Venezuela has agreed to resume repatriation flights of migrants from the United States, following a two-week standoff over recent deportations. President Nicolás Maduro confirmed on Saturday that the flights would begin on Sunday, stating, “Tomorrow, thanks to the government’s perseverance, we’ll resume flights to continue rescuing and freeing migrants from prisons in the United States,” according to Reuters.
This agreement comes after a brief pause in deportations after Venezuela objected to the US about sending Venezuelan migrants to El Salvador’s prisons. The Trump administration had claimed that many deported were linked to the Tren de Aragua gang, a designation Venezuela disputes.
The news outlet reported that Venezuela’s interior minister, Diosdado Cabello, welcomed the first group of 199 deportees back in Caracas. “Flights are resuming,” Cabello said. “We are ready to receive Venezuelans wherever they are.”
Relations between the US and Venezuela have been tense, particularly after the US did not recognise Maduro’s re-election to a third six-year term last year, following allegations of electoral fraud.
By 2022, an estimated 275,000 Venezuelan migrants were living in the US without authorisation, according to the Pew Research Centre.
A man from San Pedro, Belize, has been arrested and charged with rape following a report by a U.S. tourist. Reports indicate that the woman, accompanied by her brother, was at Wayo’s Bar and Grill on Thursday night, March 20, when they met the suspect, Oscar Noe Nal, who introduced himself as “Omar”.
After socialising, they returned to her hotel around 3:00 a.m. on March 21. She went for a ride with Nal, who drove her to a gazebo where he assaulted her.
The victim reported the incident to police on March 22. A medical examination confirmed her injuries. Police reviewed surveillance footage and identified Nal, a 35-year-old labourer from San Mateo. On March 22, the victim identified him in a police lineup. Nal was formally charged with rape on March 23 and remains in custody.
Today marks a special occasion, National Puppy Day, a reminder for all puppy owners about the importance of starting their fur babies off right in life. According to Forbes, experts are reminding the importance of socialising puppies during their first few months to help prevent fear-based behaviours down the road. One fun and effective way to do this? Puppy parties!
As reported by Forbes, puppy parties provide a controlled setting where puppies are introduced to other dogs, making it the perfect opportunity to teach them how to interact positively. While puppy parties are still a new concept in Belize, there’s something else that has already made a great impact here: June Erickson’s efforts to prevent pet loss through microchipping.
Back in December 2024, News 5 shared June’s story after her service dog, Ranger, went missing. Determined to help others avoid the same heartache, June founded the Ranger Warriors Foundation and introduced a microchipping program to ensure that pets can be easily reunited with their owners. Since then, over 120 pets have been microchipped, and June is continuing her efforts to install more scanning stations across the island to increase access.
“I have a meeting with the health department in the coming days. I want to make sure that all island government health, fire department, police, and traffic, all have scanners,” June told News 5 today.
June’s ultimate goal is to “microchip all the cats and dogs in San Pedro first, before pursuing expansion outside of the island.” She hopes to hold two microchipping clinics in both April and May to make up for not having it in February and March.
“Knowing that your pet is easily identifiable and that you can be contacted if they go missing provides peace of mind for pet owners,” June added.
June explained that one of the most critical aspects of microchipping is registration. Without registering the microchip, it’s just a string of numbers. When registered, the chip links directly to the owner’s contact information, making it easy for shelters or vets to reunite lost pets with their families. Unlike collars, which can be lost or removed, microchips offer permanent identification. By keeping contact details up to date, owners ensure their pets can be identified at any time.
For those who are passionate about supporting this cause, a GoFundMe page remains active for donations. You can also contribute directly to Belize Bank, account number 195866010140000, under the name June Young-Figueroa.
On this special day for puppies, it’s a time to celebrate not only the little furry companions but also the tireless efforts of those working to keep them safe and connected to their families.
Pope Francis made his first public appearance since being hospitalised at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital. As he was leaving, he greeted nearly 3,000 people gathered outside. The Vatican News reported that the Pope blessed the crowd, waving and saying in a faint voice, “Thank you to everyone!”
The 88-year-old pontiff was admitted to the hospital on February 14 for a severe respiratory infection, which later developed into pneumonia in both lungs. His condition has since stabilised, allowing him to be discharged. According to his medical team’s update on Saturday, he will continue his recovery at his residence in the Vatican, Casa Santa Marta, for the next two months.
Before returning to the Vatican, Pope Francis visited the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, where he offered flowers to the icon of Mary Salus Populi Romani as a gesture of gratitude for her care and protection.
Police are investigating the fatal shooting of a man which occurred this morning in Dangriga Town, Stann Creek District. The victim has been identified as Charles Bradley. He was shot dead at his residence on Ramos Road just after 9:30.
Police responded and were processing the scene along with scenes of crime technicians.
Eighteen-year-old Shenyon Levi Barrow, a fisherman from Belize City, was arrested and charged today, March 22, in connection with the fatal shooting of 21-year-old Floyd McFadzean. Barrow faces charges of murder, two counts of attempted murder, dangerous harm, grievous harm, and two counts of using deadly means of harm.
The shooting occurred on Friday, March 21, when McFadzean, an insurance company employee, was gunned down while driving along Cemetery Road. His vehicle was riddled with bullets at the corner of Johnson Street. While his two passengers, Troy Gentle and Deon Gladden, escaped with minor injuries, McFadzean was unable to flee due to a jammed car door and died at the scene.
