2024-04-15 - Channel 5 Belize

Dangriga Businessman Shot Dead at his Home in Dangriga

Tonight, a businessman from Dangriga is dead after gun violence visited him at his home on Saturday night. And while police say he was party to a few court matters over business transactions, and have detained several persons, they are still looking for the suspect who pulled the trigger on Darren Taylor. The forty-three-year-old co-owner of A&D’s Car Rental collapsed and died at his Oak Street residence moments after he was shot. News Five’s Marion Ali went on that story and filed this report.

Marion Ali, Reporting

Forty-three-year-old Darren Taylor, also known as “Dalla Coin” was gunned down at forty-four Oak Street, in Dangriga. On Saturday night around seven-thirty, Taylor was here on his veranda talking to a friend when his killer approached them from the back of the yard. But at the sight of the gun, the friend ran off, but Taylor could not flee and was shot in the upper body. News Five understands that he was waiting on the veranda waiting for his common-law-wife to arrive with the house key when he was ambushed. Today, ACP Hilberto Romero said that police are looking for one suspect.

ACP Hilberto Romero, Regional Cmdr., Eastern Division

“On Saturday, the 13th of April, police responded to a shooting at Oak Street, Dangriga, where upon arrival the saw the motionless body of Darren Taylor, 43 years, with several gunshot injuries. Information is he was at the veranda of his house when a male person came and fired shots towards him. He was taken to the hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival. We are seeking one suspect in regards to this murder.”

One of the bullets struck Taylor’s SUV that was parked in the yard. His family has declined comment, but a few off-camera reports that we have picked up about Taylor suggest that he has had some conflicts over land and money issues. ACP Romero spoke to this.

ACP Hilberto Romero

“He had several matters in the courts as well as outside of the courts that he was dealing with, so we’re looking at all of those. All information we have is over business dealings. That is the information we are following up on.”

Police have detained several persons, but they do not believe they have the gunman at this point. Meanwhile, Dangriga Mayor, Robert Mariano is concerned over the fact that the community has been visited by gun violence once again.

Robert Mariano, Mayor, Dangriga

“All I want to say at this time is that I along with the council condemn any form of violence as such, like murder and so on within our community here in Dangriga. What we need to do in our community is to find ways to deal with our issues whenever they arise but that is all I can say for now in relation to that shooting because I do not have the facts. Dangriga is a very peaceful community, and I want to ask the people of Dangriga to let us remain that way, to be as peaceful as we can and to continue to be law-abiding citizens.”

Taylor was reportedly co-owner of A & D Car Rentals and several of other properties in that municipality. Marion Ali for News Five.

Placencia Man Murdered In His Car

In another act of gun violence in southern Belize, a Placencia resident was murdered this weekend while sitting inside his vehicle. Reports are that on Sunday, thirty-two-year-old Roy Burgess was giving a ride to an acquaintance, twenty-six-year-old Maya James, when the two were approached by a male individual who proceeded to fire several shots in their direction, resulting in the death of Burgess and injury to James. Here’s News Five’s Britney Gordon with the full report.

Britney Gordon, Reporting

In the early hours of Sunday morning, April fourteenth, Roy Burgess pulled off to the side of mile twenty-two on the Placencia Road near the Finca Beach Villa entrance, preparing to drop off his friend, Maya James, when the two were approached by a gunman who opened fired on them. James suffered an injury to her face and was taken to the hospital where she is still receiving treatment. Unfortunately, Burgess succumbed to his injury. Assistant Commissioner of Police, Hilberto Romero provided us with some more details.

ACP Hilberto Romero, Regional Commander, Easter Division

“On Sunday, the fourteenth of April 2024, police responded to a shooting incident at Placencia. Upon arrival, they saw the motionless body of a male person later identified as Roy Burgess with gunshot injuries. And Maya James, 26 years, was seen with a gunshot injury to the face. James was taken for medical treatment and is presently recovering. Roy Burgess was taken to the hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival. Information is that both of them were in a vehicle in the area. When he and the person came and fired several shots towards the direction, causing the fatal injuries to Roy Burgess and the injury to James. We are seeking one suspect in regards to this murder investigation.”

