A heated debate over the U.S. presidential election has landed two Belizean men in court. They are thirty-eight-year-old Joshua Rivero and sixty-three-year-old Leroy Young, who is accused of common assault for allegedly spitting in Rivero’s face. Allegations are that on June twenty-eight, Rivero was at his business located in the Michael Finnegan Market when Young began perusing stalls in the vicinity. Rivero claims that Young initiated a conversation about the U.S. presidential candidates, which quickly turned heated, causing Rivero to say, quote, if you can’t handle the heat, get out of the kitchen, end quote. Rivero said the man began to walk away, but while doing so, stopped in front of Rivero’s stall from outside the fence and spat in his direction. Rivero said the spit hit him on the left side of his face, so he informed the market security guard about the incident and the police were called in. Young, who is well-known for selling bottled on herbs on Albert Street, appeared unrepresented in court this morning. He was read a single charge of common assault, which he plead not guilty to. There were no objections to bail being granted so he was offered bail to the sum of two hundred dollars, plus one surety of the same amount.
Category: Belize District
Boyfriend Jailed for Stealing from Girlfriend’s Purse
Tonight, a man is on remand at the Belize Central Prison after he was accused of stealing from his girlfriend’s purse while she was in the shower. He is thirty-six-year-old Albert Perez, a Belize City resident and call center agent. Allegations are that on Tuesday, Perez’s girlfriend, thirty-eight-year-old, Kimisha August, went into her bathroom around six ten a.m. to take a shower and took her purse containing one hundred and fifty-two dollars with her which she hung on the knob of her window. According to August, a few minutes later, Perez entered the bathroom and took her purse before exiting the room. August claims that she followed him out of the room, begging him to return it to her. Upon checking the purse, August saw that forty dollars was missing from inside it. She went to the police for assistance and upon searching Perez, the police found the forty dollars on his person. Both parties were escorted to the police station where a statement was recorded from August who requested court action against her boyfriend. Perez appeared unrepresented and pleaded not guilty to the charge. He was offered bail in the sum of one thousand dollars, plus a surety of the same amount. Before his arraignment concluded, the court record revealed that Perez was in debt to the court from 2020 in the sum of one thousand, five hundred dollars of which he was ordered to pay at least two hundred dollars by end of the day. Perez could not make the payment and late this evening he was escorted up to the Belize Central Prison until he can do so. His next court date is set for August nineteenth, 2024.
Finding Beauty in Urban Settings, Yaoling Lee’s Urban Sketching
Urban Sketching is visual art form in which artists draw on location in the cities, town, or villages they live in or travel to. The Urban Sketchers movement is said to have begun in 2007. In Belize, one artist has taken up urban sketching to represent beauty in urban settings that may not be attractive to the untrained eyes. Yaoling Lee is compiling some of her best pieces from Belize City in a book that is set to be released this year entitled “Beautiful Belize City”. She is also passing on her skills to whoever is willing to learn, through six workshops over the course of the coming weeks. News Five’s Paul Lopez met with Lee in the hustle and bustle of downtown Belize City to learn more about her work. Here is that report.
Paul Lopez, Reporting
Visual artist Yaoling Lee sees beauty in places where many may not find it. Tuesday morning’s hustle and bustle in the heart of downtown Belize City is just that to most people, pedestrians going about their busy day, vehicles meandering through narrow streets, and architectural structures from Belize’s colonial past. But in Yaoling Lee’s world, all this is inspiration for her creative process.
Yaoling Lee, Visual Artist
“What I was doing is the urban sketching in watercolor and I start from sketching, so quick pencil drawing. Then I lay down the wash. What I did is lay down the first wash.”
What Yaoling Lee does is referred to as urban sketching. An urban sketcher captures what they see from direct observation. Yaoling Lee sketches what she sees and feels, while trying not to interfere with what reality presents.
“Since I live here, I live in Belize City and I spend most of my time around here and I drive around often to find a scenery to paint. People ask me how I chose my scenery. It is hard to tell. Sometimes it is only because the house looks just right, the light is just right, sometimes because there is a sparkle light, and sometimes it is only because of the mood, I love it.”
“Does colors or the location you select do they any at all depict any at all the character in terms of the culture of communities, Belize City in specific?”
Yaoling Lee
“Oh Yes, the first comes to my mind is those colonial houses. They are so beautiful.”
Yaoling Lee
“I need to add a person because I can’t do it now, because it is all wet. It will smear to everywhere. Usually I take time, sometimes I have to stop and continue later. But at least you capture the pencil drawing and that is the first wash. It is coming down so it is not good.”
“I have to say that the title of this book is called beautiful Belize City. This is how I see Belize City although you might have different thinking. So far, nobody tells me Belize City is a beautiful place.”
Paul Lopez
“How do you find the beauty in Belize City, because a lot of people may see it differently?”
“Yeah, maybe like a lot of crimes, gangsters?” Not every single watercolor sketch comes out good. It is a process. So, I keep on painting, keep on sketching, keep on drawing. This book is a selection of some of my best work. I am making this book for myself. While I am doing those sketches, traveling around Belize City, I am curious about Belize City. I don’t know about it much, so I brought in those twenty-two Belizean writers to write about those historical background.”
