October 11, 2024 - Channel 5 Belize

Kidnapped Father and Son Found Alive in Mexico

A father and son from Louisville Village, Orange Walk, who were kidnapped three days ago in the Subteniente López area of Quintana Roo, Mexico, have been found alive. Forty-eight-year-old Luis Camara and his nineteen-year-old son, Johan, were released by their captors after it became clear that they were taken by mistake. Once found, Mexican authorities ensured that they received a medical checkup to confirm that they were in good health. While the details of their abduction are still murky, Mexican police are actively investigating the circumstances surrounding their kidnapping and eventual release. News Five’s Marion Ali brings us the story of their safe return home.

Marion Ali, Reporting

Great news came early this morning from the Attorney-General’s Office of Quintana Roo: Luis and Johan Camara, the father and son duo kidnapped on Tuesday, have been found alive. The Louisville residents are back home tonight, reunited with their family after enduring three terrifying nights in the hands of armed kidnappers in Mexico. While the details of their ordeal and release are still sketchy, Belize’s Ambassador to Mexico, Oscar Arnold, confirmed that although the men are safe, they were robbed of personal items. The investigation is ongoing.

Oscar Arnold, Belize’s Ambassador to Mexico

“The report this morning was that both gentlemen were found alive. It seems to have been a mistaken identity. There are some superficial wounds from what we are told, from them being either handcuffed or tied up. They had some wounds, some lacerations around their wrists, but outside of that, so far, they seem to be okay. They went to do a medical checkup, and I do believe also that the local police will probably do an interview as well to try to get some information from them. We understand that some items were taken from them – identification, passports and laptops as well. It seems that during the course of trying to ascertain whether they were the right individuals that these people were looking for, they were looking for evidence to either corroborate or to find out exactly who they were so far, it seems to be a mistaken identity case.”

Details, including where the men were taken, where they were found and who found them are still unclear. Arnold said the primary focus earlier was to get the men back to Belize safely. But what happens now with Johan’s academic pursuits in Mexico? Will he continue his agricultural studies? Will he be offered some kind of security if he does?

Oscar Arnold

“Our Counsel in Chetumal is also assisting to try to get both gentlemen across the border. This type of information is not available to me as yet. It seems that they were left somewhere to be found. The exact location, I am not privy to that information as yet, Marion. Here at the embassy. We are relieved that they were found alive. However, the questions you pose, along with many other questions, are things that we are following up with the authorities. We want to know – we’ll be asking them, we’ll be engaging with them to find out exactly what they know, what they have.”

This is the first time something like this has happened to anyone from Louisville, and even though the men have been released, the incident has left residents feeling uneasy about crossing the border. The situation has sparked concern among Belizeans who travel to Chetumal for various reasons, including shopping, as shared by Chairman Izael Pott and resident Marta Chuc.

Via phone: Izael Pott, Chairman, Louisville, Corozal

“It will trigger a fear to cross that border to many Belizeans. Also, on the educational side, some Belizeans look for further education on that side, so they might think twice. Not only the village, but you can see it in the comments on the social media.”

Marta Chuc, Resident, Louisville, Corozal

“We were afraid and I still am afraid because that’s something that we don’t imagine would happen. But I thank God that they are safe and returned home.”

Although the family is safely back together, Belizean authorities haven’t yet said if this incident will lead to a travel advisory for trips north of the border.

Oscar Arnold

“Before I can give an official word from on behalf of Foreign Affairs or the Embassy here, we need to get all the details before we can issue any other comment on the safety of traveling across the border. My advice would be that each of us, every individual person is responsible for their own safety as well, whenever they’re crossing any borders. The authorities have advised that they will step up their vigilance along the routes that are normally traveled by Belizeans whenever they visit Quintana Roo and Chetumal and Oton P. Blanco. So, my advice would be to remain vigilant to ensure that you stay on the beaten path. Don’t go off on any side roads or any secluded areas.”

Marion Ali for News Five

PM Announces Potential Stake Bank Sale to MSC

M.S.C., or Mediterranean Shipping Company, is one of the biggest names in the cruise and shipping world. Now, they’re eyeing a piece of the Belizean cruise market and have shown interest in buying the Stake Bank Cruise terminal. Prime Minister John Briceño spilled the beans on Monday morning during his appearance on the Open Your Eyes morning show. He explained that the Government of Belize had to step in and acquire Stake Bank because MSC didn’t want to get involved while there’s a dispute between Mike Feinstein and financier OPSA. Today, the Federation of Cruise Tourism Association of Belize (FECTAB) held a press conference to voice their objections to MSC’s interest in Stake Bank. We’ll dive into that press conference in a bit, but first, let’s revisit PM Briceño’s comments from earlier this week, where he called the government honest brokers.

