It was a dramatic end to the week in the north, as torrential rains turned the Orange Walk District into a scene of chaos and concern. Two tropical waves swept across Belize, but it was Friday’s system that really packed a punch, dumping up to thirteen inches of rain in just a few hours. Streets became rivers, cars were stranded, and many residents found themselves stuck on their way home from work. The images and videos that surfaced were nothing short of alarming. Tonight, we hear from Chief Meteorologist Ronald Gordon, who breaks down just how much rain fell—and why it happened so fast.
Ronald Gordon
Ronald Gordon, Chief Met Officer, National Met Service
“In terms of amounts, I should mention we had very significant amounts of rainfall over the Orange Walk Districts. We can focus on two station, one in Tower Hill which we recorded Wednesday and Saturday, about three hundred and thirty millimeters of rainfall. That amounts to about twelve inches of rainfall and also at Douglas, north of there, we recorded three hundred and twenty-one millimeters of rainfall, which is about twelve, almost thirteen inches of rainfall in that area. Most of that rainfall occurred on Friday last week and Saturday morning early. In a short span of time we had significant rainfall in those areas and that contributed the flooding we saw in those locations.”
Torrential rains pounded the Orange Walk District over the weekend, dumping more than twenty inches of water and forcing families to flee their homes. In San Pablo Village, the floodwaters came fast and without warning—rushing through a creek and catching residents off guard. At least eight families took shelter in the community center, unsure of when they’ll be able to return home. This morning, many are still there, waiting and hoping. News Five’s Paul Lopez travelled north to see the damage firsthand. Here’s his report.
Paul Lopez, Reporting
This morning, a group of young boys flew a kite outside the San Pablo Community Center, making the most of the cool breeze and cloudy skies. But just days ago, that same center became their emergency shelter. On Friday night, a sudden flash flood forced their families out of their homes and into safety. One flood victim shared the terrifying moments when the water came rushing in.
Juan Pech
Juan Pech, San Pablo Village Resident
“That moment is a really serious moment, because when I see that time, I cannot say nothing because that water come quick, quick, one minute or something so.That time you can see water like, I cant say like what happened so.”
Paul Lopez
“Where were you in the house?”
Juan Pech
“Yes, but that was big surprise, the kinds, the ladies in the home, everybody get frightened. And that time you cant go an pick up your things because you the try hustle, move fast and I lose everything.”
For one family in San Pablo, everything was lost—except what they could carry to the community center. It’s not much, but it’s shelter. A mattress on the floor, a roof overhead, and a place to rest. This morning, seven families were still taking refuge there, trying to piece together what’s next after Friday night’s devastating flash flood. Their stories are a powerful reminder of just how quickly life can change.
Juan Pech
“Nuh big things, but clothes and food and water, right here you can get it, lee bit by lee bit.”
Today, National Emergency Coordinator Daniel Mendez shared details on the work the organization is doing in the community to get these residents back on their feet.
Daniel Mendez
Daniel Mendez, National Emergency Coordinator
“Today we are doing damage assessment. Damage assessment teams are out conducting damage assessments on areas that have been impacted to determine what happened. The relief and supplies committee have also been on the ground. They are doing follow up visit those affected families to ensure they continue to receive, food, water, hygiene, supplies and bedding. This support will continue for as long as necessary.”
Support for flood victims in San Pablo is coming from more than just government agencies. Caribbean International Brewery stepped up to do their part, delivering much-needed drinking water to families sheltering at the community center. It’s a small gesture with a big impact. Communication Director Fortunato Noble was on hand to make the donation, showing how corporate responsibility can make a real difference in times of crisis.
Fortunado Noble
Fortunado Noble, Communications Director, CIB
“As part of Caribbean Organic’s policy in respect to being a corporate citizen we saw the need of these people in a lot of the media outlet, people need water. Although water is what caused them to need water, we have bottled purified water, which is a need. So we decided to donate purified water to fill that need.”
While donations like purified water help make life a little easier inside the shelter, what these families really want is to go home. But for some, like Arla Lopez, that return is nowhere in sight. Her home has been left uninhabitable, contaminated by septic waste after the flood. It’s a harsh reality for many who are still waiting, uncertain of when, or if, they’ll be able to rebuild.
Arla Lopez
Arla Lopez, Flood Victim
“My daughter told me, mom water in the house. I hurry up and put my daughter on the table. I moved fast and had no chance to save anything. My house is not appropriate, it is not good, nothing, nothing. My house is bad, everything in the bathroom, tuh tuh, it smell bad. I cant take my baby to this house.”
