Popular Carmelita Youth Sports Organizer Wilson 'Chato' Perez Found Brutally Slain

Tonight, villagers in Carmelita are struggling to come to terms with the horrific murder of a well-known community member who was very active in youth sports.
Wilson "Chato" Perez was found brutally slain this morning.

Jomarie Lanza has the shocking story:

Wilson Perez left home last night and never returned. Alarmed, his family spent the early morning hours looking for him.

And what they found in this bushy area off the road to Carmelita was unspeakable: he had been decapitated, his limbs almost severed, and his lower body set on fire.

His motorcycle was found 100 yards away.

ACP Hilberto Romero, Head, National Crimes Investigation Branch
"This morning around 7:15 a.m., police were called to an area in Carmelita village where a body had been found. Police responded where they met family members who had conducted a search in the area for a person, namely Wilson Perez. Information is that Perez left his house last night around 10:30 p.m. saying he was going to there football field in Carmelita and did not return. This morning they became concern and a search was conducted and his body was found with chop wounds. The scene is being processed at this time and we will carry out a full investigation into this report."

Jomarie Lanza:
"Had the family revealed whether or not their relative had any issues with anybody?"

ACP Hilberto Romero:
"Not at this time, the scene is just being processed and that will be part of the investigation."

Jomarie Lanza:
"Do you suspect he was killed and dumped there or lured to that location?"

ACP Hilberto Romero:
"We are reviewing what was found at the scene so we will have that information afterwards."

Perez was very active in the football community-and was well known as the organizer of the Mundialito tournament.

Perez's cousin says that he hardly leaves the house unless he has a football event to attend to. She says he did not deserve this end.

Mildred Ariaza, Cousin of Deceased
"It hurt me a lot what they did to him and he was a friendly and strict man because in football he would put rules and this and that and people probably didn't like that. But they always clown and talk like that about him, but he is a nice person and I was so close to him and he loved football sports, like Mundialito and so. He doesn't come out, only for football and that was it."

So why would anyone target this community worker and sports organizer?

Mildred Ariaza:
"He had just finished a Mundialito in Louisiana area and then he was playing football yesterday too right here in the village Carmelita because my son was there with him too, but afterwards we don't know what happened."

"Well, he just received a text last night around 10:30 and then afterwards we don't know nothing about what happened or so and his phone we haven't found it yet so we cant say what happened."

"What they did to him it is not... because yeah he doesn't get in problems, maybe someone hates him because of how he is or I don't know because he doesn't have any problems out there, that's what I know about my cousin because he was close to me.

"I think all of us will miss him because they know him as Chato the Mundialito, and footballs, all kind of sports he used to do but more with football."

Area Representative Kevin Bernard Expresses Shock Over Murder of Carmelita Sports Organizer

Joining in the mourning is Orange Walk East Area Representative, Minister Kevin Bernard, who also worked closely with Perez to organize and fund the Mundialito tournaments.

He told CTV-3 he is in a state of shock and hopes the family will get justice:

Kevin Bernard, Area Rep., Orange Walk East
"This is, it is for me, uh, a sad loss, um, for, for us in Orange Walk East, for the community. Um, I, I, I am right here sitting down and we were thinking what will happen next year in terms of our Mundialito. Uh, who will be able to step in his place."

""Uh, to see that he was so terribly, terribly, uh, murdered. What could he have done so wrong to deserve such a heinous crime to happen to this young man. I, I can't, I, I can't say."

"Um, but it saddens me to know that, um, Chato will no longer be around us. But at the same time, I can-- I ask God for-- to give, uh, guidance to his family and to the wider community."

"He has touched the lives of many young people in this, in this Aringay district. Um, he worked very closely with me, as I said, in terms of football and putting together, um, sports."

"So it is, it is indeed, um, a sad scenario, and I hope that justice will prevailed."

We'll let you know if and when arrests are made.

