At the start of every hurricane season, the National Emergency Management Organization mobilizes its hurricane preparedness plan for the country, each city, district, and village. But we haven’t heard much from the utility companies, especially the ones who are expected to keep us connected during a hurricane. B.T.L.’s Chief Executive Officer, Ivan Tesucum shared how prepared that company is. He said they have a control command, and an emergency operating committee with set protocols and guidelines. In terms of infrastructure, he said they are ready for a hurricane of category three strength.
Ivan Tesucum
Ivan Tesucum, C.E.O., B.T.L. Digi
“We begin planning from April, May, the different departments begin to put things in place. We have gen sets, we have our batteries, we do our checks. So we have all of that in place. We have resident staff, we have where the vehicles will go, depending on where it will come from. So we have a full plan, that we do and we do, or that we call a little dry run as a matter of fact, burial was a little dry run for us. So in a way it helps you to see where you may have gaps. So that that’s how we prepare. Awesome. And then is it that. You require more investment because with a major hurricane that we should now expect, you require much more, stronger infrastructure. So our infrastructure in terms of the towers and stuff are sustained catchery. That’s, where we’re at. If where our buildings are located, they are very they’re very solid. If you notice they’re off the ground, they’re raised, they’re trying to they, the generators are also raised and everything. So for us, our infrastructure is built to that. So it’s not like we have to invest more. What we do have to have no because of supply chain management is we have to get spheres longer in advance. So we decided to order. We would have to begin ordering from like around December to get or suffer by me. To be prepared because of hurricane seas are in June So we have what we call hurricane stock that allows us to have that in store And right now we used to go at two or three months But right now you’re at six months before you even get material sometimes from different suppliers and getting it here, you know So that’s how we prepare So if you notice we know to prepare in this we have to prepare almost six months in advance from Stock in terms of materials and different things that we need.”
Belize Telemedia Limited wants to bring connectivity to the remote areas of Belize on the same level as the urban areas. To do that, the company is selling two parcels of prime property in Belmopan. The land is what houses the company’s Belmopan office and measures six acres. C.E.O. Ivan Tesucum explained to reporters that they will use the monies from the sale of the property to invest in that connectivity project. Tesucum says so far all they’ve gotten is interest expressed.
Ivan Tesucum
Ivan Tesucum, C.E.O., B.T.L. Digi
“We’re still advertising it and we’re awaiting the, so first of all, the way it works is it’s an expression of interest. That expression of interest requires you to then submit that you’re interested and then we would then send you the pack when you’re, when we send you the information pack, then you then respond back with what you believe is your price. So that’s where we’re at right now. I would say that we’re still going through that expression of interest and we’re waiting. So people have expressed interest. We haven’t received quite a bit of, offers as yet. It’s about using those funds for us to be connectivity because we don’t want to leave anybody behind. And we know that in rural areas, especially don’t so don’t we don’t have connection. So and in those areas as well, you don’t have the population. You might not have electricity, so there’s a lot of more effort that you have to put in.”
Caribbean Community (CARICOM) leaders opened their three-day summit in Grenada on Sunday, with proceedings overshadowed by the ongoing impact of climate change on their nations. Just four weeks into the 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season, the region experienced the devastation of a category five hurricane. The forty-seventh regular meeting of CARICOM will cover a wide range of issues, including agri-food systems, nutrition security, climate change, sustainable development, foreign policy, and the CARICOM Single Market and Economy. Today, two of CARICOM’s longest-serving heads of government have welcomed the results of the recent presidential elections in Venezuela, though some colleagues have taken a more cautious and diplomatic stance. From Saint George’s, Grenada, Peter Richards reports for News Five. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JEekOeupzKc
Goodnight and Welcome to another edition of Sports Monday, I am Paul Lopez. On Friday night, Beacon played against Wolfpack in the Belize City Fast Pitch Softball Championship. This one was for all the marbles.
Paul Lopez, Reporting
Heavy rains at the end of the week left the Rogers Stadium’s softball field riddled with puddles of water. But the match had to be played after several postponements in the past weeks, also due to the weather. At the top of the first inning, Shadalee Ho up to bat for Beacon with runners on second and third. A catcher’s error from Wolfpack led to Beacon’s first run by Arneek Roland. Jassany Castro, in the batter’s box, makes contact and sends the ball directly to the first base. Wolfpack gets the out, but Shadalee Ho makes it home safe.
