Special Prosecutor in Belize for New Year’s Eve Triple Murder Trial
Almost ten months have elapsed since the gruesome execution of Jon, David and Vivian Ramnarace in Belmopan. Tonight, the case against the accused, former police officer, Elmer Nah, is one step closer to being heard inside the Belmopan High Court. The Government of Belize has hired a special prosecutor for the case, as was promised only days after the triple-murder. That special prosecutor is now in Belize. He is Jamaican national, Terrence Williams. On Wednesday, the families of the murder victims were gathered outside the Belmopan Magistrate Court. Nah appeared before the court for full disclosure. Special Prosecutor Williams was also present for the first time. News Five’s Paul Lopez takes a look back at the process that led to this historic appointment.
Paul Lopez, Reporting
Days after the triple murder of David, Jon, and Vivian Ramnarace in Belmopan, Kareem Musa, the Minister of Home Affairs announced that the Government of Belize would seek to hire a special prosecutor for the case. The commitment was made in light of Elmer Nah’s familial and professional ties with now retired Assistant Commissioner of Police Marco Vidal, the estranged husband of the Director of Public Prosecution, Cheryl Lyn Vidal.
Kareem Musa
Kareem Musa, Minister of Home Affairs (File: January 3rd, 2023)
“Yes, like I mentioned, it is something that we would wish for the attorney general’s ministry to have input, as well as the family. And so, we are not limiting it to just Belizean prosecutors, but certainly one from the Caribbean that has similar legislation to ours and laws as ours. And so, that is the direction that that is looking, either from Belize that the family can agree to or one from the Caribbean, from outside.”
That special prosecutor has been identified and is now in Belize for the murder trial. He is Jamaican national, Terrence Williams. He was present in the Belmopan Magistrates Court on Wednesday where the matter was scheduled for full disclosure.
Terrence Williams
Terrence Williams, Special Prosecutor
“I do understand the case quite well. I thank Ms. Elrington for her assistance and we are ready to go.”
But, it has taken months to get here. In April, Minister Musa introduced a Special Prosecution Bill to the National Assembly. He explained that the bill was necessary to make way for the appointment of the special prosecutor in the triple murder case.
Kareem Musa
Kareem Musa, Minister of Home Affairs (File: April 21st, 2023)
“And while we have absolutely no reason to feel that there is any bias whatsoever and we believe that the DPP could certainly carry out in a very professional manner under this particular prosecution we are nevertheless confounded by the fact that there is this familial tie. As such, to remove any perception of bias whatsoever and to ensure that we have an above board and transparent prosecution in this very high profile case, it has become necessary for us to introduce and pass this Special Prosecutors Bill.”
According to the proposed legislation, a special prosecutor will not be subject to the direction or control of any person or authority. The scope of the prosecutor’s duties includes investigating the assigned case and determining whether to institute a public prosecution. According to the piece of law, the individual cannot allow their private interest to interfere with their duties. Those persons, once appointed, can only be removed with approval from the Governor General. But the bill was initially voted down by the Senate and sent back to the House of Representatives for amendments.
Michael Peyrefitte
Michael Peyrefitte, UDP Lead Senator (File: June 5th, 2023)
“Now, this prosecutor gets triggered under two circumstances. Section three A, a case where the National Assembly, by resolution determines that an investigation be conducted in the interest of political neutrality or impartiality. But Madam President, the National Assembly is nothing but partiality. That’s why you have opposition. You have government. And, your presidency will have to preside over whether or not we should send to the Governor General that we have voted to prosecute someone, with necessarily no evidence or anything like that. So all of a sudden, no, we become investigators.”
Eamon Courtenay
Eamon Courtenay, Lead Senator (File: June 5th, 2023)
“The government set has listened to the criticisms of the special prosecutor bill, and we intend to leave it in committee for the criticisms we brought to the attention of the cabinet for further review and propose amendments to the bill. It does not enjoy the confidence of the majority of the Senate today.”
It has been four months since that debate in the National Assembly and ten months since the brutal triple murder. The Ramnarace and Belisle families are stilling hoping for justice. Dion Pascasio, a relative of the deceased, says the families now have more confidence in the process, but remain cautiously optimistic.
Dion Pascacio
Dion Pascacio, Relative of Murder Victims
“We are in this for the long haul. We need Belizeans to recognize we lost three family members. Jon was by marriage to Viviane ad his brother was very close to the family. For us this is very personal. We want to see justice and see justice done.”
We also heard from the family’s legal advisor, Attorney Arthur Saldivar.
Arthur Saldivar
Arthur Saldivar, Attorney
“We knew that there was a situation where the prosecutor who would have remitted of the matter was not in country prior to now. Mister Williams has made his first appearance in the court in Belize and the family is thankful for that which is a great indicator that the case on its muster should pass merit getting to the Supreme Court. Certainly the family believes and I believe that there is a strong case and the presence of the special prosecutor is also an indicator of that fact.”
Reporting for News Five, I am Paul Lopez.
