Thompson, a resident of Mahogany Heights who was sent to buy $2.00 tacos for his mother. This morning, in the absence of the main witness, the crown had 5 to 6 agreed statements read into the case in court. Unable to produce the witness, despite a subpoena for his detention and police efforts to locate him, the crown sought an adjournment until tomorrow. The trial is being heard before Justice Candace Nanton in the High Court. Hudge is represented by Attorney Arthur Saldivar, while Garcia, who was only 16 at the time of the murder, is represented by Senior Counsel Simeon Sampson. The crown hopes to locate the crucial witness by tomorrow to prove the murder charges against the two accused men. The trial continues tomorrow at 9:00 a.m. in the High Court. Hudge and Garcia were further remanded.
Kenner Gomez, the man once charged with the double murder of Lawrence and Medardo Canelo, is now a free man after the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) entered a nolle prosequi in the case. Gomez had been accused of opening fire at Flash Bar and Cool Spot in Punta Gorda in August 2021, fatally wounding the uncle and nephew duo as they were reportedly tallying the day’s sales. Aura Parham, who was also present, sustained injuries during the attack. Police had arrested and charged the then twenty-seven-year-old Gomez with two counts of murder and grievous harm, believing the shooting stemmed from a personal rivalry. However, during a recent court appearance, the prosecution informed the court that it would no longer be proceeding with the case, effectively withdrawing all charges against Gomez. The nolle prosequi, a legal declaration that halts prosecution, means Gomez cannot be tried again. Gomez was represented by attorney Leslie Hamilton.
Tonight, a prominent union leader and activist is facing allegations of sexual assault. The incident reportedly occurred six years ago, and the woman he allegedly raped has yet to receive justice, despite her efforts to have him arrested and charged. The victim, who wishes to remain anonymous, shared her story with us, recounting how it all began with unwanted advances at work.
Voice of: Alleged Rape Victim
“I was raped by him on April thirteenth, 2019. It was like early hours of the morning. He did that because apparently he wanted a relationship with me. I kept refusing him, I kept telling him I wasn’t interested in him, but over a period of time he gained my trust. From early 2017, he was making these advances at me, trying to get me in a relationship with him. I didn’t know this guy, I had absolutely no interest in him whatsoever. So I kept telling him that I wasn’t interested in him and that I did not come here for that. I did not come here to hook up with people. Over a period of time, he kind of gain my trust and my respect a bit because I thought that he was fighting for some just some right. I remember I was working on April twelfth, 2019. I was working a three-to-eleven shift and I think sometime, either earlier, I think it was earlier that day but he was trying to get me to go out with him, as usual because he was always inviting me and trying to get me to go out with him and I never went and wasn’t interested. And I told him this, at some point I said, “I would just go and have a sit-down with you under one condition, that we will further discuss the union issues and work-related stuff, how you go about doing certain things and soh. So we agreed on that. I thought that we would go and drive around a bit, discuss these things and he would bring me back home. I had no plans of really going out because me and he noh di goh out. Yoh know, we noh have nothing and that interest isn’t there . Soh anyway, I seh okay. So he took me to this place up the road, Rustic Korner. And one of the first things I said to him when we were there. Soh I seh I hyah yoh have wahn woman. Ih seh yes, I seh that’s a no-no between me and you because I noh play with people man. And ah tell ahn, ah seh di same thing, like ah tell yoh, I just cohn da work cohn work. I noh fool rung, I noh deh wid nobody, di try hook up with nobody rung da compound cause I fraid fi sickness. I always di stress this and people weh know me, know that that something I always. I tell ahn look, I just wahn goh home after he di push to me fi get wid he and I di tell ahn I noh interested and I noh wahn get with yoh and ih noh wahn happen. That’s another thing I told him plain… Look ih noh wahn happen. So I told him, I just want to go home and so on the way from Rustic, between this, this happened on the roadside, you know, between Rustic and Haulover. Somewhere, like ten to fifteen minutes, he seh he wahn stop and tek a leak. Now, that normal, guys stop and seh dehn wahn tek a leak and I noh tek dat as nothing. Di quickness ah weh he haul up my dress, dreg down my tights and di pull, di try, yoh know, do weh ih do but he raped me. He forced himself on me and ah noh wahn give all di details but he raped me.”
