On Friday, a store was robbed at gunpoint by three men in Mahogany Heights. Police carried out an investigation and have since arrested and charged Shaun Crawford and Jahstar Gonguez. Further investigation led police to the residence of Gonguez and his common-law wife, Shondra Gonzalez. There, they found an unlicensed nine-millimeter and twenty-eight rounds of ammunition. Both Gonguez and Gonzalez were charged with illegal possession. The charges come a month after Gonguez walked away from a murder charge.
“On Friday, the twenty-first day of June 2024, around two p.m., police responded to a robbery report at a store at Mahogany Heights. Upon arrival, a complainant reported that she was at her store when three persons armed with firearms entered the building and robbed them of cash and other items. Police responded and thereafter detained several persons. An investigation was carried out. And since then, Shaun Crawford and Jahstar Gonguez have since been arrested and charged with the crime of robbery. Further investigation was carried out, which led police to a house in Seine Bight Village, where a nine-millimeter pistol was recovered in regards to this robbery report. An additional person is being charged for possession of a licensed firearm and possession of a license ammunition. That is Shondra Gonzalez.”
Public transportation is one that has been around in the Old Capital for at least four decades. It was private owners who began to offer routes in the Pen Road and Lake-I areas, then came the King’s Park Port Loyola, Call Centre and other runs later. Today, one of the ten city bus operators came out swinging at the Belize City Council over concerns about its pending e-buses project. Phillip Jones claims that the Belize City Council wants to control the city bus industry by introducing a proposal that will kick them out of business. But the City Council says nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, the council says all they want to do is give city residents an option to ride in air-conditioned comfort or not, for a dollar more. News Five’s Marion Ali has the story in this report.
Arthur Saldivar
Arthur Saldivar, Attorney for City Shuttles Ltd.
“It’s a ball-faced attempt to do, by means of economic disadvantage, strongarm from small operators and large that which they have invested in their life’s blood and experience in for, in the case of city of did more than 35 years.”
Marion Ali, Reporting
The e-buses that we’ve been hearing so much about in Belize City are much anticipated, but one transportation provider says he has many questions about that e-bus project. Attorney Arthur Saldivar called a press conference today to say that his client, Phillip Jones, believes that the Belize City Council has ulterior motives with the introduction of the e-buses pilot project.
Arthur Saldivar
“The main issue is that the regulator entering into the field and competing against those who have been developing the industry would have the unfair advantage of picking and cherry-picking routes, which means then you’re basically undermining the profitability of those entities that were providing the service from time immemorial.”
The Belize City Council says nothing could be further from the truth. This afternoon, Mayor Bernard Wagner and E-bus Coordinator, Neil Hall, called their own briefing to set the record straight. They said that the Council will charge three dollars for the e-bus runs, which is a dollar more than what bus operators currently charge.
Bernard Wagner
Bernard Wagner, Mayor, Belize City
“We are managing it, not for profit, but we have to be able to not under-price the current bus operators, we don’t want to undersell them. If I could only go and say since I get this boss free, I wouldn’t say, I could say $1 for new company bus $1. What will that do? That would be driving them out of .”
Neil Hall
Neil Hall, E-bus Coordinator, Belize City Council
“First and foremost, again, they started off their press briefing with us saying that for them to be a part of this, they will need to surrender 51 percent of their businesses. Nothing is further from the truth. At no time has anyone ever even hinted, stated, I don’t know what the word would be, that they would need to forego 51 percent of their businesses to be a part of this because they are a part of it already. I really don’t understand where their lawyer came up with, they have not been given an opportunity to speak, to be heard, or even consulted. Our route is different than any existing route that is, currently available.”
Hall explained that five bus operators were in a meeting with them just a week ago and that no one indicated that they had an issue. He said that the purpose of the pilot project is to see how well the e-buses work in Belize. After a year, the data collected on their performance would be available for the bus operators to seek loans to upgrade their fleet and run their routes. During the City Shuttle’s press conference, Saldivar also spoke of the deficiencies in the current system and the lack of proper bus stops. This is another concern that the City Council said it will address as it moves to upgrade the service. No other bus operators were present to lend support to City Shuttle Limited. Marion Ali for News Five.
Over the weekend, Mabil Ha Village, a Maya community in Toledo District, broke ground for a new water supply system. The project has been long in the making. Residents have had to rely on water sources that are not the safest, including creeks and natural springs. But all that is about to change thanks to a partnership between the Caribbean Development Bank, the Ministry of Rural Transformation and The Belize Social Investment Fund. News Five’s Paul Lopez reports.
