Fawda Henry

The leader of the People’s Democratic Movement, Estevan Perera, is defending his name and that of his newly established political organization, after his former city council candidate berated him publicly. Last night, we told you that Phillip “Fawda” Henry, a candidate for the movement, is no longer a member of the PDM. Henry told News Five that he withdrew his candidacy because Perrera has not been forthcoming about funds he purportedly collected from private businesses to run his campaign. Well, Perrera visited our office today to clear his name and set the record straight. He says Henry was excommunicated from the P.D.M. for being defiant.

Estevan Perrera Sr.

Estevan Perrera Sr., Leader, People’s Democratic Movement

“Mr. Henry is a problem child and he has to understand that he must listen and abide by the laws and regulations that is set in our constitution and manifesto. There is no special treatment for anyone and to set the record straight, he did not resign. We had a meeting and we all got together, the executive and fellows running in this election coming up and we decided to move him from the People’s Democratic Movement, not because we dislike him or anything, but because of the bad habits and we have spoken to him several times a for him to change and he will not listen. First of all in our manifesto it says, fifty percent, we will give to all elderly people that are living in a home that belongs to them and we believe that is reasonable, fifty percent discount that is. He keep on saying they will pay nothing, it is free. We keep on telling him nothing is free, we got to collect something. But, he will not listen. So, we left him alone. Then again he came up and said, within my movement and people, telling them that I collected money from business people. Well when he said that I said this guy is questioning my integrity now. He is really out of bounds. So then I called a meeting with my entire executive and council and I told Fawda you said I collected money from business people, could you kindly tell my friends in here who that business man is and how much I collected. He didn’t say nothing. So as a result we excommunicated him, took him out all together. We have nothing to do with Mr. Henry.”

Paul Lopez

“With Mr. Henry’s exit, how much candidate to you now have on your slate?”

Estevan Perrera Sr.

“Present it is ten. I need one more. I will be campaigning tomorrow. I got two candidates today but when I talked to them they said they don’t want to run. So I got to go out tomorrow and no problem I will find a candidate to replace him and we will have eleven candidates to run on this election day.”

Cameron Hemsley

A man was shot dead early this morning in Ladyville. He has been identified as twenty-one-year-old Cameron Hemsley, a known street figure of the same community. Hemsley was released from the Belize Central Prison on February second, for a robbery that is still before the Magistrate’s Court. He was shot in the Kwam Street area and ran into a yard where he collapsed and died. His body was discovered this, morning beside a house, where he apparently ran to escape the gunfire; however, he had already been mortally injured. News Five’s Marion Ali was in Ladyville today and put together the following report.

Marion Ali, Reporting

This is the location behind this residence at the corner of Seagull and Kwam streets in Ladyville, where twenty-one-year-old Cameron Hemsley drew his last breath this morning, before one o’clock. He had apparently sought refuge here when eight gunshots rang out. Hemsley ran into the yard and collapsed. The occupant of the house told News Five that he heard the gunshots, and a few seconds later he heard laboured breathing for a short while outside his house near a window. The man said that he thought that it was an opossum because not long ago, stray dogs had mauled one of these animals and it was breathing heavily before it died.

This morning, after the shots were fired, residents said that dogs were barking incessantly. But no one went to investigate what had really happened and it was not until the occupant of the house opened his window and looked outside that he saw Hemsley’s body beside his house. While no one in the immediate area was willing to talk on record, this incident has left them spooked. Two of Hemsley’s acquaintances did share with us off-camera, different perspectives of the same person. One of his friends, a woman who did not wish to share her name, was shocked by the incident.

Voice of: Friend of Cameron Hemsley

Voice of: Friend of Cameron Hemsley

 “I surprised when I hear this morning that they kill her, you know, it was very surprising because I never believe they want to kill her, cause he well known a lady villain, everybody hang with her, soh ih very surprising. He did crimes, but not concerning people, nuh like that. He mi cool, da wa cool young man.”

But Hemsley’s other friend who also spoke with us off-camera, said the killing came as no surprise to him.

Voice of: Friend of Cameron Hemsley

“He choose a life deh. That da neva pahn we.”

Marion Ali

”What kind of life yoh di talk bout?”

Voice of: Friend of Cameron Hemsley

“Street, and you know the street is gonna eat you up after a while. There’s a lot of things. A lotta people mi want get the man. One time he was good; we tried to help him, but we can’t help him no more. We told him that when he come from jail last time.”

According to court reports, Cameron Hemsley was in fact, facing a trial for robbery. He was out on bail which he had secured just twelve days ago while awaiting the trial to begin, when he was shot dead. In 2019, he was charged with two counts of robbery with a firearm and one count of aggravated assault for pulling a gun on a police officer. Police are investigating the incident. Marion Ali for News Five.

Howard Reyes

In 2023, twenty-eight-year-old Howard Reyes was charged for attempted murder, use of deadly means of harm, aggravated assault with a firearm and wounding, following a shooting incident in Saint Paul’s Bank. Today, the Burrell Boom car dealer is a free man after his last two charges were dropped by the virtual complainant, James Perry, who requested that no further court action be taken against Reyes. According to Reports, Perry had been walking home when a gray Chevrolet Equinox drove up beside him and someone inside the vehicle fired several shots, injuring Perry. Due to the nature of the offenses, Reyes was denied bail at the time and was remanded to the Belize Central Prison. However, Reyes was later granted bail in late 2023 by the High Court and now, in light of the complainant’s request, the remaining charges of wounding and deadly means of harm were dropped and Reyes was set free.

Loren Rosales

After a mere six days in Belize, a Honduran national has been charged with illegal entry and is at risk of serving six months in Prison. Allegations are that thirty-nine-year-old Loren Rosales entered Belize on February eighth, 2024 through the banks of the Mopan River in Benque Viejo Del Carmen and has since being staying in Belize City, where she was later found. Rosales appeared unrepresented before a senior magistrate where she was read a single charge of illegal entry, to which she pleaded guilty. Rosales was given the option of paying a one thousand, five dollar fine or spending six months in prison, after which she will be deported back to Honduras. During mitigation, Rosales pleaded for leniency and asked the court for assistance in obtaining legal documents so that she may be removed from Belize earlier. Rosales was informed that if she wishes to remain in Belize legally, she must return home, obtain a passport and follow the proper protocol for such proceedings. However, she expressed disinterest in remaining in Belize any further. Since Rosales pleaded guilty and has no legal ties in Belize, the court ordered for her expulsion after paying her one thousand five hundred dollar fine or serving six months in prison. Tonight, Rosales is at the Belize Central Prison.

