June, 2024 - Channel 5 Belize

Cyclist Hit by Truck in Dangriga, Drivers Asked to be More Mindful

Two cyclists were injured in an accident on Monday in Dangriga, while riding along the Hummingbird Highway. They are eighteen-year-old Reynaldo White and seventeen-year-old Tamron Morris, both members of the Griga Cycling Club. The two were returning from a ride with another member of the club around one in the afternoon when Morris suddenly fell to the ground due to a truck swerving in his direction, the truck then proceeded to hit White, resulting in several injuries. Annis Gordon, Secretary of the Griga Cycling Club, took to social media to caution drivers when sharing the road with cyclists, but the post was met with criticism from skeptics who believed the cyclists to be at fault. We spoke with Gordon and Morris today, for more details on the incident.

Tamron Morris, Injured Cyclist

“I noticed that we was coming back from our ride. We left from around ten o’clock. We went to mile twenty and was coming back from five miles. I heard so many vehicles passing us so I didn’t pay any mind because we was at the side of the road and all I see was a blue pickup truck. A blue pickup truck breeze me off the road and it knocked my partner in front of me, and when he fell, I dropped on top of him, and then I see myself in a ditch.”

Annis Gordon, Secretary Griga Cycling Club

“Ronaldo, he had a cut to the left side of his eye. He was scraped. He had scraped on his arms, his back, his hip, his shoulder got fractured and Tamron was complaining with pain in his hip. When I asked about the other rider, Deshane, they told me that DeShane remained at the scene along with the bikes and the person who hit them. We were told that he accept that it was his fault and that he would meet along with us to see what he can do to assist with damages and whatever caused by his carelessness. He also admitted that he took his eyes off the road for a minute and that happened. What he was doing, we don’t really know, but he admitted to the incident that it was his fault. I have been reading on social media ever since I posted on my page, I have been reading and I saw so many negative comments by people talking about cyclists and some said that they need to use they common sense. Some say if he honk his horn, they are knocked him down and get out of the way. And there are so many negative things that and I am sure. That more cyclists will get on the highway and ride recklessly, knowing that they could put their life at risk and causing problems. We need to be mindful of what we say, of what we say. We need to be mindful because everybody has a turn. Our boys, we tried our best to ensure and to instill that they respect traffic. The same way we would like for traffic to respect our cyclists.”

June is Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month

June marks a significant period dedicated to a crucial but often overlooked aspect of health: Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month. This observance aims to shed light on the mental health challenges faced by men, promote open discussions, and encourage seeking help without stigma. Mental health is a universal issue, yet men often face unique pressures and barriers that can impede their well-being.

Understanding Men’s Mental Health

Men’s mental health encompasses a range of issues, from depression and anxiety to substance abuse and suicidal thoughts. According to the World Health Organization, approximately 264 million people globally suffer from depression, with men less likely to seek help than women. This reluctance often stems from societal expectations and cultural norms that emphasise stoicism and self-reliance in men, discouraging vulnerability and emotional openness.

The Stigma Surrounding Men’s Mental Health

Stigma plays a significant role in preventing men from addressing their mental health needs. Traditional gender roles often dictate that men should be strong, unemotional, and self-sufficient. As a result, admitting to mental health struggles can be seen as a sign of weakness, leading many men to suffer in silence. This can exacerbate mental health issues, potentially leading to severe consequences such as addiction, self-harm, or suicide.

Statistics and the Reality

The statistics surrounding men’s mental health are stark and alarming. In many countries, men are significantly more likely to die by suicide than women. In the past few years, there has been an increase in men dying by suicide. Additionally, men are more likely to engage in risky behaviours and less likely to seek mental health treatment.

Addressing the Issue: Breaking the Silence

Efforts to improve men’s mental health must begin with breaking the silence and challenging the stigma. Public health campaigns, community initiatives, and workplace programmes can all play a part in normalising conversations about mental health. By creating safe spaces for men to express their feelings and seek support, we can start to dismantle the barriers that prevent men from accessing the help they need.

Encouraging Help-Seeking Behaviour

Encouraging men to seek help is a critical component of addressing mental health issues. This can be facilitated through various means:

Education and awareness: increasing awareness about mental health and the specific challenges faced by men can help normalise the conversation. Educational programmes can be implemented in schools, workplaces, and community centres.

Support networks: building robust support networks is essential. Friends, family, and community groups can provide a lifeline for men struggling with mental health issues.

