2025-02-28 - Channel 5 Belize

ComPol Williams says Raheem Usher Was Killed by “Locals”, Not The Cartel

Authorities have dismissed speculation that the killing of 29-year-old Raheem Usher was the work of a drug cartel. According to Police Commissioner Chester Williams, the crime appeared to have been carried out by locals attempting to mimic cartel-style violence.

Usher’s body was found near a bridge in San Antonio Village. He had been missing since January 25.

According to Commissioner Williams, initial observations by investigators revealed what appeared to be two gunshot wounds. A handwritten note, listing several names, was also found on a canvas near the body. The scene was processed, and the body was later transported to the hospital, where Usher was officially pronounced dead.

Despite public speculation linking the murder to organised crime, Williams expressed scepticism, stating that there were no clear indicators of cartel involvement.

“There has been much talk in the media and among the public that this is a cartel hit or a cartel-style killing,” Williams said. “But I believe this was not done by a cartel, but rather by locals trying to make it look that way.”

He pointed to several inconsistencies, including the location where the body was found, the use of English in the note, and the manner in which the body was wrapped and disposed of. According to Williams, these details did not align with known cartel execution methods.

“If you’re trying to paint a picture and make something look a certain way, you’ll do your best to make it appear that way,” he stated.

While the commissioner ruled out direct cartel involvement, he acknowledged the possibility that those responsible had ties to organised crime.

“ That is a possibility that the persons who we believe are behind this killing do have cartel connections. So we’re looking at that as well. But again, having cartel connections and the cartel doing something are two different things.

OIRSA Expands Insectary in Belmopan

The International Regional Organisation for Health in Agriculture (OIRSA), along with the Resilient Rural Belize Programme (RRB), the Ministry of Economic Development (MED), and the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Enterprise (MAFSE), has announced the expansion of the Biological Control Insectary at the National Agriculture Showgrounds in Belmopan.

The insectary has been operating since 2003 and has been important in controlling pests like the Pink Hibiscus Mealybug using parasitic wasps. Now, under a new mandate from regional agriculture ministers, the facility will produce additional beneficial insects, such as the Sitotroga cerealella moth and Trichogramma pretiosum wasps, to combat pests like borers, aphids, and whiteflies.

In a statement, MED stated that this $123,000 expansion will help reduce pesticide use, safeguard human health, and promote environmentally friendly farming practices. OIRSA and RRB are also working to educate farmers on using natural pest control methods. “This initiative aims to reduce the irrational use of insecticides in agriculture, protect human health and the environment, and promote the production of safe agricultural commodities for consumers,” the ministry added.

The expanded insectary will support local and regional agricultural sustainability efforts by providing accessible, eco-friendly pest control solutions.

Pope Francis Shows Improvement

Pope Francis is showing signs of improvement after 15 days of treatment for bilateral pneumonia at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital. The Vatican reported Friday that the Pope had a restful night and continues his breathing physiotherapy. Although his condition is “complex,” Vatican sources confirmed that the Pope is not in critical condition.

His health updates have been closely followed, with recent tests showing a “normal evolution” of the infection and an improvement in kidney function. However, doctors remain cautious, as his prognosis is still guarded. The Pope, 88, has battled respiratory issues in the past and had been showing signs of fatigue before his hospitalisation on February 14.

Despite his health struggles, Pope Francis remains active, spending time in prayer and receiving the Eucharist. He also engaged in work-related activities, sending messages to the Pontifical Institute of Liturgy. His supporters have gathered outside the hospital, expressing their care and prayers for his recovery.

The Pope’s condition continues to stabilise, but the Vatican urges ongoing prayers for his full recovery.

PNP Calls for Polling Station Adjustments in Toledo East

The People’s National Party (PNP) has formally requested changes to polling station assignments in Toledo East.

In a letter to Chief Elections Officer Josephine Tamai, PNP leader Wil Maheia outlined key areas where adjustments are needed to ensure a fair and convenient voting process.

The party is advocating for Santana Village residents to vote at the Barranco polling station instead of travelling to Cattle Landing, which they argue is unnecessarily far. The PNP is calling for Boom Creek voters to cast their ballots at the Catholic School in Punta Gorda, rather than being required to bypass three other polling stations to reach their designated location.

The letter also states, “we would like to bring attention to the situation in the village of Dolores. Currently, Dolores has a significantly larger number of voters than Otoxa, yet Otoxa is the designated polling station for both communities.” The PNP is pushing for a dedicated polling station in Dolores to improve voter accessibility.

“We urge you to consider these concerns and make the necessary adjustments to ensure a more efficient and accessible voting process for our communities,” Maheia stated.

PUP Launches Plan Belize 2.0

On Thursday night, the People’s United Party (P.U.P.) launched its Plan Belize 2.0 manifesto in San Ignacio. This comes as part of their political campaign ahead of Election Day on March 12.

In his address, party leader John Briceño detailed the progress made over the past four years but also made it clear that much more remains to be done. “I am well aware there is more that needs to be done,” he stated.

Among the key pledges were promises to improve the cost of living and make communities safer through continued crime prevention efforts. “I know the cost of living is still too high, and that we must work harder to make the basic goods and services that we need more affordable,” Briceño stated.

“I know we still have many Belizeans who are sacrificing to support their children,” he said, adding a major announcement, “That is why I am pleased to announce that right here in San Ignacio, effective next school year, Sacred Heart College will be the next school to enjoy free education from 1st form to 4th form.”

Briceño added that while things were difficult in 2019 and 2020, the situation has improved over the past four years, and they have successfully stabilised the country. He said, “We all remember what it was like in 2019 and 2020, but look at where we are now. Just four years later, we have turned things around; we have steadied the ship of state.”

Young Men Drown in Belmopan

Two young men, Alexander Munoz and Henry Artemio Osorio, drowned yesterday in Belmopan. Their bodies were recovered from the Guanacaste Park riverside bathing area. Reports are that at around 4:30 p.m., two female students alerted authorities when their friends failed to resurface.

Police arrived at the scene shortly after. Reports indicate that the men were underwater for about 20 minutes. Despite immediate attempts to revive them, both were pronounced dead. According to witnesses, Munoz drifted away from the group, and Osorio tried to rescue him.

The National Children’s Parliament of Belize issued a statement on social media: “Today, the National Children’s Parliament of Belize, along with the 2021 cohort, mourns the passing of former Speaker of the Children’s Parliament, Hon. Alexander Munoz.” It added, “We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, loved ones, and classmates. May his soul rest in peace.”

In a separate post on Facebook, a relative announced the passing of Osorio on Thursday. “It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of my beloved brother, Henry Osorio,” the relative said. She added, “Just this morning, you were rushing me to hurry because you were ready to go to school. I never imagined today would be our last moment together. Sleep well, my dear brother. Gran and Mamita will take care of you now.”