A 28-year-old woman, Isela Catzim, has been charged with five counts of arson after setting a fire in San Pedro that destroyed four homes and a shop. She was arrested on November 21. The fire, which broke out on November 19 in the DFC area, caused an estimated $200,000 in damage.
News 5 spoke with the property owner, Sandra Isela Catzim, who said that her daughter, who carries the same name as her, was charged for the incident. “My daughter was charged; my daughter’s name is like mine,” she said.
The blaze quickly spread and destroyed three homes, including a two-story house, a four-bedroom home, and a small shop with a bedroom. “The houses were already lost by the time we arrived,” said a local firefighter after controlling the fire.
Authorities have not revealed a motive for the fire.
The National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) has deployed teams and resources across Belize to assist those impacted by recent weather events. In its statement on Thursday, the organisation said it is working closely with the National Meteorological and Hydrological Services to monitor weather and flood conditions.
“NEMO continues to closely monitor daily weather forecasts and flood conditions in collaboration with the National Meteorological and Hydrological Services of Belize,” the agency stated.
The Belize Defence Force (BDF) and Belize Coast Guard (BCG) have already assisted residents in Flowers Bank and Rancho Dolores with transportation. Regional teams in Cayo and Belmopan are actively assessing flood-affected areas and providing humanitarian aid.
“NEMO assures the public that efforts will continue until all affected communities have been reached,” the update stated.
Albert Area Representative Tracy Panton has unveiled a “newly reconstituted Shadow Cabinet” for the United Democratic Party. Panton, in a press release, said she convened its inaugural meeting on Wednesday.
“This body is tasked with critically examining the policies and actions of the Government, ensuring accountability, and presenting alternative solutions and recommendations where necessary.”
Panton says she is the interim leader of the UDP following a convention at CIVIC where delegates voted to recall Moses “Shyne” Barrow. Meanwhile, Barrow says he remains leader of the UDP.
Panton says that Shadow Cabinet members have been appointed to correspond with the Ministries that form Belize’s Executive Government. “Each member of the Shadow Cabinet has pledged to closely monitor the policies and initiatives undertaken by their respective government Ministries to safeguard the interests and well-being of all Belizeans.”
According to Panton, the Shadow Cabinet will convene weekly to review government actions and develop their policy responses. Additionally, they will host quarterly press briefings to engage the public, offering updates and analyses of government decisions and fostering greater transparency and public involvement.
It’s officially the last day of COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, and the frustration has grown to new levels. The UN reported that on the final day, negotiators received a new draft proposal aimed at tackling climate change financing. The deal suggests rich countries should commit $250 billion annually to help vulnerable nations deal with climate impacts and transition to renewable energy. It sets a broader goal of reaching $1.3 trillion per year by 2035, but crucial details about how the money will be raised remain unclear.
“This is disappointing at the very least,” said Namrata Chowdhary from 350.org, expressing frustration at the lack of concrete solutions. Many developing nations and environmental groups are critical of the deal, with Lidy Nacpil of the Asian Peoples’ Movement warning that climate finance should not be in the form of loans, as it increases debt burdens.
Civil society groups have called the proposal a “slap in the face,” while others like Jacobo Ocharan from the Climate Action Network urged negotiators to continue pushing for a better deal.
Sindra Sharma from the Pacific Islands Climate Action Network, an activist coalition, expressed “a complete sense of frustration” at the talks. “I’ve never seen a presidency like this, I’ve never seen a process like this,” she said.
The goal of COP29 is to establish a new global climate finance target known as the new collective quantified goal (NCQG) to replace the expiring $100 billion annual goal. The draft outlines a funding target ranging between $1 trillion and $1.3 trillion per year to help vulnerable nations adapt to climate change. However, the specifics of how to achieve this target remain unresolved, with divisions between developed countries and emerging economies, including China, over the role of private investment and which nations should contribute.
Azerbaijan, the host country, has been under pressure to mediate the talks and provide a balanced proposal. With negotiations running into overtime, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stressed that “failure is not an option” and urged all parties to compromise. The outcome of these crucial talks will shape future climate action and determine the support available for nations like Belize that are most at risk from climate change.
It has been six days since Sabela Brakeman endured a harrowing ordeal at her San Pedro home, where she was brutally attacked and kidnapped by her estranged husband, Kenny Brakeman. Sabela, who had left Kenny due to domestic violence, was living with a roommate and shared custody of their three children, aged 11, 9, and 4. Around 1 a.m. on Saturday, Kenny allegedly broke into her home, assaulted her, and forced her onto a jet ski. Sabela managed to escape near Caye Caulker by jumping into the sea and swimming to safety. Despite identifying Kenny as her attacker, he remains on the run, with police actively searching for him.