According to Romero, police believe that this incident was due to a domestic dispute, however, they noted that Burgess does not have any prior domestic reports that they are aware of. At this time, they are seeking one male suspect. The incident occurred near the entrance to Finca Beach Villa, where a friend of Burgess, Andrea Miksic resides. She said that she had been socializing with friends at the time of the shooting.

Andrea Miksic, Friend of Deceased

“Well, I was getting ready to go to bed. We were playing dominoes up here by the sea on my porch and we heard what sounded like, I heard one gunshot, but somebody else here thought there were three.”

Britney Gordon

“And what happened immediately following hearing the gunshots?”

Andrea Miksic

“Oh, we thought we weren’t sure it was a gunshot and we thought maybe somebody was messing around or like we weren’t that concerned right away and then we saw some cars up there, and when we went to check, it was a crime scene. I didn’t know it was Roy.”

Britney Gordon

“So reports are saying that he was dropping someone off in this area. Did you know that he was coming around? Were you expecting him?”

Andrea Miksic

“No, not at all. I heard he had been at the point.”

Miksic said that Burgess’ sudden death was shocking, as she did not know him to be involved in any trouble.

Andrea Miksic

“He was a really nice guy. I mean, I didn’t know him well enough to know if he had any bad history or anything, but I hadn’t heard about anything and you know the way people talk here, if there was something going on, there would have been rumors about it. But, yeah. He was, he was a really nice guy. I never knew him to be involved in anything like shady or he gave me rides a few times.”

Britney Gordon for News Five.

Joseph Camp Pleads Guilty to Spreading False News

Joseph Anthony Camp who, late last week, claimed that the police had shot his brother-in-law and then denied him medical attention pleaded guilty to Spreading False News today after the police department alleges that Camps’s claim was totally untrue. The thirty-nine-year-old American national was fined six hundred dollars when he appeared in court. He is the brother-in-law of eighteen-year-old Jaylon Jones, who was shot by police on April tenth. That night, Camp went live on Facebook and alleged that Jones was shot by police and was being denied medical access. And while during that post he indicated that he intended to sue the police department for violating Jones’ rights, he appeared today with attorney, Sharon Pitts to face his charge. Camp pleaded guilty and Pitts, in mitigation, pleaded to the court, seeking mercy for Camp, who she said did not waste the court’s time by pleading guilty at the onset, that Camp is a first-time offender with no previous convictions, and that prior to this incident, he was a law-abiding citizen who has donated to a basketball tournament and has assisted with donation to a hospital in Belize. She also argued that the charge for which he was before the court was a misdemeanour. Camp must pay the six-hundred-dollar fine, plus a five-dollar cost of court by June twenty-eighth or he will spend three months imprisonment.

Two Dead in Fatal RTA Near Jacintoville

A fatal road traffic accident claimed the lives of two persons in southern Belize on Sunday. The deadly collision happened in Toledo District near the Jacintoville junction where two vehicles including a pickup truck crashed head-on along the Southern Highway. The massive impact of the collision left Kelvin Selgado and Yofeni Benguche with mortal injuries. According to the driver of the pickup, the vehicle driven by Kelvin Selgado veered into his lane, causing the accident. Assistant Commissioner of Police, Hilberto Romero provided additional details.

ACP Hilberto Romero, Regional Commander, Eastern Division

“On Sunday, April fourteenth police responded to a fatal road traffic accident at the Jacintoville Bridge in the Toledo District. Upon their arrival, they saw Chevy Equinox vehicle and a Chevy Silverado pickup extensively damaged. Persons were taken to the hospital for treatment. Police made checks at the hospital where Kevin Selgado and Yofani Benguche were pronounced dead. An investigation is being carried out into this fatal RTA. Information is that the Silverado was being driven by Danny Edwards and he reported that whilst crossing the bridge, the other vehicle entered his lane, causing the accident.”

Reporter

“Is there any indication that alcohol, low visibility or vehicle malfunction may have caused it?”

Hilberto Romero

“We do not know at this time. Tests will be done and the investigation will reveal that thereafter.”

RTA Near Harmonyville Claims Life of Motorcyclist

Also this past weekend, an accident involving a pickup truck and a motorcycle, took place near mile forty, along the George Price Highway. It claimed the life of Joel Teck who was riding the motorcycle. According to police, the driver of the vehicle lost control and slammed into Teck, causing his fatal injuries.

