It’s been nearly a decade since the San Ignacio/Santa Elena Town Hall first opened its doors, but today, that building is getting more than just a facelift. It’s also getting a new name: the Earl Trapp Building, in honor of the long-serving mayor. But not everyone is on board with the decision. The renaming has sparked mixed reactions in the twin towns, and now Mayor Trapp is speaking out. We caught up with him today to find out why the building bears his name, and why he says he’s willing to take it down if that’s what the people want.
Earl Trapp
Earl Trapp, Mayor, San Ignacio/ Santa Elena
“First of all I must make it known to the public that I have been confronted by many people in this municipality congratulations my contribution to this community as a mayor and a councilor. I want to go on record to say that I am twenty-three years in local government, twelve years as aa councilor and twelve years as a mayo. Some of my councilors heard of many people mentioning why I have not named the synthetic football turf off my name, the town hall after my name. Someone took is seriously and brought it to the table as a resolution. To accredit my valuable contribution to this community he said why don’t we name this building after Earl Trapp. At the moment I said to avoid public negativity I prefer not to. But when they continued to communicate and dialogue in this meeting I said, lets go for it. So six months later we were repainting the building, because it has been here for ten years, and it has been draining down. It is a townhall and we must be representing this community, and we want to see it shining so we are refixing and naming the building. Self-praise is no recommendation, but I believe that not everyone will agree with what we do here, but the people that honestly have objective minds will look at it different. As I mentioned in the previous interviews, I will be honest, if this is problematic, I am prepared to take it down, I have no problem.”
After nearly a decade of waiting, the government has finally increased the financial support allocated to the University of Belize, but the dollar amount isn’t exactly what the University was hoping for. The government has pledged to supply an eight point seven-million-dollar subvention to the institution- a one point three-million-dollar difference from the union’s initial demand. Previously, the government claimed that sufficient funds were being handed to the institution, but the union maintained that the university could not operate efficiently under its current conditions. Additionally, the ten-million-dollar demand was not a figure contrived entirely by the union. It was the original subvention provided to the university in 2000 but would later be reduced to eight-point-five million under the previous UDP administration. The People’s United Party then committed to restoring the ten million dollars but have yet to fulfil that promise.
Belize is stepping up its efforts in the fight against illegal firearms trafficking. The Ministry of Home Affairs and New Growth Industries hosted a national workshop aimed at improving how local and regional law enforcement agencies coordinate firearm-related investigations. They brought together representatives from the Belize Police Department, the Belize Defense Force, Customs and Excise, and the National Forensic Science Services. The three-day training, supported by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and CARICOM IMPACS brought together security and forensic experts from across the country. As part of its support, the UN also donated two high-tech drones to enhance surveillance and border monitoring capabilities. Here’s Tanya Arceo with the following story.
Tanya Arceo, Reporting
Belize is turning up the heat on illegal gun trafficking. Authorities just wrapped up a high-impact workshop focused on sharpening investigative skills and boosting teamwork across key agencies. Held at the Lord Ashcroft Centre, the sessions were led by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, in partnership with CARICOM IMPACS and the Ministry of Home Affairs. The three-day training brought together police, BDF, customs, and forensic experts, all working to crack down on the flow of illegal firearms across the Caribbean. One key focus was improving how agencies link a single firearm to multiple investigations.
Roberto Rodriguez Codesal
Roberto Rodriguez Codesal, UNODC Representative
“Under the Caribbean roadmap and with fans from the German authorities we are conducting and providing different technical assistance to different countries and in this case, we have moved to Belize to deliver certain assistance. The first one is the donation of drones that we believe we will support the capacities of the country to detect and to also investigate firearms crime, we understand the difficulties of conducting certain surveillance and investigations and we believe that these drones can certainly help Belize”
CARICOM IMPACS analyst Kaj Cassells played a central role, helping participants understand the broader trends driving gun trafficking in the region. His presentations emphasized the need for unified systems, intelligence sharing, and modern investigative strategies to intercept firearms before they reach the streets.
Kaj Cassells
Kaj Cassells, Analyst, CARICOM IMPACS
“The situation is more dire for small developing states like Belize which face unique vulnerabilities due to limited resources, poorest borders and exposure to transnational criminal networks. That is why the establishment of an integrated firearms is not just timely it is essential. Now CARICOM impacts continues to support Belize in this comprehensive and sustained effort as we continue to build capacity through training of law enforcement, border, security agents, prosecutors and custom personnel to improve their investigative and intelligence capabilities.”