McFadzean’s father, Floyd Sr, described his son as an innocent victim, caught in the wrong place at the wrong time. He believes his son was not involved in any conflicts that would have led to such violence.
Pope Francis is set to be discharged from Rome’s Agostino Gemelli Hospital on Sunday, 23 March, following successful treatment for an acute respiratory infection and bilateral pneumonia.
According to the Vatican News, the 86-year-old pontiff will return to his residence, Casa Santa Marta, to continue his recovery. Doctors confirmed his condition has improved steadily since his hospitalisation on 14 February.
Dr Sergio Alfieri, head of the medical team, told the Vatican News that while the Pope’s pneumonia has been treated, he will require a minimum of two months of convalescence. Despite this, the Pope remains active in staying informed about global and church affairs and has been a cooperative patient throughout his treatment.
The Vatican reported that although Pope Francis will not resume his full schedule of public engagements immediately, he is expected to gradually return to his normal activities.
Baby Ishmael Villamil was born prematurely on September 11, 2024, at just 28 weeks. Now six months old, he continues to fight for his life against the complications of his early birth, including underdeveloped lungs and hydrocephalus—a condition where fluid builds up in the brain, leading to pressure and potential brain damage.
Since his birth, baby Ishmael has been through multiple doctor visits and a major medical procedure to place a shunt that would drain the fluid building in his brain. It’s been weeks since that procedure, and baby Ishmael’s mom, Jennifer Larios, told News 5 in February that the shunt “isn’t working anymore,” and he needs another surgery to correct it. “If he doesn’t want to give up, why should we—why should I as a mom give up on him?” Jennifer said.
The cost of the surgery is estimated to be at least $12,000, a sum his parents are still aiming to raise.
In the recent weeks, baby Ishmael’s condition took a turn when he was diagnosed with pneumonia. According to his father, Eusebio Villamil, the doctors have advised waiting until his lungs clear up before proceeding with the surgery, as performing it while his lungs are still infected could lead to even greater risks.
In the meantime, the medical expenses have continued to mount. With regular doctor visits, transportation costs, and additional tests like x-rays and more, the young parents are finding it increasingly difficult to keep up with the financial demands. “Just as how we get the funds, sometimes we have to use it for his medical expenses,” Villamil said.
Your support can make a real difference in helping Jennifer and Eusebio cover the cost of baby Ishmael’s second surgery. If you would like to contribute to baby Ishmael’s surgery fund, donations can be made directly to the following bank accounts:
Belize Bank
Eusebio Alberto Villamil, Account Number: 255 502 010 160000
Jennifer Lizeth Larios, Account Number: 246 491 010 160000
Baby Ishmael’s mom, Jennifer, can be reached at 630-4946.
Over 530,000 migrants are currently at risk of deportation after the U.S. government announced it will revoke the legal status of Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans. According to the Guardian, these migrants were granted temporary protection under a Biden-era program. The sweeping change is set to take effect on April 24.
The decision is part of a continuation of the Trump administration’s stance against the use of humanitarian parole, a program meant to temporarily shelter individuals from war or political instability. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) clarified that parole is not a path to permanent status, and those affected must leave the country unless they have another lawful basis to stay.
The Guardian reported that while President Trump has hinted at expanding this policy to include 240,000 Ukrainians, there is uncertainty over how many migrants from the four affected countries will be able to find other legal avenues to remain. The policy, part of broader efforts to curb illegal immigration, has already sparked legal challenges. A lawsuit filed by citizens and immigrant groups claims the revocation will lead to “needless chaos and heartbreak” for thousands of families, The Guardian reported.
Karen Tumlin, founder of the Justice Action Centre, criticised the move, calling it “reckless, cruel and counterproductive.” The legal battle over this decision is set to unfold in federal courts in the coming months.
This Women’s Month, several women of the Belize Coast Guard (BCG) came together to honour the memory of their fallen sisters by maintaining their graves and cleaning the surrounding areas. In a social media statement, the BCG shared, “Maintaining the grave of a fallen servicewoman not only preserves her legacy but also reinforces the value of service and remembrance within the community.”
Their dedication didn’t stop there. By engaging with young minds at a local preschool, they ignited curiosity and respect for the essential work of the Coast Guard. Through these efforts, they introduced the children to various pieces of equipment used by the Belize Coast Guard and explained their significance in maritime safety and security. As the statement added, these actions “instil an early sense of civic responsibility and encourage future generations to consider careers in service and leadership.”
While women make up only 11% of the Coast Guard’s 526 active-duty members, they serve across all areas, from logistics to operational duties. Alma Pinelo, Belize’s first female Acting Vice Commandant, reflected on her journey, saying, “Dealing with the whole minority aspect of women in the military has always been something that I have been dealing with my entire career. Knowing how to advocate for those that can’t from the onset. And so I said I had to learn how to be an advocate really early and realise that, okay, you’re shy, you gotta get over that because somebody else needs you.”
Pinelo hopes her leadership breaks the “glass ceiling”, paving the way for a future where women in leadership roles are the standard, not the exception.
Through their tireless service, these women are reshaping the future, proving that leadership, resilience, and strength are qualities that know no gender.
