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EXCLUSIVE: Belizean Hero’s Brave Account of Life-Saving Heroism During Thursday’s Harrowing Hijacking

Less than a week ago, Captain Howell Grange found himself in a life-and-death situation straight out of a movie. On Holy Thursday morning, he boarded his Tropic Air flight in Ranchito for what should have been a routine twenty-minute trip to San Pedro. Instead, the flight turned into a horrific two-hour hijacking ordeal. Despite being badly wounded, Captain Grange managed to land the plane safely and live to tell the tale. This afternoon, Tropic Air issued a statement thanking the community for their support during this challenging time. Shortly after, Captain Grange was wheeled out of Belize Healthcare Partners Limited, greeted by applause from hospital staff, friends, and family. Before heading home, Captain Howell Grange made his first stop at the Divine Mercy Church, where he and his family attend mass every Sunday. He was there to give thanks for surviving the ordeal. News Five’s Marion Ali reports.

Howell Grange, Pilot, Tropic Air

“When I found out I was going to be released, I told my wife I need to go to church before we get home. I think I owe everything right now to the good Lord. That’s why I’m here because right when the deal started, I prayed to him and asked him to fill me with the strength and the knowledge to get to that man’s head, so all we have a good outcome for the day.”

Holy Thursday turned out to be a good day for the passengers and Captain Grange, despite the critical injuries inflicted by hijacker Akinyela Taylor. Taylor took control of the aircraft soon after takeoff, Grange recounted, as he relived the harrowing experience.

Howell Grange

“I took off normal, crossing over Cerros, then I started to hear the commotion and that’s when I saw when Mr. Brown, he was already injured and Mr. Castaneda was already injured, so I started to turn back to Corozal. Then that’s when he said it was a hijacking and then he demanded the little boy to go to the back, everyone to the back, and everyone went to the back. And he started telling me I was going to take him to the United States. So, I said, okay, no problem. So, I told him which airport you want to go? So, I found my airport in the GPS, the G-1000 equipment we use, and I put it in and I move it from the map. So he was not seeing where I’m going.”

Seeing two passengers bleeding, Captain Grange knew the situation was dire. He contacted air traffic control in Spanish to alert them about the unfolding crisis. Then, he cleverly flew over water to confuse the hijacker.

Howell Grange

“I started to head over to the international airport, but I passed behind the international airport. I told him we’re heading into Mexican territory, and I had spoken to the controllers over the radio and asked them to speak in Spanish and they understood what I was trying to do. Then I went out at sea, came back, but different direction, not in the same route. So he doesn’t recognize any area.”

Marion Ali

“Yes, we saw the loops.”

Howell Grange

“Yeah, so I was mainly trying to fly over water. It’s hard to get orientated over water and I was changing altitude every minute just to change the direction, you know, try to head back closer to Belize and just try to stay over water as much as I could. I had asked them to please get someone that speaks proper American English, and they got someone and they were vectoring me to the final, and this was already like an hour and change into flight, so when I was landing, he thought he was landing in the US.”

But the hijacker soon realized that he was not in the US and that was when he also stabbed Grange.

Howell Grange

“He said he doesn’t recognize the airport for me to go around. So, I went back out and that’s when we started to argue in the airplane, me and him. And he told me, if you’re not gonna take me to the airport, then we all gonna die here today.”

Marion Ali

“What airport was that?”

Howell Grange

“I don’t remember the name, it was one in the U.S, somewhere in Missouri, Mississippi, or something like that. I don’t really recall, but I started heading back. Well, I started to argue with him because I wanted to distract him from seeing me getting closer to the airport. At the same time I was descending that time. I only had about 10 minutes more of fuel, and I decided to land. When he realized it was not where he wanted to be, then the whole scuffle start inside the airplane.”

Marion Ali

“That’s when he stabbed you?”

Howell Grange

“Yeah, he stabbed me, yeah.”

After Taylor stabbed him, Captain Grange cut off the plane’s engine and they began to fight inside the aircraft. Taylor inflicted ten stab wounds on Grange, including one behind his ear that cut through his tongue and another serious wound to his right hand. Suddenly, two gunshots rang out.

Howell Grange

“He hit me in my chin here. He was a pretty skillful guy with the knife, pretty skillful guy with the knife. He tried to hit my temple, but I had my shades on and this was the biggest one. I was trying to hold his hand and then he just grabbed the knife and sliced it open.”

Grange is at home recovering now, something he said was first on his mind.

Marion Ali

“What was going through your mind?”

Howell Grange

“Getting home to my family, getting home to my family, that was playing through my mind. That’s all I wanted.”

