July, 2025 - Greater Belize Media

Court Hits Cane Farmers with Costly Blockade Bill

The Supreme Court has ruled that the Belize Sugar Cane Farmers Association (BSCFA) and two of its members must pay more than half a million dollars in damages to Belize Sugar Industries Ltd. (BSI) and its energy subsidiary, Belize Cogeneration Energy Ltd. BELCOGEN), for a three-day blockade that brought operations to a halt in December 2021. The court found that the BSCFA orchestrated the protest, which began on December twenty-eighth, 2021, after failed negotiations over a new cane supply agreement. Farmers used their trucks to block access to BSI’s Tower Hill facility, preventing the delivery of cane and the sale of sugar products. BSI claimed over one million dollars in losses, but the court awarded a little over half-a-million dollars, citing that some losses could have been avoided. BELCOGEN, which relies on sugarcane waste to generate electricity, was awarded over forty-three thousand dollars after the court found that it failed to use reserve fuel to keep its plant running. Justice Rajiv Goonetilleke ruled that the blockade was intentional and that BSCFA leadership had the power to stop it but chose not to until a new agreement was reached. The judgment affirms that deliberate interference with commercial activity carries significant legal and monetary repercussions.

On the Phone: Alredo Ortega, President, Belize Sugarcane Farmers Association

“I’m unable to speak anything about that right now because I have not read, I have not seen what is the outcome of it really, I’m unable to say anything right now. I might can tell you something about that tomorrow, but today I really am unable because I haven’t seen the document, I have not read anything about it, so I don’t know what it contains.”

Britney Gordon

“Okay. So can you then tell me if you can’t give an initial reaction to it, at least, what the preferred outcome is for the association, or at least what are some plans you guys have in place to move forward if it’s not a desirable outcome?”

Alfredo Ortega

“As we speak, that when this thing happened, the government assured the association that the government will take over if there is any thing that comes out against the cane farmer. So as we speak right now, that still stands. We have that that document that was signed by the Prime Minister at that time. But we hope that it’s our hope that it comes out. We believe that what was done was not done in bad faith rather than getting forward to the farmers. See that they can deliver their can.”

Britney Gordon

“Has the government pledged to assume full responsibility of anything that was done at that time?”

Alfredo Ortega

“We don’t know. Right now as we speak, we don’t know what will be the response. But we have the document that was signed at that time that they will take full responsibility to that.”

Westby’s 2021 Warning: “Lawsuit Could Be Coming

Let’s take you back to December 2021, here’s what then-BSCFA Chairman Andrew Westby told News Five when we asked him about the possibility of a lawsuit coming out of the blockade.

On the Phone: Andrew Westby, Chairman, Management Committee B.S.C.F.A. (File: Dec 31^st, 2021)

“That will be in the government, the government will take hand of that, will handle that. They assured the farmers that they will handle that. We have a letter signed that was brought to me. PM personal got the copy to me at the conference room at B.S.C.F.A. office in front of the ministers and our directors. They will take full responsibility if any legal thing was brought against the association.”

Paul Lopez

“That’s what the letter says?”

On the Phone: Andrew Westby

“Yeah.”

So, the question is, will the Government of Belize honor its commitment to the sugar association? We will wait and see how it plays out.

Honored Police Officer Killed in Highway Hit-and-Run

A tragic hit-and-run on the Philip Goldson Highway has claimed the life of a police officer, just weeks after he was honored for his outstanding service in law enforcement. Early this morning, thirty-six-year-old Police Constable Arcenio Cus was riding his motorcycle near mile five when a vehicle suddenly swerved into his lane and struck him. The impact wasn’t enough to destroy the bike, but it was enough to take his life. Cus, a dedicated officer from Silver Creek Village in Toledo, had recently been recognized as the most outstanding field training officer in a twelve-week police program. His sudden death is a heartbreaking loss for both his family and the Belize Police Department. Assistant Commissioner of Police Hilberto Romero has more on the investigation and the search for the driver responsible.

ACP Hilberto Romero, Head of Crime Investigation Branch

“ Upon their arrival, they saw a motorcycle with damages and other debris. There they found the lifeless body of Arcenio Cus, Police Constable attached to Ladyville with severe injuries. He was taken to the KHMH for treatment where he was pronounced dead on arrival. Investigations that Cus was riding his motorcycle towards, when a vehicle struck him and causing his fatal injuries. We are currently current on investigation. So far we have nobody in custody as the person involved fled from the scene.”

Reporter

“Was he wearing another?”

Hilberto Romero

“I do not know at this time. I’ll need to check.”

