A resident of Northern Ambergris Caye detailed her experience in which she, along with her children, were a victim of a home invasion where they were terrorized and their belongings stolen. While her son was not physically harmed, he remains traumatized and concerned for his safety after he was attacked by the intruders. “Already I have no faith in the system. I am not seeing the police presence in the way they should be,” expressed the very emotional resident who asked to remain anonymous. The child who was present also gave an emotional account of the incident and told the Officer Commanding the San Pedro Police Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Vienie Robinson  that while he can clearly recognize his attacker, “I am afraid that he comes back after me when he gets out of jail.”

Business people who have been the victims of burglaries of late, also expressed their frustration in the way the Police Department is addressing and investigating their cases. “The police know who are committing these crimes, we all know who are committing these crimes, however these people are still out,” said Julian Rivero, a sentiment that was echoed by many others at the meeting. According to the affected business owners and other concerned residents, it appears as is if the police are not giving the issues much attention and it has now become a growing problem that is beginning to “plague” the community. “We simply do not feel safe anymore!” expressed the victims.

The residents also expressed serious concerns about the issue of children being used as part of the crime ring, some of whom are believed to be selling drugs. Serious concerns were also raised about underage children being out late at night and even sold alcohol. The issue of stores opening late till the wee hours of the morning to facilitate the sale of alcohol to the public was also raised. Concerns also centered on the large number of vagabonds and unemployed people harassing tourists for money or offering them drugs, thus contributing to the spike in crime especially during the slow season.

But for ASP Robinson the issue of crime “is real” but equally “real,” is the lack of resources which is clearly “a challenge,” that she is faced with. San Pedro Police has a total of 36 officers to run an island with a population of about 20 thousands. The SP Police Department runs on a three-shift rotation with nine officers per shift. The remaining officers are in charge of ensuring that the day to day operations of the Police Department continues. According to ASP Robinson, within her two months of taking over the SP Department, she has seen the urgent concerns and as such is moving swiftly to get the community engaged. “Already we have trained 27 Special Constables, which we hope will help us to alleviate some of the crime situation,” said ASP Robinson. Speaking on the loss of public confidence, she stated, “Since taking responsibility of this area, I have been working to curb the public perception of the Police Department, but the truth of the matter is that the community simply refuses to be cooperative.” Commenting on the issue of the sale of alcohol up to the wee hours of the morning by certain store owners, ASP Robinson said “it seems that alcohol is the order of the day in San Pedro. I have never seen a community like this in my 25 years of career of service.”  She explained that the community refuses to report those store owners that open late at night because the store owners supply some of the same community members with alcohol late at night.

As for kids being on the street late at night, ASP Robinson explained that already there is dialogue and the proper steps are being taken to propose a curfew for underage children on Ambergris Caye. As for the suggestion to have unemployed people be take off the island, ASP Robinson made it absolutely clear, that as per the constitution, no Belizean can be deprived to move freely within the territory of Belize of which she reminded Ambergris Caye is a part of.

In addressing the issue of “unsolved crime” ASP Robinson explained that the community seems “uncooperative,” with the police during investigations. “We cannot base our investigation on hearsay. We are asking the community who knows about these crimes to come forward and give a statement. We need something to act on and bring these criminals to justice. And if we have the necessary information to investigate your case and you are still not getting the help you need, then you can request to see me. I will ensure that we follow up with your case and that we get to the bottom of it,” assured ASP Robinson. She also promised to personally follow up on the allegations that items recovered as part of the investigation have gone missing from the Police Department. “I heard that such things were happening previous to my post here. I want to assure you that I will not tolerate this from anyone of my officers,” stated ASP Robinson who promised to look into the matter.

What makes it even worse for the SP Police Department is that two of its vehicles are no working making it difficult to conduct mobile patrol as efficient as the Department would want. During the meeting, the SPTC promised to donate a vehicle to the Police Department along with new hand radios that will help them respond to reports in a timelier manner. ASP Robinson strongly encouraged stakeholders to come together and to restart the neighborhood watch groups in the different areas. The meeting ended with a strong commitment from both the Police Department and the SPTCC to work together and to seek an audition with the Minister of Police Hon. John Saldivar to see what can be done to address the issues promptly.