Tonight, we continue with our weekly coverage of the upcoming municipal elections. In this installment of Meet the Candidates, we take you to the City of Belmopan, the nation’s Capital. Both the People’s United Party and the United Democratic Party are fielding candidates for March sixth. So, who are these aspiring municipal leaders and why did they decide to run for office. News Five’s Paul Lopez travelled to Belmopan to hear from both mayoral candidates and a couple of their councilor candidates. Here is what he found out about them. 

Pablo Cawich

Pablo Cawich, PUP Mayoral Candidate, Belmopan

“I believe that the PUP is the best party in Belize. This party has been behind some of the movements the people have clamored for, for example independence. There are others of course. So, that would be one of the first reasons why. My dad was also a representative for the PUP for Belmopan as well as Cayo South and for myself, the option of which party it was, was very clear. This is the best party for representing the people.”

Jacklyn Burns

Jacklyn Burns, UDP Mayoral Candidate, Belmopan

“I always tell people that God dictates my journey because I never aspired to be a mayor or I never had it in my dream. But what I know I want to do is to be actively involved in assisting people, being in a mayoral seat, being a counselor allows for access to resources, it widens the expanse of what you are able to do, the amount of people you are able to reach and contributes to the development of your country. That is the whole goal, the bigger picture.”

Chris Enriquez

Chris Enriquez, PUP Councilor Candidate, Belmopan

“One of the biggest reasons I decided to enter into politics is because youths tend to shy away from politics and I wanted to encourage youths to be a part of politics. By us taking part in politics, it gives us an inclusive society for sustainable development and so I am trying to be the one to advocate for the youths and be the voice for the youths.”

Radin Santos

Radin Santos, PUP Councilor Candidate, Belmopan

“Yes I am son of the soil, born and raised in Belmopan, proud to say that I have attended scholl in Belmopan, right from the preschool, junior school, upper school, Belmopan Comprehensive and the University of Belmopan. I believe I am a people person. Majority of the people in Belmopan know me as a sport enthusiast. I have a passion for sports. In particular if I was to chose, I would say volleyball is my first preference, but I love all sports.”

Paul Casey

Paul Casey, UDP Councilor Candidate, Belmopan

“Most people know me as “Supa P”, the DJ. Born and raised in Belmopan, I am a song of the soil. Most people know my mother too. She is the person that created or started the first preschool in Belmopan, from 1984 to present. She is still there and I don’t know when she will leave. The way how Belmopan is right now, is not the way how we know it growing up when we had activities and people helped out each other and were united together.”

Leslie Zelaya

Leslie Zelaya, UDP Councilor Candidate, Belmopan

“It is just the love for the community. As it is, through my business I have been able to reach and help a lot of people within the community, whether it be with assistance with medical or needing to send their kids to school and stuff like that. While it might not be much it has helped a lot. It just wants to get the networking and be able to do more for the community. Having a small business I am a bit limited in that, but not only that, but to see the community move forward.”

There are a number of issues that Belmopan residents are expecting their elected municipal leaders to address. The upkeep of streets and drains are among those concerns, as well as debris and garbage collection. There is also a high demand for more family-friendly activities in the nation’s capital. On a political level, both the People’s United Party and the United Democratic Party have public perception to contend with. Outgoing P.U.P. Mayor, Sharon Palacio is considered highly controversial and the former U.D.P. Belmopan Area Representative John Saldivar, who the U.S designated as significantly corrupt, is a close ally of the U.D.P.’s mayoral candidate. News Five’s Paul Lopez reports.

Paul Lopez, Reporting

Belmopan stands out in the upcoming municipal elections, because it is the nation’s capital. It is considered the fastest growing population center in the country. Residents of the municipality expect their elected city council officials to meet the demands of this growing city..

Eva Aranda

Eva Aranda, Belmopan Resident

“Honest to you I live here for twenty years and where I live, the street, there is no light by the street. Everything dark and whenever people stealing stuff and different houses, we cant see them people, it really dark.”

P.U.P. mayoral candidate, Pablo Cawich says infrastructural development is high on the list of demands from residents.

Pablo Cawich

Pablo Cawich, P.U.P. Mayoral Candidate, Belmopan

“A couple of the main issues that they bring up are streets, drainage, because there are many areas in Belmopan that floods out when it gets rain, because Belmopan loved to rain. Another issue is lighting.”

United Democratic Party’s mayoral candidate, Jackyln Burns, says the residents she has engaged on the campaign trail are of the view that the city is broken. She contends that Belmopan has been neglected by the outgoing P.U.P. city council administration.

Jackyln Burns

Jackyln Burns, U.D.P. Mayoral Candidate, Belmopan

“People feel like Belmopan is broken. The potholes are not something we are use to. We are use to our green areas being nicely tapered. We have a certain pride in saying Belmopan is our home and we want it to reflect this nicely kept area. That is a priority for people.”

The U.D.P.’s campaign slogan in the Capital City is, “Make Belmopan Vibrant Again”. It is a reflection of the demand for more youth and family-friendly activities. Both parties are hoping to fill this gap with the youthful candidates that they are fielding.

Voice of: Belmopan Resident

Voice of: Belmopan Resident

“Belmopan is known to be the dead and “boringess” place in the country of Belize. We need some recreational centers mainly for youths, not mainly for youths, the general public.”

Paul Casey

Paul Casey, U.D.P. Councilor Candidate, Belmopan

“I am a DJ at trade, for entertainment part that is my strong hold. I will know what activities to do and create, because we have the kids, the high schoolers. We have the tertiary level, the adults and the senior citizens. So we have to think outside the box whereby everybody can work together or something for everybody to help each other and something attractive where it can be family friendly, because that is one of the major complaint, we don’t have any family friendly stuff.”

