Belize District - Channel 5 Belize

Stevedores Return to Work; Wait for Meeting Monday with PM

Stevedores who have since last Friday been showing up to work but not working today returned to the Port of Belize compound and got into work full throttle in anticipation of a meeting between their union, the Christian Workers’ Union and Prime Minister John Briceño. This morning, the dock workers showed up to the compound but stood outside instead, demanding that the PM meet with their union representatives today to discuss their compensation package for the loss of wages they suffered when the government decided to send bulk sugar to the Big Creek Port instead of the P.B.L. port. That meeting with the PM wasn’t forthcoming today, but Deputy Prime Minister, Cordel Hyde sat in with the C.W.U. President, Leonora Flowers over the lunch hour and by mid-afternoon, they had realized what she later told the media was a breakthrough. News Five’s Marion Ali was out in the grueling sun from morning to get the different sides and filed this report.

Marion Ali, Reporting

Stevedores assembled in front of their Port of Belize workplace, but while they were not working, they did not call their action a strike. That is because in order for them to declare a strike, they would have had to give PBL a twenty-one day notice of strike action. Earlier in the morning, the police removed a bicycle that belonged to one of the stevedores from in front of the gate where it was parked and it created a moment of unease. But the matter was quickly diffused. The stevedores were outside their workplace insisting that the Prime Minister meet with them today. Their union President, Leonora Flowers explained why they had assembled in front of the compound.

Leonora Flowers, President, Christian Workers’ Union

“The gentlemen have come out because there has been some talk of the Port sending out stevedores to work or sending the BDF or the police, so the gang members are not too pleased with that information. So we’re out there. But, more than all, we’re trying to say to the government, look, it is time for us to get back around the table. Provide what you’re going to provide so we can accept, so we can move on. We’ve also gotten an offer Informal or unofficially that the prime minister will meet with us on Monday No, we are saying to the prime minister and his government Monday is way too long if this is really important if it is as important to the country as you say it is Monday is way too long.”

The stevedores want to return to the table with the Prime Minister to discuss an initial figure of four point nine million dollars as compensation for their loss of wages when bulk sugar started to be shipped to the Big Creek Port for export instead of the Port of Belize Limited.

Leonora Flowers

“I won’t put a figure on it until we discuss then, because they wanted to put a figure on it, but tied to other things. We don’t want it tied to anything else. Don’t tie it to the CBA. Don’t negotiate the CBA through the sugar money. Please don’t do that to us. That is what we have rejected.”

Port of Belize C.E.O., Arturo Vasquez called the media into the compound to explain their side of the dispute.

Arturo Vasquez, C.E.O., Port of Belize Limited

“Mr. Middleton in particular came and he asked us that he wants to work in good faith today. He told us that we didn’t ask for it. He said we will work in good faith and in return. He has agreed with the prime Minister that they, that he will meet on Monday with him. I was not aware of that. So I actually called the prime minister on the phone and on that telephone call, Mr. Middleton and the Prime Minister agreed that they will work today in good faith. And in return, he will meet with them on Monday. That’s where we were. We were prepared to come back to work, walks in the president. And she says that was never the agreement. And that’s where everything fall apart here, guys.”

Vasquez said there are significant losses involved with at least a couple ships turning back.

Arturo Vasquez

“Since Friday we have been having this problem where no boats have been worked on. We have been trying to solve this problem with the CWU. We have written them emails on Friday, on Saturday, and yesterday. We have never had a response to it. The email is basically asking the CWU to tell us what their position is as to whether it’s a position by the CWU or it’s a position by the current gang. We never got a response.”

But during the lunch hour, Flowers met with Deputy Prime Minister, Cordel Hyde and returned with news to the stevedores this afternoon that they accepted.

Leonora Flowers

“Not happy as yet but pleased to report that there’s been a breakthrough. We return to work the ship at six this evening. The gang is going in this evening and then we have accepted that the PM meets with us on Monday morning.”

Marion Ali

“What’s the breakthrough?”

Leonora Flowers

“The breakthrough is that we were able to have a discussion with the deputy prime minister and he impressed upon the team and the stevedores that let’s say, Let’s give peace a chance. Let’s we bend over back a little bit more and he will try and work with us.”

Marion Ali

“What assurances were given? The stevedores left saying they’re returning to work. He must have said something that they agreed with.

Leonora Flowers

“No, I won’t disclose anything else. I wouldn’t say that he did. He didn’t go overboard. He indicated that he’s willing, he’s going to try his very best to get the stevedores what is rightfully theirs and what we have been trying to get for a while. That’s as much as I can say.”

