2024 - Channel 5 Belize

Shelly Meighan Says Police Violated Her Daughter’s Rights

Shelly Meighan says her daughter tried to console her about what had happened and encouraged her not to worry. She walked us through her version of the sequence of events when she arrived at the police station. But things changed quickly from detention to incarceration and Meighan questions why her daughter is now at the Belize Central Prison under a State of Emergency when there are other females who have not been swept up under the S.O.E for their wanted relatives.

Voice of: Shelly Meighan, Mother of Shanique Meighan

“I asked the police officer, “Why is my daughter detained?” He say “your daughter is detained on the P. I. murder.” I asked who my daughter murder. He no answer. I said, okay, then I come home back. Okay. Now, why would you pick up my daughter and tell her if she don’t give up her brother you wa send she fi S.O.E? First thing, that’s her constitutional right they’re violating because she nuh commit no crime. My son is allegedly wanted for a murder. He – I nuh know weh he deh and I – that’s not my problem at this point. That’s the police job to find my son and pick him up. State of Emergency start March. I’m 100 percent sure they don’t have every person that they wanted for that SOE. Nobody’s sister went up for a State of Emergency that they’re looking for, the ones that they don’t find, but my daughter went up for State of Emergency.”

Reporter

“Do you think your daughter is being basically held hostage until Ellis turns himself in?”

Voice of: Shelly Meighan

“That’s right. To me this is personal because mein, why they call S.O.E., because of the amount of murder that is happening in Belize, right? That’s the reason why they call SOE? Have you seen any woman gone up for SOE under the State of Emergency? The amount of murders that have been happening, any woman gone up for State of Emergency? This is something that was discussed around a table. This is something higher than we know, [ih] have to be. Why my daughter? Because Ellis is allegedly wanted for a murder. All of a – listen to me, if they wanted my daughter for S.O.E. there mi wa tek she from in the house. They never may wait till my daughter reach. And they should da mi do deh job. If they wanted to take Shanique up for S.O.E. – say she di hide her brother – they supposed to mi do deh job and trail her and catch her in the act. Now! If you mi catch my daughter in the act of helping her brother red-handed, she could goh up fi State of Emergency because you catch her red-handed. I nuh say my boys deh da saint. Everybody know them. But it’s allegation because they don’t have any conviction. And this is our human rights because if Shanique went up for – remember what Mr. Musa said on the TV – he said the SOE is for well-known gang affiliates. So which gang is Shanique Meighan in if her brother already won their gang case? And I think they targeted Shanique because if they went for Tyrone, Tyrone is wanted right now but I don’t know what they want him for. If they went for Tyrone, maybe they already know the law that if Tyrone goh up back fi State of Emergency and already won his gang case, he can sue them, but Shanique did not win a gang case because Shanique had not gotten charged for being a member of a gang.”

Marion Ali

“Do you have any concern they might come for you next on the same grounds?

Voice of: Shelly Meighan

“That was my biggest concern because I said maybe if I went out with a bag, I would have gone up for State of Emergency, you understand what I’m saying? Everybody walk out through that gate, police walk run here because they can see on my camera, you understand? And they knew that she was leaving with bags because of the camera and the boulevard. So they trail her. And they didn’t allow my daughter to even get a phone call to tell me that she is going to prison. This is the part that I don’t understand, because if you are going to prison, even without a charge sheet, you are detained, you are going on SOE. You can give her a phone call to let her know. Let me know my daughter is going up for a State of Emergency. You know how I got a phone call? A nice police officer allowed my daughter to get a phone call in the bus at Lord’s Ridge Cemetery and all I heard was, “Ma, deh di tek me up fi State of Emergency, nuh worry about me, I good. You just take care of yourself. I could handle this.”

Minister Musa Says Consequences for Rogue L.I.U Members

On Wednesday, Commissioner of Police, Chester Williams indicated that the police had charged three persons in connection with a stash of drugs and high-powered weapons on an island. The island turned out to be St George’s Caye. The men are Edwin Flowers, also known as “Drive”, Gaston Barrow and Kenyon Dominguez. They have been remanded on drugs and gun-related charges until July twenty-second. But Flowers, who was employed by the Leadership Intervention Unit, will also be cut off from that office. Minister of Home Affairs, Kareem Musa, explained that when the members of L.I.U. relapse to crime and violence, removing them from the unit is a natural consequence.