Rebecca Nicholson attempted a steal to second base and found herself in a difficult position that she was able to somehow maneuver her way out of. Nicholson successfully made it to second base, while Sharon Vernon made yet another run for Beacon. A pitch to Sherlene Humphreys is fumbled by the catcher. Nicholson makes it home safe.
Beacon made a fifth run in the first inning after Wolfpack’s pitcher fumbled a popup ball, allowing Lynese Alvarez to make it home safely. Wolfpack would not make its first run of the final match until the third inning. By this time, their opponents had already scored a total of ten runs. Their first run came off this hit towards second base and a subsequent fumble that sent number seventy-seven home. Ivana Baptist came from behind with a high-flying hit into center field that led to Wolfpack’s second run. This one was from Alexie Flowers.
Well folks, that was the last of Wolfpack’s scoring run in this match. Beacon Softball Club went on to score four more runs at the top of the fourth inning. Another run from Rebecca Nicholson. Sherlene Humphreys with the steal to home plate. She is immediately followed by a sprinting Kendal Morgan who looked as if she was ready to overtake her teammate. And a final run from number two.
The game ended with Beacon Softball Club scoring fourteen runs to Wolfpack Softball Club scoring two. With that, Beacon is the 2024 Belize City Softball Champions. They are set to represent the Old Capital in the upcoming national tournament.
From softball, we move into some basketball action. The Belize Elite Basketball finals will finally continue Friday night after an extensive break. The controversial game three between the Belize City Defenders and the Benny’s Belize Hurricanes will be replayed as the first order of business. With that, the best of five games series is tied at one game apiece. We heard from B.E.B.L. Commissioner Glenn Gill about how the league has been able to overcome this hurdle and what fans can expect on Friday inside the Belize City Civic Center.
Glenn Gill
Glenn Gill, Commissioner, Belize Elite Basketball League
“So far I guess we have gone over the glitches, especially with the Civic not being available to play the game. And, I can categorically state at this potin that the third game will be replayed Friday at nine o’clock at the Civic Center.”
Paul Lopez
“What is the schedule for the games following that?”
Glenn Gill
“The fourth game will be played on Sunday. The time has not been finalized as yet, but it will be played on Sunday. If there is a fifth game, it will be played the following Thursday which is the eight of August.”
Paul Lopez
“How are the team right now, in terms of heading into these matches? Are they onboard?”
Glenn Gill
“I was made to understand that the teams are practicing. I expect that it will be a highly contested game again this Friday. I want to encourage the fans to come out and see a well-played basketball game.”
And finally, for tonight, the Williams Dawson, Sprite/Digi Basketball Tournament is on its second weekend of games. We have been following the defending champions, Hard Rock Boyz, as they are off to an early winning streak. On Saturday, they played against Hattieville Underdogs at the Yabra Green Basketball Court.
Early basket for Hattieville under the rim from number ten. Big rebound and put back for Hard Rock’s Earl “Bolo” Johnson to secure his team’s first basket. Hattieville’s number ten again, this time from the three-point line, makes it count. Marcel Richards with the fast break, but he ends up missing the open layup. Raheem Thurton, showing his size under the rim, goes up and banks the bucket. The first quarter ended with Hattieville Underdogs on top. But that changed in the second quarter. Hard Rock finished the first half with seventeen points to Hattieville’s sixteen points.
Travis Bernardez in the third quarter with the early fast break to extend his team’s lead. “Bolo” Johnson with the rebound and the put back under the rim. Hard Rock Boyz outscored their opponents fourteen to three points in the third quarter. Hattieville Underdogs went on a massive run in the fourth quarter. They scored eleven points while Hardrock Boyz was only able to secure four points. But, in the end Hard Rock Boyz won this one with thirty-five points to Hattieville Underdogs’ thirty points.
Well folks that is all we have for you in tonight’s coverage of Sports Monday Catch you in the next one.
