The eighteen-year-old who police believe murdered twenty-six-year-old Charles James has been criminally charged. Investigators say that Jaylon Jones fatally shot James on Wednesday night. At that time, chaos erupted after police arrived at the scene, and a shootout ensued between the suspects and officers. As previously reported, Jones was injured in the crossfire, having been shot in the foot. Police claimed that due to the clothes and vicinity Jones was found in, he matched the description of the alleged shooter. Jones’ family protested him being detained, alleging that the police were operating under a case of mistaken identity and that Jones had no involvement in the crime other than being caught in the crossfire. One of those who protested was Joseph Anthony Camp, Jones’ brother-in-law. Camp was charged with spreading false news.
Category: Featured
Peyrefitte on Crime “How much worst will it get?”
On Thursday, U.D.P. Chairman, Michael Peyrefitte was asked about the murder of Coast Guard Officer, Charles James, as a former Minister of National Security. Peyrefitte lamented the death of yet another law enforcement officer by gun violence in the span of three weeks. He says that it is a reflection of lawlessness in the country.
Michael Peyrefitte, Chairman, UDP
“When anybody dies in the country, especially criminal related killings you feel sadness overall because them doesn’t seem to be a sense of law and order in the country. But when you have members of the security forces being killed needlessly then it is really a concern, because you would hope, it is like for example when people are assumed to have a certain level of decency that you wouldn’t do certain things to a child, you wouldn’t do certain things to an adult, anybody who is serious and committed enough to do something to violate a member of the security forces is a serious contender and for a person to think that is nothing for them to do it tells you there is a mood in the country right now that people feel like to hell with law and order to hell with what is going on, they will do what they want and it is almost as if they are confident they will get away with it. It is as if we are living in a time now where life seems to be very cheap and there doesn’t seem to be anything in place to arrest the trend we are on, not even the state of emergency is stopping certain things. it makes you wonder how much worse it will get.”
Two Men Sentenced to Life for Murder
Two men have been sentenced to life behind bars for a 2016 murder. They are Marlon Padilla and Guillermo Duarte. They murdered Edgar Aldana on April second, 2016. The men will now serve life imprisonment with eligibility for parole after twenty-five years. Aldana was chopped to death in Selena Village, Cayo. The murder was because of a misunderstanding.
Man Accused of Double Murder Acquitted
Belize City resident Richard Bennett is tonight a freeman. He was acquitted of the murders of Cynthia Conorquie and Allen Garcia. They were fatally shot while at Conorquie’s residence on Logwood Street in Belize City in March 2021. Bennett was set free after the judge upheld his attorney’s no-case submission. At the start of the trial, a voir dire was held, and it was ruled that an oral confession was inadmissible due to procedural irregularities. There was no Justice of the Peace present, nor was the proceeding recorded, leading the judge to conclude that it did not qualify as an interview. Despite the Crown’s presentation of eleven witnesses and video footage allegedly showing the shooter, both pieces of evidence were deemed inadmissible. Bennett was represented by attorney Leroy Banner.
Compol: Make the Adjustment for Safer Driving Practices
In December 2023, the Ministry of Youth, Sports, and Transportation made several amendments to motor vehicle and road traffic regulations, which were implemented in March of this year. These amendments include the mandatory use of seatbelts for drivers and all passengers in motor vehicles and the predominance of the use of electric devices, such as cell phones, while always driving a vehicle. Failure to comply with wearing a seatbelt will result in the issuance of a traffic violation ticket, while the use of an electronic device will incur a fine not exceeding five hundred dollars, imprisonment not exceeding six months, or both a fine and imprisonment. Commissioner of Police Chester Williams said that while the adjustment may not come easily to most, it is important.
Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police
“It certainly gives the police and the traffic wardens the authority in law to be able to issue violation tickets for any person who is found to be driving a motor vehicle not wearing a seatbelt and to persons who are on a cellphone while they’re driving. So, it is, it is a good thing. I must say that many a times we see people committing these infractions. I myself do it at times. So, I have to make the adjustment as well. As you would know, I’m a person who traversed the country a lot and if I know I’m going somewhere that I will return home later than expected, I would not take my driver because he has to go home to his family. So I would normally drive myself. And when I do drive myself, I still have to be paying attention to the phone. messages are coming in, calls are coming in. So I have my vehicle, when I connect your phone to the vehicle, there is an application on my phone that allows the phone to read the text, so that is good. And I also use the application where I can speak to the phone and the phone, writes the text messages, and then just say, send it. So there is that hands free capability with the phone, once connected to the vehicle. But it still is a distraction at times. So, again, it’s just a matter for us to make that adjustment and make sure that we comply with the regulations. in terms of the seatbelt, we know that there have been many instances where seatbelts do save lives. We have had a number of traffic fatalities on our highways and so it is important that drivers as well as passengers in vehicles wear the seatbelt. It is to save your own life should the need arise.”