Accessible services: ensuring that mental health services are accessible, affordable, and tailored to the needs of men is crucial. This includes offering services that respect men’s experiences and cultural backgrounds.

Role models: prominent figures and celebrities speaking openly about their mental health struggles can have a powerful impact. These role models can inspire other men to seek help and show that vulnerability is a strength, not a weakness.

The Role of Society

Society plays a pivotal role in shaping attitudes towards mental health. By promoting a culture of empathy, understanding, and support, we can create an environment where men feel safe to seek help. Workplaces, schools, and communities must actively engage in fostering mental wellness and providing resources for those in need.

U.S. Government Donates Essential Equipment to Support Belize Military Operations

On Monday, the U.S. Embassy in Belize handed over essential equipment to the Government of Belize as part of its commitment to enhancing security cooperation throughout the region.

This donation includes IT equipment, vehicle maintenance equipment, boat engines, and a bomb disposal suit, benefiting the Belize Joint Intelligence Operations Center (JOIC), Belize Coast Guard, and Belize Defence Force. It is valued at US $616,000.

It is expected that the equipment will help address transnational criminal threats, enhance border security, and promote national security. The support aims to bolster Belize’s joint intelligence, interagency collaboration, and intelligence-driven operations, thereby enhancing maritime interdiction capabilities and the safety of Explosive Ordnance Detachment technicians.

*US Ambassador to Belize, Michelle Kwan*

In her keynote address, Ambassador Michelle Kwan praised the success of Belize’s joint law enforcement agencies in tackling transnational criminal threats through collaborative operations coordinated by the JIOC. She emphasised the importance of a coordinated, multi-agency approach, highlighting the involvement of various U.S. government agencies in the donation event.

JIOC Director Freddie Ku remarked, “The JIOC is a testament that when we pool resources and expertise through joint efforts, a whole lot more can be achieved.”

*U.S. Government Donates Essential Equipment to Support Belize Military Operations*

Bar Association on Leslie Mendez’s Complaint against Belize Central Prison

The role of an Attorney-at-Law in representing those who are incarcerated at the Belize Central Prison is pivotal to upholding the constitutional rights of those being represented and is crucial to ensuring the rule of law.

It is recognized that prisons, including the Belize Central Prison, uphold a visitors’ dress code primarily for security reasons and it is recognized that attorneys are not excluded from abiding by the dress code.

The Bar Association acknowledges the recent complaint of Attorney Ms. Leslie Mendez that she was disallowed access to the Belize Central Prison to meet with her incarcerated clients on account of her attire, which she says was in line with the prison’s dress code. While the Bar Association cannot take a position regarding the details of the complaint, it is important for us to state that it would be gravely concerning if the Belize Central Prison, or any of its employees, used underhanded and veiled tactics to undermine the legal rights of incarcerated prisoners, especially their right to speak with their legal representatives.

The rules of the Belize Central Prison are not to be used to humiliate legal representatives or to detract from meaningful representation of those incarcerated. The Bar Association hopes that the Belize Central Prison will properly address the complaint of Ms. Mendez so that there is no recurrence of this or any similar incidents.

(Press release)

Cabinet Outrage at Incident at San Ignacio Community Hospital

The entire Cabinet shares the outrage of the Belizean people at the incident which occurred at the San Ignacio Community Hospital on June 1. Cabinet is grateful that medical practitioners, staff and patients were not harmed by those criminal elements who stormed the facility. Decisive action has been taken.

Instructions have been issued, firstly, for the escalation of the operation to round up not only those persons who participated in the attack on our medical facility and staff, but ALL gang elements operating in San Ignacio and Santa Elena.

Secondly, Cabinet has offered its full support to the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Belize Police Department as they launch an intensive operation to address the security concerns of businesses in Santa Elena and San Ignacio. Instructions have been given for an internal assessment of the Police Command and structure in that jurisdiction, with a view to making any changes necessary.

Finally, Cabinet has directed that teams from the Ministry of Health & Wellness, and the Ministry of Home Affairs, conduct an immediate assessment of security protocols at the San Ignacio Community Hospital and all public health facilities. The safety of medical practitioners, staff and patients MUST be always assured.

(Press release)

Mynor Galindo says Police and Media are Wrong

Mynor Galindo, the brother of David Galindo, a prominent gang figure, who was fatally shot recently, says that the Belize Police Department and the media are spreading misinformation.