Foreign Minister Francis Fonseca Surprised by Immediate Chinese Sanctions

And we'll have more crime news later on, but first to Foreign Affairs.
On Monday morning, it seemed to have come out of the blue when China imposed sanctions on Belize's Foreign Minister Francis Fonseca and Paraguay's Communications Minister Gustavo Villate. It's a punitive measure over their countries' continued diplomatic relations with Taiwan.
The measures include freezing any assets the ministers hold in China, denying them visas and entry into the country, and prohibiting Chinese individuals and organizations from conducting business or cooperating with them. The sanctions took effect immediately.

Today in Belmopan, Fonseca told the press that it caught him off guard:

Francis Fonseca, Minister of Foreign Affairs
"Well, my... my initial reaction was... was shock, really. I, you know, I found out about it, I think I got a message very early in the morning, I think around 5:30 or so. So, yeah, my initial reaction was, you know, 'Where... where did this come from?' So I was... I was surprised, I was shocked."

Reporter:
"How does this affect you? And do you have any assets in China?"

Francis Fonseca:
"No, no, no, no. It doesn't affect me personally. And obviously, I do not have any assets in... in China. But it is a very serious matter, and I think we should treat it with absolute seriousness. I think, you know, the fundamental issue is, you know, the right of small states like Belize to determine our own foreign policy-who we establish diplomatic relations with, who are our friends."

"In this case, as you all know, Belize has had diplomatic relations with Taiwan for 37 years. Across political administrations, we have maintained those diplomatic relations because we believe, I think across party lines, that that relationship with Taiwan has been in the national interest of the people and country of Belize. So we as a government have determined that we want to continue to have diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China, Taiwan, and that is our sovereign right to do so, to... to forge our own foreign policy. And so this is an act, really, of interference with our right or sovereign right as a nation to chart our own course."

"These... this coercive measure that they have placed is placed on me as an individual who is currently the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Belize. So it has no impact on the country. It has no impact on Belizeans. I think as even they have said, it does not impact Belizeans, for example, traveling to China. It has no impact on that."

Belize Reaffirms Strong Diplomatic Alliance with Taiwan Despite Beijing Pressure

And it also has no effect on Belize's foreign policy. Fonseca says they are standing strong with Taiwan:

Francis Fonseca, Minister of Foreign Affairs
"Yeah, our... our relationship with Taiwan continues to be very, very strong. As you know, you know, we... we just recently received the Foreign Minister of Taiwan on an official visit to Belize. During that visit, we signed a number of new agreements. We are currently, you know, negotiating a new economic cooperation agreement. So our relationship is very, very strong."

Reporter:
"Do you believe that the visit of the Foreign Minister could have triggered this?"

Francis Fonseca:
"Yeah, you know, I don't want to try to get into Beijing's head. Clearly, we have, you know, the Prime Minister, as I said, delivered a very strong, forceful statement at the UN General Assembly speaking in support of Taiwan and their right to self-determination. And then, as you said, most recently, we had the visit of the Foreign Minister. So, you know, I think in their note-because they sent a note, we received today a note from... from their embassy in Jamaica to our protocol office... officer in Belize-it talked about that, you know, it referenced that... that visit and our receiving the Foreign Minister."

Reporter:
"Out of the 12 allies, only Belize and Paraguay were singled out. Is there any concern about that?"

Francis Fonseca:
"No. I mean, you know, we are concerned, obviously, that... that we, as I said, that in my case I was sanctioned, and so we are concerned about that. But again, I can't speak to why Beijing made those decisions."

Belize Welcomes U.S. State Department Defense of Diplomatic Sovereignty

And the U.S.-which does not itself recognize Taiwan-wants to make sure Belize and Paraguay continue to do so in an attempt to lessen Chinese influence in this hemisphere. The State Department was quick to issue a defense of Belize and Paraguay's right to choose who they have relations with:

Francis Fonseca, Minister of Foreign Affairs
"We're grateful for the statement put out by the U.S. State Department, you know, condemning this attempt to coerce Belize into taking a position in terms of our own foreign policy. So we certainly welcome that statement. We are also engaged with our friends and partners in CARICOM, in SICA, the OAS-we're, you know, briefing them on what has taken place. And we're looking forward to... to their support as well."

