Police Officer Caught Stealing Suspended with Full Pay
A police officer has been suspended after being caught on camera stealing money from a store he was assigned to protect.
The security camera inside the Belize City store caught Police Constable Peter Graham rummaging through a cash pan and pocketing bills behind the store’s counter. The store owner entered during the incident and found Graham standing behind the desk. Upon seeing the owner, Graham calmly stepped back to allow her access, though she appeared confused by his presence in the area.
In response to the incident, the Belize Police Department issued a suspension letter, effective January 11, 2025. The letter, signed by Deputy Commissioner of Police Bartholomew F. Jones, stated, “Please be informed that you are suspended from active duty with effect from the 11th day of January 2025, pending the outcome of an investigation into your conduct.”
It also confirmed that he would continue to receive his full salary during the suspension period. “During the suspension period, you shall receive your full salary.”
Tag: 2025-01-11
International Help Arrives to Battle L.A Wildfires
The scorching wildfires in Los Angeles, California, have swept through 39,000 acres, displacing over 153,000 people and killing 11 people. Canada and Mexico are stepping in to help Los Angeles battle the fires.
The fires have also impacted Belizeans living in Los Angeles. The tight-knit Belizean community forms part of the large Caribbean population in Los Angeles. Belizean DJ Easy, who lives close to the affected area, stated, “Everybody’s attention is on this, you know. Everybody wishing the best for everybody because a lot of friends, family, and loved ones are affected directly with this. Never, never had this happened here before.”
Another Belizean, Mirna Reneau, had reported that the fire led to the temporary closure of the university she works at. “UCLA cancelled undergraduate classes due to the fire. Graduate students are remote. It’s moving fast and very devastating,” she said, adding, “We have a lot of Belizeans that are caregivers and they work in these areas.”
On Friday, Canada and Mexico have stepped in with firefighting support. This International assistance comes despite recent tensions between the U.S., Canada, and Mexico over trade issues.
Mexico extended help, with President Claudia Sheinbaum announcing on Friday that firefighters from Mexico’s National Forestry Commission and the National Secretary of Defence would assist. “We are going to send support, not just because the people and government of Mexico have always been generous, but also because there are many Mexican people in this zone of the United States,” she said.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also announced that Canadian teams from British Columbia and Quebec are already on the ground, providing crews, aircraft, and equipment. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith confirmed the deployment of additional resources, including water bombers and night-vision helicopters.
In response, California Gov. Gavin Newsom stated on X, “California is deeply grateful” for the humanitarian help the state is receiving.
Building Near an Airport? BDCA Approval Required
Strict new construction regulations are now in place for areas near aerodromes, which require approval to prevent hazards to aircraft operations. The Belize Department of Civil Aviation (BDCA) has outlined clear guidelines, under the Civil Aviation Aerodrome Design and Construction Regulations 2023 (SI No. 126). The department states that no object posing a threat to aircraft should be within prescribed distances of runways.
For domestic aerodromes, the new rules focus on runways used for visual and instrument approaches. “No object that would pose a hazard to aircraft operations is to be situated inside the prescribed vicinity of said runway,” the BDCA stated. New buildings or extensions of existing ones are not allowed above certain safety zones, known as obstacle limitation surfaces unless they are shielded by existing structures.
At the Philip Goldson International Airport, the rules are even strictetr. “No new objects shall be permitted above obstacle limitation surfaces,” the BDCA added. This ensures that nothing interferes with aircraft operations at the country’s busiest airport, according to the department.
The BDCA also reminded the public that before starting any construction within 3,000 meters of a domestic aerodrome, or 6,000 meters of the Philip Goldson International Airport, a “letter of no objection” must be obtained. This letter confirms that the construction will not interfere with aviation safety.
Existing structures above these safety zones may only remain if they are deemed safe after an aeronautical study or if they are blocked from view by immovable objects. 3
Video Captures Police Officer Stealing Cash from Store
A police officer was caught on camera stealing money from a store he was supposed to be protecting. The video, posted on social media, shows the officer opening a cash pan and rummaging through cash bills behind the store’s desk and pocketing some of the money.
The footage reveals the officer calmly moving aside as a woman, who was the shop owner, enters the store. The woman appeared to be distraught as to why the policeman would be behind her desk. The video shows him stepping back, gesturing behind the desk, and speaking to her.
This same police officer was also previously involved in a 2018 incident involving aviation fuel near a drug plane landing, for which no action was taken against him at the time.
Public Outcry After ‘Dr. Sutherland’ Charged with “Unreasonable” Offence
A simple act of kindness—carrying a water bottle on a bike—has led to an unusual charge and public outcry. On Friday night’s newscast, News 5 reported on a peculiar case involving Harrison Sutherland, famously known as “Dr. Sutherland.”
Sutherland, 34, was arrested and brought to court for facing an unusual charge with a misdemeanour for carrying the water in a way that hindered his control of the bike. The charge came after Sutherland helped an elderly woman by transporting the water for her.
This misdemeanour charge is quite rare, especially for something as simple as carrying a water bottle on a bicycle. Just like Sutherland, many citizens were shocked by the charge, with some expressing confusion online.
One user questioned, “So you not allowed to carry the 5 gallon of water on a bicycle then? I really don’t understand what’s this all about.” The user added, “That’s many people’s means of collecting their water. No one will get a taxi to pick up a $3 gallon of water; are they crazy?”
While another criticised the justice system, saying it reflects poor police training. “Need of greater discipline in the department, if not then our entire system is a failure to citizens of this country.”
Sutherland spent nearly 12 hours in police custody before being released on bail. He was scheduled to return to court on March 6, 2025, but in a recent statement from Police Commissioner Chester Williams, he announced that the charge would be withdrawn.
Williams reacted to the case, stating, “How can we now punish someone for such a kind gesture?” Williams added, “While I recognized that the police are doing their job, I believe this charge is unreasonable.” Williams stated that this case “goes directly against the grain of what we are trying to promote.”
“In light of this, I have directed that the charge against Sutherland be withdrawn on Monday.”
WMO Confirms 2024 as Hottest Year on Record
2024 has officially been confirmed as the warmest year ever recorded, with global temperatures rising 1.55°C above pre-industrial levels—a first in modern history. Experts say that this is not just a number; it’s a loud wake-up call that we are living through the effects of climate change right now.
Secretary-General of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), Celeste Saulo, said, “Climate history is playing out before our eyes,” as she pointed out the ongoing impacts, including extreme weather, rising sea levels, and melting ice.
This year stands out as the 10th consecutive year of record-high temperatures. WMO’s recent analysis shows that even a single year of temperatures exceeding 1.5°C can trigger devastating effects, such as more intense storms and melting ice. UN Secretary-General António Guterres warned, “Today’s assessment from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) proves yet again—global heating is a cold, hard fact.” WMO added that the fact that this is happening amid natural phenomena like El Niño only adds to the urgency.
A new study reveals that ocean heat has played a key role in this record. Oceans have absorbed 90% of the excess heat caused by global warming, making them the warmest ever recorded. The WMO plans to release more details in its 2024 Global Climate report in March.
While surpassing the 1.5°C mark in one year does not mean the long-term goals of the Paris Agreement are out of reach, Saulo cautioned, “Every additional increment of global warming increases the impacts on our lives, economies, and our planet.”