Important Note: This Internet version of 7 News is a verbatum
transcript of our evening television news script. Many interviews on our newscast
are conducted in Creole. In the interest of clarity for our foreign readers,
we attempt to paraphrase the Creole quotes in English
Top government officials have bashed the LIU program for being basically a waste of money - which is why they put it on indefinite pause two weeks ago.
But tonight, the PUP Area Representative for Fort George - a community with a good number of clients in the work program - says he hopes they bring it back, and soon.
Usher added that government cannot only use an "iron fist" when addressing crime:
Henry Charles Usher, Minister of Public Service "I'm hoping that it can come back very soon. I see the benefit in the LIU program. I see it as a way of offering an alternative to the lifestyle that many of these at-risk youth are faced with. And it's something that we have to continue to have a holistic whole-of-government approach when we're looking at these issues. It can't just be an iron fist when it comes to crime. We have to look at the way that these communities are operating, the avenues that can be given to these individuals at risk, especially younger persons in the neighborhood so that they have an alternative, they have an opportunity to get out of that lifestyle. So I'm hoping that after the assessment is done, that it can be brought back. And certainly the work that those members of the LIU team were doing, it's work that the community appreciates."
Reporter "During this pause, are you concerned that this might have a negative effect on these individuals or the community at large?"
Henry Charles Usher, Minister of Public Service "Well, I'm certainly hoping that it won't, but yes, there's always a concern that I have that the individuals that were part of the program, they lose hope, they lose faith in the program, they lose faith in the ability to get out of the situation that they're in. So I'm hoping that this assessment can be done very quickly, and we can get back to doing this whole of government approach."
Reporter "Based on what you've seen, do you see the benefits of a program like the LIU Work Program?"
Henry Charles Usher, Minister of Public Service "I absolutely believe in the benefits of LIU. I mean, it's not only a work program, and that's the thing, there are many components to it. There's a sport component to it. There was the William Dawson Cup, basketball, football. There was a component where they were teaching these individuals agricultural practices so that they can have a skill. In Fort George, we always say skills pay your bills. So it's important to have marketable skills for these individuals so that they can have a productive life, and that is what the LIU was providing. Many of these individuals did not complete even primary school, certainly not high school, and so this is an opportunity for them to build a skill, market that skill, and be able to provide for their family."
We note that that one month "targeted SOE program" detained 20 persons. It ended today and they are expected to have been released.
Tonight, the National Health Insurance scheme is distancing itself from the murder plot that led to the death of Dr Naun Bonilla.
Today the NHI issued a rare release saying, quote, "The NHI is aware that media houses and social media blogs have sought…to connect NHI to the tragic murder of Dr. Naun Bonilla and the subsequent arrests of two suspects. Any attempt to associate NHI's procurement and contracting activities with the circumstances surrounding Dr. Bonilla's death is inaccurate, unfounded, and misleading."
As we reported on Friday, Dr Naun Bonilla and his now accused killer Hannah Foreman jointly operated a partnership at the Belmopan Medical Laboratory - which was selected for an NHI contract in January of this year.
Foreman swore in an affidavit that's when Bonilla tried to push her out of the business - which police suspect - led, months later, to the murder plot.
One Friday, Bonilla's brother alleged that Foreman had tried to steal the contract from the partnership:
Angel Bonilla, Brother of Deceased "The final straw that took my brother make the decision to take this to court was with the NHI contract that they had bid for. When the contract was, when they won the bid, they still hadn't signed the contract, she had corresponded back to NHI stating that the contract would be signed under a different business name, a business that had nothing to do with my brother. Now being my brother was part of the application, they called him to say, Bonilla, what is happening, because we just received this correspondence and he said categorically this business has nothing to do with me, this business is not my business, I have no interest in this business, and this contract cannot be signed because that business is not the one that we bid under. We found out that business belonged mostlyto Ms Hannah Foreman."
Regarding the legal dispute in the partnership and the pending NHI contract, the statement says, quote, "it was brought to our attention that there was an ongoing business dispute between the two co-owners of Belmopan Medical Laboratory Services. Both co-owners were informed that the contract with the entity would not be signed due to the ongoing legal dispute."
The statement adds emphatically, quote, "NHI categorically clarifies that the information being disseminated that there is a lucrative signed contract is totally false. There is no contract that has been signed or executed between the National Health Insurance and Belmopan Medical Laboratory Services."
Turning now to other news, it was a tragic weekend on Belize's highways: 7 men were killed in various road traffic accidents across the country. The first happened on Friday morning at 6:45 at Mile 72 on the George Price highway in the Kontiki are of San Ignacio. The victim was 30 year old Geromey Chuc. ASP Stacy Smith told us how the accident occurred.
