Belize is doubling down on climate action with a stronger focus on teamwork and preparation. Earlier today, the National Meteorological Service brought together government officials, civil society, and private-sector partners for the Thirteenth National Climate Outlook Forum. The aim is to sharpen our seasonal forecasting, boost disaster readiness, and build a more climate-resilient Belize. It’s a big step forward in making sure the country is ready for whatever nature throws our way.
Daniel Mendez
Daniel Mendez, Coordinator, NEMO
“What we’re doing here is looking at the seasonal outlook as it relates to the climate in Belize and what we should be anticipating for the rest of the year so we were presented with information for the seasonal outlook for drought, the seasonal outlook for rain, and so what we will do with that information is incorporate it into our planning so that we are knowing with this in advance we should know when to anticipate certain things to happen. Yes, particularly for NEMO and the rest of the national emergency system knowing when to anticipate drought, knowing when to anticipate fire, and the likelihood for flash floods happening across the country helps us in being able to determine and reinsuring that we have the resources available when we do have to deploy.”
Ronald Gordon
Ronald Gordon, Chief, Meteorologist, National Meteorological Service
“In this particular forum we are also presenting two important projects that we care doing one is a project with the Korean International Corporation Agency where we want to develop impact based forecasting for the Toledo and Orange Walk District, by that we mean we want to go into the communities we want to find out what are their impacts the normally get from particular hazards and how we can improve our products so we can prepare them for those impacts we also have another project similar to that one in the Belize river water shed and that is funded through the Caribbean development bank and we are looking at that same kind of thing, buying from the community for them to understand what we do and how we can improve to mitigate natural hazards so that they don’t have to be a disaster.”
It’s the end of an era for Belize’s military. After nearly four decades of dedicated service, Rear Admiral John Borland, Belize’s longest-serving military officer, has officially retired as Chief of Defense Staff. Not only was he the first to ever hold that title, but he also leaves behind a legacy as the highest-ranking officer in the country’s military history. Though he stepped down back in March, today he was honored in a big way, with the prestigious Legion of Merit, a rare recognition awarded to foreign nationals for exceptional military service. News Five’s Britney Gordon has more on this historic moment and the man behind the uniform.
Britney Gordon, Reporting
Rear Admiral John Borland, Belize’s longest serving and highest-ranking military officer, has officially retired after thirty-eight years of service. Known for bold decisions, including firing warning shots during a 2001 riot in Orange Walk, Borland has played a key role in shaping the country’s modern military. He led the Belize Coast Guard before becoming the first-ever Chief of Defense Staff, a role created just for him. Although he quietly retired in March, the Coast Guard surprised him today with a special ceremony to honor his decades of dedication.
Rear Admiral John Borland
Rear Admiral John Borland, Former Chief of Defense Staff
“ I left my home this morning. I had two missions to do one up at the Coast Guard here and one up at the BDF, and there certainly weren’t anything that happened here. Just know as you witness in the ceremony, so definitely a surprise, but a good one.”
Over the course of his military career, Rear Admiral John Borland trained both at home and abroad sharpening his skills across the Caribbean, Europe, and Asia. He climbed the ranks to become a Major and earned a reputation as one of the most trusted and respected officers, especially when things got tough. And while he’s never been one to seek the spotlight, Borland admits he’s genuinely touched by the recognition he’s received.
Rear Admiral John Borland
“It means it means a lot. It means that someone or some people recognize the relevance, the significance, and the importance of what I’ve done for my country.For me it was just another job. I was just doing my job, doing what was required, meeting the requirement, fulfilling a mission, fighting onto the objective. That’s what I do. I don’t need special recognition. I don’t need accolades. I don’t need praises. I keep moving every day.”
It’s one of the highest honors a foreign military officer can receive, and now, Rear Admiral John Borland has joined that elite group. He’s been awarded the prestigious Legion of Merit, a rare recognition given by the United States for outstanding service. Rear Admiral Elton Bennett shares more on what this award means and why Borland earned it.
“They had that observation of his leadership ability, his dedication to national effort in nation building to maritime security and defense. So they recognized that and they wanted to bestow upon him the highest level of recognition that they could have done. And they went for the Legion of Merit Award, which puts him in a high class of Military officers and diplomats and politicians across the world.”
