Today, a Belmopan resident was sentenced back to prison after obtaining money by deception through fake sales on Facebook. He is twenty-three-year-old Taylor Malcolm, who was brought to court from the Belize Central Prison, where he was serving a six-month prison term for another matter and was read two criminal offenses of Obtaining Money Transfer by Deception. It is alleged that on June thirtieth, 2023, Malcolm obtained a money transfer in the name of Yongbo Tan, to the sum of one thousand dollars to his account for the sale of an iPhone fourteen, which he never received. It is further alleged that on June twenty-sixth, 2023, he obtained a money transfer from Denise Gabourel in the amount of four hundred and fifty dollars. Today, Malcolm appeared unrepresented in court and pleaded guilty to both charges. He was handed a three-month sentence, which will run concurrently with his previous sentence of six months. Malcolm’s earliest release date from prison is October twenty-fifth, 2024.
Tag: 2024-07-15
Relatives of Patients Break Hospital’s Door, Window
News Five was contacted by a source at the Southern Regional Hospital. The person explained that in the early hours of this morning, two individuals were involved in a traffic accident four miles outside of Dangriga. The incident prompted an urgent response from local medical staff. The person explained that nurses on duty at the time heard the vehicle’s horn and immediately recognized the situation as an emergency. They swiftly opened the front door and came out with a hospital bed to assist the patients, who were then secured inside the facility. The door was locked to prevent other people from gathering in the area. Despite these precautions, attempts were made to force entry through another door and window. The police were contacted after midnight and arrived at the emergency room after two a.m. Due to the severity of their injuries, the patients needed to be transferred to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital. The nurse and driver left without security escort. Meanwhile, threats were made against the staff by individuals attempting to gain access to the emergency room. There were three female nurses and two doctors on duty at the time. Although security personnel were present, they were unarmed, necessitating the call to the police. Commissioner of Police Chester Williams was informed of the incident this morning and has pledged to investigate the matter. Adding to the challenges faced, it was noted that the emergency room’s security camera was not operational at the time of the incident.
Boxer Amir Rudon to Face off Against Toughest Opponent Yet
We have been following his development as a boxer, and on Saturday night twenty-three-year-old Amir Rudon will face off against his toughest opponent yet. Juan “El Toro” Mendez has more recorded fights under his belt. He is five years older than Rudon and aims to knock out his opponents. This match is Rudon’s Super Lightweight debut at one hundred and forty pounds. He describes it as a steppingstone towards much bigger titles. On Saturday, News Five’s Paul Lopez joined Rudon inside Alpha Boxing Club. Here is that report.
Paul Lopez, Reporting
He is about to face his most challenging opponent to date. On Saturday, July twentieth, Amir “King Mir” Rudon will go head-to-head with Guatemalan Juan “El Toro” Mendez in a six round super lightweight bout.
Amir Rudon, Boxer, National Lightweight Champion
“It seems to me that he has a power punch or a knockout punch, his record is a eight wins, three losses, but seven of his victories are by way of knock out.”
“I keep wanting to fight against better opponents, better names, bigger fights, step up into the competition and fight for regional titles and those stuff, so this is definitely sort of a test, I think it’s safe to say it’s a test to see if you want to say, “if we are ready for what’s to come”, and I’m confident in passing the test for sure.”
Paul Lopez
“The more we talk to you over the years, we continue to see our circle of influence grow, we continue to see you inspire more and more young boxers because of your discipline and the commitment you have to that. How do you feel about the level of influence you have right now and the inspiration that you’re creating for many young boxers?”
“It is with upmost pride and honor to be in this position, and I don’t take it lightly, or anything like that. It’s definitely been a long journey and I appreciate all the support I am receiving. You know, I’m not alone, although it’s a lonely sport, I’m not alone, I have a great team of people around me. I got you guys; I got the country’s support and I appreciate every single thing and we’ll go to the top together.”
Paul Lopez
“How well do you believe you could hold out for 6 rounds, against such a high caliber of a opponent like the one you’re facing next week?”
Amir Rudon
“100% confident that I will be able to go 6 rounds with him, I’m preparing for much more than that, its only that this fight is going to be 6 rounds but I’m confident that could do more rounds, next week Saturday or you know, anytime its presented.”
Steven Heusner, one of the members of the group that manages Rudon, is confident that he is currently in the best form to face off against Mendez.
Steven Heusner, Member, Amir Rudon Managing Team
“He was three and zero, but now it is six and zero with three straight knock outs, and you know it’s been a lot of work behind the scenes training, getting, you know, we just came back from Houston from a five-week training, which was very extensive. You know so, the level is going up, it’s a lot of hard work, you know I’m calling Amir almost every day. His mom, Mr. Marin, my wife, you know the support team is there all the time.”
