Back-to-school shopping just got a little lighter on the wallet, at least for a couple of weekends. Cabinet has declared July thirty-first to August second, and August fifteenth to seventeenth, as GST-free weekends. But before you rush to the checkout, here’s the catch, it only applies to school supplies. That detail didn’t make it into the initial Cabinet release, but Director General of the Belize Tax Service Department, Michelle Longsworth, is clearing things up. She says no one’s being misled, and her team is already working with stores across the country to make sure shoppers know exactly what qualifies.
Michelle Longsworth
Michelle Longsworth, Director General, Belize Tax Service Department
“When you look at the information that exists, you have school supplies that are already zero rated and already exempt. So, we have listed those and only added a few additions like uniform material, readymade uniform or stationary supplies. So, we are presently working on that to do the projection.”
Paul Lopez
“Just to be clear this is not only for school supplies or is it solely for school supplies?”
Michelle Longsworth
“Solely for school supplies. Those are some of the queries we have been getting since morning, because people feel like they can go to the store as they did in December. But, that is not correct. It is only for school supplies. It is for helping the Belizean public who have to incur these expenses to send their children back to school come this school year. So, it is only for school supplies. The announcement and notices we are putting out will list the school supplies that are GST free. So, I urge the general public and the businesses to refer to that list we are putting out to ensure that those are the only items that GST is removed from.”
Paul Lopez
“So essentially if my corner store sells school supplies, it applies to that store even if they don’t specialize in school supplies.”
Michelle Longsworth
“Correct, in many cases, and I can use the Asians, if you go into one of the Asian stores you will see they have a section that sells Pencils, markers, calculators, some of them even sell like bristol board and stuff like that, those will also be part of it. So, you can go into your regular corner store and they must remove GST from the items listed.”
It’s one of Belize’s favorite street foods and also one of its most debated. We’re talking about garnaches. But here’s the question that’s got people fired up: ketchup or no ketchup? In the north, tradition says hold the ketchup. But in Belize City? Many wouldn’t dream of eating garnaches without it. So, to get to the bottom of this tasty debate, News Five’s Tanya Arceo hit the streets of downtown Belize City to find out where people stand. Here’s what they had to say.
Tanya Arceo, Reporting
Garnaches, one of Belize’s most beloved street foods, has kicked off a public debate: to ketchup, or not to ketchup? It’s been the talk of the town for days, and I decided to jump right into the middle of it. So, I grabbed a plate of garnaches, without ketchup, of course, and hit the streets to find out where Belizeans stand on this flavorful face-off.
Tanya Arceo
“I came to buy some garnaches what I’m trying to figure out is if people eat it with or without ketchup but we will find out right now.”
Belize City, Resident 1
“I like my garnaches with ketchup”
Food Vendor
“People weh come from north they like it without ketchup and the city people they like it with ketchup”
Tanya Arceo
“Do you prefer your garnaches with or without ketchup”
Belize City, Resident 2
“For me I would prefer, sometimes I like it with but also without.”
Tanya Arceo
“Do you prefer you garnaches with or without ketchup?”
Belize City, Resident 3
“Without ketchup because it’s the first time I ever heard about anyone eating garnaches with ketchup.”
Belize City, Resident 4
“I would say without ketchup.”
Belize City, Resident 5
“Honestly a little bit of ketchup a little bit”.
Belize City, Resident 6
“Without definitely without.”
Belize City, Resident 7
“Me I like it with everything ketchup pepper the works.”
Whether you like your garnaches drenched in ketchup or prefer them the traditional way, one thing’s for sure: Belizeans love their street food. This may have started as a simple question, but it’s turned into the unofficial national food debate. And from the looks of it, the battle isn’t over just yet. I’m Tanya Arceo, reporting for News Five—from the front lines of flavor.
It’s been nearly five decades since she last took the stage solo; but now, Belizean artist Maureen Utsman is making a powerful return. Her new theatrical showcase, Stories of My Life, is more than just a performance, it’s a heartfelt tribute to memory, resilience, and the voices of women over seventy. Hosted by the Institute of Creative Arts, the show will take place at the Bliss Center for Performing Arts and features a special appearance by the legendary vocalist Nelita Castillo.
