Important Note: This Internet version of 7 News is a verbatum
transcript of our evening television news script. Many interviews on our newscast
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Tonight, a search and rescue operation is underway off the coast for Sandhill resident Samuel Chi, after a routine fishing trip took a dark turn. Two men were initially reported missing; while fellow villager and fishing buddy Albert Vacarro was found at midday today dehydrated and disoriented, Chi remains unaccounted for. The Belize Coast Guard and partner agencies continue to scour the area in an increasingly desperate search. Jaleeza Roberts has the details:
Albert Vacarro and Samuel Chi left Vista Del Mar at approximately 2:00 p.m. yesterday, intending to travel to Caye Caulker on a fishing trip. The pair was expected to return to the mainland by 7:00 p.m. yesterday. When they failed to arrive and relatives were unable to establish contact, police were notified, which triggered a multi-agency search and rescue operation. We spoke to the Operations Officer for the Belize Coast Guard, who explained what happened next:
Lt. Mark Choc, BCG Operations Officer "The Coast Guard launched a joint operation at 9 a.m. this morning as a result of the two missing persons. Therefore, this joint operation was conducted by the Police, Coast Guard, the Port Authority, and the Fisheries Department. At around 11:30 a.m. this morning, Mr. Albert Vacarro was located southwest of Hicks Caye, approximately 10 miles north of Belize City. He was about five miles away from the coastline. Mr. Vacarro was found floating in that area where he was rescued, recovered from the water by the Coast Guard patrol. He was found dehydrated and disoriented. He was then transported to the Coast Guard Medic Center, where our medics conducted an initial medical assessment on his condition, where he was given basic assistance for rehydration. And of course, he was recommended by our medics to be transported to the KHMH, where he was later transported to receive further medical assistance."
The area between Belize City and Caye Caulker is among the country's most heavily traveled marine corridors, so what happened to these men is anyone's guess as Vacarro is still disoriented and incoherent.
Lt. Mark Choc, BCG Operations Officer "Mr. Vacarro was interviewed. However, due to his condition and his state of mind when he was found, he was disoriented. He's still trying to ascertain what really happened to him. So therefore, we were not able to get much information from him. Priority was given to his health, so he was sent to KHMH to receive further assistance. And thereafter, we will continue to follow and gather information with him, with the assistance of the Police Department. We will continue to investigate this and try to locate Mr. Samuel Chi."
And earlier, there were reports circulating on social media that both men had been found safely, but the Coast Guard is warning against these false reports:
Lt. Mark Choc, BCG Operations Officer "The Coast Guard is the lead maritime search and rescue agency. Therefore, if it's not from us, then it's not legitimate. I'm aware of information going around stating that both persons were found. However, we have reached out to several entities confirming this information. We have done several searches in areas, cays, to confirm this is true, but none or no one can confirm the location of Mr. Samuel Chi. So therefore, the Coast Guard is still searching for Mr. Chi and can confirm that he is still missing."
Jaleeza Roberts, 7News.
The Coast Guard will release updates as they become available.
A teenager was murdered in the St. Martin's area this afternoon, allegedly for a gold chain that he was wearing.
It happened just feet away from the St. Martin de Porres Church.
At around 1:15 p.m., the teen was on a motorcycle on Vernon Street when he briefly stopped by Swift Hall, where gunmen pounced. Police cameras in the area captured the entire shooting and they are seeking two suspects tonight.
Jomarie Lanza reports.
A dozen police officers, and at least 4 police mobiles were active in the Martin's area just after 1:30 p.m. When reports of a shooting beside the Swift Hall Complex came in, investigators had already cordoned off the area upon our arrival. Police were redirecting traffic, and all that was visible to pedestrians and motorists was the large dark circle of blood stained onto the pavement-the aftermath of a fatal shooting, along with a motorcycle and helmet where the victim is said to have been targeted, allegedly for a shiny chain he was sporting. ASP Smith gave us a breakdown of what occurred at the scene.
ASP Stacy Smith, Police Staff Officer "Police have detained one male person and are seeking another in connection with a shooting incident which resulted in the murder of 18-year-old Ewart Hernandez of Lord's Bank Village, Belize District. The investigation commenced today, 3rd August 2026, at around 1:15 p.m. when officers on patrol were alerted to the sound of a shooting in Belize City. A team of officers responded to the scene where they observed an injured Mr. Hernandez, who was subsequently rushed for medical attention, however he succumbed to the injury that he sustained. What the investigators have been able to establish so far from video footage in the area is that Hernandez was traveling on Vernon Street near the intersection near Partridge Street when he stopped on the side of the road and remained on his motorcycle. Some minutes later he was approached by 2 male persons and one of those male persons produced a firearm and fired a single shot which struck Hernandez. Police were able to apprehend a male person who matched the description of the suspects, and that person remains in detention as police investigation continues."