Persistent Guatemalan Incursions Heighten Border and Maritime Security Concerns

And Belize will also look to those partners in navigating what the Foreign Minister calls a "challenging relationship" with its neighbor, Guatemala. Incursions into Belize's territorial waters and airspace continue unabated, raising serious concerns over persistent violations of the nation's sovereign borders.

Fonseca suggested blame lies with the Guatemalan military:

Francis Fonseca, Minister of Foreign Affairs
"Obviously, you know, it continues to be a challenging relationship. You know, at the diplomatic level, we have good relations. We have good relations between ourselves, our foreign ministry, the Foreign Minister of Guatemala, Prime Minister BriceÃ±o, President ArÃ©valo. We have good communication between our countries at the diplomatic, at the leadership and diplomatic level. Where we are continuing to have very serious problems is at the military... at the military level. The Guatemalan Armed Forces continue, as... as we all know, to act, you know, absolutely, you know, without any, any, any consideration for the diplomatic relationship that we have, and without consideration for... for the established, you know, measures that we have adopted between ourselves to ensure that we do not have difficulties and challenges."

OAS Launches Independent Inquiry into September 24 Guatemalan Airspace Incursion

Fonseca also spoke in greater detail about the airspace incursion by the Guatemalan military on September 24th.

Reports suggest that they may have been on a narco operation for the U.S. Fonseca said no nation has authority to be in Belize's airspace without consent:

Francis Fonseca, Minister of Foreign Affairs
"Well, we don't allow them to do that. We don't allow it. And we respond as a democratic, sovereign, democratic nation committed to peace. We respond in that way. So when these things happen, we, of course, condemn them. We protest very strongly. We reach out and engage directly with the Guatemalan government, but we also engage with all of our friends and partners to make sure that they are briefed on what is happening. So we engage with the OAS, for example; in this case, we have activated the OAS. They are working now on a full inquiry into this latest incident. With the GAF plane entering our airspace, they are doing... are going to do an investigation, an independent inquiry into that matter. But we also engage with CARICOM, we engage with SICA, we engage with the Commonwealth, all of our friends, so that they understand what is taking place. And of course, we also bring it to the attention, through our legal team, to the attention of the court, so that they understand what is taking place. So, we... we respond as a peaceful nation; we are committed to peace. And that's the way we should respond, you know, a very, very professional, principled way. That is how we resolve these issues."

Jaleeza Roberts:
"When it comes to that airspace incursion, the U.S. has the authority to authorize one of their allies to fly into Belize's airspace?"

Francis Fonseca:
"No, absolutely not. No country has the authority to authorize anyone to fly into Belize's airspace except Belize. It is our airspace. So, no, no other country has that authority."

First ICJ Oral Arguments Set for February 2027 How Long Will Belize Have to Wait For Ruling?

These persistent incursions are a big part of the motivation to go to the ICJ to definitively settle the territorial dispute.

The first oral hearing for Belize's territorial dispute against Guatemala at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) is scheduled to begin on February 22, 2027. But when will we hear the verdict? Fonseca said that is completely up to the court:

Francis Fonseca, Minister of Foreign Affairs
"Normally, it takes in terms of a decision... of course, you know, this is subject entirely up to the court. They will determine when they hand down their decision. I asked that question myself, and I was told that normally, generally, a decision takes between 7 and 10 months to be handed down. But don't hold me, because it's entirely, entirely up to the court to determine when they deliver their judgment."

Belize City Family Mourns Loss of Second Son To Gun Violence

A Belize City family is reliving the worst possible nightmare of 14 years ago: burying another child lost to gun violence.
When Jory Bowden was killed on Friday night, it was the third murder in one small area in 72 hours.

Here's what we know about the city's latest murder. Jaleeza Roberts reports:

In less than 36 hours, the city saw three separate murders within the same area. The third murder victim, 27-year-old Jory Bowden, was targeted on Saturday night less than two blocks away from his house. ACP Romero says Bowden was socializing at a house on Central American Boulevard when it happened.

