2025 - Greater Belize Media

Taxi Operators and Golf Cart Rental at Odds in San Pedro

Tensions are heating up in San Pedro as taxi operators clash with golf cart rental businesses over customers at the island’s entry points. Taxi drivers are frustrated, claiming that golf cart rentals are poaching their customers and cutting into their income. On the other hand, rental operators argue they’re providing a more affordable service, even though their licenses say they should only operate from their offices. News Five’s Paul Lopez visited the island today to get the full story. Here’s what he discovered.

Paul Lopez, Reporting

Surveillance cameras outside the municipal airport in San Pedro caught a group of men in a couple of heated brawls. These clashes are the latest flare-ups in the ongoing feud between taxi drivers and golf cart rental businesses.

Emir Vega, President, San Pedro Taxi Federation

“This started three years ago, we have been disputing on what is the taxi industry. We have been having controversies with golf cart rentals. The golf cart companies basically pick up at any port of entry, whether it is the airstrip, water taxis.”

Vega leads a taxi federation that includes ten associations and over two hundred members. He argues that golf cart rental companies are stationing their staff at entry points to snag customers, even though their trade licenses clearly state they should only operate from their registered offices.

Emir Vega

“They are doing soliciting, which is illegal, to start with. Whenever they come here, they try to sell a golf cart, when we know the trade license specified them to work from their office locations, specific locations. Then the taxi drivers we are a public service, and the ones expected to do the transportation for our visitors and local people, visitors to their different accommodations. We are to stay in a fight.”

According to Vega, it’s perfectly legal for golf cart rentals to pick up customers from entry points if they’ve prebooked. However, it’s against the rules for these companies to hang around and solicit customers on the spot. There’s also the issue of vehicle capacity. News Five has received several videos and images showing golf carts overloaded with luggage and passengers. In one case, a tourist’s luggage even fell off a cart! Meanwhile, taxi operators on the island use spacious mini vans that can comfortably carry both passengers and their belongings. One rental operator, speaking off the record, claimed they offer a much cheaper service than the taxis.

Emir Vega

“I can say they are taking the bread out of our table. All that is supposed to be our work they are taking over and sometimes when they do solicit and they cannot rent a golf cart they offer a taxi run to say ey I can take you for a five bucks. They can do that because they do not pay the fees that a taxi service pays.”

A visit to San Pedro Belize Express water taxi’s new location provided a firsthand look at the situation. Taxis line the streets here, while rental golf carts are scattered around the property. One enterprising operator has even set up shop right at the water taxi terminal. Mayor Wally Nunez says they are operating illegally from that location.

Wally Nunez, Mayor, San Pedro

“The had also applied at the council to relocate their office. We had also expressed to them that the trade license will not be able to be relocated there because that takes a process. Whenever you are going to change your address for business purposes you have to apply before. They didn’t apply before. So, we will not be able to grant them a trade license in that location. We don’t want to encourage any golf cart rentals to be moving office there because it will create a problem with other golfcart rentals and the taxis. I understand they want to open a snack shop. If they do that, they still need a trade license. I have asked the police to check with them. If they don’t have a trade license they will have to shut down.”

Mayor Nunez and Area Representative Andre Perez met with federation members this morning after rumors of a protest began circulating. Mayor Nunez assured us that his council is striving to find a solution that benefits everyone involved. This afternoon, he also met with representatives from the water taxi company in Belize City. But is this just a symptom of a bigger problem? Could the island be facing an oversaturation of golf cart rentals and taxi operators? We posed this question to Area Representative Andre Perez.

Andre Perez, Area Rep., Belize Rural South

“I have to agree with you that yes indeed it is one of the symptoms affecting us with the oversaturation of golfcarts on a whole. With the proliferation of many golf cart rental companies coming in. It also has to do with the demand. We have to understand that there is this tourism product that tourists come and one of their experience is the novelty of driving around in a golfcart. They are not use to it. It is only available to them in the U.S. if they go on a golf course. So, that in itself is part of the experience. So, we have to work along with them that they want to ride a golf cart or arriving at the port of entry, getting immediately into one. But we have to find a balance. We cannot displace the taxi people.”

Reporting for News Five, I am Paul Lopez

Andre Perez Says Public Should Have Access to Beaches

On Thursday night, Caye Caulker’s Chairlady, Seleny Villanueva-Pott, issued a stern warning to property owners determined to block public roads and beaches. Her remarks followed a confrontation earlier this week between her council and a resident over the removal of a wooden barricade on a public road. Today, Area Representative Andre Perez echoed her sentiments. But are these property owners feeling empowered by the lack of enforcement from authorities? We asked Perez.

