Accused triple murderer, forty-year-old Elmer Nah, was back in court today. Nah is charged with the execution-style murders of three members of the Ramnarace family in Belmopan during a horrific shooting in December 2022. A trial date still hasn’t been set because certain orders from the presiding judge, Justice Nigel Pilgrim, haven’t been followed. So, today was more of a housekeeping session. Nah appeared virtually, represented by Senior Counsel Godfrey Smith. At the last hearing, which is still in the preliminary case management stage, Justice Pilgrim ordered all parties to file their applications by November first. However, the prosecution has not complied. In court, Smith listed several items he requested from the crown but hasn’t received, including Nah’s cellphone, a headlight, flashlight, an SD card, a body cam, and video footage from the night of the murders. When Justice Pilgrim asked the prosecution why these items weren’t accessible, they initially said they were still being investigated. The defense also wants access to an interview given to the media by the Commissioner of Police, but the crown claimed they didn’t understand what the ComPol meant in his statement. Justice Pilgrim emphasized that the crown has a duty to provide the court with this information. We spoke with Attorney Smith after the hearing.
Godfrey Smith
Godfrey Smith, Attorney-At-Law
“We are at a very preliminary stage. We are still at the disclosure stage. We are trying to prepare our defense as fully and comprehensively as possible. We have been trying to get a list of crucial matters, access to them, from the crown, the state and not be successful in doing so. You would have heard; the judge say that he was not impressed with the crown explanation. So, he set a further date. He asked by the twenty-ninth of November that these things be provided. So, we look forward to receiving them.”
Tonight, twenty-year-old Paul Smith Junior is free of a murder charge. Smith was accused of the April 2022 murder of nineteen-year-old Tyreak August in La Democracia Village. Today, he learned from Justice Derick Sylvester that the crown is dropping the case against him with a nolle prosequi. Justice Sylvester asked Smith about his plans at such a young age. He also noted that Smith was a juvenile when he was accused, arrested, and charged for the 2022 murder, and questioned how he will adjust to life after spending over two years on remand at the Belize Central Prison. Smith shared that he plans to join the Belize Defense Force and be a positive role model for his younger sister and support his family. However, Smith also faces two gun-related charges for possessing an unlicensed firearm and ammunition while on bail for the murder. He violated his high court bail conditions, which stated he shouldn’t be arrested and charged with any other offenses while out on bail. Smith’s bail hearing for these charges is set for Friday, and he remains on remand at the Belize Central Prison until he can secure bail for the pending gun and ammunition offenses. We also heard from Smith’s attorney, Ronell Gonzalez.
Ronell Gonzalez
Ronell Gonzalez, Attorney-At-Law
“The judge like other judges I have seen offered guidance to young people thatcome before the court. In this case he offered guidance to young Paul Smith to say that what happens from here in your life is dependent on you. You have the power to make changes from this point. You are now free from this case. What happens is your choice. That is some kind of guidance I have seen come before these courts. Madam Justice Moore does the same kind of guidance. Often times young people get caught up in these offense and they need some kind of guidance moving forward.”
On October thirtieth, the Northern Regional Hospital faced sharp criticism after a public officer accused its emergency team of neglecting his eleven-year-old son’s open gash. Just fourteen days later, the hospital is under fire again. This time, the allegation is that a firefighter died after being denied treatment for a broken leg in a cast. Reports claim he sought help for discomfort but was sent home, only to be rushed back later when his condition worsened. He was then referred to K.H.M.H., where he passed away. However, the hospital denies these claims, calling the social media report inaccurate. Regional Health Manager Feliz Rhaburn told News Five that the patient didn’t have a broken leg but an injury, and was treated and given home care instructions, which apparently weren’t followed.
Felix Rhaburn
Felix Rhaburn, Regional Health Manager, N.R.H.
“We have been made aware that there are certain is supposed circulatingwhereby the alleged father to the individual having a green. They had fever, a broken leg, and I’m not sure where it was in front of . But that’s somewhat very erroneous. The patient had none of the above and patient had other conditions that we need to try to manage here, and we had to escalate it to cage image for further management and unfortunately, the individual passed away. The individual suffered an injury which was not an open wound. So the mere fact that it could have developed into an infection is not really logical. And the individual was being seen and does have a history in regards to the same complaint. The physician indicated certain orders which were not strictly alert to from what we understand. And that resulted in the complication that, resulted in on time in the untimely death. We are not really blaming anyone. We think that the whole situation was unfortunate and it definitely highlights to whereby we need to be more diligent as an institution in regards to giving clear outpatient or at home indications. We only have records of his. Visits here, and we are not really certain of what happened at his home and so forth.”
