Corozal District - Channel 5 Belize

Deadly Violence in Chetumal Raises Concerns for Belizean Travelers

We begin our newscast tonight with an escalation in deadly cartel violence just north of the Belize border with Mexico, in Chetumal, Quintana Roo. The popular Belizean destination has become a warzone for feuding drug gangs that operate in that southern Mexican state. Violent encounters between heavily armed gunmen have prompted the Mexican military to dispatch two hundred members of the Mexican army, air force, and national guard to the Othón Blanco municipality to quell growing insecurity among residents. This follows the murders of a businessman, as well as the head of the Secretariat of Citizen Security, and a minor whose father is a municipal police officer. Authorities have made several arrests and there has also been the kidnapping of a captain of the Mexican Army, who was released hours later. The rash of violence between the cartels has raised serious concerns among Belizeans who travel to neighboring Chetumal. News Five spoke with Oscar Arnold, Belize’s Ambassador to Mexico, about the recent upheaval and his safety advice for Belizeans traveling to Quintana Roo.

Oscar Arnold, Belize’s Ambassador to Mexico

“The official word coming out is that it’s two rivalling groups, two groups who are feuding and as such, the incidences have been targeted to people who supposedly are on a list. The entire Quintana Roo area as is a tourist hotspot, is a tourist destination. It includes everywhere from Calderitas, Bacalar, Xcalak, Tulum, Playa, Cancun. For Mexico, tourism is a $40 billion US a year industry, so it’s not something that they take lightly, and as far back as 2019, the federal government had dispatched national guards. They had dispatched 1500 national guards, so the Cancun and Tulum area to address and arrest the issues that were flaring up there in crime. So we’re seeing it at a smaller scale in Chetumal, and what they’ve been doing is that they’ve sent these National Guard men to try to support and assist and try to quell any further incidences from occurring. As it relates to Belizeans, I believe that the Government of Belize, the Foreign Affairs office as well as the security apparatus in Belize have been monitoring it. There’s been numerous meetings. I’ve been asked to send whatever, intelligence, whatever report that we have on the ground so that they can review it and take a look at it to see if there’s a decision that needs to be taken. I don’t think we are there yet, but Belizeans should observe some caution if they’re traveling across the border. I know that we go there for recreation we go there to shop we go there to visit family members, we go there for medical reasons. But I would advise them to stay on the major roads, don’t travel at night, don’t travel alone. Make sure that you have all your requisite paperwork. If you’re taking a vehicle over their insurance registration, and also to ensure that you check in formally at the immigration checkpoint at the border crossing. We’ve had several instances where Belizeans just drive across and then they run into a roadblock or a checkpoint later on down the road and then they get charged for committing some sort of immigration violation. Belizeans going over to Chetumal should expect to see increased security, increased roadblocks in and around Chetumal.”

Corozal Restaurant Forced to Denounce “Fake” Facebook Post

Located on 4th Avenue in Corozal Town, Shun Li Fast Food restaurant was forced to deny what it described as a “fake online accusation.” Management of the restaurant responded to a Facebook post that alleged that the restaurant had sold fry chicken infested with maggots.

The restaurant said, “After investigating, it is evident that the food plate that appeared in the allegations is not the same type as the one we use!”

*Shun Li describing differences in plates*

The statement continued, “At SHUN LI, we take food safety practices very seriously and adhere to strict guidelines to ensure the quality and safety of our products!”

So, if the infested food wasn’t from Shun Li Fast Food Restaurant, where was it brought? The person who made the accusation apologised, saying it was from “another business” located on 4th Avenue.

Corozal Investor Given Six Weeks to Remove Illegal Jetty

Some weeks ago, News Five brought you the story of the illegal jetty that an investor in Corozal had begun to construct in the Corozal Bay. The jetty, still not completed, was at least three hundred feet into the sea and work was still underway. The residents of the area had raised concerns because the structure was in an area that is part of the Corozal Bay Wildlife Sanctuary, and they suspected that the investor had not gotten the necessary permits to build the jetty. News Five checked with the Department of the Environment, which confirmed that there was no permit given to have the structure built and today, Chief Environmental Officer, Anthony Mai told us that the property owner has six weeks from the time the jetty was deemed illegal to remove it.

