Tag: 2024-08-06

Investigators Say These Men Attacked Deannie Requena

Two men have been arrested and charged in relation to an attack on former Belize City Councillor Deannie Requena. They are 21-year-old Kareem Allen and 30-year-old Burton Clare. Allen was charged with aggravated assault with a firearm and theft, while Clare was charged with use of deadly means of harm and wounding.

The incident occurred sometime before 2:00 p.m. near Hattieville on Sunday. She had sustained stab wounds to her face and neck, and her vehicle was damaged on the roadside near mile fifteen on the George Price Highway. She was found by another motorist, who helped her to the Hattieville Police Station.

In a Facebook post, Requena stated that she is physically okay. She revealed that there were two attackers, both of whom she knew. One stabbed and punched her, while the other robbed her of her iPhone and the money in her purse, cut all the tires on her vehicle, and broke the glass. Requena expressed gratitude for being alive but noted that the attack has left her mentally damaged.

Robbery Turns Fatal, ComPol Williams to Share Details

Police Commissioner Chester Williams is expected to brief the media later this afternoon regarding the attempted robbery that occurred this afternoon in Belize City. As we have reported, one person was fatally shot. That person has been identified as Leroy Smith, an alleged member of the Taylor’s Alley Gang. 

According to investigators, Smith and two armed, masked men attempted to rob a business on Freetown Road in Belize City around midday. We are told that the businessman was taken to the second-floor residence, where a struggle ensued. Smith was overpowered by the man who wrestled the gun away and shot him with it. 

The businessman was at home with his wife and two children during the incident.

Authorities detained Malique Chavez, Eroy Garoy, and a taxi driver as they attempted to flee in a green car on Victoria Street. The police have also recovered the firearm used in the incident.

Williams is hosting a press briefing at four o’clock.

US Election News: Kamala Harris Picks Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as Running Mate

In a strategic move aimed at rallying the Democratic base, US Vice President Kamala Harris has announced Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her vice presidential running mate. The decision was revealed on Tuesday, August 6, 2024. In a statement, Harris said, “I am proud to announce that I’ve asked @Tim_Walz to be my running mate. As a governor, a coach, a teacher, and a veteran, he’s delivered for working families like his.”

Walz, a 60-year-old former school teacher and Army National Guard veteran, emerged as the top choice following a 16-day selection process. Known for his straightforward and relatable style, Walz was favoured by progressives and union allies over Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, who had been a strong contender due to his popularity in a key battleground state. 

Harris and Walz will kick off their campaign with a rally in Philadelphia. Walz, praised for his progressive achievements in Minnesota, including expanded child tax credits and gun safety legislation, is expected to bolster Harris’s appeal with his Midwestern charm and extensive political experience.

In a statement, Walz expressed his enthusiasm, declaring, “It is the honour of a lifetime to join @kamalaharris in this campaign. I’m all in.”

Tropical Weather Outlook: Potential System in Caribbean Sea

The National Hurricane Center reports that a tropical wave currently situated over the east-central Caribbean Sea is showing minimal changes this morning. The system is expected to progress westward across the central Caribbean Sea, with slow development anticipated over the next couple of days. Conditions for strengthening could become more favourable later in the week as the system approaches the western Caribbean Sea or southern Gulf of Mexico.

Currently, the likelihood of formation within the next 48 hours remains low at 10 percent. Over the next seven days, the chance increases slightly to 30 percent. The situation will continue to be monitored closely.

Jamaica’s 62nd Independence Day: A Celebration of Resilience, Culture, and Progress

Jamaica is celebrating 62 years of independence with vibrant celebrations across the island. Today commemorates Jamaica’s liberation from British colonial rule up until August 6, 1962. The day is a tribute to Jamaica’s rich cultural heritage and a celebration of its evolution from a colonial outpost to a sovereign nation.

The island is not only renowned for its unique flag and musical legacy but also for its efforts in economic development, environmental sustainability, and cultural impact. In his Independence Day address, Prime Minister Andrew Holness echoed the enduring vision of Jamaica’s first Prime Minister, Sir Alexander Bustamante, stating, “Let us resolve to work together to build a Jamaica that will last and of which we and the generations to follow may be proud.”

