Right now, Belize's tourism image continues to take a pounding in the international press, and to add to that is a report that a group of armed thieves robbed a group of tourists on their yacht which was anchored near Middle Long Caye.
It happened last week Wednesday, when 4 armed men between the ages of 20 and 30, used a launch to board the yacht while the tourists on board were asleep. The men held them up at gunpoint for about 45 minutes, time which they used to clean them out of all valuables onboard including cash, a camera, electronics, food, drinks, jewelry, and an outboard engine. Initial information is that a female guest was sexually assaulted, but when the police were asked about it yesterday, they were very tight with the information they released:
Reporter
"Can you provide details as to what transpired and where you are in terms of the investigation so far?"
Allen Whylie, Commissioner of Police
"I am aware of the report indeed. I do know that the boat had been processed and I do know also that we've conducted some searches and we have one suspect in custody. Some items have been recovered and I won't get into those but we believe that that is a case that we'll be able to solve."
ACP Dezerie Phillips, Regional Commander, Eastern Division North
"Based on medical examinations conducted there was no evidence of any sexual assault upon the female. So that has been ruled out."
Well, the suspect that police were referring to is Bradwick Lino, and he was charged with handling stolen goods, to which he pleaded guilty yesterday. Magistrate Carlon Mendoza handed him a 3 month prison sentence, but he was brought back to court today on an additional charge of aggravated burglary.
He pleaded not guilty to that charge, and his case has been adjourned to March 18.
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