A veteran cop was recently dismissed from the Belize Police Department after twenty-one years of service. Reports suggest this officer was named in a cartel note found with the body of missing man Raheem Usher. Although Commissioner of Police Chester Williams denied that Usher’s death was linked to cartel activity, the officer was subsequently dismissed after allegations of him being involved in cartel activity. Additionally, two other officers were named in a note accusing them of facilitating a drug plane landing, but they were released after questioning due to lack of evidence. Commissioner Williams shared more details on the incident.
Reporter
“These people, their names are on a paper or on a I should say, on a satellite phone related to this entire narco activity in Graham Creek.”
Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police
“No, that’s not true. Their names are not on no satellite phone and you cannot compare this with the previous case. It’s like compare night and day, The circumstances involving that particular officer it is not just today that we have been hearing about him. It has been for a very long time. There have been numerous information obtained as it relates to his involvement in these illicit activities, and so it’s not the same. So I would hope that you divorce the two and do not keep them together, no. The job of the commissioner is not an easy one, you have to make some very tough decisions. And I guess that’s ehat makes good leadership. Good leaders, being able to make tough decisions. Even when it is not popular. As I said to you earlier, that there have been many allegations in respect of that individual. And the thing is that even the people who works with him were not comfortable working with him because of the allegations that they were hearing. They were fearful that they would be at work with him, and then people would come and target him, and then they’d become victims of that. So it’s, it was not an easy decision to be made, but it was one. I believe that was necessary.”
Following the P.U.P.’s victory in the 2025 general elections, Prime Minister John Briceño reshuffled the Cabinet. Dolores Balderamos-Garcia and Rodwell Ferguson, among several others, were moved to new roles, and some ministries were restructured and reassigned. However, Kareem Musa, the Minister of Home Affairs and New Growth Industries, remains firmly in his position. He shares why he’s pleased to stay in the ministry.
Kareem Musa, Minister of Home Affairs
“I said it prior to the election, and I will say it again. I serve at his pleasure, at our government’s pleasure to be able to do the best in my capacity that I can. It is clearly, in my opinion, a vote of confidence by a Prime Minister to put me back here at the Ministry of Home Affairs because he knows that I will serve with integrity. I have preserved my reputation despite your meaningful attacks to try to destroy me. I wish. I know you’ll continue to do and I appreciate that But no, I look at it as a challenge and a blessing Jews to be able to serve in any capacity to serve my country. While any minister would say they want to see a promotion or they want a, another ministry to do the best that they possibly can, I am totally satisfied with this ministry.”
Today, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at is getting ready to celebrate its tenth annual Jalsa Salana in Belize. This week-long spiritual event brings people together to promote brotherhood in the community and welcomes visitors to join in the festivities. This year’s peace-themed conference kicks off at 10 a.m. on April 4th at the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at mosque. News Five’s Britney Gordon has more on this story.
Britney Gordon, Reporting
It’s been ten years since the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community started the Jalsa Salana Conference in Belize. What began as a small gathering of about thirty people blossomed into a celebration with hundreds of attendees. The Jalsa Salana brings people together to learn about the Islamic community and join in exciting activities. Missionary Ata’ul Haq warmly invites every Belizean to join the festivities.
Ata’ul Haq
Ata’ul Haq, Missionary, Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at
“Jalsa Salana is, an event, again, a spiritual event in which we want to invite every single person. It’s not just a Muslim event. We want to invite our Christian friends, our Hindu friends, Jewish friends, every single person. You are more than welcome to come and to sit with us, because this year the theme is Islam, a Religion of Peace, and we want to show you that we are truly peaceful and loving people. Our motto is Love for all and hatred for none.”
As the community celebrates the ten-year anniversary of Jalsa Salani in Belize, National President Arslan Warraich reflects on their impact over the past decade.
