Benita Keme-Palacio - Channel 5 Belize

Fourteen Decomposed Bodies Found on Abandoned Boat Near Dominican Republic, Drug Links Investigated

Forensic authorities in the Dominican Republic are working to identify the remains of 14 decomposed bodies discovered on an abandoned boat 10 nautical miles off the northern coast. The Dominican Republic Navy reported that the skeletal remains likely belong to individuals from Senegal and Mauritania, based on documentation found alongside the bodies.

The cause and timing of the deaths are under investigation, with authorities also examining 12 packages of an unidentified substance found on the vessel, which allegedly indicate cocaine or heroin. Cell phones and geolocation devices were also recovered from the boat.

The bodies are currently being analysed by the National Institute of Forensic Sciences (INACIF) in Santiago, while the substance is being tested by the National Directorate of Drug Control, according to officials Nairobi Viloria and Carlos Devers.

Belize-Taiwan Sheep and Goat Parasite Workshop Enhances Belizean Agriculture

The Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security, and Enterprise (MAFSE) and the Taiwan ICDF conducted a Sheep and Goat Parasite Management Workshop aimed at enhancing agricultural practices in Belize. The workshop was held from August 5th to 7th, 2024 at the University of Belize Central Farm Campus. The initiative equipped participants with essential skills in parasite management in sheep and goats.

Led by Daniel Juan, a seasoned sheep and goat expert from the University of Belize, the workshop focused on identifying, preventing, and treating parasitic infections such as haemonchosis and coccidiosis. The training involved 25 participants, including MAFSE extension officers, farmers, students, and technicians. The workshop also covered the economic impacts of parasites and prevention strategies.

It is anticipated that the knowledge gained by all participants will be disseminated.

Benque Councillor says Benque Fiesta Reports ‘Lacks a Lot of Important Information’

The Benque Fiesta 2024 incurred a staggering $58,192 in losses. In an official statement, the Council attributed the financial shortfall to Hurricane Beryl, adverse weather, and limited community support. However, criticisms over alleged mismanagement and a lack of transparency regarding the event continue.

Carlos ‘Calo’ Iglesias, a councillor of Benque Town Council, raised critical questions about the handling of municipal funds and the future of community-supported projects. In a Facebook post, Iglesias said, “I am very disappointed with the report published by the municipality. At no point were the councillors called to discuss the income and expenses of the 2024 fair. This report lacks a lot of important information… As an elected representative of the people, it is my duty to ensure that the residents of Benque know what is happening with the municipal funds. I am concerned that there were profits in previous fairs, but this time there were none. Additionally, I notice the absence of the Bowen donation in the report, which is a relevant detail that should be included.”

The Council spent $177,223.65 and made a total income of $119,031.56.

$1 Million Vanishes from Belize Solid Waste Management Authority

The Belize Ministry of Sustainable Development and Climate Change announced on Tuesday that an investigation into alleged financial misconduct at the Belize Solid Waste Management Authority was underway. Reports suggest that approximately one million dollars is missing.

Minister of Sustainable Development, Orlando Habet, has briefed the Cabinet on the matter.

The ministry issued a press release confirming that the Belize Police Department is conducting an investigation. The ministry says that it is withholding details of the case to avoid compromising the investigation.

The Ministry of the Public Service has been notified and will oversee any necessary disciplinary actions. It is reported that a key figure in the ministry has been placed on administrative leave.

Belizean Powerlifter Amorette Banman Wins Gold at North American Powerlifting Championships

16-year-old Amorette Banman has made history for Belize at the 21st North American Powerlifting Championships. Competing in the 63kg weight class for sub juniors for ages 14 to 19, Banman outshone her competitors, including those from the USA, to secure gold medals in three categories: Squats, Deadlifts, and Overall. Additionally, she earned a silver medal in Bench Press.

This makes it a historic milestone for Belize as Banman becomes the first female Junior powerlifter from Belize to win a gold medal at a regional powerlifting event.

In a country where sports like powerlifting might not always take centre stage, Banman’s success reflects immense discipline, dedication, and sacrifice.

