2025-07-24 - Greater Belize Media

Former Ambassador Charged in Teen Sexual Assault Case

A shocking story is unfolding tonight out of the Cayo District, one that’s raising serious concerns about the sexual abuse of minors. A well-known figure, Said “Badi” Guerra, who once served as Belize’s ambassador to Cuba and previously held the office of mayor in Benque Viejo del Carmen, is now facing serious criminal charges. Guerra, the brother of Cayo West Area Representative Miguel Guerra, was escorted to the magistrate’s court earlier today, where he was formally charged with four offenses, including sexual assault, harm, and procuring defilement by threat. It’s a dramatic fall from grace for someone who once represented Belize on the international stage. According to reports, the incident happened on July fourteenth. Guerra was allegedly in the company of a sixteen-year-old boy, and the two were reportedly drinking alcohol. That’s when the alleged assault took place. But it wasn’t until nine days later that a formal complaint was made at the Benque Viejo Police Station. After spending some time in police custody, Guerra appeared before a magistrate in the lower court, where he was granted bail set at ten thousand dollars, along with two sureties of the same amount. He was able to meet bail shortly after the hearing and walked out of court a free man, for now. Guerra took a moment to speak with reporters following his release, though he didn’t say much about the allegations.

Said “Badi” Guerra, Charged with Sexual Offenses

“I believe that it’s important that people know. People sometimes know the negative things, the false things, the incorrect things, but they need to know exactly what is going on. will not, and I must tell you that I will not get into details because, as you know, this is an ongoing process. It’s a, they’re doing their investigation and I would not want to compromise police’s investigation into the matter. One thing I must make mention of is, I am being wrongly accuse of rape. It is not rape and I would like whosoever [that] put it up on the media that term because it is not rape. So, that being said, I would like to mention three things, if you allow me, of course. So, this community knows me, Belize knows me. This community knows me because I’ve worked with children and young people over the years. Since I was very young, I was actually the youth president for the youth council of Cayo West at some point in time. So I’ve always worked with young people and children and this is the first time that these allegations pop up. It is the first time that I am seeing myself involved in these kind of things. That is fine. As I mentioned to some people, not all of us are immune, you know. No one is immune, I must say, to these kinds of things. That’s what I tell the people, the public out there, nobody is immune to these sort of things. Secondly, I would like to call on our community, our society, to please be a bit more compassionate. I’m not talking about me, not talking about myself, I am talking about every time there is an incident, there are some people happen to do things. The society immediately jumps up, condemns, crucifies when it’s only an allegation.”

Mother of Alleged Sexual Assault Victim Speaks Out

Following the arraignment of Said “Badi” Guerra, News Five spoke with the mother of the alleged victim. Understandably shaken and choosing to remain anonymous, she shared her frustration with how the case is being handled. Her voice adds a deeply personal layer to a story that’s already making national headlines.

Voice of: Mother of Alleged Victim

“My son was found was found in Benque because my son went to Cayo to pick up some money. Afterwards, I waited a while because I know it takes a while to go get the money. But afterwards I called him and he said, “Mommy, I done get the money. I just gwein buy some food then I gwein home.” I tell he okay, then I wait a while and afterwards I was calling back for him to know where he is or if he done finish buy ih food. But afterwards, I was calling and calling with lots of calls and he never answered me. Then I got scared that something wrong is happening to my son because he was not answering.”

Tanya Arceo

“He also said that he is a student of Said Guerra, is that right?”

Mother of Alleged Victim

“Yes. He’s a teacher at St. Ignatius High School and he thought my son in third form. He teach my son, so that’s why he knows everything about my son because it’s his teacher.”

Tanya Arceo

“How did they get in touch with your son so they can pick him up in Benque?”

Mother of Alleged Victim

“Well, like I tell you, I was calling, calling, calling, but no answer from him. And I never gaan sleep dat day until ,I stay call, call.”

Tanya Arceo

“How long was your son missing?”

Mother of Alleged Victim

“He was missing since six o’clock because I was calling for him and I never got an answer until one in the morning and I was calling and calling. Then he managed to answer me and he said, “Mommy.” I said, where are you? He told me, “I am at Benque.” And I ask him, “What are you doing there?” And I said, I will find out how to go find you because I could know my son is going through something.”