Kareem Musa, Minister of Home Affairs

“It pains me a lot as Minister because we have been working a lot over the past few years with some of these young men. It’s not all of them who have indicated that they do not want to lead this life. And I could tell you right off the bat that last year, PIV was extremely quiet, was extremely dormant. They were complying. They were a part of the L.I.U. They were active in positive ways, and so it is very disturbing. But if you have been following the trends lately with the passing and the murder of Jose Matus, there was left a huge void. As you might have known, Mr Matus was a major supplier in Belize. And so perhaps the temptation got the better of them and based on these high-powered weapons, it’s quite possible that this new group is working along with cartel elements. And so we have to look at that possibility because these guns just don’t show up just like that. And as the cartels are always looking for someone to work with for the illegal supply of cannabis. And it’s been something I’ve been saying since day one when we got into office. This illegal trade of cannabis is killing so many Belizean young men because of the turf wars that were happening. And so if you analyze the situation, there seems to be some sort of a transfer of power when it comes to this particular trade and we will do our very best from the police department to nip it in the bud and to go after these bad actors. Because while last year you might have been complying, clearly this year you’re not.”

Thirty Years for Convicted Murderer Dean Slusher

Dean Slusher, a convicted murderer, will serve a fixed sentence of thirty years in prison. That was the decision handed down by Justice Nigel Pilgrim today. Slusher was found guilty of the murder of land surveyor Philip Chin in 2004, two years after land surveyor Philip Chin was shot and killed during an armed robbery. That incident took place in February 2002, when Slusher, then nineteen years old, lured Chin using a honey trap to rob him of his firearm. He was initially sentenced to death, and that judicial punishment was later varied by the Court of Appeal to life in prison with no minimum term. When Slusher appeared before the High Court today, he was given a permanent sentence of thirty years in prison. Slusher was represented in court today by attorney Dale Cayetano.

Nimrod Tillett’s Extradition Hearing Begins in June

A substantive extradition hearing for Nimrod Tillett, accused of killing a woman in Mexico, will commence on June fifth, before the Chief Magistrate. Tillett is being represented by British barrister Tim Prudhoe of Turks and Caicos. The process to extradite Tillett began back in January and he was recently handed over a bundle of evidence containing one hundred and fifty pages as evidence that the government is relying on for his handing over. In court today, Tillett complained about his present medical condition, informing the Chief Magistrate that he is unable to access medication at the Belize Central Prison. Tillett’s attorney was instructed to submit to the court in writing all submissions by May fifth, while attorney Stacey Martinez, who represents the Attorney General’s Office, should respond and make submissions in writing by May thirtieth. Tillett’s attorney spoke with the media following the adjournment.

Reporter

“Sir, we were made to understand that your client does have some conditions, could you tell us about that?”

Tim Prudhoe, Attorney-at-law

“It’s no secret that he was badly hurt last year and he’s concerned about what will happen if he has to enter the Mexican prison system in that type of condition. So one of the issues with the extradition is whether or not there would be adequate care if he was to be extradited.”

Reporter

“Can you tell us how you got involved in this case? An agency had reached out to us saying that you have some level of expertise in difficult cases. How did you get involved.”

Tim Prudhoe

“Yeah, I’m an English barrister that’s done similar sorts of work elsewhere in the Caribbean… I was asked if I would take the case and I said yes and found out the facts. So it wasn’t very difficult. It’s obvious to me that there are issues in relation to the extradition that’s being raised in the court and we are due on the fifth of June.”

Reporter

“Sir, based on the level of experience, you come very qualified in dealing with these sorts of matters, can we have your professional opinion on Mr. Tillett’s case?”

Tim Prudhoe

“You mean the prospects of him being expedited.”

Reporter

“I’m afraid I’m not going to be able to answer that. Sorry, man.”

Two Hundred and Thirty-One New Police Officers in Squad Ninety-Seven

A passing out ceremony was held today for two hundred and thirty-one new police officers at the National Police Training Academy. They are Squad Ninety-seven. This is the largest group of police recruit squad in the nation’s history. Additionally, Squad Ninety-seven also has more women police officers passing out than any recruit squad prior. Today, family members and friends of these recruits gathered on the compound in Belmopan beaming with joy and pride and they celebrated their achievements. Also present was Kareem Musa, the Minister of Home Affairs. He addressed the gathering.

Kareem Musa, Minister of Home Affairs

“You make history today because you are members of the largest recruit squad in Belize’s history. Today we are honored to welcome a cadre of two hundred and thirty-one new police officers. More significant than that squad ninety-seven has proven to be a squad of firsts, with an unprecedented fifty-seven of its trainees being women. This constitutes nearly twenty-five percent of the squad, surpassing the United Nations standard of just twenty-percent. It is our hope that with steps such as these we are planting the seed of some day sooner rather than alter having our first woman commissioner of police. Today however I want to answer the question, what is a police officer for anyways. Graduates, a little under a year ago I stood here to remind squad ninety-six of a seminal message. Your job is the business of security, but it only becomes meaningful when people feel safe. You must remember you are many things to many people, but primarily you must remember that you are professional. Over these last few months, you have been given the skillsets to operate in any situation, ranging from basic first aid, public relations and communications and even financial literacy. All transferable skills are meant to make you resilient in any community setting.”