Kim Vasquez
Kim Vasquez, Director, ICA
“So tomorrow we have here at The Bliss the production by Maureen Utsman it’s a one woman production entitled “Stories of My Life” women over seventy making their voices heard This is Maureen Utsman’s biographical play that she’s presenting. She very much desired a career in the theater arts in maybe even contributing to Belize I this way that her life took many unforeseen twist and turns but through all of it she always kept this spirit of resilience and determination and that s really something that I think you best come to experience what that story is its really inspirational I think for all women.”
It’s a celebration of life, legacy, and the strength of storytelling.
The Garifuna language is in trouble and those working to preserve it say the time to act is now. Earlier this week, we showed you how children at the Leo Bradley Library are reconnecting with their roots via the Garifuna Language Retrieval Through Music Program. But it’s not just for kids. Today, we hear from one of the program’s passionate instructors, who says the language is open to everyone, young or old, Garifuna or not. News Five’s Britney Gordon has more on the growing movement to keep this vibrant language alive.
Britney Gordon. Reporting
When you think of Garifuna music, chances are Andy Palacio’s iconic Wátina comes to mind. But there’s a new rhythm rising, one that’s not just about the beat, but about saving a language. For over thirty years, James Lovell has been on a mission to keep the Garifuna language alive. He’s taken that mission around the world, using one of the most powerful tools he knows: music. Through song, he’s teaching a new generation, and anyone willing to learn, that Garifuna isn’t just a language of the past. It’s a living, breathing part of Belize’s cultural soul.
James Lovell
James Lovell, Garifuna Teacher
“It’s something that I’ve developed, like I said, and I first started it with my children, some of them who were born in the state. And I realized that they don’t, I’m not teaching them Garifuna as often as I supposed to. And then it dawned on me on a November nineteenth, so many years ago. And then ever since then, I start, using speaking simple salutation words in Garifuna to my children. And then I realized that I can change songs or transpose songs from English into Garifuna.”
Born and Raised in Dangriga, Lovell was steeped in Garifuna culture, its food, clothing and music, and has seen firsthand how the popularity of the language has declined. Now, Lovell travels the world, teaching Garifuna to anyone willing to learn.
James Lovell
“I’ve worked teaching Garifuna in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. And I’ve done it in New York. I’ve done it in Dangriga. I’ve done it practically. as a matter of fact, I was doing it in Nicaragua recently. And I have to say, Britney, that the state of the Garifuna Nation it’s in dire need. It’s in dire straits.”
It was music, culture, and language all wrapped into one at the Leo Bradley Library in Belize City, where the final notes of the Garifuna Language Retrieval Through Music program rang out. Garifuna preservationist Angela Palacio led the charge, wrapping up the last day of this creative initiative aimed at getting kids excited about their roots.
Angela Palacio
Angela Palacio, Organizer
“We kept our language because in St. Vincent they were. Not able to speak the language because they would be shot. So we preserved and we were able to go back and teach in St. Vincent, our language and stuff like that. However, even though we preserved the young people, we’re losing it because we’re not speaking it to our children. So it’s very vital that we teach it to the children and that the parents learn as well.”
One enthusiastic student was Armani Smith, who was eager to share what he’d learned so far.
Britney Gordon
“What is the best part of this entire session?”
Armani Smith
Armani Smith, Student
“Probably because I get to learn a culture.”
Britney Gordon
“What is something that you’ve learned so far?”
Armani Smith
“Probably songs, numbers and how to talk to the Garifuna people.”
Britney Gordon
“Tell me one thing you’ve learned so far, say a phrase for me.”
Armani Smith
“Buiti Binafi.”
When it comes to preserving the Garifuna language, James Lovell isn’t just focused on the kids; he’s bringing the grown-ups into the classroom too. As part of his mission, Lovell hosted a special “Train the Teacher” session, giving adults the tools to teach Garifuna, even if they’re not fluent themselves. His approach? Keep it simple, keep it musical, and keep it accessible. Lovell says teaching adults isn’t all that different from teaching children, it’s all about creating a space where learning feels natural and fun.
