Economy - Greater Belize Media

Joint Unions Say No to Four Percent Raise

It was a long day of talks at the Public Service Union headquarters in Belize City on Friday, where union leaders met for a marathon meeting. After hours of back-and-forth, senior public officers made their stance clear: they’re not accepting the government’s proposed 4% salary increase. The decision adds fuel to the ongoing standoff between the unions and the Briceño administration, as tensions continue to rise over pay and working conditions. Earlier today, we caught up with Minister Henry Charles Usher to hear his thoughts on the latest development.

Henry Charles Usher, Minister of Public Service

“We haven’t gotten a formal response as yet and I would prefer to see what their formal response is to us, but from what they said on Friday, they still may not agree to the increase that was offered to them, going from three to four percent. I think what we have to look at is the fact that of the seven proposals or so, we have a majority, a vast majority, I think that’s the only one that we don’t have full agreement on. So we have found mutual ground on all of the other issues and we also have mutual grounds on the eight-point-five percent. Government has never said that it was not a, or it was a situation where they would not get 8.5%, it’s just that we want to know how it can be properly implemented. The proposal is to do four percent starting October first, 2025 and to look at the 4.5% in the other two fiscal years.”

Former PSU Presidents Protest Alleged Bias in Public Service

This afternoon in Belmopan, Gerald Henry, former president of the Public Service Union and now Examiner of Accounts Two in the Auditor General’s Office, took to the streets in protest. Alongside him was fellow former PSU president Doreth Obermayer. The two picketed in front of the Sir Edney Cain Building, calling out what they describe as ongoing injustices within the public service. Henry claims the Ministry of Public Service unfairly rejected his application for a promotion to Supervisor of Audit. He says no reason was given and believes the decision was biased and personal.

Gerald Henry, Examiner of Accounts II, Office of Auditor General

“Basically we have gotten pretty much enough of trying to get our word out in regards to these grievances. We have tried everything. We have gotten in touch with up to the GG and there has bene nothing coming back in terms of relief. We have written to the public service, the public service commission, we actually got a response when we wrote to the commission, from the ministry of public service. We didn’t get a response from the commission, telling us to go to the very same person we are complaining about, which is the office of the auditor general. I cant tell you how we are getting any relief when you are sending me back to the same one I am complaining about. So, that is where we are at. So we decide it is best to come here and let them know we are aggrieved by this situation. For myself in particular, I have gotten my master’s degree from 2016 and I have not been promoted as yet. I just applied for a job, a promotion to supervisor of audit and I am the most qualified person in that officer, in fact I am more qualified than the auditor general. I can say that with all confidence because I got my masters in 2016 from the University of the West Indies. She claims to have gotten her master’s degree in 2019. So I got my masters before her. I am also ten years her senior in public office and ten years her senior in the office of the auditor general. So how you can reject my application, because my application was outrightly rejected by the Ministry of Public Service. No reason given. I have It right here, I will share a copy with you. They just rejected it.”

Minister Urges Dialogue Amid Protest Push

We caught up with the Minister of Public Service earlier today to get his take on the protest staged by members of the Audit Department. While he kept it brief, here’s what he had to say about the situation.

Isani Cayetano

“How do you look at this as a government minister and the portfolio that you hold?”

Henry Charles Usher, Minister of Public Service

“They have the right to express themselves and I certainly don’t have a problem with that. Of course, they have to keep within the confines of the law, but their expression, their interest is something that they are advocating for, and so I don’t have an issue with it. But, it is also important to highlight that we need to get back around the table, we need to have these discussions, we need to see how we can find mutual ground on that one point and I believe that it is possible. All of us on the government side believe that we can find that mutual ground, and we don’t focus on the actions, we focus on what is happening in that discussion around the table.”

Government Responds After Viral Video Shows Burning of Official Documents

A video showing government workers burning boxes of documents near Camalote Village has sparked public concern and gone viral on social media. The footage, shared by community activist Nigel Petillo, shows the papers being destroyed on private land using a vehicle linked to the Resilient Rural Belize (RRB) project. Petillo said he stumbled upon the scene while touring properties for his real estate work. At first, he was worried about the environmental impact of the burning, but his concern quickly shifted to what kind of documents were being destroyed—and why. The public reaction was swift, prompting a response from the Ministry of Finance. In a statement, the Ministry explained that the documents were old files that had already been cleared for disposal by auditors. They said the files had nothing to do with the RRB project, and the vehicle was just being used for transport. However, the Ministry admitted that the way the documents were destroyed—burned on private property—was not approved by senior officials. “There was no instruction given by the Minister of State nor the CEO authorizing the method or location of disposal,” the statement read. We spoke with Nigel Petillo earlier today to get more insight into what he saw.

