2025-01-31 - Channel 5 Belize

How Did 73-Year-Old Pedro Gonzalez Die?

Police are investigating the death of seventy-three-year-old Pedro Gonzalez, who was found face down in a shallow pool of water on Thursday night. Pedro was discovered by his son, James Romero, after he returned to their home in the Fresh Pond community. Initial investigations indicate that Romero died by drowning. News Five’s Britney Gordon had more details.

Britney Gordon, Reporting

After a long day of work, Burrell Boom resident, James Romero, was eager to get home and relax with his family. Instead of a calm evening, he had anticipated, Romero made a heartbreaking discovery- his father, Pedro Gonzalez, was lying dead in a pool of water.

James Romero, Son of Deceased

“ Basically when I arrived home yesterday I realized that none of my lights was on And I instantly began looking for him and healing him and I didn’t have any response of him. So I went looking around the yard when I located one of his shoes outside the pond. And I looked inside and I saw him floating in the water.”

Based on the scene, Romero says he knew something tragic had transpired, prompting him to contact the police instantly.

James Romero

“Basically, when I see him, I don’t see his body look stiff and things, so I don’t know if he’s unconscious already. So, immediately, I contacted the police.”

Britney Gordon

“And you said that the scene surrounding him was very strange because of some items that were scattered around?”

James Romero

“Well, everything may look strange to me because I find his wallet and his phone and one of his shoes outside of the water. So, I don’t really basically know what’s the issue, but I find it very weird.”

Gonzalez was found with blood pooling from his face, a side effect that may occur to a drowning victim. However, Police are still awaiting the results of the autopsy to determine the cause of death. Commissioner of Police, Chester Williams, provided an update.

Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police

“The issue in Fresh Pond is an elderly citizen who was found in a motionless state, Police and the scenes of crime processed the scene. The body was examined and exhibited no signs of violence. The body is at the morgue, and we await a post-mortem examination to be able to determine a cause of death.”

Paul Lopez

“Any sort of troubling or has he been on you guys’ radar for any reports?”

Chester Williams

“No.”

Some speculate that Gonzalez may have been drinking, however, Romero revealed that his father wasn’t really a big drinker.

James Romero

“He didn’t went anywhere that day. So I don’t, don’t think he was drinking or anything. He actually don’t even like to drink. He don’t drink like that. He will take one beer or so now and again, but it’s very rare for him to take a drink. And he didn’t went anywhere. Like I told you that day, he was home all day.”

Romero and his family are still reeling from the shock and a feeling of unease has settled amongst them, as they ponder what could have led to Pedro’s death. According to Romero, his father was a hardworking man, just trying to make ends meet even in his old age.

James Romero

“My father was a strong old man. He get up every day and do his work at his age for 74 years that he have, he was very strong. He can still ride bicycle. He goes around do, do his little work and stop to survive.”

Romero acknowledges that his father’s death may have occurred due to his old age but is waiting for the authorities to make the final determination.

James Romero

“He basically look like he mi di get weak and things certain times, so it could be that he fell in the water and so, but we’re not sure as yet.”

Britney Gordon for News Five.

Customs Officers Observe International Customs Day

Customs officers often face criticism when reports of suspicious activities, especially around handling contraband goods, come to light. Praise for their hard work is rare. But today was different. Customs officers took a break from their usual duties to celebrate International Customs Day. News Five’s Marion Ali has the story.

Marion Ali, Reporting

International Customs Day was a perfect opportunity for customs officers to celebrate their hard work and dedication to keeping our ports safe from dangerous goods. Comptroller of Customs, Estella Leslie, highlighted the department’s significant progress in this area, noting impressive revenue gains from a recent operation.

Estella Leslie, Comptroller of Customs

“A key initiative undertaken by the Belize Customs and Excise Department to build partnership with our stakeholders is the Belize Customs Trusted Trader Program, which rewards trade facilitation based on compliance risks. A notable example of our collaborative effort is the police, customer, and excise department law enforcement initiatives conducted during the Christmas season with strong support from the police, police department, the police course guard, the immigration department, and the Belize Defense Force. Operation Grinch 2024 yielded approximately $300,000. in fines and prevented opportunities for smuggling and illicit activities.”