Captain Grange endured ten stab wounds, each narrowly missing vital vessels that could have been fatal. He now looks forward to a full recovery and hopes to return to the pilot’s seat one day. Marion Ali for News Five.

New Security Measures at the Municipal Airstrip

Belize’s municipal airstrips have ramped up security after Thursday’s Tropic Air hijacking scare. Thankfully, all passengers escaped unharmed, but the incident could have become tragic if the hijacker had been armed with deadlier weapons. News Five’s Britney Gordon caught up with a passenger at the Sir Barry Bowen Municipal Airstrip to get the scoop on the new safety protocols.

Britney Gordon, Reporting

It’s been nearly a week since the hijacking of a Tropic Air flight in Belizean skies. In response, the Belize Airports Authority has implemented new security measures. Lydia De Los Santos, a passenger flying to Placencia, shares her thoughts on the changes.

Britney Gordon

“So can you talk a little bit about the security measures that you have seen here at this in comparison to some of the other security measures that you’ve had on other planes?”

Lydia De Los Santos, Passenger

“I think it’s the same, just in a smaller scale. Because they still have the metal detectors. Your bag has to get checked.”

She explained that the new procedures are not complex and don’t take much time.

Lydia De Los Santos

“We got our boarding passes. We had a show passports, just like at a big air airport. And they checked our bags. And when we got to this particular one and they gave us our boarding pass here.”

Britney Gordon

“How many bags are you guys traveling with?”

Lydia De Los Santos

“Two.”

Britney Gordon

“And are you allowed to have a purse?”

Lydia De Los Santos

“It’s two luggage and a carry-on.”

Britney Gordon

“So you are allowed to keep your carry-on?”

Lydia De Los Santos

“Yes.”

Passengers can still bring a personal item, but now they must go through a metal detector scan.

Lydia De Los Santos

“They did the metal detector and they checked the bag, I don’t know if they went in the bag, but they checked the bag. So I don’t know if they went in it.”

De Los Santos is traveling with caution but feels reassured by the new security measures.

Britney Gordon

“Do you feel that this is sufficient enough for your safety?”

Lydia DeLos Santos

“Are we ever really safe? I live on a prayer, so I’m satisfied.”

Britney Gordon

“And it’s comparable to other airports, maybe just on a smaller scale?”

Lydia De Los Santos

“Smaller scale.”

Britney Gordon

“And is there any sort of maybe hesitation that you have given the recent news of what happened? Or do you feel that it’s been taken care of?”

Lydia De Los Santos

“I did see the news. My sister sent it to me right the day before I’m coming, so I’m like, again I trust Jesus. I do everything afraid because in this world, nothing is really safe anymore, but I trust that the Lord’s gonna keep me safe. So that’s it.”

Britney Gordon for News Five

Hijacked Plane Returned to Tropic Air

Thursday’s terrifying hijacking concluded when the plane finally landed at the Philip Goldson International Airport after spending two hours in the air. Upon landing, chaos erupted on the runway as medical personnel and police rushed to the aircraft. Commissioner of Police, Chester Williams, explains how the team was able to handle the situation without disrupting the scheduled traffic at the airport.

Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police

“For me my objective was to make sure that we clear the runway as quickly as possible so as not to hinder any of the international flights that were scheduled to arrive on that day. And so after the plane landed, considering that the runway was not the crime scene, but whether the plane was the crime scene. I had directed the plane to remove from the runway and taken to the you call it apron, whatever that part of the airport is for it to be processed by scenes of crime. And so within half an hour time, the runway was clear. And I don’t think that any of the international flights had any delay in landing. I think they all arrived on time and they landed well and took off well. So I believe, again, our efforts in terms of coordinating that was extremely good. Civil Aviation was on the ball as well as Airport Authority in making sure that the runway was not only cleared, but after the runway has been cleared. I think there is some physical checks that need to be made on the runway to make sure that it is safe for landing. That was also done so that the aircraft that were supposed to come in on that day could have been notified that there was no delay in them coming into the country.”

Reporter

“So what happens to the plan now? Is that tendered into evidence?”

Chester Williams

“We don’t need to hold a plan pending the outcome of any court case in this case. I don’t think that there’s going to be a court case, but what would’ve been done should there be one? For example, if Mr. Taylor was alive and would be prosecuted. Through the DPP office, a letter could have been issued to properly process and photograph the aircraft, and that would’ve been done in presence of a JP or a magistrate. And with that then the plane could have been returned to Tropic Air for normal operations while the case is still pending.”

Tropic Air Flight Hijacking Not Classified as an Act of Terrorism

Details are still unfolding about Akinyela Taylor’s hijacking of the Tropic Air flight. Police report that Taylor was kicked out of PGIA for trying to board a flight without a ticket and was later denied entry to both Mexico and Belize. Commissioner Chester Williams says it’s still a mystery why Taylor came to Belize and what drove him to commit the crime.

