San Pedro Town - Channel 5 Belize

Baker Regrets That He Assisted Suspected Arsonist

The operator of the bakery where a fire broke out, destroying two apartment buildings in San Pedro, deeply regrets helping his co-worker get her job back. The co-worker, a forty-year-old Mexican woman who hasn’t been charged yet, had worked on and off with the baker, Fermin Witzil, over the years. Earlier this year, she left the island to live in Cayo but called him less than two weeks ago, asking for her job back and requesting travel and subsistence money. Feeling obliged, he helped her out. Now, as a fire victim himself due to her actions, he laments ever assisting her. Here’s News Five’s Marion Ali with more on the story.

On the Phone: Fernando Witzil, Fire Victim

“She was working with me from August to November. Then she left and then she asked for help that she want to come back to work again the 20th of December. She asked for help that she need money for passage and food and pay. Uh, two weeks rent there and me and my sister put the money together and sent the money for her. I never know. She was going through a lot of problems.”

Marion Ali, Reporting

Fermin Witzil, the owner of the bakery that was destroyed in the fire at Centavos Apartments on Sea Star Drive, shared his regret today. He explained that he had offered a helping hand to his friend and co-worker, who said she needed to return to her job at the bakery. Unbeknownst to him, she was going through a tough time, trying to escape an abusive relationship and dealing with issues with another family living above the bakery. In an episode involving the woman, Witzil warned her that he would call the police and he went upstairs to do so. In that moment, she took out her frustration on the family, the bakery owner, and the other ten families living in the apartment complex. This tragic turn of events left Witzil and many others as victims of the fire.

On the Phone: Fernando Witzil

“She was throwing things. Whatever she meet on her way, she just slam it with her hand. She was getting crazy. Starting to do anything she meet on the way. And she was crying. I said to her I will call the police because You are not behaving right. You – calm yourself.”

Witzil recounted that he went upstairs to call a police friend, explaining that his co-worker was causing a disturbance. Unfortunately, the officer wasn’t available at the time. Shortly after, Witzil heard the ominous sound of gas hissing from the tanks downstairs at his bakery. When he went to check, an explosion blasted him out onto the street. Witzil explained that his co-worker had lived in the same apartment complex and worked with him a few months ago before moving to Cayo. During her previous stay, she had issues with the family living above the bakery. This tension, combined with her personal struggles, culminated in the tragic events that unfolded.

On the Phone: Fermin Witzil

“I know her like seven years, but five years, she asked me if I need someone for help in the kitchen, I said, yes, but she never worked permanently. She just two months, three months, and then she left, like part-time. And then she was working with me from August to November, then she left. She used to say that they will pay what they have done with her, put interfering in her life.”

The woman was detained by San Pedro police but has since been released as investigations continue. The National Fire Service has confirmed that the fire was deliberately set. Assistant Commissioner of Police Hilberto Romero informed the media that they are treating the incident as arson. He also noted that the woman in question did not appear to be mentally unstable.

A.C.P Hilberto Romero, Regional Commander, Eastern Division

“An apartment building with twelve rooms was completely engulfed in flames. Investigation revealed that one of the tenants was at one of the rooms when he heard the sound of pressure from probably a gas (tank) thereafter there was an explosion, they place caught fire. We have one person in custody in regard to this investigation and we’re treating it as an arson.”

Reporter

“From what we understand, there were tanks and this woman allegedly turned on these tanks.”

A.C.P Hilberto Romero

“That is the information we have, so, she’s in custody and we are doing follow up work.”

Reporter

“Are you able to say what her condition is – her physical condition – because some on the island are saying that she had recently been the victim of some type of abuse and she had injuries significant.”

A.C.P Hilberto Romero

“Yeah, she’s doing okay. She’s in custody and she will be interviewed. She has no injuries or anything.”

Reporter

Okay. Is she a mentally ill person?

A.C.P Hilberto Romero

“Not that we know of, no.”

Meanwhile, Fermin Witzil has received some pledges of assistance and is appealing to the public for help to get back on his feet.

On the Phone: Fermin Witzil

“The minister called me this morning, but he said the secretary of him will give me Some tickets, but I have not seen no one yet and Nemo, Nemo will, but until Friday will things come in from Belize City. We left with our two, three-cycles. We used to work on the street. We make the pastries and go in the street and sell. Well, at least the tire that I can paint the bike, or I can see what can I do, at least the three wheelers.”

If you would like to help Fermin Witzil get back to his business, you can reach him at 6367599. Marion Ali for News Five.

