the ocean” compared to the daily need of at least 500 trucks.
Amid ongoing airstrikes, Gaza’s health ministry reported 136 deaths in the last 24 hours, bringing the overall death toll to more than 53,000 since the war began.
The UK, France, and Canada urged Israel to end the military offensive, allow full aid access, and stop settlement expansions in the West Bank. They expressed support for efforts to reach a ceasefire and pledged to work toward recognizing a Palestinian state as part of a two-state solution.
The Central Medical Laboratory in Belize has officially reopened after undergoing major retrofitting, thanks to a partnership between the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO), the European Union (EU), and the Ministry of Health and Wellness (MoHW).
With an investment of over USD$800,000, the lab was transformed into a climate-resilient “Smart Health Care Facility,” improving safety, energy efficiency, and functionality. Upgrades included air quality systems, safety showers, green energy features, flood protection, and restored fire-damaged areas, expanding its working space by 50 percent.
Dr. Karen Lewis-Bell of PAHO/WHO called the project “a major step forward for public health in Belize,” while EU Ambassador Dr. Erja Eskola praised the collaboration as a reflection of shared values and a commitment to better healthcare.
Health Minister Kevin Bernard noted that the improvements go beyond infrastructure, highlighting efforts to strengthen staffing and service protocols. The lab is one of six health facilities upgraded under the EU-funded Health Sector Support Programme, one of Belize’s largest health investments to date.
Solar panels worth over USD$318,000 will soon be installed to boost energy resilience, helping the lab maintain operations during power outages or natural disasters.
The Protected Areas Conservation Trust (PACT) has announced a BZ$7.75 million investment under its enhanced Conservation Investment Strategy (CIS) 2.0. Spread over three years, the funding will support 15 co-management agencies working across 28 protected areas in Belize. The initiative is part of a broader BZ$12 million strategy aimed at strengthening the management and sustainability of the Belize National Protected Areas System (BNPAS).
CIS 2.0 focuses on improving protection of priority ecosystems, building the financial and operational capacity of co-managers, and deepening community involvement in conservation. The investment also supports climate resilience by funding projects rooted in long-term sustainability and inclusive partnerships.
At the launch, Minister of Sustainable Development Orlando Habet praised the dedication of co-managers and community groups who maintain the system with limited resources. “This is only possible through the hard work and passion of our co-managers, their teams and their community partners. From small community groups to large NGOs, from Maya lands in the south to marine reserves in the north—you are the ones maintaining trails, checking permits, leading education programs, monitoring wildlife, and often doing so with limited support.”
Prime Minister John Briceño said, “It is not something we do when everything else is handled. It is a necessity. When we protect our forests, we protect our water. When we protect our reefs, we protect our coasts and our fisheries. When we protect our biodiversity, we protect our livelihoods, our health, our food, and yes—our nation’s identity.”
Justice Nadine Nabie of the High Court has delivered a powerful decision that could change the way authorities respond to violent crime. It all started back in July 2020, when the government declared a state of emergency and detained sixteen men. Those men pushed back, arguing their detention was unjustified and unconstitutional. They didn’t just want to be released—they wanted the court to say loud and clear that the situation back then didn’t even warrant a state of emergency. They also claimed they were locked up without any solid reason, violating their basic rights. And that was just the beginning, they asked the court for a total of twenty different declarations. Fast forward five years, and Justice Nabie has ruled in their favor. Her decision? The men were unlawfully imprisoned, and the government now has to pay them over three hundred thousand dollars in compensation. This ruling is sparking big conversations about how effective states of emergency really are in fighting crime and whether the powers they give to the authorities are being used responsibly. News Five’s Paul Lopez has a full story.
Paul Lopez, Reporting
It was a dramatic show of force, over 300 law enforcement officers flooding Belize City in July 2020 under a state of emergency aimed at curbing violent crime. But now, a High Court ruling says that the move was unconstitutional. And the fallout? The Government of Belize must pay more than three hundred thousand dollars to sixteen men who were unlawfully detained. At the time, then-Minister of National Security Michael Peyrefitte warned of rising murders and robberies, but the court has now painted a very different picture.
Michael Peyrefitte
Michael Peyrefitte, Former Minister of National Security (File: July 7th ,2020)
“We will not tolerate any lawlessness in this country. We are in the middle of a pandemic. We don’t need anymore headache. A stiff message has already been sent to persons of interest and more stiff messages are about to come, especially if they don’t decide to straighten up.”
Earl Baptist
One of the men now serving twenty-five years for murder is also among those being compensated by the state. Earl Baptist, once detained under the 2020 state of emergency, has been awarded fifteen thousand dollars after a High Court ruled his detention back then was unlawful. He’s not alone. Fifteen others will receive payouts ranging from twelve thousand dollars to twenty-five thousand dollars. The court found that the government overstepped, saying regular crime-fighting laws could have handled the situation in Belize City’s southside. But former Minister Michael Peyrefitte strongly disagreed.