Anthony Mai, Chief Environmental Officer, Dept. of Environment

“Before the jetty was constructed, or is constructed, he would have had to do an EIA, right, because that is what the law says.”

Marion Ali

“Did he do that?”

Anthony Mai

“The law says that any project within a protected area requires an EIA. So we informed him, he didn’t do the EIA and he went ahead and he constructed a portion of the jetty. When we were informed, we went and we issued a stop order and he was charged for that, particularly because it’s an offense to start a project without environmental clearance. When we were about to settle the matter, we were informed that he continued to construct and we met with him, and because of all the history in terms of the violation, we agreed with him that the jetty would be removed altogether. And so this came from him, from the owner: the owner agreed that because of all that has occurred, he agrees to remove the structure and we said that was the best option for us, the Department of Environment as well. And so we have written to him and we have given him a time period within which he needs to remove the jetty.”

Sitting Mayor and P.U.P. Slate Sweep Corozal

In Corozal, the People’s United Party retained its hold with incumbent mayor Rigoberto Vellos securing a win for his entire slate. This win marks the launch of the third term in office for Vellos. Out of the seven thousand eight hundred and twenty-six registered electors, four thousand seven hundred and twenty cast their votes, representing a sixty-point three-one percent voter turnout. Here’s News Five’s Britney Gordon with the full report.

Britney Gordon, Reporting

The polling stations opened at seven a.m. to an average voter turnout in comparison to the other municipalities, with an unremarkable four hundred sixty-three voters between seven and eight a.m. former UDP mayor Hilberto Campos commented on the voter turnout.

Hilberto Campos, Former Mayor, Corozal

“Earlier I was talking to someone and we were discussing as to the abnormalities of this election is that the low of turnout, who does it favor? And traditionally it is said that it favors the incumbent, not this time. This time it’s totally different. I am of the opinion based on the campaigning that the slate did, that the Standard Bureau did, that the PUP supporters are reluctant to come out this time.”

The low voter turnout trend persisted throughout the day, dipping as low as three hundred and seven voters around one p.m. Activity finally began to increase around three p.m. when the numbers surpassed four hundred and remained above it until the closing of the stations, even peaking at six hundred and twenty-four between four and five p.m.

Corozal Voter

“There’s a lot of things that need to be done. And I was just talking to some of my friends and I was looking at the news and Corozal is forgotten. Nobody’s talking about Corozal about how the election is going now. And again, you’ll see. So I think that we should get back on the map and be a vibrant Carrizal town that we used to be. So we need a change.”

As the activity picked up, the PUP candidates gained confidence, stating that through their work, historically red polling stations would be able to flip in their favour.

David Castillo, P.U.P. Standard Bearer, Corozal

“To be honest to you, this election is different than previous elections. This polling area traditionally has been more red than blue. The machinery today, we have a stronger machinery than the UDP. We have more wonders than the UDP’s and our Machinery is very, very, very active, we’re taking all the people. So we’re, we’re expecting to win this polling area.”

Up against Rigoberto Vellos was U.D.P. candidate, Ricardo Acke, and independent candidate Hernan Riverol who stated that only time will tell what the people of Corozal will decide.

Hernan Riverol, Independent Candidate, Corozal

“Well, actually, I already did my groundwork. So just to just be, just greeting people today and let them know I’m present here and they can, the people say they’ll give me their support today, right? So, that just depends on the people, you know, that’s their decision.”

Finally, the polling stations were closed and the ballots were gathered to be counted. After several hours, an unofficial count indicated an upcoming win for the PUP.

Duane Moody, Reporter

“We’ve been able to get unofficially that it is at one thousand two hundred eighty-three solid for the PUP and four hundred sixty-six solid for the U.D.P. And there are several other boxes that are still being counted. So, but at this time it is about three to three to one in favor of the P.U.P. That’s the unofficial figures that are coming out from the persons who are inside.”

After hours of waiting, the results were in. Candidates and supporters gathered to hear the announcement from returning officer Carlos Pol.

