We begin tonight’s newscast with the arraignment of a young man who is accused of opening fire on the home of Commissioner of Police Chester Williams earlier this week. The incident happened on Tuesday night while the ComPol was out of the country. At home was his twenty-two-year-old son who contacted him by text message informing him that someone was shooting at the residence. Tonight, twenty-one-year-old Threvane Thomas is on remand at the Belize Central Prison. The resident of Camalote Village appeared in the Magistrate’s Court in Belmopan this morning. He is facing a raft of charges, including aggravated assault and possession of a prohibited firearm, which was a forty-five-calibre pistol. Police were quick in apprehending Thomas after surveillance cameras at the residence captured him.
Category: Breaking News
Minister Musa Says Attack on ComPol’s House was Egregious
Thomas will have his day in court as he spends his first night in jail, and today we had an opportunity to ask the Minister of Home Affairs, Kareem Musa to speak about the attack on the commissioner’s home. He thinks the incident was egregious and cowardly and he says the police are looking for two more culprits who they believe acted along with Thomas to carry out the crime.
Kareem Musa, Minister of Home Affairs
“It is, in my opinion, a very egregious and brazen attack on one of our most prominent public servants the commissioner of police. And our ministry and the government on a whole we absolutely condemn this type of reaction from these gang elements. Who in my opinion are trying to make a statement. I can tell you that individual has already been detained. He has already been charged with the offense of aggravated assault with possession of a prohibited firearm. And so that person will be spending some time at Hattieville, at Colby Foundation. But he did not act in isolation. He acted in concert with other individuals. We already have information on who those individuals are, and the police are actively pursuing those individuals.”
State of Emergency in Effect for Ninety Days
The alleged gang members who were swept up at the beginning of the state of emergency, in parts of Belize City and Cayo District, will spend the next three months behind bars at the Belize Central Prison. Earlier today, during the sitting of the House of Representatives, Home Affairs Minister Kareem Musa read the proclamation declaring the S.O.E. and how long it will remain in effect.
Kareem Musa, Minister of Home Affairs
“Now be it resolved that this honorable house extends the proclamation declaring a state of emergency in certain parts of Belize City and certain parts of the Cayo District made by the Governor General on June 24th, 2024 for a period of two months. This motion, Madam Speaker, has the recommendation of the Cabinet. And by way of explanation, Madam Speaker, we have arrived at a point where decisions, swift and certain, must be made to ensure that our Belize remains on track to be the best country in which to grow up and raise a family. We cannot do that in a country where a few feel that they have the power and impetus to wreak havoc on our streets, planting seeds of fear in the minds and hearts of hardworking and law abiding citizens of our country. Belize is certainly not a state where lawlessness, more especially that which leads to the senseless loss of life reigns supreme. We are even more certain that we will not allow any corner of our country to fall into a state of normalized lawlessness. Opening fire on a mother and child exiting their vehicle, or the elderly men riding on bicycles is not normal. Blazing bullets in the dead of night at a police station is not normal, and most certainly, shooting a barrage of bullets into the home of a senior public servant, the Commissioner of Police, no less, is not the Belizean way. These wayward activities will not be countenanced will not be tolerated and will not be condoned.”
A Tribute to a Belizean Icon, Jennifer Lovell
The Death of a Belizean Icon
Belize is in mourning following the passing of one of its most cherished and iconic figures, Jennifer Lovell, affectionately known as Jenny. Jennifer Lovell passed away in her home in Belmopan, leaving behind a legacy of dedication, compassion, and service that has touched countless lives across the country.
Lovell, who was in her early seventies, was well known for her bubbly and positive personality. She was a staple on Channel 5’s KTV The Remix as a permanent judge, a role she had embraced since the inception of the popular show. Her lovable character made the audience fall in love with her and appreciate her insights and iconic facial reactions. Throughout the seasons, Lovell coached and grew Belizean artists. Her popular catchphrase, “I love it,” became an instant crowd favorite. She then gained an additional affectionate name: “Jenny ‘I love it’ Lovell”.
Her presence on the show was marked by her genuine enthusiasm and candid commentary, which endeared her to viewers nationwide. KTV host William Neal said, “Jenny was a really amazing human being. She had the incredible talent, not just in singing but to make you listen and make you feel seen. When she said ‘love it, love it, love it’, that is what she was all about.”
Lovell was also a recurring guest on Channel 5’s Open Your Eyes, where she provided guidance and advice on several social issues, such as mental health and domestic violence. In her recurring segment, ‘Bruk It Down, Miss Jenny’, she spoke on several topics, including self-care, how to communicate with women, generalised anxiety disorder, and divorce. Undoubtedly, the wealth of knowledge she shared has helped thousands of Belizeans. Channel 5’s Chief Executive Officer, Marleni Cuellar, knew Lovell for almost her entire adult life. “The Jenny they saw on TV is the Jenny in real life,” Cuellar said. “She really did make you feel like you were special. She really would tell you like it is. She was just a lovely person to be around.”
