The post Arrest Made in Double Murder of Sarita Deliverymen first appeared on Greater Belize Media.

                         Kevin Matthew Depaz

A second officer who was initially detained has been cleared. Urbina was taken off the island this morning and brought to Belize City, where he appeared before the Chief Magistrate. No plea was taken, bail was denied, and he has been remanded to the Belize Central Prison until March thirty-first, 2026. The charges stem from a chaotic fight outside a Caye Caulker fast‑food spot around 2:30 a.m. on June thirtieth, 2025. Police say Depaz and his friends had punched a man, prompting two off‑duty officers, Urbina and Darneak Swasey, to follow their golf cart. A second group arrived, and the confrontation escalated into a stabbing that left Depaz dead, and two others seriously injured. Investigators later reviewed witness statements and key surveillance footage before moving forward with charges against Urbina alone. He appeared in court unrepresented and will return to court in San Pedro.

The post DPP Orders Murder Charge Against Police Constable Urbina first appeared on Greater Belize Media.

                       Kareem Musa

Kareem Musa, Former Minister, Home Affairs

“I know that whenever individuals are detained, they go through a rigorous investigation process in determining whether they are members of gangs, whether it’s from photographs, from Facebook posts, from interrogating individuals in the community, getting evidence to leading to that. And so there may be instances where individuals are detained, but perhaps it’s because they are starting an investigative process. Because you can’t just charge without having the evidence to lead to that charge. So that’s something that eventually I would think that comes, noh, the charges.”

Reporter

“I know a lot were pleading guilty. They cannot be charged again for being a member of a gang.”

Kareem Musa

“Yes. So if you are convicted of being a gang member and after that conviction, you come out and you continue to operate as a gang member or leader, new evidence can be created against you from the date of your conviction, obviously, to the date of your next subsequent trial of being a gang member. And so it would have to be new evidence. It can’t be relying on old evidence that led to your conviction.”

The post Young Belizeans Decry Gang Charge Tactics first appeared on Greater Belize Media.

Paul Lopez, Reporting

The 2026 legal year officially opened this morning with a church service at Saint John’s Cathedral. After the mass, the ceremonial procession made its way from the church down Regent Street, wrapping up right in front of the High Court. Leading the procession was Chief Justice Louise Blenman, flanked by Commissioner of Police Dr. Richard Rosado, setting a dignified tone as the legal year officially got underway. After the service and procession, lawyers and judges gathered in the courtroom where Chief Justice Blenman delivered her address. She highlighted the successes of the 2025 legal year and outlined plans to keep transforming the judiciary, noting major gains in the administration of criminal justice.

                           Louise Blenman

Chief Justice Louise Blenman

“In the criminal division our focus and collaborative approach have produced transformative results in the administration of criminal justice. I am pleased to report that last year we continued to achieve exceptional success in advancing our criminal justice reform initiatives. Longstanding backlogs are behind us. Case disposition rates have improved and longstanding dissonance has been significantly mitigated among justice sector stakeholders.”
 

In his remarks, Attorney General Anthony Sylvestre commended the High Court for its work over the past year, acknowledging the significant case reductions and the judiciary’s strides toward modernization. He restated the government’s promise to keep investing in infrastructure, training, and staff for the judiciary.

                      Anthony Sylvestre

Anthony Sylvestre, Attorney General

“So Madam Chief Justice there is much we in Belize are to be proud of and wit the vigilance of the judiciary and stakeholders much more are to be achieved with this new legal year. All these gains could not have been achieved without you Madam Justice, the Senior Court, the Members of the Bar, the DPP Office and so many others who make up the apparatus of Belize’s legal system and for this the government of Belize expresses its debt of gratitude.”

President of the Bar Association, William Lindo Jr., echoed support for the judiciary’s direction. Lindo pointed to better court efficiency, quicker resolution of cases, and wider use of court‑connected mediation.

                 William Lindo

William Lindo, President, Bar Association of Belize

“We have entered an era where technology is no longer optional. It is foundational. We cannot sit idly by. Courts and legal system  globally have embraced digital transformation in an effort to complement and  enhance the delivery of justice, but not meant to replace the human element. Belize cannot afford to be left behind, especially with the gains we have made so far. E-filing, digitalization of court records, ready access to judgement and resources are no longer convenience, they are necessities which are integral to transparency, and efficiency in the operation of our justice system.”

As Belize enters a new legal year, the message from the bench, bar, and government is unified. The justice system is evolving, and the work continues to make it stronger and more responsive to the needs of the Belizean people. Reporting for News Five, I am Paul Lopez.