Hattieville Man Walks Free, Co-Accused Still Faces Murder Trial

One of the two men charged in a double murder case in Hattieville is now a free man. Twenty-two-year-old Ian Roy Herrera was released after the Director of Public Prosecutions dropped the charges against him due to lack of evidence. Herrera had been jointly charged with twenty-five-year-old construction worker Blake Norman Lewis for the October 2023 murders of Martin Sho, forty-five, and Joel Andrews, sixty-seven. The charges stemmed from a gruesome discovery at a farm in the Farmers Site area of Hattieville. Police were called to the scene and found signs of a struggle, blood trails, a bloodied wheelbarrow, and eventually, the bodies of both men in separate locations near a pond. Andrews had multiple gunshot wounds. Herrera was first arrested and charged in August 2024, followed by Lewis a few days later. While Herrera is now free, Lewis remains behind bars and has pleaded not guilty. His case is set to continue on November twenty-first, 2025. Crown Counsel Portia Staine-Ferguson is prosecuting the case on behalf of the DPP’s office.

Casino Boss Rima Ray’s Money Trail Under Fire

It started with a traffic stop in Florida and ended with a Belizean casino boss behind bars. Rima Ray, tied to the Caribi Bleu Casino in San Pedro, is now at the center of an international investigation into illegal gambling and suspected money laundering. She was caught with over three hundred and forty thousand dollars in cash and claimed it came from selling part of her casino here in Belize. But U.S. authorities say that’s just the beginning. From unlicensed slot machines to suspicious wire transfers, the case against Ray is growing, and so are the questions about her operations here at home. Tonight, we take a closer look at the money trail, the unanswered questions, and what Belizean authorities had to say, or didn’t, when we asked for answers. Here’s Paul Lopez with that story.

Paul Lopez, Reporting

This isn’t your average inmate record. Rima Ray, linked to the Caribi Bleu Casino in San Pedro, has been on News Five’s radar since 2024. Now, she’s behind bars in Florida after being caught with three hundred and forty thousand dollars in cash during a traffic stop. She claimed it came from selling part of her casino in Belize. A U.S. investigation uncovered illegal gambling operations at IL Villagio, where one hundred and ninety unlicensed slot machines and large sums of money were seized. Ray is now facing charges for illegal gambling and fraud, with bail set at just over fifty thousand dollars. Back in 2024, News Five exposed a slot machine at Caribi Bleu that dispensed U.S. currency, an illegal setup we reported to authorities.

Leni Ysaguirre McGann, Director, F.I.U. (File: Dec 18th, 2024)

“The FIU to protect the integrity of these processes and to protect the investigation are under strict confidentiality obligations.”

Kareem Michael, Governor, Central Bank (File: Nov 27th, 2024)

“I am sure you will appreciate that I cant say much on that, because it is a live investigation.”

And even when the prime minister weighed in on the findings, he encouraged the investigation.

Prime Minister John Briceño (File: Dec 9th, 2024)

“If there is any finds that needs to be paid or if they need to charge anybody for having an illegal atm that dispenses U.S. dollars well, I am confident the Central Bank will charge these people or take them to court and they should, I would encourage them to do so.”

Despite the serious allegations, Rima Ray didn’t face any major penalties. No fine, no jail time, just a slap on the wrist. She was ordered to attend a money laundering training session and promised not to use the ATM again. But tonight, questions linger. Could Ray’s illegal gambling operation in Florida be tied to her casino dealings here in Belize? That’s something only the Financial Intelligence Unit can answer. We reached out to FIU Director Leni Ysaguirre McGann for comment, but got no response. However, here’s what she told us back in December about the FIU’s role in tackling money laundering.

Leni Ysaguirre McGann (File: Dec 18th, 2024)

“The FIU and Belize generally does engage in international cooperation and has a strong history of doing so. We cant speak to any specifics but it is obviously within the FIU’s mandate to investigate money laundering and financial crimes.”

According to a U.S. special agent’s affidavit, TD Bank shut down Rima Ray’s accounts back in March due to suspicious activity linked to money laundering. But here’s what stands out, she used that same account to wire fifty thousand dollars to a Belize-based consulting firm last August, and another forty thousand dollars this January. Now, under Belize’s Gaming Control Act, anyone holding a gaming license must be ‘fit and proper’, with no criminal convictions. Ray hasn’t been convicted yet, but the evidence against her is stacking up. Tonight, she remains behind bars in the U.S., and questions about her Belize connections are only growing louder. Reporting for News Five I am Paul Lopez.

