2025 - Greater Belize Media

Treasure, Territory, and Tension: The Cave Conflict in Pomona

Pomona Village is once again in the spotlight, this time, over a piece of land that’s stirring up more than just dust. At the center of it all is thirty-five-year-old Samuel Trejo. By day, he’s a hardworking laborer at Silk Grass Farms and a skilled motorcycle mechanic. But now, his land has become the latest flashpoint in an ongoing dispute involving Stoney Fergusson, one we first told you about last week. Since Samuel spoke out, the situation has only heated up. So, we sent News Five’s Tanya Arceo to the area to hear directly from the people caught in the middle of this growing land battle. Here’s that story.

Tanya Arceo, Reporting

Imagine living on a piece of land for over twenty years… and only recently discovering there’s a cave hidden beneath your feet. That’s exactly what happened to Samuel Trejo, a hardworking mechanic and farm laborer in Pomona. He says he had no clue the cave was there, until he started clearing the land. Since then, it’s become a magnet for curious visitors, both local and foreign. But with the spotlight has come serious tension. Samuel now fears for his safety, and here’s why: he says he found something valuable inside that cave, something he calls a treasure. But another man, Stoney Fergusson, is now claiming the cave, and the discovery, as his. He’s calling it a relic: a stone tapir with striking blue eyes.

Samuel Trejo, Property Owner

“Like three months to four months I could say he come and ask me for permission to come to the cave because then he no have no where else to come in right and I tell him yeah he could come cause I know him long time so he come and he say only the cave but afterwords like how I go da work I no know what the happen that day so when I come I find my things it was damaged and I tell him da weh di happen that was not the deal you she you mi a work the cave not my property and he she well make I tell you something he she I no di ask you I di tell you this places are for me all the coconuts everything in yeah da fu me you cant pick none so the other day my sister came and wan pick one mango he chase her and she gone crying and tell my dad the man no want I pick up a mango and my dad come and tell ah what the happen and even call Mr. Rodwell fu come and talk and Mr. Rodwell she fu we papers no value.”

He’s already gone to the police but says this is his last hope. Samuel Trejo walked us through every inch of the disputed land, even down to the cave that’s now at the center of all the drama. He’s showing the public exactly what’s at stake, before things get out of hand.

Tanya Arceo

“And what is exactly in this property that Stoney wants from this cave?

Samuel Trejo

Well I no know how fu say it but fu him friends weh me di work den find treasure he say I no know nothing about it the man show me one I no know bout treasure cause I just snap a picture of one that he make a I could snap a picture

Tanya Arceo

Give me the details of what type of treasure what exactly was found here?

Samuel Trejo

The first one they give Stoney them say da one tapir mek out a stone blue eyes blue gem in a his eyes he said that he give Stoney fu mek he see it and Stoney hurry pack it and ker it to his dad I have fourteen years di live yeah without light but new have this land from before that long long time musi like twenty years fan lee buay I know this cave yeah so I di travel this cave long time.”

Samuel Trejo says he had no idea a cave on his land held anything valuable—until about a month ago, when he snapped a photo of what he believes is a stone relic. Since then, the site has attracted curious visitors, but Samuel says they’re not the issue. The real conflict, he claims, is with Stoney Fergusson, who’s now laying claim to the cave and the artifact. What started as a disagreement has turned hostile, and Samuel says he’s scared. Despite reaching out to the authorities, he feels nothing has been done. I’m Tanya Arceo, reporting for News Five.

Pomona Farmers Clash with Area Rep Over Land Rights

We’re back in Pomona tonight, where a new land dispute is stirring up serious tension. This time, it’s not just about land, it’s about livelihoods, and it’s personal. Several farmers say they’re now at an impasse with Stann Creek West’s Area Rep Rodwell Ferguson. These farmers claim they’ve spent years working the land in the mountains, clearing it, planting crops, building roads, even putting up homes. But now? They say they’re being pushed out. Some are facing threats, others say their property has been destroyed. News Five’s Tanya Arceo spoke with five of these farmers. They say they’ve got the paperwork to back up their claims, but instead of getting answers, they’re getting silence, police visits, and overlapping land titles. Here’s Tanya with their story.

Tanya Arceo, Reporting

Several farmers in the area say they’re now locked in a tense standoff, not with a developer or a private company, but with their own area representative, Minister Rodwell Ferguson. These farmers claim they’ve poured years of hard work into the land, clearing it, planting crops, building roads, even putting up homes. But now, they say they’re facing eviction, threats, and even destruction of their property.

