2025 - Greater Belize Media

San Jose Succotz Chairlady Resigns Over Leadership Conflicts

Sherel Cocom, the chairlady of San Jose Succotz and Corozalito in the Cayo District, has tendered her resignation effective January 10, 2025. In a letter addressed to Prime Minister John Briceño, Cocom cited ongoing challenges with the area representative of Cayo West, insufficient resources, and disagreements over leadership practices as key reasons for stepping down.

Cocom described her tenure as both fulfilling and stressful. “This decision has not been an easy one, as serving as Chairlady of San Jose Succotz and Corozalito has been one of the most fulfilling experiences of my professional and personal life, but on the other hand it has been a pain and a stressful one. As per our conversation in December 2022, when I did reach out to you in regards to what was happening on our end with our area rep, you stated you would talk to him and reach out to you n regards to what was happening on our end with our Area Rep: you stated you will talk to him and reach out back to me, which I think you might have forgotten due to your busy schedule.”

She shared several reasons why she decided to resign. She said there is a lack of alignment with the area representative’s leadership style. “After careful consideration, I have decided to step down due to differences in leadership approaches that I feel hinder my ability to serve effectively in this role.” She expressed frustration over limited resources and support, which she said often obstructed her efforts to achieve her objectives. She noted instances where she was blocked from receiving assistance from other ministries or organizations. “I feel that the lack of necessary resources and support has limited my ability to achieve the objectives I had set for this position, prompting me to step aside for someone better equipped to address these challenges. Many times I was blocked when asking for assistance from other ministries or organizations.” Cocom also raised concerns about the area representative’s practices. “Recent developments have raised concerns for me regarding the Party’s direction, and I feel it is best for me to step down to uphold my personal and professional principles. I am not against development, but consult the leader of the village before constructing any building.”

Cocom expressed disappointment in how residents felt mistreated by the area representative and noted that their concerns often fell on deaf ears. “He has painted Cayo West beautifully in your eyes, but you wouldn’t believe everything happening on this side,” she wrote.

Villagers Demand Relocation of Cell Tower

Residents of Cattle Landing Village in Toledo are petitioning to have a recently installed Digi tower relocated. The petition, dated December 8, 2024, claims the tower was placed without proper consultation or a vote from local residents, especially those living closest to the site.

In a petition submitted to the chairman of Cattle Landing Village, Byron Waluco Maheia, it stated, “We were not properly informed or given notice.” The petition says that concerns over health risks and environmental impacts were raised after the tower was erected in October 2024.

It added that villagers worry about potential radiation effects, citing studies linking cell tower radiation to health issues like cancer and headaches. The petition also highlights safety risks, such as obstruction of airspace and harm to migratory birds, and lists a total of 15 references of research that support their petition.

“We want the same safe distance as other communities,” it added, referring to a recommended distance of 500 meters from homes. The villagers are seeking a meeting with authorities to address these concerns.

SP Mayor Responds to San Pedro Taxi Drivers’ Concerns

San Pedro Mayor Gualberto “Wally” Nuñez has responded to concerns raised by taxi drivers in San Pedro. As we have reported, taxi drivers on the island are up in arms because they claim they are being deprived of making a livelihood. They say that golf cart companies on the island are operating without proper authorisation and causing safety issues for tourists. According to Ademir Vega, president of the Five Star Taxi Association, the rental companies are allegedly harassing tourists and overcrowding golf carts, making them unsafe.

The situation has also led to parking problems at the San Pedro Belize Express Water Taxi terminal. Taxi drivers say that the town council has yet to address their concerns.

In an interview with News 5, Mayor Nuñez assured that his administration is taking action to address the issue. “We have had one or two companies that we actually suspended their trade for a period of time,” Nuñez said, adding that companies violating regulations could face further penalties, including the revocation of their trade licenses.

The mayor also clarified that while the council has authority over public areas, the location in question is private property. “We have to bear in mind that that location is a private company, and it’s private property. The council can just regulate what is outside,” Nuñez said.

Nuñez added that the town council is working with an attorney to send letters to rental companies that continue to operate unlawfully, demanding they move from restricted areas. “At the moment, we’re looking at the ones that are insisting and going in these areas that they will be sent a letter from our attorney that they will have to move,” he said.