ASP Stacy Smith, Staff Officer "The officers responded where they were able to confirm his report and subsequently learned the identity of this male person to be 30 year old Geromey Chuc, a security guard of Benque Viejo Town. The scene was processed as a part of the ongoing investigation into this incident."
"What the indication is so far is that Mr Chuc appeared to have lost control of the motorcycle and veered off road, resulting in his injury."
The second occurred on the outskirts of Guinea Grass around 9:45 on Friday night. The victim, 18 year old Eutemito Pech, was killed after he collided into a horse and buggy. ASP Smith gave us the details.
ASP Stacy Smith, Staff Officer "What we have learned so far in the course of the investigation is that Pech was traveling on the highway in the direction of Guinea Grass village when he collided into the rear of a horse drawn buggy that was on the far right side of the road, this collision cause Mr Pech to swerve into oncoming traffic and a further collision occurred between him and a pick up truck that was being driven by another person."
"A notice of intended prosecution has since been served on Mr Garcia and a urine sample taken. The collision resulted in the death of Mr Pech."
"The indication so far is that the horse carriage may not have been fully on the road, it was off road and certainly questions of lighting conditions is at play but it's an ongoing investigation and as the investigation continues the media will be advised."
And on Saturday night, 20 year old Hai Ming Cheng was served with an NIP after an accident that occurred around 9:24 between miles 56 and 57 on the George Price Highway. Cheng was driving an ATV when the victim, 27 year old Lester Martinez, collided into him. Here's how it happened.
ASP Stacy Smith, Staff Officer "The responding officers reported that upon their arrival, they observed a gravely injured Mr Martinez who was being attended to by paramedics and some 20 feet away from him was an extensively damaged ATV. Also observed on the scene was a damaged Dodge Charger SUV. What we have learned so far in the course of the ongoing investigation is that both vehicles were traveling in the same direction being from Esperanza Village to Georgeville and preliminary investigation suggest that the ATV was struck from behind which caused Martinez to be flung into a nearby drain. A urine sample has also been obtained from Mr Chen."
Then on Sunday afternoon at around 2:00, 29 year old Chinese businessman, Jii Lung Wu was killed after he lost control of his vehicle a mile 21 on the George Price Highway. ASP Smith told us more.
ASP Stacy Smith, Staff Officer "What has been learnt in the course of this investigation is that Wu was traveling alone in the Eco Sport when upon reaching Mile 21, he lost control of the vehicle, which caused the vehicle to overturn multiple times and Mr Wu to be flung from the vehicle."
The final accident of the weekend was a triple fatal. Three men, 33 year old Godwin Sealy, 34 year old Ignacio Sealy and 42 year old Israel Chacon are the victims. This incident occurred on Sunday night in Sarteneja. ASP Smith told us how this tragedy occurred.
ASP Stacy Smith, Staff Officer "What we have learned so far is that a male person being Amadi Gongora was driving a Ford Pickup and upon reaching the corner of Bontoncillo Street and Primativo Aragon Avenue in that village, he allegedly lost control of his vehicle and collided into the Meliun tricycle which was transporting Godwin and Ignacio Sealy as well as two other persons. Also injured in the course of this collision was a third person namely Mr Chacon who was riding a bicycle at the time and the impact similarly resulted in his untimely demise."
"We have received information that both parties may have been at a establishment socializing prior to the incident and that information is being followed upon."
She was out on bail last week for allegedly assaulting a police sergeant but today Nichole McDonald was back in court again, and this time for assaulting a doctor.
It's an ugly incident that happened at the Matron Roberts Clinic on on Saturday morning. 44-year-old Dr. Andre Lucien Castillo was attending to a patient around 11:00 a.m. when another patient, identified as Nichole McDonald, allegedly stormed into his office without permission and demanded to be seen immediately.
Police say McDonald became aggressive and allegedly punched Dr. Castillo on the left side of his face.
And so McDonald appeared before Magistrate Neeshad Mohammed this afternoon where she was read a single charge of harm upon Doctor Andre Lucien Castillo. Mcdonald pleaded not guilty to the charges and was denied bail for breaching the conditions of her previous bail. As a result she was remanded to prison. We note that Mcdonald had previously made bail last week in the sum of $4000 for a total of 6 offenses, two counts of aggravated assault, one count of common assault, one count of damage to property, one count of insulting words, and one count of wounding.
Former Ombudsman Major Herman Gilbert Swaso has launched a sweeping constitutional lawsuit against the Attorney General of Belize. Swaso alleges that the government systematically underpaid him during his tenure and ultimately forced him out of office in retaliation for a ruling against the Attorney General.