Paul Lopez, Reporting
Having no access to potable water may be an unimaginable thought to many Belizeans. But for the residents of Mabil Ha Village, this kind of access has been one of their longstanding desires. Well, the village is finally getting a water supply system. A groundbreaking ceremony was held over the weekend in the community. Jose Salam, the Chairman of the village says he has been waiting all his life.
Jose Salam
Jose Salam, Chairman, Mabil Ha Village
“Water is an essential source of life, and it has been thirty-eight years that I have been living in this community and our life desire was to have potable drinking water implemented in our community. I know that this will have a significant positive impact on the livelihood of our villagers. This is a number one step forward in the development of our community. Even though we have other important needs to the development of our community, we chose water because it is second to oxygen we breathe, and these are the main priorities of living.”
The project comes by way of a partnership between The Belize Social Investment Fund, the Caribbean Development Bank and the Ministry of Rural Transformation. Entire families attended the ceremony, some sat under the tent provided while others watched on from under the shade of surrounding trees. Oscar Requena, the Minister of Rural Transformation was present.
Oscar Requena
Oscar Requena, Minister of Rural Transformation
“I want to say to you water is very important, and we have something over there that speaks about goal six. Goal six speaks about ensuring availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all and that is important, because just like how the people in Cayo, Corozal, Belize City want clean safe, potable water, the people of Mabil Ha and everywhere in this country deserves safe, clean, potable water and Mr. chairman as you said, we have worked very diligently, we have worked hard with our prime minister, John Briceno and this government under Plan Belize to ensure no one is left behind. And me Oscar Requena I will always fight for the rural people I will always fight for the poor people like you who live in the villages, because I grew up in a village. I grew up without water. I used to go get water in a creek so I understand the poor people and what they feel.”
Residents of Mabil Ha have relied on creeks, natural springs and hand pumps to meet their water needs. Not only are these methods time-consuming, but they also pose significant health risks. That will soon be a thing of the past. Carlos Tun, the Executive Director at Belize Social Investment Fund, says every resident will have access to clean water when the project is completed.
Carlos Tun
Carlos Tun, Executive Director, Social Investment Fund
“The sub project will provide for the construction of a supply well and a reinforced concrete pump house to provide ground water. This pumping station equipped with two five thousand gallons storage tanks will be powered by solar systems ensuring sustainability and efficiency. Additionally, a standby generator will be available to supply supplementary power when necessary. The installation of over seventeen thousand feet or four inch and two inch pipes will form the back bone of this system along with fifty-four service connections to provide water to the school, residents and churches. This infrastructure will transform the way water is supplied in Mabil Ha, ensuring that every corner of the village is adequately served.”
Jose Salam
“Various administrations have passed but they were not able to react to our cry. Therefore, I take this opportunity to thank the honorable Briceno and his administration for acknowledging and taking into consideration the harsh realities and challenges we face in this rural community of the Toledo West.”
On Friday evening in San Pedro, the Ministry of Public Service held an award ceremony to recognize the men and women employed by the Government of Belize. It’s an annual celebration where the dedication and commitment of public officers is formally acknowledged. On hand for this year’s event was Governor General Froyla Tzalam. Here’s News Five’s Isani Cayetano with the highlights from this year’s Public Service Awards.
Dame Froyla Tzalam
Dame Froyla Tzalam, Governor General
“I ask you to raise your glass, to salute the public servants of Belize and to the continued delivery of efficient and equal treatment to all without ill will or favor. Congratulations to you all on your dedicated service and on behalf of a grateful nation, I salute you.”
Recognition serves as a powerful motivator. When public officers receive acknowledgement for their hard work, it boosts their morale and encourages them to continue performing at their best. It also reinforces positive behavior and dedication, contribution to a more engaged and committed workforce.
Henry Charles Usher
Henry Charles Usher, Minister of Public Service
“So on this Public Service Day, I am honored to stand here, I am honored to lead with other countries and other persons from around the world in saluting the women and men who have and continue to dedicate their lives to the highest possible calling, public service.”
A supportive culture enhances collaboration, teamwork, and overall job satisfaction. On Friday night in San Pedro, UB President, Dr. Vincent Palacio was the guest speaker at the annual Public Service Awards.
Dr. Vincent Palacio
Dr. Vincent Palacio, Guest Speaker
“I am truly honored to stand before you today, again celebrating, again looking out for our public officers. When I walked into the space this evening, I looked at it and it was lovely. I said, our public officers deserve this and more. I’m so proud of you.”
