2024-11-09 - Channel 5 Belize

Man Charged with Murder in Independence Village Stabbing

Police have arrested and charged 22-year-old Randell Russell Montero, a Belizean labourer from Independence Village, for the murder of 28-year-old Selvin Humes, a construction worker who was fatally stabbed on November 7, 2024.

The tragic incident occurred on Toucan Street in Independence Village, right in front of a local business, following an altercation between the two men. Humes, known to his family as a peaceful person, was stabbed in the throat and succumbed to his injuries the same night at the Independence Polyclinic. Man Charged with Murder in Independence Village Stabbing

Jeremy Garbutt, Humes’ cousin, shared with News Five that he was devastated by the news, especially since he did not get to see his cousin’s body before it was taken to Dangriga. Garbutt explained that while Humes had been living with his mother, their work schedules often kept them apart.

Humes had recently moved out of his aunt, Ileonie King’s, home after living with her for many years.

Independence Village Chairman Clifton Garbutt also commented on the tragedy, stating that the incident has shocked the entire community.

Humes’ family members are struggling to come to terms with his violent death. They describe him as a quiet, reserved individual who mostly kept to himself.

Belize Advances Trade and Investment Opportunities in London

Dr. Osmond Martinez, Minister of State for Foreign Trade, led a trade and investment mission to London last week. A government press release says the mission, aimed at strengthening Belize’s economic standing through commercial diplomacy, resulted in significant developments for the country.

Martinez held high-level meetings with key stakeholders, including the Commonwealth Secretariat, UK Export Finance, and private investors interested in Belize’s high-potential sectors.

One of the key highlights of the mission was Dr. Martinez’s keynote speech at the Commonwealth Meeting on Sustainable and Regenerative Tourism. He emphasised Belize’s leadership in promoting sustainable tourism, showcasing how the country’s sustainability efforts have positively impacted its development. Following this, an agreement was reached for the Commonwealth Secretariat to provide technical support to enhance the implementation of reforms outlined in Belize’s National Trade Policy, which will strengthen the country’s frameworks for pro-poor development and economic resilience.

Dr. Martinez participated in the UK-Caribbean Trade and Investment Forum. This partnership is expected to help attract inward capital investments for large-scale projects across various sectors in Belize. Dr. Martinez also established connections with private investors interested in areas critical to Belize’s growth, such as renewable energy, port development, tourism, and agro-processing.

More Details of Secret Beach Fatal Shooting

San Pedro Police continue to investigate the fatal shooting of 46-year-old Matthew Jonathan Moses. Moses was found lying in a pool of blood on an unoccupied lot near Secret Beach in San Pedro Town on Friday afternoon. He had been shot several times, and, according to the police, his body showed signs of decomposition.

Nearby, a Belizean carer from an adjacent property was also present. Police detained him for questioning and seized a licensed firearm and two magazines found in his possession. The carer was informed of his constitutional rights and cautioned as part of the ongoing investigation.

Preliminary reports suggest that Moses and the caretaker had been involved in an escalating dispute over job-related issues involving a former employer. Moses had allegedly threatened to kill the carer and his family, which then led to the fatal confrontation.

At the scene, police recovered expended shell casings. The caretaker remains in police custody.