Chris Enriquez

Chris Enriquez, P.U.P. Councilor Candidate, Belmopan

“For me, advocating for the youths, many of them feel comfortable reaching out to me. A lot of the concerns are that there is not enough activities in terms of sports, afterschool programs, academics. So for me to be in the position to advocate for them, I know what we like. It puts us in a good position because we now have a voice. Many times in politics it is the same older heads over and over and so for us to have fresh ideas, perspective and the energy to address pressing issues, I think it is a plus.”

But there is a dark cloud over the People’s United Party’s in Belmopan that stems from public perception of the outgoing city council. Mayor Sharon Palacio was elected three years ago under the P.U.P. banner as the first woman mayor in the Capital City. But, she was easily one of the most controversial mayors the city has seen to date. Will Mayor Palacio’s performance cause the P.U.P. to lose significant support in Belmopan?

 Pablo Cawich

“The support for, specifically for this team has been overwhelming. We have been getting a lot of support from residents. Everybody has said that we have this already, but we can’t take that for granted. We have to continue pounding the ground, putting in the work and ensure that we listen to all the concerns that residents have.”

Burns, on the other hand, contends that residents are looking to the U.D.P. to take back the reins in Belmopan.

Jacklyn Burns

“It is definitely what I am hearing in the campaign trail so we will see what it translates into the ballot box come March sixth nuh, and it is my expectation we will see the results we are expecting.”

And, Burns’ candidacy is shrouded by its own controversy. Her opponents erected a billboard along the Belmopan Ring Road displaying her face next to former Belmopan Area Representative, John Saldivar. It is no secret that in November 2022, the US State Department designated Saldivar as ”significantly corrupt”, barring him from entering the U.S. Taking a stab at Burns’ campaign slogan, the billboard reads, “Make Belmopan Significantly Corrupt Again”.

Jackyln Burns

“In our school we teach our kids not to be bullies, so I would not expect that at this level of a leadership competition, but about my face being tied to John Saldivar I have no issues with that. I have worked for John Saldivar, I have been his friend for so long and people who might not know him might believe all that I said about him, but having worked closely with him, having lived two houses down from him every since I was a little girl and having seen the work that Belmopan has gotten as a result of his leadership. I can say I am proud to be affiliated with the gentleman.”

Leslie Zelaya

Leslie Zelaya, U.D.P. Councilor Candidate, Belmopan

“Without trying to be bias, if there was something to say, if there was some sort of proof, Mr Saldivar would be going to court and to make Jackie guilty by association is, I would like to think we are all innocent until proven guilty.”

Pablo Cawich

“The sign itself, I don’t agree with it, but it is a reality in politics and sometimes the residents need to be reminded of the past and associations. Birds of a feather flock together right.”

Reporting for News Five, I am Paul Lopez.

He’s been campaigning daily for himself and his fellow candidates with the People’s Democratic Movement, under the leadership of Esteven Perera Senior. But now, there’s been a fall-out between them and Henry says he is no longer a part of the P.D.M. team. It has to do with money issues and Henry told us that even though he has been informed by the Elections and Boundaries Department that his name cannot be removed from the ballot, come March sixth, don’t vote for him.

Phillip “Fawda” Henry

Phillip “Fawda” Henry, Withdrew from P.D.M.

“We call several meetings at Mr. Perrera’s house to ask about the fundraising, and I believe that we have a secretary, we have a treasurer.”

Marion Ali

“For the campaign?”

Phillip “Fawda” Henry

“For the campaign.”

He’s not saying what he wants to hear in any, one of our meeting. So we are not going to stand in solidarity if a person doesn’t want to say things that we need to hear about. We need some funds to be campaigning with. And we are not getting there. We are not getting, receiving it. And I have lots of people who wants to vote for the P.D.M. because I am there. So I am saying to the entire city, the people in Belize City, that I will not run with any movement if it’s not about the people.

Phillip “Fawda” Henry

“I stepped out because when we call meetings, he is not fair to the ten of us. So if the others want to stay, I have nothing to say to them, but I will not stay because I don’t feel comfortable. My question is fair enough, is to ask the person we trust to put before us how much he collects and we need our finance money to be campaigning.”

Marion Ali

“And the response has been what?”

Phillip “Fawda” Henry

“The response has been a lot of negative words. So I am not going to be on the same ballot as the P.D.M. I will not be there.”

Marion Ali

”So when Election Day comes and your name appears on the ballot still, you’re telling people to not vote for you on the ballot?”

Phillip “Fawda” Henry

“I am saying that I am not a member, and when I say I’m not a member, when you see my name on that ballot, don’t vote. You don’t want to vote for Philip Henry because this is not my time.”

The lifeless body of nineteen-year-old Joshua Ku was discovered at an isolated location along a dirt road in the Rhaburn Ridge area, near the fringes of Orange Walk District.  He had been stabbed to death in the early hours of Sunday morning, before being dumped along a lonely road several miles away from where he lived with his grandfather in Orange Walk Town.  Tonight, a wanted poster has been issued for the arrest of twenty-two-year-old Steven Diaz.  He is wanted for questioning for his purported involvement in the murder of the young baker.  As we reported on Monday, Ku’s family strongly believes that he was killed by his ex-girlfriend’s brother after leaving a nightclub on the morning of February eleventh.  Diaz is one of several individuals who may be connected to the weekend murder.

Hilberto Romero

ACP Hilberto Romero, Regional Commander, Eastern Division

“Yes, there are several persons detained for this investigation. 

Reporter

“Do police have a motive behind this murder?”

Hilberto Romero

“Not at this time.  All we have is that he was with these persons and he got into a car and left with them from the nightclub.”

Reporter

“Are you able to say whether someone they have detained has confessed?”

Hilberto Romero

“I cannot say at this time but the body has been located.”