San Pedro Taxi Drivers Protest ‘Unlawful Golf Cart Hustling’

Taxi drivers in San Pedro are calling for immediate action to stop unlawful practices by golf cart rental companies at the island’s ports. On Thursday morning, a group of taxi drivers protested outside Mayor Gualberto ‘Wally’ Nuñez’s office, demanding a solution to what they see as unsafe and unlawful behaviour affecting their business and the safety of tourists.

Ademir Vega, president of the Five Star Taxi Association, told News 5 that the issue has been discussed with the mayor and local representatives for nearly three years. Despite numerous talks, Vega says no real action has been taken. “We have been addressing it with the mayor and the respective authorities with the traffic ministry here in San Pedro as well. Nothing has been implemented,” he said.

According to Vega, golf cart rental companies are operating illegally at the San Pedro ports. “These companies are hustling at the ports of entry and leaving tourists to feel harassed and unsafe,” Vega said. He claims these companies are offering transportation to tourists without proper authorisation, which he describes as both unlawful and dangerous, he said that “trade license permit or certificate that rental companies get, specifies that they must operate from their offices locations.”

“Several guys that do not work for a company that will not even provide or have any job with somebody in a specific, but they will just go around asking tourists if they want a golf cart to try to see if they can make a commission out of selling a golf cart to anyone,” he said.
Vega described rental companies’ tactics as “against the law and unsafe and unprofessional” for tourists. He stated this puts tourists at risk when they are transported on overloaded golf carts.

He says that the situation has worsened, with rental companies now taking up parking spaces at the newly relocated San Pedro Belize Express Water Taxi terminal. According to Vega, this has caused congestion and made it difficult for taxi drivers to park and pick up passengers. “Several guys that do not work for a company just go around asking tourists if they want a golf cart to try to see if they can make a commission out of selling a golf cart to anyone,” Vega explained.

Despite numerous complaints, the taxi federation claims that the traffic department and Mayor Nuñez have yet to act. Vega says that the Federation is now considering legal action after years of discussions. “We are moving forward with the next steps… We are proceeding now; whether they like it or not, we’re going forward. We are tired of doing it the easy way of talking and doing so much of meetings. So we don’t want to do that again. We are taking the second step,” Vega stated.

Elvia Staines, Iconic Restauratrice, Passes Away

San Pedro Town is grieving the loss of a beloved community figure, Elvia Staines, who passed away today at the age of 92. Known affectionately as Doña Elvia, she was the proud owner of Elvi’s Kitchen, a renowned restaurant on Ambergris Caye that has been a favourite destination for both locals and tourists for decades.

Born on January 31, 1932, in San Pedro, Elvia Staines was a lifelong resident of the island. She married Enrique Staines Sr., with whom she had six children. After her husband’s passing 23 years ago, she continued to manage Elvi’s Kitchen with the help of her daughter, Jennie Pinelo, and their dedicated team. The restaurant, which started as a small takeout window offering burgers and fries, evolved into a popular seafood haven known for its exceptional service and warm ambiance.

Elvi’s Kitchen was founded in 1974 as a humble “hole in the wall” known as Elvi’s Burger Isle. Over time, the restaurant expanded its menu and underwent significant renovations, including the addition of a bar and a lounge area beneath the island’s iconic flamboyant tree. The tree, which has stood tall for decades, continues to be a symbol of the establishment’s enduring presence.

Under Elvia’s leadership, Elvi’s Kitchen garnered national and international recognition, receiving accolades from the Belize Tourism Board, the U.S. and Guatemalan Embassies, and the Civil Aviation and Port Authority of Belize. In 1996, Doña Elvia travelled to Madrid to receive the prestigious International Gold Star Award for Quality and Excellence. Her restaurant was also featured in the Sol y Luna Central American Guide Book as one of the best dining establishments in Belize.

Elvia Staines is remembered as more than just a business owner; she is remembered as a vital part of the San Pedro community. In 2021, she was honoured with the Melvin Jones Fellowship Award by the Lions Club of San Pedro for her humanitarian efforts and dedication to the island. She had been an active member of the club for over 25 years, supporting numerous local and international initiatives. Her influence extended beyond her restaurant, as she helped preserve the culinary traditions of Belize, particularly with the Mayan buffet featured at Elvi’s Kitchen.

The Belize Tourism Board (BTB) expressed its condolences on her passing this morning. “Mrs. Staines’ passion for Belizean cuisine, her warm hospitality, and her dedication to the community left an indelible mark on both locals and visitors alike,” BTB stated. “In 2022, Elvi’s Kitchen was honoured with the Restaurant of the Year Award, reflecting the enduring legacy of excellence she built over the decades.”