Carlos Pol, Returning Officer

“The results of the persons elected to be member of the Corozal Town Council are Rigo Vellos mayor, with two thousand seven hundred, ninety-one votes, Miguel MontaLvo, councilor, with two thousand eight hundred eighty-four votes, mister Rodolfo Nirvales, councilor with two thousand eight hundred seventy-seven votes, mister Baldemar Pech, councilo, with two thousand eight hundred eighty-two votes Mister Ononielle Riverol, councilor, with two thousand nine hundred forty-four votes, miss Leslie Rodriguez, counselor with two thousand eight hundred sixty-six votes, and miss Merleni Tapia, counselor with two thousand nine hundred twenty- two votes.”

Vellos had been confident in his slate’s ability to pull off the landslide win and reflected on the momentous achievement with satisfaction.

Rigoberto Vellos, Mayoral Elect, Corozal

“It is good news. We are very happy. We are very satisfied with the results. You know, we work very hard. You know, and I know that because of that, we are here once more representing the Corozalainians. We made history today. it’s been many moons that Corozal, P.U.P. Corozal Town Council, end up winning Box forty-one. And we did it this time. That’s, that’s history.”

Britney Gordon for News Five.

Infant Orphaned After Murder-Suicide Tragedy

In the span of just a few days, a series of tragedies have befallen the quiet village of Libertad. On Saturday, March second, Breeann Kyle, a forty-one year old American resident residing in Libertad, Corozal, was found dead inside her home next to her ten-month-old daughter, who, fortunately, was uninjured. Kyle’s husband, twenty-year-old Jaquan Smith, had informed the police of his wife’s death while he was receiving treatment at a hospital for injuries suffered in a car crash. Smith was detained pending questioning in the alleged murder of his wife, but would later be found dead in his cell after seemingly committing suicide. News Five’s Britney Gordon Reports.

Britney Gordon, reporting

Residents of Libertad are left in a state of shock after several devastating incidents occurred in succession within just three days. On Saturday, March second, police responded to the reports of a road traffic accident between mile seventy-four and seventy-five of the Philip Goldson Highway. When police arrived at the Corozal Community Hospital where twenty-year-old Jaquan Smith was receiving treatment for his injuries, he revealed that his wife had been murdered in their shared home in Libertad. The body was discovered by an Orange Walk taxi driver who had been contacted by Kyle’s parents to investigate the scene on their behalf. There, he found forty-one year old Breeann Kyle, deceased on her couch with multiple stab wounds. Also in the house was Kyle and Smith’s infant child, unharmed, aside from being left unattended to. According to residents of the neighborhood, the couple had recently moved in after Kyle’s father, Leo Kyle, purchased the house.

Pedro Teck, Neighbor

“I don’t know them by name. I just saw them one day when I came from Belize. I saw who was the person who bought the house. From John Nelson, from my boss. He owned it, but he sold it to Mister Leo. The last owner who they said they killed his daughter.”

Britney Gordon

“So how long has mister Leo’s family been living in there?”

Pedro Teck

“Oh, they just came down from the States, I would say about two months, not so long.”

According to Teck, the couple was unfamiliar to most of the villagers; since they had recently relocated to Libertad and that the house was a short distance from their nearest neighbors.

Britney Gordon

“Are they, integrated into the village? Do people know them well?”

Pedro Teck

“No, no, no, not no much. Only one guy know him, the guy that do mechanic work for them, the guy to the back there. So he’s the one who when mister Leo heard that they killed his daughter, he called the guy and told him to take care of the baby while he comes back from the States.”

Upon hearing the news, Kyle’s father flew to Belize on Sunday, but would receive more unfortunate news, as the suspected murderer was found dead in his prison cell this morning at the Corozal Police station. According to Police Commissioner, Chester Williams, Smith died by hanging himself.

Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police

“We had an incident in Corozal where a young American fellow was accused of killing his wife. He was eventually intercepted by the police at a traffic accident scene in Corozal and taken into custody. This morning the police went to clean a cell. He was in a cell, black, alive and well, and the police left to retrieve the prisoner’s food and returned about 10 minutes later. Upon return, They found him hanging in the cell by his pants, with his pants. So, he took off his long pants that he was wearing and hung himself. So, he is now deceased.”

