Imagine showing up to work every day—but with no tasks, no responsibilities, and no explanation. That’s exactly what Gerald Henry and Doreth Obermayer say happened to them after being barred from conducting audits. Despite still receiving their salaries, they claim they were left in professional limbo for months. Henry says things only got worse, his performance appraisals took a nosedive, and every attempt to raise the alarm, from the Ministry of Public Service to the Prime Minister himself, has gone unanswered. So, what’s really going on behind closed doors? We’re digging into the details.
Gerald Henry, Public Officer
“Because we refused to sign a totally illegal and unconstitutional document, we were not given any task to do for over two and a half years. During the two and a half years we were instructed not do any work we were still required to submit weekly reports. This is the weekly report we were asked to complete. It ask for completed activities for the entire week. Of course the activity was not to do anything, so it was not applicable for us because we were asked not to do any work. So there were no activities. The only activities were on Fridays because the report was due on a Friday. So the only activity was to prepare and submit the weekly report. Then they asked us to give an ongoing activity. Again, you told me not to do any activity so that is not applicable. And then they asked us to do challenges and setbacks to do nothing. I didn’t have any challenge and setback to do nothing at all. So that was not applicable. Then there is a part where they asked us what we intend to do the following week. That again was not applicable because you instructed me not to do any work.”
There’s a shift happening inside the Auditor General’s Department and it’s all about ethics. According to Henry, many longtime auditors who were around more than a decade ago refused to sign on to the department’s code of ethics. Most of them have since moved on. But here’s the twist, newer employees have signed the code without fully understanding what they agreed to.
Gerald Henry, Public Officer
“The reason why we did not sign is because in addition to what we showed, there was an additional part where it speaks to discipline. That part was the dangerous part for us. That part said the office can discipline us at any time for any reason and we could be disciplined by the institute of chartered accountants which is a private body. So that is the reason why. That was added to the code of ethics from the international organization. If that was not there we would have signed, let me say it that way. We would have signed no problem at all.”
Reporter
“So the workers have signed on?”
Gerald Henry
“Yes because they don’t know better. They don’t know that it contains that part and how dangerous it is. They went to all lengths to have us sign this thing. We went to retreats, had parties and at the end of those events, oh we have the code of ethics we want you to sign. We remained steadfast that no matter how they brought it we said no. we maintained that it was a dangerous document to sign so we refused to sign.”
A review of an online copy of the code of ethics shows that disciplinary matters are coordinated by the Public Service Commission. We will continue to follow.
Tonight, we’re heading to the quiet fishing village of Copper Bank in northern Belize where tradition meets technology, and paddles meet purpose. It’s not your typical race day. Picture this: local fishers, their families, and sleek dugout canoes, called cayucos, lining up for a high-energy race across the water. But this isn’t just about speed. It’s about community, culture, and a new wave of data-driven fishing that’s helping protect the ocean and the people who depend on it. From catch logs to cayuco races, this is a story of innovation, resilience, and the power of paddling forward together. Here’s News Five’s Isani Cayetano.
Isani Cayetano, Reporting
When we think about fishing, we often picture the catch: the fresh snapper, the lobster, the bounty of the sea. But behind every haul is something just as important: the data. That’s right, catch data is becoming a lifeline for small-scale commercial fishers across the region. It’s not just about numbers on a clipboard. This data helps protect fish stocks, supports local livelihoods, and ensures that the ocean can keep giving for generations to come.
Juliet Neal
Juliet Neal, Conservation Finance Officer, WWF
“As part of the licensing process, fisher captains are required to submit a logbook as part of their license requirements. And so, we thought of a way, how might this be easier for fishers to do? And we thought that having an app, it’s more portable than a paper-base which is what they are doing right now, and it also allows them to be able to upload and share information with the Fisheries Department in real time.”
Catch data tells us what’s being reeled in, and how much of it. That might sound simple, but it’s a big deal. This info helps scientists and fisheries managers keep tabs on fish populations, spot any troubling declines early, and make smart decisions about when to fish, how much to take, and when to give the ocean a break. It’s all about keeping our oceans healthy and our seafood sustainable.
