2024-12-02 - Channel 5 Belize

Ocean Academy Athletes Left in Coma Following RTA

The Caye Caulker Ocean Academy High School is reeling from a tragic accident involving its boys’ basketball team. On Friday, the team was on their way to Orange Walk for a regional tournament when their vehicle overturned due to a blowout. There were twelve passengers on board, mostly teenagers. Thankfully, most of them have been treated and released from the hospital. However, five students remain hospitalized, with two in a coma. This heartbreaking incident has sparked a wave of generosity, with businesses and residents from across the country contributing to fundraisers to cover medical expenses. News Five’s Paul Lopez has more on this story.

Paul Lopez, Reporting

Tragedy struck the Caye Caulker Ocean Academy’s boys’ basketball team on Friday as they were on their way to represent their community. Fresh off a victory against San Pedro High School, the team was heading to Orange Walk for the regional championship when their van experienced a blowout and overturned. All twelve occupants, mostly teenagers, sustained injuries. Two of the students are currently in an induced coma, including eighteen-year-old Alexander Bainton. His mother, Nikita Marin, shared with News Five, “As a mother, my only goal is to be there for my son. We need prayers for a miracle which God is preparing for my son.” She added that Alexander, who is a fisherman, basketball player, open water certified diver, volleyball player, and honor student, did not suffer any broken bones but needs a CT scan.

The high school provided an update on Sunday night, stating that of the twelve people in the van, six were treated and released on Friday, one went home today, and five remain hospitalized. Two are in recovery, while three are in critical care, including the two in comas. The school is consulting with doctors both locally and internationally to ensure the best possible care for recovery, especially for brain and spinal injuries. The incident has sent shockwaves through the Caye Caulker community, sparking a viral fundraiser movement. Belizean-American Lee Vanderwalker launched a campaign that has already raised twelve thousand U.S. dollars for the team’s medical expenses. The community’s support is a beacon of hope during this difficult time.

On the Phone: Lee Vanderwalker, Fundraiser Director

“I saw the news story, I read that and I know some of them, I know the coach and some of the young boys on the team. I know their families and I saw a message out about eleven o’clock that night from Elizabeth Usher and she is my neighbor and I have known her for twenty-four years. She asked if I could open my accounts so fundraising could start for these boys because there were four in critical condition and they needed this money really fast.”

Vanderwalker has made it easy for donors from outside Belize to contribute by providing access to several accounts like Venmo, PayPal, and CashApp. She keeps the donor list and donation amounts updated regularly. Here’s the latest list of generous contributors.

On the Phone: Lee Vanderwalker

“Overnight several thousand dollars came in overnight. The fundraising has continued to the point now that as of last night my report was that we had raised over twelve thousand U.S an then we continue to get more donations today. So people want to help, they want to help.”

In addition to Vanderwalker’s efforts, several businesses on the island have committed to giving a hundred percent of a day’s proceeds to the fundraising effort. The Caye Caulker Town Council has kicked off its own local fundraising campaign to support the injured students. Meanwhile, the school has assured that students are receiving professional counseling to help them through this tough time.

On the Phone: Lee Vanderwalker

“Caye Caulker people really step up and help each other. I have seen this happen over and over and over again.”

Reporting for News Five, I am Paul Lopez.

Police are yet to issue an official report on the accident that occurred.

ComPol Says Murder Numbers on a Decrease

Today, Commissioner of Police Chester Williams shared some encouraging news with reporters: the number of murders in 2024 is trending down. Although the year started with a significant spike compared to the end of 2023 and was generally higher than the entire year 2023, the Belize Police Department managed to bring the number of murders down to double digits for the first time in over a decade. Williams credited much of this success to the hard work done behind the scenes by Nuri Mohammed and his intervention program. Their efforts are making a real difference in reducing violence and improving safety in Belize.

Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police

“We continue to do our best in fighting crime fighting crime and make the people of this country safe. Like you rightly said, we have seen that the murder numbers are trending down even though we had a good year last year. 2024 so far, it’s going well for us. While we do celebrate the accomplishment I have to give thanks to those persons who are very instrumental in what we have been doing. And at the forefront of that is Brother [Muhammad] Nuri and [Raymond] “Footie” Gongora. Two individuals whom I have passed to meet twice weekly with those persons who are under the SOE. And you would know that One of the things that affected us is that when the SOE was, would normally be over, there is no follow-up with the guys. And so we find that very quickly they would go back to doing the things that would have landed them in prison under the SOE. And so what we did this time was that we got the team of Brother [Muhammad] Nuri and [Raymond] “Footie” Gongora. And on occasions I would join them, I would meet these guys twice weekly to see what are some of the issues that confronts them and to provide some semblance of guidance. And this is a continuation to what they did while they were in prison, as, as a part of this. So we, we had Nuri going into the prison twice a week to meet with them. And we also had the prison administration doing the journey to freedom program with them while they were there. And so now that they’re out, we just try to have that continuity working with them. And then we also have the LIU that which continue to do what they can in providing some sense of employment to these young men in different areas where they resides. And then of course the efforts of the police patrolling these areas, making sure that we enforce the law, particularly the quality of life offenses, preventing the loitering, the public drinking and so forth. All of these are things that are leading to what we are seeing now in the reduction in crime across the country.”

Domestic Violence-related Murders Hard to Detect Beforehand

Commissioner Williams highlighted that domestic-related murders are particularly challenging for the police to prevent. He explained that the warning signs leading to these tragedies are often hard to spot in advance. However, he believes that the activities during the sixteen days of activism will encourage everyone, including police officers, to think twice and be more aware of these issues at home.

Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police

“It’s difficult. We’re trying our best to hold on to the conventional type of murders. The gang-related murders and so forth. Those that emanate from like clubs with drunk, with drunkenness, and so forth. And then we see these ones pop up. The domestic ones that are not within the preventative reach of the police. And those frustrates me, because, we’re out there, we’re trying, and out of the blue this one just came up. It’s tough. But, we have to continue to do what we can to hold those perpetrators accountable. I know that we’re in sixteen days of activism right now, and there is a lot being said in terms of domestic violence. very much. and gender-based violence, and so we’re hoping that what is going to be shared around this time is going to help to reduce these types of crimes, in our department, we have commissioned our local psychiatrists to go around the country and to speak with our police officers because we also saw an increase in domestic issues involving police, where a number of officers were arrested. And so again to stem that Mister Leslie is going around talking with the police officers across the country, giving them insights in terms of what they can expect or what they can do to avert issues of domestic violence..”

ComPol Gives Updates on Recent Deaths

Commissioner Williams provided an update on three recent violent deaths. Miriam Castellanos and Guillermo Martinez’s deaths have been classified as murders. However, the case of Matthew Moses, who died from two gunshots to the head, remains undetermined. The investigation is ongoing as authorities work to uncover the truth behind these tragic incidents.

Reporter

“In the case of Matthew Moses, can we talk about why that wasn’t classified as a murder? I believe the postmortem said that he was shot twice behind the head and one ot the back.”

Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police

“I would not be able to speak to that whenever we have these issues with a person raises self-defense in a fatal shooting or stabbing or beating, the file must go to the a and a rep from the D.P.P. the file and a rep from the office goes through the file and direct the police on what charges to be leveled on the individual.”

Reporter

“Is there a classification for Guillermo Martinez, he was the one that was found stabbed up in the river in Dangriga.”

Reporter

“Any motive or suspects at this time?”

Chester Williams

“No, we have not been able to come up with a motive or suspect for that.”

Reporter

“Is there any update in the murder from Miriam Castellanos?”

Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police

“That will be provided by Mister Romero, but I don’t think there is any update at this time. There is some information circulating. But we’re not able to confirm those informations as yet, and so I don’t think we’ll be able to provide a motive, a definitive motive at this time. There is an individual the police is looking at who we believe may be able to shed some light in terms of what transpired, but we have not been able to find that person.”