A village council is putting its foot down in Orange Walk after the Lands Advisory Committee began taking steps to subdivide a nature park in the community. Earlier this month, the San Jose Nuevo Palmar Village council wrote to, Chairman of the Committee, Wincy Perez, strongly opposing the subdivision of the Siibal Yum Nature Park. In the letter, Village Chairman Orlando Ayuso explains that over twenty thousand dollars has been invested into the renovation of the park, which has become a popular spot for leisure and recreational activities in the community. We spoke with Ayuso today to hear why the council believes the park has become an integral part of the community.
Orlando Ayuso
Orlando Ayuso, Chairman, San Jose Nuevo Palmar
“The state of the park, right now’s a clean park, a usable space. If you go to our social media page, we just had a very successful Easter egg hunt. And when we came by asking for the vote for the second term, we promised the people in that area, you’re gonna have a park. We’re gonna clean this up. People will stop dumping garbage. You will stop smelling the stench of rotten carcasses because you used to dump dead dogs, dead chickens, people who are running poultry shops to dump the feathers and things over there. It was hard to monitor because of the lack of resources and finances. And as usual, I, as a chairperson, took the lead. Two of my members, my vice chairman and one of my counselors, went on to offer themselves for election for Lands Committee. And they won. They won because they’re very good leaders, so people look at them as somebody who could lead. And it just so happened that now they’re on that side that one of it’s not them that wanna subdivided. It’s a little group of people guiding them into subdividing this park. So that is how we arrive at where we are today, that day that the Palmar Village Council is asking the Lands Committee to not do that subdivision because it is already an established part. It’s a pity. It’s a pity because on that side of the village, these people haven’t gotten much, and this is the first meaningful thing that they’re getting from any group that has been governing the village and children are using that playground already. They go there to play, it’s a safe environment. In the afternoons, people go and walk around it and work out because most people work out on Boundary Road, which is a busy street. So it’s safer for them to go one street behind to the park. We know as Siibal Yum Nature Park and they some ride their bicycles around, some walk around. And we are trying to keep it natural because you wanna create a nature park. We’re planting more trees. We have put in a few park benches because it’s community-based, so people have been donating those benches were donated by villagers, not by any group specifically, but by villagers. So if this was to be taken away, then they’re taking away the only recreational area that side of the village has.”
San Jose Palmar has a unique history that shapes how land is distributed in the community. Descendants of the village can use the land freely, with the government acting as a trustee and the Lands Advisory Committee deciding on the distribution. Recently, the Palmar Village Council sent a letter to Orange Walk East Area Representative Kevin Bernard, expressing their concerns about the potential subdivision of the land. They emphasized that the community has greatly benefited from the park and stressed that any decisions about the land should be made transparently.
Orlando Ayuso
Orlando Ayuso, Chairman, San Jose Nuevo Palmar
“The subdivision, yes, it should be given to the descendants, but at the end of the day, they have also agreed that they’re gonna sell two land, two of those land to make back monies. do understand that there is some financial issue between the last outgoing Lands Committee and the present lands committee now, but that is something for them to solve. That is a descendant issue, a land advisory committee issue. Apart from that, as Village Council Chairman, my part is to protect parks and playgrounds, which I am given that right under the Village Council Act. And I wanna see this park remain because I do believe in green areas. I wanna see this park remain because I do having green areas because it is beneficial for the community. I do understand from those twelve lots that will come out from that park, two will be sold. And they already have the bias for those supposedly we don’t. And the question we need that descendants need to raise to their committee, who are going to be the people getting this land cause we hear a lot of rumors out there, which I prefer not to repeat because like I say, it’s rumors, but they need to ask the question, who will be the ones getting these lands? It is heartbreaking. The figure quoted in the letter of twenty thousand is not physically cash. People have contributed their time in cleaning. People have contributed fuel, some have contributed the benches, they have contributed food for the workers. So all of that, the time invested, the work invested is what adds up to that. It was never like twenty thousand in hand we are investing. The lands committee did spend a bit of finance there because they’re the ones that have the more finance in the village council. So we had to piggyback on them for that at the beginning. Truckloads of garbage came out from there that had to be dumped. Bulldozer had to be put in to start cleaning up the area. So a lot of work has gone in and people from the community have gone there to put in physical labor. So people feel that they belong. This is a part of them. This is they’re giving back to the community and they’re creating something for everybody. Nobody’s taking ownership on this. It’s something for everyone to enjoy.”