Reporter

“What kind of vehicle was it?”

Hilberto Romero

“We do not know what type of vehicle. That is all the information we have that he was on his motorcycle when he was struck.”

Reporter

“Do you guys have any idea on where exactly he was coming from in terms of the exact location?”

Hilberto Romero

“He was coming from Ladyville?”

Reporter

“Ahe was traveling alone?”

Hilberto Romero

“He was traveling alone at the time.”

Court Visit Turns Costly for Manslaughter Accused

A young man from Lord’s Bank is spending the night behind bars after showing up at court, only to find out he was already wanted. Twenty-year-old Oscar Alexander Galindo walked into the Belize City Magistrate’s Court this morning to ask about his case, but what he didn’t know was that a bench warrant had been issued for his arrest weeks ago. That warrant was issued back in July after Galindo failed to appear for a scheduled court hearing. So, when he showed up today, court officers wasted no time detaining him. He was quickly brought before a magistrate and is now on remand at the Belize Central Prison until his next court date on September fifth. Inside the courtroom, Galindo told the magistrate he had actually come to court in July and was given a new date for August, but he couldn’t remember when. That’s why he came in today to check. Galindo is facing serious charges stemming from a deadly traffic accident in April. He was first arraigned on April eighth for four traffic offenses, including manslaughter by negligence and causing death by careless conduct. Police say he was behind the wheel during a crash that killed nineteen-year-old Denia Ashanti Rowland, a call center agent from Lord’s Bank. The vehicle reportedly flipped several times, throwing Rowland from the car and killing her on the spot.

Casino Boss Rima Ray’s Empire Under Fire

We’re following new developments tonight in the ongoing investigation into American casino boss Rima Ray and her operations in San Pedro. The Financial Intelligence Unit has confirmed that Ray’s casino, known as GMK Sky or Caribi Bleu, was never registered with the FIU, despite being legally required to do so. So how did it stay open? Well, it turns out she was granted a provisional license by the Gaming Control Board. But that’s just the beginning. With an unlicensed ATM, stacks of U.S. cash, and now Ray’s arrest in the U.S. on gambling and fraud charges, Belizean authorities are digging deeper into what could be a much bigger story. Here’s News Five’s Paul Lopez.

Paul Lopez, Reporting

Tonight, we have new details of American casino boss, Rima Ray’s operations in San Pedro. Director at the Financial Intelligence Unit, Leni Ysaguirre McGann confirmed with News Five, that GMK Sky or Caribi Bleu Casino was not registered with the FIU. The unit began asking questions about the operations in late 2024 after a News Five investigation revealed an unlicensed ATM inside the casino.

Leni Ysaguirre McGann, Director, Financial Intelligence Unit

“I can confirm that the FIU would have initiated inquires into the matter, in particular in terms of the supervision of casinos they are obliged to register with the FIU, so we had examined that matter, because at that time and even now, Caribi Bleu or GMK Sky are not registered with the Financial Intelligence Unit as a casino. And that they had not complied with that obligation and an application has been made, but FIU had not taken the steps to register them.”

So, here’s the big question, how did Rima Ray’s casino manage to operate in San Pedro without being registered with the Financial Intelligence Unit, which oversees casinos in Belize? Well, according to a press release from the Ministry of Investment last week, Ray was granted what’s called an operational license. That license gave her the green light to run the casino, on a provisional basis, despite not being registered with the FIU, which is legally required to ensure anti-money laundering compliance. FIU Director Leni Ysaguirre McGann confirmed that the Gaming Control Board issued that license. But that still leaves one major concern: where exactly did the U.S. cash loaded into that unlicensed ATM come from?

Leni Ysaguirre McGann

“I think beyond that, this matter does present large concerns, especially given information that is clearly in the public domain. So, we are looking from an investigative standpoint now at the entire operation. I would not want to say much beyond that on the investigation side, because these matters are sensitive and the authorities need to conduct their investigation in a manner that would not prejudice it or alert those we are investigating as to the nature of our investigation.”

Paul Lopez

“Would the FIU have followed up on Rima Ray’s operations in Belize if not for her arrest in the U.S.?”

Leni Ysaguirre McGann

“Well, we have already been following up, Mr. Lopez.”

Ysaguirre McGann explained that while the FIU has been asking questions since the unlicensed atm, it can only work with credible information. Now, with Ray’s arrest in the U.S. on charges related to illegal gambling and fraud, with suspicions of money laundering, the unit must now do its due diligence. And while the Central Bank and the FIU removed the unlicensed ATM machine from the casino, was there a systemic and collaborative breakdown between the members of the National Anti-Money Laundering Committee?