Man Recuperating from Stabbing; Another Wanted

Last week, a man was stabbed in Gales Point Manatee Village. Today, A.C.P. Hilberto Romero informed reporters that Leonel Duhaney is on the mend. Meanwhile, police are on the hunt for Gilbert Moore, who faces serious charges, including attempted murder, in connection with the incident.

ACP Hilberto Romero, Regional Commander, Eastern Division

“On Wednesday, the twenty-seventh day of November, police responded to Gale’s Point, Manatee. Upon their arrival, they learned that Leonel Duhaney had been taken to the Sonora Regional Health Center for treatment. He was found there, where he reported he was involved in a fight with one Gilbert Moore, who stabbed him. He’s in stable condition. Gilbert Moore is presently wanted at this time for the crimes of attempt murder, dangerous summon, use of deadly means of harm.”

Reporter

“Motive?”

Hilberto Romero

“No, they had a fight they met at that area in Gales Point and the person proceeded to stab him.”

Reporter

“Were they intoxicated?”

Hilberto Romero

“Yes, they were.”

Reporter

“But they knew each other before this though?”

Hilberto Romero

“Yeah, they knew each other.”

Reporter

“They both live at Gale’s Point?”

Hilberto Romero

“Yeah, they’re both from Gale’s Point.”

Reporter

“Okay. And you don’t know the last known whereabouts of the guy?”

Hilberto Romero

“No, we are looking for him. Checks were made at Gale’s Point, but he has not been found so far.”

Female Passenger Drives Off with Taxi from Channel 5 Parking Lot

Police are seeking the public’s help to locate a taxi stolen from Channel Five’s parking lot. The driver of a Toyota Camry taxi arrived with a female passenger and went inside to fill out Gimmie Five tickets, leaving her in the car. After about twenty minutes, the passenger moved to the driver’s seat, reversed the taxi, and drove off, hitting a parked vehicle on her way out. The taxi driver reported the theft to the police, who have since launched an investigation. We’ll keep you updated as this story develops.

Two Cousins Disappear Without a Trace: Six Days Later, Family Distraught

Tonight, a family is once again reaching out to the public for help in finding two loved ones who have vanished without a trace. On Wednesday, the family of cousins Juan Raymundo, thirty-two, and Marvin Cante, thirty-seven, grew concerned when Raymundo didn’t respond to messages from his common-law wife. The next day, they reported the cousins missing to the police, who quickly began an investigation. Soon after, the vehicle Juan had been driving was found abandoned near mile twenty-four on the George Price Highway. Since then, family and friends have been tirelessly searching for any clues about their whereabouts. Here’s News Five’s Britney Gordon with the latest update.

Britney Gordon, Reporting

Nearly a week has passed since the search began for cousins Juan Raymundo and Marvin Cante, and their family is growing increasingly desperate. The last person to speak with Raymundo was his former partner, Rosa Alonzo. She shared that the day started like any other, with them taking care of their children together. Now, the family is holding onto hope and pleading for any information that could lead to their safe return.

Voice of Rose Alonzo, Juan’s ex- common-law Wife

“We took his son to school and we came back to my house. He just dropped me and gone. That was between eight-thirty and nine, Around three, I messaged him and I asked him where are you? He didn’t answer me, but I figured the message didn’t get delivered. So I figured, Oh, he just busy or he no got signal or something. But it’s not normal. But I she okay, maybe he just noh got signal, which no normal but you just want ignore the fact that he di answer.”

After more than eleven hours without any word from Raymundo, his former partner, Rosa Alonzo, started to worry about his safety. She went to the police station to see if there had been any reported accidents but came up empty-handed. The next day, her worst fears were realized when the police showed up at his house with distressing news. ACP Hilberto Romero provides an update on how the search operation has been progressing.

ACP Hilberto Romero, Regional Commander, Eastern Division

“We are presently conducting several searches in the area of Mile twenty-four the area of Democracy to the Coastal the area of Mahogany Heights. But so far, no leads and no information as to their whereabouts.”

Reporter

“The vehicle was a rented vehicle?”

ACP Hilberto Romero

“It was not a rented vehicle. They had gotten the vehicle from somebody here in Belmopan. And the vehicle was found in the area of Mile twenty-four with the engine running.”

