Tonight, a mother of four, Shareema Neal, is celebrating her freedom after being acquitted of the murder of seventeen-year-old Jasmine Petillo. Back in 2016, Jasmine’s body was found in Mahogany Heights Village, brutally stabbed multiple times. Five years later, D.N.A. evidence linked blood found in Neal’s home to Jasmine, leading to Neal’s arrest. The prosecution claimed the murder was revenge, as Jasmine was the last person Neal’s late boyfriend contacted before his sudden death. Two months after Jasmine’s murder, Neal’s house was burned down, and while pregnant, she was charged with murder. But tonight, Neal is back with her family. Her attorney, Lynden Jones, shared the key factors that led to her acquittal.
Lynden Jones
Lynden Jones, Attorney of Acquitted
“The judge stated that The Crown did not prove beyond a reasonable doubt that she was guilty of the offense. She is now a free lady after she was claiming her innocence from the beginning. The trial was done in September. We got a decision today. Trial was a short trial, two days. No person could have identified my client. However, the Crown relied heavily on the investigating officer and on DNA evidence. And we are of the opinion that the DNA evidence did not support the Crown’s case fully. And the investigating officer did not really assist the Crown as much as they needed. We did not get a written submission today. We only got a summary and an oral verdict. But the verdict was positive for my client.”
Reporter
“But tell us, let’s go back a little bit about when this incident first occurred and your client was accused. How did they even link her, aside from the DNA, as a suspect in this murder?”
Lynden Jones
“My client was in a relationship with a known person to the law. And that person was lured to his death. They alleged that the last person who had communication with her deceased common-law was the person who was murdered, Miss Jasmine Petillo. However, that is what the Crown wanted to state, that it was revenge, that Miss Shareema Neal had some involvement or was the main person for the murder of Jasmine Petillo due to the fact that Her ex-commandant in law was worried to her death When they did luminal testing in the house, a little bit of blood was found in the house, and it was sent out for DNA testing abroad, and that’s when they found partial matches of what was could have been Miss Jasmine Petillo’s blood. It was not one hundred percent certain and therefore that is why Miss Neal was charged for the murder of Miss Jasmine Petillo. But we had discrepancies in the case as it pertains to, was it the exact house? Was it twenty-eight where Miss Neal resides? Or was it twenty-eight B, another house? Or what could have been another house? As was stated in the search warrant, where they exactly found the blood is still in question, for since then one of the homes has burned up.”
After nearly two months behind bars, American national Gilbert Lightburn Junior is finally a free man. The forty-one-year-old firefighter faced several criminal charges, including three counts of attempted murder, following a September incident at Shisha’s nightclub in Belize City. The altercation escalated, resulting in three people being stabbed, which led to Lightburn’s charges. However, he insisted he was only defending himself and had no intention of harming anyone. During the chaos, Lightburn was robbed of personal items, including two gold chains worth around seventy thousand Belizean dollars. Today, Lightburn, who had been on remand at the Belize Central Prison, was brought to court where all charges were dropped, and he was declared a free man. The virtual complainants, Ian and Javon Abraham, Mark Usher, and Giovanni Abraham, who Lightburn was accused of attempting to murder and using deadly means of harm against, discovered they were related to him and decided to drop all charges.
Today, the Belize Defense Force proudly bolstered its ranks with the graduation of one hundred and fifteen new soldiers. The ceremony at Price Barracks in Ladyville was a momentous occasion, celebrating the achievements of these dedicated recruits. Among the honorees, Naomi Baki stood out as the Female Champion Recruit, while Jeffrey Eric earned the title of Male Champion Recruit. Nixon Coc was recognized as the Champion Shot, and the Champion Physical Training awards went to Giselle August and Keiron Cal. Brigadier General Azariel Loria shared that the journey began with one hundred and twenty recruits, though a few did not complete the rigorous training.
Azariel Loria
Brig. Gen. Azariel Loria, Commandant, B.D.F.