James Lovell
“There’s definitely gotta be similarities because some of the teachers who are, will be teaching later on, some of them might not know how to speak the language. But what I’ll do, I’m gonna teach them the same song that I’m teaching the kids. And when they learn how to sing these songs and they record it and they can use technology and take that recording and play it for the children.”
Progress might be slow, but it’s steady. And for Angela Palacio, that’s what matters. She believes that if there are people willing to learn, the fight to save the Garifuna language is far from over.
Angela Palacio
“I think we have a lot of work to do. People see the importance, but they don’t take it seriously. We just have to try our part and hopefully they’ll grow up to realize that it is endangered.”
And here’s the beautiful part, this isn’t just for Garifuna communities. No matter your age or background, all Belizeans are being encouraged to dive into the culture and help keep the Garifuna language alive. Because saving it isn’t just about preserving the past, it’s about protecting a piece of who we are, before it’s lost for good. Britney Gordon for News Five.
We often talk about the importance of mothers in shaping a child’s life, and rightly so. But today, we’re turning the spotlight on fathers, the quiet heroes whose presence, love, and guidance can make all the difference. A father’s role goes far beyond providing; it’s about showing up with heart, with purpose, and with consistency. This month, we set out to find fathers who are doing just that, men who are not only raising children but raising the bar. And this week, our very own Sabreena Daly sat down with one such dad, Arthur Usher. He’s a dedicated social worker and, more importantly, a devoted father. Here’s what he had to say about what it truly means to be a dad.
Sabreena Daly, Reporting
Meet Arthur Usher, a social worker by day, and more importantly, a hands-on, heart-first dad to his thirteen-year-old son, Arthur Jr. When Arthur first found out he was going to be a dad, he was hit with a wave of emotions. Joy? Absolutely. But also, a fair bit of anxiety. Like many first-time fathers, he remembers that moment vividly, the excitement, the questions, and the quiet pressure to step up and be everything his child would need.
Arthur Usher Sr.
Arthur Usher Sr., Father
“I was scared. It was a frightening thought. For me, I think it was more along theline of the immense responsibility that was ahead. Understanding the responsibility now to literally mold a human being; even now it feels like a mind trip sometimes. Because I was like what do I do? What if I mess up?”
There’s no manual for parenting. No step-by-step guide that fits every child. Instead, parents often develop their own rhythm, shaped by experience, instinct, and love. For Arthur Usher, good parenting starts with seeing your child for who they really are, not who you thought they’d be. It’s about tuning in, letting go of expectations, and letting your child’s unique personality shape the way you show up as a parent.
Arthur Usher Sr.
“For me, it’s about understanding who he is at his core and bringing that out. I’m not trying to force him in any one direction. My approach has always been to guide him through life, and I try to do that in the best way I can.”
Ask any child what matters most, and chances are, it’s not perfection, it’s presence. For thirteen-year-old Arthur Jr., the value of his father’s love isn’t found in grand gestures, but in the everyday moments they share. He had no trouble pointing out the ones he holds closest to his heart.
Arthur Usher Jr.
Arthur Usher Jr., Son
“My dad’s a hardworking person and he always makes time to play video games and teach me how to play basketball better and a bunch of other stuff. When he’s free, even when he has a lot of work to do and people are calling him a lot, he still makes time for me and the family.”
He has seen it too many times. As a social worker, Arthur’s on the front lines, witnessing the impact that growing up without a father can have on a child. It’s personal for him, not just professional. “The numbers don’t lie,” he says. “They tell a story we can’t afford to ignore.” For him, the absence of a father figure isn’t just a statistic, it’s a driving force behind many of the struggles today’s youth are facing. And it’s why he’s so committed to being present, not just for his own son, but as a voice for change in the wider community.
Arthur Usher Sr.
