December, 2024 - Channel 5 Belize

Tevin Andrewin’s Appeal Blocked by Caribbean Court of Justice

In late October, the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) dismissed an application for an extension of time to apply for special leave in the Belizean murder case of Tevin Andrewin v. The King.

The court provided its reasons for the dismissal on December 13, 2024.

Andrewin, convicted of murder and sentenced to life imprisonment with eligibility for parole after 25 years, sought to challenge his conviction. His appeal was based on the identification testimony of eyewitness Shiyana Allen and res gestae evidence from the victim, Myrick Gladden, who identified Andrewin as the shooter shortly after the incident. The majority in the Court of Appeal upheld the conviction, finding no unfairness in the identification process despite some procedural flaws. However, a dissenting opinion argued that these errors rendered the conviction unsafe.

Andrewin claimed that his attorney failed to inform him of the Court of Appeal’s judgement in a timely manner, causing a delay in his application for special leave to appeal. The CCJ acknowledged the delay and emphasised the need for greater professionalism among attorneys. Despite recognising Andrewin’s valid reason for the delay, having filed the application within 18 days of retaining pro bono counsel, the court ultimately found that the procedural flaws did not affect the fairness of the identification process. Additionally, the res gestae evidence was deemed powerful and unambiguous, supporting the conviction.

The CCJ noted that no arguments were presented in the Court of Appeal to challenge the sentence imposed by the High Court judge, nor were any raised before the CCJ to warrant interference with the sentence. Consequently, the court dismissed Andrewin’s application, finding no realistic chance of success in his appeal.

In 2019, 7 years after the fatal shooting of Gladden, Andrewin was found guilty of his murder. The trial, which began on February 25, 2019, and concluded on March 20, 2019, was heard before Supreme Court Justice Colin Williams in a judge-only proceeding.

The incident occurred on June 24, 2012, when Gladden, his common-law wife, and his brother were walking home along Administrative Drive in the Saint Martin’s de Porres area just after midnight. The group came under attack, and Gladden’s wife was shot in the calf. She recounted seeing her husband fall to the ground while her brother-in-law fled. She claimed that Andrewin approached her with a gun, but she escaped and hid under a verandah, where she allegedly witnessed Andrewin stand over Gladden and shoot him at close range.

During the trial, Andrewin, represented by attorney Hector Guerra, denied the allegations, calling the evidence weak and presenting no witnesses in his defense. However, Justice Williams ruled otherwise, finding Andrewin guilty of the crime.

PM Briceño Calls for Tougher Road Safety Laws

Prime Minister John Briceño has called for urgent reforms to Belize’s road safety laws, citing the alarming rise in traffic fatalities, particularly those involving young people and motorcyclists. Speaking in the House of Representatives, Briceño highlighted the need for legislative action, stricter enforcement, and a cultural shift in driving behaviour.

Briceño revealed that Cabinet has directed the Attorney General to conduct a comprehensive review of Belize’s road safety regulations, with a specific focus on driving under the influence (DUI) offenses. He suggested that Belize may need to follow the example of the United States, where DUI-related fatalities can result in murder charges. “People need to understand that if you drive under the influence and get in an accident, we are going to throw the whole book at you,” he stated.

The Prime Minister expressed frustration with the culture of reckless driving and said that many of the country’s fatal accidents are preventable. He shared a personal anecdote of calling the police to report a suspected drunk driver on the highway. The driver, later revealed to be one of his own constituents, was arrested. The father of the driver later thanked Briceño, saying the experience taught his son an important lesson.

On the matter of enforcement, PM Briceño announced that the Ministry of Transportation has been tasked with strengthening highway surveillance. Plans are in motion to introduce 24-hour patrols, with heightened efforts during nighttime hours when drunk driving incidents are most likely to occur. “This is when people are coming from parties or social events after drinking, and that’s when we see most of the accidents,” he explained.

The Prime Minister also stressed the need to modernise enforcement tools. He revealed plans to amend laws to allow the use of speed guns, breathalysers, and dash cams to ensure police officers are equipped with the necessary tools to detect and penalise reckless drivers.