Williams stated that the police overseeing Smith’s detainment had carried out their duties correctly and that the situation was an unfortunate incident.

Chester Williams

“Very unfortunate situation. I know that some might want to say the police could have done more, but the police would normally do cell block checks, like, every half an hour. And if they had just cleaned the cell and ten minutes returned with food to feed the man, I couldn’t, I would not be able to see where the police would have faltered in that situation. It’s an unfortunate situation, but again, we have to deal with that.”

Britney Gordon for News Five.

Police Believe Late Murder Suspect Was Guilty

In the case of the Libertad murder-suicide of husband and wife Breeann Kyle and Jaquan Smith, we spoke with Commissioner of Police Chester Williams, for more information. According to Williams, despite an existing policy to relieve detainees of items that would be harmful to them, the police department is not in a position to have detainees remove articles of clothing. Here’s Williams with the update.

Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police

“Saturday the morning police responded to a traffic accident on the Belize Corozal Road in just on the outskirt of Corozal Town., where they encountered an American male individual. He was taken to the Corozal Community Hospital, where he received medical treatment, and there the police learned that his wife has been murdered. Police eventually detained him, and he was taken to the Corozal Police Station, while police had gone to his home in Libertad, too. Upon police arrival there, the lifeless body of his wife was found inside the home. And police also found a shallow grave that was being dug. And believe it was dug with the intent of disposing of the body of his wife. He eventually told the police that someone had gone into the home and killed his wife and he was trying to bury the body before, instead of reporting it to the police. Nonetheless, the police did not buy that story. Our indications were that he was the one who actually killed his wife. As a matter of fact, there were some collaboration from a family friend of the wife, whom were notified by the wife’s parents that something was going on at the house between the two, and the family friend was summoned to go to the house to secure the safety of the child, which the family friend eventually did. So, the investigation were ongoing, and this morning the police went to clean the cell block. And the male prisoner was still in custody alive and well. And the police eventually left to go and retrieve the prisoner food. And returned ten minutes later, upon their return, they found him hanging from the bar of the cell with his long pants that he was wearing at the particular time. And so, we are currently dealing with that matter now as a case of suicide.”

Reporter

“What have officers said about his state of mind? Or apparent state of mind?”

Chester Williams

“Well from what I am getting, there was nothing to indicate that he would have committed suicide but part of the protocol that we normally do is to make sure that whenever we have a prisoner in custody, whether there is signs of, If them wanted to commit suicide or not, we would normally take away items from them that they believe they can use to commit suicide. So, like a shoelace, a belt, or anything of that sort. But we cannot go to the extent of removing a person’s clothing. That would be tantamount to cruel and humane treatment.”

Reporter

“Have the police been able to speak to the residents or any of their family members to find out whether there was a history of domestic violence or whether there was any troubles in this relationship?”

Chester Williams

“Well, like I said, the police spoke to a family friend who got a call from the family of the female, the wife, who told this family friend certain things and that information has been communicated to the police and is a part of the investigation.”

Reporter

“Was there any history? Had she made any prior report?”

Chester Williams

“At this time I can say no.”

Reporter

“A child was also in the house, we understand, an infant?”

Chester Williams

“Yeah, the child was secured by the family friend who, who was called by the wife’s relatives from the States. So I think that child has been turned over to social. And while we try to work through the U.S. Embassy to see if there’s going to be any family member of the wife who would come to claim the child.”

Reporter

“Isn’t it factual, however, that he had already tried to harm himself by getting into the accident, which, as I understand it, was a deliberate act on his part?”

Chester Williams

“Well, I can’t say the accident were deliberate on his part, and again, he was in custody from Friday [Saturday], and he didn’t attempt to have committed suicide, so I can’t say.”

