Just before midday, a fire broke out on Boots Crescent, completely destroying the home of a local tour operator in Belize City. Kenneth Lamb, the homeowner, was out with a group of tourists when he got the alarming news. Despite rushing back, there was nothing he could do to save his property. News Five spoke with a neighbor who witnessed smoke pouring out of Lamb’s two-story house.
Voice of: Resident, Boots Crescent
Voice of: Resident, Boots Crescent
“I was inside my house and I gave my little daughter a garbage bag and I said, “Just go and throw it in the can. When she came out, she came back and she said, “Mom, the neighbor’s house is on fire. Fire, fire. Why is the neighbor’s house under fire?” When I ran outside and I looked, as I turned I saw the entire roof enclosed with lone smoke. Smoke di pop out of the roof, the rooftop like ih next to burst off with lone smoke to the top there. Immediately, I grabbed my purse, grabbed my baby and my phone and called 911. I couldn’t get through to 911 for whatever reason, I hurry called out to the neighbor.”
What’s the latest on Belize’s role in the Kenya-led mission to restore peace and order in Haiti? Recently, two Belize Defense Force soldiers flew to Port-au-Prince to join international military personnel in helping the violence-stricken country regain stability. While a larger team of B.D.F. soldiers is set to be deployed, the exact date is still up in the air. We caught up with Brigadier General Azariel Loria at the annual Christmas luncheon on Wednesday, and he shared an update on the initial deployment of the two B.D.F. soldiers. Here’s what he had to say.
Reporter
“What can you tell us about the soldiers that were deployed for the Kenyan-led mission in Haiti, we understand that they, we know two are in Haiti. Will the rest be deployed next month?”
Brig. Gen. Azariel Loria
Brig. Gen. Azariel Loria, Commander, B.D.F.
“Yes, the two of them, they were deployed. It was like a mini-advanced party, just two showed up, just two soldiers, two officers, and they are currently serving as staff officers in the CARICOM Joint Taskforce. It’s a headquarters that is led by Jamaica. There are some countries that have said that they will be sending their troops, like the Bahamas, Barbados under the RSS is coordinating something to that effect and us. So we have two and they are feeding us information on what is going on on the ground. And based on that, if we manage to get our kit and equipment, because we are still procuring kit and equipment, we will deploy until the conditions are favorable for us to do so. And that is a signal that I would need to provide the Ministry of National Defense, the minister, of course, will be telling Cabinet, yes, we are ready, and we deploy.”
B.D.F. soldiers have voiced concerns about their pay during the upcoming deployment to Haiti, especially given the extreme violence still plaguing the country. Reflecting on his own experience in Haiti back in 1994, B.D.F. Commander Azariel Loria shared insights into the inherent risks soldiers face in such a volatile environment.
Brig. Gen. Azariel Loria, B.D.F. Commander
“It’s a bunch of us, it was a platoon of us that deployed back in ’94 and we were on rotation. All that we were provided in terms of allowance, per diem, was five dollars a day, five U.S. dollars to deploy in a hostile situation and we were deployed under Chapter Seven of the UN operations. So we were allowed to use our weapons, deadly force, as the case may be. Five dollars. We did it, I did it because I wanted the experience. The soldiers wanted the experience and we did it from the heart, from the willingness to serve, going there to Haiti and trying to make a difference. Now, the allowances that they will be provided, the soldiers, the thirty or so soldiers that will be deployed, they are going to get fifty U.S. dollars a day, plus the allowance is that you have fifty U.S. dollars a day, plus what you have mentioned about the risk and hardship allowance in addition to the fifty [dollars] so you do the math.”
Over the past few months, the Ministry of Infrastructure Development have been busy pushing through road infrastructure in a new part of Armenia Village named the Bay Leaf Palm Estate. It is a project that will equip first-time land and homeowners with their own property, courtesy the Government of Belize through the Ministry of Infrastructure Development. And while lease documents for parcels of land has been a quintessential campaign for the Ministry of Housing for Belizeans, several constituents of the Cayo South constituency today received their documents from their Area Representative, Julius Espat, who is also the Minister of Infrastructure Development and Housing. Minister of Natural Resources, Cordel Hyde was on hand to sign the land documents. News Five’s Marion Ali filed this report on this occasion.
Marion Ali, Reporting
Today was a big day for first-time landowners and homeowners in the Cayo South constituency as they received their property documents from the Ministry of Natural Resources. In Armenia Village, the Ministry of Infrastructure Development has been hard at work, improving road infrastructure for these soon-to-be homeowners. Cayo South Area Representative, Julius Espat, who also serves as the Minister of Infrastructure Development and Housing, shared that the recipients come from various communities within Cayo South.
