Year: 2024

Family of Triple Murder Victims Raise Concerns Over Case Handling

The case against Christian Espat and Michael Brown, accused of the October 2023 murders of three individuals, including a three-year-old child, is set to begin on January 25, 2025.

However, the family of the victims has expressed deep dissatisfaction with the investigation and has raised questions about the adequacy of the process and whether the case is being deliberately mishandled.

Espat and Brown are accused of fatally shooting three-year-old Amari Rodriguez, her father, Delmar Rodriguez, and 19-year-old Carlos Chi, with seven others injured during the incident in 2023.

In a letter to the media, the family of Amari and Delmar Rodriguez claims that since the start of the investigation, they have been excluded from updates on the case and denied access to disclosures. They say that attempts to contact senior officials, including the Commissioner of Police, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), and even the Prime Minister, have reportedly gone unanswered.

The letter says that a partial case disclosure reviewed by the family in September 2024 raised concerns over missing evidence, including statements, forensic materials, and investigative follow-ups. They allege that key pieces of evidence, such as a cellphone believed to belong to one of the accused, were not utilised due to expired police software. They also criticised the lack of collaboration with Mexican authorities to secure forensic evidence and the absence of expert testimony from the Immigration Department, despite claims that illegal cross-border activities were involved.

The family has also pointed to alleged lapses in witness protection, citing instances of threats and intimidation against survivors and victims’ relatives, some of whom reportedly fled the country for their safety. The accused, they claim, have continued to wield influence from prison, using mobile phones to issue threats.

The family has expressed concerns about the accused, particularly Christian Espat, who has been implicated in numerous criminal cases but has yet to be convicted. The family fears the case may fail in court due to systemic issues or potential interference by state actors.

 

Fortis Belize Supports Local Families with Holiday Hamper Drive

The Fortis Belize Holiday Hamper Drive marked its seventh year of providing support to families in the San Ignacio and Santa Elena areas during the holiday season. According to Fortis, this year, the initiative delivered hampers to 42 families, along with toys for children aged 12 and under.

Fortis says that employees and corporate partners contributed toys and gifts, which were included in the hampers. The staff prepared the hampers, containing groceries and household food items, and delivered them directly to recipients last week. Each hamper was designed to provide enough food for at least a week, including a turkey and ham for holiday meals.

Panama’s President Responds to Trump’s Threat

President-elect Donald Trump has stirred international controversy by suggesting the United States could reclaim control of the Panama Canal if Panama does not reduce its transit fees. Speaking at a Turning Point USA event in Arizona on Sunday, Trump described the current charges as “ridiculous” and “highly unfair” to American shipping and naval vessels.

“The fees being charged by Panama are a complete rip-off,” Trump told his supporters. “This will immediately stop when I take office.” Trump went further, stating that if Panama does not comply, the U.S. will demand the canal’s return “in full, quickly and without question.”

The remarks provoked a strong response from Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino, who issued a statement affirming his nation’s sovereignty over the canal. “Every square meter of the Panama Canal and its adjacent zone belongs to Panama and will continue to do so,” Mulino declared. “The sovereignty and independence of our country are not negotiable.”

The Panama Canal, a vital 51-mile link between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, handles up to 14,000 vessels annually and is crucial to global trade. Nearly 75% of its traffic originates from or is destined for the United States. While fees for transit depend on factors like vessel size and cargo, rather than country of origin, shipping costs have risen recently due to operational challenges, including a historic drought.

Trump’s comments have raised concerns about a potential shift in U.S. foreign policy. The canal was built by the United States in the early 20th century and remained under U.S. control until 1999, when Panama assumed full governance following a series of treaties.

Mulino explained that the canal operates under a neutrality treaty ensuring fair and non-discriminatory access to all nations. He rejected Trump’s assertions, stating, “The canal is not under direct or indirect control of any other power, and Panama demands respect from other nations.”

Suspect in Hotchandani Vehicle Arson Attack in Custody

Police have detained one Manuel M. in connection with the suspected arson attack that destroyed three luxury vehicles belonging to the Hotchandani family early Sunday morning. He was identified through security footage that captured the incident on Princess Margaret Drive.