Rhaburn clarified that the patient, who we later confirmed with the Orange Walk Fire Service, was not an active firefighter but a volunteer from years ago. He believes that whoever is spreading these false claims has a personal vendetta against the hospital. While this negative publicity isn’t what they want, Rhaburn emphasized that the hospital takes great pride in the quality of service they provide.
Felix Rhaburn, Regional Health Manager, N.R.H.
“We pride ourselves in what we do here. And we definitely, try to guard our reputation. The negative effects of misinformation on professional institutions. I mean, especially when. The information is coming from questionable characters. So just remain diligent of getting the right information, and we also will remain diligent in executing our duties here. We definitely sit and have reviews after these incidents because many of the time we can modify some of our policies and good practices. which would mitigate these occurrences. So we definitely sit and review each of these.”
News Five checked with the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital to find out what level of treatment, if any they could render to the patient upon his arrival from Orange Walk. Their response is that they are investigating the incident and have no further comment at this time.
The People’s Constitution Commission was supposed to submit its final report this week, but that’s been delayed. Chairman Anthony Chanona requested a second extension to delve deeper into the review. Today, Minister of the Public Service Henry Charles Usher confirmed that the extension has been granted, but no additional funds will be provided. The Commission is working with a budget of one point five million dollars and is tasked with delivering a report to the Prime Minister based on public consultations and recommendations for amending Belize’s Constitution.
Henry Charles Usher, Minister of Public Service
“The Chairman, after meeting with the commission, made a request to the Prime Minister for another extension. However, the legislation did not contemplate that. So, we had to go to the house yesterday to introduce and to read through three readings, an amendment to the section dealing with the extension so that we could give one final extension, which was approved by the house. It needs now to be approved by the Senate. Well, that extension goes up to May of 2025, for the final report to be submitted to the Prime Minister. The Chairman has advised the Prime Minister that he does not need any more money all he’s asking for is more time to have the stakeholders respond to the raw data and for them to put together the final report.”
On Monday, we reported on the Belize City Council’s ambitious six-million-dollar plan to fix the damaged streets across the city. While this project is desperately needed, the council was initially unsure where the funding would come from. Despite this, work has already started. Repairs on Thomas Street, which has been in disrepair for about eight months, are now underway thanks to a collaboration between Belize Telecommunications Limited, Belize Water Service, and the Ministry of Infrastructure Development and Housing. In an interview today, Mayor Bernard Wagner explained why the repairs took so long to begin.
Bernard Wagner
Bernard Wagner, Mayor, Belize City
“That street was never to be rehabilitated It was a decent street prior to it being dogged up by BWS. It was a decent street that was in our plan to rehabilitate that street. We have people living in worse conditions than on St. Thomas Street at that point in time. So we didn’t even have that as a planned street to rehabilitate, but one of the utilities companies, brought on by certain elements went out ahead without approval from us, dug the street up and that is when it went into a real sort of state that we had to know stepping on, then we stepped in and along with the BWS, Digi, and MIDH, we were able to. It’s a street that has been funded by the city. It’s just that they are paying up front and we, we, um, offset over a period of three years, but at the end of the day, it’s a street that is still being funded by the city with the, with the exception of course of MIDH who really contributed close to three hundred twenty-five thousand towards it.”
Reporter
“So the utility companies are putting in roughly?”
Bernard Wagner
“Three twenty-ve. Each company has committed to three hundred and twenty-five thousand. Again, it’s a sort of collaborative effort. But so as not to really bring any stresses on, the council’s cash flow. over one year period, we said we’ll spread it over a three-year period instead.”
What used to be known as the NICH parking lot off Regent Street in downtown Belize City has been officially renamed the David Fonseca Parking Facility, in honor of the city’s first elected mayor. This parking lot is set to be a lifesaver, not just for everyday parking woes but also for the busy holiday season, like the fast-approaching Christmas. The facility is equipped with surveillance cameras, electric charging ports, and a scanning system for payments via prepaid parking cards or coins. It’s expected to not only generate revenue for the Belize City Council but also breathe new life into a part of the city that’s been slowly fading. News Five’s Marion Ali has the story.
