Police arrested and charged thirty-year-old Lyson James Cacho with the murder of Jordan Waight. The twenty-four-year-old, who also went by the name Jordan Burns, was gunned down on November 23rd on Barbara Harris Street in Belize City.
Despite being rushed to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital, Waight was pronounced dead on arrival. Of note is that a previous attempt had been made on his life before his killing.
The government of Belize recently issued a warning to its citizens regarding the insecurity and violence in Chetumal. In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade said “The Government of Belize is monitoring the recent rise in violent crime in Chetumal, Mexico and advises Belizeans to exercise caution when traveling across the Northern Border and visiting Chetumal.”
In response, Amir Padilla Espadas, president of Canaco Chetumal, emphasized the urgency for authorities to swiftly address and remove this warning. He stressed that its continuation could adversely affect the influx of Belizean visitors, who significantly contribute to the local economy, representing 30% of economic activity in the town.
He underscored the importance of government-to-government dialogue to coordinate actions and raise awareness.
Padilla urged prompt removal of the alert. He mentioned his role as president of Canaco and their efforts, alongside the Consul of Belize, to communicate with Belizean counterparts, informing them of the situation in Chetumal and the measures being implemented to safeguard tourist and commercial activities.
On Wednesday, May 1, 2024, police arrested and charged Alrick Lamb, 28, with two counts of Contempt of Judicial Order. One count was for failing to sign in every Friday at the Raccoon Street Police Station, and the other count was for committing an offense while under bail from a Magistrate Court, which prohibited further charges during bail. The following day, on Thursday, May 2, 2024, police arrested and charged Alyon Pernell Domingo, 22, a Belizean construction worker from San Pedro Town, with two counts of Contempt of Judicial Order. One count was for failing to sign in every Tuesday and Friday at the Corozal Police Station, and the other count was for not residing at his registered address in the Corozal District while on bail for the charge of gang membership.
On Wednesday, May 1, 2024, police arrested and charged Allen Albert Anderson, also known as “Grace,” a 24-year-old Belizean construction worker from Ladyville Village, Belize District, for the offense of belonging to a gang.
On the same day, Julian Emilio Woodye, a 24-year-old unemployed Belizean from Belize City, was arrested and charged for the same offense.
Also on Wednesday, May 1, 2024, Kenyon Carlton Flores, a 23-year-old Belizean construction worker from Belize City, was formally arrested and charged with being a member of a gang.
Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) has announced scheduled power interruptions across various service areas in response to temporary in-country generation shortages and a reduction in supply from Comisión Federal de Electricidad (CFE) in Mexico.
Over the past few weeks, daily electricity demand has fluctuated between 85 MW and 125 MW, while in-country generation capacity is currently capped at a maximum of 95 MW. This has led to increased reliance on CFE, which typically provides up to 55 MW of capacity to the grid. However, BEL has received communication from CFE indicating challenges in sustaining energy supply to Belize, with potential curtailments expected over the next 48 hours.
To manage these supply shortages, BEL will implement load shedding measures starting at 10:00 a.m. this morning. Initially, areas such as portions of Orange Walk will experience interruptions. In the early afternoon, load shedding will extend to portions of Corozal, San Ignacio, Dangriga, and Independence. This action is necessary to balance the available energy supply effectively.
The gas turbine at Westlake on the George Price Highway, a key backup power source for BEL, is currently undergoing upgrades and is temporarily offline. This unit is expected to resume operation early next week. Additionally, BEL is in the process of installing a gas turbine in San Pedro, with completion anticipated by the end of May. These additional generation sources will significantly bolster BEL’s capacity to meet demand over the next year, even in the event of supply curtailments from CFE.
BEL expresses gratitude to its customers for their patience and understanding during this period. The company remains committed to maintaining a safe, reliable, and sustainable energy supply across all service areas nationwide.
According to Belize Electricity Limited, a “burnt crossarm on a transmission structure in a remote area of the Corozal District” was identified as the fault that led to an unplanned power outage that affected certain parts of the country. B.E.L. teams conducted temporary repairs to restore power supply. The company said that “an emergency outage will be required after 4:00pm today to complete repairs.”
On Monday night, B.E.L. issued a press release apologizing to customers.
