September, 2024 - Channel 5 Belize

19-Year-Old Aspiring Veterinarian Loses Life in Traffic Accident

A nineteen-year-old woman is dead, and her twenty-two-year-old brother is hospitalized, following a motorcycle and vehicle collision in Santa Elena Town. Tamisha Jeal and her brother Keenan Wragg were travelling towards San Ignacio on a motorbike when the bike collided into a pickup truck. The incident left Tamisha with fatal injuries one day after her birthday. She graduated from Galen University only a couple months ago and was well on her way to becoming a wildlife veterinarian. News Five’s Paul Lopez tells us more.

Paul Lopez, Reporting

Nineteen-year-old Tamisha Jeal and her brother Keenan Wragg were travelling towards San Ignacio on a motorbike when it collided into a pickup truck. The vehicle was attempting to make a left turn off the highway when the collision occurred. Both Tamisha and Keenan were flung off the motorbike. Tamisha’s injuries proved fatal. Sadly, her death came one day after her birthday. We spoke with Linda’s mother who is presently with Keenan at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital.

Linda Jeal, Mother of Deceased

“She has just turned nineteen on September seventh, so the family and I were out celebrating with her. My son had just turned twenty-two on September fourth, so we were doing one joint birthday celebration with granny, granddad, all of them. We decided to go home, and they stayed in San Ignacio and the vehicle had a blowout. So, they stayed, and a kind friend lent them the bike. I was getting ready for church, and I turned to my daughter, and I said I love you. I told my son I love you. I said I am going to church. They said, mom we are going to drop back the bike, because they loaned it to us. So, they got on the bike and when I was going into church I saw when the bike passed, and I waved. I didn’t know that would be the last time I would say goodbye to my daughter.”

As Linda Jeal explained it, the accident occurred while her children were on their way to return the motorbike to a friend. Keenan was in the driver’s seat. She says they were a short distance from the friend’s home, and they were not driving with great speed.

Linda Jeal

“He said and the vehicle coming in the opposite, direction, because they were going to San Ignacio, the vehicle coming from the opposite direction just turned and he said, mom I couldn’t stop. He said all I could do was brakes. And when he brakes, he said he used his right hand to grab his sister, but he said, he could hold her. He fell off the bike and she, I don’t know, was knocked by the vehicle. By the time I reached there from church she was already in the ambulance and the ambulance told me that I had to follow. I didn’t get to see her. I went up to the San Ignacio Hospital. I want to thank them; they did a great job. They came out every minute to tell us what was happening. They said they pumped our daughter’s heart for twenty minutes, but they couldn’t revive her.”

Tamisha Jeal graduated from Galen University in its 2024 class with an Associate Degree in Veterinary Technology. She graduated at the top of her class and was volunteering at the Belize Wildlife and Veterinary Clinic just outside of Georgeville. Her rubber boots, raincoat and field hat are all together at the clinic, a reminder to her colleagues of life’s fragility.

Dr. Isabelle Paquet-Durand, Director, Belize Wildlife & Referral Clinic

“This was definitely her strong interest. She was a first for me and an aspiring Belizean wildlife veterinarian that was going to take my roll eventually.”

Paul Lopez

“Is that unique for Belizeans?”

Dr. Isabelle Paquet- Durand

“Yes, we have few veterinarians in the country still and when it comes to wildlife it is an interest for some, but we don’t have a person yet in Belize that wants to take it on as a full-on profession. Her positive approach to life. She left us daily quotes on our board. So aside from being passionate about the environment and animals which is a rare gem to find she was a lovely human being, always concerned about everybody around here and brining up the spirits all day that she was here.”

Linda Jeal

“She had high honors. They recognized her at Galen. She had her whole future in front of her. W had applied to three different universities for her to further her education. She was the most beautiful, loving, young lady.”

According to Linda Jeal, both of her son’s arms were fractured in the incident. She says he has a great deal of experience with motorbikes and is a member of a biker’s group. Police say a notice of intended prosecution has been served upon both drivers.

A.C.P Hilberto Romero, Regional Commander, Eastern Division

“A Nissan Frontier was found at the scene and a Kawasaki motorcycle was seen with extensive damage. Information was that the Kawasaki ran into the pickup and crashed. As a result, Keenan Wragg was rushed to the hospital to receive treatment and he had a passenger with him, namely Tamisha Jeal and she was taken to the hospital where she succumbed to her injuries. An NIP has been served on both drivers. An investigation continues into this report.”

Reporting for News Five, I am Paul Lopez.

Teen Dies Under Mysterious Circumstances in Dangriga

Police are investigating the mysterious circumstances under which seventeen-year-old Darrel Choc lost his life over the weekend. Choc was socializing in the company of two females in Dangriga and were consuming alcohol and marijuana when he suffered respiratory issues. They rushed him to the Southern Regional Hospital and, despite the efforts of medical staff, were unable to revive him. Here’s more from ACP Hilberto Romero.

