November, 2024 - Channel 5 Belize

Police Activity Expected at 19th Celebrations

Garifuna Settlement Day is just around the corner, and the celebrations are already in full swing. As Belizeans come together to honor the historic arrival of the Garifuna people, the police will be on duty to keep things peaceful and orderly. Today, Commissioner of Police Chester Williams encouraged everyone to enjoy the festivities but reminded the public to do so respectfully, without infringing on others’ rights.

Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police

“We are actively involved in the policing of the nineteenth time celebration activities in Belize City, in Belmopan and down south. I think those are the areas where we are seeing activities. Our specialized units will be deployed to these activities to assist the local police in ensuring the safety of people. I just want to encourage your call upon our citizens who are going to these events to celebrate the 19th, so please do so in such a way that you don’t expose yourself to harm. And if you’re going to enjoy yourself, do so in such a way that you don’t infringe on the rights of people. If you’re going to drive, don’t drink. If you’re going to drink, don’t drive at the end of the day, we want everyone to celebrate. And when the celebrations are over, we want everyone to go home to the family safe. That’s the important thing. And so making sure that we are civil in how we celebrate is important. And so I just want to ask everybody who are going to be a part of this nineteenth celebration to always consider the other person that is around and try not to do anything to hurt or to harm anybody. And once that is done, then I think we should be able to come back on Wednesday to say that, you know, we had a good nineteenth celebration.”

Female Police Officer Involve in Drug Plane Landing?

A woman police officer is being investigated on suspicions that she may have played a role in the recent drug plane landing.

On Friday morning, a farmer discovered the abandoned single-engine aircraft near Frank’s Eddy Village, parked along a dirt road. Authorities believe the plane was used to smuggle narcotics into the country from South America. The interior was completely gutted, and no drugs were found onboard.

Police Commissioner Chester Williams explained that additional searches of the area uncovered “some lights that we believe were used to align the landing strip for the plane along with other few items that we believe were used in facilitating the plane landing.” While the specific cargo remains undetermined, he stated, “We are still trying to ascertain exactly what cargo came on that plane, but as usual, we suspect that it could be cocaine.” Authorities are searching for an individual who may have information about the landing.

Williams also disclosed the detention of a female police officer who allegedly facilitated suspicious activity linked to the landing. “We had detained a female police officer because we believe that she facilitated a person, the person who we believe landed that aircraft, in signing in at the police station outside the hours stipulated by the court.”

He added, “This person is out on bail for a previous plane landing and as a condition to his bail, he was ordered to report or to sign in to the police station every Friday between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM. Surprisingly, the same night the plane landed, he came to sign in at the police station after 12 midnight. That would be around the same time the plane would be landing. And this female police officer facilitated him to the extent that she took the diary from inside the station and took it outside of the station for him to sign.”

Williams described this as “an egregious breach,” stating, “I’m not going to say that she is involved in a plane landing. But her actions in facilitating this individual, knowing who he is, to have signed in at that particular moment is extremely questionable. So, Professional Standards Branch is looking at that matter, and we expect that charges will be levied against her for breach of our internal policy.”

Despite extensive searches, including the use of drones, police have not located the cargo. “The Sibun River is not too far away from the area where the plane landed, so we believe that if there was any cargo on board the aircraft, it may have, left the area via the Sibun River.”

The drug plane was destroyed by fire on site. “It’s the trend that we do now, instead of putting these planes out for auction and sold to the highest bidder, it’s a policy now that we destroy them so as not to have these planes reused. We have seen instances before where, the planes were auctioned off and then next thing we know, the planes end up right back in Belize again with another set of cargo.”

Suspected Drug Plane Found

They Stole Millions of Mexican Pesos from Czl Free Zone Business

Three men, including a security guard, are in police custody following a burglary at a business in the Corozal Free Zone on Sunday morning. Police Commissioner Chester Williams told reporters this morning that the burglars stole millions of Mexican pesos.

He explained, “Based on information, police mobilised and went to the area. They conducted searches, utilising drones, and they were able to locate two individuals who are suspected to have been a part of that burglary.”

Commissioner Williams stated that police also recovered a bag containing various currencies. “Police also found a bag containing some pesos, Mexican pesos, along with a few Belize dollars and a few U.S. currency. The bag of money was taken to the Corozal Police Station, where it was counted, and it amounted to four point something million pesos.” The Commissioner confirmed that two suspects are currently detained, while police are pursuing two additional individuals. Investigators believe the burglary involved collusion with a security guard.

He also confirmed that the suspects in custody are residents of Belize City.

PM John Briceño Assesses Flooding Damage

Government officials are assessing the damage and planning for recovery efforts in the Cayo District. In an interview today with Prime Minister John Briceño, he said, “It was important for me to come and take a first-hand look as to what has happened and the amount of damage.” He said that a flyover revealed that the Chalillo Dam is overflowing, with more water expected to flow down the Belize River, which could worsen flooding in areas like San Ignacio and surrounding villages.