Arslan Warraich
Arslan Warraich, National President, Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at
“Belize has enabled us and welcomed us with such open arms. The media, you know this, that in America and stuff, they don’t give, they don’t give publicity or even any care towards other fates, right? But they give us a fair chance to speak and to invite and to host people, right? So now with these conventions, the thing is that people like yourselves, humble, kind, kindhearted people that come to this event and they see that wait, everything that the media is seeing in the US or wherever is all nonsense. That these are such peaceful, loving people, and then they feel much more comfortable. So the annual convention is just one aspect of that, to remove these misconceptions, right? And for us to break bread together because that helps bridge these gaps that society tries to create.”
Even though the community is growing fast, the event isn’t about changing anyone’s beliefs. It’s all about celebrating and appreciating the unique differences.
Ata’ul Haq
“Tomorrow they will be having a ladies session, ladies only session as well. Three thirty P.M. tomorrow for the Jalsa Salana here at the Maji. No, on a mile and a half George Price Highway. Every single person can also bring their children because we will have a kids’ play zone as well, in which they will be taken care of, so you as a parent can come. Don’t worry. Your children will be well taken care of, and they will be safe, and you can enjoy the proceedings of the Jasa Solana bouncy castle. They will have a bouncy castle and snacks and everything. There is no fee, not a single dollar you need to pay to come here and enjoy. All right. We also have a exhibition that we would like for everyone to come and see, just to see the history of our community in Belize as well.”
The Ahmadiyya basketball league will also be joining in on the celebration. Belizeans are invited to attend and cheer for their favorite teams to bring the gold home.
Ata’ul Haq
“We will be having the semi-finals for the U18 and the U22 at St. John’s College. And then followed by that. We’ll, at 10 o’clock in the morning, we will start all the final matches at Civic Center, right? And there, there’s gonna be the U50, the U12, U15, the U18 for the females, U18 for the males, and the U22. So all of that will be happening at the Civic. All of that will be happening at the Civic. Please note that usually there is an entrance fee, but for the finals, there will be no entrance fee, and we want to encourage everyone to come out and support their teams. We have teams that, we have five teams from Mexico that are still in the playoffs, so they’ll be making their way over to Belize as well. Everyone is encouraged to come out and support their local Belize team Belize teams and, give that support.”
Commissioner of Police Chester Williams and Deputy Commissioner Dr. Richard Rosado visited Corporal Manuel Chub at his home. A statement from the department said, “This visit was a testament to the department’s deep concern for the health and well-being of its officers.”
Commissioner Williams assured continued support for Corporal Chub and his family.
“Both Commissioner Williams and Deputy Commissioner Rosado commended Corporal Chub for his bravery, and Commissioner Williams offered assurances of continued support to his family, reinforcing the department’s dedication to the safety of all,” the statement added.
Earlier this week, Chub was shot and injured outside Fire Nightclub, while three other officers were held at gunpoint, and two police vehicles were damaged in the incident. Stanley Flowers, 36, of Crooked Tree, was charged with eight criminal offences.
Belizean pilot Juan Olivares has achieved a milestone, earning his Private Pilot License, Instrument Flight Rating, and Commercial Pilot License. His dedication, discipline, and professionalism have set an example within his aviation school. The school posted on social media, “We proudly celebrate your great achievement in completing your Private Pilot License, Instrument Flight Rating, and Commercial Pilot License. Your dedication, responsibility, and professionalism have been exemplary within our school.”
Olivares was awarded his licence from Escuela de aviación PANAL.
Founded 50 years ago as an aerial agricultural fumigation company, PANAL has grown into a recognised aviation school, becoming the most experienced pilot training centre in El Salvador.
The Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat in Belize is celebrating its 10th annual Jalsa Salana this week. The purpose of the event is to gain a nearness to God and develop ties of brotherhood within the community. The Jalsa Salana serves as a spiritual gathering to bridge misconceptions about Islam and promote understanding among diverse religious communities.
It started in 1891 by the founder of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community – the Promised Messiah. “He claimed himself to be a prophet, and he wanted people to meet him so that they can see that he does have a connection with God,” said Ata’ul Haq Gabb, a missionary in Belize City.
This year’s theme is ‘Islam, a Religion of Peace’. Haq stated that it “reflects our mission to demonstrate that we are peaceful and loving people.”