ACP Hilberto Romero, Head, National Crimes Investigation Branch
"On Friday, the 9th day of October 2026, police responded to a shooting incident on Central American Boulevard. Upon arrival, they learned a male person had been shot and taken for treatment. Police visited the KHMH where they identified the male person as Jory Bowden of Belize City. Information is that Jory Bowden was in a yard sitting down when a male person jumped a fence and fired several shots towards his direction, causing his fatal injuries. We are seeking one suspect in regards to this murder."

Jomarie Lanza:
"Any motivation?"

ACP Hilberto Romero:
"Rivalry that these persons had in that area at this time."

Jomarie Lanza:
"Is it connected to the previous murders?"

ACP Hilberto Romero:
"We cannot confirm if it is connected, but follow-up is being done to try and determine that."

Reporter:
"What are police doing to prevent further shootings in that area?"

ACP Hilberto Romero:
"Again, we continue with our operations. We have several persons in custody as we continue the investigation."

And while the police have been unable to contain the retaliations so far, for this Bowden family, it is the third child they have lost, the second one to murder. Gun violence also claimed the life of Jory Bowden's brother in 2012. Dayne Bowden Jr. was only 15 years old when he was targeted heading home on a bicycle. At the time, his father called out the killers:

Dayne Bowden Sr., Father of Deceased (Dec. 17, 2012)
"There is no mistaken identity in this country. You killed someone; you killed my son, point blank. You wanted to do that, and you did that. Why should I be called and my son is on the ground, a gunshot wound to the head, like my son is a part of whatever happen in this country? First thing's first, they don't have anything to offer them, not even protection. I have been frantic over the years, you know, Jules, because I am a street figure. I made a choice. I didn't get in too deep, and so I step aside, and I saw the tide. I have friends on every corner. It's ridiculous-some of those people are affiliated or responsible for this killing, and they are probably good friends with me. They probably have their secrets."

And today he told us he had no more words-it is now as it was then, deep, unfathomable grief and an outrage that still remains, reinforced now by Friday's murder.

We'll let you know if and when there is an arrest.

Police Sergeant Killed in Highway Collision with Moving House

Tonight, a police sergeant is dead as a collision with a Mennonite house on Saturday night claimed the life of 49-year-old Jiovanni Ponce.

He was returning to his home in Belmopan from a gospel concert in the city when he ran into the house that was taking up too much pavement. Jaleeza Roberts reports:

This is the 30-by-40 Mennonite house that Police Sergeant Jiovanni Ponce collided into on Saturday night when he was returning from a gospel concert in Belize City. He was westbound in a Chevy Equinox with his wife, 61-year-old Innocenta Andrea Ponce, and her grandson, 11-year-old Micah Villafranco. Between Miles 42 and 43, he collided with the left corner of the zinc house, which was heading in the opposite direction on a flatbed truck.

His sister says she never thought this kind of tragedy would hit their home:

Elvira Welch, Sister of the Deceased
"Now it brings fear because you see it happen to other people, but you never think it will happen to you. And when I was talking with my sister-in-law, she was telling me, we were coming and there was no lights on the house and it's very dangerous, and people have to start being mindful because you know... and then they had a lot of negative comments that, 'Oh, my brother was drunk or distracted or what happened if he couldn't say.' But it's an accident, it's not like anybody will purposely run into something just like that. So I think that there needs to be better measures when it comes to that because then people's lives are at stake-not only the person driving, but the one taking the house, because it could have been much worse."

Police have confirmed that at the time of impact, there were leading and trailing vehicles escorting the house. But the Ministry of Transport has indicated that the home was well beyond the size permitted to be on the road without official escort:

Reporter:
"Have police determined if the house had a lead-in and a trail-in vehicle?"

ACP Hilberto Romero:
"Yes, there was a lead vehicle and a rear vehicle that had revolving lights."