Prime Minister John Briceno (File: Oct 7^th, 2024)

“Here’s a dispute over a project that successive governments have said is in the national interest of Belize. We got involved as honest brokers, trying to find a compromise between the two groups. But what – well, they, they can’t come to an agreement. I don’t want to prejudice or give my – how I feel about it, but they can’t come to a compromise. So know, here comes the investors that really have the money and they’re the ones that put up the money, most of the money, come to us, “Well we can’t come to an agreement.” Now we have MSC, one of the largest cruise lines. And also they do containers. They move containers – the largest company to move containers around the world. They have over two hundred thousand people working. They’re saying, “Well, now, we’d be interested, but we don’t want to get into this mess. The only way we’d be interested is if this mess is settled, and we buy over then.” So that the only way we can do that is by compulsorily acquiring land. Albino and two other top people from MSC and said they’re excited. They came for the first time to Belize. And they flew by helicopter and look at the Blue Hole, the reef, the country. They’re excited. And there he says, “you guys are one of the most beautiful countries. We want in.” We spoke to them about the Port of Belize and they say, “well, we’re prepared to do this and also consider investing in the container portion of the port. So, exciting things are coming but we need to get things done. We need to solve these problems to be able to go to the next point.”

FECTAB Says Their Stake Bank Dreams “Railroaded”

Prime Minister Briceño made it crystal clear that the Government of Belize isn’t involved in the potential sale of Stake Bank to M.S.C. He explained that these talks are happening between OPSA and M.S.C. But FECTAB members are not happy about it. Today, they held a press conference at the Belize Institute for Management, packing the room with their members. Among the attendees were two well-known Belizean artists, painter Alex Sanker and poet Erwin X. FECTAB’s president, David Almendarez, voiced strong objections, explaining that the association had an agreement with the Feinsteins to work inside Stake Bank once it was completed. He passionately protested the potential sale to M.S.C.

David Almendarez, President, FECTAB

“Railroading, just railroad an idea, a dream that we had. We had a dream that they would build a port in front of Belize City. They would have good owners that think about the country, think about us, travel, make a little money, spread the wealth, make Belizean people get out of poverty, let us be owners of something. Mr. Mike said once we get it signed you membership will always have a place on this island. That was the promise, that was the hope that we mih want. So my children, your children and grandchildren could access the island and make good money because of their good works and not because of who they know and what they know. The local tourism industry will lose from this deal. Nobody will bring an island close to us and share the pie. It does not work so. Dah wah decision that is ill faithed. First they say they will take it away in your name. Now we are hearing through the great vine that a company named MSc will buy it or suppose to want to buy it. And deh wah do a cruise ship thing.”

Alex Sanker Says Stake Bank Acquisition Crushed His Dream

One new face at today’s FECTAB press conference was painter Alex Sanker, who usually isn’t seen at these events. He showed up to express his frustrations about the compulsory acquisition of Stake Bank. Sanker shared that he had an agreement with Feinstein to open an art shop on the island once it was completed, calling it his retirement plan.

Alex Sanker, Artist

“Ms. Feinstein came to my studio through Rhaburns Alley. It is not a nice area. They are a very wealthy family. I said come and I will meet you by Food and Beverage and see what you want. She was doing a portrait for her husband. She said, also I want to talk to you about something else. I pass by Albert Street all the time and I love what you are doing there. But you need a home. You are a one-of-a-kind artist in this nation. This nation has never seen anything like you, period. She had offered me a store at Stake Bank, now I nuh gone ask. Once I settle, I would be allowed. To bring in other visual artists. We have a small community of visual artist. So when Ms. Feinstein said we want to give you a store, I was more than overwhelmed. Automatically my head gone to my retirement plan. That is automatically what happened there. What they want to do with this island, that throws a wrench into my engine. I call Ms Feinstien about a month ago and said, mein it is. A harsh reality if this is every going to come through.”