Mother of Assault Victim Demands Further Action By Police
Earlier this week we showed you a viral video showing a man being physically assaulted by two men. The victim of the assault has been identified as Mark Avilez. The footage also shows that, during the assault, a toilet bowl was thrown at Avilez. The perpetrator, thirty-year-old Emmerson Garnett, pleaded guilty to two counts of common assault. And as we reported, Garnett was fined five hundred five dollars. Tonight, the mother of Mark Avilez, says she is not satisfied with the charge. She is now pressing the police department to file charges against Avilez’s girlfriend and the man who held down Avilez. The mother explained that the incident originated from an argument between her son and her sister. She says that her sister is the partner of Emmerson Garnett. We spoke with her off-camera today.
Voice of: Mother of Mark Avilez
“I nuh the get no justice from the police. I gone dah the police station this morning and they told me the young lady wanted but I didn’t see no wanted picture up there. I nuh really like how the young man get charge for assault. I would want him to get charged for attempted murder because he had a sewerage, and he dropped the sewerage and hit my son with that. When I see that video and I put that on, I hurry cut it off and cry. And it hurts me for my own family to do something like this for me.”
Paul Lopez
“Mark was clearly in fear from the moment he saw him.”
Voice of: Mother of Mark Avilez
“When Mark saw him step in the house Mark get frightened because it was two of them and he never know what they up to. But I want them pick up the girlfriend because she set this up.”
Paul Lopez
“Why would you say the girlfriend set it up?”
Voice of: Mother of Mark Avilez
“Because she text him and told him to please bring food for ah. And, my son say something when they step in, dah this you mek I come to. I really want something done about this. I really want talk to the commissioner , I want to speak to him because the officers are not doing their job right and I will not stop push until I get justice.”
Belize Among Cheapest Country in Latin America for US travellers
Belize ranked number 2 as the most affordable country in Latin America, behind Barbados in the number 1 spot. Yahoo Finance reports that airfare to Belize is USD 411, and accommodation costs are USD 199. It says, “Belize is a captivating destination known for its diverse natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and adventurous experiences. Bladen Nature Reserve trails and the Mayan ruins are some of the most popular tourist attractions in the country.”
The report was compiled by the stock advisory firm Insider Monkey.
These countries secured the top spots in the affordability rankings for US tourists due to their inexpensive flight fares and accommodation costs.
Joining Barbados and Belize on the list of wallet-friendly destinations are Aruba, the Dominican Republic, and Ecuador. On the contrary, the report identifies Costa Rica, Antigua and Barbuda, and the Cayman Islands as among the most expensive countries for visitors.
It’s worth noting that airfare and accommodation expenses can vary significantly based on the traveller’s departure point, destination city, and choice of lodging.
Mordo Intelligence predicts that US travellers will significantly contribute to Latin America’s tourism revenue, which is expected to reach approximately US$52.18 billion this year. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, international arrivals in Latin America have shown signs of recovery, with figures returning to 88% of pre-pandemic levels in 2023, as reported by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).
This resurgence in tourism is reflected in the financial performance of travel services provider Booking Holdings Inc. In the latest quarter, the company’s revenue surged by 18.15% to reach US$4.78 billion, exceeding market expectations by US$73.37 million.
Spellbinding Total Solar Eclipse in 6 Days
The next total solar eclipse to visit North America will be on April 8, 2024. The duration of totality will be up to 4 minutes and 27 seconds, almost double that of The Great American Eclipse of August 21, 2017.
As the total solar eclipse traverses Mexico, the United States, and Canada, spectators are in for a breathtaking experience.
During a total solar eclipse, the moon entirely obscures the sun’s face for a brief yet mesmerising period called totality. This historic celestial event warrants pausing to appreciate its significance. After April, a total solar eclipse won’t be visible across the contiguous US until August 2044. Similarly, an annular eclipse, where the moon doesn’t fully cover the sun, won’t occur in this region until 2046.
Outside the path of totality, observers will witness a crescent-shaped partial eclipse as the highlight of the event.
The upcoming eclipse’s totality phase is projected to be longer than that of 2017, owing to the moon’s current proximity to the sun. Individuals positioned directly along the path’s centerline can anticipate a total eclipse lasting between 3½ and 4 minutes, according to NASA.
The corona, the sun’s scorching outer atmosphere, emits a radiant glow visible around the moon during the eclipse. Typically elusive due to the sun’s overpowering brilliance, the corona during totality manifests as luminous white tendrils, as described by NASA.
The total phase of this solar eclipse is not visible in Belize City, but it can be observed there as a partial solar eclipse. The partial solar eclipse which will begin 11:18:23. The moment the edge of the Moon touches the edge of the Sun is called first contact. The partial eclipse will end 13:44:30.
