May 16, 2024 - Channel 5 Belize

Cartel Clashes in Mexican City Leave 11 Dead

At least 11 people have been killed in clashes between rival cartels in the southern Mexican state of Chiapas. Among the victims are two nuns and a teenager.

The area is contested by the Sinaloa cartel and the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). Residents reported hearing intense gunfire on Monday night. On Tuesday, police and soldiers confirmed finding 11 bodies in and around the village of Nuevo Morelia.

The diocese of San Cristóbal, which includes Nuevo Morelia, confirmed that two women “who served the Catholic Church” were among the deceased. A 15-year-old boy was also identified as one of the victims. It remains unclear if the women were nuns or lay members of the Church, as some local media reported.

Fighting between the rival cartels has been ongoing since Friday. The Sinaloa cartel and the CJNG have been battling for control of the area for several years, often extorting migrants crossing the southern state on their way to the U.S. border.

The 50-year-old Male Teacher Rapes Teenage Girl

Police in Punta Gorda are investigating a case of rape. On Monday, May 13, 2024, a woman and her 13-year-old granddaughter visited the Punta Gorda Police Station and reported that on the 7th and 10th of May this year, a male teacher had sexual relations with her in the school bathroom. Police conducted an investigation, after which they formally arrested and charged a 50-year-old Belizean teacher from Toledo District for two counts of rape of a child.

Meanwhile, on Wednesday, May 8, 2024, at about 3:30 p.m., a woman and her 15-year-old daughter visited the San Pedro Police Station and reported that on Friday, May 3, 2024, she went to the apartment of a 33-year-old male person in San Pedro Town, where he had sexual relations with her against her will. Police have since detained the 33-year-old Belizean manager of San Pedro Town as investigations continue.

San Pedro Mayor Not Allowed to Participate in PUP Contested Convention for Standard Bearer

A few weeks ago, San Pedro Mayor Wally Nunez launched his bid to become the next area representative of Belize Rural South. He made the announcement via his Facebook page on April 29th. He said, “The people of San Pedro and Caye Caulker have been asking for quite some time if I will represent them in the next general elections. Well, this is confirmation that I will be sending in my application to represent you all.”

He ends by saying, “Let democracy prevail!!”

Nunez’s ambitions were halted. He was informed that the PUP’s National Executive decided that none of the recently elected mayors are permitted to participate in any contested conventions for the position of standard bearer. They are only allowed to join endorsement conventions, which are uncontested.

Mayor Nunez posted on Facebook, “Guided by the voice of the people, I decided to continue leading them as their area representative. I have now been made to understand that this will not be possible. I respect the decision of our party and hold dear the mandate given to me by the people.”