Chinese Business Owner Shot

A Chinese business owner survived two shots to the upper body on Friday night. 45 year old Song Qing Gu is in a stable condition art the KHMH – and as Jacqueline Godwin found out today, his story is another tale of unwarranted and excessive gun violence. Here’s her story.

Jacqueline Godwin Reporting,
Forty two year old Rong Ju Kong and her husband forty five year old Song Qing Gu left mainland china for a better life in Belize. They have been working hard to make that a reality at their grocery shop and fry chicken business place at fifty one Amara Avenue. But around eight thirty on Saturday night, their dreams were shattered when the husband and father was shot in cold blood. Luckily, Song Qing Gu’s injuries were not fatal but he remains hospitalized with gunshot wounds to his left jaw and upper left chest.

When I visited with a tearful Rong Ju Kong she told me that the shooter described as a dark complexioned young man first approached the burglar bar window and asked for two packs of noodles, a pack of biscuit and a five dollar fry chicken but that when he was served he searched his pants pockets and said he had no money. Then in an angry voice he told her to take back the fry chicken. That is when he pulled out a gun, pointed it through this opening where customers are served from the burglar bar window and pulled the trigger.

Song Qing Gu a former high school principal from mainland China was standing by these shelves when he was shot several times.

Jacqueline Godwin,
“So he pulled out the gun and shot your husband?”

Rong Ju Kong, Wife of Shooting Victim
“Shot my husband. My husband fell backwards and the blood starting coming out. I phoned my husband’s brother.”

Jacqueline Godwin,
“How many times was your husband shot, one, two, three times?”

Rong Ju Kong,
“Three times.”

Since 2001 the Chinese family has been serving the community and area residents after hearing the gunshots rushed to their aid, a gesture which they are most grateful.

Rong Ju Kong,
“Me work hard. Today in the morning a lot of people asked me if my husband feel good and I said thank you very much. It makes me very very happy.”

Lee Mark Chang the President of the Belize Chinese Association admits that crime has increased but that it will take an effort from everyone to combat it.

Lee Mark Chang, President - Chinese Association
“Yes it has escalated in a sense but crime in general, it is Belize City’s concern, not only the Chinese Association’s concern. It is everyone’s concern.”

Today as Rong Ju Kong looks through the same window through which her husband was shot, she says they cannot afford to close the business.

Rong Ju Kong,
“We won’t close the shop, we will still open the business because we owe people a lot of money. We work hard.”

Lee Mark Chang says they are not happy about what happened and they have not only helped to fight crime but tried to help whenever one of their own is affected by it.

Lee Mark Chang,
“Well the Chinese Association has an emergency fund set aside for instances like this weekend’s case. But this weekend’s case was luckily best case scenario.”

Jacqueline Godwin,
“What you mean best case scenario?”

Lee Mark Chang,
“The guy didn’t die. He suffered gunshot wounds yes but it wasn’t as life threatening as others that have happened in the past. But if it is the worst case scenario and surgery is needed then money needs to be deposited first so we have an emergency fund set aside that if at anytime the money cannot be raised we come forward and put the money upfront to make sure that he receives the proper medical attention needed.”

And just who shot forty five year old Song Qing Gu? Well police say they are looking for two suspects. The gunman reportedly rode off on a bicycle after shooting his victim. Jacqueline Godwin reporting for 7News.

According to Belize City Police the shooter has been described as a dark complexioned slim built young man who had a low hair cut and wore a black t shirt at the time.

Police Detain Son of Murdered Orange Walk Shopkeeper

53 Year old Baldemar Moguel was executed in Orange Walk Town on Thursday night and the ruthless killing of this well known shop-keeper has truly stunned the Orange Walk Community. Even more shocking has been the news that one of his sons is being questioned about what is believed to be a contract killing. Police have confirmed to 7News that one of Moguel’s sons is in police custody tonight. Just before news time, Orange Walk Police told us that Moguel’s son is being questioned.

As we reported, Moguel was in his store – D&J Supermarket on Thursday night at 7:50 when two men entered the store and shot him five times. He died on the spot. Robbery doesn’t appear to have been the motive since the assailants fled without stealing anything.

Grisly Murder in the South

Police have no substantial leads in a grisly murder in Southern Belize. On Saturday police – acting on information – went out to an area off the Southern Highway between miles 34 and 35 where they found the decomposed body of a Guatemalan clothing vendor from Independence Village. 22 year old Ramiro Perez Santoya’s hand had been cut off but it was difficult to determine other signs of violence to his body due to the advanced state of decomposition. Police have no suspects or motive at this time.

