Benita Keme-Palacio - Greater Belize Media

Simone Biles Named Sports Illustrated 2024 Sportsperson of the Year

Simone Biles, the Belizean-American gymnastics icon, has added another remarkable accomplishment to her illustrious career. On Thursday, Biles was named Sports Illustrated 2024 Sportsperson of the Year. Her journey from humble beginnings to global superstardom has broken barriers in terms of race, age, and mental health advocacy, said the magazine.

This prestigious recognition comes after her triumphant return to the Olympics in Paris, where she not only overcame personal challenges but also solidified her place as one of the greatest athletes in history.The 11-time Olympic medallist added four new medals at the 2024 Paris Olympics, including three golds and a silver. This made her one of the most decorated female gymnasts in history.

Sports Illustrated praised Biles for her stellar performances and her impact on the sport, writing, “She changed the face of her sport and the conversations around athletes.” Biles will receive the award at Sports Illustrated’s annual ceremony in Las Vegas on January 7.

Man Arrested for Having Illegal Ammunition in Pocket

A 29-year-old man is behind bars after being caught with illegal ammunition during a police search at a nightclub in Orange Walk Town on New Year’s Day.

Police reported that Belizean labourer Alfredo Eliaser Casanova was found with eight 9mm rounds of ammunition in his pocket during the search. Authorities say he failed to present a firearm license when asked.

Casanova now faces charges of possession of ammunition without a gun license.

Man Injured in Chopping Attack in San Pedro

Police are investigating a chopping incident involving a 21-year-old construction worker, Reynaldo Pop, in San Pedro Town.

According to police, the attack took place on Wednesday night. Police were alerted to the San Pedro Polyclinic, where Pop was receiving treatment for a chop wound to his face.

Pop reported being attacked by three men while walking in the San Mateo area. One of the suspects allegedly struck him with a machete.

The police are currently searching for three individuals involved in this attack.

Repeat Offender Detained After Brutal Stabbing in Belize City

A man is in police custody following a stabbing incident in Belize City on January 1, 2025.

Police say the attack unfolded during a heated argument over an eviction notice, which escalated into a physical fight between 35-year-old Deneisha Tillett and her tenant, 37-year-old Darlene McKenzie. Mervin Martin, 28, and Emerson Garnett, 33, became involved in the altercation that left Martin in a critical condition.

During the fight, Garnett allegedly stabbed Martin multiple times. Martin was taken to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital for treatment.

However, as reported previously, this isn’t the first time Garnett has been in trouble. In April 2024, a viral video showed him violently assaulting a man, leading to charges of common assault and a $505 fine. Later that year, in September, Garnett was arrested for a burglary in which $4,000 worth of jewellery was stolen. He was released on bail but remained in prison due to an unpaid court fine until October 2024.

Bukele says El Salvador Safest Country in Western Hemisphere

El Salvador ends 2024 with 114 homicides, a decrease from 6,656 killings recorded in 2015. With a homicide rate of just 1.9 per 100,000 people, President Nayib Bukele took to social media, stating that the figure released by the country’s attorney general on Wednesday makes El Salvador the safest country in the Western Hemisphere.

The sharp decline follows the 2022 launch of a state of emergency, which gave the government ‘special powers’ to combat violent gangs. Bukele’s crackdown has led to more than 83,000 arrests, though civil rights groups report 354 deaths in government custody.

Despite criticism, the crackdown has received widespread support for its impact on security. According to local reports, many citizens are now able to move freely without fear of gang violence. The country’s Congress continues to renew the ‘special powers’ each month.

The success of Bukele’s model, which includes militarised policing and social programs, has garnered international attention. Tech mogul Elon Musk praised it, suggesting it could be applied in the United States.

“Needs to happen and will happen in America,” stated Musk on X.

Meanwhile, Belize recorded 89 as of December 31, 2024. This is according to Police Commissioner Chester Williams.

Brace Yourself for Generation Beta: The First AI-Infused Kids

Move over, Generation Beta is here, and they’re expected to grow up in a world dominated by artificial intelligence, autonomous vehicles, and immersive virtual environments. Experts predict these tech-savvy kids will live longer, face unprecedented challenges like climate change, and redefine what it means to be “digitally native.” This marks the end of Generation Alpha, which includes those born between 2010 and 2024.

While the exact dates for Generation Beta are uncertain, they will be born until around 2039. Some experts suggest that many of them will live long enough to witness the 22nd century.