Reporter: "Can you say what the motive is and if it is any sort of robbery?"
ASP Stacy Smith: "No motive has been established so far."
Reporter: "There are reports that he had a chain on him that was possibly taken off his person?"
ASP Stacy Smith: "That is not information that is in my possession, I will have to make further inquiries. The report I received showed just what I shared."
Shortly after Hernandez was pronounced dead at the KHMH, we found the grieving family outside the emergency wing. The mother of the 18-year-old was inconsolable. And though police cannot confirm whether Hernandez was targeted for his jewelry, ASP Smith confirmed that the teen had no gang or criminal affiliations.
ASP Stacy Smith, Police Staff Officer "What I will say, that the person that is in police's custody is someone that is known to police. Mr. Hernandez is not particularly known to police."
"I want to assure everybody that police operations will be done within the confines of the law as the investigation continues."
For weeks we've been following the story of the fleecing of the BDF. We've shown you the ridiculous prices paid to politically favored companies for food and weapons.
But tonight the story is different; it's about the hairdresser who almost became a weapons dealer. Jules Vasquez has the story of Maria Estell Recinos-and the BDF weapons supply contract that got away:
Maria Estella Recinos is a well-known, long-established, and highly successful hairdresser in San Ignacio.
But, in January of this year she was approached to become a BDF supplier.
Sources tell us she was offered to supply from a list like this.
It includes 56,000 rounds of 5.56 ammunition, 35,000 rounds of 9mm ammunition, 30 M4 Carbine Rifles, night vision goggles, med-evac stretchers, a specialized boat engine, body armor, and medical stretchers, among other things.
Now under what circumstances would this highly specialized equipment come to be bid upon by a hairdresser?
Our sources say Maria Estella Recinos had a connect who offered it to her. She disputed that, and told us that she learned of the contract through her business network and decided to take a bid, which did require getting a license as a gun dealer.
Our sources tell us she was calling gun dealers offering to partner with them; she knew nothing about acquiring and importing guns and military hardware, but had the Ministry connect.
She told us she was approached by dealers after she became a licensed dealer, but also had her own trade connects.
Eventually, she made the bid under a company named K&M Construction, and she says she never heard back, so that was the end of it. She said she then realized she was not too interested in that field.
It's an interesting tale, the hairdresser who almost became a weapons dealer, but Maria Estella says she is just an aggressive single-mom businesswoman.
The Chairman of the Firearms and Ammunition Control Board Francis Usher told us that K&M Construction Ltd. is a licensed gun dealer but, quote, "has never supplied the Ministry of National Defence and Border Security, the Belize Defence Force or the Belize Coast Guard with any weapons or specialized military equipment."
But, as viewers will know, it's not just weapons and equipment-the scrutiny surrounds meats, spices, boots, and more. And that's exactly why the Mesopotamia Area Rep. Lee Mark Chang rose to speak on the matter during the House Meeting's adjournment very late on Friday. But during his speech, he especially highlighted the sub-$10,000 payments. Here's what he said:
Lee Mark Chang, Area Rep., Mesopotamia "This matter concerns the protection of public money. It concerns the integrity of government procurements. It concerns politically connected business and family relationships and more. And most importantly it concerns the soldiers of the BDF who put their lives on the line to protect this country while others may be using the Ministry of Defense as a place to make easy squeezy money. Our soldiers deserve a proper meal, nice hot meal. Even if it's baby back ribs and jumbo shrimp. They deserve quality equipment. They deserve reliable boots, uniforms, weapons, and food supplies. The opposition will never object to spending money on the BDF. But supporting our soldiers does not mean giving any one permission to overcharge taxpayers."
"One of the most disturbing features of this controversy is the extraordinary number of payments kept below $10,000. Reports indicate that approximately 96% of payments are below $10,000. That number cannot simply be dismissed as a coincidence, because it's no coincidence, it was planned. Why were almost all these payments structured below that level that ordinarily attracts greater scrutiny?"
"In the case of Meat Masters, media reports identified 54 payments during April and May of 2026, all below $10,000, amounting to $435,000. Even more troubling, 35 invoices were reportedly process on May 11th alone totaling $300,000."
"For every delivery there should be purchase order, suppliers invoice, delivery note, name and signature of the officer receiving it, date and location of delivery, the quantity of weight received, stock entry record, a kitchen or camp issues record, evidence showing how the food was distributed and consumed. Where are these records?"