Leni Ysaguirre McGann

“I think that you would have to have regard to the fact that measures that the authorities can take have to be commensurate with evidence and information that they reliably have and have gathered in front of them at the time. Beyond that authorities have to be very mindful of how they operate and they cannot take measures based on speculation. They have to move on credible information and that is the sort of response we have seen. As that situation changes the authorities would act accordingly.”

Paul Lopez

“Are we looking at other players, whether it is in the private or public sector, because how can someone run such a major operation in Belize without any intervention from governing authorities or support otherwise?”

Leni Ysaguirre McGann

“The FIU Is currently in contact with the relevant authorities who would have had some role to play with the relevant authorities who would have had some sort of role to play with the oversight or issuance of license. In this investigation we are looking at the entire operation, yes.”

FIU Director McGann explained that with the cross-border elements, an investigation of this nature can be drawn out. Reporting for News Five, I am Paul Lopez.

San Ignacio Town Hall Renamed, But Not Without Controversy

It’s been nearly a decade since the San Ignacio/Santa Elena Town Hall first opened its doors, but today, that building is getting more than just a facelift. It’s also getting a new name: the Earl Trapp Building, in honor of the long-serving mayor. But not everyone is on board with the decision. The renaming has sparked mixed reactions in the twin towns, and now Mayor Trapp is speaking out. We caught up with him today to find out why the building bears his name, and why he says he’s willing to take it down if that’s what the people want.

Earl Trapp, Mayor, San Ignacio/ Santa Elena

“First of all I must make it known to the public that I have been confronted by many people in this municipality congratulations my contribution to this community as a mayor and a councilor. I want to go on record to say that I am twenty-three years in local government, twelve years as aa councilor and twelve years as a mayo. Some of my councilors heard of many people mentioning why I have not named the synthetic football turf off my name, the town hall after my name. Someone took is seriously and brought it to the table as a resolution. To accredit my valuable contribution to this community he said why don’t we name this building after Earl Trapp. At the moment I said to avoid public negativity I prefer not to. But when they continued to communicate and dialogue in this meeting I said, lets go for it. So six months later we were repainting the building, because it has been here for ten years, and it has been draining down. It is a townhall and we must be representing this community, and we want to see it shining so we are refixing and naming the building. Self-praise is no recommendation, but I believe that not everyone will agree with what we do here, but the people that honestly have objective minds will look at it different. As I mentioned in the previous interviews, I will be honest, if this is problematic, I am prepared to take it down, I have no problem.”

UB’s Subvention Increase Falls Short of Ten Million Dollar Demand

After nearly a decade of waiting, the government has finally increased the financial support allocated to the University of Belize, but the dollar amount isn’t exactly what the University was hoping for. The government has pledged to supply an eight point seven-million-dollar subvention to the institution- a one point three-million-dollar difference from the union’s initial demand. Previously, the government claimed that sufficient funds were being handed to the institution, but the union maintained that the university could not operate efficiently under its current conditions. Additionally, the ten-million-dollar demand was not a figure contrived entirely by the union. It was the original subvention provided to the university in 2000 but would later be reduced to eight-point-five million under the previous UDP administration. The People’s United Party then committed to restoring the ten million dollars but have yet to fulfil that promise.

Belize Boosts Firearm Fight with Drones and Training

Belize is stepping up its efforts in the fight against illegal firearms trafficking. The Ministry of Home Affairs and New Growth Industries hosted a national workshop aimed at improving how local and regional law enforcement agencies coordinate firearm-related investigations. They brought together representatives from the Belize Police Department, the Belize Defense Force, Customs and Excise, and the National Forensic Science Services. The three-day training, supported by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and CARICOM IMPACS brought together security and forensic experts from across the country. As part of its support, the UN also donated two high-tech drones to enhance surveillance and border monitoring capabilities. Here’s Tanya Arceo with the following story.

Tanya Arceo, Reporting

Belize is turning up the heat on illegal gun trafficking. Authorities just wrapped up a high-impact workshop focused on sharpening investigative skills and boosting teamwork across key agencies. Held at the Lord Ashcroft Centre, the sessions were led by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, in partnership with CARICOM IMPACS and the Ministry of Home Affairs. The three-day training brought together police, BDF, customs, and forensic experts, all working to crack down on the flow of illegal firearms across the Caribbean. One key focus was improving how agencies link a single firearm to multiple investigations.