Andre Perez, Area Rep., Belize Rural South

“That specific incident that occurred in Caye Caulker is unfortunate, but it highlights the issue we have been tackling. Again, it is not only enforcement, the laws state that certain waterfrontage, anywhere, including rivers, there are certain areas that is public. But we have to highlight that we need to cooperate and work with one another. Caye Caulker is a very small island and there is always grappling for space. There is nowhere that any space should be closed off to the public, no waterfront that should be closed off to the public. But, it is not only Caye Caulker, it is Ambergris Caye and even in Placencia we are having these issues as well where they have private investors coming in and believe these areas are designed just for their guests. We need to make that clear out there that the beach or sea front is public access anywhere. That goes not only for private individuals who want to close of their properties, but investors and businesspeople, resorts, restaurants, everything.”

Paul Lopez

“Are these private investors emboldened by a lackluster response from authorities, including the area rep and the council?”

Andre Perez

“I would not want to address it as a lackluster response. I think the point where we start off is that we have to tackle the problem. It is unfair to throw it to the authorities that we are not enforcing. We are saying that what we have in front of us is something that we have developed for years, that we are trying to fix. We have to get to the root of the problem.”

Area Rep Says, “No More Docks” in San Pedro Town

Perez pointed out that property owners are also blocking off beaches on Ambergris Caye. He added that the island is cluttered with docks because every property owner thinks they deserve one. But he made it clear that this stops today, putting real estate agencies on notice.

Andre Perez, Area Rep., Belize Rural South

“We need to get to the root of the problem, and one is the real estate agencies. We are working with them, and we had to sit down with them, let them know it cannot be that you cannot be selling a property and letting them know that with that property you are able to get a golfcart, a dock, develop anything. This is what real estate must look at. There is a development of a piece of property to the back where they want to develop and put lots, yet it is in the middle of the reserve. That property was given way back. They want to develop it, and the real estate agency says you can get golf cart rental and all of these things, when you are not guaranteed these things. So, it starts with the real estate agencies. They need to get their act together and let them know that when you sell a property to somebody you cannot guarantee these things. We have people soliciting our offices saying minister or mayor can you help me, these people want a golf cart, they want this, that is a different matter. When you have the investors coming in and saying they promised me a golf cart, a dock, that was only to sell. We must look at that, because the real estate companies are not driving the real issue of buying a property and what it entails, the responsibilities. Buying a waterfront property does not guarantee you tat you will be building a dock. In fact, we are making it clear, no more docks. We need to do beach reclamation and beach reclamation does not mean that belongs to you. Even the restaurant trying to take that space and say we will have more beach, we need to put something there, you can. You can do it temporarily, but you need to pay something to the village council or town council. But it cannot be permanent.”

New NHI BMA Clinic Opened in Belama

On Thursday night, the Belize Medical Associates team and the Ministry of Health celebrated the grand opening of the brand-new BMA N.H.I. Clinic in Belama Phase Two. This primary care clinic offers a wide range of services, from treating everyday ailments like colds and flu to addressing more complex health concerns. The clinic has been serving patients since it opened its doors in December and was officially inaugurated one month later. News Five’s Britney Gordon was at the ceremony to bring us more details about this exciting new healthcare facility.

Britney Gordon, Reporting

Belize’s National Health Insurance is broadening its reach with the opening of a brand-new health facility in Belama Phase Two. The Belize Medical Associates N.H.I. Clinic has been offering primary care to patients since it opened in December. On Thursday, an official ceremony was held to welcome the clinic to the community. Health and Wellness Minister Kevin Bernard shared more about this exciting new endeavor.

Kevin Bernard, Minister of Health & Wellness

“NHI is a service that we’re providing primary care services to our population. And as you know, we are, we are rolling out N.H.I. in the other parts of the country and here in the northern part of Belize district in the Belize city area especially where BMA was able to win the tender. It’s where we can make access to more quality health care. While we have our public facilities, we also need to ensure that citizens have access to other services within the private sector. And this is how the partnership is built.”

The clinic, on Albert Hoy Avenue in Belama Phase Two, is a testament to the strong partnership between the National Health Insurance (NHI) and Belize Medical Associates (BMA). Dr. Victor Rosado, the chairman of BMA’s board, proudly shared that this clinic is the fruit of their well-established collaboration.

Dr. Victor Rosado, Chairman, Board of Directors, B.M.A.

