April 11, 2025 - Channel 5 Belize

Chester Defends Taking Alleged Cyberbully to Court

Commissioner of Police Chester Williams is standing by his choice to take cyberbullies to court. Last week, a police officer found himself in court for allegedly bullying his own boss online. Fifty-one-year-old Barrington Gilbert Mai, also known as Barry Flowers, was charged with using a computer system to publish obscene and vulgar data. Mai paid a bail of five thousand dollars, with one surety of the same amount or two sureties of two thousand, five hundred dollars and is due back in court in June. Some criticize William’s decision to take the officer to court, believing it to be an overreaction. However, Williams, who recently took his brother to court for cyberbullying, says he has every right to do so.

Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police

“That is the view a view of those persons and I respect their view. I must say that as an individual, people say things about me on social media every day and, I don’t care. At the end of the day, I am a public figure and I am subject to be criticized. But when you are going to call me corrupt, I will not countenance it. I have worked in this department for over thirty-three years and I have done my utmost in my integrity. And so if a person were to say that I am corrupted, I’m a thief. I’m this or I’m that, I’m going to have them prove that to the court, bring the evidence before the court and prove that I am such I am not like the ordinary public who can go and back and forth, somebody on social media, I can’t do that. The nature of my office does not require me to do that. It is going to be unprofessional, and so I have to find other ways to defend my character, and so I defend my character using the code system. The law was put in place to protect against cyber bullying. And if it is that there are people out there who do not wish to make use of the law, that is their business. The law is there for all of us to use, and if anybody believe that they are being cyber bullied by another they have the same right as I do in going to the police making a complaint and take the matter before the court so that the person who is bullying you or whatever can go to court and say, to defend their position. And I, that is all I have to say on that matter.”

American Fugitives Detained in Belize

Earlier this week, two American fugitives were deported from Belize to the United States to face serious charges, including weapons trafficking and rape. The fugitives were tracked down and returned with help from the U.S. Embassy in Belize. Today, we spoke with Commissioner of Police Chester Williams about Belize’s teamwork with the United States to ensure that fugitives face justice in their home countries.

Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police

“We continue we continue to work with our counterparts. Occasionally we get information of a fugitive bin here, there or somewhere. And once that occurs, then we get into motion working with the US Embassy in the final location. And then we do surveillance and eventually we move in and apprehend. We have done that recently with with a number of fugitives on the US and once that occurred, then they’re then taken back to the US where they would face whatever charge they may have to face. In the United States.’

Reporter

“Since January, have we had any belief on returnees deported?”

Chester Williams

“I have not been following the deportation much. I can’t really give you an answer, but I know that I have seen lists with a number of persons returning home but very little if any at all as it relates to persons of interest. Those persons that we have seen coming home are not persons of interest to us, and so we just normally go through, just go through the normal routine with them so we are with those who are of interest to us.”

Stolen License Plates Possibly Sold to Tourist

Police are still investigating a string of license plate thefts that occurred in southside Belize City earlier this week. At least nine vehicles on Maris Deena Street were targeted by thieves who made off with license plates and two car batteries. According to Commissioner of Police Chester Williams, the motive of the theft is still unknown, but police are on the lookout for the perpetrators.

Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police

“I know its something I know it’s something the police is looking at. I’m not sure if they have received any leads on that issue, but again, they’re working in tandem with the traffic department to see what, if anything can be obtained. I know that many of those persons who lost the license plate in that in that incident have reapplied to the transport department, and I’m speaking about city traffic. And it has been addressed from that standpoint. But again, if you know of anyone who is selling license plates, it’s good to report to the police so the police can go and see if, in fact, those plates are stolen. It seems to be something that is that farms part of the tourism industry because again, I know that sometime tourists may want to buy license plate and take back to their respective country so that they can show I was in Belize and I got this license plate from Belize, it’s something we have to look at very seriously. Because it can also be another issue where the license plates have been stolen with the intent that they be used to commit to place on other vehicles to commit crime. We have to look at it from all angles.”

Reporter

“Were you a case the owners would be safeguarded by the mere fact that the paperwork is at traffic?”

