Benita Keme-Palacio - Greater Belize Media

National Student Union Demands Action on Harassment Claims at UB

The National Student Union of Belize (NSUB) is demanding urgent action and a full investigation into allegations of sexual harassment made against UB assistant professor, Dr. Pio Saqui.

Saqui is on administrative leave as the university conducts an investigation.

On April 16, News Five learnt that UB had records of complaints against Dr Saqui, who is also the president of the University of Belize Faculty and Staff Union (UBFSU), with the most recent damning complaint dated April 8.

Four students accused Dr Saqui of unwanted touching, sexual remarks, invasive questions, and persistent physical contact “despite visible discomfort and refusal.”

News Five reached out to Dr Saqui several times through various means when we broke the story. He has yet to reply to our request for comments.

In its statement, the NSUB said it “unequivocally condemns all forms of sexual harassment and misconduct” and voiced firm support for students who have come forward with claims spanning over a decade, calling the allegations “deeply concerning.”

The union said it “demands a thorough and transparent response.”

“We urge UB to ensure that this process adheres to the principles of fairness, impartiality, and accountability,” the union said, citing the university’s Student Handbook and the Anti-Sexual Harassment Act of 2024.

The union also called on the university to protect students from retaliation and to provide mental health support throughout the investigation. “

The NSUB said it will “continue to monitor this situation closely” and work to ensure student safety remains a top priority.

GoFundMe Launched for Chito Martinez’s Funeral Costs

A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to assist the family of Chito Martinez, the first and only Major League Baseball player born in Belize, following his death on Sunday, 20 April, at the age of 59.

Martinez passed away at his home in Lake Cormorant, Mississippi, after a series of recent hospitalisations. The cause of death has not been officially released, but according to the GoFundMe page, he had suffered a heart attack.

Ramiro Cortes, a close friend who organised the fundraiser, described Martinez as “a great friend who would give you the shirt off his back” and appealed for support to ease the financial burden on his widow.

“I have started this GoFundMe to help his widow with funeral and other expenses she will incur in the immediate future,” he said. “I ask that you search your heart for anything you can provide. Even prayers for God’s peace. It will bring great comfort in knowing that it will be one less thing she will have to deal with.”

Martinez’s funeral will be held Friday, 25 April, at Coleman Funeral Home in Southaven.

Domestic Violence Survivor Speaks Out After Near-Fatal Attack

A woman who narrowly escaped death after a brutal attack by her ex-partner is now pleading for public support as she works to rebuild her life.

The woman, formerly of San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, relocated to Belize City for safety after the incident. She told Ladyville Highlights she survived multiple stab wounds inflicted by her former partner, including stab injuries to her head, face, and under her arm. “I tried to defend myself, and that’s how I got more injuries… Lotta blood I lose,” she said.

The mother of four said she fought back to survive for her children. “I fight back because I have my four beautiful children,” she stated.

She revealed the abuse had been ongoing, with several police reports made. “This situation been in police hands more than one time,” she said. Though she tried to leave, she claimed her ex repeatedly returned and intimidated her. “I tried my best to leave him,” she told Ladyville Highlights.

The woman is now recovering and staying with a friend during her “transition” into rebuilding her life. Though her children are not with her at the moment, she hopes to be reunited with them soon.

She is now seeking the public’s help for financial assistance to cover her ongoing medical expenses, including a CT scan and a full assessment of the injuries she sustained, as she continues her recovery.

“Anybody who wants to extend their hands to me and help me, because I really need the help,” she said. Assistance can be made through Ladyville Highlights.

“To the young ladies,” she advised, “listen to your parents, make your parents your best friends, talk to your parents.”

Belize’s First MLB Player, Chito Martinez, Dies at 59

The first and only Major League Baseball player born in Belize, Chito Martinez, died at the age of 59. His death was confirmed by the Baltimore Orioles on Tuesday, 22 April, in a tribute posted on social media.

“We mourn the passing of former Orioles outfielder Chito Martinez, the only native of Belize to play in the majors,” the team wrote.