Paul Lopez
“Now, how long will you stay here?”
Arla Lopez
“I don’t know sir.”
The extent of the damage to some of their homes and personal belongings may mean an extended stay inside the shelter. Reporting for News Five, I am Paul Lopez.
So, how did flash floods catch so many Orange Walk residents off guard? That’s the big question tonight. The National Emergency Management Organization says it issued an early warning—highlighting the risk of heavy rainfall and possible flooding. But as National Emergency Coordinator Daniel Mendez points out, predicting exactly where the worst of it will hit isn’t always so clear-cut. Tonight, we take a closer look at the challenges of forecasting flash floods—and why even with warnings, some communities were left unprepared.
Daniel Mendez
Daniel Mendez, National Emergency Coordinator, NEMO
“The information had been put out from the National Hydrological Service. There had been a warning put out, a flood watch in those areas. There was information from the meth service as well. But as the chief met will let you it is very hard to forecast where these things will happen. But we will continue to stress to people that there is always a likelihood for these things to happen. But we will look at our strategy again and review it. As I keep saying, every event is a learning for us and we will continue to look at our process to see how and where we can improve in that regard.”
A day of fishing off the coast of Punta Gorda has ended in tragedy. Police are investigating the drowning of sixty-two-year-old Delmore Wagner, whose body was pulled from the waters near Moho Caye late yesterday. According to reports, Wagner—who was reportedly intoxicated—entered the water and never resurfaced. Fellow fisherman David Wade alerted authorities after the group’s search ended in grief. Wagner’s body, which showed signs of abrasions, was taken to the Punta Gorda Hospital, where it now awaits a post-mortem examination. Police say it’s too early to determine whether foul play was involved.
ASP Stacy Smith, Staff Officer
“David Wade, a Belizean fisherman, visited the Punta Gorda Police Station and reported that sometime after five p.m. earlier that day, he was at a fishing camp located at the end of Moho Caye along with Delmore Wagner, sixty-two years old, and other fishermen. Wagner, who was reportedly intoxicated is reported to have went into the water and failed to resurface. Searches were conducted in the water and some hours later, the unresponsive body of Wagner, which displayed some abrasions, was retrieved and subsequently transported to the Punta Gorda Hospital where it now awaits a post mortem examination.”
Reporter
“Is there any foul play suspected?”
Stacy Smith
“The autopsy, the post mortem examination will determine that; however, there were indeed some abrasions observed on the body, however, it is not know how those were sustained at this point in time.”
A terrifying break-in on the south side of Belize City has left a family shaken and police preparing to lay serious charges. Just after four a.m. on Saturday, a man allegedly broke into a home with the reported intent to assault an eleven-year-old girl. According to police, the suspect was confronted by a woman in the house after she was awakened by a commotion. What happened next was even more disturbing, he reportedly attacked her and her husband, knocking them both unconscious. Thankfully, a male relative living downstairs heard the noise and rushed in, forcing the intruder to flee.
Stacy Smith
ASP Stacy Smith, Staff Officer
“Police are preparing to prefer charges against an unemployed Belizean in connection with a burglary that occurred at approximately four o’clock a.m. on Saturday, June 28th, 2025. This male person is alleged to have entered a residence located on the south side of Belize City with the apparent intention to rape an eleven-year-old female minor therein. One of the occupants stated that she was awaken by a commotion and, upon inquiring, she saw a male person in her residence who proceeded to assault her and her husband, rendering them both unconscious. A male relative who resides on the lower flat of that residence was also alerted by the commotion and intervened, causing the male person to run off.”
Reporter
“The intruder, as we understand it, was already or had already made himself naked in front of the child. Had this person also disrobed the child?”
Stacy Smith
“The investigation is ongoing and information will be disclosed when it becomes necessary to be disclosed.”
Reporter
“So, because of the nature of these things, it’s a burglary because of how crime is classified. Was there any indication of how the person entered the home? Was there any familiarity with the family? Are there any known suspects?”
Stacy Smith
“The suspect has been detained. He is currently in police custody and the suspect is one that is known to police for incidents of this nature. As a matter of fact, as recent as last year, he was convicted in the magistrate’s court by prosecutor, Sergeant Smith and was sentenced to eleven months in prison. I was advised that he had been released in May, so the person in detention is expected to be charged later today.”
