July 10, 2025 - Greater Belize Media

“We Are Not Safe”: BAPDA Speaks Out on Killing of Disabled Belizeans

Following the murder of 38-year-old Luke Jones, who lived with a disability, and his mother, 64-year-old Evadnie Jones, disability advocates in Belize say the recent wave of killings targeting persons with disabilities reflects a bigger failure of the state and society to protect them.

Luke was shot and killed in his wheelchair outside his Cedar Street home on July 5th. His mother was also shot and killed. According to neighbours, the gunfire was heard the night before, but the bodies were not discovered until the next afternoon.

“Luke was a person who could not defend himself; that guy didn’t hurt anybody, so why does anybody have the right to do someone something like that? It pains me because the fact is that we are not safe,” said the President of BAPDA, Francisco Cuellar, on Open Your Eyes this morning.

Luke’s death is the third such killing in eight months. In November 2023, 18-year-old Trayson Gibson, paralysed from the waist down, was shot dead on Banak Street. In April 2024, Gion Bernard, known as “Gizmo,” was executed on Castle Street. All three were wheelchair users.

BAPDA also criticised the lack of implementation following the December 2024 passage of a Disability Bill recognising the rights of persons with disabilities. Cuellar said no significant follow-up has occurred.

“For me personally, we as disability persons are not protected. The bill was passed, and it’s just on a shelf. And that’s it. We have heard nothing at all. They were waiting for the elections to happen, and it’s still on the shelf. I think it’s just a checklist that they’re doing for us,” Cuellar stated.

Among the issues raised by BAPDA this morning was the lack of proper shelters designed for persons with disabilities. Cuellar explained that preparedness for vulnerable groups is still not taken seriously, and without the right tools, data, and coordination among stakeholders, persons with disabilities remain at heightened risk, especially during natural disasters.

“Some of us, we don’t choose this life; this life chooses us, but if it happens, you have to deal with it,” Cuellar said.

“The fact is that we need the proper tools. We need the facilities,” Cuellar added. “We need the collaboration of people within the society with, not exactly the government, but businesses and everything. All stakeholders.”

Despite a few private sector efforts to hire persons with disabilities, BAPDA says there is no consistent policy or national push to promote inclusion in the workforce.

Meanwhile, advisory member Warren Smith said stigma continues to be a major issue, particularly among youth. “A lot of youths today have a lack of knowledge about how to. Respond to someone with a disability or how to deal with someone with a disability.”

BAPDA continues to advocate to the government agencies, businesses, and civil society to step up and protect vulnerable groups. “If we had the resources to help our people, I would love to help them,” Cuellar said.

“People could start by advocating as well; help with just maybe a pantry for these people. Simple things like taking a plate of food to their homes. These people are really, really vulnerable people. And a little assistance like that can warm someone’s heart, you know? It can make a big difference. Can make them feel safe again,” Smith added.

BREAKING: Man Crushed in Freak Accident

A tragic accident has unfolded this evening on Fabers Road in the Jimmy Dyer area, Belize City, leaving a man motionless on the ground after he was crushed by his own truck.

He was working on his truck when he asked someone to start it. Because it was left in gear, the truck lurched forward and pinned him against another truck parked in front, crushing him.

Emergency services are on the scene. This is a developing story.

First Belizean OAS Assistant Secretary General Concludes 10-Year Term

The first Belizean to get elected as Assistant Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS), Nestor Mendez, has officially concluded his tenure after a decade of service.

Mendez demitted office on Wednesday, 9 July, though his term officially concludes on Friday, July 11, 2025. His departure reflects the end of a two-term tenure that began in 2015 and was extended through re-election in 2020.

“I want to thank my country, Belize. I want to thank that beautiful, small, unique gem in Central America, the bastion of democracy and stability,” said Mendez in his farewell address on Thursday. “A place where a young man from a village, growing up in the rural north of Belize, can dream big and work hard and get an education and make it to be Ambassador of Belize to the United States and the OAS, and then make it to be elected to be the Assistant Secretary General of this organisation.”

During his tenure, Mendez championed innovation, equity, and institutional reform across the Americas. “That is the country where I come from, and I know I’m extremely blessed, and I’m so proud. Thank you to my country,” Mendez added.

Dr Cecilio Eck Shares Hope One Year After Cancer Diagnosis

Despite receiving a prognosis of just six months to two years from three oncologists, Dr Cecilio Eck remains in the fight and, by his own account, is “feeling much better.”

It has been one year since Dr Eck was diagnosed with stage 4 biliary tract cancer, and today, he gave a video update. He confirmed he has undergone radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy over the past year. “All of those who contributed to my care, and to all of those who gave me well wishes, and to all of those who prayed for me, thank you so much,” he said.

He is now preparing for the next step in his journey, which is a shoulder reconstruction surgery scheduled for 18 July. “My next stop in this journey is to do a shoulder reconstruction surgery, which has been provided to me free of cost by World Paediatrics and the Milagros Team in Richmond, Virginia,” he added.

A GoFundMe account remains active for anyone who is willing to contribute towards Dr Eck’s recovery fund.

Netanyahu Nominates Trump for Nobel Peace Prize

Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has nominated US President Donald Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize, praising him for “forging peace as we speak.”

Netanyahu made the announcement during a White House dinner, handing Trump a nomination letter that the president read aloud. “Coming from you in particular, this is very meaningful,” Trump responded.