It said, “We apologize for the inconvenience caused by the extended load shedding, which we were forced to carry out due to a shortage of in-country generation capacity after supply from CFE (Mexico) was abruptly curtailed. As we had earlier informed customers, our gas turbine at Westlake on the George Price Highway, which is one of our major backup power sources, is being upgraded and is currently out of service. This generating unit is scheduled to be brought back online early next week. We are also installing a gas turbine in San Pedro, and this should be completed before the end of May. Together, these additional generation sources will put us in a much better position to meet demand if supply from CFE is curtailed, especially during the high demand months of May through July.”
This morning, attorney Arthur Saldivar was asked about the release. He said it should be a matter of great concern to all Belizeans. “During the day here at court, we are seeing where it is inconveniencing the judiciary and the administration of justice.”
Saldivar went on to say, “Sad to say, but we no longer live in a peaceful country as we once did. It is a very violent place, and the blackout at night is very concerning, especially in the city.”
B.E.L. assures customers that it is making “every effort to maintain safe, reliable, and sustainable energy supply to all service areas countrywide.”
Belize Rural South Area Representative Andre Perez was recently welcomed back to Cabinet following a lengthy suspension. Perez returned as the Minister of Blue Economy and Disaster Risk Management. He was sidelined from the government following accusations of sexual misconduct by attorney Wendy Auxillou. Prime Minister John Briceño told reporters on April 16 that “the investigation was that no laws were broken.”
The Prime Minister reinforced his decision to welcome back Perez by saying, “I think the point that you all are missing is that Minister Perez went into his constituency and he worked hard, and for this municipal election, he… For this election, he, along with the mayor, Wally Nunez, they won by the largest margin ever in the history of San Pedro.”
Mayor Nunez’s recent win in San Pedro Town has him seeking higher office. He wants to be the next area representative for Belize Rural South. He wants to replace Perez. Does he stand a chance? How will the leaders of the People’s United Party react to Nunez’s ambitions? Is Andre Perez’s political career in trouble?
Nunez posted on Facebook: “The people of San Pedro and Caye Caulker have been asking for quite some time now if I will represent them in the general elections. Well, this is [a] testament that I will be sending in my application to represent you all! Let democracy prevail!”
Let’s compare both men’s performance in their most recent elections. Municipal elections for Nunez and general elections for Perez.
According to the Elections and Boundaries Department, for the 2020 general elections, Perez obtained 4336, or 62.96%, of the votes. His opponent, Manuel Heredia Jr., received 2419, or 35.12%. The BPF’s candidate, Thomas Henry Greenwood Jr., received 37, or 0.54%, of the votes. 95 ballots were rejected. There were 5,410 registered voters in that division. 4475, or 82.75%, cast their vote.
According to the Elections and Boundaries Department, for the 2024 municipal elections, Nunez received 3651. His UDP opponent, Wilfredo Alamilla, received 1319 votes. There are 8704 registered voters in the municipality. 5397, or 62.01%, cast their votes. Nunez increased his margin of victory by 189 votes compared to the March 3, 2021 municipal elections.
On Facebook, Nunez has received a wave of support. Perez told News Five he would not comment at this time.
The Belize City Council announced today the appointment of Alex Nolberto as the new Director of Finance, effective June 3, 2024. According to the Council, the appointment follows a “thorough selection process and official recommendation by the interview committee.”
The Council says, “Nolberto brings with him over twenty years of experience in leadership, banking, finance, risk management, revenue maximization, and comprehensive financial strategy development. His expertise in these areas, along with his dedication to structure and excellence, positions him as the ideal candidate to lead the finance team at the Belize City Council.”
Nolberto holds a Masters in Business Administration and a Bachelor of Science in Accounting. He is a Certified Professional in Anti-Money Laundering (CPAML) and a member of the Global Association of Risk Professionals. He is also an affiliate of the Financial and International Business Association (FIBA).
On Tuesday night, we told you that thirty-three-year-old Kathleen Belisle was charged for dishonestly retaining a wrongful credit after almost fifty thousand dollars of the Belize Government Lottery was deposited into her bank account.
As we reported, an accountant at Nandos Wholesale LLP intended to transfer $50,000 to Lowes Supermarket, a sub-agent for the Belize Government Lottery. However, it was mistakenly transferred to Belisle’s account.
