分类： society

The tragic death of 61-year-old Dawn Bernard has left her family in profound grief, as they grapple with the shocking circumstances surrounding her passing. Bernard succumbed to her injuries on November 17, a week after being found with severe burns on Lakeview Street on November 10. Her cousin, Suzette Marsden, emotionally recounted their close bond, describing Bernard as more of a sister than a relative. Marsden revealed that she had often advised Bernard to move on from a troubled relationship, emphasizing that life offers new opportunities beyond past heartbreaks. The family remains in disbelief, as they never anticipated such a devastating outcome. Police are actively investigating the case, which initially involved charges of attempted murder and use of deadly means of harm against Bernard’s common-law husband, 35-year-old Frederick Wagner. Authorities have indicated that if a pending post-mortem examination confirms her death resulted from the injuries sustained, Wagner’s charges will be upgraded to murder. This case underscores the grim reality of domestic violence, as police confirmed Bernard had previously filed a report against Wagner in 2018, though no further complaints were made thereafter.

In a significant development for Belize, the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) has approved a 13.5% increase in the Mean Water Rate (MWR) for Belize Water Services Limited (BWSL), effective next year. This adjustment, though lower than the 20% hike initially proposed by BWSL, will lead to an approximate 5.5% rise in customers’ monthly water bills. The PUC emphasized that the new pricing structure aims to ensure fairness, particularly for low-consumption households. Notably, the current flat rate of $8.72 for usage up to 1,000 gallons will be replaced with a per-gallon charge, marking a shift toward more equitable billing practices. Additionally, the PUC has greenlit a $130 million capital investment program designed to upgrade infrastructure, enhance water production, improve energy efficiency, and bolster security measures. A further $20 million has been allocated to expand water production and storage facilities in Placencia, Caye Caulker, and San Pedro, addressing the demands of growing populations. BWSL has also been authorized to increase contributions for water main extensions, with caps set at $6,000 on the mainland and $10,000 on the islands. While household water bills will see an uptick, the PUC has opted not to raise other administrative fees. Commercial water use, however, remains under the jurisdiction of the National Integration Water Resources Authority (NIWRA) and was not addressed in this decision. These changes follow a comprehensive review of BWSL’s 2026 Full Tariff Review Proceedings, which included public consultations and rigorous assessments of technical and financial data.

In a significant development along Belize’s northern border, the Belize Coast Guard has intercepted a large quantity of contraband goods near the Corozal Free Zone. Rear Admiral Elton Bennett, Commandant of the Belize Coast Guard, revealed exclusive details about the operation in an interview with News Five. Bennett highlighted the increasing challenges in the northern region, particularly along the Rio Hondo River, which serves as a boundary between Belize and Mexico. He emphasized the Coast Guard’s intensified efforts in the area, culminating in a major seizure on October 12. The contraband, discovered on the Belizean riverbank, was believed to be en route to Mexico. Despite the successful operation, no suspects were apprehended as they fled the scene. The seized items were promptly handed over to the Police and Customs Departments under the supervision of a Justice of the Peace. Bennett expressed concerns about the movement of goods in and out of the Corozal Free Zone, noting that the Coast Guard’s jurisdiction does not extend within the Free Zone itself. He speculated that the contraband originated from the Free Zone, raising questions about its security dynamics. The incident has drawn sharp criticism from Leader of the Opposition Tracy Panton, who called for urgent action to address what she described as rampant corruption and criminal influence in the Free Zone. Panton warned that Mexican criminal elements, allegedly supported by politically connected individuals, were controlling operations, including the clearance of goods and the imposition of illicit fees. She highlighted a pervasive culture of fear among business owners and employees, who remain silent due to intimidation. Panton stressed that illegal activities, such as drug trafficking and counterfeit cigarette trade, pose a direct threat to national security and Belize’s international reputation. The seizure underscores the pressing need for enhanced oversight and security measures in the region.

In a significant legal development, the Belize City Magistrates Court dismissed charges against Nicaraguan doctor Carlos Saborio Coze, 51, on November 17, 2025. Coze had been accused of administering a noxious substance to a Venezuelan nurse at Little John’s Restaurant on November 13, 2024. The nurse claimed to have seen surveillance footage suggesting Coze tampered with his unattended drink and later experienced a loss of awareness until December 2. However, the Chief Magistrate upheld a no-case submission by Coze’s attorney, Richard “Dickie” Bradley, citing critical gaps in the prosecution’s case. Bradley highlighted the absence of immediate medical tests and the lack of evidence linking Coze to the alleged act. The court ruled that the prosecution failed to meet the legal threshold required to proceed with the trial, leading to the dismissal of all charges.

Residents of Santa Cruz, Santa Elena, in the Cayo District are voicing urgent concerns over a hazardous lamp post that poses a significant risk to the community. Elihu Yacab, a local representative, revealed that residents have repeatedly alerted him about the unstable structure, which he highlighted in a live video. Despite these efforts, no remedial action has been taken. Yacab emphasized, “The lamp post is in a precarious state and could collapse at any moment. Immediate intervention is crucial to avert a potential disaster.” Mayor Earl Trapp of San Ignacio/Santa Elena acknowledged the issue, stating that he has escalated the matter to the relevant authorities and will provide updates. Stella Armstrong, a community member, pointed out that the soil surrounding the lamp post has been eroding for the past two years, further exacerbating the danger. She expressed particular concern for the nearby Santa Cruz Primary School, located just 75 yards away, as the lamp post stands at a key access point to the school. Despite the growing alarm, authorities have yet to implement any visible measures to secure the post, leaving residents anxious and frustrated.