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  • Pablo Catzim Sentenced to 14 Years for the Murder of Bobby Garcia

    Pablo Catzim Sentenced to 14 Years for the Murder of Bobby Garcia

    In a landmark ruling from the High Court in Belmopan, Pablo Catzim has been sentenced to 14 years imprisonment for the 2018 homicide of 19-year-old Bobby Garcia. The court deducted nearly seven and a half years for time already served in remand since the offense occurred when Catzim was just 15 years old.

    The judicial proceedings revealed that Catzim pleaded guilty to the murder charges and demonstrated remorse for his actions. Defense attorney Bryan Neal emphasized his client’s rehabilitation during incarceration, noting completion of multiple prison programs and potential for societal reintegration. “He has shown himself to be someone who, if reintroduced into society, can be a productive member,” Neal stated in post-sentencing remarks.

    Under special provisions for offenders below age 16, the court will conduct a mandatory review in three years to evaluate Catzim’s eligibility for early release. The prosecution, led by Director of Public Prosecutions Cheryl-Lynn Vidal, acknowledged this unusual sentencing structure that balances punishment with rehabilitation considerations.

    Neal further disclosed that Catzim had formally apologized to Garcia’s parents and expressed contrition to society at large. The defense attorney characterized the sentence as acknowledging both the gravity of the crime and the defendant’s acceptance of responsibility, stating “Everybody deserves a second chance” in comments to press representatives.

  • Family identifies body of teenager in Barre Denis

    Family identifies body of teenager in Barre Denis

    A grim discovery shook the community of Barre Denis in southern Castries on Friday morning when the body of 19-year-old Ziquan ‘Xavi’ Hippolyte was identified by family members. The young man was found deceased near a residential property and a local preschool, lying in a substantial pool of blood with what appeared to be a gunshot wound to the head.

    According to residents, multiple gunshots were heard in the area around 8:00 PM on Thursday evening, suggesting the violent incident occurred hours before the discovery. The crime scene’s proximity to both homes and an educational facility has heightened concerns about community safety.

    The body was initially spotted by a young resident preparing for school. His grandmother, who wished to remain anonymous, described the traumatic moment to reporters: ‘While preparing breakfast for my husband, my grandson approached me and said, ‘Mama, look, you have a dead body by the house.” Initially skeptical, the woman investigated further and encountered the horrifying scene firsthand, prompting her to scream for assistance.

    Preschool teachers from the adjacent educational facility responded to her distress calls and immediately contacted local law enforcement. Police secured the area and launched an investigation, though authorities have released limited information about potential suspects or motives at this early stage.

    The tragic death of Hippolyte has reverberated through the close-knit community, raising questions about public safety and youth violence. As investigations continue, residents await further details from law enforcement regarding this disturbing incident that has left both adults and children traumatized.

  • Huanna Leon marks 38th birthday with Triple Peak Misogi Challenge

    Huanna Leon marks 38th birthday with Triple Peak Misogi Challenge

    In an extraordinary display of endurance and personal determination, Huanna Leon of Saint Lucia marked her 38th birthday by leading a seven-member team on a grueling triple mountain ascent. On February 8, 2026, the group successfully scaled the island’s three most prominent peaks—Mount Gimie, Gros Piton, and Petit Piton—in a single day under the lighthearted theme ‘Three Peaks We Ate.’

    The expedition team comprised three women, three men, and an 11-year-old boy, many of whom had previously joined Leon in last year’s dual Piton climb. This ambitious undertaking represents Leon’s personal interpretation of the Misogi challenge, an ancient Japanese Shinto purification ritual reimagined as an annual voluntary test of physical and mental limits.

    In an exclusive interview with St. Lucia Times, Leon revealed her motivation: ‘The Triple Peak represented taking on the ultimate physical challenge and proving to myself that I’m capable.’ Despite completing the monumental feat just two days before her actual birthday, Leon returned to work that Monday, noting only mild fatigue among all participants. Remarkably, one team member even ascended Piton Flore the following Tuesday.

    The meticulously timed expedition began at 4:30 AM with Petit Piton (completed by 7:47 AM), continued with Mount Gimie (8:49 AM-1:43 PM), and concluded with Gros Piton (3:17 PM-7:11 PM). Leon, a mother of two, emphasized the importance of prioritizing joyful experiences despite busy schedules: ‘Life is hard, but it makes no sense to always be busy without enjoying new experiences. Imagine your 85-year-old self looking back—would they think your current life is cool?’

    The avid hiker has embraced Misogi as an annual birthday tradition that sets a positive tone for her year, providing both a sense of accomplishment and unique conversational material. Her story stands as an inspiration for finding meaningful challenges that push personal boundaries while maintaining life’s essential joy and adventure.

  • Antigua & Barbuda: Disciplinary hearing held to examine complaints against Dominican psychiatrist Dr Griffin

    Antigua & Barbuda: Disciplinary hearing held to examine complaints against Dominican psychiatrist Dr Griffin

    A disciplinary proceeding against Dr. Griffin Benjamin, Director of Clarevue Psychiatric Hospital, commenced on Thursday amid serious allegations concerning his professional conduct. The hearing, which follows a formal complaint received by the Ministry of Health, seeks to determine whether Dr. Benjamin breached regulations during his tenure.

