Law - Greater Belize Media

Belize Introduces First-Ever Highway Interdiction Team

This morning, the Belize Police Department, along with the Ministry of Home Affairs and New Growth Industries, unveiled Belize’s first-ever Highway Interdiction Team (HIT). This new police unit is set to ramp up law enforcement on highways across the country, targeting drug trafficking, human smuggling, human trafficking, and the illegal movement of firearms and ammunition. The HIT team will also collaborate with the Ministry of Transport to tackle unsafe driving behaviors on Belize’s highways. News Five’s Britney Gordon has the story.

Britney Gordon, Reporting

In 2024, Belize saw a tragic toll of one hundred and fifteen road traffic-related deaths, averaging more than nine per month. The year also witnessed a troubling spike in crimes tied to illicit drug operations, leading to several Belizean nationals losing their lives. To tackle these issues head-on, the Belize Police Department is launching the Highway Interdiction Team (HIT) this year. Minister of Home Affairs, Kareem Musa, sheds light on the team’s mission.

Kareem Musa, Ministry of Home Affairs

“I know that focus of this highway interdiction team is certainly on firearms trafficking on drug smuggling, human trafficking and smuggling. But it’s also important that they work in tandem with our Department of Transport and their Highway Patrol in light of the very serious year that we’ve had, the number of traffic fatalities. And so it is my hope that this team, this Highway Interdiction Team, will also play a significant role in curbing the number of traffic fatalities and traffic accidents”

Commissioner of Police, Chester Williams, explained that while the team will help ensure drivers are obeying road traffic laws, the main focus is on deterring and combating serious crimes like drug and human trafficking, as well as the illegal movement of firearms and ammunition.

Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police

“Our thoroughfare across the country has been used by not just local criminals, But also by international criminals or transnational criminals. And we decided it prudent to create a team that will be able to ensure the safety of our terror fear. In a sense that we will be doing as much as we can to prevent our terror fear being used by human traffickers. firearm traffickers, ammunition traffickers, drug traffickers, as well as human smugglers and those who engage in the transportation of contraband.”

The team is currently comprised of fourteen officers, who will be stationed in various areas across the country. This team will expand as the current recruits graduate into the force.

Kareem Musa

“Over the last two years the northern operations has become a permanent feature annually in our budget where we seek additional funds and resources in that area. And so it is expected that along the northern border we will be seeing a lot of the highway interdiction team, as well as in the south, where we have a lot of pain landings. Yes, it is very remote areas in Dolores, where we have most of the pain landings. But hopefully this year we can get our forward operating base established in Dolores, along with the U. S. Embassy.”

Williams mentioned that he’s in the process of getting essential tools, like speed guns, which are crucial for the team to meet their goals.

Chester Williams

“Looking at breathalyzers, looking at speed guns, looking at ticket books, and the like are critical to the functions that we would have to be carrying out. As long with other equipment that will be used to inspect and search vehicles on the spot, those are things that the Embassy we’ll be providing to the team so that they can be able to discharge it in the best way they can. We are currently in discussion I think should be finalized by now, the different amendments to the road traffic regulation hat will deal with the issue of the use of fertilizers and strengthening some of the land. I know Mr. Rosado and the CTO have met on numerous occasions looking at the different areas of concern to see the different recommendations that we made to cabinet in order for the amendment to be made.”

The team will be employed to duty effective today. Britney Gordon for News Five.

An Unusual Charge for Carrying 5-Gallon Water on Bicycle

A shelf attendant from an Indian shop in downtown Belize City found himself in court today on an unusual charge. Thirty-four-year-old Harrison Sutherland, famously known as “Dr. Sutherland” a Belama resident, was charged for carrying a Crystal five-gallon water bottle on his bicycle in a way that allegedly prevented him from having full control of the bike. Sutherland, who appeared in court without a lawyer, shared his ordeal with us while waiting to be called in. He pleaded not guilty to the charge and wanted to explain what happened, but the magistrate told him he didn’t need to present his defense until the trial date. Sutherland was granted self-bail of one hundred dollars and released. This misdemeanor charge is quite rare, especially for something as simple as carrying a water bottle on a bicycle. Sutherland told us he didn’t even know such a law existed. He felt traumatized after spending almost an entire day in police custody, from 11:30 a.m. when he was stopped on Queen Street, until 11:30 p.m. when he was finally released on bail. He said he felt violated, especially since he was just helping an elderly woman by carrying the water bottle for her. Sutherland is due back in court on March sixth, 2025.