Jason Dorsey, a generational researcher and the author of “Zconomy: How Gen Z Will Change the Future of Business—and What to Do About It,” points out that Gen Beta will start life in a world that’s post-pandemic. Unlike their Gen Alpha siblings, who faced school shutdowns and isolation, Gen Beta will likely only learn about these events in history classes. Dorsey added that Generation Beta will grow up with an increased reliance on smart devices, solving problems with the help of AI.

Another challenge Generation Beta will face is climate change, which is expected to have more direct consequences on their lives. “Climate change will continue to be a really big deal for them,” Dorsey said. As these children grow up, many Gen X and Boomer leaders will be replaced by millennials and Gen Z in power.

According to Dorsey, the new generation will also experience social media differently, with many Gen Z parents possibly limiting screen time for their children, unlike older millennial parents who’ve integrated technology more freely into their kids’ lives. One thing is clear: the emergence of Generation Beta mirrors a fascinating shift in generational dynamics.

New Year’s Day Baby: Healthy 6-Pound Boy

A healthy baby boy made his debut as the first baby of 2025 at 12:15 a.m. on January 1st. The baby, born to 19-year-old Glenda Pop from Hattieville, weighed six pounds and had a smooth, uncomplicated birth.

Glenda told News 5 that she arrived at the hospital at around 8 o’clock in the night on December 31 after experiencing labour pains. Within hours, she was fully dilated. “I came straight to the hospital, and they told me I would have my baby right now,” Pop said.

Estella Flowers, Unit Manager for Maternity and Labour and Delivery, shared, “This is a full, mature baby, born at 40 weeks with no complications.”

“We were expecting a lot of babies that night, on the 31st of December, to come in on the first. But she was the only one that came in 8 centimetres dilated and delivered at 12:15,” Flowers added.

The hospital celebrated the first baby of the year with special gifts and recognition. Glenda, who is already the mother of one, has yet to decide on a name for her newborn son.

From Alleged Shooter to Shooting Victim

A New Year’s morning shooting left a 21-year-old man injured in Belize City. Reports indicate that Shemar Gillett was shot in the left arm just before 5 o’clock in the morning while walking home. Initial investigation revealed that a vehicle suddenly stopped and opened fire on him while he was walking home.

Gillett was rushed to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH), where he was treated for his injuries. Belize City police are urging anyone with information about the shooting or the vehicle involved to help with the investigation.

Meanwhile, two years ago, in 2022, instead of being shot at, Gillett was accused of being the shooter and was remanded to prison at the age of 18 related to a shooting incident in 2022, where Gillett was the alleged shooter, and faced two counts of using deadly means of harm and one count of wounding following an attack on Joanna and Anthony Parham. This shooting incident occurred on May 30, 2022, and caused damage to two vehicles. Reports were that gunshots were fired at the corner of Gibnut and Curassow Streets. Police say that Anthony Parham was the intended target.

Man Stabbed Multiple Times in Belize City

A man is in critical condition after being brutally stabbed multiple times near Pitter Street in Belize City on Wednesday, January 1.

The victim, Mervin Martin, was rushed to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital. Martin alleges he was attacked by 33-year-old Emerson Garnett, also known as “Jimbo.”

Police are currently searching for Garnett in connection with the incident.

This isn’t the first time Garnett has been involved in an incident. In April 2024, a viral video showed Garnett assaulting a man, Mark Avilez, in a violent attack that included throwing a toilet bowl at the victim. Garnett was later charged with two counts of common assault and fined $505.

In September of 2024, Garnett was involved in a separate incident involving a burglary, where over $4,000 worth of jewellery was stolen from an apartment in the Butterwood Bay area. He was arrested for burglary and later released on bail. He was granted bail of $5,000, but due to an outstanding court debt of $505, Garnett was unable to pay and was remanded to the Belize Central Prison until October 20.

4-Year-Old Girl Shot on New Year’s Eve in Belize City

A 4-year-old girl was injured by a stray bullet on New Year’s Eve while she was with her family in the Jane Usher area in the Old Capital. Reports are that the incident occurred shortly after midnight on January 1.

The child’s mother told police that she was holding her daughter while the family set off fireworks on Levi Slusher Street. Moments later, the girl cried out in pain, and her mother initially thought it was from a stone thrown by the fireworks. However, after taking her to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital, an X-ray revealed a gunshot wound. A bullet was removed from the child’s left arm.

Police have investigated the scene and are calling on the public to assist with helpful information that can lead to identifying the shooter.