Nadia Ku

Nadia Ku, Mother of Deceased

“It hurts me because my son is just nineteen [years old].  Next month he would have been twenty.  And Josh wasn’t a troublemaker, everybody that knows Josh knows that Josh is a loving person, keeps to himself.  If he needs, he’s going to ask me only, his mom, because it has always only been me and him and my parents, my dad and my mom, and my sister.  He has always been, and I try, although he didn’t grow up with his dad, I tried to be the best mom for him.  Even people that I know and talk to, I always say, my son, he does use to go to church.  He has a good friend and he always comes and find him when he’s here and he’s like, “Josh, let’s go.”  “Josh, where are you going?”  Mommy, I am going to church.”  “Okay, fine.  Pray for me.  I love you.”  It was always like that with Josh.  He was loving and caring.  He did not deserve to go like this.”

Keyren Tzib

The trial for attempted murder against former Coast Guard Officer Keyren Tzib is coming to an end with both defense and crown opening and closing their case. Tzib stands accused of trying to kill her former Coast Guard colleague, thirty-seven-year-old Kurt Hyde in April 2015. Allegations are that at the end of a joint maritime operation, Tzib took an M4 Carbine rifle and fired it in Hyde’s direction, hitting him once in the head.  On January twenty-sixth, Tzib chose to give a dock statement in her defense. In her statement, Tzib explained to the court that she had no intention of harming Hyde. She stated that the gun had gone off accidentally because she stood up and the waves were rocking the boat at the time. She further noted that she had little experience with handling a firearm and that she is very sorry that it happened. In her defense, her attorney, Darrel Bradley, called two witnesses, Psychiatric Nurse, Ingrid Bennett and Clinical Psychologist Crystal Humes.  Nurse Bennett informed the court that she treated Tzib between 2011 and 2019. She stated that in 2011, Tzib had an anxiety and depression disorder for which she was receiving treatment. Nurse Bennett further explained that only days before the incident, Tzib was diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder which may have derived from an allegation of rape.   According to Nurse Bennett, Tzib was on medication at the time of the incident. Humes told the court that she did a test on Tzib in October 2023 in which PTSD was identified as the most pronounced mental illness.   At the start of Tzib’s trial, the crown presented evidence in the form of statements coming from several witnesses that were on board the vessel at that time of the incident. Noel Lanza, a BDF soldier, stated that he saw Tzib stood up, took aim and fired a shot. Delon Castro, a boat captain for the Belize Port Authority, stated that he intervened by pushing down the gun after Tzib had fired the shot. Tyrone Young, a Coast Guard officer who has since passed away, said in his statement that Tzib pointed the gun towards the front of the boat then he heard a loud bang.

Michael Baptist

A man who attacked his stepfather, stabbing him multiple times back in July 2016, has nine years and one month left behind bars to serve for the  crime of dangerous harm. Twenty-seven-year-old Michael Baptist Junior, also known as “Chucky” was found guilty of dangerous harm in the High Court by a jury of nine persons, on Thursday, November thirtieth, 2023, before Justice Nigel Pilgrim.   In imposing the sentence, Justice Pilgrim took into consideration the aggravating and mitigating factors, as well as a Victim Impact Statement from the stabbing victim, Eugene Webster.  His starting point was thirteen years, after he took into consideration the fact that Eugene Webster was stabbed multiple times to the abdomen causing his system to collapse. Justice Pilgrim also considered the fact that Webster now refers to himself as being partially handicapped and the fact that the crime was committed with a deadly instrument. Justin Pilgrim further noted that the stabbing incident appeared premeditated and that the trust factor was infringed upon, as Webster placed trust in him and had assisted him financially on the day of the incident. As a result, Justice Pilgrim increased the sentence to fifteen years.  However, because Baptist has a conviction for theft and showed no remorse during the trial, he increased his time by 6 more months, bringing the time to fifteen years and six months. Justice Pilgrim then deducted four years and six months after considering a psychiatric evaluation that Baptist underwent in which he reportedly expressed remorse and a desire to do better. That brought the sentence down to eleven years and twenty-three months. Baptist has spent the last two years on remand, leaving him with nine years and one month left to serve in his sentence.  The maximum penalty for the offense of dangerous harm is twenty years.

Joseph Budna

Orange Walk Police have arrested and charged Joseph Budna for the crime of cyber bullying.  As we reported on Friday, Budna, a well-known figure who has had several brushes with the law, was wanted in connection with a complaint made against him.  It is alleged that he used a social media platform to torment Orange Walk North Area Representative Ramon ‘Monchi’ Cervantes.  Budna was arraigned in the Orange Walk Magistrate’s Court on Monday and was granted bail in the sum of one thousand dollars.  He has once again taken to social media in an attempt to clear his name.

Joseph Budna, Charged for Cyber Bullying

“I’ve been through a lot, believe it or not.  I‘ve been locked down in Belize City after eating a barbecue by the GI3 unit‘s personnel who deal with gang members, as if I was a gang member.  I was taken to the Queen Street Police Station by the GI3 unit that deals with gangs and then I was locked down at the Raccoon Street Police Station.  I told them, you know what, I went into Belmopan Cyber Crime Unit to report this guy, Anthony Tillett.  I did report him and I have an official statement that I gave to them about it and they have taken my statement and they are working on that with their Guatemalan counterparts.  I left the station and one of them tried to grab me and I did not allow them to do so until I consulted my attorney and that officer did not place me under arrest.  So he could not say that I escaped from lawful custody.  No, I did not.  So I contacted many persons and after I contacted many persons, this happened on Friday, folks.  Let me give you exactly what happened.  On Friday, I visited Belmopan and I went to Cyber Crime Unit and I gave a statement against Anthony Tillett and I also managed to take a picture of that statement which later on I might be sharing if anything.  But I took a picture of that and also what happened is that thereafter I left the station and these two police officers from Cyber Crime were acting very suspiciously and I don‘t know exactly what they were up to.  So I left them and they didn‘t say you are under arrest or we place you under arrest.  I left and I went and thereafter, I heard that they wanted to talk to me.  So I called and I got the inspector’s number Inspector Juan Garcia from Cyber Crime.  I contacted him and he said mein, we neva mi wahn arrest you, we just mih wahn talk to you concerning the report that the chairman of Chan Pine Ridge Village made against you that you accused di man that ih assault unu, you and the reporter for Estereo Amor.”

