Author: Benita Keme-Palacio

Here is the latest of the measles outbreak in Belize 

Health authorities have confirmed seven measles cases, with more under investigation, primarily centred in the Spanish Lookout community.

The Ministry of Health and Wellness (MOHW) reported that two lab-confirmed cases were detected on 12 April, followed by five clinically diagnosed cases linked to one of the originals.

Surveillance has since increased, and the MOHW is urging the public to follow strict vaccination guidelines. Children should receive two MMR doses at 12 and 18 months. Unvaccinated individuals over 18 months are advised to get two doses a month apart. One booster is recommended for those previously partially vaccinated, and anyone unsure of their status should receive one dose.

Following exposure, unvaccinated persons must quarantine for up to 21 days. Vaccinated individuals do not require isolation. The MMR vaccine is not recommended for pregnant women or the immunocompromised.

Public reaction has pointed out the timing of the alert. One social media user commented: “A month ago and the release comes out only now? You have any idea how many bus loads of children have been to trips to Cayo and stopped in Spanish Lookout since April 12?”

“He Was Loved”: Family Demands Answers in Selvin Sealy’s Death

A grieving family is demanding answers following the death of 32-year-old Selvin Sealy Jr, who died in police custody on Monday morning in San Pedro Town. Though the police initially reported the deceased as a 23-year-old, relatives have clarified that Sealy was, in fact, 32.

Police say Sealy was acting erratically near Villa Abrazos in San Pedro at around 6:30 in the morning, reportedly climbing a tree after claiming to be chased by a dog. The Assistant Commissioner of Police, Hilberto Romero, told reporters on Monday that officers instructed Sealy to come down, and after a dispute, used force to subdue him.

Sealy was taken to the local station, where officers noticed he was unresponsive. He was rushed to the San Pedro Polyclinic, where he was pronounced dead.

Meanwhile, a family member speaking out on social media described Selvin as a loved and cherished figure, raised by his extended family from the age of five. “Selvin was no saint, though he had his struggles like any of us, but to me, he was a wonderful nephew,” the relative said.

The family stated that Sealy will be remembered as a kind-hearted and deeply loved person but have demanded answers, stating, “I pray that the truth comes to light and that justice is served.”

Belizean EARTH Graduate Leads Food Security Research in Belize

Belizean 2015 graduate of EARTH University’s Agricultural Sciences programme and an alumnus of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, Shamir Carrillo, says the institution’s values continue to shape his work in sustainable farming and food security.

Carrillo has worked across several key agricultural sectors in Belize, including the sugarcane industry, and other roles that allowed him to manage major operations in crop production and farm logistics.

“It was really enlightening to see that having several years of both theory and practice at EARTH made me feel knowledgeable about many technical aspects and practices of the farm, from land preparation and harvest to preparing for the export market,” Carrillo said.

Now the Station Manager at Central Farm Station under the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security, and Enterprise, Carrillo leads research focused at improving rural prosperity and advancing food security in Belize.

“EARTH it has been one step ahead of most institutions. As agents of change, we have always valued sustainable agriculture, those are the main objectives the professors put into our minds. The whole idea of conserving the environment and finding solutions and not just signaling the problems, those were key concepts in our courses,” Carrillo added.

Man Knocked Down and Killed After Buying Mother’s Day Gift

A fatal road traffic accident claimed the life of Francisco Melendez, also known as “Wero”, on Saturday night, May 10th, 2025, in Trial Farm Village, Orange Walk District.

Assistant Commissioner of Police Hilberto Romero said that Melendez was riding his bicycle when the incident happened.

Melendez was riding along the San Martin Road heading home after purchasing a Mother’s Day gift for his wife when he was struck by an SUV.

“Melendez was taken for treatment where he succumbed to his injuries,” Romero added.

The vehicle was driven by Anastacio Bermudes, who remained at the scene. He is currently in police custody and “will be charged,” Romero added.Residents say San Martin Road has long been dangerous for cyclists and pedestrians, especially at night due to poor lighting and frequent speeding. “Make them put up street lights; it’s too dark,” a Trial Farm stated on social media.

