The lifeless body of a 6-year-old boy was discovered near the hangar area earlier today. Police are on the grounds and have recovered the boy’s body.
Reports indicate that the young child had slipped away from school, made his way to the hangar, and went for a swim in the sea.
Teachers were reportedly the first to arrive at the scene.
Tag: 2025-02-03
LIU Director Speaks on Murder of Gang Leader Brandon Baptist
Notorious gang leader Brandon Baptist, who was on a path to reform after turning to faith, was shot and killed Friday night during a football game at the Marion Jones Sporting Complex in Belize City. The shooting, which occurred just after 9 p.m., also left three others wounded: 37-year-old John Grinage, 26-year-old Herson Mena, and 21-year-old Cameron Williams. While Williams was treated and released, Grinage and Mena remain hospitalised.
Baptist died on the scene.
He had been actively involved with the Leadership Intervention Unit (LIU), an organisation focused on helping at-risk youth in the community. LIU employed Baptist along with several other at-risk youths from his neighbourhood.
Dominique Noralez, Director and Chairperson of LIU, told News 5, “There have been a few persons who have passed as a result of murder that have really impacted me, and Brandon Baptist is one of those… He was always full of life, always willing to talk.”
“I considered him to be not only an employee of the socioeconomic programs that LIU has. I considered him to be a friend. And I am, I’m very sad about how this happened,” Noralez added.
Noralez said that LIU’s role has been one that is important in the rehabilitation of violent communities, by providing employment and social programs, including a new apprenticeship initiative with the Community Rehabilitation Department, which offers young people opportunities for vocational training and job placements.
“All the specialised units that are now on the ground, we have to remain in contact with them to advise them about the way to approach because we are not a securitisation unit. That is not our role. Our role is one of rehabilitation, one of restoration, one of simply giving people a listening ear, and supporting them through this time,” she said.
“You never want to, irrespective of whatever this is, dehumanise a person after they have passed,” Noralez added. She said no one should assume that others “deserve” poverty or suffering just because it hasn’t affected them personally. Noralez said, “You cannot divorce yourself from the experience of persons who live on a certain side of the Halowa Creek.”
Firefighters Turn Up the Heat, Forcing CEOs to the Negotiation Table
Belize City firefighters and representatives of the Public Service Union (PSU), including President Dean Flowers, met with the CEO in the Ministry of Blue Economy and Disaster Risk Management, Kennedy Carrillo, and the CEO of the Public Service, Rolando Zetina.
The meeting was held this morning in Belmopan.
On Friday, the firefighters initiated a go-slow following a sudden announcement that their overtime pay would be cut, effective immediately. The decision came after years of worsening conditions, inadequate equipment, and minimal compensation.
They also accused fire department leadership of mismanaging funds while failing to address critical needs.
In a social media post, the Ministry of Blue Economy and Disaster Risk Management said, “This morning CEO Kennedy Carrillo met with 13 firefighters from different geographical divisions of the department. CEO Carrillo, accompanied by the CEO of the Public Service, Rolando Zetina, engaged in an amicable and productive dialogue with the firefighters who were accompanied by the President of the Public Service, Mr. Dean Flower. The concerns that had been raised regarding cuts in overtime hours provided the opportunity for the officers to raise other pressing concerns. CEO Carrillo assured the officers that the most immediate concern regarding overtime was already being addressed by the Ministry with the Ministry of Finance to identify necessary funds to meet the constraints as a result of the end of fiscal year adjustments. Regarding other administrative matters such as allowances, promotions, transfers, and other concerns, the CEO assured the officers that the Ministry will continue to work with the Ministry of the Public Service to address these in a timely manner. Since assuming responsibility for disaster risk management in May, Minister Andre Perez and his CEO have committed to improving the Fire Department, NEMO, and the Met Service by addressing administrative and financial matters with urgency. The ministry will continue to do so. CEO Carrillo thanked the 13 officers for the open and constructive dialogue.”
In an interview with News Five, Flowers raised serious concerns about the deteriorating conditions of fire stations across the country, alleging that some stations are deliberately neglected due to internal management conflicts. Flowers said that the poor state of these facilities is not just a matter of oversight but, in some cases, a targeted act against certain officers.