B.T.B. Breaks Ground On Chactemal Bayside Plaza

The Belize Tourism Board is furthering its initiative to enhance areas already frequented by tourists and locals with the construction of parks and plazas, in order to boost their appeal. On Tuesday, the B.T.B. broke ground on the Chactemal Bayside Plaza, which is to be constructed alongside the Corozal Bay. The seaside park is set to be filled with amenities such as food kiosks, a pier, an artisan corner, swimming, dining and play areas, as well as an entertainment space. The project comes as a collaboration between the B.T.B., the Corozal Town Council, and Minister of State in the Ministry of Human Development, Families and Indigenous People’s Affairs, Elvia Samos. The B.T.B. stated that the installation of the plaza will transform the area into a vibrant hub of social interaction and shared experiences. The initiative aims to enrich the socio-economic fabric of the area and strengthen the sense of belonging and pride among residents. As the project takes shape, the B.T.B. hopes that it will be able attract visitors, stimulate economic activity, and foster a deeper connection between people and place.

Corozal Candidates Officially Nominated And Ready For Elections

As you all know, today the entire country was teeming with activity as the candidates for the upcoming municipal elections were officially nominated. That, off course, includes Corozal which saw its P.U.P. nominees parade through the streets in the morning, followed by an Independent candidate, and the U.D.P. candidates later that day. Then, after the respective festivities of the parade, candidates entered into the Corozal Magistrate Court to be nominated. We attended the event today in Corozal to see it unfold.

Britney Gordon

“So you’ve officially been nominated, can you tell me what this means for you and your candidacy?”

Rigo Vellos, P.U.P. Mayoral Candidate, Corozal

“It’s always a privilege to be able to give and be given the opportunity to serve our people of Corozal. So we are all excited and we’re happy. We’re happy that this process has happened. We can leave it behind and we can focus now on what we need to focus. Which is to make sure that we win on March sixth.”

Britney Gordon

“And what will you be doing moving forward to ensure that?”

Rigo Vellos

“The work continues. As a council, because we are elected, the work continues. But of course, on the campaign trail, we’ll still be visiting our people asking and pledging for that support on March sixth.”

Marleni Tapia, P.U.P. Councilor Candidate, Corozal

“I’m very privileged and honored. I’m feeling energized. I thank all the supporters who came out this morning. It is showing that the PUP is still strong here in Corozal. We are ready to continue the work with Mayor Rigo Vellos and my team PUP7.”

Britney Gordon

“So it’s much harder to promote yourself as an independent candidate. So what are you doing to let people be aware that you’re running?”

Hernan Riverol, Independent Mayoral Candidate, Corozal

“I have been, like I told you, I’ve been working with the for years. I even have, things that I did in the past about Christmas parade, giving our gifts, back to school, the kids giving away, some food to some people, some all over the area that they incur that, I mostly deal with the, mostly the needy person though, the ones that need the help in Corozal.”

Ricardo Ake, U.D.P. Mayoral Candidate, Corozal

“Nomination Day, the day that everyone is looking forward to put their name on that ballot. But nevertheless, a little bit nervous but at the same time very enthusiastic, energized. Words cannot express what the people are bringing to me here. Even if they are not here, even if work has them, or showing their support in being here.”

Benjamin Maestro, U.D.P. Councilor Candidate, Corozal

“I feel very enthusiastic. I feel that we have the support of our people. Our people know what’s coming, and it’s a good message for all of us the candidates in the street for the UDP.”

Off the Beaten Path and into the Wild With Wild Tracks Belize

In tonight’s episode of Belize on Reel, we journeyed far north to Sarteneja where we visited Wild Tracks Belize. It’s a conservation organization that was established a little over thirty-three years ago by husband and wife couple, Paul and Zoe Walker. Together, they have worked tirelessly to rescue, protect and raise awareness about manatees and monkeys, as well as other mammal species native to Belize. News Five’s Isani Cayetano headed to the far-flung coastal community and has the following story.

Isani Cayetano, Reporting

Manatees are a keystone species that play an important role in maintaining the health and diversity of aquatic ecosystems. They are also a beloved marine mammal that face many threats from human activities at sea and in rivers. As a conservationist, Paul Walker has dedicated much of his life protecting these amazing creatures.