The growing complexities of global trade have expanded the role of customs significantly. However, Deputy Comptroller Dr. Gilbert Gordon assured that Belize has navigated these challenges with great skill and efficiency.

Dr. Gilbert Gordon, Deputy Comptroller of Customs

“Our customs officials work tirelessly to facilitate legitimate trade, while safeguarding us against smuggling and illegal activity that pose risk to our economic and national security. As we navigate an increasingly interconnected world, the role of customs has been more critical. Our customs services are at the forefront of facilitating trade, protecting our borders, and fostering an environment that promotes both security and economic growth. The Belize Customs Organization remains poised. to adapt to the ever-evolving landscape of global trade.”

Deputy Comptroller Emelda Cocom emphasized that the department is committed to balancing all these efforts while staying vigilant against potential security threats.

Emelda Cocom, Deputy Comptroller of Customs

“When we talk about security, we do not work alone as we combat the fight against the illicit movement of arms and ammunition, narcotics, and currency with a new focus on money laundering and trade-based money laundering. We need to enhance our cooperation and our coordination with our sister agencies because this battle is not only What customs focuses on, but we work together against any threat that poses any trade that is poses to national security, the environment and the health of our citizen plants and animals.”

Addressing the customs officers, former Comptroller Gregory Gibson urged them to maintain civility and professionalism at work. He reminded them that when decisions don’t go their way, they’re not personal.

Gregory Gibson, Former Comptroller of Customs

“Customs is what you do, but not who you are. And so don’t let anyone put you into a box. Yes, you do the job professionally, but you’re not defined alone by being a customs officer. And you will meet haters, envious people, but you have to rise above that. Despite the difficulties, you’re not called upon to love each other, but you’re called upon to coexist to get the job done. At the end of the day, you want love, I always say, you go home. That’s where you get your love. In here, it’s about just getting the job together. Try not to take it personally. It’s not. Decisions will be made that you may be happy with, some that you’re not too happy with. We’ll discuss them, and at the end of the day, move on.”

Marion Ali for News Five.

The Belize Defense Force Celebrates 47 Years of Service

Today, the Belize Defense Force celebrated an impressive forty-seven years of service. For nearly five decades, they’ve been dedicated to protecting Belize’s borders and assisting with natural disaster relief. To mark this significant milestone, the force held an Honor Guard Parade at Price Barracks in Ladyville. B.D.F Commandant, Brigadier General Azariel Loria, shared his thoughts on this remarkable achievement with us.

Brigadier General Azariel Loria, Commandant, B.D.F

“ What we have just witnessed today is the anniversary of the Belize Defence Force. Every year, we celebrate the anniversary of the Belize Defence Force. The police defense force was formed in on the 1st of January of 1978. However, we do not celebrate it on the first because everybody all over the world will be celebrating along with us. We just decided to push it back to the end of the month, which is around the third, the thirtieth, thirty-first or even the first of February sometimes. Where we can dedicate it specifically and exclusively to the police defense force and to those that that follow us, to our veterans that have retired and all our partners or allies that have, and even the government organizations and NGOs that deal with us.”

Reporter

“So how many members do you guys currently have in the force?”

Brigadier General Azariel Loria

“How many members we have in the regular force, we have about, lt’s call it about two thousand to include the volunteers or a bit more.”

BDF Bans Alcohol Following Crique Sarco Murder

Earlier this month, Belize Defence Force soldier, Private Clive Baizar was killed at the Crique Sarco Conservation Post in Toledo after an altercation with fellow soldier, thirty-year-old Alfredo Robinson Junior. Following the incident, which left soldier Brandon Guzman injured, Robinson was formally charged with murder. According to reports, after the two men engaged in a verbal argument, Robinson retrieved a rifle and fired it at Baizar, fatally wounding him. Some speculate that alcohol may have been involved in the incident, however, Robinson refused to provide a blood sample. This week, the force has moved to ban alcohol within the camps completely. B.D.F Commandant, Brigadier General Azariel Loria, told us that there are several factors that led to this decision.