“We started 120 but as time went by, the weeks passed by, some of the participants started to drop out and we had to work the standby list. About three hundred or so got called and this is the result, one hundred and fifteen. We were slated to pass out one hundred and twenty and five were injured. And so far, a hundred and fifteen made it. We congratulate them. They are brand new private soldiers now.”
Last week, a suspected drug plane was unearthed in the remote Graham Creek area of Toledo. The Belize Defense Force swiftly dispatched soldiers to investigate the scene. Today, Brigadier General Azariel Loria revealed that they believe the aircraft had been there for two to three weeks, conspicuously marked with a Mexican flag.
Azariel Loria
Brig. Gen. Azariel Loria, Commandant, B.D.F.
“That plane was a Cessna 210. We discovered it by chance. We sent a patrol in that area of Graham Creek because the CSI is a radar from the Americans that did not pick up the signal. And also our radar here did not pick it up. So, it was pure coincidence and a bit of intelligence too as well that we sent that patrol at Graham Creek and that is the result – that’s what we found. And we were responding at a recently cleared air strip in that area. We were going to do a reconnaissance patrol, but we found the illegal airstrip and the Cessna at the same time.”
Hipolito Novelo
“How long was the plane there?”
Brig. Gen. Azariel Loria
“We don’t know, but we believe that by what we found – we found GPS and other equipment. I think that we found a satellite phone. So, we believe that the plane was there for like two or three weeks maximum. We don’t know.”
Hipolito Novelo
“I believe you found some sort of Mexican markings?”
Brig. Gen. Azariel Loria
“Oh, the origin of the plane itself, we do not know, but the plane had markings, and it had a Mexican flag on the nose.”
Last month, reports emerged of Guatemalans offering food and produce as bribes to B.D.F. patrol commanders stationed in the remote southern border areas. Allegations pointed to two patrol commanders in the Machakil Ha community of Toledo who accepted these bribes. These commanders are now under investigation at Price Barracks. Today, B.D.F. Commandant Brigadier General Azariel Loria disclosed that other patrol commanders in different areas are also being investigated.
Azariel Loria
Brig. Gen. Azariel Loria, Commandant, B.D.F.
“Whenever other security forces are operating in the area here, aren’t they bribed? You see, we are not immune to these things. The BDF, we are not immune. What we need to continue to do Is to supervise and that is what we’re doing. Because of the constant patrolling in in that area, we increase our patrols responding to the illegal logging reports that we got, and because of that, we kinda bumped into Guatemalans. The Guatemalans, we have it on recording, and I believe that it has been leaked to the media too, as well. That is part of our investigation. And as part of our investigation, we know now that they’re, the Guatemalans are bribing our patrol commanders. And that is something that is being finalized and it will be coming in front of me for disciplinary procedures.”
Hipolito Novelo
“Okay, so do you concede that the reason why B.D.F. soldiers are accepting bribes by Guatemalan loggers is because when the pay too cheap, the government pays them too cheap?”
Brig. Gen. Azariel Loria
“No, the pay is average at this point in time..”
Hipolito Novelo
“But appropriate or average?”
Brig. Gen. Azariel Loria
“It is average, it is appropriate, we can survive. You know the cost of living is going up and, but that is another discussion.”
Hipolito Novelo
“But can they survive on that pay?”
Brig. Gen. Azariel Loria
“Yes, we could. We could survive. It’s more than a thousand soldiers that are getting paid and, and there will be the elements, the bad guys there that are going to come and try to extort bribes. If persons come bribe more, then there are some that will take it, others that will not. I am being taught in my force about the virtues and the values that we espouse. So, all the alleged bribes – it’s not everybody’s getting bribed. It’s only one or two commanders, rogue commanders.”
On November 4, 2021, Belize signed the Blue Bonds agreement with The Nature Conservancy to restructure debt and enhance marine conservation. The deal mandates that twenty-five percent of the country’s ocean space be protected, with roughly twenty percent already designated as Biodiversity Protection Zones. To meet the November 4, 2024, Milestone Four target, Belize must designate an additional five percent as Medium Protection Zones. However, concerns from fishers and experts regarding data reliability and inclusive planning highlight the need for transparency in fish stock assessments and balanced conservation efforts. Digital Editor, Hipolito Novelo, has the following report.