“Belize Medical Associates has been with N.H.I. from its inception in 2001 when it was N.H.I., what we call the South Side City Pilot Project. And Belize Medical Associates started at that time with a clinic on Regent Street and fast forward twenty-four years, when they announced that they would have N.H.I. on the north side of the city, we tendered last year. We won the tender and we started building this clinic. And in December of last year, we opened our doors. And today is just the official opening of the Belize Medical Associates N.H.I. Belama Clinic”.

The clinic boasts a dedicated team of about ten professionals, including doctors, nurses, and specialists, all ready to provide top-notch care. According to Bernard, the clinic is ready to tackle common health issues and well as more complex services.

Kevin Bernard

“This is a primary care facility, so you will have when it comes to prenatal services, you have I mean normal common health issues, cough and cold is just the basic thing it will talk about. But there is also gynecology services, there is I understand that there is no In fact, you will see that they are even offering public health services. Well, it may not be part of the N.H.I. primary care contract, but they are making it available to their customers who come here. And so as you know, primary care is It can cover many other things, but the, the aspect of services ultrasound services, diagnostic services bloo, chemistry services are also offered here.”

The clinic is ready to offer services for up to twelve thousand participants in that area of Belize City and has already seen two thousand five hundred registrations in just two months.

Dr. Victor Rosado

“To register for N.H.I., all you need is a Belize social security card. That is all you need. Once you have a social security card and address, we can register you. Let’s say you live in Orange Walk. Let’s say you live in Cayo, but you work in Belize City. Then you can register with us because this is where you will spend most of your time. So you don’t necessarily have to live in Belama or in Belize City for all intents and purposes. So remember the goal here is for national rollout. So there will be N.H.I. this year in the entire country of Belize.”

Bernard stressed the importance of having more affordable healthcare providers throughout the country, so that every Belizean can access top-notch health services no matter where they live.

Kevin Bernard

“In layman terms, I would say it just costs a penny for you to access quality healthcare. Can you imagine a pregnant woman, as I said, can access, go to N.H.I., get his, get his her ultrasound and pay probably a fraction of that, which is about, sometimes in some cases, ten dollars, seven dollars, . Where would you have heard that that service would have been accessible before at that rate? While government is paying the service provider, through now the support from the Belize Boledo funds, we are now injecting money to help finance N.H.I. services, along with other funds that government, through the Ministry of Health, provides to N.H.I..”

Britney Gordon for News Five.

Mole Infestation Closes Down Port Loyola Polyclinic

Patients who depend on the Port Loyola Polyclinic are dealing with major inconvenience after the health center in the southside community was shut down on Thursday. The closure was due to mold being discovered at the facility, leaving many without their usual healthcare services. Health Minister Kevin Bernard confirmed this during a recent event.

Kevin Bernard, Minister of Health & Wellness

“ One of the things that we had thought very hard about the Port Loyola Polyclinic in closing it down because we needed to ensure that the safety of the patients, the safety of the doctors there were, there are some mold issues in that facility. , I mean, we live in an environment where there’s a humidity and heat at the same time, so we have to look at all of these things. But so far right now, I understand that we’re temporarily going to move those patients out to other facilities, and while we look at a new facility that will be able to provide the service there. So it is an urgent matter like I said, it’s not something we wanted to do, but to protect the health and safety of our citizens, we had to make that tough decision.”

Reporter

“They don’t know how long it may be out of service, so to speak.”

Kevin Bernard

“Of course, while the facility will be out of service, the residents will still have access to other facilities within that area that can get the same service that they were getting at Port Loyola. So we’re not blocking, access, but we are making sure they have access somewhere else while we look at whether a new facility, or upgrading that one and renovating it completely or relocating completely on a new facility.”

Reporter

“And the staff? Where is the staff?”

Kevin Bernard

“The staff will just be incorporated within the city, so there’s no threat to staff losing their job or anything. So they will be placed at other facilities where they need the service, where they need to do their part of their work. So, some will go to Central Health Region, some will be at Mitchell and Albert, some will be placed at the other facilities, Cleopatra and White.. So, there is work, a lot of work in healthcare. And so, one thing, one assurance I want to make that they are not to be worried, but they will have, and continue to do their job. And we will, as soon as we can get a new facility for that area, then we will do so.”

Heart Disease Belize’s Top Killer of 2024

Cardiovascular diseases have been a leading cause of death in Belize for the past five years, and according to the Ministry of Health, they were the top killer in 2024. The ministry warns that serious conditions like hypertension and enlarged hearts can be deadly, especially for those who smoke or indulge in too many sugary and fatty foods. Health and Wellness Minister Kevin Bernard outlined the ministry’s action plan to combat this threat in 2025. Here’s more on that.

