2025-07-07 - Greater Belize Media

Night Out Turns Nightmare: Woman Alleges Rape by Acquaintance

Now to a deeply disturbing story out of Belize City, what started as a night of fun and laughter ended in horror for one woman. She had been out with friends at the popular Shisha 8 on Saturday night when someone she knew, an acquaintance, approached her and asked to go for a walk. But what happened next took a dark turn. After leaving the club and getting into a vehicle with the man, she was allegedly raped. It’s a chilling reminder of how quickly trust can be shattered. Assistant Commissioner of Police Hilberto Romero has more on the investigation.

ACP Hilberto Romero, Head of Crime Investigation Branch

“On Saturday, the fifteenth of July, 2025, a female reported that she was at Shisha Bar. When she was taken by a male person who offered her a ride, she alleges that the person took her in a vehicle and had sex with her against her will. An investigation is being carried out at this time. So far no one has been charged, but the investigation continues.”

Elderly Man Killed in Valley of Peace Crash; Driver Charged

Heartbreak ripples through the Valley of Peace community as loved ones mourn the tragic loss of Andres Marin. The elderly Cayo resident was simply out for a walk along Penner Road when his life was suddenly cut short, struck and killed by a vehicle over the weekend. Police say the driver, twenty-five-year-old Jonathan Vasquez, was behind the wheel of the car that hit Marin. The impact left the vehicle badly damaged, and Vasquez now faces a string of serious charges, including manslaughter by negligence and causing death by careless conduct. Assistant Commissioner of Police Hilberto Romero has more on the investigation and what led to this devastating incident.

ACP Hilberto Romero, Head of Crime Investigation Branch

“On Saturday the fifth day of July, there was a fatal road traffic accident at Penner Road at the Valley of Peace. Police responded where they saw a Toyota car with extensive damages they saw the lifeless battle of a male person in the windshield. Information is that the driver of that car was driving on the road when he collided with the male person. The victim was identified as Andres Marin, and he was taken for treatment where he succumbed to his injuries. As a result of this investigation, Jonathan Vasquez has been arrested and charged for manslaughter by negligence, causing death by careless conduct, and driving a motor vehicle without due care and attention.”

Reporter

“Was alcohol involved?”

ACP Hilberto Romero

“A blood sample was taken, but that charge has not been levied until we get the result.”

Placencia Tour Guide Busted in Drug Raid

A tour guide from Placencia is in hot water tonight after police uncovered a stash of suspected drugs and cash at his apartment. Twenty-eight-year-old Emmanuel Vasquez, better known on the peninsula as “Manny”, was reportedly seen bolting from his home as officers approached. Unexpectedly, he tossed a bag behind the building and tried to hop a fence, but police were quick on their feet and caught him before he could get away. When they brought him back to retrieve the bag, they opened it right in front of him, and what they found was no small haul. Inside was a large quantity of what’s believed to be crack cocaine and cannabis. But that wasn’t all. A further search turned up just over one thousand, nine hundred dollars in cash, in various denominations. At the Placencia Police Substation, officers weighed the suspected drugs, three hundred and thirty-five grams of crack cocaine and two hundred and eighty-seven grams of cannabis. Vasquez is now facing two counts of possession of controlled drugs with intent to supply, and formal charges are on the way.

Justice Winston Anderson is First Jamaican to Lead CCJ

Justice Winston Anderson made history as he was sworn in on Sunday as the fourth President of the Caribbean Court of Justice during a formal ceremony in Montego Bay, Jamaica. The oath was administered by Jamaica’s Governor-General, Sir Patrick Allen, just ahead of the Forty-ninth CARICOM Heads of Government Meeting. Justice Anderson, a Jamaican national and the first from his country to serve on the CCJ bench, used his remarks to highlight the court’s role in promoting justice, human rights, and sustainable development across the region. He emphasized that his leadership would be part of a broader movement to strengthen the rule of law in the Caribbean.

