Benita Keme-Palacio - Greater Belize Media

Mexican Construction Worker Falls to Death in San Pedro

Police are investigating the fatal fall of 40-year-old Hever Badal Torres on Saturday in San Pedro. The Mexican national was reportedly fixing zinc sheets on the roof of a four-storey structure when he stepped on a weak section and plunged to the ground.

Witnesses said a loud noise was heard moments before Torres was found unresponsive. Despite efforts from emergency officials and colleagues to save him, Torres was pronounced dead shortly after at the Dr Otto Rodriguez San Pedro Polyclinic II.

Reports suggest the fall may have been caused by a damaged or unstable section of the roofing. His body has been taken to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital in Belize City for a post-mortem examination.

A second fatal fall occurred the day after and involved a 47-year-old Canadian national who was found dead after falling from the Watermark Hotel’s 3rd-floor balcony. Authorities are still investigating if any possible foul play or other factors were involved.

Canadian Tourist Falls to Death at San Pedro Hotel

Police are investigating the death of a Canadian national who was found dead after a fall at the Watermark Hotel on Sunday. Initial reports indicate that the man, identified as 47-year-old Loran Radchenko, died after falling from the hotel’s 3rd floor balcony.

Radchenko, who was staying on the third floor, had spent Saturday night socialising with others in his room. His guests reportedly left him alone in the room the next morning.

Security footage captured the fatal fall at approximately 7:53 a.m. His body was discovered shortly after.

The Watermark Hotel issued a statement expressing condolences to Radchenko’s loved ones. It said, “We believe it’s important to acknowledge that emotional health is an essential part of overall well-being.” The hotel committed to “fully supporting local authorities as they review the circumstances surrounding the incident.”

It is not yet known whether foul play or other factors were involved.

Live Pig Shortage Triggers Pork Price “Adjustment”

Running W Brand Meats says it is experiencing “challenges in pork supply due to a shortage of live pigs.”

This has led the company to “adjust” its pork prices as of today.

Other than the worsening shortage of live pigs, the company attributed the price change to soaring production costs.

In a notice sent to customers, the company said it exhausted efforts to avoid a price change.

“This adjustment is a direct result of the ongoing supply constraints and rising input costs. While we have made every effort to minimise the impact, this step has become necessary to maintain product availability and high-quality products that we are known for,” it added.

While the company promised transparency and fair product allocation, it acknowledged that the change could cause disruption for buyers.

Will the BNTU Activate Green Machinery on Wednesday?

The Belize National Teachers’ Union (BNTU) is calling on its members across the country to mobilise in large numbers on Wednesday to “formally register their discontent” with the Ministry of Education.

Speaking to members, BNTU National President Nadia Martin-Caliz stated, “Right now, we’re at the table where we need to register our discontent. You have emailed, texted, and met me personally and communicated your frustration, and you have also shared that with your branch leaders.”

She urged teachers, “We need you to come out in record-breaking numbers,” adding, “The only way we can continue is if you go out and you vote and give us the mandate, tell us the direction you want us to go… you formally register that you vote,”

Martin-Caliz revealed that teachers have raised serious concerns, including reports of being wrongly removed from the education system despite meeting licensing requirements.

According to Martin-Caliz, the union has “notified our stakeholders of the action that we are about to take.” She said that the BNTU’s next steps will depend on the response seen this Wednesday. “It is time to formally register our discontent,” she declared.

This follows a series of statements by the union after salary increases were approved for the Cabinet Secretary and chief executive officers days after the March 12 general election. The union called it a “tremendous concern,” adding, “We are now saying to you, the government of Belize, that the BTNU will be meeting with its affiliates and caucusing with its membership because we’re getting ready to take action.”

Pope Francis’ Funeral Mass Set for Saturday Morning

The coffin of the late Pope Francis will be officially sealed during a solemn rite on Friday evening, which will bring an end to public viewing ahead of his funeral on Saturday morning.

Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, will lead the Rite of Sealing, a traditional Vatican ceremony marking the final stage of papal preparations before burial. According to The Vatican News, the ritual will take place inside St Peter’s Basilica and will be attended by senior Cardinals, Vatican clergy, and papal staff.

More than 50,000 mourners have paid their respects since the Pope’s body was placed in state on Wednesday. Public viewing concluded early Thursday morning, following extended hours at the Basilica.