And that 12-hour House Meeting ended after Queen Square Area Rep. rose to criticize the Minister of Sustainable Development. He first highlighted the allegations of bribery against Deputy Chief Forest Officer John Pinelo, then he pivoted to the 30-year logging license that the Ministry granted Orlando Habet's son. Here's how that went:
Godwin Haylock, Area Rep., Queen Square "Deputy Forest Chief Mr. Pinelo gave an interview in which he defended himself and it's the most obscene defense I've ever had to listen to. As an attorney I would advise him for free, and I can't believe nobody advised him for free, keep your mouth shut because it makes you sound fool on TV."
"Then the bank transfer, remember it's to his personal account, so I'll give you his defense. According to John Pinelo, that was payment for computers for his business PC.com. This is a joke, seriously, if we want to get serious about corruption, this is an absolute joke. You have a business account, you pay to the business account, in fact you go to try to deposit a business check into a personal account, the bank blocks you, immediately tells you why, and we still have to listen to this today, imagine."
"I listen to the minister himself glorify the deputy forest chief in a moment when he's really in the most corruptible position a public officer can be place in. You can't get any worst than that in an allegation and you're glorifying him for all he has done in the past? It's almost like you're blind."
"The matter becomes even more concerning when viewed alongside another issue that again is widely reported by Jules Vasquez. Info reaching the opposition is that the Minister's son, Art Polido, is also a shareholder of this company Arch Timbers that received a 30 years logging license through the Forestry Department in a reserve. Now you have ministers giving contracts to brothers, you have ministers giving contracts to son, is that the policy of this government?"
And just before the close-almost at midnight-Habet defended the logging license. But more than that, he confirmed that logging license recipient Arturo Pulido is his son and, despite the accusations of favored contracts, he still loves his boy:
Orlando Habet, Minister of Sustainable Development "When you make an accusation you need to get educated, learn. Look at this, three sheets of paper that speaks about the process for Forest Licenses for sustained yield long term forest license. It says long term forest licenses for sustained working of timber. This applied to forests in forests reserves, reserves are for logging licenses. Now if you go into a national park that's something else, if you go into a nature reserve that's something else. This is problem with you and this is why the prime minister have to discipline you every minute because you don't give people time to talk."
Lee Mark Chang "You want to talk while people are talking."
John Briceno, Prime Minister "Speaker, on a point of order, when the other side is talking, we're listening to them. The honorable member from Albert is one of the worst offenders, when she is talking we listen to her."
Speaker of the House: "Member from Albert. Standing orders. Please let's stick to it."
Hon. Orlando Habet: "The next concern they had was and 30 years. Well let me read this. It says the duration of a long term forest license extends from 20 to 40 years and the types of forest licenses and permits issued under this category include long term forest licenses and long term private forest permits."
"So yes, Arturo Pulido is my son and what you and Jules were trying to do, you wanted to push me to say that he is not my son, you want me to deny him as a son because he has a difference last name. But you know what? Arturo Pulido is my son and I am proud of him and I love him."
One of the most senior pastors in Toledo and former head of the National Evangelical Association of Belize, Pastor Victor Wagner (Hernandez), was today found guilty of 2 counts of rape and 1 count of sexual assault by Justice Antonette Moore in Punta Gorda.
He was charged for rape and sexual assault upon a 35-year-old woman in 2024. She endured threats before she made the complaint and during the trial, she broke down during her testimony and it had to be adjourned briefly.
In the end though, Justice Moore found her to be credible and declared Hernandez guilty. He will be sentenced in a week's time and the 67-year-old could face a sentence of not less than 8 years with a maximum of life imprisonment.
Hernandez-who recently had a stroke-was represented by Leslie Hamilton. The case was prosecuted by Assistant DPP Javier Chan.
It has been on pause for months, but, just as we predicted, shortly after SSB Chairlady Chandra Nisbet exited-the moving hands behind the BTL acquisition of Speednet have brought it back to the table.
As a 34% shareholder in BTL-Social Security Board was the most significant holdout-saying they needed more information before agreeing to support the acquisition.
Well, she's gone now-and the Board met on Friday. There has been no official word, but reports suggest Social Security's board of directors has voted to support the acquisition.
And that's why tonight the Belize Chamber of Commerce-who has a representative on the board-is calling for an immediate halt to BTL's proposed buyout of Speednet.
Chamber officials warn that merging the nation's top telecommunications providers would effectively create a state-backed monopoly.
The pushback follows BTL's decision to move forward using a valuation based on just a single year of financial records. BCCI President Giacomo Sanchez warns that the acquisition would leave consumers vulnerable to higher prices, diminished service, and slower innovation.
The Chamber is now urging the government and regulators to block the acquisition until a full five-year financial audit is conducted and formal merger regulations are put in place.
And the Chamber isn't the only major group taking a stand against the deal.
