Thirty-eight-year-old Brandon Gillett was back in court on Wednesday after being granted bail in the sum of ten thousand dollars for five firearm offenses he was charged with back in December 2023. The court bailiff, accompanied by attorney Orson Elrington, appeared before the Chief Magistrate where a date for full disclosure has been set for February twenty-eighth. On December twenty-second, three days before Christmas, Gillett showed up in court unrepresented and charges were read to him after police visited his home in Los Lagos to execute a search warrant for unlicensed firearms. They found two weapons, including a nine millimeter Glock pistol and a .223 Springfield Armory Rifle with several attachments for which he didn’t have written authorization from the Commissioner of Police. The search followed an incident that was recorded and shared on social media during which Gillett brandished the rifle in front of a group of churchgoers attending a funeral service here in Belize City. He was subsequently arrested and charged, remanded to custody for seven days, before being released on bail.
Incidentally, the Firearms and Ammunition Control Board announced earlier today that it will be conducting an audit and placing a moratorium on firearm licenses for .223 rifles. The release states, (quote), this decision comes as part of the board’s commitment to ensuring transparency, accountability, and the responsible management of firearms and ammunition in Belize. In addition to the audit, the Firearms and Ammunition Control Board has also decided to impose a moratorium on the processing of firearm licenses for .223 caliber rifles pending a review. This decision aims to ensure that the issuance of such licenses is done in a manner consistent and in the best interest of public safety, (end quote).
A Belize City man is wanted for aggravated assault after allegedly pulling a gun during an altercation. Thirty-three-year-old James Nunez told police that he was on his property when four individuals exited a black Isuzu Rodeo and began threatening him. Nunez says one of the persons attempted to steal some car parts from him and left some tools behind. That individual returned to retrieve the tools and reportedly punched Nunez in the face several times. Nunez told police that he pulled out a knife to defend himself. That is when his attacker allegedly pulled out a gun and pointed it at him. Commissioner of Police Chester Williams told us more.
Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police
“The report is that the victim was saying he was in front of his home sitting on a bucket and he was approached by two persons or three in a black rodeo. One, Randy August alighted the vehicle and approached him and inquired about some tool that he may have left at the victim’s garage while he was trying to steal some parts from some vehicle. So he came back for the tools. He and the victim had an exchange during which the victim took out a knife to defend himself and Randy told the girl that was with him to get the gun out of the vehicle. The gun was retrieved and the victim eventually ran and made a call to the police. Police responded and the Rodeo was intercepted. But Randy August and another person had escaped. I am not sure if he has been caught by police but certainly if and when he is caught it is a matter for the police to look at for aggravated assault.”
Last night, we told you about the San Pedro resident who was arrested and charged for the crime of obtaining property by deception, after allegedly impersonating Deputy Prime Minister Cordel Hyde on Facebook to scam unsuspecting users out of money. Well, that woman, thirty-seven-year-old Ada Toro says that she is innocent and that she is actually a victim herself. In a report elsewhere in the media, Toro says that she, too, genuinely believed the person behind the Facebook page to be Minister Hyde. So, when money was reportedly deposited to her account with instructions to withdraw those funds and deposit it into another account, she believed she was working for the minister. Today, reporters asked the Commissioner of Police for his take on her claims.
Chester Williams
Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police
“I don’t know much in terms of the intricacies of the investigation. That will be something within the knowledge of the investigators. I am sure there must be sufficient evidence for the investigators to have been able to draw down on her and arrested her. And let me say this, there are a number of scams going on social media and I think these scams are easy to detect if you apply common sense. I think some people might just see certain deals on social media and it might have moved them so much that they fail to do necessary due diligence that would have led them to know it is not genuine. I just want to say to people to be careful before you make any deposit to people who are offering you things online. There are several things you can do to verify that those persons are not authentic and then look for example the issue with the ghost vehicle. I don’t know who would buy a vehicle and not see the vehicle and for the person to tell you later on I done got the vehicle you need to send more money, you wah send more money and nuh see the vehicle yet. You must apply commonsense and you will find out some of these things there are not really true. In this case I believe the lady’s banking information was what was used. I don’t see who would use your banking information knowing that the money is not coming to you it is going to someone else. So that I find very strange. I am not saying that what she is saying is not true. But why would I enter into a scam, give your banking information, the money will not come to me it will go to you, it makes no sense.”
