This afternoon, police held a press briefing at the Racoon Street Station, where Head of Crime Investigation, Hilberto Romero, shared details of a brazen attack at the Espat residence in San Pedro. Heavily armed gunmen stormed the property in what can only be described as a frightening ordeal. Thankfully, no one was physically hurt, but the damage to the home and the emotional toll on the family were significant. But here’s where things took an unexpected turn. Instead of launching a manhunt for the suspects, police took the Espat brothers, Logan, Mark, and David, into custody. That decision has a lot of people asking, what really went down that night?
Hilberto Romero
Hilberto Romero, ACP, Head of Crime Investigation Branch
“On Saturday police responded to a shooting in the San Pedrito area of San Pedro upon the arrival they learned that someone came to that area pulled out a weapon and fired several shots towards two doors of an apartment the rooms belonged to Logan Espat and Mark Espat and no one was injured several shells were found in the area an investigation is being carried out at this time. We do not know who the suspects are for this shooting but yes we know the rivalry they have in San Pedro with other persons”
Tonight, a father is speaking out, defending his sons and questioning the actions of the police. Gilberto Espat, the father of Logan and Mark Espat, says he’s baffled by the charges brought against them. The two were arrested after their home came under gunfire, but according to their father, they’re not criminals; they’re hardworking fishermen who are lucky to be alive. Espat says anyone who truly knows his sons knows they’re not involved in gang activity. So why, he asks, are they the ones facing charges?
On the Phone: Gilberto Espat, Father of Espat Brothers
“Around four thirty we were waking up to go fishing. My son was awake and all of sudden he heard something like a gun was cranking up. He ran to the bathroom and he start to hear machine gun, bap, bap, bap, twenty gunshots. He lay down in the bathroom. The gunfire eased down. He opened the door and checked what was going on, one of my son that lives on the other house he saw some men jumping off the fence. He find out the gunshot was right in the house. When he went to check on his little brother that is when he opened the door and said bway, look like somebody wanted to kill us, because they shot up the place. Police didn’t take too long like five minutes, and we reach and they start to figure out what happened and we told them we have cameras and they can check it right now. My son bring them and they start check on the camera and that is how we figure out it was three guys that do the shooting. We report it and the police instead of going and find who did it they come and arrest my son them, lock them up for forty-eight hours and after they forty-eight they say that they will charge them for being a gang members, because those same ones are the ones that do the shooting. How can they shoot their own self when the cameras show people are coming in the yard. They took two of my sons, took them to Hattieville and we have to try to get a lawyer to get Supreme Court bail, we don’t want my sons to go to jail after almost getting killed.”
Paul Lopez
“You dispute the charge that they are members of a gang.”
On the Phone: Gilberto Espat
“Of course, because I can’t say that my sons are members of a gang. The people that knows them know that they are fishermen.”
Now here’s a story that’s got a bit of mystery and a whole lot of questions. A licensed firearm has vanished from a Caye Caulker residence and police believe it may have walked off with a woman who spent the night there. According to ACP Hilberto Romero, the gun, a nine-millimeter Glock, belonged to seventy-three-year-old Dennis Gelinas, a local business owner. He says he was with a female acquaintance named Azmin early Sunday morning, and after they both fell asleep, he woke up to find her, and his firearm, gone. The pistol, along with a magazine loaded with six live rounds, was reportedly tucked into his pants pocket. Police searched the home but came up empty-handed. What they did find out, though, is that the woman caught the 10:30 a.m. boat to Belize City and now, she’s being actively sought by investigators.
Hilberto Romero, ACP, Head of Crime Investigation Branch
“On Sunday a Dennis Guelina seventy five years reported that he invited a person to his house to spend the night he had his firearm on him and he reported that when he woke up in the morning he realized that his firearm had been stolen and the male person was no where to be found, we are seeking this person at this time for investigation.”
