2024-02-12 - Greater Belize Media

Missing OW Teen Found Dead in Rhaburn Ridge

Joshua Ku enjoyed socializing with his friends in Orange Walk Town. The nineteen-year-old lived with his sibling and grandfather and worked at a bakery along with his mother. The mother and son would often talk and spend time with each other at work and Saturday was no different. But when it was later discovered that Ku did not make it home after a night of partying at a popular nightclub, his family grew concerned about his safety. That concern quickly became a fear that something bad had happened to Josh. This afternoon, that fear became a reality. News Five’s Isani Cayetano was in Orange Walk Town earlier today and followed the story to its tragic end. Here’s that report.

Isani Cayetano, Reporting

A mother’s worst fear was realized earlier today with the discovery of a male body, later identified as that of nineteen-year-old Joshua Ku, in a remote area of Rhaburn Ridge. The shocking encounter by loved ones who set out in search of the Orange Walk resident this morning, brought to an end a desperate attempt at finding Ku alive. The last time Nadia Ku saw her son was on Saturday evening while she was leaving work at La Popular Bakery.

Nadia Ku, Mother of Deceased

“I came out from work like. I was going up the hill, going home, when I saw him fly past with his friends and he took out his head from the window and he shouted. “Ma!” I smiled at him and waved. From then I haven’t seen him, [or] heard from him. All I know is that he went to Hi 5 with close friends and he come out of Hi 5 with other people that he’s not acquainted with.”

It is believed that Josh exited the establishment in the company of his ex-girlfriend’s brother. According to his mother, that individual was never fond of her son.

Nadia Ku

The guy that took Josh, honestly, he doesn’t even like my son, so I don’t know why he pressured Josh to go with him or maybe just for the ride to bring him home. Everyone told me Josh left Hi 5 about three or four [o’clock] that morning, but Josh never made it home. So Sunday, which was yesterday, like nine or before nine [o’clock] in the night, my other son called me and he said, “Mom, Josh hasn’t reached home as yet.”

Immediately, a missing person’s report was filed at the Orange Walk Police Station and the family set out in search of Joshua. This morning, Jose Witzil, a close friend of the family, joined the search party along with his son.

Jose Witzil, Family Friend

“This morning, my son called me and he told me the news, so he came down. Now, presently, as I am speaking, he is out there looking for him. It was a surprise to me. It’s still a shock to me to know that we can’t find his body, we can’t find him. Each time the minute, the hour goes by, we get more desperate because time is being consumed. Even the sun right now is hitting and we don’t know where he is.”

By one o’clock this afternoon, when the police department convened its weekly presser, Assistant Commissioner Hilberto Romero was able to provide additional details, albeit grim.

ACP Hilberto Romero, Regional Commander, Eastern Division

“Information received was that Josh Ku was along with some male persons at a nightclub in Orange Walk and he got into a car around 3:20 a.m. on the said Sunday, February eleventh. An investigation was carried out and searches were conducted and this afternoon, his body was found at an area near Rhaburn Ridge with stab wound injuries. The scene is being processed at this time.”

According to Ku’s family, he was lured into the company of several persons who later killed him and disposed of his body. While investigators say that they are yet to ascertain a motive, Josh’s mom explained to us that his former brother-in-law did not like him after Josh separated with his sister.

Nadia Ku

”His friends went to do a missing report last night, I went as well and we stayed there like an hour. I went out to find him, came home like 3:30 in the morning and Josh was nowhere to be found. The police called me like four o‘clock and he said that the guy Josh was with went to the station, gave up himself and he told them everything that he did to Josh.”

Isani Cayetano

“Nadia, you mentioned earlier that the individual who reportedly left with Josh from Hi 5 did not like him. Can you explain that, is it someone that they both knew each other but they weren‘t friends or they didn‘t have a liking for each other.”

Nadia Ku

“Well Josh dated his little sister, like two years ago and I guess ever since then he did not like Josh and I don‘t know because Josh said, “Mom, he doesn‘t like me.” He said, “You see him, he doesn‘t like me.” I don‘t know him physically, I haven‘t seen him, have never seen him, but Josh and everyone knows that he doesn’t like my son.”

Isani Cayetano for News Five.