Public recognition showcases government’s commitment to its employees. It also reflects positively on the administration’s values and leadership. Government’s reputation for appreciating its workforce attracts talented individuals and enhances public trust.
Henry Charles Usher
“It speaks about your workplace, about the health and safety in your workplace, it speaks about the application of technology. It speaks about a subject that we have to get very serious about, AI and how in the future it may replace a lot of workers. Recently, three landmark documentary achievements were made. Two bills were introduced in the last house meeting. One: anti-sexual harassment and two: dealing with disabilities, and third, a third, very important achievement after sixteen years, the collective bargaining agreement between the government and the bargaining agents of public officers and teachers was finally signed.”
Increased job satisfaction translates to higher productivity, benefiting both the officers and the community they serve. High retention rates also lead to stability and continuity in public services.
Dr. Vincent Palacio
“Let us take a moment to reflect on the significance of the work that each and every one of you do. The theme for this year’s celebration: The Belize Public Service, Honoring our everyday heroes. Public servants empowering communities, enriching lives beautifully encapsulates the essence of public service and the profound impact it has on the fabric of our society.”
Over six hundred applications have been submitted by the Belize Police Department on behalf of officers who qualify as first-time land owners. Through a partnership between the ministries of Home Affairs and Natural Resources, parcels of land are being made available to the men and women of law enforcement. It’s a worthwhile initiative that will see many owning a piece of property. Commissioner of Police Chester Williams agrees that the effort is commendable.
Chester Williams
Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police
“I must say that the police department is very grateful for the good gesture coming from our minister, as well as the Ministry of Natural Resources. I remembered when government changed in 2020, myself and Minister Musa discussed the issue of police land ownership as there were a number of police officers who were clamoring for land. In some cases, they were saying that they applied on numerous occasions and got no feedback. And we do believe that, yes, as police officers, you spend so many years serving this country in a way that many people would not want to. So, we thought it fit that it would be good for us to look at a land program and so with that we decided that we had to set a criteria and the criteria was that those persons who would apply would have to have at least five years or more service in the department. So there was a minimum period that you had to be a police officer to be eligible, and in addition to that we were looking for it to be first-time land ownership. So if you have not been given a piece of land before by the state then you would have eligible. If you would have gotten one passed down to you from your parents, that would not have disqualified you.”
Lobster season will officially get underway in the next six days and fisherfolks have already deployed hundreds of lobster traps and shades to prepare for their first catch. With the opening of the season comes the buzz surrounding lobster fests. Three of Belize’s prime tourist destinations, San Pedro, Caye Caulker and Placencia host these events in July. Each has its own unique history and approach to these lobster-themed festivities. But one thing stands true across these communities, Lobster Fest presents an opportunity for significant economic gains among restauranters, hoteliers and fisherfolks. Over the weekend, the Belize Tourism Board organized a media field trip to San Pedro and Caye Caulker to speak with organizers and beneficiaries of the highly anticipated annual fests. In the first installment of this two-part report, we look at the history and economic benefits of Lobster Fest. In a subsequent newscast, we will look closer at how sustainable fishing practices are important to the longevity of the celebration. Here is that report.
Paul Lopez, Reporting
The start of a hunting or fishing season is seldom cause for celebration in Belize. That is unless it is the opening of the lobster season. By law, fisherfolks can catch lobsters within an eight-month period, starting on July first. On Ambergris Caye, residents celebrate this occasion with thirteen days of lobster-themed festivities. Rebecca Arceo chairs the committee that plans the annual event.
Rebecca Arceo
Rebecca Arceo, Chair, San Pedro Business Association
“Actually it was someone who use to live in the states who said they have pre-hunting parties. They would go out hunting and have a party and it was just kind of how you make it interesting for tourists but not make it more expensive, give them a reason to come and that it literally was born out of that idea.”
San Pedro’s Lobster Fest has been running for the past thirteen years. Initially it was only three days of celebration, a pre-party, an opening day party and eight booths. Today, it has expanded to include dozens of businesses, while attracting thousands of visitors to the island. Over the course of the thirteen days, the organizers host a Lobster Crawl. Each day the celebration is held at different business locations.
Rebbeca Arceo
“When tourist goes to an event, they meet other tourist, and they start travelling together to go to another event because it is like oh we met you yesterday so let us go to another event with you and then we have people that come back year after year because they met friends and meet up with those friends again.”
San Pedro Lobster Fest also gives restaurants an opportunity to earn extra income during a relatively slow tourism season. Chef Ana Najaro has been participating in the block party since its inception.
