标签： Belize

The Ministry of Education has refuted claims that teachers in Belize were left unpaid, following concerns raised by the Belize National Teachers’ Union (BNTU). Minister of Education Oscar Requena clarified in a recent interview that the issue stemmed from delayed allowances and communication gaps rather than unpaid salaries. The controversy dates back to December, when some teachers experienced delays in receiving hardship, responsibility, and salary adjustment allowances. To address this, the ministry issued advance salaries, with the understanding that the amounts would later be deducted from future payments. Requena acknowledged that the lack of timely communication from the financial center may have caused confusion when the deductions were processed. He emphasized that the ministry is actively collaborating with the BNTU to resolve the matter swiftly. The ministry has assured stakeholders that efforts are being made to prevent such misunderstandings in the future. News 5 has reached out to the BNTU for further comment.

In a devastating turn of events, two men lost their lives in separate motorcycle accidents on Saturday, November 3, 2025, in the Cayo District and along the Hummingbird Highway. The incidents have raised concerns about road safety in the region.

Authorities in Corozal are probing a fatal shooting that occurred on Friday night, which is believed to be linked to drug-related activities. The victim, identified as Arnaldo Vellos, was gunned down near his residence in the Finca Solana area on October 31. Despite being rushed to the hospital for emergency treatment, Vellos succumbed to his injuries shortly thereafter. Assistant Commissioner of Police Hilberto Romero, Head of the National Crime Investigation Branch, confirmed that the incident appears to be drug-related. According to Romero, the suspects, all residents of Corozal, are known to law enforcement. A manhunt has been launched to apprehend three individuals suspected of involvement in the murder. The investigation is still active as police work to uncover further details surrounding the case.

Belizean drivers and car dealers are increasingly encountering perilous situations while traveling through Mexico, with a surge in incidents involving criminal organizations and corrupt law enforcement. A recent viral video on social media captured a Belizean car dealer in a tense confrontation with Mexican police officers, who demanded money and attempted to seize his vehicle. The driver, who sat on the hood of his car to prevent its confiscation, later confirmed that only a small sum of $15 Belize was taken. However, the incident underscores the broader dangers and communication challenges faced by Belizeans in Mexico. This is not an isolated case. In Veracruz, three Belizean car dealers were kidnapped by the JNCG cartel and held hostage for seven hours, released only after their families paid $500 USD each in ransom. Another group of seven Belizeans traveling through Tuxpan, Veracruz, was extorted by local police, who demanded $1,500 USD per person before eventually settling for a total of 7,000 pesos ($750 USD). These incidents highlight the persistent risks of extortion, language barriers, and cartel threats that Belizeans face while navigating Mexican roads.

In a significant turn of events, the Human Rights Commission of Belize (HRCB) has exonerated a former employee accused of involvement in a scam targeting Nicaraguan refugee Eric Omar Hernández Cruz. The allegations, which surfaced earlier this year, claimed that Cruz was defrauded and subsequently faced death threats by individuals linked to two Belizean NGOs. The HRCB’s internal investigation, prompted by a referral from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), concluded on October 2, 2025, with no evidence found to substantiate the claims. HRCB President Leo Bradley Jr. stated that the complainants failed to provide critical details, corroborating documentation, or direct testimony, and declined to participate in interviews. The former employee, who was terminated earlier due to funding cuts rather than misconduct, was declared ‘fully exonerated’ and acknowledged to have suffered personal and reputational distress. Meanwhile, Cruz, who fled Belize after reporting the threats, passed away in Mexico in mid-September due to health complications. The HRCB has reaffirmed its commitment to improving internal systems to ensure fairness and confidentiality in handling future complaints.

Belizeans are being offered a thrilling opportunity to become millionaires as the Belize Government Lotteries Limited (BGLL) introduces a special $1 million jackpot game. This limited-time event allows participants to select a 4-digit sequence for a $5 ticket, with the grand draw scheduled for Saturday, December 20, 2025, at noon from the BGLL drawing office in Belmopan. In the event of multiple winners, the jackpot will be divided equally among them. Last year, 14 lucky winners shared the prize, each taking home $71,000. BGLL describes the game as a celebration of Belize’s journey, community spirit, and commitment to giving back. Tickets are now available starting November 3, 2025, and remain valid for 30 days after the draw. Participants are reminded to ensure their paper tickets are fully legible, with the QR code and ticket number intact, to claim their prize.