FECTAB Opposes PUP “In Totality” Over Stake Bank Acquisition

We also heard from Yohnny Rosado, one of FECTAB’s most vocal members. Rosado didn’t hold back, saying they expected better decisions from the Briceño administration and likening the potential M.S.C. sale to committing adultery. Poet Erwin X also took the stage, reciting a poem that he says captures the current reality of Belizeans.

Yohnny Rosado, Member, FECTAB

“Now weh the happen now, ih the look fih lay down, commit adultery with a ship named MSC. We worked, the respect that you should have for FECTAB. We have been on the air for the past fifteen to twenty years. Please go on the records. We have told off the former government, and we were hoping that the blue party, the todos, ganamos party would not going to pagar. We have money to pay. We can’t pay because we don’t have money.”

Reporter

“You all oppose the acquisition of State Bank?”

Yohnny Rosado

“We oppose the PUP in totality.”

Erwin X, Poet

“Todos Ganamos, we cant see how. Politicians not doing what unu vow. We soon eat grass like cow. Remember, unu reap what unu sow. Guns wah buss, the youth nuh wah bow. Political sufferation Belizeans wont allow. Cost a living blow we up, huge increase. They soon tax we for the air and breeze. Only one set of people benefit in Belize. Special political rats getting fat off all the cheese. Life so hard, every politicians know why. Not even crumbs are coming by. Taxation sucking the nation drip dry. Life hard out yah, the ghetto the cry.”

NTCUB President “We are Facing a Dictatorship”

Luke Martinez, the President of the National Trade Union Congress of Belize, was also present at today’s FECTAB press conference. He was merely there as an invited guest and observer. He spoke with reporters following the press conference. Here is what he had to say on the matter.

Luke Martinez, President, NTUCB

“We are still waiting for the prime minister to answer our questions that we sent him and pressing for him to give us a reasonable response. He sent us a page of nothing a few weeks ago. We are waiting to get around the table with him and his team to meaningfully discuss this issue. For NTUCB this is beyond those who are securing their investment. We are securing our democracy. We are ensuring to secure taxpayers’ dollars. So, for us it is a tax issue as well as a very serious governance issue. During COVID the government took over eighty million dollars. Now we have an acquisition that is about to happen. We hope it doesn’t happen, which will continue to consolidate what everybody is saying, we are facing a dictatorship. And so, as the vanguard of democracy, we have to ensure we follow this issue and that it works out for Belizeans.”

Reporter

“Does this MSC prospect validate the position of the NTUCB that the compulsory acquisition is not for a public purpose?”

Luke Martinez

“We have been saying that from the beginning, prove to us that it is a public purpose acquisition. Prove that to us. We want the prime minister and his technical team to prove that to the Belizean people, prove that to the investors.”

PM Responds to Alleged Voter Fraud in Cayo North

On Wednesday, over a hundred voters who tried to transfer to Cayo North were told to stay put in their current constituencies. This came after U.D.P. Standard Bearer Omar Figueroa raised concerns about possible fraud. The case went to the San Ignacio Magistrate court, where the magistrate even visited some of the voters’ addresses to check things out. After a lot of back and forth, the magistrate decided to send the case to the High Court, leaving the final decision up in the air. For now, those voters won’t be moving to Cayo North. We caught up with Prime Minister John Briceño to get his take on the situation. Here’s what he had to say.

Prime Minister John Briceño

“Well, I don’t think you want to open up can of worm when you have the leader of the opposition registering himself in his office that that’s where he lives. So we need to start there when you have the honorable member from Albert have over eighty people registered in her library, in her office. Those are the things we, if we want to be real, let’s look at everything. And that’s where we need to start. And you could go and check in Orange Walk Central. You noh wa find that.”

New Legislation in the Works on Pharmaceutical Safety

At Thursday’s cabinet meeting, the Government of Belize decided to scrap the old Food and Drug registration, licensing, and inspection regulations. They’re bringing in new, modernized laws to better oversee pharmaceutical products and make sure the medicines Belizeans use are safe and effective. Prime Minister John Briceño was asked how they’re ensuring the safety of pharmaceuticals without a drug inspector in the Ministry of Health. Here’s what he had to say.