According to court filings by his attorney Anand Ramlogan, Major Swaso's troubles culminated in December 2025, just days before his three-year term was set to expire. In his affidavit, Swaso details a December 22, 2025, meeting with Henry Usher, the Minister of the Public Service and Chairman of the PUP at the Holy Redeemer Credit Union office.
Swaso states that Minister Usher explicitly raised concerns regarding an adverse Freedom of Information Act review ruling Swaso had issued against the government. That ruling recommended the disclosure of how much taxpayer dollars were used to pay private attorneys and law firms in the redistricting case.
Swaso testifies that during the meeting, Usher told him that "he was concerned about the adverse ruling" which the Ombudsman had made against the government. Swaso alleges that Usher also leveled a "false and baseless" allegation that the Ombudsman did not pen his own decision letter.
Two days later Swaso received notice that his contract was not being renewed
Today, via Zoom Swaso told us that the idepndence of the Ombudsman's office is under attack:
Gilbert Swaso, Former Ombudsman "The reason why this case is filed is particularly because the, in my view, the independence of a constitutional office is under direct attack. And if it is then that a person in high office seeking alignment with the law and with the Constitution is disregarded and disrespected, then what will happen to the likely grassroots individual?"
"So their rights will also be trampled upon to me, given the decision that I had made based on my loyalty to the Constitution and to the law. And also there was this case which I investigated regarding the shooting in the prison."
"Then there was also issues regarding alleged human trafficking by senior government officials. Several people were sort of avoiding answering the Ombudsman in relation to that case as well. So in my humble view now, looking back, I believe that it appears to be intentional not to renew me, particularly because they may be thinking me, I don't, I cannot think for the government or representatives of the government, that by me not being office, that perhaps those cases will take a sideline and will not reappear again. Perhaps. So it was reasonable to assume at the time that because there were some active, sensitive cases that it would have been renewed."
"So it appears to me that the independence of the office is under severe threat."
Jules Vasquez "So the Ombudsman is a person, the authority, to protect citizens from abuse by authorities."
Gilbert Swaso, Former Ombudsman "Yes."
Jules Vasquez "And you yourself have become a victim of that kind of abuse."
Gilbert Swaso, Former Ombudsman "Yes, I would say so."
Swaso's last day as Ombudsman was Decemeber 31, 2025.
Beyond what he felt was a retaliatory non-renewal, Swaso's lawsuit reveals that throughout his entire three-year tenure, he was denied the remuneration which was legally assigned to his post.
Under the Ombudsman Act, the law dictates that the Ombudsman's salary must not be less than a judge's salary.
But that's $175,000 per annum, tax-free. Yet, the government was paying Swaso only $80,000 per annum, fully taxed.
In his suit, he is demanding full back-pay for the major salary shortfall he suffered while serving in office.
But minister Henry Usher told us today that it is "fantasy" that swash's contract was not renewed because of any adverse dec vision he took. And with the compensation, he believes that only the attorney general can answer that:
Henry Charles Usher, Minister of Public Service "I have no ability, it is fantasy to believe that I can in any way influence the contract of the Ombudsman. There is a House Committee. I don't sit on the House Committee.That House Committee makes the recommendations. It then, there is then a resolution in the House and in the Senate before it goes to the Governor General."
Reporter "Do you believe that as stated in the Ombudsman Act that Mr. Swaso should have been compensated the same as a judge at the High Court?"
Henry Charles Usher, Minister of Public Service "Well, I think that the Attorney General has already reviewed the sections of the Ombudsman's Act.It does speak about being compensated at that level. Of course, when that Ombudsman's Act was written, the compensation for judges was much lower, more in line to where the contract for the Ombudsman, previous Ombudsman and this current Ombudsman was, but that's an answer that only the Attorney General can give."
Reporter "So you're saying that in order for him to be paid at the same rate, they would need to review that Act?"
Henry Charles Usher, Minister of Public Service "No, no, I'm saying that it's very clear in the Act. And I think that the decision is whether the contract that he signed with specific terms and conditions, does that contract override the Act or does the Act override the contract? And as I said, that's something that the Attorney General would have to decide on or give advice on, sorry."