Her legacy has left a transcending imprint in Belize’s tourism and culinary scene.

President-elect Trump Sentenced

President-elect Donald Trump has been sentenced to an “unconditional discharge” in the New York hush-money case, becoming the first former U.S. president to be sentenced for a crime. Justice Juan Merchan announced the decision this morning, following the U.S. Supreme Court’s rejection of Trump’s legal team’s request to delay sentencing ahead of his January 20 inauguration.

The “unconditional discharge” ensures Trump’s conviction will remain on his record without imposing imprisonment, fines, or probation. Trump, who served as president from 2017 to 2021, was convicted in May on 34 counts of falsifying business documents related to hush-money payments to adult film actress Stormy Daniels.

The president-elect denies wrongdoing and has stated his intention to appeal the conviction. More details on this breaking story will follow.

Giovanni Ramirez Murdered in Belize City

Giovanni Ramirez, known as the whistleblower in the high-profile case that led to the conviction and imprisonment of attorney Oscar Selgado, is dead. Ramirez was gunned down this afternoon on Partridge Street in Belize City. The assailants, believed to be two men on a motorcycle, ambushed Ramirez while he was driving towards Mahogany Street, killing him on the spot. This shocking murder leaves a trail of questions about who was behind it and what it means for Selgado’s upcoming appeal. News Five’s Marion Ali has more on this developing story.

Marion Ali, Reporting

Residents near the intersection of Partridge and Mahogany Streets were left in shock just before 2 p.m. today when a barrage of gunshots rang out, followed by a loud crash. Rushing outside, they discovered a man in a red SUV had been shot and crashed into a cement fence. Police arrived quickly to find the driver’s window riddled with bullet holes and the driver dead inside. Shell casings were scattered across the street. The incident occurred alarmingly close to two schools and a construction site.

The victim was identified as thirty-year-old Giovanni Ramirez, who made headlines in June 2024 for his role in the case against attorney Oscar Selgado. Ramirez had provided crucial information to Commissioner of Police Chester Williams, accusing Selgado of trying to hire him to kill Marilyn Barnes, who had filed a complaint against Selgado. Ramirez’s audio recordings of their conversations mysteriously disappeared, and he never testified in court out of fear for his life. Instead, Commissioner Williams relayed Ramirez’s account, leading to Selgado’s conviction. Selgado remains in prison, awaiting an appeal.

Ramirez also made news in May when he was arrested and charged with gang membership. He was detained while signing in at the police station, a condition of his High Court bail, pending an investigation into an attempted murder from two months earlier. Today, police recovered nearly a dozen shell casings and have begun their investigation into Ramirez’s murder.

Marion Ali for News Five.

Police Looking for Suspects in Latest Murder

Late this evening Police Commissioner Chester Williams told News 5 that investigators are looking at several possible motives related to the murder of underworld figure, Giovanni Ramirez. These possible motives include the fact that he was the key witness in the trial against convicted criminal Oscar Selgado and ongoing gang rivalry in the area. Williams also said that the department will be proactive in preventing any retaliation.

Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police

“Sometime after 1.30 p. m. there about police received information of shots fired on Amandala Drive. That’s in the St. Martins area of Belize City. Upon arrival, they encountered a red Ford Explorer. And the Explorer exhibited bullet holes on the window inside that vehicle, police found the lifeless body of Giovanni Ramirez and his body exhibited multiple gunshot injuries. He was taken to the KHMH where he was pronounced dead on arrival. Police are investigating the matter at this time as a case of murder. We have persons of interest that we are looking for, and we’re hoping that we will be able to get some tangible information that will be able to help us to solve in this latest murder.”

Hipolito Novelo

“Do investigators believe that he was parked there for a long while? “

Chester Williams

“No, he was not parked there. He had just left an area on Cemetery Road, and he was going to set site to see his family who live in set site when he was attacked by two men on a motorcycle.”

Reporter

“Do you believe he was followed and ambushed?”

Chester Williams

“Well, it would appear that they might have been monitoring him from some time because he had left home, where he lived in, on Levi Usher Street and from there he went to see an attorney. And from there he went to the tire shop on Cemetery Road and from there he was going to CET site when he was ambushed by the two persons on the motorcycle who fired the fatal shots at him. At this time, we don’t have a definitive motive. I know that there are several theories out there at this time, but we cannot affirm those theories at this.”