On Friday night, we brought you the story about the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and its quarter-million-dollar vehicle purchase from Car Guys Belize Limited. The ministry is now setting the record straight. In a public statement, the ministry clarified that the pre-owned 2024 Land Cruiser wasn’t bought using taxpayers’ money. Instead, they explained that the vehicle, along with another, was provided through support from strategic partners. In fact, the ministry says that since the Briceño Administration took office, it hasn’t spent a single cent of public funds on vehicles. Every addition to their fleet, they say, has come through donations from development partners. As for how these vehicles are used? The ministry says they’re essential for day-to-day operations and for providing protocol services across the Government of Belize. And when it comes to value for money, the ministry insists it does its homework, sourcing vehicles from reputable dealers with a solid track record of working with the government. That includes the Land Cruiser in question. So, while the price tag raised eyebrows, the Ministry is making it clear: no taxpayer dollars were used, and the vehicle is part of a broader strategy to keep government operations moving, efficiently and diplomatically.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade has released a statement confirming a significant development in Belize’s ongoing territorial case before the International Court of Justice. The ICJ has announced that it will hear Guatemala’s application to intervene in the Belize versus Honduras case. These oral proceedings are scheduled to begin on Monday, November twenty-four, 2025. To recap, Belize initiated this case on November sixteenth, 2022, requesting the Court to adjudicate and declare that Belize is sovereign over the Sapodilla Cayes, a group of islands located in the southern waters of the country. Belize submitted its Memorial in May 2023, followed by Honduras’ Counter-Memorial in December 2023. Both parties agreed that no further written submissions were necessary. However, the process took a turn when Guatemala applied to intervene in the case on December 1, 2023. While Belize raised no objection to Guatemala’s involvement, Honduras did, prompting the ICJ to schedule a hearing to resolve this preliminary matter before the main case can proceed. The Office of the Agent, in collaboration with Belize’s legal teams, is actively preparing to represent the nation’s interests at the upcoming hearings. This case marks another chapter in Belize’s steadfast commitment to defending its territorial integrity through peaceful and legal means.
It’s corn season in southern Belize, but instead of harvesting, farmers in San Pedro Columbia are fighting off an invasion. Not from the weather, not from thieves, but from rats. And lots of them. These rodents are tearing through fields, devouring seeds and young corn shoots, and leaving small-scale farmers scrambling to replant, again and again. With time running out and resources running low, the community says they’re at a breaking point. News Five’s Paul Lopez traveled deep into the Toledo jungle to hear firsthand how this rodent crisis is threatening not just crops, but culture, tradition, and livelihoods.
Paul Lopez, Reporting
This time of year, farmers in San Pedro, Columbia should be gearing up for corn harvest. But instead of reaping what they’ve sown, they’re fighting off an unexpected enemy, rats, lots of them. And right now, the rodents are winning. Local farmer Sylvano Tesecum says he’s had to replant his corn not once, but twice in just a few weeks. Why? Because the first batch of seeds, and even the young corn shoots, were wiped out by a wave of hungry rodents. It’s a frustrating and costly setback for subsistence farmers who are already stretched thin. And with every passing day, the battle between man and rodent is threatening not just this season’s harvest, but their very livelihood.
Sylvano Tesecum
Sylvano Tesecum, Farmer, Toledo District
“The rat is really damaging us with the situation we are going through, planting two times and it is not only me. There is a lot of farmers getting affected. I am going to put a next try and we cannot give up.”
For these small-scale farmers, giving up isn’t an option. Most of them work tiny plots of land, and every ear of corn counts, not just for their families, but for the animals they raise and the little extra they earn at the market.
Sylvano Tesecum
“They eat anything. They start to eat a lot of thing. They eat grass too not only the corn, they eating some rotten sticks. And it looks like they want to eat us too mein.”
These pests are masters of hide-and-seek, burrowing into the rich soil during the day and emerging under the cover of darkness to feast on freshly planted corn. Tesecum says he’s seen rodents before, but never like this. Residents believe the surge in rodent activity may be linked to the 2024 forest fires, which they say disrupted the local ecosystem.
Maximilliano Caal
Maximilliano Caal, Farmer, Toledo District
“Subsistence farmers, small scale farmers planting corn in this area here, it is not huge areas. But it is very cultural, and it is important to the practice here in southern Belize because we are self reliant. There is a lot of imbalance to the ecosystem, things like grey foxes, the ocelot, the jaguarundi, the hawks, they have very little area for them to come back. So, it will take a gradual process for the elimination of the rats.”
In the rugged hills of Toledo, farming isn’t just a job, it’s a test of endurance. To reach one of these remote corn plots in San Pedro Columbia, we had to drive up a steep, winding path for nearly twenty-five minutes, then hike another two hundred and fifty feet on foot. And that’s just to get to the field. These small farms are carved into the jungle, tucked between hills to shield them from harsh weather. All along the roadside, you’ll find farms under siege. And with corn being a seasonal crop, timing is everything.
