2025-06-13 - Greater Belize Media

Crique Sarco First Alcalde Alleges Voter Fraud

Concerns over voter eligibility have cast doubt on the recent village council election in Crique Sarco, where First Alcalde Marco Choc is formally contesting the outcome. Choc has lodged a complaint with the Elections and Boundaries Department (EBD) and called for the results to be annulled and a new election to be held.

Chairman-elect John Bo won the election by eleven votes but has not yet been sworn in due to the ongoing dispute. Choc claims that at least two dozen individuals on the voters’ list are not legitimate residents of Crique Sarco. He alleges they listed addresses within Temash National Park, an area he insists is uninhabitable and legally off-limits.

He further alleges that these individuals are from Barra Sarstoon, a Guatemalan community, and only appear in the village during election periods.

In a phone interview, Choc told News 5, “The communities have raised concerns that people who are not part of village life are casting votes here. We never see them except during elections.”

Choc is demanding a revised voters’ list that excludes individuals from other communities, including Graham Creek, Midway, and Barranco.

“We want the elections and boundaries to have a reelection; that would allow only, and I stress only, those from the community to vote,” Choc added. “We want the election and boundaries to revise the list, as it contains individuals who reside in other communities.”

The Elections and Boundaries Commission has confirmed that it is looking into the complaint.

Reports are that the same voters’ list was reportedly used in previous village council elections.

Greater Belize Media lidera nominaciones en los Premios CBU 2025

Greater Belize Media ha hecho historia al encabezar las nominaciones en los Premios de Medios de la Unión de Radiodifusión del Caribe (CBU) 2025, con un récord de 103 postulaciones, superando por primera vez al reconocido Grupo de Comunicaciones RGR Gleaner de Jamaica.

La trigésimo sexta edición de estos prestigiosos premios se celebrará el 20 de agosto en Barbados, según anunció el martes la Secretaria General de la CBU, Sonia Gill.

“Me complace anunciar a los nominados para los trigésimo sexta premios CBU. El 2025 ha sido nuevamente un año récord, con la Secretaría de la CBU recibiendo quinientas sesenta y una postulaciones en sesenta y una categorías, provenientes de treinta y una organizaciones”, señaló Gill.

Gill destacó el logro de la casa mediática beliceña: “Para el 2025 se corona un nuevo líder en número de nominaciones. La organización que encabeza la lista con ciento tres postulaciones es Greater Belize Media. Por primera vez, superó al Grupo de Comunicaciones RGR Gleaner de Jamaica, que registró un total de noventa y cinco nominaciones para sus servicios de televisión, radio, digital y medios impresos”.

Security Guard Assaulted, Robbed, and Locked in Container

An armed group of six men carried out a robbery in the Dikes Area of Belize City earlier today. The incident left 39-year-old Brandon Bernardez, a security guard, injured and locked inside a container.

Bernardez told police he was on duty when the men approached him. He reported that three of them were armed. One struck him in the forehead with a firearm before they stole his personal belongings, including vehicle keys, wallet, cell phone, and company container keys, along with two generators, a power washer, and other electrical items.

The attackers restrained Bernardez with zip ties and locked him in the container. He later managed to escape and reported the incident.

Police are continuing their investigation. No suspects have been detained.

Belize City Man Shot During Argument

A Belize City man is recovering in hospital after being shot during an argument late Thursday night.

Police say 26-year-old Jevon Ramclam was socialising at a home on Maskall Street in Belize City when a dispute broke out shortly before midnight.

Reports are that Linton Maskall allegedly drew a firearm and fired several shots at Ramclam during the confrontation and wounded Ramclam.

Officers arrived at the scene after Ramclam had been transported to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital for medical treatment. Ramclam is currently at KHMH getting medical attention.

“I Have Never Been More Alive”: Dr Bob Roberts Leaves Final Word of Faith

“While it is true that my body died, I am not dead. I have never been more alive,” said the beloved voice and heart behind Sixty Second Sermons, Dr Bob Roberts, in his final message of hope to his listeners.

Dr Roberts passed away this morning in the United States, and though he lived abroad, his love for Belize ran deep. His last words were not of sorrow but rather assurance to his listeners.

“I just changed one shore for another, a tent for a mansion, and have now taken up residence with those who have preceded me in death in a far better country,” he said.

For decades, his short yet powerful messages were a familiar sound in Belizean homes. One listener shared on social media, “His sixty second sermons were a part of many of our households growing up! May his soul rest in peace.”

“A blessed man of God that has left an imprint on my heart forever,” another listener said. “Do enjoy your new home up yonder.”

