2024 - Channel 5 Belize

Police Officer Accused of Assaulting Olympian Shaun Gill Charged

A police officer accused of assaulting Shaun Gill appeared in court this morning. According to police reports, Gill was driving with officer Tyra Smith when the accused, Luis Pascasio, reportedly Smith’s ex-boyfriend, attempted to intercept them in a black Dodge Charger.

Upon reaching Orange Street, the officer, who is a member of the Special Patrol Unit, allegedly blocked their path, exited his vehicle, brandished a firearm, and assaulted Gill.

Today, Assistant Commissioner of Police Hilberto Romero told reporters that Pascasio has been arrested and formally charged with aggravated assault.

Briceño: “Seven Decades of Struggle,Progress, and Triumph”

The People’s United Party (PUP) gathered as a National Party Council at the St. Catherine Academy auditorium in Belize City to celebrate its 74th anniversary.

The event formally introduced the party’s 31 candidates.

Deputy Party Leader Cordel Hyde reflected on the party’s history and the resilience of past leaders. Hyde recounted the difficulties faced during the 2020 elections, stating, “When we won, we realised that something was wrong. We realised that we walked into the greatest trap ever, the worst of times ever. We were in the middle of COVID; 60,000 people were unemployed. 60,000 more were underemployed. The Government of Belize had to be borrowing a million dollars a day just to pay the salaries of teachers and public officers. The IMF came and insisted on the Prime Minister to fire 3,000 teachers and public officers and raise GST to 19%. These were the absolute worst of times. We could have turned over and played dead, throw up our hands, but that’s not us. This is the People’s United Party.” Hyde added the party’s biggest accomplishments under Briceño’s leadership, including opening borders, renegotiating loans, raising the minimum wage, and expanding the National Health Insurance program.

Following Hyde’s address, the Party Leader and Prime Minister John Briceño emphasised unity and the party’s dedication to serving the people. “74 years is not just a measure of time; it is the formation of the DNA of our party. It is seven decades of struggle, progress, and triumph,” said Briceño . He contrasted the party’s achievements with the ’13 years of corruption’ under the Barrow administration, saying, “What the UDP destoyed in 13 years of corruption, imcompetence, maliciousness, and spitefulness, we, the People’s United Party, have rebuilt in four years.” He added, “Today, I am grateful for the 31 of our leaders whose work has kept our party strong and have been helping us to buil d back Belize.”

Belize Shines at World Sustainable Travel Awards for Eco-Friendly Tourism

The World Sustainable Travel and Hospitality Awards took place in Belize on Saturday night. It celebrated top global sustainability efforts in tourism and honoured leaders dedicated to net-positive practices.

The event coincided with World Tourism Day.

21 winners across various segments of sustainable travel, from community projects to international hotel brands, were recognised.

Green Initiative, known for its restoration efforts in Costa Rica, Peru, and Brazil, was named ‘World’s Leading Sustainable Organisation,’ while Soneva won ‘World’s Leading Sustainable Energy Efficiency Initiative’ for its environmental work in the Maldives.

Mandarin Oriental secured three awards, including ‘World’s Leading Sustainable Development,’ ‘World’s Leading Sustainable Employer,’ and ‘World’s Leading Sustainable Supply Chain Programme.’ Other notable winners included Rainforest Expeditions, which earned ‘World’s Leading Sustainable Conservation & Biodiversity Programme’ for discovering 30 new species in the Peruvian Amazon, and ibis RockCorps, recognised for ‘World’s Leading Sustainable Partnership’ due to its volunteer-driven initiatives in France.

In individual awards, Agnes Pierce, Global Head of Sustainability at Amadeus, was named ‘World’s Leading Sustainability Leader,’ and Andy De Silva, CEO of Hotel Emporium, received the ‘World’s Leading Sustainability Leader of Tomorrow’ title.

Belize was honoured as the ‘World’s Leading Sustainable Destination,’ reflecting its commitment to responsible tourism. Local initiatives like Che’il Mayan Chocolate and the Turneffe Atoll Sustainability Association were recognised for their contributions to cultural heritage and marine conservation.

Justin Cooke, Executive Vice-President of the awards, noted: “The winners exemplify the innovation and positive impact driving the travel industry towards a sustainable future.”

Belize’s Minister of Tourism & Diaspora Relations, Anthony Mahler, echoed this sentiment, saying the awards reflect Belize’s dedication to sustainability.