“I think a lot of our social issues we’re seeing in Belize right now are because of a lack of fatherhood and that level of mentorship. Fathers and mothers lead and guide in different ways, so the child does need both—however they can get both—because we tend to put a lot of strain on nuclear systems and nuclear families, but it doesn’t necessarily have to be that way. Looking at my profession and the work that I do, you can see what the lack of fatherhood promotes. Sometimes we want to deny these things and say it’s not because of that, but the data is there. You can see that in a household with a consistent father, the children are a bit different from those without.”
Arthur Usher Jr.
“My dad loves the work that he does, and he shares that with me as well. Just the other day, we saw one of the kids he teaches—he’s working now—and he said that’s the kind of work he does. He’s proud of that kid because he was with him a couple of years ago, and now he’s working.”
The presence of a father in the home helps shape a child’s sense of stability, identity, and emotional well-being. Arthur Usher Sr. understands this not just through his work, but through the daily responsibility of raising his own son. For him, fatherhood isn’t just about showing up, it’s about showing up with purpose.
Arthur Usher Sr.
“I want to be present. For me, the main thing is trying to be present and active, and also trying to be open. I think that’s one of the main things I’ve learned over the years, especially in this field—you truly have to listen.”
Arthur Usher Jr.
“I don’t know how, but sometimes when I need help with work or something, I tell my dad, and he tells me how to relate to it and how he related to it. Like, I’ll tell him about my friends, and he’ll tell me what his friends did and how he managed it.”
As parents, hoping you’re doing it right is often a good sign you’re on the right track. Some say a true indicator is how your children show up—in their confidence and the way they express themselves. We asked Arthur Jr. what inspires him about his dad and, well… his response might be an indicator that he’s doing alright.
Arthur Usher Jr.
“He inspired me to push myself beyond my limits. When I play basketball, he always tells me to be aggressive and do what others aren’t doing. I always try to remember that.”
Convicted murderer William Alexander “Danny” Mason has been handed more prison time for the 2016 kidnapping of Mennonite couple Lloyd and Rosie Friessen.
Mason, who was once known by multiple aliases, including Rajesh Persaud, Rajesh Oulett, and Ted Oulett, was sentenced to two 24-year terms for abducting the couple on May 31, 2016. Justice Nigel Pilgrim ordered that both sentences will run at the same time, meaning Mason will serve 24 years in total for both counts.
However, the judge ruled that this new sentence will not begin until Mason finishes serving his existing prison term for the notorious murder of Pastor Llewellyn Lucas, whose brutal beheading in 2016 stunned the country. Mason is currently serving life in prison for that crime and will be eligible for parole in July 2051.
If granted parole then, the kidnapping sentence would start immediately afterward, potentially keeping him locked up until 2075, when he would be 95 years old.
Rodriguez, also a Honduran national, was fatally stabbed on the night of July 16th during what police say was a heated argument with her brother-in-law over loud music.
Rodriguez lived with her husband and four male relatives on the grounds of a lumberyardwhere the men worked. According to investigators, the group had been socialising after work when the dispute turned deadly.
Police responded to the scene just after 9:30 p.m. and found Rodriguez’s body on the veranda with multiple stab wounds. She was rushed to the hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival.
Three men were initially detained after the incident, but Gabarrete, the main suspect, had fled.
Rodriguez and her family were relatively unknown in the Spanish Lookout community, and attempts to reach her relatives have so far been unsuccessful.
The Belize Tax Service Department is preparing to transition into a Semi-Autonomous Revenue Authority (SARA), with the change set to begin in December 2025. While reports suggest that only 153 positions will exist under the new structure, down from 250-plus current staff roles, Director General Michelle Longsworth has clarified that no employees will lose their jobs.
“I think what is being on social media is just a form of mischief-making,” she said.
According to Longsworth, employees will have the choice to transition into the new authority or request a transfer within the public service. Retirement will also be an option for those eligible.
“It’s a choice whether staff choose to transition to the SARA; they have a choice, or they can choose to remain with the public service and be put in a department in the wider public service so no one will lose their jobs,” Longsworth said.
She explained that the confusion stems from a misunderstanding between the number of positions and the number of people holding those roles. “We’re talking about 153 positions,” she said. “Presently, the BTS has 42 positions, but we have 250 staff members.”