Borland may be retired from active service, but his work is not done. According to Minister of Defense, Oscar Mira, Borland has now assumed the post of National Security Director, where he will act as an advisor to the National Security Council.
Oscar Mira
Oscar Mira, Minister of Defense
“He’s not done yet. If you notice he’s now transitioned to the National Security Director. So his contribution signified so much for Belize. And it was just fitting for us to honor him today. As was rightly said, the first chief of the defense staff, it was an office that he established, and he had to start it from scratch. And he has done a tremendous job. Job.”
Borland steps away from the post confident that the Belize Coast Guard is in good hands and will continue to defend and protect the Belize of Belize.
Rear Admiral John
“A lot of people keep saying that, you are a great leader, you’re a good leader. And I always told them, I always said my job was to take care of the team, to build that team, to take care of the team, and to make sure whoever my successor is better than I was or as I am or will ever be.”
The selection process for a new Chief of Defense staff is still underway but Borland believes that his successor will do their part in keeping Belize safe. Britney Gordon for News Five.
There’s a new commander making waves at the Belize Coast Guard and she’s making history while she’s at it. Today, during a ceremony honoring the legendary Rear Admiral John Borland, another standout officer stepped into the spotlight. Alma Pinelo has just been promoted to Commander, becoming the first woman ever to hold that title in Belize’s Coast Guard. With twelve years of service under her belt, she’s also taking on a brand-new role as Chief of Staff. We caught up with Commander Pinelo to hear what this milestone means to her and what she hopes to bring to the job.
Alma Pinelo
Alma Pinelo, Commander, Belize Coast Guard
“It acts like a intermediary between the upper command, which is the Vice Commandant and the Commandant, and then the rest of the general staff and the rest of the Coast Guard. It is something that was approved by the board a couple months ago and then officially appointed this week for me to take up that post.”
Britney Gordon
“And what are the feelings that are going through your head right now, being the first woman to be recognized like this?”
Alma Pinelo
“Heavy is the crown, right? It is an honor. I feel very privileged to be able to take up this new post. It is a pleasure to work with the men and women from the Belize Coast Guard, and I feel happy. I’m excited it’s something new, so a little nervous as well because we’re going to figure it out as we go along in terms of getting used to another layer in that command structure because we’re always only used to having the XO and then the commandant, so we’re have to getting used to something new. Something new is always good. So definitely very privileged and honored to be able to take up this new post.”
Imagine putting your life on the line for your country only to find out years later that you weren’t being paid what you were owed. That’s exactly what happened to many enlisted soldiers in the Belize Defense Force. Back in 2019, a salary error came to light, and while the government promised to fix it, the solution sparked even more confusion. Some soldiers feared they’d actually be taking home less money. We’re unpacking the truth behind those salary adjustments and what the defense minister revealed today that could clear the air.
Oscar Mira
Oscar Mira, Minister of Defense & Border Security
“I don’t think there was a backlash. It’s about information and that’s what I have done from the very beginning. I have been making sure that I meet with the BDF, that I meet with Coast Guard. It is not a pay cut. If it was a pay cut, it means it would’ve affected a hundred percent of the BDF, but it didn’t. It affected some. So it means that there was an error in 2019 and we needed to correct it. And it has taken so long to correct and I’m pleased to say that we have now corrected it. And not only that, but I was able to lobby cabinet to ensure that we got two allowances to all of the BDF and not only the allowances, but also, access to the commissary, which has given the BDF for morale boost.”
Reporter
“How many soldiers were affected?”
Oscar Mira
“I believe it’s about eighty percent of the soldiers that were affected. It was mostly the non-commission officers, so the commission officers, which are lieutenants and all the way up to general, those were not affected. So they were receiving their correct pay. It was the other ranks, mostly privates and capitals who were receiving a salary that was not correct and we had to correct it. And I have been informing them. I have been at the BDF Price Barrack’s making sure that they understand what we’re doing and it’s not just, when they look at their bank account that something is not the same as before. So they understand and we’re doing everything possible to ensure that we keep the morale up and that we are giving back to them in so many other forms.”
Talking about making Belize proud, Garth Bowman, a Belizean American from the Stann Creek District, is soaring to new heights. He’s just graduated from the elite United States Coast Guard Officer Candidate School, and now he’s off to California to begin an exciting new chapter in service and leadership. But Garth’s story isn’t just about personal achievement, it’s a powerful reminder to young people back home that big dreams are within reach.