Briceño spoke on the alarming statistics on motorcycle-related fatalities. He shared that of the 108 road deaths recorded in 2024, 50 involved motorcyclists. He described the reckless behaviour of some riders as a significant problem and announced that stricter licensing requirements for motorcyclists will be introduced. This includes mandatory helmet use, with helmets required to meet safety standards that prevent them from dislodging on impact.

He also criticised the dangerous practice of parents riding motorcycles with young children precariously perched between them. In one instance, shared in a Cabinet group chat, a man and a woman were seen riding a motorcycle with a small child held only by the mother’s legs. Briceño condemned the practice as a serious safety risk, calling for stricter enforcement against such violations.

The Prime Minister stressed the need for collective responsibility in reducing traffic fatalities. “At the end of the day, it’s me, you, and all of us collectively,” Briceño declared. “We are the drivers, and we all have a role to play in making our roads safer.”

12-Year-Old Girl Crushed to Death by Bus in Jamaica

A Grade 7 student at Irwin High School, Jamaica, was crushed to death by a speeding bus shortly after school ended. 12-year-old Deanna Solomon was killed by a Montego Bay Metro bus on Wednesday afternoon. Local news reports suggest that Deanna was pushed by fellow students in a rush to board the bus, causing her to fall in front of the vehicle. The bus driver reportedly didn’t realise that Solomon landed in front of his speeding bus and accidentally ended up running her over.

Solomon was rushed to Cornwall Regional Hospital but succumbed to her injuries due to multiple fractures.

Her mother, Antonette Shaw, recalled their final conversation. She told local news Jamaica Observer, “She came and hugged me in the bed and kissed me and said, ‘Mommy later; yuh coming to Montego Bay?’” Shaw had urged her daughter to be careful before she left for school.

Shaw also shared her heartbreak upon hearing of the incident, stating, “Right now all of us break down… the house doesn’t feel like a home without her.”

The school has suspended exams to allow students and staff time to grieve. Deanna, who had excelled academically and aspired to become a judge, leaves behind a devastated community.

Elon Musk’s Net Worth Hits Record-Breaking $400 Billion

Making headlines once more is Elon Musk. The 53-year-old is ending 2024 hitting a historical record-breaking milestone after his new estimated net worth revealed that he may now be well surpassed $400 billion, according to Bloomberg.

The tech mogul’s wealth is primarily driven by the soaring value of his companies, Tesla and SpaceX. CNBC confirmed in November that Musk’s private stake in SpaceX hit a valuation jump to $350 billion.

Tesla’s stock also hit new highs this week, which propelled Musk’s wealth to $440 billion. The billionaire’s wealth surge comes after his active involvement in U.S. politics. In fact, CNBC reported that Musk pumped a quarter of a billion dollars towards Donald Trump’s second term as president campaign.

As of December 2024, Musk is $140 billion ahead of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, who ranks second on the Bloomberg Billionaires Index.

PM Briceño Explains Reason Behind Zero GST Weekends

Today, Prime Minister John Briceño explained the reasons why the government sought to implement a series of holiday relief measures. He said that the zero GST weekends are aimed at easing the financial strain on Belizean families during the Christmas season. Speaking in the House of Representatives, PM Briceño explained that the initiative was driven by the need to provide support at a time when many families face increased expenses.

According to the Prime Minister, the idea emerged from a broader effort to help Belizeans during a period that should be marked by joy and celebration. “Christmas is a time when families want to provide for their children—a little Christmas cheer, an apple, or a simple treat,” he noted. “Children don’t understand whether you have money or not; they just know what Christmas should feel like.”

To address this, the government introduced a temporary GST holiday. Over two weekends—Saturday and Sunday of this week, as well as Saturday and Sunday of the following week—consumers will benefit from zero in general sales tax on their purchases.

