Police Commissioner Chester Williams is expected to brief the media later this afternoon regarding the attempted robbery that occurred this afternoon in Belize City. As we have reported, one person was fatally shot. That person has been identified as Leroy Smith, an alleged member of the Taylor’s Alley Gang.
According to investigators, Smith and two armed, masked men attempted to rob a business on Freetown Road in Belize City around midday. We are told that the businessman was taken to the second-floor residence, where a struggle ensued. Smith was overpowered by the man who wrestled the gun away and shot him with it.
The businessman was at home with his wife and two children during the incident.
Authorities detained Malique Chavez, Eroy Garoy, and a taxi driver as they attempted to flee in a green car on Victoria Street. The police have also recovered the firearm used in the incident.
Williams is hosting a press briefing at four o’clock.
In a strategic move aimed at rallying the Democratic base, US Vice President Kamala Harris has announced Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her vice presidential running mate. The decision was revealed on Tuesday, August 6, 2024. In a statement, Harris said, “I am proud to announce that I’ve asked @Tim_Walz to be my running mate. As a governor, a coach, a teacher, and a veteran, he’s delivered for working families like his.”
Walz, a 60-year-old former school teacher and Army National Guard veteran, emerged as the top choice following a 16-day selection process. Known for his straightforward and relatable style, Walz was favoured by progressives and union allies over Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, who had been a strong contender due to his popularity in a key battleground state.
Harris and Walz will kick off their campaign with a rally in Philadelphia. Walz, praised for his progressive achievements in Minnesota, including expanded child tax credits and gun safety legislation, is expected to bolster Harris’s appeal with his Midwestern charm and extensive political experience.
In a statement, Walz expressed his enthusiasm, declaring, “It is the honour of a lifetime to join @kamalaharris in this campaign. I’m all in.”
The National Hurricane Center reports that a tropical wave currently situated over the east-central Caribbean Sea is showing minimal changes this morning. The system is expected to progress westward across the central Caribbean Sea, with slow development anticipated over the next couple of days. Conditions for strengthening could become more favourable later in the week as the system approaches the western Caribbean Sea or southern Gulf of Mexico.
Currently, the likelihood of formation within the next 48 hours remains low at 10 percent. Over the next seven days, the chance increases slightly to 30 percent. The situation will continue to be monitored closely.
Jamaica is celebrating 62 years of independence with vibrant celebrations across the island. Today commemorates Jamaica’s liberation from British colonial rule up until August 6, 1962. The day is a tribute to Jamaica’s rich cultural heritage and a celebration of its evolution from a colonial outpost to a sovereign nation.
The island is not only renowned for its unique flag and musical legacy but also for its efforts in economic development, environmental sustainability, and cultural impact. In his Independence Day address, Prime Minister Andrew Holness echoed the enduring vision of Jamaica’s first Prime Minister, Sir Alexander Bustamante, stating, “Let us resolve to work together to build a Jamaica that will last and of which we and the generations to follow may be proud.”
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade of Belize congratulated Jamaica on social media, stating, “Your global impact in sports, music, the arts, your regional leadership, and your support for Haiti are all commendable. We stand in solidarity and look forward to continued collaboration for a brighter future.”
News 5 has received information that one person was shot following a robbery in Belize City. Police are currently on the scene. Robbers reportedly targeted a business on Freetown Road. The suspects were reportedly apprehended on Victoria Street.
Leader of the United Democratic Party (UDP) Moses Barrow, has filed a police report against Beverly Williams, the party’s Standard Bearer for Belize Rural Central. In the police complaint that was obtained by News Five, Barrow says that she made a threatening remark at him.
The incident reportedly occurred during the party’s National Party Council meeting in Belize City on Saturday.
