A month ago, 18-year-old Alexander Bainton, fondly known as “Footy,” died after being involved in a road traffic accident on the Phillip Goldson Highway. He was part of the Caye Caulker Ocean Academy High School boys’ basketball team.
The team had been on their way to Orange Walk for a regional tournament when their vehicle overturned due to a blowout. There were twelve passengers on board, most of them teenagers. Thankfully, the majority of them were treated and released from the hospital. However, five students remained hospitalised, with two in a coma. Bainton died while Gibert Teck remains hospitalised.
Bainton’s family is today demanding answers. They have raised several critical questions surrounding the circumstances of the incident. The first question revolves around how Bainton, who was supposed to be on a school bus, ended up in a private car instead. They question why no teacher contacted them to seek permission for him to travel in the private vehicle and wonder why the bus couldn’t have been delayed rather than risking such tragedy.
The family member also questions the condition and ownership of the car, asking whether it was insured and referring to it as an “old bucket car.” They expressed deep frustration about the lack of seat belt usage. According to them, the adult admitted fault, saying, “Miss Nikita, it’s all my fault. I wish I could turn back the time. I wish I told them to put it on.”
They ask who will ultimately be held accountable for Baiton’s death. They vow to pursue answers with the help of a lawyer.
As we wrap up 2024, News 5 is excited to bring you our digital Year in Review! This year, we're diving into the highlights and challenges of the past twelve months, all organised by themes. Join us as we look back at the stories that shaped our year…
Belize grappled with a notable increase in homicides in the first half of the year, with the murder count reaching 57 by June, which is a significant rise compared to the 44 murders recorded in the same period of 2023.
The Belize District emerged as the epicentre of violence, accounting for over fifty percent of the homicides, with firearms being the weapon of choice in 87% of these cases. March was particularly deadly, with 14 murders reported. However, there was a silver lining as the second half of the year saw a decrease in major crimes. The Belize Police Department reported a 16% decrease in major crimes between July and September 2024, recording 226 incidents compared to 268 during the same period in 2023. This decline was consistent throughout the year, with July experiencing the most significant drop of 32% compared to July 2023.
In response to a surge in gang-related killings, Belize declared two states of emergency in 2024. The first in March, followed by another in June, aimed at cracking down on violent crime, particularly in Belize City’s Southside and areas of the Cayo District. These measures allowed for extended police powers, including search without warrant and the ability to detain suspects for up to 90 days. The government’s initiative led to nearly a hundred arrests, focusing on gang members, although it sparked debates on civil liberties and policing ethics.
Burglaries accounted for half of all major crimes reported between July and September 2024, marking a 23% decrease compared to the same period in 2023. While this decline was notable, theft incidents rose by 33% during the same timeframe, signalling a contrasting trend in property-related offenses. Meanwhile, cases of unlawful sexual intercourse saw a significant spike, with reported incidents increasing by 125% in the first quarter of 2024 compared to the previous year.
Violence against women and girls continued to be a significant concern. Data from the Belize Police Department highlighted a slight increase in domestic violence cases by 4.2% compared to 2023. This underscored the ongoing challenge of protecting this demographic. Sexual violence showed mixed trends, with an increase in rape incidents by 42% but a decrease in cases of unlawful sexual intercourse.
The crime situation in Belize influenced travel advisories throughout the year. Countries like the United States and Canada advised their citizens to exercise increased caution, particularly in Belize City’s Southside, due to high crime rates. However, efforts were made to reassure tourists, with a notable decrease in major crimes in popular tourist areas, suggesting that while vigilance is necessary, Belize remains a viable destination for travel with caution.
Police are investigating a shooting incident in Corozal Town where a family’s home was riddled with bullets in a brazen attack early this morning.
Images circulating online reveal the extent of the damage, with shattered windows and walls peppered with bullet holes. According to reports, 12 to 14 rounds were fired at the Bradley family home around 1:00 a.m. Fortunately, no one was physically injured.
One family member expressed their anguish in a social media post, writing:
“Today is a very heart breaking and frightening day for my family and I. The Bradley’s home was viciously attacked by a barrage of bullets (12-14rounds) at around 1:00a.m. this morning. We are all truly distraught at this atrocious act and we are left in awe as to WHYWe are very grateful that no one was physically injured during this horrific attack, however we have many questions. We are asking if anyone saw or heard anything to kindly contact 607-4784. Any information can help. Thank you.”
Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister, Dr. Keith Rowley, has announced plans to resign before the conclusion of his People’s National Movement (PNM) term, which ends in August 2025. The 75-year-old leader, who has served in public office for 45 years, shared the news during a speech in Tobago.
Dr. Rowley has led the PNM since 2010 and secured victory in the 2020 general election with 22 of 41 parliamentary seats. He entered politics in 1981 and remains the only PNM candidate to have contested elections in both Tobago and Trinidad. R
As part of his final term, Dr. Rowley stressed the importance of mentoring young leaders within the PNM to ensure the party’s future.
During his tenure, Dr. Rowley faced significant challenges, including managing the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Rowley also addressed the rising negativity in public discourse, lamenting attacks on officials fuelled by hate and vitriol. Despite this, he celebrated the achievements of young leaders he introduced to politics, many of whom are now well-positioned to take Trinidad and Tobago forward.
Early this morning, a bold burglary attempt was thwarted at the Terminal Cargo warehouse near Philip Goldson International Airport, Ladyville, when gunfire was exchanged with security guards.
Reports are that the incident occurred at around 1 o’clock when two security guards noticed two figures lurking on the east side of the secured warehouse. The intruders were instructed to leave. In response, one suspect, described as slim, about 5’7” tall, and dark-skinned, shot at one of the security officers.
The guards ducked for cover and tried to capture the suspects near the warehouse’s south side, but the suspects fled through a hole in the chain-link fence that borders the airport runway.
Police collected one spent and one live 9mm bullet. No injuries were reported.
59-year-old Godfrey Winfield Hyde is the first murder victim of 2025. His body was found on Turneffe Island yesterday afternoon. The Belize City resident was discovered face down on a veranda of a wooden house. He had been shot to death.
His body was discovered by a fisherman, 52-year-old Fedrick Dougal, who had arrived at the camp around 6 a.m. to deliver supplies. Upon finding Hyde unresponsive, Dougal immediately alerted Coast Guard personnel stationed on the island.
Crime scene technicians recovered a single expended shell from the location. The body was transported to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH) and later to the National Forensic Science Service for a post-mortem examination.