Squad Ninety-Seven Underwent Seven Months of Rigorous Training

At today’s police passing out ceremony, Doctor Priscilla Brown, the Dean of Academics at the National Police Training Academy, spoke about the caliber of training Squad Ninety-Seven received. She noted that each new officer received instructions that meet regional and international requirements. We also heard from Abel Navarrete, one of the members of Squad Ninety-Seven. Here is what they had to say.

Dr. Priscilla Brown, Dean of Academics, National Police Training Academy

“Our training curriculum and the field training officer program represent the quality standards and competency for exemplary law enforcement. I have monitored instructional delivery to ensure that every instructor is taught to regional and international requirements. Therefore, it is an honor to confer you, squad ninety-seven, on the rights, privileges, responsibilities, and obligations thereunto. This conferral includes a commitment to duty and upholding high moral standards. You are reminded that you are expected to demonstrate unwavering commitment and exemplary service to the country and people of Belize.”

Abel Navarrete, Police Officer, Squad Ninety-Seven

“As Theodore Roosevelt once said, it is hard to fail but it is worst to never to have tried to succeed. It is the same sentiment that led all our fellow companions of squad ninety-seven in through those gates, into the National Police Training Academy on Sunday September seventeenth, 2023. Two hundred and thirty-nine men and women ready to lay anything on the line, leaving family, friends and loved ones behind to commence a seven-month training in hopes of pursuing a noble profession as an officer of the law. We all entered this facility as civilians and the transformation to becoming a police officer has been a vigorous and timely process. We were pushed physically and mentally beyond our limits.”

Did Other Police Officers Know about the Unnatural Crime?

The news this week that a police constable was charged with engaging in an unnatural crime with a fifteen-year-old boy at the Punta Gorda Police Station raised the ire of many individuals who lashed out on social media against the policeman. And when the media engaged him, the Minister of Home Affairs said that the investigation will also look at other police officers who may have known about the incident before or while it was happening and did nothing to stop it.

Kareem Musa, Minister of Home Affairs

“That is certainly going to be a part of the investigation that is currently being carried out. But I join the commissioner of police in expressing the fact that I am extremely concerned. disturbed by this kind of news coming out of Punta Gorda by a police officer. Again, the people of this country have trust and confidence in the police department to protect us, to serve us, to keep us safe, not to be doing these kinds of things. And I know the argument can be made that we cannot control every single human being and what they are going to be doing. But this certainly is a black eye on the department and this certainly needs to be dealt with very stiffly.”

Details Sketchy of How Vehicle was Stolen and Taken to Guatemala

The Belize Police Department is working along with its Guatemalan counterparts to recover a vehicle that was stolen from Belize. The theft happened on Wednesday night at the Western Regional Hospital where a white Toyota Hilux was removed without authorization. The vehicle ended up in Flores Peten, Guatemala, but details of how it was stolen and taken across the border unnoticed are not known. Minister of Home Affairs, Kareem Musa has indicated that the police are seeking the return of the vehicle.

Kareem Musa, Minister of Home Affairs

“Very brief information I have. I don’t have the full details of it, but I am aware that our police department acted swiftly with their counterparts in Guatemala, and we will be getting that vehicle back.”

Reporter

“Do you know how they managed to steal it from the hospital?

Kareem Musa

“Yeah, I don’t know the particulars of the theft, no.”

Kareem Musa Says He Had Nothing in Vaughan’s Appointment

This week when City Hall announced that Albert Vaughan had been installed as the new City Administrator, a faction of the council denounced the appointment and criticized Mayor Bernard Wagner for single-handedly naming the new administrator without including them in the process. Almost as immediatedly, some started to speculate that Minister of Education and Freetown Area Representative, Francis Fonseca had influenced Vaughan’s appointment because Vaughan is a close supporter of the minister and his Freetown office. Fonseca clarified that he had nothing to do with the appointment, and when the media asked the Minister of Home Affairs, Kareem Musa if he had anything to do with the appointment, he too said he didn’t.

Kareem Musa, Minister of Home Affairs

“I see that former Councillor Vaughan has gotten the nod, has gotten the seat. He’s a good friend of mine and I support Albert Vaughan fully. But about all this indication of a rift and threat of a potential lawsuit. How do you see that? I don’t know the particulars of it. I only see it on TV when you guys give a story about it. So I, don’t know of the rift. I don’t know the particulars of the rift. I just know that Mr Vaughn was selected and appointed and we are moving forward with him.”

