Benita Keme-Palacio - Greater Belize Media

SP Mayor Responds to San Pedro Taxi Drivers’ Concerns

San Pedro Mayor Gualberto “Wally” Nuñez has responded to concerns raised by taxi drivers in San Pedro. As we have reported, taxi drivers on the island are up in arms because they claim they are being deprived of making a livelihood. They say that golf cart companies on the island are operating without proper authorisation and causing safety issues for tourists. According to Ademir Vega, president of the Five Star Taxi Association, the rental companies are allegedly harassing tourists and overcrowding golf carts, making them unsafe.

The situation has also led to parking problems at the San Pedro Belize Express Water Taxi terminal. Taxi drivers say that the town council has yet to address their concerns.

In an interview with News 5, Mayor Nuñez assured that his administration is taking action to address the issue. “We have had one or two companies that we actually suspended their trade for a period of time,” Nuñez said, adding that companies violating regulations could face further penalties, including the revocation of their trade licenses.

The mayor also clarified that while the council has authority over public areas, the location in question is private property. “We have to bear in mind that that location is a private company, and it’s private property. The council can just regulate what is outside,” Nuñez said.

Nuñez added that the town council is working with an attorney to send letters to rental companies that continue to operate unlawfully, demanding they move from restricted areas. “At the moment, we’re looking at the ones that are insisting and going in these areas that they will be sent a letter from our attorney that they will have to move,” he said.

San Pedro Taxi Drivers Protest ‘Unlawful Golf Cart Hustling’

Taxi drivers in San Pedro are calling for immediate action to stop unlawful practices by golf cart rental companies at the island’s ports. On Thursday morning, a group of taxi drivers protested outside Mayor Gualberto ‘Wally’ Nuñez’s office, demanding a solution to what they see as unsafe and unlawful behaviour affecting their business and the safety of tourists.

Ademir Vega, president of the Five Star Taxi Association, told News 5 that the issue has been discussed with the mayor and local representatives for nearly three years. Despite numerous talks, Vega says no real action has been taken. “We have been addressing it with the mayor and the respective authorities with the traffic ministry here in San Pedro as well. Nothing has been implemented,” he said.

According to Vega, golf cart rental companies are operating illegally at the San Pedro ports. “These companies are hustling at the ports of entry and leaving tourists to feel harassed and unsafe,” Vega said. He claims these companies are offering transportation to tourists without proper authorisation, which he describes as both unlawful and dangerous, he said that “trade license permit or certificate that rental companies get, specifies that they must operate from their offices locations.”

“Several guys that do not work for a company that will not even provide or have any job with somebody in a specific, but they will just go around asking tourists if they want a golf cart to try to see if they can make a commission out of selling a golf cart to anyone,” he said.
Vega described rental companies’ tactics as “against the law and unsafe and unprofessional” for tourists. He stated this puts tourists at risk when they are transported on overloaded golf carts.

He says that the situation has worsened, with rental companies now taking up parking spaces at the newly relocated San Pedro Belize Express Water Taxi terminal. According to Vega, this has caused congestion and made it difficult for taxi drivers to park and pick up passengers. “Several guys that do not work for a company just go around asking tourists if they want a golf cart to try to see if they can make a commission out of selling a golf cart to anyone,” Vega explained.

Despite numerous complaints, the taxi federation claims that the traffic department and Mayor Nuñez have yet to act. Vega says that the Federation is now considering legal action after years of discussions. “We are moving forward with the next steps… We are proceeding now; whether they like it or not, we’re going forward. We are tired of doing it the easy way of talking and doing so much of meetings. So we don’t want to do that again. We are taking the second step,” Vega stated.

Elvia Staines, Iconic Restauratrice, Passes Away

San Pedro Town is grieving the loss of a beloved community figure, Elvia Staines, who passed away today at the age of 92. Known affectionately as Doña Elvia, she was the proud owner of Elvi’s Kitchen, a renowned restaurant on Ambergris Caye that has been a favourite destination for both locals and tourists for decades.

Born on January 31, 1932, in San Pedro, Elvia Staines was a lifelong resident of the island. She married Enrique Staines Sr., with whom she had six children. After her husband’s passing 23 years ago, she continued to manage Elvi’s Kitchen with the help of her daughter, Jennie Pinelo, and their dedicated team. The restaurant, which started as a small takeout window offering burgers and fries, evolved into a popular seafood haven known for its exceptional service and warm ambiance.

Elvi’s Kitchen was founded in 1974 as a humble “hole in the wall” known as Elvi’s Burger Isle. Over time, the restaurant expanded its menu and underwent significant renovations, including the addition of a bar and a lounge area beneath the island’s iconic flamboyant tree. The tree, which has stood tall for decades, continues to be a symbol of the establishment’s enduring presence.