Joshua Ku

Joshua Ku enjoyed socializing with his friends in Orange Walk Town.  The nineteen-year-old lived with his sibling and grandfather and worked at a bakery along with his mother.  The mother and son would often talk and spend time with each other at work and Saturday was no different.  But when it was later discovered that Ku did not make it home after a night of partying at a popular nightclub, his family grew concerned about his safety.  That concern quickly became a fear that something bad had happened to Josh.  This afternoon, that fear became a reality.  News Five’s Isani Cayetano was in Orange Walk Town earlier today and followed the story to its tragic end.  Here’s that report.

Isani Cayetano, Reporting

A mother’s worst fear was realized earlier today with the discovery of a male body, later identified as that of nineteen-year-old Joshua Ku, in a remote area of Rhaburn Ridge.  The shocking encounter by loved ones who set out in search of the Orange Walk resident this morning, brought to an end a desperate attempt at finding Ku alive.  The last time Nadia Ku saw her son was on Saturday evening while she was leaving work at La Popular Bakery.

Nadia Ku

Nadia Ku, Mother of Deceased

“I came out from work like.  I was going up the hill, going home, when I saw him fly past with his friends and he took out his head from the window and he shouted. “Ma!”  I smiled at him and waved.  From then I haven’t seen him, [or] heard from him.  All I know is that he went to Hi 5 with close friends and he come out of Hi 5 with other people that he’s not acquainted with.”

It is believed that Josh exited the establishment in the company of his ex-girlfriend’s brother.  According to his mother, that individual was never fond of her son.

Nadia Ku

The guy that took Josh, honestly, he doesn’t even like my son, so I don’t know why he pressured Josh to go with him or maybe just for the ride to bring him home.  Everyone told me Josh left Hi 5 about three or four [o’clock] that morning, but Josh never made it home.  So Sunday, which was yesterday, like nine or before nine [o’clock] in the night, my other son called me and he said, “Mom, Josh hasn’t reached home as yet.”

Immediately, a missing person’s report was filed at the Orange Walk Police Station and the family set out in search of Joshua.  This morning, Jose Witzil, a close friend of the family, joined the search party along with his son.

Jose Witzil

Jose Witzil, Family Friend

“This morning, my son called me and he told me the news, so he came down.  Now, presently, as I am speaking, he is out there looking for him. It was a surprise to me. It’s still a shock to me to know that we can’t find his body, we can’t find him. Each time the minute, the hour goes by, we get more desperate because time is being consumed.  Even the sun right now is hitting and we don’t know where he is.”

By one o’clock this afternoon, when the police department convened its weekly presser, Assistant Commissioner Hilberto Romero was able to provide additional details, albeit grim.

Hilberto Romero

ACP Hilberto Romero, Regional Commander, Eastern Division

“Information received was that Josh Ku was along with some male persons at a nightclub in Orange Walk and he got into a car around 3:20 a.m. on the said Sunday, February eleventh.  An investigation was carried out and searches were conducted and this afternoon, his body was found at an area near Rhaburn Ridge with stab wound injuries.  The scene is being processed at this time.”

According to Ku’s family, he was lured into the company of several persons who later killed him and disposed of his body.  While investigators say that they are yet to ascertain a motive, Josh’s mom explained to us that his former brother-in-law did not like him after Josh separated with his sister.

Nadia Ku

”His friends went to do a missing report last night, I went as well and we stayed there like an hour.  I went out to find him, came home like 3:30 in the morning and Josh was nowhere to be found.  The police called me like four o‘clock and he said that the guy Josh was with went to the station, gave up himself and he told them everything that he did to Josh.”

Isani Cayetano

“Nadia, you mentioned earlier that the individual who reportedly left with Josh from Hi 5 did not like him.  Can you explain that, is it someone that they both knew each other but they weren‘t friends or they didn‘t have a liking for each other.”

Nadia Ku

“Well Josh dated his little sister, like two years ago and I guess ever since then he did not like Josh and I don‘t know because Josh said, “Mom, he doesn‘t like me.”  He said, “You see him, he doesn‘t like me.”  I don‘t know him physically, I haven‘t seen him, have never seen him, but Josh and everyone knows that he doesn’t like my son.”

Isani Cayetano for News Five.

Blake Lewis

On Friday, we reported on the capture of twenty-five-year-old Blake Lewis who was wanted by police in connection with a double murder in Hattieville.  While Commissioner of Police Chester Williams commented on the incident, earlier today Lewis appeared before the lower court where he was arraigned on two of four charges and remanded to prison.  Here’s more from Assistant Commissioner of Police Hilberto Romero.

Hilberto Romero

ACP Hilberto Romero, Regional Commander, Eastern Division

“Reference the aggravated assault report that occurred on Thursday in Hattieville, we have since arrested and charged Blake Lewis for the crimes of attempted murder, discharging a firearm in public, aggravated assault and possession of unlicensed firearm and ammunition. On Saturday February 10^th, 2024, around 3:30 p.m. Julian Xin, thirty-eight-years old Chinese businessman of Xaibe Village, Orange Walk District, reported that he was inside his store when he was approached by two male persons who were armed with firearms. Thereafter, the male persons held him up and they stole an undisclosed amount of money and made good their escape.  We have no suspects at this time.”

Gertrude Hunter

Sixty-one-year-old Gertrude Hunter was taken to court this morning where she was arraigned on four criminal offenses, including damage to property, two counts of aggravated assault upon two police officers and one count of trespassing.  The charges arose from an incident in January during which Hunter was involved in a land dispute.  It is alleged that Hunter entered the property of Pauline McFadzean on Cemetery Road.  In court, earlier today the elderly woman appeared unrepresented where she pleaded not guilty to all four charges.  Hunter was offered bail in the sum of one thousand dollars, plus one surety of the same amount.  After meeting bail, Hunter tearfully recounted her experience at the hands of the Belize Police Department and described an ordeal that began in 2015 and only got worse following the passing of her common-law husband in 2020.  Hunter maintains that she is the rightful owner of the property in question and that it was given to her in a will left behind by her deceased husband.