Reporter

“In terms of the department investigation, has anything been uncover about why Mr. Taylor was here? If he had any contacts here what he had been doing before Thursday’s incident?”

Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police

“We don’t have any information in terms of why he was here other than the fact that he might have been a tourist. In terms of contacts, I’ve seen some video footage that showed him in certain areas. People questioned him about what he was doing. And he said he was a normal backpacker moving around. So we do not per se, stop people from coming into the country if they’re coming as tourists.”

Reporter

“And then last thing in terms, I think there have been some that have been open about calling this a terrorist incident. I don’t think terrorism in the normal definition is what happened here, but would you be able to clarify that aspect?”

Chester Williams

“Under the Anti-Money Laundering and Terrorism Act, it would not meet the threshold of an act of terror. So should he have survived this this ordeal, he would’ve been charged perhaps for kidnapping, attempt murder along those lines, but not for terrorism.”

Guatemalan Authorities Withhold Support for Reef Protection Bill

Guatemala’s Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (MARN) and the National Council of Protected Areas (CONAP) have announced they cannot support a proposed law that would expand the Punta de Manabique protected area to include the ecologically valuable Cayman Crown Reef, citing legal and procedural shortcomings.

The proposed legislation, Bill 6499, aims to incorporate the reef, considered one of the best-preserved in the Guatemalan Caribbean, into the existing protected area framework. The reef plays a vital role in sustaining local marine biodiversity and supporting the livelihoods of fishers in the Izabal region.

However, both MARN and CONAP stressed that the bill lacks the required technical foundation to move forward. According to Guatemala’s Protected Areas Law, any official declaration of a protected area must be based on a comprehensive technical study approved by CONAP. Such a study must assess the environmental, social, economic, and cultural conditions of the area and the potential impacts on the local population.

“Without an approved technical study, support from relevant government institutions, and clear social backing, MARN and CONAP cannot endorse the incorporation of Corona Caimán into the protected area.”

Environmental advocates have voiced concern over the delay but acknowledge the need for due process.

The reef, located between Belize and Guatemala within the Sapodilla Cayes Marine Reserve, is a key ecological site. It hosts spawning grounds for finfish and deep-water species and is considered part of the vital Mesoamerican Reef system.

Locals in San Francisco Del Mar now claim a six-mile stretch, including much of Belize’s Conservation Zone 4, as Guatemalan territory, raising fears that NGO patrols will cease and unregulated fishing will resume.

National Student Union Demands Action on Harassment Claims at UB

The National Student Union of Belize (NSUB) is demanding urgent action and a full investigation into allegations of sexual harassment made against UB assistant professor, Dr. Pio Saqui.

Saqui is on administrative leave as the university conducts an investigation.

On April 16, News Five learnt that UB had records of complaints against Dr Saqui, who is also the president of the University of Belize Faculty and Staff Union (UBFSU), with the most recent damning complaint dated April 8.

Four students accused Dr Saqui of unwanted touching, sexual remarks, invasive questions, and persistent physical contact “despite visible discomfort and refusal.”

News Five reached out to Dr Saqui several times through various means when we broke the story. He has yet to reply to our request for comments.

In its statement, the NSUB said it “unequivocally condemns all forms of sexual harassment and misconduct” and voiced firm support for students who have come forward with claims spanning over a decade, calling the allegations “deeply concerning.”

The union said it “demands a thorough and transparent response.”

“We urge UB to ensure that this process adheres to the principles of fairness, impartiality, and accountability,” the union said, citing the university’s Student Handbook and the Anti-Sexual Harassment Act of 2024.

The union also called on the university to protect students from retaliation and to provide mental health support throughout the investigation. “

The NSUB said it will “continue to monitor this situation closely” and work to ensure student safety remains a top priority.

GoFundMe Launched for Chito Martinez’s Funeral Costs

A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to assist the family of Chito Martinez, the first and only Major League Baseball player born in Belize, following his death on Sunday, 20 April, at the age of 59.

Martinez passed away at his home in Lake Cormorant, Mississippi, after a series of recent hospitalisations. The cause of death has not been officially released, but according to the GoFundMe page, he had suffered a heart attack.

Ramiro Cortes, a close friend who organised the fundraiser, described Martinez as “a great friend who would give you the shirt off his back” and appealed for support to ease the financial burden on his widow.

“I have started this GoFundMe to help his widow with funeral and other expenses she will incur in the immediate future,” he said. “I ask that you search your heart for anything you can provide. Even prayers for God’s peace. It will bring great comfort in knowing that it will be one less thing she will have to deal with.”