Garth Bowman
Garth Bowman, Commissioned Officer
“Well, I started my journey on April twenty first to the United States Coast Guard Officer Candidate School. I was one of ninety-five graduates today. The acceptance rates in the new Officer Candidate School for the United States Coast Guard is about ten to twelve percent, so part of it is the twelve percent that made it and graduated. I did eleven years in the United States Navy. I decided to transfer over to the Coast Guard, where I probably did eleven more before I retired. So going to the military was the right choice in the beginning. And I’ve gotten more and more family oriented. It’s just doing something where I can feel accomplished in my job and also feel like I can be the best person I can for my family. What’s next for me is I’m going to California, Alameda. To go there, I’m going to go to a ship. Once I go to that ship, I am going to be a deck watch officer. Essentially, I’ll be driving the ship and also be in charge of a division and leading people on the port ship. I highly recommend joining the military. Going to the military will forever change your life. It will grow you into a person that you will be proud of and your entire family will be proud of. Once you get to that point where you are in the military, your college education will be free.”
Bryon Bowman
Bryon Bowman, Father
“Very very proud he graduated eleven years ago from the navy that was special now he is into the coast guard and like he said its his passion it was his way of molding himself into who he wants to be and we are very proud.”
On Wednesday, we told you about the Haulover Bridge and the bold thieves who made off with thirty feet of aluminum handrail. Well tonight, we’re back with another bridge story; this time, it’s not about theft, but tension. Over in San Pedro, the Barry Bowen Bridge is making headlines after the town council announced a ban on fishing from the structure. Why? They say constant exposure to saltwater is corroding the bridge, and it’s time to protect it. Some residents agree that it’s a safety issue. But others think the move is a bit overboard. So, is it precaution or overreaction? Here’s News Five’s Britney Gordon with the following report.
Britney Gordon, Reporting
If you’re used to casting a line off the Barry Bowen Bridge in San Pedro, you might want to think twice. The Town Council has just put a stop to fishing on the bridge and not everyone’s thrilled about it. Some residents are scratching their heads, wondering why a long-time pastime is suddenly off-limits. But according to Mayor Wally Nuñez, there’s a serious reason behind the decision.
Wally Nunez
Wally Nunez, Mayor of San Pedro
“It is some corrosion that was happening on the railing. Please bear in mind that the bridge itself is a concrete structure and it was rebuilt because we had issues with the old bridge that was all metal. This bridge is all concrete. It’s only the railings that are made of galvanized steel. And yes they have to weld them together and it was painted.”
Interestingly, most of the corrosion is happening on the western side of the bridge, which suggests it’s not just the salty sea breeze to blame. After all, the wind usually blows in from the east.
Wally Nunez
“But the problem that we saw was on the western side and specifically on the railing where they usually go and cast their nets. And there’s also some fishing happening on that area. And when they reel in the, their lines with their, the sardine or with they bring in the constant, it brings a lot of water and the salt water directly over the structure is what was causing the corrosion.”
The good news? The damage to the bridge wasn’t too serious and the town council has already made the necessary repairs. But it did raise a red flag. Officials say it’s a clear sign that fishing activity is speeding up the corrosion, and that’s something they can’t afford to ignore.
Wally Nunez
“I started to see some of the comments why we’re not allowing kids to go and fish at the bridge. But I just wanted to explain and to clarify that it does speed up the corrosion if you’re having direct water over it. Yes, I understand that we’re gonna have salt air. We do constant maintenance of the bridge. We have the council constantly doing maintenance and looking at after the bridge to make sure that the integrity of the bridge is in good condition. But we’re just asking the general public to assist us in not speeding up the corrosion by having your cast nets up there, actually fishing up there so that we can prevent it from farther damage.”
Not everyone was on board with the no-fishing advisory at first. Some residents argued that the bridge would corrode over time anyway, with or without fishing. But others have been more understanding, recognizing the need to protect the structure. Mayor Wally Nuñez says this isn’t the only issue the council has had to tackle when it comes to the Barry Bowen Bridge.