Arthur Young Back Behind Bars

Notorious street figure Arthur Young was released from prison 20 days ago after a murder charge was declared nolle pros. Police believe that since his release – some of the street rivalries have heated up. But tonight they can breathe a little easier because Young is back behind bars after he was charged for firearm possession and other offences today.

The incident dates back to Saturday January 30th at Celina’s Bar in Ladyville. Police say they were chasing a suspect and during the course of their pursuit they found a Ruger Brand nine milimeter pistol with 16 live rounds in an abandoned lot. Somehow, police tied this to Young who was in the area. But when they tried to arrest him, they claim that he resisted and fled. And when he failed to show up to sign in at the CIU office this weekend as deportees are required to – police had another charge for him.

Police caught up with Young over the weekend and today he appeared at court first, charged with possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition and second, with two counts of assaulting a police officer and resisting arrest. Young who was represented by attorney Arthur Saldivar pleaded not guilty to the charges. He explained that he was standing outside Celina’s at the time that police were chasing a suspect but claims that he had nothing to do with the gun they found and the police charged him – he says – for just being in the area.

Still, Magistrate Edd Usher explained to him that the court cannot offer him bail because of the firearm and ammunition offences. He was remanded until March 10th. But that wasn’t the end of it for Arthur Young. He was brought back before the court and charged with failure to report to the police as a deportee. Young also pleaded not guilty to that charge.

It is of note that the person who police were chasing, 23 year old Abraham Leslie was charged for possession of the same firearm and ammunition Young was charged with. Leslie also pleaded not guilty and was remanded until March 22nd.

Thiffara Waight Remanded for Aggravated Assault

21 year old Thiffara Waight is in jail tonight, accused of threatening her neighbour on Fairweather Street with a gun. That neighbour is 46 year old Bernadette Eqwuatu who says that she and Waight had an argument on Thursday evening. We aren’t sure what the argument was about but Eqwuatu claims that Waight went into her house and came out with a gun in her hand. Eqwuatu claims that Waight told her children to move out of the way so she could shoot Eqwuatu which is when she pointed the gun at her.

Eqwuatu says she feared for her life and so she ran into her house and called police. Thiffara Waight was charged with aggravated assault with a firearm. She pleaded not guilty to the charge. Because it is an offence involving a firearm, Waight was remanded to the Hattieville Prison until March 23rd.

Grown Women Attack Teenaged Girl

And in another case of female on female violence, a teenaged girl was attacked by grown women yesterday afternoon. At around 3:30 16 year old Marcia Bowen was at the corner of Sittee and Nargusta Streets when she was allegedly attacked by sisters Sherae and Shantel Robateau.

Bowen says she was able to run into her home but claims that the sisters followed her inside and beat her up in front of her mother. Police were called and they arrested 26 year old Sherae Robateau. A doctor classified the injuries to Marcia Bowen as harm.

Today in court Sherae Robateau pleaded not guilty and was released on bail of $5,000. She is due back in court on March 31st. Her sister Shantel Robateau is tonight a fugitive.

Marlon Usher Cops to Firearm and Ammunition Possession

A 27 year old who was caught with a gun on Friday is in jail tonight, not on remand – instead he’s serving a sentence for keeping a firearm and ammunition without a license.

Just before noon on Friday police stopped Marlon Usher for a random search at the corner of Caesar Ridge Road and Central American Boulevard near the Port and Customs House. The search resulted in the discovery of a .25 Beretta pistol and five rounds of .25 calibre ammunition in the magazine. The weapon was in his front pocket. He was arrested and held over the weekend. Today in court he pleaded guilty to both charges of keeping a firearm and ammunition without a license.

Magistrate Edd Usher sentenced him to two years for each count with the sentences to run concurrently which means that he will only serve two years in prison. Magistrate Usher said he made the stipulation for a two year sentence because Usher saved the court time by pleading guilty.

BDF Destroyed Almost a Ton of Marijuana in January

If you live in Belize City, you see the BDF everyday guarding your corner and patrolling your street – and we know that they are also on the Western border – but tonight the news is that Belize’s finest have also been burning out copious marijuana plantations.