And in his affidavit Swaso pointed directly to the Minister of Public Service for attacking his integrity and suggesting he didn't write the decision against the AG. But according to Usher, he was joking with Swaso and saying it in a friendly manner because of the history of their relationship. Nevertheless he says that if Swaso interpreted it in any other way other than that, he apologizes:
Henry Charles Usher, Minister of Public Service "Major Suazo and I have known each other for many years, when he was in the BDF, when he ran and won as a mayoral candidate for the People's United Party in Dangriga, when he demitted office and was a businessman, he owned a restaurant, when he was at the port, and as ombudsman. So, he and I have had hundreds of conversations in our private capacities as Henry Usher and as Gilbert Suazo. Last year, he called me because he was traveling for a family event in the US. He said, can we meet in Belize City? I said, sure, I'm in Belize City, come and see me. I would never believe that this would have ended up in some kind of lawsuit or, you know, in an affidavit. But in that conversation, I can certainly recall we spoke about his family, we spoke about him traveling, and he brought up the fact that his contract was coming to an end, I think it was coming to an end on December 31st. As you know, Jaleeza, the appointment, and if the contract comes to an end, the reappointment of an ombudsman, that is done by the Governor General after our process. So, you have the House of Representatives has to pass a resolution, the Senate has to pass a resolution, and even before that, it goes to a House committee. I don't sit on that House committee. And I made that very clear to him. I said, listen, that is something that you will have to take up when the House committee convenes and if you intend to renew your contract. There's no way in no world am I in any way able to influence the contract of the ombudsman. So, that is really fantasy for a conclusion to be drawn like that. On the other point, on the point of the letter writing, I was actually paying him a compliment, because I said, man, you're always putting out these letters and responses so fast. I said, do you have a ghostwriter writing for you? Because as far as I know, he's a one-man operation. He has a small staff, yes, but he's really efficient in terms of putting out these letters. So, that's what I told him. I said, man, you really are efficient in putting out these letters. Do you have somebody else writing for you? It was intended as a joke. Certainly, it wasn't intended to cast any aspersions against him and if I did, certainly I apologize, but that was never the intention."
Reporter "A comment like that, would you have asked a judge that? Because essentially, he's a judge."
Henry Charles Usher, Minister of Public Service "Well, most judges have people who help them write too. So, that is actually something that is very common in the United States. US Supreme Courts have clerks who clerk for them and it's often said that they are the ones who write judgments. It's something that is known in the legal fraternity, but the point is that I just was complimenting him on how fast he was being able to respond to letters, not only in giving his advice or his decisions, but when somebody wrote him or makes a correspondence to him, he responds very fast. So, I was trying to play a compliment."
And while Swaso is a former PUP Mayor, he said the meeting with his former chairman left him disillusioned. But, was he also insulted? That's what we asked him:
Jules Vasquez "It's in my mind a very serious slur against a high office when a minister accuses or suggests that you know they write your own judgments."
Gilbert Swaso, Former Ombudsman "I don't even want to dignify that, Jules, to be quite frank. So if it is, sir, that I wasn't able to articulate myself well, then certainly I would be the first not to have taken a post which would be above me. So I leave it as that."
And, keeping it on the subject of the Ombudsman, in the House meeting on Thursday, during the Resolution Recommending the Appointment of a Contractor General Motion, the Leader of the Opposition criticized the government for leaving the ombudsman office empty for more than 5 months. In response, the PM explained that it's now a complicated process because that office is being converted into a human rights office, which comes with certain regulations. Here's how that exchange went.
Tracy Panton, Leader of the Opposition "The question we have is when are we going to see a new ombudsman? It's been quite a few months now, we have heard nothing on the reappointment of an ombudsman and I think that all these elements, all these professionals, all these institutions are critical to the overall health and functionality of our oversight mechanisms particularly because we are utilizing the public purse, utilizing public funds, utilizing taxpayers' contributions to the consolidated fund. So as we support this motion, we also take the opportunity to urge the government to move with some level of urgency in appointing a new ombudsman."
John Briceno, Prime Minister "I think if she had been following up, I think what's taking place is that the former ombudsman brought a paper to Cabinet and just signed on to something, we didn't really think it through, based on meetings that he was getting from the EU and others where they're converting now the ombudsman's office to a human rights office which will then assume the work of the ombudsman but it's quite complicated. I think we're biting more than we can chew, it's really complicated so the attorney general is taking a look at it and seeing what kind of legislation we will have to put. We will not be able to put, they person who will hold that office will have to be a trained attorney, that's one of the things, and we have a whole slew of other things they will be responsible for but we have to point out that despite the fact that we do not have an ombudsman, the ombudsman's office is open so people can still go there, they can still lodge their complaints and the people there can still help people so it's important for the Belizean public to understand, we may not have an ombudsman appointed at this moment but the office is open to help and to assist the Belizean people."