There will be more boots on the ground conducting patrols along with the police after 27 islanders were sworn-in as Special Constables. The swearing in took place after the completion of two days of training on Saturday May 12^th and Sunday May 13^th upstairs of Fido’s Restaurant. The training of the Special Constables was conducted by Inspector Gerald Jones and Corporal Johnny Tun, both instructors at the Police Academy in Belmopan.

The Special Constables received training in areas such as The Constitution of Belize, Justifiable force and harm, Powers of Arrest, Beat and Patrol, Searching of Suspects, Methods of Arrest, Station Diary and Giving Evidence in Court. According to Officer Commanding the San Pedro Police Formation Assistant Superintendent of Police Vienie Robinson, the newly sworn Special Constables will conduct voluntary duties in foot patrols, diary entry, follow up from front desk inquiry made by members of the public, assist with special events, assist in natural disaster, boat and traffic patrol along with other minor duties. “It is very important for you to know and understand that all information that you are privy to while assisting the police is confidential,” cautioned ASP Robinson in addressing the Special Constables. She added that, “You are now sworn in to help in enforcing the laws and as such must conduct yourself differently. The Police Department will not tolerate any wrong doing from you and the minute you are found involved in wrong doings, we will release you from being a Special Constable.” ASP Robinson also cautioned the Special Constables and asked them to be extra vigilant of rogue officers and to distance themselves from dishonest activities.

At hand to issue the certificates of completion was Councilor Wally Nunez Jr. whose responsibility is to work with the Police Department on the island. In addressing the 27 Special Constables, Councilor Nunez encouraged them to “get more involved in the community and work along with the police for a better San Pedro.” He also congratulated them and asked them to “be the best” they can.

ASP Robinson explained to the Special Constables that while they have the “Power of Arrest,” it is limited only to Ambergris Caye.  The group of Special Constables will be lead by Special Constables Brian Cook and Daniel Jones and will meet monthly. The group will be part of regular ongoing trainings in San Pedro. Special Constables who report to duty will work along with a Police Officer and will have a T-Shirt issued by the Police Department clearly indicating “Special Constable” along with the Police Emblem. All Special Constables will be required to work a minimum of four hours weekly to remain active. With the addition of 27 new Special Constables, it is expected that there will be more boots on the ground to conduct patrols resulting in less crime.

On Friday May 11, 2012 the Gang Suppression Unit arrested and charged Matilda Victoria GARNETT, Public Officer and Rodwell RICHARDS, former Police Corporal, both of Belize City, for “attempting to corrupt an officer“.

On Saturday May 12, 2012, Darius MARTINEZ, a 42 year old Belizean Police Corporal of 15 Riverside Street, Orange Walk Town, attached to the Faber’s Road Precinct, Belize City, was charged with the same offence.

The charge arises from two calls placed by MARTINEZ from his personal cellular telephone to a member of the Gang Suppression Unit the previous day (Friday May 11,2012).

During the first call made early in the afternoon, MARTINEZ, who is well known to the officer whom he called, said that he was assisting INTERPOL and 922 TIPS with an investigation on McAfee and was interested in information contained in a diary found during the search executed at John McAfee’s residence in Orange Walk. He placed another call to the same officer later that day and insisted on getting information, saying that he wanted to help “the millionaire McAfee”, “a friend” and that the officer could “make money” once the officer assisted in providing certain information and if the officer “watched” the Unit on his behalf.

A Warrant for the apprehension of MARTINEZ was then obtained.

When the Unit attempted to execute the Warrant at his home in Orange Walk, his wife said that MARTINEZ was already expecting the GSU but was not at home and had left for work at 10:00 am to Belize City. He was later located by the GSU around 9:30 pm in Belmopan and has since been arrested and charged for attempting to corrupt an officer, resisting arrest and using obscene language.