The Commissioner of Police, Chester Williams was also on the ground to ensure that the peace was being kept while the stevedores made their displeasure known.

Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police

“I just came to get a briefing from…Mr Grinage, who I have tasked to be on the ground since yesterday as well as to get an appreciation of what is taking place on the ground. The police are just here to ensure that law and order is maintained. We don’t ascribe to a confrontational style of policing, but we do understand that the port has a responsibility to the Belizean people, and there are people who are depending on their cargo to come out of the port.”

Those cargo ships are now being offloaded while others are being prepared with export goods. Marion Ali for News Five.

Woman with Dementia Still Missing, Family Needs Your Help

Sixty-nine-year-old Idolly Young is still missing. Young, who suffers from dementia, was reported missing last week in Belize City. Her family says that they have been on the grounds searching for her ever since.

She was last seen on Tuesday, January 5th, in the vicinity of Sanker Street, Belize City. At the time, she was dressed in a white blouse and a floral skirt. Anyone with information that may aid the family in locating her is urged to contact +501 613-3361.

Lindo Family Issues Statement

The family of Stephanie Lindo issued a statement late Tuesday evening regarding her passing. The statement reads, “Steph has always pushed boundaries and moved mountains that would give others pause. Her fighting and fearless spirit laid the foundation for the amazing woman she became. Steph was a tenacious manager for the city she loved. She always showed up and stood up. Her creativity, vibrance, and commitment make us proud. These qualities were no match for her tender soul.”

The Lindo family says, “Steph was taken from us far too soon, but we are assured that the love she so willingly shared and the beautiful memories we created will sustain us.”

The Lindo family will focus all its energy on Stephanie’s son.

Lindo was shot dead by her husband, Oswald Garbutt, at their residence on Freetown Road in Belize City on Saturday morning. Garbutt then killed himself.

“We wah we money today!”

Several stevedores who are represented by the Christian Workers’ Union have gathered in front of Port of Belize Limited in Belize City. Assistant Commissioners of Police Hilberto Romero and Alford Grinage spoke to the men in the hopes of decreasing tensions. Police officers had to break the lock of a bicycle chain at PBL’s main entrance.

*Frustrated stevedores gather in front of Port of Belize Limited*

As we have been reporting, last week stevedores expressed dissatisfaction with P.B.L. Although the stevedores have only issued threats of strike action and have continued reporting to work, they have unmistakably conveyed their discontent to their employer. While waterfront workers are present, their productivity has been affected, impacting business operations.

On Tuesday, CWU President Leonora Flowers told the press, ““There is a group of our members—our stevedores—who are very upset and unhappy with what’s happening at the moment. It’s been over a week that we sat with the – we sat in a meeting with the interim board’s chair, and we said what was our final stance: Please do not touch our C.B.A. Please get to the sugar money or get to the C.B.A. We are prepared to dialogue on that right now. We’re not prepared to piecemeal any of our rights. We’re not prepared to give those away, not even for the sugar money.””

PBL CEO Arturo Vasquez told News Five that the actions of the stevedores have impacted business. Cargo ships have been making calls to Belize since last week and have been unable to unload at the Port of Belize as a result of the actions of the stevedores. .

We’ll keep following this story.

City Administrator Gunned Down; Her Husband Takes His Own Life

On Saturday morning, many across the Old Capital were shocked upon learning of the deaths of city administrator Stephanie Lindo-Garbutt and her husband, Oswald “Wally Cat” Garbutt. The couple was well known, as Garbutt’s husband was the proprietor and manager of Blue Steel Sounds, an entertainment group that is popular on the music scene. Garbutt shot his wife, before turning the weapon on himself. It’s a tragedy that comes while International Women’s Month is being celebrated. It has rocked the People’s United Party, as well as the Belize City Council which is set to be sworn into office for a third term later this week. Here’s News Five’s Isani Cayetano with the following story.

Bernard Wagner, Belize City Mayor

“Shocked, frozen in time and I’m still shocked actually. This whole weekend has been a weekend where I am on the edge, always anticipating that something tragic would happen and so this continues. I know we will have to heal as a unit, group, and I know I have the support of my council. I am glad to have them along with me.”

The city administrator and her husband are dead and the couple leaves behind a thirteen-year-old son in the wake of a tragic murder/suicide over the weekend. It happened on Saturday morning at this residence on Freetown Road, on the second floor of Oswald Garbutt’s Glass Technology business.

ACP Hilberto Romero, Regional Commander, Eastern Division

“Investigations revealed that shots were heard inside the house and when police visited, they found the two bodies.”