Martinez’s funeral will be held Friday, 25 April, at Coleman Funeral Home in Southaven.

Domestic Violence Survivor Speaks Out After Near-Fatal Attack

A woman who narrowly escaped death after a brutal attack by her ex-partner is now pleading for public support as she works to rebuild her life.

The woman, formerly of San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, relocated to Belize City for safety after the incident. She told Ladyville Highlights she survived multiple stab wounds inflicted by her former partner, including stab injuries to her head, face, and under her arm. “I tried to defend myself, and that’s how I got more injuries… Lotta blood I lose,” she said.

The mother of four said she fought back to survive for her children. “I fight back because I have my four beautiful children,” she stated.

She revealed the abuse had been ongoing, with several police reports made. “This situation been in police hands more than one time,” she said. Though she tried to leave, she claimed her ex repeatedly returned and intimidated her. “I tried my best to leave him,” she told Ladyville Highlights.

The woman is now recovering and staying with a friend during her “transition” into rebuilding her life. Though her children are not with her at the moment, she hopes to be reunited with them soon.

She is now seeking the public’s help for financial assistance to cover her ongoing medical expenses, including a CT scan and a full assessment of the injuries she sustained, as she continues her recovery.

“Anybody who wants to extend their hands to me and help me, because I really need the help,” she said. Assistance can be made through Ladyville Highlights.

“To the young ladies,” she advised, “listen to your parents, make your parents your best friends, talk to your parents.”

Belize Loses Access to $125M U.S. Grant as MCC Faces Shutdown

The Government of Belize is set to lose access to a five-year, US$125 million development grant from the United States following the sudden decision by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to shut down the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), a major U.S. foreign aid agency.

The MCC had signed the grant agreement with Belize just seven months ago, in September 2024, marking a historic investment in the country’s education and energy sectors. The agreement was signed by Prime Minister John Briceño and MCC CEO Alice Albright and attended by U.S. Ambassador Michelle Kwan and Minister of State Christopher Coye.

Now, with the agency slated for closure, the future of the Belize Compact — which included transformative projects to expand access to education and reduce electricity costs — hangs in the balance. The new MCC-funded implementing agency, Millennium Challenge Account-Belize, was scheduled to begin project rollout in 2025.

An internal MCC email this week confirmed that the agency’s 320 employees have been offered early retirement or deferred resignations, with operations winding down within 90 days. DOGE is expected to present a resolution next week to formally terminate MCC’s global grant programmes, affecting 20 countries with over $5.4 billion in active funding.

The closure is part of a broader push by the Trump administration and DOGE head Elon Musk to dismantle select government agencies. Though Musk has announced plans to step down, DOGE continues its efforts to cut back U.S. foreign aid programs.

MCC’s compact with Belize aimed to reduce poverty by improving technical education and modernising the power grid with lower-cost renewable energy. Now, without the U.S. partnership, these long-planned initiatives face indefinite delays or cancellation.

Captain Howell Grange Discharged from Medical Care

Tropic Air announced that Captain Howell Grange has been discharged from medical care and is now resting and recovering at home. The airline expressed deep gratitude for the strength of its team and the support from the community during this challenging time.

In a statement, Tropic Air stressed its commitment to prioritising the well-being of all those affected by recent events. The airline is implementing enhanced security protocols and reviewing long-term safety procedures to ensure the continued safety of passengers, crew, and staff. Tropic Air CEO Maximiliano Greif assured that updates on these measures will be provided once fully in place.

The announcement comes in the wake of a terrifying mid-air ordeal over Belize, where American hijacker Akinyela Sawa Taylor was shot and killed by a passenger after hijacking a Tropic Air flight and stabbing three people.

Taylor, a U.S. military veteran and father of four, had arrived in Belize just nine days prior, on April 8, via an American Airlines flight from Miami, Florida.

Immigration records show this was his first time visiting the country.

In the days leading up to the attack, Taylor was involved in several troubling incidents. He caused a disturbance at the Philip Goldson International Airport when he attempted to board a United Airlines flight to the U.S. without a ticket, prompting security to remove him. On April 12, he tried to enter Chetumal, Mexico, via the Santa Elena Border but was denied by Mexican authorities and then refused re-entry into Belize. Taylor later surfaced in the Corozal Free Zone, where he reportedly spent the night in an abandoned building.

He was confronted by Corozal police and Free Zone security, during which he allegedly assaulted a police officer. Although initially detained, Taylor was released.

It remains unclear how Taylor returned to Belize or boarded the Tropic Air flight from Ranchito Airstrip early Thursday.