Lebanese Community Rallies After Deadly Supermarket Attack  

Frustration and grief spilled onto the streets of San Pedro this afternoon as members of the island’s Lebanese community took their calls for justice directly to the doorstep of law enforcement. Just after three o’clock, protesters gathered outside the San Pedro Police Station, demanding answers in the wake of the murders of businessman David Harmouch and security guard Daniel Jones. As tensions mounted, demonstrators used golf carts to block the police station perimeter, bringing traffic in the area to a halt. News Five has also learned that Harmouch’s family is seeking the release of his body so he can be laid to rest in his native Lebanon. We will continue to monitor this developing story.

 

UDP Senator Gabriel Zetina Reflects On Harmouch’s Legacy

 

As San Pedro mourns the loss of businessman David Harmouch, those who knew him remember a man whose impact extended well beyond the business community. Harmouch was also active in public affairs, serving as a former delegate on the United Democratic Party’s Belize Rural South Executive Committee. Today, News Five spoke with UDP Caretaker Senator Gabriel Zetina about the tragedy, the loss, and the legacy Harmouch leaves behind. Here’s what he had to say.

 

Gabriel Zetina, UDP Caretaker, Belize Rural South

“A thing many people do not know is that through David I got my first golf cart and this was many, many years ago. So, but within the island, David has always been there. but even more so with the party, through time, resources. He was a former executive member and he would always show up for the party when it mattered the most.”

 

Paul Lopez

“How did it impact you when you heard the news?”

 

Gabriel Zetina

“I am still in shock. I could not believe it. That is why I came, just to pay my respects. It hits heavy because he was trying to rebuild his store. He did a lot of sacrifices, because the first time they burnt it down. This time he did a lot of sacrifices to get it reopened. It is unfortunate that as he reopens it, this happens to him. I can only now think about his kids and his wife and family, how they might be feeling. and for us it is a big loss. David was always there for us.”

 

Area Representative for Belize Rural South Andre Perez posted a message of condolence on Facebook. He also wrote saying that he is confident law enforcement authorities will conduct a thorough investigation and bring those responsible to justice.

 

Attention readers: This online newscast is a direct transcript of our evening television broadcast. When speakers use Kriol, we have carefully rendered their words using a standard spelling system.

 

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