Reporter

“Have you spoken to that person here in Belmopan?”

Hilberto Romero

“Yes several statements have been recorded. Searches continue, but so far, nothing.”

Currently, there is no motive for the duo’s disappearance, their family maintains that no one in their life has any reason to cause them harm. Alonzo also stressed that Raymundo would never willingly abandon his family.

Voice of Rose Alonzo

“Juan Raymundo would never leave his kids alone. He knew that they have their mothers, but he would never, ever leave his kids fending for their selves. Or, he would always take care of his kids, always think about his kids. Anything would happen and maybe his kids get hurt. He would find a way to be there for his kids economically and present. He would call his kids. He would visit his kids. My son, personally, he would visit every single day. There wouldn’t be one day when he doesn’t ask for daddy and daddy doesn’t come to see him or call him. So no, that is very not even in my mind, in no way, because he would not leave his kids.”

There is no word on their possible whereabouts. If anyone has information that can be used to locate either of them, they are encouraged to contact Rosa on 628-7016. Britney Gordon for News Five.

Missing Cargo on Suspected Drug Still Not Found

Last month, police rushed to the Frank’s Eddy area in Cayo District after receiving a tip about a possible drug plane landing. They found a single-engine plane abandoned on the side of the road, stripped of all its passenger seats and completely empty of any passengers or cargo. Police have identified a suspect who had previously been charged with involvement in a drug plane incident. To prevent the plane from being used for any more illegal activities, it was set on fire. Commissioner of Police Chester Williams provided an update on the case, including details about a police officer who has been charged for her alleged involvement in the crime.

Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police

“Yes, we have located that individual and he has been interviewed. He was charged recently for breach of judicial order. And that matter is before the court at this time.”

Reporter

“But nothing on the cargo?”

Chester Williams

“No, we have not been able to locate the cargo and we have not been able to tie him to the plane landing. As I said, he was only wanted because I believe that he would have been able to assist the investigation. He came in and he has been interviewed, but we have nothing at this time substantial we can go on to tie him to the plane landing.”

Reporter

“And what became of the female officer who was reportedly assisting him?”

Chester Williams

“That officer has been placed on internal charges and she is on interdiction awaiting the hearing of that matter.”

Police Says Immigration Department Not Linked to Fraudulent Documents

Last month, police raided the Double Zero establishment in Lake Independence. Along with a quantity of drugs and unlicensed firearm, the team uncovered several fraudulent immigration items, including visas and entry stamps, believed to be used for illegal immigration operations. The Department of Immigration has denied any involvement or knowledge of these activities and explained why they didn’t disclose all the details to the public. In a statement released today, the Government of Belize emphasized their commitment to a thorough investigation into corruption, highlighting the serious breach in security protocols and potential complicity by public officers. Earlier today, Jules Vasquez demanded that the department host a press conference to disclose the details of the investigation. The department, however, begs to differ. In a statement released earlier today, the Government of Belize stated, “In our Ministry, which falls under the Office of the Prime Minister, our focus must be on a credible, careful, and comprehensive investigation into corruption, particularly as it suggests a serious breach in our security protocols and complicity by public officers within our Ministry. Our goal is to end corruption in the Ministry, and with such sensitive issues and players within the investigation, we regret to inform Mister Vasquez that we cannot keep him apprised of every move made at the Ministry level or within the Belize Police Department,”. Here’s Commissioner of Police Chester Williams with more on the case.

Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police

“From a police investigation standpoint that issue has nothing to do with immigration. It so happens that it’s an individual who happened to have in his possession some Asian passports, Asian national passports, and within those passports contained some police visas. He also had with him some immigration stamps. We have done our investigation and it has been confirmed by The Department of Immigration that the visas in those passports are not authentic. The stamps are not authentic either. They are a replica of what immigration had. So it would appear as if this was an individual who was operating on his own. We have not unearthed any ties to anybody from immigration colluding with him. I can say that I had briefed the Prime Minister on this issue when it first occurred. And the Prime Minister’s exact words was, Commissioner. Please pursue the investigation to the fullest and go after who you need to go after. And the police is operating under that instructions from the Prime Minister. And we have not been able to find any link to immigration. It’s just a person who was on his own accord developed these things for his own purpose. And so called immigration scandal I think is taking it too far. So it’s a very thin line. If Mister Ashburn is working with immigration, then yes, but he’s not an immigration officer. So you cannot equate his conduct to the Department of Immigration.”

