news5assistant - Channel 5 Belize

Life Does Not End With A Broken Shell

Highways are places for drivers, but they are also extremely life threatening to animals attempting to cross the roads. Earlier this week, a turtle was hit by car in Belize City and abandoned on the road but was later picked up and taken to the Belize Wildlife and Referral Clinic in Unitedville, Cayo where it is making a slow recovery. News Five’s Britney Gordon spoke with a family that went out of its way to help the animal and the team at the clinic who are hard at work trying to save its life. Here’s that story.

Britney Gordon, Reporting

To many people, accidentally injuring an animal on the road is just a minor inconvenience in their day. But to that animal, the actions of a human can mean life or death. Earlier this week, a turtle was left to die on the side of the Northern Highway but was eventually taken to the Belize Wildlife and Referral Clinic. Director of the clinic, Doctor Isabelle Paquet-Durand gave us an update about the animal’s condition.

Dr. Isabelle Paquet-Durand, Dir., Belize Wildlife and Referral Clinic

“The turtle was brought in four days ago. Kindly by the rescuer herself, and she had several breaks in her carapace, so her back was broken in multiple places. She had lost a little bit of blood, and we could see a little bit into her body cavity, so not good signs, rather a critical condition for a turtle. We then examined her, take x-rays, and started with what is done in medical stabilization, rehydration, keeping her nice and warm or incubated at a good temperature. And we also are giving her antibiotics and pain meds and anti-inflammatory. And I did go in and I reduced the fractures, meaning I put the things back in place. And for now that is holding stable after four days.”

The turtle is making a slow recovery, which is the norm for reptiles because they take longer to heal. Marianna Rack and her family were the good Samaritans who took it upon themselves to save the animal. But according to Rack, when she first saw the state of the shell, she thought that was the end of its life.

Marianna Rack, Turtle Rescuer

“We went to the airport to drop my sister off and saw a turtle on the side of the road coming back from the airport. The same turtle was on the same road. So we stopped and it was raining. We stopped to just take the turtle on the other side of the road and realize that it is actually broken. It is, we thought it was dead. It was in a pool of blood with some parts out. So it didn’t look good. And it didn’t look that it had a chance, but we still picked it up and took it home because my husband was like, let’s see, maybe we can do something with that. So we brought her home, sterilized, put some Sterile goes and we realized that it was very much alive, very, very lively and moving a lot and at and did all the things that it was supposed to do. So I happened to call the wildlife clinic and they were very welcoming and they were very nice and they told us just bring her in. And that’s what we did.”

Although insignificant to the average person, turtles, like many other animals frequently injured on the road, are important and deserve a chance at life. Rack stressed that although her family went out of its way to help the animal, they are not the heroes in the situation.

Dr. Isabelle Paquet-Durand

“Every one of these species has a role in the environment, and they often balance our environment. And our environment ultimately is what sustains us. And therefore, even though it’s just a turtle it feels pain and it fulfills an important role. And most times we find these animals injured because of something that we humans did because we are very wide, widespread and our roads are a big danger.”

Doctor Paquet-Durant pleads for members of the public to assist turtles in crossing the road by taking them in the direction they are facing, but advises everyone to exercise caution when doing so, for their own safety and the animals. Britney Gordon for News Five.

A Beef Fest and Rodeo for the Family on Saturday

The National Agriculture Show Grounds will be the venue on Saturday for the third Beef Fest and Rodeo. It’s a family-oriented event that will give ranchers, cowboys, and chefs a chance to showcase their talents in their respective fields of work. It will run from eight in the morning to five in the evening and according to Operations Manager of the Belize Livestock Producers Association, Mindy Garcia, there will be competitions as well as displays of different breeds of cattle.

Via phone: Mindy Garcia, Operations Manager, Belize Livestock Producers Assn.

