2024-04-30 - Channel 5 Belize

A Parliamentary Service in Honor of Mike Espat

The House of Representatives and the Senate met in parliamentary service this afternoon in honor of the late Toledo East Area Representative Mike Espat. They gathered at the National Assembly to pay homage to the lifelong stalwart of the People’s United Party. Also in attendance were Espat’s family and friends. As we reported last week, the former teacher turned career politician passed away on April twenty-second from a massive heart attack. Since then there has been an outpour of condolences from Belizeans at home and abroad. We begin our newscast tonight with a formal remembrance from Belmopan.

Prime Minister John Briceño

“Madame Speaker, today we honor our dear friend and colleague, the honorable member from Toledo East, Mike Espat, and bid him farewell. Before every house meeting, Mike Espat would join us as we pray the National Prayer and invite all to join me in the closing part of this prayer “and after enjoying the blessings of this life, please admit, Dear Lord, to that eternal reward that you have prepared for those who love you. Amen.” Please join me in standing to give Mike Espat a standing ovation for his life and service to his people and Belize. He was here because of you and because of what he believed in which is always to serve the people, all the people. This alone made Mike Espat special. This alone made him a good Belizean. I can think of no greater moment for Mike than those times when he traveled across the Toledo District to meet his constituents and to watch Toledo grow. The people of Toledo lost a true champion.”

Shyne Barrow, Leader of the Opposition

“While it is a somber time and yes, there is grief to be had, I believe there is much to be celebrated in the life of service that the honorable member lived. I know they called him Iron Mike, but I‘d like to remember him as the gentle giant. Maybe not in size of height, but certainly in spirit and intellect, passion that he had for his people. It is ironic that in the budget speech that I gave a few weeks ago, I talked about the mortality of all of us in this honorable house and I talked about how we have to use these budgets and these policies to further the lives of our people and to leave a legacy behind because we can‘t take any of the material things that we amass on planet Earth with us when we go.”

Valerie Woods, House Speaker

“First, let me begin by acknowledging and thanking the family of the honorable Mike Espat for we know, for any member who has served as long as the member for Toledo East, it is really the member and his family who have given service to country with the committed support of family. He was first elected to the House of Representatives in 1989 and went on to serve six terms as the area representative for the Toledo East constituency. On behalf of the National Assembly of Belize and the staff of parliament, we extend our heartfelt condolences to you the family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you through this difficult time.”

PM Says Julius Espat Got “Emotional” About Cousin Mike

Following the brief special sitting this afternoon, Prime Minister John Briceño spoke with reporters outside of the house. While he continued to speak fondly of Mike Espat, the leader of the People’s United Party also touched briefly on comments made by the late politician’s first cousin. During an interview last Thursday, Cayo South Area Representative Julius Espat was firm in his belief that the P.U.P. disrespected Mike Espat by allowing Chief Executive Officer, Doctor Osmond Martinez to essentially declare his candidacy in public. Before we get to the PM’s response on that issue, here’s what he had to say about today’s parliamentary service.

Prime Minister John Briceño

“I think it’s the least we can do as a tribute and honor to the work of honorable Mike Espat because, as I’ve always been telling everybody, he was a man of service and service to the people. And I repeated again, he started off as a teacher, a principal and then he went on to electoral politics with the belief that at that level he can be able to bring more development for the Toledo District. Many people can’t comprehend where the Toledo District was in. In 1989 when he was first elected and the tremendous work that he did, pushing for the Southern Highway, ensuring that we could put more infrastructure in the Toledo District, more schools and clinics and making opportunities available for the Toledo District. He was the true embodiment of a man of service and he truly loves his people and the work that he does.”

Isani Cayetano

“How do you, in your capacity as party leader, look at or process the scathing remarks that were made by his first cousin, Julius Espat, he’s also a deputy leader of the PUP in terms of Mike [Espat] being hard done by his own party?”