Today, Nandos issued a statement clarifying what happened. The company says that it mistakenly saved Belisle’s phone number as Lowes Supermarket’s. Before the transfer was made, the company’s accountant contacted the number regarding the funds that needed to be transferred. The company alleges that Belisle pretended to be the proprietor of Lowes. Nandos further alleges that Belisle informed the accountant that Lowes’ Bank account number had changed and provided her bank account number instead. Nandos says it only found out because the proprietor of Lowes reached out to say that they haven’t received the funds. According to the company, Belisle spent some of the funds.
In a decision dated April 19th, the General Legal Council found attorney Orson “OJ” Elrington of “grave professional misconduct” and in breach of rules 4, 14, and 22, which constitutes grave misconduct. Elrington is being summoned by the Council to a hearing on May 24th to show cause why any of the sanctions set out in the Legal Profession Act should not be imposed on him.
Under that particular section, the Council may recommend to the Chief Justice:
(a) the removal of the attorney’s name from the Roll;
(b) the removal of the attorney from practice on such conditions as the Council may determine;
(c) the imposition on the attorney of such fine as it may think proper;
(d) subjecting the attorney to a reprimand;
(e) the payment by any party of costs or of such sum as the Council may consider a reasonable contribution towards cost;
(f) the payment by the attorney of any such sum by way of restitution as the Council may consider reasonable.
News Five has reached out to Elrington for comment.
Pastor Dozie brought a complaint against Elrington, alleging that Elrington settled a claim without his consent. Dozie claimed he only signed one engagement letter, while Elrington asserted that two were signed, altering the terms of their agreement.
Dozie provided evidence of his position, including original documents and WhatsApp conversations. Elrington failed to produce original engagement letters despite multiple directives to do so. The Council found discrepancies in Elrington’s testimony and noted concerns regarding his reliance on a paralegal to handle client communication and legal matters.
Ultimately, the Council concluded that Elrington breached professional rules and referred the case to the police for further investigation into the authenticity of the disputed engagement letter. This finding highlighted the seriousness of Elrington’s actions and raised questions about his credibility and conduct as an attorney.
In 2023, Dozie retained Elrington as his attorney to file a claim against the Social Security Board which had denied Dozie’s application for survivor’s grant following the passing of his wife in 2021. SSB told Dozie the Social Security (Benefits) Regulations did not make provision for widowers to claim the survivor’s grant that is payable to a widow on the death of a husband. Elrington commenced action against the SSB and the Attorney General. A percentage of any sums recovered to be paid to Elrington was agreed. The percentage agreed is in dispute. “The dispute arises due to Mr Elrington’s assertion that there was a second engagement letter.”
Following negotiations, Elrington collected the settlement sum of $46,588. “He continues to possess that said sum, and has not paid any portion any portion thereof to Pastor Dozie.” (This is at the date of the decision)
In his defence, Elrington claimed that Dozie did not provide him with a bank account to transfer the money.
In December 2023, Dozie emailed Elrington, demanding all funds received from the SBB, including the initial retainer of $1,500. The sums were not paid to Dozie at the time of this decision. Dozie also confirmed that he did not provide Elrington with banking details.
Dozie says he did not approve the settlement terms. Elrington told the Council that he orally explained the settlement terms to Dozie in September 2023.
According to Dozie, he signed one engagement letter on May 17, 2023, where he agreed to pay Elrington a retainer fee of $3,000. It was also agreed that Elrington was to be paid a contingency fee of 15% of the sums collected. Elrington says that Dozie signed a second “redrafted” retainer on the same day. According to Elrington, Dozie paid him $1,500 down and agreed to pay 40% of the sums collected. Dozie said that he paid Elrington $1,500 and the remaining amount would be collected from any funds received. Elrington was unable to provide the Council with the original engagement letters with the wet ink signatures.
“A perusal of the documents by the members of the Council indicates that the scanned copy of the signature of Pastor Dozie on the second engagement letter (denied y Pastor Dozie) is blue, whilst the first one is black, and the signature on the second engagement letter appears to be identical in size and shape, including the points where the signature intersects the alphabetical letters at the bottom of the signature line, that spell out his name. Exactness in two signatures of the same person to such a degree are not usually found and tends more to the probability that the latter signature is a copy made by scanning or copying by machine.”
