2025-05-16 - Greater Belize Media

Parents Raise Alarming Concerns at Orange Walk Primary School

Tensions are rising at Louisiana Government School in Orange Walk, where several parents are accusing a teacher of mistreating their children. The allegations include claims of emotional trauma, physical harm, and neglect. Despite bringing their concerns to both school officials and the Ministry of Education, parents say they’ve seen little to no action. One parent even reported receiving a death threat after speaking out. In response, the Ministry of Education issued a statement on Thursday, saying that one of the reported incidents was determined to be an accident. That conclusion was backed by a separate investigation conducted by the Belize Police Department. Today, the parent of the child accused of causing the injury spoke with News Five, confirming it was indeed accidental. She said the teacher involved had reached out to explain the situation and added that the injured child had previously been threatened by her son’s older brother. News Five’s Benita Keme-Palacio has more on this developing story.

Anisa Mckoy, Parent

“The teacher of my daughter. She sent me a voice clip stating that my daughter would be coming home in this kind of state because she was threatened at the school, and I went to the school. I wanted to clear the threatening piece because a threat is a threat at the end of the day, no matter who it comes from. So, I went to the school, and I was made sure, they made sure that this wouldn’t prolong. The father gave me his word in the office that nothing else would come of it, and he already spoke to his son, and my thing was when I was asked if I wanted to see the boy, the older boy, because the one that did the threatening is not the one that was injured; it is the older brother that did the threatening.They have two students in that classroom that saw what happened, and they were in the office, and they told the truth on what they saw. So yes, they did do their job and investigate from so many angles.”

While the Ministry maintains that the case has been closed based on its findings, affected parents say they still want full accountability

Education Minister Responds to Concerns at Louisiana Government School

As concerns continue to mount at Louisiana Government School in Orange Walk, Education Minister Oscar Requena is assuring parents that the Ministry is taking the matter seriously. The controversy centers around a teacher accused of aggressive behavior toward students. On Thursday, the Ministry of Education released a statement saying that one of the reported incidents—where a student was injured—was found to be accidental, the result of students bumping into each other while playing. Speaking with News Five today, Minister Requena emphasized that the Ministry is actively investigating the situation and maintaining communication with concerned parents. He reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to ensuring a safe and supportive environment for all students.

Oscar Requena, Minister of Education

“Yes, I am aware and i want to say that the Ministry of Education is actively investigating this matter and certainly we will get to the bottom of it.”

Reporter

“Has there been any communciation with the parents, because it seems like they’re still still complaining so what has been the dialgue there?”

Oscar Requena, Minister of Education

“I don’t know the details, but I know personnel from our ministry has been actively engaging the investigation, and I’m certain that there are going to be communications with the parents, the school, and anybody else who has to be involved.”

While the Ministry has addressed one incident, parents say there are several other concerns that remain unresolved. With several other complaints still unanswered, will the Ministry expand its investigation?

Postmortem Says Selvin Sealy Jr. Was Killed

Tonight, growing outrage and heartbreak in San Pedro, as the death of thirty-two-year-old tour guide Selvin Sealy Jr. while in police custody has officially been ruled a homicide. A post-mortem examination confirmed that Sealy died from restraint asphyxia—intensifying calls for justice and accountability. Sealy, a well-known resident of the DFC area, was detained by police on the morning of Monday, May twelfth, after reportedly behaving erratically near Villa Abrazos. According to police, he had climbed a tree, claiming he was being chased by a dog. Officers say they subdued him when he refused to come down—but shortly after, they realized he was unresponsive. He was rushed to the San Pedro Polyclinic, where he was pronounced dead. Now, with the cause of death confirmed, Sealy’s grieving family is demanding answers.

Selvin Sealy Sr., Father of Deceased (File: May 13^th, 2025)

“I’m heartbroken about my son and I don’t wish this on anyone, it’s a really rough feeling. Even right now, I get emotional. The call came to my house about 7:30, somewhere around there, about 7:30, I was getting ready to go out and then I heard that my son was critical at the polyclinic in San Pedro. So I got the news and I got ready and I went there directly. In all the chaos, and all the situation, I saw my son lying dead on the table and it was a really heartfelt emotion for me. They told me that, someone at the police department, that he was at some, I think it’s like a private house, rental, pool, swimming [when] the security called the police to come and see. I don’t know what transpired from there. They do have videos which I would like to see and get for my personal satisfaction. But after that, in between, something happened when the police picked him up or so. That part, I would really like a clarification. And then they took him, it seems [like] because I heard [that] they were talking about they had him in a handcuff. They took him to the station and so forth. He was well in the morning because my other son saw him at 6:30, passing by the boats on the beach. It’s a human being, like everyone else. Somebody dies, your children somebody dies, you want justice because no matter how the person is… if he had committed a crime or something it’s different. I just want justice. I’m not pinpointing fingers, but my son died.”