Chief Executive Officer in the Ministry of Home Affairs, Sharole Carr, highlighted the importance of inter-agency coordination and traceability. She also welcomed UNODC’s donation of drones, noting that enhanced technology and collaboration are key to disrupting the illegal firearms trade and securing national borders.
Sharole Carr
Sharole Carr, C.E.O., Ministry of Home Affairs
“Today marks a pivotal moment in our collective effort to tackle transnational organized crime as you are very well aware, the illegal trafficking of firearms fuels violence, weakens institutions and endangers the safety and well being of citizens. In Belize, we have witnessed the devastating consequences of unregulated firearms, from the destabilization of communities to the erosion of public trust in our security institutions. This is why the government of Belize through the Firearms and ammunition Control Board of the Ministry of Home Affairs and New Growth Industries, is committed to modernizing our firearm management systems and aligning our national strategies with international best practices”
A highlight of the week was the official handover of two DJI Mini 4 Pro drones to the Ministry of Home Affairs. Donated by UNODC through its Global Firearms Programme, the drones are expected to boost operational surveillance at key border points. The course also tackled modern challenges, like 3D-printed guns and online arms deals, with practical simulations and AI-based detection tools enhancing their expertise. Tanya Arceo for News Five.
It’s a case of white-collar crime that’s rocked a well-known business in Dangriga. Jenny Zabaneh of Maya King Limited has reported a serious case of financial fraud, missing funds and forged checks that have now led to criminal charges. After a police investigation, authorities have arrested Nasley Somerville, an accountant for Mid-South Investment Limited, who is now facing charges of theft and forgery. Investigators believe fraudulent transactions happened over the past week and involve several thousand dollars. A routine cheque deposit turned into a full-blown fraud investigation at a Dangriga-based company. Jenny Zabaneh of Maya King Limited told police that on July twenty-third, she issued a ten-thousand-dollar cheque to Meridian Enterprise Limited, signed it, snapped a photo for her records, and handed it over to accountant Nasley Somerville for deposit. But when she later checked the bank’s online portal, something didn’t add up. A different cheque number had been deposited; one she hadn’t signed. Digging deeper, Zabaneh noticed a troubling pattern: while her records showed cheques in the four hundred-series, the bank was processing cheques from a two hundred-series she didn’t authorize. That’s when it became clear, Somerville had allegedly been using two separate cheque books and forging signatures on the unauthorized one. A police search of her office turned up both cheque books and the original cheque, all now in evidence. Somerville, a resident of Pomona Village, has since been arrested and charged with forgery and three counts of theft.
Hilberto Romero
ACP Hilberto Romero, Head of Crime Investigation Branch
“On Thursday Jenny Zabaneh reported that upon making checks at the bank she discovered several checks had been forged and had been stolen from her company an investigation was carried out the checks were obtained since then the accountant for the business namely Nasley Somerville has been arrested and charge for theft and forgery”
Following-up tonight on the case involving Said Badi Guerra, who is facing serious allegations of sexual assault against a minor. Guerra appeared in court earlier this week following his arrest in connection with the incident which reportedly occurred at his home in Benque. While Guerra remains out on bail authorities say the investigation is ongoing. The case has drawn national attention due to Guerra’s former diplomatic status and the nature of the allegations.
Hilberto Romero
ACP Hilberto Romero, Head of Crime Investigation Branch
“Based on an investigation carried out after a report was made Said Guerra was arrested and charged with sexual assault, harm and procuring definement by threat. H was taken to court where he was granted bail.”
A terrifying home invasion in Orange Walk has left a retired American shaken and police on high alert. Around 9:30 on Thursday morning, David Greer was in his yard near mile two on Pine Ridge Road when three men approached him, one of them pressed a gun to his back and forced him inside his home. Once inside, the intruders tied him up and demanded access to his safe. Fearing for his life, Greer gave up the password. The thieves made off with a large sum of cash and a 2022 Toyota Hilux, altogether worth over a hundred and fifteen thousand dollars. After they fled, Greer managed to free himself and call the police. So far, no arrests have been made, and the investigation is ongoing.
