It’s a discovery that’s capturing global attention and it’s happening right here in Belize. Deep in the heart of the ancient Maya city of Caracol, archaeologists have uncovered what they believe to be royal tombs, possibly belonging to a powerful leader. This major find is rewriting what we know about the Maya civilization and its surprising connections to one of the largest ancient cities in Central Mexico. Today, we sat down with the legendary research duo, doctors Arlen and Diane Chase, who’ve been unearthing Caracol’s secrets since 1985, to learn more about what this means for Belize and for history.
Dr. Arlen Chase
Dr. Arlen Chase, Professor, University of Houston
“I just knew that we had a tomb, and tombs are normal in Caracol. We dug over a hundred and seventy tombs. So, it was not until we started to get into the chamber and they started excavation along the eastern wall and uncovered a big pile of jadeite chips. It took a while to understand what they were. They are not chips, but pieces of jade. It turns out there was a fallen death mask in the chamber. That was a sign to me that this was a very unusual tomb, because we do not get jade death masks in chambers. We already knew that the tomb was covered in cinnabar, a red pigment, which says it is a very important individual. But it is the death mask the signaled how important this chamber was. We have only found one of these in our career and it was in Santa Rita Corozal in 1985.”
Dr. Diane Chase
Dr. Diane Chase, Provost, University of Houston
“There are so many important discoveries that we have been able to make at Caracol and this is one of them. Alter twenty-one that writes about the conquest of Tikal by Caracol. The first use of Lidar among the Maya ruins was done at Caracol. Mapping of the residential terraces to show that this was a city that had agriculture. All of those are incredibly important. But this one is unique, because it is the first time we have identified someone we believe was part of the royal dynasty at Caracol and that is huge. What is even more important is that it showcases that the dynasty is internal to Belize, internal to Caracol. It was not started by someone from outside the country at a distance.”
More than a hundred residents in the Stann Creek West constituency have received land titles. It’s all part of a new development called Rodsville, an initiative led by Area Representative Rodwell Ferguson with support from the Ministry of Natural Resources. It’s about making land ownership more accessible, especially for young Belizeans looking to build a future. This marks the second phase of the project, which kicked off back in January 2024. And while many are celebrating the opportunity, not everyone is on board. Some farmers say the very program meant to uplift the community is now pushing them out. News Five’s Tanya Arceo visited Rodsville to hear both sides of the story.
Tanya Arceo, Reporting
It’s called Rodsville, a new development zone on the outskirts of Pomona Village in the Stann Creek District. And this week, over one hundred residents were handed land titles here, in what is being called the second round of land distribution.
Rodwell Ferguson
Rodwell Ferguson, Area Rep, Stann Creek West
“When this group got together I told the to form a committee I never asked them to name it Rodsville because again that will create eyebrows but they did so its already officially the Rodsville expansion in the village of Pomona what they did they formed an NGO everything is officially recorded so what we did we invite the villagers for a meeting and we told them if you want to participate it comes with a certain cost its not a profit making venture but everything cost.”
The result was a community-driven initiative. An NGO was formed, and residents were invited to participate, each participant paid three thousand, five hundred Belize dollars, a one-time fee that covered land surveys, title processing, and a portion for future infrastructure in the area.
Rodwell Ferguson
“So we told the people them if you contribute three-five per person that includes your survey cost and your purchase price and so they contributed the three-five over a period of time and you were able to at least open the road so far this project started around February or march twenty-twenty-four. So last weekSaturday we had a ceremony and we delivered over a hundred titles already and we had two more ceremonies so that the people will recognize that what we are doing is legit and that they want to participate.”
As more lots are handed out and development picks up, this initiative is quickly becoming a pathway to promise and potential in Stann Creek West. For many, it’s more than just land, it’s a step toward a more fair and promising future.
Rodwell Ferguson
“We already built a park to get to the park is like an island so it build bridges so it can reach to the park so its major developments we di affect at least two hundred to three hundred families so it will be a big community so the fee that they paid might sound exorbitant three thousand five hundred per person to own a land here.”