The post Tradition and Ceremony Usher In Legal Year first appeared on Greater Belize Media.

Shane Williams, Reporting

Think of it as a guided sit-down, where court officers help both parties hash out fair agreements without the courtroom drama. It saves time, cuts costs, and eases the strain on our already stretched courts, keeping cases out of lengthy trials. Justice Martha Alexander explains how this initiative will work and why it represents a major step toward a more efficient and accessible justice system.

                          Martha Alexander

Justice Martha Alexander, Co-Chair, JSC Management Committee

“Judicial settlement conferences or JSCs as they are commonly called a structured court supported processes through which parties assisted by a neutral settlement officer afforded the opportunity to explore resolution. In a confidential and non adversarial setting, a judicial settlement conference does not trump litigation. Nor is it a substitute, but it works alongside the trial process to achieve a resolution that is fair and in the interest of both sides.”

This bold initiative is being driven by Chief Justice Louise Blenman, who also chairs the Judicial Settlement Conferences Management Committee. She says Belize has made big strides in delivering justice faster during her tenure, but admits there’s still a lot of work ahead to clear backlogs and keep pace with a country that’s becoming more litigious. This is why she sat out to recruit a team of the most respected legal minds in Belize to serve on the Judicial Settlement Conferences.

                Louise Blenman

Chief Justice Louise Blenman, President, JSC Management Committee 

“Just three years ago The civil division had very severe backlogs. They were matters that stood in stagnation for as many as nine years, and some judges had as much as 140 cases in their dockets. They were also faced with hundreds of appeals from the inferior cords, which further contributed to the backlog to put it. Frankly, the situation was dire. However, I’m pleased to say. That even without the same level of resources and support as the criminal division, the civil division, they have worked diligently in substantially reducing the backlog. Now we have developed a zero tolerance. Due tolerance policy against delivering judgements, written judgements beyond six months. However, their workload still remains heavy as civil litigation has increased. In Belize, our judges have stretched thin. As you are aware, we reenergized civil mediation over the past two years, and this has yielded some results, however, it has not had the level of success that we anticipated. Nevertheless, we hope that civil mediation and we envision that civil mediation together with judicial settlement conferences as valuable alternative dispute resolution tools would yield great results, further early determination of cases.”

Chief Justice Blenman persuaded ten of Belize’s top senior counsels to volunteer their expertise as pro-bono officers for the Judicial Settlement Conferences. Senior Counsel Rodwell Williams says it is a service the officers are all happy to provide for the benefit of Belize’s justice system.

                   Rodwell Williams

Rodwell Williams, SC, Settlement Officer

“As settlement officers, we confirm our undertaking to assist in guiding parties towards an amicable settlement in appropriate civil matters with a view to promote efficacy, reduce litigation costs, and generally to ensure more effective administration of justice in Belize. We also take it as settlement officers that our service is intended to be entirely voluntary without recompense, and I am confident and I trust that my colleagues are quite comfortable with that.”

Chief Justice Blenman stresses that the bench isn’t handing off its duties to settlement officers. Justices of the High Court will determine what matters are referred to the JSC and those will be cases that have the best chance of being resolved by settlement.

Chief Justice Louise Blenman

“We owe you a debt of gratitude, your willingness to volunteer your time and expertise, and. Epitomizes the very best of the legal profession and is a positive symbol to the judiciary, the bar, and the wider public. That one is never too important to put service above self. Concomitantly, I want to make it clear and to assuage any fears you may have as settlement officers that our goal is not to pass on the most difficult cases to you. You may breathe as sigh of relief.”

Shane Williams for News Five.

The post High Court Launches Judicial Settlement Conference first appeared on Greater Belize Media.

                          Stacy Smith

ASP Stacy Smith, Staff Officer

“On Tuesday, thirtieth December 2025, at around three p.m. an intelligence led operation carried out by police of the special branch and officers of Precinct two Eastern Division resulted in the discovery of an AR 15 rifle, one hundred and five five-point-five-six rounds of ammunition, two drum magazines, seven point forty-five rounds of ammunition and two bulletproof vests. These items were found after a search in a mangrove area of Nutmeg Street in the Lake Independence area of Belize City. These items were seized and labeled as from property. The recovery of this item places the total amount of firearms that were seized by the police department for 2025 at two hundred and thirty-four, and the amount of ammunition at seven thousand four hundred and seventy-seven. Seven. Additionally, a total of one hundred and ninety-four persons were arrested and charged during the spirit and the review for offenses related to firearm am and ammunition. Nine-millimeter pistols accounted for one hundred and twenty three of doses, firearms, and fourteen were high power rifles with the remaining being different calibers, such as point thirty-eight or shotguns. As it relates to drugs, seven hundred and five thousand, six hundred and thirty-eight grams of cannabis were seized, forty-one thousand, seven hundred and eighty-four grams of cocaine, over five thousand grams of crack cocaine. We’re all seized for the period under review and a total of one thousand five hundred and sixty-two persons were charged for drug related offenses.”