Juliet Neal
“So the same information that the Fisheries Department has fishers also have. So that when we talk about how data and having a scientific and data-driven approach to fisheries management that it becomes more understandable for fishers because it quantifies what they are seeing. And then, it allows a lot more interaction and a lot more versatility and quickness in terms of sharing of data with these two platforms.”
Welcome to Copper Bank, a tiny fishing village tucked along the tranquil shores of Laguna Seca in the Corozal District. With its scenic waters, rich cultural roots, and a community built on fishing and farming, Copper Bank is more than just a dot on the map; here, life moves to the rhythm of the tides and tradition runs deep.
Marty Alvarez
Marty Alvarez, Marine Protected Areas Manager, BAS
“We’re here in Copper Bank, during the closed season of conch and lobster, meeting with fishers who are now signed up for an e-logbook which is an electronic cash logbook that fishers will now use to submit their catch data.”
For small-scale fishers, every trip out to sea is a careful balance of time, fuel, and hope. But what if the secret to a better catch, and a better living, wasn’t just in the water, but in the data? By knowing exactly what’s being caught and when, fishers can plan smarter trips, save on fuel and gear, and head straight to the most productive spots. But it doesn’t stop there. This data is also giving them a stronger voice at the policy table, showing just how much they contribute to our economy and food security.
Juliet Neal
“So, to sign fishers up for the e-logbook, they are required to have an email address. What we did for fisher who did not have an email address, we created one for them and explained how that can help them keep track of their data and how they will use it to work with the app and how easy it was. We also demonstrated the use of the app and walked them through it so that they, themselves, got a feel.”
Cayuco racing is more than just a sport, it’s a fast-paced paddle through history. Teams race in traditional dugout canoes, once carved by Indigenous communities in Panama. Today, the boats are sleeker, but the spirit remains the same: every race honors a deep cultural legacy and the power of teamwork on the water.
Marty Alvarez
“We are here with the captains of the vessels and they are the ones who are signing their crew members onto this cayuco race. So it’s a two-man race and we’ve partnered with WWF, DFC, and the Belize Audubon Society to make this possible.”
Juliet Neal
“So we came up with the idea of having a cayuco race because they already have cayucos and this is just another fun way to get the families out and so we’re really excited about the fact that we have participants from neighboring communities: Copper Bank and Chunox. These are fishers who work in the same space, Area Six, largely, and we took this opportunity to get them to sign up.
For first place, is Valdir Santoya and Leovani Tun.
Marty Alvarez
“First place is six hundred dollars… so I gotta count it right. Uno, dos, tres…”
The National Trade Union Congress of Belize is not holding back. In a fiery press release, the NTUCB is calling out what it describes as a wave of union busting and targeted attacks, including ads and online videos, aimed at discrediting union leaders across the country. The Congress says these actions are more than just political jabs, they’re a direct threat to workers’ rights and to the democratic values Belize stands on. And they’re sending a clear message to both government and employers: the right to unionize is protected by the Constitution, and any attempt to silence union voices will be met with strong resistance. The NTUCB says it’s standing shoulder to shoulder with its affiliate unions and it’s ready to take legal and industrial action if necessary.
Dean Flowers
Dean Flowers, President, Public Service Union
“The Government of Belize, through its press office operatives, have chosen a path of division, defamation, and deception, instead of dialogue. They have launched a taxpayer funded campaign to discredit the joint unions and personally attack my character. This government has once again weaponized the state resources to spread false financial claims about the salary adjustments we seek, aiming to turn citizens against hardworking public officers. They have engaged in union-busting tactics that promote hatred and undermine the dignity of Belizean workers. I call on all right-thinking Belizean to reject these despicable actions. Public funds must serve the people, not finance political vendettas. To public officers aiding the government in these attacks, If you use your position in the press office to attack the unions that is fighting for you, then please do the honorable thing, man. Formally renounce future benefits won by the PSU. Submit a written declaration to the Financial Secretary and please copy in the PSU.”