The report states, ‘”At around 2:45 p.m., while the meeting was in progress, Ms. Williams, seated about three feet to the left of the Party Leader, made a threatening remark: ‘You are evil, and you will mourn for your evil.’ The Party Leader felt immediately threatened and responded, ‘You are mourning for your evil.’ Ms. Williams then began banging on the table, disrupting the meeting, which led Mr. Peyrefitte to suspend the proceedings. Ms. Williams attempted to physically attack the Party Leader but was restrained by other members.'”
According to Barrow, Williams said, ‘”I will send somebody to hurt you, I will send somebody to kill you.”‘
News Five reached out to Williams for comment, telling her that Barrow has filed a police report against her. Williams told News Five that she is waiting at home for the police “come fi me.” She shared that she has been trying to get in contact with the Police Commissioner. Williams says that Barrow embellished the incident.
Williams accepts that she told him, “I will make somebody hurt you.” But, denies anything about sending “somebody to kill you.” She added that her statement was a response to Barrow “mad-staring” her and the comments he reportedly made about her daughter.
The Government of Belize and the United Nations (UN) have officially launched their 2024–2025 Country Implementation Plan (CIP) under the Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework. This announcement came during the 4th Joint National Steering Committee Meeting, co-chaired by Amalia Mai, CEO of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Raul Salazar, UN Resident Coordinator for Belize and El Salvador.
The Steering Committee, responsible for overseeing the UN Multi-Country Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNMSDCF) 2022–2026, reviewed progress and future plans. Key topics included updates on Belize’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), preparations for the national Youth Dialogue on August 9, 2024, and strategies for Disaster Risk Reduction and Development Partner Coordination.
The highlight of the meeting was the signing of the CIP for 2024–2025, detailing 161 projects with a total budget of $47 million. According to an official statement issued on August 5, 2024, this plan is part of the second planning cycle of the Cooperation Framework. It will involve 15 UN agencies and focus on four main pillars: Shared Prosperity and Economic Resilience; Equality, Well-Being and Leaving No One Behind; Resilience to Climate Change and Sustainable Natural Resource Management; and Peace, Safety, Justice, and the Rule of Law.
CEO Mai underscored the significance of the UN partnership in accelerating SDG achievements by 2030, aligning the UNMSDCF with Belize’s Medium-term Development Strategy. UN Resident Coordinator Raul Salazar reiterated the UN’s commitment to addressing Belize’s economic, social, and environmental challenges through collaborative efforts.
It is with profound sorrow that we learned of the passing of Dr the Honourable Abdulai Conteh the esteemed former Chief Justice of Belize. Dr Conteh’s tenure from 2000 to 2010 marked a period of significant transformation and progress within the Belizean judicial system. His fearless defence of individual rights and his commitment to upholding the law set a benchmark for excellence that continues to inspire. The introduction of new Judges’ Rules, Supreme Court Rules, and a Code of Ethics under his leadership significantly enhanced the practice and administration of law in Belize.
Former Chief Justice Conteh’s influence extended beyond Belize, impacting the wider Caribbean and Commonwealth legal practices. His work garnered respect and admiration from his peers. As we mourn his loss, we celebrate the rich legacy he leaves behind, a legacy of justice, dedication, and profound respect for the rule of law.
On behalf of the substantive President, Honourable Mr Justice Adrian Saunders, Judges and staff of the Caribbean Court of Justice, I extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues. May his soul rest in peace, and may his contributions continue to guide and inspire future generations. The Honourable Mr Justice Anderson President, CCJ (Ag).
“If you can’t catch Harry, catch his sleeve.” It’s an old saying used to describe a scenario where a killer is unable to locate his target and takes aim at someone else. Oftentimes, that individual is a victim of circumstance. That’s what happened this morning when an unsuspecting fisherman was pounced upon by a gunman who was pursuing someone else. Frustrated by not being able to catch up with his quarry, the lone assailant turned his weapon on Mark Francisco and fired a single shot, mortally wounding him as he stood near his vehicle. News Five’s Isani Cayetano begins our newscast this evening with the following story.