Winston Anderson, President, Caribbean Court of Justice

“I, Winston Charles Anderson, having been appointed a president of the Caribbean Court of Justice, do hereby swear that I will faithfully exercise the Office of President of the Caribbean Court of Justice without fear or favor, affection or ill will and in accordance with the code of judicial conduct, so help me God. It was just over fifteen years ago, on June 15^th, 2010, that I was sworn in as a judge of the Caribbean Court of Justice at King’s House in Kingston, Jamaica. On that Tuesday morning, today’s event would not have been within the reach of my most active imagination. And yet, by the providence of Almighty God, I met the support of family, friends and colleagues. I stand here with humility and preparedness to serve as the fourth president of the Caribbean Court of Justice.”

Justice Anderson’s Appointment Celebrated as Milestone for Caribbean Law

The event drew top regional leaders, including CARICOM Secretary-General Dr. Carla Barnett, Prime Ministers Andrew Holness and John Briceño, and outgoing CCJ President Justice Adrian Saunders. Doctor Barnett described the role of CCJ President as one of great responsibility, requiring wisdom, integrity, and leadership in a rapidly changing world. Justice Saunders praised Anderson’s track record, noting his involvement in over 200 appeals and his authorship of more than 30 legal opinions. Prime Minister Holness called the appointment a proud moment for Jamaica and the region, citing Anderson’s deep legal expertise and commitment to Caribbean jurisprudence.

Prime Minister John Briceño

“The unique and aspirational goals of the CCJ cast in its mission at the establishment twenty years on without question, has been realized in even greater measure than the ratifying heads in February 2001 could have envisioned. Unlike any other appellate courts, the judges of the CCJ have this unique ability and role to also sit in the court’s original jurisdiction, fleshing out for greater clarity the provisions of the treaty at issue. And also playing the role of the first instant judges, listening to live evidence as judges of facts. But the CCJ has, during the twenty-year growth spurt, done more than this, that is to say, hearing cases. The fascinating achievements of the court during this period is catalogued and well documented on the court’s webpage, outlining the court’s leading role in developing Caribbean jurisprudence and promoting legal education, judicial independence and access to justice in the Caribbean.”

Justice Anderson will serve a term of up to seven years, succeeding Justice Saunders in leading the region’s highest court.

Belmopan Bursts with Energy at Youth Wellness Fest

It was all smiles and high energy in Belmopan today, as youth, health professionals, and community leaders came together for a day that was all about wellness and empowerment. UNICEF, in partnership with the Ministry of Health and Wellness, hosted a vibrant Health Fun Day under the theme “Fuel Your Future.” The event blended sports, education, and mental health awareness into one powerful message: building a healthier, stronger Belize starts with taking care of our young people, mind and body.

Dr. Olusola Oladeji, UNICEF Health and Nutrition Specialist

“Studies have shown that children who become stunted in feature have problem with cognitive function, some of them cannot perform compared too the children who grew very well, so that’s why each issue has to be taken care as early as possible that’s why UNICEF we are promoting exclusively breastfeeding, that the child is properly breastfed for the first six months of life and then its effect to compliment feeding practices from six months until two years while the child continues to breastfeed but breastfeeding may not be sufficient again after six months got to be complemented but more importantly that every child must be properly fed as much as possible. And also among the adolescent also important we are promoting that heal properly like you know in Belize ice art 5% among the adolescent the risk of obesity issue of hypertension, diabetes, cancer so to live a healthy life nutrition is so critical and that’s why UNICEF works with Government of Belize to address some of these issues look I have even the productive and healthy features in Belize.”

Youth Urged to Power Up with Healthy Habits

We also spoke with Indira Loague, Director of the Department of Youth Services, who encouraged young people to prioritize healthy eating, active living, and mental well-being. Acknowledging the youth’s attachment to technology, she emphasized the importance of raising awareness about maintaining a healthy body, stating that without it, they may struggle to achieve their goals.

Indira Loague, Director of the Department of Youth Services

“They need to determine what are their goals, what do they want to be in the future how sustainable they want to be my message to them would be since we are promoting a healthy life style eat healthy live a healthy life style, take care of your mental health, get the help that you need at the department we offer several mechanisms that we can put in place to help you reach your fullest potential, reach your goals especially when it comes to promoting a healthy life style you know like I said in my remarks, pick up a basketball other than picking up the phone.”