Roberto Rodriguez Codesal, UNODC Representative

“Under the Caribbean roadmap and with fans from the German authorities we are conducting and providing different technical assistance to different countries and in this case, we have moved to Belize to deliver certain assistance. The first one is the donation of drones that we believe we will support the capacities of the country to detect and to also investigate firearms crime, we understand the difficulties of conducting certain surveillance and investigations and we believe that these drones can certainly help Belize”

CARICOM IMPACS analyst Kaj Cassells played a central role, helping participants understand the broader trends driving gun trafficking in the region. His presentations emphasized the need for unified systems, intelligence sharing, and modern investigative strategies to intercept firearms before they reach the streets.

Kaj Cassells, Analyst, CARICOM IMPACS

“The situation is more dire for small developing states like Belize which face unique vulnerabilities due to limited resources, poorest borders and exposure to transnational criminal networks. That is why the establishment of an integrated firearms is not just timely it is essential. Now CARICOM impacts continues to support Belize in this comprehensive and sustained effort as we continue to build capacity through training of law enforcement, border, security agents, prosecutors and custom personnel to improve their investigative and intelligence capabilities.”

Chief Executive Officer in the Ministry of Home Affairs, Sharole Carr, highlighted the importance of inter-agency coordination and traceability. She also welcomed UNODC’s donation of drones, noting that enhanced technology and collaboration are key to disrupting the illegal firearms trade and securing national borders.

Sharole Carr, C.E.O., Ministry of Home Affairs

“Today marks a pivotal moment in our collective effort to tackle transnational organized crime as you are very well aware, the illegal trafficking of firearms fuels violence, weakens institutions and endangers the safety and well being of citizens. In Belize, we have witnessed the devastating consequences of unregulated firearms, from the destabilization of communities to the erosion of public trust in our security institutions. This is why the government of Belize through the Firearms and ammunition Control Board of the Ministry of Home Affairs and New Growth Industries, is committed to modernizing our firearm management systems and aligning our national strategies with international best practices”

A highlight of the week was the official handover of two DJI Mini 4 Pro drones to the Ministry of Home Affairs. Donated by UNODC through its Global Firearms Programme, the drones are expected to boost operational surveillance at key border points. The course also tackled modern challenges, like 3D-printed guns and online arms deals, with practical simulations and AI-based detection tools enhancing their expertise. Tanya Arceo for News Five.

Accountant Charged in Dangriga Fraud Scandal

It’s a case of white-collar crime that’s rocked a well-known business in Dangriga. Jenny Zabaneh of Maya King Limited has reported a serious case of financial fraud, missing funds and forged checks that have now led to criminal charges. After a police investigation, authorities have arrested Nasley Somerville, an accountant for Mid-South Investment Limited, who is now facing charges of theft and forgery. Investigators believe fraudulent transactions happened over the past week and involve several thousand dollars. A routine cheque deposit turned into a full-blown fraud investigation at a Dangriga-based company. Jenny Zabaneh of Maya King Limited told police that on July twenty-third, she issued a ten-thousand-dollar cheque to Meridian Enterprise Limited, signed it, snapped a photo for her records, and handed it over to accountant Nasley Somerville for deposit. But when she later checked the bank’s online portal, something didn’t add up. A different cheque number had been deposited; one she hadn’t signed. Digging deeper, Zabaneh noticed a troubling pattern: while her records showed cheques in the four hundred-series, the bank was processing cheques from a two hundred-series she didn’t authorize. That’s when it became clear, Somerville had allegedly been using two separate cheque books and forging signatures on the unauthorized one. A police search of her office turned up both cheque books and the original cheque, all now in evidence. Somerville, a resident of Pomona Village, has since been arrested and charged with forgery and three counts of theft.

ACP Hilberto Romero, Head of Crime Investigation Branch

“On Thursday Jenny Zabaneh reported that upon making checks at the bank she discovered several checks had been forged and had been stolen from her company an investigation was carried out the checks were obtained since then the accountant for the business namely Nasley Somerville has been arrested and charge for theft and forgery”

Ex-Diplomat Faces Court Over Assault Allegations

Following-up tonight on the case involving Said Badi Guerra, who is facing serious allegations of sexual assault against a minor. Guerra appeared in court earlier this week following his arrest in connection with the incident which reportedly occurred at his home in Benque. While Guerra remains out on bail authorities say the investigation is ongoing. The case has drawn national attention due to Guerra’s former diplomatic status and the nature of the allegations.

ACP Hilberto Romero, Head of Crime Investigation Branch

“Based on an investigation carried out after a report was made Said Guerra was arrested and charged with sexual assault, harm and procuring definement by threat. H was taken to court where he was granted bail.”