2025-02-25 - Channel 5 Belize

Families Mourn Loss of Three Women Found Dead in Belize

The families of Kaoutar Naqqad, 23, Imane Mallah, 24, and Wafae El-Arar, 26, have heavy-heartedly expressed the loss of their loved ones.

In a GoFundMe account, the Naqqad family stated, “It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved Muslim sister, daughter, and friend, Kaoutar Naqqad.” The family added, “May Allah grant Kaoutar eternal peace, forgive her sins, and grant her the highest level of paradise.” Kaoutar was the youngest among the women.

Mallah’s father, Abdelmalek Bezzez, asked for the public to keep his daughter Imane in prayers. He shared his pain in a GoFundMe statement after losing his daughter. Bezzez said, “No parent should ever have to endure such pain, and the grief is overwhelming.”

Wafae was described as a “bright, kind, and loving soul who touched the hearts of everyone she met” by her sister, Sabrina Elarar. She added, “It is with great sadness that we share the passing of our beloved Muslim sister, Wafae.”

The GoFundMe campaigns for each of the women were set up by relatives to alleviate the costs of repatriating their bodies and funeral expenses. As of today, the online fundraisers for three Revere women have raised over $80,000 USD. The account set up for Wafae hit almost double the targeted amount.

On social media, the city of Revere, Massachusetts, confirmed that the three women were members of that community. The city expressed condolences to their families and friends. “The City of Revere extends our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of the three local women who tragically and unexpectedly passed away in Belize,” it said.

The three women were found dead in their suite at the Royal Kahal Beach Resort in San Pedro on Saturday morning, February 22. A postmortem examination is set for early this week to determine the cause of death. On Monday, Police Commissioner Chester Williams stated that police are looking into a possible drug overdose after finding alcohol and gummies among the belongings of the women. “We’re not saying at this time that the gummies cause death, but we’re looking at every possibility,” Williams said.

Global Prayers for Pope Francis’ Recovery

Pope Francis is continuing his recovery after a restful night at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital. The Vatican reported that the 88-year-old pope is battling bronchitis, pneumonia, and mild renal insufficiency.

A statement Monday evening noted that, despite the severity of the Pope’s condition, he has shown slight improvement. “No episodes of asthma-like respiratory distress occurred [Monday], and some laboratory tests have shown improvement. The monitoring of his mild kidney insufficiency has not raised any concerns. Oxygen therapy continues, although with slightly reduced flow and oxygen levels.”

Despite his serious condition, Pope Francis continues to make decisions for the Vatican. He recently met with Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin to approve decrees for potential saints. The Vatican News also reported that he received the Holy Eucharist and made a heartfelt phone call to the pastor of Holy Family parish in Gaza.

Meanwhile, hundreds gathered in St. Peter’s Square on Monday evening to pray the Rosary for the Pope’s health. Cardinal Pietro Parolin led the prayer, asking for divine intervention for Francis’ recovery. This global show of support comes after an outpouring of prayers worldwide, with Masses and Rosaries held across various dioceses, including Buenos Aires, the Pope’s birthplace.

Should Pope Francis pass, the Vatican will follow centuries-old protocol: the Camerlengo will announce his death, initiating a nine-day mourning period. His body will be displayed at St. Peter’s Basilica, and his funeral will be held shortly thereafter. Following his burial, the College of Cardinals will convene in a conclave to elect his successor.

Three potential candidates have emerged to lead the Catholic Church: Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Archbishop Matteo Zuppi, and Pierbattista Pizzaballa.

Shyne Demands Exclusive Use of Red in Upcoming General Elections

The United Democratic Party (UDP), under Moses “Shyne” Barrow, has formally written to the Elections and Boundaries Commission (EBC), demanding exclusive use of the colour red in the upcoming 2025 general elections. In a letter addressed to EBC Chairman Oscar Sabido Puga, John Nembhard stated that the party’s traditional colour should not be assigned to any other political faction.

The letter said, “The appropriate point of departure in this regard is to highlight the fact that it is accepted that the United Democratic Party has traditionally used red as its representative colour for all purposes since the inception of the party.”

The letter reiterates that “factionalism” is strictly prohibited under the UDP Constitution, and no outside entity—including the EBC—has the authority to determine UDP membership or candidacy. “No member of that faction is a UDP, as they were all expelled from the party. With the exception of the Hon. Tracy Panton, no one has challenged such expulsion.”

According to the letter, while Panton has legally challenged her expulsion, the matter is set for trial on March 31, 2025. It says that even if she remains a party member, the Central Executive Committee has “decided that neither Tracy Panton nor the other members of her faction will represent the UDP in the upcoming general elections and the EBC cannot decide otherwise. The UDP candidate for Albert, where Tracy Panton will contest the elections is Jose Uc Espat.”

The letter warns that if the EBC assigns red to any candidates outside the ‘official UDP slate, it would constitute an overreach of its legal authority. “This is tantamount to interfering in the internal affairs of the UDP and by extension, the elections. This has not been requested by the party nor has it been sanctioned.”

Moses “Shyne” Barrow Threatens Election & Boundaries Dept. with Lawsuit

Opposition Leader Moses “Shyne” Barrow fired off a letter to Chief Elections Officer Josephine Tamai. Dated February 23, the letter addresses recent internal conflicts and the party’s stance on factionalism.

He stressed that the UDP remains a single, unified entity, as mandated by its constitution, which explicitly prohibits factionalism. According to the letter, members who engaged in factionalism were expelled following the party’s constitutional procedures. “It is an abomination for the Elections and Boundaries to contravene the UDP Constitution in regards to factionalism, the Judges Order recognising one Central Executive of the UDP, and attempting to make a determination on a matter that is before the Court by declaring two UDP factions.”

The Elections and Boundaries Commission ruled that both the Tracy Panton-led UDP and the Shyne Barrow-led UDP can use red in the March 12 general election. The decision, passed by a 3-2 vote, saw the three ruling party representatives in favour, while one opposition member backed exclusive use for Barrow’s UDP and the other proposed different shades of red. The final details, including distinct symbols, will be confirmed after Nomination Day, which is today.

The letter says, “It is an abomination for the Elections and Boundaries to contravene the UDP Constitution in regards to factionalism, the Judges Order recognising one Central Executive of the UDP, and attempting to make a determination on a matter that is before the Court by declaring two UDP factions.”

The party threatens immediate legal action if the EBC assigns the colour red to any candidate not on their official list.

Barrow expressed frustration over the EBC’s lack of response to previous correspondence from the party’s legal counsel, Professor Chris Malcom, and himself.

Barrow insisted that each political party and independent candidate should be assigned distinct colours to prevent voter confusion. He maintained that the traditional UDP red belongs solely to the party’s official candidates, and any deviation would not be tolerated.

“The UDP will take immediate court action if the Elections & Boundaries assigns traditional UDP red or any colour remotely close to any candidate that is not on the list of official UDP candidates.”