He also pointed out that stations like the one in Ladyville are in an especially terrible condition. He questioned why fire officials are subjected to such conditions when top management and government officials would not tolerate working in similar environments.
“The senior management team in the Fire Department must be held accountable,” Flowers stated, calling on the government and the responsible minister to intervene. He noted that for too long, the department’s leadership has gone unchecked, and it is now time for a serious assessment of whether they are fit for their roles.
76 Alcaldes Sworn in to Serve Maya Communities in Southern Belize
Seventy-six Alcaldes and Deputy Alcaldes from 38 Maya villages in southern Belize have officially been sworn in to serve their communities for the 2025–2026 term. The ceremony was presided over by Attorney General Anthony Sylvestre.
The Alcaldes, entrusted with maintaining order and mediating disputes under Maya customary law, also hold the status of judicial officers under Belize’s Inferior Court Act. Their role bridges tradition with the legal framework of the country, ensuring governance at the community level.
Attorney General Sylvestre, the keynote speaker at the event, highlighted the significance of the Alcaldes’ responsibilities. “In ceremonies like these, where there is a meeting and embracing of the old and the new ways for the preservation and stability of your communities and the nation of Belize. As Alcaldes and Deputy Alcaldes, you play such a vital and important role in your communities, in important decision-making and preserving peace, law and order, and dispensing justice in your communities.”
The event also saw the participation of key government and security officials, including Lieutenant Colonel Ramirez of the Belize Defence Force and Superintendent Brenton Hamilton of the Belize Police Department.
Minister of Rural Transformation, Community Development, Labour, and Local Government, Oscar Requena, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to working alongside the Alcaldes for the continued development of Maya communities. The Solicitor General of Belize, Elisa Montalvo, and Senator Bevin Cal, representing Osmond Martinez, were also present.
Pedro Teul, President of the Toledo Alcaldes Association, encouraged the newly sworn-in leaders to embrace their roles with dedication. “As you step into this new role, may you draw strength from the rich heritage of our ancestors, and may you be inspired by the shared commitment of all those gathered here today,” he said.
The swearing-in ceremony was coordinated by the Attorney General’s Ministry, the Ministry of Rural Transformation, and the Toledo Alcaldes Association.
Police Prepare for Possible Retaliation Following Murder of Gang Boss
Authorities are investigating the fatal shooting of 28-year-old Brandon Baptist, who was killed on Friday night at the Marion Jones Sporting Complex in Belize City.
According to Police Commissioner Chester Williams, officers responded to reports of gunfire at the venue and discovered Baptist’s lifeless body. He was transported to Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.
Initial investigations suggest that Baptist was not present at the sporting event earlier in the evening but was called to the stadium after an altercation involving members of the PIV gang. Upon his arrival, he joined members of the BLC gang near the lower bleachers, while PIV affiliates were seated in the upper section.
At some point, Baptist approached the PIV group, leading to a confrontation. During the altercation, reports indicate that he may have brandished a firearm, prompting PIV members to open fire. After being shot, Baptist reportedly continued to struggle before being thrown over the railing of the bleachers. His body was later recovered by police.
In response to the incident, Commissioner Williams, along with senior police officials, met in Belize City on Saturday to implement strategies aimed at preventing potential retaliatory violence. Increased police presence has been deployed in St. Martin’s, an area known for gang-related tensions, with operations expected to continue for an extended period.
Williams also stated that mediation efforts between rival groups have been temporarily suspended. “Tensions are extremely high, and that might result in further escalation of issues,” he explained. “We will allow the police to work, and when we believe that tensions have settled, we will consider bringing them to the mediation table.”
Authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant as the investigation continues.
British Army Sergeant Convicted of Raping Female Colleague in Belize
A British Army sergeant has been found guilty of raping a female soldier after they shared a bed following a night out in Belize.
Sergeant Taukakau Viavialevu, a member of the Welsh Guards, attacked his colleague during an off-duty trip to the Caribbean coast while they were both stationed in Belize.
Following a trial at Bulford Military Court in Wiltshire, Viavialevu was convicted of one count of rape and one count of sexual assault by penetration. The victim testified that she repeatedly told Viavialevu to stop, but he ignored her pleas and overpowered her.
