P.M. ‘disappointed’ as Howell Grange seeks settlement from Belize Airport Authority (BAA) over Tropic Air hijacking

Posted: Sunday, July 13, 2025. 4:51 pm CST.

By Aaron Humes: Tropic Air pilot Howell Grange is set to initiate legal action against the Belize Airports Authority (BAA), citing negligence and breach of duty regarding airport security failures that led to a fatal hijacking incident.

Senior Counsel Dean Barrow confirmed to Channel 7 News that notices under the Public Authorities Protection Act have been sent to the BAA on behalf of Grange and two other injured passengers, indicating plans to file a lawsuit within the next month. The suit alleges that the BAA’s failure to implement and maintain proper security measures—including weapon screening protocols—facilitated the hijacking that occurred on April 17 at Ranchito Airstrip, Corozal.

Prime Minister John Briceño, responding as Minister of Civil Aviation on Thursday, expressed that he was unsurprised but disappointed at this turn of events: “Of course, I have to be concerned. I mean I’m a bit disappointed that that’s going to happen, but not surprised. But more than that, I don’t want to comment because quite likely it will end up in court.”

In his formal notice, Barrow states that the BAA’s negligence in security protocols directly contributed to the hijacking and the injuries sustained. The suit claims that the Authority’s failure to enforce weapon detection, screening, and other statutory security measures made the attack possible, causing physical, mental, and emotional harm to Grange and others. Barrow’s letter urges the Belize Airports Authority to settle the matter amicably and avoid protracted litigation. The lawsuit aims to hold the BAA accountable for their role in ensuring airport security and safeguarding travelers.

The notice also references the suffering of Lilia Usher, a visitor with roots in Belize, and Fitzgerald Brown, who was stabbed seven times during the incident, both of whom are represented by Barrow and are expected to be parties in the upcoming litigation.

During the hijacking, a U.S. citizen identified as Akinyela Taylor boarded a Tropic Air flight without screening or security cameras in place. Armed with a knife, Taylor stabbed Grange and two passengers while attempting to re-route the flight to the United States. A passenger with a firearm shot and killed Taylor in self-defense as Grange landed at the Philip Goldson International Airport in Ladyville after an hour or so in the air. Grange was stabbed 11 times in total and remains in recovery.

With the cancellation of security contracts for Four Diamonds Security and iSecurity Limited, the BAA has turned to the Police Department and unspecified arrangements with carriers Tropic and Maya Island Air to provide upgraded security at the airstrips until new contracts can be issued.

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The post P.M. ‘disappointed’ as Howell Grange seeks settlement from Belize Airport Authority (BAA) over Tropic Air hijacking appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.

Posted: Sunday, July 13, 2025. 4:51 pm CST. By Aaron Humes: Tropic Air pilot Howell Grange is set to initiate legal action against the Belize Airports
The post P.M. ‘disappointed’ as Howell Grange seeks settlement from Belize Airport Authority (BAA) over Tropic Air hijacking appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.