Michael Peyrefitte

On Thursday, the Senate also debated legislation that seeks to establish the National Women’s Commission as a legal body. Lead U.D.P. Senator, Michael Peyrefitte, argued that while the legislation seems like a noble effort on the surface, it gives the minister undue discretion for appointments. He further contended that the commission is a way for the government to employ political cronies.

Michael Peyrefitte, Lead UDP Senator

“This government likes to bring legislation that on the face of it seems noble. But when you really analyze it is anything but noble. It is like when you bring a budget or a supplemental and you have ten things that are ridiculous but one thing is in there that you can’t object to, because they will say oh you object to the supplemental. Unu think unu smart and we stupid. The National Women’s Commission, thirteen members appointed by the minister. If that nuh bad enough, the minister has to appoint the executive director too, for money to be determined quite possibly by that same minister. They put it as prescribed. We have an office or a person in an office that is Special Envoy for Women and Children. We have offices to deal with these issues. WE have a Ministry of Human Development which deals with man and woman, are we saying these people are not doing their jobs, that we need this for what? This is a way to find jobs for the government’s cronies and lackeys while you already cannot find money for the current public officers who are suppose to get their increments and pay.”

Dolores Balderamos-Garcia

Today, we received a response to Senator Peyrefitte’s comments from Dolores Balderamos-Garcia, the Minister of Human Development. She outrightly rejected the notion that the commission is being used as a means to employ political cronies. Here is how she puts it.

Dolores Balderamos-Garcia, Minister of Human Development

“I was disappointed to year the lead opposition Senator say why do you have a National Women’s Commission and all the members are appointed by the minister. Well, this is the administration that is in the office. And why wouldn’t the minister appoint to the National Women’s Commission which is so important on gender issues. And let me point out for the record, it is not jobs for cronies. It is not jobs for cronies. Every single member of the national Women’s Commission, which is now a statutory body, serves without pay. It is a completely voluntary thing. So it is not jobs for cronies. The chairperson gets a small stipend for the responsibility, what you call the responsibility allowance. And of course, if a member of the commission has to come from Toledo or Corozal, you will cover the food and transportation, but it is on a voluntary basis. I am sure that Senator Peyrefitte wasn’t worried when in the time of the UDP, everybody was appointed by the UDP government. I can think of some very good persons, Ann Marie Williams, Esther Ayuso, many people serve with distinction and I will never put down those women because they had the gender issues of our country at heart.”

Arthur Williams

Earlier this week, we told you that Commissioner of Police, Chester Williams brought charges against his own brother, Arthur Williams, under the Cybercrime Act. Arthur Williams was charged with two counts of using a computer system to disseminate false information with the intent to cause another person to be subjected to public ridicule or embarrassment and one count of using a computer system to intimidate a person. Arthur Williams was fined ten thousand dollars for the offense. Today, reporters caught up with ComPol Williams and asked him about his decision.

Chester Williams

Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police

“During my mother’s ailing time before she passed, my brother went to social media and referred to my mother with the W and B word. No man should refer to a woman, especially his mother, using the W or B word. I took offense to it and went after him and told him he ought not to refer to our mother in such a way. Because I did that, I became the bad one. He and I had always had a very good relationship. Every time he reached out to me for help I always helped him, but since that particular incident he turned against me and almost every day he was on social media posting negative comments about me trying to belittle me in every way possible. I reached out to our older brother to reach out to him to discontinue. My older brother spoke to him and he did not stop. I reached out to our uncle to speak to him and he did not stop. I reached out to the Ombudsman, because he is a driver for the Ombudsman, and sent him the screen shot of what he posted on social media and asked the Ombudsman to please speak to him to discontinue because he is out there doing what he can to have the public see me in a light I am not. The Ombudsman spoke to him and he still continued. I guess as a person there is nothing much you can do with all efforts made to have him stop doing what he was doing, he did not. So I am hoping now with the matter before the court, the court will be able to get him to discontinue. It is sad that it reached to this. He is my brother. I don’t dislike him. I love him. We share the same mother and father and I wish that he would have taken my advice in the light which I had given him when he referred to my mother with the W and B words.”

The Belize Police Department and the Human Trafficking Institute has solidified their efforts in the fight against human trafficking and smuggling. On Thursday, the department and the institute signed a Memorandum of Understanding. Through the partnership, the Human Trafficking Institute will provided needed support to the Belize Police Department to decimate human trafficking in Belize. ComPol Williams told us more.

Chester Williams

Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police

“Yesterday we signed a memorandum of understanding with the Human Trafficking Institute. That MOU has to do with enhancing the capabilities of the Anti-Trafficking Unit in Belize. When we talk about enhancing the capacity we are looking at training as well as other resources we need to be able to carry out our duties properly. You would know that human trafficking is a crime against humanity so as democratic nations we must do our best to ensure we rid ourselves of the scourge. That is why we are partnering with the Human Trafficking Institute to see how they can enhance our capabilities to be able to discharge that very important function. We also discussed expanding the Unit. About two years ago I expanded the unit with additional personnel and I am expanding it again whenever the next recruit squad graduates we are putting an additional three officers there. With that we are also ensuring we have the capabilities to address human smuggling.”

Lewis Blake

On Thursday night, police captured a suspected murderer that has been on the run since October twenty-fourth, 2023. Twenty-two-year-old Lewis Blake was wanted for questioning in connection with the murder of Joel Andrews and Martin Sho in Hattieville. Well, after months in hiding, it appears that Lewis was spotted in the village and an off-duty officer pursued him.  Commissioner Williams gave us more details.

