标签： Belize

In a deeply emotional public statement, Dalia Vellos, 37, has opened up about the years of domestic abuse she endured, following the withdrawal of all charges against her niece, Christy Guzman. Guzman, 21, was cleared after new evidence revealed she acted in self-defense during a fatal altercation with Wilson Hernandez, Vellos’ abusive partner. The incident occurred when Hernandez was choking Vellos, and Guzman, holding a licensed firearm, shot him in a moment of panic, resulting in his death. The Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Javier Chan, confirmed the charges were dropped due to the lack of evidence contradicting the account. Vellos emphasized that the shooting was not premeditated but a desperate act of survival. She also shared graphic text messages from Hernandez, which included threats and demands for her to commit suicide. Vellos used her platform to shed light on the pervasive issue of domestic violence, urging victims to speak out and document their abuse. She condemned the public backlash against Guzman, stating, ‘It was never planned—it was survival.’ Her statement concluded with a powerful message to other survivors, encouraging them to seek help and break the cycle of silence.

In a significant legal development, 21-year-old Christy Guzman has been exonerated of all charges related to the manslaughter of Wilson Hernandez. The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) announced the withdrawal of charges on November 13, 2025, following the emergence of new evidence that fundamentally altered the case’s trajectory. Deputy DPP Javier Chan issued the directive on November 10 after reviewing the updated findings. The evidence revealed that Hernandez was assaulting his partner, Dalia Vellos, when Guzman, Vellos’s sister, intervened with a licensed firearm. The bullet, intended to disarm Hernandez, tragically struck his torso, resulting in his death. The incident, which occurred off-camera, left the DPP with no grounds to challenge the account, prompting the decision to drop the charges. Guzman, initially denied bail in September, was later granted conditional release in October, requiring her to report to the Belmopan Police Station biweekly and surrender her travel documents. The case stemmed from a domestic dispute on August 31, during which surveillance footage captured Vellos and Guzman handling the firearm prior to the fatal shot.

The Social Security Board (SSB) has announced a significant shift in its operations, moving all sickness benefit claims to a fully digital platform starting December 1st, 2025. This transition will require all claims to be submitted online through the My Social Security portal, marking the end of paper-based submissions for this benefit.

Vaessa Vellos, SSB’s Communications and PR Manager, explained that the decision follows nearly a year of internal testing and user feedback. ‘We believe the system is now robust enough to take this next step in our journey towards full online submission for sickness benefit claims,’ Vellos stated.

Previously, the process involved manual form filling, visits to HR departments, doctor consultations, and in-person document submissions. The new system streamlines this by allowing employees, employers, and doctors to complete their portions of the claim electronically. ‘Now, you control the narrative. With your portal account, you can handle all aspects of the claim online,’ Vellos added.

The SSB aims to process and pay sickness benefits within three business days under the new system. ‘Isn’t their time more valuable than standing in line?’ Vellos remarked.

For those less comfortable with technology, Vellos assured that customer service agents are available to assist with navigating the portal. The board currently processes approximately 5,600 sickness claims each month, with over 70,000 users already registered on the portal. SSB also plans to move retirement and maternity benefits online in the near future.

The Joseph Budna abduction case, which began with a Facebook Live broadcast on August 22, 2025, has escalated into an international scandal, revealing significant flaws in law enforcement. Budna, known for his outspoken social media presence, went live from Orange Walk Town, directly in front of the police station, before being abducted by three men and forced into a sky-blue SUV. Witnesses reported the incident occurred just steps away from the station. The following day, photos emerged from Guatemala showing Budna in custody, raising questions about how he was transported across the border so swiftly. In a leaked audio clip, Budna claimed that masked men, allegedly police officers, assaulted him, taped his mouth, and transported him to Arenal Village. Three weeks later, no suspects have been arrested, and the investigation has been plagued by missing surveillance footage, incomplete reports, and growing public outrage. Prime Minister Briceño criticized the initial police report as ‘unsatisfactory,’ leading to Commissioner Rosado being placed on leave amid suspicions of police involvement. The case file has now been handed to Director of Public Prosecutions Cheryl-Lynn Vidal, who described it as ‘less than nothing,’ indicating significant deficiencies. The DPP’s office is currently reviewing the file, but no arrests are imminent, leaving the public with more questions than answers.

In a tragic incident that shook the community, Police Constable Arcenio Cus, a 38-year-old veteran officer with nearly two decades of service, lost his life in a hit-and-run accident on July 28, 2025. The incident occurred on the Philip Goldson Highway near Mile Six, as Cus was returning home to Belize City after completing his shift at the Ladyville Police Station. Riding his motorcycle, he was struck by a black vehicle that fled the scene without stopping. Despite being rushed to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH), Cus succumbed to his injuries shortly after arrival. More than three months later, a significant breakthrough emerged in the case. On November 11, 2025, Khris Rosado, a 34-year-old prominent DJ and businessman, was formally charged with Manslaughter by Negligence, Causing Death by Careless Conduct, and Failing to Stop and Report an Accident. Rosado had voluntarily surrendered to authorities the day after the crash. Known for his contributions to the music and business sectors, Rosado now faces serious legal repercussions. Cus, remembered as the ‘Most Outstanding Field Training Officer,’ leaves behind a legacy of dedication and service. The case has drawn widespread attention, highlighting the need for accountability and justice in such devastating incidents.