“Lots of water… more and more water is going to be coming down the Macal and on to San Ignacio and Santa Elena,” Briceño stated. Many villagers rely on nearby rivers for drinking water, which could be contaminated by overflow from latrines during the floods. Briceño warned, “We have to be actually on the lookout to ensure that nobody gets, you know, in particular cholera or gets sick because of the water being contaminated.”

Farmers have also been severely impacted, with hundreds of acres of crops, especially in Cayo Central and other areas, underwater. “A lot of small farmers… have lost their crop,” Briceño said, adding that there has also been significant damage to infrastructure, including bridges and roads.

While it’s too early to estimate the total cost of the damage, officials acknowledge the situation is “quite substantial.” Recovery efforts are already underway, with teams from the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) conducting assessments.

San Ignacio Market to Relocate?

San Ignacio Market to Relocate?

San Ignacio Mayor Earl Trapp is overseeing ongoing flood recovery efforts in the wake of severe rains that began late last week brought about by Tropical Storm Sara. While the water levels have started to recede, the process has been slow. “The Mopan River is still rising, which means the Macal River will take much longer before it recedes,” Trapp explained. The floodwaters have impacted local businesses, especially in the market area. “We are putting all that we can to ensure that this area gets cleaned up as quickly as possible so that vendors can return to normalcy.”

Trapp also raised concerns about the long-term viability of the market’s current location, given the increasing frequency of storms. “With global warming and climate change, I don’t see it getting better,” he said. He suggested relocating the market to a safer area, noting, “It’s a good idea, and it’s something I will take up as a local leader, and maybe put it in a consultation with the general public.”

Trap said that infrastructure damage from the flooding has been significant, with streets, culverts, and drains all requiring repairs.

In the meantime, while San Ignacio itself has not required any major sheltering, nearby villages saw some displacement, with support from the Belize Defence Force and NEMO.

She Was Beaten and Kidnapped

Manhunt for Accused Kidnapper

Police are on the hunt for Kenny Brakeman, who is accused of attacking and kidnapping his ex-wife, Sabela Brakeman, on Friday night. Kenny was last seen in Caye Caulker Village, where Sabela managed to escape and seek help from police.

As we have reported, Sabela, a San Pedro resident, was brutally attacked and kidnapped by her ex-partner, Kenny. He violently awakened her and her roommate, severely assaulting her before dragging her from the bed. After knocking her unconscious, he took her in a golf cart, threatening her. He then placed her on a jet ski, where he continued to threaten her, claiming he would cross the border to avoid capture. Sabela managed to escape when they reached a dock in Caye Caulker, running for help despite her injuries. She later sought refuge at a police station and received medical treatment, including surgery for broken gums and other injuries.

Sabela says she has a restraining order against Kenny and that she left him because he was abusive. “We had three children together. We lived together for 14 years. Since last year, July 27th, I left him. So we were no longer together. I do have a restraining order against him… because he used to abuse me, so I get out of the abusive relationship.”

Regarding prior domestic violence reports, ACP Hilberto Romero noted, “Not that we know of, no,” indicating that this was the first reported incident of such violence between the couple. He further clarified that Brakeman’s last known location was in the Caye Caulker area, but his whereabouts remain unknown.

Romero stated that Brakeman could face several charges once he is apprehended.

She Was Beaten and Kidnapped

19th of November, Celebrating the Garifuna Culture

One of the most anticipated and celebrated days every year in Belizean culture is November 19th, with many counting the days to celebrate one of the richest cultures in Belize. This morning’s episode of Open Your Eyes delved into the rich history of the Garifuna people, from their origins in Saint Vincent to their settlement across Central America. “Garifuna is a person comprised of three groups: the Amerindian Arawak, the Carib, and the African,” explained Sebastian Cayetano, a local Garifuna leader.

The Africans, hailing from countries like Nigeria and Ghana, and the indigenous Arawaks and Caribs originally settled in the Caribbean before European colonization. According to Cayetano, the Garifuna people were exiled by the British in 1797, with 5,000 survivors sent to the island of Balliceaux, where half perished. Later, they were relocated to Roatan, Honduras, marking the start of their diaspora in Central America, including Guatemala and Belize. Over time, their language and culture faced attempts at suppression, particularly after British colonisation banned the Garifuna language and practices.

In Belize, however, the Garifuna people slowly integrated and became vital contributors to society, particularly in education. They eventually gained acceptance through their community contributions.

“We were not accepted at first…we imposed ourselves,” said Cayetano.The Garifuna community now celebrates their heritage proudly, particularly during Garifuna Settlement Day, which marks their arrival in Belize. This holiday, officially recognised in 1977, honours the Garifuna people’s resilience and cultural contributions.