Hipolito Novelo, Reporting
The government’s latest conservation proposal includes regions like Lighthouse Reef Atoll, Glovers Reef Atoll, and areas east of Bacalar Chico Marine Reserve. However, some local fishermen and other stakeholders are concerned that they haven’t been properly consulted in these decisions. As Belize approaches a key deadline for its Blue Bonds commitment to protect thirty percent of its waters, tensions are rising. Fisherfolk express concern that the push to meet these conservation targets may overlook their livelihoods, highlighting the need for a more inclusive approach to marine protection. Career fisherman Dale Fairweather missed the Belize City consultation while out at sea. Fairweather believes consultations should be more than procedural steps and stresses the importance of firsthand knowledge to avoid misunderstandings.
Dale Fairweather
Dale Fairweather, Fisherman
“To me, it was basically a consultation just to meet their obligation to the Blue Bond. Well, I think that fishermen should attend all of these things so that they know what happened. I don’t think it’s a waste of time. I think it’s for the fishermen to attend because if they don’t attend, then they will be blind to what’s going on. Under the Managed Access Program, you’re allowed to fish two areas. So, if I don’t have a license for Lighthouse Reef, I might get pushed out and can’t go fish the deep water around like those reef later on then down the strip They might bring in rules because right now they say there’s no rules Say maybe here to down the road inside to put expand the inside rules all the way out to the boundary then I won’t be able to go and fish around like those reef, you know the blue water because Did this law come into effect now? But right now they say there is none. So basically, I don’t know, to me it’s like a double edged sword, you don’t know. Are you worried about that? Yes, I am worried because I’m investing in going into the deep, deep sea fishing.”
Nigel Martinez, Executive Director of the Belize Federation of Fishers (BFF), criticized the recent consultations as poorly organized and lacking essential information. According to Martinez, the Belize City meeting had minimal attendance and didn’t adequately represent those fisherfolks who are directly impacted by proposed marine zone expansions. He questioned the use of “public consultation,” suggesting it was misleading due to limited transparency, the absence of a detailed management plan, and insufficient participation from the fishing community.
Nigel Martinez
Nigel Martinez, Executive Director, B.F.F.
“When you talk about public consultation, there was no public consultation there. They did not even meet a threshold, you know, so that was alarming to me. And that’s why I came to that conclusion that it was poorly organized. I would have wanted to see a management layout of the new expansion area. Each zone should have a management plan. What are the new requirements for these expansions? How will these impact the area? What is the fisheries management of that specific area? None of those were explained. They came and they made a presentation and because the government have to meet milestone four based on the blue bond commitment, they outright don’t care whether you agree or don’t agree. At the end of the day, the SI is going to be implemented.”
Despite the Fisheries Department’s assurances that consultations are inclusive and involve diverse stakeholders, critics argue these sessions lack genuine engagement, suggesting that decisions may already be predetermined. Acting Fisheries Administrator Rigoberto Quintana points to efforts like community outreach in key coastal areas and good turnout in places like San Pedro and Caye Caulker but acknowledges limitations in reaching the full spectrum of impacted fisherfolk.
“ I must also say that this process, we have the, at the highest level, we have the Fisheries Council, that some of this work has been, the Council has been updated as this work was being done through the Coastal Zone and the Fisheries Department. And we have in that Fisheries Council, we have four representatives from fisherfolk organizations. We have Northern Fishermen, National Fishermen, the Chairman of Chunox Fishermen’s Association and we have the chairman of Hopkins Fishermen’s Association in the Fisheries Council. With this expansion based on the meeting yesterday, I can speak to yesterday and today that they are in support. The area will be open to those fishing activities that fishers are carrying out, and we’re not restricting fishers or any other activities that happen in the general rivers area. I expect that, this meeting with stakeholders will be successful because, fishers right now the sentiment is that once will not be restricted, we can continue to have access to the traditional fishing activities, then we will support this process. And the blue bonds is a legal agreement that the government of Belize signs off. Those conservation commitments by Belize is binding to the nation.”