“We are having four major things happening tomorrow at our event. First is the grilling competition. We have three categories where we have beef, pork and lamb. We have already some grillers who have already signed. We still have a space for them. If there’s anybody who would like to join and this is showcasing quality meat that our processors have sponsored and we have mixed from Running W, Country Meats, Sandra’s Meat Shop that will be showcased in this grilling competition. We have four chefs that will be judging the event and then we will also have for those three categories. We will be having three winners. The first prize, one thousand dollars, second prize, three hundred and the third prize, two hundred dollars. For each category, on the other events side, we will also be having a rodeo, which is all day rodeo as well. In the morning, we will have the kids and the juniors and in the afternoon. We will have run Friday bull riding. So, it’s a day of events there at the show grounds. We have another section where we will have the barn where we’re bringing all our breeders from Belize that deal with improving genetics in our livestock industry. So we will have a display of top quality sheep, top quality goat, different kind of breeds that breeders have in the country.”

Galindo Family Alleges Police Abuse of Minors

The Galindo brothers from Santa Elena Town are notorious figures in the eyes of the public. Back in June, a shooting incident claimed the life of David Galindo, the older sibling. When David was rushed to the hospital, the brothers and other family members were accused of damaging public property at the San Ignacio Community Hospital, as well as threatening medical workers. Several individuals have been charged for disorderly behavior in relation to that incident. Subsequently, Santa Elena Town began experiencing a sharp increase in violent crimes, including murders. There is no public information to suggest that the incident involving the Galindo brothers is at all connected to this increase in major crimes. Dozens of police officers, including members of the G.I.3., have since been deployed to the twin towns to keep the peace. And the Galindo family are tonight saying that they are being constantly harassed on their property by those police officers. The family reached out to our newsroom today after an incident this morning in which they are accusing police officers of physically abusing several minors during an operation on the property. News Five’s Paul Lopez report.

Mynor Galindo, Santa Elena Resident

“My point why I address the media, and it is concerning me now because we adults we get locked up many of times and that is not really my concern, but like what the commissioner says, he wants bring pressure he could bring pressure, but now when you want to interfere with children and I have video footage of it.”

Paul Lopez, Reporting

A police station was inaugurated a week ago in Santa Elena to address the crime situation in that town. Mynor Galindo says he has spent forty-eight hours behind bars, including within the new police station, at least twenty times over the course of the last three months. Police accuse Galindo, his brothers and other family members of being members of a gang. Mynor Galindo refutes those claims, though his main concern today was the children that live on their family property.

Mynor Galindo

“When you start interfere with children weh dah eight-year-old, nine-year-old, to carry them, actually carry them, back ah the house to ask them certain things, now you gone too far.”

News Five has obtained surveillance footage of an operation this morning. What we have been able to gather does not show much by way of abuse of authority. But, the family contends that it is because the officers disconnected their cameras and demanded that they do not record on their phones. There is one instance captured on camera that was brought to our attention. A senior officer from the Santa Elena formation was captured confronting another officer that was with the team. This happened while several individuals from the property were detained in the back of the police mobile. Galindo’s account is that the second-in-command was confronting the next officer over the ill treatment of the minors in the yard.

Mynor Galindo

“That happened this morning, around nine this morning all of we the sleep in our home, even the kids. They come knock down this and that, wake up we, nothing nuh wrong, like I said nothing wrong for them to do their operation, their patrol. The one from the GI3. Wah strapid one him. All of a sudden, the GI3 have its own office here. I won’t talk bad about them, because they have a job to do, but he the mek it his business to deal with the pikni deh. When he mih the dreg up the lee gial and do certain things even the, the one after Franco come out of the yard notice that you the mess with a lee bway or a lee gial.”

Paul Lopez

“I have to ask if these children are being used any at all to carry out any sort of illicit act because they can be viewed as innocent.”

Mynor Galindo

“Like what I told them, I dah Mynor Galindo and I know unu hear about me. If unu have any concern and want deal with me, deal with me. If unu want send me dah jail on an SOE send me, but please stop harras my family.”

We also heard from the children’s grandfather, David Young, who was brought to tears after reportedly witnessing the ordeal.