Convicted murderer Williams “Danny” Mason has been shuttling between the Belize Central Prison and the Belmopan High Court throughout this week. Mason and co-accused Ryan Rhaburn face charges of kidnapping businessman Lloyd Thiessen and his wife, Rosie, in May 2016 at Mason’s ranch near Mile thirty-one along the George Price Highway. The kidnapping allegedly stemmed from a business dispute; the couple had reportedly given Mason three hundred thousand dollars to import corn, which was never delivered. When the couple confronted Mason, the alleged kidnapping occurred. The trial, initially scheduled to begin in early July before Justice Francis Cumberbatch, was postponed to July eighteenth after Mason requested a change in venue. The trial resumed on Monday, and by Wednesday, the prosecution, led by Director of Public Prosecutions Cheryl Lynn Vidal, had closed its case. On Thursday, the defense argued a no-case submission, claiming the prosecution had not provided sufficient evidence. This afternoon, Mason and Rhaburn appeared before Justice Cumberbatch, who ruled that there was indeed a case to answer. Consequently, the no-case submission was denied, and the trial will continue. Mason and Rhaburn are expected to testify next week. Following the ruling, Rhaburn’s attorney, Simeon Samson, provided a brief statement.
Simeon Samson
Simeon Samson, Attorney for Ryan Rhaburn
“At the end, the defense made its submission to the judge that the trial ought not to proceed because we thought there was insufficient evidence against my client. The judge has ruled against us. So, we proceed to trial on Monday morning, my client will take the stand.”
Attorney Orson Elrington, also known as O.J., has been committed to stand trial for the charge of rape following a preliminary inquiry held this morning in Belize City. On March eighth, Orson was charged with rape and granted bail of eight thousand dollars plus one surety. Elrington’s attorney, Hubert Elrington, is expected to challenge the decision in the High Court. Meanwhile, the Director of Public Prosecutions, Cheryl Lynn Vidal, says she looks forward to the defendant’s challenge in the high court.
Cheryl Lynn Vidal
Cheryl Lynn Vidal, Director of Public Prosecutions
“I really don’t want to go into the facts of the case but this report was made some days after the incident. And so by the time it had come to the attention of the police, it really would not have made much sense.We didn’t think that there was any likelihood that he would not have been committed to stand trial.”
Reporter
“He said that his rights were breached because you overstepped the boundaries of your office to actually make calls and speak with his accusers. What would you say in response to that? Did you overstep the boundaries?”
Cheryl Lynn Vidal
“I most certainly did not. And I would imagine that that is an issue that will be addressed at the High Court. I look forward to it.”
Hubert Elrington
Hubert Elrington, Attorney for Orson Elrington
“Well, I don’t think the learned magistrate even understood what we were trying to say to her. I, I think that this was one of these situations in which we made a submission which the learned magistrate simply did not understand. Because nothing that she has said makes any sense to me.”
Reporter
“So what happens next?”
Hubert Elrington
“Well, we’ll take the matter to the High Court. The D.P.P. has brought a case, right? And her first duty is to show that there is a difference between a crime and a non-crime. And the magistrate must look at it and says, if the evidence discloses a crime or the evidence discloses a non-crime, but she doesn’t even understand that that is the duty. So where do you go? You have to go to the high court.”
Cotton Tree Village resident thirty-two-year-old Andrew Muns is dead. He succumbed to injuries he sustained eighteen days after he was shot while socialising in the village. That same shooting incident claimed the life of another man, thirty-nine-year-old Clint Castillo. Muns had been hospitalised since the day of the shooting, paralysed from the neck down and in an induced coma. To date, police have arrested and charged twenty-two-year-old Jamal Hyde with the crime of abetment to commit murder in relation to the shooting incident. The main suspect remains at large. He will face two counts of murder when he is captured. Muns’ family says his killer was a close family friend. They believe he has fled across the border into Guatemala. We spoke with one relative off-camera.
Voice of: Relative of Deceased
Voice of: Relative of Deceased
“Immediately after the shooting he was unable to move anything from the neck down. Someone transported him in the back of a truck to the hospital. In the hospital he never seemed to improve. He only worsened. He did have an infection and they were trying to find the right antibiotics to treat it. Then they also found out he had pneumonia. Day before yesterday his Common-Law-Wife has come in and said his blood pressure was really low. I thought to myself it’s not a good thing that they can’t get it up and then he just succumbed to it.”
Paul Lopez
“What update has the family received in terms of the pursuit of the other guy, the one believed to have pulled the trigger?”
Voice of: Relative of Deceased
“As far as I know there is no new information on where Akeem Richardson is. We know that police haven’t been able to locate him or any good tips on where he might be. So I am not sure.”
Paul Lopez
“How adamant is the family in being behind the family to ensure that this guy caught and Justice is served.”
Voice of: Relative of Deceased “Oh, everyone is waiting for this guy to be caught and pay the consequences or at least explain himself. It is a small village and all three of the people, Clint, Akeem and Jesus were good friends for years off and on. It was surprising that it happened, that Akeem did this allegedly, because he was around almost daily and Jesus and Clint as well. Clint not as much but Jesus for sure.”