On Monday April 30, 2012, the Gang Suppression Unit conducted an operation at the premises of John McAfee in Orange Walk which resulted in the arrest of three security guards and ongoing investigation on an alleged antibiotics laboratory.

One week later, on May 7, 2012 Matilda Victoria GARNETT, Belizean 44 years Second Class clerk of 159 Kut Avenue, Belize city and employed by the Government of Belize at the Vital Statistics Unit contacted a member of the GSU and insisted that he socialize with her. When the encounter took place, GARNETT, claiming that she was acting on behalf of McAfee proposed to the officer that if he would provide her with reports on the operations of the GSU as they related to McAfee, he would be “handled” well. The officer reported the matter to the OC GSU and a sting operation was conducted the following day.

During that meeting, GARNETT went as far that day as introducing the officer to another person who she said was one of McAfee’s “right hands” to meet the officer. That person, Rodwell RICHARDS, 40 years Belizean “Security Consultant” and Assistant Manager at Benny’s of 6678 Sunflower Street, Belize City and 8 Miles Western Highway made the same offer to the officer and went as far as giving him $200.00 with a promise of being “well taken care of” once he kept them informed. Earlier this evening GARNETT was taken into custody and charged with “attempting to corrupt an officer”. RICHARDS was just arrested and will likewise be charged for the same offence.

According to GARNETT and RICHARDS, McAfee had become paranoid since the GSU raid and was since living in fear that the GSU would visit him again, so he wanted a “heads up”.

Boco-T; photo by AmbergrisCaye.com

A Press Release sent out to the media today confirms that Kevin Kelly (aka. Boco-T) did not die of natural causes. After a second autopsy was performed on Kelly to clear up any ambiguities, the performing medical physician concurred with the finding of the first autopsy dispelling the idea that Boco-T’s death was accidental. This has led to all of the officers mentioned in the case to be suspended from duties awaiting the result of an internal criminal investigation.

The Press Release is a follows:

As part of the ongoing investigations into the circumstances surrounding the death of Kevin Kelly on Tuesday 8th May, 2012 Dr. Mario Estradabran conducted a post mortem examination, where at the conclusion he certified the cause of death to be Hypervolemic shock due to internal bleeding, due to multiple abdominal trauma, due to blunt instrument type.

To clear up all ambiguities a second opinion was sought, where Dr. Hugh Sanchez on 9th May 2012, between the hours of 6:00pm and 8:45pm conducted a second post mortem on the body of Kevin Kelly.  At the conclusion of the examination, Dr. Sanchez’ findings were conclusive to those of Dr. Estradabran’s, hence supporting the original post mortem results.

The Commissioner of Police Mr. David Henderson has immediately interdicted from active Police duties all those officers whose names have been mentioned in this investigation.  The criminal and internal investigations continue into the death of Kevin Kelly.

Sgt. Fitzroy Yearwood, Police Press Office

John McAfee demands an apology for GSU raid

John McAfee, the inventor of the McAfee AntiVirus Scan demands an apology from the Government of Belize after members of the Gang Suppression Unit (GSU) stormed into his estate located on the outskirts of Orange Walk Town. The 66 year old expatriate was the subject of an aggressive search and 14-hour long detention by police that eventually required US Embassy intervention to secure his release.

A video of the entire interview with McAfee can be found at the end of this article…

The wealthy US investor, who moved to Belize in 2008 and spends his time between homes in San Pedro and Orange Walk, says that not only was he a victim of an aggressive search but his doors were busted open despite being unlocked. In an exclusive interview with The San Pedro Sun on May 9^th, McAfee recalled that sometime around 6AM on Monday, April 30^th, GSU personnel descended on the mainland property, namely the Belize Ecological Foundation Limited, located next to the Tower Hill Bridge in Carmelita Village, Orange Walk District. After the GSU officers entered his estate, McAfee said that his dog, Caramelo, was shot and killed. Thereafter, the men broke down doors and ransacked the nine houses on the compound. “I was awakened by a commotion; megaphones and dogs barking and people yelling. I went outside and saw a lot of soldieries in attack formation coming down the driveway with automatic weapons,” said McAfee.