Kevin Bernard, Minister of Health & Wellness

“If you notice that Belize signed on to the HEARTS initiative last year. We launched the HEARTS initiative and it is very important that we address the issue of cardiovascular diseases that’s affecting our people, yes. And while it has been one of the highest, I believe it’s almost as in rank with the road traffic accidents that are also killing more people. And so we have to ensure that we’re eating healthy, we’re introducing healthy eating habits in the schools. As you know we’re phasing the issue of sugary bands in schools. We have to do that. We launched our nutrition policy, all about making sure people start to think and understand how you carry yourself, how you eat. So that we could start to live healthy. A lot of us drink the Coke every day. We eat a lot of sweet every day. We have to also look at our lifestyle and our eating habits. Growing up people feel like, Oh when you are, when you have a, a bigger weight. Then you’re more prone to heart attack, But you have younger people dying from heart attack. Because we have to look at the intake of food that we have, the type of fatty foods we are eating, and start to eat more healthier. And that’s one of the things that the ministry is working hard in ensuring that we push the healthy initiatives, not only in the schools, but at the workplace, at every facility that go to, everywhere we are around. Trying to eat healthy, and we’re encouraging people to follow the nutrition guidelines that we have set out as a nation as well to try and help that our people could start to eat much healthier and live happier and longer lives.”

Belize’s Women Animators Complete Bootcamp Program

Seventy-six women and girls from Corozal, Orange Walk, and Belize districts have successfully completed an Animation Bootcamp and were celebrated at an award ceremony earlier today. Out of the seventy-six participants, nineteen entered the animation contest. Ms. Sogelyn Cabrera took home first place, while second place was shared by Ms. Ayanna Leslie and Ms. Inmaculada Sanchez. Miss Priscilla Acosta secured third place. Here’s News Five’s Isani Cayetano with the full story.

Sogelyn Cabrera, Participant

“I knew what I did was wonderful, I put a whole bunch of hours into it and it was just a wonderful experience. It was just, all throughout, a wonderful opportunity and I’m gonna say it again, I thank all of those people who went out of their way to give Belize this chance to all women and girls.”

Women are vital to the animation world, adding richness, diversity, and innovation that make it a more vibrant and dynamic art form. They bring unique perspectives and experiences that enhance storytelling and character development, resulting in content that’s more relatable and inclusive for everyone.

Thea Garcia-Ramirez, Chair, National Women’s Commission

“It is truly an honor to join you all today as we celebrate, really, the culmination of the incredible animation bootcamp. And my, what an inspiring journey it has been to witness the creativity, determination and innovation of our young women and women as they explored the great big world of animation.”

Priscilla Acosta is one of several talented women who dove into an intense training program to master the art of bringing drawings, models, and computer-generated images to life, creating the magic of movement. Women animators have crafted some of the most beloved and culturally significant works in animation, shaping the industry and leaving a lasting impact on popular culture.

Priscilla Acosta, Participant

“It was a lot of hours; and not just working, it was a lot of hours crying. My husband can attest to that. He says that’s my process of working. Like I challenge myself, I can’t do it. I get frustrated, I cry, then I go back and, “Wow, look at what I did, right.”

The animation bootcamp, led by the Taiwanese Embassy, was a fantastic initiative. Having women in animation means female characters are portrayed more authentically and with greater depth. This kind of representation is crucial for audiences of all ages, especially young girls who can see themselves reflected in these stories.

Lily Li-Wen Hsu, Taiwanese Ambassador

“Among the numerous bilateral collaborative projects our two nations work together, the Women’s Empowerment Project is the most rewarding one. With the transformative power of technology and digital artistry, Taiwan is very proud to play a part in this wonderful program and accompany these talented participants in your journey of empowerment.”

Women in leadership roles within animation studios inspire and mentor the next generation of animators, fostering a more inclusive and supportive industry. They have been at the forefront of creative innovation in animation, contributing to groundbreaking techniques and styles that push the boundaries of the medium.

Kevin Bernard, Keynote Speaker

“Animation is more than just an art form. It is a dynamic segment of the orange economy, blending creativity with technology. There are countries like Chile, Guatemala and Panama who have recognized its potential and so now Belize is joining their ranks. This bootcamp, ladies and gentlemen is a testament to our commitment to advancing Belize’s position in the global digital services arena.”