New Online System Makes Getting Police Records Easier Than Ever

In a groundbreaking step toward digital transformation, the Government of Belize has officially launched the new Online Criminal Records Registry—better known as the CRR system—ushering in a new era of convenience, transparency, and efficiency for the public. This forward-thinking initiative is the result of a strategic partnership between the Ministry of Home Affairs and New Growth Industries, with strong support from the Ministry of E-Governance. At the launch event, Minister Kareem Musa highlighted the CRR as a key milestone in the government’s broader mission to modernize the justice system and improve access to public services through digital innovation. So, what does this mean for you? The new CRR system allows citizens to apply for Police Records of Conduct entirely online—from application to payment, and even delivery. That means no more long lines, no more repeated trips to government offices. And for added convenience, users will receive real-time updates via SMS or email, ensuring full transparency every step of the way. But that’s not all. While the system is built for full online access, those who prefer in-person services can still apply and collect their records at designated locations. This digital leap forward is expected to significantly reduce waiting times, eliminate unnecessary bureaucracy, and make public services more accessible to all Belizeans. A modern justice system for a modern Belize—powered by technology, driven by progress.

Fatal Motorcycle Crash Shakes Blue Creek Community

A tragic accident in Blue Creek Village, Orange Walk District has left one man dead and another hospitalized. The crash happened early Thursday morning and involved two motorcycles. Police arrived at the scene around 9 a.m., where they found a Lifan motorcycle resting on top of a Honda along the roadside. Both riders had already been rushed to the Northern Regional Hospital. Investigators say thirty-seven-year-old Abram Peters, a resident of Blue Creek, was leaving his property around 7:30 a.m. and trying to cross the road when he was hit by a motorcycle driven by seventy-year-old Reinaldo Colomer of San Felipe Village. Peters suffered severe injuries and was pronounced dead on arrival. Colomer remains hospitalized with multiple injuries. Police are still piecing together what led to the crash and are reminding all motorists to drive with extra care, especially in residential and rural areas.

Mahler Says Running Youth Department “Isn’t Rocket Science”

Last month, Dean Flowers, President of the Public Service Union, called on the Auditor General to launch an investigation into the Ministry of Youth and Sports. He wants a clear look at how public funds were handled under the former minister’s watch. At the same time, Flowers and the P.S.U. are challenging a new proposal by Minister Mahler, who recently suggested cutting jobs in the Youth and Sports departments. The union argues the move could hurt workers and services. But Mahler insists the changes are necessary, saying restructuring is key to helping the ministry grow and succeed. Here’s what he had to say.

Anthony Mahler, Minister, Youth & Sports

“There should be audits for everything for statutory boards, that’s a normal process. And for government institutions, that’s a normal process. So we are working on those things and we’ll have to do what we have to do.”

Reporter

“We promise leadership one, we promise a plan that we will consult with people and two we will work, we will lead by example, minister Daly and I will lead by example and show that we can get things done. And it’s not rocket science for us to be able to ensure that we have the programs that can meet the needs of almost seventy of our population.”

Anthony Mahler

“We will provide a safety net in terms of restructuring. Between youth and sports, we have about almost eight million. I believe that with restructuring, with improving the efficiencies of the department, and the departments, we can accomplish a lot of things out of that money. Just the way we manage the money.”

Minister Mahler Sets Bold Vision for Youth and Sports

After years of complaints about neglected facilities and limited opportunities for young athletes, Minister of Youth and Sports Anthony Mahler says it’s time for a major reset. Mahler is stepping in with a bold plan to revamp the ministry and restore confidence in its mission. He acknowledges that the road ahead won’t be easy, describing the task as “heavy lifting”—but one he’s ready to take on. We caught up with the minister to get his thoughts on the national budget recently presented by Prime Minister John Briceño, and whether it includes enough funding to support his ambitious goals for youth and sports development.

Anthony Mahler, Minister of Youth & Sports

“ My original slogan was change agent. And I believe that I have shown the nation that I’m capable of leading these changes. When we got in, tourism was nothing. We were built it to record levels now and we’re putting in better fundamentals in it and for sustainability and for this organic growth that we need instead of exponential growth and youth transports are going to be the same thing, we come with a level of discipline. We come with a level of focus, we come with a plan to ensure that we meet the needs of this country. And like I said, youth and sports are too important for us not to get it right.”