Ana Najaro
Ana Najaro, Chef
“I started with me being the solo at my booth to now having fourteen fifteen staff member for that night only. For me for my booth, I am not being boastful but sometimes I have a whole two lines waiting for food and to be served. Lobster Fest marks a very important night of the year for me.”
And, as Chef Jennie Staines, the executive chef over at Elvi’s Kitchen explains, Lobster Fest inspires restaurants to push the boundaries beyond traditional lobster dishes. She has won best lobster dish for four years, consecutively.
Jennie Staines
Jennie Staines, Executive Chef, Elvi’s Kitchen
“The perfect way for me is by boiling lobster and eating it with butter. That is the way I like it. But, lobster, the trick is never overcooking a lobster. I am very innovative so for the first year I did a lobster burger. The second year I did a hotdog. Thank god that every year I have participated in lobster fest I have had tails on the booth till late at night and one year I sold two hundred and fifty-six pounds of lobster.”
From San Pedro, we headed over to Caye Caulker, another prominent tourist destination in Belize. La Isla Carinosa holds the title of the longest running lobster fest in the country, after three decades of annual celebrations and two generations of planning committees. Porfilio Guzman is one of ten residents that started Caye Caulker Lobster Fest in 1994.
“People worldwide and Belizeans look forward to Caye Caulker Lobster Fest because we dah the original. San Pedro and Placencia they come ten and five years after, but we have record and we have been registered as Caye Caulker Lobster Fest.”
The new generation of the Caye Caulker Lobster Fest Planning Committee is led by Sharry Trejo.
“It is very challenging. There are only seven of us in the committee. We are all business owners. We tend to leave our business behind a little bit to concentrate on the preparations for this festival. It is a lot. Sometimes it is frustrating, but our main goal is to ensure that the community are the sole beneficiaries. We don’t do it for ourselves. We do it for everyone here because this is the only festival that Caye Caulker has.”
Among the beneficiaries who Trejo speaks about is Ruby Jiminez, the chef at Elba’s Little Kitchen. There is also Elsa Guzman the Owner of Happy Lobster. Both women are from Caye Caulker.
Ruby Jiminez
Ruby Jiminez, Chef, Elba’s Little Kitchen
“Wooo, everybody is excited, everybody is prepping because events like this we get extra people on the island. We have to prepare extra and make sure we are all ready and ready to serve people lobster for lobster fest.”
Elsa Guzman
Elsa Guzman, Owner, Happy Lobster
“If you notice for the last years we have less lobster. It is harder to get. Before we would not even have to call the fishermen. Now we have to call them.”
Goodnight and welcome to another edition of Sports Monday, I am Paul Lopez. The B.E.B.L. 2024 best of five finals series began on Friday night and, folks, tonight we have a series.
The Benny’s Belize Hurricanes played their first two home games over the weekend. The Hurricanes made a statement in game one, defeating the Defenders by twenty-four points in a game that ended eighty-seven to sixty-three points. And when you look at the stats for game one, Glency Lopez and Amir Ross played big minutes and contributed eighteen and nineteen points, respectively, to the win. Marquise Cunningham, who always finds a way to get the inside opportunity, finished with thirteen points on Friday night. Daniel Estes also scored some big points in game one for the Defenders. He finished with nineteen points.
We have also been seeing more by way of play time and performance from Devin Daly who finished with eleven points on Friday night, right in front of Richard Smith who ended the game with ten points. 2024 B.E.B.L. M.V.P. Nigel Jones left a lot to be desired in that game, securing only nine points for his team off four field goals. So that is basically game one in summary. But game two was a different story for both teams. At the end of the first quarter Defenders led the game by six points with a score of nineteen points to Hurricanes’ thirteen.
A steal by Devin Daly at the start of the second and a foul at the other end. Daly using his size advantage. Victor “Vito” Evans on the other end of the court with the And-One finish. Devon Campbell guarded heavily by Amir Ross. Ross drew the foul and took a moment to celebrate with fans. Devin Daly putting his body on the line there to secure the rock.
Down by two points with seconds left in the second quarter, Glency Lopez worked his way along the baseline and made an impressive shot under the basket to tie the match at thirty points apiece at the end of first half. Early in the third quarter things got a bit physical between Campbell and Ross. Ross was initially T’d up after he head butted Campbell in the chest. But after reviewing the play, the referee found that both players were at fault. Campbell and Ross were kicked out of the game. Less than three minutes later, Hurricanes called for change to bring in Sidibe Bourama. Seemingly upset by the decision, Alex Carcamo took off his jersey and left the game. He walked back to the locker room. The Hurricanes were trailing by three points.