Yaoling Lee
“The first one is this Saturday from the Belizean Museum of Arts, House of Culture and all the workshops are free. Of course you just have to come with your art supplies. You don’t need a lot of art supply. Come with pencil, if you have any watercolor, acrylic. But the most important is bring some papers, but at least one side, white, clean. We are going make a sketchbook from scratch.”
Reporting for News Five, I am Paul Lopez.
Body Found Floating in Vista Del Mar Community
On Saturday police discovered the lifeless body of man near the marina in the Vista Del Mar area. Police have since confirmed the identity of the individual to be Mansfield Jones, a resident of Ladyville. At this time investigators are unable to determine what led to Jones’ death. A.C.P. Hilberto Romero told reporters that police do not suspect foul play at this time.
A.C.P Hilberto Romero, Regional Commander, Eastern Division
“On Saturday the thirteenth July 2024, police responded to the vista del mar area in Ladyville where they saw a lifeless body for a male person floating in one of the canals. The person was later identified as Mansfield jones. The body was retrieved, there were no signs of any physical injury on the body a postmortem will be conducted this week to determine the cause of death.”
Reporter
“Was Mr. Jones reported missing, can the police establish?”
Hilberto Romero
“No he was no reported missing, after the body was found an alert was done, and he was later identified.”
Reporter
“Could this be a possible suicide?”
Hilberto Romero
“We do not know at this time, we will await the postmortem results.”
Reporter
“Does he live in the area?”
Hilberto Romero
“Yes, he lives in Ladyville.”
Cop Charged for Allegedly Pulling Gun on Wife
Tonight, a police officer is on remand at the Belize Central Prison pending a bail application for the offenses of aggravated assault with a firearm and harm upon his wife after she accused him of pointing a gun in her direction and injuring her during a domestic dispute. He is thirty-nine-year-old Myron Williams, a policeman originally from Corozal District employed and residing in Belize City. Allegations made by Williams’ wife are that on Saturday, around four forty-two a.m., her husband arrived home and from about two feet away pulled out his gun and pointed it in her direction, while accusing her of infidelity. According to the woman, she told him she was with a female friend and that is when he removed the magazine from the gun. The police were called in and Williams’ wife made a report and requested court action. Williams appeared unrepresented in court this morning where he pleaded not guilty to aggravated assault with a deadly instrument. Due to the nature of the offense, no bail could be offered, and he was remanded to the Belize Central Prison until August sixteenth, 2024. Although appearing unrepresented in court today, Williams told the magistrate that he has legal representation. However, his attorney could not be at his arraignment today.
Munnings Funeral Services Robbed at Gunpoint
This afternoon, Munnings Funeral Services was robbed at gunpoint in Belize City. The incident occurred around three p.m. at the establishment on Albert Street. According to the owner, Andrew Munnings, his elderly mother was in the building when a man dressed in dark clothing entered and pointed a gun in her direction. Authorities arrived at the scene shortly after, however the assailant had already vacated the premises. Munnings has since shared several surveillance camera footages from nearby establishments depicting whom he believes to be the assailant. In these videos a man wearing dark clothing, a hat and a mask is seen walking with a bicycle on the sidewalk on Albert Street. Munnings is appealing to the public to contact him or the police with any information that may lead to an arrest. We spoke with Munnings earlier who says that the experience was traumatic to his elderly mother and that her health is a priority at this moment.
Life-Saving Swim Lesson Provided to Belize City Children Free of Cost
The Belize Police Department and the Belize Coast Guards have once again teamed up to provide free swimming lessons to the children of Belize City. The annual program is facilitated by the Community Policing Unit to reach children who would not have access to swimming lessons otherwise. The program aims to teach life-saving abilities to children, as well as forge stronger bonds between youths and law enforcement. News Five’s Britney Gordon stopped by the classes being held at the Princess Ramada earlier today for more details. Here’s that story.
Britney Gordon, Reporting
Every year, approximately two hundred, thirty-six thousand people die from drowning around the world. According to the World Health Organization, it is the third leading cause of unintentional injury deaths worldwide, accounting for seven percent of them. And children are some of the most vulnerable of the population to this threat. To curb these numbers, the Belize Police Department and the Belize Coast Guard have teamed up to host the annual community swimming program. During this two-week course, children will be educated on safe water practices and swimming techniques. ACP Howell Gillett, National Commander of the Community Policing Unit, tells us the aim of the program
A.C.P. Howell Gillett, Nat’l Commander, Community Policing Unit
“What we’re trying to achieve is to first of all get young people closer to law enforcement. I believe after this they could say police officer by name or a coast guard officer by name. Apart from the What we want to do is to reduce the number of instances of drowning incidents where we have to respond to so that the police could be using in other areas in the country. So they’re learning at society that is proficient in swimming, there’ll be less reports, there’ll be less risk taken by kids. Our If we do have to report, I believe it will be if the community is proficient, then they can assist the law enforcement. It is an opportune time because it’s summer break on kids. It’s almost impossible to keep kids away from waterways, so we want them to go in a safe way on knowing how to swim.”