Hipolito Novelo

“Giovanni Ramirez was an underworld figure and he was one of the prime suspect for one of the murders that happened last year. And of course, the main witness for the trial against Oscar Salgado. Are those factors that investigators are looking at?”

Chester Williams

“Of course, we have a look at every possibility. We’re looking at every possibility.”

Hipolito Novelo

“Do you believe that he was a hit on the hitman?”

Chester Williams

“We don’t have anything to substantiate that. And again, I don’t want to say nothing that would lead back to Mr. Selgado because I don’t see why Selgado would want him dead at this time. Honestly, I don’t see why but like I said before, we’re looking at every possibility. We’re looking at people from PIV and other areas as suspects.”

Hipolito Novelo

“Specifically BLC.”

Chester Williams,

“We’re looking at people from PIV and different areas as suspects.”

Hipolito Novelo

“In terms of the weapon use, some neighbors or witnesses are saying that they heard what appeared, what sounded like automatic weapon.”

Chester Williams

“We can’t say without if the weapon use was automatic, but there are handguns.”

Reporter

“It happened near a school as well Are police. I mean, what are you thinking of in terms of strategy and to prevent retaliation?”

Chester Williams

“We do have a police patrol in that area a foot patrol. But apparently the foot patrol was on the back street. So they were not in the area where it actually took place. So, the St. Martins area do have a substantial amount of police presence. But again, we know that criminals do monitor the movements of the police in order for them to execute what they want to do. So, we have a look at it more closely to see what can be done to tweak our efforts in the area. I was on the grounds earlier and I am sure that LIU is going to get on the grounds. At this time, I have been given the assurance that there’s going to be no retaliation, but I’m not going to sleep on that. I will still do what needs to be done to ensure that we stem whatever possible retaliation there may be.”

Police Charge Steven Flores with Murder of George Brown

Thirty-seven-year-old Steven Flores from Hopkins has been charged with the murder of eighteen-year-old George Brown. While this brings some relief to Brown’s family and friends, the public is buzzing with questions about how the Hopkins police handled Flores’ arrest. The incident allegedly began when Brown asked Flores to take off a jacket that belonged to him. Flores, who had been living with Brown’s sister, Evril Kelly, for the past eight years, refused. The two parted ways but soon crossed paths again, leading to a confrontation where Flores reportedly threw a bicycle at Brown. A fistfight ensued, and Flores allegedly pulled out a knife and fatally stabbed Brown. Evril Kelly is now speaking out, criticizing the police after an amateur video surfaced showing the arrest of her common-law husband. News Five’s Marion Ali has more on this story.

On the Phone: Evril Kelly, Sister of Deceased

“ Ih nuh change the feeling that we lost, we leave BABY, you know, in a change of feeling, we still hurt, we still hurt, we hurt, very hurt.”

Marion Ali, Reporting

Evril Kelly, the sister of eighteen-year-old George Brown who was stabbed to death on Wednesday morning says the murder charge brought against her common-law-husband, Steven Flores does not ease the family’s pain. Kelly also slams the police for the way they handled Flores’ arrest.

On the Phone: Evril Kelly

“ After watching a video yesterday, with the police, ih look like the police di protect he. It’s even more hurt for my family, very hurt. Going to the station to identify the murder weapon and seing the murder weapon with no blood on it, like weh happen to the blood weh mi deh pahn the knife? The murder weapon da the only knife we have in the house. That da the knife he kill my bredda with. I just use a knife the night before fi cook. He kill my bredda with the knife.”

Kelly questions the officer’s handling of Flores’s arrest.

On the Phone: Evril Kelly

“ I think if a different police officer was on the scene other than Mr. Palacio, I know him as “Bling”, as one of Steven’s friends, I think if it was any other police officer, ih mi gwein completely different.”

Marion Ali

“You’re saying that the policeman who went to arrest your common-law-husband is his friend?”

On the Phone: Evril Kelly

“Yes, that is his friend. I know him as his friend.”

Marion Ali

“They hang out together?”

On the Phone: Evril Kelly

“They hang out together. The police drive up to our house, pay Steven regular visits, you know. It hurt me to see that they nuh respect my lee bredda death. He di protect this man after this man done kill my bredda. He have the murder weapon in his hand like da wa toy. What happened to the blood on the murder weapon? I gone identify the weapon this morning and there was no blood on it. Who wiped the blood?”

Jaden Rubio is the cousin of the deceased, George Brown. He was with Brown the night before.