This collaborative effort between UNICEF, the Ministry of Health and Wellness, and the Department of Youth Services reflects Belize’s ongoing commitment to early intervention and building resilience in youth. Together, through awareness, education, and community engagement, we can build a healthier, stronger future for Belize’s youth.

Berger United Defends Title Against Longtime Rivals Belize United

Goodnight and welcome to this week’s installment of Sports Monday, I am Paul Lopez. We kick things off tonight with a look back at the Anthony Mahler Youth Football Tournament Championship Match. Or should we say championship rematch? For some time, Belize United dominated the league, earning numerous championship titles. But that changed recently, after Berger United stepped onto the stage. They one the last tittle and this time around they were defending the defending champions facing off against Belize United.

Just five minutes into the first period, Berger United found themselves in hot water after a costly handball by Lionel Soberanis inside the penalty box. The ref didn’t hesitate, whistle blown, yellow card out, and Soberanis was sidelined. That opened the door for Belize United’s Shae Gordon, who stepped up to the spot and calmly buried the penalty, putting his team on the scoreboard early. Talk about setting the tone! But at the eleventh minute Soberanis atoned for his early error, with a timed kick off a high-flying ball. That one goes into the goal and ties the game.

Both teams were tied at one goal apiece going into the third and final twelve minutes period. But only three minutes in, Errol Peters for Berger United launched a rocket towards goal from just outside the penalty box. The ball rolled directly past the goalkeeper and into the net. Berger United erupted in celebration. Here is the goal of the match. A goal kick across the field to Zadlen Jones. And just like that, Jones delivers a moment of magic. He slips past one defender, and just as a second one closes in, he lets it rip. The ball sails high, right over the keeper’s head and into the net. That makes it three to one with only five minutes left on the clock. What a strike, and what a statement as this match nears its final whistle. Three minutes later, Belize United found some life off this sideline throw in. Kayden Castillo got that goal. Well folks that is how this one ended. Berger United successfully defended their title. They are the 2025 Anthony Mahler Youth Football Tournament Champions.

Let’s take a quick trip to Switzerland, where Belize just made basketball history once again. Our Over-55 Men’s National Team went head-to-head with Brazil in the gold medal match at the 17th World Maxi Basketball Championships. And guess what? Belize came out on top, eighty to seventy, clinching yet another gold on the international stage. A huge win and a proud moment for Belizean basketball.

Now, back home, week seven of the Belize Premier Basketball League is heating up. Friday night saw the undefeated San Pedro Tiger Sharks take on the EZ Investments Dangriga Dream Ballers at the Belize City Civic Center. Let’s dive into the highlights from that showdown. Jihad Wright exploded in this one for the Tigersharks, finishing with eighteen points and six rebounds from twenty-nine minutes of playtime. But he was not the only Tigersharks player to end the night with double digits. Keon Rowland finished with sixteen points, just ahead of Malik Hunt who had fourteen points at the end of the match and the balling junior minister, Devin Daly with twelve points. And Brian White may not be putting up big points, but he is efficient with the rebounds and the stats do not lie. White ended the night with fourteen rebounds.

Friday night brought a bit of drama before tip-off for the Dangriga Dream Ballers and not the kind you’d expect on the court. Kirk ‘Shabba’ Smith Jr. made his much-anticipated debut, but things got off to a confusing start when both teams showed up wearing the same color jerseys. That’s right, same colors, same court, total mix-up! The Dream Ballers had to improvise fast, throwing on red jerseys over their uniforms. But here’s the kicker, Smith didn’t get his red jersey until late in the first half. Talk about a debut with a twist. The Dream Ballers down double digits at this point and they were unable to work their way back. Despite the late start, Smith entered the game off the bench and finished with eighteen points and nine rebounds. It shows that Smith could have made a bigger difference to this one, had he entered the game at the start. Daniel Conorquie finished with fourteen points, though he was not his usual self from the three-point line, scoring only one of four attempts. MVP candidate, Deshawn Brackett may see another fall in his MVP ranking after finishing with eleven points and three rebounds.