As Belize advances its plans to expand Biodiversity Protection Zones (BPZs), local fishers and experts question whether these initiatives rely on robust data and inclusive planning. Critics are concerned that baseline data transparency issues and limited stakeholder input might overshadow the needs of fishers and accurate assessments of marine health. Reporting for News Five, I am Hipolito Novelo.
Earlier today, a delegation from Taiwan’s Food and Drug Administration wrapped up a productive visit to Belize. Over the past two weeks, they conducted thorough site inspections at various shrimp farms nationwide. Belizean producers are keen to export shrimp and other fisheries products to Taiwan. Acting Director for Food and Safety, Natalie Gibson, noted that the Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA) has been instrumental in facilitating the Taiwanese team’s visit.
Natalie Gibson
Natalie Gibson, Acting Director, Food Safety, BAHA
“Our shrimp production sector was very interested in accessing this market and it’s one of the products that’s included in the agreement with Taiwan. We have been exporting lobster, historically, to Taiwan, so this is an effort to expand the scope of products that we can export.”
Isani Cayetano
“And what was included in this process, in terms of, perhaps, inspections and what have you?”
Natalie Gibson
“So we started out with documentation, where we had to submit documentation for them to evaluate, our regulations, what authority we have, what are our standards for different fisheries products, the processing, food safety standards, specifically. So we’ve passed that phase now and now we’ve gone to the onsite inspection where we have three FDA inspectors that came in to physically identify, inspecting our facilities. We’ve been to the port and the airport where the exportations happen. And for the last two weeks, they’ve been to the aquaculture farms and in some of the processing facilities, conducting theirevaluation.”
Isani Cayetano
“Do we know when we can either get can get a report or an update from them to determine whether we are export ready, in terms of our shrimp products?”
Natalie Gibson
“YOU know we have been exporting shrimps to other countries, but in terms of accessing the Taiwan market and meeting their food safety requirements, we have received a few findings but they will actually complete their reports over the next three months and then we will have a definitive answer.”
At the remarkable age of ninety, Henrietta Gill remains a vibrant and dedicated contributor to Belize. For decades, we’ve been inspired by Gill, who first gained recognition in the nineties as a pioneering boxing coach. Her influence extended beyond the ring, as she played a crucial role in mediating conflicts between rival gangs in Belize City. In 2023, this spirited nonagenarian was honored with the title of Ms. Y, a prestigious accolade she will hold until 2025.
Henrietta Gill
Henrietta Gill, Belizean Patron
“I was giving up the crown on October 29th, but they have extended it to sometime in May. So I’ll be reigning from 2023 to 2025. And my daughters they decided, it was a surprise for me, they decided to bring something and you saw the card that they have there. They decided to come and give something to the children. I use to teach here many years aback, and slow readers, and so I decided that Holy Redeemer and Muslim [Community School]. So I gave Muslim this morning and now, we are doing Holy Redeemer, giving back.”
Isani Cayetano
“How do you feel, at ninety years old, still being able to contribute to Belizean society?”
Henrietta Gill
“I feel great. You know, it brings back for me, my prime minister, the Father of the Nation. Mr. Price, he knew me from a child in Corozal, he has been with us, shared with us and giving back here to my children. To tell you the truth, children are my passion. When I work with the children and I get what I want, I know we are going to get a better Belize.”
Glenda Nicks
Glenda Nicks, Dental Office Manager
“We are very aware that oral health is not something that’s prominent a lot oftimes, especially in countries like these, people that are forty or fifty years old that have never been to a dentist before. So we know that at an early age is when we should start doing this. So we have this here, but last year we were in Costa Rica and we had a really huge health fair where we actually treated people. Ms. Henrietta Gill, for many of us here in Belize, stands out as one of those who has contributed to our society in so many different ways.
Isani Cayetano
“How does it feel to know that at ninety years old, your mom has this drive to want to give back to her beloved Belize?”
Glenda Nicks
“It’s a great honor to know that she is a pioneer as far as helping and giving back to society and basically what it is, is God puts us here for some reason and her reason is to be of service to her human mankind.”