Stephanie Lindo-Garbutt and her husband, Oswald “Wally Cat” Garbutt were reportedly involved in a domestic dispute prior to the deadly shootings. The incident is believed to have taken place sometime after seven a.m. Garbutt’s younger sibling, who goes by the professional handle Selectah Joe, made the grisly discovery when he realized that blood was dripping through the flooring of the upstairs residence.

Hilberto Romero

“The two bodies were found with gunshot injuries and thereafter the scene was processed and they were taken to the KHMH.”

Isani Cayetano

“From your investigation, your preliminary investigation, I should say, was there anything inside the residence that was of concern or that would have suggested otherwise?”

Hilberto Romero

“Not that I know of, but a thorough investigation is being carried out into the matter.”

The tragic ordeal has come as a shock to everyone at City Hall where a black blow has been placed at the entrance of the building. Eluide Miller worked closely with Stephanie Garbutt in the day-to-day administration prior to running for office.

Eluide Miller, Councilor-Elect

“I had the opportunity to work very closely with the city administrator, not at the policy level like the previous council member did, but at an administrative level, given that I was a staff member at the council and over time we also established, similar to the mayor and myself, we established a great working relationship. I would have to have discussions with her on a daily basis in order to get certain things done and she was always helpful.”

According to Mayor Wagner, at no time did Garbutt indicate to anyone at City Hall that she was experiencing marital issues at home.

Bernard Wagner

“To the best of my knowledge, she didn’t demonstrate any sort of signs. I have meetings with the city administrator every Monday morning and sometimes twice per week. I never saw any signs in respect to domestic violence. But we know that domestic violence is prevalent globally. Actually, it has become a sort of epidemic in itself.”

And that epidemic has reared its ugly head at the Belize City Council. Domestic violence can cause severe physical and emotional harm to family members and children who witness domestic violence may experience long-lasting emotional scars, affecting their development and well-being.

Stephanne Hamilton, Councilor-Elect

“When I received the news on Saturday, for me it was like a nightmare, I actually could not believe it. I had to make several calls to ensure that indeed we were going through this and for me it’s like a devastation. Actually on Wednesday Stephanie texted me on Monday to wish me all the best and when she received the results, again she was championing me and she said, “Councilor, you deserve it, you worked hard.”

Sadly, the city administrator won’t be around to see the Belize City Council be called to office later this week. Her husband, Wally Cat, was well-known on the entertainment scene as a popular disc jockey who owned and managed Blue Steel Sounds, a staple on local radio. He was also the proprietor of Glass Technologies Ltd.

Prime Minister John Briceño

“I’m still at a loss. I know Bill Lindo very well and I know he is hurting beyond words, him and his family, and we reached out to both families. I still don’t know what really transpired, but it’s tragic. And Stephanie was so full of life and hard-working, driven person.”

Isani Cayetano for News Five.

CitCo Suffers Massive Loss Following Death of City Administrator

The tragic loss at City Hall now leaves a vacancy that is yet to be filled. It also casts a dark shadow over the incoming council, as Stephanie Lindo-Garbutt was set to administer the oath of office for the new members.

Isani Cayetano

“It’s a significant void to fill, particularly at this juncture. You’re about to start another three-year term in office. What takes place next, in terms of, one, the swearing-in and, two, being able to fill this particular post?”

Bernard Wagner, Belize City Mayor

“In respect to filling the post, I haven’t had time to really think about filling the post because you are processing so much. Right now I noh even have time fi think who we would recommend for replacement. Currently, the Ministry of Local Government, given that the municipality falls under their jurisdiction, we have had discussions and so, in the interim, so as to continue the operations of the city, we have to have someone there responsible and we, along with the local government, have appointed Sharlene Rudon to fill this transition period for us so as to ensure that the operations of the city continue and that the swearing-in occurs without any hiccups.”

Edmund Kwan, Councilor-Elect

“I just want to express my condolences to the city on a whole because Mrs. Stephanie was really the head of our, basically the head of our city council, you know, and it’s really a tragic loss to the whole city. Words can’t express how I’m feeling right now.”

Alan Pollard, Councilor-Elect

“I’m really still trying to process it. It’s very unbelievable, shocking and it just feels like a bad dream. CA was a lot of things. CA was a hard worker, she was almost robotic in carrying out her tasks. Seamless, she worked very hard, long hours and one thing, like the mayor said, she was strong-willed.”