Prime Minister John Briceño

“I think that Julius [Espat] probably got emotional when he was in front of the cameras and probably got carried away. But pretty much everybody loved Mike Espat, everybody liked being with him. Like I said, on the exterior, he looks like this tough person but he was a soft person, a person that can be kind and can be loving and can be gentle, but at the same time takes nothing from anybody and he would say what it is.”

Who will Replace Mike Espat in Toledo East?

There’s a ninety-day window during which a bye-election must be held to fill the void in Toledo East. C.E.O. Osmond Martinez had expressed an interest in running for the People’s United Party in that constituency prior to Espat’s death, but he may not be the only aspiring politician eyeing the vacant seat in the House of Representatives. So, what is in place for someone else within the P.U.P. to succeed Mike Espat? Party Leader John Briceño gave an update on a meeting that was recently held regarding succession.

Isani Cayetano

“In terms of succession for Toledo East, where are we in terms of the PUP lining up for a convention?”

Prime Minister John Briceño

“Well what we did, we had a national convention last week Thursday and I asked that we continued to pay respect for the life and work that Mike has done. And so, as a party, we said that we will not do any announcements until after today. So tomorrow, the chairman will be making out an announcement as to the process. Yes, there is going to be a convention and if there are more than one persons offering themselves then we‘ll have a convention. And then after that, obviously I will decide when I believe within those ninety days to call the elections.”

Shyne is Circumspect on U.D.P. in Toledo East

The United Democratic Party is wasting no time in putting forward a suitable candidate to contest the upcoming bye-election in Toledo East. Over the weekend, Party Leader Shyne Barrow traveled south to Punta Gorda where he met with former area representative Eden Martinez and U.D.P. mayoral candidate Franklin ‘Kranka’ Polonio, to endorse Dennis Williams’ candidacy for area representative. When we caught up with Barrow at Independence Plaza, he did not respond to our questions about the U.D.P.’s move in Toledo East, but instead kept his remarks on the late Mike Espat.

Isani Cayetano

“Let’s talk about the developments in Toledo East, I know you guys have essentially hit the ground running, in terms of trying to get a candidate to prepare for the upcoming bye-elections?”

Shyne Barrow, Leader of the Opposition

“How do you know that? Wow, you have great sources. But I have to be honest with you, today is about the honorable Mike Espat and so, I, out of respect for his family and his legacy and the grieving and mourning period, and the celebration period, for me, I look at the transition from this life to the after different than a lot of people in a way that I celebrate those that journey on. And so, I think, right now I‘m only interested in talking about what the honorable member from Toledo East meant to me and meant to the people of Toledo East, the people of Belize, et cetera, not interested in talking about what our plans are for that bye-election, out of respect for the honorable member for Toledo East.”

Isani Cayetano

“In ninety days, nonetheless, it is expected that a date will be called for there to be a bye-election. It goes without saying that you guys are preparing, ahead of this process.”

Shyne Barrow

“As I said, Mike Espat was the gentle giant, Iron Mike, and what I mentioned in there is that he was so tenacious and indomitable because they talk about him winning six times but they don‘t talk about the times that he lost and, to me, that is what is most impressive because everyone loves a winner but when you lose, it is extremely difficult to overcome the insecurities, the self doubt, the detractors, the naysayers. And Mike was able to do that and go on to build the storied career, political career that he did and to me that is what I take from him.”