Big changes are rolling into Punta Gorda Town, quite literally. After months of construction, residents now have a brand-new bridge to drive across. The Michael Espat Bridge, named in honor of the late politician, was officially opened today with a ceremony that brought out community members and leaders alike. This two-lane concrete bridge replaces one of the oldest single-lane crossings in the country’s history, and it’s already making a difference, easing traffic flow in and out of town and marking a major step forward in local infrastructure. News Five’s Paul Lopez has the story.
Paul Lopez, Reporting
A piece of Punta Gorda’s history just got a major upgrade and a brand-new name. For over two centuries, the Joe Taylor Bridge served as a vital link between rural communities and the heart of town. Built in the late 1700s, it’s been rebuilt several times over the years, but today marked its most dramatic transformation yet. The single-lane metal structure is now a modern, two-lane concrete bridge, and with that change comes a new name: the Michael Espat Bridge, honoring the late politician. It’s more than just a new crossing, it’s a symbol of progress rooted in history.
Oscar Requena
Oscar Requena, Area Representative, Toledo West
“And it is only fitting that it be named the Michael Espat bridge, because the honorable Michael Espat had a dream and his dream was to build this bridge. That was his dream, and I can clearly remember in late 2007, nearing 2008 when the honorable Michale Espat bought a lot of metal pipes and other things to get the work started. We lost the election and the UDP took over thirteen years and they did not have the vision to construct this bridge even after having so much cash.”
It was a proud and emotional moment in Punta Gorda today as the newly renamed Michael Espat Bridge was officially opened to the public. On hand for the ceremony was Minister of Infrastructure Development, Julius Espat, not just in his official capacity, but also as a cousin of the late Michael Espat, for whom the bridge is now named. Minister Espat took a moment to reflect on the memories they shared over the years, honoring his cousin’s legacy. He also highlighted the many benefits the new two-lane bridge brings to the area, from improved traffic flow to safer, more reliable access for residents and commuters alike.
Julius Espat
Julius Espat, Minister of Infrastructure Development
“The completion of this two-lane concrete structure is further testament to this government’s commitment to the creating of a better future and society, based on equality, opportunity. It is on that note that I wish to announce the renaming of this bridge, not to the resentment of our colonial history but to honor an individual who truly reflected the country’s identity, aspirations, and progress.”
A long-standing colleague of the late Michael Espat, Stann Creek West Area Representative Rodwell Ferguson spoke about the desire that gripped Mike to see this bridge to competition. According to Ferguson, Espat envisioned how a new bridge would contribute to the town’s economic growth.
Rodwell Ferguson
Rodwell Ferguson, Area Representative, Stann Creek West
“Mike hold us together for many years and I could recall when their was a ground breaking for this bridge to be built he ensured it was done. He said, I will be in politics until I am ninety-seven years old. So, I believe Mike is here today in spirit, happy and vibrant because we has completed the project he wants to be completed. Imagine coming to PG and not have to wait for another vehicle to cross the bridge. You can drive across the bridge as quickly as you can.”
While the new Michael Espat Bridge is now open and already making a difference in Punta Gorda, the road to completion wasn’t without its bumps. Commuters had to deal with detours and delays, and not everyone was thrilled about it. But today, those frustrations gave way to gratitude. Officials took a moment to thank residents for their patience during the construction phase. Mayor Carlos Galvez called the finished project a symbol of the Briceno administration’s commitment to the people of southern Belize, a promise delivered, despite the challenges along the way.
Carlos Galvez
Carlos Galvez, Mayor, Punta Gorda
“You know, while we were getting this bridge started, there was a lot of naysayers and people saying it won’t happen. That this is not real, political. Today my friends this is a living testimony of walk the walk.”
Election results are in, but not everyone’s ready to accept them. In the quiet village of Crique Sarco, controversy is brewing after the recent village council elections. First Alcalde Marco Choc is challenging the outcome, claiming the vote was tainted by ineligible voters, some, he says, not even from Belize. The chairman-elect, John Bo, won by just eleven votes, but he’s yet to be sworn in. That’s because Choc has taken his concerns straight to the Elections and Boundaries Commission, alleging that nearly two dozen voters on the list are actually from Barra Sarstoon, a Guatemalan community. Now, he’s not just calling for a recount, he wants the entire election thrown out and those voters removed. We spoke with Choc earlier today to hear why he believes this election should be redone.