FIU Director Leni Ysaguirre McGann reached out to News Five just before news time to say that the unit is looking into these new details. We will continue to follow.

Fonseca Defends $250K Land Cruiser Amid Public Outcry

It’s a quarter-million-dollar question that’s been making headlines and tonight, Minister of Foreign Affairs Francis Fonseca is responding. Amid public criticism over the purchase of a high-end Land Cruiser, Minister Fonseca is standing by the purchase, saying he’s neither wasteful nor extravagant. He insists that no taxpayer money was used and believes the ministry got good value for what was spent. Still, Fonseca acknowledges that as a public official, scrutiny comes with the job and he’s not shying away from it.

Francis Fonseca, Minister of Foreign Affairs

“First off all let me say that I am a public official, an elected public official, I am a minister of government, so aby action I take, we make, are open to public scrutiny. I understand that, we appreciate that. Now I have been elected representative for twenty-two years. During those twenty-two years nobody can reasonably suggest that I am someone who is wasteful or extravagant in anyway. I think I have developed quite the opposite reputation. From 2020 to 2025 I was using a Land Cruiser Prado assigned to the ministry of education that was handed down to me from a former UDP minister. I didn’t buy any new vehicle, the government didn’t buy any new vehicle for me. It was actually in bad condition. When I moved over to the ministry of foreign affairs, they informed me that a diplomatic ally had made a grant to the ministry foot eh purchase of vehicles, one of which is to be assigned to the minister of foreign affairs. That was grant money, no public funds were used, no tax payers money, no tax payers money have been used for the purchase of vehicles at the ministry of foreign affairs since 2020. That is the case. Now they said we will buy a preowned land cruiser, Navy Blue. That was the end of my involvement in the process. I am not involved in negotiating. They bought it from someone who I view as a reputable car dealer who was done work with the government many times before. You call always question he value for these things, but from my understanding they got value for money.”

Fonseca on GOB Rentals “A Better Solution Can Be Found”

On Wednesday night, News Five uncovered something that’s drawing attention, government is currently paying rent for one hundred and sixteen office spaces across the country. Most of those rentals are in Belize City and Belmopan, and interestingly, some landlords show up more than once on the list, meaning they’re leasing multiple properties to the government. But without access to the lease agreements, which the Ministry of Public Service has declined to release, we can’t say for sure whether taxpayers are getting value for money. We put the question to Minister Francis Fonseca: is this just a necessary cost of doing business, or could the government be spending smarter? We also asked him about reports that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is renting storage space in Belmopan.

Francis Fonseca, Minister of Foreign Affairs

“Yeah a better solution can be found, but we have to invest. It will cost more money. We need to build more public buildings. We need to build a government complex. It is an issue that we have been talking about in Belize for decades. How do we invest more in public spaces, public buildings. It is costing, as you all know, millions of dollars every year to rent these facilities. It is an ongoing challenge, but I know it is something we have discussed in Cabinet. I know the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Public Service have been reviewing these contracts, many of them we inherited and we are continuing with them. But there is no substitute for having your own building, ministries, spaces. So, it is something we are taking very seriously and looking at.”

Britney Gordon

“Can you share what the storage space being rented in Belmopan by the ministry of foreign affairs is being used for? It is being rented by a Barbara Ramos.”

Francis Fonseca

“Storage space?”

Britney Gordon

“The location says Belmopan Market Square.”

Francis Fonseca

“That must be NICH. I am not sure of that. I can check into it. I know NICH has some storage space in Belmopan, but I am not sure if that is what you are talking about.”

Britney Gordon

“So you would not be sure how much it is being rented for.”

Francis Fonseca

“No, no I wouldn’t.”

Ancient Maya Artifacts Return to Belize After 12-Year U.S. Tour

It’s an exciting day at the Museum of Belize. After twelve years, over a hundred and fifty ancient Mayan artifacts have returned to Belize after spending the last twelve years touring across the United States. The artifacts were loaned to the Science Museum of Minnesota as part of a partnership aimed at promoting Belize’s rich Maya heritage internationally. These artifacts are now back in country and ready to be appreciated by Belizeans everywhere. In today’s edition of Belize on Reel, News Five’s Britney Gordon takes a closer look at these artifacts and their value to the National Collection.