Martinez passed away on Sunday following a heart attack in Lake Cormorant, Mississippi. An official cause of death has not yet been released, but he had recently undergone several hospitalisations, according to a GoFundMe page set up to support his family.

Martinez moved to New Orleans when he was two years old and became a baseball standout at Brother Martin High School. Drafted by the Kansas City Royals in 1984, he later joined the Orioles, making his MLB debut in 1991. He played three seasons with the club, batting .259 with 18 home runs.

His younger brother, Robbie Martinez, told Crescent City Sports, “They called Chito ‘Mex’ and called me ‘Little Mex.’ He introduced me to baseball. I worshipped those guys in 1983 and 1984 at Brother Martin. Even more, he taught me about life, about how to be a dad, about golf, above and beyond baseball.”

Chito’s high school coach, Barry Hebert, praised him as “a once-in-a-lifetime young man to coach. He led by example.”

Martinez is survived by his wife Millie, three children, and extended family. A funeral service will be held Friday, April 25, at Coleman Funeral Home in Southaven, Mississippi.

Trump Hints at Lower China Tariffs, Markets Surge

Global markets surged after US President Donald Trump signalled a softer approach on trade tariffs and confirmed he has “no intention of firing” Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, BBC reported.

Speaking in the Oval Office, Trump said tariffs on Chinese imports would “come down substantially, but it won’t be zero”. He also described future talks with China as “very nice” in tone. This has raised hopes of progress in the long-running trade dispute.

The president’s comments mark a shift from his previous confrontational stance. Trump had imposed tariffs as high as 145% on Chinese goods in a bid to bring jobs back to the US. But with reciprocal action from Beijing and economic uncertainty mounting, markets welcomed signs of a thaw.

Asian stock indexes reacted positively, with Japan’s Nikkei up 1.9% and Hong Kong’s Hang Seng rising 2.2%. US markets also rallied, with the S&P 500 climbing 2.5% on Tuesday.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) warned this week that global growth is slowing due to tariff uncertainty. China has yet to officially respond, but state media suggested the US may now realise the damage caused by the trade war.

Will the BNTU Take Action Over CEO Pay Hikes?

The Belize National Teachers’ Union (BNTU) expressed strong disapproval over the salary increases granted to chief executive officers and the cabinet secretary, describing them as “obscene” while teachers continue to wait for overdue pay adjustments.

In an official statement released on Wednesday, April 16, the union said it noted “with tremendous concern, the obscene salary increases for government officials that has been made public through a recent document from the desk of the Cabinet Secretary.”

According to an official document dated March 28, 2025, signed by Cabinet Secretary Stuart Leslie and addressed to Financial Secretary Joseph Waight and the CEOs, the salary adjustments were approved but retroactively took effect from 13 March. The Cabinet Secretary’s annual salary was raised to $96,000, while CEOs to $88,000 annually, a 15.7% increase from the previous $76,000.

That same day, the President of BNTU, Nadia Martin-Caliz, addressed members in a livestream, saying, “I’ve heard your cries, I’ve received your messages, and everything. My action is going to take directly to your demands.”

The BNTU reminded the Government of Belize of its unmet commitments regarding educators’ frozen and outstanding increments.

She spoke on the disparity between public officers’ salary hikes and teachers’ unresolved issues, stating, “Every time we see persons being paid while our educators are suffering. 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.

British Cyclist Wins Belize’s 95th Cross Country Title

British cyclist Jim Brown of the Miami Blazers emerged as the 95th Cross Country Champion on Saturday, completing the demanding race at Digi Park in 5 hours, 45 minutes and 40 seconds.

Brown edged out Alfredo Bueno of Legion of Los Angeles, who took second, with Omar Espinosa of Knix and Knax in third. The highest-placed Belizean cyclist crossed the line in fourth.

Brown, who arrived in Belize just days before the race, admitted he was unprepared for Belize’s weather. “Super difficult, to be honest; I’m really not used to this whole weather,” he said. “I was not feeling good at all in the middle part of the race.”