On the Phone: Nigel Petillo, Community Activist

“Upon reaching the site, I saw some activities in the area and decided to take a closer look. Keep in mind, I had these clients with me. They just flew in from the states, respectable folks. And I was trying my best not to make a scene, but as I got closer, I realized that, hey, these people ya. The first thing I noticed that government vehicle, government plates, then we passed fire on the way in which I never paid much mind to. I would’ve wanted to think it was, would’ve been a forest fire or something. Then I put two together. I said, but this da wa next fire. The contents ney that look the same, paper burning. So I went out and I asked individuals yo, like why are they doing this? What give them the right the authority to come into our community that we are building for grassroots people to dispose of their garbage. And not only that, but fi just light wa fire in the area. And I right away they were like, calm down Petillo. Hold it down. I don’t see how I could calm down with that, first of all, you guys are the government. You should have act up in a more appropriate manner. You have dump sites when me, you and every other regular citizen have to go utilize when it comes to dumping debris, et cetera. So I definitely wasn’t pleased with what I saw. “Trying not to speculate right there and then. I never really said to myself you know what? Why is it that they came here to burn this stuff? And what stuff are they burning? Right away I started thinking to myself, after I left because tell ney move fa ya now mein. My thing was to go and finish my tour with my clients. And hopefully on the way back they would’ve been gone. So when I left the trailer, I still had some documents in there. When I got there, they’re still there burning. And then I tell myself, you know what? I wa post this thing up for real you now because had they had left when I had asked them to leave, I neva mi wa probably go off like that.”

The Ministry of Finance, Investment, Economic Transformation, Civil Aviation an E-Governance acknowledges that procedural methods were not followed for the disposal and confirmed that an internal review is underway.

Wastewater Policy Overhaul Targets Health

We turn our attention now to something that affects every single one of us, clean water and how we manage what goes down the drain. The Department of the Environment is taking a big step forward in protecting our health and environment. Earlier today, the DOE hosted a major stakeholder meeting in Belmopan to revise Belize’s National Wastewater Policy. Now, this might not sound flashy, but it’s a big deal. Poorly treated wastewater can pollute our rivers, groundwater, and even the sea, putting both people and ecosystems at risk. And with our population growing, the pressure on our water systems is only increasing. The updated policy will tackle these challenges head-on. It’s set to include new standards for industrial and agricultural wastewater, and even climate adaptation measures to help Belize stay ahead of the curve. This isn’t just about the environment, it’s about public health. Clean rivers and wells are our main sources of drinking water. And when wastewater isn’t properly managed, it can lead to dangerous waterborne diseases. Today’s meeting brought together voices from across the country: government, private sector, academia, and civil society, to make sure the new policy reflects the real-world challenges Belizeans face. It’s a reminder that environmental protection isn’t just a government job, it’s everybody’s business.

Bee Attack Exposes Gaps in Bee Emergency Response

A terrifying bee attack in Belize City has left one family shaken and six of their dogs dead. It happened Saturday morning on Sixth Street, where Steve Mahler and his family live. Mahler was jolted awake by a distress call from one of his employees, and what followed was chaos. A swarm of aggressive bees had taken over the area, and the family’s desperate attempts to get help revealed a troubling reality: no emergency agency was able to respond in time. Their calls for assistance went unanswered. The source of the swarm? A massive hive hidden inside the walls of a nearby abandoned building. News Five’s Paul Lopez reports.

Paul Lopez, Reporting

These empty dog bowls now sit as heartbreaking reminders of what was lost. For Steve Mahler and his wife, they’re more than just feeding dishes, they’re symbols of the pain and emptiness left behind after a horrific bee attack claimed the lives of their six beloved dogs on Saturday morning. Mahler shared the emotional story of that terrifying moment, one that has left his family shaken and searching for answers.

Steve Mahler, Belize City Resident

“While I was asleep the young man that work with me came to work and discovered what was happening. He gave me a call and panicked. He told me there is a lot of killer bees out here and all the dogs are dead. I asked how could that be? He said yes the dogs are dead. He went to look at the big German Sheppard and he is dead and did not hear the other ones and the bees attacked him also.”

A swarm of bees recently caused quite a buzz after emerging from an old, abandoned wooden house nearby. It turns out the bees had made themselves at home, building a hive inside the walls of the structure. Concerned, Mahler reached out to the Belize Agricultural Health Authority for help. They pointed him to the Ministry of Agriculture. But when he contacted the ministry, he was told no one could assist—everyone was tied up with the National Agriculture and Trade Show happening in Belmopan.

