By the WBWTN News Team | June 5, 2025
Stann Creek, BELIZE( WBWTN) – Well known social media personality and educator Eli Villalta has received a court summons from the Dangriga Police Department. The summons, which Villalta shared on his social media platform, orders him to appear in court on Wednesday, June 11, 2025.
Villalta is being summoned on allegations of assaulting or impeding a police officer and unlawful assembly in connection with an incident that took place on June 4, 2025.
In addition to Villalta, a group of teachers from the Stann Creek District have also received summonses for unlawful assembly. The official court document lists the following individuals:
Rosalyn Cornelius, Denise Henry, Derrick Martinez, Ifasina Eflinyemi, Loretta Montero, Phidalia Castillo, Victor Williams, Clifton Lorenzo, Francis Williams, and Derrick Walton.
The complaint alleges that the group unlawfully assembled approximately two miles along George Price Drive in Dangriga Town with the intent to commit a riotan offense contrary to Section 229 of the Criminal Code, Chapter 101 of the Laws of Belize.
The summons orders them to appear at the Court of Summary Jurisdiction in Dangriga Town at 9:00 a.m. on June 11, 2025.
The charges come in the wake of a protest action led by the Belize National Teachers’ Union (BNTU), during which several teachers experienced mechanical issues along the highway, leading to a road blockage. The BNTU had made it clear that their actions were not only in defense of teachers but also in support of other public officers, including the police, who are legally restricted from protesting due to the essential nature of their duties.
Union leaders have expressed concern that the police are now retaliating against educators for standing in solidarity with fellow public servants, and that the summonses are an attempt to suppress lawful expressions of dissatisfaction with government policies.
As the court date approaches, this developing situation continues to draw public attention and debate.