2025 - Greater Belize Media

Palmar Village Council Concerned About Climate Change

San Jose Palmar has a unique history that shapes how land is distributed in the community. Descendants of the village can use the land freely, with the government acting as a trustee and the Lands Advisory Committee deciding on the distribution. Recently, the Palmar Village Council sent a letter to Orange Walk East Area Representative Kevin Bernard, expressing their concerns about the potential subdivision of the land. They emphasized that the community has greatly benefited from the park and stressed that any decisions about the land should be made transparently.

Orlando Ayuso, Chairman, San Jose Nuevo Palmar

“The subdivision, yes, it should be given to the descendants, but at the end of the day, they have also agreed that they’re gonna sell two land, two of those land to make back monies. do understand that there is some financial issue between the last outgoing Lands Committee and the present lands committee now, but that is something for them to solve. That is a descendant issue, a land advisory committee issue. Apart from that, as Village Council Chairman, my part is to protect parks and playgrounds, which I am given that right under the Village Council Act. And I wanna see this park remain because I do believe in green areas. I wanna see this park remain because I do having green areas because it is beneficial for the community. I do understand from those twelve lots that will come out from that park, two will be sold. And they already have the bias for those supposedly we don’t. And the question we need that descendants need to raise to their committee, who are going to be the people getting this land cause we hear a lot of rumors out there, which I prefer not to repeat because like I say, it’s rumors, but they need to ask the question, who will be the ones getting these lands? It is heartbreaking. The figure quoted in the letter of twenty thousand is not physically cash. People have contributed their time in cleaning. People have contributed fuel, some have contributed the benches, they have contributed food for the workers. So all of that, the time invested, the work invested is what adds up to that. It was never like twenty thousand in hand we are investing. The lands committee did spend a bit of finance there because they’re the ones that have the more finance in the village council. So we had to piggyback on them for that at the beginning. Truckloads of garbage came out from there that had to be dumped. Bulldozer had to be put in to start cleaning up the area. So a lot of work has gone in and people from the community have gone there to put in physical labor. So people feel that they belong. This is a part of them. This is they’re giving back to the community and they’re creating something for everybody. Nobody’s taking ownership on this. It’s something for everyone to enjoy.”

Minister of Transport Addresses Concerns on Public Buses

In recent weeks, there have been several alarming incidents involving public buses running off the highway and even catching fire. These events have put commuters’ lives at risk, though thankfully, no one has been hurt. However, the increasing frequency of these mishaps has sparked a public outcry. Many are demanding that the Government of Belize remove these old, worn-out buses from the roads. So, what is the newly appointed Minister of Transport, Doctor Louis Zabaneh, going to do about it? We spoke with him today to find out.

Dr. Louis Zabaneh, Minister of Transport

“This is a critical function that must be carried out very carefully. We have seen in the past month alone some serious cases, accidents on the road, busses catching fire. These are of grave concern to us, it is a hazard to the public, certainly commuters on those buses, but also to other persons on the highways. It is critical and I have instructed to carry out necessary inspections of these buses. It goes beyond that because we have to look at a certification program for drivers of buses. They are entrusted with the lives of people on their buses. We cannot have drivers who are reckless, who we understand in between runs, when they are waiting to go back to where they came from, that they are seen in public drinking. Or when they drive, they are seen texting while driving, racing on the road, these are some things that are of grave concern to us and we are going to be adamant in making sure that we use the full force of our rules and regulations to curb these kinds of actions. And, the operators who are engaged with those types of activities will be held accountable.”

Minister of Transport to Meet with Bus Operators

Despite reports of public bus upgrades over the past few years, Belize still hasn’t achieved a truly modernized transport system. Bus operators often resisted changes under the former minister, citing feasibility concerns. However, the new Minister of Transport, Doctor Louis Zabaneh, is confident that he will gain support from many bus operators.

Dr. Louis Zabaneh, Minister of Transport

“I will be meeting early next month with all bus operators. I know them, many of them fairly well because of my own experience in the bus sector back a couple decades ago. But many of them are still in the business. I know we have a number of good people in the sector and many of them are very concerned with the fact that a number of other operators are not complying with he rules and regulations so the entire sector gets a bad name. I know I will be receiving support from many of the bus operators who understand their responsibilities and who also will be there to support us when we take the measures necessary for the safety of our people.”

Newly Appointed Transport Board Holds Inaugural Meeting

Incoming C.E.O. Chester Williams is already making his mark at the Ministry of Transport. On Monday, he joined the newly appointed transport board for their first meeting. Minister Zabaneh mentioned that the meeting aimed to familiarize the new board with the current transport regulations.

Dr. Louis Zabaneh, Minister of Transport

“Yesterday we had the inaugural meeting of the transport board, where he had representation from persons who are in the sector who have experience in transportation and then we have a representative from the police department, MIDH, and a representative from the bus association. So together, along with the department of transport, the seven members are now engaged in the duties assigned to this body and so, we have great people on the board and I anticipate they will be able to move forward expeditiously with their duties. Haven gotten feedback from experiences in the past, one of the first things we did yesterday was to have thorough training with respect to all the rules and regulations pertaining to transportation. I think that was important. Although we have people who were chosen for the experience in the sector, we just wanted to make sure that they are fully aware of the latest regulations there right now.”