But Lovell was more than just a bubbly, lovable on-air talent. She was a Belizean who dedicated her life to the development of the country.
A Legacy of Service in Mental Health
Jennifer Lovell was a revered mental health professional who dedicated her life to the betterment of her community. With an extensive career that spanned work with both the Government of Belize (GoB) and non-governmental organisations (NGOs), Lovell’s contributions to psychological services and organisational development were profound and far-reaching. Her expertise in mental health and her tireless advocacy made her a pillar of support for many in need. She did volunteer work with the Belize Defence Force. She was scheduled to be at the BDF base in Ladyville this morning for the completion of a two-week course that Lovell and four students from the University of West Indies (UWI) led.
Major Megan Aspinalll runs the wellness centre as the wellness officer. She told News Five, “Miss Jenny has been with the force for over ten years. She started off volunteering in terms of going to different camps, talking to soldiers about mental health and their wellbeing. About five years, it went more in-depth in terms that we needed to give them more counselling than just the pop in talks/session.”
Many people might not know this, but Lovell was a retired Navy officer. Before her illustrious career in Belize, Lovell served in the United States military, where she honed her skills and developed a strong sense of duty and service. Her retirement from the military marked the beginning of a new chapter, one in which she would become a cornerstone of mental health advocacy and support in Belize. “She loves working with soldiers, and she wanted to volunteer. Miss Jenny was here as a volunteer to help the soldiers of the Belize Defence Force,” said Major Aspinall.
“Most of us are still in shock because the last time we saw Miss Jenny was on Tuesday when she said to us that she wasn’t feeling well but the lady from UWI could continue the training, and then to hear today, she passed. We are still in disbelief.”
Lovell was the first director of the Community Rehabilitation Department in 1991. Minister of Human Development Dolores Balderamos Garcia said, “She served with distinction in that role, and she is also currently our senior trainer for our community and parent empowerment programmes under the Department of Human Services.”
Lovell’s work extended into critical areas such as domestic violence and marriage counseling. Her commitment to helping individuals and families navigate difficult circumstances showcased her dedication to fostering healthier, more resilient communities.
Jenny Had Talent
The beloved icon was able to be an excellent judge on KTV and its variations because she was a singer, a great singer. Lovell was the lead singer for the Mission Singers, a group of twelve individuals created for the Mass in Blues album, a collection of songs composed and written by Francis Reneau. He first heard Lovell sing many decades ago at Saint John’s College, where she was studying. “That is when I thought, this voice is exactly what I need.” He said, “What I was attracted to was the quality of her voice. There was a purity of song and her understanding of music even though she may not have studied music the way I had studied music was actually something quite natural. It was quite astounding that she could actually turn a phrase in music that was communicative and expressive.”
The pair also collaborated on a second album, Celebration. “The last thing which I did with her which was ‘We are Belize’. All through those times she has been a source of strength for me as well because she was a very bubbly personality. She was also a very force right person. She will tell you exactly what she thought about something. I will miss her a lot.”
A Final Farewell
During the opening of today’s Sitting of the House of Representatives, Prime Minister Johnny Briceño said, “This morning the nation woke up to the sad news that we lost Jenny Lovell, the incomparable Jenny.” “That voice, remember Mass in Blues—I guess one of the most, probably the best album Belize has every produced with Frankie Reneau. All of them were just little kids when they took out Mass in Blues. She was a national treasure.” Also sending condolences was the Minister of Home Affairs, Kareem Musa.
Online, Belizeans from all walks of life are expressing their condolences, saying that even though they never met her, she changed their lives.
CEO Cuellar said “you can’t replace a Jenny Lovell.”
Jennifer Lovell is survived by her son. Funeral arrangements are being made.
The management and staff of Channel 5 send our condolences to all of Lovell’s family and friends. She was a part of the Channel 5 family, and we will deeply miss her. <3
Police Department Needs Your Help in Identifying this Man
On Friday, June 28, 2024, around 5:15 a.m., the lifeless body of an unidentified Hispanic male was pulled from the sea near North Front Street, Belize City. The body has since been listed as John Doe. The Belize Police Department is asking for the public’s assistance in identifying him. If you have any information that can assist in this investigation, please call Crime Stoppers at 922, use the P3 APP, or report to the nearest police station.
Rest in Peace the Legendary Jenny Lovell
News Five has confirmed that the legendary Jenny Lovell has passed away. The iconic Belizean woman passed away in her house in Belmopan.
This is a developing story.
Opposition to Boycott Today’s House Sitting
News Five has learned that members of the Opposition are planning to boycott today’s Sitting of the House of Representatives in Belmopan.
News Five has a team in Belmopan and will bring you the latest update.
As we have reported, Opposition Members lodged a formal protest against the scheduled House Sitting for today, citing a deviation from the established protocol of providing five clear days’ notice. In a letter addressed to House Speaker Valerie Woods, the Opposition argued that the failure to follow the five-day notice protocol, as mandated by Standing Order 19(3), disenfranchises the Opposition by obstructing their ability to pose crucial questions to ministers.