SCA Students Partner With Non-profit For Ocean Protection

Taking care of the ocean is a global effort. This is the lesson being imparted to one hundred and seventy first form students at Saint Catherine Academy by a team of volunteers from Saltwater Classroom, a non-profit organization. Saltwater classroom works with students from the United States, Mexico, and now Belize, to introduce an innovative approach to environmental education and foster an idea of ocean stewardship. The team hailed from Maine earlier this month and has spent the past five days conducting experiments and research activities with the students of S.C.A. News Five’s Britney Gordon visited the workshop to see how the team was wrapping up its final day of activities. Here’s the full story.

Britney Gordon, Reporting

Over the past week a team of volunteers from Saltwater Classroom, a non-profit organization, has been working hand in hand with the teachers and students at Saint Catherine Academy to instill valuable lessons about ocean care and research. Head of the Science Department at SCA, Fredezia Lambey told us that this exciting initiative has been a goal for the academy for several years.

Fredezia Lambey, Head of Science Department, SCA

“So in this week, very exciting week, we’re having a five-day long workshop with our first form students. It’s a group from Maine called Saltwater Classroom, and it’s really just a workshop on ocean science, teaching our students a bit about the ocean as a global system and about ways to conserve and protect our oceans.”

Britney Gordon

“Talk to me about this group that came in. How did you get in contact with them? What kind of things are they teaching them?

Fredezia Lambey

“This has been a long anticipated project over about a span of three years before I was even here. But it has been how you’d say the reason for wanting to do this project. And the reason why we chose this project is really because as believes, our Caribbean Sea and our waterways are part of our identity, and there’s so much importance in the ocean and what the ocean does for us in terms of our livelihood, and we think that it’s really important for our first farmers and our students on a whole to see that see the importance of it with the hope to foster some stewardship in terms of ocean conservation, ocean protection, we want our students to have those core values instilled in them, and it all starts with education.”

Founder and Executive Director of Salt water Classroom, Alexandra Doudera, said that what drives her and her team to bring these lessons into classrooms is a desire to unite people in protecting a resource that is vital to everyone’s survival, no matter the age or where they are located.

Alexandra Doudera, Founder & Executive Director, Saltwater Classroom.

“We really see the ocean as a global unifier. We, no matter where you live are dependent on the ocean and connected to it in many ways. So, we see this as an opportunity to come together and bridge Geographic distances and cultural divides and really unite over a passion for the oceans, a commitment to their stewardship and this desire to keep learning.”

Today was the final day of activities for the students. Doudera explained that this activity is a culmination of the week’s lesson, allowing students to apply the lessons learned to create real-world solutions for issues plaguing the environment.

Alexandra Doudera

“So today one of my favorite lessons, the students are asked to choose an issue that is important to them, whether it’s habitat disruption or plastic pollution, or microplastics. And then spend some time brainstorming their own unique solution to the problem. There’s five different types of solutions. So a media or awareness campaign, a law or policy, an education strategy a redesign or an innovation, something totally new. So that’s what they’re working on right now.”

Six first form classes, consisting of about one hundred seventy students, participated. We spoke with Cassidy Centino, who shared what she’s learned from the experience.

Cassidy Centino, First Form Student, SCA

“Just recently, they took us to the seawall to perform different things with the seawater such as checking the solidity, acidity, and the temperature.”

Britney Gordon

“What’s something that you’ve learned as a part of this program?”

Cassidy Centino

“Well, I’ve learned many things because I’m not too familiar with the sea, so everything that I have learned is new such as major oceans, accessory oceans, and just different facts about them”

Another student, Addison Giron, also shared what she’s learned from the workshop and explained why she believes activities like this are important to participate in.

Addison Giron, First Form Student, SCA

“We also learned how to label a fish or different types of fish. We also learned how to check the temperature of the water, the acid, and stuff like that.”

Britney Gordon

“Why do you think it’s important to participate in activities like this?”

Addison Giron

“I think it’s important to learn activities like this because it is a part of our world and we need to show the world it’s important because we’re polluting the waters and stuff like that, and we need to show it’s a major part of the Earth.”

Saltwater Classroom has been in operation since 2018 and works closely with schools in Mexico, as the curriculum is available in Spanish. Doudera said that Belize is the second international country the team has partnered with.

Alexandra Doudera

“We did our first program in 2018 in Maine and we’ve been steadily growing since then. In addition to many programs in our home state we have a really strong relationship with a school and a community on the Pacific coast of Mexico. So we’ve taught there as well. But besides the United States and Mexico, Belize is our third international destination.”

Britney Gordon for News Five.