Julius Espat
Julius Espat, Area Representative, Cayo South
“Today you have residents from Armenia in the large majority that will receive lots, but we also have from my other villages that I love dearly. We have guys and ladies from Roaring Creek, which is my home village. We have people from Franks, Eddie. We have people from St. Matthews, we have people from Ontario, we have from Blackman, we have from Cotton Tree, where else? We have Valley of Peace, most we have tried to touch a little bit of every village. I will continue to work as hard as I can to make sure that you receive the benefits that you deserve. It’s not a favor. I’m not doing anybody a favor. I am just assuming the responsibility that you gave me and doing it to the best of my ability.”
Deputy Prime Minister Cordel Hyde, who leads the Ministry of Natural Resources, assured the recipients that he’s fighting for them every step of the way.
Cordel Hyde
Cordel Hyde, Minister of Natural Resources
“The minister has prioritized land ownership and homeownership for his people among the many other things he has prioritized. He works hard for you each and every day. He quarrels for you each and every day. Fight for you each and every day. Sometimes you get in an emotional quarrel because he feels so passionately about what he wants for his people. So oftentimes I would tell him, you want the same thing, man. We are get this done. But he works with a feverish passion; works as if though there is no tomorrow. And it’s a model that we should emulate all through the government.”
Drawing from his own life experiences, Hyde shared with the new landowners how owning a home can truly transform lives. He emphasized that this is exactly what the government aims to achieve for its people.
Cordel Hyde
“ At 12 years old, my mother got a lease cement bungalow from the government 40 years ago. And that changed my life, changed how I thought about myself, changed my perception of life. Change my direction in life. And that is what we are doing right now. When we give someone a land, when we give someone a house, we are changing lives, changing lives for the better.”
A group of Belizean basketball players are chasing their dreams of making it to the big leagues. Thirteen talented athletes have been selected to compete in the 2025 Amateur Athletic Union Basketball Tournament, the Dru Joyce Classic, in Cleveland, Ohio. This NCAA-certified event is a golden opportunity for them to showcase their skills in front of college scouts, with the potential to earn scholarships to play college basketball in the USA or Canada. However, to make this dream a reality, they need help covering the costs of the trip, registration, and accommodation. We spoke with one of the aspiring athletes and his coach earlier today to get more details on this exciting opportunity.
Britney Gordon
“How exactly did you come across this opportunity? What led you to get to this point now?
Tevaughn Dawson
Tevaughn Dawson, Aspiring Professional Basketball Player
“ Firstly, I used to always play with coach. And he used to always coach me. He was a part of the national team as well. So, from, I guess from there he saw my skills or whatever I can do. And he contacted my mom, and my mom talked to me a little, so. They went back and forth and it’s good from there.”
Britney Gordon
“ Why do I donate?”
Tevaughn Dawson
“Well, I believe because I put in the work like I always every time a trip come up or whatever. I will always work. I will always help the team I’ll go and try to win. I’ll try my best to win.”
Rosco Reese
Rosco Reese, Coach
“ So it’s just giving boys from Belize an opportunity to basketball exposure at a high level and opportunity to be scouted by college scouts and hopefully earn an athletic scholarship.”
Britney Gordon
“So how many boys from Belize will be attending this tournament if they’re able to raise a funds?”
Rosco Reese
“Well, right now, we have thirteen boys going on the trip. About, maybe about nine of them have already secured their funds. So we’re really looking for maybe about assistance for four boys. So if anybody out there in the business community, the basketball family, um, would like to support the initiative, they could contact me. Rosco Reese. I have a Facebook page. You can contact me on my number is 6-0-5-5-7- 0-3. You could email me at Rosco.reese at gmail.com and I’ll be willing to give you all the information on the trip.”
This morning, the Salvation Army Belize brought some holiday cheer to Belize City with a grocery voucher giveaway. These vouchers are a lifeline for over seven hundred families, allowing them to pick out groceries to create a special Christmas meal. By teaming up with local supermarkets, the Salvation Army ensures that families can choose the items that best fit their needs. Now, let’s hear more from News Five’s Britney Gordon on this heartwarming story.
Britney Gordon, Reporting
The moment has arrived! Dozens of people are eagerly lining up outside the Salvation Army Headquarters in Belize City. From as early as 9 a.m., they’re here to collect the much-anticipated grocery vouchers. These vouchers are a beacon of hope, helping families prepare for the festive season. Major Marc Eddy Momplaisir, the District Officer of the Salvation Army, shares more about this heartwarming initiative.