On the Phone: Marco Choc, 1st Alcalde, Crique Sarco Village
“A letter was promoted to the EBD because the communities have expressed concerns that there are people who do not live in Crique Sarco and are voting in the village council elections here in Crique Sarco. So, it is clear that they do not contribute to village life. We do not even see them in our village. They only come to the village when it is general elections. They have Temash as their address, which proves that they are not from Crique Sarco. We don’t even know why the government would register those people with that address int eh first place as that is a national park. No one should live there. It is illegal. We strongly believe and we were convinced that yes they came from the other side of the Sarstoon, a small settlement that is out there, because there is no settlement along the Temash bar. That is a national park and if they said yes they are on the other side, that is Barranco’s land. Our demands are that we want the elections and boundaries to have a reelection, that would allow only and I stress only those from the community to vote. Also, we want the election and boundaries to revise the list as it contains individuals who resides in other communities such as Graham Creek, Midway and Barranco.”
Reports are that the Elections and Boundaries Commission are reviewing the dispute and that the list of voters used has been used in previous village council elections. We will continue to follow.
There’s a growing wave of community pride and protest in Placencia tonight. Residents and their village council are standing firm, calling on the government to return a beloved beach spot, Placencia Point, back to the public. Once the heart of cultural celebrations like Lobster Fest, the beach is now privately owned. But earlier this week, the council made its move, writing to the Deputy Prime Minister and urging action. And yesterday, locals took their message to the sand, signs in hand, voices united. We caught up with Village Chair Warren Garbutt, who says talks with the government are already underway. So, could Placencia Point soon be back in the hands of the people?
On the Phone: Warren Garbutt, Chair, Placencia Village Council
“So we actually wrote before before the little actions yesterday we had written and I have to say that we have a very supportive area representative in the Honorable Rodwell Ferguson and the Lands Department, they have always been really receptive to us meeting at the meeting with us to try to find solutions.”
Britney Gordon
“And I understand you have a meeting scheduled coming up. Can you tell me about that?”
Warren Garbutt
“Okay, so the meeting the meeting was actually held the meeting was held and I must say it was a very productive meeting. We do not yet have a final resolution. That is something that will take a little time, but it was a very productive discussion we had with the CEO and our area representative. And by next week Wednesday, I believe we should have some, concrete solution on the position of the government as it relates to the point beach.”
Britney Gordon
“This was the CEO of lands?”
Warren Garbutt
“That is correct.”
Britney Gordon
“Okay. And has there been any discussions with the owner that bought the land? I understand last time that they were offering a price to compensate them for the loss of the land. Has there been any progress with those discussions?”
Warren Garbutt
“That is not really for the council to decide. That is a position I believe that the government would take if they see fit. So we have been in no discussion with the property owner regarding the cost or finding value of the property. That’s really for the Ministry of Natural Resources and for the property owners to decide.”
Before most of us are even awake, Belize’s coastal fishers are already out at sea. But these days, they’re not just casting nets, they’re collecting data. Armed with measuring tools and fish ID guides, they’ve become “fisher scientists,” helping protect the very ocean they depend on. With fish stocks shrinking and species like the Nassau Grouper in trouble, the Wildlife Conservation Society Belize is leading a bold new effort. They’ve launched a two-year project that blends science with local wisdom to make fishing more sustainable, and it’s already making waves. Here’s News Five’s Isani Cayetano.
Isani Cayetano, Reporting
Long before sunrise, fishers along Belize’s coast are already out on the water. But these days, they’re not just casting nets, they’re collecting data. Armed with measuring tools and species ID guides, they’re becoming “fisher scientists,” helping protect the very ocean they rely on. With fish stocks shrinking and key species like the Nassau Grouper in danger, the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) Belize is stepping in with a bold plan. Backed by an $800,000 grant from the Belize Fund for a Sustainable Future, they’ve launched a two-year project that blends science with local know-how to manage fisheries more sustainably. Early findings from Belize City, Dangriga, Hopkins, and Placencia show that many fish are being caught too young—before they can reproduce. That’s a red flag for future fish populations. But what’s really special? The data is being gathered by seasoned fishers—many retired—who’ve spent their lives on the sea. They’ve been trained to measure, weigh, and identify fish, and their insights are helping shape smarter fishing rules.