Steven Mahler

“All the dogs deh dead A guy had two horses. One of them was hurt bad. I don’t know if it survived. But he managed to get one out. People had other dogs and things that were killed in the area. But everybody told me they cant do nothing, agriculture cant do nothing, BAHA cant do nothing because everybody deh dah showground. I said that I don’t find that correct. You all didn’t leave anybody in Belize City or nowhere as an emergency team. I said, suppose children get killed in this area. There is nobody around that could do anything.”

With no help from government agencies, Mahler turned to a private company, Orellana Bee Rescuing Service. Ironically, they too were busy at the annual fair in Belmopan. But unlike the public offices, the company had a backup team ready. That team quickly responded to Mahler’s call for help.

On the Phone: Fernando Orellano, Owner, Orellana Bee Rescuing Service

“On this case that we went with Mr. Mahler it was an emergency case and we had to move as fast as possible. We get there, secured the area and we started to open and dropped the walls on the house and it was large hive that was on the wall and we tried to move as fast as possible to remove it so there is no damage around.”

Steven Mahler

“So I got in touch with the Mayor and I must say, he stepped on it right away. And he told me let him talk to the exterminator and he did and they made arrangements. The guy came and sent his team in.”

Orellana says he has received more calls for bee emergencies this year than last year. He also explained that the hives he has uncovered this year are much larger than previous years. But what causes these animals to get in defense mode.

On the Phone: Fernando Orellano

“When we get into this season the bees start to bring in a lot of pollen and nectar into the hive so it helps the queen to increase the population. The population can get to eighty thousand bees. When their population is super large their hives get big and any type of noise or something they can feel threatened, sometimes spray, hair spray, fish or bug spray. That irritates them and they get irritated for them and aggressive for us.”

Mahler says his yard just doesn’t feel the same without his beloved pets. The loss of all six in such a tragic way has left a painful void. The bee attack didn’t stop there, it also targeted workers on a nearby property, adding to the chaos and concern.

Steven Mahler

“So all like yesterday was horrible when I went down and the whole year quiet, you couldn’t hear nothing at all.”

BAHA’s Managing Director, Zoe Robinson-Zetina reached out to News Five to explain that when she received Mahler’s call, she informed him that they are not equipped to respond to bee emergencies. BAHA then relayed the information to the Ministry of Agriculture. Reporting for News Five, I am Paul Lopez

Appeals Court Upholds Damages for Patt and Barrow in Commission of Inquiry Cases

The Court of Appeal has dismissed two high-profile appeals brought by the Attorney General, affirming compensation awards to former Deputy Prime Minister Hugo Patt and former Prime Minister Dean Barrow. Both men had challenged the findings of a Commission of Inquiry into the sale of government assets, arguing that their constitutional rights were violated during the process. In the case of Hugo Patt, the court upheld a Supreme Court ruling that awarded him ninety-five thousand dollars in compensatory damages and fifty thousand dollars in vindicatory damages. The court found that Patt’s right to be heard was breached when the commission failed to issue a Salmon letter or give him a chance to respond to damaging allegations. Similarly, Dean Barrow was awarded a hundred and twenty-five thousand dollars in compensatory damages and sixty thousand dollars in vindicatory damages. The court agreed that Barrow’s rights to natural justice and equal protection under the law were violated. While the trial judge had initially quashed only parts of the Commission of Inquiry report, the Court of Appeal expanded that order, ruling that nearly all references to Barrow must be removed due to the severity of the rights violations. The court also addressed concerns of bias raised by Barrow, particularly regarding the conduct and affiliations of the commissioners. While it found no definitive proof of bias, it acknowledged the importance of public confidence in the fairness of such inquiries. Both appeals were dismissed, and the Attorney General was ordered to pay costs.

Business Senator Urges Government to Boost Transparency

At today’s Senate Special Select meeting, Business Senator Kevin Herrera praised the government’s efforts to grow the economy, noting an eight-point-two percent increase in GDP and a thirteen percent rise in annual revenue compared to the previous year. But he says that’s not enough. Herrera is now calling on the government to follow through on its promises of good governance and transparency. He stressed the need for accurate financial reporting and criticized the administration for failing to produce audited government accounts since 2014. “It’s time we match economic growth with accountability,” Herrera said.