ACP Hilberto Romero, Regional Commander, Eastern Division

“On Saturday, police visited the hospital where they found Darrel Choc who was pronounced dead at the hospital. Investigation revealed that Darrel Choc was at a bar with two females consuming alcohol beverages. Thereafter, they left the bar and went to the seaside where information is that they were smoking cannabis. Thereafter, Choc had difficulty breathing. He was taken to the hospital where he was unresponsive and succumbed to whatever else he had. We are awaiting a postmortem examination to determine the cause of death. No physical injuries were observed on him.”

Reporter

“Did he have any history of medical issues?”

Hilberto Romero

“He has no medical history so we are awaiting the postmortem results.”

Reporter

“And do you guys have maybe the marijuana to test if anything else was in it?”

Hilberto Romero

“No we don’t. They had smoked it at the seaside and then they ended up at the hospital.”

Reporter

“And will the police do a toxicology report?”

Hilberto Romero

“Yes, that is part of the investigation and those samples will be sent for testing.”

Attorney Says Police Abusing Authority

Attorney at Law, Norman Rodriquez is tonight speaking out against what he says is an abuse of police authority. Rodriquez is representing a Belize City man who has been charged for discharging a firearm in public. According to Rodriquez, one of his client’s family members was being attacked by a knife-wielding man. In response, his client reportedly pulled out his licensed firearm and fired a single shot to the ground. When police arrived on the scene, both the knife-wielding man and the individual who fired the shot was detained. Rodriquez contends that his client acted in a manner deemed appropriate to deescalate a situation that could have turned fatal. Rodriquez’s complaint, however, has to do with the manner in which the case is being handled by the police.

Norman Rodriquez, Attorney-at-law

“He was supposed to be brought to court for arraignment and when I was informed that the court book had to be sent back to the police station for amendment. My understanding is that the want to charge him under the Firearm Act which would have led him to not be granted bail under the Crime Control and Criminal Justice Act. So I waited and they brought him this afternoon. I was then informed that the facts does not support the charge, so they have to take him back to Queen Street. It is an abuse of process. It is an abuse of authority that the police is given. There is no right for them charge this man. He should be brought to court within a reasonable time. Yet they have delayed, in that they have gone to amend the book and now they are taking him back to the police station. I take issue with that because if we expect the remainder of the society to respect the police and its procedure they must adhere to the laws and rules that govern them. I mean you have no right to defend your family in a case where their life could have been taken? I mean the man had a knife and could have harmed her with it. This is what the family believes the police was wrong. They believe the man should have not been charged.”

G.O.B. Condemns Lewd Dancing Involving Male Minor

The annual Carnival Road March was held without incident on Saturday as thousands of spectators turned out to cheer on the revelers who participated in the parade. This year saw a new route being taken for the carnival. While the police were on hand to ensure the safety of onlookers and revelers, there is one incident that has raised the ire of many. During the festive procession, a reveler from one of the mas bands is seen dancing lewdly with a little boy. The video which has gone viral has drawn heavy criticism from the public, it has also been condemned by the Ministry of Human Development and the National Committee for Families and Children. Earlier today, NCFC issued a statement admonishing the behavior of the reveler. The release goes on to say, “The Ministry of Human Development, Families and Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs and the National Commission for Families and Children unequivocally decry and condemn the recent inappropriate public display of a sexual nature involving a woman and a child. This incident, which occurred during the Carnival Road March on September 7^th, has sparked significant concern among the public as it highlights a very troubling disregard for the safety and well-being of minors and the public in general. This lewd display involved a child in a manner that compromised his privacy and exposed him to undue scrutiny and potential harm. Such actions are unacceptable and undermine the trust that communities place in public events”. Commissioner of Police Chester Williams has also condemned the reprehensible act.

Five Persons Charged for Mas Camp Beatdown

Five persons, including three women and two men, have been arrested and charged for their roles in the savage beatdown of a fifteen-year-old girl last week, following a mas camp here in Belize City. A video clip of the teenager, identified as Carly Smith, shows several women embroiled in a fight that ends with Smith being viciously and repeatedly kicked in the head. According to ACP Romero, the persons charged in connection with the incident were arraigned earlier today.

ACP Hilberto Romero, Regional Commander, Eastern Division

“Reference a video that surfaced on social media regarding a fight that happened on the fifth of September, 2024, an investigation was carried out and we have since arrested and charged five persons. They are Kimara Castillo, Kaylen Guerro, Christina Thurton who are charged for grievous harm and Felix Shepherd and Anigi Conorquie who were charged for abetment to commit grievous harm. They were to appear in court this morning.”