Isani Cayetano, Reporting
This morning in Belize City, a retiree turned fisherman was gunned down not far from the Yabra Bridge. Mark Francisco was getting ready to head out to sea when he was approached by a gunman and fatally shot. According to his sibling, a pair of men set out in pursuit of an unnamed individual. When they could not catch up with him, they turned their attention to Francisco who was near his vehicle.
David Francisco
David Francisco, Brother of Deceased
“The guys chased after another guy, he escaped over two fence. The other guy came to my brother, right by his vehicle, right there, and told him lift up his head. When he lifted up his head, he shot him in the head.”
It is not clear why the men targeted Francisco who, by his family’s account, was not a troublesome person. Earlier today, Commissioner of Police Chester Williams echoed a similar sentiment.
Chester Williams
Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police
“At this time, we are not aware of a motive. We are still puzzled with this one. Mr. Francisco is not known to police, he is not in the underworld, he was not a gang member. He was a productive Belizean and we are still trying to figure out why he was killed. Nonetheless, investigators are still busy, they were out up to late last night trying to gather evidence and we were hoping that we would be able to make some progress. We have people who are saying things to us but are reluctant to give statements, so it’s a matter of trying to convince them to reduce what they know to the police in writing so that we can make an arrest.”
For many years, Mark Francisco was an employee of Benny’s. When he retired, he picked up fishing as a livelihood. He was going about his preparation for another fishing trip when he was pounced upon by his killer.
David Francisco
“This guy had no right to come and just shoot my brother just like that. This is insane.”
Isani Cayetano
“I understand that your brother was getting ready to go to sea this morning when this happened.”
David Francisco
“Yes, he was getting ready to go to sea. He was right there by his vehicle, cleaning up to put his stuff in and take off to go to the boat and put on his machine and put in his gas and food and stuff when this guy came and shoot my brother.”
Isani Cayetano
“Why do you believe that either your brother or the other person they were pursuing would be attacked in this manner?”
David Francisco
“Well I guess because you can’t catch the guy you came for, you made an example out of a senior man, not a young guy, a senior man and shoot him in his head, chance him out of his life.”
The Belize Police Department is looking for one person of interest.
Chester Williams
“We’re looking for someone of interest, we do not have that person in custody as yet. No.”
Former City Councilor Deannie Requena is recovering from stab wounds and other injuries she suffered when she was attacked on Sunday. The incident happened sometime before two in the afternoon near Hattieville and Requena was found by another motorist who helped her to the Hattieville Police Station. She was observed with stab wounds to her face and neck and with a damaged vehicle on the roadside near mile fifteen on the George Price Highway. It Is reported that Requena knew her attacker and within a few hours, police had already apprehended the individual and charged him. In a Facebook post, Requena wrote that she’s doing okay physically. She informed that there were two attackers, both of whom she knew. She said one stabbed and punched her, while the other robbed her of her iPhone and the money that was in her purse, cut all the tires on her vehicle, and broke up the glass on her vehicle. Requena said that she’s grateful to be alive, but that the attack has left her mentally damaged. Today, Commissioner of Police, Chester Williams told the media what they have on the incident so far.
Chester Williams
Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police
“Miss Requena visited a friend in the central prison yesterday and while she was leaving, the relative of that same friend that she visited attacked and stabbed her, robbed her of three thousand dollars and damaged the four tires for her vehicle. She was taken to the hospital, treated, released, and she gave a report to the police. The suspect is in custody and should be charged by now.”
Reporter
“Was she receiving any threats prior to this incident?”
Chester Williams
“Not to our knowledge, no.”
Reporter
“And did Miss Requena ever mention to you that she had interacted with this individual before?”
Chester Williams
“No.”
Reporter
“Is it true that they rammed her off the road while she was leaving the prison?”
Chester Williams
“I know the vehicle is damaged. The four tires were also stabbed and perhaps that could be the case. But like I said, the vehicle got damaged. She got stabbed and the matter is now with the police.”
