2024-07-17 - Channel 5 Belize

Robert Arnold Arrested and Charged for Murder

In connection with the murder of Cruz Magana on Monday, June 3, 2024, in the Fresh Pond Community, Belize District, police have formally arrested and charged Robert Arnold. Arnold, a 21-year-old unemployed Belizean from Belize City, was charged with the crimes of murder and robbery on Wednesday, July 17.

Magaña, a 33-year-old businessman, was fatally shot during a home invasion at his residence around 8:00 p.m.

According to police reports, two masked men entered the home, holding family members at gunpoint and demanding money. One family member managed to escape and sought help from neighbors.

Shortly after, gunshots were heard. Magaña was found bleeding and was rushed to the K.H.M.H., where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

$1.86M Contract Signed to Upgrade Trio Village Road

The Government of Belize, through the Ministry of Economic Development (MED), has started a project to upgrade a 3.9-mile farm feeder road in Trio Village, Toledo District. This project is part of the Resilient Rural Belize (RRB) Programme, a six-year initiative to help small farmers deal with climate and economic challenges and improve their market access. The programme is funded by BZ$50 million from international organisations like the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), the Green Climate Fund (GCF), the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), and local beneficiaries.

The contract for the road upgrade, worth approximately BZ$1.86 million, was signed with A&N Construction. The new road will provide year-round access for farmers, helping them transport their produce more easily and reliably.

Trio Village is home to the Cooperativa Los Buenos Amigos Co-operative, a group of small farmers who grow pineapples on about 31 acres. Currently, poor road conditions make it difficult for them to move their produce, especially during the rainy season. The new road will make transportation easier and more efficient for the co-operative and other local farmers growing cacao, coconut, and citrus.

The improved road is expected to benefit about 188 households and 899 people in Trio Village, as well as other farmers in the surrounding areas.

Notice to Employers for Toledo East Electoral Division By-Election

Employers are reminded of their legal obligations under Section 29 of the Representation of the People Act, which mandates that they must allow employees a prescribed period for voting on Election Day, Wednesday, 17th July 2024. The voting hours are between 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.

According to Section 29 (1) and (2) of the Act:

– Employers must permit every voter in their employ a reasonable time to vote without any deduction from pay or other penalties.
– Any employer who refuses to grant this time, or interferes with the voting process through intimidation or undue influence, may face a fine of up to two thousand dollars or imprisonment for up to one year.

Employers and the general public are urged to comply with these provisions to ensure a fair and smooth voting process.