ComPol Condemns Accusations of Ignoring Murder Charge Orders

For the past two years, Commissioner of Police Chester Williams has praised the Belize Police Department for their efforts in keeping the country’s murder rate below one hundred victims. In 2024, Belize recorded eighty-nine murder victims, just two more than the previous year. When asked about these numbers, Commissioner Williams was questioned if he was ignoring directives from the Director of Public Prosecution to charge some of the alleged perpetrators with murder to keep the official count lower. Here’s his response.

Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police

“Every instruction given to the police, by Her Majesty’s Director of Public Prosecution is adhered to under my command. I do not encourage my officers not to adhere to directives from the DPP. So I don’t know where you’re getting your stats from, but so there’s no such directive again. What you’re doing or what you’re trying to digest is not working of your stomach. Spit it out.”

Minister Denies Driver’s Influence in Police Affairs

Last week, we reported on the dramatic feud between cousins Shania and police officer Lunnet Dominguez, both charged with harm after a violent altercation in Biscayne Village. Twenty-five-year-old Shania claims that her thirty-three-year-old cousin Lunnet and her eighteen-year-old nephew broke down her door, ransacked her home, and injured her. On the other hand, the other parties allege that Shania threw hot water on the nephew. After all three were charged with harm, Shania spoke out, alleging that Paul Ferguson, the driver for the Minister of Home Affairs, was at the scene supporting Lunnet. She further claims that Ferguson threatened to use his connections in the Police Department to sway the case in Lunnet’s favor. However, Minister of Home Affairs Kareem Musa denies any influence from Ferguson in police matters.

Kareem Musa, Minister of Home Affairs

“ First of all, you have to understand when you say Paul Ferguson was involved in a domestic situation, he was not involved in anything. He was at the scene with a friend who was involved, who was allegedly involved. So let’s get the facts correct. You have to look at the facts of that case. It is a long-standing rift between family members which resulted in one side admitting to throwing water. She admitted to throwing water albeit, she is saying it wasn’t hot. And then the other side reacting. Paul Ferguson being there, I believe, was to support his friend. But he did nothing else in terms of intervention because I feel that the media and this individual who is aggrieved felt that they wanted to say that is the reason the person was charged but the ComPol can tell you, We insisted that officer be charged and was charged with harm, even though it could quite possibly have been a case of defense of others, If someone throws hot water on your family member and you react, that is, that could be defense of others, which is a full legal defense. But in this particular case, it was important that the officer also be charged so that matter can be properly ventilated before the court. Paul Ferguson has access to the motor vehicle. He is my driver. So I don’t see what that issue is.”

Reporter

“But should he have exercise discretion in the use of the ministerial vehicle when he knows that you’re entering as an outsider into a thorny situation?”

Kareem Musa

“So how is he supposed to get from point A to point B is what I’m saying?”

Reporter

“His ride, that is not. The state is paying for that, sir.”

Kareem Musa

“I agree. But I work on weekends as well. so he has that vehicle to pick me up, to take me to,”

Reporter

“That’s not his personal vehicle, sir.”

Kareem Musa

“It’s not his personal vehicle. I agree. I agree with you.”

Attorney Says Sentencing Guidelines Is Good for Justice System

Today, attorney Bryan Neal threw his support behind the Chief Justice’s groundbreaking move to introduce Belize’s first-ever Sentencing Guidelines. This landmark achievement was officially published in the Gazette on Thursday, January second. According to a press release from the Government’s Press Office, these guidelines are a historic first for Belize, marking a major milestone in the ongoing transformation of the criminal justice system. Developed as part of the Senior Courts’ three-year strategic plan, the guidelines align with the recommendations from the CCJ Academy for Law’s Needham’s Point Declaration on Criminal Justice Reform and the Criminal Justice Board. Once implemented, they aim to bring consistency, transparency, and fairness to sentencing practices across the board. Attorney Bryan Neal is fully on board with this initiative, recognizing its potential to significantly improve the justice system.

Bryan Neal, Attorney-at-Law

“Over the years there have been many reforms in the civil area, but this Chief Justice and these new judges have worked together to come together to reform the criminal justice sector of the administration of justice, and I think it needs to be commended. In terms of what the guidelines do, I think it – from my reading so far – rationalizes the approach to sentencing so that it is uniform and fair from one defendant to another. So what the guidelines do, it gives judges and lawyers and other persons interested the ability to have a set of rules that are rational and are equal so that when a person is sentenced all matters are considered. What is considered is what the offender did, the offense, and also who the offender is emphasize now that the role of sentencing is not only to punish, but we want to rehabilitate people. We want to bring back people into society, to reintegrate them. So I think now, with these new reforms, this is yet another step in the right direction in bringing Belize closer to the Needham Points Declaration, which is a declaration that was made in Trinidad that rationalizes the law across the Caribbean, so that our – this is a move update our laws, like Jamaica, Trinidad, Barbados and other countries which already have sentencing guidelines, so it’s a very positive thing for us.”