This community-first approach builds trust. Former Fisheries Officer Henry Brown says it best: “When I explain why releasing certain fish matters, they listen—because they know I’ve been in their shoes.” WCS is also spotlighting the often-invisible role of women in fisheries—from prepping gear to processing and selling the catch.
Their Women in Fisheries Forum, now with seven chapters nationwide, is giving these women a long-overdue voice. And thanks to local funding, this work is built to last. WCS emphasizes that real conservation success comes from consistent community engagement—not just big offshore projects. Looking ahead, WCS hopes this fisher-led model will guide Belize’s future fisheries policies. As Assistant Country Director Ralna Lamb Lewis puts it, “The people who depend on the sea should be the ones helping protect it.” Isani Cayetano for News Five.
The Placencia Village Council is making an urgent plea to Deputy Prime Minister Cordel Hyde to help reclaim a key piece of land known as Placencia Point. Village Chairman Warren Garbutt says the council has spent the last ten years trying to acquire the land from the government, hoping to use it for major cultural events like Lobsterfest. But despite their efforts, the land was recently sold to a private company. Garbutt told us that the Ministry of Natural Resources has since entered talks with the new landowner to try and recover the property, but so far, those negotiations haven’t moved forward.
Warren Garbutt
Warren Garbutt, Chairman, Placencia Village
“In 2022, if I’m not mistaken that we received a cease and desist letter from the new owners of the property. They had bought the property from a local resident and like I said, the transaction at Lands included a portion of the boardwalk that we were using. It’s not the entire property but a portion of what the council was using was included in that owner’s property. And since then we have been meeting with Lands, sending letters and even before. requesting the proper documentation title for this property for the village. But we weren’t granted it. We knew it was public property, it was the government’s property. So we applied, however, we weren’t granted it, we were granted just a license to utilize it. And it wasn’t until about 2022 when we found out that the land was actually entitled to the new owners. The area we’re talking about is what most of the leaves and the village know, or as the point. It’s the area we’ve been using for Lobster Fest since I think about 2017. And besides Lobster Fest for decades this property has been used for recreational use by local residents enjoying the beach for fishing, for swimming, just playing volleyball beach football events. And more recently like I said, starting around 2017, the council has been using it for our biggest fundraiser, the Lobster Fest which is held at the start of the lobster season every year. The villages in Belize has a very limited revenue source. We get our revenue from liquor licenses, and that’s basically it. That’s the only money that is guaranteed to villages countrywide, except for Caye Caulker. So Placencia, because of the nature of the village the cost for maintaining and keeping up with maintenance of the village, it is mandatory that we try to find ways in which we can raise funds.”
According to the Placencia Village Council, the point serves as an ideal location for activities as it is the only location not impacted by sargassum each year.
In an update to our coverage of the ongoing joint unions standoff, a circular was issued today in which the PSU announced that an overwhelming ninety-four percent of its members have rejected the government’s latest wage proposal, which included a phased salary increment and a new pension contribution requirement. Even more striking, over ninety-one percent of members voted in favor of declaring a trade dispute, set to take effect tomorrow, June tenth. At the heart of the dispute is the government’s refusal to approve a six-dollar minimum wage increase for nearly nine hundred essential workers, school wardens, janitors, cleaners, security officers, and others, who the union says are being undervalued and politically sidelined. The PSU also criticized the government’s decision to deny an eight-point-five percent salary increase for public officers this fiscal year, instead offering only two incremental raises spread over three years. To make matters worse, the proposal ties these limited benefits to a five percent pension contribution for new hires starting October first. In response, the PSU is invoking the Settlement of Disputes in Essential Services Act, formally notifying the Minister of Labor of the union’s intent to declare a trade dispute. Union leaders are calling on members from Belmopan and surrounding western towns to join them in a peaceful walk to the Ministry of Human Transformation, where they will hand-deliver the declaration. The PSU is also urging department heads to grant union members time off with full pay to participate in this critical action, citing Public Service Regulations.