Paul Lopez
What sort of contributions does your team Make in deciding who’s the next opponent for Amir?
“Well, you know, it’s a, we’re building, so as we go along, we’re going up in the opponent’s quality, you know so this is the biggest step for him so far, and if we get past this one, September will be a bigger step for him as well.”
Amir Rudon
“Sorry to interrupt, when, when not if, when.” *laughs*
The fight is set to go down inside the Swift Hall in Belize City.
Steven Heusner
“It is going to be exciting, Amir has improved juristically, and we are guaranteeing a victory, and we want to see the opponent on the canvas.”
Reporting for News Five, I am Paul Lopez.
Belize United’s Fourth Consecutive Mundialito Championship
Goodnight and welcome to another edition of Sports Monday, I am Paul Lopez. The Anthony Mahler Under-Thirteen Mundialito Tournament has come to an end. Champions were declared for both male and female categories on Sunday.
Paul Lopez, Reporting
Belize United’s Jaime Dominquez returned the favor. The penalty shootout was now two goals each.Unfortunately for Rising Stars, Zion Gibson’s penalty kick was stopped by goalkeeper Noe Flores. Schae Gordon launched a rocket to goal for Belize United to put them up, three goals to two.
Belize United secured its fourth straight Anthony Mahler Under-Thirteen Mundialito Championship. Noe Flores was awarded the playoff M.V.P. trophy. So that brings an end to an exciting season for these young and promising athletes.
F.F.B.’s National Amateur Interdistrict Championship is well underway. A total of eight teams have qualified for the quarterfinals. What is making news tonight is Saturday night’s match between Napoles F.C. and Ceasar Ridge F.C. inside the Isidoro Beaton Stadium. These highlights are courtesy Accion Deportiva Belize.
Moments later, a Ceasar Ridge player is issued a red card after he confronted the referee. That player’s anger clearly increased and attacked the referee, physically assaulting him on the field. Two police officers intervened, and a struggle ensued between the player and the officers as he was being escorted to the locker room. The F.F.B. is yet to issue a statement on this incident. Napoles went on to win the match four goals to zero.
Gareth Bruce, Team Captain
“I feel like all of us are well prepared, we are well developed and experienced since of our past tournaments. For most of us it is not our first time, but I can tell you that for my first time it was pretty exciting to travel and have your home crowd behind you supporting and have your coaches believing in you that you can do well and represent your country as best as you can.”
Well folks that is all we have for you in tonight’s coverage of Sports Monday. Catch you in the next one.
Relatives of Patients Break Hospital’s Door, Window
News Five was contacted by a source at the Southern Regional Hospital. The person explained that in the early hours of this morning, two individuals were involved in a traffic accident four miles outside of Dangriga. The incident prompted an urgent response from local medical staff.
The person explained that nurses on duty at the time heard the vehicle’s horn and immediately recognised the situation as an emergency. They swiftly opened the front door with a hospital bed to assist the patients, who were then placed on beds and secured inside the facility. The door was locked to prevent other patients from gathering in the area.
Despite these precautions, attempts were made to force entry through another door and window. The police were contacted after midnight and arrived at the emergency room after 2 a.m.
Due to the severity of their injuries, the patients needed to be transferred to Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH). The nurse and driver left without security escort. Meanwhile, threats were made against the staff by individuals attempting to gain access to the emergency room.
There were three female nurses and two doctors on duty at the time. Although security personnel were present, they were unarmed, necessitating the call to the police. Commissioner of Police Chester Williams was informed of the incident this morning and has pledged to look into the matter.
Adding to the challenges faced, it was noted that the emergency room’s security camera was not operational at the time of the incident.
Little Boy Who Perished in RTA was Celebrating His Birthday
A tragic road traffic accident in Toledo claimed the lives of three family members, including a man, his daughter, and his grandson. Twelve people were involved in the incident, with two minors still hospitalised and one in critical condition at KHMH.
The accident occurred as the family travelled from Punta Gorda to Aguacate Village. The crash was triggered when an oncoming vehicle with no lights suddenly flashed its lights, causing the driver, Jose Tush, to lose control while attempting to overtake. The collision resulted in extensive damage to both a Ford 350 pickup and a Toyota pickup.
Assistant Commissioner of Police Hilberto Romero provided details, stating that police responded to the accident between Eldridgeville and Jacintoville on July 12, 2024. Several individuals sustained injuries and were taken for treatment. Renita Tush, Jose Tush, and Michael Tush were pronounced dead at the Punta Gorda Hospital. The family was out celebrating Tyrone’s fifth birthday.