    Dr. Benjamin, a Dominican national, was placed on administrative leave with full salary pending investigation. Legal representatives, including Attorney Radford Hill and his daughter, are defending the psychiatrist throughout the proceedings.

    The case centers on the August 2025 admission and treatment of an American student from the American University of Antigua who was ordered to undergo a 14-day mandatory hold at Clarevue after exhibiting mental health challenges. The patient was discharged after 12 days.

    Health Minister Sir Molwyn Joseph confirmed the matter has entered legal jurisdiction, preventing the ministry from disclosing findings from its internal investigation. “The Ministry of Health takes seriously the conduct of all health care individuals,” Joseph stated, emphasizing the need to respect the ongoing legal process.

    According to documents obtained by Antigua.News, Dr. Benjamin received stringent restrictions during his leave, including prohibitions on performing official duties, accessing government health facilities or records, and traveling outside Antigua and Barbuda without written authorization.

    Central to the allegations is the administration of a long-acting injectable antipsychotic medication not listed on the government formulary and allegedly procured outside official channels. Reports indicate patients were charged $150 for the drug through unofficial mechanisms. However, sources familiar with regional medical practices note that the medication has been routinely used throughout Antigua and the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), appearing on multiple regional formularies—raising questions about procurement protocols and institutional oversight.

    The Ministry maintains that these measures are precautionary and do not imply wrongdoing, characterizing the process as strictly fact-finding.

  • Hesse and Gobat Address Alfa Nero Brokerage Agreement

    Hesse and Gobat Address Alfa Nero Brokerage Agreement

    In a significant development concerning the high-profile sale of the superyacht Alfa Nero, brokers John Hesse and Rupert Gobat have formally addressed the terms of their brokerage agreement. The clarification comes amidst ongoing legal and financial scrutiny surrounding the vessel, which was seized and auctioned by the Antiguan government.

    The brokers emphasized that their contractual arrangement was structured on a success-fee basis, meaning compensation was contingent solely upon the successful completion of the yacht’s sale. This statement appears to counter any speculation of guaranteed payments or retainers unrelated to the transaction’s finalization.

    Background investigations reveal the Alfa Nero became embroiled in international sanctions, leading to its abandonment in Antiguan waters. Its subsequent government-led auction was intended to settle outstanding debts, including crew wages and port fees. The involvement of high-caliber brokers like Hesse and Gobat underscores the complex asset valuation and diplomatic sensitivities inherent in selling a sanctioned luxury asset.

    The brokers’ disclosure highlights the financial risks undertaken by professionals dealing with seized assets, where payment is inherently tied to the resolution of often protracted legal and political proceedings. This case sets a notable precedent for brokerage engagements in the high-stakes maritime industry, particularly for vessels impacted by global sanctions regimes.

  • Loonreeksen rechters lopen op tot ruim SRD 600.000 per maand

    Loonreeksen rechters lopen op tot ruim SRD 600.000 per maand

    Suriname has implemented a comprehensive salary restructuring for judicial officials that has ignited significant public and political discourse. The new compensation framework, formally established through Court of Justice President’s directive on July 14, 2025, and detailed in State Decree No. 104 of 2025, creates a remuneration system where judiciary members now earn substantially more than the country’s president.

    The compensation structure, jointly endorsed on September 3 by Court President Iwan Rasoelbaks and Interior Minister Marinus Bee—who previously served as Assembly Speaker when the legislation passed in November 2024—introduces progressive salary scales with periodic 5% annual increments extending through 35 years of service.

    According to the decree’s annex, the President of the Court of Justice will receive a starting monthly salary of SRD 123,845, potentially reaching over SRD 600,000 at maximum scale. The Vice President’s compensation begins at SRD 105,289 (85% of presidential scale) with ceiling earnings exceeding SRD 510,000. Judges commence between SRD 48,000-65,000 monthly (50-55% scale) with maximum potential earnings of SRD 250,000-300,000, while junior/senior category members start at SRD 76,000-96,000 (62-70% scale) rising to approximately SRD 430,000.

    The substantial increases have prompted scrutiny from legislators including NPS assembly member Poetini Atompai, who has raised concerns regarding proportionality, reasonableness, and budgetary implications. Critical questions have emerged about gross salaries per position, total monthly state expenditures, comparative compensation with other government officials, and pre-adjustment compensation levels.

    Further attention emerged through Eugène van der San’s disclosure of the Prosecutor General’s remuneration documents, generating additional public inquiry about overall income structures within the judiciary. The legal foundation rests upon the amended Judicial Remuneration Act passed in November 2024, supplemented by the Court President’s July 2025 directive and the September State Decree.

  • NODS Activates Emergency Response Following Landfill Contaminant Flow into Hermitage Bay

    NODS Activates Emergency Response Following Landfill Contaminant Flow into Hermitage Bay

    Authorities in Antigua and Barbuda have initiated a comprehensive emergency protocol following the confirmed leakage of contaminants from the Cooks Sanitary Landfill into Hermitage Bay. The incident, first reported on the morning of Thursday, February 12th, 2026, by the Antigua Port Authority’s Pilot Station, has triggered a multi-agency response coordinated by the National Office of Disaster Services (NODS).