The National Trade Union Congress of Belize is also reiterating its firm opposition to BTL's buyout of Speednet. Union leaders say that despite a previously announced government pause, key concerns regarding legality, valuation independence, and worker protections remain completely unanswered.
In a written response to a letter last week from the union umbrella group, BTL Chairman Markhelm Lizarraga pushed back, asserting that stakeholder consultations were held and due diligence was independently verified. Lizarraga added that responsibility now rests with the Public Utilities Commission, and BTL will abide by the regulator's final decision.
Police are investigating a weekend drowning involving a Guatemalan national in Belmopan. It happened Sunday morning, and ASP Smith gave us more details on what they found at the scene that may have contributed to the drowning:
ASP Stacy Smith, Police Staff Officer "Police are investigating the apparent drowning of 38-year-old Rudy Bernabe Toj, Guatemalan national of Otoxha Street, Belmopan City, which occurred on Sunday 2nd of August 2026. The investigation commenced at around 7:30 a.m. on the mentioned date when officers were called to a creek in the San Martin area of Belmopan City. The investigators reported that upon their arrival they observed the motionless body of Toj, and efforts were made to resuscitate him, however they proved futile. Also observed on the scene was a transparent bottle containing alcohol, which is believed was consumed by Toj before he entered the water. The body of Toj now awaits a post-mortem examination."
And on that same morning in the Orange Walk District, police responded to another drowning that occurred in the Honey Camp Lagoon area. The deceased is said to have been doing some early morning fishing when their canoe capsized. ASP Smith explained what police know so far:
ASP Stacy Smith, Police Staff Officer "Police are investigating the apparent drowning of 44-year-old Luciano Acosta of Orange Walk Town, which occurred on Sunday 2nd August. The investigation commenced at around 8:30 a.m. on the aforementioned date. Investigators were called to the Honey Camp Lagoon area in Orange Walk Town. At this location they encountered the unresponsive body of a man which was partially submerged among a mangrove patch. What the investigators have established so far is that Moh was along with friends and family members and they had gone on an outing in the Honey Camp Lagoon area on Saturday August 1st and sometime at around 3:00 a.m. on the second of August, he and another male person entered a canoe and went on a fishing trip. It is reported that the canoe they were in reportedly capsized whilst the other male person was able to swim to a mangrove patch and was subsequently rescued. Mr. Acosta was not found until a few hours later in the stated location. The body of Mr. Acosta now awaits a post-mortem examination."
A pregnant, 22-year-old Belize City woman was found dead in her home Sunday morning. But, at this time, foul play is not suspected and police are treating the case as a death investigation. Here's what ASP Smith shared with us about the demise of the woman known as "Kimmie Boo":
ASP Stacy Smith, Police Staff Officer "Police are investigating the death of 22-year-old Kimane Garbutt of Belize City. The investigation commenced on 2nd August 2026 at around 9:30 a.m. when investigators were called to a residence on Vernon Street and the body of Garbutt, which had already begun to decompose, was discovered. What the investigators have learned is that Garbutt, who was with child, was last seen alive at around 7:00 a.m. on 1st August 2026, at which time she indicated to a friend that she was not feeling well. The friend visited her at around 9:00 a.m. on the 2nd and after calls to her went unanswered, he entered the apartment building and made the discovery and subsequently alerted police. The body of Ms. Garbutt now awaits a post-mortem examination."
"No foul play is suspected at this time, however as I stated, a post-mortem examination will be conducted."
A 23-year-old San Jose Succotz man is in police custody after he chopped his own grandmother and received a village vigilante beatdown for it.
ASP Smith explained that the accused is alleged to have been experiencing mental health issues:
ASP Stacy Smith, Police Staff Officer "Police have detained a 23-year-old male of San Jose Succotz in connection with a chopping incident which resulted in the grievous harm of a 62-year-old relative of that male person. The investigation commenced on Saturday 1st August at around 7:30 p.m. when police were alerted of the incident at a residence in the village. The elderly female was rushed for medical attention where she is now listed in a stable condition. Efforts by police and community members led to the apprehension of the male person who is in custody. What we have learned so far is that the male person may have been undergoing a mental healthcare crisis, and when the female relative sought to aid him she was injured."
Two men are said to be seriously injured after a road traffic accident this evening. It occurred sometime around 5 near the Haulover Bridge. Details are scarce at the moment but the accident involved two SUVs. We can also confirm that one of the victims was Emil Zabaneh. Our news team is on the ground and we will have more information when it becomes available.