Sabela’s injuries are severe. She suffered a broken cheekbone, damaged teeth, and other injuries requiring urgent surgical and dental care. She has since relocated with her children out of fear for their safety and is now appealing for assistance to cover her medical needs and begin rebuilding her life.
Sabela has received some help from concerned individuals but remains in urgent need of more support. She shared that she is struggling to eat due to her injuries and has yet to begin formal treatment for her broken nose and damaged gums. Her sister has been cleaning her wounds, and she relies on medication from the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital.
For those seeking to help Sabela, she can be reached at 665-5083.
Speaking with News Five, Sabela recounted the terrifying events. “All I wish is to get him a message: let him turn himself in,” she said, adding that she would not deny their children the right to see their father if that is his fear.
Belize is joining the global community in observing the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, marking important dates such as the International Day to Eliminate Violence Against Women (November 25), World AIDS Day (December 1), and Human Rights Day (December 10). This year’s theme is #NoExcuse, calling for action to eliminate gender-based violence.
The Ministry of Human Development Families and Indigenous People’s Affairs, alongside the National Women’s Commission (NWC), is hosting a parade today, November 22, at 10 in the morning. The event will start at Regent Street, continue along Albert Street, and end at the House of Culture. The event will be livestreamed for those who cannot attend directly from the NWC’s Facebook platform.
The 16 Days of Activism, which began in 1991, is now in its 33rd year and involves a wide range of organisations, both governmental and non-governmental, as well as the private sector and individuals focused on addressing gender-based violence.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has intensified warnings to countries supplying Ukraine with weapons used against Russian territory. He declared that Moscow reserves the right to target military assets in those nations, marking a significant escalation in rhetoric as the war drags on.
The warning came shortly after Russia launched a medium-range ballistic missile at the Ukrainian city of Dnipro on Thursday. The missile, believed to carry multiple warheads, was reportedly used in combat for the first time. Experts see this as a worrying development in the ongoing conflict. Putin also claimed that Ukraine’s use of missiles from the US, UK, and France to target Russian territory had turned the regional war into “a global nature.”
The Kremlin defended the missile strike, calling it a response to “reckless decisions” by Western countries to arm Ukraine. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that supplying weapons to Ukraine and aiding strikes on Russian territory would not go unanswered. Moscow’s actions, he said, were necessary to counter these perceived threats.
Russia’s relationship with North Korea has also deepened, raising alarms globally. According to South Korea’s national security adviser, Moscow has supplied North Korea with air-defence systems and anti-air missiles in exchange for troops to bolster Russia’s forces. Reports suggest that over a million barrels of oil have been shipped from Russia to North Korea since March, likely violating UN sanctions. Satellite imagery analysis indicates that approximately 11,000 North Korean soldiers have been deployed to Russia’s Kursk region.
The UK has reaffirmed its readiness to confront Russia if the conflict expands. Rob Magowan, deputy chief of the British defence staff, emphasised that Britain’s armed forces could respond immediately if Russia invaded another Eastern European nation. “If the British Army was asked to fight tonight, it would fight tonight,” he told a parliamentary committee on Thursday.
Ukraine’s parliament cancelled its Friday session due to fears of missile strikes.
Meanwhile, China has called for calm following the escalation. Beijing urged all parties to exercise restraint and focus on dialogue to de-escalate tensions. The Chinese foreign ministry reiterated its public position that the crisis should be resolved politically to avoid further escalation. However, NATO has previously accused China of indirectly enabling Russia’s war by exporting dual-use goods to bolster its defence sector, a claim Beijing denies.
Tonight, a family is in deep sorrow after the tragic discovery of sixty-three-year-old Miriam Castellanos’ lifeless body, found with multiple stab wounds. Her own daughter made the heartbreaking find inside their Santa Elena home. Here’s News Five’s Britney Gordon with more details.
Britney Gordon, Reporting
On Wednesday afternoon, around 1:30 p.m., a woman went to visit her mother’s home in Santa Elena. Instead of the usual warm greeting, she was confronted with a horrifying scene—her mother’s lifeless body, covered in stab wounds. The sixty-three-year-old’s tragic end left her daughter in shock. Nearby, her sister recalls the devastating moment she received the heartbreaking news.
Voice of: Miriam’s Sister
Voice of: Miriam’s Sister
“I mi de deh work. My son call me and tell me that they kill my sister. I come like five thirty so. That’s when I hear that yes ney kill ah. Ih daughter yes they kill ah and stab up ah and thing. But like I told you, I no know good weh happen. I no know good weh happen right now. I no know noithing weh ney di do.”
