A motorcycle accident on Sunday night left a police officer dead. The victim has been identified as 30-year-old Police Constable Nikki Waight from Belmopan City. 23-year-old Jessica Abigail Escobar was injured.
The crash happened on the wooden bridge connecting San Ignacio and Santa Elena. Investigations revealed that Jessica Escobar was riding a black Lifan motorcycle from San Ignacio to Santa Elena, while Waight was on a blue Lifan 200 motorcycle travelling in the opposite direction. Upon reaching the wooden bridge that connects San Ignacio and Santa Elena, Waight’s motorcycle reportedly slipped off the edge of the wooden boards, causing him to lose control and crash. Escobar was unable to stop in time and collided with the officer’s motorcycle. She was injured on her left arm.
Waight succumbed to his injuries. Escobar was taken to the San Ignacio Community Hospital for treatment.
The Belize Police Department discovered 474 grammes of suspected cocaine on a boat owned by Minister Andre Perez in San Pedro on Friday. According to a statement from the Department, Perez stated the boat had been docked for repairs and unused for over six months. Preliminary investigations suggest the drugs were placed without Perez’s knowledge, and he is cooperating fully with authorities.
News Five caught up with Minister Perez today at the People’s United Party National Party Council meeting in Belize City. Minister Perez denied a request for an interview. But reporters pressed him as he walked away. When asked if he knows the drug peddlers, he said, “No idea.” Minister Perez added, “I have cooperated with police. No comments. I have; there is nothing to worry about.” When asked if he thinks anyone is trying to set him up, Minister Perez said, “Probably.”
Meanwhile, when asked about it, Prime Minister John Briceño said, “I don’t think it’s someone who’s trying to set up. I think someone was smart because Andre has not been using his boat. He’s just docked there for more than six months. He has not used the boat. If they put anything there, the police will not think about going to search his boat. But when somebody tipped off the police and the police were, they didn’t care if it was Honourable Andre Perez’s boat. They went to check, and they found the drugs. But it has been abundantly clear that Andre had not been using his boat.”
The Belize Police Department has confirmed that 474 grammes of suspected cocaine were found on a docked boat belonging to Cabinet Minister Andre Perez. The discovery was made on Friday when police were alerted by concerned residents in the Back-a-Town area of San Pedro Town about known drug peddlers frequenting a local boat yard.
According to the Department, Minister Perez explained that the boat had been docked for repairs and unused for over six months. The boatyard owner corroborated Perez’s statement, noting the minister has been paying a monthly docking fee of $250 BZD.
Initial investigations suggest the drugs were placed on the boat without Minister Perez’s knowledge. He is fully cooperating with the ongoing investigation.
Earlier this week, Prime Minister John Briceño addressed a letter from N.T.U.C.B. President Luke Martinez concerning the compulsory acquisition of Stake Bank Island Extension. In his response, the Prime Minister reminded the National Trade Union Congress of Belize that the dispute between the private sector parties is currently before the High Court. He went on to say, “completing a berthing facility in the Belize District is uncontestably in the public interest, such compelling interest recognized by Stake Bank Enterprise Limited, Mister Michael Feinstein and the Government in the Definitive Agreement, and the National Assembly with the passage of the Stake Bank Cruise Docking Facility Act of 2014 and its subsequent amendment of 2017”. Prime Minister Briceño emphasized the critical importance of completing the Stake Bank project to reverse the current decline in cruise tourism arrivals. He highlighted that this initiative is important for revitalizing the economic activity associated with this crucial subsector. On Thursday, Senator Glenfield Dennison, representing the trade unions, informed reporters about a conflict between the pieces of legislation being used to acquire the parcels of land in question. Following Dennison’s revealing interview, the Feinstein Group has swiftly issued a statement addressing the prime minister’s recent letter to the N.T.U.C.B. Although the Prime Minister’s letter seeks to defend the G.O.B.’s actions, Feinstein says that it is fraught with inconsistencies, misrepresentations, and attempts to mislead the public. Ultimately, it falls short of addressing the fundamental issues of transparency and accountability. Here’s more from our interview with Senator Dennison.