Prime Minister John Briceño

“I think that the minister is working on that. We’re supposed to be appointing one soon But that’s the job not just of one person. It’s a department. And if you notice we have not had lately Issues that bad drugs come in like before with another previous government. We had a lot of bad drugs. We had, unfortunately, a person that I knew, a few million dollars plus of his goods were rejected because he was not meeting the standards. So it’s not just a person, but it’s a department we have strengthened department to ensure that the drugs that we put on the shelf are the ones that be able to meet the standards and to help our people. As opposed to, I remember, coming to 2020, I have a friend that was taking pressure pills, and he said, he said that the pressure pills weren’t helping him. And so he went to see a doctor, the doctor said, just take double, when you should not take double because the problem is that they’re not [working], so we’re dealing with it and we’re handling it and it’s not going to be a problem.”

PM Explains Cattle Exportation Tax Waiver

Last month, Prime Minister John Briceño signed off on a new rule that gives a big break to new businesses exporting cattle to Mexico—they won’t have to pay business tax for two years. This tax exemption is meant to ease financial hardships for these exporters. We caught up with Prime Minister Briceño today, and he shared more about why this tax break is so important. He explained that exporting cattle to Mexico boosts Belize’s cattle market, helping it compete with Guatemalan cattle importers. He believes this tax break is crucial for the survival of both markets and benefits the ranchers. Here’s more on what he had to say.

Prime Minister John Briceño

“What has happened is that for a long time the cattle is being exported into Guatemala. Now, here in Belize, they break no law to export it into Guatemala. Obviously, we are negotiating an agreement in Guatemala to be able to formalize that. But, the people, they need the meat and they go with it. So, there’s no taxes that is being paid. Mexico came in. When Mexico came in, they want to have a long-term agreement with us to buy. They need a minimum of two thousand. That’s just for them to break even. They want to buy five, two thousand heads every month because of the competition, and I also have a cattle ranch and I remember in 2006, 2007 when we started off, we were being paid forty cents on the hoof, which means live. They pay forty cents. They weigh forty cents and they take the cattle. Today, because of the competition, because of them coming in, the Mexicans, now the price has gone up to over two dollars and fifty cents. So you imagine how much more, especially and then we have over five thousand small cattle ranchers. Eighty percent of them only have fifty heads or less. So that’s having a tremendous impact on their lives and helping them. But when you export to Mexico, you’re at a disadvantage. You have to pay the business tax so they can’t compete. It makes it easier for the Guatemalans to come and say, well, I’ll pay you a little bit extra more if you sell it to me. They want to drive the Mexican out of business, obviously, because once they do that, then they don’t have to pay two fifty or two seventy-five. They can go back and pay eighty cents. So it’s just good business sense for us as a country, to be able to protect the Mexican market. And that is why we removed the business tax to give them as best as possible a level playing field.”

What Can Be Done About Belize’s Excessively Hot Classrooms?

2024 is officially one of the hottest years in Belizean history, with the sweltering heat becoming almost unbearable, especially for those stuck in poorly ventilated spaces like classrooms. As climate change continues to push temperatures higher, the need for cooler, safer learning environments is more urgent than ever. We chatted with Prime Minister John Briceño about what can be done to tackle this issue in schools across the country. Here’s what he had to say.

Prime Minister John Briceño

“That’s a massive problem. As I said earlier, many people don’t know, but I grew up in a, for a few years, in a touch house with my mother. And it was made of pimenta and also saskab. We had a cement floor. It was always cool. The Mayans knew what materials to use to be able to keep us cool. Cement, cement hold to heat. Zinc translates heat. And so, we have to find a way we can try to start to move towards that. Probably putting more insulation into the into the roofs. But even the types of windows that we use. If you look in the rural areas in Mexico and in Guatemala, they don’t have louvers. They have this huge room, they opened up the entire side of the, so the air can flow in easier. That’s what we have to do. See these, how these are some things like this? What we have to do to the other side, so that the air can circulate. So, there’s certain things that we need to do. I wish I could tell you we have the money to do everything, but we have to start to, to think. We need to adapt. I, during between 1998 and 2007, was the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment and whenever I’d go abroad, I used to get very upset when they were telling us about adaptation. I’d say, why should we adapt? We did not create this problem. We need to build some sort of resiliency. But no, unfortunately, we’ve passed resiliency. We have to adapt. The heat that’s going, I mean, it was the heat that we had earlier this month, this year. It’s a heat that I’ve never experienced in Belize, so that’s the reality, and we need to try to see how best we can address these issues.”