Benita Keme-Palacio - Greater Belize Media

Four Women Wanted for Assault and Robbery

Police are looking for four women linked to a reported assault and robbery at a Belize City apartment.

Damaris Camara, 23, Shelby Medina, 18, Mariela Mejia, 29, and Kathia Sandoval, all from Orange Walk Town, are wanted for allegedly stealing over $8,000 worth of luxury items.

According to the victim’s police report, she was staying at an apartment reportedly owned by Camara. On Saturday night, Camara and her associates forcibly entered the premises. The victim alleged that Camara seized her iPhone 7 and smashed it on the floor. The accused are also alleged to have destroyed an Ariana Grande perfume worth $300 and several pairs of sunglasses.

The suspects reportedly escaped with personal belongings totalling approximately $8,165.

Police are actively seeking to apprehend the four women for questioning.

What is Special About October 3?

Every year, internet users flood social media with the legendary quote “It’s October 3rd.” The date has become symbolic due to the 2004 iconic movie “Mean Girls.” If you’re a fan, you’ll totally get it. But, over the last few years, the date has adopted another internet-labelled meaning to it—National Boyfriend Day.

This ‘new’ meaning was established by internet users around 2014. Why October? Love experts don’t know the reason behind the choice. By 2016, the holiday had gained significant traction, leading to thousands of social media posts dedicated to the occasion.

How long have you been in a committed relationship? According to love experts, National Boyfriend Day is an ideal time for boyfriends to receive appreciation.

If you’re wondering when is ‘National Girlfriend Day,’ then you’ll have to wait for next year’s round, on August 1.

Popular ways to celebrate the day:

Special Dates: Plan a recreation of your first date.

Cooking Together: Put those Belizean culinary skills into action and cook any of the many Belizean delicacies.

Love Letters: Bring back the ‘corny’ love letter writing; express your affection.

Couples Massages: Unwind the day’s stress with a massage.

Gift Giving: Who says boyfriends don’t deserve gifts too? Get him a watch, cologne, trimming kit.

Adventure Together: If you’ve been in a long relationship, recruit some spontaneity in the relationship with some adventure.

Social Media Shout-Outs: Share photos and messages of your boyfriend on social media using hashtags such as #NationalBoyfriendDay.

Israel Declares UN Sec. Gen. Persona Non Grata

Israel’s Foreign Minister, Israel Katz, announced on Wednesday that UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has been denied entry into the country. This decision follows what Israel says is Guterres’s failure to “unequivocally” condemn Iran’s missile attacks on Israel.

On Tuesday, Iran launched over 180 ballistic missiles at Israel, some of which breached its defences. Guterres condemned the widening conflict but did not specifically denounce Iran’s actions.

Katz stated, “Anyone who cannot unequivocally condemn Iran’s heinous attack does not deserve to set foot on Israeli soil,” declaring Guterres “persona non grata.”

Katz affirmed that Israel will defend its citizens “with or without” Guterres.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to retaliate against Iran for its missile attack on Israel, which he called a “big mistake.”

U.S. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller criticised the move as counterproductive to Israel’s global standing. Meanwhile, UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric described the ban as a political manoeuvre and noted that the UN does not recognise the concept of persona non grata for its officials.

During a Security Council meeting, Guterres reiterated his condemnation of the Iranian attack and called for an end to the “deadly cycle of tit-for-tat violence” in the Middle East. He also criticised Israel’s military operations in Gaza as “the most deadly and destructive” during his tenure.

BDF Completes Mandarin Course for 22 Soldiers

The Belize Defence Force (BDF) announced the successful completion of a Mandarin language exchange course for 22 soldiers on Tuesday. Vital communication skills that could enhance military collaboration and strengthen international partnerships.

The BDF emphasised the critical role of language in military operations. The military’s newly gained communication skills are expected to enhance military collaboration and strengthen international partnerships.

This accomplishment aligns Belize’s 35th anniversary of diplomatic relations with Taiwan.

Sheran Palacio Responds to Innovabel Land Distribution: “Poor People Need Land Too”

The former Mayor of Belmopan, Sheran “Sharon” Palacio is defending her Innovabel Land Distribution program in the Innovabel Estate. She stated, “I was glad to help ordinary Belizeans who would never have had the opportunity to acquire land.”

Criticising the current administration for attempting to undermine her legacy, she stated, “I am not surprised that the current Mayor and his cohorts are investing time and energy trying to erase my contributions.” She emphasised the need for land among the impoverished, asserting, “Poor people need land too.”

Addressing allegations of personal gain, she stated, “Let it be known that past Mayor Sheran Palacio has not gained a single copper from any land allocated to any of the current owners.”

Palacio highlighted that many city council workers, some employed since 2000, finally became first-time landowners through her program. “Their sweat, blood, and tears finally paid off when they were empowered to become first-time land (lot) owners,” she declared.