Elderly Woman Dragged to Court and “Roughed Up” Over Land Dispute

Sixty-one-year-old Gertrude Hunter was taken to court this morning where she was arraigned on four criminal offenses, including damage to property, two counts of aggravated assault upon two police officers and one count of trespassing. The charges arose from an incident in January during which Hunter was involved in a land dispute. It is alleged that Hunter entered the property of Pauline McFadzean on Cemetery Road. In court, earlier today the elderly woman appeared unrepresented where she pleaded not guilty to all four charges. Hunter was offered bail in the sum of one thousand dollars, plus one surety of the same amount. After meeting bail, Hunter tearfully recounted her experience at the hands of the Belize Police Department and described an ordeal that began in 2015 and only got worse following the passing of her common-law husband in 2020. Hunter maintains that she is the rightful owner of the property in question and that it was given to her in a will left behind by her deceased husband.

Minister of Land Speaks on Gertude Hunter Eviction

Reporters caught up with Minister of Natural Resources, Cordel Hyde earlier today in Belize City where he was asked to weigh in on the matter involving Gertrude Hunter. Minister Hyde frowned on reports that police officers were involved in the eviction process, a practice he says should not be countenanced. He further noted that the P.U.P. administration has been trying its best to meet the growing the demand for lands across the country.

Cordel Hyde, Deputy Prime Minister

“I don’t know all the details and so it is hard for me to comment. I would only say that the police ought not to be in the business of evicting anybody from their homes. You can’t evict anybody unless you get a court order. So the police, I suspect is acting on some favor or friendship kind of thing. That is not how it works. There is a process you have to undergo to get someone evicted from a house. As I said, I don’t know all the details but I will find out and see how best to remedy that because in this day and age there has to be a process of working things out. And we have tried as best we can to provide land for first time land owners. WE have really gone hard at that. Lots of sleepless nights, late night, working overtime to try and provide land for our people. We can’t really keep up with the demand, because now more than ever before people are realizing you have to get a piece of the Jewel. Once you have land you won’t be poor. So we have to keep up with that demand. But, off the top of my head the police has a lot more matters to deal with and I don’t know that is one of them.”

Minister Hyde Weighs In On Maya Land Rights Situation

The Ministry of Indigenous People’s Affairs was in Big Falls Village over the weekend to consult with residents on the Draft Maya Land Tenure Policy. A release from the ministry states that the consultation exercise was a success. The release noted that villagers gave valuable insights and perspectives. The community is viewed as one where most residents are against customary land rights. So, there was not much resistance to be expected. But, what does the minister responsible for lands think about the ongoing tensions in the Toledo District? He was asked if potential first time land owners that reside outside of Maya communities stand to lose as a result of these new policies and if he thinks these Maya villages have lost trust in the government.

Cordel Hyde, Minister of Natural Resources

“You are right we are in the business of politics and people will say things and you cant be thin skin in this. You have to be motivated and challenged by criticism and try to do better all the time. I don’t know that is the position of the minister. I think she has done a lot of heavy lifting since she got in. She is met with these communities over a long period of time, almost every weekend they are down there trying to engage with the communities and reach some kind of consensus as to the way forward. Just know that this issue has been with us for ears and years. it is a vexing and difficult issue and everybody won’t be happy. She has a string and needle and it will be hard. The only way to get that done is by talking and discussing with each other, and give and take and try to compromise and see eye to eye. Ultimately it is about Belize. We are one nation, one people and we are trying to make sure we have agreement and that we move forward as one nation and people. We are going to have bumps along the way, challenges and we are going to disagree. But it is about sitting down and working through our disagreements. The Africans say we talk until we agree and I believe that. We have been talking. I have been down there with here. I have seen her talk. I have seen her engage. So, I know that she is putting her best foot forward. I know her team is working hard and other arms of government try to provide support so that ultimately in the shortest time possible we can reach to some agreement that everybody can live it. This is a draft policy we are looking at. This is in the infancy stages. We have some ways to go. This is not going to be tabled in the House next week, next month. There is a lot of work that the government has to put in until we are comfortable to say you know what, we have something that can work, that the Mayans can agree to and ultimately we emerge from this as a better nation as a more unified nation as difficult as that might seem right now. I believe we can get that done. There is no problem in this country where there is not a solution.”

Government’s Financial Contribution to Delineation Process in Toledo

Deputy Prime Minister Cordel Hyde was also asked about government’s investments into the delineation process in the Toledo District. Several organizations have reportedly invested significant sums into the process. But, does the Government of Belize have a budget to contribute to the efforts? Here is what the Deputy Prime Minister had to say.