Maximilliano Caal
“It is bigger than just rats. It is putting the stake of Maya lives at stake, because we wont have enough corn to keep on planting. It is also seasonal, because the corn does need sufficient water when you are planting. When the farmers plant at this time, we anticipate the rains. At this point most farmers should have already planted. Some farmers tart planting in May. We are already in July. Come August we should have things like corn lab, ducunu, that is when people enjoy that. So that is a thing that is also changing, because we wont have the corn in time for the families to enjoy.”
The stakes are high. They’ve only got a limited stash of quality seeds left from the last harvest and the rats are tearing through them. If those seeds run out, this season’s loss could snowball into next year. And it’s not just about planting. These farmers still follow the tradition of reciprocal labor, trading time instead of money. But there’s a catch: after planting, the host has to feed the whole crew. That cultural feast? It’s another cost they’re struggling to cover.
Raphael Choc
Raphael Choc, Farmer, Toledo District
“After planting there is a reward for the workers. We have a feast. The main food is the caldo, local chicken caldo. That is what we give to the workers. The feast is an expense. Local chickens are not so cheap, not only to buy but to raise, local chickens are expensive. Corn is what we are short of, and this is the second feast we are doing. It is a second expense. The first expense just gone down the drain. This second expense, we hope that we get this other corn.”
So, what’s the fix? Some farmers tried bringing in cats, but they went wild. Others are burning the land to flush out the rodents, but that’s risky and can spark bigger fires. With time running out to plant, many are taking that gamble anyway. But, Tesecum says even that isn’t working. The rodents keep coming. Now, the community is calling on the government to step in before the damage gets any worse.
Jose Mai
Jose Mai, Minister of Agriculture (File: July 16th, 2025)
“So that you have rodents on a farm is not strange or surprising to anybody. If it is an invasion I don’t know. What do you call an invasion? If you have ten rats on a field eating a pumpkin, is that an invasion? My technicians will have to go make that assessment and report back to us.”
The government has officially approved the full rollout of a brand-new National ID system, and it’s not just another card to carry around. Earlier this year, the Ministry of E-Governance and Digital Transformation tested the waters with a pilot project. Now, they’re diving in. This digital ID uses biometric data, like fingerprints and facial recognition, to help citizens access services faster, safer, and without ever stepping into an office. The government says it’s a leap toward modernization. But not everyone’s convinced. Some Belizeans are questioning whether this new card is really necessary, especially with other IDs already in circulation. To clear things up, we spoke with the CEO of E-Governance, Jose Urbina, who says this card is more secure and more capable than anything we’ve had before.
Jose Urbina, C.E.O., Ministry of E-Governance.
“We are just at the kickoff phase. Of course, again, we need to differentiate functional IDs and the national ID, national IDs are secure unique way to authenticate you. When we look at our functional IDs, social security, it has specific uses. In the case of social security is to track your employment to track your contributions and to track your benefits. When we look at our driver’s license it’s simply used to, to provide that you as a driver, what driving I’ll call it rights you have, right? Maybe you can drive a standard or automatic and a truck, a plane, whatever you want to including that driver’s license, right? So for that specific use, and the same thing with the voter’s id, the voter’s ID, allows you to a, indicate yourself on the day of elections for voting purposes only. And that is what the d respective legislation states. And now when we look at a national id, it is more encompassing. And of course we need legislation. So one of the key aspects that the, once we get the final approval from within government. It kicks off the open tender for legislation review. We need legislation to back up the national ID, right? How should we use a national id? How do we link legisl the new legislation with our public sector data sharing act? And how do we also link it to a data protection act? When we look at the national ID from an Infrastructure perspective the national ID infrastructure needs to connect with all databases that exist within the public and also to some extent to the private sector Because the private sector will also be using this platform to authenticate a user. And so there’s a huge differentiation when we look at national ID and functional IDs. Now, whether the national ID will replace some of the functional IDs, I honestly believe it will.”
The card is anticipated to be rolled out within the next three years and will come at no charge to the public.
Within the next three years, the government plans to roll out a brand-new National ID card, but this isn’t just another piece of plastic. It’s digital, it’s biometric, and it promises to make accessing public services faster and more secure. Think about applying for a loan or getting a police record, all without standing in line. But not everyone’s sold on the idea. To get a sense of how Belizeans are feeling, News Five ran a quick Facebook poll and the results were loud and clear. Over one thousand, three hundred people chimed in, and a whopping eighty-five percent said they’re not on board. So, we hit the streets of Belize City to hear more from the people themselves.