But the former Ombudsman says the PM has it all wrong: the Ombudsman's office will house the Human Rights Office, not the other way around. Here's how he put it:
Jules Vasquez "Like he said you both off more than you could chew."
Gilbert Swaso, Former Ombudsman "Does it sound familiar now Jules that one I couldn't write a legal paper right and now I am biting off more than I could chew right but let me say for the record that in 2023, the government of Belize took the opportunity to to declare at the United Nations that they the government of Belize will establish a national human rights institute in Belize and that office will be lodged in the office of the ombudsman. After such a declaration the ombudsman along with representatives from several government ministries, established what is called a national human rights institute committee which was cochaired by the ombudsman and representatives from the ministry of foreign affairs. Included in that committee is also a member from the attorney generals office and we met on several occasions to discuss the parts forward as it relates to the national human rights institute. Furthermore Jules you can check in the record the 2023 ombudsman report, therein contained an article about the establishment of a national human rights institute the ombudsman annual report of 2024 also provided an update for the general public for the ministries and the general public and reports written reports were given to the office of the prime minister, not only by the ombudsman but also by the ministry of foreign affairs, so I there say look at the records and it is then as the government stated that the human rights institute will be established and integrated into the office of the ombudsman not the other way around."
The Belize Coast Guard successfully rescued 7 people yesterday after a vessel began taking on water near San Pedro Town. The Coast Guard assumed control of the rescue operation and coordinated with the civilian vessel to safely evacuate all passengers. The seven occupants, including five adults and two minors, were transferred onto the Coast Guard vessel and transported to safety. We spoke with Rear Admiral Gregory Soberanis who told us more about this operation:
Gregory Soberanis, Commander BCG "The Belize Coast Guard, um, assisted with, uh, search and rescue operation that was conducted yesterday afternoon, um, in San Pedro town. We received information approximately 2.30 p.m., uh, and, um, we immediately responded from Station San Pedro. Um, the information that we received was that there was a vessel that was sinking and-and taking on water, um, with seven passengers on board. Um, so we immediately, we immediately deployed, um, and we were able to locate the vessel. Upon arriving, upon our arrival at the scene, um, there was, the-the vessel was in-in somewhat of some shallow waters, and at the time was, um, being assisted by a smaller vessel that was in the immediate area when the incident was occurring. Um, the Coast Guard was able to make its way, um, close enough to eventually take control of the situation, um, what we call be the unseen coordinator, and-and we were able to coordinate with the smaller vessel that was, um, in the area, um, transport all-all seven persons from the, um, from the sinking vessel, um, with that small boat, um, and eventually brought them onto our boat, which was a larger vessel, um, and take them to safety. On board were-were five adults and-and two minors. Um, in situations such as these, um, the-it is-it is our mission and mandate to respond. As you know, when we have incidents at sea, um, there are several factors that we consider, um, in a situation like this, whether, um, the, um, we have injured, um, persons on board, um, and-and that type of thing. And so we, as quickly as-as possible, we respond to the situation, um, ensuring that, um, we are able to provide the necessary assistance, whether it's medical, immediate medical assistance, or, um, like I said, to effect the rescue to ensure that lives are saved."
Reporter "Would you be able to indicate if there was any environmental impact?"
Gregory Soberanis, Commander BCG "Yeah, so the-the captain of the vessel, um, made a prudent decision, um, which I believe has helped in this particular situation where, um, based on the reports that-that we received from our patrol, um, that responded, that the captain of the vessel that was in distress, realizing that, um, the vessel was taking on water, um, made his way to shallow waters, um, so that the vessel would not be completely submerged. Um, as far as we know, um, there was no- there is no environmental impact at this time. Um, it is a-it is an area not too far from where we are located in San Pedro, um, in the area of Mosquito Caye. Um, just, um, approximately one-one nautical mile, um, northwest of our-of our location."
The Belize Coast Guard has achieved a milestone with the successful certification of its first two dive instructors. The newly certified instructors recently completed an intensive instructor training program that lasted approximately two to three weeks. Rear Admiral Soberanis explained that the course was rigorous and highly demanding:
Gregory Soberanis, Commander BCG "For the first time, um, were able to, um, have two certified-certified dive instructors pass the-the instructor's course. Um, this is key for us. Uh, we conduct numerous dive operations throughout the year, and-and so having-having that level of-of skill really elevates the-the-our ability to not only respond, but to conduct in-house training. Um, it-the-the-it helps our instructors to-to be better able to train, um, Coast Guard divers for the organization as they understand the medical risks that-that Coast Guard divers, um, commander or face whenever we do these-these dives, um, these, um, whether it's a recovery dive or a-a security dive. Um, so they understand the risk management that's involved, um, and-and-and because the dives that we do in the Coast Guard are not sport dive. You know, they're law enforcement dives, they're security dives, and so there's a certain level of risk that's involved that is separate and apart from a recreational dive. And so having-having-having these dive instructors, um, come augmented with the understanding of the various factors that we need to, um, input into the equation, um, when we look at how we conduct any type of dive, really enhances our ability to be more effective and more efficient in how we conduct our dive operations."