Stevedores Are At Work, but On Go-Slow

Since the Christian Workers’ Union called a press briefing last week to state how very upset its members are, those employed by the Port of Belize, there has been little to no feedback from P.B.L. But while the stevedores have only threatened strike action and have reported to work, they have certainly made their discontent known to their employer. The waterfront workers are all on the job, but they have not been working to pace and it has had an effect on business. Today, Leonora Flowers, the President of the C.W.U., categorically told the media that there’s no strike action in place because the union has not informed the employer of such an action. News Five’s Marion Ali reports.

Leonora Flowers, President, Christian Workers’ Union

“There is a group of our members – our stevedores – who are very upset and unhappy with what’s happening at the moment. It’s been over a week that we sat with the – we sat in a meeting with the interim board’s chair and we said what was our final stance: Please do not touch our C.B.A. Please get to the sugar money or get to the C.B.A. We are prepared to dialogue on that right now. We’re not prepared to piecemeal any of our rights. We’re not prepared to give those away, not even for the sugar money.”

Marion Ali, Reporting

The tone was set publicly on March fifth and even from before then, when the Christian Workers’ Union wrote privately to the government, seeking a final settlement to the stevedores’ gripes. After not hearing a word on their behalf, stevedores are reportedly on the job, but have begun to show their discontent. While Leonora Flowers, President of the C.W.U., did not share openly what the stevedores have been advised to do, she gave an idea.

Leonora Flowers

“If you’re working and you’re unhappy, I’m sure it’s going to be felt in the effectiveness of what’s happening.”

Marion Ali

So what’s happening? Is it a go slow? What is happening on the ground?”

Leonora Flowers

“I will not seek to put any word to it. Suffice it to say, it’s not a strike. We’ve not issued any strike. We’ve not, told anybody to stay at home. Go to work.”

Marion Ali

“But whether or not they’re carrying on with the job, that’s a different story.”

Leonora Flowers

“(Nods head). You’d have to get what happens there from the Port. As we said, we tell our members, “show up for work.”

News Five did reach out to PBL C.E.O., Arturo Vasquez, who said that there was no protest happening, but that the actions of the stevedores has been having an impact on business. Cargo ships have been making calls to Belize since last week and have been unable to unload at the Port of Belize as a result of the actions of the stevedores. News Five also learned that on Saturday, a ship named Vanquish was sent back to Miami without unloading and that another ship, Aries, which provides a Caribbean feeder service will reportedly travel to the Port of Big Creek to be unloaded. There is another vessel, the Caribbean Mariner, which is also likely to be unloaded. And Flowers said the stevedores are prepared to stay the course until they hear from the government.

Marion Ali

“For how long will this be the case – that they report to work, but work is not happening?”

Leonora Flowers

“We’re anticipating a response from the government as we speak. It’s been more than a week that we’ve heard absolutely nothing from them.”

We left just as the C.W.U was starting a meeting with the foremen of the stevedore gangs. As Flowers explained, they are the ones who determine what steps they will take next.

Leonora Flowers

“These are the people who direct the union what happens. We take our orders from them.”

Marion Ali

“So they will inform what happens tomorrow and for the rest of the week?”

Leonora Flowers

“Yes.”

The stevedores want the government to pay them four point nine million dollars in compensation for the loss of wages when the decision was taken to have bulk sugar exported from the Big Creek Port instead. They also want to negotiate a new Collective Bargaining Agreement.

A Minor is Shot on Linda Vista Street

A minor was the victim of a lone gunman who took aim at him on Sunday night as he was walking along Linda Vista Street in the Lake Independence area. According to Assistant Commissioner of Police Hilberto Romero, the young man was the intended target of his assailant.

ACP Hilberto Romero, Regional Commander, Eastern Division

“On Sunday, March tenth, around 9:10 p.m., police responded to a shooting incident on Linda Vista Street in Belize City. Upon their arrival, they found Rojan Thomas with a gunshot injury. Information is that Thomas was walking on the street when he was approached by a male person who fired the shots towards him, causing the injury to him. Thomas is presently at the KHMH receiving treatment and is in a stable condition. Investigation continues into this report.”

Reporter

“Have police been able to determine whether he was targeted or not?”

Hilberto Romero

“Yes, the investigation revealed that he was the one that was targeted.”

Reporter

“Has anyone been detained as yet?”

Hilberto Romero

“No one is detained.”

Reporter

“[Is it] gang affiliated?”

Hilberto Romero

“We are looking at all the information to try to establish if there is any connection to any gang but so far that has not been determined.”