Bernard Says Orange Walk East Ready for Elections

Belizeans across the country are eagerly awaiting Prime Minister John Briceno’s announcement of the 2025 elections. In previous interviews, Briceno hinted that the elections would be held in the first half of the year, sparking excitement among his supporters. The People’s United Party members are especially enthusiastic, having already kicked off their campaign. We spoke with Orange Walk East Area Representative Kevin Bernard, who expressed his readiness for the elections and confidence that his supporters are equally prepared. He shared more about the motivation behind this confidence as the election date approaches.

Kevin Bernard, Area Representative, Orange Walk East

“ Well, you know, I have been prepared from day one. I don’t rest. Every, every single day for me is a preparedness day. for us to be ready for whenever the Prime Minister calls the election. I’m one of those representatives that have constantly been on the ground, trying to ensure that I do as much as I can for my constituency. In fact, when I reviewed my manifesto that I proposed to my constituents the last term, we have accomplished nearly everything. And so it shows that we are committing, ensuring that we are committed to ensure that we can do the work. That’s what I believe it is. So, I am ready. Orange Walk is ready. And I’m very sure that once, whenever the Prime Minister calls the election, and when that day comes, we will be successful once again.”

Britney Gordon

“And for the party on a whole, do you think that there’s a possibility of a clean sweep?”

Kevin Bernard

“I will take a part of the words of the Prime Minister and say, you’ll never gloat your hand hard. We look at what we can, what we can win. It’s going to be a difficult one to get a clean sweep, but it’s not impossible either. The way the opposition is in such a disarray at this point in time, and among the work that this government has been doing. Across this country, whether it’s in health, in education, in land distribution, in making sure that our young people have access to jobs, the BPO’s, I mean, the opportunity, lower unemployment, which is record low, I mean, the poverty rate has gone down. So we are doing a lot to making sure that we are improving the lives of our Belizean people. And I think the Belizean people knows this at one point, you when you feel a budge about elections. You normally feel a budge when you want to vote out on government, but this time it’s a different feeling. People want election because they want to continue to support the government. They want to continue to support the People United Party because of the many work that has been done. I think we have done a wonderful job. There’s of course, there’s much more we could have done, but there’s a lot we are doing. And I want to continue to tell the Belizean people that we will continue under the leadership of John Briceño. We will continue to ensure that we could. Improve and build on plan Belize.”

BSR Area Rep. Confident Voters Will Give Him Another Term

Today in San Pedro, we caught up with Belize Rural South Area Representative Andre Perez to get his take on the upcoming 2025 general elections after a tumultuous term in office. Perez expressed confidence in securing a win, attributing his optimism to his ability to balance his ministerial duties with his role in the constituency, allowing him to connect effectively with voters.

Andre Perez, Area Rep., Belize Rural South

“I cannot say that I am going to win because I have no opponent or a weak opposition. As a political person, you never take anything for granted. I am confident of the work I have done. I am confident of the connection I have had with my electorate. That is important. I have understood well that once you are a minister that is one job. Once you are an area rep, that is one job and once you have learnt how keep those two in place and find your time and spend time with the electorate, you are bound to win. I am confident that I have done that work in engaging my people, having contact, my office opened to everyone, listening to their concerns. Many things that if you go being the scenes, while you deal with the ministry, having that face to face pays off. That is from experience. That is why getting into elections here I know I am going to win because I have done the work and I built the connections, not only here in San Pedro, but in Caye Caulker.”

San Pedro Town Council Floats $28 Million Bond

The San Pedro Town Council has launched a $28 million bond to boost the town’s infrastructure. Mayor Gualberto Nunez shared that they’ve already raised $8 million. While municipal bonds aren’t a new concept—there’s even legislation to support them—some critics argue that this bond was introduced quietly and that residents should have been better informed. We asked Mayor Nunez for his thoughts on the matter.

Wally Nunez, Mayor, San Pedro

“Since we took office we realize there was a lot of need for the island to improve infrastructurally and one of the things we started to look at was floating municipal bonds. It is nothing new. We have been open about it. It is not like some people say that we have been hiding it. Actually the San Pedro Sun took out an article on that a couple weeks ago. Some of the things they have been brining up are things that are being revised so we can float the bond. The budget and all we do as a municipality are exactly that. It is budgeted amount, not exact amount spent. So the municipality have been looking at raising municipal bonds to pay off road works, the bridge, and that is how most municipalities do. The value we are raising is twenty-eight million. At the moment we have raised a little over eight million.”