Hero’s Welcome: Community Salutes Captain Howell Grange

The West Landivar community in Belize City is proudly welcoming home one of its own, Captain Howell Grange. He is hailed as a hero after his courageous actions during a harrowing mid-air hijacking incident in April. The residents are hosting a “hero’s homecoming celebration” this afternoon from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Bachelor Avenue.

“Join us to celebrate Captain Howell with your family and community,” the invitation stated. The neighbourhood comes together on Labour Day, a day to celebrate the contributions of working citizens. In this case especially, the West Landivar community is inviting everyone to join in saluting the bravery and resilience of a heroic pilot.

Grange was the pilot who found himself in a life-and-death situation when American veteran Akinyela Taylor, 49, hijacked a Tropic Air domestic flight on April 17. Taylor had entered Belize illegally and was involved in a string of incidents, including the assault of a police officer, before being released. During the flight, Taylor stabbed two passengers and pilot Grange. The ordeal lasted nearly two hours before one of the injured passengers, who was licensed to carry a firearm, shot and killed Taylor as the plane landed safely at the Philip Goldson International Airport. All three injured individuals survived.

In response to the hijacking, Tropic Air has implemented new security measures aimed at improving passenger safety. These include mandatory over-the-counter check-ins and gate checks for all travellers. While children are generally exempt from searches, they must still comply with security protocols if there is suspicion of concealed items.