Kevin Herrera, Business Senator

“The accounting for government and the responsibility for this lies with the government and in particular, with the Ministry if Finance. This is the Prime Minister’s Ministry and so he bears responsibility for this. There cannot be any audits unless accounts are presented. And we know that the accounts are not being presented; they are nine years late. This continues, Madam President, to be a major violation of the finance and auditory format, which requires yearly and timely audits. So every year, there are no audits submitted, and every year, there are no accounts submitted. It continues to violate what we fought so hard for in 2005. When we did the finance and auditory reform, along with the unions, along with civil society, and the then-current administration.”

Inflation Eases, But Food Costs Climb

We’re keeping a close eye on your wallet tonight. New data from the Statistical Institute of Belize shows that while prices are still on the rise, the pace is finally slowing. The national inflation rate for April stands at one-point-three percent—modest, but still noticeable. Food prices continue to climb, with everyday staples like bread, watermelon, and even fruit juice seeing double-digit spikes. Renters are also feeling the squeeze, and butane gas just got pricier. But there’s a silver lining, fuel prices are down, offering some relief at the pump. We’ll break down what’s getting more expensive, what’s easing up, and what it all means for your bottom line. Here’s Isani Cayetano with an economic snapshot.

Isani Cayetano, Reporting

New numbers are in from the Statistical Institute of Belize, and they show that while prices are still rising, the pace is slowing. The national inflation rate for April 2025 stands at 1.3 percent, a modest increase from the same time last year. The Consumer Price Index—or CPI—now sits at 119.6, up from 118.1 in April 2024. Once again, food prices are leading the charge. The cost of food and non-alcoholic beverages rose by 2.7 percent, with notable spikes in everyday staples. Bread and bakery products jumped by 3.5 percent, while fruits like watermelon and lettuce soared by over 20 percent. And if you’re reaching for a refreshing drink, be prepared to pay more—fruit and vegetable juices surged by a whopping 15.4 percent.

Renters are also feeling the pinch. Housing-related costs rose by 2 percent, driven by a 2.3 percent increase in home rental prices. The price of a 100-pound cylinder of LPG climbed by nearly $7, now averaging $127.63. But there’s some relief at the pump. Fuel prices dropped across the board—diesel is down 7.2 percent, regular gasoline fell 6.6 percent, and premium is down 4.1 percent. This helped pull the overall transportation category down by 1.7 percent. Looking at short-term trends, the month-over-month inflation rate was nearly flat at -0.03 percent, suggesting price stability between March and April. Regionally, Belmopan and San Pedro saw the highest inflation at 3.5 percent, driven by rising costs in food, rent, and personal care. Meanwhile, Independence Village bucked the trend, with prices actually falling by 2 percent, thanks to lower costs in food, fuel, and even mobile phones. And finally, the year-to-date inflation rate, which looks at the first four months of 2025, sits at 1.6 percent, with food, housing, and personal care again being the main contributors. So, while prices are still climbing, the pace is easing—and that’s a trend worth watching. That’s your economic snapshot. Isani Cayetano for News Five.

PM Wants to Transform Belizean Beach into Public Park

The battle over Belizean beachfront is heating up and the Briceño administration says it’s drawing a line in the sand. Over the past three days, government parliamentarians have taken aim at the Opposition, accusing them of shady land dealings tied to former U.D.P. minister Anthony “Boots” Martinez. At the center of the controversy: a prime piece of coastal property and a neighboring parcel once earmarked for a housing NGO, now reportedly on the market for a staggering eleven million dollars. Tonight, we take a closer look at the political storm brewing over Belize’s shoreline.

Prime Minister John Briceño

“It is unfortunate. For some time when we were in opposition we were asking about this housing for the poor and nobody could have answered and tell us what they are doing, even the then prime minister was kinda skeptical when we was asked about it and could not give a straight answer. But the outrage it has caused with the Belizean people, especially in Belize City, especially people from outside that use that beach, I think it will be our responsibility to make, is it Mr. Pollard or Mr. Martinez, and make, ask them, I think it is in the interest of the public for them to bring it back so then we can declare it as a public park, pass it on to the city council to manage so our citizens in Belize City can enjoy.”

Reporter

“But you know they won’t do that. They are going to expect compensation at market level and the leader of the opposition said yesterday, if the government sees it fit you have funds to do that reclamation.”

Prime Minister John Briceño

“I am very disappointed in her because she stands up there and pontificates. She is not prepared, not strong enough, I wanted to use man enough but I don’t want it to sound sexist. But when you are not prepared to stand up for what is right, then you need to question the leadership of the leader of the opposition, because she knows what Boots Martinez has allegedly done, or MR. Pollard, what they have done is wrong.”