Marion Ali, Reporting
The new William David Fonseca parking lot has officially replaced the old NICH parking lot in downtown Belize City. Located between the Court building and the Bliss Center for the Performing Arts off Regent Street, this facility cost the council just under four hundred thousand dollars. It can accommodate thirty-four vehicles at a time, providing much-needed safe parking in an area where it’s been scarce. This is expected to revitalize activity in this part of the city.
Bernard Wagner
Bernard Wagner, Mayor, Belize City
“It will enhance off-street parking in the downtown area. It’s a safe area, it is manned by cameras fully automated, all the sort of modern, smart solutions are integrated into the system. People visiting areas across the city – this is our urban setting – they are always driving around looking for parking, safe parking areas. People have that appetite. Romac’s Parking Lot has been doing great in this area and so this will enhance Romac’s. There is always need for more parking.”
Present to unveil the plaque honoring the late Mayor David Fonseca was the Minister of the Public Service, Henry Charles Usher. Usher, a close friend of Fonseca, shared this special moment with Fonseca’s wife now serving on his Fort George Committee.
Henry Charles Usher
Henry Charles Usher, Friend of Former Mayor
“It was an honor of mine to be here to be a part of the opening ceremony for this parking lot named in honor of William David Fonseca, a good friend of mine, a good friend of Fort George, a longtime supporter and committee member in the Fort George Division under the Right Honorable Said Musa. Ms. Yolanda Fonseca, his wife continues to be a committee member in Fort George.”
Yolanda Fonseca drew attention to the significance of the area where the parking lot is located and pointed to the buildings and what they represent in one area she called the Freedom Zone.
Yolanda Fonseca
Yolanda Fonseca, Wife of David Fonseca
“Look at our justice system, it stands proud and tall, that stands against internal injustice from tyranny and those who want to come against our humble democracy, but it doesn’t stop there. In my mind, this is a zone. This zone here is specifically Freedom Zone. Just, just look at it. We have financial freedom, we have the banks, we have spiritual freedom, we have the church, we have good governance. Good governance is freedom beyond you can really imagine. They’ve just established a statue of our national father, George Cadle Price.”
Anyone who uses the parking lot will pay three dollars an hour. Marion Ali for News Five.
Mayor Wagner expects the Belize City Council to recoup the money spent on the new parking lot within two and a half years. He also highlighted the need for more parking lots around Belize City, seeing it as a great opportunity for the Council to generate significant revenue. Wagner suggested that abandoned lots could be transformed into safe parking areas.
Bernard Wagner, Mayor, Belize City
“Based on our projections, we could earn revenues in the neighborhood of $4.5 per week. And so, if you quantify that across a month, you’re looking at close to $18,000 and over an year, you’re looking at close to $200,000 in revenue from this parking facility. If we do 10 of these all across the city, you could do the math, but we need the collaboration with the ministry of natural resources. We did an exercise where we identified 40 abandoned lots in the city and we had, um, sent that to the ministry to have them see how they could acquire those abandoned lots, um, to turn them from just being nuisance to society and turn them into productive spaces.”
Tonight, we’re turning our attention back to a casino in San Pedro Town. Lastweek, News Five had an in-depth interview with Mayor Wally Nunez about allegations that up to two hundred golf cart permits were issued to Caribi Bleu Casino. This evening, we have video footage of the council’s Vehicle Master List, which only shows the number of vehicles registered after permits are issued. Despite this, we accepted the mayor’s invitation to document the list. As our investigation into Caribi Bleu Casino deepens, News Five now has video evidence showing the casino illegally operating an ATM that dispenses U.S. currency. News Five’s Paul Lopez has the story.
Paul Lopez, Reporting
In our last investigative report on Caribi Bleu Casino in San Pedro, we grilled Mayor Wally Nunez about claims that the casino’s owners were granted two hundred golf cart permits. Issuing that many permits to a single establishment seems outrageous, and Mayor Nunez firmly denied the allegations.
Wally Nunez
Wally Nunez, Mayor, San Pedro Town
“That is not a fact.”
Today, the San Pedro Town Council gave News Five a look at its Vehicle Master List, which shows a whopping fourteen thousand, four hundred and sixty-seven registered vehicles on the island. The mayor’s aide mentioned that the list needs updating since some entries are inactive. We then searched for any vehicles registered to Caribi Bleu Casino, and sure enough, we found results under Caribi Bleu Limited. It turns out they have twenty golf carts registered and insured as of May twenty-eighth, 2024.
Wally Nunez
“The company applied for the renewal of some permits they had, which was twenty golfcarts. That was approved even while Monetas was there, which was twenty golfcarts for the resort.”