Under Elvia’s leadership, Elvi’s Kitchen garnered national and international recognition, receiving accolades from the Belize Tourism Board, the U.S. and Guatemalan Embassies, and the Civil Aviation and Port Authority of Belize. In 1996, Doña Elvia travelled to Madrid to receive the prestigious International Gold Star Award for Quality and Excellence. Her restaurant was also featured in the Sol y Luna Central American Guide Book as one of the best dining establishments in Belize.

Elvia Staines is remembered as more than just a business owner; she is remembered as a vital part of the San Pedro community. In 2021, she was honoured with the Melvin Jones Fellowship Award by the Lions Club of San Pedro for her humanitarian efforts and dedication to the island. She had been an active member of the club for over 25 years, supporting numerous local and international initiatives. Her influence extended beyond her restaurant, as she helped preserve the culinary traditions of Belize, particularly with the Mayan buffet featured at Elvi’s Kitchen.

The Belize Tourism Board (BTB) expressed its condolences on her passing this morning. “Mrs. Staines’ passion for Belizean cuisine, her warm hospitality, and her dedication to the community left an indelible mark on both locals and visitors alike,” BTB stated. “In 2022, Elvi’s Kitchen was honoured with the Restaurant of the Year Award, reflecting the enduring legacy of excellence she built over the decades.”

Her legacy has left a transcending imprint in Belize’s tourism and culinary scene.

Minister Mai Addresses Farmers’ Concerns

Farmers in San Carlos Village, Orange Walk, say they have been facing financial losses as their carrots rot in the fields due to a lack of buyers. This morning, German Tillett, UDP standard bearer for Orange Walk South, told News 5 that local farmers are struggling to sell their crops due to an oversaturated market and fierce competition from contrabanded and imported Mexican carrots. He added that the current import policy is harming local farmers.

This afternoon, the Minister of Agriculture, Jose Abelardo Mai, dismissed the claims of contraband carrots. Mai told News 5 that Belize does not import carrots when there is enough local supply. He said, “This is a matter of supply and demand. The Ministry of Agriculture has never and will never issue importation permits when we are harvesting carrots, when our farmers are. That is a fundamental rule in the Ministry of Agriculture.”

Mai added, “As for contraband, the Ministry of Agriculture does not control contraband. We try to work with customs, immigration… We closed borders. Up to now, we haven’t seen enough evidence of illegal import of carrots because the quality is known.” Mai explained that the carrot issue is seasonal, with all crops maturing at once. This leads to a high supply when sales tend to slow down after the holidays and also attributes the carrot’s short shelf life as a factor contributing to the situation. Mai says that sales are expected to improve in the next two weeks as supply eases.

Minister Mai also announced plans to industrialise the agriculture sector, including an agro-processing facility in Orange Walk to add value to local crops. “We’ve looked at industrialising the sector; we have now moved to a position where we have enough primary production, and it’s time for us to look at industrialising agriculture—carrots is one of them,” Minister Mai stated.

Belize Confirms Second Case of New World Screwworm

Belize confirmed its second case of New World Screwworm. Minister of Agriculture Jose Abelardo Mai told News 5 today the second case was detected on Sunday in San Pedro Columbia Village in the Toledo District. He said that the ministry is still investigating how this second case may have been introduced into the country.

A team has been deployed to the village and launched a campaign to monitor and control the situation. “We have a dozen people or more on the ground that are doing a house-to-house and farm-to-farm campaign to ensure there are no more cases on the ground,” Mai said.

The first case was confirmed on December 30, 2024, when the Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA) reported that a six-month-old Brangus heifer on a farm in Crique Sarco, Belize, had a suspicious wound on her right ear, near her ear tag. Upon closer inspection, fifty-nine larvae were removed from the wound.

Mai also pointed out that the recent restrictions imposed by the U.S. following the detection of the first case do not affect Belize “in no way, shape, or form,” since Belize does not export livestock to the United States.

Corozal Free Zone Access Road Inaugurated

The newly completed Corozal Free Zone Access Road was officially inaugurated today. The project was under construction just under one year before it was completed. “The project broke ground in January 2024, and construction was completed in less than a year,” the Ministry of Economic Development stated.

The Ministry added that the 1.6-kilometre road will enhance connectivity and trade opportunities for the Corozal District.

At the inauguration ceremony, Prime Minister John Briceño stated, “This road is not just about infrastructure—it is about transformation. It symbolises our commitment to creating opportunities that change lives.”

The project was funded through contributions from the Central American Bank for Economic Integration (CABEI), the Government of Belize, the Protected Areas Conservation Trust (PACT), and the Corozal Free Zone. The ministry says that the road will improve access to the Free Zone, boost trade, and attract investment.