ACP Hilberto Romero, Regional Commander, Eastern Division

“Police visited an area near Harmonyville where they saw a Dodge Ram pickup and a motorcycle extensively damaged. Police visited the hospital where Joel Teck was found and he was pronounced dead on arrival. Information was that he was on a motorcycle when he collided with the Dodge Ram pickup. The driver of that pickup was identified as Roy Williams. He has since been arrested and charged for manslaughter by negligence, causing death by careless conduct and drove motor vehicle without due care and attention.”

Reporter

“Do you know the circumstances of the accident?”

Hilberto Romero

“The pickup, apparently the driver lost some control and entered the lane and crashed into the motorcycle.”

Policeman Charged for Shoving Wife Out of Moving Vehicle

A police officer has been charged and placed on interdiction after he allegedly shoved his wife out of a moving vehicle over the weekend. Arnoldo Ical and Rosa Bol were traveling along the Southern Highway when they got into an altercation. During the heated argument, Ical reportedly shoved his wife out of the vehicle, causing her injuries.

ACP Hilberto Romero, Regional Commander, Eastern Division

“On Saturday, April thirteenth, Rosa Bo reported that she had a domestic dispute with her husband, Arnaldo Ical. They got into a vehicle at some point along the highway, Arnaldo Ical pushed her out of the vehicle, after he had punched her in the vehicle. An investigation was carried out and Arnaldo Ical has since been arrested and charged for the crimes of harm and threatening words.”

Reporter

“Okay, and he will be placed on interdiction.”

Hilberto Romero

“That is correct.”

High Court Dismisses Application by SFXCU Board

An application for judicial review of the appointment of an administrator at Saint Francis Xavier Credit Union Limited, filed on behalf of the board of directors and general manager, has been dismissed by the High Court. Earlier today, Justice Martha Alexander handed down a decision in the matter that was lodged in the Senior Courts of Belize in April 2023. Executives of the lending institution have been at odds with the Registrar of Credit Unions since a decision was taken last year to assign a manager to oversee the day-to-day operations of SFXCU. They then sought a declaration from the court that the decision of the Registrar of Credit Unions was unlawful and that the appointment be quashed. In refusing to consider the claimants’ request, Justice Alexander made several determinations, as explained by Senior Counsel Andrew Marshalleck.

Andrew Marshalleck, SC, Attorney-at-law

“As you are aware there was a challenge to the appointment of an administrator by the Registrar of Credit Unions over the St. Francis Xavier Credit Union. That was done because he had expressed the view that given certain administrative and other problems, the stability of the credit union was at risk and he thought that he needed to appoint an administrator to take over management and to put matters right in order to safeguard the interests of members of the credit union. That decision was challenged on a number of bases, most of which failed. The decision this morning, first off, the judge confirmed that Section 61:1 of the credit union act which empowers the registrar to appoint an administrator, does not require that there be liquidity or financial problems before the appointment is made and it’s a, when you think about it, a common sense approach because even before there were liquidity or financial problems the registrar should be able to intervene in order to prevent the liquidity or financial problems. That‘s part of his function, part of his role. So where he sees that things are being managed in such a way that they were headed in a wrong path, he can intervene to set them right. So the section was interpreted by the court to allow for that, that the three separate limbs or bases on which you can, the registrar can intervene to appoint an administrator, the first of which is that there are liquidity problems, second of which are other financial problems and then a third, more general, is administrative or other problems that jeopardizes the stability of the credit union. It was on that third limb that the registrar acted in this case and the court also went on to find that the appointment was reasonable, having regards to the investigative reports, examinations and other correspondents that was before the court, that the registrar was perfectly entitled in those circumstances to invoke Section 61:1 to appoint an administrator.”

High Court Says Fine Imposed on SFXCU was Illegal

According to attorney Marshalleck, of the ten issues that were put forward in the application for judicial review, the claimants were only successful in having quashed a fine of two thousand dollars that was levied against the credit union. The High Court ruled that the decision by the Registrar of Credit Unions to fine SFXCU was ultra vires and illegal.