Castellanos comes from a large family, having several siblings and four children. Her loved ones are struggling to come to terms with her death, especially her daughter, who had the traumatic experience of finding her.
Britney Gordon
“How have you guys been helping her cope with this as a family during this moment?”
Voice of: Miriam’s Sister
“Well I deh right yah di help ah and support ah and ney thing. Di move bout and thing. I done tell ah mek ih be strong you know because she have kids too. Mek ih be strong towards ney weh di happen. I no no know why ney hurt ah so bad. I noh know why ney hurt ah so bad.”
The family is unsure of what could have led to Miriam’s untimely death as she was friendly and lively.
Voice of: Miriam’s Sister
“Well, when ih go, ih always call me fi go. When ih walk ih she gyal I gwen buy da market or gyal I gwen buy a bread out there or something. And then when ig come ih sit down when ih come in and talk. I know everybody have ney ups and downs I know everybody you know. But me swear to God ney neva shoulda mi hurt ah so bad. Ney neva should mi hurt ah soh bad. I no know who do it or whateva. I no know. I no why ney hurt ah fi wat you know. Cuz she neva tell we nothing. If ih mi have a misundersdtanding with anybody. Nothing like that. I no know why ney hurt ah.”
Castellanos’ sister shares that her grief is deepened by the profound loneliness she feels without her sister by her side.
Voice of: Miriam’s Sister
“Whosoever do it and hurt ah like that and left me especially wiyhout ah sister. And I no have nobody else. Yeah me and she we have ups and downs but yes ig lkeft me without one.bI no know why ney do it to ah. I don’t kniow.”
While police continue to investigate the incident Miriam’s family have come together to lend each other’s support and pray that justice is served.
Voice of: Miriam’s Sister
“Anytime there is a death inna the family we always come together. Noh care how badis is. Like that, we always come together.”
Police are actively searching for a person of interest in the tragic killing of an eighteen-year-old in western Belize. The investigation began when officers responded to a shooting at an establishment at Mile forty-seven on the George Price Highway late Wednesday night, just before midnight. Upon arrival, they found the lifeless body of Jonathan Josue Leonardo, a young Belizean driver from the Cayo District, in the back of a vehicle, riddled with gunshot wounds. Initial investigations revealed that around 10:30 p.m., Jonathan was socializing with friends at a bar when he had a confrontation with a known male individual. Moments later, Jonathan allegedly left the bar and got into his vehicle with his friends. The suspect then approached the vehicle and fired shots at him, inflicting fatal injuries. Jonathan’s body is now awaiting a post-mortem examination. Earlier today, we visited Duck Run 2 where we spoke with Juan Leonardo, the victim’s father, off camera.
Voice of: Juan Leonardo
Voice of: Juan Leonardo, Father of Deceased
“Well, I suddenly didn’t know anything because they told me at about 11 at night. They told me what had happened. They only told me to go to the hospital, but without any answer as to what had happened. I found him when I arrived at the scene because I saw that he had already passed away what every father goes through. I was devastated. Very sad. Not because he is a son who has grown up with me by my side, working since he was little every day and I have been with him every day. They have never given him away for anything. I don’t understand why he is there. Why? Ah, well for me he is a person who, as I tell him, has been with me every day. For me, I have never seen anything bad in him. I can guarantee that because he is with me every day. I had to know something, but nothing. He simply came home from work. As always, we leave every day at dawn. In the afternoon he went out to the store, but with whom I don’t know who he went with, I don’t know what problem he had or they had with him or I don’t know. I still don’t understand. I have a lot of, eh, eh? Let’s say unanswered questions. He never said he has problems with anyone or that someone wants to hurt him. Not at all. Because as I repeat, he only spent his whole life with me since he was 13 years old. He let me go to school. He hung out with me and until now that he was 18, he got his license. So now he helps me make deliveries as he goes. I make deliveries all over the country. So, from what I know, he has never said anything to me and I have never seen him do anything. As far as I know, he has never, ever been involved in anything. He doesn’t even play soccer. He doesn’t leave the house. I don’t know what brought him here, no, I didn’t even know where he was. When I called him I realized that something had happened to him, and I’m still on that, that. I don’t know why and I would like to know who did it or why they did it or justice. Well, more than anything, that’s what I need. They don’t know that that person has a reason to hurt you or. I think they were drinking. And why is that, eh? Well, I don’t think they have reasons, because we give ourselves reasons for someone to hurt me, eh? I don’t know, no, I’m still in shock that I don’t understand why. I don’t even know any of them. I don’t know anyone, no one. I don’t know why that happens. No? He is the third of my children, two girls and then he becomes a boy. But I have always, always been with me, as I tell him, I’ve been with him all the time.”