Aldon Tasher, Farmer and Landowner

“Myself and four other farmers we put our little resources together and construct this road this road have about one point two or one point three miles long as we go a little bit farther if you can look from here you can see that you have to literally climb a hill so we actually had to bulldoze three hills to get on the property. Myself and the other farmers we have a huge problem with Rodwell Fergurson Senior and Junior from twenty-twenty one actually, we been through a whole lotta stuff actually what have happened in twenty-twenty one we got a permission to construct this road from MIDH and that’s what we have done you know so while constructing the road we once you constructing a road you have to pile up the logs and whatever it is found on the road so we piled of all the logs and stuff while constructing the road and at the same time we decided to go into the forestry department to get a license to basically sell the land so that could help us with the cost of the road however Rodwell Ferguson Senior and his son took all the logs away from us all the logs its about three hundred thousand worth of log.”

In addition to the three landowners, we heard from earlier, News Five also spoke with two more farmers who say they’re facing the exact same issue. They, too, have land up in the mountain, land they’ve worked and developed, now reportedly taken away without warning.

Harrison Roches, Farmer

“I get the land from Cordell Hyde he gave me the land with permission to survey and we were there but when I was about to work on a couple things on the land they took police inspector came and look fu crucify me because I was going on the land I was traveling to the land from twenty-twenty before anyone these guys know that I had a house on the land they went and they burned down the house I had plants on the land they burn down my plants and one time they dodge me to kill me just like what they do him but thank God I know a lot of stuff because I am an ex police officer also.”

Linden Kelly, Farmer

“Many times we try to go to the property and he bring police and we try to go report it and certain officers don’t want to take our report yet they can go to the station make a report against us cause I’ve been locked up for trespassing on our own property so when I call my family to bring the papers they are like release him release him. One time they tell me that the land is unsurvey able because of the mountain terrain so we went back again now we are overlapping other people application and we want to know where they come from we check their names and these names pop up everywhere on Mr. Tasher side on our side Mr. Tasher is on this side and we are on the other side of the mountain.”

In December 2024, Linden hit another roadblock, someone else applied for the same land he’s been trying to secure. Since then, he says he’s been getting the runaround from both the minister and the lands commissioner. At one point, he was offered a different plot, but he turned it down. Harrison’s story is nearly identical. He was also offered another piece of land but refused, saying he was born and raised in Pomona and that’s where he belongs. Both men say they have official documents from Minister Cordel Hyde, including NES numbers and letters granting them permission to survey the land. But when they followed up, they discovered their land titles were overlapping with other NES numbers, ones they claim didn’t even exist when they first applied. Reporting for News Five, I’m Tanya Arceo.

Keeping Culture Alive: Emilio Thomas and the Art of Belize

Belize is more than just beautiful landscapes, it’s a vibrant blend of cultures, stories, and traditions. And at the heart of that cultural identity is art. From music and dance to photography and painting, the arts help us celebrate who we are and where we come from. One artist who’s making sure that Belize’s cultural heartbeat continues to echo for generations to come is Emilio Thomas, a talented musician and photographer with a passion for preserving heritage. In tonight’s edition of Kolcha Tuesday, News Five’s Britney Gordon takes us into Emilio’s world and explores how Belize is supporting artists like him who are keeping our culture alive.

Britney Gordon, Reporting

Since 2007, the Garifuna Collective has been doing something truly special, blending the deep roots of ancestral Garifuna rhythms with modern sounds to create a musical experience that’s both timeless and fresh. The group was originally formed to support the legendary Andy Palacio, and even after his passing, they’ve carried the torch, keeping Garifuna language and culture alive through music. Today, the Collective is more than just a band, it’s a movement. And among its passionate members is Emilio Thomas, a musician who’s been making music since he was just twelve years old.

Emilio Thomas, Cultural Practitioner

“I used to rap and sing in high school. I used to do drumming, like the marching band and then Garifuna drumming with my cousin Shawn Mariano in primary school. He is the one who introduced me to drumming. I play many other instruments because I don’t see the difference between them, except that they work differently and I love creating rhythms and experimenting. So I play like twenty something instruments, and every time I see the opportunity to learn another one, I do. So just to vibe along with it and play along with other people.”

When he’s not performing with the Garifuna Collective, Emilio Thomas is still making waves through music, photography, and a deep passion for culture. He’s the frontman of his own band, Project Inebesei, and behind the lens, he captures powerful moments that reflect Belize’s rich identity. For Emilio, it’s all about connection—using art to inspire others to engage more meaningfully with their roots, their stories, and each other.