Reporter

“Do you believe the ministry was given sufficient funds in this year’s budget to complete these goals that you want to accomplish?”

Anthony Mahler

“I believe it’s a start and I believe it’s a good start. And like I said, we will continue restructure, we’ll continue to become more efficient and we will continue to partner, like for example, sports. We should be partnering federations like the Golf Federation to ensure that they have developmental programs and that they have the adequate facilities, that they have the means of, of improving. In the game, just like basketball, just like volleyball, just like cricket. All of these things play a crucial role in the development of Belize.”

Tourism Minister Optimistic as Belize Sees Record Visitor Numbers

Despite a few bumps in the road, Belize’s tourism industry is showing strong signs of growth—and the outlook for the rest of the year is promising. Minister of Tourism Anthony Mahler shared that the country saw record-breaking visitor numbers in January, February, and April of this year. March was slightly down, but only because Easter fell in April this year, unlike last year when it boosted March’s numbers. Mahler recently met with major airlines and the U.S. Embassy, and the message was clear: an uptick in travel to Belize is expected after June.

Anthony Mahler, Minister of Tourism

“I had a meeting yesterday with the US Embassy and we had a frank; open discussion and I believe that this is an opportunity for us. I think things are going to settle down. Last week Friday, I met with some of the major airlines that come to Belize and all of them are saying that they’re expecting an uptick after June. For the first four months of this year, we’ve seen record numbers, except for March, whereby last year March you had Easter in it and this year, Easter fell in April. And so, January was a record month, February was a record month, March, we were marginally down and April we had a record month. So, now it’s how we position ourselves. I believe the Mexican market is important. The Canadian market is important. South America is going to be important and the regional aspect of it. But air connectivity is also important, so we have some contracts on the table and hopefully we can get those worked out before the end of the year whereby we have new carriers coming into Belize.”

Tourism Minister Responds to Rumors of “Boss City” Development Tied to Convicted Crime Boss

Tourism Minister Anthony Mahler says he’s completely unaware of any plans for a massive resort development in Belize allegedly linked to convicted Australian crime boss Bassam Hamzy. The proposed project, reportedly named “Boss City”, is said to include stadiums, towers, waterways, and residential areas, with a multibillion-dollar price tag. But when asked about it, Mahler was clear.

Britney Gordon

“Sir, are you of the reported plans by convicted Australian crime boss, Bassam Hamzy, to develop a multibillion-dollar resort in Belize known as Boss City? It’s set to be equipped with stadiums, towers, waterways, and residential areas.”

Anthony Mahler, Minister of Tourism

“Ahuh?”

Britney Gordon

“Are you aware of it?”

Anthony Mahler

“Absolutely not.”

Britney Gordon

“What is your immediate reaction to the revelation that such a proposal has been tied to Belize’s real estate sector?”

Anthony Mahler

“I know nothing about it so I can’t speak to it. Usually, if they are going to have that level of investment, we would know. This is the first I’m hearing about it. I’ll check with the people at the Belize Tourism Board and the hotels department to see if there is such a thing. But, you said a billion-dollar investment?”

Britney Gordon

“Yes, a multibillion-dollar investment.”

Anthony Mahler

“So, from you hear that, you know that da fool.”

Britney Gordon

“Given the criminal background of the individual behind the project, what safeguard does Belize have to prevent illicit actors from entering the tourism and investment sector?”

Anthony Mahler

“Well we have a stringent program that we go through in terms of screening people. Like I said, yes we want investments, but we want quality people to invest in Belize.”

Tighter Security at Domestic Airports After Holy Thursday Incident

A shocking incident on Holy Thursday has sent ripples through Belize’s aviation industry, prompting swift and serious changes to domestic airline security. In the wake of this unprecedented event, the Belize City Municipal Airport and other domestic terminals have significantly ramped up security. Effective immediately, all passengers and personal items must undergo mandatory screening before boarding. Physical searches may also be conducted, and law enforcement presence has been increased at airstrips nationwide. Earlier today, we caught up with Tourism Minister Anthony Mahler, who emphasized that these measures are not just reactive, they’re part of a broader commitment to ensuring the safety of all travelers. He noted that while Belize has long enjoyed a reputation for safe and efficient domestic travel, this incident has underscored the need for proactive, modern security protocols.

Anthony Mahler, Minister of Tourism

“911 was the same situation, but I have to travel. I don’t like traveling because of all the stress that you go through when you go through security, but I prefer piece of mind and I prefer that the measures are put in place rather than just having faith.”