Brigadier General Azariel Loria, Commandant, B.D.F

”At this point in time, we have not gotten the results of the blood tests. The results as yet. However, we deem that it is important for us to curtail on the alcohol habits of the force.It is not a dire situation as yet. However, we have to implement some measures. And it is not only because of that incident, perhaps that incident there was no alcohol consumption. But as a matter of fact, what we are doing we are doing it because there have been quite a few fatal traffic accidents that involved alcohol. And the latest one is the one down in the south where we lost one of our soldiers when he was riding back home with his motorcycle. So those are the specific reasons why We are curtailing on alcohol and we’re trying to make it a zero tolerance directive.”

Britney Gordon

“And it’s confirmed that, if the alcohol is discovered, it will be an immediate dismissal of the officer.”

Brigadier General Azariel Loria

“That is the direction that we have provided. Under the Defense Act, the commander of the Belize Defence Force can make regulations to ensure that the force function. steadily. That the force functions in a manner that we can secure ourselves, ensure our safety first and foremost.”

Equipping Officers to Deal with Mental Health Patients

In today’s interview, Commissioner of Police Chester Williams revisited the shooting incident involving PC Sheldon Arzu and twenty-four-year-old Emil Rivers in Independence Village. Reports indicate that Rivers was experiencing mental health issues during his encounter with the officers. ComPol Williams admitted that the department needs to improve how officers handle situations involving individuals with mental health struggles.

Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police

“I believe we failed or we are failing our officers to some extend in not providing the relevant training and tools to be able to address mental health issues. Mental health is becoming more and more a reality in our country. You will find that people who do not even have a history with mental health would suddenly develop a mental health issue. I think we must do more to sensitize our officers in terms of how to deal with people with mental health issues, as well as give them the right tools to be able to address when matters reaches that stage where force needs to be used. Regrettably the only thing available to officers is their firearm with lethal ammunition. I wish and I am hoping we will change that shortly. I am in communication with my senior command to see what we can do to change that. We want to make sure we can equip every police station with shotgun and rubber bullets and instead of using lethal weapons in these circumstances we can use the rubber bullet to decelerate the situations that reaches that level. In process I will discuss with the minister as well as the minister of human development to see what we can do. We can also look at introducing tasers. We don’t have laws that govern the use of tasers. We might have to go to AG and see how we can get tasers into the police act to include tasers as part of the weapon police can use.”

Police Officer that Killed GG’s Dog Details His Version of Events

After nearly a decade of service, former police corporal Deandre Reid was dismissed for shooting and killing the Governor General’s dog while on duty. Reid has taken to social media to detail his version of the story.

According to Reid, police officers at Government House, where the Governor General resides, are required to be present around the clock, which means that interactions with the dogs there are inevitable.

In a video posted online, Reid said, “I wasn’t working sentry duties for long. I’m not fully aware of how these dogs carry themselves. I’ve heard stories; I’ve seen entries in the diary about previous incidents whereby officers were there and the dog tried to bite them, attack them, growl, bark, and so forth.”

Reid claimed he had received warnings from fellow officers about the dogs’ aggressive nature, with some officers using pepper spray when the dogs displayed hostility.

Reid detailed the incident, saying the dog initially barked at him, and he attempted to chase it away. After the dog retreated, he walked out of the booth to see where the dog had ran to, in which he adds that the dog came at him once more.

Reid says that fearing for his safety, he ran into the police booth and later fired a shot, which, he claims, struck the dog in the head. He admitted that in the heat of the moment, he did not immediately document the incident in the diary. According to Reid, the son of Governor General Froyla Tzalam, he heard the shot go off.

Reid said that he later received a letter stating “Discharging a Firearm without the authority of the Commissioner of Police,” adding, “Causing the death of a canine at the property of the Governor General of Belize.” In that letter it said that Reid was “fined $250.00 to be deducted in two equal installments of $125.00 each, on June 30th, 2024, and July 31st, 2024…. He was further advised in relation to section 24(9) of the Police Act, a sentence proposed to be imposed by any superior officer or other person delegated by the Commissioner of Police shall be notified to the Commissioner by the office or person and be subject to the approval of the Commissioner, who may confirm or remit the whole or any part thereof, or may enhance it, or may substitute any other sentence which is authorised to be imposed under this section.”

