Earlier this year, a pastor from Dangriga made a complaint against attorney, Orson Elrington to the General Legal Council. The allegation of grave professional misconduct for the way he handled а Social Security Board claim and settlement for the pastor was brought before the G.L.C. In July, the Council ruled that Elrington must pay the complainant, Pastor Dozie, over forty-six thousand dollars and fifteen thousand dollars to the Registrar. The G.L.C had indicated that it would forward to the police a suspicion of forgery of documents. On Tuesday, Police Commissioner, Chester Williams clarified that the pastor still needs to file a report with the police.
Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police
“Even if the G.L.C would refer the matter to us, we’d still need to get a statement from the virtual complainant. The G.L.C cannot be the complainant in the particular matter, especially if they’re alleging that the signature forged was that of Pastor Dozie. We need to get statements from him and specific signatures from him so that it can be compared to ascertain if the signature that G.L.C believes was forged was actually forged.”
The work has begun for the construction of the San Pedro and Caye Caulker General Hospital. For years, residents of the islands were airlifted to the mainland to receive intensive medical treatment, but they will soon be able to do so on the island. The thirty-three-million-dollar project is being funded by the Republic of China, Taiwan. We spoke with Area Representative and Minister of Disaster Risk Management, Andre Perez for an update.
Andre Perez, Minister of Disaster Risk Management
“I believe of course the work has started; the piles are being driven in. And I think they are doing an average of fifteen piles per day, and a total of one hundred and ninety eight piles will be driven. So everything is in set, the construction has started, and everything is on pace right now that we’re setting up. We’re close crossing our fingers that it’s going to last thirty-six months. So yes, it’s ongoing, and every now and again we do an inspection. And of course, the contractor is keeping the abreast, so we’re very excited about that one.”
The Belize Ministry of Sustainable Development and Climate Change announced on Tuesday that an investigation into alleged financial misconduct at the Belize Solid Waste Management Authority was underway. Reports suggest that approximately one million dollars is missing.
Minister of Sustainable Development, Orlando Habet, has briefed the Cabinet on the matter.
The ministry issued a press release confirming that the Belize Police Department is conducting an investigation. The ministry says that it is withholding details of the case to avoid compromising the investigation.
The Ministry of the Public Service has been notified and will oversee any necessary disciplinary actions. It is reported that a key figure in the ministry has been placed on administrative leave.
Belizean, 25-year-old Marbella Martinez is believed to have been killed by her father, 54-year-old Hector Martinez-Ayala.
The Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Office announced on Monday that the death of Deputy Marbella Martinez is being investigated as suspicious. Martinez, a corrections officer, was found deceased on Thursday, Aug. 1, and the Tooele Police Department is leading the investigation, according to a press release from the Sheriff’s Office.
Martinez’s mother, Barbara Jimenez, told US media outlets that Martinez had a disagreement with her father on July 30. The next day, Marbella mentioned feeling unwell and intended to call in sick for work.
“The last message I received from her was around 2 p.m.,” said Jimenez, who resides in Belize but maintained daily contact with Martinez. Concerned after losing contact, Jimenez reached out to her ex-husband, who initially claimed Marbella was at work, then began avoiding her messages. “He said he was busy and would call me back later. Then he said he was busy feeding his cats and dogs,” recounted Jimenez.
Unable to reach either Martinez or her ex-husband, Jimenez contacted Hector’s brother in Salt Lake County, who promised to check on them. He found the house locked, and soon after, police discovered Martinez deceased in her bedroom, with no sign of her father.
“We know he killed her,” Jimenez stated, expressing her belief that Martinez-Ayala, known for his temper, was responsible. “I just want justice for my daughter. She was beautiful and kind and had the rest of her life to live.”
No gunshots or suspicious activities were reported prior to her discovery. “There are some details we can’t disclose right now, but there were signs to any well-trained detective of what likely occurred,” said Corporal Bentley, indicating they await test results to determine the cause of death.
Marbella’s death is under investigation as suspicious, with her father named a person of interest. “He’s not in custody at this time. We’re working with federal and state agencies to locate him,” said Bentley, noting a possibility that Hector may have fled the country.
“Deputy Martinez was a dedicated and beloved member of our team. Her untimely and tragic death is a profound loss for us all,” stated Sheriff Rosie Rivera. Deputy Martinez joined the Sheriff’s Office on January 11, 2024, as a Corrections Officer, demonstrating a strong commitment to her community in her brief tenure.
16-year-old Amorette Banman has made history for Belize at the 21st North American Powerlifting Championships. Competing in the 63kg weight class for sub juniors for ages 14 to 19, Banman outshone her competitors, including those from the USA, to secure gold medals in three categories: Squats, Deadlifts, and Overall. Additionally, she earned a silver medal in Bench Press.