The Israeli leader credited Trump’s recent actions in the Middle East, including claiming to have helped stop what he described as a “12-day war” between Iran and Israel last month. Trump also said US strikes destroyed Iran’s nuclear weapons program and that Iran is now seeking to restart negotiations with Washington.

The Nobel Peace Prize is awarded to those who do the most to promote peace and fraternity among nations. Critics, however, point out that Trump’s promises to resolve conflicts like the Ukraine war have yet to materialise. Despite his claim that he could end the war in 24 hours, Ukraine recently faced its heaviest aerial bombardment of the conflict so far.

Still, Trump could soon claim credit for progress in Gaza, where indirect negotiations with Hamas could lead to a 60-day ceasefire, the release of Israeli hostages, and more aid for civilians. The White House confirmed that its Middle East envoy is in Qatar this week to push for a breakthrough deal.

‘Our Beautiful Son Emiliano is at Rest’

At just seven months old, Baby Emiliano Flores had already touched hearts across Belize. After a brave fight with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), a rare genetic illness that rapidly weakens the body’s muscles, Emiliano passed away on Wednesday.

Baby Emiliano’s mother confirmed the heartbreaking news on social media, stating, “It is with shattered hearts that we announce the eternal rest of our beautiful son, Emiliano. We thank you all for your unwavering support during this entire process.”

“This is an incredibly difficult time for the family, and they need our love and support more than ever. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers,” said another family member on social media.

Earlier this week, the family appeared on national television in the Open Your Eyes show with neurologist Dr Marco Mendez to explain Baby Emiliano’s diagnosis and the urgency of his treatment.

In honour of his memory, the family says they will still hold a raffle on 31 July to help cover expenses. Proceeds will go directly to supporting the grieving parents.

Emiliano was born on 7 December 2025.

Murder Suspect Charged After Escaping Police Custody

Police have arrested and charged 28-year-old Michael Adaniel Middleton for escaping lawful custody days after he fled detention while facing a murder charge.

The Belizean construction worker from Roaring Creek Village was formally charged on Thursday, 10 July, following his recapture.

Middleton was initially arrested on 4 July alongside 23-year-old Kyle Roberts for the murder of 21-year-old Travis Swift. Swift was shot dead inside his mother’s bedroom in Camalote Village on Friday night, 13 June, shortly after returning from a nearby store. He was killed at the foot of his mother’s bed, while his younger brother narrowly escaped injury.

Nearly 30 shell casings were found at the scene.

He was wanted for a “crime of murder where a firearm was used,” Assistant Superintendent Stacy Smith told the media on July 4. She also confirmed that Middleton had escaped custody shortly after his arrest.

Belize Commits to Full CARICOM Free Movement by October 2025

Belize has joined three other Caribbean nations in committing to implement full free movement of people under the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME) by 1 October 2025.

The announcement was made at the close of the CARICOM Heads of Government meeting held this week in Montego Bay, Jamaica.

CARICOM Chairman Andrew Holness confirmed the development, stating, “We are now moving from applying administratively the protocol on enhanced cooperation, which all member states have signed with now four countries: Barbados, Belize, St Vincent and the Grenadines and Dominica, reiterating their willingness to implement full free movement under the protocol on October 1, 2025.”

While the free movement of people is a founding principle of the CSME, implementation across the region has been slow. This latest agreement marks a renewed step forward for regional integration.

Italy’s ‘Hero’ Sniffer Dog Killed with Sausages Stuffed with Nails

A beloved sniffer dog named Bruno has been killed in what Italy’s prime minister is calling a “vile, cowardly” act. Bruno died from internal bleeding after eating sausages filled with nails that were thrown into his kennel in Taranto, southern Italy.

His owner and trainer, Arcangelo Caressa, told Italian media that Bruno was not the real target. He believes he was. “I know who you are, and you will pay for it,” Caressa warned, adding that he had received death threats in recent weeks for his work training anti-drug dogs and fighting illegal dog fighting.

Bruno was known as a hero for his work tracking missing people, including children and Alzheimer’s patients. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni shared a photo of herself giving Bruno an award, calling the killing “heartbreaking” and “unacceptable.”

Bruno, originally from Belgium, worked with Caressa for seven years. “You fought your whole life to help people, and the same people did this to you,” Caressa wrote on social media.

Tomb of Caracol King Discovered

Drs. Arlen and Diane Chase of the University of Houston have uncovered the tomb of Te K’ab Chaak, the founding ruler of Caracol’s royal dynasty. This is according to the National Institute of Culture and History (NICH).

The discovery, made during the 2025 field season under an official permit from the Institute of Archaeology, marks the first confirmed tomb of an identifiable ruler found at the site in over 40 years.

Te K’ab Chaak, who ascended to the throne in 331 AD, was interred at the base of the royal family shrine. His burial included an array of prestigious artefacts: 11 intricately crafted pottery vessels, carved bone tubes, jadeite jewellery, a mosaic jadeite mask, Pacific spondylus shells, and other perishable materials, each item a testament to his royal status and the city’s wealth.

According to NICH, this extraordinary find not only sheds light on the origins of Caracol’s political power but also reinforces its status as a major center of influence in the ancient Maya world. The tomb’s contents and location provide critical insights into early Maya rulership and ceremonial practices.

“This discovery is of national importance,” stated Dr. Melissa Badillo, Director of The Institute of Archaeology. “It reinforces Belize’s critical role in ancient Mesoamerican networks and highlights the value of preserving and studying our archaeological heritage.”