Police are seeking the public’s help to locate a taxi stolen from Channel Five’s parking lot. The driver of a Toyota Camry taxi arrived with a female passenger and went inside to fill out Gimmie Five tickets, leaving her in the car. After about twenty minutes, the passenger moved to the driver’s seat, reversed the taxi, and drove off, hitting a parked vehicle on her way out. The taxi driver reported the theft to the police, who have since launched an investigation. We’ll keep you updated as this story develops.
Tonight, a family is once again reaching out to the public for help in finding two loved ones who have vanished without a trace. On Wednesday, the family of cousins Juan Raymundo, thirty-two, and Marvin Cante, thirty-seven, grew concerned when Raymundo didn’t respond to messages from his common-law wife. The next day, they reported the cousins missing to the police, who quickly began an investigation. Soon after, the vehicle Juan had been driving was found abandoned near mile twenty-four on the George Price Highway. Since then, family and friends have been tirelessly searching for any clues about their whereabouts. Here’s News Five’s Britney Gordon with the latest update.
Britney Gordon, Reporting
Nearly a week has passed since the search began for cousins Juan Raymundo and Marvin Cante, and their family is growing increasingly desperate. The last person to speak with Raymundo was his former partner, Rosa Alonzo. She shared that the day started like any other, with them taking care of their children together. Now, the family is holding onto hope and pleading for any information that could lead to their safe return.
Voice of: Rose Alonzo
Voice of Rose Alonzo, Juan’s ex- common-law Wife
“We took his son to school and we came back to my house. He just dropped me and gone. That was between eight-thirty and nine, Around three, I messaged him and I asked him where are you? He didn’t answer me, but I figured the message didn’t get delivered. So I figured, Oh, he just busy or he no got signal or something. But it’s not normal. But I she okay, maybe he just noh got signal, which no normal but you just want ignore the fact that he di answer.”
After more than eleven hours without any word from Raymundo, his former partner, Rosa Alonzo, started to worry about his safety. She went to the police station to see if there had been any reported accidents but came up empty-handed. The next day, her worst fears were realized when the police showed up at his house with distressing news. ACP Hilberto Romero provides an update on how the search operation has been progressing.
“We are presently conducting several searches in the area of Mile twenty-four the area of Democracy to the Coastal the area of Mahogany Heights. But so far, no leads and no information as to their whereabouts.”
Reporter
“The vehicle was a rented vehicle?”
ACP Hilberto Romero
“It was not a rented vehicle. They had gotten the vehicle from somebody here in Belmopan. And the vehicle was found in the area of Mile twenty-four with the engine running.”
Reporter
“Have you spoken to that person here in Belmopan?”
Hilberto Romero
“Yes several statements have been recorded. Searches continue, but so far, nothing.”
Currently, there is no motive for the duo’s disappearance, their family maintains that no one in their life has any reason to cause them harm. Alonzo also stressed that Raymundo would never willingly abandon his family.
Voice of Rose Alonzo
“Juan Raymundo would never leave his kids alone. He knew that they have their mothers, but he would never, ever leave his kids fending for their selves. Or, he would always take care of his kids, always think about his kids. Anything would happen and maybe his kids get hurt. He would find a way to be there for his kids economically and present. He would call his kids. He would visit his kids. My son, personally, he would visit every single day. There wouldn’t be one day when he doesn’t ask for daddy and daddy doesn’t come to see him or call him. So no, that is very not even in my mind, in no way, because he would not leave his kids.”
There is no word on their possible whereabouts. If anyone has information that can be used to locate either of them, they are encouraged to contact Rosa on 628-7016. Britney Gordon for News Five.
Last month, police rushed to the Frank’s Eddy area in Cayo District after receiving a tip about a possible drug plane landing. They found a single-engine plane abandoned on the side of the road, stripped of all its passenger seats and completely empty of any passengers or cargo. Police have identified a suspect who had previously been charged with involvement in a drug plane incident. To prevent the plane from being used for any more illegal activities, it was set on fire. Commissioner of Police Chester Williams provided an update on the case, including details about a police officer who has been charged for her alleged involvement in the crime.