In recent weeks, there have been several alarming incidents involving public buses running off the highway and even catching fire. These events have put commuters’ lives at risk, though thankfully, no one has been hurt. However, the increasing frequency of these mishaps has sparked a public outcry. Many are demanding that the Government of Belize remove these old, worn-out buses from the roads. So, what is the newly appointed Minister of Transport, Doctor Louis Zabaneh, going to do about it? We spoke with him today to find out.
Louis Zabaneh
Dr. Louis Zabaneh, Minister of Transport
“This is a critical function that must be carried out very carefully. We have seen in the past month alone some serious cases, accidents on the road, busses catching fire. These are of grave concern to us, it is a hazard to the public, certainly commuters on those buses, but also to other persons on the highways. It is critical and I have instructed to carry out necessary inspections of these buses. It goes beyond that because we have to look at a certification program for drivers of buses. They are entrusted with the lives of people on their buses. We cannot have drivers who are reckless, who we understand in between runs, when they are waiting to go back to where they came from, that they are seen in public drinking. Or when they drive, they are seen texting while driving, racing on the road, these are some things that are of grave concern to us and we are going to be adamant in making sure that we use the full force of our rules and regulations to curb these kinds of actions. And, the operators who are engaged with those types of activities will be held accountable.”
Despite reports of public bus upgrades over the past few years, Belize still hasn’t achieved a truly modernized transport system. Bus operators often resisted changes under the former minister, citing feasibility concerns. However, the new Minister of Transport, Doctor Louis Zabaneh, is confident that he will gain support from many bus operators.
Louis Zabaneh
Dr. Louis Zabaneh, Minister of Transport
“I will be meeting early next month with all bus operators. I know them, many of them fairly well because of my own experience in the bus sector back a couple decades ago. But many of them are still in the business. I know we have a number of good people in the sector and many of them are very concerned with the fact that a number of other operators are not complying with he rules and regulations so the entire sector gets a bad name. I know I will be receiving support from many of the bus operators who understand their responsibilities and who also will be there to support us when we take the measures necessary for the safety of our people.”
Incoming C.E.O. Chester Williams is already making his mark at the Ministry of Transport. On Monday, he joined the newly appointed transport board for their first meeting. Minister Zabaneh mentioned that the meeting aimed to familiarize the new board with the current transport regulations.
Louis Zabaneh
Dr. Louis Zabaneh, Minister of Transport
“Yesterday we had the inaugural meeting of the transport board, where he had representation from persons who are in the sector who have experience in transportation and then we have a representative from the police department, MIDH, and a representative from the bus association. So together, along with the department of transport, the seven members are now engaged in the duties assigned to this body and so, we have great people on the board and I anticipate they will be able to move forward expeditiously with their duties. Haven gotten feedback from experiences in the past, one of the first things we did yesterday was to have thorough training with respect to all the rules and regulations pertaining to transportation. I think that was important. Although we have people who were chosen for the experience in the sector, we just wanted to make sure that they are fully aware of the latest regulations there right now.”
The Ministry of Health & Wellness has confirmed the first locally transmitted malaria cases in over six years in Santa Elena Town and Cristo Rey Village, Cayo District. This development marks a significant setback in Belize’s efforts to prevent the re-establishment of malaria. Malaria, a febrile disease caused by parasites and transmitted through the bite of an infected Anopheles mosquito, typically results in episodes of fever, chills, and sweating every forty-eight to seventy-two hours. The initial case was detected on January seventeenth, followed by additional cases on March eleventh and April fifth. Of the four confirmed cases in 2025, three are locally transmitted, while one is imported from Petén, Guatemala. The Ministry urges the public to remain vigilant and take preventive measures to avoid mosquito bites, as efforts continue to control and eliminate malaria in the region. On Monday, Doctor Melissa Diaz-Musa briefly addressed the issue of malaria.
Melissa Diaz-Musa
Dr. Melissa Diaz-Musa, Director, Public Health and Wellness
“Just to advise you that when we, as, ministry state that we have eliminated or we have received certification of elimination, many times, it doesn’t mean that there’s zero case, but you have fallen below a certain threshold. And we also W.H.O. looks at consecutive years of how the country has responded before they can determine whether that certification has been removed or whether we remain in certification. So it’s not a hard and fast one-off case and your certification has been removed.”