While the event is hosted by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at, it is open for people of any faith to participate. “We want people to come so that we can also treat them as wonderful guests of whom we believe is the prophet of God. We want to garner a connection with the people of Belize,” he added.
The celebration includes motivational talks, a children’s play zone, and an exhibition showcasing the history of the Ahmadiyya Muslim community in Belize. “Your children will be well taken care of, and they will be safe, and you can enjoy the proceedings of the Jasa Salana,” Haq added.
Belize has officially taken the presidency of the Regional International Agricultural Health Committee (CIRSA) during the 72nd Ordinary Meeting, which started today in San Pedro. The two-day event brings together agriculture ministers from across the region to discuss agricultural health and food security.
Minister of Agriculture José Abelardo Mai took over as CIRSA President. In his speech, Mai highlighted the importance of teamwork for improving agricultural productivity and resilience, particularly in addressing the screw-worm infestation in livestock, with ongoing support from OIRSA, USDA, and IICA.
The meeting also spotlighted Belize’s advancements in agricultural research and biological pest control. Minister Mai shared progress on the Formosana banana variety, which is resistant to Fusarium Tropical Race 4, and highlighted the Belmopán insectary’s production of over 367,000 Anagyrus kamali specimens to combat the pink mealybug, reducing pesticide use. Discussions during the meeting included the 2024 CIRSA Presidency Report, OIRSA’s Executive Directorate Report, and strategies to tackle the screwworm issue. The event concludes tomorrow with the signing of the official meeting minutes.
As CIRSA President, Belize aims to lead efforts to enhance agricultural health and food security across the region.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has instructed American diplomats to closely scrutinize the social media activity of certain student and exchange visa applicants, a move that appears to target individuals suspected of criticizing the United States and Israel, The New York Times reports.
According to two American officials familiar with the directive, Rubio’s order mandates that consular officers refer selected applicants to the fraud prevention unit for a mandatory social media review. According to The New York Times, the directive, outlined in a cable sent to U.S. diplomatic missions on March 25, comes amid President Donald Trump’s broader immigration policies, including efforts to deport foreign students involved in campus protests against Israel’s war in Gaza.
This policy shift follows Trump’s executive orders aimed at deporting foreign nationals who exhibit what he described as “hostile attitudes” toward American values and institutions.
The fraud prevention unit, housed within embassies and consular offices, is tasked with assessing visa applicants and flagging potential security risks. The directive does not specify what criteria will be used to determine disqualifying social media activity.
Belmopan Comprehensive School (BCS) has reassured parents that student safety remains a top priority following an altercation on campus. According to a statement from the administration, a fight between two students occurred on April 2, prompting a swift response from the community policing unit. The situation was contained, and classes resumed as usual.
However, on April 3, the Criminal Investigation Branch (CIB) received an anonymous tip suggesting that some students planned to retaliate using weapons. In response, officers conducted a thorough sweep of classrooms and surrounding areas, ultimately finding no weapons.
School officials have confirmed that regular classes will continue. Parents have been urged to speak with their children about bullying, violence, and the consequences of making threats, as such actions are considered criminal offences.
Key infrastructure projects in Belize, including the Coastal Highway Project, Philip Goldson Highway, and the Eighth Road Project, are being closely examined in a review led by the Ministry of Infrastructure Development and Housing (MIDH). Chief Engineer at MIDH, Evondale Moody, participated in discussions on the projects’ implementation and progress with the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB).
During the annual portfolio review, Moody explained that CDB plays a crucial role in funding, with significant contributions to road projects like the Coastal Highway upgrading and Philip Goldson Highway projects. “We’re very pleased and proud to know that they have recognised us as one of the best in the Caribbean in terms of project implementation,” Moody stated.
The review included the success of completed projects, with the Coastal Highway’s chip-and-seal surface praised despite initial concerns over its material. According to Moody, the CDB has been satisfied with the highway’s resilience and improvements in road safety and economic viability.
Moody also addressed ongoing projects, including the upgrade of the Philip Goldson Highway, which is set to improve traffic flow towards Belize City. Works on the George Price Highway, funded by CDB, are progressing as planned. Moody stated the ministry hopes to close the gap between mile 24 and mile 8.