According to Police, present at the time of the search were John McAfee, his 17-year-old Belizean girlfriend, four security guards, 33 year old Emerson Michael who claimed to be the Chief of Security, 23 year old Emerson Dominguez, 46 year old Austin Allen and 23 year old Tyron Morales who are all Belizean nationals. Also present was Michael’s common-law wife Princesa Ericson. McAfee explained however, that he was handcuffed with 14 other people for over 14 hours.

While McAfee said they showed him a search warrant, he did not get a chance to read it. Police claim that during the search ten firearms were found. The firearms were seven 12 gauge pump action shotguns (one of which had a scope), one 12 gauge single action shotgun, one Taurus 9mm pistol and one 9mm CZ pistol. Five air rifles with scopes resembling sniper rifles that use 6.26 mm slugs were also found along with two hundred and seventy 12 gauge cartridges, thirty 9mm rounds and twenty .38 rounds. According to McAfee, the firearms belong to the security company his business owns.

The GSU reports that all the firearms and rounds of ammunition were scattered over the premises including inside the vehicles and houses that were unoccupied. According to the GSU, McAfee produced a company firearm license for all the weapons and ammunition with the exception of one firearm that is licensed to Tyron Morales and a 9mm CZ pistol with serial number A796245.

The report further stated that McAfee could not provide a firearm license for the 9mm CZ pistol and a check at the Police Headquarters in Belmopan verified that no record appeared for a firearm license for the given gun found on McAfee’s property. However, a “letter of approval” for the transfer of the firearm from one Jennifer Erwin to McAfee was provided to the GSU that explained how the gun was on the premises. According to the GSU the letter was signed by a senior officer but the matter is still under investigation since the “letter of approval for transfer” had no serial number or brand of the firearm, something that is unusual. However, McAfee said that, all his documents were in order.

During the entire operation, which lasted some 14 hours, McAfee, along with those found on the property were handcuffed while the GSU conducted their search. After the operation, everyone, including McAfee were transferred to the Queen Street Police Station in Belize City where police conducted several checks to verify their information. After all checks were made, McAfee was released around 2AM on Tuesday, May 1^st without any charges being brought against him. Of all the people detained Emerson Michael, Austin Allen and Emerson Dominguez were found not be licensed security guards and as such arrested and charged for “providing security services without a license“.

McAfee said that he was released from police custody only after the intervention of the United States Embassy personnel in Belize. “It was a very rude day from day one,” said a very “pissed off” McAfee who is now demanding an apology for being put through an unnecessary and embarrassing ordeal. He is moving forward in filing a number of lawsuits on behalf of the 12 people who were detained, handcuffed and released without charge.

The lawsuits are merely to call the “attention,” of the authorities said McAfee. “If we don’t get any satisfaction in terms of disciplinary action or an apology then we will file a very major lawsuit,” said McAfee, who was left to sit in handcuffs in view of the public including his business partners, residents of the area and tourists. As a direct result of the incident, over 29,000 articles have been written and posted on the internet about McAfee’s ordeal with the GSU. “I am not asking for much. Give me an apology. You have stormed into my residence; I should be pissed off and I am pissed off. I was doing nothing wrong. It was a bunch of rumors that was unsubstantiated which the government should have checked out before all of this… that made me look ridiculous so of course I am pissed off,” explained McAfee.

The GSU says that as part of the search, they also found a laboratory where it appears that antibiotics are being produced. A GSU press release states that “Analysts at the Forensic Laboratory, and personnel from the Ministry of Health were taken to inspect the facility and samples of an alleged antibiotic apparently being manufactured at the laboratory were taken for analysis. The Ministry of Health has already confirmed that no license has been granted to McAfee or any of his agents to manufacture antibiotics in Belize.” McAfee explained that when the laboratory was operational (now closed for over 18 months) it had been used to produce antiseptics, and not antibiotics. The Director of Health Services, Dr. Michael Pitts, indicated that neither the Ministry nor the Chief Pharmacist in Belize had knowledge of such operation conducted by McAfee in Belize. Dr. Pitts has stated that both terms “antibiotics” or “antiseptics” are a matter of “technicality”, but McAfee says, “If they can prove in court that they are the same I will eat my shoe!” In Belize producing antibiotics without a license is an offence under the Antibiotics Act in Belize. A decision as to whether or not charges against McAfee will be issued will be taken by the Ministry within the next few days when the report from the Forensic Analyst becomes available.