Two and a half months later, he said he received a letter from Commissioner Chester Williams, notifying him of his dismissal and requesting him to “give him a reason as to why they shouldn’t be dismissed.”

Reid stated, “In the footage, you could see clear how the dog come back da di door, I walk out check see if e no di deh, and it’s shown that I di run back ina the booth. It no show when I shoot the dog and all a that… I don’t know how they can come to the conclusion that intentionally gone shoot the dog.”

Police Investigate Mysterious Drowning of 73-Year-Old Man

Authorities are investigating the death of seventy-three-year-old Pedro Gonzalez, whose lifeless body was found face down in a shallow pool of water on Thursday night in the Fresh Pond area. The grim discovery was made by his son, James Romero, upon returning home. Police are awaiting autopsy results to confirm the cause of death.

Romero, a resident of Burrell Boom, had expected a quiet evening after a long day at work. However, upon arriving home, he noticed that none of the lights were on, which immediately raised concern. Calling out for his father and receiving no response, he began searching the yard. It was then that he spotted one of Gonzalez’s shoes outside the pond. Looking into the water, he saw his father floating lifelessly.

“Basically when I arrived home yesterday, I realised that none of my lights was on, and I instantly began looking for him and healing him, and I didn’t have any response from him. So I went looking around the yard when I located one of his shoes outside the pond. And I looked inside, and I saw him floating in the water,” he said.

Adding to the mystery, Romero noted that Gonzalez’s wallet, phone, and another shoe were found scattered near the water. “Basically when I arrived home yesterday, I realised that none of my lights was on, and I instantly began looking for him and healing him, and I didn’t have any response from him. So I went looking around the yard when I located one of his shoes outside the pond. And I looked inside, and I saw him floating in the water.”

Gonzalez was found with blood pooling from his face, a condition that can occur in drowning cases. However, authorities have not ruled out other possibilities and are waiting for the post-mortem examination to determine the official cause of death.

Commissioner of Police Chester Williams provided an update, stating that police had processed the scene and found no signs of violence. “Basically when I arrived home yesterday, I realised that none of my lights was on, and I instantly began looking for him and healing him, and I didn’t have any response from him. So I went looking around the yard when I located one of his shoes outside the pond. And I looked inside, and I saw him floating in the water,” Williams said.

There has been speculation that Gonzalez may have been drinking before his death, but Romero refuted this claim. “He didn’t go anywhere that day. So I don’t think he was drinking or anything. He actually doesn’t even like to drink. He doesn’t drink like that.”

UNIBAM’s Caleb Orozco Criticises ComPol’s Use of “Gay” in Public Remarks

Caleb Orozco, Executive Director of the United Belize Advocacy Movement (UNIBAM), has taken aim at Police Commissioner Chester Williams for comments made to the press earlier this week.

ComPol Williams was asked about his handling of the case involving police officer Devon Makin, who pistol-whipped a man in San Pedro in July. Makin, who was captured on video striking an unarmed and restrained man, remains on the force without any apparent disciplinary action. When the media pressed the commissioner on the matter, questioning why the officer—who is also Williams’ godson—had not been held accountable, he argued that other officers had committed similar acts without facing consequences. “There are several persons who have committed acts that could have been held accountable and were never held to account. Why do you keep dwelling on one issue?” he replied.

Instead of addressing the concern, Williams deflected with a personal remark, saying, “You have such an affinity for Mr. Makin? I can tell you he’s not gay. Stop it.”

The response has sparked further debate, with critics arguing that it sidesteps the real issue of police accountability and instead attempts to trivialise concerns through inappropriate remarks.

Orozco addressed the ComPol’s statement via a social media post on Thursday. While expressing respect for the commissioner, Orozco described the comments as troubling, particularly in the context in which the word “gay” was used. He noted that such language has historically been employed to delegitimise complaints and, more broadly, to invalidate the existence of LGBTQ+ individuals.