He Was Lured to His Death 

Police continue to investigate the murder of 27-year-old Zinedine Pinelo, who was gunned down on Friday during what authorities suspect was a targeted robbery on Hunter’s Lane in Belize City.

According to Assistant Commissioner of Police Hilberto Romero, Pinelo travelled to the area with another man to conduct what was initially believed to be a motorcycle purchase.

“Information that he went to Hunter’s Lane, along with another male person, to do a business transaction. Thereafter, when he arrived there, there were six other persons there, and they attacked him, robbed him, and one of the persons shot him, causing his fatal injuries,” Romero told reporters. 

Investigators now suspect that the transaction was a set-up. “We believe he was led there,” Romero added. 

He had reportedly brought an undisclosed amount of cash and a licensed 9mm pistol, both of which were stolen. 

Romero confirmed that two individuals are currently in custody in connection with the murder. Police have also located and are interviewing the person who accompanied Pinelo from San Pedro. That individual was unharmed during the incident and is not yet classified as a suspect.

ComPol Rosado Says No Criminal Offense Found in Little Gabriel’s Death

Police have confirmed that no criminal offense was committed in the tragic death of six-year-old Gabriel Orellano, a student at Stella Maris School, who drowned at sea after leaving the school premises unsupervised on Monday, February 3.

Little Gabriel managed to exit the school through the main entrance. A few short hours later, he was found drowned in the nearby sea. The case prompted two investigations, one by the Ministry of Education and another by the police.

Despite the completion of the police investigation months ago, no public update was given until Friday when newly appointed Commissioner of Police Dr Richard Rosado was questioned during the teachers’ demonstration. 

Rosado told reporters that “the file was forwarded to the director of public prosecution office, and from what I can recollect, it was ‘no criminal offense was committed or were committed,’ and it was an internal issue that needed to be addressed by the institution.”

Rosado clarified that the matter was considered an internal issue to be handled by the school “because certain things should have been put in place.”

 

US and China Slash Tariffs in 90-Day Trade Truce

The United States and China have agreed to a 90-day pause in their escalating trade war, slashing tariffs on both sides in what President Donald Trump called “a total reset with China” this morning at the White House, according to The Guardian.

Following two days of high-level talks, US tariffs on Chinese goods will drop from a peak of 145% to 30%, while China’s retaliatory duties will fall from 125% to 10% by Wednesday, or “maybe at the end of the week,” Trump added.

The breakthrough comes ahead of a conversation between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping.

The talks, led by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng, produced a joint statement confirming the dialogue.

The Guardian reported that Bessent spoke on the progress made, telling reporters, “Neither side wants a decoupling,” and suggesting the truce could be extended “as long as there is good faith effort, engagement, and constructive dialogue.”

 

Belizean Appointed to NCDA Board

Laura Tucker-Longsworth of the Healthy Caribbean Coalition will represent the Caribbean on the Board of the NCD Alliance (NCDA) for the 2025–2027 term. Her appointment was confirmed during the NCDA’s virtual General Assembly, the alliance’s highest governing body, which convenes every two years.

Tucker-Longsworth joins a 14-member board composed of global leaders in noncommunicable disease (NCD) advocacy and policy.

“It has been such a privilege and an honour to have served as the NCDA President over the past two years,” said the outgoing President, Dr Monika Arora. “I have every confidence NCDA will continue to go from strength to strength under the leadership of Leslie Rae Ferat and the new Board during these next two years.”

Leslie Rae Ferat will now be leading the new board for the next two years. The new board is expected to play a critical role as the NCDA approaches the fourth UN High-Level Meeting on NCDs. “. I look forward to working with the Board, the NCDA team and our members around the world to deliver meaningful change for the millions of people at risk and living with NCDs,” Ferat said.

 

Attempted Murder in Corozal

Police are investigating the attempted murder of 34-year-old Charles Itzab in Corozal Town on Wednesday night. According to police, Itzab was attacked while riding his bicycle on Diego Street just before 7:30.

Reports are that an unknown assailant approached and opened fire, hitting Itzab in several parts of his body. He was first taken to Corozal Community Hospital and then transferred to the Northern Regional Hospital, where he remains in critical but stable condition.

Police have not disclosed the motive behind the attack, and no suspects have been detained.

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