August 7, 2024 - Channel 5 Belize

Missing Barge Crew Member Found Dead

The body of Cecil Lewis, a 58-year-old crew member who went missing from a barge near Caye Chapel, was fished out of the sea today by members of the Belize Coast Guard. Lewis’s sister, Janet Lewis Hislop, said on a Facebook post, “His body was found this morning by the Coast Guard.”

Two days ago, Patricia Lewis urged the community to continue their prayers for Lewis’s safe return. Lewis was reported to have disappeared on the evening of August 4 after boarding the barge at Ladyville Pier. According to reports, Lewis was last seen in a grey t-shirt and black pants. He was accompanied by three others who had been drinking on the vessel.

Most Wanted Slovak Captured in Belize During Anti-Drug Raid

Slovakia’s most wanted fugitive was apprehended in Belize on July 30, 2024, during a high-profile anti-drug operation in Dangriga. Authorities seized over 200 kilogrammes of marijuana and 170 grammes of cocaine. The operation, which began at 6 a.m., led to the discovery of a deep freeze and multiple containers filled with drugs.

Four individuals were detained. Among those detained was Slovakian national Ladislav Lipták, 34, who is one of the most wanted fugitives in Slovakia. Lipták was apprehended along with three Belizean nationals: his 26-year-old girlfriend Winsy Richie, her 22-year-old brother Yessi Gomez, and Dennis Robinson, 53, the property owner.

Lipták had evaded capture since a 2020 European arrest warrant related to a major drug operation known as the Tower. Notably, another Slovak criminal, Karol Mello, also remains at large in Belize, having escaped previous charges and accusations of serious crimes.

Police Commissioner Chester Williams confirmed that Lipták has been charged, following witness statements that provided sufficient evidence for prosecution. “Witnesses came forward, provided statements to the police, which was sufficient for us to be able to get sufficient evidence to charge him,” said Commissioner Williams.

Solo Olympian Shaun Gill Says Resources for Sports in Belize ‘Not as Great’

Competing in the 100-meter sprint at the Stade de France, Shaun Gill secured a commendable sixth place as the solo olympian representing Belize. In this year’s games, Gill carried Belize’s hope alone. Gill first made his debut at Tokyo in 2020.

In an interview with CNA, the 31-year- old highlighted the difficulties faced by athletes in Belize, noting that while resources are gradually improving, they still fall short of what is needed for Olympic-level training. Doing most of his training in the United States while studying at Texas A&M University-Kingsville, Gill has garnered himself as an experienced competitor.

“Back home in terms of resources for sports, it’s not as great or where it should be. But it’s slowly getting there,” Gill explained. “That’s the reason I had to do most of my training in America…Back home, it’s not as good facilities, financing, coaching. I had to leave to get better coaching, a…better environment,” he said.

Marking his retirement from athletics, Gill declared, “It feels really good (to represent the country), this is the most support I’ve ever gotten. I’m speaking not just at home but across the globe…The performance wasn’t good, but it’s a good way to go out.”

Murder in Orange Walk Town

A man was murdered in Orange Walk on Tuesday night. The victim has been identified as Carlos Canelo. Investigators say that Canelo had just arrived home on Monkey River Street when he was targeted. He was shot in the face and chest. He died on the scene.

Canelo is believed to have been connected to a previous murder on the same street. Reports indicate he was a person of interest in the fatal shooting of 60-year-old Norman Gillett about a month ago.

Police are investigating.