Tonight, San Ignacio resident Gerson Guerra is a free man after accepting a plea deal. Guerra was charged with attempted murder, aggravated assault, and use of deadly means of harm after wounding his then, partner, Zuemy Tzalam on her throat with a knife. Reports are that on February twenty-fourth, 2020, Guerra entered the home of Tzalam with the key he was in possession of and engaged in an altercation with Tzalam, resulting in him pushing and wounding her. Guerra avoided a prison sentence after taking a plea deal negotiated under the new legislation in the Criminal Procedure (Plea Discussion and Agreement) Act. Under this bargain, Guerra was sentenced to pay the court a fine of one thousand five hundred dollars over the course of twelve months and two thousand dollars to be paid to the victim over a two-year period. Additionally, Guerra will undergo five anger management sessions within the next twelve months. Attorney Erin Quiros represented Guerra.
Erin Quiros
Erin Quiros, Attorney at Law
“So he was accused with attempted murder and deadly means of harm. And with the passing of the act, he was able to plead to the lesser charge and fortunately, we were also able to agree. The prosecution and I were able to agree to a non-custodial sentence given the circumstances, given his circumstances. A lot of factors were taken into consideration. The fact that he has gainful employment, he has a daughter that he is currently maintaining, that was a major factor for the court. So he’s been ordered to pay a fine and been ordered to go to anger management courses. And of course, in the fault of that, he would suffer incarceration. But yeah, that is what it has.”
Reporter
“So the fine was fifteen hundred and also two thousand ordered compensation to the victim. Is this in line with other cases that have been decided along these lines?”
Erin Quiros
“Yes, it is. This is not an unusual order of the court. There have been circumstances prior to this, where a court has ordered a fine not only to the government, but also to the victims, right? So this is not something unusual. It just opens the door in relation to pleading to lesser offenses and coming to that agreement. Instead of going through a lengthy trial, the parties are able to do that and save time and save court resources.”
Reporter
“The judge mentioned that there is a level of prevalence to this kind of crime. As an attorney, I’m sure you’re exposed to that sort of thing. Do you think the fine for the particular situation was adequate?”
Erin Quiros
“I believe that it was. I believe that it was. I remember this is not something that the accused proposed. It was something that was agreed along with the prosecution. And we both were of the opinion that this was an adequate sentence and the court agreed.”
As we mentioned, Guerra utilised the Plea Discussion and Agreement Act to negotiate with the prosecution for a lighter sentence. This case marks the first instance of a defendant employing this legislation to propose alternative sentences and charges. Guerra, with the assistance of his representative, Erin Quiros, initiated a novel plea deal under this act. We spoke with Quiros after the trial to learn more about the implications of this new legislation.
Erin Quiros
Erin Quiros, Attorney at Law
“So today was the hearing a hearing first of its kind. Actually, it was the hearing off a plea agreement that was entered into between the prosecution and the accused. This hearing was made possible because of an act that was recently passed in June of this year. The criminal procedure plea discussions and plea agreement act was passed. And that act really provides an opportunity. I think it’s a good opportunity for the prosecution and an accused person to enter into discussions in order to maybe suggest alternate sentences, alternate charges, reduced charges. So parties are able to enter into discussions prior to trial to assist accused. The passing of the act really has assisted him and we’re hoping it will continue to assist other accused persons. Not only that, the benefits are to the court as well. The court indicated during the hearing while giving its judgment that the act has provided circumstances where there will be an alleviation of the backlog of cases that are currently before the court, thankfully. And really there, it’s not in every circumstance that a charge that has a custodial sentence should, the accused should be incarcerated. So this passing of that has allowed that to happen in this particular instance and it could possibly open the door for other accused persons.”
This evening, Ormencia Pou-Swift, her mother Irene Budd, and her brother Aaron Fuentes were shuttled to the Belize Central Prison. All three were found guilty of grievous harm by a jury in April. Pou-Swift and Budd each received an additional two-year prison term from the date of conviction. Fuentes, who had already served nearly two years on remand, was released due to time served after a two-year reduction for mitigating factors. The court considered the serious injuries inflicted on the victim, Gilbert Blair, who lost vision in one eye and sustained severe injuries from a machete attack. The assault, which occurred on September fourth, 2011, was described as brutal and premeditated, with the attackers identified by Blair.