Minister Criticizes Media Handling on 15-Year-Old American Shark Attack

On Tuesday morning, a 15-year-old American sustained severe injuries in a shark attack between Hot Caye and Halfmoon Caye. The incident occurred after Annabelle Carlson, who was participating in a diving excursion with Belize Dive Pro, re-entered the water post-dive.

In a statement to News 5, Minister of Blue Economy Andre Perez confirmed that the victim is alive but noted that the extent of the injuries is still unknown. “We’re being informed that the victim is okay, is alive, made it. What is the magnitude of the damage, we don’t know as yet,” Perez said.

Gruesome pictures of the attack made it on social media.

Perez condemned the media for their “inconsiderate” handling of the incident. “I think the only part that I must call out and condemn it in the strongest of terms, is the way certain members of the media handled it. I’m not accusing everyone but I think that the responsibility of the media is very important because we’re talking about a family that’s hurt right now, and you don’t want to add any more injury to them. I think that’s a disservice,” he remarked.

Addressing concerns from tourists about safety, Perez emphasised the rarity of such incidents. “This is a very rare case, while we are saddened about it, we look at the facts. For the past 30 years, as such we have never had any kind of, this type of accident… There’s nothing to be worrying about,” he assured.

Missing Barge Crew Member Found Dead

The body of Cecil Lewis, a 58-year-old crew member who went missing from a barge near Caye Chapel, was fished out of the sea today by members of the Belize Coast Guard. Lewis’s sister, Janet Lewis Hislop, said on a Facebook post, “His body was found this morning by the Coast Guard.”

Two days ago, Patricia Lewis urged the community to continue their prayers for Lewis’s safe return. Lewis was reported to have disappeared on the evening of August 4 after boarding the barge at Ladyville Pier. According to reports, Lewis was last seen in a grey t-shirt and black pants. He was accompanied by three others who had been drinking on the vessel.

Most Wanted Slovak Captured in Belize During Anti-Drug Raid

Slovakia’s most wanted fugitive was apprehended in Belize on July 30, 2024, during a high-profile anti-drug operation in Dangriga. Authorities seized over 200 kilogrammes of marijuana and 170 grammes of cocaine. The operation, which began at 6 a.m., led to the discovery of a deep freeze and multiple containers filled with drugs.

Four individuals were detained. Among those detained was Slovakian national Ladislav Lipták, 34, who is one of the most wanted fugitives in Slovakia. Lipták was apprehended along with three Belizean nationals: his 26-year-old girlfriend Winsy Richie, her 22-year-old brother Yessi Gomez, and Dennis Robinson, 53, the property owner.

Lipták had evaded capture since a 2020 European arrest warrant related to a major drug operation known as the Tower. Notably, another Slovak criminal, Karol Mello, also remains at large in Belize, having escaped previous charges and accusations of serious crimes.

Police Commissioner Chester Williams confirmed that Lipták has been charged, following witness statements that provided sufficient evidence for prosecution. “Witnesses came forward, provided statements to the police, which was sufficient for us to be able to get sufficient evidence to charge him,” said Commissioner Williams.

Solo Olympian Shaun Gill Says Resources for Sports in Belize ‘Not as Great’

Competing in the 100-meter sprint at the Stade de France, Shaun Gill secured a commendable sixth place as the solo olympian representing Belize. In this year’s games, Gill carried Belize’s hope alone. Gill first made his debut at Tokyo in 2020.

In an interview with CNA, the 31-year- old highlighted the difficulties faced by athletes in Belize, noting that while resources are gradually improving, they still fall short of what is needed for Olympic-level training. Doing most of his training in the United States while studying at Texas A&M University-Kingsville, Gill has garnered himself as an experienced competitor.

“Back home in terms of resources for sports, it’s not as great or where it should be. But it’s slowly getting there,” Gill explained. “That’s the reason I had to do most of my training in America…Back home, it’s not as good facilities, financing, coaching. I had to leave to get better coaching, a…better environment,” he said.

Marking his retirement from athletics, Gill declared, “It feels really good (to represent the country), this is the most support I’ve ever gotten. I’m speaking not just at home but across the globe…The performance wasn’t good, but it’s a good way to go out.”