2025-03-01 - Channel 5 Belize

CARICOM Condemns Venezuelan Incursion into Guyana’s Waters

The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has condemned a recent incursion by Venezuela into Guyana’s territorial waters, calling it an act of aggression that violates international law and the 2023 Argyle Declaration.

According to CARICOM, Guyana’s President, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, informed the regional bloc that Venezuelan military vessels engaged with one of Guyana’s Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) platforms on March 1, 2025. CARICOM described the incident as provocative and a direct contradiction to the commitment by both nations to maintain peace in the region.

The organisation reaffirmed its unwavering support for Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, urging Venezuela to immediately withdraw from Guyana’s waters and refrain from any further interference with the FPSO platforms. CARICOM also emphasised that the ongoing border dispute should be resolved through the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which has jurisdiction over the matter.

“What is required now, more than ever, is patience, calm and non-provocation, on both sides,” the statement read, adding that a peaceful resolution remains possible without escalatory actions.

CARICOM, alongside the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC), remains committed to ensuring the Caribbean remains a Zone of Peace.

Massachusetts Medical Examiner to Autopsy Revere Women Found Dead in Belize

The Massachusetts Chief Medical Examiner’s Office will conduct autopsies on the bodies of three Revere women who were recently found dead in a Belize hotel to determine their exact cause of death, according to Boston 25 News.

The three women, Kaoutar Naqqad, 23, Wafae El-Arar, 26, and Imane Mallah, 26, were discovered unresponsive in their hotel room in San Pedro on Saturday.

Authorities in Belize confirmed that the three women died of acute pulmonary oedema. Fire Chief Colin Gillett stated carbon monoxide poisoning has been ruled out. Investigators are now examining whether controlled substances were involved. The cause leading to the pulmonary oedema remains under investigation.

Revere Mayor Patrick Keefe has urged caution against premature conclusions and is calling for greater transparency in the investigation. “To jump to that conclusion is extremely disrespectful to the family,” Keefe said. “I know it’s impacting them immensely, and I know it’s something they are upset about.”

The families of the victims plan to arrange private autopsies once the bodies are returned to the United States. Meanwhile, Keefe is working with Massachusetts Senator Ed Markey’s office to ensure a thorough investigation in Belize.

This story was updated to say that it was Fire Chief Colin Gillett who stated that carbon monoxide was ruled out. ComPol Chester Williams also has gone on record to say this.

PLUS TV Journalist Assaulted by Police at Drowning Scene

Plus TV’s Ljay Wade says he was assaulted by police officers while he was covering a drowning incident at Guanacaste Park in Belmopan. He says that the officers threw him against a vehicle and demanded that he delete footage from his phone.

While Wade has chosen not to file an official police report, Commissioner of Police Chester Williams confirmed that the Belize Police Department is still investigating the matter. Williams told reporters that such actions are unacceptable and must be addressed.

“To assault a member of the media while conducting your duties is intolerable, so we must find a way to address it. I just won’t dismiss,” Williams said.

Williams stressed that police officers have no authority to force journalists to delete footage. “I will reiterate the fact that the media does have the right to be out there and to take photos or videos of the scene so long as they’re not doing so with a view to obstruct the work of the police.”

In 2023, Belize amended its Criminal Code to classify assaults against journalists and public officers as aggravated assault, a more serious offence.

Teen Freed of Murder Charge in Businesswoman’s Killing

Nineteen-year-old Dennis Jimenez walked free from court after murder charges against him were dropped in connection with the 2022 killing of 35-year-old businesswoman Vanessa Acevedo. Acevedo was shot dead while closing her establishment in Ladyville when a gunman demanded money. Despite her cooperation, he pulled the trigger, fatally wounding her.

Jimenez, who was 17 at the time, had been charged with her murder. However, three years later, the Director of Public Prosecutions entered a nolle prosequi after the prosecution’s key witness recanted their statement. The witness, who had previously provided a statement implicating Jimenez, testified in court that they did not see anything on the day of the murder and could not identify the shooter.

Justice Derick Sylvester ruled that the caution statement and interview notes were inadmissible as evidence against Jimenez. With no further evidence to proceed, the case was dismissed. Jimenez was represented by attorney Leroy Banner.

Guyana Condemns Venezuelan Naval Incursion into Its Waters

Guyana’s President Irfaan Ali has strongly condemned an incursion by a Venezuelan naval vessel into Guyana’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ) early Saturday morning, calling it a “matter of grave concern.”

According to President Ali, a Venezuelan armed patrol ship entered Guyanese waters at approximately 7:00 AM on March 1, 2025. The vessel approached multiple assets, including the Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel Prosperity. Identified by its visible markings, the patrol ship was confirmed to be a Venezuelan Coast Guard vessel, designated BF Will Carry PO-11 IMO 4695542.

During the incident, the Venezuelan vessel transmitted a radio message claiming that Prosperity was operating in “disputed international waters” before continuing its course southwest toward other FPSOs. However, President Ali firmly stated that Guyana’s maritime boundaries are recognised under international law, and the government is treating the situation with the seriousness it demands.

Guyana has already summoned the Venezuelan ambassador to register its strong protest and has instructed its embassy in Caracas to lodge a formal complaint with the Venezuelan government. President Ali also confirmed that Guyana has engaged its international allies, including the United Kingdom, France, the United States, CARICOM, and Brazil, all of whom have responded positively. Additionally, regional partners, including the chair of CARICOM and Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves, are actively engaging with Venezuela on the matter.

The president has briefed the opposition leader and will meet with him later today as more details emerge. Meanwhile, Guyana’s Defence Board and military leadership have convened emergency meetings, and air and naval assets have been deployed to secure the country’s EEZ. The government also intends to formally notify the International Court of Justice (ICJ), the United Nations Secretary-General, the Commonwealth, and the Organisation of American States (OAS) of the incident.

President Ali made it clear that threats to the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity will not be tolerated. He assured the Guyanese people that the government is acting with diligence and will provide further updates as necessary.

Police Suspect Two Belizeans Among Five Bodies Dumped in Chetumal

Mexican authorities discovered the bodies of five men near the Rio Hondo River in Sacxan, Quintana Roo, early Saturday morning. Belize police believe two of the victims are Belizeans from Corozal with known ties to Mexican cartels.

Reports indicate that the Belizeans had been evading law enforcement. Their names have not been released pending notification of their families, but sources confirm they were 18 and 27 years old and wanted for multiple crimes in Corozal.

The bodies showed signs of torture, each with a gunshot wound to the head. Two of the bodies had cardboard signs placed on them. One message, translated from Spanish, warned against extortion and theft, stating, “This is for all those who are charging protection fees and those who do not allow businesses like cigarette vendors… Stop stealing. Sincerely, you know who.”