Emilio Thomas

“People are always in need of something different in life. And so when you go into a space or people come into your space, they want to be inspired or give meaning to. The continuity of their lives and music can in inspire someone in the present in order for them to do something special for themselves and others. Because it starts from home.”

Being an artist isn’t easy. Most start out funding their own work, often for years, before seeing any real success. But Emilio Thomas stayed true to his passion, and it’s taken him around the world doing what he loves. Now, there’s new support for artists like him. The Institute of Creative Arts (ICA) has teamed up with UNESCO to help grow Belize’s creative sector. The goal? To make it easier for artists to follow their dreams and earn a living from their craft. ICA Director Kim Vasquez says she hopes this initiative will inspire more creatives to take that leap, just like Emilio did.

Kim Vasquez, Director, Institute of Creative Arts

“It’s looking at issues of preservation. Yes. But because there’s so much focus and so much emphasis. On linking preservation and the work that we have and the cultural heritage to economic activity. There is a need for us as partners, as government partners to come together to form a unified plan so that we can support the activities and support the goals and ambitions of the creative sector.”

It’s all part of a global initiative called the National Strategy and Roadmap for the Cultural Creative Sector, aimed at growing what’s known as the “orange economy”, that’s the creative economy built on art, culture, and innovation. Dr. Deborah Hickling Gordon explains that for this mission to succeed, it takes more than just talent. It requires balance and strong technical support from industry leaders to help artists not only thrive, but sustain their careers.

Dr. Deborah Hickling Gordon, UNESCO

“As the sector becomes more established and begins to grow, people will be able to see the advantages of becoming a part of the cultural and creative industries. And it’s not only as a creative, there is our technical elements. There are business elements. There are a number of ways in which people can become involved in cultural and creative industries. It is a three trillion US dollar industry and we need to determine what is Belize’s piece of that pie, even as we retain the rich and robust culture of the Belizean people.”

As an artist, every day for Thomas is a new day to create. His latest exhibit, titled Portraits, views Belizeans as living pieces of art capturing the essence of their culture and heritage in a single photo. It is his hope that inspired Belizeans can one day bridge the gap between a creative passion and a career.

Emilio Thomas

“The work that I do, because I’m not just a representation of the music industry, but the culture and creative. Whatever we do is an art form. Even cooking. It’s creative work. Even how you do business is creative work. So my role would be to present the relationship among all the things that we practice in Belize and all the things or the possibilities of practicing things in a different way and practicing new things as we go along.”

Belize is growing and now is the time to uplift artists and creatives along with the rest of society, by safeguarding living heritage through art, traditions, expressions and the heartbeat of Belizean culture will continue to live on in generations to come. Britney Gordon for News Five.

New Highway to Rainforest Paradise Sparks Fears of Environmental Fallout

With the new highway opening up access to the breathtaking rainforests of Mountain Pine Ridge and the Chiquibul Forest Reserve, there’s growing concern that this gateway to nature could also become a gateway to exploitation. While eco-tourism opportunities may be on the horizon, so too is the risk of large-scale land clearing and that could spell trouble for the very infrastructure meant to connect us to these natural wonders. Chief Engineer at the Ministry of Infrastructure Development, Evondale Moody, explains how unchecked development could impact the newly built highway and what’s being done to protect both the road, and the rainforest.

Evondale Moody, Chief Engineer, MIDH

“It is of importance to us because of the drainage structure we have installed along the road and the side drains that we have constructed. The development of these areas will significantly impact our drainage system. So it is important for us to highlight that we are hoping the right agencies manage these assets so that it does not infringe on the investment that we have made for the development of access.”

Paul Lopez

“What is one example of how development in that area could affect your drainage system?”

Evondale Moody

“One key thing I can highlight at this point is what has occurred on the Coastal Highway where we have deforestation. So the significant deforestation along the Coastal Highway created significant impact on our drainage structures because we have excessive rainfall. Normally that rainfall would be absorbed by the vegetation and because we don’t have that vegetation there now it has created runoff and the runoff is also increased in terms of its velocity. Normally the vegetation would slow down that runoff before it reaches the drain. So we were very much concerned if that would happen in the Caracol Road as well, because that area is more of a pine ridge area and you have more siltation. The siltation buildup will create blockage to our drain.”

Paul Lopez

“That type of deforestation, is it case where it impacts if it happens further in the jungle space, or it has to be along the drain or road?”

Evondale Moody

“It basically depends, because it is more impactful if it happens along the corridor of the road. But it can also impact us if it happens away from the road. Does low lying areas are led to a catchment area and those catchments areas are tributaries to other drainage channels that still ends up on the highway or passing through the highway.”