David Young, Father

“I nuh the live wah lovliest life……twenty years over, the police nuh live dah me and I dah nuh know wah alien deh and I know deh have better police man than what I see. Lesgo and I jump way deh and try hold his hand and a next one the try grab me. Deh thing is totally wrong. Lef the child lone. Dende dah the future of tomorrow.”

We also heard from Mayor Earl Trapp who, following the spike in major crimes within the twin towns in late June, supported the deployment of police reinforcement. Today he told us that he is not aware of all the details pertaining to the incident but that, while officers are necessary to uphold the law, children must be protected.

Earl Trapp, Mayor, SE/SI Town

“When we are advocating for security, for a safer municipality we need the police to uphold the law but at the same time I believe the police have bene trained and they must provide a service with principles. WE must understand that adults are adults and minors are minors. There is a law and we must protect our children.”

Reporting for News Five, I am Paul Lopez.

Jennison Vernon is Chopped to Death in Peini

On Thursday morning, shortly before midday, Punta Gorda police responded to information that the lifeless body of a man had been discovered near a pier on Front Street. Upon arriving at that location, the officers observed the lifeless body of forty-four-year-old Jennison Vernon. He was found face down next to the seawall by the fisherman’s cooperative. Vernon had been hacked to death and on his body were as many as seven chop wounds, from his upper shoulder to the middle of his head. Vernon was recently released from the Belize Central Prison and was reportedly homeless. We understand that the murder victim has no known relatives in P.G.

Couple Arraigned for Allegedly Stealing an SUV

A husband-and-wife couple is out on bail tonight after being charged for the theft of a vehicle here in Belize City. Forty-one-year-old Stacy Gillett and Alex Gillett, both of Antelope Street Extension, appeared unrepresented before the lower court today where they were arraigned on a single charge of theft. It is alleged that on July twenty-first, they stole a 2019 Nissan Rogue valued at thirty-five thousand dollars from Brenda Gabourel who reportedly inherited the vehicle from her deceased grandmother. According to Gabourel, while she was dealing with her grandmother’s funeral, the couple stole the keys to the mid-size S.U.V. and made off with the vehicle. On July thirty-first, police visited the Traffic Department where they received a copy of the title for the vehicle, along with an affidavit made by Alex Gillett, without Gabourel’s permission. A wanted poster was subsequently issued by the Belize Police Department and after three days in detention, Stacy Gillett was taken to court where she pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Third C.E.O. Steps Down from Ministry of Transport

Minister of Transport Rodwell Ferguson is changing C.E.O.s for a fourth time since taking office in November 2020. That’s because Doctor Gilroy Middleton, who has been the second in command of that government department since January, has resigned. According to Ferguson, his C.E.O. received a better job offer from the University of Belize and has decided to demit office. Since assuming that portfolio almost four years ago, Minister Ferguson has been assigned three C.E.O.s, including Marconi Leal Junior, Adele Catzim and Gilroy Middleton Junior. Earlier today, News Five spoke with Ferguson by phone, who told us that he shared a cordial and productive relationship with Doctor Middleton.

On the phone: Rodwell Ferguson, Minister of Transport

“The C.E.O. and myself have a very good relationship and there was an offering for him at the University of Belize and he believes that the package was extremely excellent, especially with whatever comes with the package. He lives in Belize City and so said, “Minister, it is best that I live in Belize City and work in Belize City.” As C.E.O., he use to commute from Belmopan to Belize City. So he chose to go back to Belize City and that’s it.”

Isani Cayetano

“This would be the third C.E.O. you would be changing within the past four years or so. What’s next in terms of finding someone to replace him?”

Rodwell Ferguson

“I don’t know, that is the responsibility of the Prime Minister. So even when my second C.E.O. gone, it was because Minister Dolores [Balderamos-Garcia] said she wanted her to be her C.E.O., as a female. So there was no disparity between myself and the past C.E.O. and likewise Mr. Gilroy.”

Isani Cayetano

“What happens in terms of being able to deliver on the works of your ministry in the interim?”

Rodwell Ferguson

“Normally, once a C.E.O. leaves another C.E.O. holds over temporarily. But each department has a head and so we function as normal. But normally a C.E.O. receives the directives as assigned by the Cabinet Secretary or by the Prime Minister.”