This month, Sabreena Daly is shining a light on a group that doesn’t always get the recognition they deserve, fathers. In a world where strong father figures can sometimes feel like a rare find, Sabreena sets out to challenge that narrative. And what she discovered is nothing short of inspiring. Meet Mario Chavez, a legally blind carpenter and a single father of seven. Yes, seven. For over three decades, Mario has lived without sight, but that hasn’t stopped him from raising his children on his own or continuing to build beautiful furniture and concrete pieces, entirely from memory and instinct. Sabreena sat down with Mario in his workshop to hear his incredible story firsthand. And what she found is a man whose vision goes far beyond what the eye can see.
Sabreena Daly, Reporting
Mario Chavez is the cornerstone of his family’s story. His eldest son, Carlos Chavez, is an architect, former teacher, and now an entrepreneur who brings life to homes and garden spaces through handcrafted concrete designs. Carlos says everything he’s achieved, every step he’s taken, was made possible because of his dad. It was Mario’s steady guidance, his unwavering support, and the way he lived his life that shaped the man Carlos is today.
Carlos Chavez
Carlos Chavez, Son
“I can definitely attribute a lot of that inspiration to my dad. He has made his own molds for the concrete wash tubs he creates, and understanding how those molds work has helped me tremendously in my own work. He is truly a strong inspiration in my life.”
Mario Chavez isn’t just known for the furniture he builds; he’s admired for the strength it took to get here. Legally blind for over thirty years, Mario never let his lack of sight stop him from pursuing his passion for carpentry. He’s built a life and a legacy through sheer determination, even when others couldn’t see the vision he held inside. When I visited him in his home workshop, you’d never guess the man behind the tools sees only shadows. Carpentry, he told me, wasn’t just his first job, it’s his greatest love. But when he spoke about losing his vision, the emotion was clear. He quietly reached for his sunglasses, perhaps to shield more than just his eyes.
Mario Chavez
Mario Chavez, Blind Carpenter
“That’s my profession from the very beginning. I was working from a young age—I never had this problem before. I used to work with furniture. But then, that’s when the problem started….yes.”
It takes a steady hand and sharp technique to be a carpenter. Working with heavy wood, sharp tools, and powerful machines isn’t easy, even for someone with full vision. Mario Chavez does it all without ever seeing the finished product. Legally blind, he’s a true visionary in every sense of the word. Instead of sight, he leans on memory, touch, and instinct to bring his creations to life. Whether it’s a wooden table or a concrete basin, his hands know every curve, every edge like they’ve memorized the blueprint by heart. And through them, he continues to build with purpose and inspire with skill.
Mario Chavez
“And that’s why I know that work is a beautiful thing. When I’m able to do it, I feel like I’m reconnecting with something I used to do. I love when people come, see the work they requested, and they like it. They say it looks really beautiful. I really enjoy this kind of work. It helps me—that’s what inspires me to keep going.”
When Mario’s other senses cannot compensate for what he lacks in vision, his sons step in for support. Juan Chavez, Mario’s youngest son, credits his father’s relentless passion and determination for inspiring their entrepreneurial path. But more than that, it’s his father’s love and guidance that have shaped him into the man he has become.
Juan Chavez
Juan Chavez, Son
“I think it’s because of him that we became entrepreneurs. Seeing him overcome many of his challenges pushed us to strive for a better life. For me, that has been the most important lesson he has taught us—how to overcome obstacles no matter what challenges come your way.”
Mario Chavez raised his children as a single father, guiding them even without his sight. Though he couldn’t see, his vision for his family never faded. That’s the message his children carry with them. Now grown men, they say what mattered most wasn’t what he could or couldn’t do—it was that he was there, every step of the way.
Carlos Chavez
“He could have been somebody who said, you know, I can deal with this, but, but no, he stayed steadfast, and he found one way or the other to make it work for us, to help us finish our education. Even as adults, he has always been there.”
Cesar Chavez
Cesar Chavez, Son
“ What gets me emotional is that we’ve grown up with him and many people don’t get to have a dad.”
Juan Chavez
“I think he has given me the confidence to believe. He made sure that we had an education and that we did not feel like we were missing anything. So I think that gave us the confidence to do what we have done up to date. I think that has been the biggest impact.”