Marc Eddy Momplaisir
Major Marc Eddy Momplaisir, District Officer, Salvation Army
“ Today is our distribution for vouchers. And as you see out outside, a lot of people are already there. Just to receive the virtual on is not only here, but in four places. Northside, central core where the Salvation Army is a cemetery road. And we have it at the vill. We have it as well. Joyville. So today is a busy day for us where people will receive the virtual on strongly. I believe they will enjoy this season. Because our aim is to celebrate love with them and celebrate what we call it connection community connection and celebrate the joy of giving.”
The Salvation Army is gearing up to distribute over seven hundred vouchers throughout the city, bringing joy to many families. For those who can’t make it to the headquarters, they’ve got it covered with premade grocery parcels delivered right to their doorsteps. This thoughtful gesture ensures everyone gets to enjoy a festive meal.
Major Marc Eddy Momplaisir
“ We’re looking for the senior citizen because so many of them, unfortunately, they are the less fortunate in our country, especially those who never really have a work where they can get a pension. However, we are the Salvation Army. We are there for them. Yes, we cannot give them much but we show them that we love them. We care for them that’s why we look after them because the youngest one we give them toys but the senior we think that a voucher will help them during the season.”
Though some might think a forty-five-dollar donation is small, it means the world to those in need. Take seventy-three-year-old Joan Bennett, for example. She’s been lining up for these vouchers for nearly fifty years, and each one has made a big difference in her life.
Joan Bennett
Joan Bennett, Voucher Recipient
“ The good people at Salvation Army always look out for us. Take care of us, see that we well, they don’t give you everything, but at least they shove out their hand to give you something to eat. And I am very grateful because every year they do the same thing.”
George Reneau
George Reneau, Voucher Recipient “Thank God we have life and we have thanks to the Salvation Army for making way for us.”
The aim of these donations is to make a difference in as many lives as possible. Emma Hamilton, now in her sixties, has been coming to the Salvation Army for about five years. She deeply appreciates the organization’s generosity, which helps her take care of her son.
Emma Hamilton
Emma Hamilton, Voucher Recipient
“ It’s helped a lot because I have a disabled son that attends Port Loyola and it helps me because he can’t work and he’s an orphan because he lost his father fifteen years ago. And I’m a widow. Yes ma’am. So it helps a lot. It helps me. And I thank you. I thank the Salvation Army.”
As the work of the Salvation Army continues, the organization reflects on the lives that they have touched throughout the years, furthering the cycle of kindness and generosity.
Major Marc Eddy Momplaisir
“Yesterday I met someone who told me. I am going to send my donation. I say, okay, very good. You say, why? From I was a little boy, I am receiving a gift from the Salvation Army. Today is my time to give back.”
With their vouchers in hand, recipients are all set to dive into their Christmas shopping and start whipping up the holiday meals they’ve been eagerly anticipating all year. The excitement is palpable as they prepare to make this festive season special.
Joan Bennett
“ You really make my holiday a little bit brighter because I tell you when I set my table with their food, da no joke with me. If yo see me jaw fat and everything. So, I’m really happy. I’m happy that they look out for us.”
In its 26th consecutive year, BEL (Belize Electricity Limited) continues its heartwarming tradition of giving back this holiday season. Over 220 hampers and care packages were delivered to families and senior citizens across the country.
BEL teams were organised to distribute 120 hampers filled with Christmas meal essentials and groceries to families in need. In addition, 100 care packages, containing essential groceries and toiletries, were delivered to senior citizens.
“Giving back to our community is part of our BEL culture,” BEL said in its statement. The hampers and care packages were delivered through to the employees’ close connections with the communities BEL serves.
Earlier today, the Salvation Army in Belize held its annual grocery voucher giveaway by providing over 700 vouchers to families in need, particularly those who are seniors. These vouchers are redeemable at local supermarkets and enable recipients to purchase groceries for a Christmas meal.
Major Marc Eddy Momplaisir, District Officer of the Salvation Army, explained that the distribution takes place across multiple locations in the city, including the Salvation Army Headquarters on Cemetery Road, as well as in other communities like Joyville. “Our aim is to celebrate love, community connection, and the joy of giving,” he said. “It’s a busy day for us, but it’s all worth it to bring some happiness to those who need it most.”
The Salvation Army’s focus is on helping senior citizens, many of whom are less fortunate and may not have access to a pension or regular income. “We show them that we love them and care for them,” Momplaisir added. “The voucher will help them during the season.”
For 73-year-old Joan Bennett, who has been receiving a voucher for nearly 50 years, it’s a lifeline. “The Salvation Army always looks out for us. Take care of us; see that we are well… And I am very grateful because every year they do the same thing,” Bennett said.
