2025 - Greater Belize Media

Placencia Shoreline Clash Over Illegal Jetties

Over on the Placencia Peninsula, a quiet battle is brewing and it’s all happening along the shoreline. Earlier this year, concerned residents took matters into their own hands, removing unauthorized jetties from the protected reserve in the name of sustainability. But just as quickly as they were taken down, some of those same structures popped right back up, reinstalled by defiant homeowners. One resident says the back-and-forth has become exhausting. After partially removing a re-erected jetty next door, they watched the owner put it right back, again. Even after the Department of the Environment stepped in with removal notices, the same homeowner has reportedly returned, placing rocks in the reserve and dredging sand from the seabed to fill behind them. Now, frustrated neighbors are speaking out, saying some property owners are ignoring environmental rules, dismissing community concerns, and showing little regard for the DOE’s authority.

On the Phone: Concerned Placencia Resident

“So I’m relatively new to my neighborhood and so are my neighbors who have been affected by erosion because of these jetties. And other neighbors that have been there long term have tried getting through with the government and it just doesn’t go anywhere. Recently, this year, we were able to get a hold of the Placencia Peninsula Citizens for Sustainable Development, and they started removing the rock jetties because they’re all on reserved land and that’s in our neighborhood. We did verify that these are non-permitted rock structures and this was also verified by the officials from the DOE that came out on May fifteenth, to look at the jetty that’s by our homes. And so, as far as the jetty that affected us, it was put in March nineteenth and it was removed by the coalition on April fifth. Then it was put back in by the same owner after the coalition removed it on May sixth and then we ended up, after they put it back in, we partially removed it as homeowners on the tenth. And then on May thirteenth, the DOE came out and issued warnings that the rock structures had to be removed. And so the homeowner that had the jetty immediately removed it starting on the fourteenth and fifteenth of May and now they put it back in but then also this time they are dredging sand out of the seabed and filling behind the rock structures.”

Pomona Land Dispute Turns Violent, Leaves One Injured

A land dispute is boiling over in Pomona Village after taking a violent turn. What started as a disagreement over property boundaries for seventy-year-old landowner Miguel Angel Trejo and his son, thirty-five-year-old Samuel Trejo, has now escalated into a serious safety concern. The situation reached a boiling point when Samuel, who works as a caretaker at Lemon Grass Farm, was allegedly attacked with a steel pipe by a man identified as Stoney Ferguson, leaving him with serious injuries.

On the phone: Samuel Trejo, Pomona Resident

“The issue is because they have a cave to my place and then he wants to take the cave he asked for permission to go to my property to access the cave I told him no problem right because I know him from long time but now he wants my place he cause me the problem because he wants to go to my place you know. Well from long time he come in like a friend and he said he wanted coconut so I let him take coconuts every time he comes and from there like how I said he came and he said he want access the caves and he want pass right and everything me di go good then afterwords he start to pass the limit he burn down my bathroom he broke down my things them and then my dad gone make the report because I mi di work I neva have time and nothing get through so and the month weh gone he wait for me under my house with a piece of steel and wait until I come out I have my bathroom outside I walk out side and gone use the bathroom I feel the hit pan my head and he di lash me and I manage to get way and when I turn round and look I track da he and I tell him “watch weh you do to me” I tell ah “this no wa stay so I wah ker this da di police”

Trejo: I Own the Land, and I Can Prove It

We spoke by phone with Miguel Angel Trejo, who says he’s the rightful owner of the property now under intense scrutiny. Trejo didn’t just come with claims, he came with receipts: photographs, videos, and legal documents that he says prove his ownership. But that’s not all. Trejo told us he’s worried about his safety, especially after he says that the area representative offered him ten acres of land, on one condition: that he walks away from his own. And in a bold claim, he recounted a violent encounter involving Stoney Ferguson, who allegedly attacked his motorcycle with a machete. Trejo showed us a police report and documents indicating that Stoney’s mother later paid for the damage.

On the Phone: Miguel Angel Trejo, Pomona Resident

“On the eighth of April I was told that Stoney had come back again. I went to check, and they told me that he had arrived with a man that looked like a tourist, and he was showing him the place around, but Stoney claimed that the place was his and that no one could say anything to him. I told him I was going to speak with Mr. Rodwell to explain what was going on, I said to Mr. Rodwell “I’ve been living there for twenty years and now your son has come in aggressively insulting us and telling us to leave” he already brought six men to clean here. Mr. Rodwell told me that he was going to check it out himself and ask them to leave because he hadn’t sent anyone there. Two days later the police came to my home in the cave and asked me what was going on I told them Mr. Rodwell son came aggressively with a machete demanding that we leave “I don’t want any trouble I’m just here to work we have our chickens, sheep and pigs I’m just trying to make a living.” The police then asked if they could come in to take a look and when they did Stoney was also there. Mr. Rodwell is offering me ten acres of land in exchange to evacuate the property where I am currently living now but when I went to see him to see if he would give me the ten acres, he told me it was no longer ten acres that he was willing to give to me. What he did is that he damaged my motorcycle with a machete and I filed a police report, and I also requested court action because it was an act of abuse toward me, he wanted to kill me. I charged him seven hundred and fifty dollars for damage caused to my motorcycle and he did pay me the seven hundred and fifty dollars at the police station, and I requested a receipt.”