In response, Speaker Valerie Woods informed Opposition Leader Moses “Shyne” Barrow that the notice for today’s sitting does not contravene the Standing Orders. Woods explained that the Clerk of the National Assembly was notified by the Cabinet Secretary on Sunday, June 23rd, and the notice was issued on Monday, June 24th, after verifying the Orders of the Day. She acknowledged the concern about notice but maintained that the notice period for this meeting was compliant with the Standing Orders.
NHC is monitoring three areas of interests this Friday morning
1. Western Caribbean/Southwestern Gulf of Mexico (AL94): A broad area of low pressure over the western Caribbean Sea associated with a tropical wave continues to produce widespread shower and thunderstorm activity. Development of this system is not expected today while it moves west-northwestward at around 15 mph, and an Air Force reconnaissance mission planned for today has been canceled. The disturbance is then expected to move westward over the Yucatan Peninsula and emerge over the Bay of Campeche late Saturday or early Sunday, at which point some development will be possible. Regardless of development, heavy rainfall associated with the tropical wave will affect portions of Central America and Mexico through the weekend. It has a low (30 percent) chance of formation in the next 48 hours and in the next 7 days.
2. Central Tropical Atlantic (AL95):
A low pressure system located about 1500 miles east-southeast of the Windward Islands is gradually becoming better defined. Showers and thunderstorms are also showing signs of organization, and a tropical depression or tropical storm will likely form later today or on Saturday. This system is expected to move westward at 15 to 20 mph and approach the Lesser Antilles by the end of the weekend. Interests there should monitor the progress of this system. For more information, including gale warnings, see High Seas Forecasts issued by the National Weather Service. It has a high (90 percent) chance of formation in the next 48 hours and in the next 7 days.
3. Eastern Tropical Atlantic:
A tropical wave centered several hundred miles south-southwest of the Cabo Verde Islands is producing disorganized showers and thunderstorms. Some slow development of this system is possible next week while it moves generally westward across the central and western tropical Atlantic at 15 to 20 mph. It has a near zero chance of formation in the next 48 hours and a low (20 percent) chance in the next 7 days
House Speaker Responds to Opposition Leader
The Leader of the Opposition, Moses “Shyne” Barrow, has received a formal response to his protest regarding the notice period for the House meeting scheduled for today.
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Valeria Woods, tells Barrow that the notice for today’s sitting is not in contravention of the Standing Orders.
“The Clerk of the National Assembly was notified on Sunday, June 23rd, by the Cabinet Secretary on behalf of the Executive for June 28th to be set aside for a House meeting. This was brought to my attention and the notice went out on Monday, June 24th when the Orders of the Day were verified. I do appreciate the concern on notice; however, the notice for this meeting is not in contravention of the Standing Orders.”
She noted that since assuming office, efforts have been made in collaboration with the Clerk’s Office and the Cabinet Secretary to enhance notification practices. Although the Standing Orders do not specify a notice period for regular House meetings, the practice of providing at least one week’s notice has been adopted to facilitate the application of Standing Order 19(3) on Notice of Question.
“This effort has been undertaken since in Belize, by practice, all administrations to date have not utilized Standing Order 11 (1) of establishing House meetings weekly on Fridays,” Woods said.
The Speaker reminded Barrow that the notice of meetings and other Standing Orders are currently under review for proposed amendments. The Committee on Standing Orders is expected to set a date to consider these amendments before the year’s end.
Earl Baptist is Found Guilty of Murder
A long, violent dispute that resulted in the shooting death of thirty-seven-year-old Leslie Gillett in January 2022, was decided upon in the High Court this morning. Earl Baptist, a resident of Police Street, who stood trial for the murder of the Burrell Boom businessman, has been found guilty. He appeared before Justice Derick Sylvester and gave an unsupported alibi, telling the court that on the evening of the deadly shooting he was with his father and common-law wife at the Northern Fishermen‘s Cooperative. Despite providing the court with an explanation of his whereabouts, Baptist did not call on anyone to testify on his behalf. As we’ve reported, Gillett, otherwise known as Dimes, was gunned down by a pair of men who entered Matilda’s Shop on the night of January twenty-first, 2022. The men were there to exact revenge for a murder that took place in the village two years earlier. After pretending to make a purchase, the gunmen fired multiple shots at Gillett, who died at the scene of the shooting. During the subsequent trial, Sergeant Rollington Fuller testified that shortly after the shooting, he was invited to view the surveillance footage that was retrieved from cameras mounted inside the shop. Under oath, the police officer told the court that, from the video, he saw a Hispanic male with a white shirt and a camouflage facemask. Moments later, he saw two males approaching the shop. One of them was seen wearing a black face mask, with black stockings, and dreadlocks covering it. While Fuller was unable to determine the identity of the second person, he was able to positively identify Baptist. July fifteenth has been set as the date for mitigation pleas to be heard on Baptist’s behalf.