Regarding the pet killed in the operation, the GSU says that “three of eleven dogs on the premises attacked and bit one of the GSU officers on his right thigh and the same dog proceeded to attack a Belize Defense Force (BDF) soldier who responded by fatally wounding the dog.” The GSU says McAfee had $19,650 in cash in his bedroom, which was counted and secured by him.

The raid on McAfee’s property was conducted jointly by a total of 42 GSU officers, BDF and Belize Special Assignment Group (BSAG). According to the GSU, before entering McAfee’s premises they announced their presence and purpose of search stating it was for “drugs and illegal firearms”. They further stated that the operation was based solely on information received about suspected illegal activities being conducted on McAfee’s property. However, McAfee believes that the raid was solely based on “rumors” by past “disgruntled employees” and to settle a vendetta by a “local politician” whom he would not give a donation to during recent elections.

McAfee has donated several times to the Ministry of National Security. In 2009 McAfee made a donation of a vessel worth over $1 million to the Belize National Coast Guard. He has also donated to local police departments on different instances. In 2008 McAfee donated two All Terrain Vehicles (ATV’s) totaling $40,000 in value to the San Pedro Police Department. In addition, more recently in 2011, he donated a number of equipment to the SP Police valued at over $3,500.

The GSU claims that two months ago a Special Police team attempted to conduct a similar search on McAfee’s premises but were prevented from doing so. Again, McAfee was not charged although two security officers were charged for the minor offence of providing a security service without a license. McAfee said that if he does not get an apology by Friday, May 11th he will be soliciting the services of Robert Hilton, a senior lobbyist in Washington, DC to get the US State Department to issue a Travel Advisory against Belize.

Interview with John McAfee about the GSU Raid on his compound:

On May 3rd and May 4th, 2012 the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) facilitated a two day colloquium for the Judges of the Supreme Court of Belize on the issue of trafficking in persons.

The two day colloquium had the following objectives:

• To broaden the knowledge of the Supreme Court Judges on the manifestations and currents trends with regards to the crime of trafficking in persons in Belize.
• To provide a greater appreciation of the relationship between trafficking in persons and other forms of organized crime.
• To introduce the Judges of the Supreme Court to the proposed revision of the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Act.
• To strengthen the understanding of the nature, causes and consequences of trafficking in persons.
• To present the various approaches to the investigation of trafficking in persons to provide an appreciation of the challenges for adjudication of trafficking in persons offences
• To strengthen the understanding of the vulnerabilities of victims of trafficking in person crimes and the role of the judiciary in protecting vulnerable witnesses
• To assess the role of the judiciary in protection of vulnerable persons from trafficking in person crimes.

The colloquium was chaired by the Hon. Chief Justice Dr. Kenneth Benjamin and facilitated by Mr. Paul Holmes, an expert on providing sensitization on this issues to High Court and Supreme Court Judges in the Commonwealth and in Latin America. Presentations were made on the role of the Anti-trafficking in Persons (ATIP) Committee of Belize by CEO Judith Alpuche, the Chairperson of the ATIP Committee. In addition, opening remarks were made by Deputy Solicitor General (Legislative Drafting) Ms. Michelle Daley on the seriousness and high priority with which the Attorney-General’s Ministry is treating the issue of trafficking in persons in Belize. Together with Deputy Solicitor General Iran Tillett-Dominguez, they also made presentations on the proposed revision of the existing Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Act, 2003.

IOM was represented by Project Coordinator, Ms. Diana Shaw and Regional Coordinator from the IOM Costa Rica, Dr. Ana Hidalgo. Dr. Hidalgo in her welcome address expressed appreciation for the time set taken by the members of the Justices to attend and participate in this important and first ever colloquium on this issue for the Justices. Hon. Chief Justice Dr. Kenneth Benjamin commented on the importance and interest of the judiciary in understanding all aspects of trafficking in persons to strengthen the role of the Judiciary in the national counter-trafficking response.

