Residents are also worried about potential health risks from the tower’s radiation, concerns supported by respected environmental research from the US and other countries, including the National Library of Medicine and the National Institute of Health.
Waluco Maheia
Waluco Maheia, Chairman, Cattle Landing Village
“We found out that a few villagers were not in consent or not in support of the current location for the cell tower and a lot of the concerns are around the health hazard of the cell towers. A lot of the concerns are, yes, the health impacts that could affect villagers. So that is the main concern around where the current location of the tower is situated. We had agreed to have a follow-up consultation with representation from Digi within this month of January. One of the villagers, the individual, I believe, who is progressing with the petition, we encourage that he exercises his right to go out and find out who is in support or not in support of the cell tower. We did encourage him to go and do the petition and the petition has been submitted and it is an eye opener for us. It is something that the village council will be following up on and we still plan on having that consultation with BTL and Digi with the community. And more so, to educate about how a cell tower works, what can be the impacts. As far as self-education that I’ve done, cell towers, like your cell phone and internet modem within your home fall under what we call non-ionizing radiation, meaning that it only produces heat, but not enough energy to damage human cells. So it is in the realm of the non-ionizing radiation, unlike ionizing radiation which produces more of like the gamma rays and heavier radiation.”
People in Cattle Landing have heard from their neighbors in San Jose and Emeri Grove that Digi plans to install cell towers in their communities too, but those towers will be placed more than half a mile away from the nearest homes. This distance is well beyond the recommended safe distance of 500 meters to avoid potential harmful radiation effects.
Staines shared that her mom’s passing has left a huge void, not just for their family at the restaurant, but for everyone who turned to her for recipes and cooking tips. She mentioned that her mom played a significant role in the lives of many cooks on the island. Now, she is determined to carry on the business in honor of her mother’s memory.
On the Phone: Jennie Staines, Daughter of Elvia Staines
“ People used to make lines to eat at Elvi’s. I remember that, and she always had this passion in cooking and inspired all the cooks that were with her, the waiters. Like, one of them that – most of the people that worked with her have owned restaurants, not only here in L.A. In San Pedro, but abroad, like, we have a girl named Bonnie Pascacio, she was our waitress for lunch, and she lives in California, if I’m not mistaken, but she’s cooking there. That’s one of the persons she inspired. Rene Reyes, he was a waiter here, too. He has Caramba. She just had the gift and, and she was such a giver and she teach people how to do many things and that’s the way she did and she helped with all organizations also with charity and she was a charitable lady and her skills she just extended to all the people that worked around us. Like me, I felt like a part of me left me because like when I was working, she would always have to approve on the dishes, helped me out to better them and now I won’t have her, but I feel that the love that she gave me through the years, and she helped me raise my two kids also, and she means the world to me. And I feel that she will always be with me while I am cooking, while I’m doing, preparing everything for Elvis because I intend to keep her name and have it very high.”
In 2024, Belize’s tourism industry hit a major milestone, welcoming an impressive five hundred and sixty-two thousand, four hundred and five overnight visitors. This figure not only matches the pre-pandemic record set in 2019 but surpasses it by a remarkable eleven point eight percent. After the severe impact of COVID-19 in 2020, the industry has been steadily recovering thanks to strategic planning and training from dedicated stakeholders. We caught up with the Tourism Director at the Belize Tourism Board to get the inside scoop on this incredible achievement.
Evan Tillett
Evan Tillett, Tourism Director, B.T.B.
“The benchmark here for overnight arrivals is, or was 2019. In that year, the we got about five hundred and three thousand overnight visitors to our shores. In 2024 we actually crested that and went beyond. We were looking to pass 2019 numbers. But the results and the hard work and dedication of both the private sector and the public sector really is what made us successful. And we grew the numbers over 2019 by eleven point eight percent. This year we saw a total of fiuve hundred and sixty-two thousand people coming to our shores as overnight tourists. So that’s a significant growth. And when you compare to year over year 2023 we are looking at twenty-one point eight percent. So that is even more significant. The overnight tourism is the lifeblood of tourism. We have different facets or different sectors. We have cruise tourism. We have overnight tourism. We have tour operator to operation, etcetera. But for us, the lifeblood off the industry and the area that generates the most revenue is overnight. And so that is the critical part of the industry that we pay keen attention to and are very focused And how we can continue to grow that sector.”