ACP Hilberto Romero, Head of Crime Investigation Branch
“On Thursday David Greer reported that he was at his residence situated at mile two on Pine Ridge road he reported that he was attacked by three male persons who were armed with firearms, they proceeded to tie him up and thereafter they searched his house and stole several electronic items thereafter they stole his Toyota Hilux pick up, thereafter he managed to release himself and made a report several searches were conducted in the area for the vehicle nor the items were recovered”
It’s been three months since the former village council and lands committee in San Jose Nuevo Palmar raised the alarm over plans to subdivide a beloved nature park and now, they’re back in the spotlight with a firm message: they’re not giving up. On Sunday, residents took to the Siibal Yuum National Park in Orange Walk for a peaceful protest, standing their ground to protect what they say is a vital part of their community. News Five’s Britney Gordon has a full story.
Britney Gordon, Reporting
The fight to save Siibal Yuum Nature Park in San Jose Palmar is far from over, but progress has been slow. It’s been months since former village councilor Orlando Ayuso first sounded the alarm about plans to carve up the park into house lots. Since then, residents, council members, and former land committee reps have been trying to sit down with Area Representative Kevin Bernard, but those meetings just haven’t materialized. Now, frustration is growing. Former Lands Committee member Sonia Tun shares more on the ongoing struggle.
Sonia Tun
Sonia Tun, Former Land Committee Member
“ We haven’t been able to talk with him so that he could mediate with the new Lands Committee. But the reason for the peaceful protest was to make people aware and even the Prime Minister or even our minister here, to see if they can help us assist the people, the villagers. At the end of the day, it’s still it doesn’t matter if it’s red, blue, if we are black or white. The reason for having a park is to help people with their lives, to have better quality life for children.”
The Siibal Yuum Nature Park was officially opened back in October 2024, with the former Village Council chairman and Lands Committee chairwoman proudly in attendance. According to Sonia Tun, the park was always intended to be a protected nature reserve. But now, the current Lands Committee is saying the proposed subdivision is simply a continuation of what the previous committee started, a claim that’s stirring up even more controversy in the community.
Sonia Tun
“I explained to the people that when we were in the past Lands Committee yes, there was a sketch. And then when we saw that they were, the surveyor was trying to measure. I personally went and told him, this area will not be surveyed because our elders left it as a reserve area, which will be used as a park in the future.”
There is a unique land distribution system in place in San Jose Palmar Village. Descendants of the village can use the land freely, with the government acting as a trustee and the Lands Advisory Committee deciding on the distribution. However, according to Tun, the size of the park does not make its subdivision beneficial to the wider community.
Sonia Tun
“But our intention was not for it to be given as house lots. It was to be a park. And that’s the reason why it was in a inaugurated and if we would have given it as house lots. It’s only like twelve small house lots coming out there. And who would benefit from it?”
On Sunday afternoon, about forty residents of San Jose Palmar gathered for a peaceful protest at Siibal Yuum Nature Park. They were there to remind decision-makers how much the park means to their community, from recreation to relaxation. According to former Lands Committee member Sonia Tun, the current committee claims they held a community meeting before deciding to move forward with the subdivision. But Tun isn’t convinced that the wider community was truly heard.
Sonia Tun
“According to them, that is the majority, but it, that is not the majority. A lot of people don’t come out because of the same reason, the same loud, noisy people are the ones who go out there. And those are the ones that make the most noise and the ones that help the least. And at the end of the day, people stay quiet. Our Iand people are very quiet people and especially in areas like my village. They prefer not to do anything and say anything. Just leave it in God’s hands and that’s it.”
The group now awaits a response from the government on the matter. Although they are ready and willing to keep fighting, they claim that time is limited, and very soon, it will be too late to change what has already begun.
Good evening, I am Paul Lopez with this week’s edition of Sports Monday. We begin tonight’s coverage in the Capital City where Kings hosted the Corozal Cerros Suns inside the UB Auditorium. Here is how this one began.
Two-point layup for John Kelly under the rim. An open Oliver Solis follows up for the Suns with a layup. Jeremiah Toney, a new addition to the Belmopan roster, with the and-one. Second quarter action, no hesitation from Elvert Ariola from the three-point line. Isienie Velasquez with the two-point hook shot for the Suns, over Ariola. A rare shot in these games. The first half finished with the Kings in the lead by three points, forty-one to thirty-eight.