First Local Malaria Cases in 6 Years Detected in Cayo District

The Ministry of Health & Wellness has confirmed the first locally transmitted malaria cases in over six years in Santa Elena Town and Cristo Rey Village, Cayo District. This development marks a significant setback in Belize’s efforts to prevent the re-establishment of malaria. Malaria, a febrile disease caused by parasites and transmitted through the bite of an infected Anopheles mosquito, typically results in episodes of fever, chills, and sweating every forty-eight to seventy-two hours. The initial case was detected on January seventeenth, followed by additional cases on March eleventh and April fifth. Of the four confirmed cases in 2025, three are locally transmitted, while one is imported from Petén, Guatemala. The Ministry urges the public to remain vigilant and take preventive measures to avoid mosquito bites, as efforts continue to control and eliminate malaria in the region. On Monday, Doctor Melissa Diaz-Musa briefly addressed the issue of malaria.

Dr. Melissa Diaz-Musa, Director, Public Health and Wellness

“Just to advise you that when we, as, ministry state that we have eliminated or we have received certification of elimination, many times, it doesn’t mean that there’s zero case, but you have fallen below a certain threshold. And we also W.H.O. looks at consecutive years of how the country has responded before they can determine whether that certification has been removed or whether we remain in certification. So it’s not a hard and fast one-off case and your certification has been removed.”

Haitians Embracing Belizean Kulcha

Haitian nationals often make headlines in Belize due to migration issues, which sometimes cast them in a negative light. However, many Haitians have lived in Belize for decades, making this country their home. They fled their impoverished homeland in search of a better life and have since established families and integrated into Belize’s vibrant culture. News Five’s Paul Lopez sat down with one such individual, a Haitian taxi driver who has been living in Belize since 1983. He loves Punta music, enjoys rice and beans, and takes pride in earning his living honestly. Join us for tonight’s installment of Kolcha Tuesday as we take a taxi ride-along with him.

Paul Lopez, Reporting

Belize is home to a significant number of Haitian nationals who fled their impoverished communities in Haiti in search of a better life. Many have found work as security guards or taxi drivers, like sixty-nine-year-old Milson Lature. He first arrived in Belize in 1983 and has been part of the community ever since.

Milson Lature, Taxi Driver

“I have a friend here that told me to come take a walk and visit Belize City. You know when people are young, they need to see somewhere, some different place.”

Haiti has faced revolts and political turmoil since the late 1700s. Over the last two centuries, natural disasters have further plunged the population into poverty. Now, strict migration policies have been imposed on Haitian nationals by the Belize government, influenced by pressure from the U.S. Despite these challenges, Milson Lature has never pursued the American dream. For over forty years, he has built his life in Belize, where he now has seven children and ten grandchildren, all born in Belize.

Milson Lature

“I will tell you the Belizean culture is a good culture. The change should be with the younger people, but Belize is a nice, beautiful country and it is nice and has good freedom. I complete to Belizean food, some Belizean cook good. Some, hmp, when you have the food, you can’t eat that. I miss Haiti food, you have food called mimule. It is made with corn. We have corn in Belize and not everybody know how to make it. Then you have legim. It is a beautiful food, but I can’t find somebody that could make it nice and good.”

Lature hasn’t visited his homeland since he arrived in Belize forty years ago. The last time he heard from his relatives in Haiti was three years ago. Over the years, he has fully embraced Belizean culture, developing a deep appreciation for the food, music, and people.

Milson Lature

“What I tell you, when in Haiti, when you hear the music, all the gial deh punta. We have everything and we have soul to, when you have the soul. When we have the soul, nobody moves, everybody just the wine.”

Paul Lopez

“What kind of music you enjoy in Belize?”

Milson Lature

“I like the Punta, I like the Garifuna music.”

Paul Lopez

“Do you know how to Punta now?”

Milson Lature

“I know how to Punta. I love them. And when you say Garifuna people you will be treated with love, good love. Garifuna food is nice. When you have a Garifuna young lady you will eat good. They cook and village people cook. City people you have to go to shop. You know what me call them, foam plate.”

Lature’s white minivan may be worn and in need of new shocks, but it’s his livelihood. He has earned a stellar reputation among his customers, who describe him as reliable, affordable, and friendly. We spoke with a few of them to hear their thoughts.

Voice of: Taxi Customer #1

“Well there is never a dull moment, he is always interactive, always on time, and you can call him anytime of the day, night and he is coming.”

Voice of: Taxi Customer #2

“I notice that he is very reliable and stuff so I call him like almost everyday, sometimes two three times and I don’t matter if it is in the night, he will come for you. And I was just saying, mein he doesn’t sleep, because anytime of the day he is coming for you.”

Paul Lopez

“What is your thoughts on Haitians coming to Belize and integrating themselves into society?”

Taxi Customer #2

“I don’t have a problem with it, because everybody deserves to make a better life for themselves.”