As we reported at the top of our newscast, a well-known street figure was executed in the Jane Usher Boulevard neighborhood on Wednesday night. The deadly attack on Troy Hyde, which also claimed the life of fifteen-year-old Lamisha Moody, came just a few weeks ahead of the March sixth municipal elections and it is believed that his murder is gang related. Earlier this week, former Port Loyola Area Representative Anthony ‘Boots’ Martinez raised concerns about citizen security in that part of Belize City considering that polling stations for two adjacent constituencies have been designated along Faber’s Road. Those constituencies are also homes to rival gangs that may come into contact with each other on Election Day. Here’s how Martinez puts it.
Anthony ‘Boots’ Martinez, Former Area Rep, Port Loyola
“This issue is with Elections & Boundaries and the Chief Elections Officer’s recommendation as to have a polling station da Port Loyola. Excelsior being a polling station da Port Loyola. My number one concern is citizen security, but apart from that, Excelsior High School is separated by a fence with St. John Vianney and Excelsior High School sits in the Queen Square constituency. Two thousand and nine people are asked from the Jane Usher Boulevard area to go to Excelsior to vote. One thousand, four hundred and forty people need fu pass through the same area fu go da Muslim School fi vote. One thousand, six hundred and odd people who vote in Queen Square are asked to go to St. John Vianney to vote. Yoh cyant get wahn hundred yard line, wahn hundred yard barrier from Excelsior to St. John Vianney, so da weh kinda case yoh wah have. Then yoh have the healthcare facility, the health clinic right beside Excelsior. My main concern, though, da with di various gang rivalry issues within the area. Yoh have Gill Street, yoh have LBC, yoh have Sunset, yoh have all kinda thing. My main concern da citizen security. I hope that the Chief Elections Officer would really consider citizen security. That’s my main concern.”
On Wednesday, we also asked Home Affairs Minister Kareem Musa about Martinez’s concerns. While he gave his assurance that things will go smoothly, a lot has changed overnight with the slaying of Troy Hyde. Earlier today, we also sought a comment from Commissioner of Police Chester Williams in the wake of the deadly shootings.
Kareem Musa, Minister of Home Affairs
“In all areas of Belize City, not just by Excelsior, but we are, of course, on high alert in all areas of Belize City and so we do not expect any form of violence whatsoever.”
Isani Cayetano
“The former area rep for Port Loyola had brought some concerns with respect of the polling station, ahead of the municipals, and the fact that it would seem as if though two rival gangs would be in close contact with each other in the Faber’s Road area. What assurances can be given for the police department to be present on Elections Day in that particular location?”
Chester Williams
Chester Williams, Commissioner of Belize
“Well, the issue of polling stations is one that falls within the purview of the Chief Elections Officer and not the police. Certainly, in terms of the policing of the polling station on Election Day is the duty of the police and we will do what we must do and what we normally do around election time to ensure that there is sufficient security in the area to allow every voter to go to the polling station and cast their vote without any impediment and so we will be in the area to make sure we do what needs to be done.”
Anglican Cathedral College, the school where fifteen-year-old Lamisha Moody was enrolled, issued a statement on her murder. The school said, “Last night, we received devastating news that Lamisha Moody, a cherished member of our A.C.C. family, was taken from us by senseless gun violence.” The school says that Lamisha was more than a student. “She was a bright light cherished by her peers and loved by her teachers.” The school said, “Gun violence has no place in our society, and Lamisha’s passing reminds us of the urgent need for action.”
The school’s counselling team and spiritual leaders will support students through this time of grief.
Lamisha along with street figure thirty-six-year-old Troy Hyde were shot and killed last night in the Jane Usher Boulevard area.
A total of one hundred and sixty-three candidates are vying for the sixty-seven seats that are up for grabs on March sixth for the municipal elections. According to an official report from the Elections and Boundaries Department, both the People’s United Party and the United Democratic Party have full slates across all nine municipalities. The People’s Democratic Movement nominated eleven candidates in Belize City. Eleven independent candidates were nominated on Wednesday and the Belize Progressive Party nominated seven candidates in Punta Gorda. Last night, we brought you coverage of Nomination Day from six of the nine municipalities. Tonight, we continue our Nomination Day coverage, starting with Punta Gorda.
Paul Lopez, Reporting
Punta Gorda is the southernmost municipality in the country. Notwithstanding its geographical location, on March sixth, residents of the town will get an opportunity to decide which of the twenty-six candidates nominated on Wednesday will lead the town council for the next three years. The People’s United Party is fielding seven candidates, led by Carlos “Obeah” Galvez.