Cordel Hyde, Deputy Prime Minister

“It is not easy. It is ultimately there will be a cost to this thing but it is about agreeing to certain principles and agreeing to the nuts and bolts of it and the granular details. I believe once it is decided how the villages will look and the size of the villages and one village versus another village, once we reach that agreement then government has to find the resources. It is government’s great responsibility to implement this court order, this court order that is coming from the highest court in all of our land. So government can’t have any excuse in implementation. It is just about how that implementation looks and what is the ultimate final make up of that agreement and solution. Government will have to spend and there is going to be a cost and we understand that. But it is just about trying to get things done.”

A New Loan Opportunity at DFC for Fisher Folk

Today, licensed artisanal fisher folk were drawn into a pilot project with the Development Finance Corporation and key conservation NGOs. Before today, fisher folk could only access loans if they possessed land title collateral. But through this project, financing is being made much easier for these micro businesses that rely on marine resources to earn a living. News Five’s Marion Ali was at a meeting involving the relevant parties and filed this report.

Marion Ali, Reporting

The room full of NGO representatives, licensed fisher folk and the C.E.O. of the Development Finance Corporation discussed a new initiative designed especially for fisher folks. It falls under an upcoming Resilient Bold Belize project. This new loan program will support licensed small-scale fishers who wish to switch to more sustainable equipment, new boats, and other capital needs assistance with diversifying into non-traditional fisheries.

Henry Anderson, C.E.O., Development Finance Corporation

“What we did was to look at different levels, different collateral requirements, and at some levels it doesn’t require collateral, it requires a promissory note. At other levels, you take a bill of sale, it’s over the engine, and then you could get a guarantor. And then for the much bigger loans, then you get into, you must provide collateral. So that’s to make it more inclusive. The interest rates are between eight and a half to 12 percent. The lower end is for women.

We’re trying to get more women into the fishing industry.”

One of the organizers of the initiative is the World Wildlife Fund, represented today by Juliet Neal. She said that part of the loan program would be based on character, hence fishers who break the law will be monitored.

Juliet Neal, Conservation, Finance and Policy Officer, W.W.F.

“Demonstrating good character is a person who does not break the law, who does not have a history of doing so. And as you will hear from a lot of the fishers in the area, they want fishers to be fishing in grounds that are following the law. So I believe that even fishers would be pointing to, encouraging the fisheries department to ensure that those who are getting licenses are compliant with the law.”

Norman Castillo is the President of the Hopkins Fishermen’s Association and the President of the Glover’s Reef Marine Reserve. His association also includes women. Castillo expressed frustration over the fact that prior to now, fisher folk have been left on their own to fend for their livelihood.

Norman Castillo, President, Hopkins Fishermen’s Association

“There are nothing given to the fisher folks in this country with the exception of meeting, meeting, meeting, consultation, consultation, but nothing back to the fisher folks. There are several people in this country that get grants, but fishermen do not get anything. The protection is that is our livelihood. We have to protect that for us to survive. We have to protect our area. The loan itself now is a great initiative and I hope you go to, in terms of saying, as I have just said, for minimal percentage of rate, but fishermen are eager and honestly wanted to get that loan going forward and we need that loan because this will be the first time again in history of fishing that we get something, if we do get it. Cooperatives are no help to fisher folks in this country. Cooperatives only buy and sell.”

D.F.C’s Chief Executive Officer, Henry Anderson explained that this project is a part of a much bigger initiative which involves the development of a Project Finance for Permanence, or PFP, a financing mechanism aimed at attracting resources to take care of protected areas.

Henry Anderson

“The PFPs that you find you have, I think Costa Rica has, you have for Brazil, like in the Amazon, there is none in the blue space. So what Belize is doing right now, this is a first in the world, that PFP will come alive perhaps at the end of this year – early next year. But the testing of this pilot is to give the loan, give training, work with the conservation of the area to ensure that the fishers are adhering and providing data in terms of the sustainable fisheries management of that area. And you’re getting training in how to manage your loan, how to make your business more profitable, how to understand their numbers and everything like that. So, it’s a holistic approach aimed at improving firstly the livelihood of the fisher folk, because it’s about people, and then obviously to get them to protect the area where they live from.”

The loans will extend for periods of twelve months to seven years with interest rates up to twelve percent, with lower rates for women fishers. Marion Ali for News Five.