Prime Minister John Briceño Comments on Murder-Suicide

During his appearance on Open Your Eyes this morning, Prime Minister John Briceño, expressed condolences to the families of Stephanie Lindo and Oswald Garbutt. The couple was found dead in their residence on Freetown Road in Belize City on Saturday morning. Lindo was allegedly shot and killed by her husband Garbutt, proprietor of Blue Steel Sounds. Garbutt then reportedly turned the gun on himself.

PM Briceño said, “My heart reached out…this terrible tragedy on Saturday with Stephani Lindo and her husband. Still at a loss. I know Bill Lindo very well and I know that he is hurting beyond words, he and his family. We reached out to both families. I still don’t know what really transpired. It is tragic.”

PM Briceño described Lindo as “full of life.” She was the City Administrator.

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Oscar Selgado Guilty of Abetment to Commit Murder

Defense attorney Oscar Selgado has been found guilty of abetment to commit murder in an unprecedented ruling handed down by High Court Justice Nigel Pilgrim. Justice Pilgrim determined that Selgado had attempted to hire a gang member to carry out the murder of Marilyn Barnes, who had filed a complaint against him for unethical behavior. The judge found that the prosecution’s main witness, Giovanni Ramirez, was truthful and reliable. News Five’s Hipolito Novelo was in court and has the following story.

Hipolito Novelo, Reporting

From defense attorney to convict… Tonight, defense attorney Oscar Selgado is sitting in a jail cell at the Belize Central Prison. This is after High Court Justice Nigel Pilgrim handed down a historic verdict. Selgado was found guilty of abetment to commit murder.

Cheryl Lynn Vidal, Director of Public Prosecutions

“Let’s just say justice was done. I don’t know of any other case. I’ve been here 23 and a half years.”

Selgado is facing up to seven years behind bars, based on precedence. He attempted to hire Belize City gang member Giovanni Ramirez to murder Marilyn Barnes, who had made a complaint to the General Legal Counsel against Selgado for unethical behavior. Ramirez was the prosecution’s main witness, and in his ruling, Justice Pilgrim determined that Ramirez’s evidence was truthful and reliable.

Cheryl Lynn Vidal

“He accepted the statement of Giovanni Ramirez. He found him to be truthful in his statement and that what was stated in that statement suffice to prove the charge beyond a reasonable doubt.”

From our records, this is the first time that a practicing attorney has been convicted of such a crime. In November 2023, after chastising the media, Selgado said he would comment when the trial concluded.

Oscar Selgado, Guilty of Abetment to Commit Murder (File: November 3^rd 2023)

“What is it that the media wants to ask me? To comment upon a case that is before a judge? I am not afraid of the media. I have nothing to hide. What I want you people to understand is to respect my privacy and I don’t want to see you back at this court until the case is finish. When the case is finished, I will give you an interview, and I will tell you what I think.”

Selgado appeared in court today in casual clothing. During the judgment, he stared expressionlessly away from Justice Pilgrim who pronounced him guilty. He had no words for News Five while being escorted to a waiting prison van at the end of the session.

Hipolito Novelo

“Mister Selgado, anything to say, sir?”

Oscar Selgado

“(No Answer)”

Hipolito Novelo

“You said you would comment at the end of the trial.”

Oscar Selgado

“(No answer)”

Hipolito Novelo

“How do you feel about the verdict today that you’ve been found guilty of abetment to commit murder?”

Oscar Selgado

“(No answer)”

Hipolito Novelo

“Any words for your family?

Oscar Selgado

“(No Answer)”

Hipolito Novelo

“Will you appeal, sir?

Oscar Selgado

“(No Answer)”

It would not be unusual for Selgado to appeal the verdict; however, DPP Cheryl Lynn Vidal says it will be difficult.

Hipolito Novelo

“Is there any indication from Mr. Sargaro’s attorney that they would appeal this matter?

Cheryl Lynn Vidal

“I don’t think they’ll be giving me that indication, but I’m certain that he will. I’m also certain that he’ll find it very difficult from what I heard to succeed on an appeal.”

Attorney Richard Dickie Bradley, who sat in the courtroom, described today’s events as quote, ‘a sad day’.

Richard “Dickie” Bradley, Attorney

“It is a sad day.”

Reporter

“What happens now? Obviously, he won’t be able to represent the accused people in the Bladden 12.”

Richard “Dickie” Bradley

“That is true. We have to make arrangements for them to be properly represented.”

Reporter

“What is the penalty or sentence that he faces?

Richard “Dickie” Bradley

“Well, the maximum under the law is that he can get life imprisonment.”

Selgado was represented by attorney Adolph Lucas Senior. He is to appear in court on April 29^th for sentencing. Reporting for News Five, I am Hipolito Novelo.