Six people were charged over the weekend for firearm offenses. One man was arrested in Dangriga, and five others - including a minor - were arrested in Belize City. ASP Smith gave us the details.
ASP Stacy Smith, Staff Officer "Police have formally arrested and charged 21 year old Jalen Nunez of Dangriga Town for two counts of kept firearm without a gun license and two counts of kept ammunition without a gun license. The arrest follows a joint operation that was conducted by special patrol unit personnel as well as Dangriga QRT and the Gang Intelligence Investigation and Interdiction unit. The operation was conducted at a residence on Yampa Street on Saturday 6th June 2026 which led to the discovery of a black in color 9mm pistol which contained 14 live rounds of 9mm ammunition and a .38 revolver which contained two live rounds of ammunition."
"Police have formally arrested and jointly charged 36 year old Natasha Hughes, 30 year old Devon Pratt, 27 year old Eldon Pratt, 27 year old Andrew Baizer, and a 17 year old male minor for the offense of kept firearm without a gun license and kept ammunition without a gun license. These charges follow an illegal weapon operation conducted by special patrol unit personnel at a residence on Kraal Road in Belize City which led to the discovery of a 9mm pistol which contained 7 live rounds of 9mm ammunition."
In the case of the firearms found on Kraal Road, all 5 persons were arraigned today. Devon Pratt pleaded guilty to the charges but despite this plea, the prosecutor did not withdraw the charges against the others. The adults were remanded and the minor was released on bail of $3,000. The sentencing for Pratt is set for June 29th.
A 15-year-old was shot in the buttocks and hand last night around 11:20 on Arlington Drive. The minor was inside his room on his bed when he heard a loud bang outside and felt a burning sensation. According to police, two men went in front of his house and opened fire. Reports suggest that the minor's sister's ex boyfriend may have been involved since he had previously threatened to have someone shoot at the house. The teenage victim is stable.
Tonight, we note the passing of a lion of the legal profession. Edmund Pennil was not a high court judge, or a senior counsel but he was a pillar of the justice system. He passed on Saturday and today a government press release called him "a truly iconic Belizean" saying he "served his country with distinction, demonstrating unwavering dedication, integrity, and commitment throughout his career in the Public Service. His contributions have left a lasting and indelible impact on the development of Belize, and his legacy will be remembered for generations."
The release notes, "Renowned for his promptness, meticulousness, and unparalleled knowledge of the General Registry and the courts, Mr. Pennil earned, and sustained over nearly seven decades, the respect, trust, and admiration of both court users and colleagues alike. In an era before digital search tools, he was an invaluable resource to members of the legal profession, whether assisting with the retrieval of court documents or guiding users through filing processes."
The Association of Defence Attorneys notes Mr. Pennil was, quote, "Affectionately known by many as the judiciary's "real-life Google," Mr. Pennil possessed an extraordinary understanding of legal procedures, court records, and registry matters.
His willingness to assist and guide others earned him the respect and admiration of the entire legal community."
Pennil started working in the Public Service at the age of fifteen, and joined the General Registry in 1958.
Politics in Corozal has heated up a whole lot as 3 time mayor Rigo Vellos has now announced his slate for the 2027 Municipal elections. This comes just one week after newcomer Shajarie Rogers announced her slate.
But after 3 terms, should Mayor Vellos be forced to face a convention? Today we spoke with PUP Chairman who said after all, they are a democratic party:
Henry Charles Usher, Minister of Public Service "Well, first of all, from a party perspective, the national executive opened the window for persons to apply for all municipal slates on June the 1st. That window closes on June the 19th, so we don't know in terms of all the nine municipalities what municipalities there will be challenges in or there may be endorsements in. Corozal, as you said, they are already out of the gate. They are campaigning, and we have two slates on the ground. You know, this is a democratic party. Anybody can be challenged, and certainly I believe that Mayor Rigo welcomes the challenge to prove to the people and to show the people that he has done his work, and he is willing to go to them to ask for their endorsement once again. Also, you have a team led by Ms. Shajarie Rogers, dynamic team also, and they are ones that they believe that they want to also offer themselves a service to the people of Corozal."