This morning, the United States Embassy in Belmopan handed over nine Isuzu pickup trucks to various government agencies for border patrol and safety. Ambassador Michelle Kwan presented the vehicles, which were received by Home Affairs Minister Kareem Musa and several other CEOs. Here’s News Five’s Isani Cayetano with the story.
Isani Cayetano, Reporting
Earlier today, the United States Embassy made a significant donation of nine vehicles to various agencies, including the Belize Police Department, the Immigration Department, and the Customs and Excise Department. This generous contribution aims to bolster Belize’s border security in the ongoing battle against transnational crime. With the proliferation of weapons, drugs, and human trafficking still posing serious challenges along Belize’s porous borders, these new vehicles are a much-needed boost to the country’s efforts.
Michelle Kwan
Michelle Kwan, US Ambassador
“In conversations in the past two years since I’ve been here, with government officials, about how the United States can best help Belize meet its security challenges, the subject of mobility often comes up. I’ve heard often that despite Belize’s relatively small size, its unique geography presents real challenges for law enforcement, especially in securing Belize’s border. That is why I am so gratified, and I know it was years in the making, to hand over these nine vehicles today, to enhance the capacity of four agencies that play such a critical role… in border security.”
The fleet of vehicles, presented by Ambassador Michelle Kwan, highlights the strong partnership between Belize and the United States in tackling this ongoing issue. Home Affairs Minister Kareem Musa was there to receive the donation, underscoring the importance of this collaboration.
Kareem Musa
Kareem Musa, Minister of Home Affairs
“Today, we formally receive nine vehicles, tangible symbols of collaboration and shared commitment to a safer, more secure future for the Belizean citizens. On behalf of our government, I extend deepest gratitude to the US government and INL for their generous support and steadfast dedication in supporting us to strengthen our nation’s capacity to protect our borders and our communities. These vehicles are more than just resources, they represent trust, cooperation and mutual respect. They are tools that will enable our security forces, the police, customs, and immigration departments to respond swiftly to threats.”
The Ministry of Immigration is at the forefront of Belize’s national security efforts. Beyond maintaining a permanent presence at the border, it is also pushing for social and economic progress. Achieving this means effectively tackling the threats at Belize’s borders.
Tanya Santos
Tanya Santos, CEO, Ministry of Immigration
“To achieve economic and social progress and development, and to protect people’s rights and fundamental freedoms, it is foundational to people’s access to public services, curbing corruption, restraining the abuse of power and to re-establish the social contract between people and the state. The rule of law and development are strongly interlinked. It is powerful, but it is fragile and we have the collective duty to protect it. It is therefore essential to tackle the border security threats of illegal movement of people, drugs, weapons and contraband which pose significant threats to economic prosperity, national security, sustainable development and the rule of law.”
Transnational organized crime poses a serious threat to national security by funding terrorist activities and destabilizing governments. These crimes often include drug trafficking, human trafficking, and arms smuggling, leading to violence and putting citizens’ lives at risk. By cracking down on these offenses, law enforcement officers play a crucial role in protecting their communities, upholding the law, and making the world a safer, more stable place.
Chester Williams
Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police
“Transnational organized crime remains a very active issue that we as law enforcement agencies must address and while we have the three agencies represented here, each having different roles and responsibilities, certainly at some point our duties and functions intertwine and so the need for us to work together always presents itself. And so, this donation that we are getting today it certainly is going to help to reduce the threat that our country faces from transnational organized criminals.”
Earlier today, the Corozal Free Zone Access Road was officially inaugurated. The event saw Prime Minister John Briceño, Free Zone C.E.O. Neri Ramirez, and other key representatives from the Government of Belize and the Central American Bank for Economic Integration in attendance. Here’s News Five’s Isani Cayetano with the full story.
Isani Cayetano, Reporting
The Ministry of Economic Development has just announced the opening of the brand-new Corozal Free Zone Access Road. This transformative infrastructure project is set to boost economic opportunities, connectivity, and progress for both the Corozal District and the entire nation. The newly constructed road is one point six kilometers and is a key investment under the Plan Belize Medium Term Development Strategy, which promotes economic transformation and growth.