Paul Walker, Director, Wild Tracks Belize

“We started working with manatees in 1999. So you may remember the name Woody, Belize’s first orphaned manatee that was raised and rehabilitated in Belize. That was done here and he was successfully released down in Southern Lagoon. And when he was successfully released we were then asked to become the national manatee rehabilitation center and we were like, “Uhmm, we didn’t sign on for that.” But at that point, no one else was stepping forward and we had learned quite a lot about manatees with that one.”

Manatees, or sea cows as they are locally called, are a cultural and economic asset for Belize. They attract tourists, researchers and educators and have a long history of coexistence and interactions with humans. When Paul Walker and his wife, Zoe, established Wild Tracks Belize in 1990, after relocating from the UK three years earlier, the couple did not foresee that its conservation efforts would become what it is today.

Paul Walker

“Back in the end of 2010, the mandate for primate rehabilitation also transferred to Wild Tracks by the Forest Department and that’s really when our wildlife rehabilitation program mushroomed significantly. Numbers went up. Manatee numbers in rehabilitation, thankfully, are generally quite small, an ongoing trickle, whereas the monkey rehabilitative needs are much, much more extensive.”

So much so that Wild Tracks Belize has had to expand its operations. The organization, located in Sarteneja, has a dedicated staff. It is also assisted by volunteers who come down to Belize to learn more about monkeys and manatees.

Kyra Dixon, Manager, Wild Tracks Belize

“My love for wildlife started when I was a child. I was actually interested in both manatees and primates, so this is the perfect place for me. I started off as a volunteer and hopefully I showed leadership skills. I came back as an intern leading the day-to-day tasks with the animals and the volunteers and then I was asked to stay on to manage. I think it’s been sort of a learning experience throughout the years that I’ve been here, developing my role and I think I am now finally settling into it and really enjoying my position.”

Along with a volunteer, Kyra Dixon enters the shallow water in an enclosure at the edge of the Sarteneja Lagoon. Together, they are bottle-feeding a pair of rescued manatees, a little over a year old. It’s part of a list of responsibilities that is carried out every day to ensure that these animals are fed, taken care of, and properly rehabilitated.

Paul Walker

“In terms of logistics, it can be difficult at times, particularly under COVID. So we use huge amounts of feed for the animals in rehabilitation. Typically, we’d be spending a little over a thousand dollars per week just on fruits for the fruit-eating animals, plus the milk powders and the solid foods, and pellets, everything else that go in. During COVID, that was a significant logistical challenge when northern Belize was closed off from southern Belize for those first few weeks. The bananas that we use come from southern Belize, so even just having clearance to get bananas in was difficult.”

With those challenges behind, the focus continues to be on the animals and their wellbeing. On the wooded property, there are monkeys, lots of them, and they are as agile as they are playful.

Kyra Dixon

“I think there is never a normal day at Wild Tracks, something’s always happening here. But yeah, I definitely do rounds with all the animals, making sure that all the animals are healthy and being fed properly, behaving properly. I do a lot of oversight of integrations, so having animals meet each other for the first time, building troops for the wild or groups for releases and then oversight of food prep for the animals, enrichment for the animals. We make a lot of toys and that sort of thing for the animals to play with while they are here at Wild Tracks.”

Howler monkeys are a group of large, loud, and leaf-eating primates. It is important to conserve them because they are a source of biodiversity. These primates also act as seed dispersers that help to regenerate and maintain the forest. For its continued work in conservation, Wild Tracks Belize has been recognized at home and abroad.

Paul Walker

“It’s always appreciated and humbling to actually receive acknowledge. So the first and significant acknowledgement was being awarded the James Waight Award through Belize Audubon Society some years ago. That’s a very significant national award and we were really delighted to be recipients of that. More recently, we were on the King’s New Year’s Honors list receiving MBEs which was completely out of the blue and that means that someone here in Belize has recommended us for that and somewhere in Britain they’ve done the background and found that yes, what they were being told was credible and indeed we received the two MBEs which was very humbling.”

The recognition, Walker maintains, is for the work of the entire team at Wild Tracks Belize. Isani Cayetano for News Five.