Chester Williams, CEO, Ministry of Transport
"In this particular instance, from what I have been told, is that the house in question that was being moved is 30ft by 40ft, which would be a clear violation of the rules. And a reason why the Minister have said no, that we do not want to go beyond 20ft, is because he wanted that despite the presence of the house being moved, that traffic moving the opposite direction would still have space to be able to go about their business, which makes sense. So again, the load... the house in question was oversize."

But beyond that, he was a beloved officer. Within hours of the announcement of his death making its way on social media, his colleagues and civilians had much good to say:

Chester Williams, CEO, Ministry of Transport
"I know Mr. Ponce very well. He's a very good friend of mine. Whenever we meet, we're always running joke. He's a... he's just a cool guy, you know? And I personally am saddened by what took place with him. Certainly the Belize Police Department lost a very exceptional policeman, you know?"

Elvira Welch, Sister of the Deceased
"My brother was a very good and kind person. He was an officer, a police officer. I had a lot of good feedback off of what people... when we put up the picture and people started to talk and say he was a good officer, he had... he was disciplined, he was very respectful, very good person in general. So he will be sadly missed, because my mom passed away and now he's the only son and he's gone. We are trying to cope with it and to accept what happened, but it's hard."

And despite the tragedy, his sister says she is particularly happy to see that he was able to make good of his life despite how they grew up, but also happy that he developed a relationship with God before his passing:

Elvira Welch:
"He went to attend a gospel concert, and he was coming from the concert at the time, so he was coming from the concert."

"He started going to church, got baptized, and was participating in his church from what I understand. But I'm glad he got that opportunity because a lot of us don't get that opportunity."

Jomarie Lanza:
"What is one thing that you will always remember about your brother?"

Elvira Welch:
"The way how he advises us, and he always had something positive to say and try to encourage us to do good in our lives at all times. He wasn't something that is always thinking negatively; he always wanted positive things, thinking about ways to go, ways to make things better to have a better life, because growing up was hard, but he made something of himself."

Espat has been given a notice of intended prosecution-and will also be charged for traffic violations.

Transport CEO Acknowledges Enforcement Failures in Nighttime Transport Accident

But the former Commissioner of Police who happens to be the new CEO at the Ministry of Transport acknowledges that this accident could have happened due to enforcement failures because the law that allows the houses to move at night has certain clauses:

Chester Williams, CEO, Ministry of Transport
"The criteria outlined under the recent consideration from Cabinet-and you all can check the press release that we had issued on that particular instance-it says that houses that would be moved wholesome must be nothing more than 20 feet in width. And every movement must have certain things put in place and safety measures. Some of those things would include that there must be a lead... and both the lead and rear guard must have an amber light to indicate to trailing or oncoming traffic of the presence of the oversize load on the road, to be equipped with loudhailers, so that whenever you pass the lead or rear guard, you would be able to use the loudhailer to indicate to motorists that there is an oversize load ahead or behind. Thirdly, the house itself must be properly lighted, particularly the four corners of the house, so that it would indicate to motorists the size of the oversize load and the amount of road it is occupying."

Jules Vasquez:
"Is this not a function of poor enforcement, that... that you all are unable to... that you all are unable to see a vehicle that has a massively oversize load?"

Chester Williams:
"Certainly, Mr. Vasquez, that would come into play. And I will be the first to admit to you that we are hoping to reach where we want to be with the amount of staff that has been approved for us by Cabinet. But again, the process, the bureaucracy that we have to go through... well, I've still not gotten there yet. We are at the stage where the Minister of Public Service has approved the creation of the positions, and so now we're waiting for the Minister of Finance to create the positions and to allocate the funds for us to be able to hire the additional personnel needed at the Department of Transport.

"Until then, we work in tandem with the police, but again, the police do have other mandates in terms of fighting crime, and so we cannot get police to work with us as we would want to because they would be otherwise occupied. So we're hoping that pretty soon we'll be able to recruit the personnel needed by the Department of Transport so that we will be able to have 24-hour presence on the highway to do enforcement. So, certainly, Mr. Vasquez, enforcement is an issue, and we do recognize that."