Isani Cayetano

“When is Dr. Middleton’s resignation effective?”

Rodwell Ferguson

“I think on Monday.”

Isani Cayetano

“Do you have any succession plan in the short term?”

Rodwell Ferguson

“That is the prerogative of the Prime Minister and so he will decide between now and Monday as to who will be my new C.E.O. or whatsoever the case may be.”

BELTRAIDE Bids Adieu to Dr. Leroy Almendarez

As we reported on Wednesday, a new executive director is taking the helm at BELTRAIDE, as Doctor Leroy Almendarez assumes a new position as Chief Executive Officer at the Social Security Board. Doctor Almendarez has served as the head of the Belize Trade and Investment Development Service for the past six years and his tenure is characterized as, quote, by his unwavering commitment to advancing Belize’s trade, investment, and economic development. His leadership has left a lasting impact on BELTRAIDE and the broader economic landscape of Belize, end quote. Doctor Almendarez has participated in several high-level trade and investment negotiation with Taiwan, Guatemala, Mexico and the United Arab Emirates. On Monday, Ishmael Quiroz officially takes over as the Executive Director of BELTRAIDE.

Santa Elena Expo to Revive Dying Businesses in Town

We have told you about the businesses in Santa Elena that took a significant hit on their income following the closure of Hawksworth Bridge for renovation four months ago. Since then, several initiatives have been undertaken to bring business back to the area while the bridge remains closed. The low-lying bridge has been made a two-way crossing to divert vehicular traffic to the area. Additionally, a group of business owners have since established the Santa Elena Business Association. This weekend, the association is hosting its very first event, a business expo. News Five’s Paul Lopez reports.

Paul Lopez, Reporting

Sandy’s Deli is opening its doors one last time on Friday. After three years, Sandra Rodriquez, the owner of the restaurant, has been forced to shut down. Sandy’s Deli operates along a one-hundred-and-fifty-meter stretch of the George Price Highway leading to Hawksworth Bridge. She says that business has been extremely slow since May when the bridge was closed for renovation.

Voice of: Sandra Rodriquez, Owner, Sandra’s Restaurant

“It has been very challenging because right now we can’t even eat meet the rent. Sometimes they have days where we only sell like a hundred dollars’ worth for the day. And, that does not even cover what we spend for the day to cover or buy the things them. So, it is very challenging and sometimes you have to pay the staff, your trade license and you cant come up with that right now since the bridge.”

The plight of businesses like Sandy’s Deli prompted other business owners to come together to form the Santa Elena Business Association. It is led by Nolberto Rancharan.

Nolberto Rancharan, Chairman, SE Business Association

“Since the third of May I think the whole idea of the closure of the business was not thought out thoroughly. It was done for the traffic reasons in the business side of it put a dent on the businesses on this side of the road and that is what triggered the birth of the Santa Elena Business association.”

The first move was to request that the low-lying bridge which connects Santa Elena to San Ignacio be turned into a two-way bridge. Mayor Earl Trapp agreed and gave the order.

Earl Trapp, Mayor, SI/SE

“I have been very much concerned because of the different complaints from the businesses in that area that they have been nose diving. Hence the reason we decided to allow the low-lying bridge as a two-way especially for small vehicles, since it was only a one way before. There was no traffic int hat area so this allows traffic to that area. So, it has improved business but not to the extent that the businesses were expecting.”

With the new traffic regulation, motorists travelling from San Ignacio must now make a right turn off the low-lying bridge. This route takes them to an intersection near the Hawksworth bridge that diverts traffic into the affected areas. In addition, the association is planning a business expo for Saturday.

Almadelia Frutos, Vice-Chair, SE Business Association

“It is going to start from nine and up to five, everybody should leave at six. But we are expecting to see raffles, lots of foods, and lot of give away and these people coming they are coming to support us in Santa Elena since we have been down. So, we all have come together, and we are joining hands, and we are helping each other. And the business here from Mr. Max Studio to Santa Elena is going to be the area where the business expo is going to be happening, all the activities are going to be happening here. We want you to come out and bring your entire family.”