For more information visit:

https://edition.channel5belize.com/12-families-displaced-major-losses-in-san-pedro-inferno/

12 Families Displaced; Major Losses in San Pedro Inferno

Tonight, we’ll share details of a devastating fire that destroyed two apartment buildings, leaving twelve families homeless in San Pedro Town. The blaze broke out early Sunday morning at the Centavos Apartments on Sea Star Drive, near its junction with Coconut Drive. Thankfully, no one was injured, but the victims lost everything, including three beloved dogs that were chained in the yard. The buildings, valued at around half a million dollars, were insured. News Five’s Marion Ali visited the island and brought us this report.

George Nolberto, Fire Victim

“ I was home sleeping, something tell me to wake up. So I get up and I sit on the bed and I explain to my common-law-wife, I tell her that in ya feel warm. So we both hear banging on the door – police, police, police. The door was hooked from outside because my stepson hooked the door from outside, you know, and ih get the police and the police open the door. So we come on we see fire.”

Marion Ali, Reporting

George Nolberto and his family watched in horror from their apartment in the second building as the first building was engulfed in flames. Before they or any other residents could salvage their belongings, the fire spread rapidly, gutting both buildings. Nelson Middleton, the manager of the apartment complex, was in the Cayo District when he received the devastating news. He also lost his living space in the blaze. From what he’s heard, he believes the second building could have been saved.

Nelson Middleton, Manager, Centavos Apartments

“I won’t blame the fire department because we have to work with what we got, but what happened could have saved at least one of the building because when the fire department reach on site, the second building was not even on fire yet. The next one was already engulfed in fire. So I don’t know what happened, but I mean, we have to be more careful when you go on the scene of those fire. I mean, we know we can’t save one building, then we try to save the other one because then if we have saved the other one, the next victims wouldn’t have lost everything.”

The firefighting efforts started with a bucket brigade before the fire trucks arrived, but even their combined efforts couldn’t save the second building or the three dogs that were chained up by one of the families. Sadly, the dogs perished in the blaze. Next door, Manuel Baki was fortunate that his house only suffered minor roof damage. He believes the bucket brigade saved his home.

Manuel Baki, Neighbour of Fire Victims

“The first thing I did, I started pulling out my golf carts, grabbed my documents, and by the time I’m done with that, the fire’s already spread out to the next neighbor’s house. So, the whole building was already engulfed. 00:52

02:10 It could have get worse damage if we didn’t have manpower because the fire pump, you know, ran out of water. So, all these areas, this was like – It’s mostly manpower, it was pouring water all over the homes, buckets and buckets and buckets of water. So, we also got water from the neighbor, by the pool, so we got a pump-to-pump water on the roof. That’s why my house didn’t get burned down.”

Baki mentioned that many of the victims are schoolchildren. He added that four of them had to be rescued from the blaze.

Manuel Baki

“We had the children that are students and going to school. They don’t have any books, or any pencils. And I have one who is going to high school right here. She lost everything, her laptop. I mean, they really need some help because school will be opening next week. All these people are homeless right now.”

Marion Ali

And then some dogs as well died.

Manuel Baki

“Yes, we had like three dogs that died because they were tied up, which is very, very sad, you know, and I was made to understand that we had four kids that they were rescued to because they were locked in.”

The Belize Fire Service in San Pedro received the call around two a.m. on Sunday and quickly dispatched two firetrucks to the scene. Their preliminary report reveals that the blaze destroyed two buildings, a van, an Isuzu SUV, and a motorcycle parked across the street. Early investigations suggest the fire started in a bakery on the lower floor of the front building. There’s speculation that the blaze was intentionally set by a bakery employee who had a dispute with the owner. Nelson Middleton, the apartment complex manager, says the losses are significant.

Nelson Middleton

“ We lost cash because we collect rent, we lost cash, we lost computers, we lost everything.”

Marion Ali

And that the fact that this happened at this time of year, just after the Christmas, just before the New Year’s, I’m sure that in itself has some effect on you all.

Nelson Middleton

“Of course, of course. Both buildings are over half a million Belize dollars and with the loss of all the property with the victims’ properties and everything, it’s really more. So, yeah, a huge loss.”

The victims, who have all found relatives and friends to stay with, will be getting assistance in the coming days. Marion Ali for News Five.

For more information visit:

https://edition.channel5belize.com/fire-in-san-pedro-ruled-as-arson-causes-200k-in-damages/

NEMO Assists Fire Victims in San Pedro

Today, News Five caught up with Belize Rural South Area Representative Andre Perez, who also serves as the Minister of Disaster Risk Management, overseeing NEMO. He shared that the ministry is actively working to provide aid to the many victims and those affected. Perez mentioned that they have already received stove tops, as well as food and health packages, to distribute to those in need.