ACP Romero noted that the driver of the second vehicle remains hospitalized. The police are waiting for the survivors to recover before probing further into the circumstances of the crash. Romero confirmed that the accident occurred due to overtaking and that the investigation will continue to determine the final details.
Primo Tush, a relative of the deceased, expressed the family’s heartbreak and called for a thorough investigation. He urged authorities to expedite the postmortem examinations to allow the family to lay their loved ones to rest.
If you want to assist the family with funeral expenses, you can deposit a donations into Belize Bank account number 231010010160000.
Belize Engages in IDB Regional Meeting
Christopher Coye, Minister of State in the Ministry of Finance, Economic Development and Investment, represented Belize at a meeting of Central American Governors convened by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) in Guatemala City earlier this month. The gathering focused on the “America En El Centro: Development Program for Central America, Panama and the Dominican Republic – 2024-2030.”
The programme aims to address significant regional challenges such as low productivity, social disparities, fiscal constraints, and climate vulnerability, complementing national efforts by fostering cross-border development across Central America, Panama, and the Dominican Republic. Key priorities include enhancing productivity and economic integration, bolstering climate resilience, and promoting opportunities for women and youth through targeted investments.
During the meeting, Minister Coye emphasized Belize’s interest in establishing a new road infrastructure between Central America and Southeastern Mexico (Yucatan and Quintana Roo) via Jalacte, Belize, to serve as a vital logistics corridor. This initiative seeks to improve market access to Southeastern Mexico and CARICOM nations, potentially unlocking substantial trade and investment opportunities for Belize and the wider region. Additionally, Minister Coye expressed Belize’s intention to join the regional electricity transmission grid system (SIEPAC).
Minister Coye also engaged in discussions with Mr. Francisco Lima Mena, Secretary General of the Central American Economic Integration Secretariat (SIECA), regarding Belize’s aspiration to become an observer member of SIECA. This status would enable Belize to actively participate in and stay informed about regional economic integration efforts, including initiatives such as the Regional Master Plan 2035 on Mobility and Logistics.
PNP Calls for Urgent Action on Thomas Vincent Highway Safety
The People’s National Party (PNP) is urging the Ministry of Transport and the Ministry of Infrastructure to take decisive action by allocating the necessary funds for the proper demarcation of lines on the Thomas Vincent Highway.
The plea comes after this weekend’s fatal traffic accident, which claimed three lives. The PNP says the heartbreaking incident has underscored an urgent need for immediate government intervention.
The PNP says attention is needed for the stretch near Elridgeville village where the recent accident occurred, described as dangerously dark and lacking essential traffic markings.
“The absence of lights and highway markings has tragically contributed to Friday night’s incident,” stated the PNP via a press release.
“It is unacceptable that the highway lines have not been repainted in over twenty years,” the PNP added.
The PNP is demanding that effective measures be implemented immediately to safeguard lives along this critical route.
Miss Afrikan Queen 2024 is Hypolita Usher
The 2024 Miss African Queen Pageant was held in Belize City on Saturday, with six contestants participating.
Hypolita Usher was chosen as this year’s Miss Afrikan Queen. The first runner-up was Xenobia Young, while the second runner-up was Jessel Lauriano.
This annual event aims to deepen Belizean women’s connection to their African roots by celebrating physical traits linking them to the continent and showcasing cultural diversity through attire and dance.
Usher represented Uganda because she was drawn to the country’s appreciation for full-figured women and cultural similarities with Belize.
The event not only celebrates African ancestry in Belize but also underscores its pervasive influence in daily life—from traditional practices in fishing and agriculture to the shared languages and music that bind communities.
Belize Condemns Assassination Attempt on Trump
The government of Belize has issued a firm condemnation of the assassination attempt on former US President Donald Trump.
The statement read, “Belize categorically condemns the assassination attempt on former President @realDonaldTrump. We underscore the importance of free and fair elections as a fundamental principle of democracy. This encompasses the protection of the lives of all political candidates.”
President Joe Biden, in a rare Oval Office address, condemned the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump and urged Americans to “lower the temperature in our politics.” Biden had previously ordered an independent review of security measures at the rally where Trump survived the shooting.
Trump, who sustained a gunshot wound to the ear, was quickly escorted off stage with visible blood on his face for safety. The assailant and an audience member were fatally wounded, while two injured attendees are now in stable condition, according to law enforcement. Here’s how the assassination attempt unfolded.
The FBI has identified the shooter as Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, from Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, asserting that Crooks acted alone. The agency continues to investigate his background, including efforts to access his phone.
The Secret Service is now facing scrutiny, with calls for congressional inquiries into its handling of security during the rally.