2024 - Channel 5 Belize

Man Charged for Christmas Day Murder

Police have charged one man with the murder of 23-year-old James Aranda, which occurred on Christmas Day in Dangriga. The accused is 24-year-old Jaheime Daniel Bradley, a Belizean fisherman from Ramos Road in Dangriga Town.

Aranda was walking along Sabal Street in the Lakeland Area when two men on a motorcycle ambushed him and fired two shots at close range just after 9:00 p.m. He collapsed on the street and was rushed to the Southern Regional Hospital, where he passed away half an hour later.

A Sabal Street resident, who spoke with News Five, recounted the terrifying moments of hearing gunshots and seeing people fleeing through their yard. The resident described Aranda as a kind individual who had spent the day with them, helping with chores and preparing to celebrate the holiday with his children.

The incident has left the neighbourhood shaken, with one resident recalling losing a relative to gun violence at the same location years ago. Aranda leaves behind two young children.

Orange Walk Woman Found Safe

This story has been updated to reflect the Police statement.

Evelyn Martinez, 30, from Orange Walk District, has been located safe after being reported missing earlier today. A relative confirmed in a Facebook post that she is “safe and sound.”

Martinez, who commutes to Belize City for work, was last seen leaving for her job on Sunday morning but failed to arrive. Her family had raised alarms, with one Facebook user stating, “Evelyn Martinez left for work on Sunday morning and has NOT returned home,” and a family member revealing that her workplace confirmed she had not arrived.

The family later shared that Martinez had been found.

Orange Walk Woman Missing

Family and friends of Evelyn Martinez, 30, are urgently seeking help after she went missing on Sunday morning. Martinez, who commutes from Orange Walk District to Belize City for work, was last seen leaving for her job but did not arrive.

A Facebook user posted on social media: “Evelyn Martinez left for work on Sunday morning and has NOT returned home,” adding that a “family member has since called her work only to find out that she DID NOT make it.”

A relative added in a separate post, “This is not like her. As of now, family members and friends are extremely concerned.“

Anyone with information is urged to contact the family at 627-1756 or 605-1268.

“Everybody Will Start All Over, and that is Very Hard.”

“Everybody lost everything,” said Nelson Middleton, the manager of the Centavos Apartment Complex in San Pedro, which was destroyed in a fire early Sunday morning. As previously reported, the fire broke out around 1:30 a.m. on Sea Star Street, affecting 48 people, including children ages 2–12, according to the San Pedro Lions Club.

Milton says he manages the pine apartment complex on behalf of the owner, Gloria Peal Tucker, who lives in the U.S.

Milton told News 5 that his son informed him of the fire. “My son called me while I was in Camalote and said one of the buildings was on fire at Centavo,” he said. Milton advised his son to call the fire department, which arrived shortly after.

Milton said, “I lost cash because we collect rent; we lost computers; we lost everything.” The value of the buildings alone is estimated to be over half a million dollars, not including the losses suffered by the residents.

Some residents have reported a suspected arson case. Fermin Witzil, a resident, reported hearing hissing gas before an explosion occurred.

The fire also damaged a nearby SUV and motorcycle. The timing of the fire, just after Christmas and before New Year’s, has made the loss especially difficult for those affected. Milton stated, “At this time, everybody will start all over, and that is very hard.”

Taliban Leader Bans Windows Overlooking Areas Used by Women

Afghanistan’s Taliban leadership has issued a decree prohibiting the construction of windows in new residential buildings that overlook areas typically used by women. The order also mandates that existing windows with such views must be blocked, citing concerns about preventing “obscene acts.”

According to a statement released late Saturday by Taliban government spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid, new residential buildings must be designed to ensure there are no views of “the courtyard, kitchen, neighbor’s well, and other places usually used by women.” The decree, posted on social media platform X, states: “Seeing women working in kitchens, in courtyards, or collecting water from wells can lead to obscene acts.”

The order directs municipal authorities and construction regulators to oversee compliance with the new policy. Homeowners with existing windows that provide such views will be encouraged to build walls or otherwise obstruct visibility to “avoid nuisances caused to neighbors.”

This latest directive aligns with the Taliban’s broader efforts to restrict women’s visibility and participation in public life since their return to power in August 2021. Women have been banned from post-primary education, barred from most forms of employment, and denied access to parks, gyms, and other public spaces.

Additionally, a recent law forbids women from singing or reciting poetry in public, while urging them to “veil” their voices and bodies outside their homes. Several local radio and television stations have also ceased broadcasting female voices.

These measures have drawn international condemnation, with the United Nations accusing the Taliban of enforcing “gender apartheid.” Despite this, the Taliban administration claims their strict interpretation of Islamic law “guarantees” the rights of both Afghan men and women.