On the Phone: Andre Perez, Minister of Disaster Risk Management

“As part of our department, which is the National Emergency Management Organization, NEMO is also providing all the assistance that we can in terms of humanitarian. They’re providing the stovetops, mattresses, packets as well as what you call them and health packages as well. So all of these things – and also in conjunction with the Department of Human Services. They’re also – we are all working together. We’re doing our very best for assistance in something like this is so sudden and we didn’t in times like these right in a very difficult time so we’re all doing our part all right.”

Marion Ali

Do you know how soon these people can receive the assistance, Minister?

Andre Perez

“I think already they’re getting it.”

For more information visit:

https://edition.channel5belize.com/fire-in-san-pedro-ruled-as-arson-causes-200k-in-damages/

San Pedro Lions Club Plans Barbeque for Fire Victims

The San Pedro Lions Club is stepping up to support the fire victims, collecting anything that can be of use or value. In times of misfortune, San Pedranos always come together, and this time is no different. Today, News Five visited the Lion’s Den in San Pedro, where the community was in full swing, gathering clothes and other essential items for the victims. Club member Marina Kay shared that they are planning a barbecue sale for early January to raise funds for the fire victims, and there’s also an ongoing dollar drive to help out.

Marina Kay, Member, San Pedro Lions Club

“The families are coming in and taking what they feel that they are going to be using, what they need.”

Marion Ali

So far, what have you got? Well, we’ve gotten clothes more than anything, some household items and we are receiving cash donations. Some have come in and give their cash donations.

Marina Kay

“The minute something like this happens, we start receiving messages. Are you guys going to be collecting? Are you guys going to be? doing a data drive. You need our help. So people in the community do come out because they already know that lines will be the first responders to these kinds of tragedies.”

Marion Ali

And how has the response been? What’s your thoughts on how San Pedranos have actually bonded together to be there for each other?

Marina Kay

“Well, it has always been a very close connection among the people. You know, a lot of people, although they don’t know you, they will care and the community will come together. Many are calling, many are asking for the Lions bank account. They want to do maybe a 20-dollar donation, but like we say, every dollar counts, every dollar helps. So we’re asking them to go into our Facebook page and we have posted our Lions Bank account. So we’ll be putting all the money together and then we’ll be dividing it among the 12 families.”

Marion Ali

Equally?

Marina Kay

“Equally.”

Marion Ali

And the items?

Marina Kay

“And the items, well like I said, they’re all different ages and sizes, so they’re coming in and picking what would be good for them, what fits them.”

For more information visit:

https://edition.channel5belize.com/san-pedro-lions-club-organises-donation-drive-for-fire-victims/

Woman Dies in Tragic Golf Cart Accident on Ambergris Caye

Jennifer Dawn Hernandez tragically lost her life in a golf cart accident near Secret Beach Road, Ambergris Caye, on Friday, December 6th. The incident occurred around 4 p.m. as Hernandez and her partner were travelling on a golf cart in San Pedro.

Reports indicate that her partner was driving when the cart hit a bump, causing Hernandez to be ejected from the vehicle. First responders arrived but were unable to revive her.

Police have since launched an investigation into the incident, and further details are expected as the probe continues.

Kidnapping Survivor Still Needs Your Help; Attacker On The Run

It has been six days since Sabela Brakeman endured a harrowing ordeal at her San Pedro home, where she was brutally attacked and kidnapped by her estranged husband, Kenny Brakeman. Sabela, who had left Kenny due to domestic violence, was living with a roommate and shared custody of their three children, aged 11, 9, and 4. Around 1 a.m. on Saturday, Kenny allegedly broke into her home, assaulted her, and forced her onto a jet ski. Sabela managed to escape near Caye Caulker by jumping into the sea and swimming to safety. Despite identifying Kenny as her attacker, he remains on the run, with police actively searching for him.

Sabela’s injuries are severe. She suffered a broken cheekbone, damaged teeth, and other injuries requiring urgent surgical and dental care. She has since relocated with her children out of fear for their safety and is now appealing for assistance to cover her medical needs and begin rebuilding her life.

Sabela has received some help from concerned individuals but remains in urgent need of more support. She shared that she is struggling to eat due to her injuries and has yet to begin formal treatment for her broken nose and damaged gums. Her sister has been cleaning her wounds, and she relies on medication from the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital.

For those seeking to help Sabela, she can be reached at 665-5083.

Speaking with News Five, Sabela recounted the terrifying events. “All I wish is to get him a message: let him turn himself in,” she said, adding that she would not deny their children the right to see their father if that is his fear.

Manhunt for Accused Kidnapper

She Was Beaten and Kidnapped

Sabela Brakeman was visibly shaken and afraid when she spoke to News 5 today. Brakeman, a resident of San Pedro Town, was brutally beaten and kidnapped, allegedly by her ex-partner, Kenny Brakeman, on Friday night.