Reporter

“What caused the fight?”

Hilberto Romero

“Some provocation of a female. They made a report and so these persons were charged.”

Isani Cayetano

“Can you establish who were charged physically assaulting the minor and who were charged for recording the incident?”

Hilberto Romero

“The first three were mentioned, those were the ones that physically assaulted her. Those were charged for grievous harm, and the other two males for abetment to commit grievous harm.”

Reporter

“That was due to them recording?

Hilberto Romero

“That is correct.”

Chico Ramos, A Living Musical Legend

Tonight, all roads lead to the Lord Rhaburn Plaza where renowned Punta Rock artist Chico Ramos is being celebrated as a living legend. The annual concert series is in its third year and the Institute of Creative Arts and NICH have put together a show that promises to be electrifying. Here’s Kim Vasquez, the Director of ICA.

Kim Vasquez, Dir., Institute of Creative Arts

“Tonight, we have the third edition of the Living Legends concert series taking place at the Lord Rhaburn Plaza. If you don’t know where Lord Rhaburn Plaza is, it’s at the Memorial Park behind the stage. This is the third edition; we began the concert series in 2022 with the inauguration of the plaza and the awardee that year was Lord Rhaburn himself. And we did it again last year for Gilharry, they were celebrating their fiftieth anniversary as a band. So once again, we are back with the third edition of the Living Legends series and this year are so excited to be honoring the Godfather of Punta Rock, Chico Ramos.”

Isani Cayetano

“How do you go about the selection of these Living Legends, in terms of to pay homage to them?”

Kim Vasquez

“Okay, so the concert series is coordinated by NICH. It is, you know, under the auspices of the National Celebrations Commission, Chairman, honorable Francis Fonseca. This is something that I think is very much in line with his vision, recognizing artists, cultural workers while they are still among us. And, you know, so far it’s been very organic so far. We had been approached by Shane with whom we have a good relationship here at ICA. Gilharry 7, he said, “Ms. Kim, it’s the band’s fiftieth anniversary, because of the legacy and everything, can we do something?” And I said that would fit perfectly with Living Legends concert series and that’s how we did that one there, a different format. And then, again we started to discuss when we convened the National Celebrations Commission and, you know, the recommendations were brought to us and they said, you know, this is timely, we need to do this for Chico. We want everyone to come out, it’s going to be a spectacular show, there’s a lot of history that’s going to come out, a lot of cultural heritage that’s going to be told, the narrative of his career of Punta Rock. There will be guest performances by Lord Rhaburn himself as well. Chico Ramos will take the stage eventually. There’s Supa G, Kenny Gladden and the New Generation Band, Harrison “Doggy” King. There’s going to be lots of food and drink and entrance is free.”

Celebrating September 10th in Belize City

The National Celebrations Commission is proceeding with an itinerary of events to celebrate Saint George’s Caye Day on Tuesday. Here’s ICA Director Kim Vasquez, once again.

Kim Vasquez, Director, Institute of Creative Arts

“In the morning, we have, of course, the official ceremonies at Government House at nine a.m. I think everybody looks forward to this because a big part of that is the installation of the Queen of the Bay. And then after that, we have festivities right back at Memorial Park and Lord Rhaburn Plaza, we go back out there for bram, hosted by the Belize City Council.”

Cojac Smith Leaving BAA Outcome to God and his Lawyer

Last week, the Belize Athletic Association issued a statement announcing that Cojac Smith and Gregory Meyers would no longer be serving as president and public relations officer, respectively. According to Smith, their removal from the posts was unconstitutional and had no grounds as he believes that proper protocols were not followed. Smith has since sought the legal advice of attorney Glenn Godfrey. We asked Smith for an update on the situation.

Cojac Smith, Belize Athletic Association

“At this point, we, like you said, we got legal counsel from Glenn Godfrey and co company. Other than that, we’re just looking and researching what is our next move as well as discussing with the parent bodies that we are bound to by the constitution as well. And other than that, it’s just trying to remain positive. The work doesn’t stop. If you notice, that’s why we’re here. We have already been working on this initiative with these scholarships. It’s just keeping the positivity amongst the negativity that’s there. We’re just trying to move forward as well as, we’ll just leave that in the lawyers’ hands and have them sort that out. That is no longer a battle that we will entail ourselves in or trying to endeavor. It’s just moving forward and keeping it positive. We do have positivity in terms of the scholarship, As well as we have our wellness day that we’re working on that will be the ending of this month for all athletes of any ages, sorry, between the age of twelve and twenty-three. So it’s just keeping the positivity and showing that we do want development regardless of whatever is happening within the association. It’s a passion of myself and mister Meyers and we’ve spoken about this several times before and we want these to do better. We want these we’re doing a lot of different initiatives to take place and things that have not been done in sports. So that’s what we’re doing right now.”

