2024-04-16 - Channel 5 Belize

Three Guatemalans Detained in Chiquibul

Friends for Conservation and Development (FCD) is reporting that three Guatemalan men were detained on April 11 in the Chiquibul Forest in Belizean territory. They are Rigoberto Caal (51 years old), Hector Canan Hernandez (48 years old), and Isaias Caal Coc (32 years old). Each individual was found to be in possession of a firearm, including a .22 rifle, a 16 gauge shotgun, and a homemade wooden handgun. Live ammunition was discovered in their possession.

The three individuals were detained and escorted to the San Ignacio Police Station via an extensive route through Rio Blanco, Ceibo Chico, Natural Arch, Tapir Camp, and onwards to San Ignacio, where it is anticipated that charges will be filed by the Police Department, Immigration Department, and the Forest Department.

According to the FCD, it was determined that the individuals were located 400 meters within the boundaries of the Chiquibul National Park. They are from the nearby village of Monte Los Olivos and were en route to a plantation. Given the presence of firearms, it is likely that they were also engaging in hunting activities.

Another Murder in Belize City

Thirty-three-year-old Michael Usher was fatally shot on Monday night in Belize City. It happened a few minutes before eight o’clock on Flamboyant Street. Investigators say that Usher was walking when he was approached by an unknown man who fired several shots in his direction. Usher was shot several times and pronounced dead on arrival.

According to reports, police are looking for two suspects.

PM Briceño on Andre Perez Investigation: No Laws Were Broken

Prime Minister John Briceño was asked this morning about the investigation into allegations made by attorney Wendy Auxillou against Belize Rural South Area Representative Andre Perez.

In August 2023, News Five broke the story of a sitting minister of government being accused of sexual harassment by a female attorney. Later that month, a release from the government was issued, stating that PM Bricecño “has accepted a request from Hon. Andre Perez, Minister of Blue Economy and Civil Aviation, for a leave of absence from the Cabinet.”

That release also stated that “during his leave of absence, an investigation will be conducted into the recent allegations against Minister Perez. At the conclusion of the investigation, the Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs will advise the Prime Minister on whether there has been any actionable wrongdoing.”

Today, when asked if there was an actual investigation, PM John Briceño told reporters, “The investigation was that no laws were broken. You could question the judgement of the person, but no laws were broken that came to light.”

The PM stated that no one provided evidence to the Office of the Attorney General.

Auxillou alleges that no one from the Attorney General’s office approached her for the evidence she says she has. Auxillou has yet to file an official police report against the minister.

Perez denies all allegations. He was reinstated as Minister of The Blue Economy and Disaster Risk Management in April 3, 2024.