Earlier in the news, we showed you parts of the adjournment that occurred sometime around 9 on Friday night. Well, the Leader of the Opposition also rose to speak about the audit currently being conducted on the Ministry of Defence. She explained that this isn't a matter that should be taken lightly and that the accusations against the government are grave. She also stated that it wasn't about politics but rather protecting the people's money. And then she asked GOB for a fair and transparent audit. Here's how that went:
Tracy Panton, Leader of the Opposition "I can speak conclusively to information I have been given. I can assure you the opposition is not asking any one to prejudice guilty. We're asking just for due process. We're asking for transparency, we're asking for independent forensic audits where it becomes necessary. We're asking the every oversight institution established under our laws be permitted, resourced, and protected to perform its work free from political interference. If no wrongdoing has occurred, independent investigations will confirm that fact. If wrongdoing has occurred, those responsible regardless, and I want you to hear me clearly, regardless of political affiliation or public office must be held accountable under the law."
But the PM didn't take too kindly to the accusations and then started pulling out receipts of his own. He delved into the matter of Brad's Gaming Group's unpaid taxes and put some of the blame on Panton. And that sparked several back-and-forth arguments within an already late meeting:
John Briceno, Prime Minister "And curiously do you know who was the architect behind Brad's Gaming Group? It's no other than the Leader of the Opposition, she was the one in charge of that process. Mr. Speaker, I did not interrupt. What's the point of order?"
Tracy Panton: "He will not continue to stand in this House and impute improper motives against me, he will not get to do that because he knows that is a deliberate misrepresentation of the truth."
Hon. John Briceno: "As I was explaining, the Leader of the Opposition has no moral standing to come here and make these kinds of allegations because when she was in government and she could have made a difference, she did none. She was part of the government that approved a 10 year license to Brads Gaming Group limited and you know under the Barrow Administration these two companies were not being assessed by the Belize Tax Service."
"And when you ask the people in charge of Brad's Gaming Company and Brad's Gaming Group, now this was simply just to try to cover the eye, try to defraud and say it's a different group, the same people were dealing with the Boledo."
"And the Leader of the Opposition she was in charge of the Ministry of Economic Development."
Tracy Panton: "On a point of order."
Hon. John Briceno: "I did not interrupt you."
Tracy Panton: "I will interrupt you. And I will continue to interrupt you. We will stay here until midnight I don't care because he will not continue to impute improper motives in this House, that is business. He will not do this just because he is Prime Minister, he is compromised, but he will not do that to me."
"There is nothing in the records that would validate anything in this National Assembly as it relates to my involvement."
At the top of Friday's House Meeting, several bills were brought for second reading, including the Criminal Code Amendment. This will provide public accessibility to the National Sex Offenders Database as well as in-camera proceedings for certain offenses. The bill was supported by both sides, but the Leader of the Opposition did have a few concerns:
Tracy Panton, Leader of the Opposition "The query is looking at the support mechanisms to have to the bill operationalized if you will, things like sufficient trained investigators, forensic capacity, adequate victim support services, counselors, shelters, DNA testing, specialized prosecutors, other forms of victims support."
"I know a lot of work has gone in because I've worked in many of these committees in trying to modernize these pieces of legislation for victim support but there needs to be some kind of resources to help make it make sense and so that would be our only concern."
Francis Fonseca, Minister of Education "I know that a number of ministries have been engaged in this work and in putting this bill together, a great number of stakeholders, and I think everybody has recognized that point and everybody has pledged their support to making sure that we don't only have the legislation in place, that in fact we are able to provide the supporting infrastructure and resources to effectively implement that legislation, so your point is well taken, we fully appreciate that and everybody on this side, Ministry of Human Development in particular, we are all committed to making sure that we do everything possible to provide the resources and infrastructure to give meaningful effect to this legislation."
The National Honors Award Act Amendment was also introduced in the House and went through its second and third readings, since, according to the PM, time was of the essence, as September is quickly approaching. This bill will establish new national honors and awards to recognize Belizeans for bravery, courage, and patriotism. And the first recipient of this award will be pilot Howell Grange. The PM explained why they needed to amend the Act to include him:
John Briceno, Prime Minister "As we all know, I think it was last year in April when we had a person who had serious mental problems who tried to hijack one of our planes, a local flight. And we believe back then that Mr. Howell Grange acted with incredible bravery. He remained calm at all times and even played out with this person, letting him believe that the plane is going to the United States, talking in Spanish to let him believe they were in Mexico's airspace. And it required incredible bravery, incredible calm and to be cool during that time and even at the risk of his own life. I think he was stabbed a few times. But because of his act of bravery he managed to save pretty much all of the lives of the people in that plane. So when we wanted to give him a special award to recognize his bravery, it came to our attention that there is nothing with the different medals we have to fit him in to properly recognize what he has done. So what we are doing with this Honors and Awards Act is establishing a mechanism to recognize people who have rendered outstanding and meritorious service to our nation."