Wally Nunez
“The bridge as we had just finished it, we had some lights along the railing and those were vandalized, they were stolen. We have been looking at ways that we can add some lighting on that side that it’s going to be more difficult for them to remove, I don’t know for what reason. Some people remove them because they wouldn’t be able to use it anywhere else because they come in sets and it has one specific ballas that works, or five, five parts of them. So it’s just vandalism and lack of civic pride.”
Nunez is asking the public for understanding and compliance to preserve the integrity of the island’s infrastructure.
Wally Nunez
“We need to encourage people to have civic pride and these things. They cost money and they’re there to serve a purpose and we want to beautify Belize. We don’t want it to be vandalized and being wrecked, in other words.”
Now, just to be clear, fishing on top of the Barry Bowen Bridge is off-limits. But if you’re casting your line from below, you’re still good to go. Britney Gordon for News Five.
It’s a discovery that’s capturing global attention and it’s happening right here in Belize. Deep in the heart of the ancient Maya city of Caracol, archaeologists have uncovered what they believe to be royal tombs, possibly belonging to a powerful leader. This major find is rewriting what we know about the Maya civilization and its surprising connections to one of the largest ancient cities in Central Mexico. Today, we sat down with the legendary research duo, doctors Arlen and Diane Chase, who’ve been unearthing Caracol’s secrets since 1985, to learn more about what this means for Belize and for history.
Dr. Arlen Chase
Dr. Arlen Chase, Professor, University of Houston
“I just knew that we had a tomb, and tombs are normal in Caracol. We dug over a hundred and seventy tombs. So, it was not until we started to get into the chamber and they started excavation along the eastern wall and uncovered a big pile of jadeite chips. It took a while to understand what they were. They are not chips, but pieces of jade. It turns out there was a fallen death mask in the chamber. That was a sign to me that this was a very unusual tomb, because we do not get jade death masks in chambers. We already knew that the tomb was covered in cinnabar, a red pigment, which says it is a very important individual. But it is the death mask the signaled how important this chamber was. We have only found one of these in our career and it was in Santa Rita Corozal in 1985.”
Dr. Diane Chase
Dr. Diane Chase, Provost, University of Houston
“There are so many important discoveries that we have been able to make at Caracol and this is one of them. Alter twenty-one that writes about the conquest of Tikal by Caracol. The first use of Lidar among the Maya ruins was done at Caracol. Mapping of the residential terraces to show that this was a city that had agriculture. All of those are incredibly important. But this one is unique, because it is the first time we have identified someone we believe was part of the royal dynasty at Caracol and that is huge. What is even more important is that it showcases that the dynasty is internal to Belize, internal to Caracol. It was not started by someone from outside the country at a distance.”
More than a hundred residents in the Stann Creek West constituency have received land titles. It’s all part of a new development called Rodsville, an initiative led by Area Representative Rodwell Ferguson with support from the Ministry of Natural Resources. It’s about making land ownership more accessible, especially for young Belizeans looking to build a future. This marks the second phase of the project, which kicked off back in January 2024. And while many are celebrating the opportunity, not everyone is on board. Some farmers say the very program meant to uplift the community is now pushing them out. News Five’s Tanya Arceo visited Rodsville to hear both sides of the story.
Tanya Arceo, Reporting
It’s called Rodsville, a new development zone on the outskirts of Pomona Village in the Stann Creek District. And this week, over one hundred residents were handed land titles here, in what is being called the second round of land distribution.
Rodwell Ferguson
Rodwell Ferguson, Area Rep, Stann Creek West
“When this group got together I told the to form a committee I never asked them to name it Rodsville because again that will create eyebrows but they did so its already officially the Rodsville expansion in the village of Pomona what they did they formed an NGO everything is officially recorded so what we did we invite the villagers for a meeting and we told them if you want to participate it comes with a certain cost its not a profit making venture but everything cost.”
The result was a community-driven initiative. An NGO was formed, and residents were invited to participate, each participant paid three thousand, five hundred Belize dollars, a one-time fee that covered land surveys, title processing, and a portion for future infrastructure in the area.
Rodwell Ferguson
“So we told the people them if you contribute three-five per person that includes your survey cost and your purchase price and so they contributed the three-five over a period of time and you were able to at least open the road so far this project started around February or march twenty-twenty-four. So last weekSaturday we had a ceremony and we delivered over a hundred titles already and we had two more ceremonies so that the people will recognize that what we are doing is legit and that they want to participate.”