It’s been five days since Sabela Brakeman endured a brutal attack and kidnapping in her San Pedro home. Her estranged husband, Kenny Brakeman, allegedly broke in, beat her severely, and then took her on a jet ski. Sabela managed to escape near Caye Caulker and sought help from the police, identifying Kenny as her attacker. She had left him due to domestic violence and was living with a roommate. They shared custody of their three kids, aged eleven, nine, and four. Around one a.m. on Saturday, he allegedly broke in and beat her so badly she felt dizzy and nauseous. Kenny is still on the run, and the police are actively searching for him. Meanwhile, Sabela needs urgent surgical and dental treatment to fix a broken cheekbone, and teeth damaged during the assault. Her terrifying ordeal is, unfortunately, a reality for many facing domestic violence. Tonight, we’ll hear from an official at the National Women’s Commission about the support they offer to victims, and from Sabela herself, who has relocated with her children out of fear for their safety. News Five’s Marion Ali reports.
On the Phone: Sabela Brakeman, Kidnap Victim
“All I wish is get him a message, let him turn himself in, let him turn himself in. I won’t deny my kids the right to visit him, if that is what he fears about, for giving himself in.”
Kenny Brakeman
Marion Ali, Reporting
Tonight, Sabela Brakeman recounts the terrifying ordeal where her estranged husband viciously beat her, dragged her from her home, and took her on a seemingly endless jet ski ride. He threatened to kill her but then changed his mind, saying he’d drop her off at the Corozal shores. Seizing a moment of courage, Sabela struck him, jumped into the sea, and swam to safety, finding help at a nearby dock. Though she survived, Sabela’s injuries are severe, requiring urgent medical and dental care. Her story is a stark reminder of the many who endure gender-based violence. Thea Garcia-Ramirez, Chairwoman of the National Women’s Council, sheds light on the complex and often dangerous process of leaving an abusive relationship.
Thea Garcia-Ramirez
Thea Garcia-Ramirez, Chair, National Women’s Commission
“A victim of domestic abuse or gender based violence will try to leave a bad situation an average of eight to nine times before they’re finally successful. The problem with it is that violence keeps escalating. So you will notice that where it started out as a push or a slap, after a few times it turns into punches, it turns into more serious injuries. And every time you go through it, it gets worse and worse. And that’s the problem that we have in the sense that then sometimes you don’t make it out alive because you get caught up in the violence.”
Garcia-Ramirez points out that abusers often try to isolate their victims, cutting them off from friends and family. That’s why it’s so important for victims to keep a strong support network around them as they navigate their way out of these harmful situations.
Thea Garcia-Ramirez
“As a friend and family of a survivor, your job is not to ensure that the person goes to court and somebody goes to jail. It should, the foremost thing in your mind should be The stability and the integrity of the person who has undergone such a traumatic event and that they are well and that they get the help, the psychosocial help that they need. We’re not there to make sure that certain things happen because that’s what we want to see. We’re there to support. We’re there to help. Ensure that the person has as many of the options as possible and support them with the decisions whether or not they align with ours.”
Sabela Brakeman is asking for your help to deal with her medical needs so she can get her life back on track.
On the Phone: Sabela Brakeman
“I have trouble for eating still since all my teeth are shaking. I have received some support from people from the key for some bedroom that are there supporting me and some people that watch the news. I’m just here taking medication that I get from the hospital in KHMH. I haven’t started any treatment. My sister is the one that has been cleaning my injuries. My nose is broken. My top gum is broken. All my teeth are shaking. They’re very soft.”
Marion Ali
“So you also need dental work?”
Sabela Brakeman
“Yes.”
Thea Garcia-Ramirez shares some crucial signs to watch out for to help prevent situations like Sabela’s. She emphasizes that anyone feeling unsafe should seek help immediately, reassuring that support is available for those in need.
Thea Garcia-Ramirez
“At all the human services departments in each and every municipality, and in the cities, there’s one. You can seek out help through a different civil society organizations in different areas of the country. There’s, for example, POA in the south that does a lot of these things. In the north, there are some as well. You can ask for help through the police department through health services, and at your local Health facilities, government health facilities, they are required by law to call in a social worker when they suspect that something is wrong.”
Sabela Brakeman can be reached at 665 5083 if you want to help. Marion Ali for News Five.