Is PCC Reneging on Its Own Mandate?

The People’s Constitution Commission has been given an extra six months to wrap up its tasks, including preparing a report with recommendations for the prime minister. Doctor Dylan Vernon, who was initially brought on as a consultant for the P.C.C., has since parted ways with the commission. We reached out to him to get his take on this extension.

Dr. Dylan Vernon, Political Scientist

“I was basically trying to understand why there was an extension and the answer is that the work was not finished. But one of my concerns that I expressed was that the P.C.C. promised that there would be a public consultation phase and from my analysis and understanding, such a phase was never officially started or announced. I think it got merged into the education phase. Clearly, some surveys were done and people did express some views, but the idea was that some interim sort of report would have gone back to the people and that interim report was never produced. And so, the final report that, I understand, is being worked on will not be going back to the people as far as what the Chairman of the P.C.C. is saying. A little bit more alarmingly to me is the statement coming out of the P.C.C. that produced a final report. They are going to have and recommend that the government share it and do consultations with people. For me, that is the P.C.C. reneging on its own mandate because the P.C.C. is supposed to do that consultation and use that as part of the input to prepare the recommendations that will then go through the prime minister to the House of Representatives. This in-between phase, giving the government that responsibility, as opposed to an independent body doing it, doesn’t make any sense to me.”

Cousins Feuding over Land, Woman Demands Harsher Charges

On Tuesday, we brought you the story of the Dominguez family feud in Biscayne that turned violent during an alleged home invasion. Shania Dominguez claims her first cousin, Lunnet Dominguez, has been a threat to her and her six-year-old autistic son ever since she moved onto their grandfather’s property in Biscayne Village. Shania alleges that Lunnet and her eighteen-year-old nephew broke into her house, causing damage to both her and her property. After the authorities stepped in, all three family members were charged with harm, leading Shania to call for harsher punishments. Here’s News Five’s Britney Gordon with more details.

Britney Gordon, Reporting

Last week, a land dispute within the Dominguez family escalated to the point where three members ended up in court. Twenty-five-year-old Shania Dominguez claims that ever since she moved onto a property in Biscayne Village, her thirty-three-year-old cousin Lunnet Dominguez and Lunnet’s eighteen-year-old nephew have been harassing her. Shania says that one day, while she was at home, she heard objects being thrown at her house. When she went to check, she claims she saw her cousins outside.

Shania Dominguez, Charged With Harm

“So both of us exchange words then her nephew said that he would and punch me in my mouth. with loud noises on my house start getting stoned. When I looked, I opened my door, I saw him already at the step. I was scared. I threw regular water on him so that he could move away and go from out of my yard because why are you guys in my yard. when I look, I locked back my door, sat down, when I heard all the steps just coming up, just because Lunnett is coming up, stamped, opened the door fell straight down, cause the force that they came with trashed the whole house.”

Shania claims her cousins forced their way into her home, sparking a scuffle. All three family members ended up being charged with harm, which didn’t sit well with Shania. Commissioner of Police Chester Williams stated that the charges were fair for everyone involved.

Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police

“We have to be extremely real and honest in terms of what we say to the public. When we give an account of something, we must give the full story. Obviously there is an issue involving that family, and it would appear that what triggered the issue, um, might have been something that took place at the, I think back in the cross horse race, so we’re following that event. The son of Miss Domingo, the police officer, was burnt with hot water by the relative of the other lady who is complaining. And based on that, she went into the house to see who had thrown the hot water on her son, and whilst there, there was a scuffle, and the lady got injured. The police again exercising reasonableness and fairness, we decided to look at the issue as a cross complaint. So the fact that Ms. Domingo is a police officer, Lunnet, it did not exculpate her from the issue, because she too was also charged with harm. And the person who threw the hot water on the child was also charged.”

Shania says her cousins wreaked havoc on her house and even made off with her television. She’s baffled as to why they didn’t face more serious charges.

Shania Dominguez

“That’s aggravated burglary, damage to property, stuff went missing. So approximately should get charged for theft. All of those things. To my knowledge, when I came to court, I found out that they won’t get charged for none of those only harm because I brought my medical form in. So if I didn’t even brought my medical form in, nothing would have come out of the situation. At no point of time, I’m saying that I’m a saint, but these people are wrong. If they’re wrong, I’m asking for the right charges to be levied against them, which is aggravated burglary, damage to property and theft. And none of those are happening.”