Today, efforts to preserve the Garifuna language and traditions continue through initiatives like the Battle of the Drums and Yurumein, a re-enactment of the Garifuna people’s arrival. The Yurumein celebrations will take place in both Belize City and Dangriga.

Lirahunu Ugundani: Preserving Garifuna Culture

Lands CEO Involved in Fatal Car Crash

Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Natural Resources, Petroleum, and Mining, Paul Thompson, knocked down and killed a man on Friday evening.

The fatal traffic accident occurred on the George Price Highway in Cotton Tree Village at around 5:50 p.m. The victim has been identified as 44-year-old Zacharias Tescecum. He was found facing down with severe head and body injuries, as well as a broken right foot above the ankle. He was unresponsive and not breathing.

According to investigators, Thompson, who was driving a 2020 Grey GMC Terrain SUV, suddenly saw a man walking on the highway. Thomspon told investigators that to avoid hitting Tescecum, he swerved left but still struck the pedestrian. According to police, Tescecum was dragged approximately 160 feet beneath the vehicle before Thompson came to a stop. Tescecum died on the scene. His body was later transported to the Western Regional Hospital, where it now awaits a post-mortem examination.

At this morning’s weekly police press brief, ACP Hilberto Romero would not release Thompson’s name, saying, “The driver has not been charged, so I won’t say it.” Reporters told Romero that in prior instances the name of the driver is released, especially if they have been served with a notice of intended prosecution (NIP).

Thompson was served with an NIP, and samples were taken from him. The investigation continues.

She Was Beaten and Kidnapped

Sabela Brakeman was visibly shaken and afraid when she spoke to News 5 today. Brakeman, a resident of San Pedro Town, was brutally beaten and kidnapped, allegedly by her ex-partner, Kenny Brakeman, on Friday night.

Sabela told News 5 that she and her roommate were asleep at home when they were violently awakened by an intruder. “When she screamed, it was my ex with some gloves on his hand and a stick that he was knocking her, and when I woke up, I was frightened. Then I just saw him knock her, then I just screamed too, and then he knocked me,” Sabela recalled.

She described how, despite her efforts to defend herself, he dragged her from the bed and began assaulting her relentlessly. “He hit me on my head, my forehead, and my mouth,” she said, visibly shaken by the memory. Her roommate managed to escape to seek help.

After knocking her unconscious, he dragged her outside, placed her in a red golf cart, and began driving towards his home. “He kept driving in his direction where he lives, and he says, ‘let me see which @%$hole will save you now. You don’t want to be with me. If you are not for me, you are for nobody else.'”

She was taken to a dock, where she was then placed on a jet ski. “We drive off…maybe 30 minutes. When we drove off now, he said, ‘I think that is Chetumal. This is Corozal. And that one, I don’t know which part that one. But if you relax and don’t say anything, I will let you go to Corozal. And I’m going across the border because police won’t catch me.'”

Sabela, still struggling, managed to escape when they reached a dock in Caye Caulker Village. “That’s when I knocked him, and I managed to escape him. I reached a dock, where I climbed the dock. And while I was climbing the dock, I was already feeling dizzy. I climbed the dock. When I climbed the dock, I continued to walk. I was running, crossing the street all over. Because the blood was too much on my face. Then, I see two golf carts go this side, this direction, yes. So I said, no one…I can’t see any people on the street. So I said those two golf carts. I have to follow them to seek help.”

She eventually found refuge at a police station, where she recounted the traumatic events. She was taken to the Caye Caulker Polyclinic for treatment, where doctors informed her that she would need surgery for broken gums and multiple other injuries, including bruises and cuts on her body.

“What I can say is he had an intention of killing me because he had even gloves on. He had on gloves.”

COP29 Day 8: Climate Finance, Youth Voices, and Urgency for Action

On day eight of COP29 in Baku, key concerns over climate finance and the urgent need for more action on global warming have surfaced.

As the conference progresses, participants have made initial progress on carbon market standards, but talks on climate finance remain slow. Simon Stiell, Executive Secretary of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), urged delegates to focus on broader issues, saying, “We can’t lose sight of the forest because we’re tussling over individual trees.” He warned against “bluffing, brinkmanship, and pre-mediated playbooks” that could waste critical time needed for ambitious decisions.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres also stressed the need for stronger leadership from the world’s largest economies, declaring, “Failure is not an option” in the face of the climate crisis.

Meanwhile, children and young people made their voices heard at COP29, calling for more attention to the impact of climate change on their lives. They urged decision-makers to involve them directly in climate discussions. UNICEF estimates that nearly 1 billion children are affected by climate change, facing risks like air pollution, floods, and droughts, which disrupt their health, education, and well-being. As one young activist put it, “No decisions about us without us!”

COP29 President: “We are on a road to ruin.”