Britney Gordon, Reporting

In 2012, the world waited with bated breath to see what world-shattering event would unfold when the Mayan calendar came to an end. Many believed that the conclusion of the calendar signaled the end of the world. 2012 came and went and the world kept spinning but public interest in Mayan culture had increased significantly. It is around that time that Belize entered into an agreement with the Science Museum of Minnesota to take about one hundred and fifty pieces of ancient Mayan artifacts found in Belize on a tour around the United States. Now, they’re back. Director of the Museum of Belize, Ilona Smiling, tells us that the team is excited to show them off to the public.

Ilona Smiling, Director, Museum of Belize

“Of course this is just the first phase. The bigger idea is to have most of the items that have returned incorporated into the existing Maya creating civilization exhibit.”

Britney Gordon

“So what type of artifacts are we looking at?”

Ilona Smiling

“So we’re looking at our ceramics or jades, and one of the most beautiful things about the exhibition was a lot of the interactives that we were able to work with the science museum, and we have some of those that will be on display as well. We have two for the viewing that you guys can see. And again, we look forward to incorporating most of these into the exhibits that we have here and some of the welcome centers that we have at the different archeological sites.”

There are about one hundred and fifty pieces that toured the United States and while all of them are back in country, only a select few were chosen for display today. These include items such as the Buena Vista vase, which dates back to around 900 A.D. and depicts two young corn gods and a collection of high-end pieces known as eccentrics. NICH Director, Melissa Badillo, has more details on the pieces.

Melissa Badillo, Director, National Institute of Art and History

“It is crossing various time periods from the ancient Maya civilization and different types of artifacts showcasing their artistry with multiple kinds of materials including shells, jade stone artifacts. And of course we have to feature some ceramics in the entire collection. There are both painted and unpainted. I think what we will have on display today is. Some painted pottery.”

As a part of the artifacts grand return, two shamans were invited to the museum to welcome the pieces back into the space. These artifacts will now be reintegrated into displays across the country, giving Belizeans to appreciate their beauty and deep history.

Ilona Smiling

“The significance is that we are able to view our history and we are able to do our own research and have that be a part of our own culture, that we get to view and see one of the more beautiful things that we had with the exhibition was the exchange that we were able to do with the science museum. A lot of the conservation work was done in partnership with them. We had staff from the museum and from the Institute of Archeology that was able to work on them. So it’s a very beautiful thing that we are able to have them back home. And we have our own people that can get to view these artifacts.”

The collaboration between Belize and the Science Museum of Minnesota also provided the team at NICH capacity building for the long-term preservation of the artifacts and funds used to keep NICH in operation. Minister of Culture, Francis Fonseca says that the Belize welcomes more mutually beneficial opportunities such as these in the future.

Francis Fonseca, Minister of Culture

“We’re trying to do more of that of that. We’re engaging and collaborating. As niche has a long history in the Institute of Archeology in particular has a long history of collaboration with universities primarily in North America. But that’s the whole idea of trying to gain knowledge, experience, support. They helped over the twelve years to preserve some of these artifacts. So that’s a benefit to Belize. But of course we want, as I said, our primary mandate is public education. We want to share these artifacts with the people of Belize, especially our young people. They’ve been out there for a long time, so it’s good to have them back home so that we can put them on display, which we will be doing. In a few weeks time.”

The Museum of Belize welcomes Belize to visit the exhibit and learn more about some of the pieces already integrated into the National Collection. Britney Gordon for News Five.

Guatemalan Naval Vessel Escorted Peacefully out of Belizean Waters

A Guatemalan gunboat in Belizean waters; it’s the kind of headline that grabs attention, and it happened earlier this week near Hunting Caye. The Belize Coast Guard had to escort the vessel out after it was found in Belizean waters. When questioned, the Guatemalan sailors claimed they were lost and didn’t realize they had crossed into our territory. But this wasn’t just any boat, it’s reportedly one of Guatemala’s largest gunboats, typically used to patrol sensitive areas like the Sarstoon, Corona Reef, and the Sapodilla Cayes. That’s why the incident sparked concern and skepticism among the public, with many questioning whether the incursion was really accidental. Minister of Foreign Affairs Francis Fonseca says Belizean forces handled the situation calmly and professionally, and that diplomacy remains the first line of defense.