Prime Minister John Briceño
Prime Minister John Briceño
“Plan Belize is a transformative document, it’s a document that plans out the work of Belize for the next ten, fifteen, twenty years from now and I want to take the opportunity to thank all our elected representatives and the Cabinet that have worked diligently and have worked day in, day out to bring the kind of success that we are now witnessing in Belize. When you think back about Belize of November 2020 to the Belize of today, of 2025, it’s a totally different Belize that you’re seeing. We have seen the development of the free zone, that the free zone has had unrepresented growth and we have turned it around from having it closed now to now today we have over a thousand, six hundred people working and we have a thousand, plus, more people with indirect jobs that we have.”
The project kicked off in January 2024 and wrapped up in less than a year – a true testament to efficient planning and execution. This new road enhances access to the Corozal Free Zone, making transportation of goods and services smoother, boosting trade, and attracting investment to the area.
Neri Ramirez
Neri Ramirez, C.E.O., Corozal Free Zone
“I stand before you today with pride, joy, heartfelt gratitude. This journey began in 2020, when we first assumed office. At that time, we inherited a Corozal Free Zone that was closed, lack of proper infrastructure and was in a debt. All that and also let me not forget that we were in a pandemic. How far have we come? This road was one of the first thing I added to my to-do list. If you know me, my to-do list is very secret and I try my best to accomplish all things that I add to it.”
The project’s success was a true team effort, thanks to the generous contributions from various stakeholders. The Central American Bank for Economic Integration (CABEI) kicked things off with a hefty grant of 1.9 million Belize dollars. The Government of Belize chipped in with another 1 million Belize dollars. The Protected Areas Conservation Trust (PACT) played a crucial role by adding 200,000 Belize dollars to ensure the project’s sustainability. Lastly, the Corozal Free Zone invested 150,000 Belize dollars, rounding out the collaborative support that made this project possible.
Osmond Martinez
Dr. Osmond Martinez, Minister of State, Ministry of Foreign Trade
“The infrastructure development is one that is so important in any component that is related to economic development and economic growth, but more importantly to enable the friendly environment to support the private sector and consumers. I recall back, it was January as well, of last year, when we were here and part of the road was closed because of the dilapidated conditions the Corozal Free Zone Road was in. So, even though it was a two-way lane, one of the lanes was non-functional, nonexistent where bush was actually, or the grass was actually coming in to take over that part of the road. Small vehicles were having issues to come into the Corozal Free Zone and when you look at the Corozal Free Zone is a vital component and contributor to Belize’s GDP.”
Despite the Belize Peace Movement filing a claim in the High Court, Prime Minister John Briceño says there’s just not enough time to conduct a redistricting exercise before the upcoming general election. He also touched on the controversial practice of handout politics; a tactic used by both major parties.
Prime Minister John Briceño
“I don’t think that was filed properly, but most importantly, we have to be also practical. Whilst I firmly believe that there must be redistricting, unfortunately, it’s still in the National Assembly and until that comes up from there then we can have the real… proceed with it. But the truth of the matter is that the election is upon us and I don’t think we’d have enough time to do the proper delineation and the lists and having different representatives to know who’s going to be in their area or not. So, it’s something that I will definitely give special and urgent attention if we are given the opportunity to form the next government.”
Marion Ali
“What plan does your government have to mitigate this old practice by both parties to buy or influence votes, using money, handouts, or whatever?”
Prime Minister John Briceño
“I don’t think… certainly, it’s a practice that we try not to encourage because it’svery costly. So, I know a lot of times, people in the NGO community, and even you in the media, talk about political finance reform. Well, there is nothing to reform. We need to have political finance legislation. I wish we could have one, but one that’s practical, one that’s workable because that would then allow us to spend less money. So, I would love to have something that can work.”