Britney Gordon

“And what are your hopes for the outcome? After having sought this legal representation?”

Cojac Smith

“I don’t want to disappoint you and not give you an answer but, to be honest, it’s in the lawyer’s hands and I have a strong faith in God. So whoever God sees it fit, that will be whoever it goes. So that’s just basically what I’m looking at it.”

Two Belizean Students off to Jamaica on Athletic Scholarships

Two Belizean youths are off to Jamaica to further their education after receiving athletic scholarships for track and field. They are fifteen-year-old Norman Sutherland and fourteen-year-old Jadeen Williams, who will both be attending Saint Elizabeth Technical High School in Santa Cruz, Jamaica. We spoke with Cojac Smith and Gregory Meyers, who facilitated the application of the athletes.

Gregory Meyers, Scholarship Facilitator

“Mister Smith and I have been working diligently about getting these scholarships for these young men. We started this process collaborating with some coaches and the different principals, Weil and CARIFTA. In Grenada in Easter of this year that conversation developed into where we brought three four coaches from Jamaica here to give a clinic. During that clinic, they were able to meet some of these young athletes. One of them had competed at CARIFTA, Jadeen Williams. And through our collaboration and communication and the things that we’ve done to this point, we were able to secure these scholarships for these young men. And that’s in conjunction with the hold ups with Jamaica. Jamaica had a few changes in their rules, which we had more scholarships, but those scholarships were rescinded because of the change in the rules. Fortunately, through our diligent hard work with and collaboration with these coaches and principals we were able to secure at least two scholarships for these young men”

Britney Gordon

“And what exactly does the scholarship entail? Where will they be studying and what will they receive?”

Gregory Meyers

“Okay, the scholarship is for their tuition and for their books We are working hard to Secure the funding for their room and board Which we’ve reached out and we’ve had a lot of generous benefactors to help us to this point. They will be studying at St. Elizabeth’s Tech with and training under coach Neil Harrison who was here in Belize in June. And they should be leaving within the next week, within the next seven days.”

Cojac Smith, Scholarship Facilitator

“It’s a great step in the right direction in development for these young athletes. One of the things that we’ve been short going forward as a country is the development of our talent. So recognizing that these youths from a young age and seeing that the talent that they have and being able to capitalize on that and giving them the opportunity to go on further their education allows, as well as working with these excellent coaches in Jamaica will bring a sort of notoriety as well as give other students Kids the inspiration to work hard and train as well as you have to remember that these are student athletes, so their grades are exceptional as well. So it’s a great opportunity and we really want to promote this level of positivity within athletics.”

Belize to Deploy Two Soldiers for Haiti Relief Mission

The Ministry of National Defense and Border Security has announced that two senior officers from the Belize Defense Force will be deployed to support Haiti’s restoration efforts and election security. For decades, Haiti has struggled with controlling high levels of gang activity. However, over recent years, it has run rampant, hindering Haiti from conducting an election. Belize has been committed to supporting Haiti’s relief efforts, but due to funding issues, the mission was unable to be enacted. We spoke with Major Roberta Usher, Chief of Staff at the Belize Defense Force for more information on the mission. Here’s more on that.

On the Phone: Major Roberta Usher, Chief of Staff, B.D.F.

“In alignment with the United Nations security council resolution and Belize’s commitment from the foreign affairs, two of our senior officers deployed to Jamaica and will now proceed to Haiti to support the CARICOM joint task force and work staff duties within their headquarters.”

Britney Gordon

“Okay, and initially it seemed that we would be sending a larger fleet and now it’s two soldiers. Can you talk to me about what the roles of these two soldiers will look like in aiding Haiti’s relief?”

Major Roberta Usher

“Yeah, so our senior officers, their officers there will be employed as staff officers on there to combat the carry come joint task force. One will be employed as the operational planner and the mission commander second in command and the. Other officer will work at the company headquarters in order to develop strategic plans and operational plans for the troops on the ground to get everything prepared in the event that we are to deploy a larger contingent from Belize and Jamaica.”

Britney Gordon

“Okay. And it seems that a part of the reason why it has taken such a long time to get this mission really going is because there was some pushback before from other entities. And so what’s really been the trigger to get it going now? Has that been resolved?”

Major Roberta Usher

“I don’t know about resolve, but in order to support a big multinational service and support like this, there are a lot of planning aspects, logistical concerns, which constraints and in order for us to deploy our larger contingent that all has to be resolved, I guess would be the right word. And So these officers are there eyes on the ground to ensure that we have a better picture of what is happening in Haiti before we are to deploy our other soldiers, but we’re planning. We’re planning to support as best as we possibly can.”