Francis Fonseca, Minister of Foreign Affairs

“The people of Belize, in perhaps the most democratic process we have available to us, our referendum made a in perhaps the most democratic process we have available to us, our referendum made a decision several years ago to pursue a peaceful resolution. This differendum between Belize and Guatemala. So we’re pursuing that through that ICJ. The government of Belize has a duty and obligation while we pursue that peaceful resolution of this case to obviously protect the national sovereignty of the territory of Belize. We have a duty and obligation. The Belize Defense Force, the Belize Coast guard are out there everyday carrying out that duty honorably, faithfully, fearlessly, they’re doing it. The question, as you pointed, out a few days ago the Coast guard responded to it immediately when there were notified about the presence of a vessel and they responded to the site immediately. they got their identified it as a GAF vessel within Belizean waters. they followed established protocol, they went up to the vessel, the informed the crew on board who they were and they advise them that they were in Belize and waters. they had a discussion, a short exchange and the Coast guard then escorted the GAS vessel out of Belizean water. So that is what took place.”

Belize to Adapt Biometric Security Protocols at Border

Belize is tightening up its borders and it’s doing so with a little help from the United States. Earlier this week, both countries signed a new agreement that’s all about sharing biometric data. Sounds technical, but here’s what it means: Belize is stepping up its game when it comes to tracking who’s coming in and out, especially when it comes to illegal immigration and transnational crime. Under this partnership, Belize will now be able to request police records for U.S. citizens trying to enter the country and the U.S. can do the same for Belizeans. It’s a two-way street aimed at keeping both nations safer. Foreign Minister Francis Fonseca says this move is all about building stronger, smarter border security, and ultimately, a safer and more prosperous future for both Belize and the U.S.

Francis Fonseca, Minister of Foreign Affairs

“This is a narco trafficking memorandum of corporation that has its genesis going back to 2009 when a letter of agreement came out what they called the Merida initiative letter for agreement was signed in Belmopan in 2009. And the entire focus of this biometric sharing partnership memorandum of corporation is to promote and support border security and public safety. So it involves two agencies, immigration department on the Belize Police Department. And they will provide under this memorandum of corporation technological support software hardware and infrastructure to support our work at the border. it’s all and supporting our shared commitment with the US to combat narco trafficking, human trafficking, terrorism, organized crime, that is a whole objective. And I want to make the point, listen, that there is no question about anybody should be concerned about personal data. The memorandum specifically provides safe cards for that and make sure that no personal data can be transferred to a third party. The memorandum is covered by the national law of Belize so everyone continues to enjoy the protection of our Constitution. So I think it’s very important memorandum. If one thing keeps us up at night as a government, it’s the threat of narco trafficking, border security issues. So we need all the help and support we can to combat those efforts. And we are very happy that we are partnering with the United States government to do so.”

Fonseca Says No Need to Worry About Biometric Data Sharing

The government has just signed a new agreement with the United States that allows both countries to share biometric data. That means if someone’s trying to enter Belize and there’s suspicion of human trafficking or terrorism; border officials can now request their police records from the U.S., and vice versa. Sounds like a smart move for safety, right? Well, not everyone’s convinced. Some Belizeans are worried about privacy, especially when it comes to the U.S. having access to their personal data. So, should we be concerned? We put that question directly to Foreign Minister Francis Fonseca.

Francis Fonseca, Minister of Foreign Affairs

“Anybody who travels to the United States, their data is collected. You apply for a visa, data is collected. So this is about protecting our borders. This is about border security, this is about public safety.”

Reporter

“This is about protecting their border”

Francis Fonseca, Minister of Foreign Affairs

“Yeah, they have an interest in protecting their border. But we have an interest, as I said, I sit on the National Security Council, we are very concerned about the movements of people across our border for criminal activity based on criminal activity. We don’t have the capacity to monitor the effectively, so we need the support of a country like the United States. So For me, it’s absolutely clear that this is critically important, and as I said I am absolutely satisfied that there are full safeguards in place to protect the privacy of individuals. Like I said, The entire memorandum of corporations is based on national law so it does not override any national law. So you have the protection of your Constitution, protection of national law and as I keep pointing out its based on our request basis which the government of Belize then through our facilities will be able to process and look at and respond to that request.”

Reporter

” I don’t want to sound conspiratorial but you can see how persons in the public might say well if they assist us with the technology then it’s not unheard of for persons who designs such technology to have a back and capture and ability to take something out of the back end even though the front end might have all these safeguards.”

Francis Fonseca

“If people are a cynical as you are yes they will come to that and conclusion. but as you know the United States government they can get any information they want on anybody, they have the capacity for that so this is putting in place a structured process corporation arrangement where we work together as I said for a shared goal on commitment.”