DFC to Offer More Climate-Related Assistance

On January thirty-first, the Development Finance Corporation applied to the Green Climate Fund for green climate accreditation. The move positions the D.F.C. to access up to fifty-million U.S dollars in Green Climate Funds, which will empower it to spearhead transformative initiatives along the path of sustainable development and environmental protection. Today, following the launch of the fisherfolk loans project, D.F.C.’s Chief Executive Officer, Henry Anderson told News Five that this move is all part of D.F.C.’s transition to fill the role that it was designed to carry out.

Henry Anderson, C.E.O., Development Finance Corporation

“We have on board an environmental and social management system. We do have a stakeholder engagement and communication policy, and we have a grievance mechanism. When this partner – the discussion around this partnership started because of our new policies. When we introduce a new product, we have to do stakeholder engagement. So with this product, there were a lot of meetings held with the fishers out at Glover’s Reef, in Hopkins, in Dangriga, and that led to several iterations of it, listening to what they need and then making a product that meets their needs. And that’s why it’s four different products we’re offering to meet their needs. So it allowed us to innovate and improve the product we had. And so now we’re testing it. And again, the testing is not only on the product, but it’s also the holistic, improving their lives while at the same time, improving the management of the area.”

Mahogany Street Marketplace Brightens Up Saint Martins

St. Martin’s de Porres area just got a little bit brighter with the official launch of the Mahogany Street Marketplace. Over the last few months, over twenty booths on Mahogany Street have undergone a transformation meant to boost attractiveness and security. The project was launched by the Belize Tourism Board in 2022 and plans to extend its efforts into 2024. News Five’s Britney Gordon attended the ceremony today to learn all about it.

Britney Gordon, Reporting

Mahogany Street is regarded as a place that’s buzzing with activity, akin to that of downtown Belize. In an effort to boost tourism activity and economic flow in the area a rejuvenation project was carried out by the Belize Tourism Board, in which over twenty-five small business owners were provided a new booth in order to carry out their business. Today, that project was completed.

Allan Pollard, Deputy Mayor

“Mahogany Street today is just one added feature to the many upgrades that we have seen throughout this community. Not too far back, there wasn’t this much interest in commerce on this side of town. Everybody wanted to be in the mainstream areas of the city. BTL Park, Coney Drive, Downtown. No. We are here witnessing the transformation of Southside Belize City, one project at a time. I know both ministers can attest to how many people have called wanting to know how they can get a boot out here, because I personally have received many. At the heart of the Mahogany Street Marketplace Project lies a fundamental commitment to supporting our local vendors and driving economic empowerment within our city. It is no secret and we don’t like to talk about it enough, that many areas and sectors of business have been taken over by foreign groups. But I want to proudly announce, without apology, that every single business out here today is one hundred percent Belizean owned.”

Minister of Tourism and Diaspora Relations, Anthony Mahler stated that the plan is to keep moving forward with the project and renovate up top thirty-five booths and that this is just one part of the ministry’s plan to reignite areas of Belize with potential to thrive.

Anthony Mahler, Minister of Tourism and Diaspora Relations

“Every booth on the Mahogany Street stretch will be upgraded and we have supported the people who operate in those booths with some cash whereby, if they need to upgrade their stoves, their refrigerator or whatever equipment they need to do, we don’t give them the cash, but we buy what they need and so this is a total upliftment. All we did here was to change the look and feel of it. we want it to be a safe area. We want more people to come and visit. This is the heartbeat of Southside, I believe especially for the Deputy Prime Minister and myself. Mahogany Street is the main corridor where all the action happens. But this is just another level of commitment on the south side. You’ve seen it with Berger Field, Constitution Park. We’re doing the Ring Road Park in Lake I that we’re partnering with the DPM. We’ve greened the entire area here so that it can have a good feeling. We believe if we have the infrastructure to support where people live and work, then they will have a different mindset. We advocate for them to take care of the investments it’s theirs. They can invest more in their businesses. If they need help in training, we are willing to do those things.”

The projected started back in 2022 and has grown to new heights. Vendor Ainsley Castro of Naked Chicken was one of the first to be included in this endeavor.

Ainsley Castro, Proprietor, Naked Chicken (File: October 4th, 2022)

“Da wahn nice project, cause first of all dehn mi done mention this to we soh now we look forward to it and the promise is looking like it’s going to be fulfilled cause, yoh know, da mi wahn thing weh everybody mi expect and also weh we like about it da wahn free of cost to, right. Soh, you know, we benefit a lot from it. Soh I noh think nobody should complain and everybody di look forward fi it. I’m excited about it, I cyant wait.”