Belize Extends Condolences on the Passing of Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter

The government and people of Belize extend heartfelt condolences to the Carter family and the United States of America on the passing of former U.S. President Jimmy Carter. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs posted on X, “The Government of Belize extends heartfelt condolences on the passing of former U.S. President Jimmy Carter. His dedication to peace and democracy worldwide, including his support of the Price Centre, will always be remembered.”

President Carter, celebrated globally for his commitment to democracy, peace, and humanitarian efforts, held a special place in the hearts of Belizeans. His steadfast support for Belize’s independence and territorial integrity during a critical period in the nation’s history remains a testament to his enduring friendship with the Jewel.

In recognition of his extraordinary contributions, Belize awarded President Carter the prestigious Order of Belize last year. This honour acknowledged his advocacy for Belize’s sovereignty, as well as his efforts to improve the lives of Belizeans through initiatives like the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Work Project, which provided homes to families in need.

President Carter’s remarkable legacy of service, leadership, and global unity will continue to inspire generations worldwide, including in Belize.

The United Democratic Party (UDP) in a press statement said, “His legacy as a champion for democracy, human dignity, and sustainable progress is one that will continue to inspire present and future generations worldwide, including in Belize. His unwavering support for the principles of peace and mutual respect reinforced the importance of collaboration among nations.”

Trinidad and Tobago Declares State of Emergency Amid Surge in Crime

Trinidad and Tobago is now under a state of emergency (SoE), following a proclamation issued by President Christine Carla Kangaloo on the advice of Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley.

The declaration, made under Section 8 of the Constitution, comes in response to escalating criminal activity that poses a significant threat to public safety. In a statement released by the Office of the Prime Minister’s Communications Division on December 30, it was noted:

“President Christine Kangaloo, as President and Commander-in-Chief, has, on the advice of Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley, declared a state of public emergency, being satisfied that the circumstances outlined in Section 8(2)(c) of the Constitution exist.”

The President’s proclamation, bearing her official seal, outlined the justification for the emergency measure. Under Section 8(2), a state of emergency may be declared if the President is convinced that actions of such a nature and on such an extensive scale are occurring—or are imminently threatened—that they are likely to endanger public safety.

The National Security Council, acting on advice from the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service, cited a surge in criminal activities as the impetus for the decision. Reports indicate that the murder toll for the year has reached 622, underscoring the gravity of the situation.

Further details on the SoE are expected at a press briefing scheduled fortoday.

Paralysed Teen Killed in Shooting

Police are investigating a shooting that left one man dead and another injured on Rivero Street in Belize City’s Southside on Sunday night. The victim who died is 18-year-old Trayson Gibson. He was shot in the back and died at the scene.

The second victim, Adrian Welch, was injured and taken to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital for treatment.

Gibson had been paralysed because of a previous shooting in 2022 when he was 15. In that incident, Gibson was shot multiple times at his home while watching TV with his brother. The shooter entered through the backdoor, fired at Trayson, and fled, leaving him with injuries that caused permanent paralysis.This is a developing story.

Jimmy Carter, 39th U.S. President, Dies at 100

Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, the longest-living American president, passed away on Sunday at the age of 100. His son, Chip Carter, confirmed the death, which occurred at the family home in Plains, Georgia, at 3:45 p.m.

Carter, who entered hospice care in February 2023, served as president from 1977 to 1981. His term was marked by achievements such as the Camp David Accords, which brokered peace between Israel and Egypt, and he won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002 for his tireless advocacy for global health and human rights. However, his presidency was overshadowed by the Iran hostage crisis and a struggling economy, which led to his loss in the 1980 election to Ronald Reagan.

After leaving office, Carter’s reputation soared through his humanitarian work, including his involvement with Habitat for Humanity and the founding of the Carter Centre, which helped combat diseases like river blindness and Guinea worm.

Carter is survived by his children, 11 grandchildren, and 14 great-grandchildren. His wife, Rosalynn, passed away in November 2023.

He was Shot Multiple Times

Police have confirmed the death of 20-year-old Joshua James Maurice Hall. According to police, Joshua’s body was found behind Dominguez Layout, Corozal Town, with multiple gunshot wounds.

The victim had been missing since December 23, when he signed in at the Corozal Police Station as part of his bail conditions. Despite extensive searches and a $5,000 reward offered by his family, no leads had been found until his body was located.

Earlier today, his sister, Aiyana Hall, mourned his death on Facebook, saying, “Rest, my love. I love you forever.” A few hours later, Aiyana confirmed in a separate post, “My brother has been found deceased.”