On Friday we told you about the late evening court decision to send 2 year old baby Nina back to Guatemala in the custody of her father, Ernesto Barrera. According to the mother, Ana Liz Perez Gutierrez, back in October last year, she ran away from Guatemala with her child allegedly escaping abuse. She entered Belize and found refuge with her family in Orange Walk. But her freedom and that of her daughter's was short lived. In November last year, social workers swooped in and removed baby Nina from her custody. This led to an international custody battle that culminated on Friday. As we told you the session took all day and the decision was not made until after 6:30. With the tight time constraints we could not bring you a full report - which we have for you tonight:
A platoon of officers lined the entrance of Bishop Street on Friday. They had barricaded the road from about 8 in the morning AT the other end of the street there was also a strong presence of uniformed police officers.
At the entrance of the family court everyone was searched, men and women alike. Police had gotten a hint the day before that their might be a protest in support of Baby Nina Staying in Belize with her mother.
The sensitive case of child abduction picked up a lot of traction on social media in support of the mother. Posts called for civil disobedience. So police stood their ground on Friday expecting the worst. Of Course the protest did not occur.
Around 9 the parties arrived at the court to begin the session that would last all day. First Marcel Cardona arrived with his client Ana Liz Perez Gutierrez. A shortly after Kevin Arthurs who represented the Guatemalan Father Ernesto Barrera arrived. As all matters that are dealt with at the family court, the case for baby Nina was a closed session. So we had to wait it out- Even under the rain.
The session broke for lunch at 1 and resumed at 2 in the afternoon. From there it was a long wait as the case continued past sundown inside the chambers of magistrate Dale Cayetano.
Around 6:30 this Hilux pickup with no plates parked right in front of the family court waiting to whisk the Guatemalan father away from our cameras. Finally the family emerged, shattered by the courts ruling.
Ana Liz Perez Gutierrez- Mother
"Basically the resolution made today was that Nina would be returned."
Mike Rudon, Ch5
"I know this is the last thing you wanted to hear."
Ana Liz Perez Gutierrez- Mother
"Of course; I mean it's been three months of battle and ultimately we provided a very strong case. I must admit that my lawyer did a very good job at the end. At the end, it was the judge who needed to use his discretion and he believed that the removal was wrongful and so as a result, made the decision to have her returned. At this point, I've spoken to Nina's father and we are trying to do things now in good grounds for the best interest of Nina."
Reporting for 7 news Emanuel Pech.
So now, the custody battle resumes in Guatemala. At this time the family is reluctant to give any further information about the case however we note that Baby Nina was transported to Guatemala the same night the case concluded on Friday.
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