Belize's national under-20 basketball team has earned bronze at the Central American and Caribbean Games in Santo Domingo.
With a dominant fourth quarter and 27 points from Josiah Moseley, Belize beat Mexico 90-80.
Ahead of the upcoming elections, objections were made against 6 people in the Toledo East Division. These objections claim the voters do not actually live in Punta Gorda Town. According to Leeroy Banner, who represents the 6 voters, they were trying to transfer from another address within the same constituency. Ned Supal, represented by Orson "OJ" Elrington, objected to them. Both attorneys spoke to our colleagues at PGTV today:
Leeroy Banner, Attorney "What will happened, two things, we had made some objections to the timeline in which the objections were filed, we were saying that it was filed out of time. Today the judge will hear those submissions and make a ruling on that. If the magistrate rules that they were within time, then we're going to a full trial where evidence will be marshaled as to whether or not the electors were living at the said address they said they were living at. So today might be a short day or a long day depends how the magistrate rules."
"This is a unique case because the electors are not transferring from one electoral division to another, they are moving from one address to another within the same constituency."
Orson "OJ" Elrington, Attorney "The respondents had made a preliminary objection to the application to have this matter heard. They had said it was filed out of time because it was filed on the 27th and not on the 25th as the legislation says. We made a submission essentially that according to the interpretation act, it is that once a date falls on a holiday or a weekend then the immediate day following afterwards is the applicable date so essentially that was what was heard today and the court agreed with our submissions so the matter proceeded to be heard. Secondly we had made an application on Wednesday which was when we made our first appearance to say that we were requesting that the election and boundaries disclose the investigation reports, the election officer she essentially told us that she would not disclose it so we made an application that it must be disclosed. And so the court essentially agreed with our submission saying that the disclosure is a fundamentally important part of these proceedings and therefore he has ordered that they disclose those investigation reports. Of course the investigations reports are what the elections and boundaries would have relied on to say in fact this person is a lawful registered resident of Punta Gorda Town."
In observance of Emancipation Day, a commemorative ceremony took place at Isaiah Morter Square during the Eboe Town Festival on Saturday. The event featured reflections on Belize's journey to emancipation, vibrant cultural showcases, and traditional dance accompanied by live drumming. Here are highlights:
The World Wildlife Fund Mesoamerica is increasing its efforts to secure protected area status for the Placencia Lagoon. On Saturday, residents of Independence Village gathered at Malacate Beach to create a community mural depicting the many ways generations of Belizeans have interacted with the lagoon. Marine Conservation Officer Abigail Parham-Garbutt explained that the mural is intended to reflect the community's own relationship with the lagoon and serve as a visual reminder of why residents believe the ecosystem deserves stronger protection:
Abigail Parham-Garbutt, Marine Conservation Officer - WWF Mesoamerica "On 1st August, which was Saturday, we had a community mural painting in Independence Village at Malacate Beach, which is right alongside the Placencia Lagoon. The mural painting was one that highlights the community's feel about the Placencia Lagoon, their interaction with the lagoon itself, and experiences that they had in the past from the lagoon itself. We had a little boy climbing a mango tree, a man casting his cast net to catch bait in a lagoon or to catch fish, somebody in the boat looking at birds, and a manatee in the water, of course, because those were all things that came up from public meetings that we had in Independence, where people suggested these were the uses that they had in the Placencia Lagoon."
"Out of this, at the end of the day, we want to look at getting the Placencia Lagoon a protected area. And so, through community efforts, we want to highlight and elevate the concerns coming from communities to the Government of Belize to showcase why they believe the Placencia Lagoon should be protected."
Reporter "What are some challenges that you all have seen at the Placencia Lagoon?"
Abigail Parham-Garbutt: "Some of the challenges, threats that we've seen are specific to mangrove clearance, specifically dredging as well in the lagoon, boat collisions with manatees. These are only some of the things. And the major things like dredging and mangrove clearance that we've seen are due to development. And while we're advocating for the Placencia Lagoon to become a protected area, it's not to say that we're saying no to development. It's just looking at what kinds of green infrastructures can we put in place to ensure that we're developing, but we're developing with nature, not against nature."
Inspector Esther Cal Honored for Academic Excellence at Guyana Police Academy
And, in other news, the Belize Police Department has given special recognition to Inspector Esther Cal, deputy commander of the Mobile Interdiction Unit, for her outstanding academic performance in graduating from the Guyana Police Force Academy. ASP Smith gave us more details on Inspector Cal's accomplishment:
ASP Stacy Smith, Police Staff Officer "The Belize Police Department and the Ministry of Home Affairs congratulate Inspector Esther Cal, deputy commander of the Mobile Interdiction Unit, on graduating as valedictorian of the Junior Officers Course Number One of 2026, which was held in Guyana at the Guyana Police Force Academy. Inspector Cal also received the Best Academic Paper award, which she shared with Assistant Superintendent Chachram of the Guyana Police Force. The intensive two-month program brought together police officers and security personnel from ten Caribbean countries to strengthen leadership, professional competence, and regional cooperation. The department commends Inspector Cal for her outstanding achievement, which reflects her professionalism, dedication, and her commitment to excellence while bringing pride to Belize on the regional stage."