"We welcome it as a party."
Reporter "After being three-time mayor, do you believe that he should be going to a convention?"
Henry Charles Usher, Minister of Public Service "That's a decision for the people to decide. As chairman, I never make those types of decisions. I allow the people from the areas, from the municipalities, from the constituencies, if it is a general election, to make that decision. Persons are free to apply. The party opened the window. It then goes to a vetting committee composed of members of the national campaign committee, communications committee, and other members, and then the national executive makes the final decision. So it's a team decision. It's a party decision, and every person who is an elected representative in this party is subject to being challenged."
Eluide And Allan? Chairman Will Know On June 19th
And as for Belize City, the names of two presumed mayoral hopefuls have made their way to the forefront: Eluide Miller and Allan Pollard. Well, Usher says that he will not see the applications until June 19th but if both of them desire to contest for the mayoral seat, he's all for it.
Henry Charles Usher, Minister of Public Service "Eluide is a dynamic young candidate, and he just shows the resilience and, you know, just how good the party, what position the party is in, that we can attract these young persons being able to offer themselves."
"To be leaders in their community, to be leaders in their municipality. Eluide has served as a councillor, as Deputy Mayor and I have heard I don't know if he has applied yet but I have heard that he wants to apply for Mayor. I would certainly welcome his application and hopefully we see many more dynamic candidates running all over the country."
Reporter "There's also been a rumor that Allan Pollard would also want to contest it, what would you say to that?"
Henry Charles Usher, Minister of Public Service "Again Allan Pollard has proven himself 3 times as well as councillor, serving as Deputy Mayor in multiple terms. He. Has run for the party in a general election, was not successful there but he has proven himself time and time again in terms of topping the polls etc in the municipalities so it would definitely be a welcome addition to the team, to have Allan running as you know, whatever it is, I can't confirm how he's running yet cause we haven't seen the applications. We're going to open those on June the 19th."
Man Arrested For Setting 30+ Fires
Last week The Hummingbird Environmental Tour Guide Association, who are the co managers of Five Blues Lake National Park, discovered that the park had been significantly vandalized and that camping equipment, kayaks, and other supplies previously positioned within the park had been deliberately set on fire and destroyed. In a release issued by APAMO they revealed that "With the aid of camera traps footage originally deployed for wildlife monitoring, park personnel identified an individual moving suspiciously within the park on the same date. On May 26, the Park Rangers conducted a stakeout and caught the same individual previously identified on the camera trap igniting a fire. Further inspection revealed that he had set more than thirty small fires across different areas within the National Park. Fortunately, due to vegetation conditions, the fires did not spread.The individual was safely detained by rangers. A search of his backpack uncovered stolen park items as well as materials used to start fires." The individual was turned over to the Belize police Department and was found to be a Salvadoran national, and was charged with illegal entry into Belize. He is expected to spend 6 months on remand and will return to court to answer to the additional charges of Arson.
Kyron Green's New Chapter
Six years ago, eleven-year-old Kyron Green became the innocent face of gun violence when a stray bullet changed his life forever. Since then, we've tracked his grueling road to recovery. But tonight, the eighteen-year-old is rewriting his headline. He is a newlywed, a soon-to-be father, and he's mapping out a brand-new future. Jomarie Lanza reports:
Email
Print
Top government officials have bashed the LIU program for being basically a waste of money - which is why they put it on indefinite pause two weeks ago.
Henry Charles Usher, Minister of Public Service 
Tonight, the National Health Insurance scheme is distancing itself from the murder plot that led to the death of Dr Naun Bonilla.
"The final straw that took my brother make the decision to take this to court was with the NHI contract that they had bid for. When the contract was, when they won the bid, they still hadn't signed the contract, she had corresponded back to NHI stating that the contract would be signed under a different business name, a business that had nothing to do with my brother. Now being my brother was part of the application, they called him to say, Bonilla, what is happening, because we just received this correspondence and he said categorically this business has nothing to do with me, this business is not my business, I have no interest in this business, and this contract cannot be signed because that business is not the one that we bid under. We found out that business belonged mostlyto Ms Hannah Foreman."
Turning now to other news, it was a tragic weekend on Belize's highways: 7 men were killed in various road traffic accidents across the country. The first happened on Friday morning at 6:45 at Mile 72 on the George Price highway in the Kontiki are of San Ignacio. The victim was 30 year old Geromey Chuc. ASP Stacy Smith told us how the accident occurred.
"The officers responded where they were able to confirm his report and subsequently learned the identity of this male person to be 30 year old Geromey Chuc, a security guard of Benque Viejo Town. The scene was processed as a part of the ongoing investigation into this incident."