Mexican Businessman and Content Creator Detained After Gunfire Outside Social Lounge

On Sunday, two men were detained for discharging their firearm in public while leaving the Social Lounge.
They are Mexican businessman Sergio Martinez and Belizean content creator Benjamin Garcia.

ACP Romero told us what led to the arrest:

ACP Hilberto Romero, Head, National Crimes Investigation Branch
"On Saturday around 1:20 a.m., police responded to a report by Social Lounge in Belize City, where information received is that gunshots were heard. The police responded and they saw a Ford F-150 pickup fleeing from the area. The vehicle was pursued and it was intercepted by the Pallotti Roundabout. Thereafter, two persons were seen inside the vehicle. They were identified as Sergio Martinez and Eduardo Garcia. Eduardo Garcia was then asked if he had a firearm; he said yes, he had a firearm, and handed over a licensed 9mm pistol. The firearm was retrieved, both persons were taken into custody, and they have since been arrested and charged for discharging firearm in public."

Jomarie Lanza:
"To your knowledge, do you know whether or not they were under the influence?"

ACP Hilberto Romero:
"An investigation is being carried out to determine that, but for now, they have been charged for discharging a firearm in public."

Jomarie Lanza:
"Have they been released already?"

ACP Hilberto Romero:
"No, they were taken to court this morning."

Jomarie Lanza:
"Did they say why they felt the need to take out their firearm?"

ACP Hilberto Romero:
"No, not at this time, no."

Content Creator Ben Garcia Fined $3,000 for Public Discharging of Firearm

Tonight, Garcia is out of detention after a long weekend in lockdown. In court today, he pled guilty to discharging a firearm in public.

He had been jointly charged with Mexican national and businessman Sergio Martinez Ramirez. Both men were represented in court this morning by Richard "Dickie" Bradley. Bradley told the court that Martinez Ramirez was innocent since he was just in the company of Garcia when the incident happened, and the charge was withdrawn against him. Bradley told us more after the proceedings:

Richard "Dickie" Bradley, Attorney-at-Law
"In court, Benjamin Garcia pled guilty to the charge, and he briefly gave an explanation as to what transpired. In the case of Mr. Sergio Martinez, who is here from Mexico on business-I want to promote that business, it's not marijuana, it's coconuts, we want to sell as much coconuts as we want to Mexico-he happened to have been in the company of Mr. Benjamin when this unfortunate matter occurred. But he had absolutely nothing to do with the matter. In fact, you heard the police report that they saw on the passenger side of the vehicle that it is Benjamin who pushed his hand and discharged the firearm. So really, they should not have charged this man. He had to spend days and nights in the stinking police cell for something the police knew the other person had done. In any event, in front of the magistrate who reviews the law, looked at the facts as presented by police and charged Mr. Benjamin Garcia $3,000. He can't come out right now because he owes the court, so he will clear up his matter, but in relation to Mr. Martinez, he is grateful that the justice system has come through for him."

Garcia has until November 30th to pay the fine of $3,000, in default two years' imprisonment. He also owed the court $560, which he had to pay before he was able to leave.

21-Year-Old Louis Matthews Charged for Murder of 17-Year-Old Kaylon David

Last week Thursday, we told you about the murder of 17-year-old Kaylon David on Iguana Street Extension. The teenager was targeted by a gunman while walking home and later passed away at the KHMH while receiving treatment.

Police have officially arrested and charged a 21-year-old for David's death. ACP Romero told us more:

ACP Hilberto Romero, Head, National Crimes Investigation Branch
"Reference the murder of Kaylon David that occurred in Belize City, we have since arrested and charged Louis Matthews, 21 years, of Belize City for the crime of murder. This is after an investigation was conducted and he was identified as the shooter."

Jomarie Lanza:
"Have you been able to establish what was the issue between these two individuals?"

ACP Hilberto Romero:
"Again, we have rivalry in that area."

Louis Maxwell Matthews was arraigned this afternoon before a senior magistrate. Due to the nature of the offense, no plea was taken and he was remanded to the Belize Central Prison. Matthews appeared unrepresented in court.