Reporter

“Has he been cooperative?”

Chester Williams

“He has been interviewed by the police. The police have received certain information from him. And I believe that by the end of this week. The police should be levying charges against him in respect of those fake visa and fake stamps.”

Reporter

“Do they know how he got hold of the fake stamps?”

Chester Williams

“In an interview that was given by his wife, she alluded to them being given to him by an Asian national.”

Port Residents Say Garbage Truck Scarce in their Area

City Hall is once again grappling with a familiar seasonal issue that has plagued them for over two decades. During these slow collection months, their cash flow takes a hit, making it tough to meet their payments. Belize Waste Control has been accused of only picking up some of the garbage from certain streets. It has been reported elsewhere that the Belize City Council owes the company over three months’ worth of garbage collection fees, totaling more than eight hundred thousand dollars. Deputy Prime Minister Cordel Hyde mentioned on Friday that the government might need to step in and mediate between the parties to find a solution. Meanwhile, attorneys for Belize Waste Control, Courtenay Coye LLP, were expected to file a lawsuit against City Hall if the payments weren’t made today. Unfortunately, none of the parties were available for an interview, but Marion Ali has more on the story.

Marion Ali, Reporting

Today, we noticed a troubling sight on the southside of Belize City – overflowing garbage drums, especially on the streets tucked behind the main roads. While most residents were hesitant to speak openly, two men from the Freedom Street area in Port Loyola shared off-camera that the garbage hadn’t been collected at all last week.

Voice of: Port Loyola Resident #1

“Dehn barely come pick up garbage. I nuh know weh di happen.”

Marion Ali

“I’m seeing the garbage in the Freedom Street area is overflowing for many of the residents. When was the last time you saw the dirt truck come?”

Voice of: Port Loyola Resident #1

“The last time I see dehn da bout two weeks now. And sometimes I hear them but ih look like dehn nuh come certain areas, nuh.”

The second Port resident said he lives around the lane on Central American Boulevard and his garbage has been there for a week as well.

Voice of: Port Loyola Resident #2

“Once dehn left it and dehn nuh come the garbage become wa problem and the animals tear them apart and ih deh over the street. Soh ih end up like wa hazzard, you know?”

We reached out to Belize Waste Control and spoke with a manager who assured us they are doing their best with the resources available. He denied missing any scheduled garbage collections last week and mentioned that the company is working with the Belize City Council to resolve the issue. This isn’t the first time City Hall has faced this challenge during the slow season; it’s been a recurring problem for at least twenty years. While a previous mayor proposed a garbage collection fee, Deputy Prime Minister Cordel Hyde does not support this idea. We asked some City residents what they thought about the introduction of a garbage collection fee to help solve the problem.

Belize City Resident #1

“There should be.”

Marion Ali

“Why do you think so?”

Belize City Resident #1

“Well, because if they got a garbage collection fee, it’s going to take some of the pressure from the government – I mean City Council because City Council is paying for them to pick it up.”

Belize City Resident #2

“If we never pay before, we ever, no, we never used to pay for it, none at all, so I guess why should we pay now? So my answer is no.”

Belize City Resident #3

“No. They done di get paid for that, so weh we have to pay for it?”

Marion Ali

“But the Council might have problems at times to meet the garbage collection bill, so now, some are suggesting that we pay a garbage collection fee.”

Belize City Resident #3

“Well, if we have to do that, then that’s that. We have to pay it.”

Belize City Resident #4

“There are some people that could afford it. But there are people that cannot afford it.”

Marion Ali

“But how do we determine who can and cannot afford it?”

Belize City Resident #4

“That is the thing. It’s something that the government have to do.”

Marion Ali for News Five.