Carlos “Obeah” Galvez
Carlos “Obeah” Galvez, P.U.P. Mayoral Candidate, Punta Gorda
“This is a powerful moment, a wonderful feeling. This is the day where you officially become a candidate for your party. this is the moment the day and I am proud to put my name back on the ballot, thanks to the people of PG who came out from day one to support me. This is a proud moment to be a PUP. We have a great history, the peaceful constructive Belizean revolution. This party has a great history. I am proud to be associated, affiliated, and proud to be a member of the People’s United Party.”
The United Democratic Party also nominated seven candidates. UDP faithfuls gathered in front of the nomination station in Punta Gorda to show support for the team of candidates being led by Franklin “Kranka” Polonio.
Franklin “Kranka” Polonio
Franklin “Kranka” Polonio, U.D.P. Mayoral Candidate, Punta Gorda
“First of all I must say that it is a great feeling to see that we have past ministers in the person of Eden Martinez and Joseph Cayetano. We have past chairman also. So, of course we are very untied. The feeling we have is one of joy. We already know what time it is. After this we know it is time to continue going back to houses, listen to people’s cries, hear and continue to serve in whatever capacity we can.”
And, a part from the two major political parties in Punta Gorda, the Belize Progressive Party, a decade-old third party in the municipality, is once again fielding candidates. In spite of the party’s repeated failed attempts to succeed at the polls, on Wednesday, it nominated a municipal slate of seven candidates. Punta Gorda is the only municipality with BPP representation this time around. Their bid is being led by Anita Nicholas
“I can say it is overwhelming. I am overjoyed. This is the day, the day that the lord has made. The day that PG will go down to the history that it always needed, someone with a vision, someone who is intuitive and innovative to make a difference for our town, our town has been underdeveloped for too long. And, it is time that our town gets the change it rightly deserves. That is the reason why I decided to offer myself as the candidate for the Belize Progressive Party in honor and memory of the late Bap Marcel Palma. We continue his legacy.”
Five independent candidates were also nominated on Wednesday in Punta Gorda. Among them is Orlando Muschamp. He contested the Toledo East seat in the 2020 general election as an independent candidate. Muschamp is optimistic that the results at the polls on March sixth will be more favorable for independent candidates.
“It is a great feeling out here and it has been a difficult task to bring along this team, this working team, a team hailing from an election, a contractor, a professional business woman, Antony Gabriel another electrician and myself another business owner. I have my own business and we we want to offer ourselves to our community and the voters of Punta Gorda an opportunity , an option so as for them to see yes we do have the love for this community.”
Reporter
“What is the feedback like from the people in the town?”
Orlando Muschamp
“The feedback is simple, they are tired of seeing the red and the blue coming with people who are not qualified to do the job. The come, get nominated and that is it. You never see them again, receiving a stipend without filling the spaces to accommodate the people, with the public service we so dearly deserve in this community.”
In the March 2021 municipal elections, the United Democratic Party won only two of the sixty-seven municipal seats across the country. Those two seats were won in the twin towns of Santa Elena and San Ignacio and included one mayoral seat and a councilor seat. The U.D.P.’s incumbent mayor, Earl Trapp is hoping to once again shift the tides back in favor of the U.D.P. out west. On Wednesday, Trapp was nominated along with a full slate of U.D.P. candidates. On March sixth, he will be going up against Matthew Preston, a sitting councilor in the twin towns.
The People’s United Party nominated Preston as its mayoral candidate, along with a full slate of P.U.P. councilor candidates. In Benque Viejo Del Carmen Town, P.U.P. incumbent Mayor Jorge Rosales is asking voters to support his bid for another term in office. Rosales and his team of P.U.P. candidates were nominated on Wednesday in Benque. The U.D.P. nominated Marco Tesecum, a former Benque Viejo town councilor, as its mayoral candidate along with a roster of councilor candidates. As the weeks progress towards March sixth, we will continue to follow what is taking place in each municipality.
In San Pedro Town, the People’s United Party and the United Democratic Party have nominated seven candidates each for the March sixth municipal elections. Incumbent P.U.P. Mayor, Gualberto Nunez, is seeking reelection. The mayoral candidate for the U.D.P. is career teacher Wilfredo Alamilla. An independent candidate also threw his name in the race on Wednesday. Abner Bacab is an Emergency Medical Technician at Island Emergency Services. Here is more from nomination day in San Pedro.