A release from the army today reported that working in tandem with the Police Department – the BDF has conducted major marijuana eradication operations in Northern and Southern Belize. Since the first week of January, 35,707 mature plants and 1,900 pounds – almost a ton of compressed marijuana have been destroyed. Thirty pounds of marijuana seeds were also burnt.

The fields were in Blue Creek, Honey Camp, Chiwa Camp and Little Belize in the north and in the south they were concentrated behind San Pedro Colombia. There were a total of 24 plantations. But weed wasn’t the only thing found. Two shotguns were also confiscated – but no arrests were made at any of the plantations.

Arsonists Leave Bernadine Cattouse Homeless

And while all that marijuana was destroyed legally by fire – it was straight arson when Bernadine Cattouse’s home was burnt down at 4:30 on Saturday morning. Now this Vernon Street structure has some public history. You may recall a story from last year when it was being raised and it fell on a child who was under it. Well now the house has been destroyed by fire and no one was home and neither was there any electricity connected. With that, the owner says it is arson. Jacqueline Godwin found out more.

Jacqueline Godwin Reporting,
How much more shall we suffer? That is the question that now haunts Bernadine Cattouse and her family of four. The single mother’s home this three bedroom wooden house was deliberately set on fire. It was completely destroyed along with all of the family’s possessions.

The fire comes almost one year after the house had slipped off the jack that was being used to raise the building. The house collapsed and nearly killed ten year old Carolyn Cattouse who was underneath the building at the time and was rescued by a neighbour who performed CPR on the child.

Fortunately no one was home this past weekend when the fire broke out around three on Saturday morning. Today the family is left homeless and troubled about why anyone would want to hurt them and leave them without a roof above their heads.

Bernadine Cattouse, Homeowner
“I nuh see the reason why because I don’t have problem with anyone so I nuh know what to think about it.”

Kenneth Mortis, the Training Officer at the National Fire Service says the building could not be saved when they arrived on the scene.

Kenneth Mortis, Training Officer – National Fire Service
“We found what appeared to be a 20 x 30 structure fully engulfed in flames and as per normal the procedure is for us to extinguish this fire and conduct an investigation. We need to go back, we need to take our thinking caps with us, we need to look at it from a 360 degrees. It will probably take us the remainder of the day, probably as far as tomorrow before we can come with direct answers about the cause of this one.”

It is believed the fire started from inside the bathroom, the family reports that after hearing the bad news and rushed over to the house fire fighters told them that they found the front door open. Bernadine Cattouse says when the family left around eight on Friday night they had locked the doors.

Jacqueline Godwin,
“How would anyone gain access into your house?”

Bernadine Cattouse,
“Well they can get into my home easily because of the windows on the house because when the government gave me the house, the windows weren’t, you couldn’t lock it for safety and you just could open the window and you take out one so that is the way they gained access into my house because I had break-ins in my house and stealing of my stuff so I do believe that someone came in and did that.”

Investigators will need to return to the home to take burn samples from the wall and floor where they believe the fire started and whatever is found will then be given to the Police Forensic Unit.

Kenneth Mortis,
“We have no reason to suspect an electrical cause of any nature. Our training and our electrician confirmed this. It is unfortunate though that however this fire started, there was no direct evidence to say well yes we have a container with flammable substance, namely kerosene or gasoline.”

Jacqueline Godwin,
“So it is not an open and shut case?”

Kenneth Mortis,
“It is not an open and shut case. However this fire started, this is probably the work of somebody who knew what they were doing and we need to just tie in closely with the police and we are kind of hoping that if anybody sees or knows anything that they come forward.”

The family has received some assistance from the National Emergency Management Organization’s team in Belize City.

Bernadine Cattouse,
“Well they gave me two mattresses for me and my kids and clothes, the clothes I have on right now is what NEMO gave me, and I really appreciate it and they gave me a little food items; not much but they gave me a little and I do appreciate what they did for me.”

Today however Bernadine Cattouse appealed to the government including her Area Representative to give her a new home because she says she cannot afford it and her family needs a place to live.

Bernadine Cattouse,
“I lose everything that I owned, that my kids’ owned; their uniforms, their school bags, everything. The assistance I need now is for the government to help me in anyway they can. I don’t care which one of them. I need help and I need help very fast because right now I am staying at a sister from the organization I am with and she gave me a little time to stay in the apartment but it is not a big apartment but it still is a shelter over our heads, thanks to Jehovah.”

