Little Gabriel’s Death Investigation “Almost Complete”

The investigation into the tragic death of little Gabriel Orellano’s case is “almost complete,” Education Minister Francis Fonseca told reporters today. Fonseca stated that “the ministry either today or tomorrow is having a meeting with the Belize Police Department so that we can then finalise our own report.”

He added that once the report is complete, the government plans to first meet with the Orellano family to share the details and address any questions or concerns they may have. “After we’ve done that and we’ve responded to their questions, we’ll be very happy to share that report with the public,” Fonseca said.

When asked about the Principal of Stella Maris, Francelia Cantun, and her comments that raised questions about the school’s security protocols, Fonseca responded, “She came highly recommended,” but that the ministry is “reviewing everything.”

Fonseca added that Cantun’s upcoming retirement is at the end of April. “In a sense, it’s a moot question, because we will be looking for new leadership for Stella Maris,” he said. “The team at the Ministry of Education and the CEO are preparing for that. We’ll deal with it; perhaps late in March, we’ll be in a position to name a successor.”