Ultimately, the San Pedro Tigersharks came out of this one with the big W, defeating the EZ Investments Dream Ballers, ninety to eighty-two points. The Sanpedro Tigersharks now holds on two eight wins to zero loss record. They are the only undefeated team in the league and the favorites to make it to the Jaguar Cup in their division.

Also, the Cayo Western Ballers overcame the Belize City Thunderbolts in Belize City on Friday night, eighty-seven to eighty-two points, while the Corozal Cerros Suns blew the Punta Gorda Panthers away inside the Andres Campus Civic Center. That match ended with seventy-two to forty-nine points. Well folks, that is all we have for you in tonight’s coverage of Sports Monday. Catch you in the next one.

Court Rejects Bid to Strike Out BSCFA Claim

The High Court of Belize has ruled that the Belize Sugar Cane Farmers Association (BSCFA) can proceed with its claim against Belize Sugar Industries Ltd. (BSI) and T&L Sugars Ltd., rejecting efforts by the latter to strike out the lawsuit on jurisdictional grounds.

Justice M. Javed Mansoor delivered the decision, following arguments centred on whether the Belize court has jurisdiction to hear the BSCFA’s claim for unpaid Fairtrade (FT) sugar premiums for the 2021/2022 and 2022/2023 crop years.

T&L Sugars Ltd., a UK-based company, had filed an application to strike out the claim, arguing that any dispute must be resolved through arbitration in London under the terms of the now-expired 2021 Letter of Enhanced Agreement (LOEA), or by the High Court of England and Wales if arbitration was declined. They contended that the court in Belize had no authority to hear the case and further argued that the BSCFA failed to disclose the existence of the arbitration clause when it sought permission to serve the claim outside Belize’s jurisdiction.

The BSCFA, however, maintained that the LOEA had expired and had not been renewed or extended for the crop years in question. Therefore, they argued, the arbitration clause did not apply to the current dispute, and the Belize court retained jurisdiction.

Justice Mansoor agreed, noting that there was no evidence the arbitration agreement survived the LOEA’s expiration or that it applied to the 2021/2022 and 2022/2023 crop years. The court found that the BSCFA’s claims, including conspiracy and breach of constructive trust, presented real and triable issues, and that striking out the claim at this stage would not be in the interest of justice.

The court also agreed with the BSCFA that the second defendant’s alleged actions are intertwined with those of the first defendant, BSI, which has already filed its defence. Excluding T&L from the proceedings, the court noted, would “hinder the court’s ability to fully adjudicate the conspiracy claim.”

As a result, the application by T&L Sugars Ltd. to strike out the claim and challenge service out of jurisdiction was dismissed. The court ordered that the matter proceed to trial, with both defendants required to answer the BSCFA’s claims. The association was awarded costs of the application.

Spanish Lookout Farming Project Gets Conditional Environmental Green Light

The Department of the Environment (DOE) has granted environmental clearance for a proposed farming development by the Spanish Lookout Community Corporation Limited, following the review and recommendations of the National Environmental Appraisal Committee (NEAC). The project, which is to be located near Runaway Creek and the Sibun River along the Coastal Highway in the Belize District, was the subject of an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) reviewed by NEAC earlier this month.

After careful evaluation of the EIA report and public concerns, NEAC recommended approval with a number of strict conditions aimed at reducing potential environmental, social, and archaeological impacts. These include a prohibition on aerial spraying throughout the project site. Developers are instead required to use only environmentally friendly methods for agrochemical use, such as drone or mechanical spraying.

Additionally, the committee noted that Excel Construction Ltd., which holds a mining license in the area set to expire in July 2026, must not engage in any mining activities within the project site until a full environmental assessment is conducted in consultation with the Mining Unit of the Ministry of Natural Resources. A vegetative buffer of 150 feet must also be maintained on both sides of the Sibun River for the duration of the project.

One of the most significant requirements is the legal establishment of a 1,649-acre Conservation Zone identified in the EIA. This area must be permanently protected due to its ecological and archaeological importance. The NEAC also directed that a water catchment system be created within the project area to ensure a stable water source during expected future droughts.

If water from the Sibun River is needed, developers must first conduct additional studies to determine potential environmental and hydrological impacts, and submit their findings to the DOE for a decision in consultation with NEAC.