Jacqueline Godwin,
“You’re also appealing to your Area Representative Mark Espat?”

Bernadine Cattouse,
“Yes I do. I am really appealing to him. I just hope he comes out to my aid and I will give you my number so they can help me. My number is 630-8084. You can call that number anytime and you will get me.”

Randine Ford, Daughter of Fire Victim
“My family has a place to stay right now but everything get destroyed in the fire. They have a little bit of clothes which they got with the help of NEMO and otherwise from that they don’t have nothing else.”

Jacqueline Godwin,
“But they desperately need a place of their own?”

Randine Ford,
“Yes and I really want to plea to the government and ask them because they give my mom the house and they set it on the middle of the street. The house came and dropped on my sister, they didn’t do nothing for her and now a fire came and a fire took it.”

Bernadine Cattouse,
“I really need to get a home and something in it because I don’t have anything and the job I have is not going to do it so I plea that they help me.”

Bernadine Cattouse says she heavily relies on her faith to help her get through the many trials the family has had to endure. The house and its contents that were uninsured are valued at twenty seven thousand dollars. Reporting for 7News Jacqueline Godwin.

Those wishing to help Bernadine Cattouse and her family can contact her at 630–8084.

Tarrell's Progress & Setbacks

Four year old Tarell Sutherland is at the Ronald Macdonald home in Austin Texas tonight. You’ll recall that he’s the four year old who has that rare skin condition called icthyosis. With the help of benefactors including the US-based Compassionate Hearts Alliance he left Belize on January 27th. It’s been almost two weeks since, and so far doctors have found that there’s more than just one thing wrong with Tarrell.

Jacqueline Godwin Reporting,
Tarrell Sutherland was all smiles at the Houston Intercontinental Airport – knowing the help he and his family had been hoping for was at hand. His first appointment was with the dermatologist Dr. Moise Levy. After the initial examination, Dr. Levy ordered a skin biopsy along with normal blood testing.

And in another stroke of good luck, Dr. Levy also ordered genetic testing which a colleague from Japan offered at "no cost" to them.

Next Tarrell took a trek to this Paediatric clinic 30 miles north of Austin. Pediatric Cardiologist, Dr. Karen Wright took a number of tests to determine how severe of a heart murmur Tarrell had. After an EKG and a Colour Doppler Ultrasound Test, Dr. Wright was smiling....Tarrell was diagnosed with what is called a "Flow Murmur" which is a harmless murmur that will have "no effect" on Tarrell as he grows and will probably go away with time.

Tarell was also examined by another paediatrician who found severe ear infections and found that Tarrell has ascending testicles – for which he will require a small surgery. His mother Nicole McDougal is bathing him twice a day to keep his skin moist and trying several topical creams and lotions to see what will work the best on his skin.

They are presently living here at the Ronald Macdonald House where all his doctors are 150 yards away from them. On a distinct downside, he’s battling an infection on his foot which he got when his socks got stuck to an open wound on the bottom of his feet. To avoid this, he doesn’t usually use socks – but he had to in Austin because of the cold weather.

That story was put together with information and photographs form James Pitre of the Compassionate Hearts Alliance. A few notes. First, the skin biopsy performed in Texas confirmed the clinical diagnosis that was made in Belize by Dr. Peter Craig, that he has Bullous ichthyosis which is a considered a rare form of the skin disorder. And while the doctors have been providing free consultations – the medical bills are mounting as he has to pay for therapy and medicine including ointment and costly antibiotics.

His family will also have to pay for the surgery to repair his testicles. He also has to see an endocrinologist who will try to find out why he has not grown to the size of a regular child. His genetic testing results – which will provide critical information - will take from two to three months to return.

You can assist the family with donations in Atlantic Bank account number 211057247. You can also stay in contact with the family by contacting Nicole MacDougal directly at 512-743-5243 and or by email at tarelbow@yahoo.com.

Waste Control Donates $5,000 to Jose Cruz

And in another medical update, dialysis patient Jose Cruz is on his way to Guatemala City tonight. He’s been raising funds for surgery to save his remaining fingers and reached – in fact exceeded - the $15,000 mark this morning when he received a check for $5,000 from Belize Waste Control. It was facilitated by the City Council and this morning both Mayor Zenaida Moya and Waste Control Manager George Lamb handed over the check to Cruz.