As more lots are handed out and development picks up, this initiative is quickly becoming a pathway to promise and potential in Stann Creek West. For many, it’s more than just land, it’s a step toward a more fair and promising future.
Rodwell Ferguson
“We already built a park to get to the park is like an island so it build bridges so it can reach to the park so its major developments we di affect at least two hundred to three hundred families so it will be a big community so the fee that they paid might sound exorbitant three thousand five hundred per person to own a land here.”
This month, Sabreena Daly is shining a light on a group that doesn’t always get the recognition they deserve, fathers. In a world where strong father figures can sometimes feel like a rare find, Sabreena sets out to challenge that narrative. And what she discovered is nothing short of inspiring. Meet Mario Chavez, a legally blind carpenter and a single father of seven. Yes, seven. For over three decades, Mario has lived without sight, but that hasn’t stopped him from raising his children on his own or continuing to build beautiful furniture and concrete pieces, entirely from memory and instinct. Sabreena sat down with Mario in his workshop to hear his incredible story firsthand. And what she found is a man whose vision goes far beyond what the eye can see.
Sabreena Daly, Reporting
Mario Chavez is the cornerstone of his family’s story. His eldest son, Carlos Chavez, is an architect, former teacher, and now an entrepreneur who brings life to homes and garden spaces through handcrafted concrete designs. Carlos says everything he’s achieved, every step he’s taken, was made possible because of his dad. It was Mario’s steady guidance, his unwavering support, and the way he lived his life that shaped the man Carlos is today.
Carlos Chavez
Carlos Chavez, Son
“I can definitely attribute a lot of that inspiration to my dad. He has made his own molds for the concrete wash tubs he creates, and understanding how those molds work has helped me tremendously in my own work. He is truly a strong inspiration in my life.”
Mario Chavez isn’t just known for the furniture he builds; he’s admired for the strength it took to get here. Legally blind for over thirty years, Mario never let his lack of sight stop him from pursuing his passion for carpentry. He’s built a life and a legacy through sheer determination, even when others couldn’t see the vision he held inside. When I visited him in his home workshop, you’d never guess the man behind the tools sees only shadows. Carpentry, he told me, wasn’t just his first job, it’s his greatest love. But when he spoke about losing his vision, the emotion was clear. He quietly reached for his sunglasses, perhaps to shield more than just his eyes.
Mario Chavez
Mario Chavez, Blind Carpenter
“That’s my profession from the very beginning. I was working from a young age—I never had this problem before. I used to work with furniture. But then, that’s when the problem started….yes.”
It takes a steady hand and sharp technique to be a carpenter. Working with heavy wood, sharp tools, and powerful machines isn’t easy, even for someone with full vision. Mario Chavez does it all without ever seeing the finished product. Legally blind, he’s a true visionary in every sense of the word. Instead of sight, he leans on memory, touch, and instinct to bring his creations to life. Whether it’s a wooden table or a concrete basin, his hands know every curve, every edge like they’ve memorized the blueprint by heart. And through them, he continues to build with purpose and inspire with skill.
Mario Chavez
“And that’s why I know that work is a beautiful thing. When I’m able to do it, I feel like I’m reconnecting with something I used to do. I love when people come, see the work they requested, and they like it. They say it looks really beautiful. I really enjoy this kind of work. It helps me—that’s what inspires me to keep going.”
When Mario’s other senses cannot compensate for what he lacks in vision, his sons step in for support. Juan Chavez, Mario’s youngest son, credits his father’s relentless passion and determination for inspiring their entrepreneurial path. But more than that, it’s his father’s love and guidance that have shaped him into the man he has become.
Juan Chavez
Juan Chavez, Son
“I think it’s because of him that we became entrepreneurs. Seeing him overcome many of his challenges pushed us to strive for a better life. For me, that has been the most important lesson he has taught us—how to overcome obstacles no matter what challenges come your way.”
Mario Chavez raised his children as a single father, guiding them even without his sight. Though he couldn’t see, his vision for his family never faded. That’s the message his children carry with them. Now grown men, they say what mattered most wasn’t what he could or couldn’t do—it was that he was there, every step of the way.