It is reported that following David’s shooting, he was rushed to the San Ignacio Community Hospital for emergency care. It is also reported that several of David’s gang affiliates arrived at the hospital, threatening doctors and nurses there. They reportedly told the doctors that David needed to be saved or else they would be murdered.

On Monday, Police Commissioner Chester Williams told reporters he was appalled at what happened.

“I am appalled by it, I must say. I got a call the following morning from a doctor, the head doctor at the Western Regional Hospital and right away I put him on to Ms. Anderson who is the Western Regional Commander and the matter was addressed. The police went to the area, statements were recorded, photographs were taken, the scene was processed and police have gathered video footage as well. So we know exactly who the persons are that are responsible. From then to now, we have not been able to locate those persons. One of the persons of concern is, I think, Minor Galindo, he’s one of them. Since then, he has not been seen in the San Ignacio area. We understand that he had fled somewhere. The fact that his brother had passed away, we believe that that might bring him out of his hole and once he is found then he will be dealt with along with another person who were the two main aggressors at the hospital. But again, we condemn the actions done at the hospital.”

*Commissioner of Police, Chester Williams, speaking to reporters.*

In response to what Williams said and what the media reported, Mynor said in a statement, “No one has been arrested or charged for my brother’s death. Instead, the police are relentlessly pursuing us rather than the actual culprits. Despite providing detailed descriptions of the attackers and their vehicles to the authorities, there has been no discernible progress in the investigation. The authorities have utterly neglected their duty to ensure our safety and have instead harassed our family, baselessly accusing us of involvement in criminal activities.”

“We have received no support or justice from the authorities, and the media has perpetuated false narratives, The true perpetrators remain at large while we are wrongfully targeted. We demand a thorough and impartial investigation into the attacks on our lives and my brother’s murder. Additionally, we call for the media and the Police to rectify their false reports falsely labeling me and my family as part of a gang, despite no actual affiliation and accurately represent our situation. It is imperative that justice prevails and that the true perpetrators are brought to account.”

Minor says he is determined to correct misinformation spread by the police and media about their family. He says that two weeks ago, he survived an assassination attempt near his home, during which he disarmed a gunman and escaped unharmed despite another gunman firing at him. According to Mynorm, a week later, David, was fatally shot in a drive-by attack involving the same vehicle. He says that this information was shared with police.

This morning, ComPol Williams says he will be meeting with officials from the San Ignacio Community Hospital this afternoon.

US President’s Son Found Guilty on Gun Charges

Hunter Biden, the eldest living son of the US president, was found guilty on all three felony counts related to purchasing a handgun while being a user of crack cocaine. The verdict came after a weeklong trial in Wilmington, Delaware, featuring intense testimony about his addiction from close relatives. Biden chose not to testify in his defense.

The jury reached its verdict after three hours of deliberation over two days. Hunter Biden received the verdict in court, supported by family members including the first lady, Jill Biden.

President Joe Biden responded, saying, “I will accept the outcome of this case and will continue to respect the judicial process as Hunter considers an appeal.

Hunter Biden faces a potential maximum sentence of 25 years, although this is more than expected for a first-time offender. No sentencing date has been set.

The Trump campaign called the trial “nothing more than a distraction from the real crimes of the Biden Crime Family.”

Hunter Biden was charged with making false statements on a form to buy a Colt revolver in October 2018 by stating he was not addicted to drugs and then illegally owning the gun for 11 days before his sister-in-law, Hallie Biden, disposed of it.

Child Abuser Sentenced to Jail

The man charged with cruelty to a child was this morning slapped with two 12-month sentences, which are to run concurrently. In May, thirty-three-year-old Devain Flores was charged with two counts of cruelty to a child. He pleaded guilty to the charges.

The charges came after a video showing him kicking and hitting a three-year-old male child went viral on social media.

The case was prosecuted by the Commissioner of Police, Chester Williams.

Earlier this month, Flores appeared in the magistrate’s court for a mitigation plea. He waived his right to call character witnesses after his mother, common-law wife, brother, and another individual failed to appear. Despite being given more time to bring his witnesses, Flores asked the Senior Magistrate to proceed with sentencing, stating he is taking full responsibility for his actions.