Chester Williams

Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police

“You would know that for some time now we have been looking for Blake Lewis, and again Blake Lewis is wanted in respect of two incidents. The double murder that took place in the back of Hatieville and a recent shooting where a person was shot and survived. Since then he has been eluding the police. We try to work as best as we can to do Ops and surveillance and these kinds of things to capture him but he has always been able to stay one step ahead of the police. Last night the Gi3 committed themselves to conduct investigation and go into the area and do certain work and the work that last night they were able to flush out Blake Lewis. He was spotted by the team riding a motorcycle and he practically rode into the police vehicle and fell off the motorcycle. He ran and the police pursued him he escaped. A couple minutes later he was encountered by a police officer from Hatieville CIB. He fired two shots at the police and the police returned fire and he dropped his weapon and ran. He was able to escape. We found the weapon he had, it was picked up and proceed and sent to the lab. Today the GI3 and CIB went back into the area, determined to locate him and we knew that he was injured following the fall. They were able to locate him across the river so he is now in custody. “

Rashaan Kadeem Castillo

A man who was caught stealing several items inside Simon Quan Store on Queen Street was ordered to pay thirty times the cost of the two items he stole after he pleaded guilty to the offense. Thirty-five-year-old Rashaan Kadeem Castillo, an unemployed of a Holy Emmanuel Street address in Belize City, was arraigned this morning in the Belize City Magistrate’s Court on Coney Drive on a charge of theft. Allegations are that on Wednesday, Castillo took a pack of chocolates valued less than five dollars and a pair of reading glasses, also worth less than five dollars. The magistrate imposed a fine of three hundred dollars, plus five dollars cost of court. The store owner reported that on Wednesday evening sometime after six, he was working at the cash register inside the establishment when he was alerted by one of his employees that there was someone shoplifting in the store. The store’s security guard searched the man and found the stolen items tucked under his shirt in his pants waist. Castillo has until April thirtieth to pay the fine, or he will spend three months in prison.

Francisco Torres

A man was fined today for consuming alcoholic drinks in a public space. Twenty-five-year-old Francisco Torres pleaded guilty to public drinking after he was caught drinking a beer in public. The incident happened on January twenty-eighth on West Canal. In court, Torres wasted no time to plead guilty to the charge, and picked up a fine of thirty dollars plus five dollars cost of court. Torres has until March twelfth to pay the fine or he will spend a week at the Belize Central Prison.

Arthur Williams

Commissioner of Police, Chester Williams, has pressed charges against his brother, Arthur Williams, for alleged cyber bullying. This morning, Arthur Williams was escorted to the Belize City Magistrates Court in handcuffs. He appeared unbothered as he raised his shackled arms for the camera. Williams was unrepresented in court where he was read three charges, two counts of using a computer system to disseminate false information with the intent to cause another person to be subjected to public ridicule or embarrassment, and one count of using a computer system to intimidate a person under the Cybercrime Act. Williams pleaded not guilty to all three charges.  The charges stem from several slanderous posts on Facebook that were created on January seventh. It is alleged that Arthur Williams is the individual behind those posts about his own brother, Commissioner of Police, Chester Williams.    He was offered bail in the sum of ten thousand dollars, plus one surety of the same amount. He met bail and was released from police custody. The matter was adjourned to March twenty-seventh. Williams says he intends to get an attorney to represent him in court at the next hearing.

Shane Bennett

In January 2020, thirty-six-year-old Anthony Parks was gunned downed in Independence Village, he succumbed to his injuries eleven days later.  But when his suspected killer was convicted of murder in April 2022, Shane Bennett escaped from lawful custody and fled to Punta Gorda where he was recaptured shortly thereafter.  Tonight, Bennett is serving a life sentence without the possibility of parole until after he has completed a minimum of twenty-five years in prison.  Bennett has been on remand at the Belize Central Prison for the past three years and that’s the only time that will be deducted from his lengthy prison stay.  That’s the judgment of High Court Justice Antoinette Moore earlier today.

Tonight, we officially commence our pre-election coverage of the 2024 municipals with a series of profiles that will introduce mayoral and councilor candidates from all nine cities and towns to the masses of Belizean voters.  In our inaugural segment, we take you to Punta Gorda where we met with mayoral hopefuls from the Belize Progressive Party, the People’s United Party, as well as councilor candidates from all three political organizations.  Here’s our first episode of Meet the Candidates.

Anita Nicholas

Anita Nicholas, BPP Mayoral Candidate, PG

“From a child, I was always around with politics with both of my grandparents, my grandfather and my grandmother.  When they would go to any political activities, they would take me along with them and I thought there was where my interest and my love for politics grew.  However, I decided, based on what I have seen and based on what I have learned, to hold the politicians accountable and I was not seeing accountability in both of the major political parties, I decided to join the Belize Progressive Party which was a new party and that was how I decided to run with the Belize Progressive Party.”

Seleni Cus

Seleni Cus, U.D.P. Councilor Candidate

“What motivated me was that I saw the state our town is in at the moment and as a youth, I have been out before I even thought to get involved with politics and I thought that, you know, I could make a difference here in town and I would be a voice for the youths and women here in my town as well. Based on records, I believe that we don’t have most females being involved in politics and being the first Maya female to put up my name on a ballot paper here in Punta Gorda, I think that it is something, you know, that our youths can look at, especially young females.  They can look at that and, you know, take a stand because it’s time for females to come up and join the political field.”

Jahrine Avila

Jahrine Avila, PUP Councilor Candidate

“For me, personally, I’ve always been involved with different organizations in my community, giving back and always volunteering my time.  So when I was approached by one of our past leaders, Mr. Galvez, he spoke with me and my first thought was, you know, I’m not that type of person to be into politics but he was like, look at the bigger picture, look at what you have done in your community and see what you can do now on a bigger platform.  So I thought about it and said, “Hey, why not!”  This is not for myself, but for my community.  I’ve always been involved.  I have love for my people and my community, so why not give it a shot and do what you do best.”

Kevin Choc

Kevin Choc, U.D.P. Councilor Candidate

“What inspired me to run again, put my name on the ballot, is the people, you know.  I have a passion to serve, you know, and the people have seen that and they, basically, I have a group of people who are behind me, pushing for me to be, some ah dehn mi even wahn I run fi mayor, but, you know, yoh haffi climb up di ranks.  I believe that everything takes time.  So di people is what inspired me to put my name on a ballot.”