Gualberto “Wally” Nunez
Gualberto “Wally” Nunez, Incumbent Mayor, San Pedro Town
“We are feeling victory. We are feeling victory already out here. WE are thankful to San Pedro for all the support, thank you very much.”
Wilfredo Alamilla
Wilfredo Alamilla, U.D.P. Mayoral Candidate, San Pedro Town
“I thank you with all my heart. It has always been a dream of mine to work for my community and give you all my love. And so here I am, officially nominated and ready to work for all of you. May God bless you and thank you very much.”
Abner Bacab
Abner Bacab, Independent Candidate, San Pedro Town
“I am feeling very happy. I am happy I was able to be nominated as a mayoral candidate for the upcoming elections for the San Pedro Town Council. I think it is everybody’s right to vote so I would encourage everyone to come out and vote for the person you think is going to do better for San Pedro, our community. Somebody that has proven to be somebody that works for our community. If you want to run for a position here in the San Pedro Town Council you need to be somebody that has done many achievements here in our island. For example, myself has brought an ambulance service to San Pedro, fully equipped with no kind of help from anyone. It is personal money, personal funding. I became the first emergency medical technician here in San Pedro.”
The Protected Areas Conservation Trust has been quietly working behind the scenes to provide several N.G.O.’s and conservation organizations in Belize with the necessary funds to keep the country’s natural resources safe and thriving. The work that PACT does is an essential part of preservation work in Belize, as there are currently one hundred protected areas that form a vast national protected areas system. In order to learn more about that process, we visited their office today and spoke with Conservation Investment Manager, Ismael Teul. Here’s News Five’s Britney Gordon with tonight’s episode of Belize on Reel.
Britney Gordon, reporting
The Protected Areas Conservation Trust (PACT) was established in 1996 and at the time, Belize was considered a pioneer with the passing of the PACT Act. Today, the protected areas landscape continues to take shape and expand. Currently, there are one hundred and three protected areas that form a vast national protected areas system with categories that include forest reserves, natural monuments, and archaeological reserves. After over twenty-five years, PACT has evolved from a grant-funding mechanism and works hand in hand with NGO’s and other environmental organizations to preserve these natural resources in Belize. PACT’s conservation investment manager, Ismael Teul broke down that process for us.
“What we do is we’re a Financing institution for what we would term or call the National Protected Areas System, right? What that is simply all the protected areas functioning as one entire system. And our primary role is to see how we get funding so that they work of protecting the environment, providing clean air, clean water, and of course, protecting our natural resources could continue.”
Teul explained that PACT uses a system in order to enact its funding mechanisms. In a given period, PACT may fund twenty to thirty areas but each area is assessed on how it benefits its bordering protected areas. By targeting areas with heavy impact on the ones surrounding it, the number of protected areas is expanded. Teul further explained that a national assessment is carried out in order to choose what areas will be targeted. The Bladen Nature Reserve, Chiquibul National Park, Monkey Bay Wildlife Sanctuary, and Corozal Bay Wildlife Sanctuary are just a few of the areas Pact has partnered with in the past.
Ismael Teul
“And so it’s, what PACT does is it doesn’t grant, in the traditional sense of the word, funds, but it invests. So it provides financing to a protected area that in a three year period, four year period we’re expecting returns on that investment. Now, the key here is that we’re not expecting financial returns as a bank would work, but we’re expecting more conservation returns. So it’s okay, the water quality, if it was a polluted area. Did that pollution go down? If it was to protect a endangered species, what’s the population count at the end of the four year period? It’s those conservation returns that we look at as PACT”
Teul further explained that PACT’s mission goes beyond just the environmental impacts, as it carries over into all sectors of Belize and PACT’s mission ultimately seeks to ensure the safety and longevity of the country.
Ismael Teul
“Our natural environment really is the heart of our economy.The tourism industry, for example, is one of our largest industry, but the protected areas is actually the natural attractions that we bring to the ecotourist market. Also, we have agriculture which is our second largest industry in the country. And so, providing that, safe water or that water for the agricultural lands, providing the trees for carbon and processing. And so we have a lot of natural assets still within our country that if we don’t protect them and use them sufficiently, then we affect the wellbeing of. of the Belizean people, right? Further to that, you also have indigenous communities. You have local communities that depend on the protected areas.”