Commandant of the Belize Coast Guard, Rear Admiral Elton Bennett, confirmed to News Five that Guatemalan fishers fired what they believe were gunshots. While the shots weren’t aimed directly at them, they were certainly threatening. Yesterday, the Coast Guard conducted an operation in Belize’s southern waters near Corona Reef. “We were patrolling from Hunting Caye, the southernmost island, towards the Sarstoon. This is a territorial integrity patrol we conduct periodically to ensure Belizean sovereignty over our sea spaces,” Bennett explained. The operation involved two vessels: one from the Toledo Institute for Development and Environment (TIDE) and another from the Belize Coast Guard. Bennett mentioned that the fishers were already in Guatemalan waters when the shots, believed to be fired into the air, occurred. During the operation, the Coast Guard recovered eight gillnets, totaling over 600 feet, which were damaging the coral reefs. Leonardo Chavarria Junior, Executive Director of TIDE, told News Five that although this was the first encounter where shots were fired, “this will certainly not deter us from protecting our fishery resources.” He emphasized their mandate as co-managers to safeguard these resources. To cover more ground, the teams split up. The TIDE vessel, carrying two Coast Guard personnel, reportedly began pursuing a Guatemalan fishing vessel that had entered Belizean waters. According to Bennett, after the Guatemalan vessel crossed back into their waters, it fired gunshots—not directly at them, but in a clearly threatening manner.
On the phone: Rear Admiral Elton Bennett, Commandant, BCG
“The Coast Guard was conducting an operation in our southern waters as we frequently do. We were conducting a patrol from Hunting Caye which is the farthest island in the south. We were patrolling that location towards the Sarstoon which is a territorial integrity patrol from time to time to guarantee the Belizean sovereignty over our sea spaces. Whilst on that operation, we encountered a few gillnets in the area of Corona Reef. That is perhaps about six miles from the south of Hunting Caye. We recovered eight gillnets on that operation, so it was a very tedious operation. Whilst conducting that operation, the rangers from TIDE who were stationed at Hunting Caye also arrived on the scene and we placed some personnel on their vessel so that we can cover as much ground as possible, in order to recover those gillnets that were placed inside Belizean waters. We had two vessels out at that location, one belonging to TIDE and the other one was a Belize Coast Guard vessel. We separated and we started to recover these gillnets that are very damaging to our marine ecosystem and marine environment. At some point, the vessel that belonged to TIDE where we had two coast guard personnel onboard and they were pursuing what appeared to be a Guatemalan fishing vessel. The two personnel onboard that vessel reported that after the Guatemalan vessel had departed Belizean waters and entered into Guatemalan waters, our vessel stopped short. We did not go into Guatemalan waters, we stopped short at that location and at that point, the Guatemalan fishing vessel fired what we believe were gunshots, not in our direction, or not in a direct confrontational manner, but in a threatening manner indeed at that location.”
The recent rains might be a relief for some, but they’ve been causing a chain reaction of problems for the sugarcane industry in northern Belize. The Corozal Sugar Cane Producers’ Association issued a press release today, highlighting how the delay in road repairs has led to under-delivery of their cane quota to the mill. This could spell trouble for Belize’s 2025 cane crop output if the mill can’t compensate for the losses already recorded since the crop season began in December. In a conversation with A.S.R/B.S.I., we learned that the rains have been affecting cane delivery across the north. Farmers can’t harvest the mature cane planted in low-lying areas and are forced to turn in younger cane from more accessible areas, which don’t yield as much. However, B.S.I. spokespersons suggest that smarter planting and harvesting methods could help address this issue. News Five’s Marion Ali reports.
On the Phone: Vladimir Puck, Chairman, Corozal Sugar Cane Producers Association
“What the cane farmers have to endure is messing up their units, right? I mean, it’s almost impossible and they will just damage the road even further and their machinery. And that is why we have a very poor delivery at the moment, you know, because of those conditions of the road.”
Marion Ali, Reporting
Vladimir Puck, Chairman of the Corozal Sugar Cane Producers Association, is raising the alarm about the poor road conditions that are preventing their members from delivering their daily sugarcane quota to the Tower Hill mill. Puck explains that the road passing through his residence and plantation, which includes several villages, is just one example of the many areas affecting association members. Olivia Carballo-Avilez, Cane Farmer Relations Manager for Belize Sugar Industries Limited, also highlighted that the recent rains have been impacting cane farmers across the entire north, making it even harder for them to meet their delivery targets.
“We are experiencing challenges in general here in the in the north, both for Corozal and Orange Walk. The challenge, the crop has started very slow. The cane supply has been almost 50 percent of what we should be getting for the day. It’s increasing now at this point, but, the farmers have expressed challenges of can supply reaching to the more mature fields that they should be reaching.”