Briceño said that while the government would lose revenue in the short term, the broader goal is to encourage spending within Belize. “People can save at least 1.5 percent on their purchases. And once we lose on the revenues, to us it’s not only about the money; it’s important. We need the money; as a government, we need the money. But we make people happy, and we make people spend their money here. And when they spend money here, they spend it in Belizean-owned businesses. And they hire people, and then eventually we’ll be able to collect the taxes back.

Briceño was clear that this approach aims to keep Belizeans shopping at home rather than travelling to places like Chetumal, where prices may not necessarily be cheaper.

In addition to the GST holiday, the government has introduced a month-long waiver on GST for hams and turkeys—two key staples of the Belizean Christmas menu. This measure is intended to make these holiday essentials more affordable for families.

Iran’s New Morality Laws Threaten Women with Death Penalty

Iran’s controversial “Protecting the Family through the Promotion of Chastity and Hijab” law, which takes effect today, December 13, 2024, has drawn widespread international condemnation. The law imposes severe penalties on women and girls who refuse to comply with compulsory veiling, including the death penalty. Offences such as “nudity,” “indecency,” and “bad dressing” are punishable by flogging, imprisonment of up to 10 years, and fines. It also includes travel bans and restrictions on education and employment.

Amnesty International has condemned the law, with Deputy Regional Director Diana Eltahawy stating, “It intensifies the persecution of women and girls for daring to stand up for their rights.” Eltahawy warned that the law further entrenches Iran’s “suffocating system of repression,” while giving impunity to vigilantes who enforce veiling by force.

Iranian human rights lawyer Saeid Dehghan called the law unconstitutional, stating, “The punishments are grossly disproportionate to their actions.” Activist Nazanin Afshin-Jam MacKay described it as a “radical crackdown” by an “oppressive, gender-apartheid regime.”

The law follows widespread protests triggered by the death of Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old woman who died in custody for not properly wearing her hijab. A 23-year-old protester from the 2022 Woman, Life, Freedom demonstrations said, “They’ve already killed Mahsa anyway, and, by now making it into law, they’re simply legalising the killing.”

Friday the 13th: Superstitions, Origins, and Why It Still Captivates Us

Today marks Friday the 13th, a date shrouded in superstition, mystery, and a dash of pop culture flair. This is the second Friday the 13th of 2024, following the one in September.

For those curious, next year will only have one Friday the 13th, in June 2025.

The day has long been associated with bad luck and superstition, a belief reinforced by pop culture, especially the Friday the 13th slasher film series. But its origins run deeper, with links to both religion and human psychology.

The Origins of Friday the 13th

While the exact origins of Friday the 13th remain unclear, many trace the fear of the number 13 back to Christian tradition. Some believe it stems from Judas Iscariot, the apostle who betrayed Jesus and was said to be the 13th guest at the Last Supper. Friday itself is also linked to misfortune as it marks the day of Jesus’ crucifixion, creating a “double whammy” of bad luck, according to Dr. Phil Stevens, a retired anthropology professor and author of Rethinking the Anthropology of Magic and Witchcraft: Inherently Human.

Stevens explains that the human tendency toward “magical thinking” plays a role in linking two unrelated events — in this case, Friday and the number 13. This same thinking fuels beliefs about lucky charms and celebrity-owned items being more valuable.

Superstitions to Watch Out For

Friday the 13th is often met with heightened caution as people try to avoid common “bad luck triggers.” Here are a few superstitions tied to the day:

Breaking a Mirror: Said to bring seven years of bad luck, so handle glassware carefully.

Walking Under a Ladder: The triangle formed by a leaning ladder is seen as a sacred symbol of life. Walking through it is believed to “break” the symbol and invite misfortune.

Spilling Salt: Spilling salt has long been linked to bad luck, dating back to ancient times. To reverse the misfortune, it’s customary to toss a pinch of salt over your left shoulder.

Crossing Paths with a Black Cat: Black cats have historically been linked to witches and bad omens. If one crosses your path on Friday the 13th, some believe misfortune follows.

Stepping on Cracks: The childhood rhyme “step on a crack, break your mother’s back” reflects a belief that cracks on sidewalks or roads could bring bad luck or invite negative energy.