Carlos Chavez
“He could have been somebody who said, you know, I can deal with this, but, but no, he stayed steadfast, and he found one way or the other to make it work for us, to help us finish our education. Even as adults, he has always been there.”
Cesar Chavez
Cesar Chavez, Son
“ What gets me emotional is that we’ve grown up with him and many people don’t get to have a dad.”
Juan Chavez
“I think he has given me the confidence to believe. He made sure that we had an education and that we did not feel like we were missing anything. So I think that gave us the confidence to do what we have done up to date. I think that has been the biggest impact.”
La propuesta de la Decimotercera Enmienda a la Constitución ha desatado un intenso debate en Belize. La iniciativa busca otorgar al Estado amplias facultades para declarar “áreas especiales”, donde la policía podría registrar, confiscar y arrestar sin orden judicial, todo bajo el argumento de la seguridad pública.
El proyecto también contempla la creación de un nuevo Tribunal de Armas y Pandillas, y pretende validar retroactivamente los estados de emergencia anteriores, incluyendo aquellos ya impugnados en tribunales.
Aunque el Comisionado de Policía, Dr. Richard Rosado, respalda la medida como un paso audaz para combatir el aumento de la criminalidad, no todos están de acuerdo.
La Asociación de Abogados Defensores de Belize ha enviado una dura carta a la Asamblea Nacional, advirtiendo que el proyecto puede erosionar las libertades civiles, debilitar la democracia y otorgar excesivo poder sin controles al gobierno.
La abogada Audrey Matura explicó que la enmienda extiende demasiado la autoridad policial e incluso permite la creación de fuerzas auxiliares, que podrían estar compuestas por personas sin la formación adecuada para manejar crisis civiles o por exmilitares con entrenamiento letal.
Además, criticó que la medida sea retroactiva, invalidando sentencias ganadas en casos sobre estados de emergencia previos, en los cuales personas fueron detenidas sin juicio ni acceso a abogados durante largos períodos.
El debate continúa mientras el país sopesan los riesgos y beneficios de esta controvertida enmienda.
La Asociación de Abogados Defensores de Belize continúa expresando fuertes objeciones contra una cláusula de la Decimotercera Enmienda que validaría retroactivamente estados de emergencia pasados, incluso aquellos ya cuestionados judicialmente. Esta medida, advierten, podría socavar el estado de derecho y sentar un precedente preocupante.
Además, el proyecto contempla la creación de un Tribunal Especializado en Armas y Pandillas, que, si bien suena prometedor, carece de garantías claras para asegurar la imparcialidad e independencia judicial.
La abogada Audrey Matura explicó que al incluir esta cláusula en la Constitución, se estaría eliminando el derecho de las personas a exigir sus derechos civiles, dado que la misma Constitución pasaría a prohibir su ejercicio.
Matura subrayó que el gobierno actual posee una supermayoría que le permite impulsar estas reformas sin oposición efectiva, ya que el bloque opositor está debilitado y dividido.
Recordó que casos similares comenzaron durante la administración del ex primer ministro Dean Barrow, cuando se impusieron estados de emergencia que fueron llevados a tribunales. Ahora, en lugar de legislar para corregir esas acciones, el actual gobierno busca modificar la Constitución para legalizarlas, lo que representa un paso más grave.
El debate sigue abierto mientras crecen las preocupaciones sobre las implicaciones de esta enmienda para la justicia y las libertades en Belize.
El Primer Ministro John Briceño se pronunció esta noche sobre la polémica Decimotercera Enmienda, que ha generado un intenso debate en todo el país por las nuevas facultades que otorga al gobierno para combatir la delincuencia.
En un evento en la ciudad de Belize, Briceño reconoció la preocupación generalizada, pero señaló que están abiertos a propuestas legales alternativas. Sin embargo, insistió en que el problema de la criminalidad es serio y requiere la cooperación de todos, no solo de la policía y del gobierno, sino también del público en general.
El Primer Ministro destacó la gravedad de los actos violentos cometidos principalmente por jóvenes, que incluso disparan en espacios públicos causando daños a personas inocentes. Por ello, afirmó que deben hacer todo lo posible para detener esta violencia y proteger a la ciudadanía.
Su declaración directa y firme refleja la urgencia del gobierno por implementar medidas para enfrentar el aumento de los crímenes en Belize.
