Eighteen cases on Appeals Court docket

The Belize Court of Appeal is back in session in what looks to be a busy schedule. The court, which began deliberations today, will hear a total of twelve criminal appeals and six civil cases. Two of the civil appeals involve Belize Telecommunications Limited; one concerning the enforceability of a U.S. District court order and the other seeking an interpretation of the company’s Articles of Association as they relate to the appointment of directors. On the criminal side, Mark Vega, Luis Urbina, and Omar Vellos are appealing their convictions for kidnapping, rape, and an unnatural crime. The three were sent to jail last year by Justice Adolph Lucas after they were found guilty of abducting a woman and her male friend in Orange Walk in June of 2002.