Chester Williams
Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police
“Yes, we have located that individual and he has been interviewed. He was charged recently for breach of judicial order. And that matter is before the court at this time.”
Reporter
“But nothing on the cargo?”
Chester Williams
“No, we have not been able to locate the cargo and we have not been able to tie him to the plane landing. As I said, he was only wanted because I believe that he would have been able to assist the investigation. He came in and he has been interviewed, but we have nothing at this time substantial we can go on to tie him to the plane landing.”
Reporter
“And what became of the female officer who was reportedly assisting him?”
Chester Williams
“That officer has been placed on internal charges and she is on interdiction awaiting the hearing of that matter.”
Last month, police raided the Double Zero establishment in Lake Independence. Along with a quantity of drugs and unlicensed firearm, the team uncovered several fraudulent immigration items, including visas and entry stamps, believed to be used for illegal immigration operations. The Department of Immigration has denied any involvement or knowledge of these activities and explained why they didn’t disclose all the details to the public. In a statement released today, the Government of Belize emphasized their commitment to a thorough investigation into corruption, highlighting the serious breach in security protocols and potential complicity by public officers. Earlier today, Jules Vasquez demanded that the department host a press conference to disclose the details of the investigation. The department, however, begs to differ. In a statement released earlier today, the Government of Belize stated, “In our Ministry, which falls under the Office of the Prime Minister, our focus must be on a credible, careful, and comprehensive investigation into corruption, particularly as it suggests a serious breach in our security protocols and complicity by public officers within our Ministry. Our goal is to end corruption in the Ministry, and with such sensitive issues and players within the investigation, we regret to inform Mister Vasquez that we cannot keep him apprised of every move made at the Ministry level or within the Belize Police Department,”. Here’s Commissioner of Police Chester Williams with more on the case.
Chester Williams
Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police
“From a police investigation standpoint that issue has nothing to do with immigration. It so happens that it’s an individual who happened to have in his possession some Asian passports, Asian national passports, and within those passports contained some police visas. He also had with him some immigration stamps. We have done our investigation and it has been confirmed by The Department of Immigration that the visas in those passports are not authentic. The stamps are not authentic either. They are a replica of what immigration had. So it would appear as if this was an individual who was operating on his own. We have not unearthed any ties to anybody from immigration colluding with him. I can say that I had briefed the Prime Minister on this issue when it first occurred. And the Prime Minister’s exact words was, Commissioner. Please pursue the investigation to the fullest and go after who you need to go after. And the police is operating under that instructions from the Prime Minister. And we have not been able to find any link to immigration. It’s just a person who was on his own accord developed these things for his own purpose. And so called immigration scandal I think is taking it too far. So it’s a very thin line. If Mister Ashburn is working withimmigration, then yes, but he’s not an immigration officer. So you cannot equate his conduct to the Department of Immigration.”
Reporter
“Has he been cooperative?”
Chester Williams
“He has been interviewed by the police. The police have received certain information from him. And I believe that by the end of this week. The police should be levying charges against him in respect of those fake visa and fake stamps.”
Reporter
“Do they know how he got hold of the fake stamps?”
Chester Williams
“In an interview that was given by his wife, she alluded to them being given to him by an Asian national.”
City Hall is once again grappling with a familiar seasonal issue that has plagued them for over two decades. During these slow collection months, their cash flow takes a hit, making it tough to meet their payments. Belize Waste Control has been accused of only picking up some of the garbage from certain streets. It has been reported elsewhere that the Belize City Council owes the company over three months’ worth of garbage collection fees, totaling more than eight hundred thousand dollars. Deputy Prime Minister Cordel Hyde mentioned on Friday that the government might need to step in and mediate between the parties to find a solution. Meanwhile, attorneys for Belize Waste Control, Courtenay Coye LLP, were expected to file a lawsuit against City Hall if the payments weren’t made today. Unfortunately, none of the parties were available for an interview, but Marion Ali has more on the story.
Marion Ali, Reporting
Today, we noticed a troubling sight on the southside of Belize City – overflowing garbage drums, especially on the streets tucked behind the main roads. While most residents were hesitant to speak openly, two men from the Freedom Street area in Port Loyola shared off-camera that the garbage hadn’t been collected at all last week.