It’s a political hat trick for Seleny Villanueva, who’s been re-elected as Caye Caulker’s chairperson for the third time in a row. Running with her ‘Generation Seven’ slate, Villanueva secured five out of seven seats—once again proving her staying power on the island. But this win didn’t come without controversy. With Mayor Wally Nunez backing Villanueva and Area Rep Andre Perez throwing his support behind P.U.P. candidate Celina Jimenez, the campaign trail got a little tense. We caught up with Villanueva to talk about the political divide—and how she plans to lead amid the island’s shifting alliances.
Seleny Villanueva
Seleny Villanueva, Chair, Caye Caulker
“It’s humbling and a blessing to know that my Caye Caulker community believe in my leadership. And it’s a role that I take on very seriously. I wanna be a voice for everybody across the board, especially those who are not being heard and in the past two terms, I believed our team have worked hard and we will do the same this time. I know I’ve been a P.U.P. supporter. Everybody knows that in my community and I think outside of my community. I’ve been an Andre Perez, honorable of Andre Perez supporter- campaigner. I can’t speak for my team, but I do not understand why we had to have, personally, I don’t know why we had to have a P.U.P. slate and an independent slate. I know the Honorable Minister had that opportunity to choose his preference, and he did. That’s his prerogative. But nonetheless, as a P.U.P., I’m here to work with. My area representative and to work with our area representative and our Prime Minister because when it comes to Caye Caulker Caye Caulker should know no boundaries, not even color. We should put everything aside. And at the end of the day, when it comes to development and prosperity for islands, we should just push forward. And I’ve, mentioned that last night to my area rep, I said, we need to put everything aside and work together.”
Over the weekend, the spotlight shone brightly on Isabella Zabaneh, who was officially crowned Miss Universe Belize 2025. She now carries the crown, and the hopes of a nation, as she prepares to represent Belize at the Miss Universe pageant in Thailand later this year. Zabaneh takes over from Halima Hoy, who proudly flew the Belizean flag in Mexico City last November. This year’s pageant wasn’t short on grace and glamour, with four other inspiring young women—Monisha Hyde, Imani Jex, Libny Rodriguez, and Hope Panton—vying for the title. In the end, Monisha Hyde was named 1st Runner-Up, and Hope Panton took 2nd Runner-Up, also earning the title of Miss Photogenic. Meanwhile, Imani Jex was honored as Miss Congeniality. It was a night of elegance, empowerment, and Belizean pride and the journey for Miss Universe Belize 2025 is just beginning.
Goodnight, welcome to this evening’s installment of Sports Monday. I am Paul Lopez, bringing you the latest from across the country. Tonight, we begin with the race for the National Road Champion. This is the Male Elite category at their starting point in Roaring Creek Village, as they geared up for a seventy-mile race west through the hills of San Antonio Village then back to Roaring Creek. Under twenty-three and some master riders rode the same distance.
Among the riders are names like brothers Cory and Justin Williams, and Jyven Gonzalez. Erick Trapp, Derrick Chavarria and the likes. Leaving Teakettle Village, heading west, Cory Williams leads a small chase group going after lead the rider in the lead, Justin Williams. The main peloton behind them is on the chase as well. Going into San Ignacio, one lead rider, young Jaylen Briceno was holding a forty-second gap between the main field of riders. Heading into the western hills through the Caracol Road on the way to San Antonio Village, the group is mostly intact. But it quickly became a race of endurance as the hills began telling on the riders’ legs. 1:33:26 These three riders going at a pace of seven miles an hour up this difficult incline. Exiting back onto the George Price Highway in Santa Elena two riders in the lead, Cory Williams and Derrick Chavarria, with another pair, Jyven Gonzalez and Jalen Briceno.
Going into Teakettle Village, the race is down to three riders playing cat and mouse and testing legs. Jaylen Briceno was dropped. A mile from the finish line, Chavarria launched an attack. Williams gets out of the saddle and Gonzalez does the same. The pace picked up to thirty miles an hour. Chavarria, Cory Williams punched the turbo button, and Gonzalez did not hesitate to respond. It was an all-out sprint to the finish line, with Williams ultimately defending his title for back-to-back championships. Back on the bike for the Road Championship is the Women’s category, Kaya Cattouse and her return was spectacular. She secured the title, reminding everyone that she still has what it takes.
Kaya Cattouse, Winner, National Road Championship
“The race really was reminder why I step back for the most part since the start of the year. This is the first federation race I ride since January and the fact that I think I want to give the upcoming cyclists some room to grow, because lining up automatic the race dah what fight for second place because when you come out there and working hard is only right you execute. I think slowly I will start to make my exit because the competition is no longer there and I would like to help the upcoming cyclist; pass on the knowledge I have gained.”