This makes it a historic milestone for Belize as Banman becomes the first female Junior powerlifter from Belize to win a gold medal at a regional powerlifting event.
In a country where sports like powerlifting might not always take centre stage, Banman’s success reflects immense discipline, dedication, and sacrifice.
On Tuesday morning, a 15-year-old American sustained severe injuries in a shark attack between Hot Caye and Halfmoon Caye. The incident occurred after Annabelle Carlson, who was participating in a diving excursion with Belize Dive Pro, re-entered the water post-dive.
In a statement to News 5, Minister of Blue Economy Andre Perez confirmed that the victim is alive but noted that the extent of the injuries is still unknown. “We’re being informed that the victim is okay, is alive, made it. What is the magnitude of the damage, we don’t know as yet,” Perez said.
Gruesome pictures of the attack made it on social media.
Perez condemned the media for their “inconsiderate” handling of the incident. “I think the only part that I must call out and condemn it in the strongest of terms, is the way certain members of the media handled it. I’m not accusing everyone but I think that the responsibility of the media is very important because we’re talking about a family that’s hurt right now, and you don’t want to add any more injury to them. I think that’s a disservice,” he remarked.
Addressing concerns from tourists about safety, Perez emphasised the rarity of such incidents. “This is a very rare case, while we are saddened about it, we look at the facts. For the past 30 years, as such we have never had any kind of, this type of accident… There’s nothing to be worrying about,” he assured.
The Benque Viejo Town Council is reporting a loss of $58,192 for its recently held Benque Fiesta. The Council spent $177,223.65 and made a total income of $119,031.56.
In a Facebook post, the council said, “It is a real shame at the significant loss that has occurred during the recent fair, Benque Fiesta 2024. Despite hard-worked efforts and planning, it has resulted in considerable waste of resources.” The Council added that Hurricane Beryl, along with the lack of support from the town residents, impacted the success of the ‘fiesta’.
It said, “The primary causes of the loss were Hurricane Beryl and unexpected bad weather. Additionally, the support from the community for the events was not as anticipated. Lack of support for administrative events does not harm the administration but rather the people of Benque, as these events are designed to benefit the community.”
It said that next year’s fair will be managed differently.
Belizean powerlifter Leo Matura has secured two bronze medals at the 21st Annual North American Powerlifting (NAPF) Championship. Competing in the Men’s Open Division 74kg weight class, Matura achieved notable success with third-place finishes in both the bench press and deadlift categories.
At 33 years old and in his third year of competition, Matura’s performance stood out as he lifted a combined total of 630 kg to 650 kg. In addition to his bronze medals, Matura also received a participation medal.
The event featured 362 athletes from across the Americas. Matura’s competed against participants from the USA, Canada, Trinidad & Tobago, Mexico, Panama, Jamaica, and the US Virgin Islands.
Kinetic Health and Fitness praised Matura’s performance on social media, noting his impressive results in a tight competition.
Five more Belizean athletes will be competing as the championship progresses until Saturday.
The body of Cecil Lewis, a 58-year-old crew member who went missing from a barge near Caye Chapel, was fished out of the sea today by members of the Belize Coast Guard. Lewis’s sister, Janet Lewis Hislop, said on a Facebook post, “His body was found this morning by the Coast Guard.”
Two days ago, Patricia Lewis urged the community to continue their prayers for Lewis’s safe return. Lewis was reported to have disappeared on the evening of August 4 after boarding the barge at Ladyville Pier. According to reports, Lewis was last seen in a grey t-shirt and black pants. He was accompanied by three others who had been drinking on the vessel.
Slovakia’s most wanted fugitive was apprehended in Belize on July 30, 2024, during a high-profile anti-drug operation in Dangriga. Authorities seized over 200 kilogrammes of marijuana and 170 grammes of cocaine. The operation, which began at 6 a.m., led to the discovery of a deep freeze and multiple containers filled with drugs.
Four individuals were detained. Among those detained was Slovakian national Ladislav Lipták, 34, who is one of the most wanted fugitives in Slovakia. Lipták was apprehended along with three Belizean nationals: his 26-year-old girlfriend Winsy Richie, her 22-year-old brother Yessi Gomez, and Dennis Robinson, 53, the property owner.
Lipták had evaded capture since a 2020 European arrest warrant related to a major drug operation known as the Tower. Notably, another Slovak criminal, Karol Mello, also remains at large in Belize, having escaped previous charges and accusations of serious crimes.
Police Commissioner Chester Williams confirmed that Lipták has been charged, following witness statements that provided sufficient evidence for prosecution. “Witnesses came forward, provided statements to the police, which was sufficient for us to be able to get sufficient evidence to charge him,” said Commissioner Williams.