Sabela told News 5 that she and her roommate were asleep at home when they were violently awakened by an intruder. “When she screamed, it was my ex with some gloves on his hand and a stick that he was knocking her, and when I woke up, I was frightened. Then I just saw him knock her, then I just screamed too, and then he knocked me,” Sabela recalled.

She described how, despite her efforts to defend herself, he dragged her from the bed and began assaulting her relentlessly. “He hit me on my head, my forehead, and my mouth,” she said, visibly shaken by the memory. Her roommate managed to escape to seek help.

After knocking her unconscious, he dragged her outside, placed her in a red golf cart, and began driving towards his home. “He kept driving in his direction where he lives, and he says, ‘let me see which @%$hole will save you now. You don’t want to be with me. If you are not for me, you are for nobody else.'”

She was taken to a dock, where she was then placed on a jet ski. “We drive off…maybe 30 minutes. When we drove off now, he said, ‘I think that is Chetumal. This is Corozal. And that one, I don’t know which part that one. But if you relax and don’t say anything, I will let you go to Corozal. And I’m going across the border because police won’t catch me.'”

Sabela, still struggling, managed to escape when they reached a dock in Caye Caulker Village. “That’s when I knocked him, and I managed to escape him. I reached a dock, where I climbed the dock. And while I was climbing the dock, I was already feeling dizzy. I climbed the dock. When I climbed the dock, I continued to walk. I was running, crossing the street all over. Because the blood was too much on my face. Then, I see two golf carts go this side, this direction, yes. So I said, no one…I can’t see any people on the street. So I said those two golf carts. I have to follow them to seek help.”

She eventually found refuge at a police station, where she recounted the traumatic events. She was taken to the Caye Caulker Polyclinic for treatment, where doctors informed her that she would need surgery for broken gums and multiple other injuries, including bruises and cuts on her body.

“What I can say is he had an intention of killing me because he had even gloves on. He had on gloves.”

Man Found Dead Near Secret Beach

A disagreement between two men in San Pedro has turned deadly, leaving one man dead and another facing charges. Mathew Moses was found dead near the Secret Beach area in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye. Reports indicate that he got into a dispute with a male acquaintance, who then shot him and left him for dead. ACP Hilberto Romero provides more details on the incident.

ACP Hilberto Romero, Regional Commander, Eastern Division

“On Friday, the eighth day of November, 2024, police responded to a call in San Pedro where information was received that somebody was there motionless with gunshot injuries. Police visited the area where they found the body of a male person. He was identified as Matthew Moses. He had several gunshot injuries. Investigation revealed that Mathew Moses had an altercation with a male person in that area. This person has been taken into custody. A licensed firearm was retrieved from him. An investigation is being carried out. The conclusion will determine if any charges will be levied.”

Reporter

“Can you say what was the motive?”

Hilberto Romero

“It was a long misunderstanding they had over a period of time. That is what led to the shooting.”

Man Dies in Motorcycle Accident in San Pedro

Tonight, a family is heartbroken after a tragic motorcycle accident claimed another life in Belize. The victim, Eric Williams from San Pedro, was found injured on the ground early Sunday morning. Despite being rushed to the hospital, Williams sadly succumbed to his injuries. ACP Hilberto Romero has more details on this heartbreaking incident.

ACP Hilberto Romero, Regional Commander, Eastern Division

“On Sunday, the tenth 2024, there was a fatal road traffic accident in San Pedro. Police visited an area around one a.m. where they saw a motorcycle with damages. Also, they saw the body of a male person. The person was taken to the hospital for treatment for treatment where he succumbed to his injuries. He was identified as Eric Williams of San Pedro. Investigation revealed that he was riding his motorcycle when he crashed into a lamppost. And thereafter, he was taken and succumbed to his injuries.”

More Details of Secret Beach Fatal Shooting

San Pedro Police continue to investigate the fatal shooting of 46-year-old Matthew Jonathan Moses. Moses was found lying in a pool of blood on an unoccupied lot near Secret Beach in San Pedro Town on Friday afternoon. He had been shot several times, and, according to the police, his body showed signs of decomposition.

Nearby, a Belizean carer from an adjacent property was also present. Police detained him for questioning and seized a licensed firearm and two magazines found in his possession. The carer was informed of his constitutional rights and cautioned as part of the ongoing investigation.

Preliminary reports suggest that Moses and the caretaker had been involved in an escalating dispute over job-related issues involving a former employer. Moses had allegedly threatened to kill the carer and his family, which then led to the fatal confrontation.

At the scene, police recovered expended shell casings. The caretaker remains in police custody.