2025-04-20 - Channel 5 Belize

Belizeans Mourn the Death of Artist Concego

Punta Rock artist Concego, known offstage as Deon Patrick Ogaldez, died three days after a tragic motorcycle accident on Thursday, April 17. The beloved artist was critically injured after being knocked off his motorcycle and was hospitalized at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.

The well-known artist, producer, songwriter, and musician was recognized for his vibrant performances and contributions to Punta Rock music, both in Garifuna and English/Creole. One of his most popular songs is “Namule.”

On social media, family members confirmed his passing, stating, “It is with heavy hearts that the Castillo,Ogaldez, Nunez family share the passing of a beloved son, brother, uncle, nephew, friend and musician. He leaves behind a legacy of love, unforgettable melodies, and a family who will forever hold him close in their hearts. Funeral arrangements and details for memorial services will be shared soon. We ask for your prayers, love and privacy as we navigate this unimaginable loss. Rest in peace Concego Ta Leh for your legacy will never end.”

Fans and supporters also expressed their grief online. One user wrote, “RIP my long time friend from you first came out singing I was ur fan ur brother ur buddy Rest in Peace.”

Another added, “was really hoping and praying that God would give you a second chance but he knows best go rest high on the mountain”

Police are still investigating the details of the crash.

Concego is remembered for his musical talent, his dedication to his culture, and the joy he brought to fans across the country.

BDF Officers Welcomed Home After Completing Peacekeeping Mission in Haiti

Two Belize Defence Force officers, Major Ermil Coh and Captain Claudio Quiroz, have returned home after a six-month deployment in Haiti as part of the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission. The BDF held a welcoming ceremony to honour the officers.

In a statement issued by the BDF, senior officers “warmly welcomed back Major Ermil Coh and Captain Claudio Quiroz from their recent tour with the Multinational Stabilization Support (MSS) mission in Haiti.” The mission is part of an international, CARICOM-backed effort to restore stability in Haiti, where gang violence and political unrest have created a national crisis.

The BDF said, “We recognised the dedication and sacrifices of the returning officers, who played a crucial role in enhancing stability and supporting humanitarian efforts in the region.”

During their six-month tour, Major Coh and Captain Quiroz “were deployed… to assist in various capacities, including community engagement, logistical and operational support, and security initiatives aimed at fostering peace in Haiti.”

The BDF noted, “As Major Coh and Captain Quiroz reintegrate into their daily routines, their commitment to service remains unwavering. We not only celebrated their safe return but also served as a reminder of the ongoing need for vigilance and dedication in international peacekeeping efforts.”

The deployment follows Belize’s active participation in the MSS mission, established under UN Security Council Resolution 2699, with personnel deployed alongside troops from Jamaica, the Bahamas, and other Caribbean nations.

Man Shot in Neck in Punta Gorda

Police are investigating the shooting of a 35-year-old man in Punta Gorda Town on Saturday night.

Initial reports indicate that Derrick Hines was shot in the neck while on Prince Street shortly after 9 p.m. He was initially taken to the Punta Gorda Hospital before being transferred to the Western Regional Hospital for further treatment.

He remains in stable condition.

The investigation is ongoing.

Tropic Air Hijack Survivor Breaks Silence

Jair Castaneda, one of three passengers injured during the hijacking of a Tropic Air flight on Thursday, issued his first public statement following his release from hospital on Friday, 18 April.

In a message shared on social media, Castaneda said the country’s “peaceful community was shaken by an unimaginable act of violence and evil.” He thanked the public for their “incredible care, compassion, and support” and added that he continues his recovery at home, surrounded by family.

The plane hijack occurred on Thursday when Akinyela Sawa Taylor, a 49-year-old American citizen and military veteran, stabbed three individuals after hijacking a domestic flight. Taylor was shot and killed by a passenger during the incident.

Taylor had entered Belize on 8 April and was involved in several troubling encounters in the days before the plane incident, including assaulting a police officer and attempting to board a flight without a ticket. Despite these incidents, he was released from custody. How he subsequently boarded the flight remains unclear.

Castaneda asked the public to continue praying for the other two victims, Captain Howell Grange and Fitzgerald Brown, who continue receiving medical attention.

Captain Grange remains in the intensive care unit. His wife, Alene Carrillo Grange, stated on social media on Saturday that Captain Grange suffered major injuries to his right arm, forearm, back, face, right ear, and left forearm. Stab wounds to his ear extended into his mouth, cutting his tongue and causing him to swallow and inhale blood. This led to chemical pneumonia and the need for surgery to repair nerves and wounds on his face, tongue, and limbs. She added that his condition is slowly improving, and he is now speaking a little and is in a “really positive frame of mind.”

San Lazaro Youth Wins 2025 Junior Farmer Award

A 25-year-old farmer of San Lazaro Village has been named Belize’s Junior Farmer of the Year 2025. Growing up on a multi-generational farm in the Orange Walk District, Juan Ricardo Carrillo has cultivated a lifelong dedication to agriculture, starting full-time on the farm at just 15. His journey earned him a nationwide recognition from the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Enterprise.

He specialises in vegetable production, including tomatoes, sweet peppers, and cabbages. To combat the growing climate and pest challenges, Carillo has integrated modern techniques, including the use of natural fertilisers, such as Super Magro and Madrifol from the Sembrando Vida Programme, and applies natural pest control methods like Metarhizium fungi, reducing dependence on chemical pesticides.

His approach not only protects the environment but also strengthens the long-term resilience of his farm. Carrillo has expanded into livestock, raising poultry, cattle, and sheep to create a more diversified and sustainable operation.

With strong support from his wife, Carla Linet Carrillo, he is now focused on mentoring young Belizeans and proving that farming is not just a job; it’s a way to build a future.