The post Major Gun and Drug Bust Caps Record Year for Police first appeared on Greater Belize Media.

In two separate public notices issued this week, the Ministry of Investment and the Lotteries Committee reminded citizens that operating slot machines, casino games, poker tables, or even raffles without proper authorisation is illegal and punishable under the Gambling Prevention Act and the Lotteries Control Act.

The government urged anyone currently involved in unlicensed gaming to “cease and desist immediately.”

Meanwhile, the Lotteries Committee stated that anyone planning to host a raffle with prizes totalling $500 or more must apply in writing for a licence or letter of authorisation.

These releases come around the time of year when many businesses host raffles for the Christmas season. This raises the question, who is licensed and who isn’t?

Some fundraisers are run on Facebook to support healthcare initiatives or other community causes. One person commented in response to the notice, “Only the poor people will suffer from this. Lots of single mothers do raffles to help support their children. People do raffles to raise funds for health and medical bills. This government doesn’t help no one when in need. Greed is the word.”

Another commented, “As a concerned Belizean, I find these raffle regulations unfair to ordinary people and community groups. Many of us hold raffles to help with medical needs, school activities, or emergencies—not for profit.”

Approved raffles are assigned a reference number, which must be printed on all tickets. Violators may face penalties upon summary conviction in court.

The Ministry also issued a separate warning in June about online gaming websites falsely claiming to hold Belizean licences. Belize currently has a moratorium on issuing online gaming licences, meaning no company is legally allowed to operate online gaming services from the country.

At the same time, the government is pushing forward with the proposed Gaming and Lotteries Control Bill 2025, aimed at modernising Belize’s gambling laws by merging four existing pieces of legislation into one streamlined framework. These include the Gambling Prevention Act, Computer Wagering Licensing Act, Lotteries Control Act, and Gaming Control Act.

However, after Senate debates in November, lawmakers agreed the bill needs further review before returning for approval.

The post “Only the Poor Will Suffer”: Public Pushback as GOB Cracks Down on Raffles first appeared on Greater Belize Media.

                  Voice of: Tiffany Cadle

Voice of: Tiffany Cadle, Attorney-at-law

“I am on a high-speed chase by customs department.”

That’s attorney Tiffany Cadle behind the wheel of her SUV, with her elderly mother in the passenger seat on the Philip Goldson Highway. What happens next? It’s all caught on a now-viral Facebook Live from Belize City. In the video, Cadle is visibly upset as she explains to police that a group of customs officers chased her all the way from Sandhill. Why? She says it started when she drove past what she calls an illegal checkpoint. According to Cadle, those officers had no reasonable suspicion and that’s why she refused to let them search her vehicle for uncustomed goods.

                     Tiffany Cadle

Tiffany Cadle, Attorney-at-law

“There is a police checkpoint in Sandhill, everybody knows that, in Sandhill. Last night there was no police present, no police officer I can identify by any uniform or anything. There was a lady standing up in a black uniform and I don’t know who she was working for. Across there was BDF. A customs vehicle was parked in the yard of the police, a customs officers was on the side in the phone. The person on the phone had a flashlight and waving people off, so I drove through. About five minutes after that, I saw lights, so we thought it was an emergency or something.”

Cadle says she found a safe location on the highway to give way to the vehicle only to realize that it was a customs vehicle in pursuit of her.

Voice of: Tiffany Cadle

“Why do you have me in the middle of the highway? Customs is not suppose to have any checkpoint. That is illegality. Any police officer was there. No police officer was there. There is no police officer there. No police stop me there. Nobody is checking my vehicle. This is illegal. No man.”

According to Section Ninety-one of the Customs Regulations, a customs officer can stop and examine a cart, wagon, or carriage, to prevent smuggling, if they have reasonable suspicion.