Zenaida Moya-Flowers, Mayor of Belize City
“Fudge has been, when I was the Registrar of Cooperatives and Credit Unions a Cooperatives Officer himself and Fudge, and I have a photo here, this was myself and Fudge, when he used to be a very productive citizen. This illness that Fudge has is an illness that affect anybody and just like how we have Fudge now being affected and of course it is not only him. Us and the public trying to help I feel we can never help enough when it comes to assisting individuals, specifically persons like Fudge, who continues to contribute to society. Fudge continues to champion the cause of patients.

It was two fold for myself to try and assist Fudge. The first thing I had done was call the Ministry of Health via Dr. Pitts. We contacted Miss Rita Griffith and Tony Griffith from Belize Waste Control to ask for a contribution to assist in Fudge’s surgery.”

George Lamb, Manager – Belize Waste Control
“We are more than honour to make this donation of $5,000 to you hoping that it will ease and lessen the difficulties that you now face. We want you to know that we appreciate what we see in you. We stand with you and are willing to do whatever we can to make things better for you.”

Jose Cruz, Dialysis Patient
“As for Belize Waste Control and all these people who have found it necessary in their hearts to have me continue living, thanks. I can’t even find the words to tell them how appreciative I am. I could only say thanks and it is a lot of people. Thousands of people call me and tell me I am a hero. Thousands of people tell me they are going to support me in whatever I do.”

Cruz plans to be in Guatemala for about one week. And in a good gesture, as we said Cruz exceeded his target of $15,000. He says the extra one thousand or so dollars will be given to Janay Moguel.

Independent Expert Recommends 17% Increase for BWSL

The BWSL asked for a 25% average increase in water rates, PUC gave them 10% - and now the independent expert brought in to review the situation has split the difference; he recommends an increase of 17%. So where does that leave you, the consumer? Well, the PUC has until March 30th to make a final decision. But any group of BWSL customers amounting to 10% of the consuming public can submit their comments and request a hearing before the PUC.

Gilroy Arnold's Doing The Right Thing

Last week Gwen Lizarraga High School received bad news when one of its recent graduates Dorrell Williams was gunned down in Monday night’s wild shooting spree on the Boulevard. But today the school got some good news when one of its students was chosen as January’s winner of the Do the Right Thing Award. The announcement was made this morning and 7News was there.

Keith Swift Reporting,
Gilroy Arnold sits at the front of his fourth form class at Gwen Lizarraga High School because in a sense – he is a head of the class.

Richard Staine, Homeroom Teacher
“Gilroy is a real hard worker, I think he doesn’t give up too easily and he tries, he gives his heart to whatever he is asked to do. He is a person that is very committed, you can ask him to do anything and he is reliable so you can depend on him very much.”

And that is why Gilroy won January’s Do the Right Thing award. He says he has come a long way.

Gilroy Arnold, Do the Right Thing Winner
“When I was in primary school I was a horrible person – threatening teachers, being sent home two to three times per week, and once I reached high school I noticed a big change. I was never sent home because of a teacher because when I stepped foot into high school I realized it was time for me to settle down and behave myself. As I say when you look at the south side of Belize City it is not a good sight.”

Keith Swift,
“How do you feel to have won the award for January?”

Gilroy Arnold,
“Well I feel good because when it comes to young men, they don’t have the mind to say they will do the right thing, they will just go on a negative side and do what they are not supposed to do.”

And in Doing the Right Thing, Gilroy has earned the respect of his teachers and peers.

Richard Staine,
“I think he deserved the award, he worked for it. He told me from a long time that he was going to make sure he gets one of those awards because he knows he is a very good person.”

Keith Swift,
“What do you think other students can learn from him?”

Richard Staine,
“The idea that if they want it, they can go and get it. He told me he would get it and went out there and did his best and he got it. So other students can do the same thing, if they want it, it is there for them.”

Keith Swift,
“What do you think other young persons can learn from yourself?”

Gilroy Arnold,
“They just need to follow me, just that. Just look at the way how I carry myself in a mannerly way. Just be real about everything. I just want to give advice to young youths like myself especially that they need to live their lives and make a change because if you look at the south side of Belize City, it is not necessary to have the amount of crime taking place. So I encourage them to do the right thing.”

Along with the certificate, Gilroy Arnold won a t-shirt and a chance to win a sixth form scholarship at the end of the school year. This week is also drug awareness week at the Gwen Lizarraga High School.