Isani Cayetano

“What do you believe is perhaps different this time around from the previous time you ran for office?

Kevin Choc

“What is different is being in opposition.  That is very different, you know, and I believe that hard times create strong men.”

Malcolm Galvez

Malcolm Galvez, PUP Councilor Candidate

“PG needs a lot of help, you know.  We need people, well we need leaders that are willing to stand up and speak on behalf of the voters, on behalf of the residents.  One of the things that I personally did was, I got up at our national party council meeting and I mentioned that, you know, Toledo East has always been, the south has always been known as a PUP stronghold.  I mentioned that to the prime minister and deputy prime minister and at the time we had the worst streets in the country.  It’s not the best place to mention some of the problems, but it is important to us, so every opportunity the current council got, we tried to mention those issues.”

Franklyn ‘Kranka’ Polonio

Franklyn ‘Kranka’ Polonio, UDP Mayoral Candidate

“I went there because I realize that we need to build that hope again, you know, that trust, that integrity as Belizeans and also as politicians.  I believe that trust needs to build back and that’s one thing that I basically have with the people of Punta Gorda.”

Carlos ‘Obeah’ Galvez

Carlos ‘Obeah’ Galvez, PUP Mayoral Candidate

“People, voters here in PG, had asked me on numerous occasions to come back in participate in electoral politics and, you know, I decided after thirteen years, I decided, you know what, I said listen it’s at the call of the people, at the request of the people, why not?”

You just met several of the candidates vying for a seat at Town Hall in Punta Gorda on March sixth. They are all optimistic that their respective slates will be successful on Election Day.  Beyond the campaigns, however, are serious concerns being shared by residents of PG and those issues have to do with the deplorable conditions of streets and drains.  In the following story, News Five’s Isani Cayetano takes a look the infrastructure crisis that is frustrating Punta Gorda’s socioeconomic progress.  Here’s that story.

Isani Cayetano, Reporting

The southernmost municipality is often described as forgotten, lost in a world of its own where growth seems to evolve at a much slower pace than in other parts of the country.  Infrastructure is a key factor for socioeconomic development, as it provides the physical and digital means for people to access opportunities, goods and services.  All of that is quickly changing and residents of Punta Gorda are keenly aware of what it takes for their hometown to advance in those respective areas.

Punta Gorda Resident

Punta Gorda Resident

“When it comes to, like, road infrastructure, I don’t think anybody that lives here or that has come around here will think that they are doing a good job.  However, we have seen some work going on.  I don’t know how much that is going to accomplish, but until we see much and see how much it has done then we‘re going to be in a good place to render judgment.  When it comes to roads, I think they are still lagging behind.”

As municipal leaders, the aim is to leverage social and economic infrastructures to support sustainable growth and development.  It is necessary to invest in projects that meet the needs and demands of the citizenry, as well as align with the strategic vision and goals of the town council.

Carlos ‘Obeah’ Galvez

Carlos ‘Obeah’ Galvez, P.U.P. Mayoral Candidate, PG

“The crying you’re hearing from a lot of people is infrastructure, infrastructure, infrastructure.  With the present conditions of the streets and roads in town, we need to get to work as of now, not waiting until we get into office.  So currently, we are currently working and repairing a lot of streets, major streets.”

For some, the recent roadwork may be long-awaited, given the deplorable state of streets and drains across the town.  For others, it remains an extremely difficult situation that hinders the development of Punta Gorda.

Franklyn ‘Kranka’ Polonio

Franklyn ‘Kranka’ Polonio, UDP Mayoral Candidate, PG

“We have a municipality right now [that] is ailing in all aspects, you know, in regards to, when it comes to roadwork, when it comes to the economy, you know.”

Roads and physical infrastructure are critical because they improve the connectivity and integration of different communities in PG.

Punta Gorda Resident

Punta Gorda Resident

“Weh da di improvement ah PG?  I noh sih nothing.  Dis maanin’ ah ride gone by da bridge, by Joe Taylor deh, di way I sih di foundation, da bridge, dehn got sohn lee, weh dehn wah do deh?  Wah lee pass walk… dehn tek down Haulover Bridge and dehn ker it da Cayo.  We noh got no two-way bridge, soh why dehn neva bring dat ya? Infrastructure, we have a lot of things here [that are] yet fi get done and we noh di sih no movements yet.  Now I need fi send wah message to my government, to my prime minister and di government that I support, I need di staat sih my Joe Taylor Bridge staat build, I need fi staat sih my road paved.”

Transport networks, including bridges, can facilitate the mobility of people and goods, reduce trade costs and connect markets.  Returning mayoral candidate Carlos Galvez contextualizes this by looking at the achievements of the present Punta Gorda Town Council.

Carlos ‘Obeah’ Galvez

“What they have done, they have initiated that Joe Taylor Bridge.  That’s approximately two million dollars, a new bridge, a two-lane bridge.  The contract has been signed already, M&M Construction, and also six major streets.”

Social infrastructure, on the other hand, improves the quality of human resources, such as education, health, and social services, which leads to an increase in the wellbeing and efficiency of the population. As an example, public education can enhance the skills and knowledge of the workforce, as well as foster innovation and creativity.  Together, they foster social cohesion, cultural diversity, and political stability.

Franklyn ‘Kranka’ Polonio

“On my manifesto, there are two things, two big things that we looked at, one is a House of Culture.  When we get a House of Culture built here in PG, we will be looking at the tourism industry, the sector, you know, affecting that in all manner.  We have the different cultures, we know that PG is one of the melting pots in Belize, you know.  That will bring jobs, we have different crafts, different food items in PG.  And of course, another one is looking at a call center.  That will very much boost the economy of PG, money will be spending and things will begin to look better in that regard.”

To create a more livable, resilient, and prosperous municipality for the people of Peini, municipal leaders should collaborate with other stakeholders, such as the private sector, civil society, and international organizations, to mobilize resources and expertise in infrastructure development. Isani Cayetano for News Five.