Police Department Celebrates Completion of Dangriga Cadet Camp
And on another positive note, the department also recognized the completion of its cadet camp in Dangriga, with over 250 cadets completing the program. ASP Smith shared more details with us on that as well:
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Tonight, a search and rescue operation is underway off the coast for Sandhill resident Samuel Chi, after a routine fishing trip took a dark turn. Two men were initially reported missing; while fellow villager and fishing buddy Albert Vacarro was found at midday today dehydrated and disoriented, Chi remains unaccounted for. The Belize Coast Guard and partner agencies continue to scour the area in an increasingly desperate search. Jaleeza Roberts has the details:
"The Coast Guard launched a joint operation at 9 a.m. this morning as a result of the two missing persons. Therefore, this joint operation was conducted by the Police, Coast Guard, the Port Authority, and the Fisheries Department. At around 11:30 a.m. this morning, Mr. Albert Vacarro was located southwest of Hicks Caye, approximately 10 miles north of Belize City. He was about five miles away from the coastline. Mr. Vacarro was found floating in that area where he was rescued, recovered from the water by the Coast Guard patrol. He was found dehydrated and disoriented. He was then transported to the Coast Guard Medic Center, where our medics conducted an initial medical assessment on his condition, where he was given basic assistance for rehydration. And of course, he was recommended by our medics to be transported to the KHMH, where he was later transported to receive further medical assistance."
A teenager was murdered in the St. Martin's area this afternoon, allegedly for a gold chain that he was wearing.
"Police have detained one male person and are seeking another in connection with a shooting incident which resulted in the murder of 18-year-old Ewart Hernandez of Lord's Bank Village, Belize District. The investigation commenced today, 3rd August 2026, at around 1:15 p.m. when officers on patrol were alerted to the sound of a shooting in Belize City. A team of officers responded to the scene where they observed an injured Mr. Hernandez, who was subsequently rushed for medical attention, however he succumbed to the injury that he sustained. What the investigators have been able to establish so far from video footage in the area is that Hernandez was traveling on Vernon Street near the intersection near Partridge Street when he stopped on the side of the road and remained on his motorcycle. Some minutes later he was approached by 2 male persons and one of those male persons produced a firearm and fired a single shot which struck Hernandez. Police were able to apprehend a male person who matched the description of the suspects, and that person remains in detention as police investigation continues."
For weeks we've been following the story of the fleecing of the BDF. We've shown you the ridiculous prices paid to politically favored companies for food and weapons.
But, as viewers will know, it's not just weapons and equipment-the scrutiny surrounds meats, spices, boots, and more. And that's exactly why the Mesopotamia Area Rep. Lee Mark Chang rose to speak on the matter during the House Meeting's adjournment very late on Friday. But during his speech, he especially highlighted the sub-$10,000 payments. Here's what he said:
"This matter concerns the protection of public money. It concerns the integrity of government procurements. It concerns politically connected business and family relationships and more. And most importantly it concerns the soldiers of the BDF who put their lives on the line to protect this country while others may be using the Ministry of Defense as a place to make easy squeezy money. Our soldiers deserve a proper meal, nice hot meal. Even if it's baby back ribs and jumbo shrimp. They deserve quality equipment. They deserve reliable boots, uniforms, weapons, and food supplies. The opposition will never object to spending money on the BDF. But supporting our soldiers does not mean giving any one permission to overcharge taxpayers."
"Deputy Forest Chief Mr. Pinelo gave an interview in which he defended himself and it's the most obscene defense I've ever had to listen to. As an attorney I would advise him for free, and I can't believe nobody advised him for free, keep your mouth shut because it makes you sound fool on TV."
"When you make an accusation you need to get educated, learn. Look at this, three sheets of paper that speaks about the process for Forest Licenses for sustained yield long term forest license. It says long term forest licenses for sustained working of timber. This applied to forests in forests reserves, reserves are for logging licenses. Now if you go into a national park that's something else, if you go into a nature reserve that's something else. This is problem with you and this is why the prime minister have to discipline you every minute because you don't give people time to talk."
One of the most senior pastors in Toledo and former head of the National Evangelical Association of Belize, Pastor Victor Wagner (Hernandez), was today found guilty of 2 counts of rape and 1 count of sexual assault by Justice Antonette Moore in Punta Gorda.