Glenfield Dennison
Glenfield Dennison, Union Senator
“I think what’s important for the public to appreciate is that as a social partner, we have done our part to show to the government the other view. The questions that we raised in our letter go to the root of clarifying whether it’s a public purpose because we are not saying we’re right. We are saying that if you are clear about what these questions are then you would be sound in your position that it is a public purpose. So whether or not it is, that’s for Mr. Feinstein and his litigation. But in my mind and in the view of the Trade Union Congress, it isn’t a public purpose. They are acquiring it on behalf of the promoter and really, that’s where you trigger the other piece of legislation. I just don’t know that it’s worth the intervention of the government. I don’t think it’s a simple case before the court, but it’s definitely not a complex issue. Mr. Feinstein would have had an arrangement with the bank. It’s really, I don’t want to test the merits or the demerits of it, but that matter is not very complex. And so, it will be resolved in favor of who is the true owner of the land once that goes through the judicial process. There’s also the option of doing nothing until that goes through.”
Reporter
“Urgency, sir.”
Glenfield Dennison
“I get the call for urgency, I don’t share the view. The situation with the cruise industry has been known for quite a while now and it’s now, all of a sudden, they’ve put Mr. Feinstein through quite a bit and now it’s urgent that the port finishes, you see.”
Ivan Ayuso, former Senior Accounts Officer for the National Sports Council, is spending his first night on remand, awaiting sentencing for the serious offenses of theft and money laundering, involving over one million dollars from the Government of Belize. Ayuso, who had been out on a three-hundred-thousand-dollar bail granted by the lower court in 2021, now faces sentencing in the High Court of Justice Nigel Pilgrim. The judge will hear mitigation pleas from character witnesses vouching for Ayuso’s good character, before delivering an appropriate sentence. Ayuso is already aware that he will receive a prison sentence of no more than five years. However, he was originally facing a potential maximum of ten years for each count if he had risked going to trial and been convicted. His remand underscores the gravity of the charges against him. Today’s proceedings included a plea agreement between Ayuso and the Crown, represented by D.P.P. Cheryl Lynn-Vidal, with Ayuso’s defense led by Attorney Darrell Bradley, who urged the court to consider several factors on behalf of his client. Bradley highlighted that Ayuso entered a guilty plea, thereby saving the court the time and resources of a lengthy trial. Ayuso has acknowledged responsibility for his actions, expressed deep remorse, and thrown himself at the mercy of the court. Bradley emphasized that Ayuso is a family man with a spotless record prior to these allegations, having no previous convictions for theft and no prior encounters with the criminal justice system. Additionally, Ayuso has been out on bail without committing any further offenses, prompting Bradley to request a moderate sentence that would not unduly impact Ayuso’s family.
Thirty-three-year-old Jayme Marin, a resident of Caye Caulker Village, stands accused of the grave crime of killing his cousin and attempting to take the life of another relative. Justice Nigel Pilgrim has ordered a competency hearing to determine Marin’s fitness to stand trial. This afternoon, Marin’s defense was led by the seasoned attorney Richard “Dickie” Bradley, who made a virtual appearance in court. Justice Pilgrim informed Bradley that a doctor would be called to testify in court regarding Marin’s mental state. Doctor Jorge Matus has declared Jayme Marin unfit to stand trial after conducting four psychiatric evaluations. Earlier this year, Marin was out on bail, but his failure to appear in court on June 6, 2024, led Justice Nigel Pilgrim to revoke his bail and remand him to prison. Marin’s father testified that he struggled to control his son, bring him to court, and ensure he took his medication. Attorney Richard “Dickie” Bradley pleaded for Marin’s bail to be reinstated, arguing that prison is unsuitable for someone in Marin’s condition. However, Justice Pilgrim stated that he is not inclined to grant bail at this time but will reconsider it later. The competency hearing is scheduled for Thursday, October 10, 2024.