    In accordance with the National Marine Pollution Manual, the Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force (ABDF) Coast Guard and personnel from the West Indies Oil Company (WIOC) were immediately dispatched to conduct a preliminary assessment of the situation. This was followed by extensive surveillance operations carried out by a coalition of agencies, including the Central Board of Health and the National Solid Waste Management Authority.

    A convening of the Marine Pollution Committee on Friday confirmed the initial reports, identifying a definitive flow of pollutants from the landfill site migrating towards the coastal waters of Hermitage Bay. In response, NODS has partially activated the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) to oversee the mitigation efforts.

    Remedial actions are now underway, focusing on the urgent containment of the contaminant spread and the initiation of rigorous water quality testing. Specialized equipment has been mobilized to the site to support these operations. As a precaution, public access and activities have been strictly prohibited in the affected maritime zone, stretching from Seaforth Beach to Pinching Bay. This restriction explicitly bans all fishing and recreational pursuits in the area indefinitely. Officials have committed to providing the public with ongoing updates as the situation develops.

  • Government Blocks New Sand and Gravel Digging Sites on North Stann Creek River

    Government Blocks New Sand and Gravel Digging Sites on North Stann Creek River

    In a significant environmental policy shift, the Belizean government has imposed a comprehensive moratorium on all new sand and gravel extraction operations along the North Stann Creek River for the 2026 operational year. The decisive action emerged from cabinet-level deliberations that concluded current mining practices demand more stringent regulatory oversight and environmental safeguards.

    The policy suspension follows sustained advocacy from Dangriga Town communities whose daily subsistence and agricultural activities depend on the river’s ecological health. Local residents have documented substantial environmental degradation including aquatic habitat destruction, accelerated riverbank erosion, and increased flooding incidents that directly impact farming operations. These concerns were instrumental in prompting governmental reassessment of extraction permits.

    Rather than approving new mining sites, environmental authorities will conduct a comprehensive technical evaluation during Q2 2026. This scientific assessment will focus on analyzing existing sandbar structures to determine sustainable extraction thresholds and establish scientifically-grounded limits for material removal. The study aims to balance economic necessities with ecological preservation, ensuring any future extraction occurs within rigorously defined environmental parameters.

    This regulatory pause represents a notable victory for environmental advocates and local communities who have long emphasized the conflict between commercial extraction activities and river ecosystem conservation. The government’s decision signals increased acknowledgment of the interconnectedness between watershed management, community welfare, and long-term environmental sustainability.

  • Single Mother Wins $20,000 on Scratch and Win

    Single Mother Wins $20,000 on Scratch and Win

    A Belize City resident and single mother of two has transformed her Valentine’s weekend into an extraordinary celebration following a monumental $20,000 lottery victory. The fortuitous event occurred when the 42-year-old woman, a regular participant in the Scratch and Win games, purchased her usual tickets.

    Disclosing her consistent playing habits, the winner revealed she allocates between fifty to one hundred dollars nightly towards lottery tickets. The life-changing moment unfolded at her residence after 10 PM, where the routine act of scratching tickets yielded an astonishing result. “I realized that I was a winner,” she recounted, describing the immediate shock and subsequent joy.

    The emotional impact of her windfall was profoundly felt the next morning when her son embraced her and offered congratulations. She characterized the entire experience as “my blessing,” highlighting the personal significance beyond the financial gain.

    Regarding future plans, the fortunate mother outlined clear objectives for her winnings. Primary goals include residential construction and business expansion, indicating strategic allocation of the funds toward long-term stability and entrepreneurial growth for her family.

  • Single Mother Wins $10,000 on Scratch and Win

    Single Mother Wins $10,000 on Scratch and Win

    In a heartwarming Valentine’s weekend turn of fortune, a 42-year-old single mother from Belize City has claimed a life-changing $10,000 prize from a Scratch and Win lottery ticket. The dedicated mother of two, who has maintained a consistent lottery purchasing habit, described the moment as a profound blessing for her family.

    The winner, whose identity remains confidential, revealed her regular practice of purchasing tickets nightly with expenditures ranging between $50 to $100. Her persistence culminated in a triumphant discovery on Friday evening when, after returning home from her routine purchase, she uncovered the substantial win while scratching her tickets after 10 PM.

    “The realization was overwhelming,” the emotional mother recounted. “This morning, I embraced my son who offered his heartfelt congratulations. This victory represents more than just money—it’s a validation of my efforts and a blessing for our family’s future.”

    The fortunate winner has already outlined practical plans for her windfall, prioritizing housing security and business expansion. “My primary objectives involve constructing a proper home and investing in my entrepreneurial endeavors,” she stated, envisioning the transformative impact this financial boost will have on her family’s stability and prosperity.

    This story emerges as an inspirational narrative within Belize’s gaming community, demonstrating how perseverance and hope can occasionally yield extraordinary rewards that extend beyond mere financial gain to create lasting positive change.