It has been on pause for months, but, just as we predicted, shortly after SSB Chairlady Chandra Nisbet exited-the moving hands behind the BTL acquisition of Speednet have brought it back to the table.
And the Chamber isn't the only major group taking a stand against the deal.
And on that same morning in the Orange Walk District, police responded to another drowning that occurred in the Honey Camp Lagoon area. The deceased is said to have been doing some early morning fishing when their canoe capsized. ASP Smith explained what police know so far:
A pregnant, 22-year-old Belize City woman was found dead in her home Sunday morning. But, at this time, foul play is not suspected and police are treating the case as a death investigation. Here's what ASP Smith shared with us about the demise of the woman known as "Kimmie Boo":
A 23-year-old San Jose Succotz man is in police custody after he chopped his own grandmother and received a village vigilante beatdown for it.
ASP Smith explained that the accused is alleged to have been experiencing mental health issues:
Two men are said to be seriously injured after a road traffic accident this evening. It occurred sometime around 5 near the Haulover Bridge. Details are scarce at the moment but the accident involved two SUVs. We can also confirm that one of the victims was Emil Zabaneh. Our news team is on the ground and we will have more information when it becomes available.
"I can speak conclusively to information I have been given. I can assure you the opposition is not asking any one to prejudice guilty. We're asking just for due process. We're asking for transparency, we're asking for independent forensic audits where it becomes necessary. We're asking the every oversight institution established under our laws be permitted, resourced, and protected to perform its work free from political interference. If no wrongdoing has occurred, independent investigations will confirm that fact. If wrongdoing has occurred, those responsible regardless, and I want you to hear me clearly, regardless of political affiliation or public office must be held accountable under the law."
Hon. John Briceno: 
appreciate that and everybody on this side, Ministry of Human Development in particular, we are all committed to making sure that we do everything possible to provide the resources and infrastructure to give meaningful effect to this legislation."
The National Honors Award Act Amendment was also introduced in the House and went through its second and third readings, since, according to the PM, time was of the essence, as September is quickly approaching. This bill will establish new national honors and awards to recognize Belizeans for bravery, courage, and patriotism. And the first recipient of this award will be pilot Howell Grange. The PM explained why they needed to amend the Act to include him:
Belize's national under-20 basketball team has earned bronze at the Central American and Caribbean Games in Santo Domingo.
With a dominant fourth quarter and 27 points from Josiah Moseley, Belize beat Mexico 90-80.
"What will happened, two things, we had made some objections to the timeline in which the objections were filed, we were saying that it was filed out of time. Today the judge will hear those submissions and make a ruling on that. If the magistrate rules that they were within time, then we're going to a full trial where evidence will be marshaled as to whether or not the electors were living at the said address they said they were living at. So today might be a short day or a long day depends how the magistrate rules."
"The respondents had made a preliminary objection to the application to have this matter heard. They had said it was filed out of time because it was filed on the 27th and not on the 25th as the legislation says. We made a submission essentially that according to the interpretation act, it is that once a date falls on a holiday or a weekend then the immediate day following afterwards is the applicable date so essentially that was what was heard today and the court agreed with our submissions so the matter proceeded to be heard. Secondly we had made an application on Wednesday which was when we made our first appearance to say that we were requesting that the election and boundaries disclose the investigation reports, the election officer she essentially told us that she would not disclose it so we made an application that it must be disclosed. And so the court essentially agreed with our submission saying that the disclosure is a fundamentally important part of these proceedings and therefore he has ordered that they disclose those investigation reports. Of course the investigations reports are what the elections and boundaries would have relied on to say in fact this person is a lawful registered resident of Punta Gorda Town."
The World Wildlife Fund Mesoamerica is increasing its efforts to secure protected area status for the Placencia Lagoon. On Saturday, residents of Independence Village gathered at Malacate Beach to create a community mural depicting the many ways generations of Belizeans have interacted with the lagoon. Marine Conservation Officer Abigail Parham-Garbutt explained that the mural is intended to reflect the community's own relationship with the lagoon and serve as a visual reminder of why residents believe the ecosystem deserves stronger protection:
"Out of this, at the end of the day, we want to look at getting the Placencia Lagoon a protected area. And so, through community efforts, we want to highlight and elevate the concerns coming from communities to the Government of Belize to showcase why they believe the Placencia Lagoon should be protected."
And, in other news, the Belize Police Department has given special recognition to Inspector Esther Cal, deputy commander of the Mobile Interdiction Unit, for her outstanding academic performance in graduating from the Guyana Police Force Academy. ASP Smith gave us more details on Inspector Cal's accomplishment:
