A police officer accused of raping a female detainee at the Queen Street Police Station has had the charge withdrawn on the directive of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).
The case against 45-year-old Police Constable Derwin Marin was dropped despite initial reports of strong evidence supporting the allegations.
The incident, which allegedly occurred in June, involved a detainee who claimed Marin offered to release her without charge in exchange for sex. According to earlier police reports, Marin purportedly removed the woman from her holding cell, escorted her to another area of the station, and engaged in sexual activity with her. Surveillance footage reportedly captured him leading the detainee to the location where the alleged act occurred, though the act itself was not recorded.
Commissioner of Police Chester Williams initially took a strong stance on the matter, personally appearing at Marin’s arraignment to object to bail. At the time, ComPol Williams stated, “My presence here is a strong statement that we are doing what we can to ensure that persons who are aggrieved by the actions of police that they get justice. The person who is the victim was a prisoner in police custody. The investigation revealed that the police officer solicited sex from her in exchange for her release. He subsequently took her outside of her cell block where the act took place. We have secured several statements, as well as video footage that supports her allegation.”
However, the sudden withdrawal of the charge raises questions about the evidence or legal basis for proceeding with the case.
Pastor Dozie Ifeanyichineke has formally appealed to Commissioner of Police Chester Williams, urging a thorough investigation into allegations of forgery against attorney Orson J. Elrington. The pastor’s complaint, filed on November 13, 2024, at the Criminal Investigation Branch (CIB) of the Queen Street Police Station, centres on claims that Elrington fabricated his signature on a second engagement letter.
This allegation is linked to a prior ruling by the General Legal Council (GLC), which found Elrington guilty of grave professional misconduct. The GLC has referred the questionable document to the police for further investigation into potential forgery.
Pastor Ifeanyichineke contends that Elrington accepted funds from the Social Security Board (SSB) without his consent, resulting in significant financial hardships for his family. He stressed the adverse impact on his sons’ educational aspirations, both of whom are aspiring doctors and have had to delay their studies due to financial constraints.
In his letter, the pastor requests: “An official copy of my police report, along with its URN, for my report against attorney Mr. Elrington for forgery, to be professionally investigated in a just, fair, and timely manner, that we be granted a periodic and timely update on the status of the full investigation on the matter. What do we want? We are seeking justice for my wife, sons, and me. We are still grieving the death of my wife and their mother.”
The GLC’s earlier decision mandated Elrington to pay a fine of fifteen thousand dollars, with five thousand allocated to Pastor Ifeanyichineke, and to reimburse the pastor over forty-six thousand dollars by specified deadlines. Elrington later returned the money. In an interview with News 5, he said, ““The question was whether or not on the settlement of the matter, whether or not there was an agreement as to the quantum on the settlement of the matter. I personally spoke to the client and he accepted. I take responsibility whenever it is I have employees. Regrettably, I give instructions for the employee to get that in writing. He failed to do so until after the fact, I assumed to have happened. That is all that happened in this circumstance, nothing more, nothing less.”
The High Court, under Justice Rajiv Goonetilleke, is currently reviewing the constitutionality of the Belizean government’s move to compulsorily acquire 23.4 acres of Stake Bank Island. This land, owned by developer Michael Feinstein, is intended for the development of a cruise port with berthing facilities. However, the land is slated to be transferred to OPSA, a Honduran company and former partner of Feinstein, raising legal challenges.
Godfrey Smith is representing Feinstein, Eamon Courtenay for OPSA, and Dean Barrow for the receiver.
The government’s defence team includes Magali Marin Young and two senior attorneys from Trinidad, whose fees are being covered by Belizean taxpayers.
Feinstein’s legal team argues that the acquisition lacks a legitimate public purpose, alleging it serves to resolve a private title dispute in favour of OPSA. The government and OPSA maintain that the acquisition is constitutional and serves the public interest by facilitating the cruise port development.
The court has temporarily paused the acquisition process pending the outcome of the constitutional challenge. Justice Goonetilleke is expected to deliver a decision by January 2025. In the interim, the project remains on hold. Additionally, a separate claim by Atlantic Bank and OPSA against Feinstein, alleging fraudulent acquisition of the land, is scheduled for mid-January.
What authorities believe is a suspected drug plane was found earlier today in the Dolores Village area of the Toledo District. It is believed that the plane landed this morning.
Law enforcement officials responded to the scene in the wee hours of this morning. They discovered the aircraft set ablaze. It is believed that the cargo was removed and transported out of the country. The plane landed on a makeshift airstrip.
Dr. Erja Askola, the newly appointed Ambassador of the European Union to Belize, hails from Finland in northern Europe. She currently serves as the EU Ambassador to Jamaica, Belize, and The Bahamas, and she expressed her delight at being in this vibrant region, describing Belize as a unique bridge between the Caribbean and Central America.
Dr. Askola brings a wealth of experience to her role, having worked as an international business lawyer, competition and antitrust lawyer, and in the fields of international relations, development cooperation, and trade negotiations. Her previous posting in Fiji involved engagement with 13 Pacific Island countries, making her new role a seamless continuation of her work with small island states and ACP (African, Caribbean, and Pacific) nations.
She is particularly excited about contributing to meaningful and impactful initiatives.
Dr. Askola aims to deepen political collaboration, advance shared priorities in global issues, development cooperation, trade, and investments, and enhance ties with the government and other key stakeholders.
One of her priorities is fostering closer people-to-people connections. She highlighted initiatives such as student exchanges through Erasmus and EU visitors programs, underscoring her belief that partnerships are fundamentally about people. Reflecting on the strong bond between Belize and the EU, she noted, “It is the EU and you.”
As we wrap up 2024, News 5 is excited to bring you our digital Year in Review! This year, we're diving into the highlights and challenges of the past twelve months, all organized by themes. Join us as we look back at the stories that shaped our year…
It’s been a year defined by bold infrastructure projects, legislative reforms, leadership transitions, and challenges like the ongoing brain drain. From controversial decisions on land acquisitions to the development of new hospitals and life-saving technological advancements, Belize’s healthcare system underwent significant shifts that will have long-term implications for its citizens.
The Belmopan Tertiary Hospital Debate
One of the most hotly debated issues of 2024 was the government’s decision to purchase 15 acres of private land in Belmopan for BZD $6.9 million to build a tertiary hospital. This decision sparked protests led by grassroots activist Nigel Petillo, supported by the Belize National Teachers’ Union (BNTU), the Public Service Union (PSU), and other civil society groups. The core grievance was that the University of Belize (UB) had offered land for free, yet the government opted to purchase private land adjacent to a sewer pond, raising public health and environmental concerns.
The Government of Belize defended its position, stating that a technical study concluded that the UB land was too remote and had insufficient infrastructure. Director of Hospital Services Dr. Jorge Polanco explained that access to the UB site was difficult, requiring the development of roads and utilities at a significant cost. On the other hand, the opposition, led by Moses “Shyne” Barrow, viewed the land purchase as a case of “glaring corruption” and threatened legal action.
In December, the government signed a BZ$3.2 million consultancy contract with Dar Al Omran International Engineering Consulting Company (DAO) for the design and supervision of a 150-bed Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital in Belmopan. Spanning 55 months, the consultancy covers design, construction supervision, and quality assurance for the hospital, a project funded by the Saudi Fund for Development and government contributions.
New Hospital for Belize City
Another significant announcement was the approval of a new tertiary-level hospital for Belize City, which will replace the ageing Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH). Funded by the Central American Bank for Economic Integration (CABEI), the facility aims to improve healthcare access for residents in the Belize District and northern regions. The government’s decision to construct a new hospital instead of renovating the existing KHMH was based on studies indicating that renovation costs would exceed the cost of new construction. The government is yet to finalise the location, but options include the site of the old nursing school or land near the Eleanor Hall building.
San Pedro and Caye Caulker General Hospital
Ground was officially broken for the construction of the long-awaited San Pedro and Caye Caulker General Hospital. This $33 million BZD project, funded by the Government of Taiwan, will address the chronic issue of residents having to be airlifted to the mainland for emergency care. The project, which is expected to be completed within 36 months, is seen as a significant step toward improving healthcare equity in Belize’s island communities. Area Representative Andre Perez noted that the hospital’s establishment fulfils a long-standing promise to island residents who have faced health emergencies without timely access to care.
Technological Advancements and Equipment Upgrades
One of the most eagerly awaited advancements was the arrival of a new CT scanner. Delays in delivery had raised public concern, but by March 2024, the new equipment was installed and operational. Minister of Health and Wellness Kevin Bernard stressed the importance of the scanners, noting that they offer faster and more accurate diagnoses. The machine was installed at the K.H.M.H. It broke down after 8 months. The KHMHA later announced that the repair and full restoration of its CT scan machine, which had been out of service due to a hardware issue caused by condensation, was complete. During the downtime, arrangements were made with nearby facilities to ensure patient access to CT scans.
Through a collaboration between Edward and Patricia Lord of the Belizean diaspora and the Build Belize Initiative, the Ministry of Health received medical equipment valued at $1.8 million USD. The donation included birthing beds, defibrillators, patient monitors, and ICU beds. Health Minister Bernard emphasised that the equipment would be distributed to health facilities nationwide, enhancing emergency care and improving patient outcomes. Minister of Tourism and Diaspora Relations Anthony Mahler hailed the initiative as a testament to the power of diaspora contributions.
Legislative and Policy Reforms
Significant legislative reform came in the form of amendments to the Food and Drug Act. The overhaul introduced stricter regulations to prevent the entry of substandard pharmaceutical products. Chief Drug Inspector resignations raised concerns about the impact of these reforms, but Health Minister Bernard assured the public that oversight mechanisms were in place. The Ministry’s drug inspection unit stepped up enforcement, seizing contraband medications and ensuring quality control. The reform aligns with World Health Organisation (WHO) standards and strengthens consumer protection.
Another contentious reform was the proposed amendment to the KHMH Act, which would see the replacement of the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital Workers’ Union (KHMHWU) representative on the hospital’s board with a member from the National Trade Union Congress of Belize (NTUCB). After intense pushback from the KHMHWU, the government allowed the union to nominate two candidates for the board. Minister Bernard justified the move as a way to broaden representation and avoid conflicts of interest.
The Fight Against Brain Drain
A chronic issue in 2024 was Belize’s healthcare worker shortage. The Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital reported a loss of 50 nurses and doctors due to better-paying opportunities abroad. Nurses Association President Renita Pop revealed that over 100 nurses had left the country since 2021. The government’s strategy to address the crisis included offering scholarships for specialities like midwifery and public health nursing. Despite these efforts, the shortage persisted, resulting in increased workloads for remaining staff.
Personal Tragedies and Losses
Belize’s healthcare community was shaken by the untimely passing of Dr. Fernando Cuellar, a prominent figure in the medical field. Diagnosed with blood cancer, Dr. Cuellar’s battle was tragically brief, leaving a void in public healthcare advocacy. His legacy of compassionate care and fearless truth-telling lives on in the hearts of colleagues and patients alike.
The nation’s collective heart also went out to paediatrician Dr. Cecilio Eck, who revealed he had been diagnosed with stage-four cancer. Belizeans rallied to support him, raising funds for his treatment in the United States. Dr. Eck’s journey underscored the broader need for access to advanced cancer care and diagnostic services within Belize.
A suspected arson attack early Sunday morning caused significant damage to three luxury vehicles belonging to the Hotchandani family on Princess Margaret Drive, with losses estimated at nearly half a million Belize dollars.
The incident occurred around 5:05 a.m., shortly after 75-year-old Bob Hotchandani parked his 2022 Cadillac Escalade, valued at $250,000, outside his residence at #132 Barrack Road.
Within minutes, three unidentified men reportedly arrived in a small boat, poured a flammable substance on the Escalade, a 2023 Audi Q7 worth $150,000, and a brown Chevy Silverado owned by 43-year-old Sunjay Hotchandani, valued at $85,000, before igniting the vehicles and fleeing toward Golden Bay.
The Belize Fire Service quickly contained the flames, preventing further damage to nearby structures. Investigators have since recovered a container with suspected accelerant raemains from the scene. While Bob’s Escalade is comprehensively insured, Sunjay’s Silverado only carries third-party coverage.
The Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) has released its “Preliminary Overview of the Economies of Latin America and the Caribbean 2024,” providing a comprehensive analysis of the region’s economic performance and projections. The report highlights the persistent challenges and emerging opportunities as the region navigates a complex global economic landscape.
Global Economic Context: In 2024 and 2025, global economic growth is expected to stabilise at around 3.2%, driven primarily by emerging economies. The United States, accounting for 25% of global GDP, is projected to grow by 2.8% in 2024 and 2.2% in 2025, supported by robust consumption and a strong labour market. The eurozone, however, faces slower growth, with Germany experiencing economic stagnation due to declines in key industrial sectors.
Regional Economic Performance: Latin America and the Caribbean are projected to grow by 2.2% in 2024 and 2.4% in 2025. Despite these figures being above the decade’s average growth rate of 1%, they remain insufficient to close the gap with developed economies. The region’s economic activity is increasingly dependent on private consumption, with growth in gross fixed capital formation and net exports remaining weak.
Monetary and Fiscal Policies: The world’s major central banks have expanded liquidity, ending the tight monetary policy cycle of 2022. This has led to increased global liquidity and lower interest rates, benefiting developed economies more than developing ones. In Latin America and the Caribbean, falling inflation and rate cuts in the United States have prompted looser monetary policies. However, the region’s fiscal space remains limited, with rising public debt and interest payments constraining public spending.
Labour Market Trends: The region’s labour markets show modest improvements despite continued low job creation. Employment growth is projected at 1.7% in 2024, with the unemployment rate expected to decline slightly to 6.1%. Informal employment remains high, though it has decreased marginally. Real wages have increased in most countries, driven by falling inflation and nominal wage adjustments.
Inflation and Exchange Rates: Inflation in the region has been steadily declining, from 8.2% in 2022 to a projected 3.4% in 2024. This decline is attributed to falling international food and energy prices and restrictive monetary policies. However, inflation remains above pre-pandemic levels, and exchange rate volatility continues to pose challenges.
External Sector and Debt Issuance: The region’s balance of payments is projected to record a deficit of 1.2% of GDP in 2024, driven by higher interest payments abroad. While foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows have increased, the net transfer of resources abroad remains a concern. Debt issuance on international markets has risen, with thematic bonds gaining popularity as a financing tool.
Challenges and Policy Recommendations: ECLAC emphasises the need for comprehensive policies to overcome the region’s low capacity for growth. This includes mobilising financial resources, strengthening public finances, and implementing productive development policies. Key areas of focus include environmental sustainability, science and technology, digitalisation, and investment in infrastructure.
In a statement delivered at the United Nations Media Briefing in Geneva, International Organization for Migration (IOM) Director General Amy Pope stressed the urgent need for humanitarian aid and international cooperation to support Syria’s recovery after nearly 14 years of conflict.
Pope recently visited Damascus, where the lasting effects of the war are evident. She met with various stakeholders, including the caretaker government, humanitarian groups, civil society, and the diplomatic community. Pope described Syria as being at a critical juncture, with its people determined to rebuild but facing immense uncertainty about the future.
The humanitarian crisis in Syria is staggering. Over 16 million Syrians need assistance, with more than six million displaced abroad and another 7.2 million internally displaced. Pope said that while there is a strong desire for displaced Syrians to return to their homes, premature returns could strain fragile infrastructure, potentially leading to further displacement.
Syria’s infrastructure, including hospitals and schools, has been severely damaged, particularly in cities like Aleppo, which saw the departure of over two million people during the conflict. Pope also highlighted the significant humanitarian needs in the country, from basic shelter and food to the complex task of rebuilding a fractured society.
In addition to immediate relief, Pope called for international support to help stabilise Syria, including the protection of property rights and the promotion of justice and reconciliation. She stressed the importance of ensuring an inclusive society that embraces religious minorities, women, and diverse political groups.