Despite Shania’s adamant denial of throwing hot water on her alleged assailant, Commissioner Williams maintains that the right punishment was handed down.

Chester Williams

“Whether hot or cold, if you throw water on somebody, that’s an assault. They had no right to do that, and that’s what aggravated the issue. And so we have to be real; they provoked the situation. If you are a mother, and you are somewhere and someone inside a house throws water, whether hot or cold, on your child. What would be your response? We have to be real. You don’t provoke a situation and believe that because another person responds to your provocation, then that person must be dealt with how you feel the person must be dealt with. The law must be, must be there to protect people.”

Shania’s biggest worry is her cousin’s connections with the Belize Police Department and Paul Ferguson, aka Chicken Dread, who drives for the Minister of Home Affairs.

Shania Dominguez

“Chicken Dread is on her side. When she was a civilian like me, she never a day crossed my path, but due to the fact that Paul is always there saying that he has her back. So this is what she’s doing, just doing stuff and think that she can get away with it. And then if I just keep quiet, If it will just be sweeped right under the rug, it’s clear to be seen.”

Commissioner of Police, Chester Williams dispelled rumors of Fergusons influence over the case.

Chester Williams

“I don’t know what else the family expects; this had nothing to do with chicken dread, or chicken bald head, or however you may want to call him. In terms of influencing what the police does, I personally advised the lady, well, the police, in terms of how to deal with the issue and then dealt with it.”

Shania says the land they’re living on belongs to their late grandfather. If the land dispute isn’t sorted out soon, she plans to take it to court. Britney Gordon for News Five.

Lincoln Diaz is Acquitted of Bredda O’s murder

Lincoln Daniel Diaz, who was just nineteen at the time of the July twenty-seventh, 2020, shooting of Ladyville businessman Orin Velasquez, also known as “Bredda O,” has been acquitted of both murder and manslaughter charges. Now twenty-three, Diaz walked free after the High Court’s decision this morning. Justice Candice Nanton delivered the not guilty verdict, explaining her reasoning to the parties involved. After more than four years on remand, Diaz left the courtroom smiling and happy, supported by his family. Throughout the trial, Diaz’s attorney, Lynden Jones, maintained his client’s innocence. Diaz admitted to planning a robbery but denied shooting Velasquez. Despite evidence presented by the prosecution, including a caution statement and an interview with police, the judge found that there was not enough proof beyond a reasonable doubt that Diaz intended to kill Velasquez. Justice Nanton emphasized that while there was a plan to rob, the intent to kill could not be established. She also rejected several statements, including one from a witness who claimed Diaz confessed to the shooting, due to credibility issues. Diaz’s defense was that he and another man, known only as “Coolie,” planned to rob Velasquez. Diaz stayed outside while Coolie went inside, and Diaz heard gunshots but did not participate in the shooting. The court found that the evidence did not prove Diaz’s intent to kill or harm Velasquez, leading to his acquittal. Late this evening, Emilda Velasquez, the wife of the deceased, spoke with News Five by phone.

On the Phone: Emilda Velasquez, Wife of Deceased

“ That was the worst day of my life. And it seems like it’s reliving this day because all that we wanted was justice for my husband. That’s all we wanted. It’s very rough because at the moment I was pregnant and my twins are three now and they grew up without a dad anytime I look for a child with ney pa. They want to know, like, where my daddy at? You know, and many days I tell my son, like, maybe daddy is sleep or he dih work. And that’s what they told people that my daddy to sleep or to work. In reality, we know that he’s not coming back. Because they know that there should be a mom and a dad and their dad is never around. You know, and for the oldest kids, it’s really rough and hard for, from four years ago till now. I mean. The next girl is graduating this year, but my son, he took it really, really hard because he literally witnessed everything and he was just 14 at that time to have somebody relive those when they come and give you a not guilty verdict. Really, really hurt. At the end of the day, you don’t know who you’re going to rob. It doesn’t matter if you pulled the trigger or not. You went there, nothing in and out of shock and concern. Nobody. Because we work hard for everything what we have on right now. I am a single mom and I’m working hard for my 4 children by myself, not a help from no one. And it’s really, really rough and hard, especially to explain to my children. Why their dad is not around.”

Should Logan Family Sue GOB for Lengthy Remand?

Glenford Logan finally walked out of prison on Monday after spending an unbelievable twenty-one years in pretrial detention for the murder of security guard Kingsford Obeng. Despite being charged with the fatal attack, Logan never faced trial and was held at the Belize Central Prison. During his time behind bars, he was diagnosed with schizophrenia by a psychiatrist. Earlier this week, Justice Nigel Pilgrim ruled that Logan’s constitutional rights had been violated, making him the longest inmate on remand in Belize’s history. Now back with his mother and family, Logan’s case has ignited conversations about justice and the need for legal reform. News Five caught up with seasoned attorney Richard “Dickie” Bradley to get his take on this troubling situation.