Palacio’s statements follow Mayor Pablo Cawich’s investigation into questionable land sales at the Innovabel Estate, where parcels were sold for up to 95% below appraised values. A leaked document lists 43 parcels, including sales to Palacio’s family for as little as $100. Cawich revealed that this resulted in an estimated $2 million revenue loss.

Kahlil Enriquez: I did not participate in any land grab

Kahlil H. Enriquez has responded to allegations concerning a leaked Belmopan City Council document that revealed individuals who purchased land in the Innovabel Estate at below-market prices. In his statement, Enriquez denied any wrongdoing, clarifying that he paid $15,000 for his parcel—down from an original price of $20,000—as a first-time landowner. He said that his initial $1,500 payment was part of a structured plan, not the total amount.

“While my name shows by far the highest payment among all on the list, media reports suggest that I might be involved in that scandal. I wish to disassociate myself from any implication of wrongdoing,” Enriquez stated. He added, “I did not negotiate a discount, nor did I perceive the offer as an illicit deal.”

Enriquez learnt from the new city administrator about the land’s undervaluation and adjusted his payment schedule accordingly.

“I remain committed to fulfilling my full payment obligations,” he said. “I want to make it unequivocally clear, therefore, that I did not participate, receive any title, nor have any desire to participate in any ‘land grab,’ hustle, or illegitimate transaction,” Enriquez asserted. “As a Belizean youth, I just want to legitimately own my first plot of land in our jewel.”

These statements follow an investigation by Mayor Pablo Cawich into former Mayor Sharon Palacio’s questionable land sales, where parcels sold for up to 95% below their appraised values. A leaked document lists prices for 43 parcels, revealing significant undervaluations, including sales to Palacio’s family members for as little as $100.

Mayor Cawich noted that the council received only $100,000 from these transactions, resulting in an estimated $2 million loss in revenue. He described some documentation as “fraudulent” and emphasised the need for ethical responsibility among landowners.

Punta Gorda Mayor Fires Administrator

Punta Gorda Town Administrator Frank Tyndall has been sent home by Mayor Carlos Obeah Galvez. Reports indicate the escalating tensions stem from financial control within the council.

According to reports, Tyndall’s dismissal stemmed from accusations of being “unprofessional and insubordinate.” We are told that Tyndall is considering legal action. His replacement has not been named.

This is a developing story.

Belizean Court Rejects British Soldier’s Immunity Claims

The Appeals Court in Belize has ruled that British soldier Perry Stratford must face criminal charges for allegedly assaulting and abducting his wife-to-be, Gabriela Vanutterbeeck, on Christmas Eve in December 2022.

In December 2023, Supreme Court Judge Ricardo Sandcroft ruled that Stratford could not be tried in Belize. His reason was that the local justice system had no jurisdiction over him due to his military status.

The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) appealed Sandcroft’s decision, arguing that the treaty does not apply in this case since Stratford was not attached to the British Army Training Support Unit Belize (BATSUB) at the time of the incident. The appeals court agreed.

Stratford is currently outside Belize and is not expected to return to face the charges.

Mexico’s First Female President Takes Office

Claudia Sheinbaum has officially taken office as Mexico’s first female president during an inauguration ceremony in the Chamber of Deputies in Mexico. Sheinbaum was warmly welcomed by supporters chanting “Presidenta!”

Sheinbaum received the presidential sash from Ifigenia Martinez, the 94-year-old president of the chamber. In her inaugural address, Sheinbaum celebrated the contributions of women throughout history.

As the former mayor of Mexico City, Sheinbaum secured nearly 60 percent of the vote in June 2024. She succeeds Andrés Manuel López Obrador, who served as president from 2018 to 2024.

The Prime Minister of Belize, John Briceño, attended the ceremony and congratulated Sheinbaum on Facebook. “A historically significant inauguration for Mexico… H. E. Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo officially took office today as Mexico’s first female president,” Briceño said, adding, “We look forward to a continued friendly, positively productive relationship with our northern neighbour.”

Polls Show Tight Race: Vance and Walz Go Head-to-Head

The vice presidential debate between Republican JD Vance and Democrat Tim Walz in New York City proved to be a fierce showdown.

A CBS News poll immediately after the debate revealed a nail-biting contest. According to the poll, 42% of voters declared Vance the winner, while 41% leaned toward Walz, leaving 17% calling it a tie.

The debate touched on key issues like the economy and Middle Eastern conflicts. Walz excelled in health care and abortion, while Vance was stronger on immigration. Both candidates saw a slight uptick in favorability post-debate.

The poll revealed that some felt Vance focused more on attacking Walz’s running mate than promoting his own positions. While Walz clarified his views effectively.

Walz, who started off shaky, gained confidence discussing sensitive topics like abortion and the Capitol riot. Vance defended Donald Trump’s presidency but faced tension when dodging questions about the 2020 election, which Walz labelled a “damning non-answer.”