Michael Peyrefitte
“All the investigative work and trying to solve the problem from a philosophical point of view is the best solution, but that takes too much time.”
A High Court ruling has delivered a sharp rebuke to the way authorities handled the 2020 state of emergency. Justice Nadine Nabie found that the rights of sixteen men were violated: no judicial oversight, no lawful justification, and an unnecessary two-month extension. The court says their liberty was taken without cause. And yet, just two weeks ago, another state of emergency was declared, under strikingly similar circumstances. The ruling raises serious questions about how far the government can go in the name of public safety.
Richard Rosado
Richard Rosado, Commissioner of Police (File: 12th May, 2025)
“We will do everting that is possible to return normalcy, peace and stability to the streets in Belize City.”
Reporter
“Even at the cost of the rights to persons?”
Richard Rosado
“We will do everything that is necessary within the context of the law, within the context of the constitution to return normalcy to the streets of Belize City. I am not disturbed, perturbed or overwhelmed by what is happening. We will do what we need to do.”
For years, families and human rights advocates have sounded the alarm over how state of emergency powers are used in Belize City. From alleged home invasions to detentions without evidence, many say the crackdown on crime has come at the cost of civil liberties. As far back as 2018, the Human Rights Commission questioned whether these emergency measures were truly effective, or just a blunt instrument. Now, with a recent court ruling calling the 2020 SOE unconstitutional, those long-standing concerns are back in the spotlight.
Kevin Arthurs
Kevin Arthurs, Former Vice Chair, Human Rights Commission (File: 6th Sep, 2018)
“The question here is what method we use to get the result we need. If you are a doctor and doing surgery you will need the proper tools to do it. You ought not to use a hammer. The question from the human rights perspective is what tool are you using.”
Will the government fight the ruling or foot the bill? That’s the big question tonight after Justice Nabie’s landmark decision on the 2020 state of emergency. Sixteen men, once accused of being gang members, are now set to receive over three hundred thousand dollars in compensation for what the court ruled was unlawful detention. But the Government of Belize has yet to say whether it will appeal the decision or pay up. Reporting for News Five, I am Paul Lopez.
Tonight, the Belize Police Department is taking a closer look at two conflicting High Court rulings on the 2020 state of emergency. Justice Nadine Nabie recently ruled on one case, but referenced another decision handed down just two weeks earlier, where a different judge upheld the SOE as lawful, citing a deadly spike in violence on the southside. With the entire southside once again under a state of emergency, police say they’re reviewing the legal implications of both rulings. ASP Stacy Smith confirmed that meetings are already underway, and that the department has scheduled talks with the Attorney General to chart the way forward.
ASP Stacy Smith, Staff Officer
“That is one of two rulings that were recently passed regarding the state of emergency. We are meeting to discuss, and we have certainly booked meeting with the attorney general in light of this new development.
We’ll continue to monitor how these legal decisions could shape the powers being exercised under the current SOE, and whether talks about extending it to six months will move ahead.
A powerful voice is weighing in on the recent court ruling surrounding the 2020 state of emergency. Prominent defense attorney Richard ‘Dickie’ Bradley says Justice Nadine Nabie’s decision is a win, not just for the sixteen claimants involved, but for every Belizean who values their constitutional rights. Bradley argues that even those accused of wrongdoing are entitled to legal protections, and that the public must not lose sight of the bigger picture: the rule of law. In a passionate statement, he urged those affected to seek legal redress, not just for compensation, but to help the country better understand the importance of civil liberties.
Dickie Bradley
Dickie Bradley, Attorney-at-Law
“I beg them publicly here, please all of you that they picked up and chance you all, go find a lawyer and get a lee money off of it, because you are going to help you country to appreciate the importance of your liberty, your right to be free, your right to be protected under the law, even though in some quarters a few of you have conducted yourselves badly, they still have rights, prisoners have rights. A horse that get chopped have rights, animals have rights. I heard from one of my colleagues that there was a complaint from one of the local television this morning that these people are bad people they suppose to lock up in jail. They should not get any money. That is a wrong view of what is happening. We all have our rights. Prisoner who are sentenced in jail for a long time still have rights. You can’t put him in no hole for thirty or sixty days. These things are going on as a matter of normalcy. It is like we have no, I don’t want to call no name and blame no minister, but what is unlawful is unlawful and what is unconstitutional we must speak up. This is how a society loses its rights. The biggest reason for losing its rights is that we don’t even know what is our right.”
Bradley’s comments come as national conversations continue around the use and limits of emergency powers in Belize.