Moments later, Hurricanes’ Assistant Coach Bart Jones picked up his backpack and followed behind Carcamo. The match was tied at fifty-one a piece at the end of the third. Hurricanes down by one with seventeen seconds left on the clock, Kirk Smith Junior made a massive bucket to give his team a one-point lead. The Defenders were down with eight seconds, but certainly not out. Nigel Jones with the ball. He drew the foul on the inside and missed the bucket. Jones to the line. The first free throw to tie the game is good. Arguably his biggest free throw of the season, Jones banked it and gave his team the one-point lead. Evans tried for a two-point jump shot and missed. Eyan Rene with the second opportunity and he missed. The Civic erupted and the Defenders tied this best out of five series. Game three goes down on Friday night inside the Civic.
In some regional volleyball news, Belize’s Under- twenty-three National Female Volleyball Team is currently competing in the Under-Twenty-Three Central American Volleyball Championship being hosted by Honduras. Team Belize faced off against Guatemala on Sunday afternoon in their first match of the tournament. Despite the valiant effort, Belize fell to Guatemala in the fifth set. Tonight, they go up against Nicaragua.
Let’s now move into some football action. Belize’s football future is in good hands. The team to watch in this year’s Anthony Mahler Under-Thirteen Mundialito Tournament is Berger United. They may be newcomers but Berger United is dominating. On Saturday, they played against Ebony Lake inside the Berger Field.
One minute into this one, Berger’s Camron Brown cleaned up after Ebony’s goalkeeper stopped two attempts at goal. Two minutes later, Breylin Middleton found an opening in front of the goal and made it count.
Five minutes in and it was Middleton again with a long range shot direct to goal. Berger United went up by three goals. A minute later, Ebony Lake got some relief with a corner kick from Niroughn Arzu that hit target, much to the surprise of everyone on the field. Berger United won that game eight goals to two.
The third matchup of the day was between Sampson/Brown and Reality Youths. This one was a though matchup and it ended one goal to zero in favor of Sampson/Brown. At the twenty-sixth minute, goalkeeper Zion Clarke sent a ball flying to the other end of the field. It bounced once just outside of the penalty box and dropped over the goal keeper’s head and into the goal. The goalkeeper was clearly frustrated with himself.
Well folks that is all we have for you in tonight’s coverage of Sports Monday. Catch you in the next one.
The Ministry of Rural Transformation and Community Development broke ground for the new Mabil Ha water system. On Sunday, the ministry held a ceremony at Mabil Ha Village, Toledo District, celebrating the start of the long-awaited project that marks “a significant achievement in our mission for rural transformation.”
According to the ministry, the project is a collaborative effort between the ministry, the Belize Social Investment Fund (BSIF), and the funding support from the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB).
The project is designed with sustainability at its core and “will harness the power of solar energy and feature a backup generator on-site, ensuring a reliable water supply for years to come,” says the Ministry, “a significant achievement in our mission for rural transformation” to provide the people with “safe, clean, portable water.”
At the ceremony, Oscar Requena, Minister of Rural Transformation and Community Development said, “In two weeks time… we are going to see the work get started in Mabil Ha.”
On Sunday morning, a gunman shot up the Roaring Creek police station.
It is reported that the man in a white hoodie opened fire at the station at around 12:30. A police officer was standing in front of the building when the shooting began.
Fortunately, no one was injured. Investigators recovered eighteen expended shells at the scene. An adult male and two teenage boys are currently in police custody for questioning.
According to Commissioner Williams, investigators do not have “anything concrete” on the three detainees. The officer who was in front of the station when the shooting occurred is being interviewed. “We want to make sure that it is not something personal to him because that is another possibility that we are looking at”, Williams said this morning on Open Your Eyes.
Investigators are reviewing surveillance footage.
“We must condemn it as a society in the strongest terms. As the police department we are going to find who is the person responsible and bring him to justice, plain and simple.”
NWS National Hurricane Center Miami FL
2:00 PM EDT Mon Jun 24, 2024
For the North Atlantic, Caribbean Sea, and the Gulf of Mexico:
Western Caribbean/Southwestern Gulf of Mexico:
A westward-moving tropical wave, located a few hundred miles east-southeast of the Windward Islands, is producing disorganized showers and thunderstorms. Environmental conditions appear conducive for slow development once the wave reaches the western Caribbean late this week.
Formation chance through 48 hours: low, near 0 percent
Formation chance through 7 days: low, 20 percent