On to some third quarter action, the Suns come up on a steal, ball to Greg “Chippy” Rudon. He goes coast to coast and gets it in around two defenders. Mendez looks around to find Ariola who uses his body to get under the rim and make the layup. Velasquez on the other end, goes up, and a whistle is blown. The Kings are not happy with that call. The foul is called on Mendez. Let’s slow that one down and replay it. Velaquez, pleased with the call.
The Kings maintained their lead at the end of the third quarter with sixty-two points to their opponents’ fifty-five. Now in the fourth quarter, Jevaughn McKenzie to Brandon Flowers, back to McKenzie, wide open and banks the three. A bit of celebration there. The Suns, not letting up and here is a three-point jump shot from Brandon Rogers. But in the end, the Kings were the better shooting, rebounding and blocking team. They won the match with eighty-seven points to the Cerros Suns’ seventy-seven.
The Belize Elite Basketball League highly anticipated 2025 All-Star Week is upon us. On Tuesday afternoon, the league will host an All-Star Kids Camp. On Thursday its all about the Mirage Belize Skills Challenge, with three hundred dollars and a pair of sneakers on the line. That night, we will also see the Celebrity Match. Take a look at who is on the roster for that night, as well as the rosters for the Rising Stars Match. Proceeds from the celebrity match will be going to Liberty and King’s Children’s Homes. The big All-Star Game, three-point shootout, and dunk contests are set for Friday night. Three thousand dollars, all-star jerseys and loads of other prizes are on the line that night. The Public Relations Manager for the league, Terry Gordon, gave us further insight into what fans can expect.
Terry Gordon
Terry Gordon, Public Relations Manager, BPBL
“Tomorrow Tuesday, which is July twenty-ninth we will have an event for the kids ages five to fifteen. They can show up at the Civic and get to meet all the all star players, tomorrow between twelve and four in the evening tomorrow July twenty ninth. On Thursday that is when we start thinks off with the Skills Challenge game, three hundred dollars and a footwear of your choice. That is where the players dribble ball through the cones, take a shot through the hoop, take it to the rock. Who does it the fastest win that challenge. Then we move to the celeb games. That is where we showcase so many people we call celebs in our country.”
Due to inclement weather, the William Dawson Peace Cup was only able to host one of its two semi-final matches on Saturday. Caesar Ridge Football Club took on Rookies Football Club. At the end of regular time, Caesar Ridge came out on top with four goals, while their opponents were only able to score two goals. Caesar Ridge moves on to the championship match. That will go down on Friday inside the Marion Jones Stadium. The outstanding match between Survivors and Tut Bay will be held on Tuesday night, also inside the Marion Jones Stadium. The winner of that match will take on Caesar Ridge FC in the championship game.
And finally, the Belize Powerlifting Association has representation at the North America Powerlifting Federation Championships in the Cayman Islands. Alida Sharp will be competing in the sixty-three kilograms masters- three -category while Joylynne Smith will compete in the sixty-nine-kilogram open category. The tournament began today and runs throughout the rest of the week. Well folks, that is all we have for you in tonight’s coverage of Sports Monday. Catch you in the next one.
Police are investigating a home invasion in Orange Walk where a retired American was tied up and robbed at gunpoint.
Assistant Commissioner of Police Hilberto Romero confirmed this afternoon that the incident occurred around 9:30 on Thursday morning. According to 69-year-old David Greer, he was in his yard when three masked men approached him.
Greer told police that one of them pressed a gun to his back and forced him inside his home. Once inside, the men tied him up, demanded access to his safe, and stole a large sum of cash, electronics, and a 2022 Toyota Hilux, all valued at over $115,000.
Romero confirmed that searches were conducted in the area, but “the vehicle nor the items were recovered.”
Assistant Commissioner of Police Hilberto Romero confirmed this afternoon that Police Constable Arcenio Cus died after being struck by a vehicle in a hit-and-run on the Philip Goldson Highway.
“Upon their arrival, they saw a motorcycle with damages and other debris. There they found the lifeless body of Arcenio Cus, a police constable attached to Ladyville, with severe injuries. He was taken to the KHMH for treatment, where he was pronounced dead on arrival,” Romero said.
Romero reported that the 36-year-old was riding his motorcycle near mile five when the vehicle hit him and fled the scene. “We are currently on investigation. So far we have nobody in custody, as the person involved fled from the scene,” he added.
Cus was recently recognised as the ‘Most Outstanding Field Training Officer’ in a 12-week program.
Anyone with information that could assist the investigation is urged to contact the nearest police station immediately.