Wally Nunez Says He Will Apply to Run in Belize Rural South

On March sixth, Wally Nunez was returned as the Mayor of San Pedro for a second time. The mayor said he was going back to office the next day and continue the work of San Pedranos. But there was always speculation, based on the unfriendly relations between Nunez and the sitting Area Representative of Belize Rural South, Andre Perez, that perhaps Nunez would challenge Perez for that seat. Perez was recently reinstalled as the Minister of the Blue Economy after several months on suspension, following a sexual assault allegation by an attorney. He has since hit the pavement running upon his return to Cabinet. And throughout his suspension, he said he took that time to rekindle with his voters. But will that be enough to usher him back to office? We ask because Nunez, in whose favour the municipal polls overwhelmingly swung in 2021 in a predominantly red municipality, has been able to hold on to the popularity he enjoys among San Pedro voters. And on his Facebook page on Monday, Nunez quelled all speculation that he was indeed considering challenging Perez for the seat. “This is testament,” Nunez wrote to San Pedro and Caye Caulker residents, “that I will be sending on my application to represent you all.” He announced that his decision followed requests from the residents to represent them in the General Elections. But if the People’s United Party on an election convention to choose a standard bearer, Nunez will have roughly a year to prepare for his first battle with Perez. We tried to reach Nunez for an interview today but could not. Perez, who was in Cabinet meeting at the time when we contacted him for a reaction, said he had no comment.

PM Briceño Reiterates Belize’s Position on Sarstoon

Last Thursday, Brigadier General Azariel Loria, Commandant of the Belize Defense Force, led a group of reporters to Sarstoon where the B.D.F. inaugurated a newly reconstructed forward operating base at the mouth of the river. During their time at the FOB, Brigadier General Loria also took the media on a tour around Sarstoon Island, a contested land mass in the middle of the river that is also being claimed by Guatemala. The Guatemalan Armed Forces, once again engaged in an exchange of words with the B.D.F. contingent. Over the weekend, video of a press conference held by the Guatemalan military was in circulation online. Earlier today, Prime Minister John Briceño was asked for a comment on the recent face-off between the B.D.F. and the Guatemalan army.

Prime Minister John Briceño

“Well I think I want to leave that for the minister, we agreed that he is going to answer that but as always, we always stand up to defend what legally and historically belongs to Belize, and the Sarstoon is the boundary between both countries and that has not changed, and then we are going to follow the due process with the OAS, the friends of Belize and everyone to ensure that we can keep Guatemala in check. But the foreign minister can give you more details.”

Mother and Infant Son Perish in Fire

On Friday, we reported on a Belize City fire that destroyed a house on Raccoon Steet, injuring Malika August and her two-year-old son, Jayden. Tonight, there is sad news to report following that incident. Both victims have succumbed to their injuries. On Saturday, around four twenty p.m., two-year-old Jayden August was pronounced dead at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital where he was receiving treatment, and the following day, around eight p.m., Malika August also passed. For more details on what caused this tragic incident, we spoke with Kenneth Motis of the National Fire service for more details on the incident.

Kenneth Mortis, Station Officer, National Fire Service

“As protocol, we got into operation extinguishing the fire. And shortly after our investigation comments we learned that the building was occupied by two adults on a minor, namely miss Malika August and mister Michael Gill and two-year-old baby boy. During the Early stages before the fire department’s arrival, the mother and son were rushed to the hospital after we learned that they receive extensive fire damage to varying parts of their body. As the nation knows, since the weekend happened, both mother and daughter, both mother and son lost their lives as a result of the burns that they suffered which leads us to believe as a fire department, as a community. What safety measures do we have in place when faced with these types of situations? Prior to getting into to the cars the structure was built In such a way that it had actually one door which served its main entrance and exit. We learned that it is alleged the stove was left on and for some unknown reason, the mother, she went to take a nap and wind caught a whiff of that open flames. Using the curtain as a ignition source. So we’re looking at an open flame and sitting right next to that open flame was a butane tank. It was just a disaster waiting to happen. It’s again, it’s an unfortunate, fortunate event, a very sad one at that. We’re looking at an eighteen-year-old young mother and her son and that’s two lives gone way, way too early.”

Man Killed in His Own Yard in Belmopan

Today, in Belmopan, a man was murdered in his own yard after being lured outside by his assailant. The victim has been identified as Pedro Hernandez, who was chopped to death upon exiting his house. As police are still investigating the crime, Assistant Commissioner of Police Hilberto Romero gave us the details of the incident thus far.