A police officer is currently under investigation, following a dramatic incident on Thursday night involving renowned Olympian Shaun Gill. The altercation unfolded as Gill was driving with another officer, identified as Tyra Smith. The policeman, reportedly Smith’s ex-boyfriend, attempted to intercept them in a black Dodge Charger. Upon reaching Orange Street, the officer, who is part of the Special Patrol Unit, reportedly blocked their path, exited his vehicle, brandished a firearm, and assaulted Gill, striking him on the left side of his face with the weapon. Authorities are now scrutinizing surveillance footage from the vicinity to piece together the events of that night.
Who do you think is the most popular politician in Belize? The Belize Poll 2024 sheds light on this question, drawing insights from a survey of 968 Belizean voters. This comprehensive poll delves into the nation’s political landscape, gauging residents’ satisfaction with life in Belize, their economic stability, and their views on corruption. Conducted by Viking Strategies between June 17 and August 6, 2024, this survey continues a tradition of political analysis in Belize that date back to 2010. News Five takes an in-depth look at the detailed seventy-eight-page findings. Here is that report.
Paul Lopez, Reporting
The Belize Poll 2024 is a survey conducted by Viking Strategies that provides insight into Belize’s current state and citizens perspective. This year’s polls provide insight from two hundred random registered voters into the nation’s political landscape, life in Belize, the economic landscape, crime and governance. According to the results of the 2024 poll, crime remains a top concern for Belizeans. According to the poll, over thirty-three percent of Belizeans cited crime, specifically gang violence, as their primary issue. Three months ago, the Government of Belize instituted a State of Emergency to address this very issue.
Chester Williams
Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police
“We have to do more; the public has to do more to work with us and I commented that the police department will continue to build relationships with the public to continue to see how together we can address the scourge of crime.”
The survey also cites declining economic confidence and persistent corruption as challenges Belizeans are facing. On the other hand, the current PUP administration has been praised by sixty-eight percent of the respondents for infrastructural improvements.
Prime Minister John Briceño
Prime Minister John Briceño (File: March 4th, 2024)
“I remember our ministers in Cabinet were excited and anxious. They said we need to get work going immediately. I said, we can’t spend what we don’t have. So, we had to make sure we could fix the economy, make sure we can fix the collection of revenues and also see where we can get support.”
As for the economic situation in Belize, most of the respondents indicated that they have enough money to buy the necessities and extras to purchase other items, but they cannot afford major purchases like a car. Five years ago, these respondents were stating the opposite, which is that they had money to purchase food, but they were struggling to pay their utility bills. In his 2024 State of the Nation address, Prime Minister John Briceño reported a significant increase in GDP growth for Belize.
Prime Minister John Briceño (File: Sept 17th, 2024 )
“Gross domestic production as of the end of 2023 has now surpassed six billion dollars, the highest level in the country’s history and in the first quarter of this year by another ten percent. And the condition for continued expansion is compelling.”
As for the public’s view on corruption in government, thirty percent of the respondents said that corruption is widespread, while the majority indicated that corruption is somewhat present. Notably, ahead of the 2020 general election, PM Briceño spoke as the then opposition leader about curbing corruption.
Prime Minister John Briceño (File: Oct 6th, 2020)
“From within ourselves as a government, as leaders in government that we will do everything possible to curb corruption as best as we can. What I can tell you is that we cannot continue to run the government as it has been done under the U.D.P. We cannot continue plundering the treasury.”
The Belize Poll 2024 also set out to rank Belize’s politicians from the two major political parties, based on their favorability and popularity. In the faceoff between Prime Minister John Briceño and the Leader of the Opposition Moses “Shyne” Barrow, the poll reveals that both party leaders are well known. But PM Briceño is most favored among those polled. PM Briceno was also ranked as the most known politician in the country, though his favorability ranking stands at sixth out of thirty-six. Barrow came in as the second most known politician in Belize. His favorability ranking is, however, extremely poor, at thirty fourth out of thirty-six.
