In a significant development, Belizean authorities have arrested 25-year-old Gian Eldred Waight, a construction worker from Cayo, in connection with the brutal murder of Canadian businesswoman Marty Ann Thorne. The arrest took place in Guatemala, where Waight was detained and subsequently handed over to Belizean police. Thorne, the cherished owner of Raw Spa Cabañas in Bullet Tree Falls, had been a long-time resident of Belize, deeply embedded in the local community. The shocking incident occurred one week prior to the arrest, leaving friends and neighbors in profound grief. Michael Waight, a neighbor and long-time friend of Thorne, expressed his devastation, recalling her as a kind and gentle soul who had no known enemies. ‘Ms. Thorne was a good person, very friendly, like family. I never saw her with enemies,’ he said. As the investigation continues, the motive behind the attack remains unclear, leaving those close to Thorne searching for answers.
分类： society
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Village Council Calls Out Alcalde in Growing Rift
The Indian Creek Village Council has escalated its concerns over a deepening rift with the village’s Alcalde, calling for an urgent meeting with Maya leaders to address the growing tensions. In a series of formal letters addressed to the Maya Leaders Alliance, the Toledo Alcalde Association (TAA), and DAVCO, Council Chairman Domingo Choc accused the Alcalde of acting unilaterally, undermining council decisions, and disseminating false information. Choc emphasized that the council could no longer tolerate such behavior, stating, ‘We can no longer operate with an Alcalde who is acting contrary to the decisions of the Village Council and who has presented false information against us as a governing body.’ The council also demanded a public apology following allegations made by the Alcalde during a recent public meeting, where he claimed the council was selling land to foreigners—a claim the council vehemently denies. The council described the accusations as ‘false and defamatory,’ noting that they have severely damaged the village’s reputation and eroded public trust. In its letter, the council warned that failure to address these issues promptly could result in legal action. To resolve the conflict, the Village Council has invited leaders from DAVCO, TAA, and the Maya Leaders Alliance to a community meeting scheduled for November 21 at the Indian Creek Community Centre.
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Police week 2025 continues with ‘Gospel Night’ tonight
The Commonwealth of Dominica Police Force (CDPF) is set to host ‘Gospel Night 2025’ this evening, marking a highlight of the ongoing ‘Police Week 2025’ festivities. The event will commence at 7:00 P.M. at the Police Headquarters, promising an evening of spiritual enrichment and communal unity. Organizers describe the night as an opportunity for attendees to experience a soul-lifting, atmosphere-shifting gathering filled with praise, worship, testimonies, and deliverance. The CDPF has extended an open invitation to the public, urging citizens to come together as one nation to glorify God. The event will feature performances by renowned gospel ministers, including Jerry Lloyd, the Hill Top Singers, and the Campbell Pentecostal Church (CPC), among others. Police Week 2025, themed ‘Serving with Pride, Protecting with Purpose,’ began on November 16 with a church service in Laplaine, followed by a Guard of Honour, an official opening ceremony, and an exhibition launch on November 17. The week-long celebration includes school visits, radio programs, exhibitions, and special events from November 18 to 21, culminating in a fitness festival, talent night on November 22, and an awards ceremony on November 23. According to the CDPF, these activities underscore their commitment to dedicated service and fostering stronger connections with the communities they serve.
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Crime, Corruption and Contraband at Corozal Free Zone
Opposition Leader Tracy Panton has issued a stark warning about escalating corruption, criminal influence, and fear within Belize’s Corozal Free Zone, urging immediate national attention. Panton emphasized that the situation poses a significant threat to Belizeans, particularly those in northern border communities who rely on the Zone for their livelihoods. She revealed that Mexican criminal elements, allegedly shielded by politically connected individuals, are now controlling operations within the Zone. These groups reportedly dictate cargo clearance processes, impose arbitrary fees, and create an atmosphere of fear among business owners and employees, who remain silent out of concern for their safety. Panton highlighted the prolonged delays in cargo processing, with containers left idle for weeks, driving up business costs. She criticized the lack of response from key government ministries and agencies, including the Ministry of Finance, Trade and Commerce, and Border Security, despite the growing crisis. Additionally, Panton raised alarms about the illegal movement of counterfeit cigarettes and illicit drugs, such as fentanyl, within the Zone and nearby border areas, warning of severe implications for Belize’s national security, financial integrity, and international reputation. She also noted that neighboring countries are closely monitoring the situation, potentially pressuring Belize’s Prime Minister and his allies to act.
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Social Lounge Denies Police Claim of On-Site Shooting
On the evening of November 18, 2025, police responded to reports of gunfire near the Phillip Goldson Highway, close to the popular nightlife venue, Social Lounge. Woodrow Reyes was arrested on charges of possessing a firearm while under the influence. Shell casings found at the scene were collected for forensic analysis to determine if the weapon in Reyes’ possession was used in the incident. Assistant Superintendent Stacy Smith detailed the events, stating that officers from Precinct Four conducted a vehicle search leading to Reyes’ arrest. Social Lounge management swiftly addressed media speculation, clarifying that the shooting occurred approximately 150 yards away on the public highway and did not involve their establishment. They emphasized that the venue remained safe and operational throughout the evening, with no disturbance reported on their premises. The incident has sparked discussions about public safety in the area, while authorities continue their investigation.