Tiffany Cadle

“We got all the way up to the second roundabout here in the city and the police put their vehicle to block and the police came out in their high powered rifle and I asked, what is the matter. They said I evaded a customs checkpoint and that they need to search my vehicle. I said officer nobody is searching my vehicle, it is illegal. I said, do you have probable cause? They said no. I said no nobody is searching my vehicle.”

A female police officer eventually conducted a search on Cadle’s vehicle. The only items they found were a black cake and several bottles of “rum popo”. And now, the Customs and Excise Department is doubling down on its position. The department issued a press release advising the public that its officers are engaged in a joint operation comprised of members of the Belize Police Department, Belize Defense Force, Belize Coast Guard and the Immigration Department to interdict all nature of illicit goods and combat all forms of transnational organized activities. The department says its powers extend beyond the ports of entry and urges the members of the public to cooperate with all law enforcement agencies.

Tiffany Cadle

“The act makes it very clear, it is just like any other stop and search, you must have reasonable suspicion. Even if a police officer stops you, and the police ask you, where are you going? Why are you asking me that? Do you have suspicion that I have committed a criminal wrong. Have I committed any traffic offenses? Why are you asking me these questions? We have freedom of movement in this country, we have constitutional rights for freedom of movement. So are you telling me now my movement is restricted when I pull up to this checkpoint for you to ask me where I am coming or going? I pass a border point, a far border point in Corozal, you are in Sandhill. What reasonable suspicion can you possible have in Sandhill and question me and examine my vehicle, what?”

Cadle says she intends to write a strong letter to the department seeking a valid explanation for their actions. She also argues that the customs officers endangered her life and her mother’s when they cut them off on the highway and used their high beam to impair their vision. She intends to file a lawsuit against the department. Reporting for News Five, I am Paul Lopez.

The post Attorney Slams Customs Dept. Over ‘Illegal’ Checkpoint first appeared on Greater Belize Media.

              Dolores Balderamos-Garcia

Dolores Balderamos-Garcia, Chair, National AIDS Commission

“Today is World AIDS Day, so it’s an international event marking the importance of the worldwide struggle and the continuing struggle against HIV and AIDS. I think many, many years into the epidemic now; I think, maybe close to forty years we have come into the epidemic, but it is still a challenge. Last year, we had two hundred and forty-four new cases of HIV. So, despite all of our efforts, we still have a challenge in Belize. The theme, as we mentioned in the ceremony today, was “Overcoming disruption and transforming the AIDS response” because we really have to transform the response if we are going to be successful by 2030. The goal, by 2030, is what we call 95-95-95. Ninety-five percent of people with HIV knowing their status. Ninety-five percent of that number being on anti-retroviral medication, and then the third ninety-five is ninety-five percent of those who are living with HIV, virally suppressed because we know that if you suppress the virus almost completely, then you don’t transmit the virus. So, there is a lot of knowledge that we have, and from the inception of our AIDS response in Belize thirty years ago, twenty-five years ago, we have known the information.”

The post World AIDS Day Highlights Belize’s HIV Challenge first appeared on Greater Belize Media.

                        Ethan  Singh

Ethan  Singh, Law Student, Washington College of Law

“I go back to 1992, I believe, with the sign of the United Nations framework on Convention on Climate Change which is the original treaty regarding climate change. Then I followed up with the Paris Agreement in 2015, which it’s been I think ten years now since Ithat was signed.I know we just had the conference of parties a couple weeks ago, not a couple days ago. And then the last major international treaty I mentioned is the recently enacted or gone to effect of biodiversity beyond National Jurisdiction Treaty, which Belize was, I believe, the third country to sign on to. So all these treaties in general, they’ve been built on top of each other. They all reference commitments that nations around the world have to make towards mitigating the effects of climate change, their emission of greenhouse gases and so on so forth. So I wanted to take that those concepts and apply them to the Belize situation. What are we doing and how does that affect our situation? I think one of the main things I like to talk about in the piece is this idea of, precaution, which is a principle of international environmental law that basically says that states should take all efforts to take all the necessary precautions to prevent like any form of like environmental degradation or environmental harm. And I think that by incorporating that into the analysis of the territorial dispute, we can see how, you look at a satellite image of Belize and Guatemala, that the border is clearly defined because there’s much more forested land on the Belize side and Guatemala side, that Belize is very committed to international climate treaties being like the third to sign on to the recent biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction treaty. And always going out and advocating on behalf of small Island Nation states as well.”

The post Dissecting Belize’s Environmental Commitments and its Territorial Integrity first appeared on Greater Belize Media.