A tragic accident in Belize City has left a family grieving and a community in shock. This afternoon, what started as routine truck maintenance turned deadly for forty-one-year-old Nuridim Mariano. He was working on his vehicle outside a mechanic shop in the Jimmy Dyer area when a freak accident claimed his life. According to reports, Mariano was standing in front of his truck, parked just behind another, when he asked someone to start the engine. But the truck was in gear, and it lurched forward, pinning him between the two vehicles. Despite quick efforts to reverse and free him, it was too late. Mariano died on the scene. His family rushed to the area moments after the incident. News Five spoke with his aunt, Wilma Thompson-Wiley, who shared heartfelt memories of her nephew.
Voice of: Wilma Thompson-Wiley
Voice of: Wilma Thompson-Wiley, Aunt of Deceased
“Mein he was an all arounder. Master of none, but he got everything going. Everyrting he put his hands on. He was crack of all trade, master of none. Very friendly, when you see him you see his teeth and he use to run jokes. He give you life when you sad. He bring so much life and he is all about his family and friends. He was a good person, a respectable. He was about mommy and yes mam and he loved his family. We pack up, me and my daughter we rush out and I came out on my cycle. Just like bad luck my cycle chain just came off. So my granddaughter brought us in the car. We cant miss this moment for nothing. Nuh somebody like riddim. He was mannerly, cheerful, respectful, no matter what, he always look after the needy, if you nuh have and he have, he wah share.”
A tragic accident on the Philip Goldson Highway has led to serious charges for a Double Head Cabbage resident. Tonight, thirty-nine-year-old Melvin Ashburn Harris is out on bail after being arraigned in the Belize City Magistrate’s Court for a deadly collision that claimed the lives of a father and son from Biscayne Village. The crash happened Tuesday evening between Miles twenty-eight and twenty-nine. Police say Harris was behind the wheel of a white Hino truck when he swerved to avoid potholes, only to collide with a motorcycle carrying Josue and Felipe Solis. Both men suffered severe injuries and were later pronounced dead at the hospital. Harris is now facing five traffic-related charges, including two counts of manslaughter by negligence. He appeared in court this morning with his attorneys and was granted bail under strict conditions, including staying away from the victims’ family.
On Wednesday, we shared the story of Florina Arzu, proprietor of Flo’s Pristine Service, a cleaning company she started a few years ago. Arzu explained to News Five that an employee of hers was wanted for the theft of jewelry and cash from one of her clients. Tonight, twenty-six-year-old Samara Moody, a housekeeper from Ladyville, is facing serious charges after allegedly stealing thousands of dollars in jewelry and cash from her employer during her first day on the job. She appeared in Belize City Magistrate’s Court today and was charged with burglary with intent to steal. She pleaded not guilty and was granted bail of two thousand dollars under strict conditions, including staying at least one hundred yards away from the complainant, Abigail Moguel, and checking in weekly at the Ladyville Police Station. The alleged incident took place on June twentieth, 2025, at Moguel’s Buttonwood Bay home. According to police, Moody was hired to clean the house but was instructed not to enter the master walk-in closet. Later that day, Moguel discovered the closet had been cleaned and several high-value items were missing, including gold jewelry, designer watches, and seven hundred dollars in cash. Police say there was no sign of forced entry, and surveillance footage showed only Moody, and the homeowners were present. A wanted poster was issued, and Moody later turned herself in to Ladyville Police on July eight. During a recorded interview, police say she admitted to taking the items. Moody is due back in court on September fourth, 2025.
A proposed change to the Constitution is stirring up serious debate and it’s all about how far the government should go to fight crime. The Thirteenth Amendment Bill would give the state sweeping new powers to declare ‘special areas’, zones where police could search, seize, and arrest without a warrant, all in the name of public safety. It also proposes a new Gun and Gang Court and aims to retroactively validate past states of emergency, including those already challenged in court. Supporters, including Commissioner of Police Doctor Richard Rosado, say it’s a bold step to tackle rising crime. But not everyone’s on board, especially the Belize Association of Defense Attorneys, who say this goes way too far. In a strongly worded letter to the National Assembly, they warn that the bill could erode civil liberties, weaken democracy, and give too much unchecked power to the government.