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France bestows highest national award on Surinamese medical doctor
In a prestigious ceremony held in Paramaribo, Suriname, Dr. Ruben del Prado, a distinguished medical practitioner, was awarded the title of “Knight of the Legion of Honor” by France. This accolade, the lowest rank in France’s highest civilian order, recognizes Dr. Del Prado’s exceptional contributions to medicine, the fight against AIDS and HIV, public health initiatives across continents, and his efforts to rejuvenate the Alliance Française in Suriname. The award was presented by French Ambassador Nicolas de Lacoste on behalf of President Emmanuel Macron, who personally endorsed the honor.
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Caesar’s Army head on PM’s stadia ban: The show must go on
The future of Carnival 2026 in Trinidad and Tobago remains uncertain as two major venues—the Hasely Crawford Stadium (HCS) and the Jean Pierre Complex—have been banned from hosting fetes for most of the season. Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar announced on November 18 that these venues will only be available for a nine-day window, from the Thursday before Carnival Monday to the Saturday after, with strict operating hours from 12 noon to 10 pm. This follows the earlier decision to prohibit events at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy (BLCA) in Tarouba. Persad-Bissessar emphasized the need to balance cultural traditions with community well-being, addressing concerns over noise pollution. The National Carnival Commission has been tasked with improving sound systems to mitigate noise issues. Promoters are now scrambling to find alternative venues, with some events likely to be canceled. Jules Sobion, a prominent event producer, remains optimistic, stressing the importance of delivering a memorable Carnival experience. Meanwhile, Woodbrook residents have expressed support for measures to control noise, advocating for coexistence with disciplined event planning.
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Evening of parang raises funds for San Fernando West toy drive
San Fernando West marked the beginning of the Christmas season with a vibrant celebration of music, culture, and community spirit. On November 14, the constituency hosted its first Christmas fundraiser under the patronage of MP and Education Minister Dr. Michael Dowlath at the Naparima Bowl. The event, aimed at supporting the annual Christmas toy drive, brought together patrons for an evening of live parang music, local cuisine, and festive camaraderie. Singer Joel John opened the night with nostalgic renditions of Christmas classics, setting a warm and cosy tone. The energy escalated with Fuego Caribeño, a parang band from Vistabella, whose fiery performance in vibrant red outfits electrified the stage. Their set included a Spanish twist on ‘Dance with Me,’ Scrunter’s soca parang hit ‘That Eh Working Here Tonight,’ and their award-winning ‘El Annuncio,’ culminating in a lively rendition of ‘La Bamba.’ Una Solo Voz followed, offering a contrasting elegance in black attire. Their performance, accompanied by the legendary Clarita Rivas on the cuatro, showcased the band’s versatility and captivated the audience. Amid the festivities, Dr. Dowlath honoured four distinguished constituents for their contributions to society, including Sabrina Mowlah-Baksh, Dr. Catherine Ali, Ivan Toolsie, and Dr. Jamwant Maharaj. The evening concluded with outdoor celebrations, featuring food stalls and continued music, fostering a sense of community and Christmas cheer while raising funds for the toy drive.
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Second man freed of Arouca businessman’s 2021 murder
In a significant legal development, Andrew Sutton, a Malabar resident accused of the 2021 murder of Arouca businessman Nicholas Mohith, has been acquitted by the High Court. Justice Nalini Singh delivered the verdict following a judge-only trial at the Hall of Justice in Port of Spain. Sutton had been charged with the fatal shooting of Mohith, who was killed at his business premises on March 11, 2021. The incident occurred when an unidentified gunman entered the establishment and shot Mohith before fleeing the scene. Another individual, Renaldo Thomas, was also charged in connection with the murder but was discharged earlier this year due to the prosecution’s failure to present sufficient evidence. Thomas’s case faced repeated delays due to the State’s non-compliance with disclosure requirements, leading to multiple adjournments. Ultimately, Master Sarah De Silva ruled that no further extensions would be granted, and with no evidence presented, Thomas was discharged under Section 24 of the Administration of Justice (Preliminary Inquiries) Act. Sutton was represented by attorneys Delicia Helwig-Robertson and Sara Julien, while the prosecution was led by Shervon Noriega and Cassie Bisram.
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Lt Commander Claudio Luces Smith urges youth to Never Give Up
Lt Commander Claudio Luces Smith, a 45-year-old Coast Guard officer and welfare officer for Trinidad and Tobago’s Defence Force, has dedicated over two decades to serving his nation and mentoring its youth. Known in the music industry as Naldinyo, Smith combines his passion for music with mentorship through his Never Give Up project, aiming to inspire young people to overcome challenges and make meaningful life choices. Growing up in Boyce Trace and Kernaham Trace, Chin Chin Cunupia, Smith’s early life was shaped by the values of hard work and discipline instilled by his parents. His journey from Madras Government Primary School to becoming head prefect at Presentation College, Chaguanas, laid the foundation for his unwavering determination. Smith’s career in the TT Defence Force began at 22, driven by a desire to serve his country. A pivotal moment came when he coordinated a life-saving medical evacuation, reinforcing his commitment to service. Beyond his military duties, Smith founded the Futuro Stars Football Academy and Youth Club in 2009, focusing on youth development. Recognizing the power of music, he launched the Never Give Up project, releasing five songs that blend mentorship with positive messaging. Smith’s work addresses critical issues faced by young men, including drug misuse, bullying, and mental health struggles. He emphasizes the importance of positive male role models in guiding youth toward better choices. As a father of four, Smith credits his family’s support and effective time management for balancing his responsibilities. On International Men’s Day, he encouraged young men to embrace determination and persistence, urging them to rise above setbacks and shape their destinies. Smith’s vision is to expand his initiative into schools and community programs, fostering self-belief and purpose among the youth. He also calls on society to celebrate and uplift positive male figures, whose stories can inspire the next generation.