Voice of: Port Loyola Resident #1
Voice of: Port Loyola Resident #1
“Dehn barely come pick up garbage. I nuh know weh di happen.”
Marion Ali
“I’m seeing the garbage in the Freedom Street area is overflowing for many of the residents. When was the last time you saw the dirt truck come?”
Voice of: Port Loyola Resident #1
“The last time I see dehn da bout two weeks now. And sometimes I hear them but ih look like dehn nuh come certain areas, nuh.”
The second Port resident said he lives around the lane on Central American Boulevard and his garbage has been there for a week as well.
Voice of: Port Loyola Resident #2
Voice of: Port Loyola Resident #2
“Once dehn left it and dehn nuh come the garbage become wa problem and the animals tear them apart and ih deh over the street. Soh ih end up like wa hazzard, you know?”
We reached out to Belize Waste Control and spoke with a manager who assured us they are doing their best with the resources available. He denied missing any scheduled garbage collections last week and mentioned that the company is working with the Belize City Council to resolve the issue. This isn’t the first time City Hall has faced this challenge during the slow season; it’s been a recurring problem for at least twenty years. While a previous mayor proposed a garbage collection fee, Deputy Prime Minister Cordel Hyde does not support this idea. We asked some City residents what they thought about the introduction of a garbage collection fee to help solve the problem.
Belize City Resident #1
Belize City Resident #1
“There should be.”
Marion Ali
“Why do you think so?”
Belize City Resident #1
“Well, because if they got a garbage collection fee, it’s going to take some of the pressure from the government – I mean City Council because City Council is paying for them to pick it up.”
Belize City Resident #2
Belize City Resident #2
“If we never pay before, we ever, no, we never used to pay for it, none at all, so I guess why should we pay now? So my answer is no.”
Belize City Resident #3
Belize City Resident #3
“No. They done di get paid for that, so weh we have to pay for it?”
Marion Ali
“But the Council might have problems at times to meet the garbage collection bill, so now, some are suggesting that we pay a garbage collection fee.”
Belize City Resident #3
“Well, if we have to do that, then that’s that. We have to pay it.”
Belize City Resident #4
Belize City Resident #4
“There are some people that could afford it. But there are people that cannot afford it.”
Marion Ali
“But how do we determine who can and cannot afford it?”
Belize City Resident #4
“That is the thing. It’s something that the government have to do.”
News Five conducted a Facebook poll, and it has revealed a near-even split among Belize City residents regarding the idea of a garbage collection fee. The poll asked, “If you are living in Belize City, would you support paying a garbage collection fee?” Participants could answer with a simple “yes” or “no.” Out of seven hundred and forty-eight respondents, three hundred and ninety-eight, or fifty-three percent, said they would support the fee, while three hundred and fifty, or forty-seven percent, opposed the idea. The poll also sparked a lively debate among users, with some offering conditional support and others suggesting alternative solutions. One user commented, “If it’s picked up on time and the city is kept clean.” Another expressed opposition, stating, “City council services that EVERYONE receives should be paid for via property tax.” As we reported, the Belize City Council is grappling with a financial crisis, owing Belize Waste Control over eight hundred thousand dollars in arrears.
Today, we received a letter addressed to Chief Election Officer Josephine Tamaifrom Doctor Omar Figueroa, the U.D.P’s Standard Bearer for Cayo North. In the letter, Figueroa urged Tamai to comply with a court ruling to remove over twenty names from the voter’s list, as determined by the San Ignacio Magistrate’s Court. Figueroa claims that Minister Michel Chebat’s team has been fraudulently registering voters in Cayo North. News Five reached out to Chebat, who declined to comment, citing that the court’s ruling is currently under appeal in the High Court. He explained that the Election and Boundaries Department cannot act on the ruling until the appeal is resolved. Chebat mentioned he would be willing to speak with the media once the case is concluded.