The funeral Mass for Pope Francis is set for 10:00 AM on Saturday and will be led by Cardinal Re. It will also begin the Novemdiales, nine days of mourning Masses, continuing until May 5.

Trump Claims Chinese President Called, China Says No

Tensions between the US and China flared again on Friday, with both sides offering starkly different accounts of ongoing tariff negotiations. President Donald Trump claimed in an interview with TIME magazine that talks with Beijing were underway, even asserting that Chinese President Xi Jinping had called him directly. China swiftly denied any such discussions, accusing the US of “creating confusion.”

The mixed messages have deepened global uncertainty over trade policy, just as world finance leaders wrap up the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank meetings in Washington. While US officials speak of swift progress, many international counterparts remain sceptical. IMF chiefs warn that the lack of clarity could put jobs and global growth at risk.

Signs of de-escalation have emerged, with China easing some tariffs on US goods. Yet Trump’s unpredictable stance, including threats of further duties, continues to rattle markets. Analysts say this chaos leaves key economies scrambling for clarity amid rising global stakes.

Guatemalan Man Busted with Unlicensed Ammo in Toledo

A Guatemalan labourer was arrested in Bella Vista Village, Toledo District, after being found with unlicensed ammunition during a police operation on Thursday, April 24.

Police reported that officers searched 46-year-old Carlos Alberto Gonzalez Marroquin and discovered three 12-gauge cartridges in his pocket.

Gonzalez Marroquin was unable to produce a valid gun licence and was taken into custody. He has been formally charged with Kept Ammunition Without a Gun License.

Fire Destroys House in Sandhill Village

A fire that destroyed a wooden house in Sandhill Village, Belize District, is now under police investigation. The incident occurred on Thursday, April 24, at Mile 16 on the Philip Goldson Highway.

According to police, they found the wooden structure fully engulfed in flames. Firefighters responded and brought the blaze under control and prevented it from spreading to nearby homes.Police reported that 23-year-old Darnel Arnold, a local fisherman, spotted smoke coming from his neighbour Darnell Gideon’s house and raised the alarm. No injuries were reported.

The cause of the fire remains unknown, and authorities are still working to determine the total value of the damages.

Gunman Steals SUV, Cash, Phones in Bold Daylight Robbery

Police are investigating an armed home invasion that occurred around 2:20 p.m. on Thursday, April 24, at Mile 11 on the Old Northern Highway in the Belize District. The homeowner told police he was at home when a man with a firearm approached his residence. Fearing for his life, he fled, leaving a staff member and a friend inside.

According to the victim, the armed suspect entered the home and stole a grey Honda Pilot SUV with license plate BZC-33404, registered to his son.

An undisclosed amount of cash and several cell phones were also taken. No injuries were reported. Authorities are pursuing leads as the investigation continues.

Guatemalan Authorities Withhold Support for Reef Protection Bill

Guatemala’s Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (MARN) and the National Council of Protected Areas (CONAP) have announced they cannot support a proposed law that would expand the Punta de Manabique protected area to include the ecologically valuable Cayman Crown Reef, citing legal and procedural shortcomings.

The proposed legislation, Bill 6499, aims to incorporate the reef, considered one of the best-preserved in the Guatemalan Caribbean, into the existing protected area framework. The reef plays a vital role in sustaining local marine biodiversity and supporting the livelihoods of fishers in the Izabal region.

However, both MARN and CONAP stressed that the bill lacks the required technical foundation to move forward. According to Guatemala’s Protected Areas Law, any official declaration of a protected area must be based on a comprehensive technical study approved by CONAP. Such a study must assess the environmental, social, economic, and cultural conditions of the area and the potential impacts on the local population.

“Without an approved technical study, support from relevant government institutions, and clear social backing, MARN and CONAP cannot endorse the incorporation of Corona Caimán into the protected area.”

Environmental advocates have voiced concern over the delay but acknowledge the need for due process.

The reef, located between Belize and Guatemala within the Sapodilla Cayes Marine Reserve, is a key ecological site. It hosts spawning grounds for finfish and deep-water species and is considered part of the vital Mesoamerican Reef system.

Locals in San Francisco Del Mar now claim a six-mile stretch, including much of Belize’s Conservation Zone 4, as Guatemalan territory, raising fears that NGO patrols will cease and unregulated fishing will resume.