As the property dispute draws increasing attention, we reached out to Stann Creek Area Representative Rodwell Ferguson to get his side of the story. But when we contacted him by phone, he declined to comment, telling us simply that he does not wish to be involved.

DFC Hits Major Milestone with GFC Accreditation

The Development Finance Corporation, or DFC, has just made history, becoming the first financial institution in Belize to earn accreditation from the Green Climate Fund. What does that mean? Access to up to one hundred million dollars for climate-friendly projects. According to DFC’s CEO Henry Anderson, this milestone could mean lower interest rates and new incentives for businesses and individuals investing in clean energy, sustainable infrastructure, and water security. It’s a major step toward building a more climate-resilient Belize.

Henry Anderson, Chief Executive Officer, DFC

“This is really big and it is not only big for DFC, it is big for Belize. There is a thing called the Paris Agreement. And countries make determinations of what they will do every year to reach targets by 2030. The Green Climate Fund was created out of that, to assist countries in accessing finances to meet those National Determined Contributions and to adjust transitions away from fossil fuels. So DFC getting this accreditation allows Belize to access these finances. I must say, PACT is already accredited, so we are the second entity. PACT is accredited to do grants and we are accredited to do other financial instruments. So, we can do loans. We can do guarantees, equity, blending. So it allows us, Belize’s development bank, to have access to the funds to do projects up to a hundred million Belize dollars. So that is a different level and it creates the flexibility we need as a country. For DFC, if I may add, DFC has done a lot of work at the legal level. We changed the act to broaden the scope to strengthen the governance of DFC. As part of this process we got funding through the Green Climate Fund to fill what we call a readiness gap, to tighten the areas we needed to strengthen. That process started all the way back in 2019 and finished in 2023. We must say thanks to the Caribbean Development Bank for assisting us and serving as our mentor through that proves. What this accreditation is saying to the world is that DFC is one of two hundred entities that meets this level of governance and ability to do business with the GCF, so it is big.”

Anderson says DFC hopes to see the first project get off the ground within the next year and a half. He also thanked the Ministry of Economic Development for this support in acquiring this accreditation.

Garifuna Leaders, Government Unite for Historic Talks in Belmopan

A powerful conversation took center stage in Belmopan this week, as the Ministry of Constitution and Religious Affairs, Indigenous Affairs, and Transportation welcomed some of the most respected voices from the Garifuna community. It all happened on Monday, right at the Ministry’s headquarters—where leaders, advocates, and government officials came together to talk about real issues, real solutions, and a shared vision for the future. From land rights to cultural preservation, the dialogue was open, honest, and full of purpose. And with names like Roy Cayetano, Mayor Robert Mariano, and Cynthia Ellis Topsey at the table, alongside Minister Dr. Louis Zabaneh and his team, it was clear this wasn’t just another meeting. It was a meaningful step toward deeper collaboration and lasting change.

The Show You’ve Been Waiting For Is Back: Get Your Tickets for KTV The Remix Season 7!

Get ready, Belize! KTV The Remix is back for its seventh electrifying season, and tickets are officially on sale. After this week’s live auditions, you’ve already met the voices of this year’s aspiring contestants. So, have you picked your favourite yet?

Don’t miss a moment of the magic. Tickets are available now at the Greater Belize Media studio on Coney Drive and the 88 Shopping Center on Central American Boulevard in Belize City. Prices are just $5, while supplies last, so grab yours early!

KTV The Remix is more than a show; it’s a Belizean tradition around this time of the year. Every Tuesday night, families fill the Bliss Centre and cheer on fearless performers as they compete for the title and the grand prize.

And did you know this year’s season comes with an exciting twist? That’s right! A “safe card” that a rotating guest judge will wield to keep a talented singer in the game. It’s one way the producers are making sure that true talent shines, not just popularity.

Bring your crew, get your tickets, and be part of the unforgettable energy that only KTV The Remix can bring!

Man Chopped in Xaibe; News 5 Reporter Also Attacked

A 70-year-old man is recovering in hospital following a chopping incident in Xaibe Village, Corozal.

Police say the attack happened around 10:00 a.m. this morning. Officers responded to a report shortly after and found Porfilio Estevan Copo suffering from multiple chop wounds.

According to initial investigations, Copo had just exited a store when he got into a confrontation with another man. During the altercation, Copo allegedly pulled a machete before sustaining injuries himself.

News 5 confirmed that Copo attempted to ride away on his bicycle but collapsed in a nearby yard roughly 100 feet from where the incident took place.

Copo was transported to the Corozal Community Hospital, where he remains in stable condition.