The attack, which occurred around 5:05 a.m., caused an estimated $485,000 in damages. Among the vehicles destroyed were a 2022 Cadillac Escalade valued at $250,000, a 2023 Audi Q7 worth $150,000, and an $85,000 brown Chevy Silverado. The Cadillac and Silverado belonged to 75-year-old businessman Bob Hotchandani and his son, 43-year-old Sunjay Hotchandani, respectively.

Reports indicate that shortly after Bob parked the Escalade outside his Barrack Road residence, three men arrived by boat, poured a flammable substance on the vehicles, set them ablaze, and fled in the direction of Golden Bay. The Belize Fire Service quickly responded, containing the flames before they spread to nearby structures.

Investigators recovered a container with suspected accelerant remains from the scene. While the Escalade was comprehensively insured, the Silverado only carried third-party coverage.

Belize Receives $805,794 Payout for Excess Rainfall Under CCRIF Policy

The Government of Belize has received a payment of $805,794 under the Wet Season Trigger (WST) endorsement of its Excess Rainfall Policy with the Caribbean Catastrophe Risk Insurance Facility (CCRIF). This disbursement followed rainfall linked to Tropical Cyclone Sara, which impacted northern Belize from November 16 to 18.

While the rainfall event associated with Tropical Cyclone Sara did not meet the criteria to trigger Belize’s standard excess rainfall policy, the WST endorsement was activated due to a combination of factors: an exceptionally wet period that began on October 20 and the rainfall during November 16-18.

Minister of State in the Ministry of Finance, Christopher Coye, welcomed the payout, stating, “The Government of Belize welcomes the timely payout generated under the Wet Season Endorsement attached to the CCRIF Excess Rainfall policy resulting from the passage of Tropical Storm Sara. Our response to recovery efforts will certainly be supported by this disbursement”. All CCRIF payouts or policy endorsement payments are made within 14 days of an event.

The WST endorsement, introduced by CCRIF during the 2023/24 policy year, addresses specific rainfall events occurring during periods of soil saturation. This coverage is designed to mitigate risks associated with flooding and landslides under such conditions. CCRIF CEO Isaac Anthony stressed the importance of this endorsement: “These endorsements have been welcomed by our members, given the increasing frequency, intensity, and unpredictability of hydro-meteorological events they are experiencing, which are likely driven by the changing climate.”

All CCRIF payouts or policy endorsement payments are made within 14 days of an event.

Since its inception, CCRIF has issued 78 payouts totalling nearly $400 million across member countries, supporting recovery efforts following disasters. In 2024 alone, the facility has issued 14 payouts amounting to over $122 million, including significant disbursements after Hurricane Beryl in July.

Drive Safe This Holiday Season

With the holiday season in full swing, the Ministry of Youth, Sports, and Transport is calling on drivers, passengers, and pedestrians to prioritise safety on the roads. Anticipating increased travel and heightened traffic, the ministry warns that the risk of accidents and disruptions is significantly elevated during this period.

Road users are urged to adhere to traffic rules, including observing speed limits, wearing seatbelts, and using pedestrian crossing signals. Drivers are reminded to avoid distractions such as mobile phone use and to designate a sober driver if alcohol consumption is planned.

To promote safer journeys, the ministry also advises drivers to ensure proper vehicle maintenance before embarking on long-distance trips. Routine checks can help prevent breakdowns and ensure smoother travel experiences.

In support of road safety, increased traffic patrols and roadside checks will be conducted throughout the holidays. Violations of traffic laws will attract fines as part of efforts to encourage compliance.

New Bus Route Introduced for Coastal Highway Communities

Residents along the Coastal Highway will now have improved transportation access with the launch of a new bus route introduced by the Ministry of Transport. The service, which starts today, December 23, 2024, aims to provide reliable and efficient public transportation to underserved communities while enhancing connectivity across the region.

The route begins each morning at 4:30 a.m. from Santa Cruz Village, stopping in Dangriga at 5:15 a.m. before continuing to Mullins River, Gales Point, and La Democracia. After La Democracia, the service runs as an express route to Belize City.

For the return journey, buses will depart from the Belize City terminal at 3:00 p.m., travelling express to La Democracia before making regular stops at Gales Point, Mullins River, and Hope Creek, and arriving in Dangriga at 5:15 p.m. After a brief stop, the bus will proceed to its final destination in Santa Cruz Village, arriving at approximately 6:15 p.m.

Rape Charge Against Police Officer Withdrawn by DPP

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 Seeks Justice in Alleged Forgery Case Involving OJ

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.”

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