Omar Figueroa
Dr. Omar Figueroa, U.D.P. Standard Bearer, Cayo North
“We believe there are certain elements within the election and boundaries department here that are involved in this scheme, right? And our concerns have really been disregarded from when we began raising them. And so it, it has become important for us to put it in writing because, yes, the court has ruled, but what will happen now? It appears that these registrations are continuing in the month of November using the same safe houses that have been used. So something has to be done, Marion, or else this thing will never stop. These persons have access to sensitive electoral data. They have access to these binders. I mean, when I go in there, I see it. So something has to be done. It cannot be that these persons would be left there with complete and total access to these original electoral database. I believe that the Election and Boundaries Department, in particular the Chief Elections Officer, now has a responsibility, a duty, and an obligation to follow up on the court ruling.”
We also touched base with Chief Elections Officer, Josephine Tamai, who mentioned she couldn’t comment due to the ongoing court case. However, she did share a response to Figueroa, highlighting that the Election and Boundaries Department operates strictly under the Representation of the People’s Act. In her letter, Tamai emphasized that the Act clearly lays out the procedures the department must follow during any objection or appeal process. Tamai also noted that the registering officer has received a notice of appeal to the High Court from twenty-three electors. She pointed out that there’s no final decision yet because of Chebat’s appeal. Additionally, she stated that the Department firmly rejects Figueroa’s claims. Figueroa had accused over a hundred people of being fraudulently registered in the constituency, but the court upheld the registration of most of the individuals he questioned.
The Protected Areas Conservation Trust (PACT) has announced Abil Castañeda as its new Executive Director. Mister Castañeda has been a key player in Belize’s sustainable development over the past decade, especially through his work in tourism, cultural development, and natural resource management. With over thirteen years of public service, he has made significant strides in promoting sustainable policies and practices. His various roles at the Ministry of Tourism include Project Liaison Officer, Tourism Officer, Chief Tourism Officer, and acting Chief Executive Officer. He also served as the Director of Cruise, Capacity Development, Quality, and Registrar of Hotels at the Belize Tourism Board.
Earlier today, Corozal Town hosted a brief but exciting ceremony to kick off an agricultural drone pilotage course. A drone expert has been brought in to lead the training, where participants will learn both the theory and hands-on skills needed to fly drones for agricultural purposes. This innovative initiative is spearheaded by the Ministry of Investment.
Jose Antonio Texocotitla
Jose Antonio Texocotitla, Course Trainer
“This drone handling course is going to be four and a half days long. It’s going to be sixty percent theory, forty percent practice and we aim to give the basis of the agricultural and drone piloting needs that every participant should have before being able to recognize that the most common troubles in agriculture and also be able to bring an optimal solution. We are going to start with a drone overview, their components, the handling, the assembling and disassembly of the most common parts. Of course, we are also going to have some words from the Ministry of Civil Aviation so they can know the regulations. We will also have some words with the participants, they are aware of the regulations of Belize and we are going to give the pest control assignment. We are going to show the methodology in the classroom and in the field. We are also going to implement a flying simulator so the student can learn in a controlled environment and flying tests so he can get more comfortable with flying without the risk or fear of having an accident having an accident.”
Recently, ACP Howell Gillett, Belize’s National Commander of the Community Policing Unit, was honored at Buckingham Palace with a Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE) award. This prestigious recognition celebrates Gillett’s years of dedication, hard work, and unwavering commitment to the communities of Belize. Gillett made the trip to England to receive the award in person. We caught up with Commissioner of Police, Chester Williams, who warmly congratulated him on this well-deserved acknowledgment.
Chester Williams
Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police
“Congratulations to him. I know that he received MBE or OBE award. I think he’s not the first police to get that. I got my MBE a couple years ago.”
Reporter
“It’s for community policing, I think.”
Chester Williams
“Yeah we get for different reasons, but he got an OBE or an MBE, and I have received mine about four years ago. We have had many commissioners before who have also received those awards. So he’s not the first, as you are saying. But I guess I was told that he traveled all the way to England to receive his which I find to be very unusual. But congratulations to him. He went on a trip, which I believe was a great experience to him. He reported in a conference this morning, some of his experience in meeting people meeting with come to policing officers in in London and exchange ideas. And so he came back with some ideas that he believe will be able to enhance our community policing efforts in Belize.”