– END –

For more details please contact:

Diana Marian SHAW
Project Coordinator – Belize
International Organisation for Migration
Belmopan City, Belize
Tel: 501-822-2023
Cell:501-668-5784/501-634-7014
E-mail: dshaw@iom.int
Website: www.iom.int |  www.oim.or.cr

John McAfee - Photo by Channel 5 Belize News

John McAfee, the inventor of the McAfee Virus Scan is claiming that members of the Gang Suppression Unit (GSU) stormed into his estate located on the outskirts of Orange Walk Town and was a victim of an aggressive search.

The wealthy US investor, who moved to Belize in 2008 and spends his time between homes in San Pedro and Orange Walk, claimed that not only was he a victim of an aggressive search but his doors were bust open despite being unlocked and one of his pet dogs was shot and killed.

John McAfee Research Hut - Photo by Gizmodo

Sometime around 6AM on Monday, April 30^th, GSU personnel descended on the mainland property belonging to the 66 year old McAfee, namely the Belize Ecological Foundation Limited, located next to the Tower Hill Bridge in Carmelita Village, Orange Walk District. After the GSU officers entered his estate, McAfee said that his dog, Caramelo, was shot and killed after which the men broke down doors and ransacked the nine houses on the compound.

According to Police, present at the time of the search were John McAfee, his 17-year-old Belizean girlfriend who is a minor, four security guards, 33 year old Emerson Michael who claimed to be the Chief of Security, 23 year old Emerson Dominguez, 46 year old Austin Allen and 23 year old Tyron Morales who are all Belizean nationals. Also present was Michael’s common-law wife Princesa Ericson.

Firearms found at John McAfee compound - Photo by Channel 5 Belize

Police claim that during the search ten firearms were found. The firearms where seven 12 gauge pump action shotguns (one of which had a scope), one 12 gauge single action shotgun, one Taurus 9mm pistol and one 9MM CZ pistol. Five air rifles with scopes resembling sniper rifles that use 6.26 mm slugs were also found along with two hundred and seventy 12 gauge cartridges, thirty 9 mm rounds and twenty .38 rounds.

The GSU reports that all the firearms and rounds of ammunition were scattered over the premises including inside the vehicles and houses that were unoccupied. According to the GSU, McAfee produced a company firearm license for all the weapons and ammunition with the exception of one firearm that is licensed to Tyron Morales and a 9 MM CZ pistol with serial number A796245.

McAfee could not provide a firearm license for the 9mm CZ pistol and a check at the Police Headquarters in Belmopan verified that no record appeared for a firearm license for the given gun found on McAfee’s property. However, a“letter of approval” for the transfer of the firearm from one Jennifer Erwin to McAfee was provided to the GSU that explained how the gun was on the premises. According to the GSU the letter was signed by a senior officer who was the immediate predecessor of the officer holding the current post that deals with firearm license within the Police Department. The matter is still under investigation since the “letter of approval for transfer” had no serial number or brand of the firearm, something that is unusual.

During the entire operation, which lasted some 14 hours, McAfee, along with those found on the property were handcuffed while the GSU conducted their search. After the operation all, including McAfee were transferred to the Queen Street Police Station in Belize City where police conducted several checks to verify their information. After all checks were made, McAfee was released around 2AM on Tuesday, May 1^st without any charge being brought against him.

Speaking to the media, McAfee stated that“they said that they had a warrant to search the premises. I remained in handcuffs for 14 hours, outside the whole time without food. The GSU was brutal and uncooperative. They broke down doors; they completely ransacked many of the houses on the compound. Items are missing. I am sorry; this is unacceptable in a country that is supposed to be civilized in a democracy.”