Despite a rough start, Brown said he strategically followed the defending champion and formed a small working group. “That cohesion was not behind, so we just took off, and that was that,” he explained.

When he saw the leading group had opened a three-minute gap, Brown said it was a clear sign he “should have a really good chance” at the win.

The UK-based rider said he trains around 20 hours a week, often in hilly terrain and mixed weather, but stated, “I didn’t know what we were heading for, but I loved it.”

NICH Joins Belize in Mourning The Death of Deon “Concego” Ögaldez

Belize’s music and cultural community is grieving the death of artist, songwriter, and producer Deon “Concego” Ögaldez, who passed away following a motorcycle accident on Thursday, April 17

In a statement, the National Institute of Culture and History (NICH) hailed Concego as a vibrant force in Belizean music, saying it joins the “Belizean creative community and fans in mourning.”

Concego died three days after the accident. He was hospitalised at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.

NICH added, “His undeniable passion and talent are evident in a string of hits such as “Siddong and Bounce”, “Sufrida” and “Namule”, among others…He was known for his boisterous and energetic performances, at home in Belize and on international stages in the U.S., Mexico and Guatemala.”

In 2024, Concego co-produced “Belizean Party” for the National Celebrations and, in 2021, contributed “Work Together” to the Belize-Taiwan Song Commission.

Since his passing, fans have flooded social media with tributes, mourning a powerful voice in Garifuna culture.

SSB Welcomes New Chair Chandra Nisbet Cansino

The Social Security Board (SSB) has welcomed Chandra Nisbet Cansino as Chair of the Board of Directors, effective from 1 April 2025.

In a statement issued by the SSB, the board praised Nisbet Cansino’s extensive background in public service and senior management, calling her appointment timely and strategic. “She joins us at a pivotal time as we strive to enhance our services to insured persons, employers, and the broader society,” SSB stated.

Nisbet Cansino is expected to play a key role in steering the SSB towards greater sustainability and efficiency. “We welcome her in this new role with the Social Security Board and look forward to her guidance, experience, and vision in strengthening our policies, improving our systems, and ensuring the sustainability and efficiency of our social security programmes,” the statement added.

The appointment comes as the Board intensifies efforts to modernise its services and strengthen its institutional framework. She remains as CEO of the KHMH.

Pilot of Hijacked Plane Speaks Out: “A Second Chance at Life”

Howell Grange, the pilot of the hijacked domestic Tropic Air plane on Thursday, April 17, issued a statement this morning expressing deep gratitude for a “second chance at life.”

On Thursday morning, 49-year-old U.S. military veteran Akinyela Sawa Taylor hijacked a Tropic Air Cessna Caravan aircraft, registered V3-HIG, at knifepoint. The flight was en route from Corozal to San Pedro and was carrying 14 passengers and two crew members.

Despite making a safe landing at the Philip Goldson International Airport (PGIA) after being hijacked in mid-flight, three passengers, including pilot Grange, were stabbed. Law enforcement, medical, and fire personnel were ready at PGIA when the plane landed. Fitzgerald Brown and Jair (Franchesco) Castañeda and pilot Grange were immediately given medical attention for their injuries. Images and videos from inside the plane show a severely injured Castañeda, while the other passengers huddled at the back of the plane.

A passenger on board the aircraft shot and killed Taylor moments after the plane landed at the PGIA.

In his statement on social media, Grange credited his survival to the quick response of authorities, his family’s support, and divine intervention, stating, “All your prayers, which I believe are the reason I’m still here today.”

Grange also commended Brown and Castañeda’s bravery during the ordeal and wished them a speedy recovery. He said, “To Mr Brown and Jair Castaneda, congratulations on your bravery. I am forever grateful for your help, and I wish you both a smooth and speedy recovery.”

Grange, who was hospitalised in critical condition over the long Easter weekend, remains getting treatment in Belize City. In a statement, he said, “I am able to stay positive and focus on healing from this incident. I thank the Good Lord for giving me a second chance at life, one that I will cherish even more deeply moving forward.”