Haitian nationals often make headlines in Belize due to migration issues, which sometimes cast them in a negative light. However, many Haitians have lived in Belize for decades, making this country their home. They fled their impoverished homeland in search of a better life and have since established families and integrated into Belize’s vibrant culture. News Five’s Paul Lopez sat down with one such individual, a Haitian taxi driver who has been living in Belize since 1983. He loves Punta music, enjoys rice and beans, and takes pride in earning his living honestly. Join us for tonight’s installment of Kolcha Tuesday as we take a taxi ride-along with him.
Paul Lopez, Reporting
Belize is home to a significant number of Haitian nationals who fled their impoverished communities in Haiti in search of a better life. Many have found work as security guards or taxi drivers, like sixty-nine-year-old Milson Lature. He first arrived in Belize in 1983 and has been part of the community ever since.
Milson Lature
Milson Lature, Taxi Driver
“I have a friend here that told me to come take a walk and visit Belize City. You know when people are young, they need to see somewhere, some different place.”
Haiti has faced revolts and political turmoil since the late 1700s. Over the last two centuries, natural disasters have further plunged the population into poverty. Now, strict migration policies have been imposed on Haitian nationals by the Belize government, influenced by pressure from the U.S. Despite these challenges, Milson Lature has never pursued the American dream. For over forty years, he has built his life in Belize, where he now has seven children and ten grandchildren, all born in Belize.
Milson Lature
“I will tell you the Belizean culture is a good culture. The change should be with the younger people, but Belize is a nice, beautiful country and it is nice and has good freedom. I complete to Belizean food, some Belizean cook good. Some, hmp, when you have the food, you can’t eat that. I miss Haiti food, you have food called mimule. It is made with corn. We have corn in Belize and not everybody know how to make it. Then you have legim. It is a beautiful food, but I can’t find somebody that could make it nice and good.”
Lature hasn’t visited his homeland since he arrived in Belize forty years ago. The last time he heard from his relatives in Haiti was three years ago. Over the years, he has fully embraced Belizean culture, developing a deep appreciation for the food, music, and people.
Milson Lature
“What I tell you, when in Haiti, when you hear the music, all the gial deh punta. We have everything and we have soul to, when you have the soul. When we have the soul, nobody moves, everybody just the wine.”
Paul Lopez
“What kind of music you enjoy in Belize?”
Milson Lature
“I like the Punta, I like the Garifuna music.”
Paul Lopez
“Do you know how to Punta now?”
Milson Lature
“I know how to Punta. I love them. And when you say Garifuna people you will be treated with love, good love. Garifuna food is nice. When you have a Garifuna young lady you will eat good. They cook and village people cook. City people you have to go to shop. You know what me call them, foam plate.”
Lature’s white minivan may be worn and in need of new shocks, but it’s his livelihood. He has earned a stellar reputation among his customers, who describe him as reliable, affordable, and friendly. We spoke with a few of them to hear their thoughts.
Voice of: Taxi Customer #1
Voice of: Taxi Customer #1
“Well there is never a dull moment, he is always interactive, always on time, and you can call him anytime of the day, night and he is coming.”
Voice of: Taxi Customer #2
Voice of: Taxi Customer #2
“I notice that he is very reliable and stuff so I call him like almost everyday, sometimes two three times and I don’t matter if it is in the night, he will come for you. And I was just saying, mein he doesn’t sleep, because anytime of the day he is coming for you.”
Paul Lopez
“What is your thoughts on Haitians coming to Belize and integrating themselves into society?”
Taxi Customer #2
“I don’t have a problem with it, because everybody deserves to make a better life for themselves.”
To the casual observer, Milson Lature might seem like just another Haitian taxi driver in Belize. But to those who know him and his service, he’s seen as a cheerful and respectable man from a country a thousand miles away, who has truly immersed himself in Belizean culture. Despite his new life, the struggles of his people in Haiti are always on his mind.
Milson Lature
“I want freedom and in Belize I can go anywhere. There is no bad boys in Belize. Bad boy the hide behind fence, if you are bad boys, you suppose to walk free. I try not to have problems with anyone.”