Even in saying goodbye, Dr Roberts preached nothing but hope and encouragement. To those who have not yet placed their trust in Christ, he offered yet another call, saying, “Celebrate this day with me by inviting Christ into your life and accepting his forgiveness and plan for your life. Though now absent in the body, I shall continue to share the word of hope and encouragement from God’s word with you through the medium of television and my publications.”

The voice that once brought short devotionals just before Greater Belize Media’s evening news now sings among the saints; and as he put it in his final message, “Scatter the good news about my departure that a dead man has been discovered alive in heaven.”

Tensions Escalate After Israeli Strikes on Iran: Tehran Calls It a ‘Declaration of War’

Iran has accused Israel of committing a “declaration of war” after strikes on one of its nuclear facilities. It is an attack that has dramatically heightened tensions in the region and drawn global attention.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed in a recorded video message that the United States was informed in advance of the military operation. “We updated them ahead of time. They knew about the attack,” Netanyahu said, adding that U.S. President Donald Trump “makes his decisions independently.”

Meanwhile, Iran’s new Islamic Revolutionary Guard commander, Mohammad Pakpour, issued a dire warning in response to the strike, vowing that “the gates of hell will soon be opened upon this child-killing regime,” referring to Israel. The attack reportedly killed Pakpour’s predecessor, Hossein Salami.

Despite the dramatic developments, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has stated that radiation levels at the Natanz uranium enrichment facility remain unchanged. IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi noted that the radioactive contamination present inside the site is mainly alpha particles and can be managed with protective measures.

Amid the fallout, the U.S. State Department issued a security alert warning of possible missiles, drones, or rocket activity over Iraqi airspace. Iraq has since suspended all air traffic and closed its airspace as a precaution.

Ex-PSU President Docked $400 for ‘Chronic’ Lateness

Former PSU president Gerald Henry is facing salary deductions after racking up over 16 hours of late arrivals in just four months, according to an official letter dated June 10, 2025.

The letter, addressed to Henry, Examiner of Accounts II, outlines that a review of the Attendance Electronic System from February 1 to May 31, 2025, revealed a total of 961 minutes of lateness. The accumulated tardiness triggered disciplinary action under the Belize Constitution (Public Service) Regulations, 2014.

The Auditor General’s Office will deduct a total of $407.02 from Henry’s salary, with $50.00 deductions beginning July 1, 2025. The letter states that these deductions are proportionate to the officer’s salary and the duration of lateness.

We note earlier this week, Henry and Doreth Obermayer protested in Belmopan, alleging unfair treatment by the Ministry of Public Service, particularly Henry’s denied promotion. Henry claimed he was the most qualified candidate but was rejected without explanation. In response, the Office of the Auditor General stated both were previously flagged as an “audit risk” for refusing to sign a mandatory code of ethics based on international auditing standards. The office also cited poor performance and lack of required evaluations as reasons for their ineligibility for promotion. Obermayer is no longer employed and has received her pension benefits.

Dr. Bob Roberts, Beloved Voice of ‘Sixty Second Sermons’, Passes Away

Beloved preacher and long-time contributor to Greater Belize Media, Dr. Bob Roberts, passed away this morning in the United States. Known for his inspirational “Sixty Second Sermons,” Dr. Roberts’ voice and message became a fixture in Belizean households for decades.

First introduced to Greater Belize Media viewers in the early years of the station, Dr. Roberts brought short, powerful messages of faith, encouragement, and national pride just before or during the evening news. In a 2021 interview with News Five, he reflected on how the segment began, recalling a spontaneous visit to the studio that led to a conversation with then-Executive Producer Stuart Krohn. “I said, Stuart, I have a good program,” he recounted. “And he interrupted quickly and said, ‘I know, but it’s too Western.’ And I said, ‘That’s why we’re talking to you. We want to make it Belizean.’”

And Belizean it became. Many of the scenic backdrops featured in his sermons were photos he took himself during his travels across the country, from Hummingbird Highway to the remote villages of Toledo. “One of my purposes is not only to share the gospel,” he said, “but I love Belize… and I want people to love Belize and see it the way I have.”

His presence extended beyond church walls and television screens. He recalled touching moments when strangers in Belize recognised him, children mimicking his trademark sermon openings, and believers drawing strength from his words.

Though based in the U.S., Dr. Roberts continued to send his sermons to the station, saying he was grateful to spread God’s word without needing daily praise. “It is not me that’s going to get the glory,” he said. “But it is Jesus and the word of God.”