Andrew Marshalleck, S.C., Attorney-at-law

“In this type of case, an administrator [that] the registrar had seen certain activity and he decided that he would impose an administrative penalty and the ruling in that case, he had imposed a two thousand [dollar] penalty for the failure to provide proof that certain steps he had ordered to be taken, be taken by a particular time. They held that that imposition of that administrative penalty was outside the scope of the act, so the requirements of the section which allows for the imposition of administrative penalties were not satisfied in that instance. Well like any other decision of the High Court it’s subject to appeal. As to whether they will or not, that’s for them, that’s their right to pursue it if they wish. But there were some, by my count, ten issues that were decided and one was decided in their favor, nine went against and I had listed to you the first four. I can quickly give you the others. The court also held that there was no breach of natural justice because the fact of consultation and because the appointment of the board, officers and managers of the credit union was automatically suspended when the administrator was appointed. It’s not that an independent decision was made to relieve the board and these officers of their duties. That was an automatic consequence of the appointment of their administrator and there had been consultation as required by the act the week before the appointment of the administrator was made.”

Boots’ Recall Petition is Rejected

An attempt by former Port Loyola Area Representative Anthony ‘Boots’ Martinez to unseat his successor in that constituency, via recall referendum, has been rejected. In a letter to Martinez from the Office of the Governor General, he was informed that the accepted number of signatures did not meet the requisite thirty percent of registered electors in Port Loyola. Of the four thousand, nine hundred and fifty registered voters, only one thousand, three hundred and eighty-nine signatures were approved. That is the equivalent of a little over twenty-eight percent of the total registered voters. This afternoon, Martinez spoke with reporters ahead of a press conference on Wednesday.

Anthony ‘Boots’ Martinez, Former Area Representative

“I received this letter, it is dated the twenty-sixth, but I received this letter [on] the twenty-seventh with the details. Also too, I got the details of the breakdown that was given to me for the people whose signatures mismatched. And so, immediately I went to work because, like weh a seh, I maintained and I still maintain, if da fifteen hundred signatures were submitted, the room for error eena dat was just forty-five signatures should be rejected because of the fifteen hundred signatures I procured ninety-seven percent, personally, noh nobody ker wahn paper to you and bring it back to me. I procured that and the journey was long but not hard , and so, from this date here, this letter was copied to the prime minister and Gilroy Usher. But yoh sih weh really happen, I understand everything. Sih, big mouth Mr. Boots neva mek no noise about it, I gaan and get the legal advice from Senior Counsel Barrow and Dickie Bradley as to what is the remedy fi dis.”

Reporter

“Do you feel that you have been done an injustice or these people, the petitioners, have been done an injustice?”

Anthony ‘Boots’ Martinez

“Do I feel? I know that they have been done an injustice… How yoh mean apart from that? When you sign, you know the last part of this letter from the Chief Elections Officer to the Governor General, remind, under clause two: I also wish to report to you, your Excellency, that it is an offense under section nine of the Elected Representatives Act Revised Edition 2020, for a person to forge a signature on a recall petition or to willingly sign the petition more than once. Soh yoh rub it eena people face.”

Boots Says Elections & Boundaries Could’ve Verified Questionable Signatures

According to Martinez, if the Elections and Boundaries Department were unsure of the signatures that were garnered, checks could have been made by the registering officers to validate the signatures that were presented.

Anthony ‘Boots’ Martinez, Former Area Representative

“I don’t know if Elections and Boundaries mi believe that at the end of the day that by not following the law, eena my view, that yoh couldn’t challenge what they did. And to date now, we have gotten over a hundred and twenty signed affidavits, by the people who signed the petition. And wah next thing I need to point out, nothing in the law, the title remains the same: signature or sign includes any mark of thumb impression. And nothing in the law stuck, Elections and Boundaries, to verify, nothing in the law even speaks to that the signature must be verified by what you have in record. Yes, I believe that could help tremendously, but the law speaks about verification because you have the capability, you have the registration officer and the registration officer who knows the constituency and knows the people in the constituency. Hell mein, if you figure or you believe that both things under the law, you have a right to protect the people against forgery. If you believe that bwai, Mr. Boots or anybody got people di sign dehn petition and dehn people noh sign, there is penalty for that mein.”