November has just kicked off, and the Garifuna Settlement Day celebrations are already in full swing! Today, the National Garifuna Council brought the streets of Belize City to life with a vibrant motorcade, marking the start of the festivities. News Five’s Britney Gordon was on the scene to capture all the excitement. Here’s the story.
Britney Gordon, Reporting
It’s been two hundred and one years since the Garifuna people made their way to Belize, and the National Garifuna Council is starting this year’s celebrations with a bang! Today, the Belize City branch hosted a lively motorcade, filled with the vibrant colors and sounds of Garifuna culture. Raphael Martinez, President of the NGC in Belize City, shared more details about the festivities.
Raphael Martinez Sr.
Raphael Martinez Sr., President, NGC Belize City
“This is the advent of the national celebrations, our November celebrations. And as you rightly mentioned just a while ago, we starting off at three o’clock or maybe a little thereafter with the motorcade. And the motorcade is actually heralding, as I mentioned before, the advent of the November celebrations for Belize city. And we are expecting quite a few vehicles to be parked outside in a short while with the Garifuna flag with the drums. We have about three or four drum groups. From Belize City and not to mention some of the schools who will be actually joining the motorcade. This should be something very beautiful to watch and to listen to. Because, whenever the drums make a little noise, everybody wants to shake ney waist.”
The theme for this year’s celebrations is afeduha wamèi wagücha, afareinha waméi wanichigu, which translates to celebrating our roots, sharing our culture.
Raphael Martinez Sr.
“It’s two hundred and one years since the arrival of the Garifuna girl people here in Belize. It has been a big struggle, coming all the way from St. Vincent having fought with the British for so many years and being rooted and set adrift. And from Baliceaux Balisu where half of us died, there was five thousand of us. who were exiled to Balasore and all the other 5, 000, we had about just over two thousand probably two thousand five hundred who were shipped all the way to Roatan, Honduras. And they thought they, they could have killed out. It was a genocidal attempt, but it did not happen.it did not happen.”
The motorcade kicked off at the House of Culture and looped back to its starting point, setting the stage for a night filled with dancing and feasting. The National Garifuna Council is inviting all Belizeans to join in celebrating the resilience of the Garifuna people and the vibrant community they’ve built over the past two hundred years.
Raphael Martinez Sr.
“Immediately after the official ceremonies, which should last about say thirty minutes, we will go straight into Larabea and some very other talented bands from Belize City. So it’s this party all night until midnight. We have Sahou. We have Garifuna food. We have Garifuna music. Just come out and have some fun. And this is the first day of November and this is the advent of our celebration, nineteenth November celebration. Come and learn what we have to offer until nineteenth of November. of November.”
Diwali, originating from the Sanskrit word ‘Deepavali’ meaning a row of lights, is a vibrant Indian festival where celebrants illuminate their homes with rows of traditional clay oil lamps. These glowing lights symbolize the triumph of light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance, creating a magical and enlightening atmosphere. In Beize, the Indian community has been observing Diwali since the festival began earlier this week.
Rakhi Bhujwani
Rakhi Bhujwani, Member, Indian Community
“Diwali is the festival of lights, prosperity, we have the goddess of wealth. This is our Indian New Year and Christmas where family and friends come together. We celebrate, exchange gifts and enjoy. It’s a three-day festival.”
Benita Keme-Palacio
“When is this taking place?”
Rakhi Bhujwani
“Today is the final day. We have it for three days. It started day before, yesterday, and today.”
Benita Keme-Palacio
“So it started on Wednesday.”
Rakhi Bhujwani
“We started with Dhanteras, small Diwali which was yesterday and today is the actual Diwali.”
Benita Keme-Palacio
“Okay, can you explain to me what’s the difference between those three days?”
Rakhi Bhujwani
“This was where god Rhama came to Iotia and that’s when they had the festival for three days.”
Benita Keme-Palacio
“What type of events go for each of those days?”
Rakhi Bhujwani
“The first day, Dhanteras is when everybody buys gold and exchange gifts. The second day is the small Diwali when you light candles. The third day, we all come together as family and we pray and exchange gifts, have dinners, etc.”