On the phone: Richard “Dickie” Bradley, Attorney-at-law

“Every time di Supreme Court di close all persons who are awaiting trial must be brought to the courts so that a judge reviews their situation. A person comes up, the judge already has the list from the prison, they know how long he’s in there, they know what is the situation and the judge would say, “but you were granted bail in the sum of ten thousand dollars, why are you still in prison?” And the person would explain that they can’t get two persons to sign or nobody wants to sign or whatever it is. Every person is entitled by law to have their temporary imprisonment reviewed. The first starting point, which means that there has been a terrible failure of the system that a human being can be in prison for so long without a trial. We are a big failure if one human being is kept in prison. It’s a big failure on the prison authorities, a big failure on the police and the prosecution, on the lawyers and on the courts. A huge, scandalous failure. The family of that person needs to sue for depriving him of all his constitutionally guaranteed rights. He’s not a potlicker, he’s not a dog that you can push off the streets and ih noh mean nothing. Da wahn human being who is in prison.”

Fifteen Crime Mediators Sworn in Today

The High Court of Belize is taking a big step to tackle its case backlog before the 2025 criminal calendar kicks in. Today, fifteen newly trained criminal mediators were sworn in by Chief Justice Louise Blenman at the High Court in Belize City. These mediators bring a fresh approach to resolving criminal cases, offering an alternative to traditional court trials. Through mediation, cases can now be settled amicably if both parties agree. News Five’s Marion Ali was on the scene for the swearing-in and brings us this report.

Marion Ali, Reporting

Today’s swearing-in of fifteen criminal mediators is set to make a big dent in the High Court’s case backlog. Previously, all criminal cases had to go through lengthy trials, but now, with this new mediation process, selected cases can be resolved more efficiently, freeing up the courts. Chief Justice Louise Blenman is pleased with this addition, though she notes that mediation won’t be suitable for every criminal matter. This new approach promises to streamline the justice system significantly.

Louise Blenman, Chief Justice of Belize

“It is impossible to have all of the matters go to trial. And in fact, when the rules were contemplated, it was never the expectation that all trials should go to trial, all matters should go to trials. Mediation is essential and this is so across the commonwealth. In fact, to the contrary, the expectation is usually that 90 percent of matters should be settled either by way of mediation or settlement and not full trial.”

The final draft legislation for criminal mediation is expected to be ready by 2025. This will establish the guidelines for mediators handling criminal cases. Justice Candace Nanton provided an example of a criminal dispute that could be effectively resolved through mediation, highlighting the potential impact of this new approach.

Candace Nanton, High Court Judge

“Sometimes there may be a family dispute that the parties don’t necessarily want to continue with the courts, but court proceedings have been initiated, and a better resolution may be something other than imprisonment, for example. So, it would depend on the parties’ consent, it would depend on the views of the Office of the DPP. It would also depend on the selection criteria being met that will be contained within the mediation rules.”

Laura Alvarado, the President of the Alternative Dispute Resolution Association of Belize and a newly sworn-in mediator, explained that if the two parties can’t settle their differences through mediation, the case will have to proceed to trial. This highlights the importance of mediation as a first step, but also acknowledges that not all disputes can be resolved outside the courtroom.

Laura Alvarado, President, ADRAB

“The two parties and a neutral individual will discuss the matters, and then refer it back to the court if an agreement is not settled, then the matter will go back to court and the litigation will take place thereafter.”

Criminal and Civil Mediator, Consuelo Godfrey explained that the training was for a total of eighty hours split in two segments.

Consuelo Godfrey, Criminal and Civil Mediator

“There’s an introduction to mediation that is about a 40-hour training, uh, time frame. And then from there you have to do an advanced training, which is another 40 hours, and then get sworn in. And then once you get sworn in, you can then do the criminal mediation, which is another advanced course in mediation. Like family mediation, you have to do a specific type of training for criminal mediation because the dynamics and the nuances in, criminal matters is different than civil matters. I can tell you as a as a mediator who practices with the high courts, it does take time for cases to be referred to mediation. But what I really like about the mediation process is that it gives parties an opportunity to talk. It gives parties an opportunities to have their say. Something that doesn’t normally happen in in in courts.”

Justice Candace Nanton said that Belize is among the leading countries in the region to resolve civil and criminal matters through mediation. Marion Ali for News Five.