The initiative also inspires others to give back. With their vouchers in hand, recipients are now ready to begin their Christmas shopping and cook the holiday meals they’ve been waiting for all year. For Bennett, it’s a chance to make her holiday “a little bit brighter.”
Just days before Christmas, a family has lost their home in a fire on Boots Crescent in Belize City. The fire broke out this morning and completely destroyed the house.
No injuries were reported.
The homeowner, James Lamb, was not present during the fire. His neighbour, who has lived in the area for over 10 years, told News 5, “My daughter came in and told me the neighbour’s house was on fire. I looked outside and saw smoke pouring from the roof.” The resident said she immediately called 911 and then alerted nearby workers to inform the neighbour whose house was on fire.
The house destroyed was a high concrete and wooden house with zinc roofing.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
Glenford Logan was granted his freedom on Monday after spending 21 years in a jail cell at the Belize Central Prison. He was never convicted of the crime he was charged with. In fact, he was never tried for that crime.
Logan was arrested in 2003, accused of the murder of security guard Kingsford Obeng. On August 5, 2000, Obeng, who was guarding a grocery store, was attacked by a man who slashed his throat. Obeng died the next morning in the hospital. Logan was 23 years old when he was charged with the murder. He is now 44.
For more than two decades, Logan remained behind the walls of the prison. He was dubbed the “oldest ramandee.”
But not anymore. Today, Logan is a free man.
High Court Justice Nigel Pilgrim reviewed Logan’s case. He found that Logan’s constitutional rights had been violated due to his prolonged detention without trial. Court documents revealed that there were no case files or evidence presented, and submissions from Logan’s attorney, Sherigne Rodriguez, revealed that he had been diagnosed with schizophrenia by Dr. Jose Matus, the psychiatric doctor at the Belize Central Prison.
Logan, diagnosed with schizophrenia, had been deemed unfit to stand trial and had remained in remand under the status “Detention in safe custody until His Majesty’s Pleasure shall be known.”
Despite all of this, Logan languished in prison.
After the court ruled that Logan’s constitutional rights had been violated, the “oldest remandee” was immediately released.
However, the question remains: where did the justice system of Belize fail Logan? Is this a stand-alone case?
News 5 spoke with criminal defence attorney Richard “Dickie” Bradley to get an understanding of the legal perspective. Bradley explained, “Every person is entitled by law to have their temporary imprisonment reviewed.” He added that this “means that there has been a terrible failure of the system that a human being can be in prison so long without trial.”
Bradley also pointed out a troubling trend regarding prisoners held for mental health issues. He said, “When I had reason to enquire, there were 92 persons who were in prison for mental problems.” He further stated that many people in prison are there because they are mentally ill and unable to understand what is happening in their trials. Some of them are not even fit to stand trial due to their mental state. “Many others who are in prison, they just need medication; they need psychiatric attention.” Bradley said that this reflects a failure to protect vulnerable individuals, especially those from poorer backgrounds.
While Logan’s family expressed relief over his release, their reactions were also of frustration at the system that allowed Logan’s wrongful detention for so long. A relative voiced the pain endured by the family, stating on Facebook, “Unu nuh know half of what we gaan through with my uncle and them not trying to let him out. My grandmother has been hurt by this situation for decades and has been there for her son through this traumatic experience.” “We ask that y’all be as outraged as we are and help us get justice for him,” the relative added.
However, the public response has been mixed. In Monday’s News 5 report on Logan’s case, 672 Facebook users reacted to the video. 148 users shared their perspectives in the comment section. Some were critical of Logan’s release, with one user stating, “I want to know if when he kills again, people will have the same nice words to say about him… Sorry if I sound offensive, but it’s reality.” Other users opposed this point of view and highlighted Logan’s mental health condition, with the user stating, “If he’s schizophrenic, he shouldn’t even have been in prison… It should’ve been a mental facility or regular society with proper meds, but again… da Belize we deh. Being mentally ill isn’t an excuse, but you kind of need to understand that the person isn’t fully there, so, of course, certain behaviour will happen; like, it’s not rocket science.”
The reactions varied from both extremes, including one where a user suggested holding the Belize justice system accountable for Logan’s lengthy detention.“I guess the government or the judge who sentenced him to all those years in prison should compensate the person… it’s unfair,” said the user.
Logan can sue. Bradley says that he has grounds to launch a civil suit against the government of Belize. He explained that if a person has been detained for 21 years without a trial and there is no valid reason for this, they are entitled to seek justice.
“Any person who has had their constitutional rights violated is entitled” to go to court for redress, “which means for justice, for compensation,” he added. Bradley said while the full facts of Logan’s case are still unclear, it’s important to “speak up for people who are unable to speak up for themselves.”
