2024-09-27 - Channel 5 Belize

Belize City Man Fears for Life After Police Raid

A Belize City resident says he is living in fear after allegedly being targeted during a raid on his property on Monday night. He says that while at his home on Matura Street, he stepped outside to use the bathroom in a separate building when he heard footsteps nearby. Moments later, he was confronted by a group of police officers dressed in dark clothing. Fearing for his life, he surrendered, showing he was unarmed. However, he claims that despite his compliance, he was shot multiple times with rubber bullets and then taken to the police station. He says that the incident has left him traumatised, and he worries for the safety of his newborn child.

The man told News 5, “I came out to use the bathroom and heard people running through the yard. When I stepped back towards my family’s house, I ran straight into a gunman. As he saw me, he shot at me. I ran for my life. I have a newborn. I ran and I ran for my life, and they shot two more shots. I surrendered, and when I surrendered, they shot me.”

The incident reportedly happened at around midnight.

The resident is now seeking legal action, saying, “Yes, I’m looking to file a report. I just came from the hospital, and I plan to return to the station to make my case.”

Dame Maggie Smith Passes Away at 89

Maggie Smith, the legendary actress beloved for her roles as Professor McGonagall in the Harry Potter films and the sharp-tongued Dowager Countess in Downton Abbey, has died at the age of 89. Her sons, Chris Larkin and Toby Stephens, confirmed her passing in a heartfelt statement, sharing that she died peacefully in the hospital surrounded by loved ones.

In a career spanning nearly seven decades, Dame Maggie Smith garnered critical acclaim and adoration for her performances on both stage and screen. She won two Academy Awards, for The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie (1969) and California Suite (1978), and earned countless other honours, including four Emmys for her work in Downton Abbey. Smith’s remarkable wit, commanding presence, and versatility cemented her status as one of the greatest British actors of all time.

Born in Essex in 1934, Smith’s acting journey began with Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night in 1952. She became a fixture of British theatre, with notable performances at the Old Vic and the National Theatre, where she collaborated with Laurence Olivier. Her breakthrough came in 1969 with The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie, a role that showcased her depth and sharpness, followed by decades of iconic roles in both mystery films and historical dramas.

While widely known for her role in the Harry Potter franchise, which she humorously referred to as her “pension,” Smith’s work on Downton Abbey introduced her to a new generation, with her portrayal of the Dowager Countess becoming a fan favorite. She continued acting into her later years, appearing in films like The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel and The Lady in the Van.

Smith leaves behind an enduring legacy as one of the most distinguished and beloved figures in the world of acting, as well as a devoted family. The industry and her fans mourn the loss of an extraordinary talent.

Official Jerseys for Belize’s 2024 Delegation Unveiled

The official jerseys for Belize’s high school athletes participating in the XXI CODICADER Games were unveiled during a brief press conference at the Marion Jones Sports Complex.

The upcoming XXI CODICADER Games will take place from October 2nd to 11th, 2024, in El Salvador. It will bring together student athletes from Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Panama. One of the aims is to promote friendship and competition under the Central American Integration System (SICA).

Sports Minister Rodwell Ferguson says the importance of youth development through sports and expressed confidence in the Belizean athletes, wishing them success on the international stage. He also noted how sports foster unity, resilience, and camaraderie among young competitors across Central America.