ACP Hilberto Romero, Regional Commander, Eastern Division

“Earlier today police visited a house at the Maya Mopan area in Belmopan. Upon arrival, they saw an e mail person identified as Pedro Hernandez with chopped wounds. He was taken to the hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival. Information is that Pedro Hernandez was at his house when he was called by a male person and as soon as he came out, he was chopped by this person. We are seeking one suspect in regards to this report.”

Reporter

“Do you know if he knew the person?”

Hilberto Romero

“I do not have any other information at this time. That is all information. The area is still being canvassed. Detectives are on the ground working on the case.”

Remains of Missing Taxi Driver Found in Consejo

The remains of fifty-seven-year-old Rosalito Pacheco have been found in Consejo Village in Corozal. On February first, 2024, the San Joaquin Village taxi driver was reported missing by concerned family members after failing to return home the night before. In late February, Pacheco’s gold Toyota Corolla and keys were found at the residence of a family of three in Fresh Pond. Forty-four-year-old Tricia Young, a resident of that community and her two sons, eighteen-year-old Imari Young and twenty-two-year-old Christopher Young, were jointly charged with handling stolen goods. On Monday, April twenty-ninth, Pacheco’s family was summoned to identify remains that were in a shallow grave near Consejo Village. Here’s more from Assistant Commissioner of Police Hilberto Romero.

ACP Hilberto Romero, Regional Commander, Eastern Division

“On Monday, the twenty-ninth of April 2024, police visited an area in the Corozal District on the Consejo Road, where human remains were found. The area was visited by the forensics. The remains were taken to the laboratory for analysis. Some items were found in the area which were identified by the family as suspected to be the body of Rosalita Pacheco, who had been reported missing a couple of months ago.”

Reporter

“The commissioner of police has stated that a Cruz Castillo was killed by police was one of the main suspects. Did the investigation reveal whether or not he may have killed mister Pacheco?”

Hilberto Romero

“He was a suspect. Again, he is now deceased. So that is the closure for that. That is all information I can provide at this time.”

Reporter

“The persons that were charged with handling stolen goods in relation to Pacheco’s vehicle, did they say whether or not they had gotten the keys or whether or not mister Cruz had left that vehicle in the area?”

Hilberto Romero

“They were charged for handling stolen goods only. And that is all information that we have that they were in possession of that vehicle, but we do not know if they have any connection to the murder.”

Reporter

“Any indication of how they got the car?”

Hilberto Romero

“At some point, they are saying somebody brought the car to them in the area of Burrel Boom. “

Britney Gordon

“Any indication of how he might have died?”

Hilberto Romero

“Not at this time. We are awaiting the post mortem examination.”

Construction Workers Discover Human Remains in San Pedro

On Friday, April twenty-sixth, police received a received a report on the discovery of human remains in San Pedro Town. The report came from contractor William Galiano, after his team discovered a human jawbone amongst other bones while they were digging. The team had reportedly only dug about three and a half feet into the ground where they intended to erect a post when the bones were unearthed. The authorities were notified around five twenty p.m., and an investigation was launched. Here’s Assistant Commissioner of Police Hilberto Romero with more details.

ACP Hilberto Romero, Regional Commander, Eastern Division

“On Friday, the twenty-sixth of April, 2024 police visited an area north of San Pedro where some work was being done. The workers came across human remains. The remains were removed from the area by the forensics and they were taken to the laboratory for analysis. The remains were taken to the forensic laboratory. An examination will be conducted, but at this time we do not have any information who the remains are for.”

Reporter

“Any clothing was found?”

Hilberto Romero

“No clothing was found, no.”

Reporter

“Any missing persons reported in San Pedro?”

Hilberto Romero

“Not at this time, but we have recent reports, no.”

Britney Gordon

”What about the state of decomposition?”

Hilberto Romero

“Advanced state of decomposition, and so we are awaiting the post mortem results.”