“I grew up hearing phrases like ‘stop acting gay.’ The use of the word in this context was used to delegitimise a complaint, just like it was used in the past to delegitimise my existence,” he added.

“To centre the word ‘gay’ in a public space, without acknowledging the optics of power dynamics from a uniformed state agent, is irresponsible. It sets a precedent for fairness and dignity in law enforcement.”

“To centre the word gay in a public space while not acknowledging the optics of power positioning from a person in uniform working as an agent of the state is also irresponsible because he sets that standard under which fairness and the dignity of the person are to prevail.”

Orozco also expressed surprise that the commissioner, despite the internal policies in place within law enforcement, appeared to overlook the importance of moral leadership. He further criticised what he described as the “weaponization” of the word “gay” in the same breath as a complaint, arguing that such rhetoric contributes to a system that treats LGBTQ+ Belizeans as second-class citizens.

“It’s not about the officer or the gentleman complaining,” Orozco added. “It’s about upholding a tradition in our governance that symbols of the state have been happy to treat LGBT Belizeans as second-class citizens, happy to be negligent in our legal needs for protection while claiming to uphold our human rights. The use of the word gay commissioner is gaslighting at its worst. The struggle continues!”

Belize Moves to Join ICJ Genocide Case Against Israel

Belize has officially filed to join South Africa’s genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), the court announced on Friday. With this declaration, Belize aligns itself with Türkiye, Nicaragua, Colombia, Cuba, Libya, Mexico, Palestine, and Spain in supporting the case.

“On 30 January 2025, Belize, referring to Articles 62 and 63 of the Statute, filed in the Registry of the Court a document containing an application for permission to intervene and a declaration of intervention in the case concerning Application of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide in the Gaza Strip,” the ICJ stated.

The case, initially brought by South Africa in December 2023, accuses Israel of violating the Genocide Convention in relation to Palestinians in Gaza. Since then, multiple nations have joined in support of the legal proceedings.

Since October 7, 2023, Israel’s military actions in Gaza have resulted in the deaths of more than 47,400 Palestinians, most of them women and children, with over 111,000 others injured. Additionally, more than 11,000 people remain missing amid the devastation, which has triggered an unprecedented humanitarian crisis.

In November 2024, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.

ComPol Williams Defends Dismissal of officer who killed GG’s Dog

An officer stationed at the Governor General’s residence has been dismissed from the Belize Police Department after fatally shooting the Governor General’s pet dog. Police Constable Deandre Reid was charged with discharging a firearm without authorisation following the incident on May 20, 2024.

On Thursday, the Police Commissioner Chester Williams, confirmed the dismissal, stating, “The matter went before a tribunal; the tribunal found him guilty, dismissal was recommended, and I upheld the decision.”

However, News 5 reported that leaked reports show that the tribunal recommended a fine, not dismissal. It stated that Reid was initially fined $250, with the fine to be paid in two installments.

Today, reporters asked Commissioner Williams about this discrepancy. Williams said that he erred when he told reporters on Wednesday that a tribunal recommended the dismissal of P.C. Reid.

Williams said, “The only person who has authority to dismiss a police officer is the commissioner of police,” he said. “The law do provides the Police Act that in circumstances where the commissioner believes that the punishment emitted by the tribunal is either too lenient, he can opt it; if it’s too harsh, he can reduce it. And so in the circumstances, considering the nature of what the officer did, I exercised my power under the police act, and I opted for the punishment from a fine to a dismissal,” ComPol Williams added.

However, the police diary shows a record of the dog’s aggressive behaviour. According to Williams, he was not aware of such records.

Williams went on to say, “I saw no aggression. I saw a situation where the dog arrived at the door, saw the police, retreated, and the police followed the dog and shot the dog.”

He questioned, “Wouldn’t it be reasonable to say that when a dog retreated, the police should not have followed the dog?” In his view, the situation could have been avoided if the officer had remained in the booth instead of chasing the dog.