2025-05-27 - Greater Belize Media

Maya Leaders Condemn Killing of Medina Bank Alcalde

The Toledo Alcaldes Association has issued a strong condemnation following the killing of 50-year-old Alcalde Romano Cal, a respected community leader from Medina Bank Village. Cal was found dead on Sunday evening, May 25, with chop wounds to the upper body. He was pronounced dead on arrival at Punta Gorda Hospital.

In a statement issued on Monday, the Toledo Alcaldes Association described the killing as a “heinous crime” that violates their core values of peace, unity, and hard work. “We condemn any act of violence in our communities, as it goes against our principles of remaining peaceful, united and hard-working communities,” it said.

It added, “This loss of one life deeply affects our collective peaceful legacy.” The Association has called for a full investigation.

Police detained Romano’s brother, Rafael Cal, 55, in Tambran Village this morning. He is accused of brutally killing his brother.

No motive has yet been established, and there is no indication of drug or alcohol involvement. Authorities have also confirmed that there were no prior reports of violence involving Rafael.

Rabies Cases Increase

The Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA) and the Ministry of Agriculture have issued a public advisory following a noticeable rise in paralytic rabies cases among horses and cattle.

BAHA warns that paralytic rabies is a zoonotic disease, meaning it can be transmitted to humans, primarily through the saliva of infected animals. Both domestic and wild animals can carry and spread the virus.

Farmers and the public are urged to exercise caution when handling sick animals. “Signs of rabies include changes in behavior, such as nervousness and aggressiveness, excessive drooling and foaming at the mouth, difficulty eating, drinking, or swallowing, loss of appetite, circling, and eventually death,” BAHA stated in its advisory.

To reduce the risk of infection, authorities recommend vaccinating dogs, cats, and livestock through a licensed veterinarian and maintaining updated records; animals should be kept within property boundaries, and uncovered food or waste that may attract wildlife should be removed.

Suspected rabies cases should be reported immediately to BAHA’s Animal Health Department.

Suspect Accused of Killing His Brother Detained

Police have detained 55-year-old Rafael Cal of Medina Bank Village, who is being accused of the brutal killing of his brother, Romano Cal, 50.

Romano, the alcalde of Medina Bank, was found dead on Sunday evening, May 25, just after 8 p.m., with chop wounds to the upper body. He was transported to the Punta Gorda Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

At Monday’s police briefing, the Assistant Superintendent of Police, Stacy Smith, confirmed that the incident occurred shortly after Romano returned home. Investigators have not yet identified a motive, and there is no evidence suggesting either drugs or alcohol were involved.

No prior reports of violence involving Rafael have been confirmed.

Rafael was found this morning in Tambran Village, Toledo District.

Transport Department Cracks Down on Improper Motorcycle Use

The Department of Transport (DOT) has reactivated nationwide enforcement operations to tackle the improper use of motorcycles on the country’s roadways. “This initiative is being launched in response to an increasing number of public complaints and observed violations of the Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic Act,” the department said in a statement on Tuesday.

Residents have raised concerns about excessive motorcycle noise, especially in residential areas. Authorities have also reported a rise in serious safety violations, including failure to wear helmets and the illegal transport of multiple passengers.

The Transport Department will work along with the Police Department and municipal traffic departments to carry out targeted inspections across the country. These checks will focus on roadworthiness, noise levels, and rider safety compliance.

Motorcycles found in breach of the law will be impounded, and offending riders will face legal penalties.