How to Reverse Your Luck

Not everything about Friday the 13th has to be ominous. If you’re feeling anxious, there are a few traditions believed to bring good fortune:

Carry a Lucky Charm: Four-leaf clovers, horseshoes, and rabbit’s feet are classic symbols of luck and protection.

Knock on Wood: This time-honored superstition is believed to ward off bad luck or “jinxes” after saying something hopeful or positive.

Why It Still Matters

Despite its mysterious origins, Friday the 13th continues to grip public imagination. From flash sales at tattoo parlors to horror movie marathons, the day blends fear, fun, and folklore. Friday the 13th remains a date where superstition and modern life collide.

House to Introduce Temporary Zero GST Legislation Today

The Briceño Administration is set to introduce legislation in the House of Representatives today that would provide temporary financial relief to consumers during the holiday season. The proposed measure, outlined in Statutory Instrument No. 152 of 2024, seeks to establish a zero rate of General Sales Tax (GST) on specific goods for select dates in December 2024.

The General Sales Tax (Amendment of Schedule) Order, 2024, will be presented by Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, John Briceño. If approved, the measure will apply a zero GST rate to all standard-rated goods sold by registered suppliers on December 14th, 15th, 21st, and 22nd. However, notable exclusions apply. Goods sold on consignment or wholesale, as well as those sold on credit or hire purchase, will not qualify for the tax relief. Additionally, motor vehicles, gasoline, liquefied petroleum gas, diesel, guns, ammunition, cigarettes, and alcoholic beverages are excluded from the exemption.

The legislation also proposes a month-long zero GST rate for retail sales of popular holiday items, including picnic shoulder ham, smoked ham leg, and imported turkey. This measure is aimed at making festive meals more affordable for Belizean families.

Despite the zero-rate concession for certain goods on the specified dates, GST will still be charged on taxable importations. The proposed order, which is subject to negative resolution, would automatically become effective unless annulled by the National Assembly. It is set to expire on December 31, 2024.

Accused Kidnappers Out on Bail

The High Court has granted bail to Belmopan pastor Luis Alfredo Tiul Sr. and his son, Luis Alfredo Tiul Jr. They are facing multiple serious charges, including aggravated assault, wounding, sexual assault, and kidnapping.

They, along with 59-year-old Matilda Games and 43-year-old Elizabeth Tiul, were arraigned on October 24th in connection with the alleged kidnapping of Tiul Jr.’s wife—a case that sparked public outrage in Belmopan.

Attorney Hurl Hamilton represented the father and son in their bail application. Justice Derick Sylvester approved bail for Tiul Sr., setting it at $20,000, with the option of two sureties of $10,000 each.

The family allegedly held a 23-year-old woman captive inside their home for eight agonising days. The victim was none other than the pastor’s own daughter-in-law.

Reports indicate that the young woman had attempted to leave her troubled marriage, seeking shelter with her family. But after returning to her husband’s home, her nightmare reportedly began. Her father-in-law, a man seen as a spiritual leader in the community, is accused of binding her and keeping her restrained inside the house—transforming what should have been a place of refuge into a scene of terror.

#JustADollar to End Because of ‘Attack’

#JustADollar starter Andrew “Passy” Haylock announced this morning that he has “decided to close off the $JustADollar” and that the “last day for donation will be December 20th.” Haylock said the reason was because he was “attacked by two family members of the ten deceased.” He said that “instead of focusing on the love and memory of their loved one…they focused on money.”

He later shared that it was not a physical attack.

Haylock started raising money for the families of the ten victims that died in a tragic road traffic accident on December 8 on the George Price Highway.

When we spoke to Haylock on December 12, he told us that he has raised over $20,000 and has begun disbursing the money to the families.

The victims have been identified as Ruduel Parham (driver), Shailer Lopez, Abigail Bradley, Keilin Pinelo, Jaheim Inglesias, Aimie Hernandez, Dennis Williams, Jasmine Rodriguez, and Jazelle Rodriguez. Two passengers in the SUV were critically injured, while the other two sustained minor injuries.