Caracol Road Nears Completion, Unlocking Belize’s Hidden Treasures

If you’ve ever dreamed of cruising through the lush landscapes of Mountain Pine Ridge or exploring the ancient wonders of Caracol, that dream is about to get a whole lot smoother. The Caracol Road Project, one of the country’s most ambitious infrastructure upgrades, is now eighty percent complete, with just the final stretch left to be paved. It’s a project that’s spanned multiple administrations and promises to open up new opportunities for tourism, travel, and trade. But what does this mean for motorists and the environment? Today, we caught up with Chief Engineer at the Ministry of Infrastructure Development, Evondale Moody, for the latest on the roadworks and what’s next for this scenic route into Belize’s heartland.

Evondale Moody, Chief Engineer, MIDH

“At this point we are working on the remaining forty-two kilometers, which is divided into three sections. We call it two A, two B and two C. Two A is the section from Pinol to Guacemallo Bridge. And 2 B is the Guacemallo bridge construction, and 2 C is from Guacemallo to the maya ruin. At this point we have completed two B that was recently completed about two weeks ago. We completed that bridge structure. It is the longest bridge structure in terms of the span going over a river. It is kind of different from the Haulover Bridge, because the Haulover Bridge has a section going over land. But it in terms of span, it is the longest bridge over a river in the country. That would be at a hundred and thirty meters in span. So, that is completed. Remaining is 2 A and 2 C. 2 A, we have completed twelve out of twenty kilometers, so we have approximately eight kilometers to do. That is already up to subgrade level. 2 C we have completed twenty out of thirty kilometers, twenty-two kilometers sorry. So with that we have about nine kilometers left to do on that section. But most of these sections are already built up. So it is just to finish the paving works. So, in summary we are approximately about eighty percent complete if we add all sections together and that project is still within the budget. The original contract price was fifty-eight million. We are still within that budget. We have extended the time for the contractor due excessive rainfall in that part of the country. Those works are expected to be completed in September of this year.”

New Belize Banknotes to Enter Circulation on August 4

The Central Bank of Belize has announced that a new series of banknotes will officially enter circulation on August 4, 2025.

The redesigned currency features updated themes, enhanced security features, and new portraits that reflect Belize’s cultural heritage while reinforcing the integrity of the national currency.

The Central Bank confirmed that the exchange rate remains unchanged at BZ$2 to US$1. The new notes are part of a broader modernisation effort aimed at improving public confidence and safeguarding against counterfeiting.

Since January, the Central Bank has been actively engaging with schools, businesses, financial institutions, and the general public through educational and outreach initiatives. These efforts are designed to ensure a smooth transition and to familiarise Belizeans with the new banknote features.

While the new banknotes will be available at all domestic banks starting August 4, they may not be immediately accessible at all ATMs, as machines are still being configured to handle the new designs.

The current banknotes will remain legal tender for the time being, and the public is encouraged to deposit them at financial institutions as part of a gradual phase-out process.

Baby Emiliano Needs Your Help

Seven-month-old Baby Emiliano Flores is slowly losing the ability to move and is in need of urgent medical intervention.

Baby Emiliano has been diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), a rare genetic condition that affects approximately 1 in 6,000 children.

His parents, Lyzanni and Emil Flores, appeared on Open Your Eyes this morning alongside neurologist Dr Marco Mendez to share their son’s story and appeal to the public for help.

Born on 7 December 2025, Baby Emiliano was discharged from hospital as a healthy newborn. But weeks later, his parents began noticing something was off. “He wasn’t completing his motor skills as every other baby should do,” Emil said. “We were very excited about the birth of our newborn, so we were looking forward to these special moments. Unfortunately, after that, everything has been in and out of hospitals.”

“Almost immediately when I held the baby, the baby just wrapped around my hand… And immediately that diagnosis comes to mind,” Dr Mendez added.

SMA is caused by a mutation in the SMN1 gene, which is critical for motor neurone survival. Without it, muscles weaken rapidly. “Slowly, the child will be starting to lose many of his motor skills,” explained Dr Mendez. “They are not able to move at all, depending on the severity.”

Lyzanni added, “He couldn’t move his feet, his thighs, or over his shoulders. It has been very heartbreaking because we expected to enjoy this time with our son, as he is our first son.”

Despite the devastating diagnosis, SMA Type 1, the most severe form, there is hope. A one-time gene therapy exists that can drastically improve Baby Emiliano’s chances. But the treatment comes at a cost of approximately $2 million USD.

Dr Mendez explained that time is critical. “The more time that passes, those neurones die because they don’t have the protein to maintain them,” Dr Mendez said. “If the baby doesn’t get the treatment, in two years, he’s going to die.”