While confirming details at the scene, News 5’s reporter Paul Lopez was also physically attacked by an intoxicated man wielding a machete. Fortunately, Lopez was not injured and is safe.

Belize’s Sweet Industry Turns Sour: Sugar Prices Expected to Rise

There is serious consideration being given to increasing the price of sugar. This comes as the country’s northern cane fields face a full-blown agricultural crisis. Climate change, compounded by a fast-spreading fungus called fusarium infesting sugarcane fields and other biological threats, has triggered more than $50 million in losses and decimated this year’s crop.

The reality is that sugarcane farmers are feeling the pinch and say they are now struggling to survive. Many rely on loans to maintain their fields, but banks are pulling back due to declining yields.

“When the mill announces the second payment, farmers go to the banks,” said Agriculture Minister Jose Mai. “The banks would say, ‘Well, your production dropped, and your fields are diseased. How would you like me to lend you money?’

Mai explained that sugarcane farmers face some of the toughest financing conditions in agriculture. “Unfortunately, at this time, sugarcane is the only crop that farmers go every year to the banks for the same exact surface area of production; it’s sad. At 14%, it’s difficult to survive.”

He added, “Having lower production, a lower price, and having a yield that you’re uncertain of, all this puts pressure on the farmer and pressure on the financing sector.”

Mai confirmed that Belize’s sugar output dropped by 25,000 tonnes this year. While the country’s local consumption is about 12,000 tonnes, he raised concerns about contraband from Mexico, where sugar sells for three times more than in Belize.

“Clearly, if the price of sugar is three times more expensive there, and ours is 75 cents here, the contraband becomes rampant; it becomes uncontrollable,” Mai said. “That’s why we are saying that we need to increase our price to maintain our sugar here, and we will not import from the US this year.”

Though the increase of the sugar price is not a new idea, with it already being presented to Cabinet but not approved, Mai said the matter is back under review. “We are getting some pushback, but I think it is just fair that farmers get a fair price for their sugar.”

Farmers argue that the current pricing model no longer covers production costs. All four sugarcane associations are now pushing for a price hike on sugar, molasses, and energy production linked to bagasse.

“If we don’t get the assistance needed, we will end up with a sugar industry where we don’t have any production,” Alfredo Ortega told News 5, Chair of the Belize Sugar Cane Farmers Association (BSCFA).

Meanwhile, a biological treatment using Trichoderma fungus offers hope when it comes to addressing the fungus issue. The government has committed $500,000 to a pilot project with the goal of controlling the outbreak ahead of next year’s crop.

BTB Wants a Final Say from CCJ on $1.2 Million Payouts to Former Employees

The Belize Tourism Board is considering taking its legal fight to the Caribbean Court of Justice after a string of courtroom losses over contract terminations.

The most recent blow came when the High Court ruled in favour of former IT head Norman Young, awarding him over $230,000 in compensation for what the court deemed a wrongful dismissal from his fixed-term contract.

This follows a ruling by the Court of Appeal in favour of Karen Bevans, the former Director of Tourism, who was awarded $770,000. In 2023, the High Court also awarded Misty Michael, former Director of Marketing, $217,000, stating her dismissal was unjustified.

Speaking on the matter on Open Your Eyes this morning, Tourism Minister Anthony Mahler said the government is reviewing the option of escalating the case.

“Those monies have already been paid you know. These are not new things. What we did was to appeal the judgement, and we lost,” he said.

He pointed to the court’s finding that there was “no board oversight” in approving the contracts and called it a “fundamental principle.”

Mahler said the contracts in question were signed under the previous administration and were heavily one-sided.

“It is not like we are taking advantage of those individuals. The contracts were one-sided in their favour just in the event that something like this would happen,” Mahler added.

Despite appeals, the courts have so far ruled in favour of the former employees. Mahler maintains that the process that led to those contracts was flawed.

Has St John Vianney Been Abandoned?

St John Vianney School on Fabers Road, Belize City, has issued a public plea after revealing that the school has suffered repeated acts of vandalism and burglaries.

The school also said that its security guard has worked for over a year without pay, and

In a statement shared on social media, the school stated, “A Message to Our Community… Today we are heartbroken. We have had a security guard working at our school for over a year, faithfully showing up every day, without receiving a single cent.”

Despite numerous appeals for help, the school says it has received no support.

Adding to the distress, the school says it has been hit multiple times by vandals. Photos shared by the institution show a broken door lock, shattered windows, damaged wooden panels and splintered boards scattered on the ground.

“The damage is not just physical; it’s emotional. It’s spiritual. It’s a wound to a place that has given so much,” the administrators said.

The school added, “We ask: Where is our community?This is not just about one person or one building. It’s about honoring commitment, respecting service, and protecting a place that belongs to all of us.”

They are now calling on anyone who has been impacted by the school to come forward in support and help safeguard the school. “We ask you to stand with us now. Let your voice be heard. Help us protect and uplift what we’ve built together.”