According to the GSU, investigation regarding the employment of the security guards revealed that only one out of the four guards was licensed to act as security guards.  Checks made with the office responsible for Security Guard Licenses at the Police Headquarters in Belmopan revealed that Emerson Michael, Austin Allen and Emerson Dominguez do not appear in their records as licensed holders. The three were arrested and charged for “providing security services without a license”.

John McAfee bacteria research - Photo by Fast Company

The GSU says that as part of the search they also found a laboratory where it appears that antibiotics are being produced. The GSU release states that “Analysts at the Forensic Laboratory, and personnel from the Ministry of Health were taken to inspect the facility and samples of an alleged antibiotic apparently being manufactured at the laboratory were taken for analysis. The Ministry of Health has already confirmed that no license has been granted to McAfee or any of his agents to manufacture antibiotics in Belize.” The Director of Health Services, Dr. Michael Pitts, indicated that neither the Ministry nor the Chief Pharmacist in Belize had knowledge of such operation conducted by McAfee in Belize. Producing antibiotics or “antiseptics” without a license is an offence under the Antibiotics Act in Belize.  A decision as to whether or not charges will be laid will be taken by the Ministry within the next few days when the report of the Forensic Analyst becomes available.

Regarding the pet killed in the operation, the GSU says that “three of eleven dogs on the premises attacked and bit one of the GSU officers on his right thigh and the same dog proceeded to attack a BDF soldier who responded by fatally wounding the dog.”

McAfee has donated several times to the Ministry of National Security. In 2009 McAfee made a donation of a vessel worth over $1 million to the Belize National Coast Guard. He has also donated to local police departments on different instances. In 2008 McAfee donated two All Terrain Vehicles (ATV’s) totaling $40,000 in value to the San Pedro Police Department. In addition, more recently in 2011, he donated a number of equipment to the SP Police valued at over $3,500. McAfee said that “I have donated to the police department alone, over two million dollars worth of goods in the past two years. I have done a tremendous amount of work to clean up Carmelita, to provide food for school children and to be treated this way, after I have acted in such a fashion, makes me think twice about investing anything else here.”

The GSU says McAfee had $19,650 in cash in his bedroom which was counted and secured by him. The raid on McAfee’s property was conducted jointly by GSU, Belize Defense Force (BDF) and Belize Special Assignment Group (BSAG). According to the GSU, before entering McAfee’s premises they announced their presence and purpose of search which they say was for “drugs and illegal firearms”. They further stated that the operation was based solely on information about supposed illegal activities being conducted on McAfee’s property. However, McAfee believes that the raid was to settle a vendetta by a politician from the United Democratic Party whom he would not give a donation to during recent elections.

The GSU claims that two months ago a Special Police team attempted to conduct a similar search on McAfee’s premises but were prevented from doing so.

The San Pedro Sun has placed calls to McAfee for an interview but to date the message has not been returned.

Belize City - 27th April, 2012

The Prime Minister of Belize, Hon. Dean Barrow, today convened a meeting with civil society to apprise them of the government’s response to the recent increase in gang-related crime and the heightened tensions in Belize City.

In the meeting, the Prime Minister, the Minister of National Security, the Director of RESTORE Belize, and CEO in the Office of the Prime Minister presented the latest update on the current police operations to ensure citizen security and the way forward for maintaining peace. The Government then requested the cooperation and support from civil society to promote peace and to address the underlying social conditions which make our Belizean communities vulnerable to crime.

The Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Francis Fonseca, and other representatives of the Opposition participated in the meeting as well as representatives from the religious community, the business community, the Crime Control Council, and the National Trade Union Congress of Belize. All expressed concern for the current levels of insecurity and all agreed that we need to unite as one nation to tackle crime and to resolve the social conditions which make communities vulnerable. The Government of Belize was also represented by the Ministers of the Ministry of Human Development, Social Transformation, and Poverty Alleviation, Hon. Anthony Martinez and Minister of State with responsibility for the Gang Truce and CYDP the Hon. Mark King, CEO in the Ministry of National Security, and the Police Department.