Belize City Resident 1
“Yeah, I think they should done idea as well for the buses. I think that that would be very nice.”
Britney Gordon
“So that we can pay for the bus with them?”
Belize City Resident 1
“Yes. Yes. I saw something similar in Taiwan. Yes. So I think it would be a good idea.”
Britney Gordon
“And with this idea, since it has your face scan, you’d be able to apply for loans at home and police records, you’d support all of that?”
Belize City Resident 1
“Yes. I think all of your, all of your information will be in a database, so I support it.”
Belize City Resident 2
“I no know when fi she, I don’t like ID too much. I keep social. Only dat I di worry about that password.”
Britney Gordon
“So you think that how they should maybe instead of make a whole new card, they should just sort of strengthen the social security card what we done have?”
Belize City Resident 2
“I think so. Social security betta.”
Britney Gordon
“Do you support the national ID?”
Belize City Resident 3
“ Of course, yes. I feel like we need for modernize as a nation, so we need to keep with the time, you know, move forward, take a step forward, you know.”
Two young girls tragically lost their lives today after falling into a pit that had been dug for a septic system in Bella Vista, Toledo.
Commissioner of Police Dr. Richard Rosado confirmed the incident, saying that the minors were sent on an errand by their grandmother. When they did not return home, family members grew concerned and began searching for them.
Their bicycles were later found abandoned next to the open pit. Both children had drowned inside.
Commissioner Rosado explained, “They drown in a pit that was dug for a septic. They were sent on an errand by their grandmother and when they didn’t return they went looking for them. Their bicycles found next to the pit, and they were found inside.”
There’s something magical happening at the Bliss this week and it’s all thanks to two talented artists from Mexico. Meet Jesús Cocido and Raquel Robles, a dynamic duo from Sonora, who are back in Belize with their colorful, hands-on puppet-making workshop. For the next two weeks, they’ll be working with librarians and kids, turning imagination into art through vibrant character hats designed for storytelling. They’ve been bringing their creativity to Belize every year since 2013. Let’s look at how they’re inspiring the next generation of storytellers.
Tanya Arceo, Reporting
The Institute of Creative Arts is rolling out its Summer Arts & Literacy initiative, and Director Kim Vasquez couldn’t be more excited to welcome two special guests, puppet maker Raquel Robles Pacheco and storyteller Jesús Cocido. Together, they’re leading fun and interactive morning sessions with kids and librarians, diving into the world of theater, puppet-making, and storytelling. It’s hands-on, it’s imaginative, and it’s all about bringing stories to life, one character hat at a time.
Kim Vasquez
Kim Vasquez, Director, Institute of Creative Arts
“We have two Visiting instructors from Mexico, Raquel Robles-Pacheco and Jesús Cocido, they are teaching here at the Bliss Center for the Performing Arts as part of our Summer Arts Immersive program. They are engaged in teaching children in the morning — theater, how to use the puppets to do storytelling. As well as in the afternoons they are engage in training librarians they are training this week and nine librarians from the Cayo and Belize district.”
Ever dreamed of bringing a story to life with your own hands? Well, now’s your chance. You can be part of the magic, design your own mask or character hat, and dive into the joy of storytelling and community art.
Raquel Robles
Raquel Robles, Art Instructor and Puppet Maker
“We only have two weeks left here”
Tanya Arceo
How long have you been here?
Raquel Robles
“Two weeks ago we’ve been coming here since twenty thirteen only the pandemic stopped us completely but we come every year and it’s a new and revitalizing experience, we leave our talent with talented people”
She’s known to many as Payasita Raquelin, and she’s bringing big energy and even bigger creativity to the Bliss. Raquelin Robles Pacheco, along with storyteller Jesús Cocido, is leading an exciting theatre camp that’s all about puppetry, costume design, and storytelling magic. Their immersive workshops have brought together more than twenty librarians from across the country, all eager to learn and create.
Raquel Robles
“As an instructor you fight to bring children into the world of art before, we used to take them off the streets so they could study. Now you have to pull them away from their homes just to get them to learn because unfortunately many parents let their children grow up with their phones — using them as entertainment simply because it’s easier to keep them quiet. I believe that a parent should be deeply concerned about this here at The Bliss Kim Vasquez is concerned about this situation which is why she promotes this type of workshop so that children can be more creative, more engaged and more independent.”