It’s important to note that the Vehicle Master List only shows how many vehicles are registered under a person or company, not how many permits were issued to them. Despite our visit to the San Pedro Town Council’s Traffic Department, our recent trip to Caribi Bleu Casino left us with more questions than answers. We discovered that numerous golf carts were being stored in a neighboring building the casino is developing. Video footage from early October shows golf carts neatly parked on the cramped first floor. However, today that same floor was almost empty, except for a few old gaming machines. A spokesperson for Caribi Bleu Casino claimed that no golf carts were parked inside the building, but our initial video tells a different story.
What’s even more suspicious is that there’s an ATM inside the casino dispensing U.S. currency. According to the Exchange Control Regulations Act, you need authorization from the Central Bank to deal in foreign currency. In a covert operation, someone used their card at the casino’s ATM, entered their PIN, and within seconds, two U.S. bills popped out. News Five has confirmed that Caribi Bleu Casino doesn’t have Central Bank authorization for this machine. The law states that anyone who doesn’t comply with the Exchange Control Regulations Act can be fined or face jail time. Additionally, under the Payment Systems Act, you can’t operate an ATM without a license from the Central Bank, and that license must be clearly displayed inside the establishment. Tonight, many questions remain unanswered. Where does the U.S. currency for the ATM come from? Did the Gaming Control Board do its homework before giving Caribi Bleu Casino its license? And has there been any compliance check to ensure they’re following regulations and anti-money laundering laws? We’ll keep digging to find the answers. Reporting for News Five, I am Paul Lopez
Today, Cellular World Belize held an exciting live forum all about the latest in technology and the hurdles that come with it. Key speakers from Dell and Epson were on hand to share their industry know-how and explore new business opportunities in Belize. Earlier, News Five’s Britney Gordon was at the conference to get the scoop on these hot topics. Here’s her report.
Britney Gordon, Reporting
Technology is moving at lightning speed! In just the past few years, tools like artificial intelligence have revolutionized industry, pushing both consumers and technicians to keep up with the rapid changes. Cellular World Belize hosted a lively forum today to dive into the ever-evolving tech landscape. The General Manager of Cellular World shared more insights with us.
Joel Cervantez
Joel Cervantez, General Manager, Cellular World
“Besides also being the leading company in electronics we decided to bring to Belize both Dell and Epson. Why? One, Epson who sells these printers and the eco tanks, which we are seeing and noting for our different, in the education department especially, for families, you can purchase it at a much lower price and the inks are much cheaper. And with Dell. We are a gold partner with Dell, and as such, what is happening for the future in the next era in artificial intelligence and cyber security? How can they partner with us? What is it that we can offer along with our products? Laptops, computers, and all that. This is for us to make give awareness to the Belizeans. And once again, we want to take that lead and we are doing so.”
The forum was a collaboration between Cellular World, Epson, and Dell. At the forum, representatives delved into the big issues facing the tech industry and shared tips on how technicians can tackle these challenges head-on. Dell representative, Byron Urbina explained what the key areas of concern were.
“The main topics are, for example, cyber security. Belize, as the rest of the countries in the region, are facing a new era of cyber-attacks and the idea is to present how Dell is presenting the products and how Dell is helping to prevent that kind of attacks. And the second topic is artificial intelligence, how our products are bringing international intelligence in every aspect of the design of the product, from the hardware design, or even in the monitoring and intelligent monitoring, and help to the end user to be aware of the all AI power from Dell to the hardware.”
The teams also brainstormed ways to grow their business and let Belizeans know about the variety of products they offer. Rashmi Ranmarine, Regional Account Manager at Epson, highlighted that Belize’s consumer market is a perfect match for their products.
Rashmi Ranmarine
Rashmi Ranmarine, Regional Account Manager, EPSON
“Epson is a Japanese company, and one of the key pillars of this Japanese company is to be more environmentally conscious, to reduce our carbon footprint by the year 2050. I’ve realized that in my research, that Belize is very also environmentally conscious, and I think it’s a great fit in terms of how we can support each other as two different entities in making I thought it was just an exciting opportunity to be here and to show that side of Epson.”
Cellular World employees will also be receiving training to strengthen the technical support they are able to offer to Belizeans.
Joel Cervantez
“We will have training programs for our employees and we need to be ahead of the game. AI is real, cyber security is real, and unless we go and be at the forefront, then we cannot offer that to our customers if we are not trained ourselves. And as leaders in electronics, in cyber security and all that, that wewant to be. We have to do that first.”