To the casual observer, Milson Lature might seem like just another Haitian taxi driver in Belize. But to those who know him and his service, he’s seen as a cheerful and respectable man from a country a thousand miles away, who has truly immersed himself in Belizean culture. Despite his new life, the struggles of his people in Haiti are always on his mind.

Milson Lature

“I want freedom and in Belize I can go anywhere. There is no bad boys in Belize. Bad boy the hide behind fence, if you are bad boys, you suppose to walk free. I try not to have problems with anyone.”

Reporting for News Five, I am Paul Lopez

International Organization for Migration Calls for More Support for Haiti

As the humanitarian crisis in Haiti worsens, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) is urging the international community to step up support for those displaced by gang violence and instability. In a statement today, the IOM revealed that over one million people are now displaced within Haiti, a number that has tripled in just a year, leaving many without shelter, water, or medical care. Additionally, nearly 200,000 Haitians were deported from neighboring countries last year, adding to the nation’s struggles. This week, IOM Director General Amy Pope visited Haiti to discuss with government officials how to improve migration governance, expand access to legal documentation, and strengthen reintegration efforts. Pope emphasized the urgent need for action, stating, “the Haitian people are showing remarkable strength in the face of unthinkable hardship, but relying on resilience alone is not a strategy. The Haitian people need support, and they need it now. The cost of inaction will not only be measured in lives lost, but also in broader instability that affects us all”.

Minister of Indigenous Affairs Meets with Maya Communities

One area that will need significant attention under Minister Dr. Louis Zabaneh’s leadership is Indigenous Affairs. The Government of Belize and Maya communities in Toledo are working together to implement the 2015 CCJ Consent Order. Just six days ago, the CCJ held its latest monitoring hearing. Today, Minister Zabaneh emphasized that genuine consultations will be crucial to meeting the deadlines set by the order.

Dr. Louis Zabaneh, Minister of Indigenous Affairs

“It is very important that whoever we are working with, whatever part of government we are in, something I learnt and utilized when I was privileged to be in the ministry of education, is genuine consultations. This means you are not just sitting and listening and giving lip service to meeting with people. You are in a real sense incorporating their points of view, their interest in the final solution. That is the only way you will have sustainable solutions. I felt that is was important along with my colleagues Minister Doctor Osmond Martinez, Minister Oscar Requena, as we met with the Toledo Alcaldes Association and with the Julian Cho Society that we made that clear at the beginning, we listened carefully to their positions and I think we left with a very good feeling that whatever gaps there might has been due to a previous misunderstanding, we want to close those gaps to go forward and try to meet our deadlines from that consent order in 2015.”

Minister of Transport Welcomes CEO Chester Williams

If the newly appointed Minister of Transport can’t get support from bus operators, his incoming Chief Executive Officer, Chester Williams, will surely give it a shot. With his background as the highest-ranking police officer, Williams brings a wealth of enforcement expertise to the ministry. However, the minister and his new boss will have to wait a couple more weeks for Williams to officially start his role.

Dr. Louis Zabaneh, Minister of Transport

“Well it would have been good to have him on board earlier. But he has been, as much as he could, attending meetings and getting familiar with the various areas of the portfolio, but particular his strengths will certainly come to bear and I am excited we will have him on board the first of may, especially looking at areas of enforcement, all these areas of safety, the training of our traffic wardens. We will be looking at things related to laws that could strengthen their presence on the road. These are things that he will be able to help tremendously to ensure we can implement them expeditiously to the benefit of the public.”

Paul Lopez

“There are critics that says Mr. Williams tends to be an authority unto his own. Do you foresee any sort of hierarchical or leadership issues that you will have to tone down?”

Dr. Louis Zabaneh

“I think we are going to work very well together. I know incoming CEO Chester Williams very well. We have worked very well for many of those years. Rember he is from the south, so even before he became commissioner I knew him. And we have the common objective of service to our country, being passionate about what we do and like anything else, whether it is a family business, or the public or private sector, once everybody is clear about their responsibilities or duties, then we are able to work well.”

Police Pleads with Public to Exercise Caution this Easter

The Easter holiday is just around the corner, and many are in the final stages of their travel preparations. As the public gears up to embark on various land and sea journeys, the Belize Police Department is reminding everyone to exercise extreme caution this season. Last year, Belize observed a record year for fatal road traffic accidents, and holidays are an exceptionally dangerous time to be travelling on the motorways. Commissioner of Police Chester Williams shares some tips on how to achieve a fun and safe holiday this year.

Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police

“At this time of the year we know that the length season is one that many Belizeans would take for granted, and it has troubled us for many years. We see an increase in loss of lives, not just on the highways, but on the waterways. And so we normally encourage our people to exercise extreme caution when using the highways. Try to drive within speed limits. Do not drive recklessly. Stay on your side of the road. And those who goes through waterways always try to take somebody with you. Don’t go alone because sometimes you go into these rivers, water is so cold, you catch a cramp. If nobody’s there to assist you, you might just submerge and never resurface. And so again, try to go with somebody and do not go into water is too deep that you will not be able to stand with your head above above the water. And again, the police and the police department will be working very closely with department of Transport countrywide on highways to make sure that we do our part to mitigate. The the occurrences of traffic accidents on the highways around this time.”