Audrey Matura, Attorney-at-law
“Well we object to it for several reasons, definitely the legal reasons. But I also object to it for the humanitarian and social reasons. As that bill is, it gives too much power to whoever is in government and it’s extending the police’s power and in addition, it is saying that they can create auxiliary forces. Auxiliary forces may be people not properly trained to deal with civilians in times of crisis, or, it can be ex-military people who are trained to kill, which is a different kind of training that they get. So I don’t think it is well thought out. Even more violating is the fact that it is being made retroactive. So what has happened, in case people weren’t following up, there were some Belizeans who took the government to court because of the previous SOE’s. The states of emergency that were locking down people for three months, without any trial, without any access to attorneys, without any due process. So imagine, there were men who were locked up every three months, every three months and some people went up to twelve months being locked up every minute. They went to court and won the case.”
The Association of Defense Attorneys is also raising objections to a clause that would retroactively validate past states of emergency, even those already challenged in court. According to the association, this move could undermine the rule of law and set a troubling precedent. And then there’s the proposed Gun and Gang Court. While the idea of a specialized court sounds promising, the attorneys say it lacks clear safeguards to ensure fairness and independence.
Audrey Matura, Attorney-at-law
“Now, the danger with that is that once you entrench it in the constitution, what you are trying to do is take away rights that you already have, civil rights that people have and taking it away in a different way. So you are saying that the very constitution I would have been able to go to enforce my right is now making it unlawful for me to enforce that right. That’s one of the dangers of it. The second danger is that, well, this government is a super government because they need two-thirds majority to be able to do that and they do have that. The third thing is that we have a non-existent opposition fighting with themselves, and so they can’t even come forward and say let us fight for the people. We have already gone through a similar situation like this, but I would say this one is worse. What is happening [is that] individuals in this country have taken the Johnny Briceño administration to court for things that were done by the Dean Barrow administration because the SOEs started with the Dean Barrow administration. And so, what they did, they are now saying, “You all took us to court for something illegal we did, well we will now make it legal, but we will not pass a law like Dean Barrow did, we will go and tamper with the constitution. And the reason they are able to do that is because they have the majority, the super majority. So that’s the hypocrisy in it. And why I say it is worse is because Dean Barrow only tried to pass a law. What Johnny Briceno is doing is trying to change the constitution.”
Late this evening, News Five caught up with Prime Minister John Briceño at an event right here in Belize City. With the controversial Thirteenth Amendment Bill stirring debate across the country, we asked the PM to weigh in. His response? Direct and telling. Here’s what he had to say.
Prime Minister John Briceño
“I could understand the concern from everybody else. If these other legal scholars can show us how it can be done differently, we’re prepared to take a look. But the problem is that we have a serious problem with crime and it’s something that requires the attention and the cooperation and the work of everybody, not only the police, as the government, but also the public. And as much as we’ve been doing everything we can to try to stop these killings, these mostly young men, they don’t seem to get it. And what’s even worse, is that when they would go in a public space and just spray bullets and then innocent people get hurt. So we have to do everything possible to stop them.”
There’s been a lot of chatter lately about a potential shake-up in Belize’s telecom and cable landscape. Word on the street is that BTL may be eyeing a buyout of Speednet Communications and possibly several local cable companies too. But so far, no official confirmation. On Wednesday, businessman Michael Ashcroft added fuel to the fire during an appearance on Open Your Eyes, briefly touching on the rumored deal. Speednet, as many know, is majority-owned by Waterloo, and this evening, Prime Minister John Briceño, whose relatives are shareholders in Speednet, was asked directly about the speculation.
Prime Minister John Briceño
“I don’t know, you’ll have to talk to the people at BTL and the people at Smart.”
Reporter
“You are the super majority of the… you appoint majority of the board and your family owns Smart. If this sale were to go through, wouldn’t it be a conflict of interest?”
Prime Minister John Briceño
“I wish it would be my family that owns Smart, but those things are discussed at the management level and then it goes to the board. I can assure you that if something were to happen, it has to be in the interest of BTL and in the interest of the Belizean people.”