Senator Erica Jang Attends CPA Residency in Malaysia

Senator Erica Jang participated in the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) Advanced Parliamentary Development Residency Programme in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from September 22-28, 2024. She joined parliamentarians and staff from across the Commonwealth for this immersive training program focused on enhancing legislative, advocacy, and scrutiny skills.

The CPA Parliamentary Academy, established in 2021, has welcomed participation from Belize’s Parliament since its inception. Over the five-day residency, participants engaged in ten interactive sessions, guided by experienced mentors. They practiced legislating, scrutinising, and advocating around a central issue daily, both in the parliamentary chamber and community settings.

The program equipped participants with valuable skills, including:
Understanding effective parliamentarism in the 21st century;
Mastering the legislative process;
Strengthening communication and influence skills;
Enhancing scrutiny and oversight abilities;
Fostering stakeholder engagement and
Improving research and planning capabilities.

Senator Jang’s participation was supported by the CPA.

Tragic Motorcycle Crash Claims Police Officer’s Life

A motorcycle accident on Sunday night left a police officer dead. The victim has been identified as 30-year-old Police Constable Nikki Waight from Belmopan City. 23-year-old Jessica Abigail Escobar was injured.

The crash happened on the wooden bridge connecting San Ignacio and Santa Elena. Investigations revealed that Jessica Escobar was riding a black Lifan motorcycle from San Ignacio to Santa Elena, while Waight was on a blue Lifan 200 motorcycle travelling in the opposite direction. Upon reaching the wooden bridge that connects San Ignacio and Santa Elena, Waight’s motorcycle reportedly slipped off the edge of the wooden boards, causing him to lose control and crash. Escobar was unable to stop in time and collided with the officer’s motorcycle. She was injured on her left arm.

Waight succumbed to his injuries. Escobar was taken to the San Ignacio Community Hospital for treatment.

Did Someone Try to Set Up Minister Perez?

The Belize Police Department discovered 474 grammes of suspected cocaine on a boat owned by Minister Andre Perez in San Pedro on Friday. According to a statement from the Department, Perez stated the boat had been docked for repairs and unused for over six months. Preliminary investigations suggest the drugs were placed without Perez’s knowledge, and he is cooperating fully with authorities.

News Five caught up with Minister Perez today at the People’s United Party National Party Council meeting in Belize City. Minister Perez denied a request for an interview. But reporters pressed him as he walked away. When asked if he knows the drug peddlers, he said, “No idea.” Minister Perez added, “I have cooperated with police. No comments. I have; there is nothing to worry about.” When asked if he thinks anyone is trying to set him up, Minister Perez said, “Probably.”

Meanwhile, when asked about it, Prime Minister John Briceño said, “I don’t think it’s someone who’s trying to set up. I think someone was smart because Andre has not been using his boat. He’s just docked there for more than six months. He has not used the boat. If they put anything there, the police will not think about going to search his boat. But when somebody tipped off the police and the police were, they didn’t care if it was Honourable Andre Perez’s boat. They went to check, and they found the drugs. But it has been abundantly clear that Andre had not been using his boat.”

Suspected Cocaine Found On Minister’s Boat

The Belize Police Department has confirmed that 474 grammes of suspected cocaine were found on a docked boat belonging to Cabinet Minister Andre Perez. The discovery was made on Friday when police were alerted by concerned residents in the Back-a-Town area of San Pedro Town about known drug peddlers frequenting a local boat yard.

According to the Department, Minister Perez explained that the boat had been docked for repairs and unused for over six months. The boatyard owner corroborated Perez’s statement, noting the minister has been paying a monthly docking fee of $250 BZD.

Initial investigations suggest the drugs were placed on the boat without Minister Perez’s knowledge. He is fully cooperating with the ongoing investigation.

Feinstein Group Responds to PM’s Letter to the Unions

Earlier this week, Prime Minister John Briceño addressed a letter from N.T.U.C.B. President Luke Martinez concerning the compulsory acquisition of Stake Bank Island Extension. In his response, the Prime Minister reminded the National Trade Union Congress of Belize that the dispute between the private sector parties is currently before the High Court. He went on to say, “completing a berthing facility in the Belize District is uncontestably in the public interest, such compelling interest recognized by Stake Bank Enterprise Limited, Mister Michael Feinstein and the Government in the Definitive Agreement, and the National Assembly with the passage of the Stake Bank Cruise Docking Facility Act of 2014 and its subsequent amendment of 2017”. Prime Minister Briceño emphasized the critical importance of completing the Stake Bank project to reverse the current decline in cruise tourism arrivals. He highlighted that this initiative is important for revitalizing the economic activity associated with this crucial subsector. On Thursday, Senator Glenfield Dennison, representing the trade unions, informed reporters about a conflict between the pieces of legislation being used to acquire the parcels of land in question. Following Dennison’s revealing interview, the Feinstein Group has swiftly issued a statement addressing the prime minister’s recent letter to the N.T.U.C.B. Although the Prime Minister’s letter seeks to defend the G.O.B.’s actions, Feinstein says that it is fraught with inconsistencies, misrepresentations, and attempts to mislead the public. Ultimately, it falls short of addressing the fundamental issues of transparency and accountability. Here’s more from our interview with Senator Dennison.