Eye Safety for Total Solar Eclipses
Here are some important safety guidelines to follow during a total solar eclipse.
- View the Sun through eclipse glasses or a handheld solar viewer during the partial eclipse phases before and after totality.
- You can view the eclipse directly without proper eye protection only when the Moon completely obscures the Sun’s bright face – during the brief and spectacular period known as totality. (You’ll know it’s safe when you can no longer see any part of the Sun through eclipse glasses or a solar viewer.)
- As soon as you see even a little bit of the bright Sun reappear after totality, immediately put your eclipse glasses back on or use a handheld solar viewer to look at the Sun.
Do NOT use eclipse glasses or handheld viewers with cameras, binoculars, or telescopes. Those require different types of solar filters. When viewing a partial or annular eclipse through cameras, binoculars, or telescopes equipped with proper solar filters, you do not need to wear eclipse glasses. (The solar filters do the same job as the eclipse glasses to protect your eyes.) Seek expert advice from an astronomer before using a solar filter with a camera, telescope, binoculars, or any other optical device. Note that solar filters must be attached to the front of any telescope, binoculars, camera lens, or other optics.
Dengue Cases Increasing in the Caribbean
Washington, DC, March 28, 2024 (PAHO)- The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) today warned about the surge in dengue cases in the Americas. As of March 26, 2024, over 3.5 million cases and more than 1,000 deaths have been reported in the region.
“This is cause for concern, as it represents three times more cases than those reported for the same period in 2023, a record year with more than 4.5 million cases reported in the region,” PAHO Director Jarbas Barbosa said during a press briefing.
While dengue is on the rise throughout Latin America and the Caribbean, the hardest-hit countries are Brazil (83%), Paraguay (5.3%), and Argentina (3.7%), which account for 92% of cases and 87% of deaths. This increase is attributed to the higher transmission season in the southern hemisphere, when the Aedes aegypti mosquito vector of dengue thrives due to warm and rainy weather.
However, Dr. Barbosa cautioned that “we are also seeing an uptick in cases in countries such as Barbados, Costa Rica, Guadeloupe, Guatemala, Martinique and Mexico, where transmission is usually higher in the second half of the year.”
The PAHO Director also noted the presence of the mosquito vector and cases in new geographical areas, raising concerns that some countries may not be prepared to face an increase in transmission.
Several environmental and social factors contribute to the spread of dengue, including rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and the El Niño phenomenon. Rapid population growth and unplanned urbanization also play a crucial role: poor housing conditions and inadequate water and sanitation services create mosquito breeding sites through discarded objects that can collect water.
PAHO maintains a rigorous surveillance of dengue in the region and has issued nine epidemiological alerts in the past 12 months, providing essential guidance to Member States on disease prevention and control.
The presence of all four dengue serotypes in the region increases the risk of epidemics and severe forms of the disease. The simultaneous circulation of two or more dengue serotypes has been observed in 21 countries and territories of the Americas.
Dr. Barbosa emphasized the importance of taking prompt action to prevent and control dengue transmission and avoid deaths, noting that “despite the record increase in cases in 2023, the dengue case fatality rate in the region remained below 0.05%.” This, he noted, “is very encouraging, considering the spikes in cases we have seen since then.”
This accomplishment has been possible thanks to PAHO’s support to countries since 2010 through a comprehensive strategy to control dengue and other mosquito-borne diseases. This strategy includes strengthening surveillance, early diagnosis, and timely treatment, and has contributed significantly to saving thousands of lives.
The PAHO Director called for action, urging intensified efforts to eliminate mosquito breeding sites and protect against mosquito bites, increase preparedness in health services for early diagnosis and timely clinical management, and continuous work to educate the population about dengue symptoms and when to seek prompt medical attention.
“Facing the dengue problem is a task for all sectors of society,” Dr. Barbosa said, calling for “community engagement in order to succeed in our efforts.”
This unpleasant virus is spread through mosquito bites; it’s usually mild but it can be fatal. Symptoms include a fever, a severe headache, pain behind the eyes, muscle and joint pains, nausea and a rash.
World Autism Awareness Day
In 2007, the United Nations (UN) designated April 2 as World Autism Awareness Day, aligning with its mission to advance equal rights and opportunities worldwide.
This day serves as a platform to foster appreciation for and honour individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
Autism, a neurological condition, typically emerges in early childhood and transcends gender and race. ASD manifests diversely among individuals, impacting learning approaches and social interactions. Unfortunately, misconceptions often lead to discrimination against those with autism, hindering their access to opportunities.
Educators play a crucial role in promoting inclusivity by dispelling myths and providing accurate information about autism. Throughout the month, organisations like Autism Belize will be focusing on sharing stories, providing opportunities to increase understanding and acceptance of people with autism, and fostering support.