Gladis Itch, Swimming Instructor
“What I get is the joy of graduation day when kids, there are some that come that are literally scared of entering the water. They’re actually swimming across the pool. And that gives us great joy to see that big accomplishment.”
Britney Gordon
“What have you learned so far?”
Keyvaun Augustin, Participant
“I’ve learned doggy paddle, and also how to hold my breath really, really good. And I think I’ve improved on that.”
Britney Gordon
“Have you made any sort of bonds with the other students here that are part of it and with the instructors?”
“Yes, ma’am. I have made a strong, like a very strong bond with my classmates in our program.”
Britney Gordon
“And what are you hoping you will learn by the end of next week?”
“By the end of next week, I hope I’ll learn to save or at least help others drowning.”
Gillett says that the participants were selected from various communities within Belize City by the community policing officers and he plans to expand the program to other districts in the future.
A.C.P. Howell Gillett
“Despite your socio economic condition, that should not stop you from learning a very important life skill. These kids may never be involved because it’s too costly to have your children in a swimming program, but we bring it to them at no cost at all. And we’re grateful for all who sponsor this program.”
Britney Gordon for News Five.
Security Guard Arraigned for Common Assault Days after Theft Charge
Tonight, a man is out on bail after freelance journalist, forty-three-year-old Joseph Budna accused him of assault during a visit to the Transport Department in Belize City. He is fifty-year-old, Martin Carcamo, a security officer employed at Novelo’s Bus Terminal. Allegations are that on Wednesday, at around three forty-five p.m., while visiting the Transport Department Office, Budna was informed that it was closed and he began preparing equipment to conduct a live report to his Facebook page. He claims that Carcamo approached him and proceeded to call him a derogatory term and threaten to hit him. Budna further reports that after completing his recording, he attempted to leave the premises, asking Carcamo why he was insulting him. It is during this interaction that Budna alleges Carcamo punched him on his shoulder, causing him to stumble backwards. Carcamo appeared unrepresented in court today, where he pleaded not guilty to the charge of common assault. He was offered bail in the sum of one thousand dollars, plus one surety of the same amount which he met. He is due back in Court on September twelfth, 2024. This is Carcamo’s second criminal charge in eight days, after he was arraigned on the charge of theft on July second.
Fire Destroys House in Belize City
On Wednesday morning, a wooden house in the St. Martin’s area of Belize City caught fire. The house was destroyed. Although no injuries were reported, the incident left the family with no shelter, food, or clothing. The family which includes three children continues to seek assistance.
On Facebook, KJ Trujeque called on members of the public to assist the family. She said, “My babysitter’s home caught fire today and she lost absolutely everything. Asking anyone with an open and kind heart to help her out in any way possible. She has a 1 year old baby girl and two boys; 4 and 6 years old. If you have clothes, shoes or anything that can be used in the household that you no longer want and would like to pass on to her or the kids it would be greatly appreciated. If you would like to make a monetary donation or even assist with groceries it is welcomed.”
The cause of the fire is still unknown.
Wagner Pleads Public for Patience with E-bus Pilot Project
The E-mobility Pilot Project is coming soon to Belize City and City Hall is asking the public to bet patient as they analyze parts of the project that will be best for the country. The new eco-friendly electric buses will be outfitted with several features such as wi-fi and air conditioning, leading to concerns regarding the affordability of the services. Mayor Bernard Wagner says that he anticipates criticism, but assures the public that the council will use the first run to determine how it can be improved with time. Here’s more on that.
Bernard Wagner, Mayor of Belize City
“When change comes, people complain, but you have to embrace change. We want to transform the public transportation system at least in the city It has been over fifty years that we have not seen any sort of Growth, any sort of development in the transport system. We have an opportunity here, man, and we have to embrace it. Where you are able to have the residents of the city drive in a modern bus, which is efficient, reliable eco-friendly less pollution in the air. You are able to track it via the app that we have in place on it. And it makes life easier. We have many capabilities for wheelchair commuters. It will have Wi Fi, it will be AC. It’s just a pilot project. I continuously to say that it’s a pilot project. It will inform scaling up opportunities for the city when we reach that point. We have not reached that point yet. I don’t see why people are looking way ahead, two, three years ahead. Let the e mobility pilot project work first. Let us get the required data, which will inform scaling up.”
Reporter
“But you can see how they were concerned, though, because there was a meeting, and there are minutes of meeting, pointing to some entity. That’s What I took from what was in those meetings because it wasn’t clear, but they’re talking about the formation of an entity of which the City Council would own fifty-one percent and I think that is what maybe they stretched a little to say that they would be required to give up a majority shares.”
Bernard Wagner
“That’s far from it. I Just hear that narrative over and over we are doing the pilot project. Let’s focus on the pilot project first. When we reach that road, we will cross that bridge.”