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade of Belize congratulated Jamaica on social media, stating, “Your global impact in sports, music, the arts, your regional leadership, and your support for Haiti are all commendable. We stand in solidarity and look forward to continued collaboration for a brighter future.”

UDP Leader Moses Barrow Files Police Complaint Against Beverly Williams 

Leader of the United Democratic Party (UDP) Moses Barrow, has filed a police report against Beverly Williams, the party’s Standard Bearer for Belize Rural Central. In the police complaint that was obtained by News Five, Barrow says that she made a threatening remark at him.

The incident reportedly occurred during the party’s National Party Council meeting in Belize City on Saturday.

The report states, ‘”At around 2:45 p.m., while the meeting was in progress, Ms. Williams, seated about three feet to the left of the Party Leader, made a threatening remark: ‘You are evil, and you will mourn for your evil.’ The Party Leader felt immediately threatened and responded, ‘You are mourning for your evil.’ Ms. Williams then began banging on the table, disrupting the meeting, which led Mr. Peyrefitte to suspend the proceedings. Ms. Williams attempted to physically attack the Party Leader but was restrained by other members.'”

According to Barrow, Williams said, ‘”I will send somebody to hurt you, I will send somebody to kill you.”‘

News Five reached out to Williams for comment, telling her that Barrow has filed a police report against her. Williams told News Five that she is waiting at home for the police “come fi me.” She shared that she has been trying to get in contact with the Police Commissioner. Williams says that Barrow embellished the incident.

Williams accepts that she told him, “I will make somebody hurt you.” But, denies anything about sending “somebody to kill you.” She added that her statement was a response to Barrow “mad-staring” her and the comments he reportedly made about her daughter.

Barrow has requested court action.

New 2024–2025 UN-Belize Plan Launched to Target Key Development Goals with $47M Budget

The Government of Belize and the United Nations (UN) have officially launched their 2024–2025 Country Implementation Plan (CIP) under the Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework. This announcement came during the 4th Joint National Steering Committee Meeting, co-chaired by Amalia Mai, CEO of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Raul Salazar, UN Resident Coordinator for Belize and El Salvador.

The Steering Committee, responsible for overseeing the UN Multi-Country Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNMSDCF) 2022–2026, reviewed progress and future plans. Key topics included updates on Belize’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), preparations for the national Youth Dialogue on August 9, 2024, and strategies for Disaster Risk Reduction and Development Partner Coordination.

The highlight of the meeting was the signing of the CIP for 2024–2025, detailing 161 projects with a total budget of $47 million. According to an official statement issued on August 5, 2024, this plan is part of the second planning cycle of the Cooperation Framework. It will involve 15 UN agencies and focus on four main pillars: Shared Prosperity and Economic Resilience; Equality, Well-Being and Leaving No One Behind; Resilience to Climate Change and Sustainable Natural Resource Management; and Peace, Safety, Justice, and the Rule of Law.

CEO Mai underscored the significance of the UN partnership in accelerating SDG achievements by 2030, aligning the UNMSDCF with Belize’s Medium-term Development Strategy. UN Resident Coordinator Raul Salazar reiterated the UN’s commitment to addressing Belize’s economic, social, and environmental challenges through collaborative efforts.

CCJ President (Ag) on the Passing of Former CJ of Belize Abdulai Conteh

It is with profound sorrow that we learned of the passing of Dr the Honourable Abdulai Conteh the esteemed former Chief Justice of Belize. Dr Conteh’s tenure from 2000 to 2010 marked a period of significant transformation and progress within the Belizean judicial system. His fearless defence of individual rights and his commitment to upholding the law set a benchmark for excellence that continues to inspire. The introduction of new Judges’ Rules, Supreme Court Rules, and a Code of Ethics under his leadership significantly enhanced the practice and administration of law in Belize.

Former Chief Justice Conteh’s influence extended beyond Belize, impacting the wider Caribbean and Commonwealth legal practices. His work garnered respect and admiration from his peers. As we mourn his loss, we celebrate the rich legacy he leaves behind, a legacy of justice, dedication, and profound respect for the rule of law.

On behalf of the substantive President, Honourable Mr Justice Adrian Saunders, Judges and staff of the Caribbean Court of Justice, I extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues. May his soul rest in peace, and may his contributions continue to guide and inspire future generations. The Honourable Mr Justice Anderson President, CCJ (Ag).

 

Press Release

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