According to the poll, Cordel Hyde, the Area Representative for Lake Independence, took the top spot as most favored politician in Belize, followed by Kevin Bernard in second place, and Kareem Musa in third place. Tracy Panton stands at fourth place as the only U.D.P. politician in the top ten most favorable politician list. According to the poll, John Saldivar leads the list of least favorable politicians. He is closely followed by Gilroy Usher, the Area Representative for Port Loyola, and Michael Peyrefitte in third place. And if you are wondering where Patrick Faber stands in all of it, he is ranked as the third most known politician. He is sixth out of thirty-six on the favorability ranking. Looking at voters’ intentions for the 2025 general election, most respondents said that they might vote for the P.U.P. The second highest number of respondents indicated that they would vote for the P.U.P. The poll also measured voters’ intentions where the U.D.P. is concerned. The 2024 Belize Poll predicts a close victory for the People’s United Party in the upcoming election, with forty-one percent of the total ballots that will be cast. Will these figures withstand the test of time? It is anyone’s guess. Reporting for News Five, I am Paul Lopez.
Just yesterday, Devin Daly, a dynamic twenty-nine-year-old, was officially endorsed as the People’s United Party Standard Bearer for Collet. Today, he passionately addressed the media to share his vision and reasons for stepping into the political arena. Daly emphasized that he is responding to a heartfelt call from the community for change. Despite facing a seasoned opponent who has secured victory in the last five elections, Daly is confident that his deep roots in Collet and his fresh perspective will resonate with the residents, making him their top choice in the upcoming general elections.
Devin Daly
Devin Daly, P.U.P. Standard Bearer, Collet
“I was born in Collet, raised in Collet and my entire family is still in Collet.”
Marion Ali
Now you say people are asking for change, but the current Area Rep has been here since 2003 without change. “
Devin Daly
“Usually when you have water and you put hot water and put some fire underneath it, eventually it boils right over. So he’s there for a long time, and the people support for a long time, but complacency can be a very deadly thing. And I think that the people are showing that they’re tired and they don’t feel the representation. They feel that there’s a lack of political will and no lobbying being done by the Area Rep.”
Marion Ali
“So what is the change that you propose to bring?”
Devin Daly
“Cater to the young people, cater to the old people, but most of all, yesterday in my endorsement, I introduced my manifesto, and the manifesto was a blank piece of paper that just had “Collet” on it. So, the change that I’m bringing is the change that the people need. And we are committed to walking the streets, meeting every household, and ensuring that we fulfill our manifesto based on their needs and wants. One of my strategies coming into this is controlling what I can control. Some of the banners and some of the flags that are up were probably up from about six years ago. and we’re not necessarily worrying about his camp. You know, we’re worrying about us and we’re worrying about what we can deliver to the people, and I believe that the representation that I can bring, and my team can bring you know, will definitely give us a fair chance at you know, an upset.”
Patrick Faber, a tough political rival, has been an impossible challenge thus far. However, Devin Daly maintains that his dedication to Collet goes beyond the upcoming general elections, setting him apart from previous P.U.P. candidates who lost steam after their electoral battles. Despite being a newcomer compared to the seasoned Faber, Daly exudes confidence in his chances. Demonstrating his unwavering commitment, Daly revealed that he resigned from his full-time managerial position at the Belize City Council to fully dedicate himself to his campaign in Collet.
Devin Daly
Devin Daly, P.U.P. Standard Bearer, Collet
“In the past you’ve had persons who have come in and closed the gap and after that, just get exhausted and maybe move on to different opportunities, but I’m committing myself to not just this term, you know, till after that too. This is my first dance into politics and so I will not give this mighty speech that I know it all, but I’m relying on senior party men and the community members to lead me. We have an existing executive who’ve been working very hard.”
Reporter
“So for those who don’t know you, who is Devin Daly?”
Devin Daly
“Okay, Devin Daly is a homegrown athlete, who has a lot of intangibles to bring to the table, teamwork, I know problem solving, camaraderie, all those stuff to kind of help bring our community together. What better way to enter into a competition, you know, than taking on someone like the Area Rep for Collet currently. I believe I have the necessary exposure, and I believe that I have the necessary soft skills to liaison with people.”