If a current staff member chooses to transition to the SARA, they will have to reapply for those jobs but would be given “first consideration to apply for positions within the new SARA structure,” according to a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) sheet provided to its employees as part of its sensitization sessions.
The FAQ sheet also points out that those who choose to “remain in the public service or retire, your pension benefits remain intact.”
She explained that a position exists once but is held by several staff members across all districts in Belize. “So even though the cashier is one position, we have eight staff members filling that position. So 153 positions does not mean 153 bodies.”
Lonsworth also stated that the new authority will continue to operate under the Ministry of Finance, with oversight by an advisory board. “The revenue that we are presently collecting will continue to be deposited in the Consolidated Fund,” she said.
Employees who choose to join the new system (SARA) will no longer be considered public officers, as their status will shift to a new employment arrangement under SARA. “Your service with the public service will end and you will be compensated following the PSR and pensions act,” outlined the FAQ sheet.
“It’s like a clean cut from the public service. So you will start a new employment with the semi-autonomous revenue authority,” Longsworth added. The good news is that “whether you transition or stay in the public service, your years of service are recognized and factored into any benefit considerations,” the FAQ sheet added.
Longsworth confirmed that while the official transition is set for December 2025, preparatory work has been underway since October 2024 and is expected to continue into June 2026.
“SARA will offer market-aligned salaries and modern HR policies,” the FAQ sheet states, including “improved pay structures, clearer promotion paths, and benefits geared toward meritocracy, recognizing and rewarding strong performance.”
The cabinet has approved the nationwide rollout of the National Identification System, along with a strategy to onboard citizens efficiently as part of Belize’s digital transformation.
It also endorsed an emergency response plan to address the current sargassum invasion, which includes funding for cleanup, transport, and disposal, as well as the development of a long-term monitoring system.
A Climate Change and Carbon Market Initiatives Bill also got the green light. The proposed legislation will set a legal framework for climate governance and encourage national participation in Climate Week 2025, set for 25–29 August in Belize City.
Cabinet ratified the WTO Advisory Centre Agreement and approved a new Municipal Government Act to consolidate city and town council laws. The Liquor License Act will also be modernised.
Amendments to Statutory Instrument No. 19 of 2025 will now set axle tax at $30 for foreign trucks and $0 for local ones.
Legislation will also be drafted to support CARICOM free movement with Barbados, Dominica, and St Vincent and the Grenadines.
On the UB pay dispute, Cabinet noted it remains between the Board and Union. Meanwhile, preparations continue for the 2025 Investment Summit in San Pedro.
News 5 has learnt that plans are underway to transition the Belize Tax Services Department (BTSD) into a Semi-Autonomous Revenue Authority (SARA) by December 2025.
Members of the Public Service Union (PSU) say this move could leave over a hundred employees without jobs.
Reports of this transition first emerge in early June during an interview with President of the Belize National Teachers’ Union (BNTU) Nadia Caliz. “There is this allegation that the Belize Tax Service will become a statutory body. That is something we don’t agree with. So they will have another fight with workers, because that is something that should remain with the government,” Caliz said at the time.
News 5 has reached out to Prime Minister John Briceño for comment and will update this story when a response is received.
News of the major shake-up emerged during a meeting held on Wednesday between representatives from the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of the Public Service, and BTSD leadership. We are told that the presidents of the Association of Public Service Senior Managers (APSSM) and BNTU were invited.
According to information shared with News 5, legislation to create the new statutory body has already been drafted. According to employees at the BTS, they were given three options: either resign and collect their retirement benefits (if eligible), request a transfer within the wider public service, or retire outright. They were reportedly told that those who wish to continue working with the new Authority will have to reapply for one of the 153 positions expected to be available, significantly fewer than the roughly 260 employees currently on staff.
One employee, speaking on condition of anonymity, told News 5, “Staff at the Belize Tax Service are worried, as plenty of them will be without a job come December…staff will be left without a job and currently we have 260 employees and only 153 positions will remain vacant and staff will have to reapply for those positions.”