Jaden Rubio, Cousin of Deceased

“We were at Tandoori first, taking a couple drink and after that, he tell me let’s goh da Driftwood and have a nice burger because they sell nice burger deh. I tell ah “Real G, alright.” Cause I tell ah I tired ah eat at Tandoori. So we went to Driftwood last night, enjoy last night, not knowing that was the last night, I mi wa see my cousin. We ate burger together, drink a couple drink together. After that I tell ah G, mek wi goh home and chill out and watch a movie, you know. And after that we come and watch a movie, not knowing that was the last night I was gonna hang out with G.”

Rubio said he saw Brown the same morning, but from a distance and had planned to go meet him later that morning.

Jaden Rubio

“I start up my motorbike and then I hear my cousin Ezekiel call me. “You going to the gym for a coffee?” I tell him yes. And I see G came out, and G was like watching me. And I tell G, wait here G, I’m coming back for you right now. I’m just going to get a coffee, me and Ezekiel. And he be like, alright. And I saw him lock back the door, but my intentions now was like, G went back and sleep, you know, not knowing when we went all the way to the gym someone came here and, I don’t know, maybe his cousin came here and call him. That’s when he get in the altercation with the guy from Dangriga. But the guy approach my cousin approach him nice and ask him for his jacket. And he didn’t want to give my cousin his own jacket. So my cousin get a little bit upset and he, not knowing the other guy has a knife on him, that’s when my cousin try to protect himself and my little brother try to protect two of them and he end up grabbing my cousin and it look like he end up stabbing my cousin.”

George Brown would have turned nineteen next week. Marion Ali for News Five.

Did Police Officer Contaminate Murder Weapon?

According to Police Commissioner Chester Williams, investigators have an airtight case against Steven Flores. He has been charged with the murder of eighteen-year-old George Brown. However, the victim’s family has expressed concerns about the way that police officers on the ground handled the situation in Hopkins. They say that video clearly shows a police officer clearly contaminating the murder weapon. We asked Williams about it:

Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police

“Well, we believe that it’s a very good case. Again, the conduct of persons following the murder. I saw on the news yesterday, the video footage that was that were shared. It shows that there was absolutely no regards or respect given to the police. This accused person was already in police custody and here comes a group of persons showing missile at him. People have to understand when police have a prisoner in custody, the police have charge of that person security. So anything that happens to that person in the charge of the police, then the police becomes liable. And so the police have a duty to secure the safety of any prisoner in their care. So these people who stoned the man, whatever while he was in police custody, it was totally out of order. And the accused person, again, to have been armed with a machete, chasing behind these same people, again, that was also wrong. And that also showed poor judgment on the part of the police. So there’s some things that we need to look at in terms of training and sensitizing our officers in terms of how to react to situations like those. And I think for the most part, the officers were reluctant to use their weapons the way they could have because they feared that had they done so, they would be in trouble. But the young man with the machete chasing these people, certainly he presented a good opportunity for the police who have been able to shoot him. And likewise, those who are throwing missiles at the suspect. While he was in police custody. Police could have used force on them with their weapons, but the police did not. So on that respect, I do commend the police for exercising great restraint. But at the same time, I believe that they could have harmed the situation much differently.”

Hipolito Novelo

“The family sees it a different way. They told us that from what they saw on the ground was that police was basically protecting this individual because the accused person and the police officers are friends in the village.”

Chester Williams

“The police have a responsibility to protect every person in the police care. So if they’re saying that the police was protecting him, they are right. And that is a duty of the police. Can you imagine what would have happened if that prisoner was killed in care of the police? What the public would have said? What you the media would have also said, right? You would have chew the police and spit them out because the truth is that would have been unjustifiably. There’s nothing that the police would have been able to do or say to justify any such action and when it comes to compensation, we would have to pay, the state would have to pay because if a prisoner is even hurt in the care of the police unjustifiably so they can sue and collect compensation for it.”

Hipolito Novelo

“You spoke about treating fellow police officers reaction to a situation like that. What about handling what appeared to be evidence, the knife that was apparently used. The police officer did not wear any gloves, is concerned that he may have contaminated key evidence in that case.”

Chester Williams

“The would have been the ideal situation, yes, for the police to be wearing our gloves. But I don’t think that there’s any dispute to the effect that the young man had the knife and he stabbed the accused person. I think that is going to come clear, through evidence of the witnesses who were there. So I don’t see the actions of the police affecting the strength of the case any at all.”