Steven Flores Charged with Murder

Police have formally arrested and charged Steven Flores, 37, with the murder of George Brown. Flores is accused of fatally stabbing Brown in the early hours of January 8 over a jacket, which made Brown the second murder victim of 2025.

Witness Luke Castillo said that while on their way to Brown’s house, Flores approached them in an aggressive manner. “They were close, close in a fistfight, di throw fist. I didn’t see the moment when he hauled out the knife and stabbed my cousin and all. I didn’t see the moment when he haul out da knife.” Castillo added that Brown attempted to run towards his house but collapsed on his way.

Police reportedly arrived at the scene and encountered a group of Brown’s family and friends confronting Flores. Despite warning shots, Flores armed himself with a machete and chased the group.

Fatally Stabbed by Brother-in-Law Just Days Before Birthday

George Brown was fatally stabbed by his 37-year-old brother-in-law in Hopkins Village following a dispute over a jacket. The family reported that the incident unfolded just before 8 o’clock in the morning. They also said that Brown was only days away from celebrating his nineteenth birthday.

News 5 spoke with one of Brown’s family members, Jaden Rubio, who said he had left Brown at his house moments before the incident happened. “My cousin approached him nicely and asked him for his jacket. And he [Flores] didn’t want to give my cousin his own jacket.

“My cousin gets a little bit upset. Not knowing the other guy had a knife on him. That’s when my cousin tried to protect himself, and my little brother tried to protect two of them, and he ended up grabbing my cousin, and he ended up stabbing my cousin,” Rubio added.

According to Luke Castillo, he saw the altercation happen right before his eyes. Brown and Castillo were reportedly heading to Brown’s house when they were approached by Steven Flores in an aggressive manner. Castillo told News 5, “They were close, close in a fistfight, di throw fist. I didn’t see the moment when he hauled out the knife and stabbed my cousin and all. I didn’t see the moment when he haul out da knife.” Castillo added that Brown attempted to run towards his house but collapsed on his way.

When police arrived at the scene to arrest the Flores, the officers reported seeing a group of friends confronting Flores for the murder of Brown. Despite warning shots from police, the situation escalated as Flores armed himself with a machete and chased the group.

Belizeans Affected as Hollywood Hills Fire Spreads

A fast-moving fire that erupted in the Hollywood Hills on Wednesday night has raved through iconic Los Angeles landmarks as firefighters battled three other major blazes that have killed five, displaced 130,000 people, and devastated communities from the Pacific Coast to Pasadena.

Belizeans in the area have also been affected by this devastating fire that officials now call “the state’s largest wildfire” in its history.

This morning’s episode of Open Your Eyes featured a virtual call with two Belizeans residing in Los Angeles, California. Mirna Reneau, a member of the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), stated that the fire has led to the temporary closure of UCLA.

“UCLA cancelled undergraduate classes due to the fire. Graduate students are remote. It’s moving fast and very devastating. 7,500 firefighters are working to contain it.” Reneau said. “The Belizean community is a huge population in the Los Angeles area; every Belizean at home or abroad knows of someone, either a relative, a friend, a colleague, an associate, or someone that is being affected by this fire. We have a lot of Belizeans that are care-givers and they work in these areas,” she added.

DJ Easy stated that he’s closer to Hollywood in the subcentral area and that the heavy smoke has blanketed over the outskirts of the fire. “When you wake up here, it’s like still nighttime. Still dark because of the smoke. You can smell it and feel it in your eyes.” He said that everybody is being advised to wear a mask as the fire continues to burn its way through many structures.

The Hollywood Hills fire has spread to major areas, including Pacific Palisades, with 1,000 homes destroyed. “The destruction is massive. The fires moved so fast, people had little time to escape,” said Fire Chief Chad Augustin from Pasadena.

Authorities are saying that the wildfires, worsened by high winds and dry conditions, have been exacerbated by climate change, extending California’s fire season. Wind gusts have been recorded to be as much as 80 mph, which has made the fire spread even faster.

Teacher on Administrative Leave Following Sexual Assault Allegations

Joaquin Antonio Cruz, a 31-year-old teacher from San Felipe Village, was arrested on Tuesday for allegedly sexually assaulting a student multiple times. Cruz was employed at the Belize High School of Agriculture as the sports director, integrated science teacher, and physical education instructor.

News 5 has confirmed that Cruz was placed on administrative leave, as per the Ministry of Education’s protocols, after reports were made against him.

In December, police began seeking Cruz for questioning regarding the allegations made against him from one of his students. The student reported to the police on November 22, claiming that Cruz made inappropriate advances and offered better grades in exchange for a relationship. The student also mentioned additional incidents in October and November 2024.

Cruz is expected to appear in court in the coming days.