It was agreed that the Prime Minister would convene a meeting with this group of civil society representatives at least once per quarter. The Prime Minister expressed his gratitude to the Leader of Opposition for their solidarity and to all civil society representatives for their cooperation. The Prime Minister of Belize assures the general public that it will continue to invest all necessary resources to keep Belizean citizens safe and to work with all partners in the united effort to restore law and order and maintain peace.

—END—

According to the officer commanding the San Pedro Police Formation, Assistant Superintendent of Police Vienie Robinson, sometime around 10PM last night, 24 year old Felipa Estela Lamb, was walking on an area near Barrier Reef Drive when she was robbed in the vicinity of Central Park. While she would not go into details, Lamb indicated that while on the beach near the Central Park, a man on a bicycle rode up to her and snatched a gold chain off her neck. She further explained that the man then grabbed her and covered her mouth and took her black and gold in color purse which contained $100. Lamb said that the man, after realizing that people were observing the incident, began hollering “give me my phone, give my phone” and grabbed her red and black cell phone and made good his escape. Quick response by Police and Belize Defense Force personnel led them to the man, later identified as Kevin Kelly.

After being detained, Kelly was escorted to the Police station and upon walking into the Police Station, he managed to escape. Police chased Kelly until they reached an area near the Four Sisters Plaza on Pescador Drive. According to Police, at least two shots were fired but none hit Kelly, who then jumped the fence in an attempt to elude arrest. “The chase ended up in a yard behind Four Sisters Plaza and after jumping the fence Kelly fell and fainted. A revived Kelly was handcuffed and walked to the police golf cart where he again fainted. He was then escorted to the San Pedro Police Station and was placed in the cell, still alive but again later fainted,” said ASP Robinson. After observing that Kelly was losing consciousness, between 11:30PM and 12 midnight, Dr. Javier Zuniga was called in to check on Kelly. According to Dr. Zuniga, by the time he had arrived, Kelly was motionless and nonresponsive. CPR was conducted on Kelly but was fruitless. While a post mortem would have to be conducted to certify the cause of death, Dr. Zuniga explained that his death may have been as a result of “severe head or neck injuries” possibly from falling off the high fence. Dr. Zuniga concurred with police that there were absolutely no visible signs of injuries, except for a scrape to the forehead and right elbow. Kelly’s body has been transported to the Belize City morgue where a post mortem examination will be conducted.

According to ASP Robinson, Kelly was one of two people that were released sometime on Thursday morning from the SP Police Station following a report made by a tourist. The tourist had reported to police that she was at an establishment and had gone to use the restroom leaving her purse on the counter. On her return, the purse along with her passport, credit card, money and other personal belongings had been stolen. Kelly and another unidentified person were later found in possession of the purse and some of the tourist’s personal belongings. Because the tourist did not proceed with charges, the two were released.

Commenting on the course of the investigation, ASP Robinson indicated that officers from the Criminal Investigation Branch (CIB) and the Professional Standard Branch will be assisting in the investigation to “rule out” any misconception that San Pedro Police might have anything to hide. Kelly was no stranger to police and had been implicated, charged and convicted in a number of crimes in Belize City. More recently, in January of 2012, he was sentenced to three years in prison for failure to pay a 2007 court fine of $8,000. However, according to Rafael Martinez, the Public Relations officer in the Ministry of National Security, Kelly managed to make a part payment for his outstanding bill at court and arranged a payment plan before Magistrate Roberto Ordonez which secured him an early release from the Hattieville prison. Up to press time, a post mortem had not been conducted on Kelly’s body to determine the cause of his death.

Kelly is the second person to die in San Pedro Police custody in the past two months. Miguel Martinez was found dead in his cell on February 21, 2012 after being detained around 11PM the previous night.

The vessel, namely Conchi with registration number BZ 0447, is described having a green interior with a white exterior and a blue base. According to Guerrero, the vessel was tied to the dock by his son sometime around 5:30PM on Tuesday of the given date. When he (Guerrero) came from church the following day sometime at 8AM, he went to check on his vessels and realized that one was missing. It appears that the rope was cut off and the vessel stolen. Anyone with information regarding the stolen vessel is asked to call the nearest police station.