Timoteo Romero, Branch Manager, Tropigas Santa Elena

“It has been challenging number of months for us but thankfully we are resilient along the with Santa Elena Business Association conducting different types of programs for us to help boost up the business in the area. I think it has been a positive thing for us as well as the area we are in. We are actually panning some very nice surprises, so we invite everyone to come out. WE are having a ten-twenty sale so that is ten to twenty percent off on cash. But it is going to be pretty much more than that.”

There is, however, one issue that the business association stayed clear of addressing. That is the cost of police security for Saturday’s event. The association wrote to the Belize Police Department requesting four officers for the expo. They have since been informed that four is insufficient. As a result, the department is sending additional officers reportedly at a cost of over three thousand dollars. Mayor Trapp contends that the department needs to strike a compromise given the hard times these businesses are facing.

Earl Trapp

“This is something I have been very much concerned about. Hence the reason I have been saying to the relevant authorities, especially the police in San Ignacio and Santa Elena. We must learn to give and take. It is a collaboration between the community and police. Many times, the police would come to the community and say we don’t have these resources in our office. We need a microwave, flashlights, gas, vehicles, but if you need and expect the community will give you, you can give back to the community by providing security. For example, especially when you have an event for non-profit and something that has no alcohol sale. At the least the police should provide police free of charge to just patrol the area.”

Reporting for News Five, I am Paul Lopez.

Administrator of Solid Waste Management Returns to Work

Last week, news surfaced that the administrator of the Solid Waste Management Authority was put on administrative leave while an investigation commenced on missing monies at the government agency. The Ministry of Sustainable Development issued a press release informing that it was in the process of investigating what appeared to be missing funds from the office. The suspicion then was that the funds had been mismanaged. When the Prime Minister touched on the matter, he said that the police would be involved at some point and that if there was any wrongdoing identified, there would likely be a court case. It’s been more than a week since then, and today we asked the Minister of Sustainable Development, Orlando Habet for an update.

Orlando Habet, Minister of Environment

“It is something that has already gone to an investigation through the Office of the Attorney General. She has been asked to make a report and respond to a letter that was submitted to her. She was placed on five days administrative leave, and she has –“

Marion Ali

“That’s already gone?”

Orlando Habet

“Yes, yes. I think yesterday. And then she has another four or five days to respond. That is as much as I can say to that, because we don’t want to prejudice whatever she will write or what we will be able to do because the investigation has to continue.”

Minister of Environment Says Study Needed on U.B. Hospital Land

The six-point-nine-million-dollar land acquisition for the University of Belize Hospital is situated near a sewer system on the outskirts of Belmopan. The initial plan was to build the hospital on the U.B. compound, but officials from the government have since reasoned that logistically, that location would not be ideal. Today, the Minister of the Environment, Orlando Habet weighed in on the issue. He told News Five that there will have to be some kind of study or environmental impact assessment before any construction begins. That document has not yet landed at that office.

Orlando Habet, Minister of Environment

“Just before the construction starts, either an environmental impact assessment will have to come – a request – come to the Department of the Environment, and if the department does their due diligence and goes out to the site, does their inspection, then they will decide whether or not it really needs an environmental impact assessment or maybe it just needs that low level environmental study. It depends on what they see. From what I understand, the sewer system initially was designed in such a way that the effluents are contained and that they are treated. So, I don’t see a major problem.”

Marion Ali

“Even in the event of a natural disaster?”

Orlando Habet

“Well, in the event of a natural disaster, then you’ll have to see whether or not it will have an overflow, whether you have to build berms for its containment, and look at the distance that from the sewer ponds to where the hospital proper will be. My understanding there is about five acres, uh, of distance between. So we have to see if that is sufficient. Um, whether or not there might have to be created additional, uh, open sites where overflow will flow so that it doesn’t go into the hospital area. Uh, I’m not searching what has been, uh, planned yet, but nothing has come to the Department of Environment as yet, but I imagine it will come soon.”