Decomposed Body of Unidentified Male Recovered Floating off Yabra Coastline

This afternoon around 2:30, a body was found floating in the Caribbean Sea off the Yabra area of Belize City.
It was spotted by a resident in the Reggae Street area who then alerted the police.
Officers cordoned off the scene and removed the body.

We can confirm it is the body of a male; however, no identity has been ascertained as yet. The cause of death-and whether foul play was involved-is still unknown.

Shoman's Book Cover Sparking Cultural Backlash Authenticated by UK College of Arms

Last week, we told you about the launch of the Sapphire Edition of Assad Shoman's book, A History of Belize in 13 Chapters.
Well, the cover of that book has ignited a fierce cultural firestorm. Shoman says it is an accurate depiction of the official Coat of Arms for British Honduras issued in England by royal warrant in 1907.
The National Kriol Council strongly objected to the artwork. The Council charged that the depiction of Black figures features, quote, "exaggerated racial imagery" that evokes "degrading racial caricatures historically used to ridicule, dehumanize, and undermine the dignity of people of African descent."

At Friday's book launch at Angelus Press, Shoman addressed the cover directly, maintaining that it is an unaltered copy of the original 1907 Royal Warrant and that it is meant to provoke discussion:

Assad Shoman, Author
"The reason for it is to highlight the fact that this is what is colonialism, right? So as I said, we seem to have forgotten that the enemy of Belize was colonialism. People seem to think of independence as something that happened, but why? What were we fighting against? So putting this on the cover is a way of confronting colonialism head-on. Let me say this: that's number one. But number two is to show that colonialism continues, because if you look at the flag today, it's the same thing almost. They changed a few things, they paint things differently, they take out one or two things-the Union Jack is not there, but the ship is there, the two men, I mean to represent slavery, the ship that represents slavery brought in the oppressors and that took out our natural resources. So it's a cover that says, 'This is the past, but it's also the present.'"

But that high-flown point was certainly missed by the many Kriol critics of the cover in the social media sphere, where condemnation spread rapidly and advocacy group Belize Creole Kriol Cultural Heritage labeled the cover image a "degrading blackface caricature". The group raised doubts about whether the cover was an authentic historical document or a distorted version.

They note also that the image on Shoman's cover differs from the one on display at the Museum of Belize-which does not have those exaggerated racial features.

Shoman also wrote to the College of Arms, which had licensed him to use the image of the coat of arms.

Mark Scott, the Somerset Herald of Arms and Librarian at the College of Arms, confirmed that he personally examined the physical Royal Warrant signed by King Edward VII on January 28th, 1907.

Scott wrote to Shoman: quote, "I can confirm that the painting of the arms on the Royal Warrant is reproduced exactly and without alteration on the cover of your book..."

College Archivist Dr. James Lloyd also verified the image, writing to Shoman that his, quote, "only crime was factual accuracy."

The College of Arms has granted Shoman full permission to publish the email chain to clear his name and confirm the historical record. While the London authority has officially authenticated the cover as an exact copy of the 1907 original, we now await the response of the National Kriol Council.

Culture Minister Defends Historical Accuracy of Shoman's Sapphire Edition Cover

Culture Minister Francis Fonseca also weighed in. NICH has been taken to task for its association with the book, but Fonseca joined the cause to defend Shoman, explaining that it is not a form of "blackface" but the replica of the early twentieth-century Coat of Arms:

Francis Fonseca, Minister of Foreign Affairs
"I'm sensitive to the concerns being expressed by the Belize Kriol Council, but I also understand the point that Assad has made. I think he was, as he often does, trying to... to provoke discussion and stimulate discussion about our colonial history, which is a colonial history of oppression, you know, of... of... of slavery, enslavement, of, you know, of... of really extraction, extracting from Belize our resources. And he was... he has made the point that the cover photo is really the same cover-it really is the 1907 coat of arms or the colonial coat of arms. And I think his... his thinking was that he would put that on the cover of the book to remind Belizeans and to provoke discussion about that colonial history and that colonial heritage of oppression. So, you know, I understand... I'm sensitive to the... to the views of the Kriol Council and understand the points that they have made. But I also understand very clearly what Ambassador Shoman was trying to do. He is, you know, by every measure, he's... he's a nationalist. He's a patriot. He's absolutely our best historian, national Belizean historian. So I know... I know for a fact that he did not mean at all any disrespect to the Kriol culture, but as he often does, he's trying to stimulate and educate the Belizean people."