Glenfield Dennison, Union Senator

“I think what’s important for the public to appreciate is that as a social partner, we have done our part to show to the government the other view. The questions that we raised in our letter go to the root of clarifying whether it’s a public purpose because we are not saying we’re right. We are saying that if you are clear about what these questions are then you would be sound in your position that it is a public purpose. So whether or not it is, that’s for Mr. Feinstein and his litigation. But in my mind and in the view of the Trade Union Congress, it isn’t a public purpose. They are acquiring it on behalf of the promoter and really, that’s where you trigger the other piece of legislation. I just don’t know that it’s worth the intervention of the government. I don’t think it’s a simple case before the court, but it’s definitely not a complex issue. Mr. Feinstein would have had an arrangement with the bank. It’s really, I don’t want to test the merits or the demerits of it, but that matter is not very complex. And so, it will be resolved in favor of who is the true owner of the land once that goes through the judicial process. There’s also the option of doing nothing until that goes through.”

Reporter

“Urgency, sir.”

Glenfield Dennison

“I get the call for urgency, I don’t share the view. The situation with the cruise industry has been known for quite a while now and it’s now, all of a sudden, they’ve put Mr. Feinstein through quite a bit and now it’s urgent that the port finishes, you see.”

Ivan Ayuso Pleads Guity to Theft and Money Laundering

Ivan Ayuso, former Senior Accounts Officer for the National Sports Council, is spending his first night on remand, awaiting sentencing for the serious offenses of theft and money laundering, involving over one million dollars from the Government of Belize. Ayuso, who had been out on a three-hundred-thousand-dollar bail granted by the lower court in 2021, now faces sentencing in the High Court of Justice Nigel Pilgrim. The judge will hear mitigation pleas from character witnesses vouching for Ayuso’s good character, before delivering an appropriate sentence. Ayuso is already aware that he will receive a prison sentence of no more than five years. However, he was originally facing a potential maximum of ten years for each count if he had risked going to trial and been convicted. His remand underscores the gravity of the charges against him. Today’s proceedings included a plea agreement between Ayuso and the Crown, represented by D.P.P. Cheryl Lynn-Vidal, with Ayuso’s defense led by Attorney Darrell Bradley, who urged the court to consider several factors on behalf of his client. Bradley highlighted that Ayuso entered a guilty plea, thereby saving the court the time and resources of a lengthy trial. Ayuso has acknowledged responsibility for his actions, expressed deep remorse, and thrown himself at the mercy of the court. Bradley emphasized that Ayuso is a family man with a spotless record prior to these allegations, having no previous convictions for theft and no prior encounters with the criminal justice system. Additionally, Ayuso has been out on bail without committing any further offenses, prompting Bradley to request a moderate sentence that would not unduly impact Ayuso’s family.

A Fifth Psychiatric Evaluation for Accused Murderer

Thirty-three-year-old Jayme Marin, a resident of Caye Caulker Village, stands accused of the grave crime of killing his cousin and attempting to take the life of another relative. Justice Nigel Pilgrim has ordered a competency hearing to determine Marin’s fitness to stand trial. This afternoon, Marin’s defense was led by the seasoned attorney Richard “Dickie” Bradley, who made a virtual appearance in court. Justice Pilgrim informed Bradley that a doctor would be called to testify in court regarding Marin’s mental state. Doctor Jorge Matus has declared Jayme Marin unfit to stand trial after conducting four psychiatric evaluations. Earlier this year, Marin was out on bail, but his failure to appear in court on June 6, 2024, led Justice Nigel Pilgrim to revoke his bail and remand him to prison. Marin’s father testified that he struggled to control his son, bring him to court, and ensure he took his medication. Attorney Richard “Dickie” Bradley pleaded for Marin’s bail to be reinstated, arguing that prison is unsuitable for someone in Marin’s condition. However, Justice Pilgrim stated that he is not inclined to grant bail at this time but will reconsider it later. The competency hearing is scheduled for Thursday, October 10, 2024.