Britney Gordon for News Five.

Some Albert Street Businesses Want Parking Meters Gone

The news last week that Hofius Store in downtown Belize City is going to close down later this year took many Belize City residents by surprise. While Hofius did not grant an interview to explain the reasons for their decision to call it quits, some of the businesses in the area have expressed a genuine concern that the parking meters that were installed about two years ago have hindered business growth. Like Hofius, the businesses have opted to remain anonymous but have shared their concerns nonetheless. News Five’s Marion Ali reports.

Marion Ali, Reporting

The historic Albert Street, with all its businesses lined off on both sides from its junction at Orange Street all the way down several blocks, has been an iconic part of Belize City dating back to the eighteen hundreds. But a system that was introduced in the area over the past few years to control traffic has now become a concern among some of the businesses in the downtown area.

Since the installation of the parking meters along that stretch, store owners have complained that they have seen their businesses shrink and their customers kept away. One of the managers at a department store in the downtown area told News Five today off-camera that they have raised the concern to City Hall before. The store manager said that shoppers nowadays will not pay for parking just to purchase one or two items. Also, they will not drive around the circular looking for a free parking space to make their purchase.

The manager also pointed out that the majority of the big shoppers are people who drive and use the convenience of the free parking that existed before to fill their vehicles with grocery or other items. One supervisor who did give us an on-camera interview works at Dibary’s. Mario Lopez said that the parking meters bring for them some good and some bad. The majority of their customers, however, have not stopped going there to shop.

Mario Lopez, Store Supervisor, Dibary

“In a way, it has a positive side and a negative side, but as I’m saying, I think it’s a very good idea because it also keeps rotation in the main artery, I would say, in Belize City, whereby first, used to park here for a whole hour, two hours, or a whole day, but now You come here, you pay a half an hour ticket, you pay a one hour ticket, and so you could enjoy the amenities.”

Marion Ali

“So it hasn’t reflected much on business or affected negatively?

Mario Lopez

“Not on our side at least. You’re here and there, you’re here and there people will still find a way to park, especially they’re using the Frontier a lot.”

Today we tried to get a comment from Mayor Bernard Wagner on the concerns that the business owners have raised over the impact that parking meters have had on their business, but he declined comment. Marion Ali for News Five.

Fort George Gets New Digital Connect Center

The Fort George Constituency in Belize City has a new digital connect center. Established through a partnership with the Republic of China (Taiwan) and the Government of Belize, the center will provide a space for students and residents to access digital devices, and high-speed internet. The official opening of the center was held over the weekend. We heard from Bernard Wagner, the Belize City Mayor, Lily Li-Wen Hsu, the Ambassador of the Republic of China (Taiwan) and Henry Charles Usher, the Area Representative for Fort George.

Bernard Wagner, Mayor, Belize City

“The establishment of the digital connect center really represents a significant step on our mission to bridge the digital divide to ensure that all members of our community have equal access for the opportunities afforded by the digital age, free access to computers, the internet and various digital technologies. This center will serve as a catalyst for empowerment and education. In today’s rapidly evolving world, digital literacy is no longer a luxury it is a necessity and by providing resources and training to our residents, especially those in underserved areas, will empower them to thrive in the digital economy and contribute to the growth and prosperity of our beloved Belize City and country.”

Lily Li-Wen Hsu, Ambassador, ROC (Taiwan)

“It is truly a pleasure to join everyone here to celebrate the launch of a digital connect center in Fort George. Fellow residents of Fort George we at the embassy feel especially x cited that our community and neighbors now can have free access to this community that offers computers, internet connection and have the opportunity to be empowered with digital knowledge and skill this center is part of the digital inclusion program jointly implemented by the government of Taiwan and Belize that aims to promote digital inclusion and bridge the digital divide. With this joint endeavor we were able to inaugurate five digital connect centers in different communities across the country last year and this year we are planning to add four more.”

Henry Charles Usher, Area Representative, Fort George

“It is the hub of information in our community. Because Fort George is not only a community it is a constituency. We are not only residents in this area we are family so I am always happy that we could be here to celebrate something new at this center. This center is the vision of the former Prime Minister, the Right Honorable Said Musa. It is his legacy that we continue today.”