The problem has led to a shortage of delivery for the canefarmers. Adding to the problem is the fact that the cane being delivered is younger and doesn’t produce as much sugar. This means the overall yield is lower, further impacting the sugar industry’s productivity.
On the Phone: Vladimir Puck
“We are short right now for about a third of what we are used to. To be delivering, which is the amount of out of 500 tons. We are only delivering about 300 at the moment.”
Olivia Carballo-Avilez
“This not only affects the quantity of cane, but also the quality. Cane quality is very, very important for farmers and for us because, um, it is, uh, we, we need to extract the sugar and based on the amount of sugar that we can extract out of that cane, which is the quality of the cane. We have milled 38,500 metric tons of cane, and we’ve done that in 11 days. That amount of cane on a normal grinding rate at 6,800. We would have gotten that done in five days, five and a half days.”
Carballo-Avilez explained that the issue has hit the mill hard, forcing it to halt operations. This is far from the outcome anyone wanted.
Olivia Carballo-Avilez
“The factory does not do well, um, with a start and stop. It’s not a, uh, an electronic device that you can just switch on and switch off. It doesn’t work that way. It’s a whole series of of machinery that come together to work. So, it affects the mill when we have to start and stop. It’s not, it’s not automatic. We have to be able to have enough cane on the ground, uh, at the, at the queues and at the cane yard so that we’re able to restart and we are able to continue.”
The Corozal Sugar Cane Producers Association has called on the Ministry of Infrastructure Development and Housing to collaborate with them to plan the road repairs in the future.
On the Phone: Vladimir Puck
“I think that together with stakeholders, not the authority should. We should have more meetings and maybe do a plan on how and when road repairs and needed roads need to be targeted, you know, before a start of crop. Plenty of time before a start of crop.”
CEO of the Ministry of Infrastructure Development and Housing, Victor Espat, explained that the recent rains have delayed the repair of dirt roads. The ministry has been working on fixing over seventy-five sugar roads in the north, covering almost four hundred miles. Espat noted that this is an annual task with a limited budget, but this year, the rains have set back their efforts. He pointed out that trying to repair roads during the rain would be futile, as the materials would just wash away before they could be properly compacted.
On a brighter note, Olivia Carballo-Avilez suggested a climate-resilient approach to planting and harvesting that could solve many of the issues cane farmers are currently facing. She emphasized that this would require community effort and organized planning. Key techniques include planting according to the land’s topography and the rainy season, and strategically timing when certain roads and fields would be accessible. Essentially, it all comes down to smart planting.
Olivia Carballo-Avilez
“What is required is really a transformation in the, in the delivery system. Currently we have 250 reaping groups, um, that harvest wherever they, they are, they are available to harvest. But what we really should be. thinking is about the geography of the area. Um, we need to harvest in larger groups, consolidate some of the smaller groups into larger groups. Focus attention on those areas that you are able to harvest at at a given time when it’s, um, what conditions you harvest in all the identified higher areas instead of of harvesting in low. And when it’s drier, you go into the into the less accessible and, and areas that we know are lower.”
The Belize Livestock Producers’ Association (BLPA) just got a major boost with a hundred thousand USD donation from the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO). After Tropical Storm Sara wreaked havoc, farmers in the Belize River Valley and Cotton Tree areas suffered huge losses in feed, livestock, pastures, and their overall livelihoods. This generous initiative aims to help ten cattle farmers in the Belize River Valley and Crooked Tree recover from their losses and build resilience for future disasters. The donation was made possible thanks to a collaboration between NEMO, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, and the Embassy of Taiwan. National Emergency Coordinator Daniel Mendez shared more details about this much-needed support.
Daniel Mendez
Daniel Mendez, National Emergency Coordinator, NEMO
“This project is not just about recovery, it’s also about building resilience and ensuring the long term sustainability of our livestock industry. Over the past few months, we have seen the first-hand impact of Tropical Storm Sara. And in fact, that impact continues to be felt today because there are still many places, particularly in Crooked Tree, that remain underwater. So the flooding has caused significant damage to pastures, leaving animals without feed and causing a great deal of livestock losses for the farmers in these communities. And we know that this is a source of their livelihoods. Today, we take an important step forward with this project. Which addresses both the immediate needs of our farmers and they’re building their long-term resilience. Phase one of this project will address the urgent need of farmers by providing silage and mill feed to ensure that livestock can survive and thrive in the short term. Looking at phase two, the focus will be on establishing water-resistant pastures and building the capacity of farmers in advanced techniques for silage production, veterinary care, and pasture management. Given this recovery and emergency assistance, we are empowering our farmers with the tools and knowledge to withstand and manage future natural hazards, ensuring that they are better prepared.”