Despicable! Policeman Accused of Raping Woman in Detention

Tonight, a police officer is on remand at the Belize Central Prison after being accused of raping a female detainee at the Queen Street Police Station on Friday. It’s a shameful act reportedly carried out by forty-five-year-old Derwin Marin. The police constable was on duty, but had no business interacting with the woman. At some point, P.C. Marin allegedly approached her and offered to release her without charge in exchange for sex. He then proceeded to remove the woman from the holding cell and escorted her to another area of the station where he apparently had intercourse with her. In the wake of the incident, the Belize Police Department wasted no time in taking action against the rogue officer. Criminal and internal investigations are underway and the Commissioner of Police has condemned Marin’s actions. This morning, ComPol Williams appeared before the lower courts during Marin’s arraignment where he objected to bail. It is the second time within a few weeks that the top cop has donned his attorney’s cap to prosecute a matter.

Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police

“Basically I appeared in court this morning to do the arraignment for the police officer who is charged with the crime of rape which took place at the Queen Street Police Station over the weekend.”

Reporter

“You objected to bail.”

Chester Williams

“Yes, I came to object to bail because we believe that the act is such that the police officer needs to remain in prison until the matter is heard.”

Reporter

“Now, this is a fairly mundane, straightforward prosecution. Why did you feel I important to bring your office to bear on it?”

Chester Williams

“Well I guess it’s the need to show the importance of the case. Like I said before, we have been doing our best to ensure that we rid ourselves of those rogue officers who constantly do things that embarrass the department. My presence here is a strong statement that we are doing what we can to ensure that persons who are aggrieved by the actions of police that they get justice. The person who is the victim was a prisoner in police custody. The investigation revealed that the police officer solicited sex from her in exchange for her release. He subsequently took her outside of her cell block where the act took place. We have secure several statements, as well as video footages that support her allegation.”

Reporter

“Was he aware of the security cameras?”

Chester Williams

“Well he has to be aware of it, every police officer who works at that cellblock area knows that cameras are there.”

Reporter

“Yeah, but did he go to a concealed area or an area outside of view?”

Chester Williams

“Well the cameras would not have captured the act itself, but the camera did pick up when he took her out of the cell and took her to the area where the alleged rape took place.”

Was P.C. Marin Allowed to Interact with Female Detainee?

P.C. Marin was not authorized to interact with female detainees, so what was he doing that would have brought him into contact with the woman? According to the Commissioner of Police, the victim was in custody along with another woman. Marin’s sole responsibility, as cellblock keeper, was to make sure that the prisoners were attended to while in detention.

Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police

“He was just the cellblock keeper, his duty there was just to ensure that the prisoners are okay. If they needed water or anything of that sort, he provided for them, but when it comes to dealing with female prisoners, if any female prisoner needed to have been taken out of the cell, that should not have been his responsibility. That should have been done by a woman police officer. So his action in removing her from the cellblock was wrong and more so, the said that she told him she wanted a cigarette. He even went and got a cigarette for her, and the reason, according to him why she was taken from the cellblock, was to go and smoke a cigarette which, again, is utterly wrong. So we have seen a number of breakdowns in terms of our internal policies that will be addressed likewise. There was another female prisoner in the cellblock and yes, she saw what took place and she did have some concerns and whenever the shift changed and the other officers came on, she was the one who reported first to the police.”

Reporter

“How hard was it to get the victim to make a complaint? We know that maybe she is someone who has been in the cellblock before, you know, she may be intimidated by the situation.”

Chester Williams

“It was not difficult, she was forthcoming and we are very much appreciative of that and this is what we want, that whenever we do have these allegations that people can feel free to come forward so that we can address it. Oftentimes, we hear people say police this and police that, but they are never willing to come forward and give statements. To see that she was brave enough to do so, we are grateful.”

Chester Williams

“When it comes to cases involving police officers, we have to take it very seriously. We are the custodians of the law and when we have people in our care, we must ensure that we do what we can so as not to breach that trust and confidence. The actions of P.C. Marin are such that it is an egregious act of breach of trust and confidence and we must do as best as we can to demonstrate to the public that while this had occurred, that we will do our best to ensure that the officer is held to account for what he did.”

A statement issued by the Belize Police Department reads, quote, the ongoing internal investigation aims to determine whether there was any lapse in supervision or neglect of duty that may have allowed this egregious act to occur. The B.P.D. is dedicated to transparency and accountability, ensuring that justice is served and public trust is maintained, end quote.