The family has launched a GoFundMe campaign and is asking for public support. “Every contribution, no matter the size, brings us one step closer to giving Emiliano a chance at a brighter, healthier life,” they stated in the GoFundMe account.

To help Baby Emiliano, donations can be made through GoFundMe or the parent’s bank accounts in Belize. The family can also be reached directly at 615-5735 or 614-9302.

Shyne Barrow Supports 13th Amendment

UDP Leader Moses “Shyne” Barrow supports the Briceño Administration’s Belize Constitution (Thirteenth Amendment) Bill, 2025. Barrow’s statement came after the tragic murders of Evadnie Jones and her disabled son, Luke Jones, on the south side of Belize City.

“The 13th Amendment that was introduced recently may not be perfect legislation. I encourage the government to consider the suggestions of the different stakeholders to make the legislation as good as practical; however, the time has come to put measures in place to neutralise domestic terrorism,” Barrow said.

“We cannot continue to live in a Belize where murder is the easiest crime to get away with,” Barrow stated. “We know who the gang leaders are, yet we allow them to act with impunity.”

The proposed 13th Amendment bill introduces several significant changes to Belize’s legal framework in the fight against crime. One key provision allows the Governor General, acting on the advice of the National Security Council, to declare any part of the country a “special area.” In these zones, certain constitutional rights, such as freedom of movement and protection from warrantless searches, could be suspended to address security threats. The bill also proposes the creation of a specialised “Gun and Gang Court,” which would combine the powers of both the Magistrate and High Courts to expedite the prosecution of gang-related cases. Additionally, the legislation includes a retroactive clause that would validate all past States of Emergency and regulations, even those previously declared unlawful, by deeming them constitutional under the new law.

Barrow said, “I do not encourage the breach of anyone’s civil rights; however, we are in dire need of Bukele-esque policies that will put the civil rights of innocent mothers and law-abiding citizens before that of heartless murderers.”

“The lines have been crossed! The government must immediately put in place the necessary legislation to assure not another innocent mother perishes at the hands of the bloodthirsty.”

The 13th Amendment has drawn criticism from civil society and legal groups, who warn it could erode constitutional rights. A public consultation is scheduled for July 16th at Swift Hall in Belize City.

T&T PM Pledges Tougher Laws on Vices and Noise

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar says her administration is preparing a sweeping legislative agenda aimed at tackling social issues ranging from substance abuse and gambling to noise pollution and pension reform.

Speaking at a United National Congress (UNC) public meeting, Persad-Bissessar announced plans to raise the legal age for marijuana and gambling to 25 and the legal age for alcohol consumption to 21. She said the proposed changes are part of a broader government strategy to address addiction and reduce the social harm caused by these substances.

“These are not just vices; they are public health and societal concerns,” the prime minister told supporters. “We intend to take firm, responsible action.”

The Prime Minister also committed to introducing legislation to regulate the use of fireworks. The new laws would restrict fireworks to specific days and time periods, a move intended to reduce disruption to residents, pets, and the elderly.

She also took aim at music trucks, which she described as a public nuisance. Upcoming legislation, she said, will introduce a mandatory cut-off time for events using amplified music in public spaces, including trucks. Exceptions would be made for national festivals, but Persad-Bissessar stressed that excessive noise must be brought under control.

“We need a more balanced approach to entertainment and public peace,” she added.

“I’ve Built This From the Ground Up”: Small Business Owner Speaks Out After Employee Theft Allegations

A former employee of Flo’s Pristine Services is wanted by police following reports of missing items from a client’s home.

Florina Arzu, the business owner, told News Five the incident occurred on June 27 at a residence in Belize City. The theft allegations are towards 26-year-old Samara Moody from Belize District. Arzu stated that Moody had been employed with the company for six months and was assigned to that client under a full-time contract.

“Since then, we have been trying to reach out to Samara, let her come in and just return the items, but to no avail,” Arzu stated. “I reached out to people on her social media, just anybody who’s connected to her, to just advise her to just come in and not make the situation worse than it already is because she does have two little ones to honestly think of.”

Despite several attempts to resolve the matter privately, the situation escalated and is now under police investigation. Arzu maintains that Moody’s cooperation could “de-escalate” the situation.

“This affects me emotionally and mentally,” Arzu added. “I’ve built my business from the ground up… My reputation lies at hand, and I don’t want any of my clients to ever feel unsafe in their own space.”

Police have issued a wanted poster for the accused. Anyone with information on Samara Moody’s whereabouts are advised to contact the nearest police station.