Since late 2024, word has been going around that the Belize Port Authority would bring back the one-dollar one-way tax they had previously removed from water taxi travelers’ expenses to and from San Pedro and Caye Caulker. This dollar was part of a three-dollar fee that’s been around for years, covering the Port Authority’s inspections of the vessels. During the height of COVID, the government cut it down to two dollars. Now that things are back to normal, they’ve reinstated the dollar charge as part of the overall fees. This change took effect on New Year’s Day. While most travelers haven’t made a fuss when buying their tickets, there’s been some confusion, with some thinking it’s a new tax. Today, News Five’s Marion Ali spoke with the relevant parties and filed this report.
Marion Ali, Reporting
It’s peak tourism season in Belize, and the Caribbean Sprinters Water Terminal at the foot of the Swing Bridge was buzzing with activity today. Since New Year’s Day, everyone taking a commercial water taxi to or from Caye Caulker, San Pedro, or Belize City has noticed a dollar increase in their ticket prices compared to last week. But don’t worry, this isn’t a new tax—it’s just bringing the fee back to its original three-dollar rate. Andre Perez, the Area Representative for Belize Rural South, which includes San Pedro and Caye Caulker, assured everyone that this extra dollar isn’t an arbitrary price hike.
On the Phone, Andre Perez, Area Representative, Belize Rural South
“It’s not an increase in ticket fees. That’s not true, alright. They – while the taxis are still charging a fee, they have not increased, you know. There is a rider fee or a port fee for every person that that boards the ports, and that is what they’re charging, but before it used to be three dollars, but during the COVID, it went down to two dollars. So now that we’re coming into the new year, and I think they made a press release on the 15th of December stating that it is only going to revert back. It’s not an increase. It’s just reverting back to what was the original fee, the rider fee, if you want to call it the passenger fee of three dollars. So, it’s only going back to what is normal. So that’s not an increase.”
The fee is only collected from passengers on these specific routes because they fall within the taxable price range of ten to a hundred dollars. The money goes to the Belize Port Authority, which uses it to conduct inspections at the departure and arrival points. Acting Ports Commissioner Kaylon Young told News Five that the three dollars collected are reinvested into services to ensure passenger safety.
Kaylon Young
Kaylon Young, Acting Ports Commissioner
“It’s ideal that we do this because of the plans we have for the maritime sector and services that we offer. Um, the inspection of vessels. We do want to do the inspection for waterways and do some surveying and do some Check the routes make sure roads are safe. Make sure we have adequate lights Adequate markers in the in the area and do some community outreach in the special areas like San Pedro and Caye Caulker. We must ensure that the water taxis are not overloaded with – that they are not taking, for example, cargo and passengers are not supposed to be on these boats. These boats are either registered for commercial cargo or commercial passengers, to ensure that they have proper life jackets, have first aid kits, have all of the safety equipment that would be needed in the case of an emergency.”
Young mentioned that inspection officers are dispatched to the terminals daily to carry out inspections. Additionally, the authority conducts random sea patrols and enforces regulations. Despite the reinstated dollar fee, Joel Ah, the Cargo Agent for Caribbean Sprinters Water Taxi, reported no complaints or slowdown in business.
Joel Ah
Joel Ah, Cargo Agent, Caribbean Sprinters Water Taxi
“We have a lot of customers traveling at this moment.”
Marion Ali
“Are they questioning what’s this added dollar?”
Joel Ah
“No, they’re not questioning, they’re just paying what it is, yeah.”
Marion Ali
“Okay, so now to travel to San Pedro would cost how much?”
Joel Ah
“It is forty-four dollars.”
Marion Ali
“It is 43?”
Joel Ah
“Yeah.”
Acting Ports Commissioner Young explained that other commercial ferries, like those running between Placencia and Independence in southern Belize, charge less than ten dollars for the lagoon crossing, so no taxes are added to those fares. However, Young assured that the Port still conducts inspections and patrols at those locations too. Marion Ali for News Five.
