February, 2025 - Channel 5 Belize

One Suspect in Police Custody for Murder of Boris Mannsfeld

Police Commissioner Chester Williams told reporters today that the murder of 56-year-old Boris Alexander Mannsfeld “has all indications of a hit.” Williams stated that Mannsfeld had just come into Belize the day he was shot dead, adding that he was “in and out of the country following the death of Borja.”

Williams stated that the motive remains unclear and that police are focusing on “looking at the business transactions that Mr. Mannsfeld may have with other individuals, with our view to see if we will be able to close in on a possible motive and perhaps suspect.”

News 5 asked ComPol Williams if there is any connection between Mannsfeld’s murder and the deaths of his two associates, Ricardo Borja and Darren Taylor. Williams said, “It will not be wrong for one to assume that there may be some connection there, and we’re looking at that possibility.”

Mansfield, who was reportedly involved in several civil legal disputes, including claims of questionable business practices, was shot in the back of the neck. Williams confirmed that Frik De Meyere is currently in custody as part of the investigation, stating, “He’s a suspect, and again, let me make it clear that Frik, or whatever his name is, is the person of interest who is in police custody at this time, and he’s just a suspect in this matter.”

“Gummies” Found at Scene of Three Women’s Deaths in San Pedro

Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police, told reporters this afternoon that the police are still investigating the deaths of three women found in their suite at the Royal Kahal Beach Resort in San Pedro on Saturday morning.

Williams stated, “The police did a thorough search of the scene, along with the pathologists and scenes of crime. There was nothing of substance that could have been found other than alcohol and some gummies.”

Williams added, “We’re not saying at this time that the gummies cause death, but we’re looking at every possibility.” He stated that police are investigating if the gummies were substances that they brought in to Belize or bought locally.

ComPol Williams confirmed that a postmortem examination by the National Forensic Service is scheduled for today or tomorrow to help determine the cause of death. He stated that police have reviewed surveillance footage that confirmed the women going in their room on Thursday and were not seen to exit the suite after that, adding that “nobody was seen going into the room.”

“We’re trying to do as best as we can, including to see where they may have gone on Thursday before they went home, what if anything they consumed. All these things we’re looking at,” Williams said.

The women were due to leave Belize on February 23rd, and their families have been in contact with the U.S. Embassy, which is assisting with the investigation. The women were identified as Kaoutar Naqqad (23), Imane Mallah (24), and Wafae El-Arar (26).

Williams also stated that “based on what the pathologist said when he visited on Saturday evening, is that they could have been dead 20 hours prior.”

The victims were of Moroccan descent holding U.S. citizenship and were discovered by hotel staff after they failed to respond to housekeeping checks. In the initial police investigation, it was reported that no signs of injury were found on their bodies, but that vomit and froth were found around the women’s mouths, leading authorities to suspect a possible drug overdose.

PUP Leader on “Body Shaming” Comments

At a PUP campaign event in Independence Village, Kaya Cattouse, the PUP candidate for Albert, took a direct jab at her opponent, Tracy Panton of the UDP. Cattouse said that Panton’s time in office was over and went on to say that her opponent “can’t keep up” with her, both physically and on the campaign trail. She said, ““Because mek we be real, she can’t keep up with me—nuh pan the bike, worse on the campaign trail—and nuh mek we talk bout we ina the mirror.”

Panton responded via social media, accusing Cattouse of body shaming and labelling the remarks as “poor, poor taste.”

News Five asked Leader of the People’s United Party (PUP) about Cattouse’s comments. He said, “Kaya can defend herself, and Kaya can clarify whatever it is that she said. But I can tell you here that our party, um, has been a very strong supporter of women.”

He added, “As a government, we have been the government that appointed the most women in the history of any government. And so we continue to support women.”

“Politics is a contact sport, you know, and sometimes you kind of speak out of turn, but I don’t think that whatever, Kaya said. I don’t think she said it maliciously.”