So, Cattouse’s exit, at least from local races in this category, is imminent, unless something changes with the number of elite women riders training and competition. From cycling action, we take you to the Capital City for the revenge match of the season. The Capital City Kings took on Cayo Western Ballaz. Here are some highlights from the overtime thriller.
Western Ballaz led by as many as seven at the end of the first quarter, with twenty-one points to their opponent’s fourteen and they were able to maintain that lead throughout the entire first half. We are going to fast-forward to the final quarter. The tides had turned for the Kings and they were in the lead by eight points entering the fourth and final quarter. Here we are in the last four minutes of this one, down by one-point, Western Ballaz Jahiem Ciego goes to the free-throw after being fouled in the act of shooting. He makes both free throws and the Ballaz take the lead by one point, eighty to seventy-nine points ballgame.
Jahiem Ciego slipped under the rim but Darnell Oden there to clean up and further extend the lead. Oden again big on the inside, a five-point lead for the Ballaz with three and a half on the clock. Clutch three from Jayden Lopez to tie the game at eighty-four. One minute left on the clock, it’s an eighty-eight to eighty-seven ball game, Ballers down. Alrik Nicholas finds the opening and drives to the rim and gets the clutch bucket. Ballers up by one. Kings in position. John Kelly tried to go up over Nicholas and draw the foul. A chance to tie the game or take the lead with forty-six seconds on the clock. Kelly catches the first and misses the second, sending it into overtime at eight-nine points apiece.
The Kings scored twelve points in overtime, while holding the Ballers to nine. It was a successful revenge match for the Kings, winning the game with one hundred and one points. Ballers finished with ninety-eight.
And finally, this Saturday saw heavy rainfall over Belize City, but that did not stop the Anthony Mahler Youth Football Tournament and its eager young participants to hit the football pitch. In one of the matches, Blazing Strikers took on Tut Bay United and brought them down one goal to nothing. Jahlee Goff scored that goal for Blazing Strikers. Ladyville Rising Stars took down Ebony Lake in similar fashion, one goal to nothing. Justin Magana was the loan goal scorer for Ladyville Rising Stars. Well folks, that is all we have for you in tonight’s coverage of Sports Monday. Catch you in the next one.
Over 75% of members of the Public Service Union (PSU) have voted to accept the Government of Belize’s latest salary and increment proposal. While the vote signals a willingness to move forward, PSU President Dean Flowers says it’s only the start of what could be a longer fight for transparency and accountability.
Flowers told News 5 that the process was “a rather straightforward one,” and that the vote was necessary because “today would have been the expiration of the 21-days notice of a trade dispute.”
He said the outcome likely reflects that of its sister unions. “I certainly did not anticipate a difference in the outcome of the vote between the APSSM and PSU, given the relationship between those two entities,” he added.
“All indications are that there’s a strong possibility that all three unions will align in this matter,” Flowers added, referring to the BNTU’s pending decision.
Flowers also raised concern over what he calls a “clear conflict of interest” in the arbitration process, should a tribunal be needed.
“The minister of labour is a member of Cabinet; therefore, he is part of the decision-making… It is impossible for the minister to divorce himself from that collective responsibility in Cabinet,” Flowers stated. “The law provides for the minister to convene a tribunal to make a fair determination… It would put, no doubt, even the best attempt to put in place an impartial tribunal, which we believe doesn’t exist, especially when they are politically appointed.
The PSU now shifts its focus to pension reform and good governance.
Police are investigating a daylight robbery that occurred around 1:30 p.m. on Friday on Arthur Street in Orange Walk Town. According to Assistant Superintendent of Police Stacy Smith, employees of Triple A Imports were travelling in a vehicle when their path was blocked by an SUV.
“Two male persons, one armed with a firearm and the other with a hammer, exited the vehicle and proceeded to rob the employees of an undisclosed amount of money belonging to Triple A Imports,” said Smith. The suspects then returned to their vehicle and fled the scene.
Smith also confirmed that the suspects reversed and crashed into a gold Toyota Prado driven by the mayor of Orange Walk Town during their escape.
Police have detained one person in connection with the robbery.
When questioned about a possible link between the suspects and the company and a possible inside job, Smith stated, “There is no indication at this moment that can conclusively say so. However, how the incident unfolded, an inference can be made in that regard. However, it is not conclusive at this point.”