Foreign Minister Explains ICJ Co-Agent Alexis Rosado's Retention Despite Pending Rape Trial

And Shoman is also in the news for another book, which he launched 12 days ago. It is co-authored by his co-agent at the ICJ, Alexis Rosado.
Rosado's continued presence at the pinnacle of Belize's diplomatic initiatives has been sparking controversy in the past week-because he is also on trial for a very serious sexual offense.
So why was he not suspended like any other public officer charged with an indictable offense?

Well, today the Foreign Minister said that the ICJ team was chosen years ago, and the ministry requested that the unit remain intact because the hearings begin in February:

Francis Fonseca, Minister of Foreign Affairs
"Listen, we... I certainly understand, you know, the different views that... that people have. The bottom line is that our agent and our team determined a number of years ago... determined that Mr. Rosado's continued presence on the team as co-agent was important to the work that lies ahead, and so they felt and... and requested that he remain on the team. And so that, you know, that remains the position of the... of the government, obviously. Mr. Rosado... Ambassador Rosado is charged with very serious crimes, but he is innocent until proven guilty, you know. And so in this case, I think the government's position and view was and is that, you know, his involvement in terms of... of this case helping us as we approach the final lap of this case was important, and we are following the advice of our agent and the legal team in that regard."

Jomarie Lanza:
"What reasons were given as to why he's considered so important or essential to this case?"

Francis Fonseca:
"Well, I think, I mean, a number of, you know, not specific reasons, but a number of... of reasons in terms of his long involvement and engagement with the matter. He has worked very closely with our agent, Assad Shoman, who has a great deal of confidence in the work that he's doing, and that's critical. So that experience, his preparatory work that he has done over many years, and because of the critical stage that we're in, in terms of this final lap as we approach the case being heard, that they felt that it was important, and... and the government followed that advice."

Fonseca Clarifies Rosado's Salary Status as ICJ Co-Agent

And what about Rosado's salary? Fonseca says that he is no longer receiving a salary as ambassador, but a salary as the co-agent:

Francis Fonseca, Minister of Foreign Affairs
"He has a contract as the co-agent, and that is what he receives a salary for, as his work as a co-agent."

Jomarie Lanza:
"And you know, public officials that usually face indictable offenses, they usually are suspended. So why was he not?"

Francis Fonseca:
"Yeah, I think... I mean, he... as I said, we've already explained that the agent and the legal team made a case for him to remain. He... and he continues his work in that capacity as co-agent. I think he was removed from... he had other duties at the time, I think as an ambassador, and he was removed from those duties, but he continues to... to carry out his work as a co-agent."

Chon Saan Palace Makes High-Demand Debut in San Pedro

From lines forming an hour before opening to a crowd so intense the kitchen had to close early, 52-year-old fast-food institution Chon Saan Palace made a thunderous arrival in San Pedro this week.
Courtney Menzies was on the island this weekend and has this story:

The island Chon Saan is located right below Sun & Reef Hotel, which owner Lee Mark Chang opened about three years ago.

Minister Fonseca Disapproves of PM's Profanity Toward Media

And turning back to politics, tonight senior Minister Fonseca joins those who do not support the PM's profanity in referring to Channel 7 News Director Jules Vasquez.

Fonseca says he tries his best to give the PM advice when dealing respectfully with the media:

Francis Fonseca, Minister of Foreign Affairs
"Well, I... I always advise him not to do so-not to do so and not to respond to criticism. And I think for the most part, he... he tries to do that. So, yeah, I don't... I, you know, I don't support profanity, and especially against our media colleagues. You know, so again, I would continue to advise him not to do so. Yeah."

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