PUP Leader Disappointed in Elvia Vega’s Independent Candidacy

Leader of the People’s United Party (PUP), John Briceño, has expressed disappointment over Elvia Vega’s decision to run as an independent candidate in Corozal Bay. Briceño stated that Vega had participated in a fair and transparent convention, where she was decisively defeated. He dismissed her claims that certain individuals were not allowed to vote, calling them untrue. “I wish she would rethink. It’s still not too late. She can still withdraw her nomination at any time.”

He criticised what he described as a lack of solidarity among women in politics, arguing that Vega should have stepped aside and backed Garcia Ramirez instead. “She knows she can’t win,” Briceño said, adding that if Vega truly supported the PUP, she and her followers would rally behind the party’s chosen candidate. “If she is a good PUP as she claims to be, then she and her supporters will support, um, the candidate of the PUP. That’s the oath that she took.”

Briceño remained confident in Garcia Ramirez’s chances, praising her determination and dedication to Corozal Bay.

While efforts had been made to encourage Vega to remain with the party—including continued access to resources and outreach from PUP members like Kareem Musa—Briceño said her choice was ultimately hers to make. However, he was certain that Garcia Ramirez would still emerge victorious.

Thea Garcia Ramirez Dismisses Elvia Vega’s Candidacy

Thea Garcia Ramirez, the People’s United Party (P.U.P.) standard bearer for Corozal Bay, remains confident in her campaign. She dismissed any concerns about independent candidate Elvia Vega.

When asked if Vega’s candidacy could impact the race, Garcia Ramirez stated firmly that it does not affect her campaign “at all.”

Vega, who previously contested against Garcia Ramirez, was defeated in a P.U.P. convention by what Garcia Ramirez described as a “convincing” margin. “I don’t think it was by a small margin. I think the margin was big enough to be clear,” she said. Now, she believes that the people of Corozal Bay are prepared to reaffirm their choice at the polls.

When asked about UDP Leader Shyne Barrow’s reported support for Vega, Garcia Ramirez was dismissive, stating she had little interest in his political manoeuvring. “I have no idea, and I really don’t have any time to comment or ponder what’s going on there,” she said. However, she speculated that Barrow’s endorsement of Vega was out of necessity rather than strategy. “I think he has no choice. He has nobody else left.”

Moses “Shyne” Barrow Threatens Election & Boundaries Dept. with Lawsuit

Opposition Leader Moses “Shyne” Barrow fired off a letter to Chief Elections Officer Josephine Tamai. Dated February 23, the letter addresses recent internal conflicts and the party’s stance on factionalism.

He stressed that the UDP remains a single, unified entity, as mandated by its constitution, which explicitly prohibits factionalism. According to the letter, members who engaged in factionalism were expelled following the party’s constitutional procedures. “It is an abomination for the Elections and Boundaries to contravene the UDP Constitution in regards to factionalism, the Judges Order recognising one Central Executive of the UDP, and attempting to make a determination on a matter that is before the Court by declaring two UDP factions.”

The Elections and Boundaries Commission ruled that both the Tracy Panton-led UDP and the Shyne Barrow-led UDP can use red in the March 12 general election. The decision, passed by a 3-2 vote, saw the three ruling party representatives in favour, while one opposition member backed exclusive use for Barrow’s UDP and the other proposed different shades of red. The final details, including distinct symbols, will be confirmed after Nomination Day, which is today.

The letter says, “It is an abomination for the Elections and Boundaries to contravene the UDP Constitution in regards to factionalism, the Judges Order recognising one Central Executive of the UDP, and attempting to make a determination on a matter that is before the Court by declaring two UDP factions.”

The party threatens immediate legal action if the EBC assigns the colour red to any candidate not on their official list.

Barrow expressed frustration over the EBC’s lack of response to previous correspondence from the party’s legal counsel, Professor Chris Malcom, and himself.

Barrow insisted that each political party and independent candidate should be assigned distinct colours to prevent voter confusion. He maintained that the traditional UDP red belongs solely to the party’s official candidates, and any deviation would not be tolerated.