The second occurred on the outskirts of Guinea Grass around 9:45 on Friday night. The victim, 18 year old Eutemito Pech, was killed after he collided into a horse and buggy. ASP Smith gave us the details.
And on Saturday night, 20 year old Hai Ming Cheng was served with an NIP after an accident that occurred around 9:24 between miles 56 and 57 on the George Price Highway. Cheng was driving an ATV when the victim, 27 year old Lester Martinez, collided into him. Here's how it happened.
The final accident of the weekend was a triple fatal. Three men, 33 year old Godwin Sealy, 34 year old Ignacio Sealy and 42 year old Israel Chacon are the victims. This incident occurred on Sunday night in Sarteneja. ASP Smith told us how this tragedy occurred.
She was out on bail last week for allegedly assaulting a police sergeant but today Nichole McDonald was back in court again, and this time for assaulting a doctor.
Former Ombudsman Major Herman Gilbert Swaso has launched a sweeping constitutional lawsuit against the Attorney General of Belize. Swaso alleges that the government systematically underpaid him during his tenure and ultimately forced him out of office in retaliation for a ruling against the Attorney General.
Gilbert Swaso, Former Ombudsman
But minister Henry Usher told us today that it is "fantasy" that swash's contract was not renewed because of any adverse dec vision he took. And with the compensation, he believes that only the attorney general can answer that:
Tracy Panton, Leader of the Opposition 
put, they person who will hold that office will have to be a trained attorney, that's one of the things, and we have a whole slew of other things they will be responsible for but we have to point out that despite the fact that we do not have an ombudsman, the ombudsman's office is open so people can still go there, they can still lodge their complaints and the people there can still help people so it's important for the Belizean public to understand, we may not have an ombudsman appointed at this moment but the office is open to help and to assist the Belizean people."
Turning now to other news...
"The Belize Coast Guard, um, assisted with, uh, search and rescue operation that was conducted yesterday afternoon, um, in San Pedro town. We received information approximately 2.30 p.m., uh, and, um, we immediately responded from Station San Pedro. Um, the information that we received was that there was a vessel that was sinking and-and taking on water, um, with seven passengers on board. Um, so we immediately, we immediately deployed, um, and we were able to locate the vessel. Upon arriving, upon our arrival at the scene, um, there was, the-the vessel was in-in somewhat of some shallow waters, and at the time was, um, being assisted by a smaller vessel that was in the immediate area when the incident was occurring. Um, the Coast Guard was able to make its way, um, close enough to eventually take control of the situation, um, what we call be the unseen coordinator, and-and we were able to coordinate with the smaller vessel that was, um, in the area, um, transport all-all seven persons from the, um, from the sinking vessel, um, with that small boat, um, and eventually brought them onto our boat, which was a larger vessel, um, and take them to safety. On board were-were five adults and-and two minors. Um, in situations such as these, um, the-it is-it is our mission and mandate to respond. As you know, when we have incidents at sea, um, there are several factors that we consider, um, in a situation like this, whether, um, the, um, we have injured, um, persons on board, um, and-and that type of thing. And so we, as quickly as-as possible, we respond to the situation, um, ensuring that, um, we are able to provide the necessary assistance, whether it's medical, immediate medical assistance, or, um, like I said, to effect the rescue to ensure that lives are saved."
The Belize Coast Guard has achieved a milestone with the successful certification of its first two dive instructors. The newly certified instructors recently completed an intensive instructor training program that lasted approximately two to three weeks. Rear Admiral Soberanis explained that the course was rigorous and highly demanding:
Six people were charged over the weekend for firearm offenses. One man was arrested in Dangriga, and five others - including a minor - were arrested in Belize City. ASP Smith gave us the details.
Tonight, we note the passing of a lion of the legal profession. Edmund Pennil was not a high court judge, or a senior counsel but he was a pillar of the justice system. He passed on Saturday and today a government press release called him "a truly iconic Belizean" saying he "served his country with distinction, demonstrating unwavering dedication, integrity, and commitment throughout his career in the Public Service. His contributions have left a lasting and indelible impact on the development of Belize, and his legacy will be remembered for generations."
Politics in Corozal has heated up a whole lot as 3 time mayor Rigo Vellos has now announced his slate for the 2027 Municipal elections. This comes just one week after newcomer Shajarie Rogers announced her slate.
And as for Belize City, the names of two presumed mayoral hopefuls have made their way to the forefront: Eluide Miller and Allan Pollard. Well, Usher says that he will not see the applications until June 19th but if both of them desire to contest for the mayoral seat, he's all for it.