Chester Williams

“Certainly yes. If they report to the police that they had lost a license plate and, license plate is subsequently found or identified on a vehicle that is used in the commission of a crime, then that would absolve them to some extent to verify that it would’ve not been their vehicle that was used in the commission of that crime.”

Seatbelts Will be Required in the City

The time is fast approaching when Commissioner of Police Chester Williams transitions to C.E.O. of the Ministry of Transport. For years, the Belize Police Department has been trying to crack down on traffic laws to create safer roads and minimize fatal accidents. According to William’s this is work that he plans to continue at his new post. He also showed his support for the government’s decision to tighten seatbelt laws within the city. Here’s what he had to say.

Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police

“I have seen a number of issues in the transport industry. A number of issues as it relates to the use of our roads, and these are issues that certainly would need to be addressed. I have been in dialogue with my future minister, Mr. Minister Zabaneh in terms of looking at some of the things that we want to see done within the transport ministry, and certainly road safety is a priority. I’m not going to go into details at this time in terms of what my plans will be because I believe that I would need to sit down with the chief transport officer or that is and his deputy, as well as to meet with the persons who are in charge of DOT across the country and get their input, get feedbacks from them. And based on that, they will put together a plan of action that is going to be implemented to make our highway safer. I will leave it at that for now, and when I fully takes over my new office, then we can have an entire dialogue on what the plan is going to be moving forward. The seatbelt issue is something that cabinet have agreed to and it came into law and I think that it was considered for good reasons. One might say why you seatbelt in a city when in fact you, cannot drive at a very high speed within city limits. But that is not true. I’m sure that you have seen every day vehicles within city limits driving at extremely high speed driving reckless, and we have had a number of fatal traffic accidents in the city where we believe that had the victims been wearing seatbelt when those accidents occurred, they may be alive today. So I do believe that it was done in good sense, one and two, it was also done to ensure that we safeguard the lives of our people as best as we possibly can.”

Five Charged in Cattle Theft and Animal Cruelty Case

Police have formally arrested and charged five individuals in connection with a disturbing case of cattle theft and animal cruelty.

According to authorities, three male minors—ages 15, 16, and 17—were jointly charged along with 20-year-old Raheem Herbert and 19-year-old Tyreek Straughn. The group faces charges of cattle theft, cruelty to animals, and abetment to commit cruelty to animals.

The charges follow statements recorded by police and the review of video footage linked to the case. The three minors were read the charges in the presence of their guardians.

Mangrove-Friendly Projects Win Big in Belize Sustainability Contest

Belize’s mangrove forests are critical for protecting coastlines, supporting marine life, and fighting climate change—but they’re under threat. Over 50% of global mangrove ecosystems are at risk of collapse, and by 2050, thousands more square kilometres could be lost or submerged without urgent action, says Minister of Sustainable Development Orlando Habet.

To spark change, WWF and key partners launched the Mangrove Friendly Development Challenge 2024, recognising sustainable projects that preserve mangroves on private lands.

“Mangroves are under a lot of stress… from development,” said WWF Belize’s Nadia Bood. “We wanted to engage the public, the development sector, and the government… to effect change.”

This year’s top honour went to El Ben Cabanas, a beachfront resort that preserved its mangroves to enhance both beauty and resilience.

“I was really shocked and really, really happy, humbled that we were recognised,” said Manager Saira Mahabir. She credited owner Brian McWaters, who designed the resort around the mangroves instead of clearing them. “If you look at the seaside, you will see all the mangroves—you wouldn’t see the resort at all.”

Beverly Wade, CEO of Blue Economy & Marine Conservation, added: “We need to stop seeing mangroves as something to mow down. They’re functional, beautiful, and come with so many co-benefits.”

ComPol Confirms Belize City Murder Was Retaliation for Belmopan Shooting

Police Commissioner Chester Williams has confirmed that the recent murder of Luis Marin in Belize City was an act of retaliation connected to a previous shooting incident in Belmopan.