“The UDP will take immediate court action if the Elections & Boundaries assigns traditional UDP red or any colour remotely close to any candidate that is not on the list of official UDP candidates.”

Pope Francis Shows Early Signs of Kidney Failure

Pope Francis continues to battle serious health issues as he remains in critical condition at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital. The Vatican reported earlier today that the 88-year-old pope is being treated for double pneumonia and has shown early signs of kidney failure. Despite this, the Pope remains alert and responsive, attending Mass while receiving high-flow oxygen.

The pope’s doctors remain cautious. According to Dr. Sergio Alfieri, head of the Pope’s medical team, Pope Francis is not in immediate danger of death but remains “not fully out of danger.”

Pope Francis has been battling a complex lung infection, which, combined with his age and pre-existing respiratory issues, makes his recovery uncertain. The Vatican has confirmed that his hospitalisation could extend into the coming week, with concerns over possible sepsis due to respiratory germs.

Man Arrested in Connection with Murder of Devon Chable in Corozal

Authorities have formally arrested and charged 32-year-old Azael Josimar Garcia, a mechanic from Corozal District, for the murder of 22-year-old Devon Jorge Chable. According to police reports, Garcia is accused of being involved in the tragic death of Chable in January.

The incident unfolded in the Altamira area of Corozal Town, where Chable was chased on his bicycle by three individuals in a pickup truck. The pursuit ended when the truck driver allegedly ran Chable over near Naybaz Store. Despite being rushed to Corozal Community Hospital, Chable succumbed to his injuries.

While two suspects were quickly apprehended, Garcia managed to flee but is now in police custody.

Former Village Councillor Shot Dead in Hattieville

Police continue to investigate the fatal shooting of Tyrel Requeña Sr., a former village councillor and Justice of the Peace. The incident happened on Saturday afternoon in Hattieville, Belize District.

According to reports, Requeña was installing a camera system when three men emerged from nearby bushes and opened fire. He was in the company of his goddaughter, 20-year-old Kiana Novelo. Both were transported to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital, where Requeña was pronounced dead at 3:00 p.m. Novelo received treatment and was discharged.

Villagers reported hearing up to 20 gunshots.Requeña was mourned by his son, who said on social media, “February 22, remember this date. It’s the day Belize lost the most famous TikToker, a justice of the peace, a pillar of the community, and a father of six, Tyrel Requena Sr., my dad. Rest in peace, Dad. Love you forever.”

We are told that two men were detained for questioning.

Elvia Vega-Samos Stands Firm as Independent Candidate for Corozal Bay

Elvia Vega-Samos is standing firm in her decision to run as an independent candidate for Corozal Bay, despite being officially expelled from the People’s United Party (PUP) on Saturday. The PUP revoked her membership yesterday after she announced her candidacy for the upcoming general elections the day before. The committee cited the party’s constitution, which prohibits members from running without the party’s endorsement.

In response, Vega-Samos has been vocal on social media, reaffirming her independent candidacy to the people of Corozal Bay. “Save the paper and the time taken to point out the obvious! I choose to stand on the side of what is just, what is fair, and what is best for the people of Corozal Bay!” she said, adding, “I shall not be moved! I’m resolute, I’m determined, and I’m independent!!”

Vega-Samos has framed her decision as a stand against political constraints, stating, “I know that I have been a victim of the greed and self-serving behaviour of certain people you know all too well. But I’m here to show them and everyone that I am not a victim. I am a survivor!”

Vega-Samos rejects the party’s control and gears up to challenge the PUP’s standard bearer, Thea Garcia-Ramirez, and Hernan Riverol, who is the candidate for the Alliance of Democracy under the United Democratic Party (UDP), led by Albert Area Representative Tracy Taegar-Panton. According to the UDP faction led by Moses “Shyne” Barrow, they will be supporting Vega-Samos as an independent candidate.