2024-11-30 - Channel 5 Belize

International Donations Opened for Injured Basketball Players in RTA

10 students and 2 teachers from Ocean Academy were involved in a serious traffic accident on the Philip Goldson Highway near mile 39 on Friday evening. The group were members of the Ocean Academy Male Basketball Team. The team was on their way to represent Caye Caulker at a regional tournament when the van’s tires blew out, causing the crash. Several individuals sustained serious injuries, with some requiring immediate medical attention.

Five persons were reportedly transported to Belize City for urgent medical care, while seven others are being treated at the hospital in Orange Walk.

As stated by the Caye Caulker Village Council, “3 students and 1 teacher need CT scans. One student needs about 8 scans alone.” The council added, “The Caye Caulker Village Council is already funding some of these scans, but we will need the community’s support.”

The Ocean Academy community is calling on everyone who is willing to help with medical expenses. Donations can be made to the Atlantic Bank in Belize under the account name Ocean Academy High School, labelled “Medical Assistance.” The account number is 100 299 151.

For international contributions, a PayPal link has also been set up, accepting Venmo, credit cards, and PayPal. Click here for international contributions.

“We are grateful for any support and for spreading the word,” said Ocean Academy.

Basketball Players Injured in RTA, Support Needed

Two Belizean Taxi Drivers Missing in Belmopan

Earlier this week, family and friends reported two Belizean taxi drivers, Marvin Cante and Juan Carlo Raymundo, missing in Belmopan. Both men were reportedly last seen on Wednesday morning, November 27.

Juan Carlo Raymundo, 32, is described as having a light complexion and Mestizo descent. He was wearing a dark-coloured T-shirt and long trousers when he disappeared. His cousin, 37-year-old Marvin Cante, also of Mestizo descent with a light brown complexion, was wearing a red polo shirt, a black baseball cap, and black trousers.

Marvin’s brother, Elmer Cante, shared on Thursday via a Facebook post: “My friends, please, if you have seen my brother Marvin Cante and my cousin John Raymundo, please let me know. They have been missing since yesterday. We have called them, and they do not answer, and they always answer my calls. Please contact me at 6340114.”

Elmer also said in a separate post on Friday night that the family will be carrying out a search party today and invited anyone who would like to assist in the search to join them. This followed an earlier search on Thursday, after Elmer found a vehicle he had rented to Marvin and Raymundo. The vehicle, which had bloodstains inside, was reportedly discovered with its engine still running on the road leading to the sanitary landfill at mile 25 on the Phillip Goldson Highway. Elmer and other family members went to the scene and searched the surrounding area but found no trace of Marvin or Raymundo.

As the days go by without any sign of the men, the family grows increasingly concerned. Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward and help in the search.

Basketball Players Injured in RTA, Support Needed

Several members of the Ocean Academy Male Basketball Team were injured in a road traffic accident on Friday evening near mile 39 on the Philip Goldson Highway. The team was travelling to represent Caye Caulker at the regional tournament.
Several students and teachers sustained injuries, including cuts and fractures, with some in more critical condition.

According to the Caye Caulker Village Council, “3 students and 1 teacher need CT scans. One student needs about 8 scans alone.” The scans are important for assessing the extent of the injuries, and immediate action is necessary to provide proper medical care.

The council has already begun funding some of the scans but is calling for additional support from the community. “The Caye Caulker Village Council is already funding some of these scans, but we will need the community’s support,” it stated. Donations can be made through online transfers or deposits to the Caye Caulker Village Council with the label “Assistance for students.” The Council’s Atlantic Bank Account Number is 100 073 949.

Mexico Threatens Retaliation Over Trump’s Proposed Tariffs

Mexico has warned that U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s proposed 25% tariffs on imports could result in the loss of 400,000 U.S. jobs and higher prices for American consumers.Economy Minister Marcelo Ebrard explained that the tariffs would hurt U.S. companies operating in Mexico and U.S. consumers, especially in the automotive industry. “88% of pickup trucks sold in the U.S. are made in Mexico,” Ebrard pointed out, adding that the price of these vehicles could increase by $3,000.

Trump has made it clear that the tariffs would remain until Mexico takes action to control the flow of drugs and migrants into the U.S. In response, Sheinbaum reiterated on Wednesday during her presidential morning briefing that Mexico would retaliate if Trump proceeds with the tariffs. “If there are U.S. tariffs, Mexico would also raise tariffs,” she stated, signalling Mexico’s readiness to act against its key trade partner.

Following the discussions, the Mexican peso strengthened, despite concerns over the economic impact of the tariffs. Analysts believe Trump’s tariff threats are more of a negotiation tactic than a definitive trade policy.

Ebrard stated that Mexico values regional cooperation over conflict, stating, “Mexico does not want conflicts and divisions but to build a stronger region.”

Man Wanted for Allegedly Attacking and Kidnapping Wife in San Pedro

Kenny Brakeman, a 44-year-old mechanic from Belize City, is wanted by police in connection with a violent attack and kidnapping of his estranged wife, Sabela Brakeman. He is described as a dark-complexioned Belizean of Creole descent. Authorities are urging anyone with information about his whereabouts to contact Crime Stoppers at 922, or report to the nearest police station.

On November 16, Kenny allegedly broke into Sabela’s home in San Pedro, assaulted her, and forcibly took her onto a jet ski. Sabela, who had left him due to domestic violence, managed to escape by jumping into the sea near a dock in Caye Caulker and swimming to safety.

Kenny remains wanted by police.

Sabela sustained severe injuries, including a broken cheekbone and damaged teeth, and is in need of urgent medical treatment. She has since moved with her three children, aged 11, 9, and 4, out of fear for their safety.

In an interview with News Five, Sabela expressed her hopes for Kenny to turn himself in, saying, “All I wish is to get him a message: let him turn himself in.” She added that she would not prevent their children from seeing their father if that was his concern.

Woman Beaten, Kidnapped by Estranged Husband