Commissioner Williams said the police had been proactive in efforts to prevent retaliatory attacks. “In the aftermath of that shooting, there was a lot that we did to try and avert any possible retaliation, particularly in the Belmopan, Cotton Tree and Roaring Creek areas,” he stated.

However, the retaliation unfolded in Belize City, away from the areas police were closely monitoring. “Unfortunately… the retaliation took place in Belize City in an area where we did not anticipate it to have occurred. Nonetheless, the police remain extremely vigilant in the areas of concern,” Williams said.

The victim, Luis Marin, was shot and killed in the Majestic Alley. Police have since detained the suspected killer. “The suspect for that matter is in custody, and he should be charged today and should be appearing in court sometime this afternoon,” Williams confirmed.

He also responded to public criticism that the suspect was not publicly listed as “wanted” by the police. Williams explained that legal considerations prevented them from issuing a wanted poster.

Police Investigate Stolen License Plates in Southside Belize City

License plate thefts on Maris Deena Street in Southside Belize City have left residents frustrated and facing unexpected expenses. The incident, which occurred early Tuesday morning, saw at least nine vehicles targeted by thieves who made off with license plates and two car batteries. Some of the stolen plates were reportedly left behind, damaged beyond use.

Now, residents are dealing with the hassle of filing police reports and making several trips to the Traffic Department to replace their plates—an inconvenience they say is both time-consuming and costly.

Police Commissioner Chester Williams confirmed that investigators are actively working on the case. “I know it’s something the police is looking at,” said Williams. “I’m not sure if they have received any leads on that issue, but again, they’re working in tandem with the traffic department to see what, if anything, can be obtained.”

“It seems to be something that… forms part of the tourism industry because, again, I know that sometimes tourists may want to buy a license plate and take it back to their respective country so that they can show, ‘Well, I was in Belize, and I got this license plate from Belize,’” he said.

But he warned that stolen plates could also be used for criminal purposes. “It can also be another issue where the license plates have been stolen with the intent that they be used… to place on other vehicles to commit crime. So, we have to look at it from all angles.”

In the meantime, police are encouraging anyone with information on the stolen plates or those responsible to come forward.

All Suspects Caught, Teens to Be Arraigned for Horse Abuse

Police Commissioner Chester Williams confirmed that the individuals involved in the shocking horse abuse incident have been charged with three offences: cruelty to animals, abetment to commit cruelty to animals, and cattle theft.

“When we do charge, we have to charge based on evidence that exists in the violence,” Commissioner Williams stated.

The Commissioner also spoke of the role of social services in addressing the underlying issues that may contribute to such behaviour among minors. “That is a responsibility of social, and the social department is here. I am sure that they have interviewed the children and those minors involved,” he noted, indicating that a social inquiry report would be part of the court proceedings.

Williams also acknowledged that while many young people show affection towards their animals, there may be a lack of resources to properly care for them. He suggested that organisations like the Humane Society could play a role in assisting these individuals. “Perhaps it can just be that they don’t have the means to properly care for them,” he said.

The incident has prompted calls for stricter enforcement of animal welfare laws and greater community involvement in preventing such acts.

Belizean DJ Tash Earns Historic Nomination at Caribbean Music Awards 2025

Belize is beaming with pride as local talent Tasheena “DJ Tash” Bowden has been nominated for International Female DJ of the Year at the prestigious 3rd Annual Caribbean Music Awards 2025.

Representing the Jewel on a global stage, DJ Tash took to social media to share the milestone with her followers, writing:

“I just got nominated for ‘International Female DJ of the Year’ for the 3rd Annual Caribbean Music Awards 2025. A milestone achieved for us all. Let’s make history and put Belize on the map to win this award!”

The award show, which will take place on August 28 at the Kings Theatre in Brooklyn, celebrates the best of Caribbean music and culture. This year’s expanded categories include recognition for artists and DJs from across the diaspora—including Latin, French, and Dutch Caribbean regions. DJ Tash’s nomination marks a significant moment for Belize’s presence in the Caribbean entertainment scene.

Fans can vote for DJ Tash at caribmusicawards.com. With her nomination, DJ Tash isn’t just chasing a win—she’s waving Belize’s flag high and proud.