The court heard that the pair had gone out drinking after a long drive. Viavialevu, who became heavily intoxicated, had booked a room with a single double bed, a detail his female colleague was unaware of.
During the night, he initiated the assault by “spooning” her in bed. When she tried to move away, he began kissing her neck, removed her clothing, and restrained her arms to prevent her from resisting.
Prosecutor Colonel Jim Carmichael stated that the victim initially did not object to sharing a bed but became alarmed when Viavialevu ignored her protests. The following day, Viavialevu acted as if nothing had happened, and the pair continued their trip, staying in separate rooms before returning to base.
For months, the soldier attempted to carry on with her duties, but she eventually reported the assault after Viavialevu slapped her on the bottom.
Viavialevu, who denied any sexual contact with the victim, is awaiting sentencing.
Brother of Murder Victim Seeks Answers
Alfonso Maas Pop, the brother of murder victim Seferino Maas Pop, is searching for answers following the fatal shooting in Cotton Tree Village on Friday night. The 30-year-old was relaxing in a hammock with his wife when an unknown man called out his nickname, “Leeco.” Moments later, several gunshots rang out, striking him fatally.
Alfonso recalled hearing the shots and rushing outside, initially thinking police were in the area. He was shocked to find his brother had been killed, as Seferino was not known to have conflicts or problems with anyone.
He expressed disbelief, stating that Seferino was not known to have any conflicts and had no history of trouble.
After learning of the attack, Alfonso immediately drove to the main road, where he encountered a police patrol and brought them to the scene. By then, the gunman had already fled, likely escaping through the unfenced areas surrounding the village.
Belizean Man Reported Missing in Chetumal
Authorities in Quintana Roo have issued an urgent request for assistance in locating a 32-year-old Belizean man. Rogaciano Nayib García was reported missing since January 26, 2025. García was reportedly last seen in Chetumal, located in the municipality of Othón P. Blanco.
Garcia is described as having a robust build, standing at about 5 feet 9 inches tall and weighing approximately 240 pounds. He has short, straight black hair and large black eyes. Notable identifying marks include a tattoo on his left chest of a child’s face, a death figure tattoo on his left arm, and other tattoos on both arms. Additionally, he has a scar above his left eyebrow.
At this time, there is no information available about what García was wearing when he disappeared. The public can contact the Fiscalía General del Estado de Quintana Roo at (983) 8350050 ext. 1132.
Trump Pauses Mexico Tariffs for One Month
Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum announced that the U.S. has agreed to delay President Donald Trump’s tariffs on Mexican goods for one month. In response, Mexico will deploy 10,000 National Guard soldiers along its northern border to curb drug trafficking, particularly fentanyl.
Sheinbaum, after speaking with Trump, described the conversation as respectful and highlighted mutual commitments. She stated that while Mexico strengthens its border security, the U.S. has pledged efforts to prevent the smuggling of high-powered weapons into Mexico.
Will Briceño call elections at Friday’s House Sitting?
The Briceño administration has scheduled a special sitting of the House of Representatives for this Friday, February 7, 2025. The public has been anticipating an announcement regarding the upcoming general elections, and there is speculation that Prime Minister John Briceño may use this session to make such a declaration.
However, opinions differ on the timing of this potential announcement.
Some observers suggest that announcing the election during the House sitting might be unwise, as the Belize National Teachers’ Union (BNTU) has planned a demonstration in Belmopan on the same day. The BNTU voted overwhelmingly in December 2024 to hold demonstrations in January 2025, expressing frustration over delayed increments, allowances, and salary upgrades.
Others propose that Prime Minister Briceño might announce the election before Friday and utilise the special sitting to dissolve parliament.
During an appearance on Open Your Eyes, Briceño stated that he has been consulting with close advisors, Cabinet members, and campaign officials to assess readiness. “We’ve done our complete assessment, and the national campaign manager, we’ve finished in December. So there’s a state of readiness in our constituencies, and most of them are pretty much almost there. And then also I’ve consulted Cabinet, not as a group but as individuals to feel them out on how they think,” he said.
Previously he said, “Whilst I have not decided, I think it will be more towards the first half of this year.” Briceño also stated that this might be his last election. “If you were to ask me today, I would tell you that probably, quite likely, it is going to be my last election. At least that is my plan, my hope, and even within my family.”